12 Reasons Why Your Car Won’t Start

It’s one of the worst things that can happen to a driver. You turn the key in your car’s ignition, perhaps hear a few alarming noises and then nothing. Whether in the parking lot after dinner, in your driveway before work, or at the rest stop after you’ve stopped for snacks, there’s never really a good time for your car to not start. It’s usually indicative that your car needs some kind of repair, and even when no repairs are needed, you have a serious logistical challenge on your hands.

What to do if your car won’t start

When your car breaks down and you’re on a busy road, this can be a scary experience. If you don’t have an emergency kit in your car, there are a few things to do to fix the situation. First, call roadside assistance to get you and your car to a safe location (preferably an auto shop). Then, you or the mechanic will need to figure out why it’s not starting. Here are a number of reasons why your car won’t start:

1. Bad or dead battery

The most common reason cars don’t start is a dead or faulty battery. Even though most cars run on gasoline, they all require electrical power to function. The starter that cranks your engine to start requires an electrical signal to fire. If something’s wrong with your battery, your car engine won’t turn over. There are other symptoms that may indicate a dead battery, but checking whether your engine turns over at all is a good first step.

The good thing about dead batteries is that you don’t always need a professional to get your car going again. Jumping a car battery is typically fairly straight-forward, as long as you have jumper cables and another power source.  However, a battery jump may just be a temporary solution, and new batteries can be expensive, so it’s best to always take good care of your battery. For more on how to do that, check out these tips for avoiding a dead battery.

2. Bad alternator

A bad alternator goes hand-in-hand with a dead battery. The alternator recharges the battery and keeps the car’s electrical systems running after the car has started. If you have a bad alternator, you don’t necessarily have a bad battery, but you certainly might not have a functioning one. Any bad alternator should be replaced, so be sure to look out for any signs of a bad alternator.

3. Faulty starter motor

Dead batteries or alternators aren’t the only things that can stop your ignition from functioning. If something is wrong with the starter motor that receives the electrical signal to crank the engine, your car may not respond to the turn of your key.

Common symptoms

One of the easiest ways to tell if your starter motor has a problem is to check whether your lights come on when you turn your key in the ignition. Turning your key turns your battery on, so if you’ve turned your key all the way and the lights come on but the engine doesn’t turn over or click, your starter motor could be the culprit. Any signs of electrical failure could also indicate that the starter motor needs help. Repeatedly trying to use a starter motor that has been subject to a blown fuse could cause it to overheat and emit smoke. 

4. Bad ignition switch

The ignition switch is another step on the road that leads from turning your key to starting your engine. It plays a crucial role between your battery and starter motor, carrying power from the battery to the engine.

Common symptoms of a bad ignition switch

If you have a bad ignition switch, you won’t hear the starter motor working to start the engine. You also might experience some electrical issues, since the ignition switch effectively activates your car’s main electrical systems. Flickering or dying dashboard lights are a prime example. You may also have difficulty turning your key in the first place.

5. Bad spark plugs

If your car doesn’t start, it’s possible that its spark plugs are old or dirty. Spark plugs that have become defective in any way can lead to reduced gas mileage, lack of acceleration, engine troubles such as misfires, and difficulty starting your car.

6. Broken distributor cap

It’s not necessarily the spark plugs’ fault. The distributor cap routes power from the engine’s ignition coil to the spark plugs. Broken or malfunctioning distributor caps can cause your engine to misfire, activate the check engine light, cause strange noises and, of course, prevent your car from starting.Make sure there is no moisture under the cap and replace it immediately if it’s broken. When in doubt of how to do this safely, it’s best to rely on a professional.

7. Bad timing belt

Your timing belt is another component that is integral to a functioning engine. The timing belt rotates the engine’s cam and crankshaft in unison, causing the cylinders to fire at the appropriate times.

Common symptoms of a bad timing belt

If something is wrong with your timing belt, you may hear ticking noises from your engine or strange disparities in your engine’s revving, or your engine may not turn over. Replacing your timing belt is a piece of maintenance that needs to be performed on a semi-regular basis, so if you notice any issues that could be tied to it, don’t hesitate to call your mechanic.

