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Electric cars or ‘green cars’, as they are popularly known, are leaving the fuel-powered cars far behind since they offer many advantages like low gasoline costs, comparatively low maintenance costs and ‘zero emission’ factor. Lacking any combustion engine, they are operated through batteries and electric motors. However, they, too, require to be looked after. Auto provides the best electric car services.
A CV (constant velocity) axle is a critical component in a vehicle’s drivetrain, responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the wheels while allowing for flexible movement. Here are five signs that may indicate a failing CV axle:
Like many other things in life, you don’t realize how much you need a spare key until it’s too late.
It doesn’t come to mind immediately for many of us, but it can be a lifesaver in many situations.
So let’s go over just a few benefits of having a spare car key!
The radiator is a crucial component of a car’s cooling system, responsible for dissipating heat generated by the engine. Common radiator issues can lead to overheating and other problems. Here are some common radiator issues in a car:
One of the most prevalent problems is coolant leaks. Leaks can occur due to corrosion, aging hoses, or damage to the radiator itself. Puddles of coolant under the car, visible wetness around the radiator, or a drop in coolant levels are signs of a leak.
Over time, the radiator can corrode both internally and externally. Internal corrosion may lead to blockages, reducing the radiator’s efficiency. External corrosion can cause leaks. Using the recommended coolant and regular coolant flushes can help prevent corrosion.
Sediment, rust, or debris in the coolant can accumulate in the radiator, leading to clogs. Clogged radiators restrict the flow of coolant and hinder the cooling system’s effectiveness. Flushing the radiator as part of regular maintenance helps prevent clogs.
The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant through the radiator. A malfunctioning thermostat may either not open properly, causing overheating, or fail to close, leading to inefficient cooling. If the engine temperature fluctuates or stays consistently high, the thermostat may be a potential culprit.
The radiator fan helps cool the radiator by drawing air through its fins. A malfunctioning or broken fan can result in inadequate cooling, leading to overheating. Issues with the fan may include a failed motor, damaged blades, or electrical problems.
The radiator cap maintains pressure within the cooling system. A worn or faulty cap can result in coolant loss, overheating, or air entering the system. Regularly inspect the radiator cap for wear and replace it if necessary.
The thin fins on the radiator help dissipate heat. Damage to these fins, whether due to debris impact or corrosion, can reduce the radiator’s efficiency. Gently straightening bent fins can sometimes improve airflow, but severe damage may require radiator replacement.
The hoses connecting the radiator to the engine can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks. Check for visible signs of wear, cracking, or bulging in the hoses, and replace them if needed.
Regular maintenance, such as checking coolant levels, inspecting hoses, and performing radiator flushes, can help prevent some of these issues. If you notice any signs of radiator problems, it’s essential to address them promptly to prevent engine overheating and potential damage
Understanding the common causes of car paint damage is not just about preserving your car’s exterior. It’s about protecting your investment and maintaining your vehicle’s appearance and value. Here are some typical issues and tips on how to fix them.
Preventive Tip: Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially on gravel roads, and consider applying a protective film or ceramic coating to vulnerable areas.
Bird droppings contain acids that can quickly etch into your car’s paint if left unattended. The longer bird droppings sit on the surface, the more damage they can cause.
Preventive Tip: Remove bird droppings promptly with a gentle car wash solution and avoid parking under trees where birds commonly roost.
Parking under trees may provide shade but can expose your car’s paint to tree sap and resin, which are sticky and challenging to remove. These substances can also damage the paint finish over time.
Preventive Tip: Avoid parking under trees for extended periods, especially during spring and summer when trees are actively producing sap.
Using abrasive sponges, brushes, or harsh cleaning chemicals during car washing can scratch the paint and remove protective wax coatings, leaving the paint vulnerable to damage.
Preventive Tip: Use soft microfiber towels, a pH-balanced car wash soap, and the two-bucket washing method to minimize swirl marks and scratches.
Automatic car washes equipped with abrasive brushes can cause scratches and swirl marks on the paint surface, especially if the brushes are not adequately maintained.
