All posts in Auto Maintenance

Pit Stop: 5 Car Care Repairs Everyone Should Know How to Do

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/11 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Basically everyone owns a car in today’s world but it is remarkable how many people do not know how to properly maintain their vehicle. Knowing a few key care care repairs can save you money—and the basics are easy. Take a look for more tips on how to maintain your vehicle as everyone should know these basic procedures.

1. Check The Air Pressure in Your Tires

Your tires take a beating no matter how softly you drive your car and maintaining your tires is a necessary skill every owner needs to practice. First, check your car’s user manual to find out the correct tire pressure as different models and weights vary by quite a bit. This information is also on a plate fastened to the inside of the driver’s side door. Next, use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in each tire. If it needs more air, fill it up. If you notice one tire is consistently low, go to step three and fix it yourself.

2. Change a Tire

Pull over to a safe area. Before you jack the car up, loosen the lug nuts. Using a star-shaped pattern, loosen each lug nut. Jack up the car and remove the lug nuts (if you jack up the car first, the wheel will turn when loosening the nuts.) Remove the wheel, put on the spare tire and re-tighten the nuts (using the same pattern you loosened them with.) Let the car down and finish tightening the nuts.

3. Repair a Damaged Tire

Tire-repair kits consist of long black rubber plugs, a rasp and an insertion tool. Find the the puncture, remove any debris with your pliers, then insert the rasp to clean out and prepare the hole. Put one of the plugs in the insertion tool and press it in the hole. Pull out the tool and trim the excess. If the damage is too much then contact a professional is the only route that you can go.

4. Change the Oil

Check your user manual to find out what type of oil and filter you need. Park and secure your car, then remove the drain plug and drain out the old oil. Remove the old oil filter and replace it. When the oil is done draining, replace the plug and fill it up with the new oil. Make sure that you determine what kind of oil is right for your car as there isn’t just one type of oil for use of all.

5. Jump Start Your Car

Ensure both cars are off. Take your jumper cables and connect the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal on the dead battery, then to the positive terminal on the other battery. Next, connect the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal on the good battery, and the other negative to a bare piece of metal in your car. Turn on the other car and wait for the battery to charge. When both cars are running remove the jumper cables.

Knowing these easy repairs can reduce stress, save money and time, so next time you think you’re stranded or need professional assistance, consider these tips and determine if you really need to fork over the cash for costly repairs.

Meghan Belnap –
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. Meghan recommends getting your tires looked at by one of the professionals at Accurate Tire & Auto Care Inc or other tire repair shops in Burlington.

Six Common Mistakes To Avoid When You Need To Repair Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/09 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Delayed repairs on a car in need of fixing can lead to utter disaster. Not only is such a situation extremely dangerous, it can also end up costing more money than addressing the issue from the beginning. It is best to handle the warnings signs of a car in need of repair as soon as possible. Here are six common mistakes to avoid when you need to repair your car:

Ignoring The Warnings Signs

Cars usually give drivers some form of warning that they are in need of repair. It could be an unusual noise or smell. Continuing to drive as if nothing is wrong could prove dangerous. Even if it doesn’t seem like a major inconvenience, any change in the way your car drives, sounds or smells should be given immediate attention.

Continue Filling Up When There Are Leaks

Spotting a stain beneath your car is a good sign that there is some form of leak or drip coming from under your engine or at least around it. The solution is not to just keep filling up the fluid that is running low. The best thing to do is to find out where it is leaking from and make the necessary repairs to stop the leak.

Temporary Solutions Instead of Proper Repairs

Most cars come with temporary spare tires that are just that, temporary. The same could be said of canned solutions for fixing flat tires and sealants that promise to stop radiator and other leaks. These are only temporary fixes that do not replace getting the proper repairs done to your car.

