Help Your Car Run Better in Hot Weather with These 4 Tune-Ups

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/17 in On the Road with Comments Off on Help Your Car Run Better in Hot Weather with These 4 Tune-Ups

Driving a vehicle during a heat wave can push an engine to its limit. This is why it is so important for all drivers to service their cars before the weather begins to warm up. Here is a quick look at four maintenance tasks you might want to tackle as soon as possible.

1. Recharge the AC

Many drivers have their air conditioners on nonstop throughout the warmer months of the year, and that is why it is a good idea for everyone to learn how to recharge an AC. Recharging kits can be purchased at most auto stores and are extremely simple to use. Before recharging the system, you should check the compressor for cracks or any other signs of damage.

2. Belts and Hoses

Belts, hoses, and other car parts made from softer materials tend to become damaged when the weather changes. In addition to creating loud noises, a weakened belt can snap while driving and damage the radiator fan or pulleys. Much like recharging the AC, this is another project that can be carried out in an hour or two with a few basic tools. Belts and hoses should be replaced whenever they become frayed or cracked.

3. Flush and Fill the Radiator

Most radiators must be completely flushed every two years, but you should check the fluids at least once a month while the weather is hot. Instead of using water or antifreeze, you will need a product made specifically to remove rust and grease. According to Natrad, if your radiator isn’t functioning as well as it should, this will cause your engine to overheat. Having a radiator die in the middle of a heat wave can cause an immense amount of damage to the rest of your engine.

4. Inspect and Rotate the Tires

Old and damaged tires have a very high chance of blowing out when the vehicle is at high speeds. They can also ruin your vehicle’s efficiency and handling. Every car should have a sticker on the door jam that shows exactly how much the tires should be inflated. When your tires are being rotated, the mechanic can tell you how much longer you can ride on them until they need to be replaced.

All drivers should know the basics of vehicle maintenance well before they get behind the wheel. These four projects will improve the safety of your car, increase its lifespan, and potentially prevent a catastrophic breakdown during the next major heat wave.

4 Tips For Driving Safe In Bad Weather

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/15 in On the Road with Comments Off on 4 Tips For Driving Safe In Bad Weather

Most people would prefer to be safe at home during bad weather, but nearly everyone ends up driving under poor conditions at one time or another. The good news is that there are things you can do to make sure you reach your destination safely in weather conditions that are anything but friendly.

Heed the Signs

Keep your eyes open for detour signs, warning signs and special speed limit signs. Don’t try to second-guess these signs. Authorities put them up because they have assessed the entire situation and know more about the dangers than you can see from your car’s front seat. Equally important are the more subtle signs of trouble you may encounter, such as an area of standing water or an erratic driver.

Watch the Other Guy

If you notice another driver acting unusual or driving poorly, widen the distance between you and them as soon as you scan. Even huge trucks can get into accidents because of one foolhardy driver in a sub-compact car. If you Google the phrase "Atlanta Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney,” you’ll quickly realize that even professional drivers often need help dealing with the consequences of drivers who are unprepared for bad road conditions.

Stay in Control

Keep both hands on the wheel at all times, and maintain a good grip on it. If you run into a patch of ice, a deep rut, or a heavy gust of wind, a firm grip on your steering wheel can keep you from losing control. Sudden braking, quick acceleration, and overeager turns can turn deadly in a heartbeat when conditions are bad. Making smooth, steady changes in speed or direction will help you maintain control over your vehicle. Allow plenty of time to safely manage stops, lane changes, turns, or twists in the road.

Beware of Black Ice

Black ice isn’t really black, and it doesn’t look like ice. It looks like a normal, clear road. It may even look dry. If the temperature is below freezing keep your eyes peeled for signs of invisible ice, such as ice crystals anywhere on your car’s exterior or a wet-looking road that doesn’t generate spray from passing cars. Bridges and overpasses are often the worst culprits. If you have to drive on one, play it safe and behave as though invisible ice is lurking somewhere on the surface. Don’t expect your fellow drivers to do the same, though, so watch for out-of-control vehicles as you cross.

Bad weather is inevitable, but accidents can usually be prevented. Adjust your driving to compensate for road conditions and help ensure you make it safely to your destination.

Caring for a Clunker: Tips for Your Amateur Car Diagnostics

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/13 in Auto Care with Comments Off on Caring for a Clunker: Tips for Your Amateur Car Diagnostics

If you have an old car you might be wondering what you can do to keep it running for as long as possible. Although you can’t keep your car forever, you can take steps to extend its life and get more out of your investment. You just have to know how to spot potential problems before they progress. This way you get the best possible results. Although it might be time-consuming, caring for your old car is always worth the effort if you want to prevent it from breaking down. Here are some tips for making better diagnostic estimates one your car.

Check for Leaks

As your car starts to show its age, you might notice small wet spots in your driveway. Those spots are an indication your car is leaking fluid and is an issue you must address right away. Before you do anything else, open the hood and check your car’s oil level because driving while low on oil can damage the engine. If you know what you are doing you can repair the leak yourself. If not, it might be best to get a second opinion from your mechanic.

