Even more tips to keep your car in great shape

We have now covered large and small tips, inside and out, but there is always more to be done. Let's continue striving towards our goal of keeping our car in top-notch shape by adding some exterior maintenance tips to our repertoire.

1.      Protect car paint from the sun:

There are many factors that contribute to the decomposition of paint but there are also many precautions that can be taken to prolong the wear and tear of your ride. While a great paint job is aesthetically pleasing, it does more than just appeal to you eyes. It acts as a first line of defense against rusted body panels. The easiest and most effect means of protection is to park your car in a garage when available. When you are away from home note that parking in shade can also be effective. The sun's ultraviolet rays increase the rate at which your paint job will deteriorate. If the garage is not an option, protective car covers can be used. These covers also work nicely because they can protect your car from bird droppings, dust, moisture, sun, and sometimes light impacts.

2.      Touch up scratches as soon as possible:

Be sure to keep some matching touch up paint in your glove box or at home to touch up any minor scratches or nicks. Unattended scratches that expose the underlying sheet metal of your car can quickly become rusted. When rust forms touch up paint won't adhere well to the rust. If rust does occur you may need to seek a professional automotive touch up painter.

3.      Fixing Windshield Chips:

Windshields occasionally acquire chips and cracks from rocks and other road debris. Often, these chips and cracks start small but can quickly grow larger and begin to run the length of you windshield. If however you notice a crack or chip in your windshield you can take it into a repair shop to be fixed. Repairing your windshield can prevent cracks from growing and cost far less than replacing the entire windshield.

4.      Use tape on light covers:

If you notice a cracked external light cover a bit of tape can help save you some trouble. If left unattended the light compartment can fill with water and moisture and cause additional damage. Use the red or orange tape designed for this purpose found in automotive stores.

5.      Keep an old blanket Handy:

If you often carry loads on the roof of your car keeping an old blanket in your trunk can come in handy. Laying the blanket down on your roof before tying down luggage, bicycles, or Christmas trees can help protect your rooftop from all sorts of scratches.

Paint Protection Film

Chances are you probably haven't heard the term Paint Protection Film (PPF) thrown around too often. However, you probably have seen this unique thermoplastic urethane clear film before. Initially designed to protect military helicopter blades, this protective film has now made its way into the hands of the everyday consumer.

If you haven't heard of PPF before chances are you have seen it already because it has become a popular cell phone protection screen. But, did you know PPF can also be found on sections of your new car? Original equipment manufacturers have begun placing PPF in certain vulnerable areas of the car (e.g. leading edges of a car, hoods, front/rear bumpers).

Paint Protection Film helps maintain the beauty and integrity of automotive finish. This urethane film is significantly durable and even helps protect paint from stone chips, scratches, weathering, acidic bug damage and other abrasions. The film is nearly completely invisible and does not alter the appearance of the vehicle. Furthermore, after the Paint Protection Film had taken an extensive beating, it can easily be removed and replaced with a new film. The benefits of this film are instantly apparent as the integrity and resilience of the automotive paint job are intact and in great condition. Additionally, the benefits can be seen in the long run as maintaining the paint job can increase trade in value of your car.

Finally, it is exciting to note that Paint Protection Film is being manufactured and cut for thousands of car makes, models, and years. Additionally, film is being cut to mold to more sections of the car thus protecting more than just the leading edges and vulnerable places. Now you can rest assured knowing that there is another durable means of protecting your vehicle.

You can order Paint Protection Film from manufactures online and install the film yourself or find a certified application shop. The application process is consumer friendly and there are many videos and instructions provided by manufacturers. There are also alternative protective films that can be applied by spray bottles. For more information ask your local dealership about Paint Protection Film or enter Paint Protection Film into your favorite search engine.

Automatic Transmission Fluid Service

Do You Need An Automatic-Transmission Fluid Service?

Does your vehicle's automatic transmission experience:

• Hard Shifting
• Slippage or Chatter
• Frequent Trailer Towing
• High Operating Temperatures
• Late or Infrequent A.T.F. Services? 

