December 22nd, 2010 by Hal Moses
A driver’s worst nightmare is to turn the key and have their car not start. Sometimes your engine will turn over but for some reason the car just won’t start. Do you know what to do if this happens to you? Of course you could call a mechanic. However, without an auto warranty you might face costly repairs. There are three things that you should check on your own first. A car relies on air, fire and fuel. If a car doesn’t get one or two of these vital ingredients, it won’t start.
The first thing that you should check is to make sure the car has gasoline. If there is an adequate amount, the engine might have been flooded. You can floor the gas pedal for around ten seconds, but be careful not to pump it while you are turning the ignition. If the engine is still not starting, tap the carburetor close to the gas line. This can free the line if the needle valve is stuck.
It is also important to check for broken or loose spark plug wires. Make sure to do this with the engine off. The wires that go from the distributor cap to the spark plugs should be secured down on the ends.
Now that you have checked for fuel and fire, we move on to an air check. If you own a car with a carburetor, take off the top of the air filter and look at the choke plate. If it appears stuck, open or close it. Then jiggle the plate in order for it to move freely.
Checking the three main ingredients, air, fire and fuel are a great place to start if your car won’t turn over. However, you may need a mechanic if you can’t find anything wrong. You never know when your car might breakdown, which makes it is a necessity to have an auto warranty to protect you from costly repairs.
December 21st, 2010 by Hal Moses
One way to improve our world would be to alleviate road rage. Everyone has gotten angry with another driver after being cut off. Wouldn’t it be great if we all had cars that helped curb road rage? Well, those vehicles have arrived.
Toyota’s RIN has friendliness in mind. It has wide, deep windows that allow the driver to stay connected with the environment. The headlights on the car have controls for light distribution that allow the driver to be considerate to other drivers. It even has features that reflect the psychological state that the driver is in, such as the steering wheel that is “mood trained†and displays that promote the mental health of the driver.
The Toyota i-REAL offers pedestrians added safety. It is a solo transport that offers maneuverability because it sits upright. This allows the driver to be at eye level with pedestrians. Also, it will stretch out its wheels making it more aerodynamic and stable when you want to travel long distances.
The time has come when automakers are realizing that vehicle design can have an impact on how friendly people are. Toyota is making great strides in accommodating fellow drivers and passengers to make our world a friendlier place. Consumers are willing to pay extra money on car costs that will make their lives easier, such as an auto warranty, insurance, and even friendlier cars.
December 17th, 2010 by Hal Moses
For motorists who are sick of paying the high fuel prices and who aren’t willing to wait for carmakers to put affordable electric cars on the market, CNN has reported that auto owners are doing conversions on their gas powered vehicles to make them electric powered.
The conversion has been described as “surprisingly easyâ€, which involves taking out the guts of the vehicle, such as the exhaust system and radiator, and making replacements to some, like the fuel injector, with components that are electric. Of course, you could only say this process was “easy†if you regularly do engine swaps. Many motorists don’t even know how to change their oil on their own.
Supporting this industry of do-it-yourself are suppliers that sell the parts necessary to complete the conversion, like Electric Vehicles of America.
Once you do that work, the vehicle should be equipped with lead-acid batteries, since lead-acid batteries remain very expensive at $10,000-$20,000. A truck that is small and has 20 6-volt batteries will reach a speed of 60 mph and run for approximately 40 miles.
Before undertaking a conversion such as this, make sure you know that it will make your auto warranty become null and void. Also, messing with the inner workings of you vehicle can be extremely dangerous if you don’t have any experience.
December 16th, 2010 by Hal Moses
In order for a vehicle to maintain its peak performance motorists must get routine maintenance and service. This will also keep your car prepared for difficult driving conditions that come up. Purchasing used car warranties is a good idea so that you don’t dread taking in your car just to find that it requires additional repairs. To keep your car in tip-top shape, follow these tips.
First, check your tire pressure on a regular basis. To keep track, you should do it every other time that you get gas at the pump. In addition, check your tire treads to look for wear and tear and ensure that there isn’t any cracking.
Second, get regular car washes to keep a nice, shiny exterior. And add a coat of wax to keep away corrosion.
Don’t forget to be aware of your check engine light. Don’t ignore it if it lights up. Make sure to take your car to a professional in this case so that you don’t have expensive repairs down the road. Of course an auto warranty will help you avoid unnecessary repair expenses.
Lastly, determine a service schedule with a mechanic and keep it. Your car has certain parts that a professional should look at periodically. Look at your owner’s manual in order to determine what maintenance schedule is best for your car.
Just by following these tips you can head off unnecessary repairs in the future. However, you want to make sure you have an auto warranty to protect your wallet.
December 15th, 2010 by Hal Moses
If you’re purchasing a pre-owned car you need to find out as much history as possible about it. The car may have problems that are not apparent from a visual inspection or a test drive.
A car history report is a good way to find out what you’re getting. This is a report prepared by a third party that is a compilation of information from DMVs, RMVs, and other sources. A car history report will give you an overview of what the car has been through.
