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4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips

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You are an expert when it comes to keeping your car’s exterior looking great as you carefully wash it, add wax, and detail the wheels regularly. Inside, however, may be another matter, one that you’ve handled by occasionally vacuuming the seats and floors, and applying protectant across the dash and on other soft-touch surfaces. But, that coffee stain from a recent mishap and your toddler’s tamped in snack crumbs on the back seat has you looking for ways to restore the well-worn interior. It’s time to concentrate on your vehicle’s cabin, by employing the following four upholstery cleaning tips.

1. Remove and Prepare

Take out all floor mats, the car seats, and all other removable materials that can get in the way of your work.

Anything that is on the floor or covering the seating surfaces, including seat covers, must be removed from your car before you can move on to the next step.

2. Vacuum the Interior

There are two ways to approach vacuuming the interior. Whichever one provides the best suction and ease of use is the approach that you will want to take.

The first option is to bring your canister or another vacuum with attachments and place these next to your car. Plug it in, attach the proper hose or brush, and begin to brush each seat, working from the top on down and from side to side. If the seats can be moved and flipped forward, you can reach into tight crevices that way. After the seats are done, then begin working on the carpeting.

Your second option is to plug a handheld vacuum into the cigarette lighter or use a battery-charged vacuum such as a Dyson or an Oreck. Battery vacuums typically give no more than 10 minutes of suction cleaning time before needing to be recharged. Plan accordingly or supplement the handheld with a household vacuum cleaner.

3. Treat Stains

Treat every stain on the carpeting and across the seating surfaces. Here, you have several options for removing stains, some will work better with certain types of stains. If you do not know what caused the stain, then you may need to experiment. The advice herein is for cloth or vinyl seats only; use a special stain cleaner for leather surfaces.

Vinegar can handle most stains, by mixing two tablespoons of salt that has dissolved within eight ounces of vinegar. Dip a clean, white cloth in the solution and dab the stain. Vacuum, once dry.

Ammonia can also work if you mix one cup of clear ammonia with an equal amount of warm water. Dab this solution into the carpet with a clean cloth and allow it to dry. You can repeat this process if needed.

Other homemade solutions include using beer, shaving cream, borax, and cornstarch. The Reader’s Digest even advises using WD-40 to combat ink stains.

4. Clean the Seat Covers and Floor Mats

If you have seat covers, follow the cleaning instructions provided with the covers. For sheepskin covers, you can handle minor stains by mixing a mild dish detergent with water and dabbing. Allow to dry. For soiled covers, remove these from the car, shake clean, dab with the solution, then allow to air dry. You can also fluff dry these in your dryer (at the lowest possible setting) for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Floor mats can be vacuumed separately. Attach a brush, set the vacuum to its highest setting, and move it across the carpeted surface vigorously. To bring out the shine in the rubber or plastic edges, wipe down with a dish detergent solution, allow to dry, then apply a liquid shoe polish wax. When done, reinstall the floor mats and the seat covers, then return the car seats and other removed objects where you found them.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL

Clean Your Car on Schedule

You can avoid a major cleaning job by vacuuming your car’s interior regularly. You might also test various cleaning solutions by first applying them in an obscure place such as in your car’s trunk or underneath a seat.

Commercial cleaners are also available, with some products designed to handle a variety of stains. Once your interior has been cleaned, reinstall the floor mats and the seat covers.

See Also — How to Detail Your Car Like a Professional

Your Tires: Air Pressure & Care Tips

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If you’re heading out on the road for an extended trip, you will need to ensure that your car is road-ready. Adequate fluids; working headlamps, functioning taillights and turn signals; an emergency kit, and a fully inflated spare tire are among the checklist items for your car. Your tires need to be checked too, but even a cursory check may not reveal a serious problem, one that could result in a blowout leading to dangerous consequences.

What should you check with inspecting your tires? Several things including the following:

1. Adequate pressure

Placarding found inside the driver’s door or located on the inside of your glove box, explains the precise tire pressure needed for all four of your tires. This figure may be different from what the tire manufacturer recommends on the tire’s sidewall. Follow the car manufacturer’s guidelines as these numbers consider your car’s gross vehicle weight and load factors.

