Auto Magazine

Six Car Care Tips You Should Know Before A Long Road Trip

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/04/08 in On the Road with Comments Off

Your car must be properly prepared for all road trips. Your passengers will be much safer in a car that you have prepared for the trip, and you will be much more comfortable behind the wheel. The six suggestions in this article highlight the six most important things you can do before you set off.

#1: Check The Tires

Checking your tire pressure will help improve gas mileage on your trip. It’s also important to replace worn tires, say the experts at Road-Mart Tire. Your trip can easily be derailed by a blown tire on the side of the road that could have been avoided at home.

#2: Check The Fluids

You need proper levels of coolant, brake fluid, engine oil and transmission fluid in your vehicle. You can check the levels on your own, or you can take your car in for a service just before you leave. A routine oil change will help you address all these item at the shop where you take your car.

#3: Replace The Air Filter

Replacing the air filter on your car will give you better AC and heat response in the vehicle. No one can have a good time on the trip if they are uncomfortable, and you can avoid these problems by changing the air filter quickly before leaving.

#4: Check Your Fuses

Fuses often go out at the wrong time, and you do not want to be pulled over because you have a tail light or registration light that does not work. Replacing the fuses is a quick process that can be done for a few dollars and a few minutes of your time. Leave an extra box in the car just in case you have problems on the road.

#5: Detail The Car

Your car journey will be much more enjoyable if the car is clean. Getting the car detailed makes it look good, and your passengers will not have to breathe in dust the whole way to your final destination.

#6: Get Your Spare Tire

You must ensure that your spare tire is inflated. You need to purchase a spare tire if you do not have one, and you need to check for the tire replacement kit. Every car should have a full emergency kit, but the tire kit is the most important part of this set.

By follow these steps, you can have a stress-free road trip. Doing each of these things makes your vehicle a much safer, more comfortable and easier car to drive.

Five of the Most Common Causes of Car Crashes

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/04/06 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

Many car crashes every year could be avoided with just a few changes in driver behavior. People often memorize the rules in the DMV’s driver handbook before getting or renewing their license, but fail to follow them in daily driving. The following are five things you can do to help avoid a car crash, and keep you safe and alert on the road.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Texting is one of the most distracting and dangerous things you can do while driving. It takes your eyes off the road, and takes control of the steering wheel out of your hands. Talking on the phone, even with a hands-free setup, takes your attention away from driving as well. Pull over if you need to use your cell phone. You should be aware of all your other distractions as well. Putting on makeup, eating, changing the radio, or even talking to a passenger can take your mind off your tasks. Make sure you use caution and try to avoid anything that takes away your attention.

Distance

Following too close is a major cause of car crashes and minor fender benders. Staying at least one car length behind the car in front of you is the commonly accepted rule, but is difficult in slow traffic. The Lucky Law Firm suggests you stay as far back as possible and be alert for sudden stops, or people attempting to pull between you and the car in front of you.

Lane Changes

Failure to signal a turn or lane change causes many accidents. This is especially true in heavy traffic, or if the driver behind you is driving too close to your car. Always use your turn signals, and try to avoid sudden lane changes.

Stopping

Drivers often become lazy about obeying stop signs, and many just don’t understand signals on traffic lights. Always come to a full stop at a stop sign. A “rolling stop” doesn’t give you time to make sure the road is clear. Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign is a common cause of traffic tickets. A yellow light on a standard traffic light is a signal to stop. It’s not a signal to speed up to avoid stopping for the red light. A yellow arrow on a traffic light also signals that you should stop. Also be aware of the rules when traffic lights go out. Treat the intersection as a four way stop and pay attention to who stops first, as they have the right of way.

Speeding

Speeding is always dangerous. Speeding at night, or in bad weather raises your chances of a crash. Even a damp road increases the time it takes you to slow down or stop. Be aware of your surroundings and always use caution. You might not drive the same on that windy road home when it’s raining.

Following basic traffic rules can decrease your chances of a car crash, but nothing can make you immune from a fender bender or auto accident. If you’ve been involved in an accident, consult a law firm specializing in traffic accidents or a Baton Rouge accident attorney, and make sure that you are aware of all your legal rights and options.

Car Competition: Which Rides are Getting the Best Reviews This Year

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/04/01 in Auto Manufacturers with Comments Off

A lot of exciting rides have already hit the automobile market this year. From high-powered muscle cars, to gas-sipping hybrids, there is a vehicle to suit everyone’s lifestyle. The competition among automakers has elevated to an even higher level this year, and here are the vehicles getting the best reviews.

Ford Fiesta ST

Stamped with an attractive price tag, the 2015 Ford Fiesta ST is one of the most affordable performance cars on the market. Automotive critics from all over the globe are raving about the Fiesta ST’s razor-sharp handling, and superb fuel economy. The sporty hatchback also comes standard with an impressive list of features, including a performance-tuned suspension system and a special set of wheels.

Chevrolet Impala

The 2015 Chevrolet Impala is clearly a class-leader. Not only does the new Impala provide plenty of legroom, but it also boasts a five-star safety rating. With a starting price of around $35,000, the Impala is able to compete with luxury sedans that are far more expensive. Equipped with a potent V-6 engine, the well-rounded sedan also delivers a very satisfying performance on the road.

Ford F-150

For decades, new and used car sellers have sold thousands of Ford F-150 pickup trucks. In the eyes of some truck enthusiasts, the 2015 F-150 is the best version yet. Designed with an all-aluminum body, the new F-150 is significantly lighter than the previous models. Although prospective buyers can choose from four different engines, a new Eco boost engine enables the truck to deliver an efficient 26 mpg on the highway.

