car care

How to Jump-Start Your Car

November 26, 2019 by admin Leave a Comment

You just finished with your shopping and have returned to your car only to discover that the ignition does not turn over. Upon further inspection, you have discovered that the battery has died and you are stranded.

But not all is lost — with jumper cables at the ready and with the help of another motorist, you should be able to revive the battery and get your car started by following several important steps carefully.

Jump starting a car means securing the positive and negative connections first.

1. Assemble Your Tools

The only tool you will need to jump-start a car is a set of jumper cables. A rag or a wire brush can come in handy for wiping away battery corrosion that may have built up on one or more of the terminals.

2. Pull the Cars Close

Attempt to pull the working car as close to the non-working vehicle as possible. Do not allow them to touch as that vehicle-to-vehicle connection will cause a short.

Turn the working car’s engine off, then raise and secure each car’s hood.

3. Connect the Cable Leads

Begin by connecting the positive cable lead to the positive terminal of the good battery, before connecting the negative cable lead to the negative terminal on that same battery.

Take the other end of the jumper cable to the non-working car and attach the negative cable lead to a solid metal surface such as its engine.

Connect the positive cable lead to the battery’s positive terminal. Ensure that each connection is firm and secure.

4. Start Your Engines

Start the engine in the working car first. Permit the car to run at least one minute to allow the battery to fully charge. Next, start the engine in the second car.

If the engine turns over, your battery is salvageable. If not, you can attempt to start the car two more times. If it fails to turn over, then likely you’ll need to replace a dead battery. However, if the battery is new, then the alternator is the culprit and will need to be replaced, not the battery.

5. Disconnect the Cable

Keep the cars connected for one or two minutes to allow the revived battery to build up a charge. Then, disconnect the black leads from each battery first, followed by the red leads. Store your jumper cables as before.

Car Battery Diagnosis

As soon as you can, have your battery diagnosed by your mechanic or service center to determine whether it should be replaced or whether some other electrical problem is present. Always know your battery’s expected lifespan and plan to have it replaced before then.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

How to Detail Your Car Like a Professional

September 2, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

If you want to get your car to look “showroom new” you can either pay handsomely to have a professional detail it or do the job yourself. Choose an overcast day or find a shady area to undertake a project that will take two to three hours to complete.

A thick, over-sized sponge is ideal for washing surfaces.

1. Assemble Your Tools – Interior

Start off by assembling the tools needed to detail your car. For the inside of your car, a vacuum cleaner with attachments or a shop vacuum will do. A floor brush, a crevice tool, and an upholstery tool are sufficient. Separately, a stiff brush can loosen packed down dirt that your vacuum cleaner cannot reach. Carpet cleaner and upholstery should be available for soiled carpets and seats.

2. Assemble Your Tools – Exterior

For the outside of your car you will need two five-gallon buckets, a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle attachment, an oversized sponge, a chamois mitt, microfiber towels, a rubber-blade squeegee, a stiff brush, cotton swabs, a soft bristle toothbrush, car wash cleanser, window cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, tire and wheel cleaner, and polish. Keep a trash bag handy and another bag for gathering up reusable rags for washing.

3. Vacuum the Interior

Plug in your vacuum cleaner and work from the top of the seats down to the floor. Use the upholstery tool for the seats, replacing it with the crevice tool to get to difficult-to-reach areas. Remove the floor mats and clean them separately; use the floor brush and crevice tool to lift dirt from the carpeting. Bring out the stiff brush for packed down dirt and then vacuum. Move each seat forward to clean out the tracks and to reach hard to get areas. Sprinkle carpet cleaner powder across floor surfaces as needed and then vacuum same.

A vacuum with attachments ensures every nook and cranny gets cleaned.

Take your cotton swabs and begin to work on tight or delicate crevices such as the air vents. Spray all-purpose cleaner on a rag and wipe down soft-touch surfaces such as the dashboard, doors and the center stack. For leather surfaces, use only a leather-approved product. The same precautions should be taken when cleaning real wood trim, chrome or aluminum. Complete your interior work by using glass cleaner on all translucent surfaces, drying the same with a paper towel. Vacuum your floor mats and return them to the inside of your car.

