During the hot summer months, it is important to remember to make sure vehicles are properly equipped with roadside emergency supplies to help keep families safe this summer. Before logging all those miles on your family road trip this summer, remember to:
Beat the Heat: Inspect the radiator, pressure cap, belts, and hoses to make sure they are in good shape with no signs of blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber.
Hydrate Your Vehicle: Check fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission, power steering, windshield washer and coolant. Make sure each reservoir is full and if you see any sign of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.
Arms of a driver steering a car
Before any longer trip, any time of year, remember to give your vehicle a check-up:
- Check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare,
- Make sure the wiper blades are functioning properly,
- Check battery life and inspect batteries and battery cables,
- Inspect brake pads and linings for wear; change the oil and filter according to manufacturer's service interval specifications, and
- Test the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights
Move the beach gear over for the roadside emergency kit. Even if you've prepared your vehicle for summer travel, it never hurts to have a 'just in case' kit in your trunk. Your emergency kit should include:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Emergency flat tire repair and/or spare tire
- Gloves, blankets and towels
- Hazard triangle, road flares, brightly colored distress sign, or 'Help' or 'Call Police' flag
- Screwdrivers and wrenches
- First aid kit
- Cell phone and charger
- Water for both the car radiator and your family
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
Traveling with kids?
- Always use proper safety restraints for all occupants
- Use the long drive as teaching moments about safe driving
- Pack a cooler with healthy snacks like water, fruit, nuts and granola
- Stop every few hours to let the kids stretch their legs
- Adults should take the time to exit the vehicle and stretch too. If you become drowsy, don't hesitate to pull over to a safe location and rest until you feel able to continue the drive
Use electronic devices to help keep away the boredom on the long drives, as long as its not distracting to the driver
Make sure to check and stock trunk supplies twice a year and remember never leave on a road trip with your vehicle's 'check engine light' or 'malfunction indicator light' lit up. If you take these precautions, you and your vehicle might be happier on the roads this summer. And don't forget to have fun!
Read more at: https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/safety/summer-driving-tips
Friday, May 26, 2017
Summer Driving Tips
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Enter today for your chance to win a 2017 Chrysler 300
In honor of Joanne Lindsay’s memory, the Dick Scott family has donated the brand new Chrysler 300 to the Ted Lindsay Foundation to be raffled off. The drawing will take place at The 17th Annual Ted Lindsay Foundation Celebrity Golf Outing being held on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Detroit Golf Club. Each raffle ticket is $99.00 and all proceeds will go directly to the Ted Lindsay Foundation efforts.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Auto Care Steps for a Stress Free Road Trip
Summer road trip season is here. Taking proactive steps to make sure your vehicle is operating properly will help avoid the hassle and unexpected cost of a breakdown away from home, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
This summer, AAA expects to receive calls from over seven million stranded motorists experiencing car trouble. The majority of issues the travel group anticipates will cause car problems, such as dead batteries and flat tires, can be prevented with a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
“Summer heat can take a toll on a vehicle, especially if it hasn’t been properly maintained,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Whether you do it yourself or visit a trusted professional technician, a pre-trip vehicle check will give you peace of mind and provide the opportunity to make any necessary repairs before you hit the highway.”
AAA also reports that four out of 10 drivers are unprepared for vehicle breakdowns. So you and your vehicle are ready for the road, the Car Care Council recommends taking the following auto care steps before you leave home.
- Check the battery and replace if necessary. Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging. Excessive heat and overcharging shortens the life of a battery.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Check the HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) system as proper cooling performance is critical for interior comfort.
- Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the wipers and lightingso that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
- Check the emergency kit and restock, if necessary. Be sure to fully charge cell phones before leaving home.
The Car Care Council also recommends inspecting the brake system and performing a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.
Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/auto-care-steps-stress-free-road-trip/
Monday, May 22, 2017
Ram 2500 Limited 143rd Derby Special Edition Truck
Louisville, KY was full of horsepower this past weekend. Ram Trucks was the official truck of the 143rd Kentucky Derby® on May 6th at Churchill Downs®. Ram Trucks entered its eighth consecutive year as the exclusive automotive partner to the races.
To celebrate Ram Truck’s continuing tradition with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, the trainer of the winning horse, Todd Pletcher, was rewarded a one-of-a-kind special 143rd Derby edition Ram 2500 Limited truck. The special truck is in Brilliant Black and includes blue Kentucky Derby 143rd logos on the left and right rear panels and a hand-painted Kentucky Derby rose badge on the grille.
