How to Prepare Your Car for a Winter Storm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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6 Signs that Your Vehicle’s Exhaust System Needs Attention

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

6. Vibration/Shuddering

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

5. Loud Engine Sound

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

4. Drop in Power & Fuel Efficiency

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

3. Scraping or Rattling Sound

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

2. Exhaust Smell

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

1. Illuminated Check Engine Light

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

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TIPS FOR WARMING UP YOUR CAR IN THE WINTER

Winter is here, and so is the need to warm up your car! Here are some essential tips to ensure a cozy and safe start in the chilly mornings:

1. RUN FOR 30 SECONDS

Even in the cold, modern cars run safely after about 30 seconds. If your car was made in the last 20-30 years, it uses fuel injection to push an air/fuel mixture into the engine and is ready to drive within about 30 seconds. A fuel injection system has sensors for atmospheric conditions like air pressure, temperature, and humidity and automatically adjust the air/fuel mixture. The newer the car, the more effective and numerous the sensors are. Because of this, it is a good idea to treat your fuel system with a fuel additive from your local AutoZone. Older vehicles used a carburetor to control the mixture going into the engine, with a manual or electric choke making the mixture rich. In cold temps, even electric choked carburetors needed a few minutes to warm up in order to prevent the engine from stalling.

2. DRIVE NORMAL FOR 5 MINUTES

Normal driving for 5-10 minutes warms your car up faster than idling. Your car runs most efficiently at normal operating temperatures. Driving your car normally will warm it up much faster than idling in the driveway. Long idle times waste fuel and cause increased wear and tear on components.

3. MODERN OIL AND LOW TEMPERATURES

While modern, high-quality oil flows better at low temperatures than oil of the past, there is still cause for concern about engine oiling in extreme cold during start-up. Synthetic Oils were originally designed for the very premise of extreme cold temperatures and holding their viscosity better. Once oil gets below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it very rapidly loses its ability to hold viscosity and becomes thicker and thicker. This makes the original start-up in extreme cold more difficult on the engine, as it is trying to circulate thick, cold oil. The tell-tale sign of this in extreme cold is the ticking and clacking of lifters and engine components during the first 5 to 30 seconds of the engine firing up. Quickly though, as the engine rises in temperature, the oil will begin to flow well. The first number in oil weight, the one with a w, indicates the oil’s ability to perform in low temperatures (w stands for winter). The lower the w number, the better the oil maintains viscosity in cold temperatures

4. RESTRICTED VIEWS ARE DANGEROUS

Make sure your windshield is clear of ice, snow, and debris before driving. Keeping the inside of the windshield clean and clear of moisture will help with fog, before you ever have to use the defroster. If your windshield or windows are foggy, you may want to wait a minute for the defroster to heat up before driving off. Keeping a good ice scraper and snow brush handy can help get your windows clear quickly.

5. USE A BLOCK HEATER AND BATTERY PAD

If you live in or have traveled to the Upper Midwest, Canada or Alaska, you’ve probably seen a vehicle with an electrical power cord sticking out of the front bumper. These cords serve as a quick hook-up to AC power for electrical engine heaters, which are a must-have in extreme cold climates, especially for diesel engines. Engine heaters come in a variety of forms – from oil heaters for the dipstick, heating pads, or magnetic heaters that stick on the oil pan, to coolant heaters that go into the flow of antifreeze on the engine, or battery heating pads to keep your battery warm. If overnight temperatures are 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you may consider an engine block heater and battery pad heater or battery thermal wrap. Both items attach to your car and then plug into an electrical outlet. Some engine block heaters come with timers so you can plan when your engine is ready to drive in the morning. For areas that get constant temperatures in the winter sub-zero, a permanent heater is generally a good practice. For areas that only see several days in sub-zero, using a magnetic heater that attaches to the oil pan overnight is often a good choice. For your battery, trying to hold a charge in very low temps can be draining and potentially harm your alternator. Starting a cold car with a cold battery the defroster, radio, seat warmers, or more puts a heavy strain on the electrical system. Help your battery and reduce this strain with a battery pad heater.

6. USE A FUEL ADDITIVE

Water in the fuel system can be an awful issue to deal with in extreme cold. What’s worse, is diesel fuel is prone to “gelling” in extreme cold temperatures as well. Using a fuel additive such as Heat in a gasoline engine, or Diesel 911 in diesel engines can help insure your fuel is protected.

