Keep Your Engine in The Perfect Shape

The proper care of the parts of your car is just as important as the detailing.  Here are some great ways to tune up your engine, and to make sure it is always in proper working order.

Take Care of the Basics

Replacing spark plugs, timing belts, hoses and filters at proper intervals require attention from a mechanic who is well-qualified with the latest service bay tools and technology.


Cars Aren't What They used to Be

Today's engine requires more than just a traditional tune-up. Bring your vehicle to technicians who can bring a high-tech approach to your sophisticated systems and onboard computers.


Inspect the Air Filters

The air filter helps remove debris from the air entering the combustion chamber of the engine. Your air filter can become dirty and clogged too. Inspect and replace your air filter at regular intervals to avoid problems.


Watch the Dirt

If you drive on dirt roads or do a lot of stop-and-go driving, you should check your air filter more frequently.

For more information see caltex.

Car Battery Tips and Tricks

Your car battery can be a source of problems for your car, if you do not know how to properly take care of it.  Here are some great tips and tricks to extend the life of your battery using items you can find at home.

Aspirin
If you get behind the wheel only to discover that your car’s battery has given up the ghost — and there’s no one around to give you a jump — you may be able to get your vehicle started by dropping two aspirin tablets into the battery itself. The aspirin’s acetylsalicylic acid will combine with the battery’s sulfuric acid to produce one last charge. Just be sure to drive to your nearest service station.

Baking Soda
Eliminate the corrosive buildup on your car’s battery terminals. Scrub them clean using an old toothbrush and a mixture of 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon warm water. Wipe them off with a wet towel and dry with another towel. Once the terminals have completely dried, apply a bit of petroleum jelly around each terminal to deter future corrosive buildup.

Epsom Salt
Is your car battery starting to sound as if it won’t turn over? Worried that you’ll be stuck the next time you try to start your car? Give your battery a little more life with this potion. Dissolve about an ounce of Epsom salt in warm water and add it to each battery cell.

Petroleum Jelly
It’s no coincidence that your car battery always dies on the coldest winter day. Low temperatures increase electrical resistance and thicken engine oil, making the battery work harder. Corrosion on the battery terminals also increases resistance and might just be the last straw that makes the battery give up. Before winter starts, disconnect the terminals and clean them with a wire brush. Reconnect, then smear with petroleum jelly. The jelly will prevent corrosion and help keep the battery cranking all winter long.

Soda
Yes, it’s true, the acidic properties of soda pop will help to eliminate corrosion from your car battery. Nearly all carbonated soft drinks contain carbonic acid, which helps to remove stains and dissolve rust deposits. Pour some soda over the battery terminals and let it sit. Remove the sticky residue with a wet sponge.

For more information see Reader's Digest.

Protect your Car from Fall

Summer is almost over, and that means shortly the leaves will start to change.  However, those beautiful orange and red leaves falling in the sky can be damaging to your car.  These beautiful leaves can cause mini scratches in your paint.  Make sure to protect your car from leaves and paint with these few tips.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in the United States as trees prepare for winter by shedding their leaves. Many people love the process of changing foliage, as leaves change vibrant colors and eventually fall gracefully to the ground. Although beautiful, these leaves can be a huge nuisance. After the spectacular process of color change, the leaves carpet the ground and become a huge mess for home and car owners to clean. They can clog gutters, make roads slippery, and leave behind sappy residue. In fact, if the leaves build up on your car, they can leave behind permanent leaf-shaped stains that will damage the exterior. Leaves are loaded with sap, pollen, and other acidic coatings that transfer on to the car when left for long periods of time. There are a few things you can do to prevent your car from being damaged by heaps of falling leaves.

First, you should prevent the leaves from landing on your car to begin with. One solution to this problem is to not park under trees, which may not be an option for most people. If leaves are on your car each morning, you can simply clean your car daily. Although, taking leaves off every day can be a bothersome, especially for those who don't have easy access to their car or the extra time. However, it is especially important to remove leaves before you drive. This can cause micro abrasions in the exterior and paint of your car. Also if you allow leaves fly off at high speed or you use your wipers to swish them away, this can be an incredibly dangerous hazard to you and other drivers once you start driving. Imagine a storm of orange and yellow leaves unexpectedly hitting the driver behind you.
If cleaning leaves off every morning is too much of a hassle, the best thing you can do to ensure protection is to cover it with a car cover. Not only will you be protecting your car from stains, but it'll be protected from scratches from the leaves as well. Car covers are a low-cost way to make sure your car stays clean and damage free from falling leaves. It will also give you the peace of mind that your car is safe and undamaged. Covering your car will protect it against factors such as rain, dust, wind, snow, ice, sun, and other environmental issues. With the rapid weather changes that occur during the Fall, and early morning frost being a factor, protecting your car this fall can increase the life of your paint and bodywork.

