What Makes an Engine Oil, Good Engine Oil?

Engine oil is very important to the health of a car. It has often been compared to being the blood of the engine and the engine to being the heart. Some people regard it as so important, that they will faithfully change their engine oil every 3,000 miles and nothing can stop them from doing it. Some people have a favorite brand of oil that they swear does wonders for their cars. What is the best oil for your car? What makes oil, good oil, and why do we need it? Is it that important?

What is Engine Oil and Why Do We Need It?

Engine oil is the substance that lubricates your engine and keeps it running. It also protects the engine from rust, gunk, and corrosion. It decreases the heat generated by the moving parts by forming a protective coating over the moving metal parts. This decreases the friction, which results in a reduction in heat produced by that friction. Engine oil has additives included, which are chemical agents that serve as detergents to clean the engine. The molecules of the additives keep the dirt in suspension so it will not settle into the moving parts. The oil also helps to provide a proper seal for the gaskets to prevent leaks.

Types of Oil

One type of oil is conventional oil. This type is made from petroleum hydrocarbon, which is crude oil. This crude oil would be the same oil that is spouting through pipes at oil-rigs. This oil is good for the newer model cars because it is lighter oil. Most newer cars have parts that are too snug against each other for a thicker oil to penetrate. Therefore, the newer cars benefit the most from conventional oil. The second type of oil is the synthetic blend oil. This oil is a mixture of crude oil and lab-created lubricant. These oils are good for older cars, high-mileage cars, and performance cars. The third type of oil is the synthetic oil, which is made of laboratory-created materials. These are the most expensive oils on the market. You should consult your owner’s manual to determine which one you can use in your car. All of these types have either a single or multi-viscosity rating. The single viscosity oil has only one number to denote its rating, such as SAE then a single digit number. This rating denotes the time in seconds times ten that it takes the oil to flow from one point to another when it is warm. Multi-viscosity oils have two ratings, represented as 10W-30 or 5W-20, with the first number representing the flow rate of the oil when it is warm and the second number represents the flow rate of the oil when it is cold. 

How Do You Choose?

You should first determine the type of oil that is already in your car. Then you need to check the owner’s manual to determine if it is the correct one that you should be using for the winter. You need to choose low-viscosity oil in the winter because it will flow easier when it is cold. You also need to consider the age of your car. If you have an older car or a performance car, you may fare well with either a synthetic or a synthetic-blend oil. Consult with your mechanic to determine which would be the best choice for you. 

An Understanding of Your Car’s Power

Have you ever gotten into your car and gone to turn on the vehicle only to find it

doesn’t start? Have you heard a loud and long whining noise that resembles the noise

your car makes when it normally starts, but without the telltale sound of the engine

coming to life? Often when you return to your vehicle, after parking it overnight or

having it in storage for a prolonged period of time, this kind of thing is very common.

The answer, in most cases, barring some severe engine troubles, is that the car’s

battery is dead. This can usually be confirmed by a light on the dashboard, and

depending where your car is parked and what resources are available to you it could

mean a lot of trouble.

The Car’s Battery

When the car’s battery is dead it means it’s getting no power to start. An engine needs

its electrical systems in order to turn on, so without power running through them it’s

pretty much useless. The electrical systems of the car are used to activate the

electronics that then kick the engine into action. When the key is turned there is a fuel

injection into the piston chambers, and an electrical current starts the spark plug,

which ignites the fuel and starts combustion, getting the engine going. With a dead

battery there’s simply no power to start the spark plug, meaning that there’s nothing

to get the engine going in the first place, making the car dead in the water, so to

speak, and not going anywhere.

The Alternator

When your car is turned on and the engine is working, it is constantly generating

power. This power is all filtered through the car’s alternator, which is a system

designed to measure and sort the electrical output of the vehicle. As the car engine

works, as it generates power, this power is sorted out and used to power all of the

car’s electronic systems and charge the battery simultaneously. The alternator output

is crucial to keeping the car running, and often if there’s a problem with the alternator

the car’s battery is going to die very fast, leaving you with very few options. This is why

it’s important to make sure the systems are checked often and that the mechanic you

use also goes about inspecting wires for any flaws.

What to do When the Battery is Dead

So you got into your car and turned the key and the car didn’t start. Either you left your

lights on or your stereo, it doesn’t matter. Leaving the headlights on, especially high

beams, is one of the most common killers of car batteries. If you were prepared for

such a situation you might have a booster kit in your vehicle, to give your car that

jump start it needs to start the engine. If not then you’ll either need to call a tow truck

or find someone friendly enough to give your car a boost. A boost is, quite simply,

sending the electrical charge from one car into another to get the engine going, and

allowing the battery to charge back up.

Headlights: The Illumination to Winter Safety

Headlights are a very important part of vehicle safety. Most of the time, people do not think about them until one of them goes out. Inspecting your headlights should be a part of your routine general car maintenance. If it is not, now is a good time to begin implementing it now that the winter season is looming. It is imperative that you keep your headlights in good condition so that your journeys over pavement are safe and secure. It not only keeps you and your passengers safe; it keeps the other drivers and their passengers safe, also. 

Clean Your Headlights Yourself

You can choose to clean your headlights yourself. The plastic that houses the bulbs for the headlight, fog light, and turn signals can turn yellow or milky over time. The addition of road salt and other chemicals only hastens the discoloration. If the plastic is discolored, it mutes the light coming from the bulb, and you will not have good visibility. This can cause you to have an accident. It can also prevent you from being seen by other drivers. They may not be able to gauge where you are on the road. It is very difficult to remove the yellow or milky film. You can find cleaning kits in auto repair supply stores that may provide some result. You will also be able to find headlight-polishing paste that you can buff onto your headlights and then wipe off. Some people find that the kits can sometimes make new scratches over the ones you are trying to polish out, and they can cause scratches to the paint on the hood and front bumper. 

