Talk About Cars|A Discussion About Cars, Maintenance and Car Buying
Jan
28
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Brenda Williams asked:
Some owners keep their automobiles running like finely tuned Swiss watches. They carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual. They buy premium grade oil, order regular check-ups and rush to the repair shop when they detect any unusual noise.
However, most of us are inclined to skimp a little on maintenance and some of us never see the repair shop until the car quits. Sometimes this is due to finances but most of the time it is a matter of convenience. We need our cars to take us where we have to go and we’re reluctant to give them up even for a short period of time.
But, now that gasoline is still at astronomical prices, we need to re-think our maintenance practices. Letting some things go can cost us money in extra fuel consumption. For instance, repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can result in a 40% improvement in gas mileage. Tuning an engine can increase mileage by 4%.
You should be sure that your air filter is always clean. If your engine is fuel injected, airflow regulates the quantity of fuel that is burned. The process of mixing air and fuel is quite precise so the filter needs to be clean to ensure an efficient mixture. The air filter also protects your engine from impurities, extending the life of the engine as well as saving on gas.
It is also important to check oil regularly and change dirty oil. An engine with clean oil operates at maximum efficiency, which translates into gas savings. You should definitely use the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer. Using one weight oil in an engine designed for a different weight can lower gas mileage up to 2%.
You can also realize greater efficiency from using a high-quality multi-grade oil but if there is a price difference you need to compare the costs involved.
And when your tires are not properly inflated, your gas mileage decreases by 5%. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that millions of American cars run on tires that are not correctly inflated. Correctly inflated tires will also last longer and are safer.
The owner’s manual always states the correct pressure for the tires. If you are driving a pre-owned car with no owner’s manual, you can call a local dealer or research the information on the net.
Radial tires are supposed to improve gas mileage by 5% when driving in the city and by 7% when driving on a highway. So if you don’t already use radials, you might consider switching.
Another benefit of radial tires is that they last longer. However, you should be careful not to mix radials with conventional tires unless the owner’s manual clearly states that this procedure is acceptable for that model car.
In addition, tires need to be properly balanced. Properly balanced tires reduce road friction thereby increasing fuel efficiency.
You also need to check wheel alignment to ensure that wheels are properly aligned. Wheels that are out of alignment also cause your car to burn extra fuel.
Although the savings from each practice might be small, the overall savings is worth the extra effort.
WINFRED
Some owners keep their automobiles running like finely tuned Swiss watches. They carefully follow all of the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual. They buy premium grade oil, order regular check-ups and rush to the repair shop when they detect any unusual noise.
However, most of us are inclined to skimp a little on maintenance and some of us never see the repair shop until the car quits. Sometimes this is due to finances but most of the time it is a matter of convenience. We need our cars to take us where we have to go and we’re reluctant to give them up even for a short period of time.
But, now that gasoline is still at astronomical prices, we need to re-think our maintenance practices. Letting some things go can cost us money in extra fuel consumption. For instance, repairing a faulty oxygen sensor can result in a 40% improvement in gas mileage. Tuning an engine can increase mileage by 4%.
You should be sure that your air filter is always clean. If your engine is fuel injected, airflow regulates the quantity of fuel that is burned. The process of mixing air and fuel is quite precise so the filter needs to be clean to ensure an efficient mixture. The air filter also protects your engine from impurities, extending the life of the engine as well as saving on gas.
It is also important to check oil regularly and change dirty oil. An engine with clean oil operates at maximum efficiency, which translates into gas savings. You should definitely use the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer. Using one weight oil in an engine designed for a different weight can lower gas mileage up to 2%.
You can also realize greater efficiency from using a high-quality multi-grade oil but if there is a price difference you need to compare the costs involved.
And when your tires are not properly inflated, your gas mileage decreases by 5%. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that millions of American cars run on tires that are not correctly inflated. Correctly inflated tires will also last longer and are safer.
The owner’s manual always states the correct pressure for the tires. If you are driving a pre-owned car with no owner’s manual, you can call a local dealer or research the information on the net.
Radial tires are supposed to improve gas mileage by 5% when driving in the city and by 7% when driving on a highway. So if you don’t already use radials, you might consider switching.
Another benefit of radial tires is that they last longer. However, you should be careful not to mix radials with conventional tires unless the owner’s manual clearly states that this procedure is acceptable for that model car.
In addition, tires need to be properly balanced. Properly balanced tires reduce road friction thereby increasing fuel efficiency.
You also need to check wheel alignment to ensure that wheels are properly aligned. Wheels that are out of alignment also cause your car to burn extra fuel.
Although the savings from each practice might be small, the overall savings is worth the extra effort.
WINFRED
Comments Off
Jan
24
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Lesley Lyon asked:
We have been facing a lot of transport problems almost everyday and one would like to own a vehicle. But this is not possible for all the people as they are very much expensive. But people who can make monthly payments can avail auto loans to buy vehicles. These days, the interest rates for auto loan have turn out to be very affordable. But they must not forget to check with the details like interest rates, impact of the finances etc, because these factors determine the feasibility to purchase a vehicle meant for own use. If people do this before buying a vehicle, then they will not be in trouble to make monthly regular payments. So selection of exact lender who offers loan with less interest rate is very much important.
More than this having good credit profile will ensure the individual to get an exact loan with proper rate of interest. With the help of credit profile, the financier will be able to know whether the individual will repay the loan or have an intention to repay the loan. Some of the specific components which determine an individual’s credit profile are age, occupation or profession, financial income, previous credit record, ownership of a home or any other property, etc.
The individual must make sure of his affordability of repayment and maintenance expenses, before going for an auto loan. It is also necessary to consider the source from where the finance has been taken like banks or credit unions or auto loan dealers or financiers. Prior to taking a loan it must be decided whether to opt for secured loans or unsecured loans. But unsecured loans have higher rate of interest than secured loans. Whatever the case may be the collateral which is used for taking loan, can be house, car etc. The individual can decide on it, but in case of secured loans, if the payment is in default he might lose the collateral. Even though the secured loans charge less interest rate, chances of losing the collateral are high, unless the payments are made promptly.
Auto loans can be obtained through online also. Without having much difficulty a person can avail loans by going through many options left around with many lenders. Those online lenders even provide online calculator, which helps the customer to determine the amount to repay as monthly installments and the interest rates for the loan. It is an easy task by just mentioning the amount to borrow and time frame. Thus it helps in calculating the interest rates. Sometimes they even let the buyer to compare the rates offered by other lenders.
