Automobiles are sizeable investments. As a car becomes older, its maintenance becomes increasingly important. There are many tools that every auto owner should have. Auto shops can sometimes charge exurbanite amounts for a simple fix that could have been done at home for much cheaper. Having the proper tools and knowledge will allow any auto owner to save money, learn more about their automobile, and maintain their car.
1. Every auto owner should have a jack and jack stands. When working on a car, more often than not, the car must be elevated. Simple procedures like rotating tires can be done at home with the help of a Jack. Additionally, all car owners should have a jack in their car with them wherever they go. In the unfortunate event of a flat tire, having a jack and a spare tire can lead to a simple tire replacement. In a garage, having a powerful jack and strong jack stands makes it possible for an auto owner to reach every point underneath the car and thus solve problems more efficiently.
2. One of the most important car maintenance practices is the oil change. To maintain an automobile, the oil should be changed once every 3,000 miles. Quintessential to a successful oil change is having an Oil Wrench that takes the oil filter off and allows the oil to be changed expediently. Without an oil wrench, an auto owner may be forced to take their car to an auto shop and overpay for a simple oil change.
3. Often when dealing with parts of the engine, or the hard-to-reach spots under the hood, proper tools are required. A 3/8-inch Socket Set can allow an automobile owner to loosen and subsequently tighten a wide variety of bolts. Different extensions allow the auto owner to obtain the best angles for torque and therefore make auto jobs quite a bit easier.
4. When changing oil, having a funnel, some rags, and a bucket is very helpful. Once again, the oil change is one of the most important maintenances for a car, and it can be done easily by anyone. However, many people do not have the proper tools or knowledge for a successful oil change. Having a funnel can also be useful when refilling any other fluids in one's car. The funnel serves to make sure that fluids do not get over filled, which can lead to significant problems.
5. Finally, every auto owner should have a pair of solid vice grips. Some times a part will just not come loose. Other times, a car part may not seem to be tight enough despite one's best efforts. Vice grips can hold a wide variety of car parts and allow the user to obtain more leverage for either tightening or loosening a part. When encountering a part that will simply not come loose, many auto owners will give up and take their car to a shop. Having vice grips can help one to avoid this problem.
Unfortunately, there is no car in existence that doesn't require constant maintenance. However, with the right tools, anyone can fix minor problems and maintain his or her automobile without the assistance of an auto mechanic. The right tools can lead to a longer last vehicle, and large cost savings.
Showing posts with label Auto Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auto Care. Show all posts
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
After The Sale
Enjoy your car... that's simple huh? Well it's not really that simple. Here is a list of things to think about after the sale.
Notify your insurance agent about the new car.
Read the entire owners manual. Familiarize yourself with the service requirements. Understand when you need to change oil, filters, and other major things like timing belt and driveline fluids.
Get used to operating the heating/AC controls and the radio so you do not have to fumble around and risk an accident while on the highway.
Pop the hood and find the oil filler cap, the oil dipstick. If you bought a car with an automotive transmission there will be a dipstick for the transmission fluid also.
Find the spare tire and jack. Make sure you know where to jack the car when changing a tire and how to remove the spare when you need it. There is nothing worse than getting a flat tire in a new car and having to struggle to change it the first time.
Accessorize! It's your car and it should make a statement about you. There are plenty of aftermarket items to make your new car unique like yourself.
Notify your insurance agent about the new car.
Read the entire owners manual. Familiarize yourself with the service requirements. Understand when you need to change oil, filters, and other major things like timing belt and driveline fluids.
Get used to operating the heating/AC controls and the radio so you do not have to fumble around and risk an accident while on the highway.
Pop the hood and find the oil filler cap, the oil dipstick. If you bought a car with an automotive transmission there will be a dipstick for the transmission fluid also.
Find the spare tire and jack. Make sure you know where to jack the car when changing a tire and how to remove the spare when you need it. There is nothing worse than getting a flat tire in a new car and having to struggle to change it the first time.
Accessorize! It's your car and it should make a statement about you. There are plenty of aftermarket items to make your new car unique like yourself.
Are You Tired of Trite Tips on Fuel Savings
In these days of record high fuel prices affecting already stretched budgets, many of us are looking for tips on fuel savings. Unfortunately, most tips are “no-brainers”.
Some suggest staying within posted speed limits because “…the faster you drive, the more fuel you use.” Daah !!! Explain that to a teenager!
Oh, here's one – “combine errands”. Come on, anyone who runs a household figured that one out eons ago, just to maintain sanity.
Here's another I just love – remove excess weight. Hmm… let me think, I can make the kids walk to their sports events or mall, and meet them when they arrive. And, of course, ban any friends from catching a ride. But then again, when the riot occurs, the police will have to use their fuel instead.
After much research, here's a few fuel savings tips I found that actually make sense:
1. Depending on a vehicle's condition, you can increase fuel savings simply by keeping your engine tuned.
2. Maintaining proper inflation of tires can increase fuel savings by up to 6%.
3. Replace air, oil, and fuel filters regularly. Clogged filters decrease fuel savings.
But the best tip to date is this simple fuel savings solution:
A small Power Pill, the size of a penny, that can be dropped into the tank at fill up. Here's what the PowerPill does:
· Provides fuel savings averaging 15% on cars and 20% on diesel trucks
· Conditions the engine by cleaning it, resulting in eliminating and preventing what is known as “carbon deposits”, the culprit behind decreased fuel savings.
· Lowering octane requirements, thus saving an additional 5¢ to 10¢ per gallon.
· More savings on maintenance by extending the life of spark plugs, valves, engine, and frequent oil changes.
· Environmental benefits by significantly reducing toxic pollutants, which in essence allows us to breathe cleaner air and live longer.
N.A.S.A. engineered and SAE tested over a decade ago, global results can be found at http://www.thepowerpill.com/tests including the most recent unsolicited tests performed by Dial-A-Cab taxi drivers in London.
Some suggest staying within posted speed limits because “…the faster you drive, the more fuel you use.” Daah !!! Explain that to a teenager!
Oh, here's one – “combine errands”. Come on, anyone who runs a household figured that one out eons ago, just to maintain sanity.
Here's another I just love – remove excess weight. Hmm… let me think, I can make the kids walk to their sports events or mall, and meet them when they arrive. And, of course, ban any friends from catching a ride. But then again, when the riot occurs, the police will have to use their fuel instead.
After much research, here's a few fuel savings tips I found that actually make sense:
1. Depending on a vehicle's condition, you can increase fuel savings simply by keeping your engine tuned.
2. Maintaining proper inflation of tires can increase fuel savings by up to 6%.
3. Replace air, oil, and fuel filters regularly. Clogged filters decrease fuel savings.
But the best tip to date is this simple fuel savings solution:
A small Power Pill, the size of a penny, that can be dropped into the tank at fill up. Here's what the PowerPill does:
· Provides fuel savings averaging 15% on cars and 20% on diesel trucks
· Conditions the engine by cleaning it, resulting in eliminating and preventing what is known as “carbon deposits”, the culprit behind decreased fuel savings.
· Lowering octane requirements, thus saving an additional 5¢ to 10¢ per gallon.
· More savings on maintenance by extending the life of spark plugs, valves, engine, and frequent oil changes.
· Environmental benefits by significantly reducing toxic pollutants, which in essence allows us to breathe cleaner air and live longer.
N.A.S.A. engineered and SAE tested over a decade ago, global results can be found at http://www.thepowerpill.com/tests including the most recent unsolicited tests performed by Dial-A-Cab taxi drivers in London.
Car alarm - attempt to discourage theft of car
A car alarm is a device installed in a car in an attempt to discourage theft of that car. Most alarms work by making a loud sound. Other alarms disable the ignition of the car, or send a signal to the owner (by way of a beeper) that his or her car is being disturbed
Car alarms are set off by vibrations, tilting of the car (to prevent unauthorized towing), or touching the car. The vast majority of car alarms which sound are accidental. They are caused by the passing of large trucks, the vibration of thunder or people touching the car (as to tie one's shoe on a bumper).
Since most car alarms are accidental, most people in American cities are numbed to the sound of alarms, and do nothing to prevent theft. The New York City Police Department claims that car alarms are actually making the crime problem worse (see their booklet called "Police Strategy No. 5: Reclaiming the Public Spaces of New York," City of New York, New York, 1994) because since nothing is done about the alarms, the general impression is that no one cares about the neighborhood.
Because of the large number of false alarms with car alarms, many vehicle manufacturers no longer factory fit alarms, offering silent - but effective - immobilizers instead. As an after-market fitting, a vehicle tracking system, which allows the police to trace stolen vehicles is considerably more effective. Both of these class of devices cover the event of someone attempting to take the vehicle without consent; but do not cover theft from, or vandalism of, the vehicle.
If you want to think about a car alarm in its simplest form, it is nothing but one or more sensors connected to some sort of siren. The very simplest alarm would have a switch on the driver's door, and it would be wired so that if someone opened the door the siren would start wailing. You could implement this car alarm with a switch, a couple of pieces of wire and a siren.
Most modern car alarm systems are much more sophisticated than this. They consist of:
An array of sensors that can include switches, pressure sensors and motion detectors
A siren, often able to create a variety of sounds so that you can pick a distinct sound for your car
A radio receiver to allow wireless control from a key fob
An auxiliary battery so that the alarm can operate even if the main battery gets disconnected
A computer control unit that monitors everything and sounds the alarm -- the "brain" of the system
The brain in most advanced systems is actually a small computer. The brain's job is to close the switches that activate alarm devices -- your horn, headlights or an installed siren -- when certain switches that power sensing devices are opened or closed. Security systems differ mainly in which sensors are used and how the various devices are wired into the brain.
