Do-It Yourself Vehicle Safety Inspection

Owning a car is a delight and hassle all bundled into one.  Your car gets you from point A to point B extremely fast, provides a safe trip to a vacation spot, and if you have young kids, becomes their next play room; messiness and all.  But we sometimes forget to think about maintaining that car.  Neglecting to maintain your car, could provide an unsafe environment, not only for you and your accompanying passengers, but for others on the road as well.  That’s why you need to do a quick inspection on a regular basis.  Some of the inspections can be visual, while other parts may require you to get a little dirty.

Headlights and Tail Lights

Checking your head and tail lights shouldn’t take any more than five minutes by yourself.  Turn your lights and check to see if any of them are burned out.  At the same time, check your blinkers, hazard lights and high beams as well.  If any of these are not working, it’s best to bring your car to our repair shop and talk to one of our mechanics.  While you could replace any of the bulbs yourself, a lot of the newer cars on the market use a high capacity bulb.  What this means is that even though they may be removed from their plug, they can still hold a charge that has enough amperage to cause some bodily harm.  This way, when you bring your car to us, we will properly and safely discharge the bulb and electrical system so that it can’t cause any harm to you or anyone else.  There are also times where they bulb may burned out, get replaced and burn out again.  This is an easy indication that there is a problem with your car’s electrical system.

Clear Visibility

Your windshield wipers were designed to give you a continual clear view for driving.  Without them, you might be sticking your head out the window like Fido does.  An easy way to tell if your wipers need replacing is when you notice they are causing streaks along your windshield.  If you were to put water on your windshield or even turn on your windshield washer fluid nozzles, and you notice beads of water in same arch as your wipers, it’s time to replace them.  You may also need to do a visual inspection and look for any cracks, tears or spots where the rubber is pulled away from the frame of the wiper blade.

Take it for a Spin

You can make this next part of the inspection a quick family outing to the store or to the tallest hill to go sledding.  Drive your car and notice for anything that doesn’t seem to be acting right.  You want to look for any unnecessary shakes, vibrations, loss in stopping or accelerating power, pulling to one side or harder turning.  All of these signs can indicate the start of a bigger problem and the care should be brought in to have it checked it out.  If you notice any of these or other anomalies, it could be your brakes, steering and suspension, wheel alignment or uneven tire wear.

Winterizing Your Engine and Brakes

With the different climate changes, it is important to have your car inspected for the winter months.  There are several steps you can take in preventing major car problems with the proper inspection and maintenance.  

Importance of Recognizing Car Problems

To avoid being stranded in cold climates, it is important to become aware of the signs, lights and notifications of your car.  Education starts with teenagers learning about prevention of car problems by checking the tire pressure, monitoring the engine temperature, fluids and oil as well as servicing the car as soon as the check engine light appears.  Car maintenance can be an expensive cost for anyone, but proper inspection and maintenance can reduce the amount of problems with your vehicle in the future.

Inspection of Brakes and Engine

Before the winter season starts, your brakes, radiator, lights and engine should be inspected to protect you from inclement weather.  Wherever you take your car for inspection or repair, verify the company has ASE master technicians that are familiar with various car makes and models for better analysis of your car performance.  Basic functions of your car such as working brakes, car temperature regulation, and proper steering and suspension should always be inspected annually; especially in winter months.  The typical inspection for winterizing your vehicle includes adding antifreeze to your heating system for colder temperatures.  Depending on your geographical location, winter snow tires may be a necessary addition to your car and a tire inspection to monitor the air pressure is needed for certain weather conditions.  The dangers of rain, snow and sleet will also require inspection of your windshield wiper blades to make sure the rubber is not worn to protect your visibility.  A technician should also complete a fluids check of your windshield wiper fluid, water, antifreeze levels and your oil types.  Your battery should also be inspected to make sure there is no corrosion and has full charging capability if you need to jumpstart your car.  Any engine repair needs to be completed immediately because maintenance delays can create more damage to a car if repairs are neglected until later months.    