4. Wash Your Car

Take your garden hose and put it on a moderate setting. Your car should be sitting in shade or the day should be overcast to avoid spots and streaking. Hose down your car from top to bottom, directing the hose across the roof and down the hood, back across the body to the trunk. Wash down the other side of your car before rinsing off the headlights, tail lights, tires, and wheels. Pay attention to nooks and crannies including the bottom of your windshield, ventiports, grille inserts and door openings.

Place the required amount of carwash cleaner in the bucket and fill with water. Fill the second bucket with clear water. Take your oversized sponge and dip it into the first bucket. Place the sponge on top of your car’s roof and begin to clean the surface in a back and forth motion. Avoid cleaning in a circular motion as that causes streaking. Move quickly to the other surfaces of your car to complete your cleaning before the soap dries. Replace the sponge with the mitt to clean the grille, lights, around wheel wells and across the rocker panels. Frequently clean off your sponge and mitt by dipping same in the second bucket. Reapply the cleaning agent in the first bucket.

Take your garden hose and repeat the earlier rinsing step by working from the top of the car down to the bottom. Thoroughly rinse away all soap and residue before putting the hose to the side.

With every tool at your disposal, your car can look showroom new.

5. Dry Your Car

Take the rubber squeegee and quickly move it across the car’s surface in a back and forth motion to remove excess water. Next, take one microfiber towel and wipe down the car. Use a highly absorbent towel, one that will soak up the remaining water. Take a second towel and wipe down the grille, chrome trim, the rear deck and around the wheel wells. Finish up by drying the tires. Take out a third towel to wipe down the wheels, clean the door jambs and to wipe off the area behind the fuel filler door.

Clean exterior windows and other glass surfaces by spraying glass cleaner directly on the paper towel and then wiping down the same. Avoid applying glass cleaner directly to the glass as overspray can land on your car’s surface.

6. Apply Wax

Choose your favorite car wax, paste or liquid and begin to apply same to the surface of your car. Apply the wax in a linear or front to back motion, creating overlapping straight lines. Go over each section at least three times to ensure that the entire car is covered.

Take a clean microfiber towel and wipe the surface in a “w” motion once the wax has settled or cured, applying pressure to the towel with the palm of your hand. Cover the entire surface once and then repeat the wiping off portion of this step again to ensure a spot-free look.

Using a dedicated wheel cleaner is best when detailing a car.

7. Finish Up

Spray wheel and tire cleaner liberally across both tire and wheel surfaces. Use a clean towel for wiping, the toothbrush to work on crevices and use a cotton swab for very tightest areas.

Apply chrome polish to a clean towel and wipe down all chrome and shiny surfaces not detailed earlier. Avoid coming in contact with the car’s surface.

Clean out the buckets, put away the hose and vacuum cleaner, throw out the trash, put away your cleaning supplies and place the bag of dirty rags in your laundry room.

Job Well Done

When carefully accomplished, your car will look as good as what the professionals do without the $150 to $250 charge incurred. If your vehicle is especially dirty you may need to invest in tar and adhesive remover to rid it of persistent blemishes.

Photos supplied by Pixabay.com. Free for commercial use.

Don’t Become a
Roadside Emergency Statistic

August 27, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Are you prepared for your next roadside emergency?

While cruising down the interstate in the center lane you hear what sounds like a small explosion, a noise that is immediately accompanied by the violent shaking of your steering wheel. A tire has blown out and you need to get off the road—and fast! Your car’s stability control system has kicked in, but you still need to signal your intentions, move over to the right lane and make your way to the breakdown lane—as near to the road’s shoulder as possible.

