Automotive News and Tips

Posts Tagged ‘Maintenance’

Scott’s Automotive, Inc. and its automotive mechanics provide its clients and other readers with free advice on automotive maintenance procedures that are necessary for summer. These tips are published as a public service in the auto service company’s website. They include simple maintenance procedures which even the vehicle owners themselves can do at home, as well as more complex maintenance procedures and diagnostic check ups that are best done only by qualified and highly skilled automotive mechanics who have undergone proper training and certification.

Maintenance procedures, if properly observed, lower the possibilities for mechanical failure and vehicle breakdown. This, in turn, lessens the need for car repair. Not only does it save the owner money in the here and now but it also extends the useful life of the vehicle and keeps it resale value significantly higher.

In summer, vehicles need more care. The previous winter has already punished the vehicle body and its parts with freezing temperatures ad, possibly, ice and snow on the roads. By summer, the other extreme occurs. The vehicle is subjected to intense heat, a lot of dust and the inevitable traffic jams that impose stop-and-go driving. Such extremes can create conditions that cause vehicle malfunction.

Because of the soaring temperatures, auto AC repair is often the most common service required in summer. Without proper maintenance all year round, a vehicle’s air conditioning operating system is more prone to break down exactly when it is needed most. You should, therefore, have your vehicle’s air conditioner regularly checked and maintained by your automotive mechanic even before and beyond summer. This will lessen your need for auto AC repair.

The vehicle’s engine and transmission are also vulnerable to overheating in the heat of summer. The vehicle’s cooling system has to be completely flushed and refilled every two years. Even much more frequently, though, your automotive mechanic should check the level, condition and concentration of your vehicle’s coolant, as well as its hoses, clamps and drive belts.

Your vehicle’s oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter and other filters should be checked and changed according to the instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual. If you are, however, in the habit of making frequent short trips or long trips with heavy loads, especially on very dusty roads, these check ups and changes should be done even more frequently. Immediately contact and consult your automotive mechanic once you notice any problem in engine performance such as stalling, rough idling and hard starts. Do the same once you notice any changes in the performance of your vehicle’s brakes.

Take care of your vehicle’s battery by regularly cleaning off its surfaces, removing any corrosion on on battery posts and cable connections, and tightening connectors. Remember never to touch battery corrosion and battery acid. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection for your safety.

Keep all parts of your vehicle always clean and immediately replace any damaged or worn parts such as windshield blades and light bulbs. The windshield washer solvent container should always be filled.

Regularly check the pressure on all your tires and the wear on their treads and sidewalls, preferably monthly. If your vehicle tends to pull to one side and its treads show uneven wear, have the tires realigned. Every 5,000 miles, have your tires rotated.

Always make sure you have everything needed for an emergency, especially before a long drive. Recheck the tires’ pressure and condition. Carry a spare tire, jack and all other tools necessary for troubleshooting, including a flashlight, a first aid kit, flares and, of course, your cellphone.

These auto service maintenance tips from Scott’s Automotive, Inc. will protect your vehicle in summer and lower your car repair expenses.

Any mechanic from any reputable auto service shop can tell you that one of the most expensive items in car repair is automotive transmission repair. It does not cost the same as auto AC repair, and it can be even more expensive than engine repair or brakes repair. If you are a car owner, it therefore makes sense to take care of overall car maintenance with all the necessary tune ups in a trusted auto service shop in Tampa. You don’t have to wait until anything goes wrong with your car. Good maintenance prevents frequent need for repair. Pay particular attention to automotive transmission maintenance. Here are some tips on automotive transmission maintenance and, ultimately, repair, for car owners in Tampa.

There are certain diagnostic checks that any car owner can do on any car transmission even at home or in any location in Tampa. The first place to check is the surface beneath the car. That means the parking slot or the garage floor. If you find any fluid that has leaked from the car, it could be automotive transmission fluid and it could be a danger sign. Take the car to your Tampa auto service shop immediately.