Preventive Tip: Opt for touchless or brushless automatic car washes that use high-pressure water jets instead of physical brushes.
Excessive exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause the paint to fade, oxidize, and lose its gloss over time. This is especially true for cars parked outdoors regularly.
Preventive Tip: Park your car in shaded areas whenever possible or use a car cover to protect it from direct sunlight.
Salt used for de-icing roads during winter can accelerate corrosion and paint damage, especially on the lower panels of the vehicle.
Preventive Tip: Wash your car regularly during winter months to remove salt and road chemicals from the paint surface and undercarriage.
Everyday incidents such as parking lot dings, scratches from keys or objects, and minor collisions can lead to paint damage if addressed.
The AC compressor is one of the most essential parts of your car’s air conditioning system. It’s responsible for pumping refrigerant through the AC, helping to cool the air that blows through your vents. When the compressor starts to fail, it can affect how well your AC works, especially on hot days. Here are some signs to watch out for if your AC compressor is having trouble.
First, if you notice warm air coming out of the vents instead of cold air, that’s a big clue that something’s wrong. The AC compressor might be unable to move the refrigerant properly, so the air inside the car won’t cool down.
Another sign is strange noises when you turn on the AC. The compressor has moving parts inside, and if those parts wear out or break, you might hear grinding, rattling, or squealing sounds. These noises usually mean the compressor is struggling and could stop working soon.
You may also see your AC turning on and off more frequently than usual. This is called “short cycling.” When the compressor can’t maintain steady pressure, it forces the AC to cycle on and off quickly, which is terrible for both the compressor and the overall AC system.
Leaks are another thing to look out for. Sometimes, refrigerant or oil can leak from the compressor, making it less efficient. If you spot puddles under your car or notice that the AC isn’t cooling as well as it used to, a leak could be the problem.
Finally, if your car’s engine works harder than usual when the AC is on, that’s another clue. A failing compressor can put extra strain on the engine, making it feel sluggish or causing the car to use more fuel.
There’s something liberating about heading out on the open road. spend the afternoon picnicking at an overlook, or cruise through the night fueled by gas station coffee and snacks. All you need is a reliable car, a killer playlist, and a plan that’s flexible enough to allow for a little wiggle room — because that’s where the fun comes in.
But even the most go-with-the-flow road tripper knows that without some solid pre-trip planning and smart on-the-road know-how, the most amazing road trip can be a bust. To help, we chatted with a few experts who know what you’ll need to do (and not do) in order to make your road trip seamless.
On a long road trip, your car can either be your best friend or your worst enemy. To increase your chances of the former, schedule a full tune-up a week or two before you go. Having a pro check your oil and tire pressure, and make sure your battery, brakes, and engine are working properly, will keep you from being stranded on the side of the road or calling AAA for a tow just a few hours in.
Sanna Boman, editor-in-chief at Roadtrippers, told Travel + Leisure by email that she recommends making “a list of the things that need taking care of when you’re gone, including your mail, lawn and garden, and house plants.” If you’re worried about leaving the house empty for multiple days (or weeks), she said, “Installing a home security system before you leave can offer peace of mind.”
If you want to avoid data charges at the end of your trip, you’ll need to download everything over Wi-Fi before you leave. Andrew Moore-Crispin, director of content at Ting Mobile, recommends downloading your maps on Google Maps in advance, so you don’t have to use data (or need it) to navigate. The same goes for Spotify playlists and any shows or movies you’ll need to keep young road trippers entertained. “Apps like Netflix, Spotify, and Facebook all see upticks through extensive usage. Control your data in the app’s setting. You can set how much data the app can use, and you can prevent photos from loading in your feed until you’re on Wi-Fi,” he said.
In addition to recommending their Roadtrippers planning app, Boman suggests road trippers download Waze for real-time traffic updates, GasBuddy for finding gas and comparing prices, and Recreation.gov for managing your campground reservations.
Pack your car phone charger (or upgrade to this multi-phone car charger), and make sure to have a place to put your phone, so you can check the directions without fumbling or looking down. This universal magnetic car mount from WizGear hooks into your car’s air vent to keep your phone in view at all times — and it’s less than $10.
