Posts Tagged ‘automotive’
Cars are a lot like home appliances. We don’t realize how much we need them until they’re on the fritz. You could save time, money and effort and reduce the stress that comes with vehicle ownership by making sure your car undergoes regular maintenance.
Car maintenance is not the big, bad wolf – mistake it not. Car maintenance can be easier than you think, even if you couldn’t pass a mechanical test to save your life!
The first easy tip would be to make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid. Just pour the fluid into the proper spot after removing the cap, and you’re pretty much set. You can quickly check the fluid levels when filling up at the gas station.
And while you’re at it, you can put some of the windshield washer fluid on a rag and clean off any debris from the wipers.
If you see any colored fluid leaking from your car, get it serviced immediately.
If you smell a strange odor emanating from underneath the hood, you should also have your car serviced. This could be the harbinger of something worse, so make sure you get your car checked as soon as you could.
Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. It’s best to have these replaced once a year, and to have them replaced before the winter starts, which could be very busy months for wiping ice and sleet of your car!
Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. Likewise, you can do this simple check while you’re at a service station filling ‘er up.
You need to have your tires checked monthly, making sure there are no cuts, bumps or foreign objects protruding.
Take your car to your friendly serviceman once a month and have the pressure in your tires checked. You’d usually be spending less than five dollars to have this checked.
Have your oil and the oil filter replaced every three months. And oftentimes, an inspection will take place at the same time as the oil change. It’s worth it to pay a little extra if you have to and have this done. Ask to have your battery checked, too.
Replacing your air filter is another necessary part of the maintenance process. You can even have this done while changing your oil. They’re happy to change it for you.
No matter how non-car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding that you can do some simple maintenance checks puts you in the driver’s seat. If there may be a problem with your car that needs immediate attention, you’ll usually know it before hand.
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Improving your car’s fuel economy can be easy, to your surprise – all you need are some common sense tactics that could save you money on gas and maybe even on repairs.
Give your engine a regular tune up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. So much for saving up. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner’s manual. Change oil and replace your filters as indicated.
It may not always be convenient given today’s hectic lifestyle. But all it takes is a little initiative to get this done. Now if you visit your dealer and they charge you the sun and the moon for a tune-up, you’ll want to ask someone else for their rates. They can do the same service schedule, usually at a greater savings to you.
Not only is giving your car a tune up a way to ensure that it runs well, it can also add much-needed value when the time comes to buy a new car. Two words – added value – and this could mean a lot if you’re planning to sell your old car and get a new one.
Make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Under-inflation actually wastes fuel. It will force your engine to exert more effort to power your vehicle. If your tire’s wear is unbalanced, the same could apply to your wheels, and this too could force your engine to push itself too hard. If your tires have enough air in them, this could save you serious dough at the gas pump.
Drive smoothly. Don’t slam your foot on the accelerator or stop and go like a knuckleball pitch. If you’re driving on the highway, use your cruise control to ensure that you’re traveling at a steady pace.
Don’t leave your car on idle for too long. Shut off your car’s engine if you’re waiting for somebody. Today’s vehicles are designed to “warm up” fast, so there’s no need to warm your car up for half an hour on cold winter mornings. Your air conditioning system also needs to be in the best of shape.
Remove extra items from the vehicle. A lighter car is more fuel efficient. Keeping heavy stuff in your trunk reduces air drag, as compared to using a car topper. These are minute details you need to be aware of.
Plan your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. And to avoid stop-and-go situations, it’s best to travel when you know there isn’t much traffic.
Car pooling can also help. Hitch with someone, or ask him/her to hitch with you so you can both minimize on your travel time and effort.
Remember, how you drive your car, and how its fluids, old parts, and tires are disposed of all affect the environment. To paraphrase Bobby Vee – take good care of your baby! If you follow the tips discussed above, you’re sure to see a significant improvement in your vehicle’s mileage.
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Muscle car restoration can be a favorite past-time or a rewarding career choice. Usually highly-skilled groups of specialists gather to rebuild their vintage cars or trick them out to display at race tracks or local auto shows. The members of these teams usually have areas of specialty, such as frame construction, interior detailing, body painting, and of course motor maintenance.