Get a Professional to Clean Them

The way to get the best possible result is to take it to a professional. An ASE master technician with his certification in auto bodywork would be qualified to perform this service for you. They will have the knowledge and experience needed to get the headlights to shine brightly again. They will have the correct equipment and materials they need and will be able to give your headlights a new life. In cleaning the surface, they will also be removing the road salt and other chemicals and grime that can accumulate and cause damage to your headlights. With the do-it-yourself polishing kits producing lackluster results, many people have opted to take their car to the professional and received a thorough cleaning. They found that their visibility was greatly improved and they felt more comfortable driving at night or when it is dark outside.

What are the Other Benefits?

The most important benefit you get from taking care of your headlights is the additional safety on the road. Clean headlights mean that other drivers will more easily see you and you can see other drivers. The light will be sharp and clear and it can even help your peripheral vision. You will be able to see things that are in your vicinity more clearly. Cleaning your headlights should become a regular part of your maintenance schedule. If you add this increased visibility to the performance you get from your car after a winter safety check, you can make sure that you will not have to spend any time waiting for roadside assistance or for your friends to come pick you up. 

Check Engine Soon Light

It might present itself as a “Check Engine”, “Check Power Train”, “Service Engine Soon”, or just a little engine symbol – but whichever way your car presents the check engine light, it is important not to ignore it.  If a check engine light is ignored for a long period of time, there could be extensive damage done to your car.

Why Was the Check Engine Soon Light Invented?

The check engine soon light is part of your vehicle’s emissions system and it was designed to alert you about emissions problems monitored by the car’s computer.  It became standard on cars in the 1980’s.  Federal law actually mandates that all new cars sold in the United States have a check engine light.  In addition to turning on the check engine light in your car, the car’s computer also stores a code that identifies the source of the problem that allows the problem to later be identified by one of our technicians using a scanner.  This same computer also controls and monitors vehicle performance, fuel mixture, ignition timing, regulates engine speed (RPM), and in some cars it even tells the automatic transmission when to shift.  

What Causes the Check Engine Light to Come On?

There are some common things that cause your check engine soon to come on.  These things include a loose gas cap, faulty oxygen sensor, bad battery, alternator, baseline parts, and hose & wires.  Sometimes the cause of a check engine soon light is as simple as a gas cap that has not been properly secured. In this case, it is a simple fix to make the check engine soon light turn off.  A second cause might be a faulty oxygen sensor.  While a faulty oxygen sensor may be over diagnosed, it is still a common cause of the check engine soon light coming on in your car.  The main purpose of an oxygen sensor is to examine the amount of oxygen in your car’s exhaust system as compared to the oxygen outside of the system.   The third possible cause of the check engine soon light coming on is a bad car battery.  Our technicians can use an automotive computer to make sure that your battery isn’t causing problems with your car’s electrical system and electronic parts.   A forth cause of the check engine soon light coming on might be your car’s alternator.  Our technicians can test your alternator and diodes.   Your car’s alternator converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) though a series of diodes.  If these diodes fail to complete the conversion, then the AC current can pass into your car’s electrical system confusing your car’s computer and turning on the car’s check engine soon light.  The fifth possible cause of your check engine soon light coming on can be your car’s hoses and wires.  Thus, it is important to get your car’s hoses and wires inspected by our technicians.  If a bad battery and alternator are ruled out as the cause for your check engine light coming on, our technicians may do a visual inspection of your hoses and wires.  During a visual inspection we look for oil soaked wires and vacuum hoses.  We also keep an eye out for frayed wire and anything else that looks out of the ordinary.  Lastly, our technicians may check that your car’s baseline parts are properly controlling fuel delivery and producing high voltage to fire up your car’s spark plugs.  

What Is Tire Alignment and What Causes Improper Tire Alignment?

Improper tire alignment can create problems with your vehicle.  Simply put, tire alignment encompasses all components that make your vehicle go straight. Improper tire alignment can affect your cars driving performance as well as cost you money. When you get your car tires aligned by one of our professionals, all four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel. Your car tires can get out of alignment due to many factors, including simply driving your car.  Running over a pothole and driving on unpaved roads both can take your car suspension out of where it is set and cause tire alignment to be off.

Why Is Tire Alignment Important?

Tire alignment is important for many reasons.  The first reason is to make sure that your tires are aligned is that it improves your car’s gas mileage.  Especially when gas prices are very high, every adjustment that can be made to your car to save money is a good thing.  Having your tires aligned properly decreases the resistance your car gets from your tires and thus saves you money.  The second reason for good tire alignment is that it improves safety.  When wheels are properly aligned, it improves your car’s tracking and steering, making car driving safer.  The third reason for proper tire alignment is it reduces tire wear.  If your car tires are aligned and wear evenly, than your tires will last longer and you won’t spend as much money on tire replacement.  Improper tire alignment contributes to tire wear because your tires are either pulled in an awkward direction or not rolling straight, causing excessive wear.  The forth reason to maintain good tire alignment is that it improves vehicle handling.  If your car vibrates or shimmies, it is probably due to improper tire alignment.  When tires are not aligned properly, it can also cause your steering wheel to pull to one side or the other.  It could also make your vehicle feel as though it is loose or wanders.  Frankly put, tire alignment can drastically improve vehicle handling and driving enjoyment.  

What is Adjusted in Tire Alignment?

