Friday, July 17th, 2009
While you should keep your car under check year round, there are a few things that tend to pop up in the summer and can end up causing major trouble if not addressed promptly.
- Make sure there are no cracks in the radiator. If coolant is leaking, it can end up damaging the engine. Also, a low level of coolant can result in your car overheating.
- Brake pads wear out quicker during the summer because of the heat. Have the brakes checked and replace pads if necessary.
- Damaged or worn belts can cause the air conditioner to work poorly during the summer. This in turn causes your car to use up more gas to cool down the interior and may cause lasting damage as well.
- Your car’s emergency kit should include coolant for the car and bottled water for you. If your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you don’t want to be caught without something to drink and keep you hydrated while you’re waiting for help.
- Change your oil at the beginning of summer to make sure it’s in good condition to get you through the heat.
Tags: Car Care, summer care care
Posted in Automotive, Car Care | 1 Comment »
Thursday, July 16th, 2009
You’ve heard the suggestions: drive less, carpool, get a credit card with gas rewards… But aside from that, is there anything you can do to save money on gas? The truth is that keeping your car in top condition will not only extend its life but also end up saving you hundreds of dollars in gas.
- Keep the vehicle in top shape. Underinflated tires lower a car’s gas mileage. The same is true of engines that are out of tune or cars that have failed their emissions test. Dirty air filters cause the engine to overwork, wasting gas in the process.
-
Switch to high-quality oil. This alone will increase your gas mileage by two percent. If you have your car’s manual, check to see what the recommended brand and grade is for your vehicle. Or buy oil that sports the words “energy conserving” on the label.
- Protect your car from the elements. Parking in the shade or inside a garage will reduce evaporative emissions considerably and conserve gas. In the winter, keeping your car warm means that you will waste less gas trying to warm it up in the morning.
-
Drive consistently. Speeding up, abrupt stops and high speed in general all waste gas. Instead, use cruise control when on the highway and maintain a steady pace when driving within city limits.
-
Get rid of excess weight. This means clearing out the trunk of the car, removing the roof rack when not in use and not using your vehicle as storage space.
Tags: Car Care, caring for your car, gas, save money on gas, thrifty
Posted in Automotive, Car Care | 1 Comment »