All posts in Auto Care

Snow Approaches: 4 Winter Weather Checks for Your Car

by Anica Oaks on 2015/11/04 in Auto Care with Comments Off on Snow Approaches: 4 Winter Weather Checks for Your Car

Before winter weather and heavy snows hit, it is vital for automobile owners to check some things on their vehicles. By being prepared, drivers can prevent a breakdown in frigid temperatures. Many automobile products can be purchased ahead of time to fit into any budget.

Coolant and Windshield Washer Fluid Levels

Checking the fluid levels of the coolant and in the washer bottle is an important part of maintaining a vehicle for winter. Antifreeze may not sound important, but it is the fluid that keeps a vehicle cool. An automobile can overheat in the winter without proper coolant levels, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Tires

Every driver should regularly check their tire pressure and the tread level on their tires. A low tire can not only cause more fuel to be consumed, but it can also cause a vehicle to slide on ice more easily. It is easier to get an under-inflated tire stuck in deep snow.

Restock Emergency Kit

The U.S. Government suggests that one of the most important things that drivers can do is to prepare their emergency road kit with items needed for snow and ice. Adding a bag of sand and salt to the car can help when getting stuck in the ice or heavy snow. A shovel, warm clothing, extra blankets, and food rations are other items that should always be in an emergency kit during the winter.

Hoses and Belts

Hoses and belts can easily rip or break from dry rot. The cold temperatures of winter make it more difficult for hoses and belts to maintain their shape because of contraction during freezing temperatures. Any hairline cracks, bulges, or weak spots will burst or rip when the temperatures drop and the snow flies.

Windshield Wipers

Every driver wants to maintain clear vision while they are driving. Regularly replacing windshield wipers by purchasing them at a local store (including with coupons for Sears.com) is a huge part of keeping a good view. Drivers should think about replacing their wipers every fall to make sure they have excellent visibility when the weather turns cold.

Battery

A car or truck battery is stressed to the max when the temperatures drop. The cold can zap the energy in a battery quicker than anything else. Drivers should always make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion before the snow hits.

Getting a vehicle ready for snowy weather is a simple process as long as the driver follows the above strategies. Keeping a car or truck prepared for winter is a crucial part of being safe. Many products can be purchased ahead of time like windshield wipers and coolant.

6 Items that Should be in Every Modern Glove Box

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/11/05 in Auto Care with Comments Off on 6 Items that Should be in Every Modern Glove Box

Each vehicle contains a glove box for a convenient area of storage where personal belongings or emergency items can be stored. For many people, the glove box is an ideal space to put specific items that are needed in an accident, during bad weather, or in the event of an emergency. To stay prepared, there are a few essentials that should be in every modern glove box.

1. Rechargeable Flashlight

If you have a flat tire in the middle of the night or get stuck in the mud when the weather is bad, a flashlight is an essential item to have on hand. To prevent having a flashlight in the glove box that has dead batteries, opt for using a rechargeable flashlight.

2. Portable Jump Starter

A portable jump starter will be a necessary item to have on hand if your car’s battery dies. There are many different types but getting one with a full size clamp to penetrate battery corrosion that may be present is a good idea. Having a portable jump starter handy is a great way to get back on the road if you are stranded out in the middle of nowhere.

3. First Aid Kit

For obvious reasons a first aid kit is necessary for any car or individual for proper roadside safety. If you’re involved in an accident or see someone stopped on the side of the road who in need of medical attention, a first aid kid is crucial to have if minor injuries occur instead of resorting to using duct tape. It can also be of help in a number of other cases.

4. Phone Charger

To stay connected to the outside world and have a way of contacting someone if you’re in need of help, a phone charger is essential if your phone runs out of battery. Having a spare car charger around in case of emergencies is always a good practice.

5. Automated Flare Device

To alert other drives of your vehicle parked on the side of the road, an automated flare device will get motorists’ attention and keep you safe until help arrives. A few of the devices can be used to put on the road around your car to keep you safe.

6. Auto Document Organizer

This item is needed to keep important documents organized when you get pulled over by a police officer or need to bring your medical documents to the hospital. You can also copies and have a few photos of the document on a phone as backup.

To prepare for different circumstances while in transit and have the necessary items on hand, there are a number of tools to keep in your glove box at all times. It will make it easier to get back on the road without having to deal with delays or prolonged interruptions.