By calculating the interest rates and individuals repayment capacity, it will help to know the affordability to own a vehicle. But many people are uncertain on this and they end up into trouble after taking an auto loan. They must know that the money spent does not end with taking an auto loan and buying a car, but it leads to other maintenance expenses of the vehicle. This mistake can be avoided by using online calculators or getting details from a knowledgeable and authorized source before taking an auto loan.
STEPHANIE
We have been facing a lot of transport problems almost everyday and one would like to own a vehicle. But this is not possible for all the people as they are very much expensive. But people who can make monthly payments can avail auto loans to buy vehicles. These days, the interest rates for auto loan have turn out to be very affordable. But they must not forget to check with the details like interest rates, impact of the finances etc, because these factors determine the feasibility to purchase a vehicle meant for own use. If people do this before buying a vehicle, then they will not be in trouble to make monthly regular payments. So selection of exact lender who offers loan with less interest rate is very much important.
More than this having good credit profile will ensure the individual to get an exact loan with proper rate of interest. With the help of credit profile, the financier will be able to know whether the individual will repay the loan or have an intention to repay the loan. Some of the specific components which determine an individual’s credit profile are age, occupation or profession, financial income, previous credit record, ownership of a home or any other property, etc.
The individual must make sure of his affordability of repayment and maintenance expenses, before going for an auto loan. It is also necessary to consider the source from where the finance has been taken like banks or credit unions or auto loan dealers or financiers. Prior to taking a loan it must be decided whether to opt for secured loans or unsecured loans. But unsecured loans have higher rate of interest than secured loans. Whatever the case may be the collateral which is used for taking loan, can be house, car etc. The individual can decide on it, but in case of secured loans, if the payment is in default he might lose the collateral. Even though the secured loans charge less interest rate, chances of losing the collateral are high, unless the payments are made promptly.
Auto loans can be obtained through online also. Without having much difficulty a person can avail loans by going through many options left around with many lenders. Those online lenders even provide online calculator, which helps the customer to determine the amount to repay as monthly installments and the interest rates for the loan. It is an easy task by just mentioning the amount to borrow and time frame. Thus it helps in calculating the interest rates. Sometimes they even let the buyer to compare the rates offered by other lenders.
By calculating the interest rates and individuals repayment capacity, it will help to know the affordability to own a vehicle. But many people are uncertain on this and they end up into trouble after taking an auto loan. They must know that the money spent does not end with taking an auto loan and buying a car, but it leads to other maintenance expenses of the vehicle. This mistake can be avoided by using online calculators or getting details from a knowledgeable and authorized source before taking an auto loan.
STEPHANIE
Comments Off
Jan
23
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Katerina Mitrou asked:
Maintaining your vehicle is essential if you want to keep it running well and operating at peak performance. The usual maintenance procedures, such as oil changes, are usually not issues for most people - but performing basic maintenance operations to keep your radiator and engine running well are just as important yet more often overlooked. Radiator maintenance is an integral part of the overall “health” of your vehicle because the engine has to remain at a prime operating temperature in order to work properly. If your engine overheats, for example, you’ll have a lot more headaches than if you keep up with important maintenance tasks on a regular basis.
Radiator maintenance is mostly about the fluids. Other problems with the cooling system can arise, for various different reasons, but for basic maintenance and upkeep properly maintaining the vital fluids in the radiator is what will keep your vehicle humming with life for years to come. Whether you utilize the services of your local shop to perform key maintenance and repair processes or do everything yourself, it is recommended that coolant is replaced every year or so. In addition to coolant replacement, it is also a good idea to flush and refill the radiator every 1 to 2 years to ensure the cooling system will run well, even if your mileage is low after this period of time. Following such a maintenance schedule is vital if you want your vehicle to be properly and consistently maintained.
Why Antifreeze is Key
Antifreeze/coolant is a big part of what keeps your engine in top working order. In addition to its cooling properties and ability to keep your engine running under extreme temperature variations, many companies also include other ingredients that help keep your engine working well. For instance, antifreeze can contain additives that prevent rust and corrosion of the radiator, engine and vehicle heater. If you neglect radiator maintenance the advantages of a good cooling system will not be fully utilized.
Basically, coolant is a 50/50 mix of glycol and water, depending on your vehicle. The glycol portion of the mixture is the antifreeze - it works to keep the water from turning to ice in cold temperatures and reaching the boiling point in extreme heat. With the coolant operating at the proper degree, the engine will continue running at a stable temperature in all climates and driving situations.
Ethylene glycol is used in antifreeze but it requires proper handling if you are planning on performing cooling system maintenance on your own - it is a toxic substance that can cause health problems or even death, and can be damaging to the environment. Following suggested protocol when handling antifreeze is a necessity. Keep it away from children and animals, and ensure proper disposal according to local hazardous waste regulations. A recent alternative to ethylene glycol is propylene glycol. Antifreeze that contains propylene glycol is less toxic than its predecessor, especially at low levels, but it still must be handled with caution. No matter what antifreeze you use, the fluid picks up heavy metals during usage, so disposal is something to be taken seriously. Follow the same procedure you would with any antifreeze product and you will avoid problems when performing maintenance on your vehicle at home. It is very important that you do not pour coolant down your sink or into storm drains due to its toxic properties.
Draining and Flushing
Over time, rust and sediment can build up in your vehicle’s cooling system making it necessary to drain out the coolant from time to time to clean out anything that may be clogging up the system. Many experts recommend this be done every few years, preferably every year. You can tell if the coolant in your radiator requires removal if it appears dirty or brown in color, and if you see little rust specks floating around. Coolant should appear a slightly thick, light yellowy-green color, almost like lemonade, or orange if your car uses long-lasting coolant.
If you are going to take on the job yourself, begin by parking the vehicle in a safe work area - away from kids, pets and storm drains. Raising the car on ramps is also a good idea if you are able to do so. Follow this checklist before getting started: turn the ignition off and wait until the engine is cool. This is very important - it’s dangerous to work with a hot engine. Set the car in Park and engage the emergency brakes.