What actually is adjusted during tire alignment?  There are four elements that go into tire alignment including the caster, toe, ride height, and camber. The caster is part of your cars suspension and is the angle of the steering axis.  It supports the tire assembly and the tire itself.  The caster stabilizes your vehicle at high speeds and improves the overall steering feel of your car.  The toe is whether or not the rears of the tires are closer or further apart as opposed to the fronts of the tires.  Ride height is the distance between the frame of the vehicle and the road.  The camber is the inward and outward tilt of your tire.  Adjusting the camber dictates how much tire tread will be in contact with the road.

How Often Should Tires Be Realigned?

So, how often should tires be realigned?  It is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire alignment.  These tips can be found in your car’s owner’s manual.  Generally, tire alignment should be checked every 10,0000 miles or once a year.

Reduce Your Auto Repair Bills with General Car Maintenance

The condition of the economy has made many people look for ways to cut costs in their housing, heating, food, and auto repair in the winter. Even though money may be tight, you should not skimp on general car maintenance. Establishing a regular schedule of maintaining your car is the best way to ward off high auto repair bills and improve fuel efficiency. If you are not sure when you should be performing maintenance, you can consult your owner’s manual or your local trusted mechanic to help you set up a regular schedule that you can post in an area where you are sure to see it frequently. Since you will see it often, the subject of car maintenance will be more likely to make a leap up your list of priorities.

Watch Your Fluid Levels

One of the most important things you can do for your car is to routinely check your fluid levels. Some people only check the brake fluid and oil and consider their work done, but it is more to it than that. Make sure that all your fluids are clean. Flush out your radiator and change the oil. When you change the oil, do not forget to change the oil and air filters. Regular fluid checks can reveal any leaks or other problems that may be developing. If you notice that your oil level is getting lower in a short amount of time, you could have a leak or some other engine issue. Your car should not be consuming brake fluid. If you notice that your brake fluid level is getting lower, you have a leak somewhere and you need to take it to a mechanic so it can be repaired immediately. Loss of brake fluid can result in a complete loss of stopping ability. Top off your windshield washer fluid and check your transmission fluid levels.

Have a Bumper-to-Bumper Inspection Before the Winter

A bumper-to-bumper inspection is not just to assure a car buyer that the car of interest is in good running condition. A complete inspection would include all of the systems on your car, including the heating and cooling systems, steering and suspension systems, and braking and transmission systems. It would also include a tire inspection and you can add other options such as wheel alignment and inspecting wires. Your engine will be checked for potential problems and your mechanic will inform you of any problems he sees and give you an estimate of the repairs needed. If you have your car checked before the winter, you can be assured that your car will run during the winter with minimal issues. 

Take Care of the Tires

A tire inspection will help you to determine if you have the proper amount of air in your tires. It is best to invest in a good set of snow tires for the winter. Although all-season tires are available and popular, car manufacturers are making tires wider and with a low profile, which means that your car is actually lower to the ground. Low-profile tires are not conducive to driving on snow and the efforts to control fuel consumption by optimizing air pressure are minimal at best. Checking your tires will help you discover any slow leaks or other possible tire problems. If you catch problems early enough and faithfully perform general car maintenance in the present, you can avoid a huge repair bill in the future. 

Keeping Your Car Running

For most people a vehicle is a crucial part to their everyday lives. It’s required to go to and from work, to link them up with loved ones and to take them where they need to go. Taking armloads of groceries onto a bus is unappealing to everyone, and a car helps to save you from all that trouble. In fact some places don’t even have a bus system, so those groceries would be dead weight you have to carry all the way home. However for all the help a car is to you and your everyday life, it needs to be taken care of as well. The relationship between driver and car is mutually symbiotic, and so long as they take care of each other, everything will continue in peace.

General Maintenance

The driver of a car takes many things for granted as they use the vehicle, but it’s important they at least keep certain things running. Maintaining air pressure in the tires, gas in the tank and windshield washer fluid full are all small things that every driver should do simply because these things all affect their everyday performance. Since the driver is behind the windshield, for example, it’s very important they keep the windshield washer fluid full so when they push that button, the wipers will clean the glass and allow them to see again; something which is vital to all drivers. If it doesn’t come clean perhaps it’s time to look into windshield wiper replacements, easily available at auto parts stores, where service representatives can help you find the right type for your model of car.

Inspections and Routine Maintenance

Most people don’t have a thorough knowledge of the inner working of their vehicle, however they can sense when something is off. The car might slowly veer to the left or right, for example, or take bumps particularly hard on occasion. Little things can tip people off that there’s a problem either started or forming in their vehicle. When this happens it’s crucial that these warning signs are not ignored and the vehicle is brought in for inspection. Usually these things are caught, however, during routine maintenance performed. Tire rotation should be performed quite regularly, as well as oil changes and routine check-ups.

Improving Longevity

Most people seek to make their vehicle last as long as possible. There are many things you can do to increase the longevity of a car and also increase its performance. Checking tire pressure, keeping the oil fresh, replacing the engine coolant and all those little things help add months, if not years, onto a vehicle’s life. Keeping it clean both inside and out can help prevent rusting or deterioration of the material that makes the car. Taking it inside from the rain or covering it if it’s stored outside for a long period of time, as well as making sure the gas tank is never completely empty, help it for long term storage, and in such a case turning it on and running it for a short period of time can make sure it requires little maintenance when taken out of storage.

General Car Maintenance Tips for the Beginner

While you are forgiven if you head to the mechanic for most car and engine repairs, you must ensure you carry out basic maintenance and checks on your own. Car maintenance checks are much more than checking and topping off your fluids, checking your tire pressure, and make sure all your lights work. In order to enhance the shelf life of your car, you will need to carry out the following basic maintenance operations on your car.

