The Purpose of Antifreeze

During this time of year, you may hear many people talk about getting a car winter safety inspection done to their vehicles. People will be concerned about fluid checks, engine repair, and other aspects of general car maintenance. You will hear terms such as viscosity and cold-cranking amps. You will even hear all kinds of advice given from people who will give you their picks of mechanics, engine oil, and even antifreeze. Antifreeze may be one of those things that you never gave serious thought until now. Just what is the purpose of antifreeze anyway?

Antifreeze – What is it?

Antifreeze is a liquid that has ethylene glycol, a toxic substance for humans and animals, as the active ingredient. It is formulated with anti-corrosion and lubricating substances, and water. It lowers the freezing point, raises the boiling point of the liquid, and is usually bright green in color. Another form is made with a nontoxic substance, propylene glycol and it is usually red in color. Both coolants contain the same anti-corrosion ingredients. These additives protect the radiator by coating the interior of the engine, hoses, pipes, and radiator.  The lubricating ingredients help provide a seal around the water pump. Antifreeze is usually sold in a one-gallon plastic container. Some formulas require that you mix with water while others can be used immediately from the bottle. The prices vary depending on which type of antifreeze you go with, but the ready-to-use name brands are at the top of the high price spectrum. 

Where does it go?

Coolants are dispensed in the radiator. The coolant passes through the engine and absorbs the heat. This hot coolant travels through hoses into the inlet tank of the radiator and distributed throughout the radiator core. As it circulates through the tubes on its way out to the opposite tank, the liquid cools as the heat is transferred from the liquid to the tubes, and then from the tubes to the fins that are located between each row of tubes. The heat is dissipated via the fins to the outside air. Then the cooled fluid flows back through to the engine to repeat the process. Your owner’s manual will give you instructions on how to put coolant in your car. If you are not comfortable doing it yourself, you can have your mechanic to do it for you. 

What Purpose Does it Serve?

The cooling system keeps the fluid from freezing in the winter, especially in the northern and eastern states where the temperature can tumble below zero. A mixture of one part antifreeze to one part water is normally used in cars. The fluid will not freeze when the temperature dips and it will provide coolness to the engine to keep it from overheating. A low level of antifreeze in the car is one of the most common causes of overheating. Coolants also act as a lubricant by protecting the radiator. The additives also include a detergent that helps to keep the radiator clean. It will keep dirt, grime, and corrosion from accumulating. If your coolant level is too low, your radiator could become clogged with dirt or develop rust or calcium buildup. You should check with your owner’s manual to determine if your car requires any brand or formulation that is unique for your car. Make sure that your coolant levels are checked when you are having your fluid checks and winter safety inspection done. 

Feet on the Ground: Tire Maintenance

One of the most important parts of your car is the tires. They are what make the car go forward and what keep you off the ground as it does. But tires affect much more than the car’s momentum. The care of your tires affect fuel efficiency in your car, they affect the control you have over the vehicle’s trajectory, the ability to stop the vehicle with ease, and many other factors. That’s why it’s important to make sure you take care of your tires, instead of simply letting them wear down and become nothing but flat streaks of rubber, or wait until they blow before even considering looking at them. There are a bunch of things to do to make sure your tires stay up to par and keep you safe and secure.

The Importance of Alignment

The tires on your car are all aligned so that when the vehicle moves forward or backward they’re perfectly straight and parallel to one another. This tire alignment is important for a variety of factors.  When a wheel is facing off center it requires more force to get it turning, which can severely impact your fuel efficiency and get you less distance for more. Furthermore the wheel alignment being off will slowly hurt the health of the tire and the axel it’s on, putting pressure on parts that weren’t meant to take pressure in order to compensate. And finally with the alignment off you have significantly less control over the vehicle, which could cause a lot of problems if not looked after.

Tire Pressure

Tires are essentially inflated rubber wheels that support your car. The tire is secured to the axel where it becomes airtight, filled with air that will help keep the car off of the rims and going. The tire pressure is what keeps the car up, and can greatly impact performance of the car if it’s lacking or if you have too much air in the tires. If a tire has too little air in it the rims could be damaged by the weight, should they touch the ground. The tire itself becomes warped, and it requires more fuel to push the car along. Ever try rolling a half circle around? It continuously comes to rest on the flat side and requires more effort to get up.

Tire Safety

Since the tires are so important to the vehicle, it’s important to make sure they remain undamaged and functioning. Tire inspections help to make sure everything is functioning just right, including the tire pressure, how the tires interact with the brakes and brake pads, the steering and suspension, and the suspension systems themselves. It’s all part of general car maintenance you should be performing regularly, and in the worst case it’s an added bonus when swapping tires for winter tires as part of winter safety. Keeping those tires in tip top shape can make a huge difference to your wallet and your life, since it’s a huge part of automobile safety and can be the changing factor in an accident.

Everyday Care Maintenenace Made Easy

Sometimes maintenance is not all that’s necessary to keeping a car up to standard. It’s

one thing to make sure the oil is changed and the coolant is full, but it’s another thing

to look after the car as a whole. With the proper care a car can last you for years,

however with neglect and no intention, the car will quickly fall into disrepair and start

to look bad, perform poorly and all around degrade in value. Car care is important

especially if you intend on selling the car in the future, whether to buy a newer model

or because you no longer need a vehicle, there are some things that are important to

keep in mind when it comes to keeping your car in tip top shape for even longer.

Run It Daily

A car that sits stagnant will slowly start to degrade. The fluids inside will start to

evaporate, and without the constant use, they could become ruined and stale. The gas

in the tank gives off fumes that will slowly add pressure to the car, causing potential

leaks and other problems, and can evaporate as well, causing you to lose some of your

fuel. This is why it’s important to start your car every so often, perhaps even take it for

a quick drive, in order to get the fuel going and the fluids pumping. This way too, you

can tell if there are any potential issues that require maintenance based on the

performance of the vehicle and the levels of the fluids as they sit.