Only Searching the Internet for Answers

Conducting a keyword search can get you the information to make an informed decision about doing necessary repairs. This can give you relevant pricing of repairs, including parts and labor. However, only searching the internet for answers can get you in trouble. For complicated auto repairs, seek the help of a professional who can properly fix the problem.

Asking a Friend for an Expert Opinion

Unless your friend is a certified mechanic, his or her opinion will matter little in comparison to a complete vehicle inspection by a professional. Your friend may mean well, but it just may not do you any good to get advice from someone who may not know your car well.

Waiting Until Your Car Breaks Down

The ultimate reality is a broken down car that you cannot even drive to the mechanic. When you are forced to have your vehicle towed to the mechanic, you realize that you have allowed things to go too far and get far too expensive. Take care of the problem before it becomes much more costly to repair.

Address the warning signs and get your car inspected. It could save you money and time, as well as keep your car working properly.

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver and often writes about home, auto, family and business. She enjoys traveling with her family when she isn’t writing. Informational credit to Interstate Auto Care.

How to Repair Your Damaged Windshield

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/08 in Windshield with Comments Off

A cracked windshield is not only dangerous, it can also land you a ticket if it obstructs your line of vision while driving. If you own a vehicle, it is your duty to invest in preventative maintenance and also schedule repairs when necessary. While almost every vehicle owner will face the dilemma of repairing a cracked or chipped windshield within their lifetime, it can be difficult to stumble through the process of windshield repair if this is the first time you’ve ever needed glass repair. Read on, and learn how to repair your damaged windshield so that you can keep the cost low and make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Find Out If You Have Glass Coverage Through Your Insurer

Why pay full price for auto glass repair when you pay insurance premiums for coverage that will pay for glass breakage? Many individuals are hesitant to call their insurance agent to verify their options in fear of premium surcharges, but this is not something to worry about when the claim is centered around auto glass. If you carry comprehensive coverage, the comprehensive deductible will apply to glass claims. Luckily, if you have a low deductible, you may save hundreds of dollars on windshield replacement or moderate repairs without having to worry about your rates going up in the future.

Find a Glass Company Who Will File a Claim With Your Insurer

Once you verify your coverage, the next step is to find a trusted glass company that will work directly with your insurer so that you don’t have to worry about going through the process of reimbursement. The best way to do this, is to take your vehicle in to an auto repair shop and get an estimate. While your vehicle is being appraised for the cost of repairs, find out if that if that company will work with your insurance. Most auto repair shops should work with your insurance, but be warned that some do not. Also, many glass companies that partner with leading insurers will actually file your auto insurance claim for you to make the process of glass repair as easy as possible. Compare different companies to verify this is an option.

Choose the Best Method For Repairs

There is a major difference between a chip and an crack. Typically, a chip is smaller than the size of a quarter, and a crack is anything larger a quarter. If you have a small chip, you may be able schedule rock chip repair rather than a full-fledged replacement. Chip repair involves using a professional resin to seal the chip so that your windshield is as good as new without paying the cost for replacement. Some insurance companies may even waive your deductible if chip repair is a viable option.

Be sure to discuss whether you should repair or replace your windshield with professionals like those at www.triglassinc.com or your local repair shop before you make a decision. Once you verify your auto coverage and choose the right professional using the best repair products and materials in their window repair kit, you can erase the chips or eliminate the cracks.

Knowing Your Options In An Accident: 5 Facts Most People Don’t Know

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/03 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

A car accident is a burden for everyone. However, know that you have options when it comes to getting justice. No case is entirely predictable, but you do have some control over the results of your accident lawsuit. There are 5 facts that you should know if you ever get into an accident.

1. Increase Your Odds By Getting Everything in Writing

The court does not pay much attention to people who do not have written proof. The judge wants to see the police reports, insurance claims or medical bills up close. It is important to get every detail down in writing. It is easy to make a call and request for these documents. The more evidence you have, the more likely your case wins.