If you find no leak spots under the car, check on the condition of the transmission fluid using its dipstick. Prepare a sheet of white paper and a piece of clean cloth. Wipe the dipstick clean with the cloth before dipping it into the transmission fluid. Let the fluid drip on the white paper. You should find it reddish and transparent. If there are black flakes or metal filings, or if the fluid is dark or smells burnt, take the car to your Tampa auto service shop.

When changing your automotive transmission fluid, make sure the appropriate fluid is used for your vehicle. Automatic and manual transmissions each have their own automotive transmission fluids that cannot be interchanged, or else the transmission will fail.

If your car has no leaks and the transmission fluid is normal, you should observe the vehicle’s performance while driving. You must obey proper driving procedures. The transmission gears should engage smoothly upon shifting without delay, jerks, shudders or noises, whether from “park” to “drive” or “drive” to “neutral” and even to “reverse. ” The transmission gears should also engage smoothly without any delay, jerks, shudders or noises upon acceleration and deceleration. Continue your observation for long drives since these problems may not be evident during short drives. Sometimes they are manifested only after the car has already heated up. If you experience any of those warning signs, it could be telling you that the transmission system is worn down. Again, bring the vehicle for a check up to your Tampa auto service shop.

Another common cause for automotive transmission problems is overheating, especially in locations like Tampa where the temperature can rise to high levels. Driving with heavy loads in hot weather can lead to overheating. Even continuous stop and go driving in heavy traffic under hot weather can also lead to overheating. Overheating, in turn, causes the transmission fluid to burn. Burning means oxidation and the creation of deposits. These deposits can clog the transmission system. Furthermore, overheating can warp the transmission system’s metal parts and harden its rubber gaskets and seals, leading to leakage. You should, therefore, avoid overheating of your vehicle in Tampa.

Despite good maintenance procedures, automotive transmission systems come to a point when repair is necessary. Make sure to bring your car only to an auto service shop that specializes in automotive transmission repair, though, to prevent future problems. Sometimes improper repair can lead to later shifting problems from throttle cable issues.

Be wise in automotive transmission maintenance and repair and you will reap savings and long life for your vehicle in Tampa.

Tips on automotive maintenance procedures that will prepare your vehicle for summer are given by an auto service as a public service on its website. Scott’s Automotive, Inc. provides both easy maintenance procedures that vehicle owners can do by themselves and more complicated maintenance procedures that should be done by a professionally trained and skilled automotive mechanic.   Also included are diagnostic check ups by the automotive mechanic.  

In following these maintenance procedures, the risk of mechanical failure and breakdown for your vehicle is lowered and vehicle owners can hopefully lessen the need for car repair. It will also lengthen the running life of the vehicle and will definitely increase its resale value.

Summer can be a challenging time for a vehicle. The vehicle is still suffering from the effects of the previous winter which has also put much stress on its parts and body. In summer, the factors that could cause problems include high heat, dust and traffic that is stop-and-go. Taken together, these factors can cause the vehicle to malfunction.

Auto AC repair is a common need in summer. Vehicle air conditioning operating systems that are not well maintained are most likely to fail in high heat. To avoid auto AC repair, ask a qualified automotive mechanic to check your vehicle’s air conditioner regularly, and especially before summer. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual on the schedule of replacement for the air conditioner’s filters.

The summer heat causes vehicle overheating which can damage the engine and transmission. To prevent this, completely flush and refill the vehicle cooling system every two years. Ask your automotive mechanic to regularly check your coolant level, condition and concentration, as well as your vehicle’s drive belts, clamps and hoses.

Follow the instructions on your vehicle owner’s manual on the schedule of replacement for your oil and oil filter. Do this more frequently, though, if you make long trips with heavy loads or towing a trailer, or if you make frequent short trips.

