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Cars are like electric lights. We often don’t appreciate them until they go on the blink. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership and keep you a much happier traveler!
Don’t let the thought of car maintenance intimidate you. There are actually several car maintenance tips you can do – even if you’re totally mechanically-challenged!
For instance, you’ll want to keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This involves screwing off the cap and pouring windshield wiper fluid in the right spot. You can quickly check the fluid levels when filling up at the gas station.
While you’ve got the windshield washer fluid out, pour some on a rag and clean the bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades.
If you see any colored fluid leaking from your car, get it serviced immediately.
If you smell any peculiar odor coming from your car, take it to the nearest service station. Odors mean something inappropriate is going on under the hood of your car!
Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. You need new ones once a year – might as well get them before winter sets in and you’re wiping away that ice and sleet!
Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. You can perform this quick check while filling up your gas tank.
Check your tires once a month – give a look over for cuts, bulges, or nails or other foreign objects sticking out.
Take your car to your friendly serviceman once a month and have the pressure in your tires checked. This service should cost you less than five bucks, if anything.
Every three months have your oil and oil filter changed. Many times an inspection is done during the oil change. It’s worth it to pay a little extra if you have to and have this done. Ask to have your battery checked, too.
Have your air filter changed when it gets dirty. You can ask the folks who change your oil to check the air filter. They’re happy to change it for you.
No matter how non-car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding that you can do some simple maintenance checks puts you in the driver’s seat. You’re likely to discover in advance if your car has a problem that should be taken care of immediately.
Starting a car with a cold engine can be very difficult sometimes and it can become a real obstacle for those who live surrounded by extremely cold weathers. This way, for all those who might experience this problem it is not only important to learn how to overcome it but also why it happens in order to be able to prevent it as much as possible as well.
Cold engines might experience problems at the time to start due to different reasons. One of these reasons can be based on the effect which cold has on liquids evaporation. When it is cold, gasoline evaporates less and this cause it to be more difficult to burn due to the fact that it is burnt when it is evaporated.
Another reason by which a cold engine might have problems to start is caused by the fact that oil becomes much thicker in cold than the way it is in hot. Oil, like any other liquid changes its consistency when it is exposed to very low temperatures as well as it changes back when it is in a very hot weather, and this might cause oil to have problems at the time of circulating in the car engine.
Besides the engine, car batteries might experience problems while being in cold weathers as well and this could affect the engine. Batteries function through chemical reactions which loose agility while being cold and therefore, in such circumstances, batteries don't function properly. When this happens, the car energy becomes affected and this causes problems for the engine start.
If these three problems happen together, starting an engine might become a really hard task to achieve. In order to overcome the lack of gasoline evaporation problem, you can spray ether into the engine which would evaporate quickly and help the engine start. Besides this, you can also to prevent having oil too thick which wouldn't circulate properly by using thin synthetic oils. You should also try to maintain the car isolated from cold as much as possible, but by using the two last mentioned methods you would experience much less problems at the time of staring the car in cold weather.
Leasing a car isn't for everyone. If you're like me and keep your car for many, many years then leasing isn't for you. If however, you don't get "attached" to a vehicle as some of us do, and you like having a new car every few years then leasing may be for you.
Today's cars are built very well and you can expect to get a good amount of mileage from your car. You can expect at least 100,000 miles. If you purchase a car you may have five years of payments, but your car may last eight to ten years. This means three to five years of no monthly car payments. However, as you car ages, the need for upkeep goes up too. With more mileage on you car things start to break down and costs to keep your car up mechanically may go up. It's doubtful though that what you pay out for maintenance and car repair will ever be as much as monthly payments would be.
When you lease a car you make monthly payments as you would if you purchased a car outright. But, when a lease is up you have nothing to show for it. These monthly payments may be somewhat less than if you were buying the car. Leasing a car usually requires large down payments and security deposits, taxes and fees. It isn't necessarily cheaper up front than buying a car. Also, when you lease a car you have mileage restrictions. A lease generally allows between 12,000 and 15,000 miles annually. If you go over that amount you pay for each mile. This can really add up.
Leasing doesn't mean you don't have to pay for upkeep. You are held to the manufacturers specified servicing schedule for your vehicle. If you don't have the required maintenance performed this can void your lease.
If you want to end the lease early there are generally large termination fees. At the end of your lease if there is damage to the car, or if there are missing parts you will be charged for them.