The brain and alarm features may be wired to the car's main battery, but they usually have a backup power source as well. This hidden battery kicks in when somebody cuts off the main power source (by clipping the battery cables, for example). Since cutting the power is a possible indication of an intruder, it triggers the brain to sound the alarm.
The most basic element in a car alarm system is the door alarm. When you open the front hood, trunk or any door on a fully protected car, the brain triggers the alarm system.
Most car alarm systems utilize the switching mechanism that is already built into the doors. In modern cars, opening a door or trunk turns on the inside lights. The switch that makes this work is like the mechanism that controls the light in your refrigerator. When the door is closed, it presses in a small, spring-activated button or lever, which opens the circuit. When the door is opened, the spring pushes the button open, closing the circuit and sending electricity to the inside lights.
All you have to do to set up door sensors is add a new element to this pre-wired circuit. With the new wires in place, opening the door (closing the switch) sends an electrical current to the brain in addition to the inside lights. When this current flows, it causes the brain to sound the alarm.
As an overall protective measure, modern alarm systems typically monitor the voltage in the car's entire electrical circuit. If there is a drop in voltage in this circuit, the brain knows that someone has interfered with the electrical system. Turning on a light (by opening the door), messing with electrical wires under the hood or removing an attached trailer with an electrical connection would all cause such a drop in voltage.
Door sensors are highly effective, but they offer fairly limited protection. There are other ways to get into the car (breaking a window), and thieves don't actually need to break into your car to steal it from you (they can tow your car away). In the next couple of sections, we'll look at some of the more advanced car alarm systems that protect against craftier criminals.
These days, only the cheapest car alarm packages rely on door sensors alone. Advanced alarm systems mostly depend on shock sensors to deter thieves and vandals.
The idea of a shock sensor is fairly simple: If somebody hits, jostles or otherwise moves your car, the sensor sends a signal to the brain indicating the intensity of the motion. Depending on the severity of the shock, the brain signals a warning horn beep or sounds the full-scale alarm.
There are many different ways to construct a shock sensor. One simple sensor is a long, flexible metal contact positioned just above another metal contact. You can easily configure these contacts as a simple switch: When you touch them together, current flows between them. A substantial jolt will cause the flexible contact to sway so that it touches the contact below, completing the circuit briefly.
The problem with this design is that all shocks or vibrations close the circuit in the same way. The brain has no way of measuring the intensity of the jolt, which results in a lot of false alarms. More-advanced sensors send different information depending on how severe the shock is. The design shown below, patented by Randall Woods in 2000, is a good example of this sort of sensor.
Car alarms are set off by vibrations, tilting of the car (to prevent unauthorized towing), or touching the car. The vast majority of car alarms which sound are accidental. They are caused by the passing of large trucks, the vibration of thunder or people touching the car (as to tie one's shoe on a bumper).
Since most car alarms are accidental, most people in American cities are numbed to the sound of alarms, and do nothing to prevent theft. The New York City Police Department claims that car alarms are actually making the crime problem worse (see their booklet called "Police Strategy No. 5: Reclaiming the Public Spaces of New York," City of New York, New York, 1994) because since nothing is done about the alarms, the general impression is that no one cares about the neighborhood.
Because of the large number of false alarms with car alarms, many vehicle manufacturers no longer factory fit alarms, offering silent - but effective - immobilizers instead. As an after-market fitting, a vehicle tracking system, which allows the police to trace stolen vehicles is considerably more effective. Both of these class of devices cover the event of someone attempting to take the vehicle without consent; but do not cover theft from, or vandalism of, the vehicle.
If you want to think about a car alarm in its simplest form, it is nothing but one or more sensors connected to some sort of siren. The very simplest alarm would have a switch on the driver's door, and it would be wired so that if someone opened the door the siren would start wailing. You could implement this car alarm with a switch, a couple of pieces of wire and a siren.
Most modern car alarm systems are much more sophisticated than this. They consist of:
An array of sensors that can include switches, pressure sensors and motion detectors
A siren, often able to create a variety of sounds so that you can pick a distinct sound for your car
A radio receiver to allow wireless control from a key fob
An auxiliary battery so that the alarm can operate even if the main battery gets disconnected
A computer control unit that monitors everything and sounds the alarm -- the "brain" of the system
The brain in most advanced systems is actually a small computer. The brain's job is to close the switches that activate alarm devices -- your horn, headlights or an installed siren -- when certain switches that power sensing devices are opened or closed. Security systems differ mainly in which sensors are used and how the various devices are wired into the brain.
The brain and alarm features may be wired to the car's main battery, but they usually have a backup power source as well. This hidden battery kicks in when somebody cuts off the main power source (by clipping the battery cables, for example). Since cutting the power is a possible indication of an intruder, it triggers the brain to sound the alarm.
The most basic element in a car alarm system is the door alarm. When you open the front hood, trunk or any door on a fully protected car, the brain triggers the alarm system.
Most car alarm systems utilize the switching mechanism that is already built into the doors. In modern cars, opening a door or trunk turns on the inside lights. The switch that makes this work is like the mechanism that controls the light in your refrigerator. When the door is closed, it presses in a small, spring-activated button or lever, which opens the circuit. When the door is opened, the spring pushes the button open, closing the circuit and sending electricity to the inside lights.
All you have to do to set up door sensors is add a new element to this pre-wired circuit. With the new wires in place, opening the door (closing the switch) sends an electrical current to the brain in addition to the inside lights. When this current flows, it causes the brain to sound the alarm.
As an overall protective measure, modern alarm systems typically monitor the voltage in the car's entire electrical circuit. If there is a drop in voltage in this circuit, the brain knows that someone has interfered with the electrical system. Turning on a light (by opening the door), messing with electrical wires under the hood or removing an attached trailer with an electrical connection would all cause such a drop in voltage.
Door sensors are highly effective, but they offer fairly limited protection. There are other ways to get into the car (breaking a window), and thieves don't actually need to break into your car to steal it from you (they can tow your car away). In the next couple of sections, we'll look at some of the more advanced car alarm systems that protect against craftier criminals.
These days, only the cheapest car alarm packages rely on door sensors alone. Advanced alarm systems mostly depend on shock sensors to deter thieves and vandals.
The idea of a shock sensor is fairly simple: If somebody hits, jostles or otherwise moves your car, the sensor sends a signal to the brain indicating the intensity of the motion. Depending on the severity of the shock, the brain signals a warning horn beep or sounds the full-scale alarm.
There are many different ways to construct a shock sensor. One simple sensor is a long, flexible metal contact positioned just above another metal contact. You can easily configure these contacts as a simple switch: When you touch them together, current flows between them. A substantial jolt will cause the flexible contact to sway so that it touches the contact below, completing the circuit briefly.
The problem with this design is that all shocks or vibrations close the circuit in the same way. The brain has no way of measuring the intensity of the jolt, which results in a lot of false alarms. More-advanced sensors send different information depending on how severe the shock is. The design shown below, patented by Randall Woods in 2000, is a good example of this sort of sensor.
Car Care Tips for Students and Parents
Parents and students will do well to get their vehicles in shape before winter arrives, according to the pros and the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Many breakdowns can be avoided entirely by routine maintenance. The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.
First things first -- Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
Engine Performance -- Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters—air, fuel, PCV, etc.
Fuel -- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that's kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming.
Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual -- more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
Cooling System -- The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you're doing your own work, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.
Heater/Defroster -- The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
Windshield Wipers -- Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent; you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
Battery -- The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.
A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
Exhaust System -- Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.
Tires -- Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Emergencies -- Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.
First things first -- Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.
Engine Performance -- Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters—air, fuel, PCV, etc.
Fuel -- Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that's kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming.
Oil -- Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual -- more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
Cooling System -- The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you're doing your own work, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.
Heater/Defroster -- The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
Windshield Wipers -- Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent; you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.
Battery -- The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.
A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.
Lights -- Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
Exhaust System -- Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.
Tires -- Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
Emergencies -- Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.
Choosing A Safe And Reliable Car Transport Service
It doesn't matter if your car is a sports car, an antique car, or even just a plain family car, if you want it safely delivered to you, you will have to find a reliable and affordable transport company that has a car transport package that suits your needs and your budget.
But, when choosing a car transport service you have to be aware of some issues regarding the transport and delivery of such. Transporting something as precious as your car would be suicide if you don't take the proper precautions.
Here are some things to look out for when considering a car transport service.
Insurance
Your car is a big investment. If you allow your car to be transported carelessly, you could end up with a badly banged-up car. To avoid this, you can have your transport service insure your car. While doing research on what transport service to hire, always look at the total price plus insurance. It may seem like a waste of money to some, but for those who have experienced having their cars shipped to them with dents, scratches, and – gasp – other major damages; insurance will seem like a welcome advice.
Know What Type of Transport You are Dealing With
There are quite a few options on how to have your car delivered. You can have door-to-door, enclosed, open, terminal-to-terminal, and rail service among others. Some of these options may have features that you do not need, or features that are more than what you need. Make sure you understand the details of each option and choose one according to your needs.
Schedule
You have to be clear on the schedules of pick up and delivery.
Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.
Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as they make the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, it could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.
When you and your car transport service come to terms on the dates, reinforce the fact that you will be expecting punctuality in the delivery and pickup. You might also want to consider whether the company allows you to cancel the transaction if they are late for pick up, or to refund a certain amount if they deliver you car late, or with damage.
If they are to be delayed, your car transport service should inform you ahead of time so you will not have to waste any time fussing over what happened to your car.
Report, Report, Report
It pays to have everything documented and in paper. Have the transport service inspect your car before and after transport so you can assess whether there was any damage sustained during the process. They should check the condition of the car and note this all down in paper. This is a standard operating procedure for many of the car transport services around.
Conclusion
Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and the length of trip. In today's market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.
The size of the car transport company is not the deciding factor. What really decides whether you can trust your transport service is the skill and track record of the service. Always investigate the past transactions of the transport outfit to see if there are any potential problems regarding their service.