2. Visible wear

Tire wear patterns are a good indication of something is wrong with your tires. If your tires are wearing on one side, then your wheels are out of alignment. Tires with cupped dips appearing around the edge of the tread on one side or the other reveal possible problems with suspension parts. Feathering occurs when the edge of each tread rib offers a somewhat rounded border on one side and a sharp border on the other. Again, this problem is indicative of your suspension system needing to be examined. Under inflation and over-inflation can also impact tire wear.

3. Tire age

You bought tires that have tread life of 65,000 miles and with 20,000 miles to go, you should be in good shape, right? Not always. The age of your tires may be just as important because as tires age, they will dry out. Dried out tires are subject to failure, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

How old is too old? Some say six years regardless of miles. You can find out how old your tires are by looking at the sidewall. All tires manufactured from 2000 on have a tire identification number, usually eight numbers and letters. The last four figures are numbers with the last two identifying the year and the two numbers preceding the year identifying the week that the tire was made. For example, if you find the code XRGR1513 on your tires, that means your tires were made during the 15th week of 2013 which is about April 15, 2013. As of publication, your tires are more than six years old and should be replaced.

4. Tire rotation

You can rotate your tires yourself or take your car back to the place you last purchased your tires and have it done for you. Most tire retailers offer lifetime tire rotation and inspection for free when you buy replacement tires from them. Your car manufacturer – check your owner’s manual – offers instructions on how often your tires should be rotated. Typically, this is every 5-10,000 miles. If you have a full-size spare, consider including that tire in with the rotation.

Match, Not Mix

Each of your tires should match and our recommendation is that when your tires need to be replaced, you replace all four. However, you can replace just two, with the new tires going on the rear axle regardless of whether your vehicle is front-, rear- or all-wheel drive.

If you are not sure your tires are road-ready, take your car to a tire retailer for inspection. If the salesperson insists you need new tires, understand the reasons for his or her recommendation. Importantly, insist that the tires installed on your vehicle are new as some retailers are selling “new” tires that were manufactured at least a year earlier, effectively diminishing the lifespan of your tires.

Related Reading

Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer

Flat Answers: Run-flat Tires vs. Repair Kit vs. Spare

The Skinny on Summer Tires

Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them

Temporary Repair Steps and Tips for Windshields

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Who knew that one tiny pebble could cause so much damage? A small chip can soon expand, with a web-like crack slowly crawling across your windshield. Put off this repair long enough and your windshield may suddenly break, showering your interior with glass. You may be able to handle a temporary repair yourself, provided you take the following steps.

If you don’t take care of a small crack immediately, your entire windshield can break,
requiring immediate replacement.

1. Measure the Damage

If the damage to your windshield measures one inch or less, then proceed to the next step. If it is larger than one inch, then do not read on as you will need to have your windshield repair handled by a professional.

2. Shop for a Windshield Repair Kit

Several manufacturers offer windshield repair kits, providing temporary solutions for your minor windshield repair. Blue-Star, Permatex, 3M Auto, Loctite and Pitstop offer kits, each retailing for less than $20. We’ll use the 3M Auto kit as an example for making this particular repair.

3. Consider Temperature and Conditions

Plan your windshield repair for a warm, moisture-free day when temperatures are at least 60 degrees and no more than 90 degrees. Ideally, you will accomplish this repair in a climate-controlled garage where outside temperature and direct sunlight are not factors.

4. Review and Prepare

Read the instructions that come with your safety kit carefully before going through each step. Avoid contact with chemicals by wearing gloves and put on safety goggles when handling this repair project.

5. Assemble the Injection Tool

Your windshield repair kit will come with a bridge assembly, a resin chamber assembly and an injector assembly, in addition to an alcohol wipe, a stick pin, one eye dropper, a scraping blade and a tiny sheet of clear plastic film. Assemble the injection tool with the parts provided to make this tool.

See Also — 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips

6. Clean and Repair

Spray the windshield area surrounding the damage with glass cleaner. Wipe clean with a paper towel. Take the stick pin and clean out the affected area, removing loose pieces of glass. Wipe the damaged area with the included alcohol wipe.

7. Center the Injector Tool

Place the injector tool over the damaged area, screwing in the injection nozzle directly over the chip. If you have difficulty centering the tool, tape a mirror to the inside of the windshield for improved visibility. Press down on the assembly to allow the suction cups to adhere to the glass.

8. Fill the Resin Chamber

Take the eyedropper and fill it halfway with the provided glass repair resin. Screw the upper portion of the injector tool into the resin chamber. The resin will begin to fill the damaged area as you screw it in place.