Now you can get started. First step - remove the radiator cap. Place a 2-gallon or larger bucket underneath the radiator drain plug and remove the plug. This will catch the fluid. Once the fluid has finished draining, put the plug back in place. If you want to drain as much coolant out as possible, you can add another step to the procedure and drain any excess coolant in the engine. Simply take out the plug in the engine block if you can, to drain the coolant.
If you think your cooling system needs a more thorough cleaning to remove excess sediment and rust, flushing may be a good idea. You can achieve this by using a radiator-cleaning product fit for this type of job. This is a simple task. All you have to do is close up all the drain plugs and pour the product into the radiator along with some water. The instructions on the package should tell you exactly what to do - this usually entails running the heater on high for a specified amount of time. When the engine cools you can drain the radiator fluid out and refill with water, following the same steps as above. This will have fully flushed out the cooling system.
Refilling
Refilling the radiator is easy, especially if you consult your car’s user manual and the instructions on the antifreeze bottle. You will need to know the ratio of coolant to water before refilling, which can vary depending on the vehicle and weather conditions in your area. Fill the radiator according to the instructions and also fill the overflow reservoir with a 50/50 mix. Clean up any spills that may occur and then close the cap. Now you can run the engine to the normal running temperature - and make sure you set the heater on high to effectively circulate the coolant throughout the system. When the engine cools down again, double check for leaks.
If everything checks out ok, you’re done and can drive off knowing you have kept up with one of the most important aspects of your car’s maintenance.
MAURO
Maintaining your vehicle is essential if you want to keep it running well and operating at peak performance. The usual maintenance procedures, such as oil changes, are usually not issues for most people - but performing basic maintenance operations to keep your radiator and engine running well are just as important yet more often overlooked. Radiator maintenance is an integral part of the overall “health” of your vehicle because the engine has to remain at a prime operating temperature in order to work properly. If your engine overheats, for example, you’ll have a lot more headaches than if you keep up with important maintenance tasks on a regular basis.
Radiator maintenance is mostly about the fluids. Other problems with the cooling system can arise, for various different reasons, but for basic maintenance and upkeep properly maintaining the vital fluids in the radiator is what will keep your vehicle humming with life for years to come. Whether you utilize the services of your local shop to perform key maintenance and repair processes or do everything yourself, it is recommended that coolant is replaced every year or so. In addition to coolant replacement, it is also a good idea to flush and refill the radiator every 1 to 2 years to ensure the cooling system will run well, even if your mileage is low after this period of time. Following such a maintenance schedule is vital if you want your vehicle to be properly and consistently maintained.
Why Antifreeze is Key
Antifreeze/coolant is a big part of what keeps your engine in top working order. In addition to its cooling properties and ability to keep your engine running under extreme temperature variations, many companies also include other ingredients that help keep your engine working well. For instance, antifreeze can contain additives that prevent rust and corrosion of the radiator, engine and vehicle heater. If you neglect radiator maintenance the advantages of a good cooling system will not be fully utilized.
Basically, coolant is a 50/50 mix of glycol and water, depending on your vehicle. The glycol portion of the mixture is the antifreeze - it works to keep the water from turning to ice in cold temperatures and reaching the boiling point in extreme heat. With the coolant operating at the proper degree, the engine will continue running at a stable temperature in all climates and driving situations.
Ethylene glycol is used in antifreeze but it requires proper handling if you are planning on performing cooling system maintenance on your own - it is a toxic substance that can cause health problems or even death, and can be damaging to the environment. Following suggested protocol when handling antifreeze is a necessity. Keep it away from children and animals, and ensure proper disposal according to local hazardous waste regulations. A recent alternative to ethylene glycol is propylene glycol. Antifreeze that contains propylene glycol is less toxic than its predecessor, especially at low levels, but it still must be handled with caution. No matter what antifreeze you use, the fluid picks up heavy metals during usage, so disposal is something to be taken seriously. Follow the same procedure you would with any antifreeze product and you will avoid problems when performing maintenance on your vehicle at home. It is very important that you do not pour coolant down your sink or into storm drains due to its toxic properties.
Draining and Flushing
Over time, rust and sediment can build up in your vehicle’s cooling system making it necessary to drain out the coolant from time to time to clean out anything that may be clogging up the system. Many experts recommend this be done every few years, preferably every year. You can tell if the coolant in your radiator requires removal if it appears dirty or brown in color, and if you see little rust specks floating around. Coolant should appear a slightly thick, light yellowy-green color, almost like lemonade, or orange if your car uses long-lasting coolant.
If you are going to take on the job yourself, begin by parking the vehicle in a safe work area - away from kids, pets and storm drains. Raising the car on ramps is also a good idea if you are able to do so. Follow this checklist before getting started: turn the ignition off and wait until the engine is cool. This is very important - it’s dangerous to work with a hot engine. Set the car in Park and engage the emergency brakes.
Now you can get started. First step - remove the radiator cap. Place a 2-gallon or larger bucket underneath the radiator drain plug and remove the plug. This will catch the fluid. Once the fluid has finished draining, put the plug back in place. If you want to drain as much coolant out as possible, you can add another step to the procedure and drain any excess coolant in the engine. Simply take out the plug in the engine block if you can, to drain the coolant.
If you think your cooling system needs a more thorough cleaning to remove excess sediment and rust, flushing may be a good idea. You can achieve this by using a radiator-cleaning product fit for this type of job. This is a simple task. All you have to do is close up all the drain plugs and pour the product into the radiator along with some water. The instructions on the package should tell you exactly what to do - this usually entails running the heater on high for a specified amount of time. When the engine cools you can drain the radiator fluid out and refill with water, following the same steps as above. This will have fully flushed out the cooling system.
Refilling
Refilling the radiator is easy, especially if you consult your car’s user manual and the instructions on the antifreeze bottle. You will need to know the ratio of coolant to water before refilling, which can vary depending on the vehicle and weather conditions in your area. Fill the radiator according to the instructions and also fill the overflow reservoir with a 50/50 mix. Clean up any spills that may occur and then close the cap. Now you can run the engine to the normal running temperature - and make sure you set the heater on high to effectively circulate the coolant throughout the system. When the engine cools down again, double check for leaks.
If everything checks out ok, you’re done and can drive off knowing you have kept up with one of the most important aspects of your car’s maintenance.