Winter Safety Kits

Being stranded in the cold weather can be an inconvenience for anyone, but you may have to help someone struggling with their own car problems.  You may want to include a winter safety kit in your car that includes a flashlight to see in dark conditions, jumper cables to charge the battery if it dies and warm clothes if you cannot get the car running.  You will also need tools to work on a car engine and a windshield ice scraper to remove access snow and ice from your windows.  There are several online sites you can review for tips on essentials for winter car kits for your safety.  If you take proper care of your car year-round, you should require less overall maintenance and maintain proper function.  If your car breaks down, you can always get help from AAA or the emergency roadside assistance service provided by your insurance company, you chose that option.  You may also consider carrying flares in your winter safety kit if you happen to travel in rural areas often.  Taking the proper precautions to winterize your car does not guarantee a problem-free vehicle, but it will help you to be prepared in case of emergency.

Warning Lights and What They Mean

You are driving to your office when unexpectedly one of your warning lights on your car illuminates. Do you panic, or do you keep a cool head? With the winter months approaching, you should make sure you understand the meanings of those lights. The lights are not panic buttons and they should not cause you alarm. If you take the time to learn some details about the meanings and keep your car in good condition, you will discover that you will be able to handle any situation and you will know when it is time to take the car in for a repair, or if you can do the repair yourself.

Warning Lights to Worry About

While all warning lights alert you to potential trouble, you should take some lights very seriously. One symbol is the brake light. The brake warning light would tell you that you have a serious problem with the braking system. This light will also turn on if you have the emergency brake engaged. When you see this light, make sure that you do not have the emergency brake engaged. Another light is the engine coolant temperature light. This light would tell you that the engine temperature is too high if the light were red. This would indicate a possible absence of coolants or a hole in the radiator or hose. If the light is blue, it could mean that the coolant temperature is too low. A red oil pressure light would indicate low oil pressure and you have a low oil level and may possibly have a leak. If the light is yellow, it means that your oil level is getting low and you should replenish the level soon. If the battery light comes on, that means that you need to stop the car right away and call a tow truck. This would indicate a battery-charging problem and the possible culprit could be the alternator.

Other Warning Lights That Only Require a Little Concern

Other warning lights would include the low brake pad, transmission temperature, powertrain trouble, check engine, and low coolant. Some cars have lights to alert you to change the oil and air filters, service reminders, and power steering trouble. Although these lights alert you to problems that are not as serious, they should be addressed as soon as possible. Hybrid and electric cars have special lights that correspond to the powertrain, engine, and systems that they use. For instance, a hybrid car may include warning lights for low battery, high-voltage-battery charge level, battery trouble, and power limitation indicators. 

Warning Lights that are More Like Notifications

Some warning lights are in place to keep you informed about the status of your car while you are driving. Some lights that are no cause for concern would be lights to alert you that your high beams are on, headlights or taillights are out, or your daytime running lights are one. Other notifications could let you know that a door is ajar, or that your gas or windshield washer fluid is low. If you take time to decipher the code that your warning lights reveal, you can provide added protection and be better prepared for the winter season.  

Avoiding Winter Car Repairs with General Car Maintenance

Now that the summer is over, it is time to start thinking about preparing your car for the winter months. The winter can be brutal to a car, and if you are not prepared, your car may die on you. Tuning up your car, checking fluid levels, and replacing the battery are just the beginning. You should perform a complete winter safety check that you can combine with your general car maintenance routine. This will ensure that you can have a trouble-free winter. 

What to Do Under the Hood

Several major systems reside under the hood of your car. One of the first things that some people think about is fluid checks. You should make sure you have the recommended levels of engine oil, coolants, transmission, brake, and windshield washer fluids. Check your car manual to find out what levels you should be maintaining and develop a regular schedule for changing them. Make sure that you are using the right grade of oil for the area of the country in which you live. Colder climates need lighter oil so that it remains thin enough to lubricate the engine when it is cold but will not get too thick that it will not flow effortlessly and cause engine damage. When you change the oil, be sure to change the oil and air filters. Check your coolant level and top off if it is low. Check the radiator for any leaks and have them repaired if needed. Tune up your car, clean the battery, and replace damaged or worn spark plugs. Inspecting wires will reveal any damage that should be replaced. 

What to Do Under the Car

Check your tire pressure and make sure you have adequate treads on them so your car can grip the slick roads. If you have snow tires, you should install them, but make sure that you replace all four tires with snow tires for the best traction and safety. Check your tire alignment and adjust them if needed. You should also check your steering and suspension systems. These systems are responsible for giving you control of your car and providing a safe, comfortable ride. If your suspension is not up to par, you should have it repaired to prevent damage to your wheels, tires, and undercarriage when driving over potholes and other road imperfections. Make sure your steering is proper so that you can maintain control of your car, especially on slippery surfaces. Make sure your exhaust system is working properly and inspect your brakes and brake pads. Replace any worn or damaged parts as soon as possible. 

