Car Maintenance Tips for Summer Driving Conditions

With the weather warm and the sun shining, the open road is begging for travelers to get out and enjoy summer. Now is the perfect time for you to get your tires and vehicle ready for long road trips.

When was the last time you checked the air pressure in your tires? Most people have never checked it, says Larry Wolf, an automotive technology program instructor at WyoTech in Fremont, Calif. He explains that most drivers are not aware of how often they need to be checking their tires. "The need for regular oil changes and annual tune-ups is pretty common knowledge. But consumer knowledge about tire safety unfortunately remains low,” Wolf comments.

The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found that 29 million drivers believe that tires require no regular maintenance. Wolf stresses that drivers should be checking their tire pressure regularly, approximately once a month. "Driving around on under-inflated tires or worn tires can have serious consequences on your ability to control your car, especially in bad weather," he says. Unfortunately, the RMA also found that only 11 percent of drivers are correctly checking their tire pressure once a month.

"Essentially, under-inflated tires concentrate the weight of the car on the tread under the sidewalls, instead of evenly distributing the car's weight throughout the tire," says Wolf. "What that means is that the sidewall is continuously being squished, and becomes very hot, posing additional risks to the car and driver. Eventually, a tire that is significantly under-inflated can blow out from the stress and heat that builds up”.

Currently, a tire under-inflated by 30 percent is the government's minimum safety standard, under which vehicles are not considered safe to drive.

Over-inflation can be similarly dangerous, according to Steven Fernandez, an automotive technology program instructor at WyoTech. According to Fernandez, over-inflated tires prevent the car from maximizing tread contact with the road.

He suggests that in addition to a monthly check on tire pressure, you also give your tires a monthly 'glance over' to look for other telltale signs of damage. Drivers should look for uneven wear patterns and examine tire sidewalls for cuts or bulging. "Uneven wear patterns could mean you are having alignment problems and may need to realign your steering wheel or replace suspension parts," Fernandez says. "Bulging or cuts in sidewalls are also potentially dangerous, as they could lead to a tire blowout."

You should also be checking the tread depth of your tires each month. "There are a number of easy ways to check tire tread, including inexpensive gauges or even just a ruler," says Fernandez. The legal limit is set at 2/32-inches, but automobile experts universally agree that driving around on anything less than 3/32 inches is unsafe, especially in rainy conditions.

Aquaplaning, or hydroplaning as it is also called, is many drivers' worst nightmare and it is a big concern during summer travel months. It happens when a car loses contact with the road due to pockets of water. Fernandez explains that the chance of hydroplaning is much more likely when tire tread is low. "Tire treads are grooves in the tire that help to disperse water and increase traction on the road. When they wear down, they aren't able to redirect water nearly as effectively." Too often, when drivers find themselves at the mercy of slippery weather conditions, it's because their tires are not up to par.

Summer often means long road trips -- with the whole family, pets and lots of gear loaded into the vehicle. Drivers should always check their tire pressure before long trips with fully loaded vehicles. "A little tire maintenance now can help ensure a safe vacation down the road," says Wolf.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Cleaning Tips for Your Car

For most Americans, their car is the second biggest investment they will make in their lifetimes. The average price of a light vehicle is $28,715, according to the Comerica Index. It makes sense to have an annual cleaning ritual to help preserve and maintain your car, just as you undertake regular cleaning to care for your home.

"Aesthetic maintenance is important to preserving a vehicle’s integrity and value,” says Ron Fausnight, Shell Car Care technical expert. “Routine maintenance, including washing and waxing your vehicle, can be viewed as preventative maintenance that helps to preserve a vehicle’s paint from the elements while restoring a polished, new look.”

