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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.
Whether they’re young enough to still be in a car sear or old enough to be going to soccer practice, kids are messy – but that doesn’t mean your car has to be. You can prevent messes and treat common stains with just a little know-how. Here are tips on how to keep your car clean with kids.
Hang a shoe organizer on the back of the driver’s seat to keep toys and must-have travel items organized.
Keep a shower caddy in your car so kids can use it as a traveling meal tray when eating on the go.
Use baby wipes to clean hard surfaces rather than auto wipes that may have harsh chemicals.
Put a bag in a plastic cereal container to use as a compact trash can in your car.
Consider adding a towel or a “seat saver” under car seats to protect your upholstery form messes and indentations.
Cover your seats with a fitted sheet so you can shake out stray French fries rather than vacuum them out.
To remove stains from your upholstery mix 1 cup of dish soap, 1 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of club soda in a spray bottle and scrub away.
If your car has a funk, place a bowl of vinegar on the floor overnight. Remove it in the morning and keep doors open to remove vinegar smell. Learn more ways remove car smells.
Cover a travel mug with an old sock, spray it with cleaner, place it in the cup holder and twist it to remove dirt.
Give kids a special travel bag to take toys in the car, but have them remove the toys after each trip.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children ages 2 to12 years old are especially susceptible. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to handle carsickness and minimize the mess in your car.
You don’t want your children starting a long drive on an empty stomach, or it may make them feel queasy. “Just a small, light meal or even a couple of crackers will help ease nausea,” says Sally Black, a former pediatric nurse who now runs the family travel site VacationKids.com. “During the drive, ginger ale and gingersnaps can help settle an upset tummy.”
You may be tempted to seat a child near the window so they can get fresh air if they need it. “Actually it’s best to seat them in the middle whenever possible,” Black says. If you’re making the trip in a three-row minivan, “the middle [row] is best because it forces kids to face forward and look toward the horizon.” Why is this important? Because looking forward to a point on the horizon helps kids’ brains interpret motion senses that their ears and eyes are receiving. In other words, you want to match what they’re seeing with what they’re feeling.
If your child is prone to carsickness, ditch activities involving reading, watching DVDs or video gaming. “Any activity that involves up close eye work will only aggravate a carsickness situation,” Black says. Try reading them trivia questions or playing 20 questions.
Make sure there’s an abundant water supply so your crew stays hydrated. “Avoid acidic beverages such as orange juice,” Keith says. “Keep a cooler of ice and fresh water.”
Avoid high speeds and frequent, sudden stops and starts. Build in frequent rest breaks so your kids can get out and stretch their legs.
Motion sickness pills may help, but check with your child’s doctor to be safe. Even after you get the doctor’s approval, “you must read the package instructions carefully before purchasing to determine if they’re age appropriate,” Keith says. “Some may not be recommended for young children. Also, they may cause drowsiness.”
You probably know that your car has a serpentine belt, but do you know what it does? The serpentine belt transfers power from the crankshaft to many components in your car’s engine. It’s important to know how it works and the symptoms of a bad serpentine belt so you can keep your car running more smoothly and efficiently.
The serpentine belt wraps around various pulleys inside the engine to help transfer power from the crankshaft to different accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioner, and possibly the water pump in the cooling system.
In your car, the serpentine belt and the timing belt have different functions. The serpentine belt helps the engine parts run smoothly.
The timing belt is located inside the car’s engine and keeps the crankshaft and camshaft synchronized. Keeping them in sync allows the intake and exhaust valves to operate properly, and in turn keeps the engine running smoothly.
Look closely at the grooves on the belts to tell the difference between them. The serpentine belt has V-shaped grooves that run vertically, while the timing belt has horizontal grooves fit to the cogwheels of the crankshaft and camshaft.
The good news is that your serpentine belt typically doesn’t need to be changed often. It’s recommended to get it checked and possibly replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual if you want a more specific recommendation for your car.
While it’s possible to drive on a snapped serpentine belt, it’s very dangerous and not recommended that you do so. It can make steering the car very difficult if not impossible. Take or tow your car to a professional and have them replace it as soon as possible.