The first noted instances of older cars being modified for racing is in the late 1930s. For maximum speed the bodies were streamlined. The initial sites for these race cars to compete were in the dried-up lake beds near Los Angeles, California. The numbers of people taking part in this new fad grew quickly as technology improved. Many of the returning WWII soldiers used their acquired technical experience to make upgrades. The majority of their modifications were made to the original Ford makes like the iconic Model T.
Obviously the most vital of the modification were to engines, to squeeze the utmost speed possible out of car. The tires were upgraded to styles designed for racing, with wider treads and higher heat tolerances and extraneous parts, such as bumpers and fenders, were often discarded to reduce weight. Indeed almost every component was modified to create these speedy, light-weight racing cars.
During 1950 and 60s, customized car racing became a truly national phenomenon. Every teenager wanted a muscle car of their own and in many places there were regular cruising nights where people would drive around to show off their latest upgrades and paint jobs. This culture was later featured in the popular movie ‘American Grafitti’. Even the federal government, perhaps surprisingly today, got involved and opened venues across the country for the emerging sport. Racers invited to use the military’s abandoned obsolete airstrips for gatherings, shows and competitions. The generally straight layout of runways helped to advance the sport of drag racing too.
This particular automotive community is often divided into two distinct groups: the hot rodders and the street rodders. Members of the former are known for their use of the most original parts and equipment they can find. They reclaim parts from junkyards or buy newly-made stock equipment designed to conform with original make specifications. The street rodders, on the other hand, my use classic vehicle frames and bodies, but build their engines with modern parts.
The current culture of muscle car racing expands to many places all around the world, and continues the thrive here in the States. For the past 80 years, muscle restoration has been a very active component of popular culture and can be expected to grow even larger and more prevalent in the years to come.
If you’re living near Los Angeles and want to find an excellent vintage auto restoration garage in the Lomita area then check out Brauns Automotive for one of the best in the area. Their team of technicians has 30 years in the restoration business on all makes of automobile including hot rods, muscle cars, and other kinds of classic vehicles. Get in touch with them for quotes and other info.
Back in the day, you didn’t have many options for car accessories – oh, maybe a hula girl figure or some racing stripes painted on. These days, there are a million plus one ways to jazz up your car and make it look brand new again. May it be GPS or satellite navigation, a new stereo system, weather controls, or even the old hula girl and racing stripes, it’s all up to you. We shall discuss some of the more affordable ways you can make your old car look brand new again, assuming it’s starting to show some age but still too new to be traded in.
Before your begin adding new accessories to other elements to you car, it’s important to start by thoroughly cleaning it inside and out. You can do the whole thing yourself provided you have enough space in your front yard or in the garage. Many areas have good, professional drive though car washes that do an excellent job for only a few dollars.
The inside of your car needs to be as clean as the outside. You can clean the interior with a few paper towels and multi-purpose spray cleaner that isn’t too strong. Windows can get dirty real quick, so clean them before anything else. After the windows, go to the rear view mirrors.
The next thing to clean would be vinyl surfaces, particularly the dashboard and the cup holder. If you have a habit of bringing coffee or other beverages with you when you drive, you will likely find the residue of old spills in the cup holder. This is not time to be conservative with your spray bottle. The cleaner should be used generously but carefully so as not to affect the paint job. If you paint job gets rusty due to this, that wouldn’t be the makeover you’d like for your car. Also remove old bumper stickers that you may find. This doesn’t just make your car look sloppy, it makes it look tacky as well.
Driving through rough terrain could cause traces of dirt and gravel show up on the floor of your car. You can use a portable vacuum for best results. If you plan to take your car to a professional car wash, they usually have high powered vacuums positioned on the outside of the lot. You may have to pay extra to use them, but you will be amazed at how clean the car looks when you’re done.
Your car is now clean – next thing to do is to start jazzing it up. Pick up a small bottle of touch up paint for the car. If you car is older, it probably has its share of dings. Walk around and look for spots to touch up. Peeling paint can be covered up by using fine sandpaper to remove the rough edges, then applying the touch up paint accordingly. Touch up paint usually comes with a set of brushes, so don’t worry about not having any handy. In the absence of sandpaper, you could use an Emory board.
