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.

 

 

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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 

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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.
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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.

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Determining the Cause of Oil Degradation

What could be causing our lube oil to degrade faster?

There are many causes that can result in the degrading of your lube oil. The most common are oxidation, thermal breakdown of the lube oil, micro-dieseling, additive depletion and contamination.

Oxidation

Oxidation is the reaction of oil molecules with oxygen molecules. It can lead to an increase in viscosity and the formation of varnish, sludge and sediment. Additive depletion and a breakdown in the base oil can also result. Once an oil starts to oxidize, you may see an increase in the acid number. In addition, rust and corrosion can form on the equipment due to oxidation.

Thermal Breakdown

The temperature of the lubricant should be a primary concern. Besides separating the moving parts within a piece of machinery, a lubricant must also dissipate heat. This means the lubricant can and will be heated above its recommended stable temperature. The Arrhenius rate rule for temperature states that for every 18 degrees F (10 degrees C), the chemical reaction doubles. In other words, for every increase of 18 degrees F for your oil, the life of the oil is cut in half. Keeping the oil as cool as possible when in use will extend its life and reduce the reaction of thermal breakdown.

Micro-dieseling

Also known as pressure-induced thermal breakdown (degradation), micro-dieseling is a process in which an air bubble transitions from a low-pressure region in a system to a high-pressure zone. This is very common in hydraulic systems. Micro-dieseling results in adiabatic compression of the air bubble within the oil, which then cooks the surrounding oil molecules, causing instant oxidation of those molecules.

Additive Depletion

Most additive packages in oil are designed to be sacrificial and used up during the life of the oil. Utilizing oil analysis to monitor additive levels is important not only to assess the health of the lubricant but also to provide clues as to what is causing the depletion of the additives.

Contamination

Contamination such as dirt, water, air, etc., can greatly influence the rate of lubricant degradation. Dirt containing fine metal particles can be a catalyst that sparks and speeds up the degradation process of your lubricant. Air and water can provide a source of oxygen that reacts with the oil and leads to oxidation of the lubricant. Here again, oil analysis can be helpful in monitoring your lubricant’s contamination levels.

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TOP 5 MOST COMMON VEHICLE PROBLEMS DURING WINTER

The first snowfall of the year is a cause of celebration for many folks. There’s just something special about seeing those pretty flakes flying for the first time in November or December. But, the onset of winter also means it’s a good time to ensure your vehicles maintenance is up-to-date. Freezing temperatures can lead to issues with your vehicles. Read on for the five most common problems—and how to prevent them this year

  1. Your battery may die in colder weather. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested every time there is a routine service (like an oil change) performed on the vehicle. It also helps to keep your car or truck in a garage during the winter months if possible.
  2. Fluids thicken. To stay ahead of this common winter problem, be sure to have your trusted auto technician regularly check your oil, antifreeze, power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Leaks can also occur; it helps to warm up your vehicles before driving them.
  3. Parts corrode. Road salt laid down to melt the ice and help prevent slide offs can stick to your car’s metal components. If it’s left there, it can cause these to corrode. Wash vehicles regularly to protect the undercarriage, brakes and wheel wells.
  4. Your tire pressure will drop. Most tires lose one pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees F of temperature drop. Under-inflated tires do not perform well in icy weather, so it is crucial to check your tire pressure throughout the winter season.
  5. Spark plugs may fail. A bad spark plug, ignition component or clogged filter may cause your vehicle not to start, so it’s smart to check these ahead of the harshest driving conditions.
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6 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CAR TRAVEL READY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Here are a few easy ways you can prepare your car for a road trip:

  1. Check Tire Pressure – This step is essential because you can get better gas mileage when you drive on properly aired tires. Not only will you be able to save some money in doing this, but you’ll decrease your risk of a dangerous blowout as well.

  2. Have Any Warning Lights Diagnosed – If you have some warning lights on your dashboard that you’ve been ignoring up until now, you’ll want to have them diagnosed before a long-distance trip. .

