5 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Wiper Blades

Windshield wipers are vital necessities that help keep you safe on the road. When neglected, dull wiper blades can cause problems during a sudden downpour, which is why keeping them properly maintained is so important. Here are a few of our top windshield wiper care tips to help ensure your wipers are always ready to go.

Defrost and Scrape Before Using the Wipers

Windshield wipers tend to stick when there’s been heavy snow or ice, causing them to snap if you turn them on before defrosting the windshield. In freezing temperatures, run the defroster first and scrape away any snow or ice, if necessary. It’s helpful if you warm up the car ahead of time with the defroster on high, especially if you have an early morning commute.

Replace the Blades at Least Twice a Year

Wiper blades are only designed to last about six months. After that, you’ll start to notice a decline in your driving visibility. To help combat this problem, buy replacements every six months and change them on time. You’ll also need to keep an eye on the blades for signs of early wear, such as smearing, skipping, or squeaking across the glass. The process is so easy, in fact, that you can do it yourself with a little practice.

Keep the Windshield Clean

Your car’s wiper blades are going to wear more quickly if they’re wiping across filthy glass. To help prolong their longevity, clean your windshield every time you stop to fill up at a gas station. Most stations provide a squeegee specifically for this use, so take advantage of it. Just be sure to inspect the sponge before use and wipe it with a paper towel when needed, as communal squeegees can harbor small rocks and other debris that can scratch your windshield.

Never Run the Wipers on a Dry Windshield

Windshield wipers are designed to be used when the windshield is wet. Operating them on a dry surface can cause the wipers to wear out much more quickly than they would normally, which only causes extras headaches. When you do need to clean a dry windshield, such as when there’s pollen buildup on the glass, press the washer button first. This will require you to keep your car topped up on windshield washer fluid, which is another thing to remember as part of your wipers’ routine maintenance.

Reposition the Blades During the Winter Months

Dealing with frozen windshield wipers is the last thing you want to be doing before work on a cold winter morning. To prevent this problem, pull the wiper blades away from the windshield the night before a freeze. This keeps the rubber squeegee part of the blades from freezing to the glass, and it makes it easier to scrape away any ice and snow.

Taking care of your car requires paying attention to the little things. When it comes to your windshield wipers, getting into a routine and being vigilant can ensure they’re always ready to go when you need them.

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Driving Safety Tips For Teen

Driving safety is essential for everyone, but it’s particularly crucial for teenagers who are new to driving and may lack experience. Here are some driving safety tips for teens:

  1. Follow Traffic Laws: Obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals. Ignoring these rules can lead to accidents and tickets.
  2. Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio while driving. It’s best to keep your phone out of reach or use a hands-free device if you need to make a call.
  3. Always Wear Seatbelts: Seatbelts save lives. Make sure you and all your passengers are wearing their seatbelts at all times, no matter how short the trip.
  4. Mind the Speed Limit: Speeding is a common cause of accidents, especially for young drivers. Always drive at or below the posted speed limit and adjust your speed according to road and weather conditions.
  5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. The three-second rule is a good guideline. This gives you enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops.
  6. Use Turn Signals: Always use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to other drivers. This helps reduce the risk of collisions.
  7. Avoid Aggressive Driving: Road rage and aggressive driving can lead to dangerous situations. Stay calm and patient, and avoid aggressive behaviors like tailgating or excessive speeding.
  8. Adapt to Weather Conditions: Adjust your driving to match weather conditions. Slow down in rain, snow, or fog, and make sure your vehicle’s lights and wipers are working correctly.
  9. Avoid Driving Under the Influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other impairing substances. Even small amounts can impair your judgment and reaction time.
  10. Limit Nighttime Driving: If you’re a new driver, it’s a good idea to limit nighttime driving until you gain more experience. Reduced visibility and fatigue can make nighttime driving riskier.
  11. Stay Alert and Rested: Fatigue can impair your ability to drive safely. Get enough rest before getting behind the wheel, and if you feel drowsy while driving, pull over and take a break.
  12. Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Defensive driving can help you avoid accidents caused by the mistakes of others.
  13. Know Your Vehicle: Familiarize yourself with your car’s controls, including lights, wipers, and emergency features. Regularly check your vehicle’s tires, brakes, and other critical components.
  14. Take a Defensive Driving Course: Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course. These courses can teach you advanced driving techniques and safety strategies.
  15. Limit Passengers: Having too many passengers in the car can be distracting. In many places, new drivers are subject to passenger restrictions for the first few months of driving.
  16. Plan Your Routes: Before heading out, plan your route, and consider using a GPS or a navigation app to help you stay on track.