The races began on Friday, May 5, and were opened by the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade. The parade is a march of breast and ovarian cancer survivors and supporters. Those who attended the races, as well as fans at home, had the opportunity to check out Ram Truck’s Pink-wrapped Ram 3500 Limited dually leading the march. The Ram ProMaster® and the Ram ProMaster City® were the official transport of the traditional garlands for each day’s winning horses.
From Ram Trucks badges on the jockeys themselves to onsite truck displays, Ram Trucks had a strong presence both onsite and during the on-air broadcast.
Ram Trucks surely dominated the field this past weekend at Churchill Downs.
Read more at: https://blog.ramtrucks.com/lifestyle/events/ram-2500-limited-143rd-derby-special-edition-truck/
Friday, May 19, 2017
A Little Auto Care Goes a Long Way
Performing simple preventative maintenance on your vehicle will go a long way toward protecting your vehicle investment, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
“Buying a new car today comes with a hefty price tag when you add up the down payment, monthly car payments and higher insurance rates. Neglecting its care can mean even higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs and lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “By following a proactive auto care plan, the typical car should deliver at least 200,000 miles of safe, dependable, efficient and enjoyable performance.”
National Car Care Month in April is the perfect time of year to give your car some extra attention. The Car Care Coun
cil recommends following a vehicle service schedule, keeping a free copy of the council’s Car Care Guide in the glovebox and performing the most common routine maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle performing at its best.
- Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
- Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and safety reasons, such as defrosting.
- Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
“Be sure to fully inspect your vehicle annually, including performing a tune-up and wheel alignment,” continued White. “If you ever suspect there is a problem, it’s a good idea to address it quickly before minor repairs become more complicated, expensive repairs.”
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.
Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/little-auto-care-goes-long-way/
Thursday, May 18, 2017
What You Need to Know When Buying New Tires
Not so with tires. A poor choice of replacement rubber will haunt you every driving day for the next three to six years. The wrong tires will pound your neck, assault you with constant whining, cause your beloved sporty car to handle worse than a pickup, or scare you witless when it rains. Plus, buying new rubber is intimidating for the unprepared: Tires appear identical. Each manufacturer claims all its tires are superlative in every area. All cost more than you'd budgeted, which was "nothing." And newer vehicles require replacement components for their tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
But this process doesn't have to be so painful. These are our simple tips to make the tire-buying experience a little better.
If You Were Happy With Your Old Tires
If you like the way your car performs, the answer is easy: Buy the exact same model you had. There's a good reason—the tire and car companies spend nearly $1 million to develop a tire with the attributes that make you like your car. The original equipment tire was selected to highlight the vehicle's good features and, often, smooth over weaknesses. If you're satisfied with your car, go with tires that exactly match the original equipment tires. Tell the counter person that close isn't good enough.
If your complaint is that your vehicle lacks traction in the rain, especially in deep water, think back to when the car was new. Did it handle well in the rain back then? If so, your problem is probably low tread depth, which means you don't need different tires, just new ones.
(Not sure whether it's time to replace the tires? There's no consensus among car- and tiremakers on acceptable tire life, but keep a close eye on tires that have been on a vehicle, used as a spare, or stored in a hot or sunny location for more than six years. For a tire's "born on" date, check the sidewall for an alphanumeric series that begins with "DOT." The last four digits are the week and year the tire was made: "1209" means the tire was built in the 12th week of 2009.)
When you try to replace your tires with the same model that came on the car, you might run into sticker shock—original equipment tires can be expensive. However, carmakers offer every vehicle with at least two brands of tires. Some Web surfing will reveal the alternate brand. Keep in mind, though, that tires developed for a different trim level of your vehicle likely will be very different from those on your model. The tires for the sporty edition will ride harsher and have little traction in snow. If you want to save money by putting tires from the base model on your sporty version, they may make it handle like, well, the base model.
You'll also need to take tire life into account. If you drive a sporty car, 20,000 miles is about all you can expect. Short tire longevity is one of the prices you pay for driving a vehicle with power and handling once reserved for full-on race cars. Today, even conservative cars, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles boast horsepower once unmatched by ultrahigh-performance cars. In addition, safety, comfort, and entertainment features have added hundreds of pounds to the average vehicle. Unleashing those extra horses—and stopping and turning all that weight—takes its toll on tires.
If your original equipment tires are not available, both online tire stores and the tire manufacturer will suggest reasonable facsimiles. They will not duplicate your experience exactly, but simply having new tires, much like a fresh hair style, will likely overcome the differences.
If You Want Something New
There's hope for those who are unhappy with the way their car rides or handles. The trend of large-diameter wheels and low-profile tires has many accidental performance buyers complaining about ride comfort. A switch from ultrahigh-performance tires to those labeled "grand touring" or "touring" might soften the ride a bit. Check the consumer reviews at online tire sellers. Know that the change unavoidably will make handling less precise and reduce grip.
