Engine Oil Myths

In order to operate smoothly, it’s essential that your engine is properly oiled.  The oil keeps the moving parts lubricated and protected from corrosion, sludge, and gunk free.  However there are many myths about engine oil and in this article, “5 Engine Oil Myths”. Here are some highlights:

·         The “W” in 10W-30 oils stands for “weight” -- the most important thing to know about oil is viscosity.  Oil is measured in single grade or multi-grade, and the oil is timed in seconds.  Example: SAE 30 means the oil takes approximately 30 seconds to flow through the tubes.

·         When engine oil turns dark, it’s dirty and should be changed – dark oil is dirty oil, which is false! Most modern oil disperses tiny particles called detergent additives. That’s why the oil appears darker. This in no way impedes the oil from performing its normal functions of lubricating and protecting the engine.

·         You should change your oil every 3,000 miles – modern detergents oils viscosities are better auto engineered to allow cars to travel 7,500 miles between oil changes.  Consumer Report has debunked this myth and driving 7,500 miles between oil changes shouldn’t harm your vehicle in any way.

You can read all 5 of the most popular engine oil myths at: http://bit.ly/Zgk046.

 

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Common Car Maintenance Mistakes

- A part of owning a car is coming to terms with the fact that things are going to go wrong. Parts are going to fail, bulbs will burn out, engine lights will come on, and belts will need to be replaced. Maintenance is inevitable whether you choose to do it yourself or take your car to a professional. There are a number of big mistakes do-it-your-selfers and sometimes even professional mechanics can make when “fixing” vehicle. This article (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/10-serious-mistakes-car-maintenance.htm#page=0) tells you some of the most common mistakes to watch for. Here are some of the highlights:

·         Roaming around with burned out lights – Headlights and high beams are easy to spot when they burn out, but tail lights, brake lights, and running lights burn out too. This is one of the cheapest and easiest car maintenance tasks, so don’t put it off!

·         Attempting a jump start without really knowing how – Sending electricity to places it isn’t supposed to be can fry your car…or you! Don’t let that happen. Learn how to jump start a car before you actually have to do it.

·         Assuming bald tires will last a bit longer – Tires give a car the proper contact with road it needs to drive safely. If your tires are bald the car’s contact with the road isn’t so good anymore. Get a new set when the tires go bald, even if the tread looks decent.

·         Forgetting to torque the lug nuts – After changing or rotating wheels you need to make sure there is a proper amount of force applied to the lug nuts. If there’s not, eventually the pressure of driving will force the lug nuts off, which could cause your tire to leave your car while driving. No one wants that.

·         Forgetting to replace drained fluids – Gasoline isn’t the only important fluid in your car. Oil and transmission fluid keep your engine running smoothly. Brake fluid helps maintain proper pressure in your brakes. Coolant keeps things from getting too hot or too cold. These things are all important in keeping your car from having serious issues, so always triple-check that the fluids have been refilled after being drained.

·         Ignoring warning lights – Warning lights come on for one reason only, something isn’t functioning right. The longer you let it go, the more serious the issue can become. Even if you think it’s something simple like your gas cap not being tight enough, get those warning lights checked!

Read all ten maintenance mistakes here: http://bit.ly/18YoBa2.

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What Your Check Engine Light is Trying to Tell You

A check engine light coming on in your car is never something a driver wants to deal with. The light could mean a vehicle needs expensive repairs, or it could be something as simple as a gas cap not being screwed on tight enough. But not matter what it is, the matter of the fact is you’re going to have to get your engine checked.

In 2010 CarMD published a list of the five most common check engine light codes. Here they are in order or frequency.

·         O2 Sensor (part of the emissions system monitoring and helping adjust the air-fuel mixture)

·         Loose gas cap

      ·         Catalytic converter

·         Mass air flow sensor (monitoring the amount of air mixed in the fuel injection system)

      ·         Spark plug wires

Read the full article here: http://edmu.in/im4vWF

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What to Keep in Your Glove Box

If you’re like most people your glove box is probably full of clutter – every manual that came with your car, receipts, key chains, cosmetics, cds, and maybe some gloves. But are all those things really necessary? Don’t let yourself be a glove box litterbug!

There are a number of items you’ll want to have in your car that are easily accessible in case you would get into a jam, like a first aid kit, a flash light, and a tire pressure gauge.  This article (http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2012/12/what-to-keep-in-your-glove-box.html) will give you the complete list of necessary items you should keep in your glove box. That way you can get rid of everything else and keep your car clutter free!

