What are the key benefits of a dash cam?

When you’re out on the road, it is important that you feel safe and comfortable at all times. Driving is something that offers freedom, independence and ease to everyone. However, despite all the positive aspects that driving can offer, it can be dangerous and you need to protect yourself should something go wrong when you are on the road.

 

What is a dash cam?

A way to protect yourself should the unexpected happen is to purchase and install a dash cam. Dash cams document your driving and enable you to record anything that happens on the road. This protects you against fraudulent insurance claims, deters theft and can lower your car insurance premium.

A dash cam is a small camera that can be mounted on both the front and rear of your vehicle. This small camera should face the road and will record the road when you are driving. Some advanced dash cams have the capabilities to turn on when your car is knocked when in park. This gives you a better chance of catching culprits who damage your car and don’t stay to let you know what has happened.

Even though dash cams can be costly, they are worth it for the protection they can give you. Here are the key benefits of owning and using a dash cam:

 

1. Deters fraudulent insurance claims

Although it is a sad truth, fraudulent insurance claims happen all over the country, and are becoming more popular with criminals. The main reason people make fraudulent insurance claims is to get money out of the other person through insurance.

Having a dash cam means you can prevent anyone from making a fraudulent claim about you, as you’ll have direct proof of the incident.

 

2. Can deter theft

Put simply, if someone is looking to steal a car, a dash cam acts as a deterrent. A dash cam acts as a form of security for your car when it is parked and left unattended. Some dash cams have a surveillance mode that turns on even when the car hasn’t been turned on.

A potential thief would be less likely to take the risk of stealing your vehicle if they saw a dash cam in the front or rear window.

3. Offers peace of mind for you and your loved ones

If you’re a new driver, or even if you have a lot of experience behind the wheel, a dash cam can act as peace of mind for your loved-ones. Knowing that you have that back up should anything unexpected happen when you’re on the road offers you protection, should you need it, at any time.

4. You can record your journeys

Not only does recording your journeys ensure you have a record of everything that goes wrong, it also enables you to have a video of where you have driven your car and perhaps some amazing memories that you have created on the road.

TIPS

Top 6 Tips for Cracked Windshield Prevention and Repair

All it takes is one small chip in the windshield before it becomes a full-fledged crack. Even though a chip may appear small, it can quickly become a more serious issue. Here’s how to prevent a windshield crack from escalating into a more serious safety concern.

1. Decide whether it needs immediate attention

First, where’s the crack located? Is it off to the side, or is it obscuring your view? If it interferes with your ability to see the road, you should deal with even a tiny crack immediately.  However, if it’s not impairing your ability to see the road, grab a ruler and measure the length of the chip or crack. This can help determine whether you can repair the windshield or need professional repair or replacement.

2. Determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced

If the chip is smaller than the size of a quarter or up to 2 inches in length, it can often be repaired. However, the shape of the chip or crack, such as bullseye, star, or half-moon, can limit the type of repair. Every crack or chip is unique, and consulting an expert is important. The goal is to prevent a crack from getting bigger or in any way compromising safety.

3. Avoid dirt and debris

One of the most important things to guard against is dirt. If dirt gets into the crack, it can complicate a simple repair. But that doesn’t mean you should head for the car wash or reach for a bucket. If water seeps into the crack, what began as a small repair can easily become a complete replacement. Instead, you can temporarily keep dirt and moisture away from the crack by cleaning the damaged area and applying a piece of clear packing tape, which is strong but won’t obscure your view. Another short-term solution for protecting the chip from dirt is to apply super glue evenly throughout the crack and wipe off any excess.

4. Park indoors to avoid the elements

Sun, snow, and rain all have the potential to cause the chip or crack on your windshield to grow. If possible, park your car inside, where it will be protected against the elements, especially the sun, which can cause the windshield to heat up and allow the crack to expand. If you don’t have a garage, try parking in a shaded spot.

5. Avoid temperature cold extremes

Likewise, extremely cold weather is not good for a cracked windshield because glass contracts when it gets cold. Refrain from putting your air conditioner or defroster on high. If necessary, use the heater moderately to defrost the windows gradually.

6. Drive carefully

Another way to keep the crack from getting larger is to drive with extra caution. That means safely avoiding potholes and staying away from rough roads. Jostling the car is the last thing you should do when driving with a cracked windshield, and you also want to avoid slamming the doors or the trunk.