Clean it Often

A clean car is a healthy car. Most people clean their cars simply because they enjoy the

feel of a sparkling fresh vehicle when driving around, however some realize the

benefits a good clean has for the car itself. Dirt builds up over time all over the vehicle,

including nooks and crannies that rain water simply doesn’t get. Rain water also

doesn’t have soap or wax, so it can hardly give a real clean and often just spreads dirt

around. A good clean can help remove dirt, especially during and after the winter

months, keeping the vehicle from potentially rusting and preventing friction against

the tires, the axles, the brake pads and more. Plus a smooth coat of wax applied

afterward will prevent the dirty from immediately clinging right back to these parts.

Be Careful as you Drive

Often the best way to keep your car healthy and clean is to watch the road. While it’s

good to take your car out for a ride now and then to keep it from getting stagnant, the

value goes down at certain milestones as you put more distance on the odometer.

Keeping long trips to a minimum can keep the value of the car high while keeping

strain off of the parts, allowing them to stay longer. Avoiding going over bumps is

another big one as it keeps the stress off of your chassis and doesn’t cause things to

rattle around. And avoiding dirt and puddles to keep your car clean can prevent rust

and deterioration as mentioned above, all leading to longevity in your vehicle.

Brakes for the Memories

The braking system of a car is not thought of as intensely as other systems until something goes wrong. It is important to have your brakes and brake pads inspected, especially during a winter safety inspection. Your brakes are just as important as the electrical system or any other system of your car and they play an integral part in the safety of your car and of the other drivers on the road. You should make sure that you understand the basics of your braking system and warning signs that will alert you that something is wrong and needs to be addressed immediately.

Brakes and Brake Pads

The first part to inspect would be the brake discs. These large, circular discs should have a shiny appearance from the outer edge to the inside. The surface of a disc with normal wear would appear to have lines on the surface. If you notice deep gashes and gouges in the surface, then you should replace them immediately. This means that the discs have been rubbing against another metal piece and created those grooves. These grooves compromise the integrity of the disc and can cause it to crack under continued use. Brake discs should be replaced in pairs to ensure even wear and a safer driving experience. The next thing to inspect would be the brake pads. They are located at the top of the disc. The pads have a layer of padding that rests against the disc. When the brakes are engaged, the pads are pressed and clamped against the disc to stop the car. The pads wear over time and increased usage of the brakes will wear the pads out quicker. If you see less than one-eighth of an inch of cushion on the pads, you should replace them. You should also check the brake lines, which are hoses that carry the brake fluid through the braking system. If the hoses are rubber, the texture of the rubber should be supple and not brittle; if the hoses are metal, they should be free of corrosion.

Warning Signs of a Problem

If you notice that you need to press on the brake pedal more firmly than previous times, it might be time to replace the brake pads. Replacing the pads at this stage is easier than replacing it later when further damage occurs. If you let the problem persist, you will begin to notice a grinding sound that is accompanied by a slight shuddering motion of the car when you press on the brakes. At this stage, the damage is occurring to the brake disc as the metal from one side grinds against the metal of the other side. The grinding could cause the disc to crack and the result would be a collision with another car or a pedestrian or a building. 

More to Safety

One important task that is often overlooked is having the brakes drained and refilled. Most manufacturers recommend that this should be done every two or three years. The brake fluid is the substance that lubricates the brakes and keeps moisture from accumulating in the hydraulic system to cause rust, leaks, and blockages. This fluid needs to be replaced in order to keep the brake system clean and unobstructed. If the fluid is not changed, it could form blockages in the brake lines. Your mechanic can perform this function for you and can even include it in your winter safety inspection. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter driving safety is not only dependent on how a car functions, but it is also dependent on drivers observing safe driving tips.  As anyone who has lived in the southern areas with no snow knows, winter driving definitely requires special skills.  

Winter Driving Car Care for Safety

Before starting out on a winter drive, drivers should do a quick car walk around.  This includes inspecting the windshield wipers, making sure that the wipers are in working order, and ensuring that each are free from ice build up.  On this walk around, you should also check the car tires for proper inflation.  Especially if the car has not been in a shelter, it is important to take the time to start your vehicle ahead of time.  This helps to ensure that the windshield, side windows, and back window are free from ice and snow build up.  If you do not have time to let the car’s heater clear off the ice and snow, it is important to use an ice scraper to clean off the car’s windows before proceeding with winter driving.  Lastly, checking fluid levels and the battery underneath the cars hood, are important steps in winter driving car care.  This includes checking the antifreeze level.  

Tips For Safe Winter Driving

Safe winter driving takes special driving techniques.  The first tip for safe winter driving is to go slow and take the needed time.  Remember that the speed limit posted is meant for ideal road and weather conditions.  Winter driving conditions are not ideal and it is OK to drive well below the speed limit, if winter driving conditions warrant.  The second tip is to look out for dangerous weather situations up ahead.  For instance, ice accumulates on bridges, so you should slow down and be ready to cross bridges cautiously.  You should not follow other cars too closely.  In normal conditions, three second car spacing is sufficient.  In winter conditions, this time might be a seven or eight second driving distance.  Safe driving distances between cars should be observed in all winter driving conditions.  Another tip is to be careful when braking during winter driving.  Especially when conditions are icy, drivers should “tap” the brakes instead of continuously pressing the brakes.  “Tapping” the brakes helps to keep the car from sliding on the ice and allows for greater control.  If the car has anti-lock brakes, steady constant pressure should be applied. 

Safe Winter Tips In Case of A Car Accident

Even the most careful drivers and those that observe all of the tips for safe winter driving, may eventually have an accident.  So, what should you do when a winter accident happens?  If you have a set of cones, emergency flares, or warning triangles from a winter safety kit, you should use these items to alert other traffic about the accident.  It might also be smart to have an In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact in your cell phone in case emergency responders need this information.  If you don’t carry a cell phone, this ICE information can be contained on a written card stored in the glove compartment.   Most importantly it is crucial to stay calm in an accident, check for injuries, alert authorities, and exchange insurance information.

Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency for Your Car

During the winter, many states will have switched to using a specially blended fuel mixture for driving in the cold weather. With gas prices rising, everyone is looking for ways to improve fuel efficiency. You can find simple things to do to lower your gas usage in your home, but it is equally important to find ways to lower your gas usage in your cars. There are some simple things that you can do to help you lower your fuel costs in your car.

Change Your Driving Habits

The easiest way to cut your fuel costs is to change your driving habits. One easy way is to drive at slower speeds. Driving less than 60 miles per hour will help you save a significant amount of money. If you commute and can use the freeway, you will be able to boost your gas mileage rather than having to stop and start repeatedly, which uses more gas. The freeway will allow you a way to work that is free from stop signs, stoplights, and railroad crossings. You should also keep your idle time to a minimum. When you are idling, you are wasting fuel. If you are stopped at a railroad crossing, for example, you can turn off your engine to save on fuel. During the winter months, you do not need to warm up your car in the morning as the engine will warm as you drive the car. 

Keep your Car in Good Shape

You can save a lot of money on fuel costs just by keeping your car in good shape. Make sure that you adhere to a regular general car maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance should include a tire inspection, oil changes, air filter changes and other fluid checks. A tire inspection will make sure that your tires are inflated at the proper air pressure level. If you do not know what pressure you should be using, you can find it on a sticker that is posted on the door-jam of the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual that you were given when you purchased the car. When you perform your oil changes, you should make sure that you are using the correct grade of engine oil. Your owner’s manual should list the grade of oil you should be using. It’s a good idea to have your air filter changed when you change your oil. Dirty filters will keep air from freely flowing through the engine and cause you to burn more fuel. 

Other Things You Can Do

One thing you can do the help you save money on fuel costs is to remove all unnecessary heavy items from your car to reduce your load. A heavier car will consume more fuel because you need more energy to move a heavier object. Keep items off your roof rack, if possible, as this will make the car less aerodynamic. The wind resistance will cause you to use more fuel to propel the car forward through the air. You can combine your trips rather than having to drive to one destination, back home, and then drive to another destination and back home.  You should try to plan your trip so that you can complete all of your stops in a complete circuit rather than traversing the city several times.

Keeping Your Engine Healthy

The car’s engine is the brain and the heart of the vehicle. It’s the control center for just about everything the vehicle does and it keeps it running. Because of this it’s very important that you maintain the engine of your car much like you maintain your health; doing everything you can to help keep the engine healthy and running. Most of these things require visiting a garage or mechanic for tune-ups, inspections and routine maintenance, however there are many things you can do on your own in order to keep it running as smoothly as possible right in your own home and with just a single visit to the auto parts store for some supplies. These things should be done on a regular basis; usually after several months have passed or the car has traveled a certain distance.

Maintaining the Engine

There are a variety of different fluids that go into the engine to keep it running at its top performance. Motor oil is crucial to everything running smoothly and is used by just about every system located under the hood, so it should be emptied and replaced, something you can do with just a little bit of research. The coolant should be changed twice a year at the very least in order to prevent build-up of silt and other filth. This is crucial since your vehicle uses combustion to perform, and if the coolant is not functioning properly, the vehicle itself can overheat quite easily. The vehicle also has transmission fluid that helps create friction within the engine, but as the vehicle runs this fluid warms up and begins to oxidize, causing it to lose those crucial characteristics.

Replacing Parts

Sometimes engine parts will deteriorate, whether due to lack of care or environmental circumstances. Rusted metal can deteriorate rather quickly, especially when put through the strain that the engine puts on most of its parts. Something as simple as a hole worn into the side of a tube can cause a drastic change in the engine’s performance, even making it cease functioning entirely. A hole can cause a leak of vital fluids or release necessary pressure for the engine to run. When this happens it’s important to bring the vehicle to a garage where replacement parts can be ordered and installed. It’s not recommended to try and replace parts of the engine alone or at home without the proper experience or tools.

Long Term Care

Many people store their vehicles for long periods of time, either due to changing season or because they’re going away. When this is done there are certain precautions one should take to keep the vehicle working at its best when it’s taken out. Make sure all the tanks are full of fresh fluids; oil, coolant, antifreeze, transmission fluid, etc., and that there’s still some gas in the tank. To keep the engine running properly someone should stop by once a month, or even every two months, to turn the vehicle on and let it run for a short period of time. This allows the engine to keep from growing stagnant and helps locate any problems that might have developed.

How to Choose the Right Car Tires

Car tires are important to how your car functions and how your car drives.  Thus, it is important to choose the right tires for your driving habits, for the driving conditions you drive in, and for the car that you own. 

How Often Should Car Tires Be Replaced

Car tires should periodically be checked for wear.  Traditionally, the penny method has been used where when a penny is inserted into the tread, if Lincoln’s head is visible, tires should be replaced.  Additionally, tires can be changed based upon mileage. However, this method can be inaccurate because there are many factors that influence tire wear including initial tire quality, driving habits, and weather.  For tire change based upon mileage, most sources say tires should be replaced every 40,000 miles.  

Consistent Type of Tire is Important

All four of your car tires should be as identical as possible or your car may be harder to handle. If your tires aren’t identical, it is possible that one end of your vehicle won't respond as completely or as fast as the other end of your car. When you need to select a replacement tire for one that has gone bad, it is a good idea to select one that is the same brand, speed rating, and size as the other tires already on your car.  Remember, the ultimate goal is that all of the tires on your car wear out at the same rate and at the same time.  If you start to notice that some of the tires on your car are wearing at a faster rate than the other tires, it is a good idea to find out why.  Many things including incorrect wheel alignment, lack of tire rotation, and loose mechanical parts can cause uneven tire wear.   If there is metal showing on the inner or outer wall of your tires, you should not drive on them.  Consult one of our technicians to find the particular problem with your car tires and get the issue corrected before damage occurs to your newly replaced tires.  