Now you are all armed and a bit more knowledgeable in these matters. Car transport will now lose most of ‘scary-ness' you had attached to it, thanks to added knowledge! Use this knowledge wisely and enjoy a worry-free car transport!
But, when choosing a car transport service you have to be aware of some issues regarding the transport and delivery of such. Transporting something as precious as your car would be suicide if you don't take the proper precautions.
Here are some things to look out for when considering a car transport service.
Insurance
Your car is a big investment. If you allow your car to be transported carelessly, you could end up with a badly banged-up car. To avoid this, you can have your transport service insure your car. While doing research on what transport service to hire, always look at the total price plus insurance. It may seem like a waste of money to some, but for those who have experienced having their cars shipped to them with dents, scratches, and – gasp – other major damages; insurance will seem like a welcome advice.
Know What Type of Transport You are Dealing With
There are quite a few options on how to have your car delivered. You can have door-to-door, enclosed, open, terminal-to-terminal, and rail service among others. Some of these options may have features that you do not need, or features that are more than what you need. Make sure you understand the details of each option and choose one according to your needs.
Schedule
You have to be clear on the schedules of pick up and delivery.
Pick up time is the amount of time it takes from receipt of the order to transport until your automobile is loaded unto the trailer. This time is usually 2 and 10 days. Transport services appreciate a three day allowance to find a trailer and assign your car to that trailer.
Transit time will take about 8-10 days. This depends on the destination and route taken. These trailers will usually carry about ten automobiles at the same time. And as they make the necessary stops to deliver each automobile, it could use up a lot of time. So, it would do well to be patient during these times.
When you and your car transport service come to terms on the dates, reinforce the fact that you will be expecting punctuality in the delivery and pickup. You might also want to consider whether the company allows you to cancel the transaction if they are late for pick up, or to refund a certain amount if they deliver you car late, or with damage.
If they are to be delayed, your car transport service should inform you ahead of time so you will not have to waste any time fussing over what happened to your car.
Report, Report, Report
It pays to have everything documented and in paper. Have the transport service inspect your car before and after transport so you can assess whether there was any damage sustained during the process. They should check the condition of the car and note this all down in paper. This is a standard operating procedure for many of the car transport services around.
Conclusion
Finding the appropriate car transport trailer to fit your specific needs and budget should be an easy task providing that you know you budget limitations, special travel requirements for your car, and the length of trip. In today's market there are literally hundreds of car transport trailer options out there, and you can count on finding the right one for you in no time at all.
The size of the car transport company is not the deciding factor. What really decides whether you can trust your transport service is the skill and track record of the service. Always investigate the past transactions of the transport outfit to see if there are any potential problems regarding their service.
Now you are all armed and a bit more knowledgeable in these matters. Car transport will now lose most of ‘scary-ness' you had attached to it, thanks to added knowledge! Use this knowledge wisely and enjoy a worry-free car transport!
Extend The Life Of Your New Or Used Car
You don't think much about your car do you? Your car sits outside 24/7, 365 days a year in all extremes of weather. You routinely drive it at speeds that exceed 70 mph. You stop, start, stop, start through city traffic. You sit idling in traffic jams day after day. Yet, you expect your car to start every time you get into it and turn the key.
The best thing that you can do to extend the life of your car, and to potentially save yourself a bundle of money, is to have your car serviced on a routine basis. All car manufacturers have a schedule of recommended services for each vehicle they sell. Follow this schedule. The best place to have work done on a new vehicle that is still under warranty is the dealership.
It's a bit different when you have an older, out of warranty car. At this point you can make a decision to continue to use the dealer for service, or find yourself a local mechanic.
The first rule of thumb is to have the oil in your car changed every 3,000 miles. This is the simplest and most important part of routine maintenance for your car. At that time, whether you go to a "speedy" oil change business or to your mechanic, the technician will take a look at the overall condition of your engine. They'll check belts and hoses and fluid levels of your transmission and brakes. They'll check your air cleaner and the condition of your tires. Some of these drive through services also offer add on's such as engine cleaning and radiator flushes. If they think they see something that could become potentially serious they will tell you about it and suggest you take your car to a mechanic.
Cars have really changed over the years and most technicians use computers to diagnose problems. You'll need to be able to describe the problem to the mechanic. They'll need to know things such as when you first noticed the problem and exactly under what condition it happens. Does it happen when the car is cold, or after it warms up? Does it happen when you're at an idle or when your accelerating? If you don't use the same mechanic have a copy of your car's service record with you so that the new mechanic can see what maintenance been done in the past. It's best to find a mechanic you're comfortable with and stay with him. Knowing your car's history can go a long way towards helping him diagnose and fix a problem.
Learn to listen to your car. If you hear an unusual noise, notice a change in it's performance or handling take it to your mechanic.
The best thing that you can do to extend the life of your car, and to potentially save yourself a bundle of money, is to have your car serviced on a routine basis. All car manufacturers have a schedule of recommended services for each vehicle they sell. Follow this schedule. The best place to have work done on a new vehicle that is still under warranty is the dealership.
It's a bit different when you have an older, out of warranty car. At this point you can make a decision to continue to use the dealer for service, or find yourself a local mechanic.
The first rule of thumb is to have the oil in your car changed every 3,000 miles. This is the simplest and most important part of routine maintenance for your car. At that time, whether you go to a "speedy" oil change business or to your mechanic, the technician will take a look at the overall condition of your engine. They'll check belts and hoses and fluid levels of your transmission and brakes. They'll check your air cleaner and the condition of your tires. Some of these drive through services also offer add on's such as engine cleaning and radiator flushes. If they think they see something that could become potentially serious they will tell you about it and suggest you take your car to a mechanic.
Cars have really changed over the years and most technicians use computers to diagnose problems. You'll need to be able to describe the problem to the mechanic. They'll need to know things such as when you first noticed the problem and exactly under what condition it happens. Does it happen when the car is cold, or after it warms up? Does it happen when you're at an idle or when your accelerating? If you don't use the same mechanic have a copy of your car's service record with you so that the new mechanic can see what maintenance been done in the past. It's best to find a mechanic you're comfortable with and stay with him. Knowing your car's history can go a long way towards helping him diagnose and fix a problem.
Learn to listen to your car. If you hear an unusual noise, notice a change in it's performance or handling take it to your mechanic.
How to Choose a Car Transport Company
Whether you're shipping an expensive exotic car, a classic, an antique or a standard family car you can always count on successfully locating an excellent car transport company with an auto carrier package designed to fit your needs and budget.
There are several different types of car transport companies that cover a wide range of services including overseas shipping and international transport, transport of custom built automobiles, luxury cars, antique autos, exotic cars, and the familiar sedan. Car transport companies are usually listed under the following titles: car transport, vehicle shipping, and auto transport. When hiring a car transport company you have to consider some issues specific to vehicle transport, unlike your other possessions cars have some precise requirements like additional car insurance and vehicle inspection reports.
Be confident that the car transport company adequately insures your car. When investigating car transport companies you will want to find out the total cost first. Be prepared to provide the following information: origination/destination, departure date, and type of car. You will also want to consider what kind of car transport service you want. There are several options available with a wide variety of prices; for example door-to-door car transport, terminal-to-terminal, enclosed car transport, car carrier transport and rail service.
Some car transport companies may require payment in advance, while others will require a deposit. Ask for a contract clause that waives the cancellation fee if your car is not picked up by your auto shipping company within the time frame that you agree upon. If you terminate your contract within the allotted time period, expect to pay some fee. Occasionally it is difficult for a car transport company to certify a delivery date, however some car transport companies will offer a guarantee that covers a rental car if they cannot make the agreed delivery, find out the cost and the maximum dollars per day covered.
The car transport company should warn you of possible delays ahead of time. If you need an exact date for pick-up, most vehicle transport services can pick-up your car and hold it at a secure location for an additional charge.
Car transport companies use various methods to move your car long distances, such as flatbed truck, car carrier, enclosed trailer and other more customized options, like single enclosed trailer or two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers.
When you leave your car with a car transport company, be sure you receive an inspection report, this document supplies receiving and delivery information, current mileage, and details the condition of your car. Make sure to get everything in writing.
Remember it's not the size of a company or how many trucks they have that makes them successful; it is the skill of the employees behind the equipment and their commitment to customer service. A great car transport company will have a group of trained professionals who will come to you with experience and unique knowledge of the inner workings of the auto transport business. Just knowing the basic facts about car transport will make finding the right company a guaranteed success.
There are several different types of car transport companies that cover a wide range of services including overseas shipping and international transport, transport of custom built automobiles, luxury cars, antique autos, exotic cars, and the familiar sedan. Car transport companies are usually listed under the following titles: car transport, vehicle shipping, and auto transport. When hiring a car transport company you have to consider some issues specific to vehicle transport, unlike your other possessions cars have some precise requirements like additional car insurance and vehicle inspection reports.
Be confident that the car transport company adequately insures your car. When investigating car transport companies you will want to find out the total cost first. Be prepared to provide the following information: origination/destination, departure date, and type of car. You will also want to consider what kind of car transport service you want. There are several options available with a wide variety of prices; for example door-to-door car transport, terminal-to-terminal, enclosed car transport, car carrier transport and rail service.
Some car transport companies may require payment in advance, while others will require a deposit. Ask for a contract clause that waives the cancellation fee if your car is not picked up by your auto shipping company within the time frame that you agree upon. If you terminate your contract within the allotted time period, expect to pay some fee. Occasionally it is difficult for a car transport company to certify a delivery date, however some car transport companies will offer a guarantee that covers a rental car if they cannot make the agreed delivery, find out the cost and the maximum dollars per day covered.
The car transport company should warn you of possible delays ahead of time. If you need an exact date for pick-up, most vehicle transport services can pick-up your car and hold it at a secure location for an additional charge.