Above all, keep safety in mind at all times. The sooner you get the windshield in for replacement or repair, the better.

TIPS

How to store a car battery

f you expect your car battery to sit unused for more than a month, you should consider removing the battery and storing it away. This will help reduce wear on your battery and allow it to better hold its charge in the long run.

Now, there’s a lot more to storing your battery than just placing it on a shelf in your garage. Follow these steps for battery storage:

1. Make sure the battery is fully charged

Always store your battery at full charge. This will help prevent most damage and deterioration that can happen while in storage.

2. Look for possible damage

Batteries can sometimes crack or corrode with age, so inspect your battery for any sort of damage. It may need to be replaced if the damage is serious.

3. Clean up the battery

Corrosion and electrolyte buildups should be cleaned before the battery is put away. Grime such as this can interfere with the terminals, causing the battery to discharge faster.

The easiest way to clean a battery at home is by applying a mixture of baking soda and water and scrubbing with a wire brush. Once you’ve taken care of the deposits, wipe down the battery’s casing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Find the right storage location

While you should count on your battery discharging in some capacity while it’s in storage, you can take measures to limit the amount of power that is depleted. Outside of the length of time your battery is stored, the main factor that will impact your battery’s discharge rate is temperature.

Ideally, you want to keep a battery in a dry, well-ventilated area that remains between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid spots that could get too hot or cold, as it could make the battery discharge faster. In addition, keep away from places with excess humidity; this can cause the battery to corrode.

5. Recharge the battery regularly

Monitoring your battery while it’s in storage is crucial to maximizing its life. Make it a point to check in on your battery at least every 12 weeks (though the more frequent, the better). If possible, test the voltage with a voltmeter to gauge how much power your battery has left. When it’s at 70% charge or less, recharge it.

TIPS

How to Check Radiator Fluid

There’s just no way around it — summer is hot! And with this seasonal heatwave comes the risk of an overheated engine. Luckily, your vehicle’s cooling system helps combat Mother Nature by keeping your engine at a cool, optimal temperature. One key component of the cooling system is radiator fluid. But what is it, and how do you check it? Let’s dive a little deeper into this important fluid.

Radiator Fluid Explained

So, what exactly is radiator fluid? Radiator fluid — also known as coolant or antifreeze — is usually a mixture of water and glycol. Water serves as the base, while glycol provides anti-freezing and anti-overheating properties. Radiator fluid can also include additives, such as corrosion inhibitors and lubricants, to help maintain the cooling system’s integrity and improve its overall performance.

Ultimately, the radiator fluid primarily regulates the engine’s temperature by transferring heat away from the combustion chamber. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works within the cooling system:

  • A water pump circulates radiator fluid through the engine, absorbing excess heat.
  • The radiator fluid then travels through hoses to the radiator, dissipating it into the surrounding air via the cooling fan.
  • Then, the thermostat regulates the radiator fluid’s temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine performance.

If your radiator fluid is low or contaminated, your engine may overheat or seize up, causing serious damage to your vehicle and possibly leaving you on the side of the road!

 

How to Check Radiator Fluid: 9 Steps

An overheated engine doesn’t sound like fun, right? Regularly checking your coolant level can help prevent severe engine damage and save you quite a bit of cash down the road. If you want to tap into your DIY spirit, here are the steps for checking radiator fluid:

1. Wear Appropriate PPE
While checking radiator fluid doesn’t require any special tools, wearing gloves, safety glasses, and other Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is highly recommended because the fluid can cause mild to severe irritation or burns if left on your skin.

2. Park Vehicle on a Level Surface
For accurate readings, park your vehicle on level ground. Also, wait for your engine to completely cool down — at least 30 minutes — since your radiator and fluid can get extremely hot.

3. Find Hood Release
After your engine is cool, locate your hood release and pull it to unlock your hood. It’s typically where your left knee is when sitting in the driver’s seat, but if you can’t find it, refer to your owner’s manual.

4. Locate the Radiator Reservoir 
After you’ve opened the hood, locate the radiator reservoir, typically a white plastic tank near the radiator. Again, refer to your owner’s manual if you can’t find it.