8. Jammed steering lock

Ever gotten into your car and found that you can’t even turn your key? If you’ve experienced this, it’s likely that your steering lock is jammed. As an anti-theft measure, your steering lock activates when someone tries to move the wheel while the key is not inserted in the ignition. It can occasionally serve as an anti-driver measure by accident.

If your steering lock jams, try to wiggle it left and right and then gently turn it in whichever direction allows some movement. Once the lock is unjammed, you can turn the key in the ignition normally.

9. Clogged fuel filter

If fuel can’t reach your engine, your car is going to have a difficult time burning it. As obvious as that sounds, you might not realize that the fuel filter is preventing your car from starting.

Common symptoms of a clogged fuel filter

You may notice an array of fuel-related troubles, ranging from sputtering to poor gas mileage and, of course, difficulty starting. Your fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles, so if yours is coming up on that milestone and your car doesn’t start, it’s worth checking and replacing.

10. Empty fuel tank

No one wants to run out of gas, but if you do, the silver lining is that there isn’t anything wrong with your car. If your tank is empty, your best bet is to get a gas can and give your car the couple of gallons it needs to start and get to a gas station. Another reason for car troubles could be that the gas in your car simply went bad.

11. Electrical issues

If your car isn’t starting, this could be from issues with the fuse box, battery cables or even the body control unit. Sometimes rodents can even get underneath the hood of your car and chew the wiring.

12. Faulty immobilizer

If you try to unlock your car with your key fob and it doesn’t work, this  may mean there’s a problem with the engine immobilizer. This can also cause a problem starting your car if the fob is unable to send a security code to the engine immobilizer.

Knowing why your car won’t turn on is a good first step toward repairing it, but sticking to a car maintenance schedule can help prevent issues from arising in the first place. Learn how to prepare so your car not starting or breaking down is less likely.

TIPS

Safety Tips for First-Time School Bus Drivers

Being a school bus driver comes with a lot of responsibility. Afterall, you are charged with safely transporting young children to and from school every day. This is a lot for experienced bus drivers to handle, but it’s even more pressing for first-time drivers.

With a school-bus driver shortage, there are a lot of first-time drivers on routes this school year.

 

To ensure you are taking the proper precautions, it’s important to follow all safety procedures and tips– especially for first-time school bus drivers who might still be learning their new roles.

Preform Pre-trip Inspections

Before taking the bus out of the lot, ensure that it is prepped and ready for your route. This can include checking the fuel levels, inspecting the tires, and ensuring all mirrors are functioning and in the correct positions. Some operations might provide drivers with a pre-trip checklist to complete before beginning their route.

Get an Up-close Look at Your Surroundings

When on your route, never guess at what’s surrounding the bus, or how much distance is between the bus and an object. School buses are large vehicles and it can be difficult to make certain turns. Before assuming and increasing the risk of getting into an accident, take an up-close look at your surroundings – even if it means getting out of the bus to check.

Know the Equipment in the Bus

Make sure you know what all of the gages and levers are on the bus, and how to use them. It’s also important to know what the various lights and signals on the dashboard mean so you’re prepared in case the vehicle starts to malfunction.

Pay Attention to – and Follow – all Road Signs

Safety should be a driver’s top priority. He or she needs to follow all traffic and road signs. This includes following the speed limit, stopping when required, yielding as needed, and obeying all traffic laws.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Drivers need to ensure they are always focused when driving the school bus. This can be difficult when there are dozens of kids talking behind them. It’s key for drivers to be able to block out the noise and keep his or her eyes on the road. This also means cell phones and any other distractions should be avoided while operating the vehicle.

Give Yourself Plenty of Room to Stop

School buses are large, and therefore require more room to come to a complete stop than your personal vehicle. Make sure you give yourself plenty of space between other vehicles, pedestrians and other obstacles when coming to a stop. Practice driving and stopping before beginning your route to ensure you have plenty of time to get used to the tendencies required to operate the vehicle.

