Auto Magazine

Tricked Out Truck: Four Serious Upgrades

by Anica Oaks on 2014/06/20 in Auto Parts with Comments Off

If you’re considering tricking out your truck, you’ve probably considered a new paintjob and decals, but you may not know where to start your modifying and accessorizing. Tricking out your truck can enhance its performance and show your distinct style. Here are four upgrades that can take your truck to the next level.

1. Suspension

Improved suspension is one of the most essential truck upgrades, and it can be one of the most extreme. If, for example, you intend to upgrade to large, heavy-duty tires, you will need to lift your truck to allow for the bigger tires. Suspension also allows for great ground clearance, allowing you to drive your truck in harsher areas where unraised vehicles would be in danger of damaging their undercarriages.

There are three main lift options:

Leveling: According to Diesel Power Mag, leveling kits can be used to raise the front of the truck to match the stock level of the back. This is the simplest of the three options, as it involves less hardware. Leveling typically provides about 2” of lift.
Lift Kits: Lift systems and lift kits can lift your truck anywhere from 2”-10”. Custom lift kits can go even higher. Lift kits achieve this using blocks or springs.
Body Lift: According to Tonda 4-Wheel Drive Ltd., body lifts are inexpensive and can add height even after your suspension is maxed out. Body lifts were used before trucks came with the integrated ability to add suspension. You may need to modify your bumpers and wheel wells to hide the space between the body and the wheels if you have a body lift.

2. Lights

Adding new lights or upgrading the lights your truck already has can help you navigate back roads, or just make a statement. With alternative mounting systems to add floodlights to the roof of your truck or other enhancements for your headlights, the possibilities are nearly endless.

3. Hitches

Likely, your truck came with a hitch. However, a great way to customize and best utilize your truck is to add a fifth wheel hitch or enhance the original hitch. This will enable you to haul loads more efficiently. Just be sure to check your towing capacity—that information can be found in your owner’s manual.

4. Tires

One of the great things about trucks is the ability to install nearly any size and intensity of tires. If you decide to go with bigger wheels, whether for the tough, tricked out look, or for better performance while off-roading, you will need to raise the truck to accommodate them.

This upgrade can get you a lot of bang for your buck: look for tires that suit the way you use your truck, whether that is as a personal vehicle or for recreation. You can also choose custom rims to complete the statement.

Whether you’re tricking out your truck to increase its capacity and performance, or to make it the baddest on the block, you can’t go wrong starting with these four upgrades. From there you can get as crazy as you have money and ambition for.

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article uses information from Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd.

Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? 3 Things to Do Before You Hit the Road

by Lizzie Weakley on 2014/06/19 in On the Road with Comments Off

Are you planning a road trip this summer? You’ve picked your destination and the places you want to stop along the way. You’ve booked a hotel, packed your comfiest clothes, and bought a new pair of sunglasses—you are ready to hit the road. But is your car?

Make sure to do these three things before you head out.

1. Stock up on Supplies

If you encounter an emergency while you are far from home, you won’t be able to call a neighbor or family member to come to the rescue. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, but you should have the following things on hand in case bad weather leaves you stranded or your car breaks down in the middle of a desert.

Fully-stocked first aid kit: Remember to include bandages, antibiotic ointment, scissors and tweezers, cold/heat pack, and pain killers
Extra water and non-perishable food
Flashlight
Jumper Cables
Supplies to handle a flat or blown out tire: Bring a jack, tire iron, spare tire, and a puncture repair kit
Basic tools: Pack some screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, and duct tape.
Extra engine coolant
Blanket
Map of the area
Cell phone and charger

2. Make a Plan

You can’t always prevent your car from breaking down, so make sure you have a plan for emergencies. If your car leaves you stranded on the open road, do the following:

If possible, move your car to the side of the road. If possible, coast along the shoulder until you are away from curves in the road so that other drivers will have a clear view of your stopped vehicle.
For your safety, and the safety of others, alert other drivers to the fact that you are stopped by turning on your hazard lights, hanging something out of your window or popping your hood. You should also turn on your hazard lights if you are moving very slowly while looking for a safe place to pull over.
Call for help. If you have roadside assistance they should be able to come get you and your car. If you don’t have roadside assistance, write down the numbers tow truck companies in the area you will be visiting before you leave on your trip. If you are unable to call for help, wait patiently until a highway patrol officer drives through the area. Make sure family and friends know where you are headed, so they can alert authorities if you don’t check in with them at an expected time.

3. Check the Basics

The best way to prevent car trouble is to check your car before you leave. Be sure to check and change your oil as well as check your breaks, and suspension.

After you have a professional check for the major problems, do your own inspection. Does your air filter need to be replaced? Do you have enough windshield washer fluid? Are your tires inflated to the pressure recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual? Do the tires have enough tread left?

Once you’ve checked your car for problems, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the vehicle. If you usually use your car for commuting to and from work, it is possible you’ve never needed to turn on the high-beams, fog lights, or cruise control. Make sure you know where everything is now and can easily turn things on as needed.