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Fuel Saving Tips: An Infographic

Fuel prices are one of the things that can make what should be a fun drive in your car seem like a costly annoyance. Everyone wants to get their money’s worth from their fuel tank, as they should. The problem, though, is that there’s a lot of conflicting information floating around out there about how exactly you save fuel!

Have no fear, readers: to help you we’ve found a great infographic with tips on how to save fuel. It may say “tips for a new year,” but come on: it’s never the wrong time of year to get tips when it comes to car care! Click the image to view a larger version.

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Can You Identify Cars By Their Sound?

When dealing with cars, most of us recognize a car by a number of physical characteristics. We recognize basic exterior designs, brand symbols, and so forth.

Some people, though, can actually recognize a car by its sound. That’s right: just based on the sound of a revving engine, some people know exactly what car is coming up behind them as they walk along a sidewalk near a busy road.

In an article on jalopnik.com, the editors write that for car enthusiasts, “there's a whole world of exhaust sound. It's a game you can play to see if you can recognize a car with your eyes closed. There's very little as satisfying as picking out a big block muscle car before it even turns onto your block.

I could argue that car noises are under threat today. High-performance luxury cars are playing to a more comfort-oriented audience, and the new BMW M5 is so quiet, the engineers make up engine noise that pipes in through the speakers. The current 'car of the future,' the Tesla Model S is electric. All you hear on the street is tire noise.

But there are still plenty of fantastic exhausts to pick out. Can you ID all of these cars without looking?”

What do you think? Can you identify cars based on sound alone? Click here and head to the main article to watch all 10 videos and find out!

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How To Handle An Engine Fire

While driving can be an extremely fun activity, there are always dangers that drivers need to be aware of. One of those dangers are car fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that there is a vehicle fire every 96 seconds in the United States.

The dangers of car fires are further highlighted by articles like one on Detroitnews.com that tells one man’s tale about how his truck went up in flames within three minutes. “A fire in a modern vehicle burns fast and furiously,” the writer states. “What's intact for the moment can be gone or enveloped in toxic smoke in a matter of seconds.”

All drivers need to be aware of this potential danger, especially since most fires start due to electrical problems, which can’t be seen and can be undetected. Signs of potential problems, according to Statefarm.com, are:

·      Fuses that blow repeatedly

·      Spilled oil under the hood left over from an oil change

·      Oil or other fluid leaks under the vehicle

·      Cracked or loose wiring, or wiring with exposed metal

·      Very loud sounds from the exhaust system

·      Rapid changes in fuel level, oil levels, or engine temperature

·      A missing cap from the oil filler

·      Broken or loose hoses

Should the warning signs lead to a real emergency before any problems can be fixed, remember to stay calm and do the following:

·      As highlighted in the Detroitnews.com article, if anything seems “off” in your car, pull over and get out – you’ll be able to see if anything is obviously wrong.

·      If you smell gasoline, don’t just assume it’s coming from another car – it could be a sign of trouble in yours. Pull over.

·      When you pull over, turn off your car’s ignition immediately. Exit the vehicle and do not go back for personal items.

·      If you see flames once you exit the vehicle, call 911 immediately and keep away from your car.

·      Do not open the hood of your car and attempt to fight any fire yourself; opening the hood adds extra oxygen to the blaze and makes the situation worse.

As with all accidents, you should also find ways to alert oncoming traffic to the danger your car poses, and take pictures of the damage to show to insurance agents later.

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The 10 Most Common Car Insurance Myths: An Infographic

Dealing with car insurance can be a tricky thing at best and a hassle at worse. The matter is made harder by the number of misconceptions and outright myths that exist in our minds.

Having the right facts about car insurance is very important and can make the difference between whether you’re obeying the law or committing fraud. Check out this sweet infographic and quiz yourself - what car insurance myths did you believe on this list?

Click the image to view a larger version!

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Regular vs. Premium Gas

What’s the difference between regular and premium gas? And which one should I use?

The difference between regular and premium gas is the octane level. Regular gas has an octane rating that is usually around 87, midgrade gas is usually around 89, and premium is usually somewhere around 91. The octane level determines how quickly a fuel burns. If a fuel has a higher octane level, it will burn slower because it has a higher compression level and is less likely to combust without the ignition of the spark plug. When fuel combusts before it is ignited by the spark plug, this means that not all the fuel in an engine will burn and it will most likely leave debris and gunk in the engine.