Make sure if you are considering leasing a vehicle that you understand all the fine print in the contact and all possible extra costs before signing on the dotted line.
As global oil prices continue to rise meteorically to record levels, we have to find ways to improve our cars' fuel economy and save money. Especially now that drivers are doing a lot more traveling than ever, the importance of fuel economy cannot be over emphasized. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that vehicle miles traveled by the average American has increased by over 115%. This increase in miles traveled and the present dilemma of rising fuel prices means that we are spending more on our fuel than ever before. Thus, we have to find ways to save money on gas and improve fuel efficiency, especially if our vehicles are not really known for their excellent gas mileage.
There are many ways you can significantly improve the fuel economy of your vehicle. Managing your vehicle by minimizing operating costs on gas as well as minimizing emissions is our goal. Here are some helpful tips you can use to help you achieve a fuel-efficient and environmentally conscious vehicle. Start by determining your car's actual gas mileage or your car's miles per gallon. If your car has poor gas mileage then it is more important than ever to start improving your fuel economy. You can do this by changing your driving habits. Take your time and drive slower, instead of 60mph, try driving at 70mph. Although it may take you longer to reach your destination, what is important is you can save up to $5 in gas costs because of the reduction in speed. This is because aerodynamic drag increases as you drive faster and gas mileage deteriorates at speeds of over 60mph.
Regular maintenance is a very effective way to improve and keep up your car's fuel economy. The simple reason is that a poorly maintained car works harder; and a car that has to work harder will definitely use up more fuel. Thus, maintenance issues such as under inflated tires, dirty and clogged air filters, spark plugs and fuel injectors must be resolved. Make sure that your tires are inflated to their proper pressures. Tires that are in good condition and properly inflated provide less road resistance thus improving fuel. You should also check tire pressure regularly and look out for signs of uneven wear or gas leaks that could compromise your tire's performance.
Another excellent way to cut your fuel costs is by planning your vehicle use in such a way that you can combine, streamline and consolidate your trips and reduce unnecessary travel. You should also avoid excess idling, which is a waste of fuel. Stop your engine if you think your car will be idle for more than 30 seconds. You can also minimize air conditioning and use your car's flow-through ventilation. You should also check which gas you use, stick with the right octane gas indicated in your car's manual.
Have your Dodge regularly checked by your trusted auto mechanic. Give more attention to those auto parts that are connected to the fuel consumption of your car such as Dodge fuel tanks, Dodge catalytic converters, Dodge gas tanks, Dodge radiators and others. If your Dodge's parts are either defective or is not functioning properly then it is necessary and wise to replace these auto parts as soon as possible. You can save more money in the end by replacing dysfunctional parts and ensuring that everything in your car is in tiptop shape.
However, make sure that you purchase the best Dodge Parts only from a trusted and reliable auto parts store. Pick an auto parts supplier with an excellent reputation in the auto parts industry. Inner Auto Parts is one of the many auto parts wholesalers today, but stands out from the rest because it is a reliable source of useful and relevant automotive information and a known expert in the field of auto parts. They now have an excellent auto parts store that offers top quality Dodge Parts including Dodge A/C Condensers, Dodge Lights, Dodge Weatherstripping, Dodge wheels and other major product categories. With excellent quality, replacement Dodge auto parts from Inner Auto Parts, you can be sure that your car is maintained in excellent condition thereby improving its fuel economy and helping you save money on gas.
ARA) – It’s that time of year again. Temperatures and wind chills that can take your breath away. Snow and ice that make stepping outside a dangerous proposition. You know all too well how winter affects you. It is important to take a moment to think about how it affects your car as well. After all, you don’t want to be stranded in those sub-zero temperatures.
If you live where it snows, you know the damage that snow, ice, loose gravel and salt can do to your car. Minor scratches and nicks turn to rust, your heater gets a workout it may not be prepared for, and your windshield must deal with the temperature stress of a warm interior and a freezing exterior. Here are some maintenance tips for winterizing your car:
Windshield Safety
Thermal shock is the term engineers use to describe the stress caused by drastic differences in outdoor and indoor temperatures. If you have a small ding in your windshield, thermal shock can cause your minor ding to turn into a major crack.
Repairing a small ding costs as little as $50 to $60. Replacing a cracked windshield can cost hundreds of dollars; on some cars, the cost may be even higher. "Once a ding or star (star-shaped with points spreading out) expands, windshield replacement is often the only option," said Jay Bickford, director of factory training at NOVUS Windshield Repair.