At this point you’re safe, right? Unfortunately, you’re far out of danger as traffic zipping by at highway speeds can present a problem if drivers don’t see you or have little time to react when they come upon you. People have been injured or killed while on the side of the road, which means you must do everything in your power to avoid becoming a roadside emergency statistic. Before you take your next trip, review some of the things you should have in your emergency kit and know what to do after your car comes to a safe stop.

1. Cell Phone.

Today’s driver may have OnStar or some other in-dash roadside assistance service, but for the rest of us, a fully-charged cell phone can bring help faster than a Good Samaritan. Your cell phone may have a built-in “hot key” to alert AAA or some other auto club, or you may have a plan with a carrier where you can dial #HELP and be connected to someone who will send assistance to your location. If all else fails, dialing 9-1-1 should bring a patrol officer to you.

2. Your Location.

Where in the world are you? Specifically, what landmarks are nearby to help you identify your precise location? Cell phone operators can identify a general area where you are, such as between two of its towers, but a mile marker can help too. Consider exit signage and other descriptive information such as a unique billboard and natural distinctions, such as rock formations. Don’t forget that your smartphone has a GPS locator, which can pinpoint your precise location.

3. Warning Equipment.

If your car breaks down at night or at a time of the day when visibility has been reduced, then you need to alert other drivers. Flares or signage—such as emergency triangles—should be placed several hundred yards away, ideally well before motorists come upon your vehicle. In the absence of warning devices, your car should be as far over to the right as possible. Unless the area is dangerous or the weather inclement, everyone should evacuate the car and move away from the highway.

4. Spare Parts.

It’s too late to do anything about a broken belt before you take a trip, but there are some things you can bring along to help you get back on the road quickly. Besides the requisite working flashlight with fresh batteries, bring along a container of coolant, a can of motor oil, rags, spare belts and hoses, and jumper cables. Ensure that your spare tire is properly inflated and a jack is in place and functional. Include a blanket, gloves, water, and food if your journey takes you through a remote area or where climate conditions are unfavorable. A fire extinguisher can be helpful as can a rescue mirror if you need to signal for help from above.

Fix it and Go

The sooner your car is ready to hit the road again, the better. You’ll be back on your way and, almost as importantly, you won’t risk being rear-ended by a motorist, thereby becoming a roadside emergency statistic.

Photo attribution: Hedi B., Pixabay.com.

Your Tires: Air Pressure & Care Tips

August 26, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

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.

Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer

August 21, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Without a doubt, extreme temperatures can affect your car, including your tires. Tires expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall, and they typically can handle those variations without much problem. Yet, those temperature extremes can also lead to tire failure, which may happen at the most inopportune time, such as when you are on the highway far from home.

Taking care of your tires will ensure that your trip goes as planned, barring any other problems that may suddenly arise. To that end, we have listed some of the more useful tips to help keep your tires cool this summer.

1. Inflate your tires to the proper level. What confounds not a few drivers are the inflation rates for tires. On the sidewalls themselves, there are recommended inflation levels embossed by the manufacturer. However, the inflation rate you should use or PSI is what the car manufacturer identifies as being correct. In this case, it is information found in your owner’s manual or on a placard located on the driver’s door jamb or in the glove box.

2. Purchase a quality tire pressure gauge. There are tire pressure gauges and then there are tire pressures gauges. Some gauges are cheaply made and may not render a correct number. Others are better constructed and will deliver the most accurate reading every time. In any case, spending $10 on a tire gauge will be one of the best investments you have ever made.

3. Check your tires when they are cold. To get an accurate reading on air pressure, only check your tires when they are still cold. Drive more than a mile to a tire pump and you will get an inaccurate reading. That reading may cause you to over-inflate your tires, which can lead to premature wear. In a worst-case scenario, it could also lead to tire failure.

4. Be consistent with your tire care. Tires, like the rest of your car, need maintenance. You should rotate your tires about once every 6,000 miles or twice per year. The front end should be aligned if you have hit potholes and the tires may need to be balanced from time to time. In between, you should inspect the tires and check inflation levels. A monthly check is typically sufficient, but do this more often if you drive a lot.

