Tag: car repair

well-maintained car

Top DIY Car Maintenance Tips

A car is an asset that warrants its owners an investment. Some people even save money in their entire life just to buy their first car. Given that you own a car, you must be very lucky and privileged; what remains is how to ensure that you stick to routine car maintenance practices. A well-cared-for car can give its owner superior mileage, and it also eradicates any emergency breakdowns due to neglected maintenance. How then can one best care for their car?

Always Check the Oil

car maintenanceThe car’s engine is perhaps its life. To ensure it performs well, it needs regular oiling. Never let your engine run dry. As per the engine’s oiling requirements, you need to stick to them in order to increase your car life and service. Engine oil helps keep all engine parts lubricated, and it also disperses any generated heat.

Timing Belt Replacements

The car engine often has a timing chain or a composite rubber timing belt. These devices both connect the camshaft to the crankshaft, which happens to be synced to the closing and opening of the engine valves.  Most cars have a timing belt, and it would be wise to read through the owner’s manual available in order to know when it should be replaced. Rubber timing belts often break, and should this happen, your engine may break down.

Check the Car’s Power Steering Liquid

The power steering liquid lubricates the hydraulic power steering pump, which is quite common with some older car models and few new ones. If this liquid runs dry, the hydraulic power steering pump can fail, and it may cost you hundreds of dollars for its replacement. If you hear some disturbing squealing noises, check the liquid in the hydraulic pump, as this is a major sign that it needs to be refilled.

Replace the Transmission Fluid

Proper amounts of car fluid are critical for lubricating the moving parts, cooling the transmission, and smoothing the shifts in between gears. The downside is that this fluid tends to deteriorate over time. There are some instances that accelerate this fluid deterioration. Do follow your car manual to know how the fluid replacement is done.

Check the Air Filter

car repairA handful of car problems arise due to loose fittings and congested air filters. The air filters play a critical role in dirt and air particles from entering the car’s engine. It’s during combustion that the car’s engine needs air, and the condition of the air filter may affect its performance. Make sure you get your air filters changed after driving 12,000 miles or every six months.…

a mechanic repairing a car

How to Check If You Get a Decent Repair Service or Not

No drivers ever want their car to break down or get any damages from an accident, but once such misfortune happens, it is imperative to get the right auto repair. But how can you tell if the auto shop you hire has done their job correctly?

Google the Information the Right Way

In the past, you might need to rely on everything that the mechanic told you. Unless you’re an expert in automotive, then like the general populace, you may not be aware of the names of your car’s parts or the methods of fixing them in case they are broken.

Let’s say you have just got the rear window damaged, and you happen to live in Oakland. The most typical thing to do for today’s car owner is to browse, “auto glass repair” on Google, and go with the service that appears on the first search result page. And this step is actually okay because Google has selected services based on reviews and the quality of the auto repair’s service.

The next thing to do is to consult carefully with the representative mechanic of the auto repair shop you hire. Do not be in a rush to seal the deal! Ask about the inspection results and the cost estimation. If all costs you more than $500, go home first and compare that charge with other repair shops.

Inspect the Car’s Alignment

One of the most common mistakes after an auto repair is to have misaligned unibody structure, especially if your car has been in an accident. And although the impact you feel might be a slight drag when you turn the wheel, it can be dangerous in the highways.

The best way to check whether the auto shop makes this mistake or not is by driving the car and occasionally take your hands off the wheel for seconds. Your car is supposed to drive straight in the course even with your hands off the steering wheel. If your car’s course is unstable, then get back to the repair shop and claim the warranty.

Check the Receipt Meticulously

If you’re a man, you have to admit that scrutinizing receipts may not be your habit. But when it comes to car repair, you have to do the checking like it or not. Otherwise, be ready to get parts that do not match your request.

It is vital that you know about how your auto insurance covers the damages. Take a look at the repair terms and see if the policy includes replacement with original parts or the aftermarket ones. When the auto shop doesn’t use the components recommended by the manufacturer’s standards, it is not always their recklessness. Sometimes, they do that because the original parts are not included in your car insurance.…

car repair

Driving in Hot Weather Conditions

Observing safety on the roads is one thing every driver should follow. Road accidents claim the lives of thousands of people every year. Most of these accidents come about as a result of carelessness by some drivers and road users. Those who don’t follow traffic rules usually put the lives of other people at risk. Bad habits like overlapping and dangerous overtaking can also bring about road accidents. The other leading cause is driving under the influence.

Getting behind the wheel when you are drunk or under the influence of any drug can impair your judgment on the road, and this will result in a severe crash. You should observe all the safety requirements when using the road. Driving in certain weather conditions will also give you a difficult time. Visibility is usually low whenever there is fog or during rainy conditions. You should make sure your lights are on to make it easy for other motorists to spot you on the road.

Also, drive slowly because the roads are very slippery during such a period. Hot weather conditions can also affect your vehicle to a certain extent. As much as they cannot lead to accidents, they can bring about some damage. You should take all the necessary measures to ensure your car is in an ideal condition when driving in this kind of weather.  Here are some helpful tips for driving in hot conditions.

Check Your Battery

car repairYou should always inspect your battery when driving in such weather conditions. Excessive heat can damage the battery of your vehicle, and this might subject you to some dangers. The battery fluid can evaporate, and terminals can also get damaged. Inspect your battery regularly and make sure it is intact to minimize the chances of getting damaged.

Check Your Engine

You should also inspect your engine most of the time when driving in extra hot conditions. Your engine can also overheat during the process, and this will subject it to some damage. You should have enough coolants in the cooling system of your car to minimize such occurrences.

Check Your Tires

You should also inspect your car tires more often when driving in excessive heat. They should have the right pressure balance. Tires can get deflated as a result of excess heat which causes it to expand. This can subject you to some danger if not careful. Make sure you inspect them all the time to make sure they are in an ideal state.…