To catch a bad serpentine belt as soon as possible and avoid further damage, look out for these signs:
Several factors can cause a serpentine belt to snap:
While it’s not that difficult to replace your own serpentine belt, if you aren’t sure how to do it yourself, it’s recommended to take your car to a professional. If you have the tools and knowledge to do it yourself, here are the steps you should take:
A professional mechanic can typically charge between $75 and $120 to replace your serpentine belt. Keep in mind that the cost of a serpentine belt depends on the current inflation rate as well as your location. Always get an estimate from your mechanic on costs associated with your car parts.
Replacing your serpentine belt when needed isn’t the only important maintenance task to perform on your car. Use this maintenance checklist to keep up with the various time-sensitive checks and changes that your vehicle needs to run at its best. Lastly, make sure you have the proper auto insurance to cover yourself and your car.
The ability to haul a trailer is a driving skill that is extremely useful in a variety of situations. The ability to safely drive with a trailer comes in handy when moving, purchasing new furniture, transporting lawnmowers or ATVs, or hauling a boat or RV. Knowing how to successfully attach a trailer to your vehicle’s hitch is only one step in the process of driving with a trailer. There are several other things that you need to consider before hitting the road in tandem. Here’s how to drive safely with a trailer.
9 Tips for Driving with a Trailer
1- Consult your owner’s manual for information about how much weight your vehicle can successfully haul. Some regular sized sedans are able to haul up to two thousand pounds, surprising news to many car owners. Large trucks and SUVs can tow considerably more weight; however, you want to make sure not to overload your vehicle.
2- Do not underestimate the difficulty of driving with a trailer. You should practice pulling in and out of your driveway and navigating quiet back roads before attempting to drive in heavy traffic while pulling a trailer.
3- The size of the trailer is directly related to the number of adjustments you need to make as a driver. A small utility trailer might be hardly noticeable. Pulling a boat or large RV will require all of your attention and driving skills.
4- Make sure that the trailer is properly attached before hitting the road. Check the safety chains, lights, and license plate.
5- Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you when hauling a trailer. The extra weight behind your car or truck will make it more difficult to slow down or stop.
6- Take wider turns. Because your vehicle is now close to double its regular length, you will have to take turns significantly wider to avoid hitting curbs, other cars, or running off of the road.
7- Driving in reverse while pulling a trailer is a skill that takes quite a bit of practice to acquire. Turn too sharp and the trailer will jackknife, or turn sharply in one direction. Expect to make several adjustments the first couple of times you attempt to drive in reverse while towing a trailer.
8- Take it slow. It is often best to drive in the right lane while pulling a trailer, especially on the interstate. Acceleration will take significantly longer with a trailer. Drive a little below the speed limit for safety.
9- Parking may be difficult. Small parking lots may be almost impossible to use when pulling a large trailer. If you do maneuver your vehicle and trailer into a parking space, or several parking spaces, make sure that you have plenty of room to exit the lot. It is often advisable to park in a remote part of a parking lot with few surrounding vehicles.
Being able to drive with a trailer will allow you to transport a variety of items or other vehicles. If you are an avid outdoors person who enjoys boating or camping, driving with a trailer is almost a necessary skill. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to practice driving with a trailer to build your skill and boost your confidence.
Source: https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/how-to-drive-with-a-trailer/)
Preparing your car for spring can save you a lot of headaches later in the year. It can even save you money! Spring auto maintenance will get you ready for a summer filled with long drives and vacations. Whether you’re heading to the beach or your child’s ball game, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare your car for spring.
Visit a Car Wash
Spring cleaning isn’t only for your house. The winter especially can be tough on cars. Freezing temperatures and salt from the road can do real damage to your paint job, so make sure to start the season with a car wash. If you go to a carwash, spring for premium, because you won’t want to miss any nooks or crannies. If you do it yourself, make sure to add baking soda to the wash water if your car has a strong salt buildup. This will help neutralize the salt and save your paint job.
Check Your Tires
Did you know you can save money on gas by making sure your tires are filled up to the manufacturer recommended air pressure? Just by keeping the pressure regulated, your car is better able to distribute and conserve gasoline. The cold air and ice can be rough on the air pressure in your tires, so the Spring is a great time to check those tires. Make sure your tires are rotated regularly and don’t wait until you have a visible flat to fill them up. Check your tires for worn tread and make sure to replace your tires when the treading becomes too worn.
Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids
Snow can damage and wear on your windshield wipers. If your wipers are streaking, replace them. New wiper blades are inexpensive and simple to replace, so you won’t even need to pay someone to do it for you. You should also make sure to top off your windshield wiper fluid and reapply any needed windshield treatments to repel water and rain.
Check Your Battery
At the end of a long winter, you’ll want to be sure to evaluate your car’s electrical system. Many parts shops have free battery checks where you can find out just how strong your battery is. If your battery is getting weak, you can prevent future problems by replacing it before it stops working. That way, you won’t be left stranded with a dead battery.
Change Your Oil
Regular oil changes can make all the difference in making sure your car has a long, healthy life. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for oil change intervals and oil viscosity, and make sure to change the oil filter as well. Some car shops offer fluid top offs, tire checks, battery checks, and even tire rotation included their oil change prices, so you can take care of almost all of your spring maintenance in just one stop.
Like all fluids in your vehicle, power steering fluid plays an important and specific role in keeping your car operating at peak performance. This fluid is critical for providing the steering system with hydraulic assistance so you can turn your vehicle’s steering wheel easily. It also helps lubricate the power steering pump and the steering components. Power steering fluid even prevents corrosion. Because this fluid serves various purposes, you can see why it’s important to use the right kind.
When you’re looking for the power steering fluid under the hood, check the passenger side of the vehicle, and you should be able to spot the reservoir. The power steering fluid is usually in a white or yellow container with a black cap labeled “power steering” or “steering fluid.”
If you hear a whining sound coming from your hood when you turn or if it’s becoming more difficult to turn, your car might be running low on power steering fluid.
Before checking your car’s power steering fluid, warm the engine to a normal operating temperature by turning the steering wheel in one direction until it stops. Next, turn the wheel all the way in the opposite direction. Repeat this process several times, then follow the steps below:
Most power steering fluid is red, amber, pink, or clear. If the fluid is lighter, it doesn’t contain any debris and is okay to use. It likely needs to be changed if it’s dark brown or foamy.
Power steering fluid is a hydraulic fluid used in the steering system to decrease the effort required to turn the wheels. It also lubricates the moving parts within the steering system and prevents corrosion in the power steering gear to keep the vehicle working optimally.
On average, your car needs a power steering fluid flush every 40,000 to 80,000 miles. Your recommended flush routine depends on your vehicle because the steering system and fluid needs vary by car. Check your owner’s manual for specific manufacturer recommendations.
When you drive without power steering fluid, you need to exert more force when turning the wheel, and the steering is much heavier. If you wait a long time before filling your car with power steering fluid, damage to the steering pump becomes inevitable. When the pump vanes lack lubrication, the risk of damaging the drive belt increases. The shaft and rack seal can also break down without power steering fluid.
No single rule applies when it comes to power steering fluids for cars. Instead, take time to review your owner’s manual, do some online research, or check with your dealership’s service department to ensure that the fluids you’re using are right for your car.
Using brake fluid in the power steering system will damage your car. Both fluids may have been similar in the past, but now they are very different and should only go in their designated systems.
It gets a little trickier when deciding if you can use automatic transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid. You want to ensure you’ve done your homework on this one before you consider swapping out fluids. While some systems were designed to use automatic transmission fluid, others require that you use only steering wheel fluid.
Before doing car maintenance on your own, check your owner’s manual to see what the car manufacturer recommends. It should specifically state in the manual which fluid to use. Some models require specific fluid types, such as synthetics, so it’s worth taking the time to track down the correct information. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, contact a car mechanic or car dealership and talk to the service department.
Using the wrong type of fluid can cause damage to some seals, plastic, and rubber components inside your vehicle. And, if it doesn’t mix well with the fluid you’re adding it to, it could create an acidic reaction.
Adding power steering fluid isn’t the only important maintenance task to perform on your car. Use this maintenance checklist to keep up with the various time-sensitive checks and changes your vehicle needs to run at its best.
Your gear oil is constantly working to reduce the stresses placed on your gearbox, keeping it operating at its peak. But like most lubricants, it may eventually need to be changed, otherwise the slow accumulation of deposits can end up clogging your oil gearbox filter and potentially damaging its components, resulting in costly repairs.
