Car Care for Newbies

Published on: 12 September 2019 Last Updated on: 30 September 2019

Car shows are pretty popular. We love to watch people ‘pimping their rides’ and getting car make-overs. Meanwhile, our own vehicles are lucky if they get a weekly car wash. For many drivers, fuel is the only maintenance their car receives. And even this becomes a problem because they ignore their fuel indicator light until the last possible minute.

For the record, you should never dismiss your car’s lights or sounds. They were put there for a reason, and if you’re unclear, you could always Google it. Check your car’s user manual, and if it’s too dry and boring to hold your interest, spend some time on WikiHow and YouTube. You can find some pretty detailed, user-friendly tips for your car model.

But what exactly does car maintenance involve? Wash your car two or three times a week, or opt for a deep detail. These are offered by mobile car wash services that will drive right to your door and clean your car without it ever leaving your driveway. These detailers may suggest additional car care options, like defogging lights, deodorising car smells and protecting your paint job.

Do a manual check

Apart from cleaning the car, you should do a cursory inspection each time you step out of the car. It’s that thing guys do when they squat beside the car, kick the tyres and raise the bonnet, except it’s never quite clear what they’re looking for. Here are some suggestions. Stroll around the car and peek underneath, checking for any water puddles or oil spills.

Rev the engine and listen to it. If you’ve been driving the car long enough, you can tell when the engine sounds ‘off’, even if you can’t detect the exact problem. If possible, you can use your phone to record the unsettling sound, then you can text it to your mechanic and see what they think. It may be something simple like loose ball joints, or it could be a worn-out clutch plate!

On that note, get your car regularly serviced. It’ll only spend a few hours at the garage, and some mechanics will even give you a substitute vehicle to use in the meantime. Back to your car check, kicking the tyres has two goals. One, you’re assessing tyre pressure, in case you need an air refill. Two, you’re inspecting your tyre treads – it may be time for a new set of wheels.

Top up your car fluids

Your car does not live on fuel alone. You have lots of other car fluid, such as brake fluid, engine oil, lubricant, radiator water, and steering fluid for automatic cars. These need to be refilled at regular intervals, and your car owner’s manual (or YouTube) can guide you on what to check, where it’s located on the car, and how often you need to top up. This keeps your car running.

Think of your car like your body. Some days, you wake up off-kilter. You’re not always sure what’s wrong, but you don’t feel like yourself. Put the same amount of focus on your car. As you drive, pay attention to smooth shifting, strange shudders, squeaks, rumbles, or vibrations. Learn what’s normal and what’s not, so that you know when it’s time to call the garage.

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How to Get An Accurate Valuation of Your Motorcycle When Selling

Looking to sell your ride? No matter what the reason is, this can always feel like quite an ordeal and especially if you have not done it before. Fortunately, it does not have to be a stressful and lengthy process if you know how to go about making a sale and can find suitable buyers and the internet has made it easier than ever for people to connect with buyers. One of the major processes to go through and perhaps the most important one is determining a fair asking price. You do not want to overcharge somebody as they will simply look elsewhere to get a better deal, but, equally, you do not want to undercharge and get the most possible for the bike. This can make it tricky to establish a fair price and particularly when you factor in the no two bikes are the same when you look into mileage, wear and tear, make, model, age etc. Classifieds : One way to determine a price for your bike is to browse the classifieds to find a bike which is the same make and model with similar mileage and condition. Previously, this was a tedious task that involved flicking through the papers, but nowadays you can simply find bikes for sale that are similar to your own and use this as a starting point to determine a price. Online Tools : Another way to establish an asking price is to take advantage of online tools which are often free to use on various dealers websites. These will ask a few simple questions and then come back to you with an instant figure, but keep in mind that a dealership will always charge slightly more and it does not take everything about the bike into consideration. Professional Valuation : The best way to reach a completely accurate valuation of your motorcycle is to use the services of a specialist. These companies use a team of experts who rigorously scrutinize trends and movements in the market to reach a fair fee for your bike. Second-hand dealerships use these services to price their entire fleet, so you know that you are in good hands when you use one of these reputable companies and it is a good idea to show any prospective buyers that this is where you obtained the figure from. Negotiating : These are the best ways to establish a fair asking price when selling your motorbike, but it is important to remember that any potential buyer may want to negotiate a price so you should be willing to do this. Always show them how you have reached your asking price and be firm yet friendly when trying to work out a price with the buyer. Selling a bike can be tricky and particularly if it is your first time. It is vital that you establish a fair asking price for the bike as otherwise, you will not attract any buyers, plus you also need to make sure that you do not undercharge so use the above to come to a fair starting price for the bike. Read Also : Things To Consider Before Buying Your First Motorcycle Will EBikes Save The Planet? How To Choose The Right Motorcycle Tires For The Motorcycle