 

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10 Tips To Help Keep The Interior Of Your Car Clean

Keeping your Car’s interior clean is important for keeping its appearance, hygiene, and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you keep the interior of your car looking spotless:

1) Your Car isn’t a Trash Can

Make it a habit to remove trash from your car daily. Try to avoid throwing trash and saying you’ll clean it up later because this will become a bad habit. To help with this, use a small trash bag or container to dispose of the garbage to make it easier to clean up.

2) Vacuum Regularly

Crumbs and dirt can be a tough thing to get out of your car. That dust can also seep into your seat covers and cracks in the car. It’s important to regularly vacuum the Car’s interior to keep it clean. Pay attention to the carpets, seats/seat covers, floor mats, and difficult to reach places.

3) Wipe Surfaces Frequently

While vacuuming is a helpful tool, wipes can be even more helpful when it comes to smaller areas or areas that need more detailed cleaning. This includes the dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles. You can use a damp cloth or a cleaning solution to wipe these spots down.

4) Not All Seat Covers Are Ugly

Seat covers can help protect your car’s seats from spills and stains. Not every seat cover is ugly, you can find pretty, affordable ones right on amazon. This is a great way to maintain your vehicle from wear and tear. Make sure to clean these covers regularly as well or else you’re just creating more of a dirty mess.

5) Clean Upholstery and Carpets

Whenever you find stains on the upholstery or carpets, treat them with a suitable cleaner or stain remover as soon as possible. Follow the instructions on the product and use a clean brush or tool to scrub the dirty area.

6) Pay Attention to Glass and Mirrors

Clean the interior glass and mirrors regularly to guarantee good visibility. Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints. Also keep the glass above your console and radio clean to help with visibility.

7) Organize Storage Compartments

Use organizers or storage bins to keep your belongings neatly in order. Find a good spot in the trunk or even the back seat where these bins can be stored. This will prevent messes and make it easier to keep your car clean.

8) Avoid Eating in the Car

Don’t eat or drink in your car, although this is a hard challenge for everyone, it will help in the long run. Eating in the car can lead to spills and crumbs, which can be challenging to clean.

9) Be Cautious With Liquids

When transporting liquids in your car, make sure they are secure and sealed to avoid spills. If a spill does occur, immediately clean it up to prevent stains or odors.

10) Regularly Maintain the Air Conditioning System

Clean or replace the cabin air filter as much as your Car’s manufacturer recommends. This will keep your car’s air fresh and reduce dust messes.

Remember that prevention and consistency is key to maintaining a clean car interior. By establishing good habits and planning out in advance, you can keep your car looking and smelling fresh for a very long time.

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How to Overcome the Fear of Driving

As exciting it can be for someone to be getting a driver’s license, the thought of actually getting out on the road can be pretty terrifying for some people, especially new drivers. With this system, drivers are not allowed to be driving without another fully licensed driver in the vehicle for a certain period of time. This gives them the chance to get used to driving and know that they have an experienced driver with them if anything were to happen.

6 Steps You Can Take to Overcome the Fear of Driving 

1 Have Someone with You

If you find that you are nervous when you are driving, it may not be that you are nervous about the actual driving, but that you are nervous about driving when you are alone. For the first few weeks, or even months, after you are fully licensed, if you are still afraid of driving, try to take short trips with someone else in the vehicle with you. This person does not necessarily have to be another licensed driver, just someone to help keep you relaxed. Once you are more used to driving, you can start taking short trips by yourself, and in no time at all, you will have gotten over your fears, and you will not need to have someone with you whenever you go anywhere.

2 Take a Driver’s Training Course

One of the main reasons why people are afraid to drive is because they are new drivers, and they are unsure of their driving skills. This is a really good reason to take a driver’s training course. Some schools use virtual reality glasses to build confidence These courses teach people most of the things they need to know to be good drivers, and students get actual driving time, so they can get some experience being behind the wheel, while backed up by a professional instructor sitting beside them. Once you have had driver’s training, you will find that you do not have the same fears that you once did, because you know how to be prepared for every situation that can pop up when you are on the roads.