How to Choose the Correct Tire

Is it the correct size designed to carry the weight of your vehicle?  This is one of the first considerations in finding the correct tire for your car.  Tire load is something important to observe because if the tire is overloaded, it will not have the same capacity to respond in an emergency situation.  Tire diameter is another consideration when selecting tires and this factor is amplified by newer cars dependence on computerization.  The cars’ computer is fed data from your tires and if your tires are not the proper diameter for your vehicle, this input data can be eschewed.  One of the main things your tire diameter tells the computer is your cars’ speed.  If the diameter is off, this data may be off too.  Some car owners like the look of larger diameter tires.  In this case, smaller vehicles like cars and vans can have a diameter variation of plus three percent.  Bigger vehicles like pick-ups and sport utility vehicles can have a diameter variation of plus fifteen percent.  If you have questions on how far your cars tire diameter can variate, please ask one of our technicians.

Winterizing Your Automobile Battery

Winters are the most painful time when your battery refuses to start. Unless there is more than three and a half times power supplied to it, you may not be going any where. During those cold, winter mornings, there are many people who keep their batteries on a permanent state of ‘on’ so that they do not have to waste precious time trying to get their cars on the road. These problems are encountered because more than seventy percent of people across the US do not winterize their cars efficiently. According to the AAA, winterizing your battery and radiator are musts, considering the severity of the terrible winter weather and chillness. Here are few ways for you to get rid of your electrical system hassles and battery start-up problems in the winter season.

AAA Advice on How to Winterize Your Battery And Electrical Systems

Car batteries are not your average AA batteries. Its best to not contemplate a DIY project at any costs, even if you’re a mechanical engineer. Instead, take the car for servicing and general battery repairs at an authorized service center and let them work out troubleshooting prospects for you. The biggest culprit when it comes to battery stalling is corrosion and freezing. Corrosion cannot be detected with a naked eye and requires professional help. Freezing temperatures of the winter season can wreck havoc on the battery, electrical and suspension systems. You will have to insulate your electric systems well in advance to save your automobile from bad weather. Also, remember to always charge your battery. since a fully charged battery does not freeze until temperatures of more than -76 F are reached.

What Not To Do To Your Battery and Electrical Systems in the Winter

Many car owners consider overcharging their batteries to keep them from freezing in winter. However, that is a dangerous practice and can permanently spoil your car battery. Overcharging is as bad as undercharging and can be very harmful to your battery.  Another thing to be aware of is dirt on your battery terminals. Dirt is a good conductor of heat and can easily transfer the chillness from the environment to your battery. It’s best to have one of our auto repair mechanics inspect your battery and get it ready for the winter.

Winterization Checklist For Your Entire Automobile and Battery Systems

Not only your battery, but the whole of your car needs a winterization makeover. We urge you to schedule an extensive inspection of the fluids in your car, the radiator system, the exhaust system (in case of any leaks,) the tires for alignment and other steering and suspension problems, regular oil changes, fuel system overhauls, and the working condition of the defroster and the car heater. Your windshield wipers are also important components to be checked before winter starts, so that your windshield will stay clean and free from road debris and road salt. Even after your inspection and winterization of your car, you need to make it a best practice to top of your fluids when needed.  Also, an easily overlooked item is a winter survival kit. Doing a quick search online will warrant plenty of results with the a required checklist.

What to Expect from Pre Winter Maintenance Checks

When the cold comes, so does the snow, and following shortly after that is the ice. For even good drivers, the winter season is some what of a nightmare. Even if you are a great driver, the road can be a dangerous place for reasons outside your control, such as other drivers or road conditions. However there is something that you can control in order to make your winter driving experience the safest possible, and that is your vehicle. If you have considered getting a pre winter maintenance check, you should know a bit of what you are up for.

Safety Inspection: The Heart of Winter

The premise of every single pre winter inspection is a safety inspection. When you drop your vehicle off at our auto repair shop, our inspection is going to be, first and fore most, about safety. Commonly, we will start by testing the road properties of your vehicle. Our mechanic wants to ensure that your brakes are working, your brake pads are not slipping or catching, your brake line is not gripping and your brake pedal is functioning as it should. We will also check out your brake lights to ensure they are in working order. After this, we will check your vehicle’s tires to ensure that they have sufficient tread, no abnormalities in the tires to impair handling, and filled properly. But it will not stop there; safety is only one part of the pre winter inspection. 

Functionality Inspection: Pre Winter Knowledge

Your vehicle will be subject to a near complete inspection. Fluids checks will be performed in order to ensure that not only the fluids are leveled and of good quality (i.e. not burnt, or contaminated) but also that hoses are not leaking. In the winter, leaks can become issues, as the liquids can drip and freeze, and while frozen, corrode parts of your vehicle. After the  fluids checks, our mechanic will then check your car’s power steering, suspension and wheel alignment. All of those are factors that affect the handling of your vehicle, and thus are inspected just as much for functional purposes as for safety reasons. Proper wheel alignment, good suspension and working power steering will all help you to drive better and safer this winter. 

After Your Pre Winter Inspection

Once your pre winter inspection is over, depending upon your current budget, you will have the option to have our mechanic address any or all of the issues with your vehicle. Of course, they will explain to you in as much detail as you require what the problems are with your vehicle. It is at this point that it is important that you ask any questions you may have. Not all repairs or work is required, but a pre winter inspection is done thoroughly, and thus problems that arise during it may very well be ones that affect your driving this season. 

The Importance of Being Winter Ready with Your Car

As winter approaches, there are several changes in the way your car operates, thanks to the differences in the temperature and pressure in the external environment. That’s why it’s very important for you to have a mechanic do a complete safety inspection, and corresponding repairs, with adequate winter safety measures so that you hopefully won’t have to face a breakdown in the snow. The premier components of your car that will be inspected are the battery and electrical systems, the radiator system, the belts and hoses, suspension and steering systems, windshield wiper systems and several other fluids in the car.

