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.