Make Sure Your Brakes Are Efficient

Brakes and brake pads in a car are very important for you to efficiently maneuver the vehicle. You must never ignore the condition of your brakes, as brake failure can be the most dangerous car break downs that can be life shattering, second only to tire failure. In order to make sure you never have to bear the brunt of a brake failure in your life, check the fluid levels periodically and ensure that your brake pads are in top working order. Failure in the brake components must be immediately taken care of by a mechanic before it leaves you stranded on the freeway or worse. You must ideally, look to replace your brakes once you notice that your stopping power has greatly diminished or your brake pedal isn’t as stiff as it once was.

Regular Tire Inspections Are A Must

The tires on your car are the victims of rash driving, incessant speed changes, bad and bumpy roads, and constant braking. Nonetheless, they tend to wear away sooner than the eight year shelf life they’re sold with. You must keep an eye on the tire alignment, tire pressure and other tire safety parameters. When you notice even a slight problem with your tires, make sure you immediately visit a mechanic and get your car inspected. Tires are hugely responsible for safety in the car and you must never let faulty tires put you and your car in risk at all. One way you can ensure long lasting tires is by using a tread depth gauge to check for optimum thickness regularly. However, during summers and winters, proper tire inspections at a garage are necessary, though the readings on the tread depth gauge might reveal no problems.

Proper Coolant Checks Are Important

The coolant in your engine is in charge of several tasks and thus, requires constant checking. It not only keeps your radiator from overheating but also is a good antifreeze component, and keeps corrosion levels low in the internal hardware of your car. Treating your coolant with the recognition it deserves is an important general car maintenance task. You must not only check the coolant levels regularly, but also make sure that cleanliness and effectiveness is at an even keel. If there is a slight disconnect in the efficiency of your coolant, you must strive to replace it as soon as possible. Though you must look at your car manual for more details on the specific coolant replacement times recommended, we suggest replacing the coolant either after 24,000 miles or every two years. Apart from fuel inspections, you also have to check engine belts, head, brake and turn signal lights, and fuel efficiency for a comfortable shelf life.

Pre-Winter Checklist For Your Car

The moment fall is over; you will need to set up an appointment to have your car inspected for winter driving by one of our ASE Certified mechanics. It is important to ensure that the serviceable parts in your car are maintained to function superbly in the chilly temperatures too. Apart from the general car maintenance guidelines that every car owner must follow, we’ve compiled a list of winterizing techniques that include tire inspections, maintenance of electrical systems in your car to avoid start up problems in the cold mornings, windshield wiper replacements to avoid collisions and enhance road visibility, and a proper fuel delivery system. 

Make Sure to Have Regular Oil Changes

An important checklist as you begin winterizing your car is to have a proper oil change done for your vehicle. Oil behaves differently in summer and winter, and this might cause problems with the overall operation of the engine in below freezing point temperatures. It comes down to basic physics; the colder the temperature and higher viscosity of the liquid, the “thicker” that liquid becomes.  Most vehicles use a 10-weight oil, which is perfect for the summer time, but during the winter months, it makes your engine work harder in order to start on those cold mornings.  Depending on the vehicle, it’s best to have a lower weight oil put into your engine.  With a lower weight oil, it won’t become so “thick” in the overnight hours when the winter temperatures really dip into the freezing temperatures.  This is will make your car start easier in the morning.

Carry Out Tire Inspections Before Winter Begins

Although the AAA and the ASE recommend tire inspections and replacements of components at least twice a month, you will need to completely overhaul your tires before winter. Thanks to the salt deposits on the road, the low temperatures, and the need of traversing on slippery snow and frost, tires wear down very quickly in winters. Thus, if your tire is old and more than two years old, we suggest changing it immediately. You could also attach snow tires if your city is under a lot of snow in the winter. Tread gauges are also important to check the allowable distance between the tire and the tread tool. You also want to check tire pressure and see if your vehicle is pulling to one side of the road.  If you feel anything requires any type of professional attention, get your vehicle into our shop so that we may further diagnose the problem.

Flush Your Coolant Systems and Radiators For Better Performance

Throughout the heat and humidity of the summer, you’ve relied on your coolants and radiators to dissipate heat externally and get rid of overheating prospects in your car. In winter, coolant systems and radiators are also components with a demanding workload, though now, their duties would be to ensure that the chillness outside does not intrude the hardware and that the heat remains in the car always. Thus, flushing your cooling systems and radiators and ensuring that the coolant, the antifreeze and other fluids are at the required levels are a must before winter hits. 

Your Vehicle Guide to Winter Safety

The snow and the ice are on their way, and what better way to prepare for them than to learn a bit more than you already know about winter safety. Winter safety is regarded as one of the most important topics for new vehicle owners, but it is just as important for those who have been driving for quite some time. If you want to stay extra safe this winter, and ensure your car performs well, read on and find out how for more information. 

The Winter Fluid Edition

Just because it is cold outside, and you have to don a pair of gloves, a hat and a coat, it does not mean that general car maintenance is not necessary. In fact, people tend to have more problems with their cars in the winter than in any other season, including the fall. Winter safety begins with a car that is well taken care of. Do not stop checking your oil just because the weather dropped; it can and will still need to be changed on occasion, and topped off. The cold does not stop it from being used. The same goes for fluid checks across the board. Windshield wiper fluid is used just as much in the winter, due to dirt getting mixed with snow and ending up on your windshield. Be sure to check all of your fluids just as regularly during the winter as you do during the summer or spring. 