Remember that safe driving is a responsibility, and your choices behind the wheel can have far-reaching consequences. Always prioritize safety and make responsible decisions while driving.

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Signs Your Car Needs a Wheel Alignment

Here’s how to tell if your car needs an alignment.

  • Drifting: Your car drifts left or right, especially when you apply the brakes.
  • Hard to steer: An excessive amount of steering input is required to keep you in the lane.
  • Shaking: The car’s steering wheel shakes.

Before you take the car in, check if your tires are deflated. Having one tire measure substantially more or less than what the owner’s manual calls for could cause the same effect of drifting left or right or vibration in the steering.

Imperfections in the road surfaces could be your vehicle’s worst enemy in keeping proper alignment. If you regularly drive on poorly maintained roads or one riddled with potholes or accidentally hit a curb or a parking bumper, you may knock your vehicle out of alignment.

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Five Ways Seat Belts Help Prevent Injuries

Here are five ways seat belts protect occupants from injuries:

  1. Preventing ejection. Ejection greatly increases the chance of death or serious injury. The chance of being killed in a crash by being ejected from a vehicle is one in eight. Safety belts virtually eliminate ejection. The belted driver stays inside the car and is better protected from injury.
  2. Shifting crash forces to the strongest parts of the body’s structure. To get the most benefit from a seat belt, be aware of the following points:
  • The lap belt should be worn low over the pelvis with the bottom edge touching the tops of the thighs snugly.
  • The shoulder belt should be worn over the shoulder and across the chest, not under the arm and over the abdomen. Make certain that the shoulder belt is not worn so loosely that it slides off the shoulder.
  • Pregnant women should wear the lap belt below the abdomen and the shoulder belt above the belly.
  1. Spreading crash forces over a wide area of the body. Safety belts reduce the possibility of injury from “hostile” surfaces inside the car (steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, controls, etc.). Even if the belted driver collides with some of these surfaces, it happens with much less force and often results in less serious injury.
  2. Keeping the body more closely in the “proper driving posture.” The belt keeps the driver “in the driver’s seat.” The belted driver is better able to deal with emergencies and often avoids more serious trouble.
  3. Protecting the head and spinal cord. The belted driver is less likely to be stunned or made unconscious by the crash and is better able to cope with the situation. Research has found that proper use of lap/shoulder belts reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passenger car occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50% (for occupants of light trucks, 60% and 65%, respectively).
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7 Car Noises You Should Never Ignore

Hmm. Purr. Vroom. Modern engineering has made driving a car easier on the ears than ever.

But there are some car noises you don’t want to hear, because they can signal trouble. Every once in a while, roll down the windows and start listening for “any sound that is odd,” says Mike Peth, director of technical training at Ohio Technical College in Cleveland. “You know your car, so you can often pick up something that may become a problem.”

1. A sound like a coin in a clothes dryer

What it means: If you hear something rattling around inside a wheel at low speeds (and then stops as you drive faster) it could be a loose lug nut inside a hub cap. That might mean your wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Take your car to a mechanic ASAP.

2. Brakes squealing, grinding or growling

What it means: If you hear a squealing noise, your brake pads or shoes might be nearing the end of their service life and must be replaced. If they grind or growl, get your brakes checked out immediately. It could be a sign that pads are so worn that metal is touching metal—a serious problem that could affect braking efficiency.

3. A finger-snapping, popping or clicking sound when you turn

What it means: If you have a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive vehicle and hear this sound when you turn or corner (but the noise stops when you steer straight) one or both of the constant velocity (CV) joints on your front axle could need replacing.

4. A rhythmic squeak that speeds up as you accelerate

What it means: If you have rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and hear this sound, the culprit could be the universal joint (U-joint), which are found in pairs and are components of the driveshaft. Get it checked by a mechanic immediately.