Make Sure all Kids Are Off the Bus

Unfortunately, occasionally kids remain on the bus after a driver’s route is completed. To ensure the safety of each child and that he or she gets home safely it’s important for bus drivers to check the bus at the end of each day to ensure all students are off the bus.

TIPS

6 EASY STEPS ON HOW TO CHECK YOUR TRANSMISSION FLUID

SYMPTOMS FOR LOW TRANSMISSION FLUID

Your vehicle shouldn’t lose automatic transmission fluid in normal operation, so if the level is down, there’s a good chance there’s a leak somewhere. Consult a service professional immediately to have it addressed to avoid possible damage to the transmission. Also, some automatic transmissions do not have dipsticks or may require that a service professional inspect the automatic transmission fluid level. Check the vehicle’s owner’s or service manual.

1

Park vehicle on level surface, engage parking brake and start engine.

Leave car in neutral or park. Let engine warm up and continue to run throughout operation unless vehicle’s owner’s manual says otherwise. (Be aware that some automatic transmission fluid levels are checked with the engine off. Check owner’s manual.)

Locate automatic transmission fluid dipstick.

Typically near where the transmission or transaxle meets rear of the engine. It looks similar to the oil dipstick.

Remove automatic transmission fluid dipstick.

Wipe clean, reinsert fully and remove again. CAUTION: FLUID MAY BE HOT!

 

Observe markings at end of dipstick.

Your dipstick might have two markings for “full”—one warm, one cold. If the automatic transmission fluid level does not come up to the “warm” line, you’ll need to add automatic transmission fluid.

Insert long funnel into automatic transmission fluid dipstick hole.

Carefully add automatic transmission fluid in small increments and recheck level each time until fluid level reaches “warm” line. CAUTION: DO NOT OVERFILL OR SPILL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID ON HOT ENGINE PARTS!

Reinsert automatic transmission fluid dipstick fully.

You’re done!

TIPS

What Is an Ignition Coil?

An ignition coil, as its name suggests, plays a vital role in igniting the engine. This small yet potent device delivers up to 60,000 volts of power to the spark plugs to ensure your vehicle’s smooth operation. You can find the ignition coil nestled within the engine compartment. The heart of your vehicle’s performance lies in its ignition system, with the ignition coil playing a starring role. Keeping it maintained will help to have a smooth, efficient drive.

What does an ignition coil do?

The ignition coil functions as a power transformer. It takes the 12-volt charge from your car battery and transforms it into something much more potent. This converted voltage, which can reach up to 60,000 volts, is what your spark plugs need to ignite the fuel-and-air mixture within the engine’s combustion chambers. Without a functioning ignition coil, the spark plug would not receive the necessary voltage to create the spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mix.

Where is it? The location of your ignition coil depends on the make and model of your vehicle. One common location is attached to the spark plugs on top of the engine block.

Types of ignition coils

Understanding the different types of ignition coils can be incredibly helpful, especially when it comes to maintaining your vehicle or diagnosing potential problems.

Canister-style coils

Conventional ignition coils, often referred to as canister-style coils, were very common in older vehicles. The design of these coils is quite simple: A metal canister houses the primary and secondary windings. They typically sit outside the engine and are wired to a distributor, which then takes on the responsibility of distributing the high voltage from the coil to the spark plugs. Despite their simplicity, conventional ignition coils are known for their durability and reliability.

Distributor less ignition system (DIS) coils

As technology advanced, so did ignition coils. Enter the distributor less ignition system (DIS) coils. These coils represent a significant step forward in ignition technology. Instead of relying on a distributor, DIS coils are usually mounted directly on or near the spark plugs. Each coil is tasked with supplying high voltage to a specific spark plug. This design allows for more precise timing of spark production for each cylinder, thanks to the use of sensors. The result is improved ignition performance and efficiency over conventional coils.

Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coils

Taking the concept of DIS coils a notch higher, we have the coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coils. In a COP system, each cylinder gets its own personal ignition coil, which is mounted directly on the spark plug. This setup eliminates the need for spark plug wires, allowing for even more precise and efficient ignition. COP ignition coils provide enhanced spark energy and better control over combustion. The outcomes are improved engine performance and reduced emissions.

Signs of a bad ignition coil

How can you tell if your ignition coil is failing and needs attention? Here are some common signs:

  1. The check engine light is on: If it illuminates, it could be indicating a problem with your ignition coil.
  2. The engine misfires: Should your ignition coil begin to fail, it might fail to supply adequate voltage to the spark plugs, resulting in misfires.
  3. Starts are difficult: When spark plugs aren’t receiving enough power to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine, your vehicle will have a hard time starting.
  4. Fuel economy decreases: A failing ignition coil can disrupt the balance of fuel consumption and power generation, leading to less-than-optimal fuel economy.
  5. Power begins to lag: A bad ignition coil might not supply enough power to the spark plugs, resulting in reduced engine performance.
  6. The engine backfires: This might indicate a faulty ignition coil failing to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber adequately.

How long do ignition coils last?

On average, a well-maintained ignition coil should last around 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on factors like your driving habits, vehicle make and model, and even the climate you live in. It’s important to remember that preventive maintenance is always better than reactive repairs. Regular check-ups can assist in identifying potential issues before they develop into more severe (and expensive) complications. So, if your check engine light has been flickering or your engine is misfiring, it’s best to schedule a visit to your mechanic sooner rather than later.

Understanding your vehicle, including the vital role of the ignition coil, ensures smooth and efficient driving. However, even with impeccable maintenance, unforeseen issues can arise. Having the right auto insurance is key to protecting your car from unexpected repair costs and other road-related incidents. It not only gives you peace of mind but also helps to ensure that you get back on the road without worrying about financial implications.

TIPS

5 Tips to Avoid Animal-Vehicle Collisions

Throughout the year, thousands of animal-vehicle collisions happen across the United States. Encountering wildlife while driving can be dangerous and scary. Often animals will suddenly jump onto a roadway or find themselves in busy, urban areas and in harm’s way.

Knowing what to do when you encounter a large animal on or near a roadway can save your life. Here are five tips that can reduce your risk on the road:

  1. Be vigilant. When driving in the mountains or countryside, a wild animal accident becomes a real possibility. As you drive, always pay attention to what’s around the corner. If you see signs indicating the presence of wildlife activity, slow down, practice caution, and expect the unexpected. Keep in mind that some animals move in groups. If you spot one, there may be more nearby. 
  2. Reduce your speed. If you spot an animal in the road, immediately reduce your speed and, if necessary, come to a complete stop. You want to avoid, if possible, having to slam on your brakes at the very last moment. The sooner you spot the animal, the more time you will have to safely apply the brakes and avoid a wild animal accident. If it’s a large animal, such as a deer or moose, wait for it to move out of the road. If you encounter a deer, flashing your lights or honking your horn may encourage it to move.  
  3. Avoid sharp turns. When drivers unexpectedly encounter an animal on the road, their first impulse is typically to swerve in order to avoid an animal vehicle collision. This is definitely not recommended, as a sharp turn made at the last minute can cause your car to lose control and result in a collision. 
  4. Be extra alert during dusk and dawn. There are specific times when the probability of animal accidents with cars increases. Be on your highest alert at dusk and dawn, when animals tend to be especially active. Deer is most active during evenings and nights, when they are hardest to spot. 
  5. Seasonal factors. To avoid a wild animal accident, be extra vigilant during peak season. Early autumn is mating season for moose and other animals, so they are on the move. A deer is most visible during fall and early winter. As spring approaches, deer and other animals in the wild begin venturing out with their families and can be spotted along mountain and country roads.  
TIPS

Don’t Leave These Items in a Hot Car!

