Follow these important tips

Car Maintenance Information You Should Follow

When you buy a vehicle you receive certain instructions regarding maintenance that are recommended by the manufacturer. However, with your busy schedule and the increased cost of car maintenance you frequently put off tire and oil changes, checking under the hood, and other similar regular maintenance necessities. Unfortunately, if you put off car maintenance due to schedule and budget you are risking a bigger inconvenience to your schedule and budget by having your car breakdown. Consider the following maintenance tips to help you keep your car in tip top condition.

Oil Change

Your car needs an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles depending on the way you drive, the age, and condition of your vehicle’s engine, highway driving versus in town driving, and a variety of other factors. Because this is a very wide range in which to change your oil you should probably change your oil every 3,000 miles if you drive like the majority of individuals. Of course, a small percentage of individuals fit into the high and low ranges of the above numbers, but every 3,000 miles is a good round number for an oil change. By following this tip you will spend about 20 minutes and less than $25 and keep your car running for a very long time.

Tires and Tire Pressure

You should check your tires on a regular basis, especially the tire pressure. Each vehicle has a recommended tire pressure and maintaining that particular pressure in the tire will prolong the life of the tire as well as provide ease of driving, not to mention increase your safety. When the proper tire pressure is maintained in your vehicle then braking, cornering, and handling are superior which means your safety is increased. Vehicles are not as stable when the tire pressure is out of whack. You should check your tire pressure at least once per month. This is really easy and free as long s you invest in a small tire pressure gauge which is very inexpensive. When you stop for gas and the tank is filling up, simply check all of your tires to ensure the proper air pressure.

Brakes

You know your brakes are one of the most important aspects of your car. They slow you down and basically allow you to avoid accidents on a daily basis. Because of this you need to be extra alert to your brakes. Also, if you can tell it is time to change the breaks because they are squealing or not slowing your car as quickly as necessary then don’t put it off. Instead, take your lunch break, or whatever time you have and have your brakes changed immediately. Additionally, each time your car has the oil changed have a full inspection including your brakes to make sure the brakes are working properly. If not, you may have them changed the same day.

There are lots of different aspects of your car that need regular maintenance and upkeep. Just make sure you are alert to this fact and always follow the manufacturers suggestions when it comes to your vehicle and your vehicle will last longer and your safety will be increased.

Proper Washing and Waxing Adds Value to Your Vehicle

Proper Washing and Waxing Adds Value to Your Vehicle
More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars - products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And almost half of motorists don't ever wash their vehicles.
"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48% of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc. "That's leaving money on the table at trade-in time, as a clean, well-maintained car can be worth up to 50 percent more than one in "fair" condition,according to the Kelley Blue Book."
Motorists should avoid dish detergent, which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the wax finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results, a formulated automotive wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.
Washing your car on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The Car Care Council recommends the following do's and don'ts when it comes to do-it-yourself car washing:
Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
Do fill your bucket with warm water and use a soft terrycloth towel.
Do spray the car often with water.
Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants. "The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution.

Questions

Post any maintenance questions you may have here and I will answer them to the best of my ability.

Tip # 4 Wiper Blades

There is nothing worse that not being able to see through your windshield in a storm. Good quality wipers are critical in being able to keep your windshield clear. Like most things, you get what you pay for and wipers are no exception. Inexpensive wipers will likely not last very long and give you the dreaded skipping noise and streaking. I recommend a high quality blade that will last. Also, keeping your windshield washed and clean will help the wipers do their job. In the winter months consider a winter wiper blade which is designed to ward off ice and keep from freezing. Finally use good windshield washer fluid to help keep things clean and one with de-icer works great in the winter.

Tip #3 Keep sludge at bay

Sludge- it's why we change our oil regularly. But what is it exactly and where does it come from?
When we drive, our engines are exposed to several contaminants which come from the air and the engine's own friction. Most modern oils contain detergent additives which keep these small particles from attaching to critical engine parts - but oil can only ward off so many engine-damaging intruders. Once the level of oil contamination becomes too high, sludge begins to form.
The first way to prevent sludge is obvious: change your oil regularly. Follow the interval specified in your owner's manual or ask your mechanic. Also, oil should be kept topped up full. Running an engine with an oil level just one quart lower than normal can increase the viscosity (thickness) of the oil by 1000% which can encourage the formation on sludge.

Tip #2 Batteries

We have all had those days on a cold winter morning when our car cranks over real slow. Well, a good battery is critical in keeping your vehicle started day after day and especially in sub zero weather. Remember today's cars come from the factory with a battery that is only good for 5 or maybe 6 years tops. If your vehicle is older than that I recommend replacing your battery even if it hasn't given you any trouble yet. Remember, most batteries will fail you all at once and without any warning.

Tip # 1 Tire inflation

Proper tire inflation is critical to obtaining long, even tire wear. Another benefit is better fuel econmy. I recommend checking tire pressure at lease once a month and even sooner during bitter cold months. Tires should always be checked "cold", that is after your car has been sitting idle for a few minutes. Proper tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in your owners manual or on the vehicle ID placard usually found inside the drivers door.

Welcome

Hello and welcome to my blog. My intent is to offer car maintenance tips to help people save money. I have been in the repair industry as a manager for over 20 years providing my clients with honest service. I welcome any questions you may have in the automotive repair and maintenance arena.