Tag: Auto Care
3 Common Automotive Questions Asked By Owners
by admin on Jun.10, 2009, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
3 Common Automotive Questions Asked By Owners
Even though cars have been around for over a century, most drivers are still mystified by what happens under the hood. In their defense, keeping up with the latest technologies is difficult. Automakers are in a perpetual race to design better parts and systems to improve comfort, safety, and reliability. Still, motorists have questions that deserve answers. Below, I’ll address three of the most common automotive questions drivers continue to ask.
#1 – “Do I Need To Let The Engine Warm Up?”
Unless you’re driving an older vehicle that uses a carburetor instead of a fuel injection system, no. It was common long ago to allow your engine to warm up for five to ten minutes before driving. A large part of the reason was due to the choke, which allowed fuel to feed into the carburetor. Today’s vehicles use fuel injectors to balance the air-fuel mixture used by your engine. No warm-up required.
#2 – “Why Are My Brakes Squealing?”
There are a couple of factors that can cause your brakes to squeal. First, the noise might be caused by a vibration occurring between the pads, which normally squeeze against the rotor. This type of vibration is usually due to a poor fit on the calipers. The squealing might also be caused by the surface of the brake pads rubbing against the metal of the rotor. This happens when the surface of the pads harden due to the heat created by friction.
Unless your car is equipped with high-performance brakes (which squeal naturally), have the pads replaced if you hear persistent squealing. If you wait too long, the rotor might become damaged, which is more expensive to service.
#3 – “Will My Battery Lose Its Charge?”
Over time, yes. However, a healthy car battery should last for years. Your vehicle has a charging system that allows the battery to keep its charge while providing the current needed to power the engine. When you turn your key in the ignition, your battery discharges a large current in order to power the starter motor. After it does so, its job is effectively finished. The alternator makes sure that your battery has enough “juice” or amperage for the next time you turn the key.
Having said that, it is possible for your battery to lose its charge. For example, leaving a door ajar overnight will cause a drain.
One of the reasons we take our cars to a mechanic is because they have grown in complexity over the years. Not only are problems more difficult to identify, but fixing them can be labor intensive without the proper tools. However, many of the smaller maintenance and repair items that mechanics handle (for example, replacing a battery or a set of brake pads) can be performed at home. While your vehicle may be a complex piece of machinery, it is only as mysterious as you allow it to be.
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Top 4 Expert Tips For Smart Auto Care
by admin on Dec.22, 2008, under Car Maintenance, Car Tips
Top 4 Expert Tips For Smart Auto Care
Besides purchasing a home, buying a car is likely to be the largest investment you’ll make. Unfortunately, unlike a house, your vehicle is going to lose value over time. The good news is that you can help preserve its value by being a responsible owner. Today, I’ll share the top 4 auto care tips that you can do easily and quickly.
#1 – Follow The Maintenance Schedule
Believe it or not, millions of drivers have never looked at their owner’s manual. It lists the maintenance events that the automaker recommends in order to ensure your vehicle runs properly. Not only does it describe when you should have the oil changed, but it describes when you should have the filters replaced, the tires rotated, and the brake pads inspected. Remember, your manual’s maintenance schedule represents what the manufacturer believes is best for the vehicle they built.
#2 – Repair The Dents
Tiny dents in the body are inevitable. Sometimes, people will allow their grocery baskets to ram your car. Other times, someone will open their door too quickly. A small dent may not look like a problem, but it can become one in the future. For example, if the paint chips, you can practically bet it will continue chipping and flaking if you don’t touch it up. Plus, rust can build and spread, having a huge effect on your vehicle’s resale value.
#3 – Use Synthetic Oil
When they first became available, synthetics were consider unnecessary by the average driver. And the higher price tag didn’t do much to change their minds. In truth, synthetic oils are better for your car. They have a higher level of heat resistance than traditional oils, suffer less loss through evaporation, and can lubricate parts more effectively during cold starts. Even though they cost more, synthetics have a longer life cycle and protect your engine better.
#4 – Keep And File Receipts
When it’s time to sell your vehicle, the buyer will want to know that you’ve been giving it the proper care. Don’t expect him to simply believe you. Have the maintenance and repair receipts ready to present. If you can give a prospective buyer receipts that detail every oil change, tire rotation, brake job, and replacement part, it will give him confidence that your car has been properly cared for.
Squeezing Every Last Dollar
Depreciation is a fact of life for car owners; there’s nothing you can do to stop it. However, you can slow its advance by taking good care of your car. Follow your owner’s manual with regards to the maintenance schedule. Repair any dents you notice quickly before they spread. And invest the extra money in synthetic oil. Finally, keep all of your receipts to show a future buyer. By doing those 4 things, you can help preserve your car’s resale value. And that’s as good as money in the bank.