4 Get Right Back on That Horse

You have probably heard the old saying about how if you fall off a horse, you should get right back on that horse. There is a really good reason for this saying, and it is one that holds true for pretty much everything we do in life, including driving automobiles. Many people find that after having an automobile accident, they are terrified to get back in the car and drive anywhere by themselves ever again. This is not a good way to be. It is always good to make sure that you have an up-to-date driver’s license, and that you stay in practice, because you never know when you are going to have to drive somewhere in an emergency. If you are in an accident, don’t hesitate to get back in your vehicle and start driving right away, or at least as soon as your vehicle is drivable again. The longer you wait, the harder it is going to be for you to lose your fears. If you get right back at it, you will find that in no time at all, you will not have any fears, and you will enjoy driving once again.

5 Learn To Love Highway Driving

Many people find that even if they are not afraid of driving on local roads, they are absolutely terrified to drive on highways, especially multiple lane highways. Yes, this can be pretty scary, especially if you are a new driver, but this is a fear that every driver must eventually overcome. It is best to start out by driving on lesser used highways, and those that are not multi-lane. Choose smaller highways at less busy time of the day Once you are used to the quieter highways, then you can start to venture out onto the busier ones. After a while, driving on highways will seem old-hand, and you will have no worries at all.

6 Listen To Music

When you were taking your driver’s training classes, you were probably told that music is a big distraction, and that you should not bother having the stereo on when you are driving. This is not exactly true. Yes, music can be a huge distraction, but only if you are letting the music distract you, and you are listening to it at high volumes. If you are listening to relaxing music at a low volume, it will help to keep you relaxed while you are driving. It really is true; music really does soothe the savage beast. If you have a fear of driving, it is something that you will need to work hard to overcome. For some people, it is simply a matter of getting more experience behind the wheel. For others, the fear can be so bad that they need to get counseling to figure out why they are so afraid and learn how to deal with it. Driving should be something that you enjoy doing, and not something to fear. You can overcome your fear of driving easily by trying any of the above tips. You can also speak with driving instructors to see if they have any tips to offer you.

 

 

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10 Ways to Care for Your Automatic Transmission

Avoid costly transmission repairs. Here are 10 tips for keeping a car with an automatic transmission in good condition

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and its age, transmission repairs can be costly. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid having a transmission repair specialist service your vehicle particularly if you’re subjected to a total breakdown.

But there are things you can do to extend the life of your automatic transmission and prevent transmission failure. Read our checklist of top 10 transmission maintenance tips:

1. Check your transmission fluid periodically. On many cars, light trucks, and SUVs, checking the transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil: with the engine idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, insert it again, wait, then pull it out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is low, you may have a leak. The fluid itself should be a bright red color, clear, and it should smell sweet. If it’s murky, dark coloured, or smells like rotting fish take it to a transmission repair specialist to look things over.

2. Use the right type of transmission fluid. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of transmission fluid you should use. If after doing so you’re still not sure, pop in to a Mister Transmission and ask a professional.

3. Have your engine’s cooling system serviced. Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a transmission repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.

4. Get your transmission flushed regularly. Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.

5. Don’t change gears while your car is moving. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before changing gears from ‘drive’ to ‘reverse’ or vice-versa. Failing to do so simply puts strain on your transmission and after awhile it can lead to a serious problem.

6. Let your car warm up before you drive. Who among us has hopped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, put the car in drive and motored away? (Full disclosure: I’m as guilty as you are) Always allow your engine a few minutes to warm up before you begin to drive, especially during the winter months.

7. Don’t drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time. Mismatched tire sizes, or driving with a small spare tire over a long period of time is a no-no. Not only will it do damage to other parts of your vehicle such as ruin the wheel alignment, after a while it puts unnecessary strain on the transmission.

8. Regularly change the transmission filter. That’s right: your car’s automatic transmission may have a filter, and it needs to be changed from time to time. Whether or not you’re driving a car that has a transmission filter depends entirely on the make and model. Most newer vehicles don’t have a transmission filter but those that do should be changed each time you get your transmission flushed.

9. Avoid using your vehicle for towing. Using your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, and in turn, do a lot of damage to the transmission.

10. Have your transmission inspected annually. Having a certified transmission repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, color, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.

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Easy hacks to keep your car clean

Car cleaning and maintenance can sometimes get a bit difficult – but not for you! In this post, we’ve mentioned 10 easy hacks you can use to keep your car clean.

1. Use baby wipes to clean your windshield and windows  

Who knew baby wipes could also clean your car’s windshield and windows without any streak. Baby wipes are made of soft materials, and they won’t harm your car’s windshield. However, use it only when absolutely necessary and don’t have access to a dedicated glass cleaning product.  

