5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Despite that long lifespan, though, your brakes will eventually require maintenance. With that in mind, you may be wondering what you can do to extend the life of your brakes and avoid emergency repairs or maintenance.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the best ways to make your brakes last longer and keep your car safe.

Let’s dive in.

5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Want to make your brakes last as long as possible? Here are five maintenance tips:

1. Take it slow

When you drive fast, you cause lots of wear and tear on your brakes. Stopping a car traveling at 50 or 60 miles an hour generates a great deal of friction and heat on brake pads, which can cause them to break down rapidly.

Over time, this repeated heat can also cause the rotors to warp, leading to extensive (and expensive) damage to your braking system. Instead of driving like a lead foot, keep your speed low in heavy traffic and do your best to avoid sudden braking.

2. Use engine braking in hilly areas

Are you driving downhill? Hauling a heavy load? Use engine braking instead of your vehicle’s brakes.

In manual transmission automobiles or cars with a mode that allows you to manually shift gears, you can use engine braking (which uses the car’s transmission to down-shift and show the vehicle) to preserve your brake pads and rotors.

While engine braking is a great way to reduce brake burnout on steep hills or when hauling something heavy, it will not stop your vehicle fully, so you’ll need to supplement it with your brakes.

3. Invest in routine brake maintenance

Every time you take your car in for routine maintenance, have the auto repair shop inspect your brakes.

A good mechanic will examine your brake pads and rotors, flush and replace your brake fluid, and remove any debris that may be lodged in your brakes and causing damage.

These routine inspections are also necessary because they allow you to replace brake pads before they wear out completely. This, in turn, will save you money on brake repairs.

4. Reduce your vehicle’s weight

Whenever possible, remove additional weight from your vehicle. Sandbags, excess junk, and anything else that’s weighing down your car is also causing excessive brake wear. In addition to helping extend the life of your brakes, removing excess weight from your vehicle will also improve your gas mileage.

5. Practice defensive driving

Defensive driving involves surveying the surrounding area and anticipating potential driving hazards (like potholes) before you encounter them. It allows you to preserve your brakes by avoiding sudden stops, tailgating, and other activities that are tough on your car.

 

 

TIPS

How to Protect Your Car from Snow Without a Garage

If you don’t not know how to protect your car from snow without a garage, there is nothing to worry about. Let’s see some of the effective ways to protect your car from snow.

  • Protect your windshield from cracking. Excess snow can cause your windshield to crack. As a car owner, you should be concerned about this and you should know how to protect your car’s expensive windshield from snow. Covering the windows and windshield will not only prevent scratches but will also save you time that you will have to spend on removing snow from the windows and windshield every morning. If you don’t want to buy a cover, you can use cardboard to prevent scratches and also to keep moisture off the windshield.
  • Provide proper maintenance to your car tires. During the winter season, make sure to check your tire pressure frequently as deflated wheels can give you less traction. Low temperatures can lead to low tire pressure. Reduction in tire pressure can damage your car and also endanger your life. Investing in quality snow tires is a smart decision as they can handle cold much better than standard rubber tires do. The significant advantage is that they will not stiffen the way rubber tires will.
  • Check and replace your battery if needed. Freezing temperatures can reduce the pace of power-generating chemical reactions within your battery. Check your battery before it starts getting too cold and replace it if needed, as unhealthy batteries often fail to start.
  • Protect your car’s paint. Along with ice, things like road salt, sleet, and dirt can also damage your car during winter. You may not know how to protect your car from snow and salt. Applying a wax or other paint sealant can protect your car’s paint and shield your vehicle from hazardous outdoor elements.
  • Use antifreeze and distilled water. The viscosity of your oil can be affected in cold weather. Check whether all of your fluids, including brake fluids, are at the suggested amounts. Antifreeze and distilled water ensure that the coolant inside your radiator is appropriate and they also ensure that all of the fluids are at the proper levels.
  • Keep your gas tank full. You can reduce the amount of condensation build-up by keeping your gas tank full, thereby preventing gas line freeze.
  • Ensure that the seals are in working condition. Ice and water can get inside through a small crack or space, resulting in moisture formation. Ensure that the rubber seals on the outside are in working condition and also make sure that your car is totally sealed up to prevent moisture formation that can otherwise lead to mold, mildew, and rot.
  • Use a car cover. Do car covers protect a car from snow? Yes, they do. A car cover is the simplest way of protecting your car from external damaging elements. A car cover is crucial not just for outdoor parking but also for indoor parking.

