Posts Tagged ‘Car Care’

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Car Washing

Monday, July 26th, 2010

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DO wash off bird droppings or unidentifiable stains as soon as possible. If you end up with a high-acidity stain on the paint, it can actually eat out at it. If this happens, you won’t be able to repair it and will have to repaint.

DO wash your car often to prevent debris from causing scratches.

DON’T forget to rinse your car after a heavy rain. The acidity from the rain can stain the paint if not washed away.

DON’T forget to rinse after manually washing the car. Leaving soapy water to dry on the car will cause stains and might dull the finish.

DO use a dedicated carwash formula to wash your car. Soap, soap dish or other household products are not meant to be used on paint and can dull the finish or affect the protective coating.

DO dry off your car after washing. Letting it dry naturally can cause streaking.

DO use a tougher sponge or scrubber to clean the tires and wheels. A soft sponge or cloth won’t remove all debris. You might need a brush for stubborn mud.

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Why Do You Need Car Care Software?

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

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A number of companies, such as CarCareSoftware.com, are now selling programs to help you care for your car, even if you have no previous knowledge of mechanics. Aside from providing information on car-care basics, the programs also offer a number of tracking tools, such as the ability to record service history and parts, emissions test results, expenses and costs, technical specs and registration renewals. You can even track car shipping expenses and dates.

Software usually comes with network compatibility, free e-mail support, free updates as they come out, graphs and dialog options, user-interface features, vehicle ownership logs and reminder alarms and charts.

If you’re thinking of shipping your car, you can also track the expenses connected to the process, so you can then deduct it from your taxes (if moving for work) or use it to estimate costs related to your car maintenance.

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Protecting Your Car From Rust

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

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Rust can be a car’s worst enemy. Not only do rusty areas diminish the price and overall look of your vehicle, but rust can also affect the inner working of the engine, facilitate water sipping in and ruining the upholstery or metal parts and just in general cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs. To avoid rust (and to prevent it from getting worse once it shows in small amounts), make sure you follow these tips:

  • Fix chips in the paint as quickly as possible. If you don’t, you run the chance of them getting bigger and cracking the area around them. You can do this by using paint to directly touch up the area or using repair paste to cover larger chips before painting them.
  • Use only cleaners and waxes specifically designed to clean cars, as this will protect both the interior and exterior surfaces. Only use a soft sponge or cloth to prevent scratches. Dry your car after washing it so water doesn’t stay in contact too long with metal parts.
  • Don’t let your car in constant contact with the elements. Park in the shade when possible. During snowy winters, make sure you clear the snow from the tires and from under the care as often as possible. The snow itself can lead to rust, but the salt spread on the streets, mixed with the snow and ice, can be highly corrosive.

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Common Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune Up

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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Even if you know nothing about cars, there are certain red flags that should send you straight to the mechanic. Some are more serious than others, but any of the following changes should be checked:

· The steering wheel or your seat vibrate, especially when you reach higher speeds. This usually indicates a problem with the alignment of the wheels.

· The car bounces more than once when hitting holes or bumps on the road. The shocks may need to be replaced.

· Some of the dashboards lights don’t turn on. This can be dangerous, especially when driving at night.

· The vehicle drifts to one side when you let go of the steering wheel. Cars that are properly aligned should move straight. Have the tires checked as well for uneven pressure.

· There are strange noises coming from the engine or the wheels. This almost always signals damage.

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Car Care Tips That Save You Gas

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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Worried about the high price at the pump? Aside from driving your vehicle less, is there anything else you can do to save money on gas? The answer is yes. In fact, there are a number of things that will keep your vehicle in shape, prevent wear and tear and save you gas at the same time.

1-. Keep tires properly inflated and the engine properly tuned.

2. Change the oil regularly. Your car manual should indicate how often is ideal for your make and model.

3. Don’t keep your automobile in idle for long periods of time. You don’t need more than a couple of minutes to warm up the engine.

4. Drive slow. Speeds of over 60 mph waste a lot of gas.

5. Replace spark plugs when they get too dirty or worn out.

6. Unload your vehicle. The heavier your car is, the more gas it uses. Empty out your trunk and don’t put items on the back seat or the roof rack unless you are going to use that day.

7. Replace clogged air filters.

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The 3 Things That Keep Your Car Alive

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

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While everybody knows that keeping your engine in check can extend the life of your vehicle considerably, there are others, less-known things you can do to ensure your car stays in top shape.

1. To keep the engine in good shape, avoid accelerating too fast when you begin to drive, especially if it’s cold and the engine is not yet completely warmed. When the temperature it’s particularly low or high, avoid speeding up and slowing down frequently, as this adds wear and tear to the engine.