Tires and wheels are often overlooked when washing a car, but they are two areas that take the most abuse throughout the year. Road grime, salt and brake dust can quickly collect on wheels, and without proper removal, can lead to discoloration of aluminum alloys and corrosion and pitting of steel alloys used. When removing the debris, use a cleaner that is pH-balanced to avoid any potential damage to the composition and finish of wheels. A pH-balanced product such as the Black Magic Titanium Wheel Cleaner is as gentle as soap and water, but contains stronger cleansing and shine agents that are safe to use on all wheel types.

"While all preventative maintenance is important, maintaining a vehicle’s safety features should be an even higher priority,” Fausnight says. “Roadway safety needs a multifaceted car care approach, and taking steps to ensure visibility is important.”

Changing wiper blades at least once a year, combined with using a hydrophobic windshield repellent such as Rain-X Original Treatment, can dramatically clear a driver’s vision. The treatment seals the microscopic pores of glass, causing any precipitation to bead up and roll off the windshield. In fact, in tests conducted by a major university, the increased visibility provided by Rain-X improved driving response time up to a full second or more.

“Regular maintenance for your vehicle does not necessarily only relate to the exterior. With gas prices climbing higher than ever, many people are looking for ways to clean the inside of an engine to maintain a vehicle’s performance and fuel economy,” Fausnight says.

In some cases, cheaper gasoline can be a low-quality fuel that meets the minimum requirement of detergency by the EPA, but may allow deposits of gunk to form in a fuel system. One way to help remove this gunk is by using a fuel additive to clear deposits from fuel injectors, intake valves and combustion chambers.

One such product is the new Shell V-Power Complete Fuel System Cleaner that contains more than three times the required cleansing agents by government standards for premium gasoline. The fuel treatment actively cleans all components of the fuel system restoring optimum performance and fuel economy while also protecting from future deposit build-up. When used regularly, a product like Shell V-Power Complete Fuel System Cleaner can actually reduce carbon monoxide emissions and help the engine run cleaner.

Incorporating these tips into an annual cleaning routine, and performing regular maintenance, are important steps to preventing the deterioration of a vehicle and may help to save money in the long run.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Get Hybrid Fuel Economy without Buying a New Car

Fuel prices show no signs of dropping and hybrid automobiles are often hyped as the answer to improve fuel economy. That fact is, there are simple ways to get better fuel economy from your current car or truck and avoid the expense of buying a hybrid.

Here are a few easy ways to get hybrid-like fuel economy without buying a new car or changing your lifestyle.

* Simply follow the maintenance recommendations in your owner’s manual. An out-of-tune engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent. Always follow your car manufacturer’s suggested tune-up schedule.

* Upgrade your motor oil. You can save gas and improve performance by switching to high performance synthetic motor oil. According to independent tests, upgrading to Royal Purple motor oil improved fuel economy by as much as five percent and produced notable increases in horsepower and torque. The company’s Web site, www.royalpurple.com, has a ‘fuel-savings calculator’ that can show you how much money you can save annually by upgrading lubricants.

* Regularly replace your air filter. A clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine.

* Keep the tires of your vehicle properly inflated. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to six percent. One study estimates that 50 to 80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under inflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to two billion gallons of gas each year simply by properly inflating our tires.

* Keep your gas cap on. About 17 percent of the vehicles on the road have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing altogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year according to “Auto Service Operator” magazine. A quick visual inspection of your gas cap every time you fill up is an easy, painless way to make sure your fuel is not vanishing into thin air.

To learn more, visit the following websites:

www.royalpurple.com
Web site of high performance lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple.


www.fueleconomy.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Web site dedicated to issues related to fuel economy.


www.gaspricewatch.com
A Web site that helps consumers find the lowest gas prices in there area.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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New Tire Pressure Monitors Do Not Replace 'Old' Tire Gauge

Starting last fall with the rollout of 2008 models, all new vehicles are required by federal law to come equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) to give drivers a warning when tire pressure drops significantly.

However, those new-fangled gadgets are not a replacement for your old-fashioned tire gauge, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), a group that represents tire manufacturers.