2. Roll down your windows while cleaning them   

Most car owners simply spray the cleaning product onto the windows and wipe them. They tend to miss the dirt on top of the window. This dirt, if left uncleaned, can streak down on a rainy day. Make sure you roll down the window and clear off the dirt stuck on the top too.   

3. Use dryer sheets to remove bug splat  

Have you ever returned from a road trip with bug splats all over your car’s exterior? Use the dryer sheets to remove those bug splats without any hassle. However, if the stain is deeply embedded, we recommend you visit a car wash near you to clean it.

4. Leave the sponge – take the microfiber towel!  

Close your eyes. Imagine someone washing a car. What are they cleaning with? Do you see a sponge in their hand – if yes, we have a piece of news for you. You should never use a sponge to wash your car because dirt can get stuck on the pores, and when used on your car’s exterior, it can cause scratches. Even new sponges are abrasive. We’d highly recommend using a car-specific wash mitt or a microfiber towel while washing and detailing your car.   

5. Baking soda to remove odor   

All you need is a pinch of baking soda to remove any unpleasant odor from your car’s seats and doormats. Sprinkle the baking soda on the floor mats, seats, and other surfaces, wait for a little while and vacuum it.    

6. Use vinegar for odor removal  

Vinegar is also an excellent odor remover because it has the quality to neutralize foul smells. Pour white vinegar into a cup and leave it overnight in your car.  

7. Apply peanut butter to remove tar spots     

Apply peanut butter – not the crunchy ones – on the tar spot and wipe it with a towel. It may sound weird but, it does get the job done. Thanks to the peanut butter’s oil content, it can easily remove the tar from your car’s exterior.   

 

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What Smoke Coming From Your Vehicle’s Tailpipe Means

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

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

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

3. Black Smoke

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

2. Blue or Grey Smoke

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

1. White Smoke

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

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HOW TO MAKE FUEL PUMPS LAST LONGER

Fuel pump serves a crucial function of delivering fuel to the vehicle’s engine. Although it is a critical component, most car and truck users know very little about the fuel pump.  Sometimes, the fuel pump may need to be replaced during the life of a vehicle.

The most annoying part about this pump is that it suddenly stops functioning. However, you can avoid such a situation with proper understanding, maintenance and care of the fuel pump. To maintain the component properly you need to know its job in detail.

Job of the fuel pump

Every modern car has an electric fuel pump located in the fuel tank. Its job is to transfer fuel from tank to engine’s fuel injection. A steady supply of fuel has to be done in proper quantity and at a standard pressure. Then it will help the engine to perform as expected under different driving conditions.

Taking care of the fuel pump to ensure its long life

As this job is very important and it is also difficult to access the pump because of its location, the pump is usually built robustly.  Many auto mechanics are of the opinion that a fuel pump should last the entire life of a vehicle. However, with years of driving and neglect, the pumps often fail and have to be replaced. Usage and fuel quality are the two most eminent factors on which life of a pump depends. To ensure the long life of a vehicle’s fuel pump you need to follow certain guidelines.

Never keep the fuel pump empty

You cannot let the fuel level fall below a quarter of a tank. The pump is an electrical device and it heats up while doing its job. Manufacturers have thus put the pump inside the tank to keep it cool. If it does not remain immersed in gas all the time the purpose will not be solved. Moreover, when the tank is empty and suddenly gasoline is pumped in, it can give a thermal shock to the pump.

Do not get fuel with dirt

Gasoline mixed with debris is less common these days, as most of the station try to keep high-quality gas. However, try not to stop at the fuel station to fill the tank that is getting gas at the same time. While the station is getting gas all the debris and deposits are stirred up in stored gasoline. If you accept that fuel into your car, the pump filters will not be able to catch them all.

Change fuel filters

You need to replace fuel filters on a yearly basis. Regardless of what is mentioned in the manufacturer’s manual or how many miles you have traveled it is essential to change them so that no debris can enter the pump.

Add anti-ethanol agent

Today, fuel is blended with ethanol.  Ethanol helps the agricultural economy, is good for the environment and helps reduce dependency on foreign oil. If you are not fully utilizing fuel from the tank in a week or two, add an anti-ethanol agent to it. Otherwise, the fuel system may develop issues.

In order to keep your vehicle’s fuel pump in perfect working condition, you have to keep these few simple things in mind. These steps may help the fuel pump to survive the entire life of a vehicle.

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