Auto Magazine

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.

The Six Greatest Off-Roading Vehicles of All Time

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/04/10 in Off the Road with Comments Off

Off-road driving is by far one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have behind the wheel. Everyone is used to driving their vehicle on city streets and freeways—having the ability to drive your vehicle across all sorts of different terrain appeals to adventure lovers everywhere. For those who hear the call of rocky terrain and wide open spaces, there are plenty of excellent off-roading vehicles to choose from:

Ram 1500

4-wheel-drive trucks can be some of the best vehicles for off-roading. The Ram 1500 is no exception. It has a powerful V8 engine and it’s what comes to mind when people think of an American pick-up truck. Sturdy, bulky, and packing quite the punch with its up to 395 horsepower, the Ram 1500 will more than satisfy all of your off-roading needs.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The Jeep brand has become synonymous with off-roading. You could pick just about any Jeep you want and it would be a great off-roading vehicle. However, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the quintessential off-roading Jeep. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has lockable front and back differential, making it an adaptable vehicle with a great 4-wheel-drive option. When it comes to off-roading, just about any Jeep will suit you just fine. The Rubicon, however, has the look and the performance that makes it ideal for driving on alternate terrain.

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback isn’t just a great family car; it’s also an excellent off-roading vehicle. Subaru is known for having many years of success in the rally circuit. The Outback shows that Subaru has a good idea for what makes an off-roading vehicle work. The Outback has great clearance and a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.

Chevy Silverado Z71

The Chevy Silverado Z71 is another pick-up truck that has become a fan favorite when it comes to off-roading. This is a special model of the popular Silverado line designed specifically for off-roading. With excellent off-road suspension, easy handling, and excellent performance in low gear, the Silverado is one of the best pick-ups for off-roading.

Hummer H1

The Hummer H1 is a powerhouse. While you may not see a lot of them on the street anymore, they are still great SUVs for off-roading. With extremely high ground clearance, huge tires, the Hummer H1 can handle just about any terrain you throw at it. For this reason, the H1 has become a favorite of the American military, widely used to transport soldiers and supplies across the harshest terrain.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser is the go-to off-roading vehicle in parts of the Middle East and Africa. Toyota installed crawl control which uses a computer to adjust speed so that the driver can focus on steering. According to an Edmonton truck parts expert, the Land Cruiser is the most durable and cost-effective off-roading vehicle on the market.

All in all, there are many different off-roading vehicles to choose from. What you use for your all-terrain adventures depends on you, but for the best experience with your vehicle, one of those listed above will always be a great choice. Whether it’s a car, truck, or SUV, these are the unquestionably the best off-roading vehicles to grace the world.

Informational Credit to Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd

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.

Easy Guide to Changing Car Ownership

by Anica Oaks on 2014/04/08 in Auto Selling with Comments Off

To complete the official resale of a vehicle, the car title must be exchanged in order for the transaction to be considered legitimate and unquestionable. Changing the car ownership is important for both parties as it ensures the original owner is not held liable for the vehicle in the event of an accident while also solidifying the buyer’s right to the property. If you are on either side of the transaction, here is an easy guide to changing car ownership.

What You’ll Need

Like any other legal form of transaction, changing a vehicle’s ownership status requires completion and submission of a few application forms and documents. Depending on the state you apply for the change of your vehicle registration, the application form can be discrete. For example, at Trail Auto Tag Agency in Miami, Florida, the minimum requirements for processing include the vehicle’s current registration papers and an identification of the current owner, which can be any government-issued ID.

You should also prepare the transfer fees involved. Additional documents are requested if the present registration papers are not under the applicant’s name. In this case, it is best to consult an expert so you can prepare the correct set of documents. This speeds up the process by averting any hassling road bumps.

How It Works

As the current owner, you must maintain the vehicle’s insurance documents until the exchange of vehicle title takes place. Make sure the interested buyer insures the vehicle immediately after the transaction. The Department of Motor Vehicles requires evidence of this insurance to officially transfer the ownership of the vehicle.

If you are trying to sell your vehicle but cannot find the associated title, contact the lending firm and request another copy. If the lending firm no longer operates, the FDIC or Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation can assist you in acquiring a valid and updated copy.

Protect Yourself When You Transfer Ownership

One critical step when you sell the vehicle is to remove your license plates. If you don’t, anything illegal that occurs with the vehicle could potentially be held against you. Second, make sure you retain important information about the vehicle, such as a copy of the title transfer paperwork and the Vehicle Identification Number. If you can’t accompany the new car owner to the DMV, consider submitting a vehicle transit notification that is available in states like Texas to guard yourself against the possibility that the new owner does not submit the paperwork.

Additional Guidelines

To successfully change the ownership of the vehicle, the buyer must also comply with the requirements set forth by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Arrange for a visit to the DMV with the buyer of the car to make sure you both finish the paperwork. Although requirements are slightly different from one state to the next, you may be requested to submit proof of insurance, bill of sale with the buy price, title paperwork, VIN number, and the latest odometer reading.

There are many reasons why the need to change car ownership is brought up. Whether it’s a good sale price, gift, inheritance, or satisfaction of lien, you must know what steps to follow and how to properly fill out paperwork to avoid future problems and loopholes.

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 Trail Auto Tag Agency.

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.