9. Observe and Repeat, if Necessary

From the underside of the windshield (inside of your car) ensure that the affected area has been filled with resin. If not, adjust the assembly and repeat the previous step. Once you are satisfied that the job has been accomplished, then add a drop of resin and place the clear plastic film over the treated area.

10. Remove and Cure

Remove the bridge assembly from the windshield and place your car outside in direct sunlight. Allow the resin to cure for 30 minutes before cleaning up.

11. Clean and Observe

Once cured, scrape around the edge of the treated area with the scraping blade to remove excess resin. Remove the plastic film. Wipe down your entire windshield with glass cleaner and a towel. Observe that the damage has been repaired.

Temporary Repair Ahead of a Permanent Solution

A temporary windshield repair is just that: a chance for you to put off a more expensive car repair until you have the money to pay for one. If you have comprehensive auto insurance coverage, your windshield repair may be covered. However, a deductible may still apply. Contact your auto insurer to learn what your share of repair costs will be.

See Also — The Average Salary of Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers

How to Lease a Demo Car

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Buick LaCrosse
Make sure that the demo model you want is free of scratches.

Savvy car shoppers know that if you want to save big bucks on a newer car, then buying a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle is a wise strategy. Certainly, the first year of car ownership brings with it the most significant drop in depreciation. Suddenly, that new car bought for $33,000 new, may be worth less than $25,000.

You may not have to wait a model year to enjoy the perks of a used vehicle and the depreciation cost absorbed by someone else. Indeed, cars with just a few thousand miles on the odometer are routinely sold by new car dealers, vehicles that served as demo models for a few months and are now ready for sale.

Buying a demo (demonstration) car is easy, but can you lease one? Yes, you can. In fact, just as most any new or late-model vehicle can be leased, so can a demo car. But before you sign on the dotted line you must perform due diligence. So, then do the following:

Inspect With Care

Just as you would do with any used vehicle, examine the demo car very carefully. Likely, it is as shiny and appealing as any new car on the lot, but it could possess a few flaws that might be revealed through careful inspection. Keep this in mind: scores, if not hundreds of potential buyers may have tested the vehicle.

Look for nicks or scratches that may have been touched up. Look closely at the seats, the dashboard, and the carpeting for signs of wear and tear or discoloration. Lift the hood and verify that the oil, transmission fluid and coolant is clean, the connections are secure and that the battery is in top condition. Examine the trunk for signs of water intrusion by lifting the floor cover. Having your own mechanic examine the vehicle can be a wise decision too.

2015 Volvo S60

Obtain a Vehicle Report

The dealer’s maintenance records may be detailed, but you should also be supplied with a vehicle history report even if the car was only used for two or three months. This report should be automatically supplied by the car dealer and at no cost to you.

Most dealers will supply a CARFAX report outlining information about the vehicle’s title, ownership and mileage history. It should also include service information and if there was an accident that was reported, that detail will be included. A minor fender bender may not be much, but anything greater could be a deal breaker.

Warranty and Related Information

What sort of warranty coverage is the dealer offering with the demo model? It should come with the balance of the new car warranty as well as powertrain and rust protection. For manufacturers offering new car maintenance for the first two or three years of ownership, the demo vehicle should assume same. (Here is an excellent article that details the limits and sometimes the pitfalls with vehicle history reports — Limitations and Problems with Carfax or any Vehicle History Report).

If you’re interested in purchasing an extended warranty, your demo vehicle should be eligible for a plan. You can purchase a plan through the dealer our buy one independently. Shop around and compare offers and prices.

Chrysler 300

Find a Demo

New car dealers may have demos in use, but that doesn’t mean that one is available for sale. Here, you will want to call several local dealers and ask if they have demos available. Those cars may be included in the dealer’s online inventory too.

Take your time shopping for a demo and you may come up with a like-new car at a bargain price. Once you find a car that meets your criteria, then discuss your leasing options with the dealer. You should bargain the best price for the car and ensure that the warranties run as long as the lease.

See Also — Where Can I Find My Car Paint Code?

Summer Driving: Beat the Heat!

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Is your car ready for the long journey ahead?

Summer is here and more than likely you will be taking to the road over the next few months. From now through Labor Day, millions of Americans will be heading out by car, plane, train and bus.

