10 Practical Tips To Prepare For Fall Weather

Driving safely during the fall months requires more than just cautious driver behavior though, your car also needs some attention. Here are 10 practical tips to help get your car ready for fall!

1. Check the brakes and tires. Inclement weather and associated road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power. That means good brakes and tires. If the tires have wear bars showing, say the experts, you need to replace the tires. Most good brake and tire shops will inspect the brakes and tires at no charge. Also check the tire pressure, as tire pressure drops when the outside temperatures plummet. Keep the pressure at levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

2. Check the lights. Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers. Replace all broken bulbs and those that have stopped working. Make sure all lights are clean. If you own an older vehicle with sealed-beam headlamps, you might want to pony up for halogen lamps for improved visibility and safer driving.

3. Replace wiper blades. The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield. Cracked or worn blades won’t do an adequate job. Check the blade’s rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to see that the blades clear the glass. Replace worn blades.

4. Make sure heater/defroster work. Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun or safe. Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition. If necessary, have heater and defroster systems repaired.

5. Have the battery checked. A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather. Have the battery and charging system inspected by a trained technician who can replace it if required. If you see signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or cable ends or if you spot loose connections, your battery needs attention.

6. Inspect under the hood. Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing. Look for leaks, cracks or loose clamps in the cooling system and squeeze the hoses and replace any that are spongy-feeling or brittle. Inspect the underside of drive belts for fraying and replace as required. If you’ve noticed any engine noises, experienced sputtering or other engine problems, have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine and make any necessary repairs.

7. Change oil and air filter. If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation. If you can’t see light through it when you hold it up to a 60-watt bulb, it’s time to replace the air filter.

8. Refill cooling system. Experts such as AAA recommend checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is too low, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to allow proper antifreeze capability. It may be necessary to refill the cooling system.

9. Check all fluid levels. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary.

10. Get a good car wash/detail. It may sound crazy, spiffing up your car with an extra-special wash or even a detail, but when your vehicle is clean, it’s easier to spot any potential problems.

TIPS

7 Car Noises You Should Never Ignore

Hmm. Purr. Vroom. Modern engineering has made driving a car easier on the ears than ever.

But there are some car noises you don’t want to hear, because they can signal trouble. Every once in a while, roll down the windows and start listening for “any sound that is odd,” says Mike Peth, director of technical training at Ohio Technical College in Cleveland. “You know your car, so you can often pick up something that may become a problem.”

1. A sound like a coin in a clothes dryer

What it means: If you hear something rattling around inside a wheel at low speeds (and then stops as you drive faster) it could be a loose lug nut inside a hub cap. That might mean your wheel wasn’t tightened properly the last time it was removed and replaced. Take your car to a mechanic ASAP.

2. Brakes squealing, grinding or growling

What it means: If you hear a squealing noise, your brake pads or shoes might be nearing the end of their service life and must be replaced. If they grind or growl, get your brakes checked out immediately. It could be a sign that pads are so worn that metal is touching metal—a serious problem that could affect braking efficiency.

3. A finger-snapping, popping or clicking sound when you turn

What it means: If you have a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel drive vehicle and hear this sound when you turn or corner (but the noise stops when you steer straight) one or both of the constant velocity (CV) joints on your front axle could need replacing.

4. A rhythmic squeak that speeds up as you accelerate

What it means: If you have rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and hear this sound, the culprit could be the universal joint (U-joint), which are found in pairs and are components of the driveshaft. Get it checked by a mechanic immediately.

5.  A howling, whining or even “singing”

What it means: This is usually a sign that your bearings—tiny metal balls that help parts rotate smoothly—aren’t doing their job. But which ones? If you have front-wheel drive, and the sound changes as you turn left, right and back again, it’s likely your front-wheel bearings; a gradually growing, steady howl signals rear-wheel bearings. If you have rear-wheel drive and the whine gets louder as you accelerate, your differential, which allows your wheels to spin at different rates when needed, could be leaking fluid. Get it fixed immediately.

6. Rhythmic clunking, tapping or banging from under the hood

What it means: There could be a serious problem with valves, connecting rods or pistons. Get to a mechanic ASAP.

7. Squealing under the hood at start-up or when accelerating

What it means: This could come from worn or loose accessory belts that drive things like your power steering pump, air conditioner compressor and alternator. With newer cars, it may point to the serpentine belt, which drives multiple accessories at once, and is relatively easy and cheap to fix.