The Problem

More than one-third of all transmission problems are caused by fluid breakdown. More than just a lubricant, Automatic-Transmission Fluid (ATF) is actually a vital component in the operation of an automatic transmission. Under normal use, heat and friction in the transmission are a catalyst for oxidation and acid buildup. The result is the formation of sludge and varnish deposits in the system.

Once this process starts, these contaminates along with eroded metal particles, can build up in critical areas and clog filters, restricting the flow of transmission fluid. Traditional ATF services only remove about 30% of the old, oxidized fluid, leaving behind large amounts of contaminants and debris. If the transmission is not serviced properly, serious malfunction or even system failure can occur, causing costly repairs.

  

To learn more about the condition of your transmission look closely at the fluid on the dipstick.

Condition of Fluid

• Dark Color
• Varnished or Tacky
• Pink, Milky Color
• Metal Particles in Fluid
• Burnt Odor

      

Possible Cause

• Clutch-Pack Slippage
•  Overheating
• Water/Coolant Contamination
• Internal Damage
• Transmission Overheating and/or Slippage

An experienced technician, using a specially designed machine, will perform an Automatic-Transmission-System Fluid Exchange Service. First, ATF Cleaner is added to the old fluid system to clean and suspend residue, wear particles and varnish deposits. The vehicle's automatic transmission system is then attached to the machine.

The machine evacuates the contaminated fluid from the entire system, including the torque converter, housing, cooler and lines. Simultaneously, new, clean, ATF is introduced into the system. To complete the service, ATF Supplement is added to help fortify new fluid, resist oxidation breakdown, and keep seals soft and pliable.

An ATF service can help to:

• Extend Transmission Life
• Revitalize Seals & O-Rings
• Reduce Hard Shifting & Slippage
• Avoid Costly Repairs

Cooling-System Flush Service

Are You Loosing Your Cool?!

Traditional “Drain & Fill” Services Are Not Enough!

Does Your Vehicle's Cooling System Experience

ñ     Overheating

ñ     Constant Stop & Go Driving

ñ     Frequent Trailer Towing

ñ     Extreme Driving Conditions

ñ     Infrequent Radiator Services

The Problem

            Cooling-system failure is one of the leading causes of mechanical breakdown. Over time, antifreeze/coolant can degrade, causing a loss in it's protective qualities. This causes rust, sludge and scale buildup in the hoses, radiator, water pump, heater core and engine.

            The traditional radiator "drain-and-fill" service leaves approximately 50% of the contaminated coolant behind. The residue formed can interrupt the flow of coolant throughout the system. This can cause the engine to run hot and allow corrosion deposits to deteriorate the metal surfaces. Left untreated, overheating problems, internal leaks and possible system failure can occur causing costly repairs.

The Remedy:

            An experienced technician, using a specially designed machine, will perform a Cooling-System Flush Service. First, Cooling-System Cleaner/ Flush is added to the old coolant and circulated throughout the entire cooling system, suspending rust, sludge and scale. The vehicles cooling system is then attached to a machine which uses a pumping action to flush the entire system.

            During the next step, contaminants along with the used coolant are extracted. The system is then filled with new coolant. To complete the service, Cooling-System conditioners are added to help resist corrosion, lubricate the water pump and help increase the heat-transfer properties of the cooling system by dissipating heat more effectively.

This Service Can Help To:

• Prevent Overheating Problems
• Lubricate Water Pump
• Prevent Minor Leaks
• Avoid Costly Repairs

How to Respond to Car Theft

Remember the story about how six Toyota Highlanders were stolen from a Canadian neighborhood in one night? If you're one of the unlucky victims of car theft, there are several important steps to take in order to respond in the best manner.