Information Credit: Mike’s Auto Towing

Before You Panic: The 5 Most Likely Reasons Your Car Won’t Start

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/06 in Auto Care with 1 Comment

When dealing with a broken down car, it’s not only frustrating, but it’s time-consuming as issues will cause you to miss work or other obligations. In fact, when your car won’t start, you will need to fix the problem immediately. Often, it’s a minor problem you can fix quickly. Here are the five most likely reasons your car won’t start.

Transmission:

Believe it or not, with some newer automobiles, you will experience issues if your transmission is in need of repair. This is especially true if you drive an automatic as newer cars will have measures in place preventing your from starting the car and putting it in gear. When this happens, take it to a mechanic and you can fix the issue and use your car again.

Battery:

Without a doubt, when people can’t start their car, it’s usually caused by a dead battery. To fix the issue temporarily, whip out your jumper cables and jump start your car. If you don’t own jumper cables, borrow some from another driver or friend. Either way, once you start your car, head to a mechanic and buy a new battery.

Starter:

In older cars, the starter will eventually malfunction. When this happens, you can’t start your car and you will need to tow it to a mechanic. Then, he or she can replace the starter and you will not experience problems in the future.

No gas in the tank:

Often, a person will try to start their car when they don’t have any gas in the tank. While this seems easy to avoid, you must remember that older gas gauges will often malfunction and give you a wrong reading. To fix this, simply walk to a gas station and buy a container. Then, fill it with gas and start your car.

Electrical issues can leave you stranded:

To check this out, buy a fuse tester or take your car to a mechanic. Since this is an inexpensive solution, it’s wise to test your fuses first. Remember, it only takes a minute to replace them as you can buy them at an auto parts store or from a local mechanic. Either way, when you understand electrical issues, you can help your cause and fix your car in a few minutes.

When owning a car, you don’t want to deal with or worry about breakdowns. Fortunately, when you know the causes of most problems, you can fix your car and save money.

Chaleigh Glass is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She writes about anything from National Transmission a company that has rebuilt transmissions in Calgary to how to baby proof your home. In her spare time she likes to golf, snowboard, and take lifestyle photos.

Ways To Keep Your Car In Tip Top Shape Year Round

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/05/19 in Auto Care with Comments Off on Ways To Keep Your Car In Tip Top Shape Year Round

Every year, the elements are working against your vehicle to fade your paint and to affect your vital system components. During the summer, UV radiation combined with increased summer heat and pollutants will eat away at your car’s beautiful finish. During the winter months, where temperatures are blistering cold, the sudden drop in temperatures can lead to glass breakage and to unnecessary wear on your tires and internal components. Investing in preventative maintenance all year long is vital if you want to avoid damage and preventable repair bills. Here are some tips to protect your car during the Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring:

Prepare Your Car For Colder Seasons

Winters can be harsh on vehicles. Just like you protect your skin from the blistering cold, you should protect your vehicle’s finish. There are several steps that car owners should take to winterize their vehicles. Be sure to check the antifreeze level in your battery so that your vehicle always starts, and have brake fluids checked before storms hit. In addition to this, All-West Glass Ltd., a company specializing in auto glass in Edmonton, recommends that you swap out your windshield wiper fluid with a liquid that will not freeze during freezing conditions.

Protect Your Car’s Finish From the Elements Year Round

To protect your finish from the road salt that is laid to combat the snow, you should invest in a good was and a fresh wax that will prevent corrosion caused by the sodium within the salt. Doing this will ensure that the wheel wells will not accumulate with salt either.

Prepare Your Car For Warmer Seasons

Spring will bring April showers that give way to May flowers and then blistering summer temperatures. Preparing your car for the Summer heat should start in Spring. Check the liquid in your heat to avoid evaporation which can drain your battery of power. You should also check your cooling system and add coolant to your radiator so that your engine is running at an optimal level.

Seasonal Tires to Avoid Hazards

As the temperatures rise, check your tire pressure monthly so that you can avoid over-inflation and blow outs. The rising temperatures can lead to blow outs as the air in the tires expand. Be sure to inspect the wheel well of your tires for defects before the asphalt gets hot, or you can face hazards on the roadways.

Go Easy When You’re Stuck

When stuck don’t repeatedly throw your car from forward to reverse. Spinning your tires at high speeds can cause a lot of heat and possible ruin your transmission, clutches, and differentials. If you are really stuck call a tow truck so you don’t end up spending a lot of money on repairs from working your car to hard to get it out.

Winterizing and summerizing your vehicle are essential steps that you must take to prolong the life of your fine piece of machinery. Be sure to keep your vehicle clean, inspect your car from top to bottom, and invest in preventative maintenance if your want your car to stay in tip top shape. The money that you spend will ultimately save you in the future.

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