2. Buy your gas from brand-name stations. Or find one that you trust and stick to it. Different stations may mix alcohol and fuel in different proportions, “confusing” your engine and adding dirt to the tank (which in turn moves to the engine). When in doubt, ask whether the gasoline is filtered at the pump. This keeps the gas cleaner.

3. Keep your car clean, both inside and out. Dirt and spilled liquids can be corrosive and damage not only the upholstery but also the paint and the dashboard. Dirt can get into the instruments and engine and cause them to malfunction over time.

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5 Things You Don’t Know That Will Save Your Car

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

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Keeping your car in top shape requires more than simply visiting the mechanic once a year. Sometimes it’s the little, unexpected things you do everyday that can extend your car’s life and save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

1. Keep your car clean. Dirt, snow and mud can corrode paint, damage tires, get into the engine and gas tank, and ruin the upholstery and the floor. To protect your car, keep the rubber mats on at all times (and hose them periodically), vacuum the interior of your cart regularly and sponge clean vinyl surfaces, including the dashboard.

2. Use a rubber protectant on the weatherstripping of doors and windows, as this will keep it supple during cold weather. If not protected, it can dry out, crack and become unglued, leading to heat loss, water leaking in and the need for an expensive replacement.

3. Keep your car in the shade and in cool, well-ventilated area. This will prevent paint from fading, and in turn protect your car from rust.

4. Touch up scratches and dents as soon as possible. Left unattended, they can lead to deeper scratches, rust and cracks, which will not only be more expensive to fix, but can also lead to more serious problems. Chips and cracks on the windshield can lead to water leaks and obstructed visibility.

5. Lighten up the load of your car. Too much weight can cause your tires to suffer, increase the wear and tear of your car and reduce your gas mileage.

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Choosing a Mechanic You Can Trust

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

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Let’s face it: mechanics don’t have the best reputation. We’ve all heard stories about being ripped off, being charged for unnecessary repairs or receiving substandard care. If you’re worried about being taken for a ride, there are some things you can do to ensure you get the most for your money.

Research your options. The worst mistake is to commit to the first shop you walk into. Unless you have an emergency repair to take care of, visit a few places and compare equipment, prices and overall impression of the place and the people working there.

Credentials are important, but should not be the first thing on your mind. A mechanic who is a member of the Automotive Service Association (ASA) or has a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has complied with some basic educational requirements and knows what he’s doing. Don’t discount hands-on experience though, as many mechanics learn through apprenticeships or by working their way up.

Get a recommendation from friends or family members. If somebody else found a place that seems to work, try it yourself.

Finally, look at the place itself. Pay attention to the quality and state of the equipment are they clean and neat, are they well kept? Does the equipment seem up-to-date or are the mechanics working with broken down equipment? If you don’t have an emergency and the place seems acceptable, take your car in for something small, make sure you get a written estimate in advance and see what the results are. You can always move on to somebody else if you’re not satisfied.

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Protecting Your Car’s Cooling System

Monday, August 24th, 2009

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Your car’s cooling system has a series of components that need to be kept in perfect condition for your car to work. If the balance is altered or if some of the components are not in running condition, your car may become sluggish and the engine can end up suffering in the long run.

Coolant. Check its level regularly and refill with a mix of 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze as needed.

Radiator. Check for corrosion and leaks. Coolant leaks in particular are dangerous, as they can cause the car to overheat to the point of breaking down. If the radiator is cracker, replace it to prevent leaks. Debris that blocks the front of the radiator can damage the fins as well as prevent hot air from escaping.

Hoses. Cracked or leaking hoses should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent leaks. If the hose seems too dry, cracking is probably imminent.

Fans and Belts. Electric fans can stop working at any time and lead to engine overheating. Belts =, including those around the fan, should be replaced once they stretch or look worn, as this can lead to them slipping and causing serious issues with the steering pump or even the alternators.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Care | 11 Comments »

How Everyday Care Will Keep Your Car Alive Longer

Monday, August 24th, 2009

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While yearly tune-ups and taking care of major problems right away will ensure that your car will last longer, it’s mostly the little things that will keep your car alive and running smoothly.

Be mindful of extreme temperatures. Cold weather will kill your engine quickly if you accelerate or drive at high speeds. Warm weather can cause your car to overheat and waste gas.

Turn your steering wheel without getting to the maximum position on the left or right, as this can damage the steering pump.

If you don’t plan on using your car for a long period of time (two weeks or longer), disengage the parking brake, put the car on jack stands and remove the battery. These simple steps will prevent unnecessary damage.

Protecting your tires will also protect your engine and overall car health. As a basic rule, avoid rough roads with lots of potholes or rocks. Don’t jump over the curb and don’t break suddenly, as this burns rubber.

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Posted in Automotive, Car Care | 9 Comments »

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