If you do find yourself with paint damage from falling leaves, there are a few things you can do to try to remove it. First, clean the area with hot water and soap, drying the area when done. Then, polish the area with a product appropriate for your car. Lastly, wax it with hot or cold wax to protect the finish of your paint. This process might not work, however, and leaf damage can be very costly if you have to bring it into a body shop to get it removed. A more preventative approach will help you in the long run.

For more information see Leaf Damage.

Prepare Your Car for the Carpool

School is starting, which means fall and winter carpools will become a regular occurrence very soon.   However, there are things you should do to prepare for the carpool, besides checking to make sure you have all the kids.  Have you checked your car's breaks, windshield wipers, and fluids lately?  You also should wax your car to prevent paint damage from all the salt and chips on the road.  Here are some great tips on how to prepare your car for the fall and winter carpool.

• Step 1

  TIRES--Keep a handheld tire-pressure gauge in your vehicle and check tires monthly. Your optimal tire pressure will be unique to your vehicle and can be found in one of three locations: the glove box, your door jam or the fuel filter door. Inspect each tire for wear indicators (wear bars look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it's time to replace the tire). If you see more than three wear bars, it's time for a replacement.

• Step 2

  BRAKES--If you turn down the radio and you still hear a horrible noise every time you press the brake pedal, visit a mechanic immediately. Other less obvious indicators of brake problems are mushy brakes (may need brake fluid) or pulling to one side (brake pads too tired to do the job much longer).

• Step 3

  SEAT BELTS--According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 157,500 lives have been saved by safety belts in the last 20 years. Always buckle seat belts and make sure they are securely fastened. Inspect the entire length of each seat belt at the beginning of each season. Look for small tears or snags (usually from some overly complicated car-seat contraption that the saleswoman made look effortless). If you see any wear, do not let a passenger ride in this seat until a repair is made. You can take the vehicle to the manufacturer dealership for repairs or a complete replacement.

• Step 4

  COOLANT--Check your fluids when the car is cold and on a flat surface. You can visually check the antifreeze level with a flashlight. The reservoir will be found near the front of the engine and should be kept at optimal levels.

• Step 5

  WIPER BLADES--Even a small squeak as the wiper blades pass over your windshield indicate the need for a replacement. Rubber blades can dry out and become brittle. Be ready for rough winter weather with a fresh set.
  For more information see Soyouwanna.

The Interior is as Important as the Exterior

Keeping your car clean on the outside is not the only thing that is important in maintaining you car's value.  Having a clean interior can also help keep the value of your car in tact.  Here are some great tips on how to keep your car clean.

If you have trouble keeping the interior of your car clean, you're not alone. Busy work schedules, parenting responsibilities, school activities, and other events often cause those with even the best of intentions to leave their cars in shambles on the inside. If you would love to have a clean car interior but can't seem to keep it tidy, here are some tips to help you out.
 
Start Clean. The first step to keeping a clean car interior is to start with a clean car interior. Set aside a time to clean your car out completely. Seeing how nice it is to have a clean car interior in the first 
place will help motivate you to keep it that way.
 
Have a Trash Bag. No car interior should be without a trash bag. There are products made specifically for this purpose, or you can just use some old plastic grocery bags. Just keep a stash inside a zippered top bag in your glove compartment. Hang one on an arm rest or other convenient spot and use it for food wrappers, empty drink containers, etc.
 
Keep Car Wipes Handy. Something else you should keep in your glove compartment is car wipes. These wipes, much like general disinfecting wipes used at home, are made specifically for cleaning car interior parts such as your dashboard, steering wheel, etc. Keep a stash in your glove compartment so if you're stuck in traffic, waiting at an extra long light, or arrive at a destination a little early, you can whip one out and do some quick cleaning.
 
Remove All Trash Immediately. Don't leave the car, and don't let your passengers (especially your kids!) leave the car empty handed. Make sure everyone grabs their empty cups and other trash. Getting in the habit of removing trash from the car each time you get out of it will make a huge difference in your ability to keep your car interior clean.
 