Chances are, there are plenty of gas stations and fast food joints along the way, but a trip sustained by burgers, fries, candy, and chips will get old fast. Pack a cooler with pre-cut veggies and fruit, nuts, sandwiches, and of course, some healthy snacks. To keep you hydrated and lightly caffeinated on a long day.
When you’re living in your car, things can get messy quickly. Bring along wet wipes, paper towels, and hand sanitizer, and stow everything in a seat back organizer (this one has a trash compartment, tissue holder, and a place to stow water bottles or wipes). When packing the car, load things you won’t need until later first, so the items you’ll use throughout the drive are more accessible.
One of the best parts of road tripping is having the freedom to stop, explore, and reroute at any moment. “Once you plan out your trip, you can always deviate from your plan, but it’s a good idea to do some research ahead of time to get the most out of your trip,” said Boman. “Road trips are all about the journey — of course, time or budget constraints can dictate the route, but detours and unexpected stops are often the most memorable moments from a trip.”
If you have a final destination in mind, it may be tempting to drive straight through, but if you do, you’ll miss everything that makes a road trip fun. Side trips and highway attractions are a big part of road tripping — you never know when you’ll come across an Airbnb that’s shaped like a giant beagle or pass a beautiful hike that’s right off the road.
“When hitting the road, the biggest mistake that people make is not stopping often enough to stretch their legs and walk. To keep your mind fresh to focus on driving safely, I recommend stopping once an hour to move around and stretch, whether that means getting gas or grabbing a cup of coffee, then enjoying a 30-minute break every four to five hours for a short walk or hike,” said Dr. Suzanne Bartlett-Hackenmiller, an integrative medicine physician and the medical advisor for AllTrails. “According to the Journal of Safety Research, 30 minutes is sufficient to help fight against fatigue during longer trips.”
Not every car (or rental car) comes with a spare tire kit. Take the time to make sure you have a fully inflated spare and everything you’d need to put it on — a jack, lug wrench, and the owner’s manual. If you don’t have a spare tire, buy one (and the necessary tools) before taking off. You should also get a little tutorial (either in person or online) on how to change a flat tire should something come up. There’s nothing fun about relying on a Google search when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
Don’t leave home without preparing for some common road trip mishaps. A flashlight with extra batteries, a tire pressure gauge, jumper cables, a car battery charger (or spare battery), extra water, a few energy bars, and some first-aid essentials — pain reliever, bandages, and scissors — will go a long way should something go awry.
As you can see, rust on a car can be a very serious issue. This is why it’s so important to learn how to prevent car rust. Luckily, keeping your vehicle rust-free is pretty easy. Start with these five tips.
One of the easiest ways to prevent rust on a car is to wash it often. Not only will it keep your car looking shiny and new, but it will also remove corrosive debris, salt, and grime.
It’s important not to wait for your car to look dirty before washing it. The elements that attack your car’s paint aren’t visible to the naked eye, so by the time you can see that you’re due for a wash, some damage has already occurred.
While any type of car wash is better than not washing your car at all, a high-pressure cleaner is the most effective. This will allow you to easily clean tricky areas – like your undercarriage and the inside of your wheel arches. For the best protection, plan to wash your vehicle once a week and have it professionally cleaned every few months.
To keep your car in the best possible condition and prevent rust from forming, you’ll want to wax it at least twice a year. This adds another layer of protection between your car’s paint and rust-causing moisture. If you’re not storing your car in a garage, you’ll need to wax it even more often to make up for the extra exposure to the elements.
It’s easy to wax your car on your own, but if you don’t have the time, consider adding a hand wax when you take it for professional cleaning.
If you’re already having problems with rust or you live in a harsh environment, it’s a good idea to have a protective rust-proof coating applied by a professional. Since exposure to salt is one of the primary causes of rust, this is even more important if you live by the ocean or the gulf. In areas where salt is frequently applied to icy roads, rustproofing can also make a major difference.
If you have a short-term lease or don’t plan to keep your car for long, then you can probably skip the rustproofing. However, if you plan to hold onto your vehicle for the long haul, this is definitely worth considering.
