Automotive Preventative Maintenance Checking The Belts
July 22, 2010 by Samuel Davis · Leave a Comment
Preventative maintenance for your vehicle is about saving money and ultimately time. You can save money by avoiding expensive repairs and you can save time by not needed to wait for repairs to be done. Checking your motor oil and changing it as required is one of the basic aspects of vehicle maintenance. It is also about keeping the proper air pressure in your tires and checking the tread for wear or cracks. Thirdly, ensure that the belts in your vehicle are kept in good condition and replaced as required.
Checking your vehicle's belts:
At your vehicle's sixty-thousand mile tune-up make sure that your belts are changed, whether or not they are showing signs of wear. Your mechanic should not charge you any additional labor charges to do so as changing the timing belt is already part of the service.
Before checking the belts yourself make sure to turn off the engine. To avoid injury, ensure that you don't attempt to touch the belts until both they and the engine have fully cooled. When you're ready to begin, open the hood by first pulling the hood release located beneath the dashboard and then either squeezing or sliding the latch under the hood itself.
Directly in front of the vehicle's engine you will be able to see the belts. If you have a vehicle that is a rear wheel drive then the engine is close to the front bumper and radiator. If your vehicle is a front wheel drive then the engine is close to the fender.
The number of belts may vary.
Depending on the type of vehicle, you may find a varying number of belts. The belts are called drive belts because the drive various components of the vehicle's operations like the power steering pump, the water pump, the smog pump, the alternator and the fan. You will find at least two belts on your vehicle. Depending in the make and model, there may be more. Each belt runs over a pulley. As you locate them, press lightly in the middle of the longest part of the belt with your thumb to test the tension. Look at the owner's manual for your vehicle to see how much give in the belt should have. As a rough guide, there should usually be less than an inch of give from a gentle push.
If the belt is beginning to show signs that it's beginning to dry out or crack, make a note of this. You will probably notice a little bit of cracking and this is fine but there should not be chunks missing. There may be a rust color on the belt which is also normal. Many belts, especially the one for the air conditioning clutch, can rust over time due to the dust created as it operates. The dust does not do any damage. If you find obvious signs of wear, or the belt seems to have too much give, then you will need to have the belt replaced before it breaks. A screeching sound when you hit the gas is an indication that the belt is too lose. In this case, the belt will need to either be replaced or tightened. A broken belt can be a costly repair.
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Under Review : The Ford Mondeo
April 26, 2010 by Jepan Mihai · Leave a Comment
Unless you blinked and missed it, you may have seen this car in a James Bond flick, Casino Royale. It's Ford's Mondeo, evidently rental vehicle of choice for MI6's finest.
80% of outgoing sales were fleet/lease purchases so understandably the likes of Avis, Budget and significant fleet purchasers will be chomping at the bit for the car.
And why not too, the sleek and sporty new looks deliver a road presence the car once lacked. In either saloon, hatch or estate configuration it's certainly enough to give any car a run for its money.
Up front your gaze is drawn to the stylish headlights that bear similarities to Ford subsidiary brand Jaguar's upcoming XF, the look being completed with a contemporary trapezoidal lower grill. At 4844mm long (sedan) and 1500mm wide the new model is notably larger, which imparts a premium, large car like quality that could pose a risk to some Falcon models.
At entry-level, the saloon sits on fleet-friendly 16-inch steel wheels, while the higher spec Zetec receives alloys, fog lamps and an enhanced front grill.
Inside the build quality is the best on offer from the blue oval, again giving a premium perception to the occupants and there's been little skimping when it comes to levels of equipment.
Power adjustable seating is offered at base 2.0 liter saloon level, albeit without the electric height adjustment the Zetec spec receives, there are also handy creature comforts such as a trip computer, leather steering wheel with audio/cruise controls and tilt/reach adjustment and an i-Pod auxiliary plug. Safety features are class-leading with all models picking up front, side, driver's knee and curtain airbags and stability control. The Zetec sits in the middle of the pack and includes dual zone climate air, ebony cloth trim, map reading lamps front and rear in addition to the exterior styling enhancements.