Engine Systems And Batteries Must Be Checked During Winter

With the temperatures cruising below the freezing point in most of the cities in the U.S., it is important for you to understand how important it is for your battery to be fully charged and complemented with a properly working engine. According to a checklist issued by the AAA, your battery would need around three and a half times the power normally required to start your car in the winter, than it would during normal temperatures. You could ease the process by providing a less dense fuel, easy transmission lines, and properly serviced engines. Although sluggish car starting is a surefire indicator of your car needing a good battery, your headlights can tell you a much better story. Dim headlights are also a sign of you needing a battery replacement for your car.

General Car Maintenance Tips For Surviving Winters

Your car must be inspected and reinspected regularly during the winter months, so there are lower chances of breakdowns in the snow, leaving you stranded on the road with no help. Also, in the case of windshield wiper replacements and headlights, your safety is at risk due to the low visibility conditions. Thus, before winter begins, you must make it a point to get your radiator, antifreeze, fluid levels, brake levels, warning hazard lights, headlights, belts and hoses, and windshield wipers inspected to avoid any possible mishaps while on the road. Your tires must also be checked for tread depth and an overall inspection as well. According to the AAA, you must never disregard the importance of a regular auto repair, particularly in winters, since your safety is at risk.

Why Must You Have a Winter Safety Kit In Your Car?

A recent press release by the AAA has reinforced the usage of a winter safety kit in your car. A winter safety kit, or survival kit, is essential if you live in a part of the country that gets snow at some point during the year. A few of the items you should get, in case you do go in the ditch or have an accident, are: a flash light, ice scrapers, shovels and brushes to scrape snow on the roadside, tire traction equipment (such as kitty litter, sand, chains, ramps) should your tires get stuck in the snow, jumper cables, food, coffee furnaces, thermal blankets, and several other materials. You might also include some form of entertainment in case you’ll be sticking around longer than you want. While not absolutely necessary, we also recommend using weather radios for alerts and broadcasts about the weather. 

The Year Round Car Maintenance Check List

Through out the entire year, your car needs to be maintained in order to perform its best. If you want to maintain your car, you are going to have to do a little bit of work. Car maintenance is fairly easy for even beginner drivers to perform, and takes only a minimal level of skill to successfully employ. This list will give you all the tips and parts required in order to perform a successful car maintenance check, no matter what the time of the year may be.

Check the Oil Level and Quality

Every vehicle has an oil dip stick for a purpose. You want to check your oil frequently, at least once a month. What you are looking for are two things; the level and the quality. The color of your oil should be caramel, or light. Dark oil is burnt and needs to be changed. If your oil does not need to be changed, simply top it off if the reading is below the desired level on your oil dip stick.

Check the Fluid Levels

Just as with oil, there are dip sticks for nearly every liquid in your car, besides the gasoline. To check fluid levels, you will want to use these and measure how close to the desired level they are. If they are too low, top them off. If the liquids look too dark, or dirty, then chances are it is time to change them.

Check the Battery

The seasons can have an impact on your cars’ battery, as can simply driving your vehicle. To check your battery you are going to need your eyes only. This is best done when the car is cool and you are going to looking for any corrosion, or rot, around the clamps and terminals, and fraying in the cables. Cracks in the case, water, and dirt on the battery are other problems that will need to be addressed as well. If you notice any of this, it is time to bring your car in to have the battery changed.

Check Your Brakes

Brake work is best left to professionals, but you can check your brakes in the most basic sense without any risk. Simply drive around like normal, but pay extra attention to your brakes. If you think that you are having to use more pressure to stop, or that it is taking longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop, or even that the brake pedal is a bit too loose, it is time to bring your car in to have the brakes looked at. This should be done regularly as well.

Check Your Tires

Performing tire inspections is actually fairly easy to do. What you are looking at is the tread of the tire which can be tested with a simple penny. Put the penny with Abe Lincoln’s face toward you, head down, into a groove of the tire. If the penny fits in up to Abe’s eyes, your tread still has some life left in it. If you can see the top part of Abe’s head, it’s time to get new tires on your vehicle.

The Advantages of Fuel Injection Engines Today

The fuel injected system has replaced carburetors over the past thirty years, as the premier system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. This has brought a lot of changes to fuel system of vehicles some are good and some are bad. There are a variety of different injection systems that have evolved along with the internal combustion engine.  We are going to look at some of the issues that surround the development of the fuel injected system.  

How It All Works In Your Fuel System

Most of the fuel injection systems are designed for engines that burn gasoline and diesel fuel. Many are designed to work specifically with a certain type of fuel such as premium or diesel. Most today are able to function with any grade of fuel an owner would like to use. The major difference between the older carburetor engines and the newer fuel injection is that the carburetor created suction that cause an intake of fuel and the fuel injected works pumping fuel forcibly into the fuel system through a small nozzle that is extremely pressurized. 

Driving benefits for your Fuel System

The fuel injection system would never have been implemented if it didn’t provide some significant advantages to the driver of a vehicle. One of the most notable advantages was an increase in dependability when it came to starting your vehicle. This type of engine also added the ability to accelerate more efficient and smooth. The fuel injected system also provided a smoother running engine and there was a longer time between maintenance jobs and an increased fuel mileage.  Fuel injection allows quick starting and then adjusts the fuel flow to an engine as it warms up. This has eliminated the need for any kind of choke to prime the carburetor. 

With an improvement in fuel injection and fuel distribution in the fuel system less fuel is needed to distribute the same power. By using less fuel to function this decreases the carbon footprint that any human leaves on the environment.  Another great benefit to the environment is that this type of fuel system produces exhaust with cleaner emissions because the activities of the engine are more precise and accurate when distributing fuel to the engine. This limit on the production of toxic chemicals is a benefit to the environment, reducing the overall smog produced. 

Final Word on Fuel Injection Engines

There certainly are a lot of advantages to fuel injection. You will get a better operating fuel system that will allow you to operate using less fuel which will save you money.  These types of engines will allow your vehicle to start much easier and better in the cold weather.  There won’t be as many mornings where you have to call for a jump start to get out of the driveway.  Your engine will be less affected by changes in altitude because the fuel is forced through the system at a constant pressure and level. One of the major disadvantages of a fuel injected engine is that if it should fail there isn’t much that you can do other than replace it to complete your fuel system.