Follow the instructions on your vehicle owner’s manual on the schedule of replacement for all other vehicle filters, including the air filter and fuel filter. Do this more frequently if you drive under very dusty conditions. If you notice engine performance problems such as hard starts, rough idling or stalling, immediately consult an automotive mechanic.

Have your brakes checked by an automotive mechanic regularly, and immediately if you notice any changes in performance.

Using eye protection and rubber gloves, regularly remove all corrosion on battery posts and cable connections, clean its surfaces and tighten connectors. Be careful not to touch the corrosion and battery acid.

Immediately replace any busted light bulbs. Use a dry rag to clean all light lenses regularly, being careful not to scratch them.

Clean your windshield regularly, replace worn windshield blades immediately and always refill your windshield washer solvent.

Have your tire pressure checked monthly. Before a long drive, check your tire pressure again along with your spare tire and jack. Regularly inspect your tires’ treads and sidewalls. Have your tires aligned if you find some uneven tread wear or if your vehicle tends to pull to one side. Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles.

Be prepared for any emergency. Make sure that your vehicle is carrying all the basic tools for troubleshooting as well as flares, a flashlight and a first aid kit. It would be best to always carry a cellphone wherever you go so that you can easily call for help.

Follow the aforementioned automotive maintenance tips given by a concerned auto service in order to prepare your vehicle for summer and watch how it lowers your car repair costs.

As a free service to the public, Scott’s Automotive, Inc. – an auto service shop trusted by many – gives automotive maintenance tips for summer on its website. This includes simple maintenance procedures that can be done by vehicle owners themselves, as well as the more technical maintenance procedures and diagnostic checks that should be undertaken by trained professional automotive mechanics on the vehicle transmission, engine and brakes. Giving proper maintenance to any vehicle will definitely lower your car repair costs.

The value of complying with proper maintenance procedures is best gauged by the significant decrease in the risk of mechanical failure and breakdown of a vehicle. This results in significantly less need for car repair, an increase in the vehicle’s resale value and, of course, a much longer running life for the vehicle.

Winter, with its extreme cold temperatures, puts much stress on vehicle parts and the vehicle body itself. Summer is no less stressful on vehicles, though. On top of the winter stresses come the high heat, dust and stop-and-go traffic of summer. All these factors add up and can push a vehicle to malfunction.

One of the most common issues for vehicles in summer is the frequent need for auto AC repair. When air conditioning operating systems of vehicles are not properly maintained, they will most likely fail in the extreme heat of summer, just when you need the air conditioner most. To avoid this inconvenience, have your vehicle air conditioner checked regularly by your trusted automotive mechanic not just in the summer. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will contain the recommended frequency for replacing your air conditioner’s filters, for example.

Your vehicle engine and transmission system can also be damaged by summer heat, especially when you allow your vehicle to overheat. You can prevent this by completely flushing out and refilling your vehicle’s cooling system once every two years. You should then have your automotive mechanic check the level, condition and concentration of your coolant regularly. Let your automotive mechanic know of any performance problems you experience related to your engine, such as hard starts, rough idling or stalling. Do the same if ever you notice any unusual behaviour related to your vehicle brakes. Even without any problems, have your automotive mechanic check your brakes regularly.

Also ask your automotive mechanic to regularly check on your vehicle clamps, hoses and drive belts. Replace your oil and oil filter according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. If you go on long trips with heavy loads such as having a trailer in tow, or if you go on frequent short trips, your oil and oil filter should be changed even more frequently.

You should likewise comply with the schedule in your owner’s manual for the replacement of your fuel filter, air filter and all other vehicle filters. Replace them more frequently if you drive in very dusty conditions.

Maintain your batteries by cleaning surfaces, tightening connectors and regularly removing the corrosion on battery posts and cable connections. Make sure you are wearing eye protection and sturdy rubber gloves whenever you do this. Never touch the corrosion and battery acid with your bare skin.