 

SOURCE

TIPS

Tips To Keep Your Car Sensors In Good Condition

The sensors in your car are a safety feature; they help you maintain good driving habits. By keeping your car sensors in good condition, you can avoid unnecessary damage to your vehicle and even to you and your passengers.

For example, if the airbag failed to deploy during an accident, this could cause serious injuries or even death. To prevent this situation, you have to keep your car sensors in top condition.

1.Diagnose Electrical Problems

The first thing you should do is to diagnose an electrical problem as soon as it occurs. If your car runs rough or doesn’t start or runs rough, the battery is likely weak and needs to be replaced.

If your vehicle starts but doesn’t run smoothly after that, the problem can be with the starter or alternator.

When diagnosing a loose battery connection or a faulty fuse, it is good to test each individually. You may use jumper cables to test for shorts between two points on the circuit board. If this doesn’t work, you have to go through more troubleshooting steps until you find out what’s wrong with your car.

2. Check The Battery Cable Connections

Next, you should check the battery cable connections on the ground and underbody of your vehicle. This will allow you to know if one of them is loose and causing issues with starting your car.

If you notice that they are all okay, replace them with new ones after checking out their condition to see if they are old or damaged.

3. Clean Regularly

Another thing you should do is to always clean your car sensors. Doing this can remove dust and dirt, which can cause issues with the sensor’s ability to function correctly.

You can use a soft cloth or cloth diaper to wipe down the surface where the sensor sits. You should also ensure that there are no dirt particles or oil on the surface. If any residue is left behind from previous cleaning attempts, you might want to do one more attempt before moving on to something else.

4. Not Leave The Sensor In Direct Sunlight

Sunlight is harsh on electronic devices, especially car sensors. If you leave your car outside for long periods, the ultraviolet rays will damage your car’s sensors. For example, it might cause an anti-lock braking system to stop working correctly or a cruise control system to slow down or stop altogether.

If you want to keep your car sensor in good condition, you should avoid leaving it in direct sunlight. Instead, park your car under a shady tree or inside a garage to prevent damage from occurring.

5. Keep An Eye On Your Car’s Oil Level

Keeping up with your car’s oil level is essential because it can affect how well your car sensors work. If there are too many contaminants in the oil, it can damage the sensors and make them less effective at detecting obstacles. The same is true if there isn’t enough oil in the engine. An overfilled machine can have the same effect on your car’s sensors as a small amount of contamination in the oil.

Thus, you must check your car’s oil level regularly and monitor how much it drops. If it keeps dropping, the sensor may be wrong, and you should take it to a mechanic immediately.

6. Adjust Sensor Alignment

If your car’s sensors are misaligned, it can cause issues with the system. Also, they will need more time to pick up on vibrations. This can affect the performance of the airbags and seat belt tensioners.

The sensors are aligned by adjusting the sensor bracket on each side of your car. To change the sensor brackets, you’ll need to remove them from the vehicle and rotate them in either direction until they are flush against each other. Once you have adjusted them, replace them into your car and then test drive to ensure that everything works correctly now that they’ve been aligned perfectly.

 

 

TIPS

5 Tips to maintain your car radiator

Have you ever been in stop-start traffic with an overheating car? If you answered yes, then you’re not alone. Maybe you skipped your last car service that was due, and so your vehicle may be in dire need of a car cooling system service? Whatever the case, the best way to deal with a situation like this is to turn your air conditioner off and open all your car windows. You want to give your engine less work to do.
 5 tips to help maintain your radiator
The same applies to your old car that may struggle up a hill and show signs of getting hotter than normal. You want to try to relieve the strain on the engine so don’t push your car too hard or rev it too much. Slow down or stop completely if you can. The harder your engine needs to work the more heat it will produce and then your vehicle ends up overheating. It goes without saying of course, that not getting yourself into these stressful situations in the first place is key. So be sure to visit your one-stop auto repair shop in Marietta to get your car service done regularly. You can also follow these are 5 maintenance tips to keep your radiator functioning optimally:
1. Always use the right coolant 
Only use coolants specific for your make and model of car, and don’t mix coolants. The requirements for aluminum and copper-brass radiators may be different and the usual coolant may not suffice.
2. Regularly flushing your radiator 
Every 12 months or 30 000 km’s a radiator flush and engine coolant replacement will remove the build-up of rust and residue and keep your radiator working properly.
3. Maintain the hoses and check for leaks 
Look for leaks and cracks in your radiator hose every time you change the oil in your car. Check also for rusted clamps and make sure your gasket that’s fitted to your radiator cap is still ok. Look for visual signs of leaks or drips under the engine.
4. Fluid check 
Maintaining proper levels of coolant is vital. It will not only stop your car from overheating in hot weather but also stop fluids from freezing in very cold climates.
5. Don’t overload your vehicle 
The heavier the load your vehicle needs to carry, the more your radiator needs to work to cool your car down. Overloading is a major factor in your car overheating as the load on the engine is increased and thus puts your car under extra stress.
TIPS