5. Check the Coolant Level in the Reservoir
Look at the high and low (MAX and MIN) indicators on the side of the reservoir and check if the radiator fluid is between those two marks.

6. Inspect the Radiator Fluid
You should also open the radiator cap and inspect the fluid itself for contaminants and sediments. The fluid should be visible and have a bright color — e.g., red, yellow, green, blue, etc. However, if it’s dark, murky, or full of debris, you may need a radiator fluid exchange.

7. Top Off Radiator Fluid (If Necessary)
If your fluid level is low, top it off with more fluid. Check your owner’s manual for the correct fluid specifications, then use a funnel to pour the fluid slowly into the radiator or reservoir until it reaches low (MIN) indicator.

8. Close the Radiator Cap
After you’re done inspecting and/or topping off the fluid, close the radiator cap and ensure that it is secure enough to prevent leaks.

9. Clean Up
Check the area for any spills and clean it up. Radiator fluid is toxic when ingested, so it’s important not to let your children or pets access it.

 

 

TIPS

How to Dog Proof Your Car

Man’s best friend makes a great travel companion, but to make the most of your travels together, it’s a good idea to dog-proof your car. Here are six easy steps to doing that:

Clean your car first

Cleaning your car thoroughly prior to dog-proofing it is key. A wet/dry vacuum can help you get all kinds of matter, from dirt and fur to dried bits of fluid that you don’t want trapped in your carpet or cloth fibers. Make sure your vacuum is strong enough to pull all the moisture out of the fibers – if not, it’s worth taking the car in and letting a professional clean it.

Get a seat cover

If you have a dog in the car, it’s going to be impossible to keep the seats and floor completely free of dog hair. Rather than giving up, look at investing in seat covers that will catch the hair and make for easier cleanup. If you don’t want to invest in fitted seat covers, you could just buy an inexpensive felt blanket to catch the hair – and take it out and shake the hair off after every visit. (Keeping a lint roller in the car’s console can also help you pick up bits of hair that end up in the car between vacuuming times.)

If your interior has leather or vinyl, you’ll want to make sure Fido’s nails don’t scratch the seats or car doors. A seat cover will help, but you can also put plastic wrap over the leather or vinyl on the doors for while you’re out and about.

Cover the windows

One of the telltale signs there’s a dog in the car are those nose prints and slobber streaks on the windows. Eliminate these by covering the window with clear plastic wrap before you hit the road with your dog. It won’t impede your vision, and when the trip is over you can simply peel it off and toss it in the trash – nose prints and all!Cover the windows

While it may look cute to fellow travelers, Rover shouldn’t stick his head out an open window while you drive. Flying debris can cause injury and, if the window is open wide enough, he could be ejected from the vehicle.

Clean any accident quickly

Even with all the necessary precautions, you’re bound to have an occasional accident. Taking care of these quickly will keep any stains from setting, and it helps to keep a spray bottle of high-quality leather or upholstery cleaner on hand to remove spots. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle’s interior to make sure you’re using the right materials.

Clean up odor

Consider using essential oils to keep your car smelling fresh; they don’t simply cover up odors, they actually eliminate them and many are anti-microbial.

The best way to protect your car’s interior is to plan ahead and prevent the damage from occurring in the first place. If you’ve already experienced some problems, make sure you clean up any unwanted odors before you start. If you just cover them up rather than eliminating them, they’re going to resurface.

Have a secure spot for your dog

Finally, giving your dog a designated space – such as a place on the back seat where he’s secured with a harness attached to the seat belt. This will keep him or her from moving around the car, which not only makes it easier to confine the area that needs to be “dog-proofed,” but is safer for both of you. Many jurisdictions require pets to be strapped in while in a moving vehicle, and crates or specially designed seat belt harnesses for dogs are readily available. Before you hit the wide-open road, check your state’s laws and see if there are any restrictions about how your dog is transported.

TIPS

Why Is My Car Shaking?

It’s never a fun feeling when your car starts to shake. It can happen when you speed up or even when you break. Often, this can be avoided with regular maintenance. Keep reading for the top reasons why your car is shaking and the ways to deal with it.

Top 5 reasons why your car is shaking

1. Wheel problems

A common cause of a shaking car is a problem with one or more wheels. The problem(s) could be any of the following:

  • Damaged tires or rims
  • Improper wheel alignment
  • Worn wheel bearing

2. Issues with your engine or transmission

If the shaking continues when your car is stopped or if there is noise when the car shakes, the issue could be with the engine and/or transmission. Specifically, the problems could be with a broken or loose engine, transition mount or radiator fan.

