All posts in Auto Maintenance

4 Ways to Get Your Car Ready for the Spring Season

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/30 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Winter driving is unlike any other kind of driving, so when spring rolls around, there are some things you need to do to make the transition go smoother for you and your car. Making this transition is easy, if you know what you are doing. Luckily, here are four suggestions to get your car ready for spring and warmer weather.

Clean Inside and Out

No other season is as tough on your car’s exterior and interior as the winter. If you live somewhere where it snows a lot, your car is bombarded not just with snow and ice, but all the salt and chemicals that get put down on the road to combat the snow and ice. At a minimum, you need to give your car’s undercarriage a thorough cleaning. It’s also a good idea to clean your floor mats and steam clean your car’s carpet to get the accumulated gunk out before it does permanent damage. You can easily do this yourself at a car wash or pay someone else to do it for you.

Get Your Car Professionally Serviced

Winter driving can deplete your car’s fluids and you might not be as vigilant about getting service done when the weather and the roads are bad. If you are overdue for an oil change, get in to get one at places like Dean’s Automotive Service Center as soon as you can. Also have your other fluids checked, especially your wiper fluid, which probably will be low after a winter of trying to keep your windshield clean. Spring is also a good time to get your A/C checked and your air filter replaced before it starts getting hot.

Check Your Tires

Cold air can cause your tires to lose air, so if you didn’t check them during the winter, spring is a good time to check your tires to make sure they have the right pressure. You should also check your tires for any damage or uneven wear. And if you use snow tires, you need to change them out for regular tires once you are sure there will be no more snowfalls.

Take Care of Your Windshield and Wipers

With all the sand and gravel on the roads during the winter, it’s easy for your windshield to get a small crack, so you should be sure to examine your windshield closely and have any dings you find repaired quickly. Getting this taken care of early will avoid necessary expensive replacement for cracked windshields. Winter can also be brutal on your windshield wipers, so spring can be a good time to change those out so you can be ready for spring rains.

Winter is rough on your car and the poor weather can also cause you to neglect important maintenance. That’s why it’s important to give your car extra attention and preparation once spring rolls around. Remember that these are just a few of the things you should do and each car can be a different so make sure to check and see what you need to do to yours this spring.

7 Hacks to Improve Your Car’s Performance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/27 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Whether your car has decades of service under its belt, or it’s brand new, it’s always a good idea to make sure it’s performing at its full potential. The thing is, automotive performance can be achieved easily with the following incredibly cool hacks that don’t require a costly trip to the mechanic. Some of the hacks can be accomplished without the purchase of any new parts or equipment, for those that do require a purchase, the parts can easily be found at a place like Professional Automotive.

Get The Junk out of Your Trunk

It’s all too easy to use a car as a mobile storage unit for all kinds of things that can end up adding substantial weight the engine has to pull around. Set aside a little time, at least once a month, to remove all but the most essential things you need to cart around. In case you’re wondering, the spare tire unit should be considered essential.

Tires and Wheels

One of the best ways to entirely change the handling and feel dynamics of a car is to upgrade above an economy rated set of tires. The extra grip that comes with a premium set can get you away from the stop light more efficiently as well. Pair your new tires up with a strong and lightweight set of wheels, and you’ll think you’re driving a different car. Be sure to keep your tires properly inflated too.

Keep the Air Flowing

Make sure the air intake isn’t obstructed by foreign objects like leaves or paper. Check the air filter at least every three months for dust and dirt residue. If you want to go the extra step, and enjoy tinkering with your car, you could replace the factory exhaust system with a premium after-market system that lets the engine breathe a little easier, and you could install an upgraded air intake system too.

Install New Spark Plugs

Find and install the best performance-rated spark plugs for your car. There are several factors in determining which spark plug is the right spark plug for your car – such as thread reach, thread diameter and whether the spark plug incorporates a gasket or is the conical type. If you’re really into performance, you can upgrade the spark plug cables too. Newer spark plugs, like E3’s produces cleaner burning combustion, resulting in long term-use reduced up to 58%.