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

In regards to sheer power, the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat is only rivaled by a few cars. With the use of a supercharger, its V-8 engine is able to pump out a monstrous 707 horsepower. Expressway Dodge, a Dodge dealership in Indiana, says that during performance testing, the muscular sedan was able to race to 60 mph in only 3.6 seconds. Although the Charger SRT Hellcat is a rather large car, its dynamic suspension system allows the chassis to hug the road.

Honda Odyssey

The 2015 Honda Odyssey is certainly a step above the competition. The mini-van’s excellent safety rating and abundance of creature comforts make it a great choice for large families. Some of the Odyssey’s standout features include Honda’s exclusive Lane Watch camera system, an eight-inch touch-screen display, and power sliding doors.

All of these vehicles are special in their own way. The competition continues to heat up as the year rolls along.

4 Ways to Get Your Car Ready for the Spring Season

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/30 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Winter driving is unlike any other kind of driving, so when spring rolls around, there are some things you need to do to make the transition go smoother for you and your car. Making this transition is easy, if you know what you are doing. Luckily, here are four suggestions to get your car ready for spring and warmer weather.

Clean Inside and Out

No other season is as tough on your car’s exterior and interior as the winter. If you live somewhere where it snows a lot, your car is bombarded not just with snow and ice, but all the salt and chemicals that get put down on the road to combat the snow and ice. At a minimum, you need to give your car’s undercarriage a thorough cleaning. It’s also a good idea to clean your floor mats and steam clean your car’s carpet to get the accumulated gunk out before it does permanent damage. You can easily do this yourself at a car wash or pay someone else to do it for you.

Get Your Car Professionally Serviced

Winter driving can deplete your car’s fluids and you might not be as vigilant about getting service done when the weather and the roads are bad. If you are overdue for an oil change, get in to get one at places like Dean’s Automotive Service Center as soon as you can. Also have your other fluids checked, especially your wiper fluid, which probably will be low after a winter of trying to keep your windshield clean. Spring is also a good time to get your A/C checked and your air filter replaced before it starts getting hot.

Check Your Tires

Cold air can cause your tires to lose air, so if you didn’t check them during the winter, spring is a good time to check your tires to make sure they have the right pressure. You should also check your tires for any damage or uneven wear. And if you use snow tires, you need to change them out for regular tires once you are sure there will be no more snowfalls.

Take Care of Your Windshield and Wipers

With all the sand and gravel on the roads during the winter, it’s easy for your windshield to get a small crack, so you should be sure to examine your windshield closely and have any dings you find repaired quickly. Getting this taken care of early will avoid necessary expensive replacement for cracked windshields. Winter can also be brutal on your windshield wipers, so spring can be a good time to change those out so you can be ready for spring rains.

Winter is rough on your car and the poor weather can also cause you to neglect important maintenance. That’s why it’s important to give your car extra attention and preparation once spring rolls around. Remember that these are just a few of the things you should do and each car can be a different so make sure to check and see what you need to do to yours this spring.

7 Hacks to Improve Your Car’s Performance

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/27 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Whether your car has decades of service under its belt, or it’s brand new, it’s always a good idea to make sure it’s performing at its full potential. The thing is, automotive performance can be achieved easily with the following incredibly cool hacks that don’t require a costly trip to the mechanic. Some of the hacks can be accomplished without the purchase of any new parts or equipment, for those that do require a purchase, the parts can easily be found at a place like Professional Automotive.

Get The Junk out of Your Trunk

It’s all too easy to use a car as a mobile storage unit for all kinds of things that can end up adding substantial weight the engine has to pull around. Set aside a little time, at least once a month, to remove all but the most essential things you need to cart around. In case you’re wondering, the spare tire unit should be considered essential.

Tires and Wheels

One of the best ways to entirely change the handling and feel dynamics of a car is to upgrade above an economy rated set of tires. The extra grip that comes with a premium set can get you away from the stop light more efficiently as well. Pair your new tires up with a strong and lightweight set of wheels, and you’ll think you’re driving a different car. Be sure to keep your tires properly inflated too.

Keep the Air Flowing

Make sure the air intake isn’t obstructed by foreign objects like leaves or paper. Check the air filter at least every three months for dust and dirt residue. If you want to go the extra step, and enjoy tinkering with your car, you could replace the factory exhaust system with a premium after-market system that lets the engine breathe a little easier, and you could install an upgraded air intake system too.

Install New Spark Plugs

Find and install the best performance-rated spark plugs for your car. There are several factors in determining which spark plug is the right spark plug for your car – such as thread reach, thread diameter and whether the spark plug incorporates a gasket or is the conical type. If you’re really into performance, you can upgrade the spark plug cables too. Newer spark plugs, like E3’s produces cleaner burning combustion, resulting in long term-use reduced up to 58%.

Find a Great Motor Oil

Whether you go with a synthetic or natural engine oil, pick a highly rated one and change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the correct motor oil not only keeps your engine running smoothly but it prevents dirt build-up and deposits by keeping them in the suspension. Finally, a good motor oil fends off sludge and battles oxidation, keeping the oil fresh and reducing acids which contribute to oxidation.

Get a Performance Computer Chip

Many cars have computer chips that regulate engine performance. It’s as simple of finding where the chip is and replacing it with an upgraded performance one. Do plenty of research to find the particular chip that’s best for your car, and purchase from a reputable source too.

Boost the Octane

It’s counter-intuitive, but going with premium gasoline can improve engine performance enough to make the extra expenditure barely noticeable. If you’re really looking for a noticeable boost, find a reputable gas station that sells 100 octane fuel.

If you just bought your first used car, or you finally found the car of your dreams, it’s not only fun but practical to keep it running at peak performance. Just remember, always obey the speed limit, and drive safely.