Federal law requires every new 2008 model year vehicle to come equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that will warn a driver when tire pressure drops 25 percent. The Rubber Manufacturers Association, which represents tire manufacturers, says that is no reason to throw away your tire gauge.

“Motorists risk tire damage if they wait to check tires until they see a dashboard warning light after a 25 percent loss of tire pressure,” says Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president. “For many vehicles, a pressure loss of less than 25 percent increases risk. That’s why motorists must check tire pressure every month with a tire gauge.”

An RMA survey indicates that tire pressure monitoring systems may cause drivers to become more complacent about tire care. Two-thirds of drivers reported that they would be “less concerned with routinely maintaining” tire pressure if their vehicle had a monitoring system. The federal government estimates that under inflated tires contribute to more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year.

Additionally, when asked how often they would check tire pressure if their vehicle were equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, an alarming 40 percent of drivers said that they would either “never” manually check tire pressure or check it “only when the warning light comes on.”

“Tire pressure monitoring systems can be effective at detecting an unexpected loss of tire pressure,” Zielinski says. “But it is no substitute for regular tire maintenance with a tire gauge.” Tires can lose one to two pounds-per-square inch (PSI) of pressure each month.

RMA recommends that tire pressure be checked at least once per month and before long trips. Motorists should use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure that is found on a sticker on the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. Never use the pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Also check tires when they are cold or wait at least three hours after driving on them.

For more information, visit www.BeTireSmart.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Prepare Your Auto for Winter -- From Cleaning to Safety

For those of us who live in seasonal climates, it’s time once again to get our vehicles ready for winter driving conditions. Whether the setting doles out heavy rain or white-out blizzards, preparing the car for changes in temperatures can help avoid possibly life-threatening situations.

“Having all points checked by your mechanic is a good habit to get into each fall season,” says Peter May of Lund International. “Basic car maintenance that vehicle owners can do themselves is also important for safety on the roads.”

Have your mechanic tackle these winter preparation tasks:

* Make sure all oil, gas and air filters are in good condition.

* Replace or charge the battery. In the case of a sudden drop in temperature or lights being left on, a strong battery will still hold its charge. If your car doesn’t have running lights, it’s important to turn lights on whether it’s dark or not. Improving your visibility to other drivers helps in every situation.

* Check antifreeze levels and temperatures. Replace with fresh coolant if necessary. If you do this yourself, make sure to clean up any spilled fluid to protect children or pets from poisoning.

* Check the tires’ tread depth and air pressure. Consider all-season radials or even snow tires if the situation calls for them.

Once the mechanic’s check is done, there are several steps you can do on your own to ensure you’re set for winter:

* Check that all lights, heater and defrosters are working properly.

* Make sure your windshield washer fluid is filled with fluid that can handle freezing temperatures. Carry extra fluid with you, in case of extra-slushy roads.

* Regularly wash and wax your car, making sure to get the undercarriage where build up of road slush and salts can cause rust.

* Vacuum and shampoo interior carpet and upholstery regularly. Consider putting down extra floor mats to protect the car’s original carpet from salt and grime. The Catch All product line from Lund International’s Nifty brand provides protection for trucks, SUVs and even car interiors. Styles vary from lush OE nylon carpeting to the Nifty Extreme Catch-All which is made of Xynet, a custom molded thermoplastic material. The Extreme Catch-All resists water, snow, mud, grease and chemicals. Easy to install, the mat fits over the truck’s factory-installed carpeting and comes with a lifetime guarantee against cracking, splitting or breaking.

* You never know when you’ll need to pull over due to poor driving conditions. Prepare a safety kit to be kept in the trunk during winter months. Include water (remove upon leaving vehicle so it doesn’t freeze), healthy snacks, a warm blanket, heavy jacket and boots, hat and gloves, flares, jumper cables, a radio with fresh batteries, and a deck of cards. If you are in your vehicle for a long time, only run the engine periodically to heat the vehicle and save gas. Remember to crack the windows for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

* Consider storage for your stowage area. Whenever possible, place items inside a sturdy box or bag before placing them inside your vehicle to prevent spillage. Cargo Logic Cargo Area Protectors cover up the carpet to keep salt, dirt and wetness from spoiling your gear and keep the interior nice. Cargo Loks help to keep items from tipping and rolling around.