 

TIPS

Easy Steps to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

Many drivers will encounter situations where the car is difficult to start, car can not jump-start because of a problem of important parts, one of the most important reasons is because the positive and negative extreme mouth of the car battery is corrosion. Car battery positive and negative electrode corrosion will reduce the efficiency of the use of car batteries, car maintenance for battery maintenance can not be ignored, and learning to clean the corrosion of the car battery terminal can avoid unnecessary spending and trouble.

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion? Follow these 6 easy steps to remove car battery corrosion:

1. Disconnect Your Battery Cables

Disconnect the battery with the negative terminal first. Use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal and avoid letting the wrench come into contact with the positive side as it may shock you. Do the same for the positive terminal.

You can identify negative and positive cables by checking what they’re marked by: the negative sign (-), the abbreviation ‘NEG’, and/or the color black; and the positive sign (+), the abbreviation ‘POS’, and the color red.

2. Check for damage to the battery.

If you notice any cracks, dents, or warping with your battery, cleaning the corrosion may not do you any good. then that should serve as an indication that you should have them replaced straight away.

3. Cleaning Your Battery With Baking Soda & Vinegar

If you find yourself dealing with extra stubborn corrosion that doesn’t come off with just baking soda, try the baking soda and vinegar method to clean your battery terminals. Vinegar is a powerful acid that can break down corrosion pretty quickly when combined with the fizzing action of baking soda. The baking soda method, for its part, is tried and true as well as simple to perform.

To use this method, first, make sure your terminals are disconnected. Then simply sprinkle baking soda powder on your terminals liberally. Next, pour the vinegar on the terminals and baking soda and let it sit. When you pour the vinegar on the terminals you’ll see it fizz. Similar to peroxide the fizzing action breaks up and moves the dirt and grime out. After it sits for a few minutes and it’s done fizzing, rinse it clean with hot water and follow the remaining steps from below before reconnecting your cables.

4. Rinse and Dry

Completely dry the battery. Water and electricity don’t mix well, so make sure the battery and its terminals are completely dry before reassembling it. After that, you’ll want to use your toothbrush or bristled brush to scrub the corrosion off. Once you’ve scrubbed away all the corrosion, rinse the battery and cable ends completely with clean water and let it all dry.

Be careful not to let the solution nor the corrosive elements fall on the other engine components to keep your car protected from the damage these could potentially cause. We advise you to take the battery out completely.

5. Take Some Corrosion-Preventative Steps

It’s never a bad idea to spray an anti-corrosion solution or apply an anti-corrosion gel to your terminals after you’re through. Doing so can help to prevent the issue from recurring! Also known as battery terminal protectors, these little guys help protect your battery posts. Use pads coated in a battery-corrosion preventative compound.

6. Reconnect Your Battery to Your Vehicle

Once you clear the corrosion (step 3), let everything dry completely (step 4), and apply some preventative substances to your battery parts (step 5), you’re ready to reconnect your battery to your vehicle.

Do this in REVERSE order to avoid injury. Start with connecting the positive battery terminal first, followed by the negative one. Car battery corrosion removal is a must-know maintenance task. Keeping your battery clean will add years to its lifespan and help maintain its performance levels.