Car transport companies use various methods to move your car long distances, such as flatbed truck, car carrier, enclosed trailer and other more customized options, like single enclosed trailer or two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers.
When you leave your car with a car transport company, be sure you receive an inspection report, this document supplies receiving and delivery information, current mileage, and details the condition of your car. Make sure to get everything in writing.
Remember it's not the size of a company or how many trucks they have that makes them successful; it is the skill of the employees behind the equipment and their commitment to customer service. A great car transport company will have a group of trained professionals who will come to you with experience and unique knowledge of the inner workings of the auto transport business. Just knowing the basic facts about car transport will make finding the right company a guaranteed success.
How to Transport Your Classic Car
Classic car transport is a large branch of car transport; it is a specialized field that includes car transport companies that are dedicated to the transport of antique and vintage cars. Most trailers used for the safe and efficient transport of classic cars are specially designed for smooth travel and protection from road and weather.
Classic car transport companies usually employ only professional drivers who are experienced handlers of antique and exotic cars. Some popular trailer options for secure classic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of classic vehicles will offer delivery from door-to-door or delivery to the customer. Most classic car transport companies will accept non-running vehicles.
When you are searching for a classic car transport company, ask if classic and vintage vehicle transport is their main activity or a sideline of another business. In addition, find out if they contract out transport to third parties. Make sure when you are investigating car transport companies that classic vehicles are their main focus. To safeguard your interests, also make sure they carry the best insurance coverage available.
Many classic car transport companies will design an itinerary exclusive to you, this allows for greater flexibility on times of pick-up and delivery. Additionally in-transit contact between office and drivers through cell phones is a service that most classic car transport companies will provide as part of the basic transport service. Winching is also available at a modest fee.
Many classic car transport companies offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These classic car transport companies specialize in reliable, proficient service with frequent departures from major U.S. ports. Normally you will be assigned a very experienced customer service representative to insure the safe convey of your car.
Classic car transport companies use various methods to move your car long distances, such as flatbed truck, enclosed single trailer and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains. Easy and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates is usually a standard and most classic car transport companies have tie-down systems that provide security without harming your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth travel are other popular available options. Custom equipment designed to meet your needs is often available upon request.
It should not be difficult to find a classic car transport facility with a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the basic facts about classic car transport will make finding the best company a sure success.
Classic car transport companies usually employ only professional drivers who are experienced handlers of antique and exotic cars. Some popular trailer options for secure classic car transport are: six-car enclosed trailers, four-car enclosed trailers, and two-car non-stacking enclosed trailers. Most auto transporters of classic vehicles will offer delivery from door-to-door or delivery to the customer. Most classic car transport companies will accept non-running vehicles.
When you are searching for a classic car transport company, ask if classic and vintage vehicle transport is their main activity or a sideline of another business. In addition, find out if they contract out transport to third parties. Make sure when you are investigating car transport companies that classic vehicles are their main focus. To safeguard your interests, also make sure they carry the best insurance coverage available.
Many classic car transport companies will design an itinerary exclusive to you, this allows for greater flexibility on times of pick-up and delivery. Additionally in-transit contact between office and drivers through cell phones is a service that most classic car transport companies will provide as part of the basic transport service. Winching is also available at a modest fee.
Many classic car transport companies offer worldwide vehicle transportation solutions to individuals. These classic car transport companies specialize in reliable, proficient service with frequent departures from major U.S. ports. Normally you will be assigned a very experienced customer service representative to insure the safe convey of your car.
Classic car transport companies use various methods to move your car long distances, such as flatbed truck, enclosed single trailer and enclosed rail service. Your car will probably travel flat without being tied down by chains. Easy and safe loading on custom built covered trailers with full lift gates is usually a standard and most classic car transport companies have tie-down systems that provide security without harming your vehicle. Airtight sanitary environments and full air equipment for smooth travel are other popular available options. Custom equipment designed to meet your needs is often available upon request.
It should not be difficult to find a classic car transport facility with a professional crew of mechanics and maintenance people who maintain an exceptional fleet of opened and enclosed transports to fit your needs and budget. Just knowing the basic facts about classic car transport will make finding the best company a sure success.
Improve Gas Mileage Without Damaging Your Car
Many of the gas saving devices being advertised do not work
and can actually damage your vehicle.
After evaluating and testing more than 100 alleged gas-
saving devices, the Environmental Protection Agency has
found only a few that improve mileage and none that do so
significantly.
The gas-saving products on the market seem to fall into
clearly defined categories. These include, but are not
limited to: air-bleed devices, vapor-bleed devices, liquid
injection devices, ignition devices, fuel line devices,
mixture enhancers, internal engine modification devices,
fuels and fuel additives, oils and oil additives, and
driving habit modifiers.
The EPA evaluates or tests products to determine whether
their use will result in any measurable improvement to fuel
economy. However, the EPA cannot say what effect gas-saving
products will have on a vehicle over a long period of time.
It is possible that some products may harm the car or
adversely affect its performance.
For example, if an "air bleed" device actually adds
significant amounts of air to the air-and-fuel mixture, it
may cause an engine to misfire, a condition which greatly
increases the potential engine damage or mechanical failure.
This is especially likely to happen on cars manufactured
between 1974 and 1982, because their carburetors are pre-set
for a maximum amount of air to be burned with the fuel.
"Air-bleed" devices will not work at all on many cars
manufactured after 1982, because these cars have "feedback"
carburetors that automatically adjust the air-and-fuel
mixture rendering the device useless.
Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied
customers. There are too many variables that affect fuel
consumption, such as traffic, road and weather conditions,
the car's condition and overall maintenance, and the driving
habits of the owner.
In one case a consumer sent a letter to a company praising
its gas-saving product. But what was not mentioned in the
advertisement was the fact that the consumers vehicle also
had an engine tune-up at the time the device was installed.
Some advertisers claim that the gas-saving device is
approved by the Federal government. No government agency
endorses gas-saving products for cars. The seller can only
state that the item has been tested by the EPA. If the
advertiser claims that the product has been tested by the
EPA ask to see the results or contact the EPA directly.
If you have already purchased a gas-saving product and you
are not satisfied, contact the manufacturer and ask for a
refund. An honest company offers a money-back guarantee.
If you are not satisfied with the company's response,
contact your local or state consumer protection agency or
the Better Business Bureau.
Keeping your car in tip top condition is the best way to get
the best gas mileage your vehicle has to offer. Every
vehicle come with an owners manual. Read and follow what
the manufacturer recommends.
Three simple steps that will help improve gas mileage in all
vehicles:
Getting a tune-up.
Checking tire pressure.
Removing any excess weight from the car's trunk.
and can actually damage your vehicle.
After evaluating and testing more than 100 alleged gas-
saving devices, the Environmental Protection Agency has
found only a few that improve mileage and none that do so
significantly.
The gas-saving products on the market seem to fall into
clearly defined categories. These include, but are not
limited to: air-bleed devices, vapor-bleed devices, liquid
injection devices, ignition devices, fuel line devices,
mixture enhancers, internal engine modification devices,
fuels and fuel additives, oils and oil additives, and
driving habit modifiers.
The EPA evaluates or tests products to determine whether
their use will result in any measurable improvement to fuel
economy. However, the EPA cannot say what effect gas-saving
products will have on a vehicle over a long period of time.
It is possible that some products may harm the car or
adversely affect its performance.
For example, if an "air bleed" device actually adds
significant amounts of air to the air-and-fuel mixture, it
may cause an engine to misfire, a condition which greatly
increases the potential engine damage or mechanical failure.
This is especially likely to happen on cars manufactured
between 1974 and 1982, because their carburetors are pre-set
for a maximum amount of air to be burned with the fuel.
"Air-bleed" devices will not work at all on many cars
manufactured after 1982, because these cars have "feedback"
carburetors that automatically adjust the air-and-fuel
mixture rendering the device useless.
Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied
customers. There are too many variables that affect fuel
consumption, such as traffic, road and weather conditions,
the car's condition and overall maintenance, and the driving
habits of the owner.
In one case a consumer sent a letter to a company praising
its gas-saving product. But what was not mentioned in the
advertisement was the fact that the consumers vehicle also
had an engine tune-up at the time the device was installed.
Some advertisers claim that the gas-saving device is
approved by the Federal government. No government agency
endorses gas-saving products for cars. The seller can only
state that the item has been tested by the EPA. If the
advertiser claims that the product has been tested by the
EPA ask to see the results or contact the EPA directly.
If you have already purchased a gas-saving product and you
are not satisfied, contact the manufacturer and ask for a
refund. An honest company offers a money-back guarantee.
If you are not satisfied with the company's response,
contact your local or state consumer protection agency or
the Better Business Bureau.
Keeping your car in tip top condition is the best way to get
the best gas mileage your vehicle has to offer. Every
vehicle come with an owners manual. Read and follow what
the manufacturer recommends.
Three simple steps that will help improve gas mileage in all
vehicles:
Getting a tune-up.
Checking tire pressure.
Removing any excess weight from the car's trunk.
Learn how to choose the right fuel treatments for your car
Choosing the right fuel treatments might be the difference between your car mechanism's receiving bad deposits or not as well as it could reduce the engine's wear or increase it in case it was wrongly chosen. Due to all these reasons, it is very important that you buy the right fuel treatments for your car instead of choosing them randomly.
If you wish to learn which the right fuel treatments for your car are, you should start by consulting your car owner's manual. Most car owner's manuals come with indications regarding the use of fuel treatments and some of them would let you know which ones you should buy and which ones you should avoid since some of them could be very prejudicial.
Fuel treatments are applied in order to improve specific car functioning areas and therefore you should have a clear idea on what you need to correct before buying the treatment fuel for it. This way, one of the best ways to make sure you will buy the right fuel treatment for your car is by choosing it according the specific problem it is going through.