To learn more about products to protect your vehicle’s interior this winter and to find a location near you, log on to www.lundinternational.com, click on “Find a Dealer” and select the Nifty brand.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Motor Oil Facts, Not Friction

Many people don’t know how to select motor oil that will help them get optimum performance out of their car. People often just select the oil their father used, or they may take the suggestion of a counter person at an auto parts store who may not know any more about cars than they do.

There are meaningful differences in motor oils and choosing the right one can have a major impact on how well your car runs. Selecting the right oil is the quickest and cheapest way to improve your car’s performance and reliability.

Two components determine how well motor oil will perform in your car. One factor is the base oil, and the other is the combination of chemicals (additives) that are added to the base oil.

Base oils

The two primary types of base oils used are mineral and synthetic. Mineral oils are by-products of refined crude oil. Refining helps reduce the impurities but leaves molecules of all shapes and sizes. Synthetic oils are manmade compounds whose molecules are all the same size and shape; consequently, synthetic oil has less friction and performs significantly better than mineral oils.

There’s been sizable growth in the use of synthetic oils over the years. In fact, synthetic oils are often the factory fill in many new performance and luxury cars.

Additives

Regardless of the base oil used, chemicals must be added to give motor oil the characteristics needed to do its job. Typical additives that may be added to base oil include detergents to reduce the formation of residue, defoamants to deter absorption of air, anti-wear agents, antioxidants and others.

Although additives are typically only 15 to 25 percent of the make up of motor oil, they can impact a lubricant’s performance much more than the base oil. For instance, mineral based motor oil with a very good additive package can easily outperform synthetic motor oil with a mediocre additive package.

There is no easy way for a consumer to determine the quality of motor oil’s additive package. Price is often an indicator of quality since the more advanced additive technologies cost more to produce. Performance is the ultimate measure of additive package quality.

Advances in lubrication

Some of the biggest technological advances in lubrication are now coming through advancements in chemical additives. These breakthroughs have been developed by a handful of companies that specialize in high-performance lubricants, as opposed to major oil companies whose primary focus is refining and selling crude oil by products like gasoline and other fuels.

One high-performance lubricant company, Royal Purple, has developed lubricants that outperform both leading mineral oils and other synthetics. Their oil has been proven in numerous independent tests to dramatically reduce engine wear, increase horsepower and torque, and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Cars using their oils can also go further between oil changes, saving the owner time and money, and reducing the impact on the environment. More information about their products is available at the Web site www.royalpurple.com.

How to Choose

Mineral-based (conventional) motor oils. These are the cheapest and most widely available oils. They typically use standard additive packages that provide minimum levels of performance and protection.

Synthetic motor oils. These man-made oils are more expensive that mineral-based oils but are still widely available. Their performance advantages come predominantly from the synthetic base oil used. They have a longer service life and offer some improvements in protection. They typically use the same additive packages found in mineral-based oils.

High-performance ‘specialty’ synthetic motor oils. These motor oils are the most technologically advanced oils. Although they significantly outperform mineral based or synthetic motor oils, they are about the same price as standard synthetic motor oil. They are typically only available through auto parts stores and select oil change centers. These oils primarily differ in their use of more advanced, proprietary additive technologies.

Still confused? For a used car with little life left in it, stick with the cheap mineral-based motor oil. For a car you plan to keep for a few years and want to get a little better performance from, you should at least upgrade to synthetic motor oil. To get the most performance out of your car, truck or RV, or to protect a vehicle you really care about and want to last, upgrade to a high performance motor oil.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Winterize Your Car

Jared Gall talks about the importance of winterizing your vehicle.