Top 10 Signs You Might Need Auto Repair Services

Is your car having difficulty starting up? Is it chugging and blowing out smoke? Which kind of problem can you do yourself and which ones should alert you it's time to visit a mechanic ship? Knowing when to get your car checked by auto repair services can make it cheaper for you. After all, if you put it off, the damage might take a turn for the worse and make you spend more. Take note that automotive repair costs United States drivers $50 billion a year, so if you want to save as much money as possible, you need to care for your car properly. Here are ten signs your car needs a tune-up: 1. Check Engine Light is On: A check engine light isn't a cause for concern when it's lit--a flashing one is a major indicator of a problem. It could mean that there's something wrong within any components and systems monitored by your car's computer. However, as long as the light is on, you must have the engine checked sometime soon. If you want to know more about scheduled Subaru maintenance, you can read more here. Otherwise, when an engine-like symbol glows in your dash, you need to get the engine checked as soon as possible. It might be an issue with the emissions system, which can give serious damage to your catalytic converter. 2. Smoke Out of the Hood: Vehicles must never have any type of smoke coming out from under their hood. If you see this, it's a sure sign of overheating. This can give serious damage to your car's engine if you continue driving without addressing the issue. Look at the dash and make sure to check the temperature gauge on a regular basis. Make sure that it isn't giving way for whatever reason. It's important that you pull over when you're driving since it allows you to let it cool down and call an automotive repair service for assistance. Another reason is that you're leaking coolant liquids from the radiator, hose, or gasket. This is especially true when the white smoke comes from the car's engine compartment. 3. Transmission Issues: When you're driving, take note of the way your car operates in a normal situation. Ask yourself these questions: Is it difficult for the car to achieve speed? Does it surge or give off odd sounds when operating? If you answer yes to these questions, you need to get car repair services. Without professional service repairs, you could get into an accident while on the road. This creates a dangerous situation for you and your kids. There might be a recurring transmission problem with your vehicle. Taking it to an automotive repair shop fixes the problem with the use of the latest technologies available. It's necessary for you to do this as soon as you can to avoid spending more in the future. 4. Excessive Smoke and Noise from Exhaust: Pay attention to the sounds your car makes when you're driving. The type of noise you hear will dictate the kind of possible problem. For example, if you hear hissing sounds from the exhaust, it's possible that its manifold or pipe has a crack. Chugging noises can mean that the exhaust system has a blockage. Meanwhile, rattling sounds underneath your car can mean that the exhaust system is suffering from misalignment. These sounds are good indicators that it’s time to change the exhaust system you can visit goblackops.com.au as they provide high-performance systems at reliable prices. As for excessive smoke, one possible reason is that you have an oil leak, especially when a burning smell accompanies it. In cold winter months, you might notice that there's more white smoke when you first start your car. This isn't a cause for alarm because it's only water vapor coming out of the exhaust system--they'll disappear once the temperature of the engine increases. But when you're driving and see too much smoke from the exhaust, it's best to go to a repair shop first. The same is true if you check your car's bumper area and notice a black residue near the area of the exhaust pipe. 5. Gas Mileage Decreases: If your car experiences a sudden drop in its gas mileage, you need to schedule routine maintenance as soon as you can. This could mean that you'll need to fill up its gas tank more often. The reason why this is urgent is due to the fact that you want to save as much money as possible for the gas, especially now that a barrel of oil is at $70. One of the main reasons behind this might be a bad fuel injector or a dirty fuel filter. It might also mean that there's a problem with the spark plugs. Either way, it requires your utmost attention and the help of professionals. 