1. Make sure your car is actually gone
• Everyone has "lost" their car in a parking lot at one point. That car isn't stolen; you just can't find it. Check around the different levels and rows, and determine whether your car could have been towed or impounded.
2. Contact the police as soon as possible
• Note down the report number. The sooner the police start looking for it, the more likely it will be found; most stolen cars are recovered within 48 hours of the theft.
3. Call your insurance company
• Have the following information at hand: when/where you last saw your vehicle, certificate of title for the vehicle, year/make/model, vehicle identification mode, the name of the police department at which you filed your report, the police report number, list of personal property stolen with your vehicle, and if your vehicle was financed/leased. If the vehicle is recovered, let your insurance company know ASAP.
4. Learn from the experience
1. In the future, always lock your car, don't park it in out-of-the-way locations, don't leave it outside overnight, have a security system installed, never leave your car running unattended, never leave valuables in plain sight in your car, et cetera.

How to Drive Safely at Night

Plenty of us hate driving at night - we're tired, we want to get home, it's dark, and, frankly, we just want to get home. However, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that while only 25% of driving is done at night, more than 50% of all driving fatalities occur then. Fortunately, as always, knowledge is power: understand the precautions you can take to heighten your driving safety... at all hours.

Reasons for higher risks after 6:00PM:

• Vision is severely limited
• The darkness decreases depth perception and peripheral vision, as well as color recognition
• Pupils dilate in low light, often blurring vision
• Glare of headlights from other vehicles can temporarily blind you, causing temporary blindness, dizziness, and confusion
• Most people are weary and tired, causes a lack of focus or irritation
• Roaming wildlife and intoxicated drivers are more prevalent at night

What you can do:

• Same precautions as during the day: put on your seatbelt, adjust your seat and mirrors, put away your personal electronics, go the speed limit, and always be alert
• Turn on your headlights. Make sure they are properly aligned (not uneven or pointed lower than necessary); if they are not, they will diminish road coverage and blind oncoming traffic. Clean road grime from your headlights often, especially if they are old, yellowed, and faded. You can buy a headlights polish kit to remove the haze. 
• Only use your high-beam lights when you are traveling in rural areas. Make sure they are off if you approach traffic or a hill, since they can blind other drivers.
• Dim your instrument panel and dashboard lights. If they are too bright, you may compromise your forward vision.
• Flip your rearview mirror. Some mirrors have night settings that can be turned on by flipping a small lever at the bottom. Lights in the glass will appear dimmer and thus less bothersome.
• Maintain a greater distance between you and the car in front of you. Distances are more difficult to gauge at night.
• Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights. Bright lights will disrupt your concentration at night. Instead, look down at to the right, gazing at the white line on the side of the road or where the pavement meets the shoulder. Use that to track your lane instead of the left side; you can still see other vehicles with your peripheral vision, but wont' be bothered by the glare.
• Look for retinas. You can often see light reflecting off an animal's eyes long before you see the animal itself. When it comes to large animals such as deer, slow down as quickly as you can. If you try to steer around them, they may follow your lights and move in front of you.
• Take frequent breaks if you are driving at night for a long period of time. It will reduce fatigue and give your eyes recovery time.
• Schedule periodic vision checks. ALmost 90% of driver reactions depend on vision. Be sure to wear prescription glasses (especially if they have anti-reflective coating) or contacts as needed.

Picture courtesy: 416496806_640.jpg

How to Organize Your Messy Car

For many people, a car is more than just a mode of transportation; it's a temporary home away from home. Over time, the interior of your car can be filled with important things and junk alike - from bank statements to leftover McDonald's. Setting aside an hour or to to tackle a cluttered car can easily make more room for passengers and cargo. And just like an organized home, an organized car makes you feel better and saves you time.

1) Clean out your car

• Take everything out of your car, including car seats and miscallaneous items stored in the glovebox, door pockets, and trunk. If it's not attached, it comes out. Collect and throw away all trash/garbage, and set anything you think you'll need to the side, outside the car. This is a great time to wash and vacuum the interior of your ar as well.

2) Analyze and sort

• There are three main categories – items you use all the time, items you use occasionally, and items you'll need in an emergency – and anything that doesn't fall into those categories should be stored elsewhere. Then, prioritize the items in each group: which items do you need at hand, and which can be delegated to the back rows? Keep in mind that seasonal items (such as ice scrapers and tire chains) can be packed away for the summer.