5. Be mindful of hard-to-find punctures. If one tire is constantly losing air, that’s a sure sign that it has a puncture and may eventually fail. On closer inspection, you may find that the tire has a nail, hidden away within the grooves or otherwise out of sight. Remove the nail and seal the puncture. You can do this yourself or take it to a garage for work.

Inspect Your Tires

Hot weather can fool you into thinking that your tires are fine, especially as your cabin keeps you cool. But pavement temperatures and rubber can become quite hot, putting your tires at risk of failure. Therefore, before you take that big trip this summer, inspect your tires carefully and have all maintenance performed before you hit the road.

And if you have an auto club membership, ensure that it is up to date and offers the coverage that you need. Bring with you the proper emergency phone number or download the related app to contact roadside assistance, if needed.

Finally, if you are in need of new tires, talk with your service center about the options available for your car. If you replace two tires, those should be placed on the back of your vehicle. If you replace four tires, you should receive a discount, perhaps receiving one tire for free.

Photo credit: MikesPhotos

How to Prepare Your Car for a
Long, Hot Summer

July 22, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Extreme weather can take its toll on your car, making it difficult to get it started on cold mornings and overheating on the hottest days. Summer throws heat, dust, and traffic tie-ups your way, increasing the likelihood that you will face a breakdown. The following preventive maintenance tips can keep your car running smoothly throughout the next heatwave.

Excess corrosion can adversely impact the battery.

Check the Battery

An old battery may not survive the summer. If your car’s battery is near the end of its useful life, then replace it. Older batteries simply cannot provide a full charge and won’t be able to handle the heavy electric demands placed on it by your climate control system, navigation, audio system, and lights. Newer batteries can also fail if there is a build-up of corrosion. You can safely remove battery corrosion yourself, a job best handled with baking soda, a few hand tools, and petroleum jelly.

Change Your Fluids

Most drivers will change their oil twice annually or at least as often as the intervals outlined in their owner’s manual. Timing your oil changes to take place before extreme temperatures kick in is a sensible approach to preventive maintenance. Your owner’s manual will list the right oil grade for your car. You will notice some differences in viscosity between winter and summer oils, the latter permitting a slightly thicker oil. Where 5W30 oil may be needed in the winter, 10W30 oil may be ideal for the summer. Change your oil fluids at this time and do the same for your brake, power steering, and transmission fluids.

Examine Belts and Hoses

A broken belt or a cracked hose can leave you stranded. Most of the time you can prevent such breakdowns by examining belts and hoses periodically. Visible signs of cracking, fraying, and bulging are among the warnings telling you that something needs to be replaced. Other signs are not so apparent and require a more thorough examination. For belts, you can check for tightness when the engine is turned off. Simply press down on each belt with your thumb and if you observe that it gives more than one-quarter of an inch, it should be replaced.

Belts and hoses are subject to wear and tear.

For hoses, particularly the vacuum hose, you will want to examine it when the car is running. Lift and secure the hood, and listen for a hissing noise. Avoid any moving parts by carefully moving your hand across the surface of the hose to discover its leak. Your fingers will be pulled against the hose if a leak is apparent and the car’s idle may change as you cover the hole. Replace as needed.

Check Climate and Coolant Systems

Your climate control system cools your car’s cabin. Your coolant system keeps your engine running smoothly, sending cooling fluids through the engine block to prevent overheating. Both systems should be examined prior to your next summer road trip. If you had your coolant replaced within the past year, you can top off a cooled down radiator with a 50:50 mixture of coolant and water. Otherwise, replace coolant that has been in place for at least a year.

You can purchase a radiator flush kit and do the job yourself or let your mechanic handle it. Either way, it isn’t a job you want to put off as a blown engine gasket may be the price you will have to pay for your neglect. Your climate control system contains refrigerant and this fluid can leak, forcing your compressor to work harder. That puts a strain on your engine and, like the coolant system, it is a key contributor to summer breakdowns. Your mechanic can pressure test the system, diagnose problems and replenish the refrigerant.