The range-topping Zetec Sports pack adds to the Zetec's price but sets the vehicle out from the crowd with an aggressive body kit, 17-inch wheels and leather interior.
Regardless of the model, you'll remain comfortable on the long hauls, as seating is well bolstered and supportive, with plenty of leg and headroom, perfect for the sales rep or family alike.
A key feature in captivating the private sector is the cars dynamic handling characteristics, which has always stood head and shoulders above rivals, so the new version must be even better right? Well, sort of.
The suspension is stiffer, but you'd never know it, as the ride control over corrugations is excellent, setting the benchmark for the class.
Chassis rigidity is up 116% in Saloon, 130% in hatch and a massive 159% in estate formats, so after our initial launch drive we were surprised to find some of the legendary crispness has been blunted in the latest addition. Lighter steering and increased footprint appear the culprit here and the car does feel less nimble and engaging that it once did. In reality though this is a moot point, as it is still a class leader in handling.
We have the option of either a 107kW 2.0 liter petrol engine, available only in the saloon with a manual (5 speed) gearbox, all other variants are fitted with the 2.3 liter, 118kW petrol with a six-speed automatic. Both engines have a proven reliability record and are shared with Mazda's 3 and 6 ranges of vehicles.
Despite being the odd one out - available in only the base model saloon - the 2.0 manual is the pick of the bunch on the drivability front for your money. The 2.3 automatic would benefit from more low down torque, but overall provides a good combination of performance and economy with its smooth shifting six-speed automatic.
Some consolation comes when perusing the new ford Mondeo's pricelist, which sits perilously close to Ford's own Focus RRP's.
It's much more than a fleet hack this Mondeo, smart looks, excellent space, high build quality and confident driving dynamics bode well for private success. Here's hoping though, Ford can secure a license to thrill with both the diesel and 2.5 liter turbo petrol engines in the near future.
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Stop Automotive Repair Fraud and Save Money
March 22, 2010 by Wayne Allen · Leave a Comment
Too many automotive centers are taking advantage of the consumer's lack of knowledge about their automobile or truck. While there are many trustworthy shops that do honorable and reliable work, there are always places that just take the consumer's money while not making the necessary repairs, if they do any work at all.
The government and press are trying to intervene, and while some shops are getting caught and being indicted with fraud, too many shops are still doing it, and getting away with it. You have probable seen the headlines about automotive repair shops being charged with fraud because they lied or cheated their customers in a certain way.
Here are some tips on how to be better educated about your automobile so that when you go into a shop for repairs, you will know what to say and more important, what you should look for when the vehicle is in the shop.
The most important thing is to go to a reputable place of business. Ask your friends where they have their vehicles repaired. Ask them why they like the shop, what their fees are, and how long they have been using that particular place. Just doing a little homework and research will save you a lot of headaches and money.
When you take your vehicle to the shop of your choice, be very specific in what you want done. For example, if you need tires, let them know you are in there just for tire work. If the service advisor tells you that you need other work done, do not be afraid to ask why it is needed. If he is trying to sell you a tune-up, and all you asked for was tires that should raise a red flag. There is no reason for the mechanic to look under the hood when the vehicle is in there only for tires.
The service advisor may tell you that you need brakes or that you have leaks, both of which can be relatively easily spotted when the vehicle is in the air and the wheels are off the vehicle. Ask the advisor for measurements of components that are worn, such as the brakes, and ask if you can take a look for yourself. If they will not give a measurement or they will not allow you to view the problem, do not have them repair it. As a matter of fact, do not let them do any work and take your vehicle somewhere else. Most reputable shops have no problems with these requests.
If you need major repairs, such as engine replacement or transmission replacement or an overhaul, always get a second opinion from another reputable shop. If you have built up a good relationship with your existing shop, this may not be necessary. But if this is the first time you have brought your vehicle to a new shop, you really need to get that second opinion, even if it takes just a phone call. Sometimes it is not practical to have your vehicle towed from one shop to another, and then back again to the original shop.