  3. Look at Your Fluids – The fluids in your engine enable it to run correctly, so you don’t want to be without them! You’ll want to check your oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washing fluid.

  4. Replace Old Windshield Wipers – Putting up with inefficient windshield wipers gets old after a while. Replace old ones before a trip, so you don’t end up frustrated, or unable to see, in the rain.

  5. Notice Unusual Brake Noises – If your brakes have been making a whining or grinding noise recently, it’s probably time to take your car in for brake service.

  6. Check Your Lights – If your headlights aren’t working, visibility while driving at night can be an issue. If your brake lights or turn lights are burnt out, you pose a danger to both yourself and other drivers. Have a spotter assist you in checking your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn lights.

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8 Signs of Auto Transmission Failure

While an auto transmission failure isn’t a death sentence for your car, it can definitely be a major repair. It usually means a lot of downtime and a huge bill. Your transmission is an amazing work or art. Ok, you might not want to mount it over your fireplace, but you have to admit that it is rather fascinating how all these gears and bearings and interestingly shaped parts are put together to create a system that actually propels your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Some people say that the transmission is the second most important part of the car, next to the engine. But, I respectfully disagree. It’s really a team effort – you can’t have one without the other. While, I guess you can, but they are rather useless independently. They are like the heart and the brain of your car. They work together. So, a problem with your transmission can affect the operation of the engine. And if you don’t fix it, you could have even bigger issues to deal with.

But, contrary to popular belief, an auto transmission failure doesn’t always have to be scary (are you breathing a sigh of relief now?) While it can be a costly adventure, in a lot of cases, the problem is actually quite minor. And, as with anything mechanical, if you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to avoid more serious issues. But, you can’t always count on mechanics to offer you the easy way out. After all, they are in the business to make money. So, when they see a woman walk through their doors, they get dollar signs in their eyes.

Transmissions are complex and complicated systems so fixing them usually requires a professional. But, that doesn’t mean that you have to accept whatever diagnosis you are handed. If in doubt, get a second opinion. Or, better yet, learn how to recognize the most common signs of auto transmission failure and how to rule out simple fixes before you authorize an expensive auto transmission repair. Replacing or rebuilding may be necessary, but it is important to check out other possibilities first. You never know, some basic knowledge could save you thousands of dollars.

Signs Of Auto Transmission Failure

  • Slippage. This is when your motor is revving but your car isn’t responding. It’s similar to the way your vehicle would react if your tires were slipping on ice or stuck in the snow. You are pushing the gas pedal and you can hear the engine roaring, but you don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Slippage affects your transmission’s ability to propel the car forward and if it gets really bad, eventually you may not move at all.
  • Leaks. Check under your car on a regular basis to make sure there aren’t any leaks. In most automatic transmissions the fluid is red, so if you notice a colored puddle on the ground, you should probably have your car checked out. In fact, if you notice any puddle at all (except for the ones made from your AC) you should investigate further.
  • Smells. If your fluid level is low, your transmission can overheat. When your transmission or transmission fluid gets too hot, you may notice a burning odor. Check your fluid level and add if necessary. You may also want to find out why the level was low in the first place.
  • Sounds. Knocking, whining, humming, buzzing, clunking, and grating can all be signs of transmission problems. These sounds can be a result of wear and tear, but they also can mean a low fluid level.
  • Delayed Engagement/Lack of Response. Sometimes your transmission doesn’t want to do what you ask when you ask. Just like your kids, right? But, unlike your children, there are times when motherly negotiations (aka bribing) will not convince your vehicle to behave properly. There are varying degrees of delayed engagement, and sometimes we are in danger of letting things for too long.
  • Rough Shifting. Again, your car should transition between gears smoothly. If you notice shaking, jarring, bumping, clunking, or abrupt/hard shifting, this may be a sign of transmission problems.
  • Fluid Color. Transmission fluid is red, clear, and has a slightly sweet odor. Look at a sample of new, clean fluid so you know the correct color and smell. If the fluid in your vehicle is murky, dark, or dirty, this could be an indication of problems. Sometimes changing the oil or doing a transmission flush will fix the issue. In some cases, more serious repairs may be necessary.
  • Check Engine Light. Sensors in your car can pick up small vibrations or other problems even before you notice them. The check engine light could be a warning of transmission problems, especially if you are also experiencing any of the above signs.
TIPS

7 Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life

Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on-the-go, batteries provide the zap your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery change, as well as what you can do to extend its lifespan.

