All posts in Auto Maintenance

Keeping it Up: Six Habits to Maintaining Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/17 in Brakes with Comments Off

Besides car washes and quality gas, it’s important to practice a few other steps to increase the longevity of your vehicle. It will not only lead to less mechanical issues, but can also increase the overall value of the car. Use these habits of maintaining your car for better performance value.

Replace the Fluids

Check the transmission fluid with the engine running and replace it every 100,000 miles or when the oil becomes murky or dark. The brake fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid should also be checked at the same time and replaced when low. You can find all these liquids at your local auto parts store. Consult your owner’s manual or sales associate to make sure you get the best product for your particular vehicle.

Change the Oil

Change the car’s oil every 3,000 to 3,500 miles to maintain a clean and efficient transmission. The oil is often considered the blood of the vehicle, making it important to refill if the level drops below the line on the dipstick. You can change the oil yourself with proper instruction, or take it to the mechanic for oil change and tune up.

Detail the Vehicle

The interior of the vehicle should be maintained with frequent cleaning and vacuuming once a week. Both the interior and exterior should be detailed once a year to remove minor scratches, stains, and grime that has built up with use. The nicer your car looks, the easier it will sell.

Replace the Brakes

To maximize your brakes’ efficiency, have them replaced by a professional once they begin to wear or squeak. The brakes should be checked at least once a month to prevent them from failing. If you start to hear strange squeaking or grinding noises, or have to stop farther back, it is time for the breaks to be inspected.

Check the Tire Pressure

Check the tire pressure once a week with a tire gauge when it’s cold outside to prevent heat expansion with the air. Look in the owner’s manual for the recommended PSI that is specific to the vehicle. If you’re tires are low, you can typically fill them with air at your local gas station. If your tires are regularly low, there may be a leak that needs repair.

Replace the Air Filter

Replacing the engine’s air filter is crucial to protecting the engine from debris, while also providing enough oxygen. Inspect the air filter every few months and replace it when it begins to look clogged to ensure it still works to efficiently catch bugs and leaves that get close to the engine.

With some extra TLC, it’s possible to extend the life of your car and improve the overall condition. By staying up-to-date on the fluids and checking the tire pressure, it’s possible to ensure a smooth ride and get more out of your car for a clean and efficient vehicle.

Information credited to Honda Barn Hampshire Honda service.

5 Key Components to Restoring Your Old Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/11 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off

Restoration can be very time consuming, not to mention somewhat costly. You should always make sure you are willing to put in the time and effort before deciding to do something, such as restoring your old truck. Restoring a truck is not only about bringing it back to life, but shows your passion and the talent you possess in creating something unique. The make and model of your truck will play a huge role in determining how much time and money you will spend in restoration.

MONEY

Money plays a key part in the restoration process. The price to restore your old truck can vary greatly. It would be wise to focus on restoring certain aspects of the truck first. If there is something you really want to restore now and if it is within your budget, you might start with that particular part or area and only focus on that aspect of your truck restoration until that particular area is completed. This will allow you to stay focused and help you manage your finances for the project all at the same time. It would also be wise to set a budget for each step in this process to secure that you stay on track and to help you see if fixing the truck is really worth it or not.

TIME

The process of restoring your truck will also take a lot of time. You will be rebuilding your truck and depending in what kind of shape it is in, it can even take years to complete. Not to mention that it might be difficult just to find parts needed for your truck. Also, if you ever heard the phrase, “time is money,” then you understand that the less money you have to invest in restoring your truck, the more time it will take.

REPLACE WORN OR DAMAGED PARTS

Many people will take their truck to a restoration company to secure that necessary components such as the body and engine are done properly. One major issue that can slow down the restoration process is rusted or frozen bolts. If this is your first time restoring a vehicle, it might pay off in the long run to have professional s handle the vital restorations.

NEW PAINT JOB

Sanding and a primer should be done to smooth the truck body before paint is applied. The key paint ingredients for your truck are pigments, binders, and solvents. You can even add some flames or stripes going up the hood. Choose your color carefully and make sure you read all the instructions and warnings included with the paint.

INSTALL UPGRADES

Upgrade your truck by installing a new sound system or a USB cable for IPods, IPhones, etc. Get some new rims for your tires, maybe ones that light up. Upgrades are great, but make sure the truck is safe and workable before spending money on accessories.

Remember that deciding to restore your truck is an important decision that shouldn’t be made on a whim. You need to consider things such as cost and if you have the time, dedication and passion to put into your truck. Is it worth it?

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie was inspired to write this article by 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd., who specialize in truck parts and repair.

Synthetic Versus Conventional: Which Motor Oil Is Healthier For Your Car?

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/10 in Auto Maintenance with 1 Comment

Motor oil is an essential substance for the internal combustion engine. Although every car owner needs motor oil, the market is flushed with different brands of motor oil and two main types: conventional and synthetic. As consumers, car owners wonder which type of motor oil works best for their car’s engine. This is because each engine is different for every motor vehicle, so synthetic or conventional oil may be healthier for some cars over others. Here are things to consider when determining which motor oil is healthier for a car.

Basic Chemical Differences

Conventional oil is general petroleum oil that is given chemical additives so that the conventional oil is given its viscosity and heat tolerance. In contrast, synthetic oil is a completely manufactured chemical compound that has the viscosity and heat tolerance of conventional, petroleum-based oil. It is created by specific companies as a product that will give an engine the highest level of lubrication across a higher temperature spectrum.

Performance Advantage

What synthetic motor oil companies and car mechanics will tell consumers is that synthetic motor oil is able to help an engine perform more effectively. The chemical compounds in synthetic oil are able to work in the coldest or hottest environments, meaning if the motor vehicle is in frigid temperatures over night, the engine will perform better, in theory, with synthetic oil versus conventional oil.