Check all your light bulbs regularly and immediately replace any busted ones. Clean light lenses with a clean soft rag, making sure not to scratch them. You should likewise clean your windshield regularly. Always keep your windshield washer solvent receptacle refilled. Replace your windshield blades when worn.

Your tire pressure should be checked once a month and before any long drive. Inspect your tire treads and sidewalls regularly. If you find uneven tread wear, have your tires realigned. Rotate them every 5,000 miles. Make sure you always have a spare tire and a jack.

You will definitely benefit from following the summer automotive maintenance tips provided for free by Scott’s Automotive, Inc. See how much less you spend on your car repair costs.

Proper automotive maintenance is necessary to extend the life of your vehicle. According to a study done by ASE-certified Master Auto Technicians, keeping the vehicle properly maintained and operating it properly will make it last 50 percent longer. This will also enable it to function more efficiently and safely, making it more environmentally safe. Furthermore, it will decrease the frequency of your need for car repair. The auto service, Scott’s Automotive, Inc. , therefore, gives tips on automotive maintenance procedures for environmental safety on its website as a public service.

These maintenance procedures include having a professionally trained and highly skilled automotive mechanic do diagnostic inspection on the vehicle’s battery, charging, starting, ignition, engine, power train control, fuel and emissions. Of course, the brakes and transmission system should be regularly checked, too.

One of the most basic things you should do is to learn your vehicle’s owner’s manual from cover to cover. Make sure you take note of the recommended schedules and frequency of checks and replacements. Also use it to learn everything you could about your vehicle, including all operations. Make sure you know how to read all instruments and indicator lights.

Have your vehicle engine tuned regularly by your automotive mechanic, following the schedules recommended in your owner’s manual. Also follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual in replacing fluids and parts such as filters. This will make your vehicle more efficient in using fuel. Something like a misfiring spark plug, on the other hand, can reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent.

Have your tires regularly checked by your automotive mechanic and do the proper maintenance procedures to make them last longer and save on resources. If your tires are under inflated, your engine will have to work harder and use more fuel. Misaligned wheels are also harder for the engine to control and use up more gas.

Even your vehicle air conditioner needs proper maintenance from a qualified automotive mechanic in order to prevent frequent auto AC repair. If your air conditioner needs repair, though, you should never put off auto AC repair because leaks release CFC gases that have been identified as contributory to the damage in the ozone layer. CFC gases are also released during improper auto AC repair procedures, though, so your choice of automotive mechanic is crucial.

Let your automotive mechanic and auto service know that you are concerned about the environment and monitor how they dispose of old batteries, motor oil, anti-freeze, coolant and tires. These should never be thrown on the ground or into open waterways. Learn about the proper recycling sites for these items through your local government authorities.

Drive properly. This includes driving within speed limits because driving above 55 miles per hour decreases fuel mileage significantly. Speed is alsoProper automotive maintenance is necessary to extend the life of your vehicle. According to a study done by ASE-certified Master Auto Technicians, keeping the vehicle properly maintained and operating it properly will make it last 50 percent longer. This will also enable it to function more efficiently and safely, making it more environmentally safe. Furthermore, it will decrease the frequency of your need for car repair. The auto service, Scott’s Automotive, Inc. , therefore, gives tips on automotive maintenance procedures for environmental safety on its website as a public service.

These maintenance procedures include having a professionally trained and highly skilled automotive mechanic do diagnostic inspection on the vehicle’s battery, charging, starting, ignition, engine, power train control, fuel and emissions. Of course, the brakes and transmission system should be regularly checked, too.

One of the most basic things you should do is to learn your vehicle’s owner’s manual from cover to cover. Make sure you take note of the recommended schedules and frequency of checks and replacements. Also use it to learn everything you could about your vehicle, including all operations. Make sure you know how to read all instruments and indicator lights.