If you’re unsure what your car should take, check the owner’s manual. While a higher-octane fuel is a better quality fuel, not every car needs that. Premium gasoline is made for better quality engines and will only be wasting the money of the person who uses it when they should be using regular. In the same matter, if your car needs premium, putting regular gasoline in it will most likely lead it to “knock” which is the term used for an engines early combustion.

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How To Survive A Car Crash

We’ll be the first to admit it, driving can be dangerous. And yet, at the same time driving can be safe! If you’re taking the correct precautionary measures, like those mentioned in this article, How to Avoid a Car Accident, safely driving a car can be a sinch! Unfortunately, however, somtiems accidents are unavoidable and it is no longer a question of how to avoid an accident, but rather how to safely get through one!

This graph provides some quick tips on how to survive an accident! So keep your head back and your eyes focused and took a look at this!

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Crossing State Lines

Sometimes cars can get very expensive. And with gas and repairs, it can feel like the spending never stops. When it comes to insurance, however, how bad do you actually have it? According to an Insure.com study, out of the 50 states, Louisiana has the most expensive car insurance and Maine has the least! To check out the list and see where we fall, click on the link here: http://bit.ly/f4nIDj

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10 Coolest Car Facts

 

The history of the automobile is lengthy in America! Cars have been on the road for over 100 years across the country. Wondering what the weirdest things about cars are? Check out these fun car facts from eHow!

The Early Days

• The first speeding tickets were given out in 1902, when the top speed of most cars was around 45 miles per hour.
• Some of the first cars ever made used a pair of levers to steer. Steering wheels weren't introduced for several years.
• Even before the Model T, the first popular American car was the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, which sold new for $650.
• The first car ever produced in America for sale was known as the Duryea. Only one model is known to still exist.
• Before the 1920s, cars didn't have gas gauges. Drivers had to estimate how much fuel was left, or risk running out.

For Drivers

• Cleveland was the first city in the United States to get a traffic light in 1914.
• In 1972 the average speed of cars on Los Angeles freeways was 60 miles per hour. Ten years later, the growing traffic problem dropped that number to 17 miles per hour.
• The average American will spend two weeks of her life stopped at red lights.
• To drive on all of the paved roads in the United States, you would have to drive nonstop at 100 miles per hour for over four years.
• The first car insurance policy was issued in Westfield, Massachusetts, in 1897.

Read the original article here: http://www.ehow.com/about_5280598_funny-cars.html#ixzz2OHBzl0H0

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Car Care: Spring Maintenance Check List

It’s officially the Ides of March, so beware! You and your car may be excited to hit the road again in the nice weather, but over 9 million people break down and have to call AAA each summer. What can you do to help your car recover from the winter, and get ready for the nicer weather?

“If, like most Americans, you're not driving a fresh-from-the-showroom ride - the average age of passenger vehicles in the U.S. is just over 10 years old - it's time to give your car a little springtime TLC.
"Drivers often overlook their cars when it is spring cleaning time," says Shawn Hoelzer, master technician for CarMax, the largest U.S. chain of used car dealerships. "Following a few easy steps to spruce up your vehicle helps avoid costly repairs."
So take your car to a dealership to get checked out. Use this spring maintenance checklist to make sure your car is reliable and running efficiently.
Check the battery: You can't get where you are going if the car won't start. "Winter is tough on all the starting components like the starter and alternator. The battery works harder and can get drained," says Jimmie Swims, a specialist at the auto parts chain Auto Zone. Signs of a weak battery: dimming headlights or interior lights; power windows that take longer than usual to go up and down.”

“Check the brakes: Winter conditions and salt on the roads can lead to corrosion of brake parts; Auto Zone's Swims also points out that anti-lock braking systems get an especially hard workout in winter's slick conditions. Nothing is more crucial to your safety than your brakes, so get them checked. Trouble signs: pulling to one side when you hit the brakes, squeaking or grinding noises and a brake pedal that feels too soft.
Tire photo courtesy of Flickr user Bryan Alexander Battery photo courtesy of Flickr user Robert Hruzek”

Full article here: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505145_162-40542866/car-care-spring-maintenance-check-list/

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Car Confessions Data Chart

We all have little bits of interesting information and odd behaviors somewhere in our relationship with our cars. Some people don’t mind if you smoke in their car, others don’t always wear a seat belt (though they should), and most people have even named their car! This infographic presents the results of a poll where more than 1000 people were asked a variety of questions about their cars, so check out this infographic for the results.