As the summertime and hot temperatures become more frequent, the most common reminders for drivers are to be aware of how warm a vehicle can get while parked in the sun and to never leave a child or pet inside that car or truck.

In addition, however, there are many other common items left or stored in a vehicle that hot weather can severely damage, destroy, or even cause to explode.

  • Sunglasses—Plastic frames can soften and warp, changing the fit to your face. Plastic lenses can also warp, making them unusable. Sunglasses with metal frames can get so hot that they can’t be worn until they cool down.
  • Sunscreen—When sunscreen is left in a car, the heat can change its active ingredients, making it less effective or not effective at all.
  • Medicines – Any prescription or non-prescription medicine should be kept at no more than 77 degrees unless it is a medication that needs to be refrigerated, like some insulins, heart and thyroid drugs. Heat can cause the medication to lose its effectiveness.
  • Cosmetics – Make-up can melt and separate, making it unusable.
  • Aerosol Cans – Hairspray, sunscreen, paint, or any material in a pressurized can may explode when temperatures exceed 120 degrees. Personal protection devices such as pepper sprays also fall into this category.
  • Electronics – Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, and other electronic devices do not deal well with high temperatures. Batteries and other components inside the device can leak and fail, turning the device into a paperweight. Heat-related damage may not be covered under warranties.
  • Batteries – Face the same issues as electronics. Batteries can deform, leak, and even explode when exposed to high heat for long periods of time.
  • Pens, markers, and crayons – Heat will deform plastic pens and markers. Ink will either evaporate or leak. Crayons will melt into a gooey mess and then harden once temperatures drop.
  • Food—Groceries or leftovers should be considered UNSAFE if left in a hot car for more than an hour. Snacks and candy, especially chocolate, will melt into a gooey mess.
  • DVDs and CDs – These can warp and become unplayable.
  • Beer and Wine—Both of these beverages change composition above 78 degrees. Wine quickly turns into a sour vinegar-like liquid, and beer also turns sour. Cans and bottles may explode if kept at high temperatures for long periods of time, and other alcoholic spirits can change under high heat.
  • Canned and Bottled Soda—High heat can affect the taste and consistency of carbonated drinks. Heat can also affect some soda ingredients, changing the flavor of the drink. In extreme heat, cans and bottles can explode due to heat creating extreme pressure inside the container.
  • Plastic Water Bottles – Avoid using plastic water bottles that have been exposed to sunlight and/or heat. Some bottles can release small amounts of the substance BPA, which has been linked to health risks in high amounts. Avoid this by purchasing BPA-free water bottles or a glass container.
  • Cigarette/Cigar Lighters – Disposable or refillable, the pressurized flammable material will expand under high heat conditions. These can burst and even explode.
  • Credit/debit cards – High heat can cause these to warp or deform and become unusable – even if they’re the new “chip” style card.
  • Latex gloves or other latex items—Latex rubber has a relatively low melting point, so gloves and other latex items can lose their ability to protect or provide a barrier.

One suggestion is to keep an insulated ice chest or cooler in the trunk or back seat of the vehicle. This can offer some short-term protection for items that are exposed to the heat.

And never, never, ever leave children, pets, or the elderly in a car parked in the sun. Not even for a minute.

TIPS

3 SIMPLE STEPS TO CHECK BRAKE FLUID

Dehydration can make you feel sluggish and irritable, limiting your ability to think and move. Turns out, your car can suffer from dehydration too. Like your body, your car needs fluids to run at its best, fluids like motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, and brake fluid. But while you likely check your oil and wiper fluid every few months, how often do you check your brake fluid? If you’re like most drivers, not all that often.

Checking brake fluid is easier than you think and far more important than you could ever imagine. There’s a lot riding on maintaining optimal brake fluid levels, including your safety, your car’s responsiveness, and its overall lifespan. Without brake fluid, your car or truck won’t stop when you push the brake pedal. Talk about a serious hazard!

HOW TO CHECK BRAKE FLUID

Read on for three simple steps to checking your brake fluid at home. Please keep in mind that these instructions are general guidelines. Consult your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle.