Listen to Your Breaks

Your brakes are even more important in the winter than they are in the summer or spring. And seeing as they are considered one of, if not the most important aspect of your vehicle already, that is no small sentiment. Thus it is imperative that you “listen” to your brakes during the winter. This does not mean attempting to diagnose any issues yourself; it means accepting or recognizing issues you are having. Does it take you longer to brake than usual? Are your brakes vibrating, or making strange sounds? In the winter a lot of factors can make brakes behave strangely, but none of them should be ignored or assumed to be “normal.” If you notice anything strange about your brakes, or if your vehicle is handling different than usual, then you should bring it in to a shop immediately, or as soon as possible. This is a big part of winter safety; just as your body aches or pains to tell you things, your car will certainly have its ways of telling you things as well. And while you may not know what those things are, or be able to diagnose them, you can listen to them.

More Winter Safety Tips

Winter safety does not stop with a good car in working order; it comes down to you as a driver. Aggressive driving can be fatal in the winter, and a break down can be dangerous.

The Fall Vehicle Safety Maintenance Check List

This fall, if you have a family, a job or other prior engagements, you are going to be using your vehicle fairly often. Whether you put on ten miles a day or one hundred miles a day, the necessity for safety remains the same. Thus, maintaining your vehicle well during this season is crucial. With the possibility of high winds, heavy rains and colder weather, a lot can happen to your vehicle. The following check list is detailed to give you the scoop on what you need to do in order to maintain your vehicle this fall, all by yourself. 

Oil Changes and Oil Checks

The weather may have cooled, but your vehicle will still be running the same as it always does. This means that you still need to check your engine oil frequently, and change it when it is dark. 

Wind Shield Wiper Replacements

Winter is close by, and thus if your wind shield wipers can not get the job down now, they will not be able to get it done in the following months. If you are not satisfied with your wind shield wipers, or want to try to get better performance from them, your best bet will be to replace them. 

Tire Pressure

Slick roads are made far worse by swathes of damp leaves. The fall is beautiful, but if your tires are too low on air, you will find yourself in an ugly side of it. Check your tires frequently and fill them up as needed.

Antifreeze

You may think the colder weather negates the need for temperature regulation in your vehicle, but that can not be any further from the truth; cold or not, antifreeze is still a necessity. Check your levels whenever you check your oil, and top off as needed.

Check the Tread on Your Tires

Having enough air in your tires will not give you all the traction you need; if your tires are bald, they will slip easily on the fall leaves, causing any number of problems. Prevent this by checking your tread before the fall season to ensure that your tires have sufficient tread. If they do not, consider purchasing a new set of tires—ones that will be of as much use in the fall as the winter. 

Brakes

You want to pay attention to your brakes at all times, but especially in the fall. During this season, your brakes will be used nearly twice as much as in the summer or spring seasons. This is due to the slippery conditions that the road will be in as the leaves fall from the trees. If you find that your brakes are making sounds that you do not recognize, or they are vibrating your vehicle, or they are simply taking more pressure or time than usual to kick in, it is imperative that you bring your vehicle in to get looked at. The winter season will not be any kinder to it, and thus the problem should be addressed before the next season, as the roads will only continue to get worse. 

Estimating the Costs for Getting Your Brakes Fixed

The brakes on your car are perhaps the most important aspect of the vehicle. Brakes help you to stop, slow down and, in all senses, avoid collisions of any kind. If your brakes are starting to go—making strange sounds, taking too long to catch—then you may very well be considering getting your brakes fixed. But how do you go about this, and are brakes expensive to have fixed? Well, this all depends on a few things.

How Are Your Brake Lights?

Do your brake lights work? It is important to know this before you get your brakes fixed, because if they aren’t, you will definitely need to get them fixed. But why are brake lights so important? Consider a world without them. People would be stopping their vehicles, or slowing down, and no one else on the road would have any notion of it until they ram in to the back of the other vehicle! Brakes lights are all about caution, and awareness. A brake light lets everyone in the vicinity know that the person in the vehicle is going to be (a) stopping suddenly or (b) slowing down to either stop, or change lanes. This is important in preventing collisions, and so you should check your brake lights before going to get your brakes fixed. This will ensure that you get all of your brake related problems fixed at the same time, saving you any future worry. 

Knowing That Your Brake Pads Are Wearing Down

It is not safe to try and diagnose your brake problems by yourself. This is because brake issues are all very similar; a squeaky stop, or a groan or whining sound, can mean a number of things. Brake technicians are trained to diagnose these problems. Without training, it is very easy to mistakenly choose the wrong issue, resulting in expensive repairs in the wrong area of your vehicle. One thing that certainly means your brake pads are worn down, though, and is of no danger diagnosing on your own, is if it takes your vehicle longer than usual to come to a complete stop. This is because there is not enough of the pad left to properly grip the wheel, resulting in more pressure being necessary in order to bring your vehicle to a complete and utter stop.  Thus, if you notice this issue, bring your car in and ask to have your brake pads inspected, which should be free of charge, and if needed, fixed. 

Calculating the costs of your Brake repair

Depending upon the make and model of your car, brake repair costs will vary drastically. There is no way to really and truly guess the cost of your break repair, however you can bring your vehicle in for a brake check. This is a test, completely free of charge at most mechanic shops, where your vehicle is tested for various brake issues. Once the test is complete, the mechanic will be able to tell you what the brake issue is, and give you an estimate of how much it will cost to have the problem fixed.

Air Bags: Going Beyond Safety

Air bags have come a long way. In older vehicles, air bags were located in the dashboard of a car or truck, where they would then deploy upon impact. The problem is, many times air bags would either fail to deploy, or do so as a result of minor collisions with little damage to the vehicle. However, newer vehicles have a range of air bags, and each serves a specific safety function that can, and maybe someday will, save your life. 