How to Repair Tires When You Have a Flat

Tires are very important to the proper function of your vehicle. The problem is that even great tires can go flat on occasion. Making sure that you are getting everything that you need to repair your tires will help in making sure that you are able to keep driving and doing what you want to do with your vehicle. The majority of the problems you will run into in your vehicle have to do with a slow leak in the valve, though there are problems which can occur when you have a nail in the tire or if you have scratched the sidewall of the tire. Knowing why you have the flat tire will help you to decide what you should do about the problem.

Getting Your Tires Patched

It is only possible to patch holes which have occurred in the tread of the tire. If the hole which is causing the flat is in the sidewall of the tire, you will have to get a completely new tire for your vehicle. Make sure that if you do have to get new tires that you are getting four new tires rather than just replacing one tire. If you can patch the hole because it is in the tread, you will need to take it to a professional. They will be able to prepare the tire for being patched. This is done using a tool to make the hole more regular and to get rid of any extra fibers in the hole. They will then put use a sealant to add to the hole. Once the seal dries, the plug will remain in place as you are driving.

Using Temporary Tires

All cars come with at least a temporary tire you can use on your vehicle when you have a flat. Simply use your car jack to lift up the vehicle high enough you will be able to remove the flat tires. You will then need to make sure that you are using the tire iron so you will be able to remove the lug nuts from their location on the tire. It can be easier to remove one or two before you lift up the car. This will help to keep the tire motionless while you are trying to loosen the bolts. After the tire has been removed completely, install the temporary tire in place. Only use this tire to get a new tire for your vehicle and do not exceed 35-55 mph depending on the model of tire.

Instant Fixes for Tires

There are specially formulated canisters which can be used to instantly fix a flat whenever you have one. These are handy to keep in the car because you will be able to use them anywhere you are. Simply connect the nozzle to the tire gauge and push it into place. A specially formulated adhesive and compressed air will fill the tire at least part of the way. Drive on the tire until you can get to a location to fill the tires the rest of the way. Immediately go out and buy a new tire because this is intended to be a temporary solution for a puncture in the tread.

How to Maintain Proper Control with Steering and Suspension

One of the great inventions for the modern age of driving is power steering. It is possible to use one hand to make even difficult turns. This has been a big improvement, along with manual transmissions, for those who are handicapped. Of course, this brings up the concern about how to properly maintain control so that the system is not causing you to drive off of the side of the road. ASE master technicians can help in making sure that your steering and suspension is properly tuned so you are not in any danger. It is also up to you to do your part in protecting your car from any problems that may occur in the steering system.

Maintain Suspension Systems by Avoiding Potholes

Potholes are all too common in the modern age. They can be of all shapes and sizes and can seemingly pop up out of nowhere. Avoiding these kinds of problems can help you to maintain your steering and suspension system. As you drive over a pothole at a fast rate, your wheel may be pulled in the wrong direction and be forced to stay slightly off from the direction of the rest of the tires. Repeatedly being jarred by potholes in the city can cause your wheel to become more and more out of alignment. If you have to go over a pothole, make sure that you are slowing down to do it. This will take away a lot of the force from the impact.

Proper Tire Inspection is Important

The tires that you have on your vehicle not only help to get you where you are going, they have an impact on steering and suspension. If they are not inflated properly, it can create major problems in which your power steering is thrown off. One of the things you can do to avoid this is that you will be able to pay attention to the tire pressure whenever you are getting gas. Carrying a tire pressure gauge with you will help you to easily check your tires as your vehicle is filling with gas. If you are not sure what the tire pressure should be for your vehicle, check the inside panel of your driver’s side door. Remember that the rear tires need a different tire pressure than the front ones.

Stay on the Road with a Wheel Alignment 

If your vehicle is pulling to one side or another, it is important to bring your vehicle in for a wheel alignment. Your mechanic will make sure that all of your tires are going in the same direction so that you can keep driving in a straight line without having to fight the wheel. One of the things you will notice whenever your tires are in alignment is that you have to fill up less often. This is because your fuel efficiency is improved whenever you do not have to force your vehicle to drive in the right direction. Remember not to wait to get this work done. The longer you put it off, the worse the alignment in your vehicle will become making it even more dangerous to drive.

The Engine Repair Checklist for Your Car

Though it is widely known that an optimally functional engine can enhance both the performance and the longevity of a car, it remains one of the most ignored aspects of general auto repair. Save your car from retiring early by sticking to the engine servicing checklist given below. Not only do they help you extract more out of your car but also help you evade the mounting bills you pay during visits to the mechanic.

Engine Oil Changes and Other Fluid Checks

Frequent oil changes are a must to avoid jamming and overheating of the engine. You must ensure that you follow the instructions on your Maintenance Manual religiously when it comes to engine oil checks and have them replaced once every 3000 miles on an average. It is a good idea to keep a tab on fuel systems and lubrications before you hit the highway for a long drive. Make a note of lubrication and fluid checks. Simply put, do not drive your car if you have a ‘Low Oil’ indicator sign flashing on your dashboard. Monitor the fluid levels and cooling systems to prevent overheating and choking. Failure to keep a tab on the coolants would result in an uneven pressure distribution in the engine leading to severe automobile breakdowns.

Inspect Your Car Radiators and Air Conditioning

A robust radiator, according to the ASE master technicians, would go a long way in ensuring that your engine functions the way it should. Look out for signs of leakage, puncture and other malfunctions and report the same to your mechanic. The radiator helps to keep the best possible engine operating temperatures and a faulty radiator would mean an improper engine operation. Check out for air conditioning service malware. The air compressor with the refrigerant is responsible for a functional air conditioned system in your car. Improper A/Cs could stem out of wire, fuse and switch problems. The key is to keep inspecting wires from time to time and checking the efficiency of the engine accessory belt. Replacements and restorations must be carried out quickly when needed.