In this guide, view simple, step-by-step instructions on when and how to check and change your gear oil and filter, ensuring your gearbox keeps working its best.
If your vehicle or machinery doesn’t have an oil life monitoring system that automatically alerts you when your gear oil requires changing, knowing when to change your gear oil and filter can be an imperfect science, but there are guides for different types of vehicles:
Because these ranges are so large, a good way to gauge your oil health is to check its colour. New oils are brightly coloured (usually red) and semi-transparent, but as they degrade or accumulate deposits, they turn a darker shade, lose their transparency and can smell burnt due to oxidation.
To check your gearbox oil:
If your oil is dark brown, black, or light pink (usually due to water contamination), then you need to change it. Red-brown, semi-transparent fluid is often slightly degraded, but doesn’t necessarily signify a need for a change.
If you don’t have much experience in vehicle or machinery maintenance, it’s a good idea to get a professional to change your gear oil. If you want to do it yourself, follow these steps:
These instructions are only meant as a guide – vehicles and equipment may be designed differently, so always check your owner’s manual. If you are unsure of how to change your gearbox oil, always use a professional.
Avoid costly transmission repairs. Here are 10 tips for keeping a car with an automatic transmission in good condition
Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and its age, transmission repairs can be costly. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid having a transmission repair specialist service your vehicle particularly if you’re subjected to a total breakdown.
But there are things you can do to extend the life of your automatic transmission and prevent transmission failure. Read our checklist of top 10 transmission maintenance tips:
1. Check your transmission fluid periodically. On many cars, light trucks, and SUVs, checking the transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil: with the engine idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, insert it again, wait, then pull it out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is low, you may have a leak. The fluid itself should be a bright red colour, clear, and it should smell sweet. If it’s murky, dark coloured, or smells like rotting fish take it to a transmission repair specialist to look things over.
2. Use the right type of transmission fluid. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of transmission fluid you should use. If after doing so you’re still not sure, pop in to a Mister Transmission and ask a professional.
3. Have your engine’s cooling system serviced. Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a transmission repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.
4. Get your transmission flushed regularly. Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.
5. Don’t change gears while your car is moving. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before changing gears from ‘drive’ to ‘reverse’ or vice-versa. Failing to do so simply puts strain on your transmission and after awhile it can lead to a serious problem.
6. Let your car warm up before you drive. Who among us has hopped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, put the car in drive and motored away? (Full disclosure: I’m as guilty as you are) Always allow your engine a few minutes to warm up before you begin to drive, especially during the winter months.
7. Don’t drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time. Mismatched tire sizes, or driving with a small spare tire over a long period of time is a no-no. Not only will it do damage to other parts of your vehicle such as ruin the wheel alignment, after a while it puts unnecessary strain on the transmission.
8. Regularly change the transmission filter. That’s right: your car’s automatic transmission may have a filter, and it needs to be changed from time to time. Whether or not you’re driving a car that has a transmission filter depends entirely on the make and model. Most newer vehicles don’t have a transmission filter but those that do should be changed each time you get your transmission flushed.
9. Avoid using your vehicle for towing. Using your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, and in turn, do a lot of damage to the transmission.
10. Have your transmission inspected annually. Having a certified transmission repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, color, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.
Driving can be a thrilling and exciting experience, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. An important thing to consider while driving is the level of traction you have on the road. Traction refers to the friction between your vehicle’s tires and the road surface. When the level of traction is reduced, your car can become difficult to control, and accidents can happen. Here are a few scenarios that can reduce traction and how to avoid accidents if you lose traction while driving.
When your car is burdened with excess weight, it can lead to tire overloading, resulting in reduced traction and compromised vehicle control. To ensure safety and prevent accidents caused by overloading, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s specified maximum weight capacity for your car. Avoid carrying unnecessary extra weight beyond these limits to keep your vehicle operating at its best performance and safety levels.
Road design plays a critical role in determining traction levels in various ways. For instance, roads featuring steep inclines or sharp curves can significantly diminish traction, especially during wet or icy conditions. Furthermore, roads with inadequate drainage systems may lead to the accumulation of water on the surface, posing an elevated risk of hydroplaning. If you find yourself driving along steep hills, sharp curves and turns, or roads that are subject to flooding, be extra mindful of your driving behaviours and changing conditions.