Break Check

Your brakes play a vital role in your safety and the performance of your car. Any issues with your brake pads can cause more damage if you don’t fix them promptly. The first sign of trouble you are likely to notice is a grinding sound when you apply the brakes, and if you notice a change in the amount of pressure required to push your brake pedal down then your car is likely low on brake fluid. This is one fix you’ll not want to procrastinate on since you use your brakes every day

Check Engine Light

If you want to keep your old car out of the junkyard, you must always be on the lookout for the check engine light. If it comes on, then it’s essential you find out what triggered it so you can make the required repairs. You can buy a scanner at most repair shops that will read the code and tell you what is wrong with your car, but you can also take your car to a repair shop and have it looked at by a trained mechanic. If you have a specific model it might be worth the time to have a places like Performance Honda in Bountiful or your local Volvo dealership take a look at your model since they’ll be able to use the correct tools and parts.

Keeping your old car from breaking down for the final time can be a challenging task. But being proactive when it comes to spotting red flags will work wonders to keep your car on the road for as long as possible. Make sure you’re always vigilant about what’s going on with your car and be sure to upkeep with regular maintenance.

The Top 5 Common Causes for Car Accidents

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/11 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on The Top 5 Common Causes for Car Accidents

The roadway can be an extremely dangerous place. Each day, more than 3,000 people die as a result of being involved in a car crash. Many of these collisions can actually be avoided by practicing safe driving habits. Here are the top five common causes of car accidents.

Speeding

When traveling at a high rate of speed, your chances of crashing increase dramatically. The best approach is to drive no faster than the posted speed limited. Speeding diminishes your ability to react quickly in emergency situations. In the bat of an eye, an obstacle such as deer could suddenly cross your path. The faster your speed, the longer it will take to come to a complete stop. Speeding also often leads to tailgating as well which also can cause impatience especially for those who are aggressive drivers on the road. If the person in front of you stops quickly there is a very good chance you will be in a car accident that affects you and the people in the vehicle in front of you. This kind of accident puts you at fault and it can result in a serious lawsuit depending on the damages.

Driving While Intoxicated

Driving under the influence of alcohol has long remained one of the most dangerous behaviors. The driver’s blurred vision and decreased awareness put everyone on the road in danger. Unfortunately, hundreds of drunk drivers still choose to get behind the wheel. After having a few drinks at the local bar, some drivers are totally unaware of their elevated blood-alcohol level. Instead of taking an unnecessary risk, spend the extra money on a cab.

Reckless Driving

Some people tend to use driving as a way to release their pent-up aggression. While some drivers are guilty of tailgating, there are others who actually make verbal threats. According to Zaner Harden Law, a law firm that provides car accident representation in Denver, be sure to seek legal council if an angry driver has hit your vehicle. Reckless driving is a serious crime that should never be taken lightly. Having a bad day doesn’t give motorists the right to act irresponsible.

Bad Weather

Not only can bad weather cause the pavement to become extremely slippery, but it can also cause poor visibility. Far too many drivers fail to reduce their speed. From hydroplaning to rear-end collisions, there are various types of accidents that are caused by shaky road conditions. Even all-wheel-drive vehicles perform poorly on icy roads. Because of a lack of good judgment, hundreds of car pileups occur every winter.

Distracted Driving

Driving a vehicle requires more concentration than most people realize. One of today’s biggest driving distractions has become the cell phone. Despite the potential consequences, some people can’t fight off the temptation to text while driving. The few seconds it takes to read your text is not worth the risk while driving. Just keep your eyes on the road and look at your phone after you are safely off the road and parked.

These risky driving behaviors can definitely put your life at risk. Staying safe requires you to make sound decisions on a daily basis.

Five Cheap Car Fixes You Can Do on Your Own

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/07 in Auto Repair with Comments Off on Five Cheap Car Fixes You Can Do on Your Own

One of the disadvantages of owning your own car is the money you have to spend on regular maintenance projects. It’s easy to spend several hundred dollars a year, not even counting gas. One way you can cut down these expenses is to take care of some of that maintenance yourself. Here are five cheap car fixes you can do on your own.

Changing Light Bulbs

Changing you own light bulbs on your car, whether they be tail lights, headlights, or brake lights, can save you a fair amount of money. Luckily, this project isn’t too difficult either. You can find light bulbs at any auto parts supplier, but many hardware stores and discount stores like U Pull & Pay also sell them. Replacing a bulb is usually as easy as removing a screw or two and disconnecting and reconnecting a couple of wires.

Changing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs provide the spark that starts your engine, so if they are in bad shape, you might have trouble starting your car, or it might not start at all. Changing your spark plugs before they fail completely can prevent a costly tow. Having a mechanic change them can easily run you $50 or more, so by doing it yourself you can save a significant amount of money. Doing the job yourself generally takes less than an hour and doesn’t require any special tools.

Changing Windshield Wipers

Your friendly mechanic or technician at the oil change place may offer to change your worn-out windshield wipers for a price that’s about double what it would cost to change them yourself. Pick up wipers at an auto parts store, hardware store, or discount store and swap them out yourself with ease. It’s a job any novice can do.

Changing the Air Filter

One of the easiest do-it-yourself car repair jobs is changing the air filter. A dirty filter can make your car run rough, and also reduce your gas mileage. In most cars, all you have to do is locate the case the air filter sits in, open it up, remove the old one and mount in the new one.

Changing Fuses

If something electrical isn’t working on your car, it could be a blown fuse. Your fuse box is located underneath your dash, and changing a fuse is as simple as pulling out the old one and plugging in a new one.

These are some of the many easy car fixes you can do yourself to save money. Take a look at a few mentioned here and see if you can save yourself a little dough the next time you need a quick fix.

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