TOP TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR CAR’S BRAKE SYSTEM

The health of your brake system is crucial to the performance and safety of your car. Poor brake system maintenance not only compromises the efficiency and longevity of your vehicle, but is also a major cause of road accidents.

The brake system is somewhat complex, but fairly easy to maintain. It is critical that you have your brake system inspected regularly and necessary repairs done on time. Some of the key components in the brake system include brake pads, brake lines, master cylinder, rotors and calipers.

Key Brake System Maintenance Tips

1. Have Brake Pads and Rotors Checked Regularly

Due to its nature of operation the braking system endures a lot of wear. Brake pads and rotors form the point of contact between the braking system and the tires. These two components wear more quickly and hence require more attention and maintenance. Brake pads endure a lot of heat which causes a lot of wear. It’s critical that you use high-quality brake pads that offer sufficient resistance to wear.

If you notice you need to apply a lot of pressure to your brake pedal, an increase in your stopping distance or a burning smell you need to have your brake pads and rotors checked.

2. Get a Brake Fluid Flush

When you step on your brake pedal, pressure builds up and is transmitted through brake fluid from the master cylinder, via brake lines and into the calipers. These in turn transmits this pressure to the brake pads and rotors. Brake fluid is therefore a critical component of the braking system since it acts as the messenger of the braking system.

Unfortunately, with time it attracts moisture, which can damage your braking system. This moisture corrodes the metal components of the braking system, reduces the boiling point of the fluid hence compromising the effectiveness of the braking system.

3. Have Your Brake Lines Bled

Apart from getting a brake fluid flush, bleeding of brake lines is also important so as to remove the excess air. When air gets trapped in the brake lines, it compromises the efficiency of the braking system.

4. Replace or Upgrade Brake System Components

From time to time you will need to replace some components of your braking system. This is an opportune time to upgrade to specialized or higher-performance components. Some of the popular brake system upgrades are slotted disc brakes which are more heat resistant and quieter ceramic pads that also emit less brake dust.

5. Brake System Care

There are some external factors that can cause excessive wear to your braking system. Carrying too much weight and heavy breaking are just but some. It’s important that you avoid such situations to preserve your brakes and chances of brake failure.

TIPS

5 tips for avoiding distracted driving

Distracted driving can pull your attention from the road and put others in danger. Knowing how to avoid distractions is vital for keeping employees safe on the road. Our tips can help.

1 Recognize the risks

Using an electronic device, drowsiness, eating and drinking, and focusing on other passengers in the vehicle are among the riskiest driving distractions.

2 Turn off the phone

Power off cell phones and other mobile electronic devices until you reach your destination or pull over in a safe and legal place if you cannot wait to talk or text. Cell phone blocking technology can help by preventing calling, texting, or using the Internet when driving.

3 Keep calm

Stay calm in stressful driving situations and don’t respond in kind to another driver’s erratic or aggressive driving. Keep your distance and let the driver go first if they are determined to do so.

4 Prepare for your trip

Preprogram music and navigation systems, and familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s safety features before setting out. Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary or loose objects.

5 Identify distracted drivers

Look out for motorists who are drifting from their lanes, driving at inconsistent speeds, or are preoccupied by other distracted behaviors. If you think the distracted driver is a danger to others, pull over in a safe place and call 3-1-1.

TIPS

Here’s How Many Miles You Can Drive After the Gas Light Comes On

Driving with the gas light on can be dangerous—for you and your vehicle. Here’s how many miles you can actually drive on empty.