5.  A howling, whining or even “singing”

What it means: This is usually a sign that your bearings—tiny metal balls that help parts rotate smoothly—aren’t doing their job. But which ones? If you have front-wheel drive, and the sound changes as you turn left, right and back again, it’s likely your front-wheel bearings; a gradually growing, steady howl signals rear-wheel bearings. If you have rear-wheel drive and the whine gets louder as you accelerate, your differential, which allows your wheels to spin at different rates when needed, could be leaking fluid. Get it fixed immediately.

6. Rhythmic clunking, tapping or banging from under the hood

What it means: There could be a serious problem with valves, connecting rods or pistons. Get to a mechanic ASAP.

7. Squealing under the hood at start-up or when accelerating

What it means: This could come from worn or loose accessory belts that drive things like your power steering pump, air conditioner compressor and alternator. With newer cars, it may point to the serpentine belt, which drives multiple accessories at once, and is relatively easy and cheap to fix.

 

SOURCE

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Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Your Car

If you drive a lot for work or have kids and pets, you know how hard it can be to keep the inside of your car clean. Here are cleaning tips and tricks to make your car’s interior sparkle again.

  • A plastic laundry basket is ideal for this task because it is lightweight, sturdy, and has handles that make it comfortable to carry. However, there are plenty of other options if you don’t have a plastic laundry basket and don’t want to invest in one for this job. A woven basket, medium garbage pail, large canvas tote bag, or even a grocery or trash bag are perfectly fine—you just want a receptacle in which you can toss a bunch of disparate items and carry them into the house.
  • Similarly, if you do not own a handheld vacuum and do not wish to buy one, you can use a dust broom or your hands to sweep car seats clean.
  • In place of vacuuming the floor mats, remove them from the car and shake or beat them.
  • Microfiber will leave a car’s dashboard and console clean without requiring the use of a separate cleaning agent. Microfiber can also be used to polish glass, without requiring glass cleaner. To remove sticky spills, dampen the microfiber cloth with water for more cleaning power.
  • The use of a timer is optional but recommended, especially for those with a bit of a competitive streak. You’re likely to find yourself racing through the job to “beat” the timer, turning the chore into a game. The use of a timer is also helpful for those who feel overwhelmed by cleaning tasks in general, as it helps to reset expectations around how much time and effort actually goes into performing dreaded tasks.
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BACK TO SCHOOL CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR STUDENTS

Schools are starting back, so we thought it would be a great time to give student drivers a chance to get their first A+ of the school year.   Here’s some essential car maintenance tips for young drivers as they head back to class!  School your friends over cafeteria snacks with your amazing wisdom in all things automotive.

  • Check your seatbelts are working properly, and always remember to wear them. Not only is it the law, but it’s also imperative to your safety.  We know you’re in a rush to get to that school dance, the annual pep rally for homecoming, or even a froyo date with pals, but it’s important to get there safe and sound.  Make sure all passengers are wearing your seatbelts as well, not just the driver!  You can avoid costly traffic tickets and fines, as well as injury or death.  Be sure the seat belt fits properly, laying across your rib cage and pelvis, and that it latches securely and stays fastened if you tug on it. If your car has broken or outdated seatbelts, your local mechanic will be able to help you fit your vehicle with new, safer seat belt options.
  • Bring your car in for a brakes inspection at your local mechanic shop.  We know you’ve been out having the time of your life during summer vacation, driving to the beach, to theme parks, to the movies, etc.  And that’s why it’s important to bring your car in for inspection and service on a regular basis to ensure your brakes are properly working to keep you safe when you have to stop short.  If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, vibrating, shaking, or making any funny noises when you slow down or come to a stop, it is more than likely you need a brakes system service appointment.  Don’t delay! Worn out brakes can mean you can’t stop quickly when you need to, or you may not be able to stop at all.  Keep yourself and your passengers safe with regular checks.
  • Learn how to check your vehicle’s fluids, and top them off!  Your vehicle will need regular refills, top-offs, and flushes of the various fluids in its system.  This includes wiper fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and sometimes even transmission fluid.  You want to make sure that you’re not delaying these checks and not letting things run dry.  Wiper fluid keeps your windshield clean and free of debris for proper visibility. Motor oil and regular oil changes will keep your engine running clean and prevent overheating.  Talk to your local mechanic to learn more about when and what you should be changing on your vehicle on average timelines, and check your owners’ manual for specific mileage needs for your make/model of car.
  • Check that your interior lights and exterior brake lights/headlights are clean, clear, and shining brightly.  Do a thorough test of your vehicle’s lights by checking headlights, high-beams, rear lights, turn signals, hazards, and brake lights.  As a friend or family member to walk around your vehicle as you test each one, and make sure to note what needs replacement or service.  Replace any and all worn-out or broken bulbs by taking a trip to your local auto parts supply store; your owners manual will help guide you to purchasing the right size, fit, and style of bulb. If replacing the bulb still hasn’t solved the problem, a trip to your local mechanic shop may be in order to check for electrical issues.  If everything is in working order but your headlamps look a little foggy, you can purchase a special cleaning kit from your local auto parts shop, or bring it in for a replacement piece of glass/plexiglass headlight covers.
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7 Ways To Get Your Vehicle Ready for Back to School