By being an informed consumer, you can save yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars on car repair costs over the years. It's not cheap to maintain your automobile these days, so make sure to do your homework when it comes to finding a good shop so that you do not become a victim of automotive repair fraud.
Tags: automobile, Automotive, consumer, educated, Family, fraud, friends, government, repair shops, repairs, tips, truck, vehicle, workRelated posts
How To Obtain Great Car Insurance Quotes
February 13, 2010 by Adriana Noton · Leave a Comment
When you are looking for the best car insurance quotes always be prepared before you start calling insurance companies. You have to know what it is that will make raise your quote higher and what will reduce you quote. These are just a few of the things that will affect your quote when buying care insurance.
One thing that will affect your quote is credit. Insurance companies will look at your credit and determine how you pay your bills. If you have a high credit score you can get a lower rate. Now, on the other hand if you have a really low credit score you will get a higher rate. Some companies will not give you insurance if your credit score is too low.
Believe it or not the type of car you purchase will have a big effect on your quote also. If you go out and buy a car built for speed then you are going get a higher rate. If you buy a family car then you will secure a lower rate. So keep this in mind when choosing your car.
Also, when you are buying your car, look for as many safety features as you can. You can get discounts for anti theft, air bags, anti-lock breaks, and any other safety feature that you can get with your car. You may pay more at the start but you will save money when it comes to paying your insurance. If you do this, you will also ensure that you will be safer while you are driving.
Insurance companies will give you a discount for taking defensive driving classes. Take a couple hours and sign up for a class. You will learn to be a better driver and also save money in that quote. The more you show the insurance company that you are trying to be responsible the more they will be willing to lower that quote.
Last but not least, when you do get your insurance, try to get it with the same company that you have your other types of insurance with. If you combine your auto insurance with you home, life, or other insurances you can get a major discount. If you cant get a discount with the company that you are using for your other insurance you may want to consider going to another company that will offer this kind of discount.
One of the most important things to remember is not to be afraid to ask. Do some research so that you know what you are talking about when talking to the insurance company. They are fighting for your business so be confident and don't take no for an answer. If you cant get what you want from one company go try another.
We all want to save money. These are just a few of the ways your can knock a dollar or two of your insurance quotes. At the end when you add all these discount up, you can save a good bit of money. So get out there find your discounts and go to that insurance company with confidence that you are going to get the best quote they offer.
Find the car insurance that's right for you. They have free car insurance quotes online, ensuring that you will get the best rate possible for your needs.
Tags: accident, automobile, Automotive, car, credit, discount, driving, insurance, money, quote, safe, safety, saving, travel, vehicleRelated posts
Automobile Liability Insurance To Protect Your Assets
January 29, 2010 by Adriana Noton · Leave a Comment
The state laws of every state in the USA require that you carry Car Liability Insurance on your vehicle. This coverage pays for damage that you cause to persons or property in an automobile accident when you are at fault. The laws regarding this insurance are determined by the individual states. This means that the requirement varies by state. In some states you will find that the state minimums are lower than in other states.
In addition to being required by your state's laws, liability insurance also protects other properties that you may own. When damage is done or injuries are caused in an accident, if your insurance coverage is found lacking, you can be held personally responsible and your personal property can have liens placed against it. These liens can prevent your from getting a loan or must be satisfied before the property can be sold.
Liability insurance policies are often referred to in an abbreviated form. For example, 5/10/5 liability insurance would mean that the policy would offer $5,000 insurance for any injury to the person with a limit of $10,000 personal injury per accident and $5,000 for property damage. Although these limits seem very low, they are the limits that are in effect in some states.
It is common for a states limits to be lower than the actual amount of insurance than is needed. A good insurance agents can help you to know the correct amount of insurance to protect you other investments.
