Car Blog

November30

Routine car maintenance is the number one thing you can do to keep you car around for the long haul. Keeping track of things like tire rotations, oil changes and general mileage can benefit the overall health of your car. Knowing what else to look for is important as well.

Correct Your Corroded Car Battery

Cleaning a car battery may seem like a daunting task, but car batteries Winter Garden FL can usually be cleaned with ingredients you likely already have at home! Use the simple trick of mixing baking soda and water and using an old toothbrush or scrubbing brush to clear away any signs of corrosion or buildup around your battery terminals. This can elongate the life of your battery, as well as make starting up a bit easier. Be sure to have your battery regularly checked as well; sometimes you may have an underlying issue you don’t know about.

Tighten Up Your Belts and Hoses Care Routine

The belts and hoses under the hood of your vehicle are not just bells and whistles. They are crucial elements to your vehicle’s functionality, so don’t let them go unnoticed or uncared for. Inspecting the belts and hoses can not only help you gauge the health of your vehicle, but can help to prevent future problems with your car’s cooling system. Hoses have a direct effect on your car engine because they allow coolant to flow through them to the necessary receivers. Belts, on the other hand, are the turning mechanisms when it comes to actually moving the coolant through the hoses. Making sure these two elements are in tip-top shape are central to effective car care.

Maintaining your car is not as simple as popping the hood and making sure everything looks right from a visual standpoint. Cleaning everything under the hood is definitely important, but keeping your machinery up-to-date is the key to having a long-lasting automobile.

November26

While there are many reasons your vehicle’s engine temperature may fluctuate, sometimes you may only need a simple thermostat replacement Hampton Va to solve the problem. What exactly is a vehicle thermostat and how does it work? This simple guide can help you understand this small but significant part under the hood of your car.

What Does a Vehicle Thermostat Do?

This small auto part is positioned between the radiator and the engine to control coolant flow and regulate engine temperature. Once the engine reaches a certain temperature, a small valve on the thermostat opens to allow hot coolant to flow from engine to radiator and cold coolant to travel form radiator to engine. This prevents the engine from overheating and protects it from damage.

What Happens When It Fails?

If your car’s thermostat stops working and the valve is stuck open, coolant will continue to flow to the engine, even when it’s not needed. This will present lower than normal temperature readings on your dashboard display and causes your car to produce more emissions while reducing efficiency. This can take its toll on your engine over time.

If the valve is stuck closed, coolant can’t reach your engine, causing it to overheat. You will notice a steady climb on your dashboard gauge and may even see smoke or steam coming from under the hood. This can cause irreparable damage to your engine and other systems and can be dangerous for everyone in the car. If your car starts to overheat, pull over immediately and turn the vehicle off.

How Can You Check Your Car’s Thermostat?

Refer to your vehicle service manual to locate the thermostat and remove the radiator cap so you can observe coolant flow. Turn on the car and watch closely. If the liquid starts to flow before the engine is hot or never flows at all, you may have a faulty thermostat.

If you’re having trouble with fluctuating vehicle temperatures, your thermostat may be to blame. When in doubt, refer to a local mechanic for an accurate test and diagnosis.

November24

Hitting the road is a privilege. It’s also one of the first signs of coming of age. Teens learning to drive are striking out on a journey of independence, embracing freedom and control. As these young adults prepare for the adventure of the road, they should understand several vital concepts that involve how to handle the wheel and the responsibility. The following are four things that parents should discuss with their teens before sending them off on their own.

1. The Rules of the Road

It goes without saying that new drivers should have a very thorough understanding of the rules. Discuss speed limits, various signs and unusual procedures that are significant to staying safe. Don’t just tell them what the regulation is. Explain why that has been set in place. This generation may not really grasp that texting and driving is dangerous. The act of using the phone is very natural. Instill in them the concept that distractions remove visual understanding, leading to more frequent accidents.

These lessons shouldn’t just be about book learning. Practical, real world practice is important too. People should feel confident in maneuvering a car in different environments and conditions. Research the availability of a local Online Driver Education Course Township PA, allowing professionals to take over some of the more intimidating experiences.

2. How To Handle Stress

Hot heads aren’t beneficial in driving, but teens may find themselves quite emotional in the car. Discuss how to remain calm and confident. Mentality could become important in a time of crisis.

3. Car Maintenance Schedules

Automobiles break, and they are not easy to fix or cheap. Talk about the expense of the ride, and how to properly maintain the structure. Discuss the value of oil changes, tire air and gas levels. Create a timetable for regular checkups, and encourage constant monitoring.

Those keys are a ticket to a new world. That new step, though, isn’t just about getting a set of keys. It’s about becoming aware of management and laws.

November19

Repair or replace? That tired, worn-out engine in Old Blue Streak needs work. Or maybe it is time to give Old Blue a shot of adrenaline but a DIY engine rebuild is not in the cards. Swapping that old mill for a shiny new crate engine could be the answer.

Shipped finished and ready to install, some crated engines have been torn down and rebuilt to exact specifications. Others are shipped as-is used or brand new. Specific applications, such as Chevy HP crate engines Phoenix AZ, are designed to improve performance in cars, trucks, street rods and 4x4s.

New Lease on Life

Swapping an old engine for a crate engine will extend the car or truck’s useful life.

As engines wear, reduced performance can add strain to other components. A replacement will improve fuel efficiency and reliability, reducing the risk of a roadside breakdown. Replacing that old engine with a crate engine will also put an end to the constant stream of repairs needed to keep Old Blue on the road.