Shelf Life

Because of its chemical manufacturing, synthetic oil is able to last longer in an engine that conventional oil. Over time, the conventional oil will not only reduce in quality, but residue can build up in the engine. This can end up blocking and hindering the efficient mechanics of the engine. With synthetic oil, it can only last longer in the engine, synthetic oil has chemicals that allow it to be cleaner. This leaves no reside in the engine and minimizes reside build-up over time.

Mileage Changing

According to experts doing Volvo specialists service in Denver, car owners know they need to change their oil every couple of thousand miles. With this in mind, another difference arises between the types of oil. It is recommend that if the consumer is using conventional motor oil that the consumer get their oil changed between 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, with synthetic oil, an engine could very well not need an oil change for 7,500 to 15,000 miles.

Some Require Synthetic

As of the late 2000s, many European model cars, like BMW and Volkswagen, require synthetic oil. Some American brands, like Chevy, have also begun recommending exclusively using synthetic oil. This requirement is due to the engines themselves, which work properly with synthetic oil. It is highly recommended that all car owners look to see what the car’s manufacturer recommends as far as what type of oil is ideal for the car.

Costs

Because of its complex manufacturing, synthetic oil is much more expensive on the market than conventional motor oil. Many mechanics and consumer writers will state that the consumer may save money on the long-run with synthetic oil due to better engine maintenance and less frequent oil changes thanks to synthetic oil. However, the bottom line is that synthetic oil costs more than conventional oil.

Older Engines Tend to Need Conventional

The benefit of synthetic oil can actually be a drawback with older engines. Consumer writers claim that when a car engine has very high mileage (well over 100,000 miles), the car engine has become accustomed to conventional motor oil. Many writers claim that putting in synthetic oil into such high mileage engines will actually cause the oil to leak out or burn up faster. As a result, an older engine consumers synthetic oil faster than conventional oil.

Driving Lifestyle

People who only drive their cars for short distances or if they drive them infrequently may not need synthetic oil. For drivers who drive infrequently or even small distances, moisture will tend to build up in the engine. Although special care will be needed for cars that are driven infrequently, the oil choice for such a car may mean the driver can pick and choose whichever oil they want. Some consumer writers state that synthetic oil need to be warmed for a long period of driving or frequent driving intervals in order for the synthetic oil to be warm enough to evaporate moisture. As a result, conventional motor oil may burn away moisture quicker and easier than synthetic oil for infrequent drivers.

Conclusion

There are several factors when determining which motor oil is best for a consumer’s car. How much the oil may factor into the consumer’s budget and their driving lifestyle are some of the biggest factors that help determine if synthetic oil is a better choice over conventional oil and vice versa. However, as newer lines from car brands enter the market, the car companies may push synthetic oil over conventional oil for the newest cars. Always check with the owner’s manual and car manufacturer to determine the best oil for your car. Also, consider the pricing and driving lifestyle to determine if synthetic or conventional works best for the consumer.

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.

Recent Car Accident? Six Secrets Your Auto Insurer Might Not Be Letting You In On

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/03 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

You pay for insurance for peace of mind and protection when you are put in a situation where you need to file a claim. While many insurance companies are dedicated to fair and timely claims processing, some adjusters are taught specific tactics that are designed to reduce the amount of the settlement. Car insurance adjusters are paid to keep an eye on claims settlements and to reduce the company’s obligation as much as possible. While adjusters can be helpful and friendly, they are known to keep secrets from claimants so that they can close a claim as quickly as possible. Here are 6 secrets that you should know about if you’ve recently been in an accident:

Your Statements At the Scene Can Be Used Against You

Immediately following an accident, it is almost second nature to apologize or explain your case. Make sure that you do not make statements to witnesses or the police that can be used by the other party’s adjuster to justify fault. It is best to check to see if everyone is okay, and then shut your mouth and leave the investigation to the professionals. What you say can and will be used against you.

Speak Up About Your Injuries

Many people fear reporting an injury because they are worried that their claim will be investigated for fraud. It is important to be honest with your adjuster and with yourself. If you are experiencing pain days following the accident, tell your adjuster about your injuries and see a medical professional. In addition to the physical costs, you also need to consider the actual costs. You may need medical attention, but your injuries could also lead to lost wages, the need for child care and for help around the house. These are all things that may be covered by your insurance.

You Will Be Rushed to Settle

The faster a company can get you to settle following your accident, the less they typically have to pay. Do not be rushed to accept the offers you are extended to fix your car and pay for your injuries. Injuries can arise over time, and you do not want to sign away your rights because you accidentally signed the release forms you did not review.

You Do Not Have to Use a Preferred Auto Repair Place

All too often, claims adjusters recommend a shop to vehicle owners that is considered "preferred". The reason for this is to keep the cost of the claim down, but can you trust this shop? You want your vehicle to be repaired properly, not temporarily. Be sure to choose a mechanic that you can trust and don’t be pressured to use a "preferred" shop.

A Total Loss Is Not Always a Total Loss

Insurers will pay to total your vehicle or repair it, but you can request to have a third party estimation done if you do not agree with the decision. If your car is deemed a total loss, be sure to have an appraiser representing you draft a report so that you are not cheated.

You have the Right to Mediate

Many insurance adjusters present an offer and have a "take it or leave it" attitude. This makes you leery of challenging them, and keeps costs down. If you do not agree with the offer, you can dispute it and go through the process of mediation. Because insurance companies want to avoid lawsuits and jury verdicts, they are likely to sweeten the deal.

If all consumers knew claims secrets then the industry would not be a multi-billion dollar one. Be a wise consumer and do not jump at the first offer. Exercise your rights and know your duties so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.