3) Store it away

• Your glove compartment should contain your car manual, small pocket flashlight, your registration and insurance information, and perhaps a small notebook containing important phone numbers (such as emergency contacts and car repairs). Small items such as batteries can be put in resealable bags and stored in the glove compartment as well.

• Place your CDs in a plastic container (such as Ziploc's 9.5 cup rectangular storage container) or a CD container, and keep it in an area that is accessible, but out of the way. Try to limit the number of CDs to a realistic amount; most people don't listen to all the CD they keep in their cars.

• Maps and guide books (if necessary) can be put in the side pockets of the passenger's side door.

• If you have kids who carry toys and games in the car, you may want a pocket organization that can fit over the back of your front seats. That way, the items won't be rolling around on the floor.

• Use separate bins or crates for each category of items you typically keep in the trunk. These might include roadside emergency equipment/supplies, sporting/gym equipment, and groceries.

4) Maintain

• Clean your car out every one or two weeks by gathering any items that don't permanently belong. For those items remaining in the car, make sure they are in their appropriate locations. A good time to do this would be when you stop for gas and your tank is still filling up, especially since most gas stations have garbage cans next to each gas pump.

Picture courtesy: https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRnh4siE8Cy9sIyyiioXY7uf8MNHAIQQ6k0a4BXZP7x62QjslMc-w

How to Prepare Your Car for Storage

People have many reasons for putting a car into long-term storage: preventing winter damage, long-term vacations, overseas jobs, military deployment, emotional attachment, et cetera. No matter what the reason, you want the car to when you are ready to use it, and you want it in good shape. Here are some tips as to how to achieve that.

Location and coverage
In order to discourage rust, corrosion, and sun damage, you want to choose an indoors location that is dark and dry, with a stable temperature; the ideal place is in a garage or indoor public storage facility. If you do have to store it outside, be sure to find a durable, weatherproof car cover to maintain the paint and limit exposure to the elements; choose wisely, since a defective cover can trap moisture and grit. Be sure to cover any large gaps where critters (particularly rats) can enter, such as the exhaust pipe or air intake.

Cleaning
Wash and wax the exterior of the car to clean and protect the paint; any leftover dirt or contaminants (such as water stains, bird droppings, mud, grease, or tar) will corrode and rust. Clean and vacuum the interior as well, since, again, dirt and debris can cause damage through mold and mildew if left alone for an extended period of time.

Maintain Tires
Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots. You can use plastic sheeting to prevent moisture from degrading the tires. You may consider taking off the wheels entirely and placing the car on jack stands at all four corners.

Top Off Fluids
You should have fresh fluids for your fuel systems. Oil and filter, anti-freeze, gas, power-steering fluid, tranny fluid, and brake fluids should all be chnaged right before storage. Old fluids, particularly oil and antifreeze, can become acidic acidic and eat away at the insides of your car, potentially causing mild corrosion. Full fluid reservoirs allow no room for condensation to occur. You should purchase a fuel stabilizer as well to prevent ethanol buildup and protect the engine from gum, varnish, and rust.

Keep the Battery Charged
Most newer vehicles are equipped with advanced computer systems that require constant power, and an unattended battery will eventually lose its charge. The low-tech solution is to disconnect the negative battery cable, which might cause you to lose your settinngs such as stereo presets and time. Otherwise, you can purchase a battery tender (a.k.a. trickle charger) that hooks up your car battery to a wall outlet, delivering just enough electrical power to prevent discharging.

Disengage the Brake
Do not use your parking brake when keeping your car in storage, since the brake pads might fuse with the rotors if in contact too long. Instead, you can use a chock (a.k.a. tire stopper) to keep your vehicle in place. Leave the gear in neutral for manual transmissions.

Picture courtesy: https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/941825_581266451892599_30679013_n.jpg

How to Change Your Air Filter

Your car needs air just as much as it needs fuel, and air filters help separate the good from the bad, keeping the inside of the engine free from dust and insects. Regularly replacing and cleaning your air filter is an integral aspect of car maintenance, and is generally a quick and inexpensive process that you can do yourself.

1) Obtain the correct replacement filter. 
It should be the same as the one you replace, and you can consult your owner's manual or auto parts store for assistance. Most are just $10-15.