More here:
http://blogs.automotive.com/car-confessions-data-chart-120407.html#axzz2M7LpmIqL

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20 Most Interesting Facts About Cars

“All of you guys have read certain interesting facts about animals, technology, or people at least once in [your] life. Right? And since [a] car is something you use every day, this time it’ll be facts about cars. These infotaining car facts might surprise everybody, from car enthusiast[s] to simply car owner[s]. So in the name of entertainment and because car[s] [are] the most popular type of transport, [here is a] list of great facts about automobiles and things regarding autos. Accompanied with pictures that will help you get a visual description, these great facts can change your attitude towards routine work or usual stuff. Get to know [these] top 20 interesting facts about cars!”













More here:
http://blog.carid.com/20-most-interesting-facts-about-cars

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How to Jump Start Your Car

Imagine this, you walk out the door towards your vehicle, get in, and it won’t start. Oh no, maybe the battery’s dead! This can be because the headlights were left on, a door was not completely closed, or maybe just the battery is old. In any case you’ve got somewhere to go, and you’re not going to let this stand in your way. Well as long as you’ve got a friend with a charged car battery and some jumper cables, you can still get where you’re heading after a quick jump.

Put on the safety glasses and open the hoods of both cars. Make sure the battery position on each car is compatible to the length of the cables.
Attach the red clamp of the jumper cables to the working battery in the assisting car first, then attach the black clamp to the negative terminal of the working battery in the assisting car. Be sure once both of those clamps are attached to the working battery that the idle clamps on the other end of the jumper cables do not come into contact with one another, or sparks will fly.
Hold the remaining clamps of the jumper cables apart and attach the red clamp to the positive battery terminal on the dead battery. Attach the black clamp of the jumper cable to a non-moving metallic ground away from the dead battery. Use a large bolt head or metal engine bracket within reach. Make sure that there is no slack in the cable or clamp connections that can come into contact with moving engine parts when the dead car battery starts the engine.
Start the car with the dead battery. If it doesn't start, you may need to start the engine of the assisting car and allow it to run for a while, or have the engine revved to accommodate the cold cranking amps of the dead battery. It will depend on how many cold cranking amps the dead battery calls for and how dead the battery is. A rule of thumb is to find a compatible vehicle to jump start from. A small compact car with a low cold cranking amp battery may have a difficult time jump starting a 3/4-ton truck with a high cold cranking amp battery.
Remove the black clamp from the ground position on the vehicle that needed to be jump started first, then remove the red clamp from the same vehicle (once the battery starts the engine). Again, be sure not to allow the clamps of the jumper cables to contact one another. Finally, remove the black clamp from the assisting car's negative battery terminal and then the last clamp from the positive battery terminal. Close the hoods and remove the safety glasses.

For two other ways to jump your car, check out this article. http://www.ehow.com/how_4899364_jump-start-car-safely.html

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How Your Car Gets Tuned Up

Every 30,000 miles or two years (whichever comes first), your car should receive a tune up. This is a good way to keep your vehicle out of the shop, by having a few parts checked and replaced that are worn down. Here’s a list of things your mechanic does to tune up your car!

• -Replace the fuel filter
• -Change the spark plugs
• -Replace the distributor cap and rotor
• -Change the points and condenser
• -Check and adjust the ignition timing
• -Adjust the valves

To get see the rest of these steps, check out the full article at:
http://www.ehow.com/how_1874_tune-car.html

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What You Need to Know About Vehicle Theft

For many people, their car is their life. Imagine the setbacks you would face if your car was stolen – it gets you to work, school and pretty much anywhere else you’d want to go. This infographic from the NHTSA explains more about vehicle theft and gives you the facts.

To learn more about how to prevent your car from getting stolen, check out the NHTSA website.

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What Makes Brakes Work?

One pedal makes it go, and the other one makes it stop - but how much do you really know about your brakes? They’re critical to keeping your car on the road and your family safe. In fact, brakes use a lot of interesting technology to ensure that you always stop when you press the brakes. Here’s a quick explanation from How Stuff Works:

We all know that pushing down on the brake pedal slows a car to a stop. But how does this happen? How does your car transmit the force from your leg to its wheels? How does it multiply the force so that it is enough to stop something as big as a car?
When you depress your brake pedal, your car transmits the force from your foot to its brakes through a fluid. Since the actual brakes require a much greater force than you could apply with your leg, your car must also multiply the force of your foot. It does this in two ways:

• Mechanical advantage(leverage)
• Hydraulic force multiplication

The brakes transmit the force to the tires using friction, and the tires transmit that force to the road using friction also.