MAURO
Comments Off
Jan
23
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Jeremy MacDonald asked:
What do we all want while driving? To provide for our families, loved ones, and what have you. How do you accomplish this? There are a whole slew of roads to travel, but one main ingredient is a family car that is always 100% reliable. And if driving creates you running errands faster, to save money on gas, and decreasing air pollution, you win twice. Your 1993 Ford Tempo or whichever car, truck, van, or boat you drive needs to be performing at top capacity.
The most important thing you can do for your car is make regular auto maintenance check-ups, service all the automotive liquids. Oh, by the way, be sure to check your car’s liquids every 2 weeks. That means your oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission liquids. Make checking your tires a constant too. My ex-girlfriend recently called me up and cried that one of her tires exploded driving under a freeway. Yikes. Also, don’t forget to maintain a proper fuel tank level according to your particular car’s engine (see car owner manual). A car owner manual is like the bible of your vehicle. If you don’t already have one, get one. You’ll wish you had one if your car breaks down in the desert.
Your car engine will thank you with better performance and quicker reaction times, which is an essential part of keeping you and your family and friends safe on the road. Make yourself aware of this info. It may save the life of your engine one day. It will save you money on gas and auto maintenance.
Choose the right fuel. Your vehicle is designed to take regular unleaded fuel, which will have this symbol (87) on the pump at the gas station. The 87 symbol refers to the level of octane in the fuel. Using lower grade of fuel will jack up your car engine and will cause heavy knocking, which could easily damage your engine. I drive a Ford Tempo, and my car owner manual says to use the 87 grade of gas.
Higher grade fuels will protect your fuel system from rusting and protect against fuel lock in the fuel system (causes engine to hesitate/stall and hard to restart). In addition, it will minimize fuel deposits in fuel injection system, and prevent your engine from knocking/pinging.
Higher grade fuels will also prevent the fuel system from “gumming up” when not run for long periods of time, not to mention help your, Ford Tempo perhaps, start more easily in winter while assisting in help the prevention of freezing fuel lines.
Tips to increase gas mileage include not driving at life-threatening highway speeds can dramatically lower your fuel economy. It maybe fun, but it’s the car that you don’t see that will do the most damage. Gradually increasing your speed will save you precious fuel. And the way gas prices have been, it is nice not having to cram all your money into your gas tank. Extended idling of your engine will lower your miles per gallon.
I hope theses tips allow you to spend more time with your family and friends. As well as save money on gas, and auto maintenance. Enjoy!
RUDOLPH
What do we all want while driving? To provide for our families, loved ones, and what have you. How do you accomplish this? There are a whole slew of roads to travel, but one main ingredient is a family car that is always 100% reliable. And if driving creates you running errands faster, to save money on gas, and decreasing air pollution, you win twice. Your 1993 Ford Tempo or whichever car, truck, van, or boat you drive needs to be performing at top capacity.
The most important thing you can do for your car is make regular auto maintenance check-ups, service all the automotive liquids. Oh, by the way, be sure to check your car’s liquids every 2 weeks. That means your oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission liquids. Make checking your tires a constant too. My ex-girlfriend recently called me up and cried that one of her tires exploded driving under a freeway. Yikes. Also, don’t forget to maintain a proper fuel tank level according to your particular car’s engine (see car owner manual). A car owner manual is like the bible of your vehicle. If you don’t already have one, get one. You’ll wish you had one if your car breaks down in the desert.
Your car engine will thank you with better performance and quicker reaction times, which is an essential part of keeping you and your family and friends safe on the road. Make yourself aware of this info. It may save the life of your engine one day. It will save you money on gas and auto maintenance.
Choose the right fuel. Your vehicle is designed to take regular unleaded fuel, which will have this symbol (87) on the pump at the gas station. The 87 symbol refers to the level of octane in the fuel. Using lower grade of fuel will jack up your car engine and will cause heavy knocking, which could easily damage your engine. I drive a Ford Tempo, and my car owner manual says to use the 87 grade of gas.
Higher grade fuels will protect your fuel system from rusting and protect against fuel lock in the fuel system (causes engine to hesitate/stall and hard to restart). In addition, it will minimize fuel deposits in fuel injection system, and prevent your engine from knocking/pinging.
Higher grade fuels will also prevent the fuel system from “gumming up” when not run for long periods of time, not to mention help your, Ford Tempo perhaps, start more easily in winter while assisting in help the prevention of freezing fuel lines.
Tips to increase gas mileage include not driving at life-threatening highway speeds can dramatically lower your fuel economy. It maybe fun, but it’s the car that you don’t see that will do the most damage. Gradually increasing your speed will save you precious fuel. And the way gas prices have been, it is nice not having to cram all your money into your gas tank. Extended idling of your engine will lower your miles per gallon.
I hope theses tips allow you to spend more time with your family and friends. As well as save money on gas, and auto maintenance. Enjoy!
RUDOLPH
Comments Off
Jan
22
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Gregg Hall asked:
You never save anything by not servicing your car regularly. Like your body, your machine needs regular check up and that’s the truth. You may try to avoid getting your oil changed or tire pressure checked regularly and you may think that you are being wise at saving your dollars, but the fact is old oil and wrong tire pressure can cost your car’s performance badly. It will make your engine work more, generate heat and eventually take a dig on your gas.
What are the facts in this game? Let’s look at a few.
A faulty spark plug affects your car’s mileage adversely. It can save your up to 20% in mileage if you get rid of that faulty spark plug and get it replaced. Guess what it will actually cost you less in changing the spark plug than dragging a faulty one in a car that is not tuned.
The tires of your car should always be in the right pressure. If your tires are flat, it will drag the car on the road creating more friction and thereby increasing the amount of heat generated in your engine. You need to have the right tires for your car. These days the low rolling radial tires are said to be great for fuel economy. You must also keep you tires correctly aligned. This is guaranteed to improve your mileage by 3-4%. All car manufacturers provide the tire pressure necessary for your car in a sticker on your car door.
Don’t take oil changing lightly! It can be very sticky if you do not maintain the oil in your car regularly. EC grade oil or energy conserving oil can help increase the performance of your car and so can 5W-30 oil type. This will increase the mileage in return. Research studies suggest that EC-rated oil increases the performance of your car and the mileage up to 1.5%. You will find the EC rating on the body of your oil can. The EC rating generally appears as EC-I, EC-II, etc.
Keep the octane right. Choose the right gas with right octane proportion. Your car may not require high octane as only few cars require premium grade oil. Octane does not improve your car’s performance, it improves your performance only for premium grade motors. If yours is not one, then refrain from using premium grade oil.