Watch Out for a Faulty Fuel System

The engine may get polluted if you have broken down fuel injection valves and spark plugs that are out of order. Filthy fuel filters are the main culprits for allowing metal parts, fuel toxics and other contaminates into your engine and therefore, must be cleaned regularly, Similarly, the spark plugs and injection systems must be serviced for accurate fuel intake rates. We recommend cleaning the fuel injection system every time you get an oil change done. Important auto repair engine replacements to be kept in mind include spark plugs, engine belts, thermostats and air filters. They need constant replacement and the schedule can be found in the Maintenance Manual provided by the Company. Make sure you carry out these restorations effectively to prevent wear and tear in your engine system. Another important task would be to check engine lights and indicators regularly. Apart from this checklist, we also recommend driving safe and smart to make sure that your engine is not abused in the long run. Do not keep braking every now and then, maintain fuel economy levels, stick to the right speed and gear combination and maintain tire alignments to avoid shaking the vehicle. These tips will go a long way in ensuring that your engine stays supple and robust, avoiding overhauling expenditures.

How to Get the Most from Your Power Steering

Many will argue that one of the greatest inventions of the modern age for driving is power steering. It allows you to easily make a one-handed turn even at low speeds. The system has been improved a lot over the years to make sure that it is more reliable as well as having the ability to provide the kind of precision that the modern driver needs. Of course, making sure that power steering is giving you everything that you want to have means you will have to do more than just drive. You need to make sure that the tire alignment is correct at all times. It is also necessary to make sure that the suspension systems are working properly. Of course, making sure that the tire pressure is correct can help to alleviate any steering problems.

Steering made Easy with Tire Alignment

The tire alignment in your vehicle can create all kinds of problems in the power steering. When the wheel alignment is off, it can cause the vehicle to pull to one side of the road or the other. The important thing to remember is that even though it is possible to stay on the road with an alignment problem, it can create a safety issue. The alignment will only get worse the longer you go without correcting the problem. Having all of the wheels facing in the same direction helps in making sure that when you turn the wheel that you are getting the results you are looking for.

Improves Suspension Systems for Better Control

When looking at steering and suspension, it is easy to see how they are linked. If suspension systems are not tuned correctly, it is possible for the car to careen off of the road. Vehicles in which the suspension is too loose have the biggest problem to overcome. Keep in mind how easy it is to change the direction that wheels are turning in thanks to power steering. If the suspension is so loose that it will allow you to bounce off of the road even for a second, it is possible to lose control. Making sure that the suspension helps to maintain contact with the road as much as possible can help to make sure that steering is easier to accomplish.

Managing Tire Pressure for Improved Stability

The pressure in the tires is something which can affect steering considerably. Remember that when tires are under-inflated that the rubber can shift as the weight of the car shifts. Sluggish responses can result because of the loss of pressure in the tires. This is a problem which can make it difficult to drive in a straight line, but can surely make it difficult to make smooth turns. Overinflated tires can create a situation in which the tread cannot grip to the road. As you take a sharp turn with the help of power steering, it is possible to simply skid right off the side of the road. Adjusting the tires to the correct tire pressure is easy when consulting the pane inside the driver’s side door. Keep in mind that the back wheels use a different amount of pressure than the front ones.

Performing a Tire Inspection and Buying New Tires

Each year, you drive thousands of miles on the same tires. Some drivers put as much as 20,000 miles on a vehicle in a single year. Even after all that distance, many people neglect to look at their tires for longer than it takes to check the PSI. Tires don’t require much attention, but they should receive some every once in a while to ensure that they are up to form, for safety reasons as much as for performance.

What to Look For in a Tire Inspection

Tire inspections don’t require a professional eye. Even an untrained person can see the difference between a tire with tread, and a tire without. The first thing you should look for when inspecting a tire is quality and quantity of tread. If your tire is nearly bald, or fully smooth, it is more than likely that you will experience sliding in bad weather, or on roads covered in dirt. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your tire has enough tread even by looking, try running your hand over it. If your tire feels slick, or there aren’t any ridges deep enough to fit the tip of a finger in, then you should look into buying new tires. Also, if there are any cracks in your tire, you may want to consider replacing it, as these can easily lead to blowouts.

Buying New Tires, and Wheel Alignments

If your tire inspection revealed that your tires were bald, or had cracks in them, and you are looking for a new set of tires, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, what type of conditions will you be driving in? While winter only comes once a year, if you live in an area with extreme weather during this time, getting snow tires may be a good choice for you. If you aren’t going to experience winter for quite some time, but still want to be safe during the season when it comes, you should consider all-season tires. All-season tires have less tread than snow tires, but they have more tread than average tires. This allows them to perform well throughout the year. When you go to your local auto shop, ask about the differences between each type of tire, and which kind they recommend for your area. When the shop changes your tires to the kind you have chosen, ask if they will do a tire alignment. Most shops will align the tires for free when you buy a set.

Performing Tire Inspections Annually

You should perform a tire inspection once a year at the very least. Consider getting a tire alignment if you notice strange wear patterns on your wheels. This is an indication that your wheels are coming unaligned, and it should not be ignored. When wheels become too far unaligned, there is a risk of damage to the axle, as well as to the breaks. If you aren’t certain whether or not the wear pattern on your wheels is abnormal, consult an auto shop. Most likely, they will take a look at your wheels for free, and let you know if there is any significant alignment problem.

ASE Master Certified Technicians: The Best of the Best

When you bring your vehicle in for repair, or even for a tune up, you want to assure that only the best and most capable hands work on it. ASE, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, allows you to do just that. ASE certified technicians are among the best master technicians in the business. From general car maintenance to specialty repair, they have their bases covered. They prove this simply by achieving ASE certification. But titles are nice; what exactly is an ASE technician?