Take Note of the Rubber

Excessive heat causes the rubber to lose its elasticity, wearing out your wiper blades faster. You want a good pair of blades in place for your summer drive and replacing them with silicone rubber provides improved visibility and durability. Your tires are also made from rubber and are subject to aging as well as wear and tear.

Excessive heat can magnify tire problems causing tires to flex more. Cracks, rot or other problems can quickly lead to tire failure. Keep your tires inflated to the proper level, rotate them every 6,000 miles, and replace your worn-out rubber.

As summer’s heat settles in, your car should be ready to handle the worst weather conditions. Ensure that your headlights, turn signal lights, and tail lights are in working order too, replacing burnt-out bulbs as needed.

See Also — 6 Points About Buying a Used Car

Temporary Repair Steps and Tips for Windshields

June 1, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

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.

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.

How to Safely Remove Car Battery Corrosion

July 23, 2018 by admin 2 Comments

Without proper attention, your car’s battery can corrode, possibly leaving you without a working car. Corrosion can drain power out of a battery and shorten its life. Battery corrosion is typically apparent at the terminals, a problem that can be resolved by careful cleaning.

battery terminal corrosion — How to remove corrosion from a car battery.

1. Assemble Your Tools and Supplies

Gather the essential tools and supplies required to tackle this job. You will need to put on a pair of safety glasses and work gloves. Avoid wearing your good clothes as you will come in contact with grease and dirt. You will need a stiff wire brush, a cup of lukewarm or cold water, a box of baking soda, a teaspoon and rags. An old toothbrush, pliers, a wrench and petroleum jelly round out your tools and supplies.

2. Disconnect the Battery

Park your car outside, preferably in your driveway or in the street. Lift and secure the car’s hood, then locate the battery. In some vehicles, the battery can be found underneath the rear passenger seat or in the trunk. Take the wrench and pliers to the black (negative) connection or post and loosen same. Repeat this process with the red (positive) connection. Place your tools away from the battery cables to avoid contact resulting in an electrical shock.

3. Remove Car Battery Corrosion

Take your teaspoon and fill it with baking soda. Combine this powder with your cup of water and stir. Gradually pour approximately half the solution over each battery post, then place this mixture to the side. Take your wire brush or old toothbrush and brush off the remaining corrosion. You can dip the brush into the mixture or pour the remaining amount over the terminals as needed. For tough cases allow this solution to penetrate for at least five minutes. Continue brushing until all corrosion has been removed.

4. Preparation and Clean Up

Dry off the battery, wiping it down with a clean rag. Wipe down the battery cables. Discard your rag. Apply petroleum directly to each battery post liberally. Reconnect the battery cables beginning with the positive connection followed by the negative connection. Tighten each connection with your pliers or wrench. Remove all tools and supplies, close the hood and start your car to ensure that it will run. You might also consider moving the car away from the work area and bringing out the garden hose to wash away the corrosive residue left on the ground.

Getting the Job Done

Battery corrosion removal and care can be successfully handled within 15 to 20 minutes. Make this an annual task and you will avoid potential problems that can leave you stranded or shorten your battery’s useful life.

See Also — Care Tips for Your New Vehicle

Photo courtesy of Mark Buckawicki, The Public Domain Project

Care Tips for Your New Vehicle

May 1, 2018 by admin 6 Comments

How to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

You have just driven off the dealer’s lot and are in possession of your first new car in some time, perhaps in many years. Likely, you will own this vehicle for the long haul, perhaps keeping it for a decade or longer.

Today’s cars typically do not have a formal break-in period that older models once had. That is due to cars being engineered differently as current technologies such as computer chips control everything from engine performance to emissions. Still, there are some things you can do to pamper your ride, protecting the average $36,270 investment that Kelley Blue Book says we are making as of January 2018.

This Volkswagen Atlas is a three-row, midsize crossover SUV.