Replace your floor mats if necessary, which would mean if your old floor mats are riddled with holes. Heels of certain shoes could get caught in those holes, so it’s important to replace these damaged items. You wouldn’t be able to brake with ease or shift properly, leading to more potential danger. If you’re looking for an affordable way to make the inside look flashy, try a steering wheel cover. Your boring old sedan could look like something out of The Fast and the Furious if you decorate it well. There are many other interior accessories that look just as good. But you wouldn’t want to overdo it. Don’t let too many cooks spoil your broth.
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The tires of your vehicle is synthetic rubber that has been molded or shaped into its form. The tires also covers the circumference of the wheel of a vehicle. Since the road has irregularities like potholes that can effect to shocks or forces, these tires lessen these effects. The tires also protect the vehicle’s wheels from immediately wearing out.
Extra care for tires is important for every car owner to consider. Maintaining proper air pressure is one of the most common ways of keeping a tire in good shape. This routine should be done regularly. When you’re about to take long drives, don’t forget to do this routine. The air inside expands when the tires are hot, so make sure you check tire pressure because you may be getting a different reading.
Are you aware of when the right amount of air has already been put inside your tire? Then it may be advisable to check your car owner’s manual. Facts and information can be included in this manual, as well as the recommended tire pressure your vehicle needs. Another option would be for you to check the label in the glove box or in the driver’s side’s door latch. To be on the safe side and make sure your tires will last longer or won’t fail while you drive, make sure that they have the right pressure.
Determine also if your tires are wearing evenly. Because if they don’t, then there may be a problem with wheel alignment or with how you drive. Tires with tread wear warning bars running across it must be immediately replaced. This means that the tire have consumed its lifespan. Bald tires are unsafe so you need to replace them.
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When most people think of maintaining their vehicle they think first of keeping it washed and waxed. Then they think of changing the oil and filter. Changing your own oil is not only easy, it is one of those tasks that is considered to be a very acceptable weekend DIY project. But do you really save money by doing it yourself?
How much does it cost for you to do it yourself?
Changing your own oil and filter does seem to be a pretty cheap with the oil being under two dollars a quart and the filter under five in most cases. However, there are a number of accessories that you will also need to purchase in order to perform this maintenance. You will need a drip pan, funnel and a wrench designed for removing the oil filer. The whole process probably only takes half an hour and then to discard the filter and the old oil is a small cost usually around two dollars. The first change will probably end up being a wash money wise.
Why should you pay to have your oil changed?
The cost of having your oil and filter changed will depend on a number of factors, including the garage you choose and whether you have a coupon. It can be anywhere between twenty and forty dollars. Any good service garage will do more than just change the oil and filter. They will do a quick check on your tires, wash windows, refill the windshield washer tank, and do a check for any potential problems. These additional checks may be worth the price of your oil change if you are not a mechanic yourself. It is always cheaper to fix minor issues before they turn into major problems, and a mechanic may spot these during a routine check.
When should you change your oil and filter?
You will find any number of answers as to how often you should change your oil. Most garages recommend that you have your vehicle’s oil changed every 3,000 miles and will put a sticker on your windshield to remind you of this. However, in the case of some newer model vehicles, manufacturers actually recommend 6,000 miles. The oil filter is not necessarily recommended to be changed with every oil change but with every other change.
In many cases, mechanics will still recommend that you change your filter whenever you change your oil. The reason being by not removing the filter a good full quart of oil will remain in your engine until the next time you change the filter. This old oil is, of course, dirty. Considering that the reason for changing your oil is to enable your vehicle to function more effectively, it is reasonable to assume that leaving a quart of dirty oil in engine is going to negatively affect your vehicle’s performance.
Your oil and filter can actually be changed even more frequently. Regular oil and filter changes keep your car running efficiently and saves you money in two ways. Firstly, you can avoid costly repairs and secondly you will use less gas. When you look at the benefits of having a professional mechanic change your oil and oil filter on a regular basis, is there really any cost benefit in waiting 6,000 miles and then changing your own oil and filter?