It's easier if you want more performance from your car: Switch from the original all-season tires to summer ones (or, as they should be called, three-season tires). They'll provide a lot more grip, wet or dry, at the expense of a harsher ride and no traction in the snow.
The most important rule: Do your research before you show up. Your trip to the tire store will be far less intimidating if you first assess your situation and budget, and then spend an evening surfing the sites of tire manufacturers, online tire sellers, and especially your local tire store.
Read more at: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a11849/what-you-need-to-know-when-buying-new-tires-9451125/
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
10 Essential Items to Keep in Your Car Emergency Kit
You never know when a car emergency kit will come in handy. And that’s exactly why clever car owners never drive without one. Here are ten essential items that belong inside your vehicle.
First Aid Kit
Even something as small as a paper cut can become a big nuisance in the car. That’s why first aid kits are an important tool. Standard ones usually contain band aids, gauze pads, disinfectant, medical tape among other basic items.
Flashlight and batteries
If you find yourself in a roadside dilemma at night, a simple flashlight can make any task infinitely easier.
Reflective Triangles
If you’re pulled over to the side of the road to fix a flat tire, it can be a dangerous undertaking, especially during times of low visibility. Reflective triangles help alert oncoming traffic to your presence.
Jumper cables
Make sure your jumper cables have heavy-duty clamps and are between an 8 and 6 gauge to handle enough power. And they should be at least 16 feet in length to make it easy to connect cars if you’re unable to park close together.
Tire Pressure Gauge
When changing a flat tire, it’s always smart to check the tire pressure on your spare. Although most cars come with a jack, test to ensure that yours is fully functional.
Bottle of Water and Nonperishable Food
In case of emergency, you might be hungry and/or thirsty. Keep snacks that won’t go bad in the event you’re waiting indefinitely for roadside assistance.
Shovel
While a windshield snow and ice scraper is great, sometimes you need a shovel to literally dig yourself out of a bad situation.
Winter Clothing/Rain Gear
Maybe it wasn’t snowing when you left the house but started just in time for your car to breakdown. Have a hat, scarf, rain gear and a pair of gloves in case you find yourself braving the elements during a roadside emergency. You never know when circumstances will force you outdoors.
Fire Extinguisher
Because car fires don’t usually go out on their own, make sure a fire extinguisher is always on hand. It should be rated to combat the two leading types of vehicle fires, Class B and C. The former concerns blazes caused by flammables like fuel grades. While the latter covers more severe fires related to electrical equipment.
Survival Tools
What falls into this rather broad category? Easy. Stuff like duct tape and a utility knife. Either tool can solve many a vehicular problem.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Ram Trucks Get Colorful at the New York Auto Show
Ram Trucks put its power on full display at the New York Auto Show, and created extra buzz by showing off a bit of color. New colors showcased in the Big Apple included the Ram 1500 Sport Sublime Green and the Ram 1500 Rebel in Blue Streak.
The limited-edition Ram 1500 Sport Sublime Green rumbled into New York with its 5.7L HEMI® V8 that delivers 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, paired with the TorqueFlite® 8-speed automatic transmission. And talk about unique — with just over 2,000 in production, this Ram Sport stands apart from and ahead of the crowd.
Features include a sport performance hood with black hood decal, deluxe cloth high-back sport bucket seating, Sublime Green body-color grille with bright billets, interior trim with Sublime Green accent stitching and black anodized spears and trim rings, and black Ram’s head tailgate badge and bodyside exterior badging.
The Ram Sport Sublime Green is available in Crew Cab, 4×2 or available 4×4, with 20-inch black semi-gloss aluminum wheels standard on 4×4, 22-inch polished aluminum wheels standard on 4×2, and for the first time ever, 22-inch black semi-gloss wheels available on 4×2.
Ram 1500 Rebel in Blue Streak
Read more at: https://blog.ramtrucks.com/features/new-release-ram-1500/
Monday, May 15, 2017
Car Care: The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle
Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council.
“Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.”
The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:
- Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
- Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.
- Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
- Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
- Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
- Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.
- Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
- Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
In celebration of National Car Care Month, the non-profit Car Care Council has introduced a new custom service schedule. The personalized schedule and e-mail reminder service is a free resource to help motorists drive smart, save money and make informed decisions.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.
Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/car-care-the-key-to-a-long-lasting-vehicle/
Friday, May 12, 2017
A Clean Car is Money in the Bank
Purchasing a new car is a major financial investment. Keeping it clean is an easy and inexpensive way to protect its resale and trade-in value, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
“Many motorists procrastinate when it comes to cleaning their vehicles,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Whether you do it yourself or have it cleaned professionally, proactively keeping your car clean on the outside, and tidy on the inside, will pay big dividends when it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s value over time.”
The Car Care Council suggests five simple steps to keep a vehicle clean, helping protect it from the elements and preserve its value.
- Declutter – Start the cleaning process by removing excess clutter from inside the car as it can be distracting and hazardous, especially when debris finds its way near the gas and brake pedals. Don’t forget to clear out items that have accumulated in the trunk as they can add extra weight and reduce fuel efficiency.
- Clean the Interior – The next step is to thoroughly clean the interior, wash the windows, and clean and install floor mats. Be sure to vacuum on a regular basis. A clean and orderly interior allows you spot issues in the cabin so you can get them repaired before they get worse.
- Wash the Exterior – Give your car a good wash from top to bottom using products specifically made for automobiles. Always clean the tires and wheels before washing the body, and don’t use the same washing mitt or cloth for both.
- Wax Twice a Year – Waxing not only protects a vehicle’s finish, but it also makes subsequent washing easier. Before proceeding, make sure there are no foreign particles on the paint. It is important to note that waxing should be done in the shade, not direct sunlight.
- Fix Chips – If you find minor paint damage, cover the paint chips as quickly as possible to prevent further damage. For a quick fix until you can get paint touchup supplies, dab a little clear nail polish on the scratch.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.
Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/clean-car-money-bank/
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Dream Vacation or Nightmare Road Trip? Pre-Trip Vehicle Check Can Make the Difference
Road trip car trouble can be a real nightmare, but performing a pre-trip vehicle check helps drivers avoid a vacation breakdown disaster, says the Car Care Council.
“When dreaming about summer vacation, the thought of a roadside breakdown can be terrifying,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Performing a pre-trip driveway inspection gives motorists peace of mind by reducing the chance of unplanned, costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by a trusted technician before hitting the road.”
Right in their own driveway, motorists can determine how road ready their vehicle is with a 10-minute vehicle check. If service or repairs are needed, they can be performed in advance to ensure safety and reliability on the road.
- Check the tires including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.
- Check the hoses and belts as they can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.
- Check filters and fluids including engine oil, power steering and brake, and transmission, as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.
- Check the brakes and battery to be sure the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free and that the brakes are functioning properly.
The Car Care Council also recommends that motorists restock their emergency kit, consider a pre-trip tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy, and order a free copy of the Car Care Council’s popular Car Care Guide for the glove box at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.
Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/dream-vacation-or-nightmare-road-trip-pre-trip-vehicle-check-can-make-the-difference/
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Top Ten Car Care Tips
With a huge investment, come a huge Responsibility. Owning a car doesn’t have to be a short-term responsibility. You can save a lot of money by just following some simple steps. All you need is a a mechanical genius mind to be its care taker and a determined mindset. Good car care does not require greasy hands and oily footprints. With the following car care tips, you can help keep your vehicle healthy and your hands clean and save the ecology from harmful pollutants.
#Tip 1 : Check Your Tires
Make sure they are properly inflated. Tire gauges are cheap and easy to use. Tires should be replaced when tread wear indicators are showing between the treads. You will find proper inflation tables for your vehicle on your door panel and vehicle handbook, or call your tire and repair specialists. Check your tires every other day for pressure and every week for wear. Have them replaced when they become worn beyond acceptable limits.
#Tip 2 : Oil and Fluid Levels
Fluids are the blood of your car, and without it, the car isn’t going to go far or quietly. Have your mechanic demonstrate how to check your oil properly. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the oil every three months or 3,000 miles. Always use the fuel that is recommended for your vehicle, this will provide you with the most power and best fuel economy.
#Tip 3 : Windows/Windsheild Wippers
Make sure that all windows, mirrors and lights are clean and not broken .Check them for wear and cracks and replace them if necessary, think about doing this each spring and fall.
#Tip 4 : Brakes, belts, and battery
It is very important to check the brakes and brake fluids for proper level. Whenever necessary, change the brake pads as small changes can add to car safety. Check the belts or have them checked regularly for wear and tension. Very loose belts often make a loud squealing sound; have yours serviced if you hear this noise. The battery and charging system should be checked at a service facility at least once a year. Clean the battery case by wiping it with moist paper towels and a mild detergent. Dirt and residue on the case can cause a current drain on the battery.
#Tip 5 : Greasing
Everything with moving parts needs grease to survive. If not then mark an early retirement of the joints due to poor lubrication.