Although there are some low cost treatments which are not bad, you should always try to make sure you buy a well known one or one which has been recommended to you by your mechanic or someone who knows what he is talking about. Another great way to buy your treatments is when they are on sale which happens very often in many stores.
After you have bought the right treatment, you should wait to add it until the next time you will add gas to the tank. This way, you should add the treatment, with a maximum of one bottle, and then add the gas you wish. If you have any doubts regarding fuel treatments you should ask your mechanic, or, in case you have doubts on how to use it you should ask the treatment manufacturer for further advice. You shouldn't add any treatment to your car if you are not sure about it and what it could do to the car.
If you wish to learn which the right fuel treatments for your car are, you should start by consulting your car owner's manual. Most car owner's manuals come with indications regarding the use of fuel treatments and some of them would let you know which ones you should buy and which ones you should avoid since some of them could be very prejudicial.
Fuel treatments are applied in order to improve specific car functioning areas and therefore you should have a clear idea on what you need to correct before buying the treatment fuel for it. This way, one of the best ways to make sure you will buy the right fuel treatment for your car is by choosing it according the specific problem it is going through.
Although there are some low cost treatments which are not bad, you should always try to make sure you buy a well known one or one which has been recommended to you by your mechanic or someone who knows what he is talking about. Another great way to buy your treatments is when they are on sale which happens very often in many stores.
After you have bought the right treatment, you should wait to add it until the next time you will add gas to the tank. This way, you should add the treatment, with a maximum of one bottle, and then add the gas you wish. If you have any doubts regarding fuel treatments you should ask your mechanic, or, in case you have doubts on how to use it you should ask the treatment manufacturer for further advice. You shouldn't add any treatment to your car if you are not sure about it and what it could do to the car.
Learn how to properly check tire pressure
Tire pressure is one of the things a car needs to have checked most often. Ideally, you should check them once a month as well as any other time when they might look low. Also, if you are planning a long trip with your car, tire pressure is one of the main things you should check, along with a general checking.
The first thing you need in order to be able to check your car's tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge. You can acquire one at any car parts store or just use one in a gas station. All gas stations have one, but you should ask if it is functioning well before using it. Some of the gauges you might find in gas stations are old or damaged and therefore the information they would give you would be incorrect, which could even lead you to add more air to the tire than it should have. This way, it is important that you make sure the gauge you will use functions properly.
In order to be able to evaluate the pressure your tires have, you should learn how much pressure they should ideally have. You might easily learn this since your car's driver side door-jamb will probably have a sticker giving you some guidance related to the tires and their pressure.
Once you know which the proper pressure for your tires is, you are ready to check them. In order to do this, you must unscrew the caps on the tire air valve and press the tire pressure gauge against it. You should make sure you keep the tire pressure gauge as firmly against the tire valve as not to let air come out from it.
Once you have the tire pressure gauge connected with the tire valve, the gauge will immediately tell you what the tire pressure is. This will allow you to learn weather the tire needs more air or its air pressure is correct. If it needs more air, you should do it carefully in order not to pass its air limit. And, in case its air pressure is correct, you simply need to disconnect the air pressure gauge from it and screw the valve cap back in its place.
The first thing you need in order to be able to check your car's tire pressure is a tire pressure gauge. You can acquire one at any car parts store or just use one in a gas station. All gas stations have one, but you should ask if it is functioning well before using it. Some of the gauges you might find in gas stations are old or damaged and therefore the information they would give you would be incorrect, which could even lead you to add more air to the tire than it should have. This way, it is important that you make sure the gauge you will use functions properly.
In order to be able to evaluate the pressure your tires have, you should learn how much pressure they should ideally have. You might easily learn this since your car's driver side door-jamb will probably have a sticker giving you some guidance related to the tires and their pressure.
Once you know which the proper pressure for your tires is, you are ready to check them. In order to do this, you must unscrew the caps on the tire air valve and press the tire pressure gauge against it. You should make sure you keep the tire pressure gauge as firmly against the tire valve as not to let air come out from it.
Once you have the tire pressure gauge connected with the tire valve, the gauge will immediately tell you what the tire pressure is. This will allow you to learn weather the tire needs more air or its air pressure is correct. If it needs more air, you should do it carefully in order not to pass its air limit. And, in case its air pressure is correct, you simply need to disconnect the air pressure gauge from it and screw the valve cap back in its place.
Oil – The Life Of Your Car
Oil cleans your car. It lubricates parts. It helps cool things down. Without it, your engine would be sitting squarely in the center of your local junkyard.
Scheduling regular oil changes is vital to the life of any vehicle.
The oil filter keeps little bits of dust and other contaminants out of your engine, and helps ensure the oil runs smoothly, so you want to change that every time you change the oil.
Imagine how your body would react if your kidneys and liver shut down. The impurities in your blood would build up continually, and it wouldn't take long for your body to completely break down.
Oil for your car can be likened to blood to your body. Your car needs clean oil to keep going. What would happen if you never changed your oil?
Well, you'd be lucky to get 30,000 miles out of the car before your engine would collapse.
Say you only change your oil once a year. Your car seems to be running fine, so no harm done, right? Not so fast! Your engine has been flooded with contaminants. It won't be long till you find yourself coming to a standstill.
Regular oil changes are as important to your car as daily trips to the bathroom are to you. Now, we won't take the analogy too far, but you get the idea. This one scheduled maintenance may help your vehicle avoid mechanical failures.
I actually heard two mechanics say that they figured you could run a car forever if you had the oil changed every 2000 miles. That may seem excessive to some folks. But it kept my baby humming nicely!
Now if you see any hint of an oil leak on the driveway after the car is parked, get to a service station. This could be ultra bad news and you need to have your car checked out immediately. Ditto if you detect a burning smell or smoke coming from around the engine!
You may not feel 100 % comfortable changing your oil, but you can check it easily. It's best to check the oil when your engine is cold. Unscrew the cap and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it with a clean tissue or paper towel. Reinsert the stick all the way. Then pull it back out and check the dipstick. You'll see "add" and "full" lines clearly marked on it. If the oil film is between the "add" and "full" lines, you're good. If it's below the "add" line, you need a quart of oil. Make sure you use the kind recommended in your owner's manual. After adding the oil, repeat all the steps.
See, that wasn't too hard, was it?
Make sure you take the time to check the oil levels in your car, and have it changed regularly. It literally means the difference between life and death for your vehicle!
Scheduling regular oil changes is vital to the life of any vehicle.
The oil filter keeps little bits of dust and other contaminants out of your engine, and helps ensure the oil runs smoothly, so you want to change that every time you change the oil.
Imagine how your body would react if your kidneys and liver shut down. The impurities in your blood would build up continually, and it wouldn't take long for your body to completely break down.
Oil for your car can be likened to blood to your body. Your car needs clean oil to keep going. What would happen if you never changed your oil?
Well, you'd be lucky to get 30,000 miles out of the car before your engine would collapse.
Say you only change your oil once a year. Your car seems to be running fine, so no harm done, right? Not so fast! Your engine has been flooded with contaminants. It won't be long till you find yourself coming to a standstill.
Regular oil changes are as important to your car as daily trips to the bathroom are to you. Now, we won't take the analogy too far, but you get the idea. This one scheduled maintenance may help your vehicle avoid mechanical failures.
I actually heard two mechanics say that they figured you could run a car forever if you had the oil changed every 2000 miles. That may seem excessive to some folks. But it kept my baby humming nicely!
Now if you see any hint of an oil leak on the driveway after the car is parked, get to a service station. This could be ultra bad news and you need to have your car checked out immediately. Ditto if you detect a burning smell or smoke coming from around the engine!
You may not feel 100 % comfortable changing your oil, but you can check it easily. It's best to check the oil when your engine is cold. Unscrew the cap and pull out the dipstick. Wipe it with a clean tissue or paper towel. Reinsert the stick all the way. Then pull it back out and check the dipstick. You'll see "add" and "full" lines clearly marked on it. If the oil film is between the "add" and "full" lines, you're good. If it's below the "add" line, you need a quart of oil. Make sure you use the kind recommended in your owner's manual. After adding the oil, repeat all the steps.
See, that wasn't too hard, was it?
Make sure you take the time to check the oil levels in your car, and have it changed regularly. It literally means the difference between life and death for your vehicle!
Prepare Your Ford Escape For a Summer Escapade, Use Top Quality Parts
Taking your family or friends for a long ride with your Ford Escape—away from the busy city streets—would be a perfect way to spend the hot summer days and of course, to test this SUV's performance. Ford Escape is an entry-level Sport Utility Vehicle, and although positioned a rank lower than the best-selling SUV, the Ford Explorer, it offers a respectable line of performance auto parts, impressive power and remarkable rugged looks. In 2004, a hybrid Escape model was launched, giving Ford the pride of introducing the first Sport Utility Vehicle to use hybrid technology. The 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid was proven to be 75% more fuel efficient than the other Ford Escape models and other SUVs as well.
You must be excited driving the Ford Escape for your adventure, but before you head for fun, make sure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary auto parts and accessories to ensure your convenience, comfort and most especially, safety. Whether you are driving a Ford Escape or not, you must do a regular checkup on your auto to ensure it's always at its best shape and driving condition. Although built with Ford's high quality standards, Ford Escape Parts are also subject to common car problems, especially when it is not given enough care and attention.
If you want your vehicle to work at its best, don't let small problems pass without fixing them. They can be a big source of stress and great financial burden, too. But don't worry because the friendliest and most comprehensive Ford Parts Discount store offers excellent quality replacement Ford Parts at very reasonable prices. Ford Parts Online now features updated inventory of the most dependable Ford performance parts, Ford body parts and even Ford accessories. If you are thinking about buying Ford Parts Used, think again. You can now buy original top quality Ford parts at exciting deals easy, fast, conveniently and securely online.