Powerful winds have the potential to forcefully divert your vehicle, compromising its traction and making steering more challenging. This effect is particularly pronounced for tall vehicles like trucks, buses, and SUVs, rendering them more susceptible to gusts of wind.
To minimize the likelihood of losing traction during windy conditions, adjust your driving by lowering your driving speed, keeping both hands firmly on the wheel, and maintaining extra following distance from other vehicles. Additionally, exercising caution in areas that are prone to crosswinds, such as bridges and overpasses, can help to ensure a safe journey. By adhering to these guidelines, you can mitigate the impact of windy conditions and be prepared for decreased road traction.
Road surfaces marred by irregularities or potholes pose a significant risk to traction. As your vehicle’s tires encounter these imperfections, it can result in bouncing or loss of contact with the road, thus diminishing traction. To counteract these hazards, maintain awareness of the road ahead and adhere to a safe following distance from other vehicles, enabling you to avoid potholes and uneven surfaces confidently.
Moreover, loose gravel, dirt, and debris scattered across the road surface can also compromise traction, impeding your ability to control the vehicle effectively. When navigating unpaved roads, exercise caution by reducing your driving speed, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and refraining from sudden maneuvers.
When you brake or accelerate too quickly, it can cause the tires to lose traction. When braking and accelerating, use the pedals smoothly and gradually rather than suddenly. Following a smooth and gradual pattern will allow the vehicle to maintain its traction with the road, rather than losing traction when the vehicle needs to suddenly react to braking and acceleration.
When you’re driving at high speeds, a vehicle’s tires have less time to grip the road surface as they rotate. Always obey the speed limit and adjust your speed to match road and weather conditions to maintain traction and avoid losing control of the vehicle.
As your car’s tires undergo wear and tear, their grip on the road surface diminishes. To prevent the loss of traction and ensure safety, it is essential to regularly inspect your tire tread depth. Once the tires become excessively worn, promptly replace them with new ones. This simple maintenance routine will help maintain optimal traction and enhance overall driving performance on the road.
One of the primary contributors to reduced traction on the road is encountered during wet or icy conditions. The presence of water or ice on the road surface diminishes the friction between the tires and the road, leading to potential skidding or sliding, making vehicle control challenging. To avert accidents in such conditions, it’s crucial to adopt a cautious approach by driving slowly and carefully, while maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
Hydroplaning poses another significant risk, occurring when your vehicle’s tires encounter a layer of water too thick to displace, resulting in loss of contact with the road surface and reduced traction. To minimize the chances of hydroplaning, ensure you drive at a safe speed during wet conditions, and verify that your tires are adequately inflated with good tread depth. Avoid making sudden maneuvers or sharp turns, and refrain from driving in the outer lanes of the road where water accumulation is more likely.
In case of hydroplaning, maintaining composure is essential. Avoid sudden braking or accelerating, and instead, steer the vehicle in the direction you wish to go until the tires regain traction. By implementing these precautions and remaining attentive to road conditions, you can enhance your safety and stability during adverse weather situations.
Do you change your driving habits when snow and ice come to town? If you don’t, here’s why you should. Snow and ice exponentially increase the chances of unexpectedly sliding, spinning out, or crashing. In fact, the American Highway Users Alliance reports over 116,800 injuries annually from vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement.
But luckily, there are ways to stay safer simply by adjusting the way you navigate your vehicle and the road conditions. Interested in how to drive safely on ice?
Usually, a car battery lasts 3-5 years. However, how long a car battery lasts varies based on weather conditions where you live, how you drive and your battery’s quality.
Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on the go, batteries provide the electricity your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery replacement, as well as what you can do to extend its life span.
From external factors such as hot or cold weather to conditions inside the battery, many things can cause a car battery to die.
Watch out for the following signs that may indicate your car battery is dying:
Check out the 8 tips below on extending the life of your car battery.
No matter how well you maintain your car battery, you can’t always foresee when it may die. Learn more about roadside assistance and how it can help you in the event of an emergency.