Your state DMV will be able to tell you the minimum amount of liability insurance that is required for your vehicle. In addition, they can tell you about penalties for allowing insurance to lapse. In an effort to cut down on the number of uninsured motorists, many states have enacted laws that require the insurance company to notify the DMV if your policy lapses for even one day. While the effort to cut back on uninsured motorists is appreciated, you can get into a sticky situation if you forget to pay your policy premium.
States are finally penalizing persons with more than a slap on the hand for driving without a license. Many states will cancel your registration for the lapse in insurance until you can prove that you have insurance and pay an administrative fee. With subsequent incidents the penalties become larger. Some states will impound your vehicle for six months and charge you for storage.
Persons needing to purchase liability insurance can request quotes using the internet. You can often get instant quotes for the insurance you need. By comparing the quotes, you can find the best coverage for your vehicle and the best possible price for your insurance.
Learning to drive defensively is one of the best ways to lower the price you pay for liability insurance. Defensive driving will keep you from having accidents and will also keep you from having traffic tickets. If you do not already drive defensively, then you should consider taking a defensive driving class to learn some new techniques.
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Looking For the Right Source for Car Accessories
January 26, 2010 by Josephine Edate · Leave a Comment
A car can be a very prized possession. In fact, many would say that their car is not only an asset but a necessity that needs maintaining or upgrading. It is not uncommon to hear that what a car looks like and how it performs tells a lot about it owner. Thus, many take time to invest on their car. In fact, many would attest that the value of the car depends on how long it has been with a family in terms of how long it has been kept in top condition and maintained.
As we all know, a good car would last a lifetime. However, for it to do so, it needs constant attention and maintaining. To keep a car running smoothly, one should pay attention to each of its individual parts. It is therefore very important to choose the right source when looking for a specific car auto accessory that has to be replaced. You have to look for an outlet that has most reliable source for automotive parts. It is good to know by word of mouth which outlet have a wide variety and a wide range of equipment that will really cater to your needs.
Look for a shop that has an extensive selection of car and truck accessories including alternators, radiators, door handles, carburetors, and many more. Does this store provide all the parts at an affordable and reasonable price? Maintenance of one's prized vehicle need not cost one's life savings. Does this store offer a guarantee for every part sold? This gives additional confidence to the client that all the parts sold are of the highest quality. You can also search the internet for the parts you want.
There are shops where you can just identifying the auto part you are searching for, the search engine will already generate results that will show you the parts that are available or even alternatives that could be used. One could also visit the shop itself where the knowledgeable crew would be ready to the clients in looking for the parts to match their need. One could also provide the necessary information regarding the vehicle that you own and the crew would be the one to give advice in what could be done in order to improve your vehicle. There are online sites also that have a research guide for clients which would assist clients in looking for a car part such as a car cover.
There are shops that also provide custom auto accessories for clients with a special plan for their vehicle. They are the one stop shop which provides custom car parts and accessories that will not only reflect the client's personal style but will also protect the car and keep it at its top shape for a long time. Remember that the key to a quality vehicle is the time spent by its owner for its maintenance. This means that quality maintenance will also give you that quality service that you deserve.
It is therefore no wonder that many are now looking into Showtrix as the shop to go to when looking Aftermarket car Accessories, car interior accessories. Clients need only to visit the site www.showtrix.com to obtain the parts that they are looking for.
Tags: auto, automobile, Automotive, car, car auto accessory, car interior accessories, custom auto accessories, vehicleRelated posts
Can New Cars Really Be Cheaper Than Used Cars For Sale
January 17, 2010 by Terry Kline · Leave a Comment
Individuals exploring a car currently can economize by acquiring a brand new contrary to a used car for sale, at least in the USA. An up to date comparison by the admired auto website Edmunds.Com arrives at the conclusion that acquiring a new car can be much cut-price than a corresponding older model. The funds clearly relate to the car you aim to purchase and your loan grade.
The preceding year has witnessed a big abatement in car sales in the USA with larger car producers needing federal aid to endure the fiscal troubles. In spite of the generous bulks of cash being administered in crisis credit and the cash for clunkers incentive, new and used car sales declined in the preceding year. In spite of the most important selling cars in the United States remaining almost consistent, many car producers advancing low-cost new cars acquired a significant portion of the car market.
