All posts in Auto Maintenance

Autumn Auto: 5 Essential Car Care Tips for Fall

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/30 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

The arrival of fall means it’s time for us to begin winter preparations. While many of us focus our efforts on our home in order to lock out the cold and increase energy efficiency, there are car care necessities that should not be ignored. This fall, follow this list to ensure your car is ready for the winter months ahead.

Tires

Winter often means snow and ice, depending on where you live, and your tires can be one of your best defenses against treacherous road conditions. Check your tires first for tread and replace tires when needed. Also check tire pressure. A decrease in tire pressure can signal that a tire needs replaced, and when it’s cold, the cold air in the tires causes a decrease in pressure.

Battery

The long, cold winter months can be particularly hard on the battery in your vehicle. We demand more of our batteries in the winter and can rely on them in cases of emergency. Be certain that your battery will power your car even in the coldest weather by having the battery tested. Many parts suppliers will test your battery free of charge.

HVAC and Wipers

Each fall, it is important to check your car’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Frosty winter months can leave windows covered in ice and/or snow, and a properly working heating system can keep your car in safe operation. Along with the visibility secured by a properly functioning defroster, windshield wipers are crucial to seeing through storms. Replace any dull wiper blades early to ensure visibility in snow and rain. According to the experts at Evans Tire and Service Center, wiper blades see the most use in the fall and winter months, so replacing them at the beginning of the season is a wise choice.

Fluids

The fall season is the perfect time to check all fluids in the vehicle to ensure proper functionality of all systems. Check brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washing fluid, and power steering fluid. Checking these fluids can help detect any leaks within the vehicle as well as help each part of the car perform. Taking the time to check the antifreeze/coolant in the vehicle can also save you from costly repairs down the road.

Brakes

Winter driving hazards come in a wide variety, and properly working brakes can help ensure maximum safety on the road. Check the brake pads and rotors frequently for optimum safety. For the best result, check each oil change.

Proper car care can help give you piece of mind on the road and also keep your safe. October is Car Care Month, and a properly functioning vehicle is the best defense for winter driving.

Like New: 4 Sneaky Ways To Save Money When Restoring Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/23 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off

Restoring your car to its former glory does’t have to break the bank. Create and stick to a plan of action, and determine when you can repair a part rather than replacing it. Knowing where to look for parts that can be salvaged, and learning to do repairs yourself can make the process easier and more affordable.

Have a Plan

Save money on your next car restoration by creating a plan to guide your project. Include a detailed list of parts you may need to restore now or in the future as well as reliable suppliers for each part. Rank these restorations from vital to less important and cross off each repair you make to keep track of your progress.

Repair Instead of Replace

Closely examine cosmetic details to determine if the part in question could simply be repaired rather than replaced. For example, it is far less expensive to polish and buff a windshield with minor scratches than it is to install an entirely new one. If the repair seems fixable, learn to repair it yourself or get several quotes from other mechanics and go for the most financially sound option.

Salvage Parts

When repairs are necessary, find a salvage center in your area to see if they have a car that is similar to yours that you can use for spare parts. It may also be beneficial to check the classified section of newspapers or look online for people who may be selling car parts at reasonable prices. Consider doing some research and finding specialty shops like Reggie’s Garage that carry the supplies you need. If you can purchase these parts at a low enough cost, you will save money in the long run by being able to salvage whatever you need to restore your current vehicle.

Do It Yourself

The absolute best way to save money on car restoration is learning to do repairs yourself. In order to make this a viable option, you will need to have a place where you can work on your car, preferably a garage to keep both you and your vehicle out of the elements while you work. Make sure you have the tools necessary to complete the repair before starting.

Don’t let a tight budget keep your car from running and looking its best. By following these simple steps, you can greatly reduce the cost of restoring your vehicle. When in doubt, get a second opinion from a car expert in order to save time and money in the long run.

3 Signs Your Vehicle Needs a New Radiator

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/21 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Your car is a reliable tool. A device you use every day to get from point A to point B. It keeps you from having to rely on the public transportation system as it provides you with a sense of freedom. It can generally take you anywhere you want to go. Unfortunately, cars break down from time to time. Parts get older as they gain more wear and tear and they either need to be fixed or replaced. One of the main parts of the car that will break with time and age is the radiator. If you have a failing radiator, then you may notice one or all of the following issues.

Overheating Issues

One of the most dangerous signs that you need a new radiator is overheating. The normal place for a temperature gauge to be is about one quarter of the way past the cool mark and toward the hot mark. In extremely hot temperatures, your temperature gauge may go up to the half point. Anything more than half point indicates that you have a problem in your cooling system. You may have to buy a radiator from a reputable company like Natrad. Your problem could be in other areas of the cooling system too, but the radiator is one of the first places you will want to look. Never allow your temperature gauge to go up more than three-quarters of the way. Find a safe place to pull over and turn your vehicle off.

Evidence of Leaks

A leak can most definitely mean that it is time to replace your radiator. You can tell that you have a leak in your cooling system one of three ways. You will smell fluids burning when your engine gets hot. You will start running hot and then discover that you have no coolant when you inspect your vehicle. Another way that you can detect a leak is by looking underneath your vehicle. You will see a puddle on the ground where something leaked from the radiator. You may even see something drip while you are looking.

