A little vehicle maintenance can go a long way - things such as belts, hoses, and fluids should be changed at regular intervals to ensure a long life for your car. If you are hiring someone to do basic maintenance for you, make sure they have a good reputation and the right equipment.
Some cars and trucks require special tools for things as simple as changing a serpentine belt. Without the right equipment, damage can be done to your vehicle. Be sure to refer to your owner's manual for specific information about the year, make and model of your vehicle.
Many times, people don't think about belts, but belts can cause a world of trouble. When I was a bit younger, and paid a bit less attention to my car, I neglected a serpentine belt. I ignored the telltale squeal, and even the slightly stranger sound that followed. (Something similar to grinding, but a faint grinding. In fact, it sounded almost like paper caught on the inside of a fan, being vibrated by the spinning blades.) I just let it go, and let it go, and let it go. When the belt failed, it ruined my plans for the holiday, and left me stuck on the side of the road.
Take it from me, that's not the place to be! It doesn't take long to change a belt - whether you do it yourself or take it in somewhere. And it is totally worth the investment. Most belts should be changed every 50,000 miles. And after shredding one while driving down the road, I keep a written maintenance log in my vehicle. I write down the date and mileage of each service, and then also when the next service is due.
By keeping up with the recommended belt changes, I have prevented another side of the road meltdown...Thank God!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Proper Fueling Steps for Optimal Car Performance
There are several steps we can take to keep our cars and trucks running at their peak. In this article, we are going to review proper fueling steps and other fuel system related maintenance. If you take the proper steps to take care of your car, truck, or van, you will get maximum miles, the best MPG, and minimum major malfunctions.
First, when fueling your vehicle, make sure to only fill your gas tank to 95% capacity. Your owner's manual should tell you how many gallons your tank should hold, which will help you determine how many gallons 95% of the tank capacity is. Also, try not to run out of gas. Running your tank empty can be bad for the fuel pump.
For environmental reasons, it is recommended that you get gas when it is cool outside and you are not going to be under direct sunlight. This prevents harmful fuel vapors from polluting the atmosphere.
Check your owner's manual to be certain what octane rating is recommended for your vehicle. Some vehicles run best on premium gas, while others are at their peak with regular unleaded. Your owner's manual will tell you which octane rating to use in your vehicle. Also make sure to never put water in your gas tank, or any other foreign liquids, or objects.
We recommend changing your fuel filter every 3rd time that you get an oil change - or between 9,000 and 10,000 miles. Keeping a clean fuel filter in your vehicle will help you maximize your miles per gallon, and prevent your fuel lines from becoming polluted.
First, when fueling your vehicle, make sure to only fill your gas tank to 95% capacity. Your owner's manual should tell you how many gallons your tank should hold, which will help you determine how many gallons 95% of the tank capacity is. Also, try not to run out of gas. Running your tank empty can be bad for the fuel pump.
For environmental reasons, it is recommended that you get gas when it is cool outside and you are not going to be under direct sunlight. This prevents harmful fuel vapors from polluting the atmosphere.
Check your owner's manual to be certain what octane rating is recommended for your vehicle. Some vehicles run best on premium gas, while others are at their peak with regular unleaded. Your owner's manual will tell you which octane rating to use in your vehicle. Also make sure to never put water in your gas tank, or any other foreign liquids, or objects.
We recommend changing your fuel filter every 3rd time that you get an oil change - or between 9,000 and 10,000 miles. Keeping a clean fuel filter in your vehicle will help you maximize your miles per gallon, and prevent your fuel lines from becoming polluted.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Check Your Tire Pressure
Did you know that your tire pressure affects your gas mileage? If you didn't, I'm telling you now, it does! It is very important to properly maintain our vehicles. Tire pressure may seem like a small thing, but maintaining the correct tire pressure will prevent uneven wear to your tires, maximize your gas mileage and prevent low-pressure (or high-pressure) blow-outs.
It's easy to check your tire pressure. You only need a tire gauge to do the checking (they usually only cost a couple dollars at the auto parts store, or in the auto section of department stores). Now, if you find your tire is a little low, then you'll need access to an air compressor. Many gas stations offer free air, or air for a quarter or two. On the side wall of your tire, you can read the ideal tire pressure for your tire.
Once you locate the recommended tire pressure (mine is 44psi) then you can check the tire. Remove the valve stem cap (you know, the little-bitty-easy-to-lose cap?) and fit your tire gauge onto the valve stem. If you're pressure reads lower than recommended, then you know it's time to add air. If it reads high, you may need to let a little out.
In case you're wondering, I did have a tire shop overfill my tires once, so I usually check my tires within a day or two of going to have my tires rotated and balanced.
Oh, one last thing! The optimal time for checking your the air pressure in your tires is in the morning when it's a little cool, and before you've driven your car. The recommended psi is based on the "cool" temperature side of things.
What automotive care and maintenance topic would you like to know more about?
It's easy to check your tire pressure. You only need a tire gauge to do the checking (they usually only cost a couple dollars at the auto parts store, or in the auto section of department stores). Now, if you find your tire is a little low, then you'll need access to an air compressor. Many gas stations offer free air, or air for a quarter or two. On the side wall of your tire, you can read the ideal tire pressure for your tire.
Once you locate the recommended tire pressure (mine is 44psi) then you can check the tire. Remove the valve stem cap (you know, the little-bitty-easy-to-lose cap?) and fit your tire gauge onto the valve stem. If you're pressure reads lower than recommended, then you know it's time to add air. If it reads high, you may need to let a little out.
In case you're wondering, I did have a tire shop overfill my tires once, so I usually check my tires within a day or two of going to have my tires rotated and balanced.
Oh, one last thing! The optimal time for checking your the air pressure in your tires is in the morning when it's a little cool, and before you've driven your car. The recommended psi is based on the "cool" temperature side of things.
What automotive care and maintenance topic would you like to know more about?
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