Read the Owner’s Manual

The best place to start when desiring to become familiar with your car is with the owner’s manual. This book is usually found in the glovebox and is often overlooked by car owners.

Your owner’s manual was developed by the manufacturer, who best understands how your car operates. You will find everything you need there, including how to operate that complex navigation system, explain warranty information and answer just about every question you have about your vehicle. Consider it your car’s “bible” or the book of wisdom when it comes to your vehicle.

Know the Oil Change Intervals

Your owner’s manual shows oil change intervals that may be much higher than what you were accustomed to performing in the past. Today’s engines mean that you may be able to put 5,000 to 7,500 miles on the odometer between changes, saving you money.

New engines, however, should have an oil change soon after you buy the car. Mike Allen, writing for Popular Mechanics, advises changing the oil after 20 miles and again after 1,000 miles. The goal here is to rid the engine of residual metal flakes that can appear in new engines. Follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals after that.

2017 Ford Mustang — The Ford Mustang remains America’s best-selling sport coupe.

Normal vs. Severe Driving Operation

Perhaps your manufacturer insists that there is no break-in period for your new car. Even so, you may want to spend the first several hundred miles easing up on the accelerator and brakes. Familiarize yourself with the way that your new car moves away from a dead stop. Shift your transmission into gear, release the brake, and gradually press down on the accelerator. Bring your car up to the locally posted speed and maintain your speed as you drive.

By carefully accelerating and maintaining your speed you will also learn how to maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy. When stopping, gradually press down on the brake until you come to a full stop. Driving at high speeds can cause your brakes to wear out faster too as more energy must be used to slow down your car. If possible, reduce your speed by coasting before applying the brakes advises Edmunds.com.

Understand Vehicle Technologies

There was a time when a car equipped with an AM/FM radio with cassette player was considered “loaded.” Today’s cars have far more features standard or available including power windows, door locks and side mirrors; an infotainment system; a navigation system and other technologies that were not available the last time you bought a new car.

This can mean you are unfamiliar with what is in your car and how these technologies work. Refer to your owner’s manual and acquaint yourself with your vehicle’s operation. Test every system, familiarizing yourself with the way each one works. If you detect a problem, you will be covered under your manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty plan, but only if you inform your dealer of your findings.

2017 Nissan Titan XD vehicle — This 2017 Nissan Titan XD is designed to pull up to 12,000 pounds.

Trailer-Towing Guidelines

Perhaps you bought a car, truck or an SUV because of its towing capabilities. Towing, however, should wait until you have driven your vehicle for a while.Your owner’s manual will probably advise you when towing can may begin. For example, Ford advises owners to “…drive your new vehicle at least 1,000 miles before you tow a trailer.” Too much pulling way too early in the vehicle’s life may prove too much for the engine and the transmission.

You can also keep your car looking new by washing and waxing it. Remove bird droppings as soon as possible to protect the paint. After a major winter weather event, wash your car to eliminate corrosive road salt. Vacuum and wipe down the interior regularly, apply sealant to the dashboard and across the doors, and keep your tires properly inflated at all times.

Beyond the First Few Years

Finally, if you plan to keep your car for many years beyond the warranty coverage period, purchasing an extended warranty may be smart. However, we advise you making this purchase just before the original warranty elapses to ensure you’re not paying for duplicate coverage. Warranties are pricey, so shop around.

Tire Safety: What You Must Know

November 24, 2017 by admin 3 Comments

Indisputably, you have a lot riding on your tires. Indeed, many of today’s vehicles weigh at least two tons with some larger trucks and SUVs tipping the scales above three tons. With all that weight riding on rubber you might think tire safety would be foremost on every driver’s mind. Yet, tire management is often neglected as underinflated or worn out tires present a real and present hazard, areas of automotive safety you must not ignore.

Tire Safety 101

Your vehicle’s tires affect not just handling and braking, but also impact fuel economy. Consequently, the tires outfitted on your new car have been carefully chosen by the original equipment manufacturer.