  • LOCATE the brake fluid reservoir on your vehicle’s master cylinder, under the hood. Refer to the owner’s manual if you need help.
  • CHECK the brake fluid level against the “maximum” and “minimum” lines on the exterior of the reservoir. They might also be listed as “max” and “min” or similar terms, or represented by depth lines. If you see that the brake fluid is at or near the “minimum” line, it’s likely time for a brake service.
  • EXAMINE the color and clarity of your brake fluid. Old brake fluid tends to be muddy brown/black and looks like used motor oil. Like motor oil, brake fluid gets darker the more grime and debris it picks up. The dirtier it gets, the less effective it becomes. Dark brake fluid is a good sign you should consider a brake fluid flush. However, the only surefire way to know that you need a brake fluid exchange is by testing for copper levels in the fluid, a service that our friendly auto technicians can perform for you.

If checking your brake fluid level isn’t a DIY activity you’re comfortable with, no worries. Feel free to stop by your local Firestone Complete Auto Care and let our technicians take a look. It’s our job to make sure your brakes are doing theirs!

WHAT IF MY BRAKE FLUID IS LOW?

If you suspect your brake fluid level is low, it’s time to visit a professional, especially if the dashboard brake light has come on too! There could be a leak or your brake pads may need replacing. Either way, leaving it up to chance could mean a scary reduction in brake performance.

CAN I CHANGE MY OWN BRAKE FLUID?

Are you considering changing your brake fluid at home? While checking your brake fluid level can be simple, changing your brake fluid isn’t. Consider leaving a brake fluid refill, change, or flush to the professionals since doing so:

  • Can require a dozen or more tools, some of which are unique to the process.
  • Exposes you to a fluid that can be extremely toxic.
  • Threatens your vehicle’s paint job, since brake fluid can eat away at it.
TIPS

5 Driving Tips for Extreme Heat

The forecast in New Jersey: Hot and getting hotter. And, that can make for troublesome travel.

When the temperature increases, decrease your risk on — and off — the road with these safety tips:

1. Check your tires. You’re already checking your tire pressure every month, right? Even if you are (most of us don’t), keep a closer eye on them during the warm months. Heat can increase tire pressure rapidly.

2. Keep cool under the hood and inside your car. If you don’t remember the last time you had your engine coolant checked and flushed (mechanics recommend flushing and refilling every two years), now is probably a good time — before you hit the road. Give your air conditioning a test run, too. If it’s not cooling you down, get it serviced.

3. Act quickly if your car starts to overheat. When your car’s temperature moves above the halfway mark on the dashboard, try turning off your air conditioning and turning on your heat to give your engine a break. Pull over if it’s safe to do so, and give your engine even more of a break. Call for roadside assistance if there’s steam or smoke, and get away from the car if it’s smoke. More of a do-it-yourselfer? Be careful opening the hood of an overheated car, and don’t add coolant or water until the car cools down.

4. See to the comfort — and safety — of your passengers. Within just 10 minutes of parking your car on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can hit 110 degrees. Don’t leave kids or pets in a parked car, even for just a few minutes, and bring plenty of water for the trip. The back seats and cargo areas of many cars don’t get as much air as the front seats, so make sure your kids, both human and furry, stay hydrated.

5. Proceed with caution in an electric car. High temperatures (and cold ones, too) can reduce the charge of your battery, sometimes by as much as 40 percent. You’ll want to take that into account when planning a trip.

Different seasons bring different car maintenance needs. Follow these tips to help make sure you and your car both stay cool in the heat.

TIPS

Top 10 Tips to Successfully Maintain Your RV

These 10 handy tips will help you successfully maintain your RV and protect your investment.

1. Inspect the roof seals and seams of your RV

Be sure to inspect your RV’s roof for leaks every three months. Water leaks can occur through any open seams in your roof’s edges, vents, skylights, or air conditioning unit. Initially, water will soak into your roof’s outer wood framework and then it will seep through the inner ceiling panels causing extensive amounts of water damage. There are a number of sealants you can use to patch up your RV’s roof leak. It is important that you use a sealant compatible with the material of your RV’s roof. RV roof materials can range from: Fiberglass, Metal, EPDM (Rubber), TPO, and ALFA.