Here are some insights that can help you prepare your vehicle for a long ride and some tips on car maintenance. Replacement and aftermarket auto parts mentioned can be found at Ford Parts Online, the most experienced and trusted Ford Parts Discount store:
1.Ford Wheels are the closest to the road, so they are more prone to wear and tear. Always wash your Ford Wheels with soap and water to prevent corrosion. Likewise the tires must be properly scoured to remove deep down grime and small particles it came contact with on the road. If you notice serious problems, don't hesitate replacing them. It's better to spend extra amount for a new wheels rather than suffer the inconveniences of a road accident.
2.Traveling during the hottest days of the year could be wearisome if your air conditioning system isn't working. Check the major parts of your a/c system, especially the Ford AC Condenser, which is the one in charge of cooling off the refrigerant gas that absorbed the heat from the cabin. Check if the condenser has leaks; the refrigerant gas could freeze anything it contacts and could suffocate when inhaled.
3.Check the electrical system; especially, check your Ford Alternators and test the battery. Without these two essential parts of the system, your car won't run. Make sure your battery and the alternator are free from damages.
4.Replace busted Ford Fog Lights. Driving without sufficient light especially at night is extremely dangerous. When driving off-road, you may need additional auto lights for added safety.
5.Lastly, don't forget to check the engine, fuel and the fuel filter to avoid breakdowns and roadside delays. Clean filters could help you improve the vehicle's performance and help you save on fuel expenses.
For proper maintenance of your Ford Escape Parts, you can consult the Ford car experts or Ford-trained technicians. Ask you dealer about their repair and maintenance services. Meanwhile, for your best replacement Ford Escape parts and other Ford auto parts needs, you can count on Ford Parts Online.
You must be excited driving the Ford Escape for your adventure, but before you head for fun, make sure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary auto parts and accessories to ensure your convenience, comfort and most especially, safety. Whether you are driving a Ford Escape or not, you must do a regular checkup on your auto to ensure it's always at its best shape and driving condition. Although built with Ford's high quality standards, Ford Escape Parts are also subject to common car problems, especially when it is not given enough care and attention.
If you want your vehicle to work at its best, don't let small problems pass without fixing them. They can be a big source of stress and great financial burden, too. But don't worry because the friendliest and most comprehensive Ford Parts Discount store offers excellent quality replacement Ford Parts at very reasonable prices. Ford Parts Online now features updated inventory of the most dependable Ford performance parts, Ford body parts and even Ford accessories. If you are thinking about buying Ford Parts Used, think again. You can now buy original top quality Ford parts at exciting deals easy, fast, conveniently and securely online.
Here are some insights that can help you prepare your vehicle for a long ride and some tips on car maintenance. Replacement and aftermarket auto parts mentioned can be found at Ford Parts Online, the most experienced and trusted Ford Parts Discount store:
1.Ford Wheels are the closest to the road, so they are more prone to wear and tear. Always wash your Ford Wheels with soap and water to prevent corrosion. Likewise the tires must be properly scoured to remove deep down grime and small particles it came contact with on the road. If you notice serious problems, don't hesitate replacing them. It's better to spend extra amount for a new wheels rather than suffer the inconveniences of a road accident.
2.Traveling during the hottest days of the year could be wearisome if your air conditioning system isn't working. Check the major parts of your a/c system, especially the Ford AC Condenser, which is the one in charge of cooling off the refrigerant gas that absorbed the heat from the cabin. Check if the condenser has leaks; the refrigerant gas could freeze anything it contacts and could suffocate when inhaled.
3.Check the electrical system; especially, check your Ford Alternators and test the battery. Without these two essential parts of the system, your car won't run. Make sure your battery and the alternator are free from damages.
4.Replace busted Ford Fog Lights. Driving without sufficient light especially at night is extremely dangerous. When driving off-road, you may need additional auto lights for added safety.
5.Lastly, don't forget to check the engine, fuel and the fuel filter to avoid breakdowns and roadside delays. Clean filters could help you improve the vehicle's performance and help you save on fuel expenses.
For proper maintenance of your Ford Escape Parts, you can consult the Ford car experts or Ford-trained technicians. Ask you dealer about their repair and maintenance services. Meanwhile, for your best replacement Ford Escape parts and other Ford auto parts needs, you can count on Ford Parts Online.
Protect Your Car From Road Salt
Every winter drivers should take active steps to protect
their car from road salt.
Road salt is necessary for safe transportation when snow and
ice accumulate on roads and highways and cause dangerous
driving conditions.
Salt was first used in the 1930's in snow and ice control to
make roads safe and passable by creating a lower freezing
temperature of the water. It is the most available and
cost-effective de-icer. It is easy to store, handle, and
apply.
Some 15 million tons of de-icing salt is used each year in
the U.S. and about 4-5 million in Canada.
Salt keeps snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and to
allow snowplows to remove accumulations quickly and
efficiently.
Studies show that salt use reduces accidents by 88%.
Washing your car during wintertime is one of the best things
you can do to maintain the value of your car. Mud, salt,
rain, sleet, and snow can damage your car's clear finish.
Mud and salt caked on the undercarriage promote rust,
especially in older vehicles, and can also affect how well
your car drives.
To prevent winter damage, it is recommended that you wash
your vehicle every 10 days. Wash your vehicle whenever the
temperature is 40 degrees F. and above. Do it during the
day so that it dries completely before freezing evening
temperatures begin.
Immediately after washing the vehicle, open and close all
doors, the trunk, and other parts of the car with locks
several times before parking it to prevent locks from
freezing.
Always wash your car right after a snow or rain shower.
Rain and snow collect pollutants in the air and drop them as
acid rain which can damage the cars protective finish. Snow
and sleet also include the corrosive road salt.
Wash the underside of your car often during the winter
months in car washes that do not use recycled water.
Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water which
is saturated with road salt.
Any paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen should
be taken care of immediately.
Wax your car at least every six months. Put a good heavy
coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This
heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt
and cold temperatures.
More frequent waxes are needed if your car is red, black or
white because these colors are more susceptible to acid rain
and UV rays.
When spring time rolls around, treat your car to a good wax
job again. Be sure to remove all road grime and salt off of
the car before you begin waxing
their car from road salt.
Road salt is necessary for safe transportation when snow and
ice accumulate on roads and highways and cause dangerous
driving conditions.
Salt was first used in the 1930's in snow and ice control to
make roads safe and passable by creating a lower freezing
temperature of the water. It is the most available and
cost-effective de-icer. It is easy to store, handle, and
apply.
Some 15 million tons of de-icing salt is used each year in
the U.S. and about 4-5 million in Canada.
Salt keeps snow and ice from bonding to the pavement and to
allow snowplows to remove accumulations quickly and
efficiently.
Studies show that salt use reduces accidents by 88%.
Washing your car during wintertime is one of the best things
you can do to maintain the value of your car. Mud, salt,
rain, sleet, and snow can damage your car's clear finish.
Mud and salt caked on the undercarriage promote rust,
especially in older vehicles, and can also affect how well
your car drives.
To prevent winter damage, it is recommended that you wash
your vehicle every 10 days. Wash your vehicle whenever the
temperature is 40 degrees F. and above. Do it during the
day so that it dries completely before freezing evening
temperatures begin.
Immediately after washing the vehicle, open and close all
doors, the trunk, and other parts of the car with locks
several times before parking it to prevent locks from
freezing.
Always wash your car right after a snow or rain shower.
Rain and snow collect pollutants in the air and drop them as
acid rain which can damage the cars protective finish. Snow
and sleet also include the corrosive road salt.
Wash the underside of your car often during the winter
months in car washes that do not use recycled water.
Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water which
is saturated with road salt.
Any paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen should
be taken care of immediately.
Wax your car at least every six months. Put a good heavy
coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This
heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt
and cold temperatures.
More frequent waxes are needed if your car is red, black or
white because these colors are more susceptible to acid rain
and UV rays.
When spring time rolls around, treat your car to a good wax
job again. Be sure to remove all road grime and salt off of
the car before you begin waxing
Protect Your Car's Interior from Winter Grime
Americans spend a good part of their lives in their cars -- commuting to work, carpooling, and hauling materials for household projects. Spending more time in the car means doing more in the car, as well. We sip our lattes in the morning, eat our fast food lunches, feed the kids snacks en route from one activity to the next.
All this hustle and bustle can take a toll on your car's interior, especially in the sloppy winter months. On top of the usual food spills and drink drips, your car is subjected to snow melting off of boots onto the floor, salt and sand being tracked in and other winter messes.
Short of buying a new car every week, how can you keep your interior looking showroom clean? The I Dig Pig Store offers a number of products that make quick work of cleanups, as well as items that help keep the mess from happening in the first place.
Adapted from the company's industrial division (New Pig Corporation), and used for 18 years in thousands of factories worldwide, these products have stood the test of time and grime. In industry, the Pig brand is famous for innovative ways to speed up workplace tasks. Now the company is turning its attention to helping busy people save time at home.
Many of the Tipton, Pa.-based company's products are based on its Pig absorbent fabric, which is an eight-layer material specially bonded to make it 100 times stronger than paper towels. It absorbs large amounts of liquids evenly and quickly.
The CrudCoaster Cupholder Insert is a perfect example of how the Pig fabric helps prevent messes before they happen. Take a preemptive strike against spills by popping a CrudCoaster absorbent disk into all your cupholders to soak up any leaks or spills. When you know it's time, just remove the Insert, toss it and put in a new one.