Changing oxygen sensors at the right time is crucial to your car’s performance. As per the Department of Energy, USA, “Replace clogged air filters” this can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 10%, and it will also protect your engine”. Today one-third of the vehicles on the road requires filter change, but most drivers choose to ignore that resulting in clogged air filters which overworks the engine.
So as you can see timely servicing will help your car clock those extra miles and at the same time give you good mileage. Fine tune your car’s needs and rest assured that it will save your gas. Do not shy away from the service centers. Make special trips before change of seasons and whenever you predict long hours on road.
PIERRE
You never save anything by not servicing your car regularly. Like your body, your machine needs regular check up and that’s the truth. You may try to avoid getting your oil changed or tire pressure checked regularly and you may think that you are being wise at saving your dollars, but the fact is old oil and wrong tire pressure can cost your car’s performance badly. It will make your engine work more, generate heat and eventually take a dig on your gas.
What are the facts in this game? Let’s look at a few.
A faulty spark plug affects your car’s mileage adversely. It can save your up to 20% in mileage if you get rid of that faulty spark plug and get it replaced. Guess what it will actually cost you less in changing the spark plug than dragging a faulty one in a car that is not tuned.
The tires of your car should always be in the right pressure. If your tires are flat, it will drag the car on the road creating more friction and thereby increasing the amount of heat generated in your engine. You need to have the right tires for your car. These days the low rolling radial tires are said to be great for fuel economy. You must also keep you tires correctly aligned. This is guaranteed to improve your mileage by 3-4%. All car manufacturers provide the tire pressure necessary for your car in a sticker on your car door.
Don’t take oil changing lightly! It can be very sticky if you do not maintain the oil in your car regularly. EC grade oil or energy conserving oil can help increase the performance of your car and so can 5W-30 oil type. This will increase the mileage in return. Research studies suggest that EC-rated oil increases the performance of your car and the mileage up to 1.5%. You will find the EC rating on the body of your oil can. The EC rating generally appears as EC-I, EC-II, etc.
Keep the octane right. Choose the right gas with right octane proportion. Your car may not require high octane as only few cars require premium grade oil. Octane does not improve your car’s performance, it improves your performance only for premium grade motors. If yours is not one, then refrain from using premium grade oil.
Changing oxygen sensors at the right time is crucial to your car’s performance. As per the Department of Energy, USA, “Replace clogged air filters” this can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 10%, and it will also protect your engine”. Today one-third of the vehicles on the road requires filter change, but most drivers choose to ignore that resulting in clogged air filters which overworks the engine.
So as you can see timely servicing will help your car clock those extra miles and at the same time give you good mileage. Fine tune your car’s needs and rest assured that it will save your gas. Do not shy away from the service centers. Make special trips before change of seasons and whenever you predict long hours on road.
PIERRE
Comments Off
Jan
21
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Gregg Hall asked:
Hybrid cars are getting a lot of attention from consumers looking to purchase a new car. One reason is that they use less gas and therefore save you a lot of money at the pumps. However, their popularity is not just based on their fuel saving design, they also require less maintenance than that of their conventional cousins.
It can be frustrating to have to take time off from work to go to the mechanic for maintenance checks and repairs. It is equally frustrating to use up part of your weekends for this as well. Owning a Hybrid helps you to avoid this frustration, thanks to their unique design. There are various features that contribute to these benefits.
One reason is that they have fewer parts than conventional cars. For example, the Hybrid vehicle does not have a starter. A car that has fewer parts requires less maintenance and less maintenance means less expense. Another important factor is that the engine is smaller, between 10 to 20 horsepower and designed to run more efficiently by using only one speed.
The generator runs on a separate, gas powered motor and contributes to the lesser need for maintenance. It also does things that conventional vehicles need additional parts for. The generator handles 80 percent of the braking, which helps to extend the life of the brake system. It does this in several ways, such as preserving brake fluid. Brake fluid can be contaminated by the effects of over heating, so by minimizing the heat exposure, the life of the brake fluid is extended. The lesser heat usage also helps reduce the risk of warped rotors. By the generator taking on more tasks, the battery usage is less and therefore will have to be replaced less often.
Another great feature that the design offers is that the air conditioner runs off of electricity and not gas. The steering system is superior in that it is also electric and does not require a belt the way hydraulic systems do. It also provides a smoother ride on rough road surfaces.
Other maintenance saving features are that the valve system requires no adjustments and the injectors don’t have to be cleaned.
Hybrid vehicles offer longer warranties that also include the battery. This definitely adds to their attraction. The Prius, offered by Toyota, offers an eight year or 100,000 mile warranty that includes the hybrid system. The Honda Insight warranty offers 8 years or 80,000 miles and includes the power train.
When considering purchasing a new vehicle, definitely think about owning a hybrid. They require less maintenance than the conventional cars and therefore save you money and time spent at the auto shop. They are much more fuel efficient, and offer attractive warranties.
JULIO
Hybrid cars are getting a lot of attention from consumers looking to purchase a new car. One reason is that they use less gas and therefore save you a lot of money at the pumps. However, their popularity is not just based on their fuel saving design, they also require less maintenance than that of their conventional cousins.
It can be frustrating to have to take time off from work to go to the mechanic for maintenance checks and repairs. It is equally frustrating to use up part of your weekends for this as well. Owning a Hybrid helps you to avoid this frustration, thanks to their unique design. There are various features that contribute to these benefits.
One reason is that they have fewer parts than conventional cars. For example, the Hybrid vehicle does not have a starter. A car that has fewer parts requires less maintenance and less maintenance means less expense. Another important factor is that the engine is smaller, between 10 to 20 horsepower and designed to run more efficiently by using only one speed.
The generator runs on a separate, gas powered motor and contributes to the lesser need for maintenance. It also does things that conventional vehicles need additional parts for. The generator handles 80 percent of the braking, which helps to extend the life of the brake system. It does this in several ways, such as preserving brake fluid. Brake fluid can be contaminated by the effects of over heating, so by minimizing the heat exposure, the life of the brake fluid is extended. The lesser heat usage also helps reduce the risk of warped rotors. By the generator taking on more tasks, the battery usage is less and therefore will have to be replaced less often.