What to do Around and Inside the Car

Clean and inspect your headlights. Make sure that they provide a clean and bright light and that the assembly is seated evenly and firmly in place. If your headlights are old or you cannot remove the haze from the surface, you should have them replaced. Make sure that your taillights are working and they illuminate adequately. If you notice any problems that that you are unable to repair on your own, you can take your car to your mechanic and they can perform these services for you. They can inspect your car and help keep you safe while traveling in the snow and ice. 

What is the Overheating Telling You?

The wintertime is the time for freezing temperatures, snowballs, and hot cocoa. It is also the time to make sure your car is in good condition to make it through those months. Contrary to popular belief, a car can experience overheating in the winter. What makes a car overheat in the winter? If your car is running hot, the best time to assess the problem is before your car becomes immobile. There are several things you can check to determine the cause of the excessive heat and if you know what to do about them, you will not have to worry about being stranded on the side of the road.

Check Your Coolants

The first thing you should do is check your coolant levels. If your levels are low, then this may be the cause of the overheating. The radiator is not an easy piece of equipment in which to check fluid levels, but you will be able to see, with some stretching, how much coolant you have. Do not just depend on the amount you see in the overflow reservoir. Make sure that the car is completely cold before you check this part of the car. If the level is low, try adding more coolant. You can add a mixture of one part coolant to one part water, or you can buy the pre-made coolant that can be poured straight from the container. If you have to keep adding fluid, or you notice bright green or bright red liquid on the ground underneath your car, then you may have a leak. Take your car to ASE master mechanics to have the cooling system tested for leaks. 

An Idling Problem

If you notice that the car is overheating while you are idling, then you may have a problem with the cooling fan. The cooling fan is part of the cooling system and it provides air circulation across the radiator when the car is traveling at low speeds and when it is idling. Sensors that regulate the engine temperatures control the fan. It can adjust the needs of the engine if there is an addition of weight in the vehicle. When it senses that the engine is working harder to pull extra weight, it provides additional ventilation for the increased heat given off by the engine. You can check the fan by turning on the air conditioning. The fan for the air conditioner and the cooling fan are powered by the same source.  

The Need for Speed and Feeling the Heat

If you are overheating while you are traveling at high speeds, you have a different set of problems. You should make sure that you are getting proper airflow and coolant circulation. Make sure that there are no kinks, holes, or twists in the hoses. If you find any of those things, have the offending pieces replaced. Check for any holes or clogs in the radiator. You can have your mechanic take care of this for you, as cleaning out a clogged radiator is tedious work. You would have to remove the radiator and completely disassemble it before you clean it. You should also check for a stuck thermostat. If the thermostat is stuck in the closed position, it can block air from getting to the engine. If the top of the radiator hose does not feel hot when engine warms up, then the thermostat is stuck closed. If you suspect that it could be multiple things that are causing your car to overheat, you should take it in for a winter safety inspection by an ASE master mechanic.

Fast Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency in Your Car

With the winter months approaching, people are looking for ways to save money and cut their energy usage. Winterizing your home can help you save money on heating bills, and it is a wise investment in your home. You can have the same relationship with your car. There are some fast and quick things you can do to help you save money at the pump and to increase fuel efficiency in your car. Minor changes to the outside and inside of your car as well as your driving habits can make a difference on your car and your wallet. You will not only save money on fuel costs, you will also save money on car repair costs.

Outside of the Car

A common item of the car overlooked by many people is the tires. Make sure that you have the right tire pressure for your car and tires. You will usually find a sticker on the inner doorjamb of the car that has the tire size and inflation size recommended by the manufacturer. Do not overinflate the tires because it could make the car more difficult to handle from the excessive vibrations. Over-inflation could also cause the tires to burst. You should make sure that all tires have the same tread pattern and if you replace the tires, replace all of them at the same time. Make sure that the tires have proper alignment so that your steering will be more precise. You should also check your suspension system and make sure that your shock absorbers, springs, and struts are in good condition. Check your brakes and make sure you have good brake pads installed. Replace any worn pads and check for any leaks or weak spots in the brake lines. Check your headlights and make sure they provide good lighting for driving at night and during inclement weather.