“If the damage is reported quickly, the odds are much improved that NOVUS can save the windshield”, says Bickford. “It is important to perform the repair before dirt infiltrates into the break. If you can’t get to NOVUS right away, call your local NOVUS for a windshield saver patch. These patches cover the break until it can be repaired and do not obscure your vision.”
NOVUS, with more than 20 million repaired windshields under its belt, follows a “repair first replace when necessary” philosophy. The company invented windshield repair in 1972 and has pioneered numerous innovations in the field.
To attain optimum consumer safety, Bickford recommends repairing a windshield whenever possible, instead of replacing it. Repair not only saves the windshield it preserves the factory’s seal of windshield to auto body. “Since passenger side air bags deploy off the windshield, preserving the factory installation is an important safety consideration,” explains Bickford. “Keeping the factory’s original adhesive set also helps avoid air and water leaks.”
Fluids
As any mechanic will tell you, checking fluids is the least expensive and easiest preventive maintenance you can do. Change your oil frequently (consult your owner’s manual for recommended frequency), and don't forget to change your engine coolant (diluted with 50 percent water) and transmission fluid, about every two years. Pure engine coolants can freeze at zero degrees, but mixing with water prevents freezing and provides great protection for the cold weather.
Though fluids like oil and transmission are commonly checked, other fluids integral to your vehicle's performance, may go unnoticed. Power steering, brake, radiator and battery fluids also should be filled to recommended levels.
Don't forget to top off windshield washer fluid. If you've ever driven after salt trucks have come through to melt snow and ice, you know the importance of windshield washer fluid. Do not dilute washer fluid with water since it can freeze during winter's harsh temperatures. While you're at it, you might want to change the wiper blades to prevent poor vision in already poor driving conditions.
Batteries and Corroded Cables
Winter mornings can wreak havoc on an older battery. The average life of a battery is 3 1/2 years. If your battery is older than that, it's probably time to replace. Have a mechanic check the battery and cables to ensure your car starts quickly and reliably.
Anything Made of Rubber
Worn, bald or badly aligned or balanced tires can mean accidents on ice, rain or snow. Have your tires checked for proper inflation and alignment, and rotate them about every 6,000 miles. If you live in unusually snowy areas, you may want to consider snow tires for added traction, or keep chains in your trunk or garage to help you through heavy snowfall.
Rubber parts under your hood need maintenance, too. Radiator, heater and vacuum hoses, among others, should be checked for cracks and bulges. Also, inspect all belts for damages and splits.
Rust, Minor Scratches and Nicks
Road salt can turn a slight scratch or nick to an ugly rust spot that's impossible to avoid. And it can spread. Avoid costly body work by restoring spots before they turn into larger problems.
NOVUS' Paint Restoration System corrects many problem spots, from key nicks to minor rust on metal. And since NOVUS uses an advanced paint formula that matches not only the paint and color texture, but also picks up the characteristics of the paint around the repair, the new and old paint will shine equally, or fade, at the same rate -- even on metallics, pearls and tri-coats.
Boots
Front-wheel drive vehicles equipped with CV (constant velocity) joints should have the boots checked for rips and cracks. Boots protect CV joints, but when the joints are exposed to salt, ice and snow, they can damage the joint. Replacing a joint can costs hundreds of dollars, but replacing a boot costs a small fraction of that.
Spark Plugs
Worn or misfiring spark plugs can affect how efficiently a vehicle burns the fuel/air mixture, ultimately affecting engine performance. Worn spark plugs waste gas and increase exhaust emissions, so have them checked and replaced often.
Brakes
Don't postpone needed brake work. It's dangerous to drive with poorly performing brakes, especially in snowy weather. Postponing brake service also can cause the cost of overhauling your brake system to skyrocket.
Lights
Last, but not least, check your lights. Accidents can occur if you can't see where you're driving, or if other drivers can't see you, especially as we approach winter's short days and long nights.
Maintain your vehicle regularly to provide years of service with better performance and safety.
Every BMW vehicle is truly a source of pride and of sheer driving satisfaction. Through the years, this German vehicle has lived up to the standards of its own catchphrase “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Performance—this clearly sets a BMW car from the rest of the autos within its class. The moment you rev up the engine, you would already know how your drive’s going to be. The longer you drive it, the more you get convinced it is designed and engineered to give you an ultimate driving experience. The exterior design itself can speak for its agility and responsiveness; that is because BMW has always believed that form follows function.