In a bid to achieve market share numerous key car makers are proposing newer vehicles at much abated rates and in selected instances actually less than the comparable vehicles offered the year before. This comprises cars and personal trucks by titans like Mazda. As reported by the comparison, one of the most important factors for this build up has been because of a modest inventory of used cars.
Numerous car buyers have been deferring the sale of their cars because of the decline and in spite of a huge interest for used cars on sale, a dearth of quantity has caused a climb in rates. The funds for clunkers drive also helped some vehicles rendering alternative used cars impracticable. The distinct logic quoted was the declining demand for leasing cars.
Buyers can be that as it may gain from this state of affairs if their loan grade favors them to acquire advances at nominal interest costs for a usual interval of five years. Other federal and native reduction moreover require to be estimated to achieve a exclusive value prior to choosing individual used cars for sale. The funds finally also relate to the sale estimate of a used car and its capability to hold a first-rate resale value.
It would be sensible for consumers to consume a little time and conscientiously estimate the clear cost of both the brand new and used car on sale and demonstrate a little adaptability in picking a particular car type. At the end of the day you almost never get to obtain new cars that are less expensive than comparable used cars on sale. This is an exceptional option not to be disregarded by buyers attempting to get a car.
The hike in price of used cars for sale is basically due to a lesser demand for new automobiles.
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Do You Need Towing Services?
January 16, 2010 by Adriana Noton · Leave a Comment
Whenever an inoperable vehicle needs to be moved from point a to point b, towing services can come to the rescue. They should have the equipment to safely move the vehicle without causing further damage to it or other property. There may be situations where you need towing Toronto.
Vehicles can become inoperable when they have mechanical problems. Sometimes, it is only a small problem such as a starter motor going out that causes the vehicle to not run. Other times it may be a major problem such as a blown engine or the transmission going out of the car. In either case, a tow truck is able to lift the drive wheels of your automobile and get it from your home to the repair shop where it can be put back in running condition.
An automobile accident can result in a car that cannot be driven. Even if the auto is damaged to the point that it cannot be repaired, it can normally be loaded onto a truck and transported to a storage yard until the insurance company can make their determination and help you to get a replacement.
If you are driving in poor road conditions, it is possible that you can lose control of your vehicle and end up in a ditch or snow bank. While your auto is still operable, you are unable to get the needed traction to get that vehicle on the road. In this case, you may need winch out services to get your vehicle unstuck and back on the road.
There are also times that business owners need towing services. If you have problems with vehicles that do not belong to customers or unauthorized vehicles being left in your parking lots, many of these services offer impound towing. The service will place warning signs on your property and make regular patrols after business hours to enforce your parking policy. If a car or truck is violating the policy, it is impounded and the offending automobile will be impounded. The owner must then pay towing and storage in order to get a vehicle back.
Unfortunately, during times of economic hardship, some lenders are having to employ the services of a tow truck to repossess a vehicle when the lender is unable to keep up with the payments. While neither the lender nor the vehicle owner want this to happen, it is often the only way for the lender to retrieve the collateral on a loan.
When a vehicle needs to be transported, the safest way is often for it to be winched onto a truck so that all four wheels are safely on the bed of the truck. Most of the trucks have a bed that may be hydraulically inclined and lowered to form a ramp. Once your vehicle is on the ramp, the ramp can be moved back into position and your vehicle can be secured into place. This will prevent damage to the transmission of your car.
In an ideal world, you would not need towing services, however in the world in which we live, you will be glad that they are there when you have difficulties and need to have a vehicle moved.
Are you in Missisauga or Toronto and in need of towing services? Don't let yourself get caught unprepared! Find out more about towing Toronto and towing Mississauga before you need it.