Side Air Bags and Head Level Air Bags

The newest types of air bags are side air bags. These are built in to the structure of the door, just behind the passenger seat. In the case of a side collision, these air bags will deploy on the side of the impact. Whereas in earlier vehicles, getting sideswiped left you unprotected by an air bag, usually resulting in the front air bad deploying and causing further harm, the new air bags are made to cushion the impact of a side impact. These are great safety features that can potentially save your life should you ever be hit by a driver who is blowing through a red light. Head level air bags are also newer. Older air bags deployed at an upward arc, almost upper cutting the passenger or driver. New air bags deploy at head level, keeping the neck from being subject to whiplash, or other forms of damage commonly associated with frontal impacts. With enough pressure to knock you back, these air bags can also keep you from hitting your face on the dashboard—an issue that older air bags sometimes would actually cause. 

The Dangers of Air Bags

Air bags, as discussed above, have come a long way. However newer airbags can potentially cause a hazard to younger children, more so than older air bags. As good as your brake pads are, and as quick as your reflexes are, they cannot make up for the fact that children are more frail, and much smaller, than adults. This is why it is important to ensure that your children ride in the back seat until the proper age. Head level air bags especially can be a danger to children in an impact because they are usually completely too high to help. Some newer model vehicles have backseat air bags, but not all do, so it is dire that you practice seatbelt safety with your children when they go for a ride in your vehicle. 

Air Bag Replacements

If you have been in a collision, part of your car repair bill can and will include air bag replacement. Once deployed, an air bag is essentially useless. This is because they are full of air, and use this to pressurize their trajectory when an impact occurs. Once used, air bags in most cars are unable to be refilled. They must be fully replaced, which involves work done on the inside of your vehicle. But it is important that you do get them replaced. In the case of a future impact, whether your fault or not, an air bag may very well save your life. 

Common Brake Problems Faced Today

There are few things more terrifying as a driver than to press down on the brake pedal and have absolutely nothing happen. Fortunately this doesn’t happen very often, but a little knowledge can stop a lot of panic attacks down the road.  Having well maintained brakes and brake pads is a part of car ownership that will keep a driver and all passengers in a car safe. Practicing safe driving techniques can also contribute to reducing the wear and tear on your brakes. When a driver listens to every sound and pays attention to the feeling of the brakes and how they react, a driver will be able to avoid many problems. 

Brake Pad Troubles

When the brake pads have worn through you will know it because it will cause a noticeable scraping and grinding sound, because there is metal rubbing against metal. Clearly the maintenance of this vehicle has been put off far too long.  A failure to fix this immediately is going to leave to more costly repairs than just the brakes.  Having bad brake pads and brake shoes is just a part of general car maintenance. 

Brake Lights on the Dashboard Come On

If the brake lights on the dashboard light up, they are trying to tell a vehicle operator something important.  You should cease driving immediately because brake failure could be eminent. Have the brake system checked out completely because this is often an indication that there is a leaking of brake fluid occurring.  If you have any leaks in the system they should be repaired immediately so that the vehicle will be safe.  The brake light could mean that the emergency brake is still on.  Fixing this is much easier as all you will have to do is release the emergency brake. 

When the Brakes Are Shaking

Sometimes a driver will experience that feeling that the brake pedal is shaking or vibrating. This is a sign that the brake rotors of a vehicle are probably not evenly worn. When brake rotors don’t make consistent contact evenly with the brake pads then the result is a shaking in the brakes.  The problem should be addressed, by either resurfacing the rotors or by replacing them all together. Once the repairs are done the brake shaking will cease. 

Brake Pedal Pushes in Too Far

When a brake pedal is pressed a driver should feel a little resistance to the foot. If the resistance is not as great as it should be, the brake pedal will have to be depressed to a level that is not normal. This is caused most often by worn brake pads or brake shoes or that there is air in the lines. Get your brakes checked as soon as possible to fix any long term problems. However in the short term pumping the brakes or depressing them several times quickly will help the brake system compensate for this problem. 

Common brake problems happen all the time in vehicles of all kinds. Pay attention to the performance of your vehicle and address any uncommon sounds that occur when you press the brakes, or any feeling that is different in the way they react.

Antifreeze Helps Keep Your Engine Running

One of the things that most car owners don’t pay enough attention to is the antifreeze in their car, unless there is a problem.  This special liquid is added to the cooling system of your car to keep your car running at a constant temperature and not overheating. This engine coolant is also unique because it doesn’t allow the water in it to freeze when the temperature outside is freezing.  The purpose of this article is to inform readers about the possible side effects of not having the proper amounts of coolants in their radiators. 

Too Much Coolant 

People always worry about not having enough coolant in the radiator.  If you have too much then that can cause problems as well. The extra antifreeze will flood the overflow reservoir when the coolant heats up. This could lead to a full out radiator spill into the environment. This is a bad thing because it is bad for the direct environment. It is also well known to be extremely toxic to animals, so any creature in the area will be at risk.  The coolant tastes very good and sweet to dogs and cats. When it is carelessly spilled on the ground it can cause some unnecessary damage to a family pet. 

Not Enough Coolant 

As you operate your vehicle you are most likely going to be losing a small amount of coolant from your radiator no matter what you do. Evaporation will cost you some, and then as you vehicle gets a little older the hoses and their corresponding attachments to the radiator will weaken, loosen or develop holes. These leaks will be minor at first but eventually will cost you a bit of antifreeze on a consistent level. You should check your coolant level on a consistent basis as you do a routine fluids check.  If you forget for a long time you are putting your engine at risk. 

One of the first problems you will face is your engine overheating. You will know this is happening when the light on the dashboard comes on. Most people would check the levels of their coolant before it gets to this point. If your engine overheats, pull over, turn off the car and wait for the engine to cool down.  You should always carry some extra antifreeze with you in the trunk of your car.  Do not try to remove the radiator cap because it is highly pressurized. You will risk being sprayed with burning hot antifreeze if the pressure is on there. Add coolant to the overflow and be patient, the rest should take care of itself.

