Homeowner, car owners, business owners - they're all the same when it comes to sharing the goal of longevity. Whether we are talking about your home, car, or business the goal is to get as much out of it as possible. That is why keeping up with roof repairs, tax forms, or oil changes are all top on the priority list. Things like these are all prime actions to take in order to maintain a healthy home, car or business. I am here to stress the importance of preventative maintenance services to your automobile. Not only does maintenance keep your automobile in good internal condition, it also keeps the driver and passengers safe. Let me explain...
One can only begin to list the dangers on the road. Not only do we have to worry about other drivers (drunk drivers!) and undesirable weather conditions, but we have to worry about our cars giving out - a problem that leaves many drivers turning on their "E" lights and pulling over. Location, time of day, and weather can all be scary things when brought face to face with a stranded driver on the side of the road. Imagine being stuck by yourself on the side of the road when the whole situation could have been avoided by performing simple car maintenance. Ignoring oil changes and tune ups are just two examples of preventive services.
On a less traumatic note, preventative maintenance helps your car sustain its value. Those that are interested in eventually selling or trading in their vehicle are especially interested in keep up with the regular suggested services. Matter of fact, did you know that most dealerships will actually mail "friendly reminders" when it is time to take your car in? Those postcards aren't just to bring in more service; they are they to help you. Plus, how easy is it to find an oil or filter change coupon?
Car owners have it easy when it comes to keeping up the maintenance of their vehicle. If you think about it, why wouldn't something keep up with their car maintenance? When you look at the returns for keeping up with simple tune ups and alignments and so forth, it is easy to see why they are so important. Not only do these services help you keep the value of your car as high as possible, but they keep you safe on the road. From one car owner to another, keep up with your preventative maintenance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6491619
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Keeping Your Car's Fluid Levels in Check
One of the major components of car care is making sure your fluid levels are in check. In particular, your oil, your transmission fluid and your coolant, or anti-freeze as some of you may know it.
Let's start with your oil. Oil levels need to be checked monthly. Find your dip stick, pull it out, wipe it off, shove it back in and carefully pull it back out. Your oil should be a nice translucent light brownish color. It it's black, it's time for an oil change. If it's milky you may have bigger problems and you definitely need to have it looked at. Look at your dip stick after a fresh dip and make sure your oil line is where it should be. There is an indicator on the stick that will help you determine that. If you need oil, either top it off with some new oil or bring it to someone who knows how to add oil, if you don't. Either way, your oil should be changed out completely every three months for optimal results.
Your next step is to check your transmission fluid. It's very much like checking your oil but your car has to be running and in park, of course, before you pull out your dip stick. Pull your dip stick, wipe it and shove it back in and pull out again. This time look at your levels, again there is an indicator to help with this. Transmission fluid should be a nice pink or red color and should not smell likes its burned. If levels are low then either top it off or see your local lube shop for some assistance.
Lastly, it's important that your coolant is at a proper level. Coolant does just what is sounds like, it cools the engine. No coolant can be very bad. Your engine can seize up entirely and then you won't be going anywhere in that vehicle for a long time, if ever again. Make sure your engine is off and that your vehicle is completely cooled before you touch your radiator cap. Another good tip is to make sure your car is on level ground. If your coolant is low, certainly add more but know that if this keeps happening, you probably have a leak and you need to have your radiator checked out soon. Coolant should be changed about every 2 years.
Paul's Auto Care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Snowden_Cane
Let's start with your oil. Oil levels need to be checked monthly. Find your dip stick, pull it out, wipe it off, shove it back in and carefully pull it back out. Your oil should be a nice translucent light brownish color. It it's black, it's time for an oil change. If it's milky you may have bigger problems and you definitely need to have it looked at. Look at your dip stick after a fresh dip and make sure your oil line is where it should be. There is an indicator on the stick that will help you determine that. If you need oil, either top it off with some new oil or bring it to someone who knows how to add oil, if you don't. Either way, your oil should be changed out completely every three months for optimal results.
Your next step is to check your transmission fluid. It's very much like checking your oil but your car has to be running and in park, of course, before you pull out your dip stick. Pull your dip stick, wipe it and shove it back in and pull out again. This time look at your levels, again there is an indicator to help with this. Transmission fluid should be a nice pink or red color and should not smell likes its burned. If levels are low then either top it off or see your local lube shop for some assistance.
Lastly, it's important that your coolant is at a proper level. Coolant does just what is sounds like, it cools the engine. No coolant can be very bad. Your engine can seize up entirely and then you won't be going anywhere in that vehicle for a long time, if ever again. Make sure your engine is off and that your vehicle is completely cooled before you touch your radiator cap. Another good tip is to make sure your car is on level ground. If your coolant is low, certainly add more but know that if this keeps happening, you probably have a leak and you need to have your radiator checked out soon. Coolant should be changed about every 2 years.
Paul's Auto Care
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Snowden_Cane
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Automobile Repairs and Fixes
There is never a fun time to find out you need to perform repairs on your vehicle. There are many things that can go wrong with your automobile and this article will outline some of the problem areas and what you might expect.
Flat Tire This is a common problem with cars and trucks and is relatively easy to fix, especially if you have a tire jack and a spare in the trunk. You can also try those flat in a bottle sprays that will help seal up the tire and may let you drive home and get a permanent fix. Flat tires can be caused by nails, glass or you might be driving along too fast and hit a dip in the road real hard.
Transmission Trouble This is one problem that is not fun to hear. If you have trouble shifting or your car is automatically shifting when you don't want it to, that's a sign that you may need your transmission looked at. A simple fix might set you back only $500 or so, but those are rare. Often if there's something really wrong with the transmission it may need to be totally rebuilt. If your tranny needs to be completely redone, you could be looking at a $2,000 problem, unless you want to buy the parts and tackle the problem yourself.
Broken or Chipped Window If you do much freeway driving invariably a small rock or pebble will bounce up and hit you in the windshield. If you see a tiny little ding or crack, take it to a window repair shop right away as they might be able to seal that up before it blows up and ruins the entire window. If the window gets wrecked you could be looking at a $250 to $500 fix depending on the type of car or truck you have.
These are just a few of the things that you might have to worry about when it comes to repairing your vehicle. Make sure to take your car in for preventative maintenance and you will stay on top of things which could help you save money in the long run.
If you really want to save cash on your car or truck, you need to compare car insurance rates and see what premium is the lowest for your family. Don't hesitate to put money back in your hand, learn how at http://www.carinsurancequotescomparison.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_R_Fisher
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