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For many drivers, hearing a new noise from the car is something to be concerned about. After rolling down the window for the first time in spring, this may be especially noticeable.
Your car is driven everyday. You know how it should handle. If you notice something amiss, and more than once, get it checked out. In the long run you may be saving yourself a lot of money and inconvenience. You and your mechanic need to be a team when it comes to the maintenance of your car. But you need to be the team’s eyes and ears.
You need to pay attention every so often when you pull your car out of a parking space. Did you notice if there’s any fresh fluid? It’s hard to tell sometimes due to the stains left from other cars. How about your driveway? Do you see any new stains? If you did, what’s the fluid’s color? Oil will be quite obvious, appearing black or dark brown. With its yellow green color, antifreeze would be easy to recognize. Also unmistakable is the odor of antifreeze. Fluid that’s reddish in color is either power steering or transmission fluid.
You also need to notice how your car is handling. Find out if it’s pulling to one side when you stop. It may be time for a front end alignment. Keep a check on your tire pressure. Lower gas mileage can be the cause of under inflated tires. On a regular basis, get your tires rotated in order to prevent wear.
Check if your breaks are squealing. Get to the mechanic as soon as possible, don’t let this problem go on. You may find yourself replacing worn rotors and break pads if you continue to drive. Rotors can be very expensive.
Is you car acting sluggish? It is not accelerating like it used to? What you probably need is a tune up. Are you noticing a hesitation? It could be the gas filter.
Your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. This is an important rule, regardless if your car is new or old. The first thing the mechanic told me when I bought my new Toyota truck 20 years ago was I’d get at least 200,000 miles out of the engine if I kept the oil changed. Well, fifteen years later I had 189,000 and the engine was still going strong. But the frame was rusting and this is her ultimate demise.
Unlike cars manufactured 20 years ago, cars today are better and listening to what your car is trying to tell would have you worry free with your car for years.
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Drivers are unaware of dangerous encounters almost every time they go for a drive. Cars can endanger the lives of the drivers and the people surrounding them, even if a driver is extremely careful when driving.
Drivers are provided with a list of regulations and tips before getting on the road. Important tips to follow are:
Secure every passenger Seat belts are vital to the safety of drivers and passengers when riding in any vehicle.
Be Careful When Driving
Accidents can decrease if drivers take command of every situation they encounter on the road. Wheels spinning, skidding when cornering, driving too fast, not indicating or disobeying traffic laws are dangerous – to the driver and others.
Be Aware of Everything on the Road Don’t read, talk on the cellphone, shave, apply makeup or do anything that takes attention off the road.
Strap Your Child in a Car Seat
Whether a full car seat or just a booster seat, make sure they are installed properly and children are securely strapped in before starting the car.
Be prepared
There are a few items of importance that should be included in every car’s safety kit: Spare tire and tools for a tire change, reflective gear, knife or seat belt cutter, and jumper cables. A fire extinguisher is good to keep inside the car too. When it is cold outside, it is important to have extra clothing items or blankets to keep you warm in case your car breaks down. Everyone should have a first aid kit in the car trunk too.
Some safety tips are less well known and others are quite obscure – things that very few people consider, but that can save lives. Take the following advice on your next drive:
Flying objects
Unsecured items pose as a deadly threat if a car has to make a necessary impetuous jerk, turn or stop. Loose items are the main cause of many accidents.
Leave window control to the driver
In 2004, eight children in the US choked themselves with power windows. The children most likely accidentally pressed a window button when they leaned out of a window. To reduce accidents, the driver should have ultimate control over window usage. Utilizing driver controls reduces the chance of an accident inside the car.
Never leave kids or keys – or both – in the car
Its common that children lock themselves in the car with the keys or wonder off if you are not around. They can release the handbrake allowing it to roll into walls, trees or other traffic. If the keys are in the ignition, they can start the car, causing it to move forward or backward, bumping other cars or people. It is very possible for a child to be trapped in a trunk if a parent isn’t present. By having keys visible to the public in your car, your car may be stolen.