Car travel is still the most significant of the conveyances used by vacationers to get them where they are going. But there are challenges too, including traffic, possible breakdowns, and driver fatigue. Here’s how to beat the heat this summer and arrive at your destination safely.

Prepare Your Car

Traveling hundreds or thousands of miles while on vacation can take a toll on your car. It is important that your vehicle is road-ready and that means completing your scheduled maintenance before you head out.

Your owner’s manual should be followed and all due items handled before you leave. It is also a good idea to confirm the working order of your lights, your battery connection, hoses, clamps, and tires. Make sure your spare tire has enough air; replace those worn wiper blades before you leave.

Bring an Emergency Kit

flat tireIf you do experience a breakdown, will you have your auto club’s number handy to assist you? What problems can you handle yourself? Putting together some type of emergency kit is important and can keep you and your family safe while you wait.

An emergency kit should be composed of a working flashlight, extra batteries, reflective warning triangles or flares, jumper cables, gloves, duct tape, rags, a tire gauge, and foam tire sealant. You might also include a cell phone charger or extra battery, drinking water, snacks, and tools such as a screwdriver, an army knife, and scissors.

Mountains can be very cool at night, even in the summer. A thermal blanket and the ability to make something hot to eat can help here.

Plan Your Route

Today’s cars come with GPS and that makes it easier for you to map your route and get to your destination. Still, it can be useful to find out what road blocks or detours may be in place along the way and plan accordingly. After all, summer is also road construction season.

Travel along roads that are well kept, marked and lit. Take a route that allows you to stop every two or three hours to stretch your legs, eat and fill up the tank. It is best to drive during daylight hours when you are less likely to battle fatigue. You might also incorporate a stop that will keep the children interested such as a park or amusements.

Save on Fuel

Taking a long trip provides an invitation for you to compare the EPA-estimated fuel economy for your vehicle to your real world numbers. Reaching those numbers may prove more challenging than what you had expected. With a little effort on your part, you can meet, even beat those statistics.

That being said, saving fuel begins with the way you drive. If you are prone to taking jackrabbit starts, then your gas mileage will suffer accordingly. Ease down on the accelerator — do not drive as if you are on the track and always brake with care.

Properly inflated tires are important in helping you save fuel too. Your tires should be checked when cold and inflated to the PSI number listed in your owner’s manual or on the placard located on the door jamb on the driver’s side.

summer tow truck signOne of the best ways to save on fuel is to use cruise control on the open road. As long as road conditions are dry, then flick the cruise switch and set it for the speed limit. Turn off the cruise control when the road is wet to avoid an accident.

As far as your choice of fuel, use the recommended grade. If your car runs fine on regular gasoline avoid higher fuel grades and the elevated prices that come with it.

Your Summer Driving Itinerary

If your trip takes you to or through a remote area, it is advisable to share your itinerary with someone who isn’t with you. This person may be someone you plan to visit or an individual who is otherwise in contact with you along the way, such as by cell phone.

Keep in mind that cell phone gaps (dead zones) exist in more remote parts of the country and may not provide a way for you to contact someone if you encounter a problem. If you don’t arrive at your destination within the allotted time, then someone will be ready to send help if you instruct them to do so.

On the Road This Summer

Is your car up to the trip? If your vehicle is old or well worn, you might consider renting a vehicle for your time away. You will pay for rental cost, gasoline and insurance, while avoiding the wear and tear that would have been experienced by your car.

See Also — What Your Breakdown Cover Policy Offers

Dialogue and Your Automotive Technician

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It was hard enough for you to buy a car. Now, you have to tell your automotive technician what is wrong with it. Worse, the same suspicions and doubt you had with the salesman is how you are approaching the technician. You think that you will be misunderstood or, worse, ripped off. Here’s how to have an open and healthy dialogue with your automotive technician.

wheel alignment

1. Troubleshoot first.

Before you contact an automotive technician, try to identify the problem yourself. You may find that your owner’s manual has the answer for a very simple issue.

Read the manual and familiarize yourself with the way that your car works. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals and keep track of maintenance and repairs.

2. Your dealer or a garage.

If you are unable to resolve the problem through reading the owner’s manual or by asking a friend for help, then you may need to take your car in for service. If your vehicle is under warranty, then you will take it to a dealership. It doesn’t have to be to the dealer from whom you purchased your car. It can be any dealer authorized by the manufacturer.