Have your vehicle engine tuned regularly by your automotive mechanic, following the schedules recommended in your owner’s manu best kept steady, avoiding jerky stops-and-gos which can cause overheating. Another factor that contributes to overheating and guzzles up fuel is load. Avoid heavy loads on your vehicle by eliminating excess stuff. Items you really need to have with you. should be stored in the trunk instead of the roof. This reduces air drag and decreases the demand on the engine, too.

In addition to proper vehicle maintenance, you should also plan the use of your vehicle. Less use means less wear and tear on the vehicle and less use of fuel.

As a vehicle owner, it is your responsibility to make your vehicle environmentally safe. If you follow the aforementioned tips given by an auto service on automotive maintenance procedures for environmental safety on its website as a public service, you will not only make your vehicle more environmentally safe but also give it a longer life while saving on car repair.

Good car maintenance is a prerequisite for a smooth running and a longer life of our prized possessions. While there indeed are automobile service stations to take care of them when they fall sick, you at your end can do a lot for your car’s upkeep and stitch it in time so as to save nine. This post offers 5 essential tips you can implement yourself, and which should pretty much ensure your car’s good health.

1. Check Engine Oil

Critical to an automobile’s lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car’s moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.

To check engine oil, Turn off the car’s ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label “engine oil. “

Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the “Full” mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the “Full” mark.

Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you’d need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it’s OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.

To replace engine oil, choose the product that’s already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you’re done, replace the dipstick properly.

2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever’s position to Park of ‘P’ position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.

Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there’s still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color.

Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner’s manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.

3. Check Engine Coolant

This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.

Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between “LOW” and “FULL” markings, then it’s OK. If it’s below the “LOW” marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.

4. Check CV Joint Boots

A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint’s job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.

To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you’d need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it’s broken. If it dry then there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.

5. Check Tire Pressure

Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).

In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don’t postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.

Once you receive your Bowflex Ultimate® 2 home gym, it is important that you perform ongoing maintenance on your machine to keep it in top notch condition. Here are some safety tips and maintenance tips to consider.

Upon arrival, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect the machine. The following guidelines are good ones to follow so your machine will perform properly.

When the Bowflex® home gym isn’t in use, make sure to disconnect the cables from the Power Rod® units. Using the “rod binding strap” that is included with your machine, bind all the rods together. When connecting or disconnecting the Power Rod® units from the cables, make sure to stand off to the side and not directly above the rods for your own safety.

After each use of your Bowflex® system, clean it with a non-abrasive cleanser. Any non-abrasive household cleaner or soap will do fine. Cleaning the machine after each use will keep it looking new. One caution: do not use cleansers designed for automotive interiors, for they may cause surfaces to become too slippery.

Each Bowflex® 2 home gym has D-clips that are used to connect attachment cables to resistance. Prior to making attachment cable changes, remove any resistance on the Power Rod® cable. Physical strain during the cable changing process will be reduced dramatically.

To ensure safe operation of the aerobic rowing feature, ensure the locking pin for the sliding seat is completely disengaged from the rail. It usually takes about ¼ turn. Once the pin is locked into the free slide position, you’ll hear a click confirming proper position.

For a safe workout area, all attachment cables should be stored when they aren’t in use. The cables for the Lat Tower have a built-in storage slot in the upper Lat Tower area. Squat cables should be stored in a safe place as well. Storage of cables reduces the risk of possible injury and maintains cable form, which means they’ll last longer.

The lat bar should be stored on the lat cross bar assembly before making resistance changes. If the lat bar is unsecured and resistance is removed, the lat bar could potentially drop to the floor and cause possible injury.

All pulleys and J bolts should be examined prior to using your new machine. Look specifically for grooves or thinning of parts greater than 1/16 inch deep. If you feel you need a replacement, call Bowflex® immediately for free replacements.

Likewise, check all handgrips and straps before using your machine. If any threads are loose, call the company and replace them before using your machine.

All of these simple maintenance and safety tips will ensure you will have an efficient and safe workout.