When getting a car history report look out for the following things. This is not to say that you shouldn’t buy the car based on these issues, but certainly ask questions.
If a car has had a lot of owners, chances are it hasn’t been cared for lovingly. These cars have probably endured more abuse.
Some areas of our country are easier on cars than others. For example, extreme winter conditions are tough on vehicles, as are flood areas and extreme heat.
Make sure the name and description of the car match up with the actual car. Read the description carefully to avoid vehicle fraud.
Car history reports, such as those from CARFAX are comprehensive and can save you from purchasing a lemon. Also, to protect yourself, purchase an auto warranty to avoid unnecessary expenses down the road.
December 14th, 2010 by Hal Moses
What features can help older drivers stay safe and comfortable on the road and avoid road service calls? The American Automobile Association has the following recommendations to help older drivers.
First, it is helpful to have a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. This puts the driver 10 inches from the airbag, and also alleviates shoulder and neck pain.
Also helpful are mirrors that allow for wide visibility. This allows older drivers to compensate for a limited range of motion.
Seats that are heated with lumbar support allow relief from an aching back.
Six-way adjustable seats allow drivers who are short to see over the steering wheel, and allow for an easier entrance and exit out of the car.
A car with adjustable foot pedals will allow small drivers to be able to reach pedals while remaining far enough away from the airbag.
Four doors are better than two for older drivers because they are lighter and easier to open and close.
Purchasing the right car for an older driver is important for safety reasons. Keep these things in mind to help your loved one avoid emergency roadside assistance calls. In addition, purchase an auto warranty that will help you avoid unnecessary repair costs.
December 11th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Today’s drivers are realizing that cars are being made to withstand more. There are many vehicles on the road that prove to be reliable and durable. So, what cars are going to keep you on the road?
Honda cars are known for being reliable and safe and are always a sure thing. Also, they experience minimal problems and repairs. For example, the Honda Odyssey is ranked #1 in durability. Also ranking high on the list are the Honda Pilot, Civic, Accord and CRV.
Some small SUVs are known for being extremely durable. For example, the Volvo XC90 and Subaru Forester are two examples. But if you’re looking for luxury in addition to durability, the Audi A4 and Acura RDX will deliver.
The vehicles listed made the list due to performance, safety ratings, and lack of complaints. Anyone who is shopping for a new car would feel peace of mind in these cars. However, it is always a good idea to purchase an auto warranty to protect you.
December 11th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Car dealerships are going to great lengths to bring in business for servicing. This includes repainting, brightening lights, and adding new signs. And in the waiting area customers are enjoying WiFi access, flat screen TVs, workstations and coffee bars.
Dealers rely on their parts and service departments for profit. Typically half of their profits come from service, while the rest comes from sales of used and new cars.
But with the sales of new cars plummeting, most dealers have lost money. This is why dealers are renovating their body shops, adding quick oil change lanes, and trying to compete with independent service shops. In a NADA survey, 29% of dealerships said they had upgraded their service shops recently.
Dealerships have also felt the squeeze because their auto warranty repairs have been cut way down and service appointments have been spaced further apart because of the improvements in car quality.
December 9th, 2010 by Hal Moses
Vibrations of the brake pads resulting in a high-pitched sound are what causes brake squeal. The vibration happens when the pads aren’t insulated properly from the caliper. The factory equips brake pads with clips, insulator shims, and even a backing made out of silicone that keeps the pad glued to the caliper. This prevents vibrating.
Often times brake squeal happens when brake pads become too hard. These surfaces that are hard and smooth rub together and produce a noise similar to nails on a blackboard. If this is what is happening, you need to resurface your rotors and replace pads. This should eliminate squealing.
Also, brake rotors should be resurfaced when brakes are being done. If they aren’t, squealing will result. If brake pads are being replaced, resurfacing of rotors should be done with a finish that is non-directional. This will ensure that brake pads will break in correctly.
When you hear brake squealing, act immediately. Take your vehicle to a trained technician to ensure that your brakes are treated correctly. Make sure that you have an auto warranty to cover any repairs that you have done. You don’t want to end up paying more than you have to.
December 7th, 2010 by Hal Moses
For you drivers out there who are determined to stick with your Bluetooth-less vehicle for a little longer, yet who would like to take advantage of that technology, there may be an easy solution that doesn’t attach to your sun visor.
The new Steering Wheel Bluetooth Adapter fastens to the steering wheel on the inside and adjusts for different fits and sizes. This gadget comes with speakers and a microphone, as well as an SD port for MP3 players, an LCD display, a USB port and an FM-out that plays everything through your vehicle’s stereo.
The adapter requires a power source, which is why it utilizes the cigarette lighter. You may think it would seem dangerous to have a wire that goes from the steering wheel to the dashboard. It does work from a battery that is rechargeable, but when would you really recharge it except while driving?
Probably the best bet would be to charge the battery at home and bring it with you when you leave in the morning. After all, there could be car accidents and road service calls from people trying to drive with a wire attached to their steering wheel. In addition, protect yourself with an auto warranty.