#Tip 6 : Engine Air filter
Changing out the engine air filter is a quick job that can be done during any oil, brake or transmission fluid change.
#Tip 7 : Clean the Interior and Exterior
It’s easy to use your car or truck as a storage area for all kinds of things (including useless junk and garbage), especially in the cold months when you don’t feel like cleaning your car in the freezing cold. Take the time to declutter your car, losing the extra weight can significantly increase your gas mileage too. It’s worth it. Take special care to address the undercarriage where road salt can eat away or corrode the metal. A thorough cleaning at a car wash should do the trick.
#Tip 8 : Emission control systems
Depending on where you live, you may be required to get your car checked for emissions periodically. It is advisable to go to search for a mechanic for such diagnosis. Oxygen sensors and EGR valves are two common culprits and must be checked on regular intervals.
#Tip 9 : Maintain the cooling system.
The coolant level should be within one inch of the top of the radiator filler neck, and the coolant should be free of contaminants. Flush or refill the cooling system at 40,000 to 100,000 miles.
#Tip 10 : Lights
You can check your own lights if you have someplace you can park near reflective glass windows, or you can ask a friend to walk around your car while you turn on different lights. Make sure to check your headlights, taillights, reverse lights, and turn signals.
Following these simple tips will keep your vehicle healthy and perform its best.
Read more at: listscoop.com/auto/top-ten-car-care-tips
Monday, May 1, 2017
Spring cleaning tips for your vehicle: How to avoid costly repairs following a harsh winter
The winter season can take a toll on a car, both in terms of its physical appearance and driving capabilities.
While many utilize the longer days and warmer weather of spring to clean around their homes, automotive experts say this time of year is ideal for spring cleaning and routine maintenance of your vehicle.
Once the last of the cold and snow departs, a trip to the car wash is usually required to bring back a car’s sparkling shine after it's been encrusted with salt and dirt.
However, one of the main reasons it’s important to wash your car is to prevent rust from forming. Rust can form on valuable components of a car’s mechanical system, such as the brake lines, fuel tanks and exhaust systems. This can result lead to safety issues, according to experts.
Rock salt, along with other chemical solutions used by road crews in the winter, can be one of the main contributors to rust damage, which is expensive to repair.
Drivers in the United States spent an estimated $15.4 billion in rust repairs caused by these de-icing methods over the last five years, according to AAA.
“While the application of de-icing salts and solutions is critical to keeping our nation’s roadways safe every winter, it’s important that drivers pay attention to warning signs that their vehicle may be suffering from rust-related damage,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of automotive engineering and repair.
Such warning signs include a "spongey" or soft feeling when applying pressure to a brake, the smell of fumes in or around the vehicle or an unusually loud exhaust sound.
Experts say that residents who experience snowy winters should frequently wash their vehicles with a high-quality car wash solution following a snowstorm.
One area they stress washing is the undercarriage. While this portion can be difficult to reach, commercial car washes can service a car's undercarriage. A through cleansing in the spring is vital because any deposits left over from winter can lead to corrosion year-round if not properly removed.
“In the last five years, 22 million U.S. drivers have experienced rust damage to their cars due to salt and liquid de-icers,” Nielsen said. “In addition to the safety risk, repairs to fix these problems are often costly, averaging almost $500 per occurrence.”
AAA also suggests touching up paint scratches and chips which could expose bare metal and lead to rust.
In addition to monitoring for rust buildup, the end of winter is an ideal time to check the engine’s cooling system.
“As the weather starts to get warmer, the cooling system’s health is important, as it prevents overheating,” said Richard Reina, product training director at CARiD.com. “At a minimum, check the coolant level and eyeball the radiator and heater hoses for any obvious problems like cracked rubber, loose clamps or stains from leaks."
Additionally, vehicles should regularly have the radiator coolant drained, flushed and replenished with fresh antifreeze once every 1-3 years, he added.
Reina explained that it’s also important to check the vehicle’s air conditioning system well in advance of when 90-degree weather returns. This can be done by running the system through all of its direction controls including the floor, dash and defrost to make sure cold air is coming out of all the vents.
Car owners should test their air conditioner to ensure that the air coming out of the vents is colder than the air outside the vehicle. If it's not, it is recommended that a professional examine the system to look for any leaks and to refill the system with refrigerant.
The end of winter is also an optimal time for other miscellaneous tasks including detailing the interior of the car and replacing wiper blades that can "take a beating" during harsh winter conditions, according to Reina.
"These are the kind of things that should almost become automatic at the end of the winter season to do to a car," he said.
Read more at: http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/automotive-experts-share-spring-car-maintenance-tips-following-a-long-winter/70001245