Find a Great Motor Oil

Whether you go with a synthetic or natural engine oil, pick a highly rated one and change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the correct motor oil not only keeps your engine running smoothly but it prevents dirt build-up and deposits by keeping them in the suspension. Finally, a good motor oil fends off sludge and battles oxidation, keeping the oil fresh and reducing acids which contribute to oxidation.

Get a Performance Computer Chip

Many cars have computer chips that regulate engine performance. It’s as simple of finding where the chip is and replacing it with an upgraded performance one. Do plenty of research to find the particular chip that’s best for your car, and purchase from a reputable source too.

Boost the Octane

It’s counter-intuitive, but going with premium gasoline can improve engine performance enough to make the extra expenditure barely noticeable. If you’re really looking for a noticeable boost, find a reputable gas station that sells 100 octane fuel.

If you just bought your first used car, or you finally found the car of your dreams, it’s not only fun but practical to keep it running at peak performance. Just remember, always obey the speed limit, and drive safely.

Six Of The Best Ways to Extend Your Car’s Life

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/19 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Your car is an investment, a prized possession that you would like to have (and use) for a long time to come. To make sure your car stays in top condition for the longest time possible, you’ll need to put in some effort towards maintenance and your driving techniques. The following six tips will help you to extend the life of your car.

Gentle Breaking-In Period

The engine parts in a new car are not yet settled in a way that reduces friction and enables optimal performance. When you take delivery of your new car, you should drive it at less than 75 mph for the first 1000 miles, and not above 100 mph for 3000 miles after that. You should also avoid revving up the engine during this period.

Paying Attention

Whenever you are driving, you should be sensitive to anything unusual in the way your car handles. A specialist with Speedy Apollo Auto Service Centres says this attentiveness can often help you detect problems while they’re still fixable. You should take time to investigate and attend to any strange sound or vibration in the car.

Engine Oil Renewal

Oil is your engine’s lifeline. You need to renew it at the recommended mileage or even before so as to ensure that your engine remains in a prime operating condition. Always go for high quality multi-grade oils.

Essential Fluids Top-up

The essential systems on your car such as brakes, clutch, and power steering, are hydraulically operated and use fluids. These special fluids have to be kept at optimum levels which are usually between the maximum and minimum points clearly indicated on their reservoirs. The automatic transmission system has a dip stick with which you can check the ideal fluid level.

Timely Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is needed to prevent major mechanical damage from occurring. It deals with issues of your vehicle’s condition and performance while they are still small and forestalls bigger problems.

Drive at Moderate Speed

You might have assumed that a car at any speed suffers the same degree of tear and wear. This is not so. If you have the tendency to drive faster than everyone else, you could be causing your car unusual depreciation. Driving too fast will reduce the life of your car. Always strive to drive at moderate speeds.

You need to develop the above suggestions into subconscious habits. This will help you to improve and extend the life of your car. It might take you some time to adapt but, in the long term, it will be worth it. You will be glad that you decided to extend the life of your car as you hit 200,000 miles and beyond!

Six Risks Of DIY Auto Repairs, And How Make Sure You Fix The Problem

by Anita Ginsburg on 2015/03/04 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

There is a fascination among car owners to “do-it-yourself-and-save-money” on car repairs. Unfortunately, not everyone is mechanically inclined or can follow a mechanic’s guide. Specialized tools may be required such as torque wrenches, impact wrenches, lifts and more. Some automotive systems should not be considered DIY projects if the owner has no formal mechanical training. There are six basic risks of DIY projects and how you can fix the problem.

The Transmission Is Not A DIY Project

Transmissions require specialized tools for all the little rings, bits and pieces. All the pieces must go together just right and hooked up to the drive train and engine perfectly. If not, the least that can happen is the car stops shifting or moving forward on the road, requiring a tow. At the worst, the transmission can fall apart in pieces inside or drop off the vehicle in front of everyone. Avoid transmission problems by having a professional shop periodically inspect and make any needed repairs.