3. Tire problems

If the shaking is felt at certain speeds, your tires could be the problem.  The tires might need to be balanced. Another solution could be a tire rotation, if the tires are wearing unevenly. You also may need to inflate your tires to the proper pressure. If your tires are older or irregularly worn, you may need to get a new set.

4. Your brakes need to be repaired

If the shaking happens when you brake, the cause is possibly related to your car’s front braking mechanism. Over time, the parts on the front disc brakes can become warped from heavy wear and tear. They should be replaced around every 50,000 miles. A good tip is to have your mechanic check your pads and rotors when you get an oil change to find out whether they need to be replaced.

5. Your transmission fluid is low

If the transmission fluid level gets too low, this can cause your car to start shaking. Make sure to check it often and fill it up as required. Continuing to drive with low transmission fluid can cause permanent damage.

The timing of your car vibrations can help determine the problem

Why is my car shaking when idle?

If your car shimmies when idling, it can mean that you have loose engine mounts, which are the connections between your engine and your car’s frame. The engine mounts keep your motor attached and dampen the engine vibrations, so when the connections wear down, you can feel the vibrations.

Why is my car shaking while braking?

If your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could mean that you have warped brake rotors, worn-out brake pads or improperly lubricated guide pins. This means it’s time to take your vehicle in for maintenance.

Why is my car shaking when accelerating?

If the shaking starts when you are accelerating, there could be a few things wrong with your car:

  1. Your tires could be unbalanced.
  2. Your spark plugs could be worn out.
  3. Your lug nuts could be loose.
  4. Your inner constant velocity joint could be damaged.
  5. Your motor mount could be broken.
  6. Your axle or drive shaft could be bent.

Is it safe to drive when your car is shaking?

If you feel your car shaking when driving, it’s best for your safety and the longevity of your car to take it to a mechanic so you can sort out the problem as soon as possible.

Also, make sure you protect your car and yourself while on the road with the right auto insurance.

TIPS

Tailgating: What It Is and How to Deal with Tailgaters

If you’re on the road and you notice a driver right behind your car and way too close for comfort, this is called a tailgater. Tailgating is a factor in over 1/3 of all crashes on the road. According to a 2020 survey, 21% of responders admitted to tailgating or switching lanes quickly.

While tailgating can be annoying and dangerous behavior, there are safe ways to deal with it. Here are some tips on what to do to help prevent an accident.

What is tailgating?

Tailgating is when one car follows another too closely. It can easily lead to accidents, so it’s important to drive carefully when on the road with tailgaters. To warn the tailgater behind you that you’re slowing, tap your brake lightly a few times. If you notice a tailgater behind you, it’s best to change lanes and let them pass. 

How to deal with tailgaters

Tailgate drivers can be a very frustrating thing to experience. If you notice someone tailgating you, follow these tips on how to proceed safely:

  1. Stay calm: Keep composed to prevent emotions from getting the best of you and causing a serious accident.
  2. Keep a comfortable distance: Pay attention to the cars around you, and if one is tailgating close to you, stay far away.
  3. Let the tailgater pass: If the tailgater is behind you, switch lanes or even pull over to let them pass.
  4. Maintain your speed: Stay consistent with your speed so that other drivers can safely pass if they must. Using cruise control when conditions allow, is a way to keep your speed predictable for you and other drivers.

What is a safe distance between cars while driving?

Make sure to follow the 3-second rule when determining whether you or another car on the road are driving at a safe distance. The rule says that when a car in front of you passes any point, you should be able to count to 3 before you cross that same point. The more distance between cars, the more time to react.

TIPS

Signs of Bad Rotors

f you feel your car shaking or vibrating when you brake while driving, it could be a sign that you have a bad rotor. The rotor is part of a car’s brake system. It spins while your car moves; when you want to slow down, brake pads press against the rotors to slow your car. If your rotors aren’t in the best condition, they can cause problems.

What are brake rotors?

One of the most essential parts of your car’s braking system, the rotors’ primary purpose is to slow down your wheels using friction. Your car has four rotors, each one connected to a wheel. Without rotors, your car couldn’t stop or slow down. Rotors are made from iron, so they are durable but still require maintenance and the occasional replacement.

