Summertime Car Care
Jul 9th
summertime car care
Because we feel the effects of winter more harshly than summer, we go to extra lengths to protect ourselves with coats and hats and gloves. Most of us make sure that our cars are ready for the onslaught of frigid winter weather too. We make sure we have snow tires, an ice scraper and deicer.
However, in summer months we can shed our heavy and restrictive coats and hats and take life easy. We also tend to be more lax with our car care too. Remember, you car needs protection and routine maintenance year round, no matter what the temperature.
Your engine is effected by extremes of temperature. Don’t think that it isn’t hard on the engine when you sit idling in a traffic jam in 90 degree plus temperature with the air conditioner blasting away inside.
The first reason to keep up a maintenance schedule is to save yourself money in the long run. If you have a newer car in order to keep the warranty in effect you need to have it serviced according to your manufacturers recommended schedule.
If your car is older and out of warranty you need to be more vigilant. It’s up to you to make a service schedule for your car. Make a checklist and keep track of the following items;
Oil. This should be changed every 3,000 miles. If you car is “using” oil as the saying goes, check it every other time you fill up. Carry an extra quart of oil in the trunk. Along with an oil change most “speedy” oil change business check belts, hoses, fluid levels, tires, etc.
Antifreeze. Have your cars heating and cooling system checked on at least yearly. You want to make sure you have adequate temperature protection, summer and winter.
Air cleaner. This should be checked at the same time you have your oil changed. A clogged air cleaner can really slow down your engines performance.
Brakes. If you notice any squealing of your breaks have them checked as soon as possible. It’s much cheaper to replace worn pads than it is to have to replace expensive rotors if they become worn.
Tires. The air pressure is usually checked at the same time you have your oil changed. You should also have the tires rotated on a regular basis, this can really prolong their life.
Battery. Batteries are sealed units now. Have the battery checked at least once a year.
Following these tips all year round will help you keep you car in top running order.
Tips for maintaining your Snowblower
Jul 2nd
snowblower
If you don’t want to be standing out in the cold arguing with a snowblower that doesn’t want to run, then do the annual maintenance before the snow starts flying. Regular maintenance will give you years of hassle free use, and less attitude from your blower. Don’t forget the safety aspect, because without proper maintenance your snowblower could become a hazard.
Each fall before winter arrives, you should check all bolts, belts, and moving parts, to ensure they are not frayed, loose, or worn. Belts are best checked by removing and checking for cracks. Replace any worn parts, and tighten any loose bolts.
Turn your snowblower on its side and check the scraper bar. This is the bar that rubs against the ground and scrapes the snow off. This item wears, so check to see if it need replacement. If you neglect to replace the bar when it is worn, it will lead to damage on the snowblower’s housing, and that’s will hurt your pocket book. In fact, if your snowblower gets a lot of use through out the season, check it regularly.
Check the rubber paddles and the rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing it’s time to replace the rubber. A new rubber will help your snowblower operate at its optimum performance levels.
Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Adjust as needed. If you have tire chains for your snowblower, have them handy or put them on in advance. There’s nothing worse than searching in the freezing cold, while trying to remember where you put the chains.
There are only two types of snow blower engines: The two cylinder engine which uses mixed gas and oil. You’ll just need to replace the spark plug on this style of engine.
If you have a four cylinder engine which uses straight gas, with the oil in the crank case just like your vehicle, you’ll need to change the oil, spark plug, and filter. You should also check the oil each time before you start it. Most four cylinders use 5W30 oil, and hold approx 20 ounces. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct oil weight, and replacement part numbers.
Lube the drive and chassis. If you have two stage blower, make sure you check the lube in the gear box. Check with your owners manual whether you have a one stage or two stage. It will also tell you the type of lubricant to use.
If there was fuel left from the previous year, you’ll need to siphon it off, and fill the gas tank with fresh gasoline. It doesn’t hurt to add some methanol in with the fuel, once or twice a season, to avoid condensation from building up in the tank, or the carburetor icing up.
What You Should Never Do When Shopping For A New Car
Jun 25th
New Car
There are many things that you don’t want to see an automobile dealership do to you as a buyer, but there are some things that you should not do as well, if you don’t want to alienate the dealer.
Here is a list of “don’ts” that you should abide by if you are really looking to get a good new or used car deal.
Don’t try to pull one over on the dealer by lying about the condition of your trade in vehicle. It is just a lie that you can’t get away with, and could cause many cost increases later.
Don’t bother looking for a car that will require financing if you have had a recent bankruptcy because you will not get an auto loan approved anyway.
Don’t give the automobile dealership a deposit and then try to take it back for no reason because you should have researched the car before making the purchase. You can also lose money on the return.
Don’t bother lying about your debt load and credit rating because they will check it anyway.
Don’t offer any money for a car unless you already know the dealer cost because you are setting yourself up to get ripped off.
If you will follow the tips above when buying a new or used car, the rest of your negotiations will go much smoother.
One more thing you should not do that is not part of the negotiation with the salesperson, and that is, don’t forget the cost of automobile insurance. Many new car purchasers have been shocked with the cost of insurance for that perfect car. That high powered red Mustang convertable might seem cool for a 19 year old college student, until he (or his dad) has to pay the insurance bill.
More than one teenage driver has found themselves caught in the circular trap of needing a car to get to the job that they need to have to pay for the car and the auto insurance. I’m sure that teenagers are not the only ones that find themselves in this position as people try to keep up with their contemporaries.
The same holds true for a car’s gasoline consumption and maintenance costs. While SUV’s are a fad now, unless you really need such a vehicle, you will find that the gas and maintenance costs can be substantial.
When shopping for a used car, be sure to research the safety and maintenance records of different models. You can find this type of information in magazines such as Consumer Reports or insurance company publications.
So be sure that the car you buy is within your means, including the cost of insurance, gas and maintenance.