Worst Case Scenario

If you don’t have enough antifreeze in your car radiator and it overheats, and you don’t notice it right away and pull over then the outlook can be severe for your vehicle. Once significant damage is done to the engine block there is no way to repair it other than to replace it. This is a costly operation and will take a bit of time as well. It is much less expensive to keep your radiator fluid at an appropriate level. 

What Kind of Engine Oil You Should Use

Oil is one of the most vital components to the proper working condition of your engine. Making sure that you are using the right engine oil will make the difference. Engine companies make the oils so that they can be used by all of the different makes and models of vehicles out there. Knowing the way that your vehicle operates can help you to know what kind of oil you should be using. Remember that all of the performance vehicles should be using synthetic oil. If driving a standard vehicle, it is important to make sure that the engine oil you are using is consistent with the temperature outside. Changing the oil regularly will help to make sure that the engine is able to operate properly at all times.

Synthetic Engine Oil for High Performance Vehicles

High performance engines operate with such a high RPM – revolution per minute – need to have synthetic oil in order to work properly. The way that the oil is made allows it to withstand higher temperatures so that it will not break down while the engine is running at a higher performance level. The added benefit to using synthetic oil in high performance vehicles is that the oil does not have to be changed as frequently. In normal conditions, it is possible to go for twice a long without changing the oil in your vehicle.

Using the Right Engine Oil for the Season

Oil viscosity is dependent on the season. This is because the oil will be thicker when it is cold outside and hotter when it is cold outside. Looking at the numbers will help you to determine which weight and viscosity is right for your engine for the season. The most common weights are five and ten. It is possible to find it going up in weights of five all the way to twenty. The lower weight oil is used for vehicles that will operate running cooler. The second number indicates the upper limit for viscosity. The hotter it gets, and the hotter the engine runs, the higher the second number should be. These motors should also have a low weight, so a 5W30 is good oil for high performance in normal temperatures.

Investing in Regular Oil Changes

To avoid costly engine repair, it is important to make sure you are investing regular oil changes. Changing the oil prevents auto repairs because of the ability to allow engine parts to operate smoothly. The regular intervals for changing oil are 7,500 for changing normal oil and 15,000 for changing synthetic oil. If you are investing in regular car maintenance, it is possible to get the oil changed regularly. When driving a regular amount, it is possible to have oil which is always in the right season. The help it will give in a smooth running engine will make sure that you are getting better fuel efficiency as well as providing the ability to practically eliminate many kinds of engine problems which are normal for vehicles as they get older. ASE master technicians can help you to stick to a regular maintenance schedule with their knowledge of your vehicle and how to maintain it.

Problems with the Suspension and Steering

Many times a problem will crop up with a vehicle that you may or may not understand completely, and you have to guess if you should go to a garage immediately.  Any problem with the suspension systems of our cars can cause confusion and inaction.  The suspension system of a car is a very complicated network of components that work together to provide a driver and their passengers with a smooth and steady ride.  This is the part of your vehicle that bears the brunt of any pothole abuse your car experiences and all of the problems that result will affect your ride. As these parts wear out or even break you will experience a change in the way your car handles there is probably a suspension problem.

Steering Wheel is Shaking

If your steering wheel is shaking as you are driving down the road, there is most likely a problem in your suspension system or the tires. It could mean that the wheel bearings are worn or loose. The easy test for this is when you are parked try to shake the wheels, if they move with the force of your hand you are having a problem. Check your tires as well for signs of uneven wear because that may mean you need to have your car aligned.  The tie rod could also be damaged and need to be replaced. Either way this is a problem that needs to be addressed for your vehicle to continue to function in safety. If your whole vehicle is shaking at high speeds then you probably have an axle problem because they tend to be amplified at high speeds.

Bumps Cause Noise from Vehicle

When you have a damaged suspension you will often hear a clunking noise when you hit a moderate sized bump.  The possible cause of this might be damaged or broken struts, or damaged shock absorbers.  These will also show themselves by providing a feeling of swaying or bouncing on roads that are uneven.  Checking for damaged struts is done by forcing down the corner of the car. If your vehicle bounces several times from one push then you probably have a strut problem in your suspension system. This could be a broken coil spring, or fluid leaking from a shock absorber. This should be addressed as soon as possible to make sure your vehicle is safe to ride in.

Power Steering Problems

Sometimes a car will produce a screeching sound when you turn the steering wheel. Most often this is caused by a power steering belt problem. This is the connector between the power steering and the engine.  The belt may be work or just be a little loose.  This is an easy fix in many older models of vehicle, but newer vehicles use a belt that connects all accessories to the engine. Obviously this will be much more difficult and costly to replace. On the bright side, this noise could just be a sign that your power steering fluid may be low and you can just add more to correct the problem.  Checking your belt and power steering fluid levels on a regular basis can stop a problem from occurring before it happens. Driving carefully and avoiding potholes and other giant road bumps will also help to alleviate steering and suspension problems.

AAA Services for Your Vehicle

AAA, or the American Automobile Association, is the most well-known roadside car service in America. Besides being highly convenient, the AAA has been the top emergency car service for over a hundred years, since its formation. From tows to breakdowns, and in most any case you can imagine, AAA customers are covered. But how does AAA work, and how can you become a member? You’d be surprised at how simple the answers to both questions are.

Becoming a AAA Member

AAA member services extend to almost every state in America. And becoming a member is very simple. There are no qualifications to become a member of AAA past having a valid driver’s license and living in a state in which coverage is offered. AAA charges yearly rates that, considering the coverage offered, are actually very reasonable. In order to become a member, you need only to call or visit a local AAA station and register. You can also register online. The AAA website has each package outlined in full detail, and offers comparison charts to show the differences between the different levels of coverage they offer.