6. Difficulty Starting Vehicle: When getting into trips, do you find it difficult to make your vehicle startup? If your answer is yes, then it might be a good time for you to visit a repair shop for a tune-up. You need to do this as soon as possible especially when you're having a difficult time turning over right when you're trying to make it start. Another possible reason is that you're trying to start it while the engine is hot from the outside weather. It's related to the car's fuel, especially since a hot engine makes it harder for fuel to circulate because of the blocking vapor. In a worst-case scenario, the car won't even start. Remember, even after you shut the engine, it will still get hot for a short while. During this time, water vapor will spread around, obstructing the engine from circulating fuel. 7. Excessive Leaks: Noises and leaks are two of the most common problems for 2017 car models. You need to take your car to the nearest mechanic if it has major leaks underneath. If you're checking for leaks, the most common location is toward the car's front, where you might see different-colored liquids. If the liquid is bright green, it's the coolant leaking. Otherwise, dark red or brown liquids can either be transmission oil, brake fluid, or engine oil. But if it's only plain water, don't worry--it's the normal result of the air conditioner running during warm summer months. 8. Signs of Rust: When you see rust on your car, you need to remove it fast regardless of whether you do it on your own or let professionals help you. When left alone, a single rust spot can grow fast and cause a structural problem if it reaches a certain size. Deal with it fast since most states will never pass inspections if they have rust holes in the body. It's especially needed if you bought a secondhand car. It doesn't matter if the spot is small or it's located in an unimportant part of the car body. You need to eliminate it as soon as you see it. To do this in an effective manner, you need to understand the most problematic areas in your car as well as the methods you need to address the problem. 9. Vehicle Shakes or Jumps : When you experience this, it's a sign of a performance issue. It might be a good time for you to take your car for a tune-up. Take it for a test drive on a shop or make an appointment so you don't end up stalling in a place you'd rather not be in. Always remember that a driving experience should be free from shaking or jumping. After all, the probable cause of this problem is within the car's engine. It might be due to clogged fuel lines or filters, as well as bad spark plugs. Again, you need to fix this problem as soon as possible since it hinders your vehicle's acceleration most of the time. It might even give out in the most unpleasant situations, like merging onto a highway while fast-going vehicles are behind you. You can prevent it by changing the oil regularly as well as replacing the belts at certain intervals. 10. Squealing When Turning: Experiencing this while driving is another good reason to visit an auto shop and get a tune-up for your car. It's possible that some of the important fluids your car needs are approaching dangerously low levels that need urgent refills. Another reason for the squeals is that the car might have a leak, meaning that replacing the liquids isn't a definite way to fix your problem. Aside from squealing, your vehicle might emit a jerking feeling when you're shifting. It's especially noticeable when you're shifting into drive. If this happens, you might need to get a new transmission filter and liquid to fix this problem. Failing to do this early, you might need to spend more money on a new transmission system. Discover More Auto Repair Tips Today: With these auto repair tips, you'll know when you have to bring your car in for a checkup. It's always safer to hire professionals when getting a tune-up or when it's time to replace old car parts. But don't stop here. There are more great car service tips for you to discover. Visit us today and read some of our other guides to ensure you drive safely, like this post about the safety of self-driving cars. Read Also : 5 Signs Your Car Needs A Tune-Up There Is A Pothole Problem In America – How To Protect Your Car From Damage? 5 Ways To Avoid The Rip Off While Buying A Used Car