Constant exposure to sun, rain, and snow can do a number on your car. If you want to avoid rust, you really should park it under cover. If your home doesn’t already have a garage, consider adding one. A portable garage is an affordable option that’s ideal for those who rent their homes, on a tight budget, or don’t have a lot of space. A steel garage is an excellent option for a homeowner who has room to spare, is looking for a permanent option, and wants to save money on a new structure.
It’s a good idea to give your car a once-over each time you wash it. Keep an eye out for any paint damage or small spots of rust. When checking your car, also pay close attention to the condition of drain holes, water channels, and seals. If moisture collects here, rust can start to form unseen.
Any time you notice a possible sign of rust, it’s important not to let it go. Taking care of it before it spreads can save you a lot of time and thousands of dollars in future repairs.
It’s one of the worst things that can happen to a driver. You turn the key in your car’s ignition, perhaps hear a few alarming noises and then nothing. Whether in the parking lot after dinner, in your driveway before work, or at the rest stop after you’ve stopped for snacks, there’s never really a good time for your car to not start. It’s usually indicative that your car needs some kind of repair, and even when no repairs are needed, you have a serious logistical challenge on your hands.
When your car breaks down and you’re on a busy road, this can be a scary experience. If you don’t have an emergency kit in your car, there are a few things to do to fix the situation. First, call roadside assistance to get you and your car to a safe location (preferably an auto shop). Then, you or the mechanic will need to figure out why it’s not starting. Here are a number of reasons why your car won’t start:
The most common reason cars don’t start is a dead or faulty battery. Even though most cars run on gasoline, they all require electrical power to function. The starter that cranks your engine to start requires an electrical signal to fire. If something’s wrong with your battery, your car engine won’t turn over. There are other symptoms that may indicate a dead battery, but checking whether your engine turns over at all is a good first step.
The good thing about dead batteries is that you don’t always need a professional to get your car going again. Jumping a car battery is typically fairly straight-forward, as long as you have jumper cables and another power source. However, a battery jump may just be a temporary solution, and new batteries can be expensive, so it’s best to always take good care of your battery. For more on how to do that, check out these tips for avoiding a dead battery.
A bad alternator goes hand-in-hand with a dead battery. The alternator recharges the battery and keeps the car’s electrical systems running after the car has started. If you have a bad alternator, you don’t necessarily have a bad battery, but you certainly might not have a functioning one. Any bad alternator should be replaced, so be sure to look out for any signs of a bad alternator.
Dead batteries or alternators aren’t the only things that can stop your ignition from functioning. If something is wrong with the starter motor that receives the electrical signal to crank the engine, your car may not respond to the turn of your key.
One of the easiest ways to tell if your starter motor has a problem is to check whether your lights come on when you turn your key in the ignition. Turning your key turns your battery on, so if you’ve turned your key all the way and the lights come on but the engine doesn’t turn over or click, your starter motor could be the culprit. Any signs of electrical failure could also indicate that the starter motor needs help. Repeatedly trying to use a starter motor that has been subject to a blown fuse could cause it to overheat and emit smoke.
The ignition switch is another step on the road that leads from turning your key to starting your engine. It plays a crucial role between your battery and starter motor, carrying power from the battery to the engine.
If you have a bad ignition switch, you won’t hear the starter motor working to start the engine. You also might experience some electrical issues, since the ignition switch effectively activates your car’s main electrical systems. Flickering or dying dashboard lights are a prime example. You may also have difficulty turning your key in the first place.
If your car doesn’t start, it’s possible that its spark plugs are old or dirty. Spark plugs that have become defective in any way can lead to reduced gas mileage, lack of acceleration, engine troubles such as misfires, and difficulty starting your car.
It’s not necessarily the spark plugs’ fault. The distributor cap routes power from the engine’s ignition coil to the spark plugs. Broken or malfunctioning distributor caps can cause your engine to misfire, activate the check engine light, cause strange noises and, of course, prevent your car from starting.Make sure there is no moisture under the cap and replace it immediately if it’s broken. When in doubt of how to do this safely, it’s best to rely on a professional.