Tire warranties, however, are backed by the tire manufacturer, not the automaker. A copy of your tire warranty is typically bundled with your other important documents and usually reside in your glove box or other storage compartment.

Adequate Tire Inflation

Bridgestone DriveGuard tire safety — All tires, including this Bridgestone DriveGuard product, should be checked monthly for proper inflation.

If you want to ensure long tire life, adequate handling and safe braking, your tires should stay inflated in accordance with the car manufacturer’s guidelines. In particular, that information is usually found on a placard affixed to the inside jamb of the driver’s door. In some vehicles the placard or sticker is located on the inside cover of the glove box.

Auto Trends reached out to Will Robbins, Product Manager for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, for seasonal tips about tire care, especially the impact extreme temperatures can have.

Explained Robbins, “Proper tire pressure is critical to tire safety. Drivers should check their tire inflation pressure at least once each month, and that becomes even more critical during the cold, winter season. In general, tires lose one psi (pound per square inch) of pressure for every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in ambient temperature. The opposite is true for warm weather conditions, with tire inflation pressure increasing one psi for every 10-degree Fahrenheit increase in ambient temperature.”

Thus, a sudden drop in temperature overnight can leave your tires underinflated. As a result, control can become compromised, especially when you need it most as in when driving on snow and ice.

Load Limits and Speed Ratings

Two additional factors also affect tire safety: load limits and speed. Likewise, every tire has its limitations. Specifically, the amount of weight you carry in the car (payload) in addition to the vehicle’s weight itself (gross vehicle weight) will influence tire safety for better or for worse.

There are three ways you can determine load limits.

First, return to the placard that lists PSI information. You may see a statement such as, “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 400kg or 882 pounds.”

Second, look on the tire sidewall itself, information found nearest the wheel. This isn’t easy to spot as the notation surrounding the wheel is stamped in small letters. Typically, you’ll find a statement such as “maximum load carrying capacity at maximum cold inflation pressure (single and dual load).”

Third, open your owner’s manual. If all else fails, turn to the section of the owner’s manual describing tire information.

You may not own the tools required to gauge your vehicle’s weight and carrying capacity (such as a scale), but through keen observation, you should see if your car is sinking under a heavy load. If it is, you must remove excess weight.

Tires are also safety rated for speed. Most drivers adhere to road speed limits, but if you like to take your car to the track, you should understand that the letter ratings on the sidewall represent its speed ratings. Those ratings range from “L” for 75 mph to “(Y)” for speeds above 186 mph.

Tire Rotation and Balancing

Tire rotation is important for two related reasons:

1), for the even distribution of tread wear, and

2), for safe handling.

Your owner’s manual will spell out rotation timelines and swap patterns, typically ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

The swap pattern for rotating tires depends on whether you have directional or symmetric (or asymmetric) tires and the type of vehicle you drive. Do not cross your set of directional tires to the other side of the car without having them dismounted from the rim, turned over and remounted. With this in mind, performance models — especially sports cars — are much more likely to feature directional tires.

Different tire rotation patterns exist for front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive vehicles. Your owner’s manual will list those options.

When to Replace Your Tires

Exactly when should you replace your tires? The industry rule of thumb is when the tread wears down to 1/16 inch. Otherwise, you can rely on wear indicators or bars located between the tread pattern in modern tires to assist you in making a determination. Specifically, these indicators appear when tires have 2/32 (1/16) inch tread remaining.

Relying on tread depth alone to determine tire replacement is not enough. A tire’s age is another factor as tires gradually begin to crack and separate over time. Some car manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years, regardless of wear, while other tire manufacturers say that tires can last as long as 10 years, according to Edmunds.com.

Tire Safety: To Ensure a Safe Ride

Tire safety is only one ingredient in ensuring a safe drive. So, when you rotate your tires, have your brakes checked too. Furthermore, you should have your tires balanced every other time you rotate your tires or whenever you detect a recurring vibration coursing through the steering wheel while driving.

See Also — Higher Education: Winter Driving School