Services Offered by AAA

From towing to roadside assistance, AAA has all of their members covered. One of the biggest benefits of becoming a AAA member is that they offer services no other company does. Among them are on site tire changes, so that if you blow out a tire while driving, a AAA worker will come and change your tire for you, and on the spot jumping or battery replacement if your vehicle’s battery has died. All of the services offered by AAA are covered by their once a year fee, so any services you call for are fully covered, unless otherwise noted in your specific package plan. A unique feature AAA offers is a hotel discount, which allows you to get a certain amount off of any hotel bill covered under the AAA umbrella. This is highly convenient for people who travel constantly, as it allows them to get a safe place to sleep for a reasonable price. AAA members also receive a variety of discounts at certain specified stores, such as Target, dinners and restaurants, and different entertainment venues. And if you are a member and you get stuck with a friend and are not in your own vehicle, AAA will send a technician to come service their car, so long as you are with them in person.

Is Being a AAA Member Worth it?

Being a AAA member is great for anyone who has a vehicle. AAA are known for being very reliable, and for covering more problems than any other roadside assistance company. An important thing to keep in mind, however, is that AAA does not substitute car insurance. While AAA does offer a car insurance package, having a regular membership does not cover you sufficiently to constitute having an insurance plan, so it is advised that you not treat your AAA membership as an insurance plan. If you are unsure whether or not becoming a member is right for you, try talking to a friend or a neighbor who is a member.

Easy Steps to Install Windshield Wiper Replacements

Being able to see while you are driving is highly important. It is possible to see what you are doing while you are driving whenever you are able to have clean windshields. Even if you are making sure to clean your windshields every time you fill up with gasoline, this may not be enough to make sure that you are able to see the road ahead at any given time. There is road debris, rain and bugs to contend with. Making sure that you have the best windshield wiper replacements can help to keep clean windshields at all times. This means purchasing the right blades, knowing how to install them and making sure to have the windshield wiper fluid to maintain clean windows at all times.

Locating the Right Windshield Wiper Replacements

Not all windshield wiper replacements are made the same. It is important to make sure that you are choosing the wipers that clean the most amount of your windshield. Take the time to look for third party wiper blades made specifically to fit your model of vehicle. It is possible to find the size you are looking for by looking at the display for the wipers. Most auto supply stores have a book to show you all of the different models and what they have available to you. You can also choose between single, double or multiple blade wipers.

Installing the Windshield Wiper Replacements

After purchasing the wipers, you will need to install them. The process of installing the wipers is easy to complete in most cases. Simply remove the old wiper by snapping it out of the arm. Pull the wiper toward the base of the arm to pull it off of the hook that it is hooked into. It is possible to then put the new wiper into the new arm until it locks into place. Make sure that you test the wiper so that it is on the arm securely. The simple test could help in making sure that the windshield wiper replacements are on securely and will help to make sure that they are connecting properly with the window.

Topping Off Windshield Wiper Fluid

Cleaning the windshields whenever there is dirt or grime on them is a lot easier to do whenever there is enough windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir. Make sure to purchase gallons of the fluid so you can use it as often as you need to. Always make sure that you are using the fluid whenever you are cleaning the windshields from anything other than water from rain. Cleaning without the fluid can make it possible that the wipers will wear out a lot faster than they need to. Always make sure that the fluid is at the top of the reservoir whenever taking a long trip so that you can clean the windshield whenever you need to. The wiper fluid contains not only a cleaning agent, but a conditioning agent to help make sure that additional dirt will have a more difficult time sticking to the windshield. It makes it a lot easier to be able to clean the windshield and get the best results as you are driving.

Getting Fenders and More Fixed After an Accident

When you have been in an accident, it is important to get certain things fixed right away. Among the important things that you should have repaired are any fenders which might have been damaged in the accident. These are the most commonly damaged parts of a vehicle because the majority of accidents happen either from the front or back of a vehicle. Making sure that these are in good operational condition are not the only ways you can repair your vehicle after an accident. You will also need to worry about the safety features in the vehicle and the suspension of the vehicle. All of this depends on the nature of the accident and the severity of the accident.

Replacing Fenders

The majority of vehicles have plastic fenders which are designed to crumple whenever an accident occurs. This helps to absorb some of the impact rather than translating all of the impact into the frame of the car and to the driver of the vehicle. As the fender folds up, you will be left with a fender which is falling off of the vehicle as well as something which can cause your vehicle to become a hazard while you are driving along the road. In most cases, you will only need to remove the old fender and attach the new one on the snaps which hold the fender in place. Fenders can be purchased aftermarket through online sellers and automotive stores in your area.

Checking and Replacing Seat Belts

In some cases, the accident might have compromised the quality of the seat belt. This is something which can cause you to experience less safety whenever you are in another accident. Making sure that you are testing the seat belt as well as the air bags will help you to know whether you need to replace them right away. The seat belts are more important to have fully operational than the air bags are. Since they are also less expensive to replace, there is no reason why you should not have a fully operational seat belt at all times. Look for anything like a cut or a scrape which might weaken the ability of the seat belt to work properly. 

Repairing Suspension Systems

The suspension in a vehicle can be thrown off whenever you get into an accident. This is something which can cause you to have problems with the steering and suspension. Making sure that you are getting the suspension systems checked after you have been into an accident will allow you to make sure that you are able to have better safety while you are driving. The suspension of the system is very important because if you do not have a good suspension system, you will not be able to steer your vehicle properly and you may even have bad fuel efficiency as a result. If you feel that your suspension is loose whenever going over a bump or after traveling over a dip, you will need to have it checked by a professional right away. This will help you to maintain the use of your vehicle exactly the way that you want to use it.