Hands on ASE Tests

To receive certification in any field, you have to meet certain requirements. For ASE technicians, these requirements go by field. There are a number of different ways for a technician to become ASE certified. Most commonly, certification goes by a group of tests specific to the type of vehicles the technician will be working on, known as a series. For instance, a technician looking to become certified for working on school buses at the master level needs to pass six series of tests, as well as tests on general car maintenance. They have to know how to service the transmission, change tires and replace brakes, among other things. Each type of vehicle has its own set of qualification tests, and all are designed to challenge even the most competent of technicians. According to ASE’s criteria listings, they also require a minimum of two years of relevant hands on experience in order to take the certification test. This assures that the technician has on the job experience, which can differ greatly from school experience due to the uncontrolled state of the environment.

Written ASE Tests and Continued Master Technicians Certification

All ASE technicians are required to take a written proficiency test. This is to ensure that they have not only the required technical skills, but the required knowledge as well. Written tests cover a variety of subjects, all related to the vehicle the technician is testing for. Questions vary from potential solutions of problems, to proper treatment of specific damages, and can be multiple choices or written answer. ASE technicians also have to renew their master certifications every five years to prevent them from expiring. This is to ensure that the technician is keeping up with the latest in repair work. It also allows ASE to check if the technician is still competent at regular intervals. Tests are updated frequently to keep up with the current mechanical standards and practices, so all technicians looking to receive master technician certification are required to keep up with all updates in the automotive world.

Finding an ASE Technician

If a master technician’s certification is expired, and you have a newer vehicle, the technician may not have the know how to properly diagnose or fix it. Check online at ASE’s web site before choosing a technician. Once you have found one that you believe will do a good job, look at consumer reports. This will allow you to see whether or not the technician is renowned for good work. If they aren’t, don’t bring your vehicle to their shop; certification is great, but it doesn’t necessarily qualify the technician as the best for you.

How Radiators Work and Why You Need Them

There are certain parts of your engine that you may not give a lot of thought to. It is easy to pay attention to the air conditioning because you will notice whenever it starts to not operate properly. Knowing when to get air conditioning service is not difficult to figure out. It may be a little more difficult to understand how radiators help in maintaining the engine temperature so that the engine will not be in danger of overheating. This highly necessary function is easy to explain as long as you look at each section of the cooling system and how it helps to maintain the temperatures of the engine.

The Job of the Coolants

Coolants are the part of the cooling system which helps to remove all of the excess heat from the engine. The cooling system snakes all throughout the engine and for all of the different moving parts. The composition of the coolant makes it possible for the heat to be absorbed by the coolant. As the engine runs faster, the coolant will run through the engine faster. It helps to remove all of the excess heat from the engine so that it will not overheat. New coolants work better in absorbing the heat because they have not broken down at all. Make sure to replace the fluid often so it can do its job.

How Water Pumps Prevent Overheating

The coolant can only do its job if it is able to circulate through the engine. This is why it is necessary to have water pumps. Even though this is called a water pump, it does not actually pump water. It is called this strictly because of the old engines which used to run water through the engine to cool it down. The newer engines run at too high of temperatures to be able to use water anymore. Water pumps seldom, if ever break. Only in extreme circumstances will this break. The purpose is to prevent overheating by pushing the coolant throughout the engine, into the radiator and back through the heat pump. The constant circulation of coolant is powered by a belt that runs from the engine.

How the Radiators Work

Radiators are just one of the destinations for coolants. The purpose of the radiator is to distribute the heat and cool the coolant back down. A fan in the front of the radiator blows a constant stream of cool air against the radiator. As the coolant flows through the radiator, it is cooled by the stream of air. After the coolant flows through the radiator, it can cool down and release the heat from the engine. It can then run through the water pump and back through the engine where it will pick up more heat from the engine. As the coolant moves through the engine, it will continue to make the circuit throughout the engine and the radiator. The temperature of the engine will remain constant even when there are extreme temperatures in the middle of the summer. Good coolants working with radiators can prevent major engine problems and save you a lot of money. Any time there is a leak in the system, it needs to be repaired right away.

What Car Repair You Should Do Before a Long Trip

Whenever you are going on a long trip in your vehicle, it is important to make sure your vehicle is in peak performing condition. This will help you to see better while you are driving and make it easier to stay on the road. As long as you are maintaining the vehicle with good car repair the rest of the year, this should amount to nothing more than a few checks. Enjoying better safety while on the road will allow you to have an even better trip.

Alignments Help with Steering

As you are driving down the road, it is extremely important you will not have to fight the steering wheel to stay on the road. An alignment helps to make sure that all tires are pointed in the same direction. Tire alignment can be affected by going over large bumps or by going over potholes while you are driving. Tire pressure can also play a hand in your ability to drive straight. Make sure that all wheels have the proper amount of air pressure in them whenever you are stopping to get gas. The correct amount of pressure is listed on the inside of the driver’s side door panel. Remember that there is a different amount of air pressure for front tires than there is for back tires.

Properly Working Brakes Add to Safety

Make sure that the brakes are working properly before leaving on any trip. This will help to make sure you are able to stop while on the highway and while driving around at your destination. Even if you are not quite ready for new brake pads, you might want to go ahead and have them replaced to prevent any possibilities of problems while you are on your trip. Properly working brakes adds to the safety of the car and can even add to the fuel efficiency as a result of removing problems with brakes that stick. Checking the brakes is something easily accomplished when you are changing your engine oil. If the brake pads look worn or cracked in any way, you may need to replace them for your own safety.

Seeing Clearer with Windshield Wiper Replacements

Buying new windshield wiper replacements is an inexpensive way to add visibility to your drive. This is something you can easily do on your own. Most models of windshield wipers simply lock into place using a hook. Make sure you are buying the blades which fit your make and model of vehicle specifically. Buying the dealer specified brands is not necessary as long as what you purchase is designed to fit your vehicle. The best brands use more than one blade to remove water and dirt from your windshield. Test out the new wipers after topping off the windshield wiper fluid. If there are any streaks or the wipers are not removing the dirt, you may just need to secure the wipers to the wiper arm better. Apply a little water to the blades of the windshield wiper replacements before using them the first time. This will keep the blades from skipping so more water and dirt can be removed from the windshield.