What causes worn brake rotors?

There are many things that can cause warped or worn brake rotors, including:

  1. Extreme heat: The friction that comes from the brake pads clamping down on the rotors can create extreme heat, which can cause the rotors to warp.
  2. Braking excessively hard: Stop-and-go traffic or extreme braking can cause the rotors to warp from excessive friction.
  3. Not maintaining your vehicle: If your brake system isn’t regularly cleaned and checked, this can lead to a buildup of debris.
  4. Rough roads: Obstacles in the road, such as potholes and speed bumps, can cause stress on your rotors.
  5. Rotor defects: If rotors aren’t manufactured properly, they may be more likely to warp under heat and stress.

What can indicate that you have bad rotors?

The main signs that might indicate your rotors have gone bad are feeling your car shaking or vibrating. Strange noises coming from your car, such as squeaking or grinding, might also be indicators that the rotors are the problem. If you experience these symptoms, it might be time to take your car in to get checked by a professional. Here are other signs that your car’s rotors might not be working correctly:

Loud brakes

When you brake, if you hear loud banging, this could be because your rotor is cracked. If you check the rotor and this is the case, make sure that you bring your car to a professional to replace it immediately because this could cause accidents if left cracked.

Car vibration

If your rotors are rusting or imbalanced from overheating, this can cause your car to vibrate while trying to brake. Immediately take your car to a mechanic to evaluate whether the rotors need to be repaired or replaced.

Blue tint brakes

If your brake rotors are turning blue, this can be a sign that there is something wrong with your brakes. The blue tint is a sign that the discs are hot and their structure could have changed. It’s important to take your vehicle to a professional immediately to have it repaired or replaced.

Car taking a long time to stop

One of the signs that your brake rotors are warn is if your car is taking a longer time to stop than usual. This is caused by uneven surfaces on the worn brake rotors, giving brake pads less surface to brake.

Brake pedal pulsating

When braking, if you feel the pedal pulsing, this could be due to rust on the rotors or uneven surfaces. The pulsing will most likely come from problems in the front and rear brake rotors. However, if you feel shaking in the steering wheel, there could be an issue with the front brake discs.

If you feel any shaking, loud noises, vibrating, pulsing or even if the car isn’t starting, take it to a professional. The problem is could be the car’s rotors warping, and if so, they may need to be replaced or repaired.

 

 

TIPS

How to Clean Your Car’s Engine

A clean engine is a happy engine. Just like any other part of your car, your engine needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly. Though professional engine cleaning is an option, it’s not always necessary. You can save money by learning how to wash a car engine yourself. You should be glad you found us! Here you will find out how to clean your car’s engine the right way.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a clean engine in no time.

Park your car in a well-ventilated area and let the engine cool. You don’t want to be working with a hot engine, as you could risk getting burned.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you start cleaning, you will need to gather some simple materials. You will need a water hose, a pressure washer is better but not required, a bucket, soap or degreaser, a scrub brush, and rags. If the engine was recently used, make sure it has cooled down before starting to wash it.

Step 2: Wet the Engine

Attach the hose to the faucet and wet the entire engine with cool water. If you are using a pressure washer, be careful not to get too close to sensitive areas such as electrical wiring.

Step 3: Apply Soap or Degreaser

Apply a generous amount of soap or degreaser to the wet engine and let it sit for a few minutes so that it can break down the dirt and grime. You can either use a commercial degreaser or make your own by mixing dish soap and water.

Step 4: Scrub the Engine

Let the degreaser sit for at least five minutes to break down the grime and build-up on the engine. Use the scrub brush to scrub the entire engine. Pay special attention to areas that are particularly dirty.

Step 5: Rinse the Engine

Rinse the soap or degreaser off of the engine with cool water. Make sure that all of the soap is removed before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Dry the Engine

Use a microfiber cloth or old rag to dry the engine, and wipe down the engine until it is completely dry. Once the engine is dry, you can apply a protectant if desired.

TIPS

How to Replace a Brake Light

Have you ever had a brake light go out and were not sure what to do next? It can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can replace that brake light in no time. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on changing your brake light, including step-by-step instructions, the tools you’ll need and replacement tips.

TIPS