TIPS

How to Check Blind Spots While Driving

Checking blind spots is a crucial aspect of safe driving. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be directly observed through the mirrors. Here are some tips on how to effectively check blind spots while driving:

  1. Adjust Mirrors Properly:
    • Ensure that your side mirrors are adjusted correctly. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommends the “Blind Spot Mirror Setting.” This involves adjusting your side mirrors so that the rear edges of your vehicle are just out of sight.
  2. Use Rearview Mirror:
    • Check your rearview mirror frequently to have a general awareness of the vehicles behind you. This helps you to anticipate the need for a lane change.
  3. Shoulder Check:
    • Physically turn your head to check over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. This is a direct visual check of your blind spot and is a critical step before changing lanes.
  4. Signal Before Changing Lanes:
    • Always use your turn signals before changing lanes. Signaling communicates your intention to other drivers and gives them a chance to react.
  5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance:
    • Keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you more time to react to any sudden movements by the vehicle ahead and allows better visibility around it.
  6. Be Aware of Larger Blind Spots:
    • Larger vehicles such as trucks and buses have larger blind spots. If you are driving near one, be extra cautious and avoid lingering in their blind spots for an extended period.
  7. Use Technology:
    • Many modern vehicles come equipped with blind spot monitoring systems. These systems use sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and provide a warning, often through a light on the side mirrors.
  8. Regularly Check Mirrors:
    • Make it a habit to check your mirrors every 5-8 seconds, even if you’re not planning to change lanes. This helps you stay aware of the traffic around you.
  9. Stay Vigilant in Parking Lots:
    • Be particularly cautious in parking lots, where pedestrians and smaller vehicles may be harder to spot. Use your mirrors and turn your head to check for any obstructions before moving.
  10. Educate Passengers:
    • Encourage your passengers to assist with blind spot checks, especially when merging onto highways or changing lanes. Having extra eyes can be helpful.

Remember, being aware of your surroundings and actively checking your blind spots can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and enhance overall road safety.

TIPS

How to Drive Safely on Ice

Driving on ice requires extra caution! Here are some tips to stay safe behind the wheel:

  1. Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly when driving on icy roads. It takes longer to stop or maneuver on ice.
  2. Increase Following Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Sudden stops are riskier on icy roads.
  3. Gentle Movements: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Make slow and deliberate movements.
  4. Winter Tires: Consider using winter tires for better traction on icy surfaces.
  5. Stay Informed: Check weather and road conditions before your trip. Plan accordingly and allow extra time for your journey.
  6. Brake Carefully: If you need to brake, do it gently. Use your brakes with steady, light pressure to avoid skidding.
  7. Stay Alert: Keep your focus on the road. Watch for icy patches, especially in shaded areas or bridges.

Remember, your safety and the safety of others are top priorities when driving in icy conditions. #DriveSafe #WinterDrivingTips 

TIPS

Items to Include in an Emergency Car Kit

Some of a driver’s worst fears are a dead battery or alternator, a blown gasket, your car running out of gas and any number of other car troubles that leave you stranded on an empty stretch of road.

For winter drivers, there’s also the possibility of sliding off an icy road into a snowbank. A quick call to a tow truck or roadside assistance service will usually get you to safety within a couple of hours, but technology can fail, and there are still parts of the country that aren’t covered by cellular service.

In such scenarios, having a car safety kit with the right components can make the difference in keeping you and your passengers safe until help arrives. 58% of people have some emergency supplies in their cars, but only 30% are confident that what they have is sufficient if bad weather strikes.

Depending on the problem, having the proper tools can also get you back on the road as quickly as possible. While some items should be found in every trunk, not every roadside emergency kit is built the same. You should tailor your kit to the type and condition of your vehicle, as well as the weather in which you’re typically driving. With the unpredictability of winter weather, even drivers in traditional warm-weather states may want to consider adding safety items for snow and ice. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution and include certain items just in case.