Another great feature that the design offers is that the air conditioner runs off of electricity and not gas. The steering system is superior in that it is also electric and does not require a belt the way hydraulic systems do. It also provides a smoother ride on rough road surfaces.
Other maintenance saving features are that the valve system requires no adjustments and the injectors don’t have to be cleaned.
Hybrid vehicles offer longer warranties that also include the battery. This definitely adds to their attraction. The Prius, offered by Toyota, offers an eight year or 100,000 mile warranty that includes the hybrid system. The Honda Insight warranty offers 8 years or 80,000 miles and includes the power train.
When considering purchasing a new vehicle, definitely think about owning a hybrid. They require less maintenance than the conventional cars and therefore save you money and time spent at the auto shop. They are much more fuel efficient, and offer attractive warranties.
JULIO
Comments Off
Jan
12
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Tom Kline asked:
Don’t risk being stranded or getting less than you should from your car at trade in. A little attention to the basics now will improve its appearance and performance for years to come.
Now scheduling with your service center is easy, thanks to this handy checklist of items for the spring season. Don’t miss the first checklist, with items you can do yourself.
1.First, find a quality service shop. Look for one that services cars equal in value to your own (their parking lot will speak volumes!). Go inside and check out the equipment in the service bays (for example, our RK Chevrolet service center has state-of-the-art, computerized equipment. This facilitates faster diagnosis and repair, getting you back on the road quicker.)
To find out the qualifications of the technicians, scan the walls for trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training classes.
2.Have your technician check the tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses. (RK Scion technicians recommend that belts and hoses be inspected monthly).
Worn, glazed or frayed belts should be replaced, as should bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses. Clamps should be tightened.
3.Anything that is worn or damaged should be replaced to prevent sudden breakdowns.
4.If your air conditioner system is faulty, have it checked. Cooling inefficiency could be the result of a lack of air flow across the condenser. Have your mechanic make sure the electric cooling fan motor near the condenser is coming on.
In fan blade models, the fan should turn very fast. Also have your mechanic check the Freon level and pressure. Air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air if the system isn’t working properly.
5.If your engine is experiencing hard starts, rough idling, or stalling, have it fixed. Often times, the trouble stems from basic things like worn spark plugs, a dirty air filter, or bad ignition wires, but if you’re not mechanically inclined whatsoever, it’s best to go straight to a professional.
(Taking care of little things early will likely improve your gasoline mileage and prevent minor problems from becoming expensive repairs later on.
6.Don’t neglect your transmission. RK Toyota technicians report that routine service can eliminate costly repairs down the road. A manual transmission does not usually experience trouble, except for the clutch, which can be problematic if improperly adjusted or abused.
A common problem with automatics is fluid breakdown from overheating. Fluid and filter changes every 24,000 miles can avoid premature transmission failure but few people heed such advice.
Don’t miss Part 1 of this series: RK Auto Group Spring Checklist of Services You Can Do On Your Own.
JOHNNIE
Don’t risk being stranded or getting less than you should from your car at trade in. A little attention to the basics now will improve its appearance and performance for years to come.
Now scheduling with your service center is easy, thanks to this handy checklist of items for the spring season. Don’t miss the first checklist, with items you can do yourself.
1.First, find a quality service shop. Look for one that services cars equal in value to your own (their parking lot will speak volumes!). Go inside and check out the equipment in the service bays (for example, our RK Chevrolet service center has state-of-the-art, computerized equipment. This facilitates faster diagnosis and repair, getting you back on the road quicker.)
To find out the qualifications of the technicians, scan the walls for trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training classes.
2.Have your technician check the tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses. (RK Scion technicians recommend that belts and hoses be inspected monthly).
Worn, glazed or frayed belts should be replaced, as should bulging, rotten, or brittle hoses. Clamps should be tightened.
3.Anything that is worn or damaged should be replaced to prevent sudden breakdowns.
4.If your air conditioner system is faulty, have it checked. Cooling inefficiency could be the result of a lack of air flow across the condenser. Have your mechanic make sure the electric cooling fan motor near the condenser is coming on.
In fan blade models, the fan should turn very fast. Also have your mechanic check the Freon level and pressure. Air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air if the system isn’t working properly.
5.If your engine is experiencing hard starts, rough idling, or stalling, have it fixed. Often times, the trouble stems from basic things like worn spark plugs, a dirty air filter, or bad ignition wires, but if you’re not mechanically inclined whatsoever, it’s best to go straight to a professional.
(Taking care of little things early will likely improve your gasoline mileage and prevent minor problems from becoming expensive repairs later on.
6.Don’t neglect your transmission. RK Toyota technicians report that routine service can eliminate costly repairs down the road. A manual transmission does not usually experience trouble, except for the clutch, which can be problematic if improperly adjusted or abused.
A common problem with automatics is fluid breakdown from overheating. Fluid and filter changes every 24,000 miles can avoid premature transmission failure but few people heed such advice.
Don’t miss Part 1 of this series: RK Auto Group Spring Checklist of Services You Can Do On Your Own.
JOHNNIE
Comments Off
Jan
10
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Dean Paley asked:
I freely admit that I am not a handyman or jack-of-all-trades, but to save money I used to do some of my own auto maintenance. I stopped after I left university, initially because I was pursuing an accounting designation and then family obligations kept me away from this interesting way of saving money. This weekend, I changed my own oil for the first time in over 10 years.
The car I drive is not fancy. It’s a 10 year old Ford Escort with almost 131,000 miles on it. It’s only a commuter car and I only ever use it to drive to work. It’s somewhat economical, fully paid for, and still runs well. The only things I’ve had to do to it (aside from the oil) was to replace the tires about three years ago, replace the exhaust system two years ago, and replace the radiator last year. Each repair cost me about $500 to $600.
Last fall, the car needed new front brake pads. I called an ex-auto mechanic buddy of mine to pick me up some pads. He dropped by and within 30 minutes we had the new pads on and the brakes were good as new. I think the pads cost me $25 or $30. Compare that to $75 for a brake job, I saved $45 or $50 and spent some time with a good friend. Putting the pads on was really simple: Remove the tire, remove the bold for the brakes, take out the old pads, compress the brake cylinder (I used a “C” clamp), popped in the new pads and put the whole thing back together.
Years ago, I rebuilt my brakes and that had a few more steps, but was easy enough. Anyone can do it and if your not fully comfortable with the process you can pick up a repair book for your make and model of car for under $20.