We’ve all driven a bit too long after the gas light comes on, overestimating our gas mileage and pushing our tank to the limit. Whether you were trying to beat rush hour or save money on gas by waiting to fill up, it can be a panic-filled moment looking for the nearest gas station. But just how many miles can you safely drive after the gas light comes on? The exact number will depend on several factors, including the make and model of your car, your driving habits, regular gas mileage and whether you drive a fuel-efficient car, says Kyle MacDonald, vice president of marketing at Force by Mojio, a GPS fleet tracking app for small businesses. You’re not going to get as far, for instance, in a sports car driven aggressively than you will in a compact car driven carefully.

But here’s the good news: You have more wiggle room than you think. While knowing how to find cheap gas, utilizing the best gas apps and best gas credit cards, and understanding how to get better gas mileage can help you avoid running on empty, you can still learn a thing or two about driving with your gas light on and preventing any damage to your engine. Here’s how many miles you should be driving with the gas light on.

How far can you drive after the gas light comes on?

There’s not a standard number of miles you can drive when the gas light comes on, says automotive electrician and road safety expert Robert Muñoz. “Typically, it will light up when the tank is below 10% to 15% of its capacity.” In general, after the gas light comes on, Muñoz says it’s safe to drive about 20 to 30 miles in a smaller vehicle or up to 50 miles in a larger vehicle.

Does a car’s make or model affect how many miles you can drive after the gas light comes on?

Yes, the type of car you have makes a big difference. A car with a 10-gallon gas tank might have one gallon remaining when the light comes on. A Ram 1500 truck, however, will have around three to four gallons of gas left. Consider each car’s mpg: If a small city car with a 10-gallon gas tank gets about 40 mpg, it could probably make it 40 miles to the next gas station. Meanwhile, a Ram 1500, which gets around 30 mpg on the highway, could make it as far as 100 miles after the gas light comes on. Typically, when the gas light goes on, about two to four gallons are left in the tank.

(www.rd.com)

TIPS

6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Brake Pads

As a car owner, paying attention to the sounds and signals your vehicle is giving you is essential.

The brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car’s safety system; if you neglect them, they can lead to costly repairs and even accidents.

When Should You Change Brake Pads And Rotors?

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while rotors typically should be changed anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

However, the exact number can differ depending on driving conditions and styles.

The good news is, you’ll likely experience minor symptoms when your brake pads are getting towards their end of life, making diagnosis and repairs easy.

What are the signs that you need to change your Brake Pads and Rotors?

1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes

If your brake pads are near the end of their useful life, the first symptom you’ll begin to notice is a squeaking or squealing noise coming from the brakes. Squealing brake pads are typically caused by excessively worn-down pads.

Once you’ve worn down your pads enough, you’ll start to experience a grinding noise, at which time you’ll also begin to damage your rotors, making the repair cost even more expensive.

2. Grinding Sound When Braking

As we stated above, if you’re experiencing a grinding noise while you’re applying pressure to the brake pedal, your brake pads need to be replaced ASAP. Some brake pads have built-in metal wear indicators, which are designed to make a loud noise and alert you that it’s time to replace the pads.

If you leave the brake pads to continue grinding, you’re opening yourself up to a lot more damage and higher repair costs.

3. Vibration When Braking

If you feel your car shaking when you press the brake pedal, it means that there’s something wrong with the brakes. It’s probably because the rotors that help stop the car are not smooth anymore, causing the brakes to work unevenly.

You should take your car to a professional to fix it.

4. Taking Longer To Stop

Another major sign that your brakes need to be checked out is loss of performance when applying the brakes. If you’re experiencing less than ideal-stoppage times while applying your brakes, it may mean your brake pads are worn down completely or that your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak).

For a true understanding of what’s going on with your brakes, you’ll want to get to a brake mechanic as soon as possible to ensure you keep all braking abilities.

5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On

Most modern vehicles come with brake warning lights that appear on your dash. One is your Antilock Braking System (ABS) light, and the other is your brake system warning light.

Your brake light won’t always come on when there is an issue — it’s also the light that appears on your dash when your parking brake is engaged.

But if you’re seeing a brake warning light and your parking brake isn’t engaged, it’s time to have a brake expert look at your system to diagnose your issues.

6. Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin

One way to easily check on your brake pads is to inspect them visually for wear. To do this, look between the spokes of your wheels and locate your brake pad.

If it appears to be less than a ¼ inch or 6.4 mm thick, you’re probably due for a set of new brake pads.

TIPS

10 Things You Should Never Do While Pumping Gas

Whether you fill up your gas tank just once a month or several times a week, safety should be top of mind when you’re at the gas pump. While static electricity-related incidents at the gas pump are uncommon, there are some things you can do to stay safe when filling up. Here are 10 things to keep in mind when pumping gas.