If the repairs are not covered by a warranty, you can still take it to your dealer for service. You can also choose a garage. In either case, you will want to choose a facility where the automotive technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Ask friends for referrals; contact several garages to find out what they charge per hour.

3. Explain the problem to an automotive technician.

Many car owners have a difficult time explaining what is wrong with their car. They may not think they can explain what is wrong or do so with confidence. Even so, it is important for vehicle owners to give it their best shot.

Because you know your car better than anyone else, you can easily detect when something is wrong. Often, that something wrong is accompanied by a feeling, a noise or other condition out of the norm.

You should explain to the automotive technician the changes you have noticed in your car. For instance, if you are hearing a high pitched squeal and have found that it is coming from underneath the hood, then you’ve helped the technician. It could be a worn belt, something he should be able to identify quickly.

Other problems of note may have occurred while driving at different speeds, when the engine was hot or cold, while you were braking or when you were shifting the transmission. Try to recall when the problem first occurred and share any other details that can help your technician identify the problem.

Questions and Answers

The dialogue with your automotive technician will continue as he explains his findings or asks you some questions. You should ask questions too especially if you do not understand something. You will hear certain terminology that may not be familiar to you — if so, ask the technician to explain.

You should also know that not every problem can be immediately diagnosed. You may need to leave your car at the garage and wait for a call. When you receive a reply it may come from the service manager. He will share details of the findings, share a proposed fix and provide an estimated cost. Ensure that you understand the proposed work before consenting to repairs. You need to also know the labor rate, the cost of the parts, and learn if a guarantee is offered and what methods of payment are acceptable.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.

See Also — 7 Automotive Career Training Schools

How to Make Your Car Interior Sparkle

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Keeping the exterior of your car clean is not difficult. Regular washing and occasional waxing is pretty much all it takes. But, what about the inside of the car?

People spend much more of their time inside the car than they do looking at it; a clean interior has a much greater impact on a person than a shiny exterior. Unfortunately, it does not seem to take long for a nice, neat car to become a cluttered, sticky mess.

2014 Hyundai Equus.

A car interior is a harsh environment, subjected to extreme temperatures, sun and moisture. Add to that all the things people do in their cars — everything from eating and drinking to shaving and applying makeup. This kind of abuse takes a toll on the interior.

Cars with leather interiors seem to fare even worse; when leather is not properly cared for, it fades and cracks. A nice-looking interior makes the entire car look better. It will immediately make the car more pleasant to ride in, and have an impact on resale value later.

The Tools

Cleaning the interior of a car does not have to be difficult, and the equipment and materials needed are not expensive. When it comes to cleaning the inside of a car, there are three surfaces that need attention: soft surfaces like cloth and carpet, smooth surfaces like metal and plastic, and seats made of vinyl or leather.

Cloth and carpet are relatively simple to care for. A vacuum cleaner can take care of most of the cleaning needs here. For smooth surfaces, a mild solvent applied with a microfiber cloth is the best choice. Vinyl upholstery can be cleaned with the same cleaner used on the other smooth surfaces; leather upholstery should have specialized leather cleaner. Here are the steps in making a car interior sparkle:

1. Pick up Clutter

Few things make the car interior look worse than a lot of clutter. Cars tend to accumulate papers and garbage, making them look messy and sometimes smell bad too. Start cleaning by removing everything that does not need to be in the car.

2. Get out the Vacuum

Use a specialized car vacuum or an upholstery brush attached to a home or wet/dry vacuum to clean carpet and cloth. Use a crevice tool to clean the hard-to-reach corners of the dashboard and small areas such as vents.

3. Wipe it down

Use the microfiber cloth to wipe all nonporous surfaces, except for leather. A quality cleaner will not only remove oils and dust from surfaces, it will also seal tiny pores and cracks in vinyl and plastic, to keep them looking better longer. Vinyl seats should be cleaned with the same cloth and cleaner.

4. Take care of the leather

Leather is an organic material and needs special care. There are two steps in caring for leather; first, it must be cleaned. Leather cleaner is designed to remove dirt, oil and grime. After cleaning with a leather-specific cleaner, a good leather conditioner should come next, what will put the moisture back in. Use a microfiber cloth or chamois to apply all over the seats. This will nourish the leather and make it soft and supple. When it’s well taken care of, leather upholstery will look and feel great for many years.