2) Park the vehicle
Park the car on level ground in the shade, apply the parking brake, and turn off the ignition. Prop up the hood and let the engine cool for a few minutes.

3) Locate the air filter
The air filter is typically under the hood, enclosed in a black plastic casing (the cold air collector box) near the front of the engine compartment. It should be the largest non-metal assembly you see.

3) Open the air filter box and remove the dirty air filter
Unclasp the big metal clips that hold down the box and open the box. Some models have hose clamps and screws, others have wing nuts, and most are clamped on with a quick release system. Be sure to keep screws, fasteners, and other removable parts in a safe location, such as in a Ziploc bag on the front seat.

4) Look over the old filter
Remove the original filter; it is not fastened down. To determine whether your filter really does need replacing, hold it up to the sunlight or to a strong light. Do you see a lot of accumulate dirt and grime in the crevices? Is the orange/yellow paper mostly dirty in the center? You can try dropping it lightly on a hard surface to jar some dirt loose or even lightly vacuum, but if it is still too dirty to see through, you should replace it.

5) Replace with the new filter
Simply insert the new air filter into the box, making sure it sits snugly with the rubber rims facing up and sealed by the edges. Put the lid back onto the box, refasten all clips, and you're done!

Picture courtesy: http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQ_2PiDcBIGnvoX_2O6LvjyYbho80Hmq9nwjLYKn2T2_BCjBVGbA

5 More Tips to Keep Your Car in Great Shape

In addition to the five tips from earlier, here are five more tips you can follow to keep your car in tip-top shape as long as possible:

1. Keep an auto log:
Use your car's odometer to check the mileage of your car at the time of your fill up (e.g. 10,000 miles). Next, fill your car up (completely full). Then, at your next fill-up, check your car mileage again (e.g. 10,300 miles). Finally, , note how much gas you use to fill your car back up (10 gallons). The difference between the two mileages (300 miles) divided by the number of gallons you fill up gives you the miles per gallon of your car (e.g. 300miles / 10gallons = 30 mpg). Additionally, , being more conscientious about your gas consumption can help you conserve more gas and thus more money.. Keeping an auto log to record your gas fill-ups and mileage can help you detect early signs of problems; if you notice worsening gas mileage, contact a service adviser to address the problem.

2. Park in the shade:
Although a garage would be the ideal place to park your car,, parking in the shade is advisable to minimize interior damage caused by UV sunlight. If parking under trees leads to bird droppings, using an interior collapsible car shade can minimize the sun's damage. As a result, you will have a car that is cooler on hot sunny days, requires less AC usage, and lasts longer.

3. Clean the inside too:
At first glance, the exterior cleanliness of our vehicle may be the most noticeable thing. However, the exterior appearance is quickly forgotten as we step inside our vehicle. The inside of our vehicle is where we spend all our time, and yet it can easily be the most neglected aspect of a clean car.. Try to vacuum and sponge your interior every time you wash your car.. Spilled liquids, dirt, and oils can be corrosive to your car's interior, and you should vacuum your interior thoroughly with a powerful vacuum, using attachments to reach difficult places. You can wpe down plastic and vinyl surfaces with cleaning solutions that you can pick up at your local dealership.

4. Let floor mats take winters beating:
You can use floor mats to help maintain the cleanliness of your interior as well. Rubber mats can take the best beatings and are ideal for easy mud and dirt clean up. Carpet mats work as well, but may require a little more maintenance and scrubbing to keep clean. When mats begin to wear through or are beyond keeping clean, they can easily be replaced.

5. Wash mats:
Now that your are remembering to clean the interior of your vehicle as well, let's discuss how to clean your floor mats. The easiest way to clean them is with a de-greaser and a pressure washer to blast all the dirt and build-up off. If a pressure washer is not available, you can vacuum the mats and follow up with some scrubbing and rinsing from a hose. Be advised: while using soap on mats can help remove stains, the soap may not be so easy to remove. As a result, you may want to try a stain remover and follow the given directions. Lastly, , be sure to let the mats air out thoroughly before putting them back in.