2. Tighten your RV’s wheel lug nuts and check tire pressure.

Before every RV trip, be sure to tighten your RV’s wheel lug nuts and measure tire pressure to ensure your safety on the road. Check the vehicle’s wheel lug nuts to make sure they haven’t loosened up at any point during previous travel or while in storage. Driving with loose lug nuts is dangerous and could lead to losing a wheel on the road. In addition, checking your RV’s tire pressure is important because overinflated tires may explode, doing damage to your RV, and possibly causing you to get into an accident on the road. Underinflated tires are also dangerous, creating control problems and generating more resistance on the road, which effects your gas mileage.  Tire pressure changes as temperature increases and decreases, so if your RV has been sitting all winter, your tire pressure will have significantly dropped creating an unsafe and fuel inefficient ride.

3. Check your RV’s batteries.

The last thing you want to happen on your camping trip is a dead RV battery. Some batteries have water levels and some are maintenance free. The goal for an RV’s battery is that you do your best to keep it fully charged at all times. Batteries tend to last 3-5 years. After three years, a deep-cycle battery (towable RVs) starts to lose capacity. After five years, a start-type battery (drivable RVs) starts to loose capacity.

4. Keep waste water system in good condition.

Maintenance of your RV’s waste water system includes making sure that you are using chemicals that are designed to work with each system, whether it be gray water or black water systems. In addition, you need to use adequate amounts of fluid to start the system after flushing, and make sure that you flush the system on a regular basis. If you don’t maintain your RV’s water system, you will get excessive amounts of buildup, which may cause clogging of the system, failure of operation, and valves seizing.

5. Keep your RV’s brakes maintained.

It’s important to keep your RV’s brakes maintained for your safety as well as everyone else’s on the road. Brake maintenance should be on your RV’s spring to-do checklist. Maintain the wheel bearings and make sure that they are nice and lubricated throughout the summer.  In addition, make sure your brakes still have enough material left on them and that they’re working properly so you get a good working activation in the trailer. Brake replacements can run anywhere from $300-$500. Replacements usually include a repacking of wheel bearings and replacing the seals.

6. Clean and treat your RV’s slide outs and seals.

Slide outs need to be cleaned on a regular basis so you don’t have dirt build up in and around the seals. Not cleaning your slide out could cause problems sealing your RV. To clean your RV’s slide out, you want to lubricate the slider mechanisms to make sure that they run in and out with the least amount of wear and tear on the motors. For window seals, there are also lubricants that you can use around the rubber to help keep them fresh and pliable so that they create good seals. In addition, it allows easy movement of the windows up and down and side to side. If your windows start to catch, the felt that they slide on could begin to tear and require a replacement.

7. Change your RV’s oil.

Unlike a car that you do regular maintenance to every 3,000-5,000 miles, an RV tends to sit a lot. It’s important that you do oil changes on a seasonal basis just to make sure that everything is lubricated and running to the best of its ability. For RVs, it’s recommended to change your oil every 3,000-4,000 miles or every year (spring is a great time). If you don’t change the oil, your RV will receive excessive wear and tear on its engine and may require expensive service or even lead you to purchasing a new engine.

8. Replace the air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters in your RV.

Similar to changing your RV’s oils, you need to change the air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters in your RV on a seasonal basis. Usually, we recommend inspections of the air filter, fuel filter, coolant, and hydraulic filters at every oil change. Similar to not changing the oil, you could have excessive wear and tear to your RV’s engine and on the drive train of the RV.

9. Keep your RV’s awning maintained.

It’s important to keep your RV’s awning clean so you don’t get mildew and mold buildup. By inspecting it on a regular basis you can catch and repair any possible tears early on before they start to grow larger. If you don’t clean off your awning during an RV trip, debris could cause nests (bees!) to build up, or items could get stuck and tear the fabric. Depending on what type of damage is done to your awning, a tear in the fabric could cost up to $600. Replacing the awning itself is around $1,300-$1,400.