Here is the essential emergency car kit list:

1. Flares and lighting

The first and most important safety items to include in your auto emergency kit are flares or reflective triangles, which warn other drivers of the roadside hazard, especially in low visibility conditions. In case of a breakdown, they should be spaced out evenly along the roadside behind your vehicle. For a reusable, longer-lasting option, invest in battery-operated LED flares. A flashlight is also a necessity, especially a multi-use version that flashes.

2. Jumper cables

Jumper cables are another essential to include in the car emergency kit. Batteries can die or lose their juice at the least opportune moment, and jumper cables, with a jump start from another vehicle, can at least get you to the next service station. You should also consider carrying a separate battery pack for starting your car when no one else is around to help.

3. First aid kit

A first aid kit is a must-have item to include in any emergency road kit, indispensable for addressing smaller everyday injuries and more serious wounds from an accident. You can purchase them prepacked with all the essentials or assemble one customized to your needs. Families with small children should include medications that are age appropriate. Be sure to know what medications are needed for your passengers and pack enough to last for a reasonable time.

4. Spare tire, tire iron and car jack

A spare tire and tire-changing equipment should be included in your car emergency kit. You should familiarize yourself with how to change a tire just in case help is unavailable and you have to do it yourself. Check your kit every 6 months and make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated.

5. Mobile phone and charger

Another essential for your safety when driving is a working mobile phone and charger in case of a low or dead phone battery. It’s important that you can call for help if you’ve been seriously injured from a car accident or something is wrong with the car.

6. Water

Along with keeping warm, staying hydrated is an essential element of survival. Keep clean drinking water in smaller plastic containers, which will thaw faster with a little body heat in the winter than large gallon jugs. If driving in a remote area, you should be sure to bring plenty of water – one website recommends at least one gallon per person per day for three days if possible.

7. Nonperishable food

Packing food in your kit will help keep you fed in an emergency. Nonperishable food such as granola bars, soup, nuts, jerky, peanut butter and dried fruit are great options to pack in your kit.

8. Car fluids and tools

Flat tires are one of the most common causes of roadside trouble, but it’s not always possible to change a tire. Including a can of tire inflator and sealant in your kit can get you back on the road at least until the next stop. Other items that may help avert a roadside crisis and keep you going:

  • 1 quart or more of motor oil (make sure it’s the right formula for your car)
  • 1 gallon of coolant
  • A toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
  • 1 set of windshield wiper blades

Good wiper blades are also crucial to have handy, as they can clear a windshield in less than three swipes without leaving streaks. Keep a set of new blades in your vehicle so you can replace worn blades quickly and on the go.

9. Winter emergency car kit

Aside from winterizing your car, you should keep certain things in your car to prepare you for a winter emergency. If you know you’ll be driving in snowy weather, include:

  • An ice scraper
  • A spray bottle with washer fluid
  • 1 set of snow chains for your tires
  • A shovel
  • Waterproof matches

Store all your items together in a box or carrying case in the trunk, making sure it’s easily accessible in case you need it in a hurry. Blankets, a sleeping bag or a heat-retaining emergency survival blanket are critical for making it through a cold night, especially in wintry climates. Bottled water and long-lasting food items such as granola or energy bars can be rotated out over time.

TIPS

How to Prepare Your Car for a Winter Storm

Winter’s here! Is your car ready for the snowy roads? 🚗 Here are some top tips to prep your vehicle for the chilly weather:

1️⃣ Check Your Tires: Ensure they have good tread depth and proper inflation. Consider snow tires for extra traction.

2️⃣ Fluid Check: Top off antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and ensure oil levels are adequate for cold weather.

3️⃣ Battery Health: Cold weather can strain batteries. Check for charge and clean any corrosion.

4️⃣ Lights and Wipers: Ensure all lights are working correctly and replace worn wiper blades.

5️⃣ Emergency Kit: Pack essentials like a flashlight, blanket, ice scraper, jumper cables, and snacks.

6️⃣ Check Brakes: Get brakes inspected to ensure optimal performance on slippery roads.

7️⃣ Keep Fuel Tank Full: This helps prevent condensation and ensures you’re ready for unexpected delays.

Remember, safety comes first! Take it slow, increase your following distance, and be prepared for changing road conditions.

TIPS

How to Check Your Car’s Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. Making sure there’s always enough oil is the easiest way to ensure that you avoid catastrophic engine failure and the huge repair costs that go with it.

This is especially important if you’re driving an older vehicle. When a car’s odometer rolls past the 100,000-mile mark, wear on the engine can cause it burn off small amounts of oil every time you drive. That loss adds up, which can make the oil level go down too far between oil changes. High-mileage vehicles are also more prone to oil leaks. Both of those issues are reasons to check your oil regularly to gauge just how often you need to top it up.

Check your oil once a week for a month and you’ll know how quickly it gets depleted—or if it gets depleted at all. Once you know that, you can check it less frequently—say, once a month. Here’s how to check your oil:

Step 1: Prepare to Check

Be sure your vehicle is parked on level ground with the engine off, the transmission in Park (or the manual transmission in a lower gear) and the parking brake on. Lift the hood. If you don’t know how to do this, consult your owner’s manual.

Most vehicles have a hood-release lever under the instrument panel on the left side. There’s also a safety catch under the front edge of the hood that you’ll have to unlatch before you can raise the hood.

Step 2: Locate the Dipstick

The dipstick on most vehicles is easy to spot, as it has a small colored handle—usually yellow or orange—marked with an oil-can symbol.

Step 3: Pull the Dipstick

Pull the dipstick fully out of the tube that it’s housed in. It’s like pulling a sword from a sheath. Have a rag or paper towel ready and wipe any oil off of the end of the dipstick. At the tip of the dipstick you will see two lines: the lower one indicates that the oil level is one quart low. The upper line denotes that the crankcase (the car’s oil tank) is full. Some dipsticks are also marked with words like “full” and “add.”

Step 4: Note Oil Level

Insert the dipstick into the tube slowly and push it all the way down. Now withdraw it and look closely at the tip, which should have oil on it. If the level of the oil is between the two lines, your vehicle has enough oil. If it’s at the low mark or below, it’s time to add a quart.

Step 5: Wait and Re-check

Once you’ve added a quart of oil, wait several minutes for the oil to drain down into the crankcase and and then check it again to ensure that the level is at least between the high and low marks. The oil level does not have to be at the high mark for your engine to have enough lubrication to run safely.
TIPS

Top Christmas driving tips

Driving during the festive season can be both joyful and challenging. To ensure safety and smooth travels amid the holiday rush, here are the top 12 Christmas driving tips. These recommendations encompass practical advice and crucial reminders tailored to help you navigate the roads during this celebratory period. Whether you’re embarking on a long journey to visit loved ones or navigating busy shopping districts, these tips aim to enhance your driving experience while prioritizing safety for you, your passengers, and fellow road users.

1 – Is the journey vital?

If conditions are expected to be bad, ask yourself whether you even need to travel. Could you delay leaving and wait for conditions to improve? Could you use the train instead?

2 – Fit to drive?

A cold or flu can reduce reaction times. Some medication, such as over- the-counter remedies, can cause drowsiness which will make matters worse. Check medicine warnings and if in doubt ask a pharmacist for advice. Consider changing your plans if you’re concerned. After all, anxiety can affect confidence and lead to unsafe decision making.

3 – Check your car

Has your car been serviced recently? It’s a good way to minimize the risk of breakdowns, as well as maximizing the fuel economy. Check the tread, condition and pressure in all your tires. Tread should be well above the legal limit. Not only will good tread give your tires the best grip but it also disperses water and reduces the risk of aquaplaning.

4 – Travel essentials

Be prepared with an essential travel pack. Fully charge your phone and have important numbers with you in case you need to contact family, friends or your breakdown services. Ensure you have plenty of fuel or – if you drive an electric car – that it’s fully charged. Cold weather reduces the available range. Take warm clothes, pack a blanket and refreshments in case there is an unexpected delay.

5 – See and be seen

Clean all the lights and windows before every journey to give the best visibility. This helps you to see others on the road – and allows them to see you.

6 – Prepare for glare

During the winter months the sun can be much lower and this can make it more difficult to see. Consider having sunglasses with you (including a prescription pair) as they can help reduce the glare.

7 – Allow extra time

Try to avoid rushing on a journey. Leave early and accept the likelihood of congestion and delays. This is much better for your nerves than allowing yourself to get worked up because of situations over which you have no control. But do let relatives or friends know the route you are taking and your expected arrival time.

8 – Keep alert

Take more breaks, especially if you’re driving in poor weather. This requires greater concentration which makes everyone more tired. You’ll know when fatigue is affecting you – it doesn’t just take you by surprise. So resist the urge to press on, and take a proper break.

9 – If you do break down…

Make safety your priority. Turn on your hazard lights and try to pull off the road. Ensure you and your vehicle are visible, then call for breakdown assistance.

10 – Closed means closed

Sometimes police and local authorities have to close roads because of flooding or snow. Don’t be tempted to drive through a road closure as you’re only putting yourself, your passengers – and your rescuers – at unnecessary risk.

TIPS

6 Signs that Your Vehicle’s Exhaust System Needs Attention

Internal combustion engines produce exhaust gases that can be dangerous if breathed in for too long. The primary purpose of the exhaust system is to keep these gases far away from you–though it also serves other purposes, including reducing engine noise and decreasing pollution. So, it’s important to keep an eye (and ear, and nose) out for signs that the exhaust system isn’t performing as it should be. Below are six possible symptoms.

6. Vibration/Shuddering

There are many things that can cause your car to vibrate, and most of them aren’t good. While vibration is often caused by non-exhaust-related problems, trouble with the exhaust system is still a possible cause. One of the hangers or brackets that hold the exhaust pipes against the underside of your vehicle may have come loose, or the pipes may have become misaligned. A failed muffler or clogged catalytic converter could also cause vibration. Another common cause is an exhaust leak. As exhaust gases escape through a small hole, they may cause the car to shudder.

5. Loud Engine Sound

The muffler that’s located near the end of the exhaust system serves to muffle the sound of the engine. If it’s damaged or not working the way it should, the engine will sound much noisier. However, leaks located before the muffler in the exhaust system can also lead to a loud engine sound, so pinpointing the exact location of your exhaust leak can be difficult without professional help.

4. Drop in Power & Fuel Efficiency

If you find you’re filling your gas tank more often than you used to, it may be due to trouble with the exhaust system. This is because the engine is working harder and using more fuel to try to compensate for the problem. In addition, you may find that getting up to speed is tougher, since exhaust leaks and other exhaust problems can keep your Subaru from performing at its peak.

3. Scraping or Rattling Sound

If it sounds like something is dragging beneath your car, scraping or rattling against the road, it’s time to pull over immediately. This is likely to be an exhaust pipe that has come loose. It’s dangerous to drive with a dragging pipe, and it can create a danger to cars behind you due to flying sparks. That danger to yourself and others only grows if the pipe snaps off completely.

2. Exhaust Smell

The smell of exhaust in your vehicle is never a good sign, and it may be due to an exhaust leak. If you notice that the exhaust has the scent of rotten eggs, it may be due to a failed catalytic converter. Exhaust gases contain a small amount of sulfur, which the catalytic converter then converts to odorless sulfur dioxide. If it’s not doing its job, the sulfur will still give off its characteristic rotten-egg smell.

1. Illuminated Check Engine Light

The oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter are important components of your vehicle’s exhaust system. The oxygen sensors read the level of oxygen in the exhaust to make sure that your car is getting the right fuel/air ratio, and the catalytic converter transforms some of the more harmful pollutants generated by combustion into less harmful compounds. Trouble with either of these components may send the signal to illuminate the check engine light.

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