Heading into the spring and summer months, the number one tip you can offer your readers to avoid overheating is to keep the coolant reservoir topped off to ensure the heating and cooling system is functioning properly.
Last year, AAA anticipated 7.3 million stranded motors in the summer alone. Cooling system failure topping the list of engine-related roadside breakdowns and 90% of cooling problems occur due to neglect. Prestone 50/50 Prediluted Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant is formulated for use in both foreign and domestic cars and light duty trucks, new and old.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Article created for Walletpop.com
1. What's the first thing you should do when your car breaks down? Are there any general tips students can use to diagnose problems themselves so they know what they're in for.
Answer: The first thing to do when your car breaks down is to isolate the system that is causing the malfunction. Though there are simple and difficult scenarios in all aspects of car repair, inspection is a good way to narrow down the malfunctioning system. Here is a basic check for a popular malfunction:
Problem: Check engine light has come on while driving
Answer: Scan the PCM (powertrain control module) for trouble codes to identify the system that has malfunctioned. Replace the shorted sensor or repair the system as needed and clear the trouble codes to recheck the system.
2. How can a student find a good mechanic and avoid getting ripped off? What should make them suspicious that they might be paying too much? What questions should they ask before, during and after a repair appointment?
Answer: By Law the repair estimate cannot cost more than 5% of the original estimate not including tax. All cost overruns must be approved by the customer before the repair can proceed. Be informed on how a car works is the only way to know for sure if what they are telling you is the truth. The internet is one of the best tools to achieve this, websites such as 2carpros.com can help you understand the repair in question. Always ask for all parts involved and also have them explain why the particular part has failed. Always inform the repair shop that you would like to have the parts returned to you at the time the work order is placed. Also ask for the old part(s) in the box of the new part that was installed on your vehicle. This will help you determine the quality level of the replacement part. Ask them to explain in detail why the part has failed. Some parts cannot be returned such as gaskets that need to be scrapped off to be replaced, you would just get back a handful of gasket shavings with no evidence of failure. In this case a personal inspection is required before the work has begun.
3. How might a student who doesn't know much about cars go about learning basic D-I-Y repairs? What are the most affordable and least time-consuming ways to get more educated about how your car works and how you can fix it? Which repairs should you not try and do yourself?
Answer: The internet is one of the best ways to be informed on how a car works and what to look for when a particular malfunction has occurred. Most air conditioner, transmission, suspension and engine repair should not done by a novice DIY'er
4. What do you recommend for the most cost-effective course of preventive automobile maintenance? How can students take better care of their cars without spending too much money? Which products and treatments will save money in the long run, and which ones is a waste?
Answer: All service intervals must be followed per the manufactures recommendations to ensure vehicle longevity. To save money on service a DIY'er can perform them personally to save money. Always use high quality filters and lubricants and dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
5. Many students I know drive older or high-mileage cars. What's the best way to take care of these vehicles and avoid repairs? And at what point are they not worth fixing anymore? When things just keep going wrong with your car, how do you know when to draw the line and walk away from it?
Answer: When servicing your car prevention is your best weapon against repair costs. Today’s’ automobiles are subject to higher temperatures and harder driving conditions than ever before. Clean fluids such as engine oil and coolant help the engine run efficiently for many miles down the road. Servicing other components such as the transmission, air conditioner and differential will help your car live a long and happy life. It is also beneficial to find a repair shop you can trust, you can do this by contacting the better business bureau in your area and inquire about any complaints the shop might have filled against them. It is hard to tell when a car has simply had enough; there is no crystal ball that will tell you what will break down next. It is always a judgment call on the car owner.
Answer: The first thing to do when your car breaks down is to isolate the system that is causing the malfunction. Though there are simple and difficult scenarios in all aspects of car repair, inspection is a good way to narrow down the malfunctioning system. Here is a basic check for a popular malfunction:
Problem: Check engine light has come on while driving
Answer: Scan the PCM (powertrain control module) for trouble codes to identify the system that has malfunctioned. Replace the shorted sensor or repair the system as needed and clear the trouble codes to recheck the system.
2. How can a student find a good mechanic and avoid getting ripped off? What should make them suspicious that they might be paying too much? What questions should they ask before, during and after a repair appointment?
Answer: By Law the repair estimate cannot cost more than 5% of the original estimate not including tax. All cost overruns must be approved by the customer before the repair can proceed. Be informed on how a car works is the only way to know for sure if what they are telling you is the truth. The internet is one of the best tools to achieve this, websites such as 2carpros.com can help you understand the repair in question. Always ask for all parts involved and also have them explain why the particular part has failed. Always inform the repair shop that you would like to have the parts returned to you at the time the work order is placed. Also ask for the old part(s) in the box of the new part that was installed on your vehicle. This will help you determine the quality level of the replacement part. Ask them to explain in detail why the part has failed. Some parts cannot be returned such as gaskets that need to be scrapped off to be replaced, you would just get back a handful of gasket shavings with no evidence of failure. In this case a personal inspection is required before the work has begun.