Towing Mirrors: Everything You Need To Know Right Now

The final destination movie series taught us one thing and that is to steer very clear of big trucks. Can’t say we blame you when you see a trailer truck on the road and change lanes. After all, trailer trucks are very difficult to drive and very vulnerable to road accidents. Most of the time, the trailer truck driver is unable to see obstacles or cars on the road due to the long length of the truck. This is one of the biggest reasons why there are so many truck accidents nowadays. The major reasons are improper cargo loading, drunk driving, mechanical issues, and visibility issues. Here, we will talk about visibility issues and how it contributes to unfortunate trailer truck accidents. What Role Does Improper Visibility Play In Trailer Truck Accidents? When your trailer or towing truck has some additional weight or cargo loaded on the back, it becomes very difficult to have complete visibility of the traffic behind. Moreover, standard mirrors do not have the ability to provide a full vision of the load on your truck and the traffic behind the load. Hence, this blocked visibility is what causes numerous road accidents. Blind spots play a major role in road hazards especially when it comes to trailer trucks and towing. In fact, blind sports are the major reason why towing-related casualties occur. You need to have full and good peripheral vision. However, this carelessness and disregard for safety and proper vision is the reason why truck road accidents have seen a hike of 52% since 2009. Out of this, 74% of these truck accidents involve big trucks such as trailer trucks. But, how do we avoid this? We can’t decrease the length of the trailer truck and we certainly can not use the truck for loading cargo. Then, what is a viable solution? The Solution; Towing Mirrors What are towing mirrors? Towing mirrors are extendable and attachable rearview mirrors. These mirrors have many features, the most important one being the adjustable length and height of towing mirrors. Towing mirrors are not just limited to towing truck use, they can be used for trucks with big trailer tails. So, if you want to avoid tow truck and trailer truck-related accidents, you must get towing mirrors for your truck. Personally, we have seen many satisfied customers of Holden Colorado Towing Mirrors. If you wish to avoid accidents and mishaps, opt for Holden Colorado to get the best towing mirrors. Trust me, you will not be disappointed and you will definitely understand how important they are. Towing mirrors are so important that in most states, the use of a towing mirror that provides a 200 feet view has become law. For example, in the United States, you are required by law to have a set of towing mirrors that allow a rearview of 200 feet. This law was passed when trail trucks and tow trucks related accidents and casualties started seeing a spike. A twenty meters view is required from the driver's position, as stated by the law. What Are The Benefits Of Towing Mirrors? Towing mirrors are the best solution for you if your trailer truck or tow truck does not have a good enough standard rearview mirror. And let's be honest, most of the trucks do not have a satisfactory rearview vision. In shorter and easier-to-understand words, here are some major benefits of towing mirrors. 1. Extended visibility The first and most important benefit of a towing mirror is the extended vision. When your vehicle has another vehicle or trailer hitched on the back, it will become very difficult to have proper vision. Towing mirrors provide a full and wide peripheral vision. 2. Safety The normalization of towing mirrors in tow trucks is a major contributing factor to why towing-related accident rates have started going down. With a wide visibility system installed in big trucks and tow trucks, blind spots are avoided and hence, ensure the safety of not just the driver but also the other drivers in the traffic. Towing mirrors ensures safe driving and there is nothing more important than the safety of human lives. 3. Automatic Heat function In winters, fog assembles and collects on these extendable mirrors. This is very common in cool areas where there is a lot of snowfall as well. It is not feasible or convenient to manually wipe rearview mirrors, let alone towing mirrors. This is because towing mirrors are extended to a height where you will have a lot of trouble extending your arm. Lucky for us, most towing mirrors have an automatic heating function feature. This system clears up the fog gathered on the mirrors automatically. Worry less! 4. Adjustable Another great feature of towing mirrors is that they are adjustable. Other than height control, towing mirrors have detaching features too. Most caravanners have this question, “do we have to remove the mirror once unhitched?” The answer is yes. As regulated by law, no obstacle or object is allowed to protrude 150 mm from the sides of the vehicle. Hence, it is important that you detach your towing mirrors when not in use to avoid hefty fines. Luckily, towing mirrors are detachable and you can easily install and reinstall them. 5. Blind spot display system The recent and newer models of towing mirrors have a camera under the towing mirror. This camera further enhances the vision of the road and the load attached to your vehicle and makes blind spots very visible to you, even at night. This is called the blind spot display system. The camera image is displayed on the screen of the center console. 6. Legal requirement Lastly, as we have discussed before that many states have made it compulsory to have a towing mirror installed in your tow truck or trailer. If you are seen violating these laws, you will be fined heavily. Each mirror infringement gives you a £1,000 fine. However, it is important to note that you are only legally restricted to use towing mirrors when there is a load hitched to your vehicle. If you keep towing mirrors on otherwise, you will be violating other traffic laws. Additionals: Mirrors For Sale – Finding a Perfect Home Decorative ItemHow Activity Mirrors Add Value to Exercise Place!Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom

Car Care for Newbies

Do a manual check

Top up your car fluids

What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment?

Get to Know Interstate and Intrastate Heavy Haul Transport

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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How to Get An Accurate Valuation of Your Motorcycle When Selling

Top 10 Signs You Might Need Auto Repair Services

Towing Mirrors: Everything You Need To Know Right Now

Car Care for Newbies

Do a manual check

Top up your car fluids

Share this Article

What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment?

Get to Know Interstate and Intrastate Heavy Haul Transport

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

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