A car is a significant investment. It is also a place where people spend quite a bit of their time. Dirty cars not only look sloppy, they are uncomfortable to sit in and have significantly lower resale value. With a small investment in time, tools and materials, a car can stay looking great and turn heads everywhere it goes.

Hyundai Equus photo courtesy of Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

About Your New Car Extended Warranty Plan

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You have just concluded a deal to buy a new vehicle when the salesman’s talk turns to something you had hoped he would not bring up: a new car extended warranty. Your purchase already includes a bumper-to-bumper warranty, a powertrain warranty, a warranty against rust and even roadside assistance. New car extended warranties are not cheap and you think that you can do without one. Your thinking is probably right.

Extended Warranty

Before you sign on the dotted line for a contract that may not worth its price, consider the following points:

1. The warranty may be redundant. An extended warranty is really a service contract, what covers the cost of certain parts and repairs on your vehicle. What you might not know is that the warranty may kick in right away, overlapping your current coverage. If it does, you may be paying for something that you are getting anyway.

warranties2. An extended warranty may be offered for the wrong reasons. Be careful if a car dealer insists that you need to buy a service contract as a condition for new car financing. That assertion is usually a false one and can be disproven with a call to your lender. Check your sales contract, too, as a dishonest dealer may tack on a service contact without your knowledge.

3. The company that holds the warranty may not be the manufacturer. Some car manufacturers offer extended warranties and back these just as they do with their other warranty coverage. Some contracts, however, are held by third parties or administrators, companies that pay out claims. If your administrator goes bankrupt, who will pay for the service? You may also want to contact your states insurance commissioner to learn if the contract is underwritten by an insurance company. If so, find out if complaints have been made against the insurer and whether it is solvent.

4. The service contract may cost you a mint. When offered a service contract, you may discover that there are several levels of coverage available. Compare each plan and learn if deductibles apply. Some plans charge a deductible for each part replaced while others deduct only for the entire service order. Quite easily, you may find yourself agreeing to a service contract that will cost you thousands of dollars. Consider how long you plan to keep your vehicle, whether the contract is transferrable or if it would simply be more cost effective to bank your repair costs as you go along.

5. The quality of parts used. Replacement car parts can be terribly expensive. They can also be of varying quality too. You want to find out if the car parts offered are new or reconditioned. You may also want to consider how reconditioned parts may be treated by your manufacturer should something go wrong. Parts should be readily available too — you don’t want your car to sit in a shop while you wait for an overseas delivery to come in.

6. Know who can and will fix your car. You buy a service contract through your dealer and the fine print reveals that you are restricted where you can take the car for service. Okay, fine. On further inspection you learn that those places are limited to the dealer and his network, but that does you little good if you need service while out of town. Moreover, if you should move away and take your car with you, then what? If an extended warranty is restricted by geography, you may want to look elsewhere.

Personal Considerations

There are a few more matters for you to consider when exploring your extended warranty options.

First, what are your responsibilities as a consumer? You still need to follow the owners manual when maintaining your vehicle.

Second, can you buy the service contract later on? It can be easy to get pulled into something that you do not want or need only to find it difficult and costly to cancel the contract later.

Third, are you getting roped into a scam? Most such scams happen away from the dealership as third parties learn that your current coverage is about to expire or may think that you did not opt for a service contract. Hang up on those callers and shred posted solicitations.

When all is said and done, do you still need an extended warranty? Maybe not. Understand what coverage you are getting with your new car and, if you want long-term coverage, you may be better served to shop for one when your new car warranty is about to expire.

See Also — What to Look for in a New Tire Warranty

When Should You Tune Your Car?

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engine bay

Most car owners leave the engine diagnosis to the pros.

Today’s cars are sophisticated pieces of machinery that make use of such advanced technologies as direct injection, electronic ignitions, onboard computers and numerous sensors. Vehicles from the 1970s and earlier routinely required a tune up once every two years or within 20,000 miles, with spark plugs replaced, the ignition and carburetor timing adjusted, and the ignition contact points, rotor and distributor cap replaced.

Engine Diagnosis

Beginning in the 1980s, as cars came equipped with electronic ignitions, the process began to change. Today, your car is less likely to be due for a tune up as it is for a complete diagnosis, with your mechanic hooking your car to a computer to obtain a read out on how your car is performing. The goal here is to ensure that your car is running optimally and that exhaust emissions are within required parameters.