It’s almost that time of year again! The back-to-school season is upon us, so it’s time to start thinking about getting our vehicles ready for the upcoming school year.

For parents, this usually means ferrying kids back and forth to school and extracurricular activities. For high school and college students, it may mean driving to and from class or campus. Either way, ensuring your vehicle is ready for increased activity is essential.

Here are 7 ways to get your vehicle ready for back to school:

1. Check Your Brakes

One of the first things you should do is check your brakes. Over the summer months, your brakes may have taken a bit of a beating from long road trips, the stop-and-go of highway construction, or increased driving.

When it comes to checking your brakes, don’t forget the main components:

  • Brake Pads: These are the part of your brakes that do the actual stopping. Check for wear and tear, as well as cracks or other damage.
  • Rotors: These are the discs that the brake pads grip onto. If they’re damaged, it can cause braking problems.
  • Drums: Some vehicles have drums instead of rotors. These also need to be in good condition for proper braking.
  • Other Brake Components: There are a few other brake components that you should check, including the brake fluid, calipers, and hoses.

2. Wash Your Car

A clean vehicle is a happy vehicle—and it’s also less likely to have problems. Over the summer, your vehicle may have gotten dirty from all the outdoor activities and road trips. Washing your vehicle will not only make it look better but also help to extend its lifespan.

During washing, pay special attention to the undercarriage, where a lot of dirt and grime can build up. It can be tough to clean if you let it go for too long. Over time, this build-up can cause rust and other problems inside and out.

 

3. Equip Your Windshield

Your windshield is your best friend when it comes to driving, so you want to ensure it’s in tip-top shape for maximum visibility. Here are a few things to consider when regarding your windshield:

  • Wiper Blades: Check your wiper blades for wear and tear. If they’re starting to look a bit beaten up, it’s time to replace them.
  • Windshield Washer Fluid: This is what cleans your windshield when you use your wipers. Make sure you have plenty of washer fluid on hand and top it up if it’s getting low.
  • Windshield Cracks: Take a close look at your windshield for any cracks or chips. These can spread over time and cause problems with changing weather. If you see any, take your vehicle to a professional technician for repair.

4. Check the Cooling System

Your cooling system keeps your engine from overheating, so keeping it in good working order is essential. Check the following components of your cooling system:

  • Radiator: The radiator contains a coolant that helps to keep your engine temperature down. Check the level of coolant and add more if needed.
  • Thermostat: The thermostat regulates the coolant flow and keeps the engine at a consistent temperature. If it’s not working correctly, it can cause overheating.
  • Cooling Fans: These fans help to move air through the radiator and keep the coolant flowing. Make sure they’re in good working condition.

5. Change Your Oil

Your engine oil keeps all the moving parts of your engine lubricated and running smoothly, preventing overheating and mechanical damage. Over time, however, your oil can get dirty and break down, so it’s good practice to change it regularly.

Most mechanics recommend changing your oil every 3-5,000 miles. However, this may vary depending on your driving habits, where you live, and the type of oil you use. Consult your owner’s manual or a professional technician to be sure.

 

6. Restock Your I.C.E Kit

Your I.C.E kit is essential for any roadside emergency. I.C.E stands for “In Case of Emergency,” and it should contain everything you need to deal with a breakdown or accident.

At the very least, your I.C.E kit should contain a first-aid kit, a flashlight, some flares, and a list of emergency numbers. You may also want to add a blanket, snacks, and extra clothes if you live in a region with distinct seasonal shifts.