The Average Car Battery Life

n average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years.  One of the most important factors that affects how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.

Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life is shorter in warmer climates. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.

Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running. Check out the seven tips below on extending the life of your car battery:

1. Limit Short Rides

Quick car rides prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. Maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for extended periods. If you don’t use your car often, consider investing in a portable car battery charger. These portable chargers can jump start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded..

2. Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened

A battery that’s not securely fastened could vibrate, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly – especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads – to ensure it is tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket.

3. Turn Off All the Lights When You Exit

Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery To keep yourself from forgetting, post a note on your dashboard, attach a sticker reminder on your car remote or park in a direction where you must walk past your headlights to get to your destination.

4. Control the Corrosion

Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.

5. Test Your Battery Often

Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. Test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester to keep track of how well you’re maintaining it and if you’re due for a new one.

6. Don’t Use Electronics While Idling

Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down.

7. Care for Your Whole Car

Your car is comprised of many parts working together. Making sure you are taking your car in for routine tune ups, as well as properly storing your vehicle are also simple ways to ensure your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.

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The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Car Keychain

A cluttered keychain can be a constant source of frustration and inconvenience. When it comes to car keys, organization is key, no pun intended. An organized car keychain not only makes it easier to find your keys but also helps prevent damage to your vehicle’s ignition and locks. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to organize your car keychain efficiently.

  1. Remove Unnecessary Keys

The first step in organizing your car keychain is to declutter. Remove any keys that you no longer need or use. This might include keys to old locks, padlocks, or doors that are no longer relevant. Reducing the number of keys on your keychain will make it more manageable.

  1. Separate Keys by Function

Once you’ve identified the keys you need to keep, separate them by function. Group your car keys together, your house keys together, and any other keys for different purposes. This separation will help you quickly locate the key you need when you need it.

  1. Use Key Rings and Key Tags

Key rings and key tags can be incredibly useful for organization. Assign a different color or shape key tag to each set of keys, making them easily distinguishable. Additionally, use separate key rings for different sets of keys. This way, you can remove the keyring you need without having to fumble through a jumble of keys.

  1. Invest in a Key Organizer

If you’re looking for a more sophisticated solution, consider investing in a key organizer. Key organizers are compact devices that neatly hold your keys in a foldable or stackable fashion. They not only reduce the bulkiness of your keychain but also protect your pockets from being scratched by keys.

  1. Use a Keychain Accessory

There are various keychain accessories available that can help you stay organized. Some keychain accessories come with built-in tools like bottle openers or small flashlights. These can be handy in various situations, reducing the need for carrying additional tools.

  1. Keyless Entry and Remote Start

If your car is equipped with keyless entry and remote start features, consider using these instead of traditional keys. Many modern vehicles allow you to use your smartphone to unlock and start your car, eliminating the need for physical keys altogether.

  1. Secure Your Car Keys

For added security, especially if you have a keyless ignition system, consider using a key signal blocking pouch or a Faraday bag. These devices block the signals from your key fob, preventing thieves from remotely accessing your car.

Conclusion

A well-organized car keychain not only reduces frustration but also ensures that you have quick and easy access to your keys when you need them. By removing unnecessary keys, separating keys by function, using key rings and key tags, investing in key organizers, and considering keyless entry options, you can keep your car keychain neat and efficient. Remember that an organized keychain is not only convenient but also helps protect your vehicle and enhance your overall driving experience. So, take a few minutes to declutter and organize your car keys, and you’ll thank yourself every time you reach for them.

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