10. Make sure the electrical connection from your RV to your tow vehicle is working.

The connection from your RV to your tow-vehicle is of critical importance to your safety on a RV trip. This is what transmits your electrical signal from your tow vehicle to your RV, turning on your RV’s brake lights when you hit the brake pedal in your vehicle. This electrical connection gives you and your RV safety when driving on the road both during the day and at night. Another benefit of the electrical connection is that while you’re driving, your tow-vehicle is charging your RV’s battery through the charge circuit. Ultimately, your electrical connection makes sure your RV has good brake activation, a fully charged battery, and makes sure all your lighting is working.

 

TIPS

10 Basic Car Maintenance Tips You Must Know

Taking care of your car is, in many ways, like taking care of your health. While it is important to take your car to the shop for regular maintenance, as well as obvious emergencies, it is equally important to develop some basic habits for keeping your car in top shape at home.

1. Keep an Eye on the Fluids

Keeping the motor oil, power steering fluid, and coolant topped off is an easy way to maintain your car’s performance. Refer to your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic to show you how to check your fluid levels and where to pour in more if needed.

2. Owner’s Manual

Periodic references to your owner’s manual are extremely valuable. There is so much going on with our vehicles that no one can be expected to remember all of it.

3. Watch the Warning Lights

Cars have elaborate systems of sensors and warning lights that will tell you everything from whether you forgot to replace the gas cap to the fact that one of your tires is low on air. Learn what each of your warning lights means and how to resolve it.

4. Check the Tire Pressure

Correct tire pressure is absolutely essential for proper vehicle handling, and to minimize the risk for premature wear and even complete tire failure (blowouts). Yet tires lose air every day. Your car might have a tire pressure warning system, but it will engage only when a tire drops down to a dangerously low-pressure level.

5. Feel the Car’s Operation

Pay attention to the way your car feels when it is operating normally. Once you understand this baseline, you can begin to notice when something is wrong. When a new “feel, vibration, shudder, jerk, bump or hesitation sets in these are all signs that something has changed.

6. Listen to Your Car

Machines do communicate audibly – they make all sorts of “Normal” sounds so when abnormal sounds begin to appear this is your car telling you to take it to your trusted car care center.

7. Lighting Check

Inspect exterior and interior lighting once a month. Also, refer to your owner’s manual for a proper understanding of all lighting systems used in your car. This might seem simple and intuitive but some lighting systems only come on under certain conditions.

8. Do a Walk Around

Driving is a serious business therefore it’s a good idea to walk around your vehicle at least once per week. In fact, commercial drivers are required to do pre and post-trip inspections each day.

  • Look for body damage.
  • Check your wiper blades to ensure that they are still in good shape.
  • Inspect tires for abnormal wear, punctures or cuts.
  • Test all the locks, windows, and even the sunroof (if equipped) to make sure they operate easily without sticking.(You may need a window for an exit in a wreck)

9. Keep It Clean

Taking care of cosmetic details such as washing and waxing helps to improve the life of your car’s paint, and can prevent the formation of rust.

  • There is no substitute for mechanically washing your car – hand washing. Hand washing removes the film that makes paint appear dull.
  • Wash wheels and tires.
  • Wash glass – inside and out (including mirrors).
  • Keep the interior free from debris that can obstruct your feet on the control pedals.
  • Vacuum the floors.
  • Remove leaves from vents.

In addition, the better your car looks and smells, the more money it will be worth in an eventual trade-in.

10. Find a Trusted Mechanic

It is absolutely vital to your car’s health as well as your financial health for you to form a relationship with a mechanic you trust. Working with the same mechanic throughout your car’s life lets he or she get to know your car, its full history, and its individual quirks. This can make troubleshooting easier and help your mechanic quickly hone in on just the right solution.

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