What’s in the Crate

• Remanufactured engines have been fully disassembled, re-machined as needed, worn parts replaced and reassembled according original factory specs. Remanufactured is identical or as near as possible to original manufacturer performance and reliability.
• Rebuilt engines have been torn down and rebuilt with new parts that match OEM specs but offer upgraded performance. The result is an engine that exactly matches the dimensions of the old engine but with greater performance and reliability.
• Used crated engines are shipped without major repairs or replacements. Used engines are much less expensive but also sold as is and carry a higher risk of failure.
• New engines are also available as crates. They have never been used and offered in the exact specs and set-up as the original engine.

Ask the supplier for a crate engine compatible with the vehicle being rebuilt, quality components in the rebuild and a performance warranty.

November12

Hopefully a broken piece of glass on your vehicle is a situation you never have to deal with. However, if it does happen it’s important to know your options. There are a few items to consider if you should repair or replace your auto glass. The two most important items are the visibility for the driver and the structural integrity of the glass.

What To Look For To Determine Auto Glass Replacement or Repair

You should consider a car window repair if during a accident the glass will not decrease your passengers safety. The crack will also need to be shorter than twelve inches or less than an inch if it’s in the shape of a circle. Another way to consider if you need car glass repair  is if your crack is on the outside of the glass and hasn’t penetrated into the inside. You also need to consider where the crack is located. In order to consider repairing then the crack needs to be at least three inches away from the outer margin of the glass.

You should consider auto glass replacement if the damage to glass is obstructing the drivers view. This is by far the most important factor as it can lead to other accidents due to not having a clear view of the road. You should also measure the crack, if it’s over fourteen inches long or has a circle larger than three inches then typically most mobile auto glass repair companies will want you to replace the auto glass because the structural integrity of the glass is likely compromised. You can also check to see if the crack has made it into the inside of the glass. If this is the case you should definitely look at a replacement because the glass now has a very weak point.  If the crack is around the edges of the glass, most windshield chip repair companies will want to do full replacement because they will not be able to guarantee a repair.

Safety Factor

Like all issues in the automotive world, safety is the most important aspect that needs to be considered when making a decision for your vehicle. It is usually not an issue to drive with a crack for a short period of time however you should get it repaired or replaced as soon as you can. Any additional driving when you have a crack in the glass can cause the crack to spread from the vibration of the vehicle operating.

Consider Visibility

Driving a vehicle that decreases the drives view of the road because of a crack in the windshield is a huge safety risk. In some states it’s considered illegal and can cost you a hefty fine. If crack in a windshield is anywhere in line with the windshield wiper path than you should consider doing a full replacement.

Size of The Damage

With today’s technology it seems there is always new tools or ways for your to easily repair your windshield. You want to keep in mind that there are still limitations on when you can repair the glass and its based off the size of the damage. Anything larger than twelve inches or a three inch circle you will be recommended to do a full replacement and not a repair.

 

 

November3

Many people buy new and used cars from dealerships, and while most car dealerships are large franchises, there are several independently owned ones. If you are interested in starting your own dealership to sell used cars for affordable prices, here are three questions to ask yourself before opening your business.

Do You Have Insurance?

Cars, trucks and SUVs are expensive, so to protect your inventory and bottom line, you need to make sure your business is covered by insurance. Search for “who insures car dealerships King George VA” to find a company that will protect your business financially.

How Will You Stock Inventory?

Knowing how you will obtain cars to sell is a huge element of your business plan. Before you start a dealership, make sure you have a plan in place to constantly build your inventory as pieces sell. For every vehicle that sells, you need to be able to replace it so you can continue making money. You may want to consider a trade-in program.

How Will You Advertise?

People won’t visit your dealership if they don’t know it exists. You need to spread the word about your business before you open it so people will know it is open. You may not be able to afford a flashy television ad, but you can launch a marketing campaign with social media, emails and print advertising. People are more likely to do business with you if they trust you, so make sure you spend time cultivating connections within the community.

Launching any type of business is challenging, but opening a car dealership presents some unique challenges. Think about these three questions and make sure you can answer them properly to make sure you are ready to open a car dealership. If you take the time to answer these questions,  you can give your new business a solid foundation for success.

 

November2

When you are in a car accident, the world can suddenly become a terrifying place. As you lose control of your vehicle, you can feel powerless and in need of protection. Here are six things you can do to take back control of the situation.

1. Stay Calm

No matter how angry you are, remain calm. Don’t rant at the other driver; instead, check out the damage on your vehicle. Never apologize or admit any type of guilt for the collision.

2. Check Injuries

If there are other people in your vehicle, check for injuries. If anyone is dizzy or feels nauseous, make sure they sit somewhere safe in case it is a concussion. If injures are apparent, call for an ambulance.

3. Call Police

Call 9-1-1 and identify the accident scene. Provide all information requested and ask for an officer to come to the location if possible. Remember to ask how long the wait time is for the officer’s arrival.

4. Collect Information

Get all pertinent insurance and vehicle information from the other driver – including a photo of their driver’s license. If someone pretends to be the driver and you know differently, let the officer know.

5. Get Repairs

Your car will need repairs even after a minor crash. Call a car repair Edmonds WA shop, and if you can’t drive your auto, ask for a tow to the building. Remember to request a rental car if the repairs will take several days.

6. Phone Insurance

Let your insurance company know about the accident and provide your agent with an accident scene number. Forward any photos you took at the scene to the accident investigator.

You may be frazzled after your crash, but if you can follow the six steps above, you can take back control and protect yourself. How you handle the situation is in your hands.