Inside of the Car

Under the hood, check the air, oil, and fuel filters. Make sure that they are clean and in good condition. A dirty air filter can increase the acceleration time of a car. Any increase in acceleration means an increase in fuel needed for the increase in speed. The air and oil filters should be changed each time you change the oil. A dirty fuel filter will allow dirt and debris to clog the fuel injectors. It is a good idea to make sure that your gas tank is over half-full at all times during the winter. If the tank is full, it will keep sediment from clogging up the fuel lines. 

Think Light and Go Slow

Driving at a slower speed not only saves fuel, it can also prevent an accident. Limit your idling time as much as possible and do not let your car warm up. Newer model cars do not need any warming up and older cars only need a warm-up of no longer than a few minutes. Letting a car idle and warm up is wasting fuel and it is not necessary. Try to keep your loads light. A heavy load, such as heavy furniture or towing a small watercraft, makes the engine work harder and uses more fuel. The only items that should remain in your car are the things that are in your winter safety kits, such as a few blankets, first aid kit, and flashlights. The small tasks you can implement right away will have savings in your wallet and a good running car in your garage.

Car Winter Safety Kits

Winter is just around the corner and some parts of the United States have already experienced snow.  When the temperatures are freezing, it is no time to be stuck on the side of the road in a car unprepared.  Thus, now is the time to start thinking about a winter safety kit for your car.  What should be packed in a car winter safety kit?  What items are essential to include?

Useful Snow Removal Tools

Snow removal tools aren’t just useful at home, but can be equally as useful in your car winter safety kit.  A shovel is handy in winter safety kits to dig a path for immobile tires, uncover a car that has been snowed under, or to take snow off of the car trunk to reach tools included there.  An ice scraper and brush can be smart to include in a winter safety kit to chip ice off of windshields and side windows.  This increases your visibility, decreasing the possibility of having a winter-related accident and allowing you to get the car unstuck from a winter weather situation.  Jumper Cables are already stored in most cars, but it is a good idea to double check that your car jumper cables are still in the vehicle before the first snow storm hits.  Regular tools such as a hammer, chisel, and tire iron can be useful in winter weather, just as they are in fair weather.  So, don’t forget to include tools and a flashlight as car winter safety kit options.  

Common Sense Items for Car Winter Safety Kits

There are common sense items that should always be stored in cars, but which become even more important when included in car winter safety kits.  One of these items is a cell phone. During a winter storm is the wrong time to be caught without a cell phone to call for help.  If there is an accident or someone is hurt out in a winter storm, a first aid kit becomes an important addition to winter safety kits.  A first aid kit is a common sense item that should always be included in your car glove compartment or trunk, but becomes even more important in a winter dilemma.  Items that provide warmth are also necessities in winter safety kits.  Boots, gloves, a hat and a blanket can make being stranded in a winter storm much more bearable, livable, and survivable.  This is why all four items are listed as necessities on a car winter safety kit check list.  Non-perishable food is also a smart addition to winter safety kits.  Choose food items that can be stored in the car all winter season and not spoil or explode.  Food and drinks are necessary if you are stuck in a snowdrift or on the side of the road for any amount of time.  

More Creative Items for Car Winter Safety Kits

Some items for a winter safety kit might seem less obvious, but can be equally as important to winter safety.  Flares and reflective triangles are useful tools to make sure that stranded cars are visible and buried cars are recognizable.   Both flares and reflective triangles can drastically increase the safety of stranded drivers and are thus essential to winter safety kits.  If your car gets stuck in the snow, traction material such as cat litter or sand is a winter safety kit essential to help get the vehicle unstuck.  Maybe less well known and one of the most creative items in a possible winter safety kit is a coffee can furnace.  Components needed for a coffee can furnace include a metal coffee can.  Many coffee manufacturers have gone to a plastic container, so if a metal can cannot be found, a paint can may be substituted.  Into the can, insert a thick roll of toilet paper with the cardboard tube removed and pour a large amount of rubbing alcohol over the paper.  Finally, a lighter or matches will be needed to start the coffee can furnace.  As with all combustible items, please use caution and light only in a well-ventilated area.