Well this weekend, I’d let my oil change go too far. The car was running rough and I’ve had an engine light on (which had been on since the before the brake job last fall. My mechanic friend plugged in his code reader and told me the fuel filter was probably getting clogged as the warning was related to fuel mix). I picked up some oil, oil filter, and a fuel filter and set out to do some routine maintenance. The oil change was really easy and I was done in 30 minutes. The fuel filter took me about the same time, and I even remembered to disconnect the battery! Mission complete. I took the car for a drive and it’s running well one again. The parts to do the job cost me $20 and I think I saved about $200 in repairs.
If you drive 15,000 miles a year typically you’ll need a brake job and four to five oil changes. Doing these maintenance things yourself (excluding the cost of tools and help books) will probably save you some money.
MURIEL
I freely admit that I am not a handyman or jack-of-all-trades, but to save money I used to do some of my own auto maintenance. I stopped after I left university, initially because I was pursuing an accounting designation and then family obligations kept me away from this interesting way of saving money. This weekend, I changed my own oil for the first time in over 10 years.
The car I drive is not fancy. It’s a 10 year old Ford Escort with almost 131,000 miles on it. It’s only a commuter car and I only ever use it to drive to work. It’s somewhat economical, fully paid for, and still runs well. The only things I’ve had to do to it (aside from the oil) was to replace the tires about three years ago, replace the exhaust system two years ago, and replace the radiator last year. Each repair cost me about $500 to $600.
Last fall, the car needed new front brake pads. I called an ex-auto mechanic buddy of mine to pick me up some pads. He dropped by and within 30 minutes we had the new pads on and the brakes were good as new. I think the pads cost me $25 or $30. Compare that to $75 for a brake job, I saved $45 or $50 and spent some time with a good friend. Putting the pads on was really simple: Remove the tire, remove the bold for the brakes, take out the old pads, compress the brake cylinder (I used a “C” clamp), popped in the new pads and put the whole thing back together.
Years ago, I rebuilt my brakes and that had a few more steps, but was easy enough. Anyone can do it and if your not fully comfortable with the process you can pick up a repair book for your make and model of car for under $20.
Well this weekend, I’d let my oil change go too far. The car was running rough and I’ve had an engine light on (which had been on since the before the brake job last fall. My mechanic friend plugged in his code reader and told me the fuel filter was probably getting clogged as the warning was related to fuel mix). I picked up some oil, oil filter, and a fuel filter and set out to do some routine maintenance. The oil change was really easy and I was done in 30 minutes. The fuel filter took me about the same time, and I even remembered to disconnect the battery! Mission complete. I took the car for a drive and it’s running well one again. The parts to do the job cost me $20 and I think I saved about $200 in repairs.
If you drive 15,000 miles a year typically you’ll need a brake job and four to five oil changes. Doing these maintenance things yourself (excluding the cost of tools and help books) will probably save you some money.
MURIEL
Comments Off
Jan
06
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Phoenix Delray asked:
Contrary to popular belief, a good car maintenance routine does not start and end with biweekly visits to the car wash and a trip to Jiffy Lube every 3,000 miles or so. Instead, you should have a more hands on approach to basic car maintenance. You should regularly monitor everything from fluid levels to belts and hoses, basic car maintenance kind of stuff that you can easily do on your own without having to pay a mechanic a lot of money.
Did you know that you should check your oil every single time you fill up your gas tank? Not many people do, and instead opt to only have their mechanic perform this very basic car maintenance every few thousand miles. The reason why it is so crucial to do so frequently is because of how important a proper oil level is to the smooth operation of your vehicle. If the oil is too low or too dirty, the performance of your car will suffer. Basic car maintenance really revolves around oil inspection.
Another part of basic car maintenance is keeping your windshield wipers and fluid in tip top condition. Some windshield washer fluids go a little further than average car maintenance requires, dissipating a chemical that help the wipers work more effectively by dispersing water.
It costs about the same as regular windshield washer fluid, so you should definitely look into getting some the next time you find yourself in need. Also, you want to make sure that you never put plain water in the windshield washer reservoir, as it would be counterproductive to the keeping up the overall car maintenance. Unlike water, the fluid is specially formulated not to freeze and ***** the plastic reservoir when it gets cold outside.
Replacing windshield wiper blades are one of the easiest components of basic car maintenance, from start to finish the whole job should take you less than 10 minutes. This should be done at least once a year, as old windshield wiper blades tend to get brittle and cracked, which can then scratch your windshield when in use.
Keeping the proper tire pressure is also a relatively easy, yet very important, part of basic car maintenance. When your tires are properly inflated, you get much better gas mileage, and the likelihood of blowing out a tire while driving is decreased. So, always keep a pressure gauge in your vehicle!
LONNIE
Contrary to popular belief, a good car maintenance routine does not start and end with biweekly visits to the car wash and a trip to Jiffy Lube every 3,000 miles or so. Instead, you should have a more hands on approach to basic car maintenance. You should regularly monitor everything from fluid levels to belts and hoses, basic car maintenance kind of stuff that you can easily do on your own without having to pay a mechanic a lot of money.
Did you know that you should check your oil every single time you fill up your gas tank? Not many people do, and instead opt to only have their mechanic perform this very basic car maintenance every few thousand miles. The reason why it is so crucial to do so frequently is because of how important a proper oil level is to the smooth operation of your vehicle. If the oil is too low or too dirty, the performance of your car will suffer. Basic car maintenance really revolves around oil inspection.
Another part of basic car maintenance is keeping your windshield wipers and fluid in tip top condition. Some windshield washer fluids go a little further than average car maintenance requires, dissipating a chemical that help the wipers work more effectively by dispersing water.
It costs about the same as regular windshield washer fluid, so you should definitely look into getting some the next time you find yourself in need. Also, you want to make sure that you never put plain water in the windshield washer reservoir, as it would be counterproductive to the keeping up the overall car maintenance. Unlike water, the fluid is specially formulated not to freeze and ***** the plastic reservoir when it gets cold outside.
Replacing windshield wiper blades are one of the easiest components of basic car maintenance, from start to finish the whole job should take you less than 10 minutes. This should be done at least once a year, as old windshield wiper blades tend to get brittle and cracked, which can then scratch your windshield when in use.