Do these three things before you head out on your road trip so you can enjoy the scenery worry-free.

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 Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

Running on Liquid: Understanding the Different Functions of Car Fluids

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/18 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Car fluids, in addition to the components that use them, are the lifeblood of any car. Without them, motors burn up, transmissions stall and other unwanted things go haywire. Know the difference between automotive fluids, their characteristics and functions. And most importantly, know how and when to check and replace these fluids. Hence, here is a brief rundown of the most common and important automotive fluids.

Transmission Fluid

Right up there with oil and gasoline in terms of importance, transmission fluid is the critical substance that provides hydraulic power for shifting gears while simultaneously lubricating them. Do you know when and how to check it?

Like checking the oil level, it’s a good idea to have the engine running and warm when checking tranny fluid. Start by taking the transmission fluid dipstick out (don’t confuse it with the oil dipstick), wipe it clean, reinsert it and take it out again, taking note of the level on the stick. Unless the car’s gears are not switching smoothly (in which case you should check the fluid even more often), always check the transmission fluid at least once a month.

Coolant

Engines get hot, there’s no way around it. That’s where coolant–often a mixture of water and antifreeze that resides in a reservoir alongside the engine–comes into action. Antifreeze, used more in climates with colder winters, protects against both extreme heat and severe cold.

Oil

Even people who know absolutely nothing about cars or how they work know (or should know) that oil is the single most important thing in an engine. Not only does it provide lubrication for moving parts, it protects against rust by staving off metal oxidation and collects dirt via the oil filter. Let’s put it this way, with too little oil, the engine is going to wear down exponentially faster; with no oil, your engine’s dead in no time.

Oil should be checked about every three weeks (more often on older and/or higher-mileage cars). Also, check it just like you would the aforementioned transmission fluid–just don’t get the wrong stick.

Power Steering and Brake Fluid

These fluids, like transmission fluid, provide hydraulic pressure to help the driver brake and steer with little effort. However, they are different beasts than other coolants like oil and coolants in one major aspect: cars typically don’t deplete them. If there’s a problem, say with a leak in the power steering fluid container, yes, issues will generally start popping up everywhere. Generally, though, these liquids should be checked once every two to three months.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Contrary to what most non-mechanics think of window washer fluid, it’s more than just pretty blue water. Washer fluid contains several chemicals like methanol and ethylene glycol that break down things like bug guts splattered across your window quicker and more efficiently than soapy water. Check it once a month or so.

Article Credit:
According to National Transmission, a Calgary bearing and transmission company, checking your transmission fluid frequently will save the operator extravagant repair bills due to wear and tear.

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.

Eight Preventative Measures to Stop Auto Theft

by Hannah Whittenly on 2014/06/16 in Auto Security with Comments Off

Preventing auto theft is one of the top priorities for any car owner. Cars are always vulnerable to thieves who know what they are doing. We spoke to auto insurance experts from Anthony Clark Insurance Brokerage in Calgary about good habits that will counter auto theft. They shared with us 8 positive things to always do:

Always Lock Your Car

Locking your car doors is a routine habit for many people. This basic preventative measure makes it so much harder for a criminal to break into your car and steal your belongings. If this isn’t a habit yet, make it a top priority!

Turn off Your Car when You Leave

Although it can be convenient to leave your car running when you make a quick stop at a gas station, avoid this habit at all costs! It would take a criminal a split second to open your door and drive off without you knowing. Spending a few extra seconds to restart your car is worth it in the long run.

Never Leave Your Keys in Your Vehicle

Similarly to the tip above, leaving your keys in your car is giving criminals a very easy way to drive off in your property. Make sure to take the keys with you when you leave, don’t just put them under the mat!

Avoid Parking in the Street

It is much more likely that a car will be stolen out of the street than from someone’s driveway. If possible, park in a driveway or garage to reduce the risk of becoming an auto theft victim.

Park in a Well-Lit Area

If you must park in the street, make sure to pick a well-lit area so that it is less tempting for a criminal to pursue your car for theft purposes. Auto thefts are much more likely to occur in a dark area than in one that is well-lit so choose your parking space wisely!

Conceal Items Left in your Car

If a criminal is able to see all of your purchases from the window, he or she is much more likely to attempt to break into your car. Hide packages in the trunk or underneath a blanket, when possible.

Ask your Neighbors to Watch your Vehicle

A cautious eye is one of the main keys to preventing auto theft. Make sure neighbors are aware when you are out of town so that they can keep an eye on your vehicle. They will alert you if any suspicious activity occurs while you are away.

Install a Car Alarm

Finally, a car alarm can be a perfect sound deterrent for any robbery. Anything that attracts attention to the scene of the crime is the last thing a criminal wants, which means it should be the first thing that you install.

Automobile theft is all too common, but with these simple tips you will be able ensure it is far less likely to happen to you.

This article was written with help from auto insurance experts at Anthony Clark Insurance Brokerage in Calgary, Alberta.