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Make the Most of the Summer by Driving Safely in Your Car
January 2, 2010 by Ethan Melandri · Leave a Comment
As summer begins the days become hotter and lengthier which present adventure on the road. All though it can be exciting to take to the road there are still issues of weather and other hazards which could hinder the unsuspecting motorist.
In the summer the warm temperatures and relative lack of rain to wash the roads can allow the level of small debris particles to build up on the surface. Typically this debris is made up of dust, oil and rubber from passing vehicles and after long periods without rain, the road can easily become increasingly slippery.
Slicker conditions appear after a short amount of rain. The debris is still on the road, but now it is mixed with the water which is not running off in the drains. This condition can surprise the unwary motorist more than you might consider.
If you are driving after rainfall and the weather has increased in heat you should be cautioned that braking needs to change. You will need more distance to stop. You also need to consider reducing your speed when you go around curves since the grip of the wheels will be less.
Asphalt will be slicker after hot and dry conditions. The surface as it heats becomes polished. Vehicles help to increase this heated condition on well travelled roads.
Warmer weather presents a number of adventures for the driver and it also brings out other potential fun seekers. Families on holiday with their caravans will become more noticeable and they can be a slight disruption in your speed. However, you dont want to irritate them. They belong on the road like you do, thus keeping your cool is appropriate when driving among others trying to have a great holiday like you.
Be aware that many of these drivers will have been travelling for long distances, on roads they are unfamiliar with, possibly distracted by their children or satellite navigation. Be prepared for them to make unexpected manoeuvres without signalling, and factor this into your decision when deciding whether it is appropriate to overtake them, and remember you easily come across a slow moving vehicle mid way through a blind bend.
Research announced that running your headlamps during the day can decrease the chance of an accident by 12 percent. This is due to the fact that other drivers may see you better with the lights on even with sunglasses or patches of shade on the road. There can be a huge contrast between areas of the road with bright sun.
If you are considering running with your car lights on during the day it is well worth upgrading your Car Bulbs, to maximise their visibility and endurance. One area that your lights will really benefits is by fitting New Sidelight Bulbs, they are straight forward to fit and are available as either xenon or LED bulbs.
Tags: auto, auto parts, automobile, Automotive, autos, car safety tips, Cars, cars - automobile, driving advice, driving tips, safe driving infoRelated posts
Chrome Bulbs and Other Car Modifications
December 4, 2009 by David Ostiguy · Leave a Comment
Auto manufacturers nowadays have started to take notice on the HID Headlights, Clear Corners and Chrome Bulbs craze. HID lights produce a lot more light than your standard bulb, plus also increase your sight at night drastically. If you have no plans of purchasing a new vehicle soon, some people have begun installing HID Conversion Kits to their own cars.
There has been a lot of debate over HID Headlights and whether they're legal or against the law? The bottom line is if you own a vehicle that came with HID Headlights, you are perfectly legal. The Police are having problems with the aftermarket HID kits. You won't have any problems as long as you follow two simple rules. One of them is to keep your HID Headlights at 6000k-8000k and also be sure that your lights are pointed in the right direction. If your lights are facing upwards and blinding others, you will most likely be pulled over.
Some of the other modifications that have been receiving a ton of attention lately are Clear Corner Lenses and Chrome Bulbs being added to your vehicles. Auto Manufacturers have been hopping on this trend recently, but one problem is after the auto manufacturer installs these lenses to the car, some have still been adding those horrible looking yellow turn signal bulbs to the vehicles. Personally, I can't comprehend why somebody would go out of the way to install clear lenses to the turn signal and add ugly bulbs.
Stealth Auto has released a Chrome Bulb that virtually looks invisible when installed with clear lenses. The best thing about these bulbs is they're completely street legal. They blend in perfectly with the rest of the vehicle and once they're turned on, they light up in an amber/yellow color.
If you're considering doing some modifications to your vehicle, consider the following suggestions. The modifications that are mentioned here are simple to do and inexpensive. Click on our links below to find out more.
Read more about HID Headlights, & visit clearlights.org to find Chrome Bulbs & other car modifications.
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