Unsightly Rust

If you have a rusty radiator, then it is time to put it out of its misery and get a new one. One place that you will see rust if it is time to replace your unit is on the cap. You may see this rust when you take it off to pour some antifreeze in the vehicle, or you may see it on the radiator. Either way, it is something that you do not want to ignore because it can get into your cooling system and start many problems.

You can try to preserve your radiator by taking it in for regular maintenance and having someone flush it at reasonable intervals. A well-maintained one can last you for many years. Unfortunately, there will come a point where just regular maintenance will not save your radiator and it will need to be replaced. Keep in mind that radiators are quite expensive. However, most of the time you won’t have these problems unless you have an older used car.

Fine Tuning: Best Ways to Stay on Top of Future Car Repairs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/19 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

No matter how well you take care of your car, there will always be future repairs you’ll have to take care of one day. Your car’s parts will start to wear over time, and the process is inevitable. Luckily, you can do some things to try to prepare yourself for a future costly event. The following are four tips can help you avoid a huge expense down the road and keep your car running smoothly.

Alternator Deaths

The alternator death is a very common problem in cars. The alternator is that nifty looking, and extremely heavy generator that handles the way the energy flows. Sometime after 100,000 miles, you will have flickering lights, slow power windows, and eventually no start. Start pricing alternators now so you can be ready when the day comes. You have many options for finding alternators. You don’t necessarily have to buy a brand new one. Junk yards, online auction sites, and discount auto parts stores may have what you need. Just ensure that you get a warranty on the alternator in case it doesn’t work.

Belt Snaps

Your serpentine belt controls many components underneath your hood such as your alternator, water pump, air conditioner, power steering, and the like. If your belt snaps, you won’t be going anywhere for a while. Fortunately, serpentine belts are not that expensive, and the replacement time is not painstaking. You can purchase the tools and the belt and keep them in the back of your car for when this incident occurs.

Gasket Wear

Gasket wear is something else that can happen over time. You may develop a leak in your valve cover gaskets, intake manifold gasket, head gasket and so on. None of those situations is desirable, but all of them are common. Use high-mileage oil and some gasket-sealing additives that can help keep your gaskets tight when your car gets old.

Thermostat and Cooling System Issues

Overheating will most likely occur at least once while you have your car. The most common culprits are wacky thermostats and water pumps. You can get a thermostat for less than the price of a pair of shoes. It would be wise to keep one in the trunk along with some tools.

Get the Number to a Body Shop

Be sure to locate and save the number to a car collision and repair center. You never know when an accident or a fender bender will occur and you can save yourself time and money by researching and finding a good provider now. Places like Chehalis Collision Center will even rent you a car while yours is still in the shop.

Follow these tips to extend the life of your car. You and your vehicle will be happy that you did.

Tricks for Putting on Mileage without Putting out Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/16 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

A car or truck with 80,000 to 90,000 miles on it is often considered a high-mileage vehicle. Even so, if you have one of these vehicles, it could still be on the road at 200,000 miles if you practice good oversight and regular maintenance. If your car is getting on in years of miles use these tips to keep things running smoothly.

Check Oil Regularly

Check the level of your motor oil every two weeks and be sure to get regular oil changes. One recommendation is to change your conventional motor oil once every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. If your vehicle uses synthetic motor oil, change it every 8,000 miles or eight months.

Check Other Fluids

Check your coolant once a month. If it’s low, have more added. Have your mechanic check your differential and transmission fluids as well. If you’re the owner of an AWD or 4WD vehicle, you’ll have three differentials that need to be serviced in order to prevent costly repairs down the road. Recommendations for when to change the differential and transmission fluids vary. Let your owner’s manual and your auto mechanic be your guide.

Get a Good Mechanic

Be sure to have the vehicle inspected annually. Mechanics who inspect high-mileage vehicles usually pay particular attention to the suspension, bushings, radiator hoses, engine belts, and brake calipers. If you have a good mechanic on your side, it will make it easier to prevent future problems and to get the best maintenance.

Tune-Ups

Have your mechanic do a tune-up once every 30,000 miles or every two years. It involves checking the battery, belts and hoses, windshield wipers, wheel bearing and alignments, headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and blinkers. The mechanic will also check the air filters and the power steering, brake, transmission and antifreeze fluids.

Be Aware

Between inspections, noting new sounds, vibrations, pulling to one side, difficulty in shifting gears, fluid leaking on the ground, and more, you should be aware of any changes in how your car handles. Under any of these circumstances, have the vehicle checked out. Your car’s tires should be rotated every few months as well. Discount Tire Centers can do this regularly if you schedule with them ahead of time.

Wash and Wax

This preserves your car’s finish and prevents rust and is particularly important in harsh environments such as seaside communities where the air is salty. It’s also important in weather zones where harsh ice melter is often used on the roads.

By focusing on the operation of your motor vehicle and investing money to maintain it rather than waiting to take your car to the shop when a problem occurs, your vehicle could still be on the road when it’s nearing 200,000 miles.