People behind the design and manufacturing of a BMW car have common things in mind: your safety, comfort, convenience and driving satisfaction. For this reason, every detail in a BMW is made to match the highest standards, including your own specifications. Aside from providing whatever a driver needs, BMW also provides what car enthusiasts want. BMW achieves their goal by using the most advanced and innovative technology in all BMW auto parts. From the moment you open the door, slip into the seats until you arrive at your destination, BMW pampers you through high quality auto parts.
Latest innovations featured in BMW cars include Bluetooth Wireless Technology, 5-speed STEPTRONIC, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Valvetronic, xDrive and Xenon Adaptive Headlights. The Bluetooth technology allows hands-free calling, that is, you can place or answer a call, browse the phonebook and do other things you do with your mobile phone by merely pressing on some multi-function steering wheel controls. The 5-speed STEPTRONIC feature adds variety to your driving by giving you three modes of driving: “Drive,” “Sport,” and “STEPTRONIC.” These and other modern features are standard or optional to new BMW models like the BMW 2006 525i Sedan, 2006 530xi Sports Wagon, 2006 760i Sedan and 2005 X5 4.8is SAV.
A car of special driving qualities, excellent design, high-tech interior and exterior auto parts and high respected name such as a BMW deserves special care, too. One who drives it is bound to give it proper care and maintenance for it to keep its good shape and perfect driving condition. Auto Parts Inner gives you excellent solution to your car repair and car maintenance needs. If you are in need of top caliber BMW parts to enhance or customize its looks, to improve its performance, to repair or replace worn out auto parts, Auto Parts Inner is ready to help you with your needs.
Wide-ranging pieces of auto parts information can also be found in this site. While you choose from the wide variety of BMW parts that range from smaller parts like BMW floor mats, BMW door handles and BMW hubcaps to bigger auto parts like BMW bumpers, BMW windshield and BMW wheels, you are also able to enrich yourself with various pieces of auto parts information.
n extended auto warranty can be a confusing document for many people. Indeed, there are very few people who actually completely understand the terms and conditions -- and the requirements placed on the consumer -- associated with an extended auto warranty. In this article, the reader is provided with a general overview of the standard terms and conditions associated with an extended auto warranty.
By understanding the terms, conditions and provisions of an extended auto warranty, you can determine if the added protection is right for you. Do keep in mind that when you purchase a new automobile, the manufacturer provides you with a relatively comprehensive warranty at no additional charge. As a general rule, an extended auto warranty expands the term that the manufacturer’s warranty will remain in place. For example, there are warranties available that will expand the length of coverage from a standard three year term to five or even ten years. (In some instances the extended warranty will also broaden the items that are covered by at least some degree.)
When considering the purchase of an extended auto warranty, you need to closely examine what precisely you will gain by paying additional money for the added protection. As mentioned, the primary benefit that can be had by purchasing most extended warranties is a lengthening of the amount of time the automobile will be protected by the warranty coverage. Extending the warranty may not make practical sense in some situations. For example, if you have purchased a new automobile that comes with a standard three year warranty coverage, you will not want to obtain extended protection if you will not own the car much beyond the three year term.
Some extended auto warranty plans also expand the breadth of coverage. If you tend to be “hard” on a car, if you tend to incur a significant number of bills for auto maintenance, repair and the like, an extended and expanded warranty program that will provide broader coverage may be a perfect idea for you.
There are a number of oftentimes overlooked elements associated with an extended auto warranty that are extremely important. First of all, many extended auto warranty plans require you to obtain service work on your vehicle at a specific location. Many such plans require you to obtain service work at the dealership or at another specifically authorized service center. If you obtain service work elsewhere, you may void or cancel the warranty all together.
Another common provision on most extended auto warranty plans oblige you to obtain regular service on your vehicle within specifically delineated timeframes. A failure to obtain such service will result in the voiding or cancellation of the warranty.
In the final analysis, before you spend additional money on an extended auto warranty, you need to take the time to weigh and balance the costs and benefits, the obligations and recompenses that are associated with the proposed warranty plan. By doing your homework in advance of enrolling in any extended auto warranty plan you will make certain that you elect the coverage that best meets your particular needs.