Your timing belt is another component that is integral to a functioning engine. The timing belt rotates the engine’s cam and crankshaft in unison, causing the cylinders to fire at the appropriate times.
If something is wrong with your timing belt, you may hear ticking noises from your engine or strange disparities in your engine’s revving, or your engine may not turn over. Replacing your timing belt is a piece of maintenance that needs to be performed on a semi-regular basis, so if you notice any issues that could be tied to it, don’t hesitate to call your mechanic.
Ever gotten into your car and found that you can’t even turn your key? If you’ve experienced this, it’s likely that your steering lock is jammed. As an anti-theft measure, your steering lock activates when someone tries to move the wheel while the key is not inserted in the ignition. It can occasionally serve as an anti-driver measure by accident.
If your steering lock jams, try to wiggle it left and right and then gently turn it in whichever direction allows some movement. Once the lock is unjammed, you can turn the key in the ignition normally.
If fuel can’t reach your engine, your car is going to have a difficult time burning it. As obvious as that sounds, you might not realize that the fuel filter is preventing your car from starting.
You may notice an array of fuel-related troubles, ranging from sputtering to poor gas mileage and, of course, difficulty starting. Your fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles, so if yours is coming up on that milestone and your car doesn’t start, it’s worth checking and replacing.
No one wants to run out of gas, but if you do, the silver lining is that there isn’t anything wrong with your car. If your tank is empty, your best bet is to get a gas can and give your car the couple of gallons it needs to start and get to a gas station. Another reason for car troubles could be that the gas in your car simply went bad.
If your car isn’t starting, this could be from issues with the fuse box, battery cables or even the body control unit. Sometimes rodents can even get underneath the hood of your car and chew the wiring.
If you try to unlock your car with your key fob and it doesn’t work, this may mean there’s a problem with the engine immobilizer. This can also cause a problem starting your car if the fob is unable to send a security code to the engine immobilizer.
Knowing why your car won’t turn on is a good first step toward repairing it, but sticking to a car maintenance schedule can help prevent issues from arising in the first place. Learn how to prepare so your car not starting or breaking down is less likely.
Overheating poses a risk to both you and your car, so it’s best to avoid that situation in the first place. From preventative maintenance to tricks you can use in a pinch, there are many ways to help your car stay cool. Here are some of the easiest ways to do it:
As vehicle owners, we often pay close attention to engine oil changes but overlook the importance of maintaining the gear oil in our vehicles.
Gear oil works to ensure smooth gear shifting, reducing friction, and protecting the internal components of the transmission system.
However, like any other lubricant, gear oil deteriorates over time and requires periodic replacement.
In this blog post, we will explore when to change gear oil, the signs that indicate it needs to be replaced, the consequences of neglecting gear oil maintenance, the lifespan of gear oil, and how often you should replace it.
Several signs suggest that it’s time to change the gear oil in your vehicle. Pay attention to the following indicators:
If you experience resistance or difficulty when shifting gears, it may be due to dirty or degraded gear oil. The oil’s viscosity can change over time, leading to poor gear engagement and gear shifting issues.
Unusual noises, such as grinding or whining sounds, during gear shifting, can be a sign of insufficient or contaminated gear oil. The lack of proper lubrication causes increased friction between the gears, resulting in these noises.
When the gear oil becomes old and contaminated, it loses its ability to maintain the required friction between the gears. This can cause gear slippage, where the transmission slips out of gear unexpectedly or struggles to stay engaged.
If you notice a burning smell coming from your transmission, it could be an indication of overheated gear oil. Overheating can occur due to excessive friction caused by degraded or inadequate gear oil, potentially leading to gearbox damage.
Inspect your vehicle for any signs of oil leaks around the transmission area. Leaking gear oil not only reduces the lubrication level but also allows contaminants to enter the transmission system, accelerating wear and tear.
If your vehicle has a dipstick, follow these steps:
If your vehicle uses a fill plug instead of a dipstick, you will typically need to remove the fill plug and check that the oil level is at the bottom of the fill hole.
Neglecting gear oil maintenance can have several detrimental effects on your vehicle’s gearbox system: