Tips for Driving in the Dark

Common sense tells us driving at night is more difficult than driving in the daylight. Darkness reduces our field of vision (including peripheral vision), our depth perception and our ability to distinguish colors. Driver fatigue is also a contributing factor. The question is, what can you do about it? The following tips can make night driving easier.
 
Keep Your Eyes on the Lines
Headlights from oncoming traffic can cause glare and impair your vision in the dark, so naturally, you’ll want to avoid staring at those lights. If you’re having a hard time seeing the road, take note of the white line marking the traffic lane’s edge on the right side of the road. This will help keep you on course.
 
Do not, however, constantly stare at that line (or the middle yellow dividing line) while driving at night. Keeping your eyes focused on those lines for too long can “hypnotize” a driver and reduce awareness.
 
When to Use Your High Beams
Your field of vision will grow wider and deeper when using your car’s high-beam headlights in the dark, but that doesn’t mean you should turn your high beams on at dusk and keep them on until dawn. Drivers should use high-beam mode only when traveling in very dark areas with low visibility and—most importantly—when there is no car immediately in front of you and no oncoming traffic. As soon as you see another car’s taillights or the glow of approaching headlights, be sure to turn off your high beams to prevent distracting other drivers and impairing their ability to drive safely.
 
Keep Your Windshield Clear
Windshields that appear clean by day may show streaks or smudges in the dark that will create a halo effect around lights and make it difficult to see at night. Your windshield will smudge if you touch it with your skin, so professional car detailers often use newspaper to clean the interior windshield surface. A cotton or microfiber cloth will also work to clean the inside of your windshield, which can be easy to overlook when cleaning your vehicle.
 
For the windshield’s exterior, check that your wiper blades are in good condition and not cracked. Always be sure to use windshield wiper fluid rated for sub-freezing temperatures. This fluid has some anti-freeze liquid in it (that’s usually why it’s blue), as opposed to using just water, which can freeze in your lines if you live in a cold climate.
 
Dim the Interior Lights
 
Most drivers realize their night vision is impaired when the overhead dome light is left on. But if the dashboard displays are too bright, this can also limit a driver’s forward vision in the dark. Most vehicles come with a dash dimmer switch. Make sure to locate yours and keep the dash at a low glow when driving at night.
 
Beware of Animals
 
If you live in or travel through rural areas on dark country roads, you will most likely be sharing the road with some animals. Larger animals like deer and moose can be hard to spot even if they are in the middle of the road—be on the lookout for the reflection of your lights in the animal’s eyes.
 
If you see a pair of tiny bright spots in the road ahead of you or you happen to see the entire animal, slow down as quickly as possible without endangering yourself, your occupants, or any vehicles that may be near you. Trying to steer around the animal is often futile, because it is likely to follow your vehicle’s lights, and swerving is one of the leading causes of accidents due to wildlife encounters on the road.
 
The Bottom Line
Driving in the dark presents some challenges, but nothing that can’t be overcome with some knowledge and planning. You just need to know what to look for, where to keep your eyes and how to prep your car for driving at night.
Uncategorized

How to Clean Your Car Engine

Knowing how to clean your engine is an important part of vehicle maintenance, and it can save you money. Tidying up under the hood helps extend the life of belts, hoses and other components. Plus, it’s easier to spot leaks, tears and other damage on a clean engine. Check out the steps below to properly clean your car engine, and be sure to consult your car’s operation manual before you get started.

1. Eliminate any residue

Your car’s hood, grille and vents are prime areas for dirt buildup. Blow them out with compressed air or clean the areas with a wire hand brush.

2. Get the temperature just right

Next, let your engine warm up to a moderate temperature – not too hot. This will help soften grease buildup in the engine compartment.

3. Know what to cover when cleaning your engine

Plastic sandwich bags come in handy when it’s time to clean up your car. The parts to keep covered when cleaning your engine are:

  • Electrical wiring
  • Sensors
  • Spark plug openings
  • Alternator
  • Distributor

Secure the baggies with tape. To protect your battery, cover it or simply remove it.

4. Don’t forget the drip pan

Place old towels on an absorbent mat under the engine’s oil drip pan to catch any hazardous waste.

5. Give the engine a good spritz

Thoroughly spray the engine compartment with an engine cleaner, avoiding the wiring you bagged and taped. Since petroleum cleaners can damage rubber and vinyl components, consider a citrus or water-based degreaser. For parts that seem extremely oily or greasy, let the cleaner soak in for 15-30 minutes and repeat if necessary.

6. Rinse and unwrap

Once the engine cleaner has done its job, lightly rinse engine and components with water. Remove the bags you used to protect the wiring. Once the towel or mat is dry, dispose of it properly. And if you removed the battery, don’t forget to replace it.

7. Remove excess moisture

Blow away excess water in the engine compartment with compressed air.

8. Dry out the interior

Lastly, turn on your engine and let it run until warm. The heat will help dry the hard-to-reach areas.

Maintenance

Things to Do When Your Car Is Stuck in Snow

Getting stuck in the middle of a big pile of snow or on a stretch of ice can be an all-too-common occurrence during the cold winter months. Luckily, we have a few tips and tricks that can get your car free in no time, even if you don’t have one of the best vehicles for winter driving. Follow these six tips below to get a car unstuck in snow:
1. Clear a path around your tires
Try to dig snow and ice away from the drive tires. You want to free up a few feet in front of and behind the tires so you can move the car back and forth. This is particularly important if your tires aren’t winterized, or if you haven’t taken steps to prepare your vehicle for the winter. Be sure to also dig out any snow under the front or middle of your car that is higher than its ground clearance.
 
Of course a snow shovel makes this much easier, so try and store one in your trunk if you plan on driving in snowy conditions.
 
2. Rock your car free of the snow
Carefully switching from drive to reverse can help dislodge some of the snow around your wheels. “You go into drive, then reverse, then repeat,” says Mark Osborne, who oversees Michigan Technological University’s Winter Driving School. “But you have to be careful not to wreck your transmission. I put my foot on the brake at the peak of each ‘rock,’ so the car is motionless when I change gears. It’s also helpful to shift to neutral for a second before making the transition.”
 
3. Don’t floor the gas
You’ll always be tempted to floor it if you’re stuck in snow or ice, but don’t. Go easy on the pedal to give the vehicle just a little gas for a moment, then let off. Repeat to enhance the needed “rocking” motion. It’s momentum that sets you free, not power.
 
4. Add traction under your tires
If you still can’t get your car free, you can next try and gain traction under your wheels. Things such as sandbags, salt, dirt or even kitty litter can be used when your car is stuck in snow. Throw several handfuls under your tires for improved traction, then try the gas again.
 
It is also important to remember to turn off traction control if you are stuck in snow. This is one of several safety features that can help you keep control of your vehicle if you hit ice on the road, but leaving it on while stuck in snow is a different story. Traction control prevents wheelspin, which is the rotation of a vehicle’s wheels without traction, and can sometimes help you get your car out of snow.
 
5. Get others to help push your car
If you have other people in your car, or friendly onlookers who can help, simply pushing your car out of the snow can be an easy solution. Gently press the gas while the car is being pushed to add additional momentum. Safety always comes first, so make sure you’re in forward gear and the ground isn’t too slippery for helpers to push. Using snow chains can also help create traction under your tires, making it easier to move through snow and ice.
 
6. Ask for help
If all else fails and you can’t seem to figure out how to get your car unstuck from snow, calling for help is your next best bet. Nationwide offers 24-hour roadside assistance services that can help you in getting a car out of snow, jump starting a dead battery, filling an empty gas tank, and more.
 
Always keep a cool head
Whether you’re stuck in snow or hit a stretch of ice, try and remain calm. Don’t do anything abrupt, like slamming the brakes. “If you do that, you’ll transfer your vehicle’s weight to your front wheels,” Osborne says. “That lightens up the rear, making it likely that your rear end will spin.” Instead, Osborne says, gradually let off the gas and hold the steering steady until you’ve cleared the ice.
CARS

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes on

The dashboard of a car is full of mysterious lights that run the gamut from warning to a friendly reminder. Most of these lights remain dark most of the time, and when they do emerge, few people understand all of them. The check engine light is cardinal among these cryptic signals, with many possible reasons for its appearance and more than a few ways to make it go away. But what does the check engine light mean? Despite its varied reasons for appearing, there is an overarching rationale to it, and an important one at that. Understanding what to do when the check engine light comes on can mean the difference between a dangerous mechanical issue and an easy fix at the auto shop.

 

What does the check engine light mean?

Let’s start with what the check engine light doesn’t mean. It’s easy to see a warning light come on and hit the panic button, but the check engine light doesn’t usually warrant immediate concern. If you’re driving along and it turns on, you don’t usually need to pull over and call for help. You should take the light as a sign it’s time to get to a mechanic soon, though. The check engine light is a part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system, which monitors variables like engine speed, fuel mixture, and ignition timing. When that system detects a problem it can’t correct on its own, it responds by switching on the check engine light.

 

What does the check engine light look like?

So, your car’s diagnostics have detected a problem, what are you looking for? A yellow check engine light will appear on your dashboard, though the shape may vary based on the car you’re driving. In some cars, the check engine light literally reads “check engine” and nothing else, while in others it appears in the shape of an engine, occasionally with the word “check”. The light’s appearance may also vary depending on the problem. A solid check engine light indicates a less urgent issue, while a flashing check engine light signals a problem that requires immediate attention. Some cars also show a red check engine light if the problem is severe.

 

Common reasons the check engine light comes on

Engine problems

There is a slew of engine problems that can cause your check engine light to come on. Most are minor and cause your car’s fuel economy and emissions rating to decline, however, some can develop into major issues if unchecked. Engine misfires, for example, will cause poor fuel economy and performance in the short run, but can eventually lead to outright engine failure.

Damaged or loose parts and equipment

Any parts that are damaged, loose or missing will trigger the check engine light. Loose gas caps are a common example of this, though this problem does not pose any serious harm to your car.

Sensor issues

If your diagnostics system detects faults in any of your engine’s many sensors, your check engine light will come on. Some common examples are your oxygen sensors, which measure unburned oxygen in your exhaust system, and mass air flow sensors, which measure the amount of air entering your engine to determine the amount of fuel it needs.2

Transmission problems

As the master of your engine’s power output, your transmission can also trigger the check engine light if it malfunctions. Transmission problems can lead to increased tailpipe emissions.3

Overheating

If your coolant has not been changed properly it can eventually cause your engine’s thermostat to degrade, eventually overheating the engine. If this happens, your check engine light will activate.

 

How long can you drive with the check engine light on?

Many of us willfully ignore the check engine light until we see the symptoms of whatever caused it to turn on. That’s a tempting strategy, but it’s not wise. Your issue may be minor at first but develop into a major problem, as is the case with a bad catalytic converter. Even if the problem is merely reducing your fuel economy, that’s still additional emissions and expenses out of your pocket that a quick trip to the mechanic could fix. In either case, you should have your car evaluated as soon as possible.

 

What should you do when the check engine light comes on?

Turn your car on and off

Turning your car on and off three times consecutively may reset your car’s trouble codes. It’s worth trying this before taking your car in for service.2

Check gas cap

Yes, sometimes it’s as simple as tightening your gas cap. Be patient after doing this, as it may require several trips before the light resets.

Perform a diagnostic test

Many newer cars come with onboard remote diagnostics systems. These systems can report trouble codes and schedule a service appointment accordingly.

Reduce your speed

If your check engine light blinks on while you’re driving, a good first response is to reduce the strain on your engine. Lowering your speed will help. This is especially important if the check engine light is blinking or if it is red, indicating a more urgent issue.

Reduce load

You can also reduce the strain on your engine by reducing the haul it’s carrying. If you’re towing anything, you might want to stop.1

Wait and see

It’s not advisable, but you can always wait and see what happens. Most check engine lights do not need to be addressed immediately, and worsening problems will make themselves apparent. If your car’s situation is becoming more urgent, you’ll probably see or hear the signs.

Visit a mechanic

If you haven’t discovered the reason your check engine light is on, it’s probably a good question for your mechanic. You should take your car in for service as soon as possible.

 

 

Maintenance

What You Need to Know About Your Vehicle’s Filters

No matter what type of vehicle you drive—from luxury European automobiles to domestic cars and trucks to hybrids and electrics—there will certain types of filters that require routine inspection and maintenance. Not all filters are the same and they come in many different sizes and configurations. When attempting to replace any filter yourself, always make sure you know what you are doing and use the proper type of filter for your car.
 
Here are the four main vehicle filters every car owner should know about:
 
1. Engine Oil Filter
 
When you get a standard oil change, a key part of the process is replacing the old oil filter with a new one (in addition to changing out the motor oil itself). The oil filter helps keeps the oil that is running through the engine clean and free of contaminants. If the oil isn’t pure, the engine won’t run as smoothly and it can lead to significant engine damage. Oil changes should happen every 3,000-6,000 miles depending on the make, model, age and engine type. Some newer vehicles may only need an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles.
 
2. Engine Air Filter
 
Most cars have an air intake system that provides fresh air and oxygen to the engine. The oxygen is vital to the internal combustion process. An air filter helps keep the air going into the engine clean. As you might expect, the filters can get dirty and clogged over time. This keeps the proper amount of air from entering the combustion chamber. They can also crack and develop holes if they get really old (especially in extra dry or extra wet environments), which can lead to contaminants like dirt, debris and grease getting into the engine and causing problems. Most engine air filters will need to be replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on a variety of factors. It’s good to get it checked with each service visit and replaced as needed.
 
3. Fuel Filter
 
Electric vehicle owners don’t need to worry about this one, but any vehicle with a fuel system will have a fuel filter that filters contaminants out of the fuel supply as it is fed into the engine for combustion. If the fuel filter is clogged, old or damaged in anyway, it won’t be good for your engine! A standard fuel system service will involve cleaning the fuel lines and replacing the fuel filter.
 
4. Cabin Air Filter
 
This filter won’t necessarily affect the performance of your car in any way. However, it’s good for your health and comfort inside the vehicle. It is connected to the vents and air conditioning system to filter out dirt, dust and other nasty stuff that you don’t really want to breathe while driving. It doesn’t need to be replaced nearly as often as the engine air filter, but it should be checked regularly and replaced as needed. If you notice funky smells or it seems like you are getting a lot of dust coming through the vents, then it’s probably time to change out your cabin air filter.
Maintenance

When to Replace Your Tires

New tires are an inevitable expense, but telling when it’s time to get new tires may not be widespread knowledge to all drivers. Conflicting information from friends and family, from what you read online, etc. may make diagnosing your tire situation a dubious task.

Here are the five telltale signs you should check to determine if you need new tires.

1. Low tire tread depth
To test tire tread depth insert a quarter upside down into the tread. If it doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it means the tread is less than 4/32 of an inch deep, and it’s about time to bite the bullet and get new tires. In many states, just 2/32 of an inch is considered the minimum legal tread depth. However, more tread is safer.

Tests conducted showed a car going 70 miles per hour with tread of 2/32 of an inch took 5.9 seconds to stop and required a distance nearly double that of a vehicle with new tires. Meanwhile, with treads that were 4/32 of an inch, while it still took 100 feet more to stop and 1.2 seconds longer, this was much better than what was achieved with the minimal 2/32 of an inch tread.

2. Tires are old
No matter how rock-solid the tires were when you first purchased them, time leaves its mark. With age, rubber becomes brittle. In addition, the tire’s reinforcing cords can weaken over time. It’s important to know how often to replace your tires. Even if the tread appears intact, most manufacturers advise you to replace your tires after six years.

If you look at the side of the tire, you’ll see the manufacturer’s code. The last four numbers here indicate the production date. If this is 3009, for example, it means that the tire was produced in the 30th week of 2009 and it may be time to get new tires. In more severe climates where you may routinely deal with extreme heat, the ultraviolet rays of the sun may impart structural changes in your tires. This may mean that you will have to make the change sooner.

3. Tire sidewall cracking
Look beyond the tread to the sidewall of the tires. Are there any noticeable cuts or grooves? If so, you may be wise to purchase new tires, since these can be signs that a leak is developing or that the tire is weakening and may soon blowout.

4. Bulge in tire sidewall
If the tire has begun to weaken, sometimes the rubber may begin to bulge. This is a red flag, indicating that the tire has begun to fail and may unexpectedly blow out at any time, putting you and your passengers in jeopardy.

5. Vibrations while driving
Has the ride recently seemed very rough or have you noticed vibrations while driving? If so, this can be a sign that your tires are indeed shot, and it’s time to put aside your skepticism and get new ones.

Maintenance

17 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance

Maintaining a vehicle can be expensive. There’s gas, oil changes, scheduled maintenance, new tires, and brake pads, and even the odd check engine light to take care of now and then. If you’re running to the dealership or the most expensive shop in town for every task, you’re spending too much. But you’re also asking for trouble if you’re completely ignoring car maintenance, too.

Properly maintaining your vehicle doesn’t have to be expensive, and done responsibly, you’ll save money on maintenance and ongoing care for your car. You can save on parts, labor, efficiency, and more simply by being smart about how you maintain your vehicle.

We’ve shared 17 ways you can save money on car maintenance. They include changing your own oil, keeping your car clean, inflating your tires properly, and shopping around for a mechanic and good rates on maintenance. Read on to learn how you can be maintenance savvy with these tips and more.

– Take care of car maintenance regularly: Following recommended maintenance schedules, maintaining oil changes and tire rotations, and generally taking care of your car will extend its life and cut down on potential repair bills. Vehicles aren’t designed to be built once and then run forever. They need help, and if you neglect to take care of them, there will be problems. Gunked up oil, low transmission fluid, engine or brake failure, and bald tires are just a few of the expensive messes you can run into if you don’t pay attention to car maintenance. It’s better to spend a little now than a lot later.

– Read your owner’s manual: Yes, really: you have to read the instructions. Your car’s owner’s manual, particularly the section on scheduled maintenance, is a helpful resource for taking care of your car and keeping it in good shape according to manufacturer recommendations. They are the experts in your car: listen to them.

– Do as much as you can yourself: Many maintenance tasks are easy to take care of in your own driveway. Changing out spark plugs, oil, filters, and checking on fluids are all within the skill level of the average driver. By DIYing as much maintenance, as you can, you’ll be able to save on dealership or mechanic labor fees. You may even find parts and supplies for less. Plus, you’ll be able to take the time to check on other upcoming issues for your car, like fluid levels, squeaky noises, and aging hoses or belts.

-Use online tutorials: An essential tool in the car maintenance DIYer’s belt is Google. Get connected with online guides, even YouTube videos that can walk you step by step through common maintenance tasks. You may even be able to find tutorials and videos for your particular make, model, and year, so there will be no guessing how exactly you can access a part or properly measure a fluid. If you prefer to work on cars the old fashioned way, pick up a repair manual for every model of vehicle you own.

Order parts online: Plan your maintenance tasks ahead and get your parts online, where you may be able to find discounts. Often, online parts shopping offers free shipping and better prices than the dealership or auto parts store.

-Never ignore warning lights: Good maintenance means listening to your vehicle, especially when it’s complaining. Any time you see a warning light, pay attention and investigate the cause. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, but you’ll never know until you look. Cars equipped with digital odometers make it easy to get trouble codes. Read your manual to find out how to get codes from your particular model, but most can be activated by simply turning the ignition key to the on (not start) position on and off two to three times and then watching the readout while in the on position. You can then Google these codes to learn more about your vehicle’s issue.

-Use a vehicle maintenance app: Relying on dealerships may have you come in for service too early or too late, as dealerships won’t know your car’s exact mileage and when it’s time to perform certain maintenance tasks. With a gas and maintenance tracking app, you’ll enter in your exact mileage each time, allowing the app to tell you about upcoming maintenance tasks you need to take care of right on time.

-Change the oil only when necessary: In the not too distant past, vehicles needed new oil every 3,000 miles or three months without fail. But that’s not always the case with models today. You could be wasting money if you’re changing your oil more frequently than needed. Look at your manual to find out when it’s time to change your car’s oil. You may also be able to rely on digital oil change reminders built into your vehicle’s system.

-Check fluid levels and perform a safety check every time you change your oil: While you’re changing your oil, it’s a good idea to do a quick diagnostic check. Take a look at fluid levels including your brake fluid, antifreeze, power steering fluid, wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. This is also a good time to change out your air filter, check hoses and belts for signs of wear, and take a look at the life left on your brakes and tires.

-Be aware of fair maintenance rates: Charges for maintaining your vehicle, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled maintenance can vary widely depending on the shop you visit. Make sure you’re being charged fairly by researching rates before you make it to the mechanic. Websites including RepairPal can tell you what you should expect to pay for a particular maintenance or repair task — and can even connect you with certified shops.

– Shop around for a mechanic: A good mechanic is worth thousands — and that’s not an exaggeration. Finding a mechanic with fair prices and honest practices can really pay off, especially when it’s time to make repairs. Read reviews, ask friends and neighbors, and shop around until you’ve found the right mechanic to take care of your car.

-Keep your battery clean: Your battery is a more important part than you might think. And it becomes especially important if you find yourself stuck with a car that won’t start. It’s easy to keep your car’s battery clean. Use a small brush to apply baking soda and water to terminals to clean off corrosion.

-Shop around for tires: Most of the leading tire brands are available at a variety of shops for a variety of prices. You may be surprised to find that big box stores can have the best deals and service for tires. However, some specialty tire chains may have better policies, such as helpful warranties for damage, rotation, and balancing, so consider these as well.

-Keep your tires inflated: Under-inflated tires wear down more quickly and can negatively impact gas mileage. Pay attention to tire pressure sensors, or check manually with a tire pressure gauge. Most gas stations will turn on air pumps for free when you fill up.

-Don’t neglect your air filter: Your car’s air filter can help you save on fuel consumption, as a dirty filter clogged with dirt and debris can cut your fuel mileage significantly. This is an easy fix, as it is inexpensive and usually doesn’t require tools. You should change your air filter about once every three months.

-Keep your vehicle clean: A good wash and wax does more than make your car look great. It protects your paint and prevents residue that can damage your finish and even lead to rust. Regularly wash and wax your car, especially if you park it outside or take it on extended road trips.

-Touch up paint: Like washing and waxing, using touch up paint is a protective maintenance measure that makes your car look great. Using touch up paint, you can seal chips and cracks early on before they have a chance to really become a problem like rust or paint decay.

CARS

The Right Type Of Gas For Your Car

You might think about it every time you pull up to the gas pump. What grade fuel should I use? Can I just go for the 87-octane the lowest price option? Is there really a difference in gas grade? Here’s what you need to know.

Is a Higher-Octane Gas Really the Best Gas for Your Car?
When it comes to gas for your car, it’s not about which octane is the best but which octane your car requires. If your car’s owner’s manual doesn’t say you need a higher octane than 87, there’s no reason to pay extra for premium gas. A higher-octane gas will not offer you higher performance.

On the other hand, if your car’s owner’s manual says that your minimum octane for your car is 91 to 93, don’t cheap out — it could end up costing you more in the long run. Go ahead and use the premium. The general rule is you should be putting the minimum acceptable octane gasoline in your car as per the owner’s manual.

Why Do Some Cars Require Higher Octane?
Before knowing why some cars need higher octane, it’s important to understand what exactly octane is. When you activate the ignition, this creates a spark that ignites the compressed air and fuel mixing in your engine, which is what allows the gas to power your car. Sometimes this mixture can ignite prematurely, a phenomenon known as preignition, which is signaled by a knocking sound coming from the engine. Modern cars usually have knock sensors that prevent this.

The octane of your gasoline has nothing to do with how much energy is in the fuel. It is a measure of how easily your air-fuel mixture ignites. Higher octane means the gasoline you are using has a greater resistance to preignition. That is to say, it requires greater agitation to ignite it. That is all that the octane level indicates.

Many premium cars generate greater power by using a higher fuel-air compression ratio in the engine. Because the mixture is more compressed, it generates more heat and thereby is more likely to ignite early. Higher octane gasoline is more resistant to this problem.

What Happens if You Don’t Use the Best Gas for Your Car?
Your gas cap or instructions near the gas cap should indicate if your car requires premium fuel. You can also check the owner’s manual for specific information on what kind of octane fuels are appropriate for your car.

If your car requires premium gas and you use a lower octane like 87, you can expect knocking, preignition and engine damage particularly if you have an older model vehicle. If you have a modern car, your knock sensor will kick in to prevent preignition, but this will reduce your engine power and diminish fuel economy, so you will lose more money than you save by using the cheaper gas. It’s also conceivable that your knock sensor could be faulty or slow, which could still result in engine damage over time.

Should I Always Use Premium Gas When It Is Indicated and Never When It Is Not?
Some cars may indicate something like “premium fuel recommended.” What this means is that your car is safe to run on regular 87-octane gas, but there can be benefits from using a higher octane. If this is the case, you may want to just go with the cheaper gas, or experiment and see if the amount you make up in fuel economy and the difference in power is appreciable enough to justify the higher cost of the premium fuel.

What about the other way? Does higher octane gas ever help a car not designed for it? If there is no premium recommendation for your car, putting in higher octane gas will not improve fuel economy, and you are just throwing away money.

If your vehicle calls for diesel fuel, you have a diesel engine, which is an entirely different system. There is no negotiating fuel if you have a diesel engine. You need to fill it with diesel fuel and nothing else. If you put regular or premium unleaded gasoline in a diesel engine, not only will the vehicle not run, you can do catastrophic damage to the engine.

Other Things to Know About Octane
If you are driving through very high-altitude places, you may see gas stations offering lower-octane gasoline than you expect. For example, you may see 85-octane gas advertised. If you are used to always just getting the least expensive gas at the station, you may be tempted to use lower octane gas than you are used to. Here’s why you should resist that temptation.

Older cars were able to operate with lower than normal octanes at high altitudes because of the thinner air, but this does not hold with modern fuel-injection engines. Therefore, if you usually use 87-octane gas, going for the cheapest option if it is lower than 87 is not recommended. It is better for your car to use 87, 88 or even 91-octane gas than to go too low. If you have a luxury car that needs premium gas, try to fill up before driving to a high-altitude location in case you cannot find a gas station that provides the octane you need.

Foreign cars that are designed for sale in the U.S. should have standard octane ratings, but those purchased or intended for purchase outside the U.S. may call for a RON, or research octane number. The RON number and the U.S. octane number do not match up exactly. If your European car calls for RON 95, for example, it requires regular or 87-octane gas. If it asks for RON 98, use premium 93-octane fuel.

TIPS

Essential Tips for Electric Car Maintenance

As more and more people seriously consider making the switch to electric vehicles, perhaps you’ve also thought about if it’s the right choice for you.

There are numerous benefits when it comes to driving an electric car.

You’ll have less of an impact on the environment, you’ll escape the uncertainty of fluctuating fuel prices, and you’ll save money on electric car maintenance.

This last point, in particular, is why so many people are interested in driving electric vehicles. And while it’s certainly true that you won’t need to see your mechanic as often, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need to conduct standard maintenance on electric cars. What should you do to ensure your electric vehicle continues to run safely?

Keep on reading this post to find out.

In it, we’ll tell you all about some of the most important things you need to do to keep an electric vehicle in good working order.

1. Take Care of the Motor
Let’s begin by talking about one of the essential elements of maintenance on electric cars: the motor itself.

Yes, it is true that, in most cases, your electric car’s motor won’t need the same level of maintenance that a traditional combustion engine would.

You’ll also have fewer parts to deal with and can eliminate basic things like switching out the oil and even replacing fuel filters. Though this certainly makes things much easier, it’s important that you don’t neglect the things you do need to look after.

For best results, you should get an electric car’s motor serviced as often as you would a traditional vehicle. Whenever possible, aim to work with a mechanic that has specific experience with electric vehicles and engines.

2. Understand Brake Maintenance
You likely know that electric vehicles use what’s known as regenerative braking.

Regenerative braking helps you to keep your brake pads in good working order for as long as is possible. In some cases, you may have to replace them up to two times less frequently than on a traditional vehicle.

When you brake in your electric car, the kinetic energy is converted into electricity that helps you to power your vehicle. The process is certainly impressive — however, it doesn’t mean you can avoid servicing your brakes altogether.

Let’s talk about one more thing that you can do to preserve both the brakes and the battery.

Whenever possible, try to avoid driving at high speeds. Conserving speed will ensure that your battery lasts for longer, and of course, also prevents you from needing to slam on the brakes.

If you can’t slow down?

Try to pre-plan your route so that you avoid heavy traffic. It might sound a bit obvious, but the truth is that it can make a serious difference.

3. Get Smart with Parking
Another part of proper electric car maintenance?

Ensure that you understand how to keep your battery running for as long as possible.

Believe it or not, one of the best things that you can do to extend the overall life of your battery is to park your car in the shade when possible. While of course, this will ensure that your car’s temperature remains comfortable on a hot day, it’s about much more than that.

The thermal management system will respond to the heat and will keep running in the sun. Additionally, you also run the risk of having your battery overheat if you park in a hot spot for a long time.

You don’t want to come back to a car that has a much lower battery life than it did when you left it.

Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to your battery and the sun?

Especially if you have to charge outside, give yourself a bit more time than you usually would. The heat makes it more difficult for the batter to charge promptly.

Taking good care of your electric battery means that they can be re-used once they’ve run out of enough strength to power your car, as well. Batteries offer numerous environmental benefits, which, as an electric car driver, may be a priority for you.

4. Avoid Overcharging the Battery
Here’s another electric vehicle maintenance tip that relates to battery life?

It might sound counterintuitive at first, but we strongly suggest resisting the temptation to charge your battery all the time fully. Whether you want to preserve the battery on a golf cart or in a standard electric car, overcharging can cause serious problems.

A good rule of thumb to avoid wearing down the battery prematurely?

Aim to charge the car’s battery to only about 80%.

Another “charing rule” for your electric vehicle? Make it a point not to leave your car with little — or even no — charge for an extended period. Just as with overcharging, this can negatively impact the battery’s health.

For best results, don’t leave your car with a small amount of charge for more than two weeks at a time.

5. Remember Basic Maintenance Rules
One final thing to keep in mind when it comes to electric car maintenance?

Just because you’re driving an electric vehicle, doesn’t mean that standard car maintenance rules don’t apply.

For example, when was the last time you had your tyres rotated? What does the tread on them look like at the moment? What about the coolant levels in your vehicle?

Make sure that your vehicle has enough coolant to keep everything in good working order. Additionally, remember that you need to replace your car’s wiper blades about twice a year. Depending on the sorts of conditions you usually drive in, they may get worn down faster or slower than that.

Of course, there are a few things that you no longer have to worry about when it when you’re driving an electric vehicle.

You won’t need to concern yourself with oil changes, nor will you need to worry about your spark plugs.

However, don’t become complacent when it comes to the rest of your standard car care. Make sure that you replace the car’s wiper fluid as often as you would with a conventional vehicle.

Above all, go with your gut.

If you suspect that there’s some issue with your vehicle? Take it in and have it examined by a professional at the very first sign of trouble. Doing this can save you severe headaches down the line.

6. Consider Storage Options
So, you’ll be heading out on a fabulous vacation for a few weeks in the summer.

Make sure that you’ve made specific plans for your electric vehicle’s storage before you fly away. Never leave it in an uncovered parking lot if at all possible.

Depending on the length of your trip, we suggest that you set the car to charge only up to about 50%.

This way, especially if you leave it plugged in, you won’t be at the risk of overcharging it. If you’re able to have someone come and unplug your car while you’re away, this can also help to protect the overall battery life.

In short?
If you’re able, take a cab to the airport. Don’t leave your electric vehicle in the airport parking lot.

7. Limit Quick Charges
Of course, when you’re in a bind, we completely understand that you can’t always avoid using a quick charge on your electric vehicle.

But, as with charging the car to the maximum, this is something that you want to limit because each quick charge has an impact on the battery’s overall lifespan.

If you use this feature too often, you’ll end up taking years off of the battery’s overall lifespan. As these can be expensive to replace, this is a situation you’d like to avoid.

CARS