Keep your car cool People are not cautious about abandoning their kids and pets in cars during hot weather. Cars get hotter than it is outside and can threaten the lives of children or animals left in the car. Hypothermia occurs quickly among those trapped in a cold car.
Every car is made from a lot of metal. Drivers should consider every outcome when driving in addition to driving safely. Little tips and trips can improve driving and make a trip safer.
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By the time a car has been bought, insured, fueled and maintained, it becomes a major investment. Cars that are properly cared for will perform at satisfactory levels for owners; cars that do not receive routine maintenance will turn into a money pit.
Routine maintenance is vital to the health of a car. Manufacturers set certain dates and times cars need to be maintained throughout the year to keep up with safety requirements and to help them run longer. However, there are other ways to maintain and preserve a car that the owner can do themselves.
Smaller items on the car such as replacing fuses, changing windshield wipers and headlight bulbs are well within the capacity of most car owners. Analyze the car for flawed areas to reduce repair costs and reduce the chances of harming others.
Inspecting your tires is an effortless task. First, keep them fully inflated. It decreases fuel consumption and makes it easier to drive on the road. Tire pressure should be checked once a week. Checking the tread helps prevent blow outs and ensures that the car grips the road. Take your car in for tire rotations at roughly every 500 miles. Wheel lugs need to be tightened prior to a long trip or any driving activity.
Routinely examining oil and water levels help with the upkeep for a car. Power steering and brake fluid levels must be properly maintained to prevent dangerous events and keep the car moving smoothly. Brake fluid must be set at required levels to run properly. Adding coolant to the radiator should be part of a regular maintenance check as well.
Monthly light and indicator check-ups are important. Blown out bulbs are shown by a quick flashing light on one side of the car. Changing the bulb is easy, but be sure not to touch the glass. These bulbs are halogen bulbs, and any residue left on the glass could make it heat up more in that area and explode.
Increase full efficiency with a cleaner car. It can be more appealing to the eyes. Using quality detailing supplies helps to maintain the shine, and a good wax is essential to protect the body paint from scratches, weather and road debris. These days wax polishes are not as difficult or time consuming to apply, and the bother is well worth the protection it offers the car. Brake dust should routinely be removed from the wheels. It gathers other debris and can interfere with brakes and other nearby mechanics. Cold water and a sponge is an easy way to get rid of brake dust.
Routine battery maintenance increase battery life and reduces corrosion. Check the water levels regularly, and keep the battery posts clean to ensure a good connection and clean starting.
Weekly check-ups of fluids and car mechanics reduce costs and problems. Automotive safety starts with good maintenance.
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Hiring a mobile auto repair service can make your day go much smoother. Not only do they come straight to your house allowing you to get on with your busy day, they can also come to your place of employment. Mobile mechanics like it if you get your own part because it saves them time making it worth the parts mark up loss a brick and mortar business would charge. They are also able to save you quite a bit of money because the majority of them are family owned and operated. Mobile repair shops have less overhead then your chain store or dealer and are happy to pass the savings to you.
However it is a challenge to find a reliable experienced mechanic. Following these few tricks can help you avoid being taken advantage of.
Don’t be afraid to ask the mechanic about his experiences. A mechanic you can trust would have no issue telling you how long he has been in business and may even offer references. However how long they have been in business does not tell you much this is why you should check those references.
The mobile auto repair service has to follow the same state regulations as a brick and mortar building and register with the state. Your states department of motor vehicles will have these businesses posted on their website if they are a legal business. Make sure you look around when the business gets there for the license should be posted where you can see it.
Before any services are rendered the mechanic must have a signed invoice. The invoice gives the mechanic permission required by the state to work on your car. It also secures the repairs for the customer and the mechanic service.
Completion of job should always be done before the mechanic ask for payment. Since the invoice secures the payment you should never offer to pay upfront. Prepayment request put you in danger of this being a illegal business.
A mobile auto repair service can be time and money-efficient however make sure you check up on them before hiring them.
Elizabeth Pastore owns a mobile auto repair shop in rochester ny. She strives to please her customers in need of Car Repair Services.