The same fabric is also used in Pig Car Liners. These convenient, perforated sheets soak up and hold drippy, gunky messes. Keep a pack of Liners in your car and use them anytime your vehicle's carpet is at risk. Taking a casserole to that holiday party? Don't take chances. Put a Liner underneath it to catch the occasional drips. Picking the kids up from skating or sledding? Lay down a Liner before you make your rounds to soak up melting snow and ice or runoff from muddy boots.
Now that your car is sparkling, you'll want to park it in a clean garage. You can use the Pig Absorbent Mat Roll to protect your garage floor from drips during oil changes or protecting your pavement during repairs. The Mat not only helps to prevent grimy messes and slippery spots in your garage and driveway, but it also comes in handy for wet messes inside the house, like when the washing machine overflows, a gallon of milk falls off the counter or someone forgets to close the window during a rainstorm.
And just in case any dirt somehow sneaks into the garage, stop it at the door with the Pig Sticky Steps Tablet. Experts say 70 percent of the dirt in our homes comes in on shoe soles. The ultra-sticky adhesive surface of these mats literally rips dirt from shoe soles, without transferring adhesive to your floors.
The I Dig Pig people have a wealth of time-saving, dirt-busting products for your home, car, RV, boat, and more.
All this hustle and bustle can take a toll on your car's interior, especially in the sloppy winter months. On top of the usual food spills and drink drips, your car is subjected to snow melting off of boots onto the floor, salt and sand being tracked in and other winter messes.
Short of buying a new car every week, how can you keep your interior looking showroom clean? The I Dig Pig Store offers a number of products that make quick work of cleanups, as well as items that help keep the mess from happening in the first place.
Adapted from the company's industrial division (New Pig Corporation), and used for 18 years in thousands of factories worldwide, these products have stood the test of time and grime. In industry, the Pig brand is famous for innovative ways to speed up workplace tasks. Now the company is turning its attention to helping busy people save time at home.
Many of the Tipton, Pa.-based company's products are based on its Pig absorbent fabric, which is an eight-layer material specially bonded to make it 100 times stronger than paper towels. It absorbs large amounts of liquids evenly and quickly.
The CrudCoaster Cupholder Insert is a perfect example of how the Pig fabric helps prevent messes before they happen. Take a preemptive strike against spills by popping a CrudCoaster absorbent disk into all your cupholders to soak up any leaks or spills. When you know it's time, just remove the Insert, toss it and put in a new one.
The same fabric is also used in Pig Car Liners. These convenient, perforated sheets soak up and hold drippy, gunky messes. Keep a pack of Liners in your car and use them anytime your vehicle's carpet is at risk. Taking a casserole to that holiday party? Don't take chances. Put a Liner underneath it to catch the occasional drips. Picking the kids up from skating or sledding? Lay down a Liner before you make your rounds to soak up melting snow and ice or runoff from muddy boots.
Now that your car is sparkling, you'll want to park it in a clean garage. You can use the Pig Absorbent Mat Roll to protect your garage floor from drips during oil changes or protecting your pavement during repairs. The Mat not only helps to prevent grimy messes and slippery spots in your garage and driveway, but it also comes in handy for wet messes inside the house, like when the washing machine overflows, a gallon of milk falls off the counter or someone forgets to close the window during a rainstorm.
And just in case any dirt somehow sneaks into the garage, stop it at the door with the Pig Sticky Steps Tablet. Experts say 70 percent of the dirt in our homes comes in on shoe soles. The ultra-sticky adhesive surface of these mats literally rips dirt from shoe soles, without transferring adhesive to your floors.
The I Dig Pig people have a wealth of time-saving, dirt-busting products for your home, car, RV, boat, and more.
Reading Between the Tires
How do you read between the tires?
Every rider must have knowledge about tires. They must know its construction, its maintenance and care, how to mount and dismount it, how to troubleshoot and to take precautions. To do it here are the areas that need to be known by them:
1.The right size. Sizing is the process of choosing the tire by determining its rim width. This means that the tires must not be wider or narrower than its original equipment tires because to choose otherwise will distort motorcycle handling.
2.Pressure. Pressure increases with temperature. Thus, a rider must check tires regularly especially during winter season. Advisable tire pressures can be found on the manufacturer's reference table. Check them out in order to have a safe tire pressure.
Never bleed air from a hot tire. Also avoid riding when tires are underinflated because this can lead to premature wear, tire failure and damage to the carcass.
3.The Wear. Regularly inspect the wear indicator in the tire grooves. You will know that the tire should be replaced if the wear indicators are leveled with the surface of the tread at any point.
4.The Valve. Always use valve caps to prevent air loss and to avoid dirt from entering the valve.
5.Warm-up. Each time you ride on your motorcycle, always begin at a moderate speed. This will gradually condition the tires up to their normal operating temperature. If they have already achieved a full warm-up then they will have an optimal grip.
6.Break-in. After warming up, avoid rapid acceleration or hard cornering. Do this for the first 50 kilometers of your ride up to the extent when the tread area is totally worn off.
7.Repairs. Try to learn the basics of motorcycle repairs so that you will not be groping in the dark when discrepancies occur. Another option is to consult tire experts to attend to tire repairs.
Learn the language of riding. Drive wisely. Travel safely.
Every rider must have knowledge about tires. They must know its construction, its maintenance and care, how to mount and dismount it, how to troubleshoot and to take precautions. To do it here are the areas that need to be known by them:
1.The right size. Sizing is the process of choosing the tire by determining its rim width. This means that the tires must not be wider or narrower than its original equipment tires because to choose otherwise will distort motorcycle handling.
2.Pressure. Pressure increases with temperature. Thus, a rider must check tires regularly especially during winter season. Advisable tire pressures can be found on the manufacturer's reference table. Check them out in order to have a safe tire pressure.
Never bleed air from a hot tire. Also avoid riding when tires are underinflated because this can lead to premature wear, tire failure and damage to the carcass.
3.The Wear. Regularly inspect the wear indicator in the tire grooves. You will know that the tire should be replaced if the wear indicators are leveled with the surface of the tread at any point.
4.The Valve. Always use valve caps to prevent air loss and to avoid dirt from entering the valve.
5.Warm-up. Each time you ride on your motorcycle, always begin at a moderate speed. This will gradually condition the tires up to their normal operating temperature. If they have already achieved a full warm-up then they will have an optimal grip.
6.Break-in. After warming up, avoid rapid acceleration or hard cornering. Do this for the first 50 kilometers of your ride up to the extent when the tread area is totally worn off.
7.Repairs. Try to learn the basics of motorcycle repairs so that you will not be groping in the dark when discrepancies occur. Another option is to consult tire experts to attend to tire repairs.
Learn the language of riding. Drive wisely. Travel safely.
Security Release: Important Tips For Your Vehicle
You car is probably one of the most expensive items you have ever purchased. Therefore you must protect it well to help you keep your car and belongings from being stolen or vandalized.
Here are some important tips for the security of your vehicle:
Tip 1: Park in a Well Lit Area
Places which are well lit and have a lot of traffic are the best place to park your car. No sensible thief will steal a vehicle where there are a lot of people around.
Tip 2: Don't Attract Attention
Attracting attention tells people that you have something valuable in your car. Don't attract attention by placing high valued items in full view. Hide them away or risk losing the whole vehicle!
Tip 3: Take your Belongings with You
Take everything out of your car. Anything that can call attention probably will, and thieves love to hotwire cars that have expensive things inside. Don't leave in plain view any money, electronic items or expensive items.
Tip 4: Thieves Love Audio Equipment as Much as You do
A good snatch-and-grab man can get a stereo out of a car in seconds, often before passers-by even notice. So to make sure that your equipment is safe, you should make it difficult for the thief. Some companies make accessory frames that bolt your head unit securely to the car's body.
Tip 5: Get an Alarm System
Although an alarm system will not get the police rushing to your vehicle or get passer-bys restraining the thief, it will however lessen the time a thief can work your vehicle. Furthermore, many theirs will not even attempt your vehicle if they see that you have a security system installed.
Tip 6: If You can Help it, Don't Customize
Tinted windows, custom wheels, fog lights, all these accessories attract thieves. You car will of course look like a powerful vehicle, but that means more thieves would want your car as well. If you really want to add performance accessories to your vehicle, don't tell the whole world about it. Install them where no one can see them. Have your car look like something fresh out of the factory.
Tip 7: Lock at All Times
Last but not least, no matter how long (or how short) you are going to be away from your vehicle, lock your vehicle. Make sure there is no way for anybody to get in, be it passenger doors, the boot or even the sun-roof. That short 2 minutes you don't lock your vehicle can be costly.
Here are some important tips for the security of your vehicle:
Tip 1: Park in a Well Lit Area
Places which are well lit and have a lot of traffic are the best place to park your car. No sensible thief will steal a vehicle where there are a lot of people around.
Tip 2: Don't Attract Attention
Attracting attention tells people that you have something valuable in your car. Don't attract attention by placing high valued items in full view. Hide them away or risk losing the whole vehicle!
Tip 3: Take your Belongings with You
Take everything out of your car. Anything that can call attention probably will, and thieves love to hotwire cars that have expensive things inside. Don't leave in plain view any money, electronic items or expensive items.
Tip 4: Thieves Love Audio Equipment as Much as You do
A good snatch-and-grab man can get a stereo out of a car in seconds, often before passers-by even notice. So to make sure that your equipment is safe, you should make it difficult for the thief. Some companies make accessory frames that bolt your head unit securely to the car's body.
Tip 5: Get an Alarm System
Although an alarm system will not get the police rushing to your vehicle or get passer-bys restraining the thief, it will however lessen the time a thief can work your vehicle. Furthermore, many theirs will not even attempt your vehicle if they see that you have a security system installed.
Tip 6: If You can Help it, Don't Customize
Tinted windows, custom wheels, fog lights, all these accessories attract thieves. You car will of course look like a powerful vehicle, but that means more thieves would want your car as well. If you really want to add performance accessories to your vehicle, don't tell the whole world about it. Install them where no one can see them. Have your car look like something fresh out of the factory.
