Archive for the ‘Car Care’ Category

Listening to what your car tries to tell you

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Specific noises and peculiar behavior is a symptom that the car is trying to put across to you some message. A tick noise upon turning from a car with front wheel drive indicates that the constant velocity joints have suffered wear. High pitched squeals means that the accessory car belt is frayed or has cracks on it. A rhythmic ticking noise says that the car is low on gas and the fuel valves need a check. A clunking sound from car’s bottom while negotiating a bump signifies that the suspensions or shock absorbers are at fault.

A roaring sound from the car’s exhaust system shows that the exhaust pipe has submitted to the rust and broken. A knocking thump while accelerating or slowing down warns of steering or suspension problem. A vigorous knocking on engine side may be omen portending defective piston or faulty bearing that may damage the engine. A profound understanding of the sound system from a mechanic will help in protracting the car’s life.

Preventing Replacement Tire Size from affect braking Handling and Odometer

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011

Replacement Tire can be prevented from hampering the performance of brake and odometer by ensuring that the similar tire size and type that came bundled up with the vehicle during initial factory setup is purchased. The tire diameter significantly affects the functioning of wheel speed sensors that have a bearing on the brake and traction control mechanism. Mismatched front and rear tire size will thwart the performance of antilock brakes.

Adequate drive balance between axles can be maintained if the replacement tires are of same size as that of original, otherwise the risk of slippage between axles arise which lead to improper vehicle control and wearing out of tire prematurely. The accuracy of odometer reading will be at stake if replacement tires turn out to be wider than original. A radial tire and a bias ply tire respectively on the driver’s and passenger’s side front should not be used. Tires should always be purchased in sets of four.

Choosing the right driving school for teens

Monday, September 5th, 2011

Making the right choice of instructors at the driving school is critical as it could draw the defining line between life and death. One should not be swayed by unabashedly subjective sales tactics which end up in a dismal show. The instructor should persistently accompany the student while the practice session is underway and keeping a close vigil on his moves must come up with identified opportunities for improvement that needs to be immediately redressed.

The institution should not only focus on theoretical classroom sessions by keeping the learner away from actual road lessons for inordinate time. An in depth evidence based inquiry should be conducted into the reputation of institutes, professional credibility of instructors and affiliation to Government motor department before trusting the children in their care. Reputed institutions with considerable brand equity should be preferred after thorough background checks. This will make driving around safe and pleasurable experience.

Buying genuine auto parts for your car

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

Looking for original car parts for your car? It can be a daunting task at the best of times and more so if you don’t know the right dealer or shop.
There are a lot of shops for auto parts all over the world but not necessarily do they sell genuine parts.

It is always the best option to buy original parts as they last longer and is safer. It can be very difficult to find parts of cars that have gone out of production and as such auto parts stores come in handy.

Some dealers sell parts of all brands in their shops and few others stick to one particular brand. Either way you can get all the parts that you want and that too an original!

Always stick to originals as using duplicate parts may result in serious engine problems. So when you choose your dealer make sure you choose someone who is an expert in the field and genuine as well.

Safety measures to be followed while driving

Saturday, April 16th, 2011

Speed thrills but kills! One can see this on all sign boards in the city. But that is not the only thing that kills. Many accidents occur due to careless and negligent driving but others due to sheer distraction on part of the driver. Another issue that can cause accidents is the condition of your car.

You can prevent this from happening if you take care of some small things such as:

*Avoid speeding unnecessarily
*Check the condition of the car and do the monthly maintenance checks without fail.
*Switch off your cell phones or if that is not possible avoid picking calls while driving.
* Stick to the traffic rules and don’t violate them.
*Wear your seatbelt even if your driving down the block as it will mean the difference between life and death.
*Avoid driving if you are feeling tired or sleepy.
* Make sure you put the volume of music either low or moderate.
Remember life is precious and it’s in one’s own hands.

Tips to follow before taking your car on a long trip

Friday, April 8th, 2011

Are you planning on a long trip by car to visit your relatives?
Your comfort during the trip depends on your car. So it is advisable to spend some money on servicing your car before you pack your bags and head off.

These are a few things that can be checked by you before you start off:

*Make sure you read the manual
* Take enough of motor oil and transmission fluid
*Check your engine for the coolant
*Make sure your battery; wheels, steering and suspension are alright
• Take a spare tire and jack and wheel wrench as these will help you if you end up with a flat tire.

You should get a mechanic to check the following:
*Oil pressure, tire wear, Air filter and lights.

Wash your car as you will need clear glass while traveling. Carry a first aid kit and clear out unnecessary garbage from your car

Eco friendly cars

Sunday, March 27th, 2011

When nations are talking about global warming and high rates of pollution due to vehicle emissions today one need to reach a conclusion as to what is important. Statistics show that more than half of the pollutions are caused by vehicles and as such one need to look at ways of decreasing this.

The Indian automobile industry has shown no friendliness towards the environment and comes to less than half of green revolution.

*Car companies need to make sure that their maintenance fees are not high as that will make people to ignore regular servicing.

*The fuel quality is also responsible for pollution therefore one must ensure that the quality of fuel one use is good.

With the present cars as they are, one can only make sure they do not cause damage than what is absolutely necessary. Eco friendly cars are needed in today’s world as global warming continues to rise alarmingly.

Chrysler Develops Rear Wheel Drive Sedan

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

The latest offering from the Chrysler’s (the small sized sedan offerings) has failed to create any excitement in the market. The Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger are the two latest offering from the Chryslers that have failed to create any excitement among people and neither has the sales gone up. It has been a total disaster and people have completely rejected it form the very beginning. The makers have decided to shift focus give utmost focus to the rear wheel than the front wheel (which has been successful in maintaining the same standard over the year).

The makers are contemplating making all new shifts in the marketing strategy by building a new and improved Sebring on Fiat’s D-EVO platform. But those from the inside have their share of inhibitions as they are not quite sure about the range of the market as it will not be able to make in roads into the American market.

Installing Satellite Radio in Your Car

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Life is never out of music and tuning into the FM stations while you are coming back from work is a usual thing. Satellite radio installations have made rides more joyous and easy.

Connecting your radio to an antenna is all it takes to get into the groove. While and expert would be the one doing the fitting you can certainly give it a try. Installing a small antenna is not that difficult and the next thing you got to do is plug the wire to the FM radio. It will take some time to acquire the signal but once done you are never out of music.

A satellite connection gives you a faster connection and more clear frequency. The installation tools do not require much spending too but boring car rides are made lively. While woofers will consume the battery to a large extent a radio will be a lot cheaper and healthier.

Car Maintenance – Top Tips Before Taking Your Car On Holiday

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

There can be nothing more demanding for the car than when you take it on your holiday. You need to ensure that it is ready for long drives and doesn’t breakdown in the middle of the road where a mechanic would be difficult to get.

The first thing that you should do before going for a trip in your car is to make it comfortable. Take it to a servicing if you have not done so in the recent past and make sure the engine is working well.

As a vacationer, you need to keep your drive in the best of shape and color. Wash it thoroughly. Just before you start out see that the fuel tank is full and you have more stores in the back. You may not be getting a filling tank in the roadway. Clear all the junks and dump out unnecessary thing that have been lying there for so long without notice.