Learn more about your brakes and read the original article here: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/brakes/brake-types/brake.htm

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The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving can be dangerous for more than just your car. When you allow distractions to take you away from the process of driving, you can put yourself and your family at risk. Unfortunately, there are many things today that can cause distractions in the car, from cell phones and mp3 players to children and food. The next time you’re driving, make sure you avoid distracted driving by following these tips from eHow:

1. Avoid talking on your cell phone. Some states require you to pull over when using your cell phone while driving.
2. Never multi-task while driving. Do not do things like adjusting your radio, compact disc player or GPS unit.
3. Do not read while driving. When you need to read or use a map, pull off the road.
4. Avoid taking your coat off or changing clothes while driving.
5. Put makeup on, comb your hair and shave before leaving your house or office. These things should never be done while driving.
6. Avoid eating or drinking while driving.
7. Keep music at a reasonable level. Listening to music that is too loud or using headphones or earplugs while driving can be distracting and can prevent you from hearing emergency vehicles sharing the road with you.
8. Avoid lighting up or putting out cigarettes, or dealing with falling ashes while driving.

Read the entire article here: http://www.ehow.com/how_2043250_avoid-distractions-driving.html#ixzz2IGgJ0A1Tqx4M

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11 Fantastic Ways to Use Vinegar in Your Car

Keeping cars clean is one of the biggest challenges many car owners face. But what if there was a simple product that you already have in your pantry that could keep your car clean? Turns out, there is! Vinegar’s good for so much more than salad dressing - it makes a great household and car cleaner. It’s gentle and all-natural, so you don’t have to worry about putting harsh chemicals into your car. Here are 11 ways you can use vinegar to clean your car:

1. Keep car windows frost-free overnight in winter by coating them with a solution of 3 parts white distilled vinegar to 1 part water.
2. Polish car chrome with full-strength white distilled vinegar on a soft cloth.
3. Remove unwanted decals and bumper stickers by covering them with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar, or by repeatedly spraying them with full-strength white distilled vinegar. They should peel off in a couple of hours.
4. Rid the windshield wipers of road grime by wiping them with a white distilled vinegar-soaked cloth.
5. Remove the leftover odor after a rider has been carsick by leaving a bowl of white distilled vinegar overnight on the floor.
6. Get rid of hard water stains on your car with a rinse made from 3 parts soft water to one part white distilled vinegar.
7. Wipe vinyl upholstery with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.
8. Remove winter road salt residue on car carpeting by spraying with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water, then blot with a soft towel.
9. Remove the hazy film that builds up on inside windows by spraying with white distilled vinegar.
10. Remove dirt and stains from car carpeting with a mixture of half white distilled vinegar and half water.
11. When doing car maintenance, soak rusty bolts and screws with white distilled vinegar to make them easier to remove.

Read more uses for vinegar in your car here: http://bit.ly/VMV3Xc

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Why Do Cars Get Rust?

What’s the one word that scares most car owners? Rust. This pesky problem can not only be aesthetically unpleasing, it can also cause serious damage to your car. The term “rustbucket” refers to an undriveable old car, after all. Protecting your car from rust involves both watching and prevention. Why does rust form? Here’s a technical explanation for the curious:

Rust is iron oxide, a molecule consisting of two iron atoms and three oxygen atoms. It's the product of an electrochemical process called corrosion. To create rust, three factors must be present: an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. An anode is a piece of metal that will readily release electrons under the right circumstances. Cathodes are metals that will accept electrons. Electrolytes are liquids that facilitate the movement of electrons.

As electrons flow from the anode to the cathode via the electrolyte, the anode metal corrodes. In the case of metals with iron in them, part of the anode metal becomes rust. As the metal corrodes, it weakens. That's not something you want to have happen to your vehicle.

There are several points on your car that are more susceptible to rust. For example, your car's engine, frame, chassis, exhaust system and trunk compartment can develop rust. Optional equipment, like trailer hitches, can also fall prey to corrosion. Rust can even attack painted surfaces on your car.

Getting rid of rust is challenging. It's easier to take steps to prevent rust than it is to eradicate it. In the case of rust, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Read the full article (and get some great rust prevention tips!) here: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/vehicle-maintenance/prevent-automotive-rust.htm

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