Enlist Some Help For Floors. If you take your car somewhere to have your oil changed, check about getting your floors vacuumed while you're there. Most places do it as a complementary service, but will only do so if there isn't a lot of trash or other items cluttering the floor already. Make sure the floors are clear so every 3 months or so you get some free labor to vacuum out your car interior.
Keeping a clean car interior does take some work, but with a few simple changes you'll quickly be the one every comments about, "wow, she keeps her car so clean!"

For more information please see Yahoo Voices.

Mr Magic Can Help You with Rust Prevention!

Rust prevention is one of the most important things you can do to your car.  There are several steps to follow that can help prevent this and keep the value of your car.  Mr. Magic offers these services, and wants to help you get the most out of your car.  

1  Take your car to a professional and have it rustproofed before corrosion starts. The best rustproofing procedure requires parts of the the car to be removed. A rustproofing material is then applied in and around the car's body so the hidden areas are protected.

2  Wash your car every two weeks -- more if necessary -- to remove dirt, dust, road grime, tree sap, dead bugs, bird feces and other contaminants. Those things can ruin the protective clear coat on your car. They can also scratch the paint on your car. Both of can lead to rust and corrosion.
During the winter months when there's salt on the road, or if you live near the ocean, you should wash your car every week if possible to prevent salt damage.

3 Check the drain holes in your car every time you wash it. Those holes are commonly located at the inside bottom of the doors, around the edges of the hood, and around the edges of the trunk. If the holes are plugged, water will build up and cause rust. If you find a plugged drain hole, clean it out with an old, soft-bristled toothbrush.

4  Wax your car every couple of months or so, as needed, depending on where you live. Use a quality car wax that offers protection from the sun. Even so, park your car in the shade as much as possible to help protect its finish.

 

5  Seal scratches and chips in the paint on your car immediately to prevent rust. Apply clear nail polish to seal scratches (see resources), or use touch-up paint.

6  Inspect your car from top to bottom on a regular basis. Look for bubbles or blisters in the paint. Those are indications that surface rust has started to corrode the metal underneath the paint. The areas on a car's body that usually rust first are around the window trim. Also, check around the fenders and the wheel wells for signs of rust. Repair the spots you find right away before they get worse.

For more information click on Prevent Rust.

Keep Your Tires Safe and Ready for Driving

Maintaining your tires is as important as maintaining your car's engine.  Tires are always subject to wear and tear depending on driving situations, road conditions, and weather.  However, with proper checks and maintenance you can keep your tires safe and in the best working order.

How to Check Inflation Pressure

	Look for this information in your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for the proper level of inflation; it may also be posted on the door post or in the glove box.
	When you check the inflation pressure, make sure the tires are cool - meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate inflation pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the inflation pressure inside to increase as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
	Check inflation pressure once a month and before long trips.
	If you overfill the tire, you can release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
	Replace the valve cap.
	Remember to check the spare. (Note: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure).

Why Check Your Alignment?

	If your car's suspension system is out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly and you may experience handling problems. Potholes and rough roads can contribute to problems with alignment.
	Front-wheel drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels.
	Have a tire dealer check your alignment periodically as specified by your vehicle owner's manual or if handling problems develop, such as "pulling."
	Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear or vibration.

Why Rotate Your Tires?

	Each tire on your car supports a different amount of weight; this unequal weight distribution causes your tires to wear at different rates. By rotating your tires, you can extend their useful life.
	If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
	Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 miles.
	Sometimes front and rear tires use different pressures. After rotation, adjust tire inflation pressure to the figures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

How to Check Tread

	When the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, tires must be replaced.
	All tires have "wear bars," which are small, raised bars of rubber in the groove that indicate when tires are worn out. If your tread is worn down to the wear bars, it's time for a new tire.
	A penny is a reliable tool to check tire tread. 1. Take a penny and put Lincoln's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal amount of tread. 2. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire.
	Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also make sure no nails or other objects are embedded in the tire. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible if you see problems.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Vehicles equiped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) can help motorists detect loss of inlfation pressure. Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated. For many vehicles this warning may be too late to prevent damage caused by under inflation. TPMS units are NOT a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.

Obey posted speed limits.

Always buckle your seat belt.

Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.

Avoid potholes and other objects on the road.

Do not run over curbs or hit your tires against the curb when parking.

Do not overload your vehicle. Check your vehicle's tire information or owner's manual for the maximum recommended load for your vehicle.

For more information go to RMA.org