Parts Cannot Be Substituted

Car engines and systems are built with specific parts. An engine may be used by the manufacturer in several different makes and models of cars. This might give the impression that parts can be substituted from one car to another. Using the wrong parts can seriously damage or destroy your engine. Only use parts made for your car’s make and model. You can find good deals on used auto parts to save money, say the experts at Mike’s Auto Towing.

DIY AC Recharge Kits

This is the second car system that is not a DIY project. DIY auto HVAC recharge kits do not remove the old refrigerant, the kit adds new refrigerant on top of old. This is the same as pouring new oil in the crankcase without removing the old oil first. Refrigerant leaks can occur, contaminants can enter the system and worst of all, if the new refrigerant is different than the old, serious chemical reactions can occur. This system is best left in the hands of professionals.

Windshield Repair

Many DIY windshield repair kits are available on the market today. The resins used can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some resins only coat the problem instead of fixing the problem. The repair may not hold up to travel on the road, and your insurance company might not cover the cost of a DIY repair.

Brake Repairs

Unless you have formal training to work on a car’s brakes, do not attempt it. This is another system that has to be assembled perfectly in order to work. The untrained eye cannot spot worn or broken parts. It is best to take your car to a professional to have the brakes inspected, maintained or repaired.

Alignment

Specialized equipment is needed to align a car’s tires to keep it moving safely down the road. DIY adjustments can throw your car’s alignment off so badly that your tires, wheel hub and brakes could sustain damage.

While it makes sense to do some DIY repairs to save money, the best policy is to leave delicate systems and specific repairs to the professionals. It might seem expensive, but a safe car is far better than a broken down or unsafe one.

Procrastination Station: What Car Repairs to Get Out of the Way First

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/02/28 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

If you are ready to make the required repairs to your vehicle, then there are a few naturally needed first. While some repairs that can wait until a later time, due to financial concerns or lack of time, there are parts that must be replaced quickly to keep a vehicle operating safely.

Serpentine Belt

Modern vehicles have a long serpentine belt that operates several mechanisms such as the power steering components, alternator, and water pump that are necessary to drive. The best time to replace this belt is when it is worn or stretched. A knowledgeable mechanic can inspect this belt to see if it is lose or damaged during a tune-up to replace it before it breaks while on the road.

Front and Back Lights

Your vehicle has a lot of lights that require brightly lit lightbulbs at night, or during severe weather such as fog or rainstorms. Occasionally, inspect the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights to verify the lightbulbs are working optimally. To understand the lightbulb sizes needed, check your vehicle’s manual or find the information at an online site. This is one repair that simply can’t wait too long.

Vehicle Tires

Tires in excellent condition are a vital part of any vehicle to maintain safety while on the road. According to Road-Mart Tire, replacing tires correctly is a professional job for a qualified mechanic. They will know the correct size and type to use on a particular model while installing tires properly. Expert tire installation can increase your vehicle’s gas mileage while making it safer to drive, especially in bad weather.

Engine Hoses

If you lift the engine hood on a vehicle, you will notice several hoses attached to components such as the antifreeze container, water pump, and radiator. Modern vehicle hoses are made to last longer than in the past but still wear out eventually. You can inspect hoses visually by looking for splits and tears that indicate fluids can leak. When the automobile is completely cool, use your hands to feel the hoses to find small holes or degraded material.

Brake Components

The brake components on vehicles get a frequent workout in all types of road conditions. The brake pads wear out the fastest due to short trips that require stopping often for stoplights and stop signs. You will hear a squealing noise as brake pads become worn that signals it is time for a professional wear. Unless you are an expert at vehicle repair, this is definitely a job for a local automobile technician who may find additional problems such as defective calipers, rotors or drums.

It is easy to get busy and delay your vehicle’s repairs, leading to a breakdown on a secluded country road, or busy highway that requires an emergency tow at an inconvenient time. A better alternative is to avoid procrastination by having a regular maintenance schedule with a trusted mechanic or Marianna FL auto repair company for your vehicle.