If your location sees ice and snow in the winter, you’ll also want to add extra items to your I.C.E kit, such as a mini-shovel, tire chains, and an ice scraper. Think through all the potential emergencies that could happen and prepare for them.

 

7. Get Organized

The back-to-school season is busy, so organizing your vehicle is essential. If you are like most people, your vehicle often ends up being a catch-all for all the things you don’t have time to deal with at home.

Take time to clean your vehicle and eliminate any junk accumulated over the summer. This will make it easier to find things when needed and help keep your vehicle more tidy overall.

Consider adding a few cleaning items to your vehicle just in case, such as a small trash can, paper towels, and wipes. This way, you can quickly clean up any messes that happen on the go!

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Instructions for cleaning the inside of your windshield

Washing the inside of your car windshield is crucial to preserve your unobstructed view of the road.

Materials needed:

  • Lint-free microfiber rags or spray bottle
  • Glass cleaner
  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol

Instructions for cleaning the inside of your windshield:

  1. Mix solution in a spray bottle of ONE of the following popular and effective options:
    • 50% rubbing alcohol, 50% water, and a capful of white vinegar
    • 70% water, 15% glass cleaner, and 15% alcohol
  2. Gather your materials then hop in your passenger seat for easier access to windshield glass.
  3. Use a clean, dry microfiber towel to wipe down the glass first.
  4. Next, use a different cloth and rubbing alcohol to degrease the glass. If you live near the coast, you can also clean the glass with vinegar to dissolve sea salt.
  5. Using a different side of the rag or a clean one, spray glass cleaner onto the rag (not the windshield) and clean the glass in circular motions. Use an auto-specific glass cleaner, avoiding ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage vinyl, leather, and tint.
  6. Swap out towels as soon as they get dirty.
  7. Use up-and-down wiping motions to finish off the glass, making sure windows are completely dry for a streak-free shine.
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What Smoke Coming From Your Vehicle’s Tailpipe Means

When everything is working the way it should, there should be no visible emissions coming from the exhaust pipe of your car. If you see smoke, it’s likely a sign that something in the engine is wrong. But did you know that the color of the smoke can point to the cause of the problem?
Here are the four most common colors of visible tailpipe emissions, as well as a rating of how dangerous they are for your engine.

4. Wispy White “Smoke” When You Start Your Car

If you suddenly notice that something looking like white smoke is coming from the tailpipe of your car, you may not need to worry just yet. As long as it’s relatively thin and goes away within a few minutes of starting your vehicle, chances are it’s not smoke at all, but water vapor. When your car sits outside, especially overnight, condensation can build up inside of the exhaust system. Starting your car will warm that condensation, turning it into steam. As the exhaust system warms up, the condensation will disappear, and the white steam along with it.

3. Black Smoke

If your exhaust pipe is emitting black smoke, it’s likely because the fuel/air mixture is too rich. In order to combust properly, your engine needs a precise mixture of fuel and air. The mixture is “rich” when it has too much fuel or too little air. If this is the case, you’ll probably need to take your Subaru to an authorized service center. There are a number of things that could cause a rich fuel/air ratio, including clogged fuel injectors, a dirty engine air filter, or the fuel-pressure regulator. These problems likely won’t put your engine in immediate danger, but they certainly can take a toll.

2. Blue or Grey Smoke

If the smoke from the exhaust pipe is either grey or bluish-tinged, it generally means that your engine is burning oil inside the combustion chamber. Burning oil could be due to a number of causes, from leaky valve seals to bad piston rings. While the cause itself may not put your engine in immediate danger, it could be a sign that the engine itself is nearing the end of its lifespan. What’s more, it also means that your oil levels are most likely being depleted. If the oil isn’t regularly topped off, it could lead to massive engine damage.

1. White Smoke

Unlike the white condensation that’s generally totally benign, plumes of white smoke billowing from the tailpipe are a sure sign of trouble. It usually means that coolant is being burned in the engine, which means that something is drastically wrong. The most common cause of this is a blown head gasket, which can quickly lead to an overheating engine. But it could also be due to a cracked cylinder or engine block, making it necessary to replace the engine entirely. If you see this kind of smoke, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as you can, and then call for a tow truck.

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