Don’t Leave the Engine Running

Make sure you put your vehicle in park and turn the engine off before pumping gas. You should also switch off any auxiliary 12-volt power sources such as phone chargers and cigarette lighters because, while rare, they can be a potential igniter of a fuel fire.

Don’t Get Back in Your Vehicle

Don’t get back in your vehicle when re-fueling. A small amount of static electricity can build up and cause a spark when you touch the metal, which could be dangerous when mixed with gasoline vapors.

Don’t Use Your Cellphone

Gas stations are busy places. While you probably won’t cause an electrical spark when using your cellphone around a gas tank, you should avoid using your phone so you stay more alert and focused on what you are doing.

Don’t Overfill

Stay alert and be sure not to overfill your gas tank. Most fuel tanks shut off automatically when the tank is full, so trust the tank so you don’t end up spilling gasoline everywhere.

Keep Gas Off Skin, Eyes

If you do get gasoline on your skin, wash the affected area in lukewarm water and soap. If you get gas in your eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should flush them with tap water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Keep Children in the Car

While you should stay outside the vehicle when pumping gas, children should be left inside the car. Not only will this help them stay away from toxic fumes, but it will help you keep your attention focused on what you’re doing.

Of course, never leave children alone in the car if you have to walk away from the pump.

Don’t Smoke

Never smoke around the gas pump. And this should be obvious, but never ignite lighters or light matches anywhere near a gas pump.

In Case of Fire

If you do experience a fire when refueling, back away from the vehicle. Leave the nozzle in place and notify a gas station employee right away.

Use the Right Container

If you are filling a container with gas, make sure it is an approved portable container. Leave it on the ground when filling and then place it in the vehicle. Make sure the cap is tightly closed and remove the container from your car as soon as you reach your destination.

Transport Gas Safely

If you are transporting gasoline in a portable container, make sure it is secure in the vehicle so it doesn’t tip over and spill. You should also never leave gasoline in sunlight or in the trunk of a vehicle.

TIPS

How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire

Have you ever encountered a case of a punctured tire and there is no place around to pull over and change the tire? How far can you drive on a flat tire? Fortunately, you can still drive a short distance before you cannot go any further.

Although driving with a flat tire is dangerous because it can cause damage to the wheel, there are still cases of force majeure. According to experienced car drivers, it is vital to go slowly, try to drive on flat roads, and come to a complete stop somewhere safe as soon as possible.

How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire

Never try to go more than a few miles with a puncture, even if the tire is not completely flat. You may need to go further than that to get to the tire changer. But at least, you can stay away from the dangers of the big road. Remember to slow down and pull over to a safe place as soon as possible.

  • You can change your tires almost anywhere. So, do not find a private parking spot for your car.
  • Make sure your safety before worrying about car repair.

Driving a Car with a Flat Tire

1. Drive slowly

Do not try to go faster than 15 mph to 20 mph with flat tires. Going fast can cause permanent damage to the wheels and can cause you to lose control of the wheel. Gently press the accelerator pedal and go slowly until you find a suitable place to change the tire.

  • Driving at high speeds will only damage the wheels faster because high speeds can expose the wheels to greater forces without the tires protecting them from rough patches or road debris.
  • If you are going downhill, let the vehicle go down gently by inertia with one foot ready to brake.\

    2. Choose the terrain when driving with flat tires

    Stay away from potholes, slippery slopes, or rough, cracked roads. Bad pavement can damage the rims, bending and deflecting the rims. Pay attention to wet or sandy terrain that can cause the vehicle to slip, sink or get stuck. Asphalt roads, parking lots, or highways are the best terrain options for cars with a flat tire.

    3. Going straight is best

    Do not take zigzag or winding roads when looking for a place to change tires. Instead, go slow, straight, and turn gently. Remember to find the straightest path to take.

    • Keeping the wheels running can help combat wheel traction. But do not push too hard if it could interfere with your ability to drive.
    • Fast and sharp turns can put pressure on the rims.

      4. Quickly to a safe place

      When you have the opportunity, get off the main road and head to a place with less traffic. Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Then, pull the handbrake and turn on the emergency lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is in trouble.

      • Park the vehicle on a level surface in case that your vehicle will need to use a lift rack.
      • Do not get out of your vehicle if you are unsure of the traffic conditions on the road.
TIPS