2. The Attorney Fees Could Take a Lot Out of Your Judgment

Before you get excited about getting a large settlement, know that you have to pay off the attorney. The contingency fee usually varies from 25 to 45 percent. And you could end up with less than half of the money needed to pay medical bills.

3. There Are Different Ways to Reach a Settlement

There is more than one way to reach a settlement for an accident. If you cannot resolve the matter in court, you can arrange a dispute resolution between the opposing sides. The dispute resolution is usually faster and less expensive. During this resolution, a third party is hired to hear both sides of the case and talk over important issues. Many people have heard of a settlement, but they do not know the exact details. They have options if they want to make a settlement.

4. All Lawsuits Have Deadlines

A lot of people think that they can sit around until they are ready to file an accident lawsuit. However, they should know that statutes of limitations apply to every case. Every state has different time frames, but the average one is two years. In states like North Dakota, the deadline is six years. In Kentucky and Louisiana, the accident victims have one year to take action.

5. You Are Not Always Likely to Prove Emotional Distress

You cannot always collect money for emotional distress or pain and suffering. Your personal injury attorney may want to do this, but proving this claim is not as easy as you think. Unless you saw a loved one die or suffered paralysis, it is hard to prove this claim. You can try, but your attorney is not likely to consider this option.

There is a whole field of lawyers who specialize in helping auto accident victims. To receive compensation for a crash, consider all of your choices. Decide if you want to obtain a judgment or settlement. Choose the right attorney to work by your side. Know the various steps that you must take to win your case. Having the right knowledge behind you will help you through this process and in turn help you get the kind of settlement you deserve if you choose that route.

Author:
Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn’t writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. For this article she took a lot of information from the Attorney Firm of Joseph M. Todd, to inform you on the different options when in a car accident.

5 Things You Can Do To Save Money on Your Auto Repairs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/01 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

Saving money on auto repairs is a combination of taking a little do-it-yourself initiative as well as being savvy about where your repair money goes. Of course, the very first step to saving money on auto repairs is to be serious and proactive about maintenance. Keeping up on maintenance helps eliminate potentially more expensive repairs. Here are five ways to get started saving money on auto repairs.

1.Get A Code Reader

Auto code readers are now as simple as getting a Bluetooth scan tool paired with a smart phone app. This will enable you to find out what that check engine light is really saying, and whether it’s a big repair or something small like a faulty sensor. However, this method only works with newer cars, usually those newer than 1996.

2.Learn To Shop At Salvage Yards

A good way to find inexpensive parts is to go to an auto salvaging yard. Often these contain cars totaled in wrecks that still have plenty of working parts on them. There is usually a pull fee and then you are on your own to remove the part from the car. Getting parts from places like these usually end up saving you money based on the fact that they’re used and that you’re pulling the part yourself.

3.Do It Yourself

Learning to do simple repairs yourself is one of the best ways to save money. The biggest portion of a repair bill is the labor of the mechanic. If you can change fluids and filters yourself, the supplies cost very little. Even brakes are not terribly difficult to learn and brake parts themselves are not very expensive.

4.Find A Trustworthy Mechanic

For the big jobs or if you do not have the time to be a do-it-yourselfer, finding a trustworthy mechanic is important. There are a few different methods for this. Ask for referrals from people you know, read reviews on sites such as Yelp, or even find out mechanics who do side work apart from their regular jobs.

5.Shop Around

If a big repair bill is looming on your car, the best way to lower the cost is to shop around. Ask different shops for estimates and even mention what another shop will do it for. You might also consider providing your own parts for the job.

There are many different ways to save money on car repairs. Start with good maintenance habits and finish by doing your own research and learning to fix some items yourself. Try to make visiting the mechanic a last resort.

Author Bio: Chaleigh is a freelance writer that lives in NYC. She enjoys writing, cars, and lifestyle photography. In her free time, you might be able to find her at an auto scrap yard looking for parts for her 1971 Chevy Nova, or taking pictures while people watching in the city.