3. How might a student who doesn't know much about cars go about learning basic D-I-Y repairs? What are the most affordable and least time-consuming ways to get more educated about how your car works and how you can fix it? Which repairs should you not try and do yourself?
Answer: The internet is one of the best ways to be informed on how a car works and what to look for when a particular malfunction has occurred. Most air conditioner, transmission, suspension and engine repair should not done by a novice DIY'er
4. What do you recommend for the most cost-effective course of preventive automobile maintenance? How can students take better care of their cars without spending too much money? Which products and treatments will save money in the long run, and which ones is a waste?
Answer: All service intervals must be followed per the manufactures recommendations to ensure vehicle longevity. To save money on service a DIY'er can perform them personally to save money. Always use high quality filters and lubricants and dispose of waste oil and filter properly.
5. Many students I know drive older or high-mileage cars. What's the best way to take care of these vehicles and avoid repairs? And at what point are they not worth fixing anymore? When things just keep going wrong with your car, how do you know when to draw the line and walk away from it?
Answer: When servicing your car prevention is your best weapon against repair costs. Today’s’ automobiles are subject to higher temperatures and harder driving conditions than ever before. Clean fluids such as engine oil and coolant help the engine run efficiently for many miles down the road. Servicing other components such as the transmission, air conditioner and differential will help your car live a long and happy life. It is also beneficial to find a repair shop you can trust, you can do this by contacting the better business bureau in your area and inquire about any complaints the shop might have filled against them. It is hard to tell when a car has simply had enough; there is no crystal ball that will tell you what will break down next. It is always a judgment call on the car owner.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Olympic Athlete Killed
Through the years we have learned that solid mounted structures along highways can cause severe damage to anything contacting them at high speeds. Efforts have been made to remove or set back any structures that could be a hazard to drivers. Olympic luge racer Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed when he struck a pillar right next to the track when his sled became unstable at 80 MPH. You would think the Olympic committee would have known if someone flew off the track it would be safer if there was no structure above the track. Let’s hope the next luge track considers this before allowing these athletes to risk their lives.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Saturn Shutting Down?
Well, I heard through the grape vine some or all of Saturn will be shutting down. This comes as a surprise to me because Saturn cars were in general pretty sound and maintenance cost were reasonable, the perfect family car. I owned a Saturn for many years with very little repairs to report. It seems the recession will take its toll with no mercy for anybody in its path. There is a bright note though, Saturn was an industry innovator and many advanced production procedures that will be adopted by competing car companies. I hope they can hang in there through the economic downturn.
Monday, February 8, 2010
2Carpros.com Featured in Google Commercial
2Carpros.com Featured in Google Commercial: It’s comforting to know that all the hard work we have put into helping people get their families back on the road for free has been noticed and appreciated. Thanks to everyone in our forum that has contributed, the world is a better place for it.
Check out the video!
Check out the video!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Getting the Most from your Gas
It is no secret gas prices are up and putting a big pinch on our pocket books. Car maintenance and driving habits significantly affect fuel economy. Here are a few tips to help you get the most for your buck. First, check the air pressure in your car's tires. Most vehicle tire pressure recommendations are located on a sticker in the driver's door jam or on the side wall of the tire. While tire and car manufacturers recommend a prescribed tire pressure, it has been shown that slightly more tire pressure is optimal for achieving higher fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance. Some hybrid cars are manufactured with tires that can hold up to 55 P.S.I. as compared with the usual 32 P.S.I. For safety and better gas mileage always keep your tires properly inflated. Next, analyze your driving habits. Do you take off quickly from a stop? Try easing into the throttle and allow the vehicle to accelerate slowly. Observe the traffic and signals in front of you. If a stop is imminent release the gas pedal and allow the car to coast the remainder of the distance before using the brakes. Proper maintenance of your car's engine is essential for optimum performance. If your engine is misfiring it will decrease mileage. If the engine oil and filter changes have been neglected it will cause additional friction inside the engine and hinder the performance and gas mileage. Finally, remove all un-necessary objects from the car, added weight can decease mileage also inspect your engine service records and perform a tune up or oil change as recommended. Following these gas saving tips can increase your mileage and save you money.
Having Problems with Your New Car?
A new car can be great, but sometimes a new car can have problems. The dealership may not be as helpful as they should be once you drive the car off the lot. If you have problems with a dealer that you can't resolve you do have some recourse. Contact the manufacturer of the vehicle. All major manufacturers have a customer help line that will put you in contact with a company representative. Most dealerships are independently owned and operated and sometimes they aren't always responsive. Your involvement with a manufacturer's representative will help you get the leverage you need to resolve the problem promptly.
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