Tip 7: Lock at All Times
Last but not least, no matter how long (or how short) you are going to be away from your vehicle, lock your vehicle. Make sure there is no way for anybody to get in, be it passenger doors, the boot or even the sun-roof. That short 2 minutes you don't lock your vehicle can be costly.
Simple tips to improve your gas mileage
With gas prices seemingly out of control it's more important than ever to learn how to improve gas mileage in your vehicles.
There are many simple steps you can take that are free or low cost that at first glance seem silly or even obvious but you would be surprised how many people fail to do them or ignore the warning signs their car is giving them.
Here are some quick tips that you may have missed or forgotten about. Not any single tip will make that big of a difference in increasing your gas mileage but I am a firm believer that every little thing you can do really does add up to getting better gas mileage and helping the environment in the process.
Simple Mileage Improvement Tips:
Use a sunshade to keep your car cool and avoid the use of your air conditioner as much as possible.
Park your car in the shade when it's sunny and warm to keep your car's interior cooler.
Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
Avoid drive-thru lines at restaurants. Park your car and go inside and order your food as many times it's a lot quicker anyway. I always laugh to myself as I'm eating while I watch people sitting in their cars still waiting for their food. Just think of how much gas is wasted in those lines!
Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine.
Don't ride the brake. Not only will this save gas but will greatly extend the life of your brake pads.
Drive with a smooth, constant speed and avoid “flooring it” when the stoplight turns green.
Maintain the transmission fluid in your car at the proper level for efficient gear shifting.
If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. FYI - Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.
Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off as it really serves no purpose.
If you can't find a place to buy cheap gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing. Where I live you can almost predict which days prices will rise or fall. Start watching prices in your area to see if you can pick up on any patterns.
Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card from a major oil company. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy your gas at their stations.
There are many simple steps you can take that are free or low cost that at first glance seem silly or even obvious but you would be surprised how many people fail to do them or ignore the warning signs their car is giving them.
Here are some quick tips that you may have missed or forgotten about. Not any single tip will make that big of a difference in increasing your gas mileage but I am a firm believer that every little thing you can do really does add up to getting better gas mileage and helping the environment in the process.
Simple Mileage Improvement Tips:
Use a sunshade to keep your car cool and avoid the use of your air conditioner as much as possible.
Park your car in the shade when it's sunny and warm to keep your car's interior cooler.
Make sure that your parking brake is fully released before you start driving.
Avoid drive-thru lines at restaurants. Park your car and go inside and order your food as many times it's a lot quicker anyway. I always laugh to myself as I'm eating while I watch people sitting in their cars still waiting for their food. Just think of how much gas is wasted in those lines!
Use a block heater in winter to pre-warm your car engine.
Don't ride the brake. Not only will this save gas but will greatly extend the life of your brake pads.
Drive with a smooth, constant speed and avoid “flooring it” when the stoplight turns green.
Maintain the transmission fluid in your car at the proper level for efficient gear shifting.
If there is smoke is coming from your tailpipe make sure that you make an appointment with your mechanic.
Make sure that your cooling system thermostat in your car is working properly.
Avoid air conditioning leaks by constant checkups with your mechanic. FYI - Pre-1994 vehicles use CFCs for cooling.
Immediately fix a slipping transmission.
When you rev up your vehicle's engine it wastes gas. Avoid revving your engine before your turn it off as it really serves no purpose.
If you can't find a place to buy cheap gas on one day wait if you can until a few days later since the price of gas is constantly changing. Where I live you can almost predict which days prices will rise or fall. Start watching prices in your area to see if you can pick up on any patterns.
Buy your gas at the wholesale clubs, like Costco. You can often save over 10 cents a gallon or more. If you don't like the wholesale clubs get a gas credit card from a major oil company. You'll get a 1% to 5% discount when you buy your gas at their stations.
Some Useful Tips for Improving your Dodge's Fuel Economy
As global oil prices continue to rise meteorically to record levels, we have to find ways to improve our cars' fuel economy and save money. Especially now that drivers are doing a lot more traveling than ever, the importance of fuel economy cannot be over emphasized. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that vehicle miles traveled by the average American has increased by over 115%. This increase in miles traveled and the present dilemma of rising fuel prices means that we are spending more on our fuel than ever before. Thus, we have to find ways to save money on gas and improve fuel efficiency, especially if our vehicles are not really known for their excellent gas mileage.
There are many ways you can significantly improve the fuel economy of your vehicle. Managing your vehicle by minimizing operating costs on gas as well as minimizing emissions is our goal. Here are some helpful tips you can use to help you achieve a fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle. Start by determining your car's actual gas mileage or your car's miles per gallon. If your car has poor gas mileage then it is more important than ever to start improving your fuel economy. You can do this by changing your driving habits. Take your time and drive slower, instead of 60mph, try driving at 70mph. Although it may take you longer to reach your destination, what is important is you can save up to $5 in gas costs because of the reduction in speed. This is because aerodynamic drag increases as you drive faster and gas mileage deteriorates at speeds of over 60mph.
Regular maintenance is a very effective way to improve and keep up your car's fuel economy. The simple reason is that a poorly maintained car works harder; and a car that has to work harder will definitely use up more fuel. Thus, maintenance issues such as under inflated tires, dirty and clogged air filters, spark plugs and fuel injectors must be resolved. Make sure that your tires are inflated to their proper pressures. Tires that are in good condition and properly inflated provide less road resistance thus improving fuel. You should also check tire pressure regularly and look out for signs of uneven wear or gas leaks that could compromise your tire's performance.
Another excellent way to cut your fuel costs is by planning your vehicle use in such a way that you can combine, streamline and consolidate your trips and reduce unnecessary travel. You should also avoid excess idling, which is a waste of fuel. Stop your engine if you think your car will be idle for more than 30 seconds. You can also minimize air conditioning and use your car's flow-through ventilation. You should also check which gas you use, stick with the right octane gas indicated in your car's manual.
Have your Dodge regularly checked by your trusted auto mechanic. Give more attention to those auto parts that are connected to the fuel consumption of your car such as Dodge fuel tanks, Dodge catalytic converters, Dodge gas tanks, Dodge radiators and others. If your Dodge's parts are either defective or is not functioning properly then it is necessary and wise to replace these auto parts as soon as possible. You can save more money in the end by replacing dysfunctional parts and ensuring that everything in your car is in tiptop shape.
However, make sure that you purchase the best Dodge Parts only from a trusted and reliable auto parts store. Pick an auto parts supplier with an excellent reputation in the auto parts industry. Inner Auto Parts is one of the many auto parts wholesalers today, but stands out from the rest because it is a reliable source of useful and relevant automotive information and a known expert in the field of auto parts. They now have an excellent auto parts store that offers top quality Dodge Parts including Dodge A/C Condensers, Dodge Lights, Dodge Weatherstripping, Dodge wheels and other major product categories. With excellent quality, replacement Dodge auto parts from Inner Auto Parts, you can be sure that your car is maintained in excellent condition thereby improving its fuel economy and helping you save money on gas.
There are many ways you can significantly improve the fuel economy of your vehicle. Managing your vehicle by minimizing operating costs on gas as well as minimizing emissions is our goal. Here are some helpful tips you can use to help you achieve a fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle. Start by determining your car's actual gas mileage or your car's miles per gallon. If your car has poor gas mileage then it is more important than ever to start improving your fuel economy. You can do this by changing your driving habits. Take your time and drive slower, instead of 60mph, try driving at 70mph. Although it may take you longer to reach your destination, what is important is you can save up to $5 in gas costs because of the reduction in speed. This is because aerodynamic drag increases as you drive faster and gas mileage deteriorates at speeds of over 60mph.
Regular maintenance is a very effective way to improve and keep up your car's fuel economy. The simple reason is that a poorly maintained car works harder; and a car that has to work harder will definitely use up more fuel. Thus, maintenance issues such as under inflated tires, dirty and clogged air filters, spark plugs and fuel injectors must be resolved. Make sure that your tires are inflated to their proper pressures. Tires that are in good condition and properly inflated provide less road resistance thus improving fuel. You should also check tire pressure regularly and look out for signs of uneven wear or gas leaks that could compromise your tire's performance.
Another excellent way to cut your fuel costs is by planning your vehicle use in such a way that you can combine, streamline and consolidate your trips and reduce unnecessary travel. You should also avoid excess idling, which is a waste of fuel. Stop your engine if you think your car will be idle for more than 30 seconds. You can also minimize air conditioning and use your car's flow-through ventilation. You should also check which gas you use, stick with the right octane gas indicated in your car's manual.
Have your Dodge regularly checked by your trusted auto mechanic. Give more attention to those auto parts that are connected to the fuel consumption of your car such as Dodge fuel tanks, Dodge catalytic converters, Dodge gas tanks, Dodge radiators and others. If your Dodge's parts are either defective or is not functioning properly then it is necessary and wise to replace these auto parts as soon as possible. You can save more money in the end by replacing dysfunctional parts and ensuring that everything in your car is in tiptop shape.
However, make sure that you purchase the best Dodge Parts only from a trusted and reliable auto parts store. Pick an auto parts supplier with an excellent reputation in the auto parts industry. Inner Auto Parts is one of the many auto parts wholesalers today, but stands out from the rest because it is a reliable source of useful and relevant automotive information and a known expert in the field of auto parts. They now have an excellent auto parts store that offers top quality Dodge Parts including Dodge A/C Condensers, Dodge Lights, Dodge Weatherstripping, Dodge wheels and other major product categories. With excellent quality, replacement Dodge auto parts from Inner Auto Parts, you can be sure that your car is maintained in excellent condition thereby improving its fuel economy and helping you save money on gas.
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