Keeping the proper tire pressure is also a relatively easy, yet very important, part of basic car maintenance. When your tires are properly inflated, you get much better gas mileage, and the likelihood of blowing out a tire while driving is decreased. So, always keep a pressure gauge in your vehicle!
LONNIE
Comments Off
Jan
05
Filed Under (Maintenance) by Car Specialist
Deloris Emmeries asked:
Long ago, in a land not too far away, a fair maiden could take her car to a gas station and a smiling, uniformed man would run up and ask her, “Fill ‘er up, ma’am?” In those days, cars were actually serviced, hence the name “service station.” A service station employee would pump your gas, check your tire pressure, and even add oil to your car if necessary. The only thing that you would pay for is the gas. Of course, if your car needed oil, you would also need to pay for that as well, but you did not pay for the “service.”
Those really were the good old days! For a lot of today’s women, this is nothing more than a fairy tale, as they cannot remember it ever actually happening. Every woman should have some basic automobile knowledge. This is especially true if she does not have a man she can depend on to take care of her vehicle for her.
I had owned a cute, little blue sports car for about a year when I first met my husband. Being a gentleman, he offered to check whether my car needed service. He asked me when the oil had last been changed. “What do you mean by ‘changed’?” I asked. I had never bothered to change the oil; I just added more when it was low. The oil was sludge when he drained it, because I had driven about 25,000 miles without changing it. Now I realize that I must have the oil changed on a regular basis. An easy way to remember is to go by holidays on the calendar. Since I drive 15,000 miles annually, and I should change the oil after 5,000, all I have to remember is to change it at around Easter, Labor Day, and Christmas.
The most important accessory for your car it is probably sitting in your glove box - the owner’s manual. Take some time to read through it, because it is full of useful information about your car. You can learn when these procedures are due by reading the owner’s manual and taking the car to a shop for the required maintenance. A lot of these things are simple and can be taken care of at a local service station, or you may even learn to do them yourself! You can learn how much to inflate the tires, what kind of fluids to add, and many other helpful pieces of advice. It is a good idea to use your owner’s manual as a type of journal, wherein you will be able to keep track of when you had maintenance and oil changes done.
Drivers should learn how to check the air pressure of their tires and know how to add air to tires when necessary. Learn where your jack and spare tire are kept and, more importantly, learn how to use them to change a flat. Even if you have a roadside assistance policy, what will you do if you have flat tire in a remote area where your cell phone does not work? Perhaps a Good Samaritan will stop to give you a hand. But how will you know if he is an actual Good Samaritan or an axe murderer? At a minimum, you should be able to replace a flat tire if you need to.
You must have a portable battery charger in your car to charge your battery in case your battery goes dead. Not only are these chargers much safer to use but you also are not going to need to have another car around to jumpstart your battery.
There is a built-in sensor in your brakes that alerts you when they are about to wear out. When the pads are almost worn out, there is a little pin which will make a squeaking sound. This is your signal to have the brakes serviced; putting this off until the pads are completely worn out, with metal rubbing on metal, will be a far more costly repair.
The time to find a knowledgeable, trustworthy mechanic is before something goes wrong with your car. Find a reliable auto repair shop that’s good and trustworthy before your car needs a repair not covered by the warranty. Check with friends, family, and neighbors for a recommendation of a reliable auto repair shop so, when the occasion arises, you will know where to go. Until then, maintain your regular maintenance schedules and you can drive without any worries.
RAUL
Long ago, in a land not too far away, a fair maiden could take her car to a gas station and a smiling, uniformed man would run up and ask her, “Fill ‘er up, ma’am?” In those days, cars were actually serviced, hence the name “service station.” A service station employee would pump your gas, check your tire pressure, and even add oil to your car if necessary. The only thing that you would pay for is the gas. Of course, if your car needed oil, you would also need to pay for that as well, but you did not pay for the “service.”
Those really were the good old days! For a lot of today’s women, this is nothing more than a fairy tale, as they cannot remember it ever actually happening. Every woman should have some basic automobile knowledge. This is especially true if she does not have a man she can depend on to take care of her vehicle for her.
I had owned a cute, little blue sports car for about a year when I first met my husband. Being a gentleman, he offered to check whether my car needed service. He asked me when the oil had last been changed. “What do you mean by ‘changed’?” I asked. I had never bothered to change the oil; I just added more when it was low. The oil was sludge when he drained it, because I had driven about 25,000 miles without changing it. Now I realize that I must have the oil changed on a regular basis. An easy way to remember is to go by holidays on the calendar. Since I drive 15,000 miles annually, and I should change the oil after 5,000, all I have to remember is to change it at around Easter, Labor Day, and Christmas.
The most important accessory for your car it is probably sitting in your glove box - the owner’s manual. Take some time to read through it, because it is full of useful information about your car. You can learn when these procedures are due by reading the owner’s manual and taking the car to a shop for the required maintenance. A lot of these things are simple and can be taken care of at a local service station, or you may even learn to do them yourself! You can learn how much to inflate the tires, what kind of fluids to add, and many other helpful pieces of advice. It is a good idea to use your owner’s manual as a type of journal, wherein you will be able to keep track of when you had maintenance and oil changes done.
Drivers should learn how to check the air pressure of their tires and know how to add air to tires when necessary. Learn where your jack and spare tire are kept and, more importantly, learn how to use them to change a flat. Even if you have a roadside assistance policy, what will you do if you have flat tire in a remote area where your cell phone does not work? Perhaps a Good Samaritan will stop to give you a hand. But how will you know if he is an actual Good Samaritan or an axe murderer? At a minimum, you should be able to replace a flat tire if you need to.
You must have a portable battery charger in your car to charge your battery in case your battery goes dead. Not only are these chargers much safer to use but you also are not going to need to have another car around to jumpstart your battery.
There is a built-in sensor in your brakes that alerts you when they are about to wear out. When the pads are almost worn out, there is a little pin which will make a squeaking sound. This is your signal to have the brakes serviced; putting this off until the pads are completely worn out, with metal rubbing on metal, will be a far more costly repair.
The time to find a knowledgeable, trustworthy mechanic is before something goes wrong with your car. Find a reliable auto repair shop that’s good and trustworthy before your car needs a repair not covered by the warranty. Check with friends, family, and neighbors for a recommendation of a reliable auto repair shop so, when the occasion arises, you will know where to go. Until then, maintain your regular maintenance schedules and you can drive without any worries.
RAUL
Comments Off