Your car still needs to be checked and maintained, and your owner’s manual will outline that information. When taking your car in for service, your mechanic will replace spark plugs, spark plug wires, sensors and modules as needed and that work should take place within your manufacturer’s allotted frequencies, typically ranging from 30,000 to 100,000 miles.

Trouble Spots

Because modern cars start and run with ease, you can just as easily forget to perform required maintenance, especially anything beyond oil changes. That, of course, is a mistake and can lead to problems.

Typically, you will first notice a problem if your gas mileage begins to drop. You may be driving the same amount of miles, but your intervals between service station visits begins to close. Also, if your car stalls or hesitates, there is a good chance that a spark plug is worn or fouled, or a sensor needs to be replaced. You save money by putting some space between “tune ups,” but the repairs can add up whenever an oxygen sensor or an electronic component acts up. If you are lucky, your problem could be battery related and easily resolved.

Shop Evaluation

Many car owners simply no longer work on their vehicles. Typically, they cite the complexity of today’s sophisticated cars as well as a limited amount of time available to do the work. Thus, if you entrust your vehicle to a mechanic, keep a few things in mind:

1. Your car may be covered. Some manufacturers provide free maintenance for the first few years of ownership. BMW, for example, provides standard maintenance for the first four years or 50,000 miles. The Toyota Care program is for two years or 25,000 miles. If your manufacturer has you covered, then take your car to your dealer’s repair shop.

2. Know what you want checked. Besides the engine diagnosis check mentioned earlier, you will want to work with a mechanic that will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your car. This can include its air-conditioning and cooling systems, its battery and charging system, brakes, steering and suspension, the electrical system and he may also make a check for fluid leaks.

Your Cost

Certainly, you will pay more for a diagnosis that is not covered under your manufacturer’s maintenance plan than you would for a basic tune up. However, by staying on top of maintenance, you can avoid pricey repairs, helping your car to run more efficiently too.

References

Pro Car Care: Tune-Up Procedures

Mobil Oil: New-Age Tune-Up

See Also — Why Does My Gas Mileage Vary?

Replace Your Timing Belt, Avoid Engine Damage

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A destroyed engine will cost you thousands of dollars to replace.

One of the most significant wear items on your car is its timing belt. When this belt is working properly your engine is operating as designed, but If your timing belt suddenly breaks your car will stop. Moreover, you might incur engine damage and in a worse case scenario you may need to replace your engine. Replace your timing belt within your manufacturers prescribed maintenance intervals and avoid a breakdown and a potentially costly repair job.

About Timing Belts

timing beltAlso known as a timing chain or cam belt, a timing belt is tasked with turning the engines camshaft. Essentially, the timing belt keeps your engine in sync by providing timed motion between the camshaft and the crankshaft.

The crankshaft changes piston linear energy into rotational energy that is used to turn the wheels. The camshaft is tasked with opening and closing the engines valves to bring gas and air into the engine and out again. The timing belt enables two divergent components camshaft and crankshaft to do what they do together. When your belt breaks, your car will stop.

Replacement Intervals

Your manufacturer plainly states in your owners manual the replacement intervals for a timing belt. You may have heard mileage numbers ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Mechanics may recommend that you change it once every four to six years, even if you have not reached the mileage threshold. Made of rubber with high-tensile fibers, a timing belt can wear down from use as well as from age. Ultimately, you will want to schedule a timing belt replacement before your manufacturer says that it is due.

When replacing a timing belt, your mechanic may recommend that you also replace the tensioners and idlers that hold the timing belt in place. If either part is worn or loose, it could cause your replacement timing belt to fail soon after it has been installed. Thus, a timing system replacement that includes the belt, an idler and a tensioner may be the best approach here.

And while you are at it, you may want to have the water pump replaced while your mechanic is working in the same area. You will pay more for a complete timing system replacement and a water pump change out, but you will save on labor when your pump eventually does fail.

Possible Damage

One area of possible concern for car owners is the type of engine that they have. Yours is either interference or it is free running and the former can cause you much trouble if the timing belt suddenly breaks.

Quite possibly, an open valve could be hit by a piston in motion, damaging your engine internally. If that happens, you will need to be towed to a garage and have your belt replaced. If your mechanic detects engine damage you are looking at a possible engine replacement, costing you thousands of dollars to fix.

References

How Stuff Works: How Timing Belt Replacement Works

Gates: Timing Belt Care Spring/Summer

See Also — Should I Repair or Replace My Car?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.