Make Money Easy For You

How To Avoid Auto Repair and Service Scams

There’s a reason why auto service stations have one of the largest numbers of complaints with state attorney generals in every state. Some uphold good business practices and ethics, but most, unfortunately are all about profit and don’t care if they have to lie and cheat to get it. To prove this all one has to do is go to several dealers with the same problem or question. You will get many different answers, price ranges and estimates all for the same problem(s) and almost all recommending unnecessary and unneeded services or repairs.

Just ask the dealer the question of routine maintenance and what is recommended at each service. If you open your owners manual it will tell you what is recommended for normal driving habits and some may give you recommendations for harsh conditions. Regardless of your climate and weather most service advisors will tell you that the area of your country qualifies for harsh and extreme weather – they are trained to do this as it requires more services and makes them more money. Its not whether your car needs it – most people will qualify as normal conditions and require a lot less servicing per the National Highway Traffic Safety Association and AAA. The manufacturer made those owners manuals after millions of dollars were spent on design, research, and testing – I think I would listen to the manual.

On calling several dealers as to recommended mileage intervals between oil changes we got a range of 3,000 – 3,500. It didn’t matter what area of the country we called. The answer was the same. Upon reading the owners manual of several cars it says 4,000 – 5,000 for normal driving habits. We then called asking about the correct mileage to change a timing belt 60,000 to 70,000 was the answer range we got. The owners manuals gave a range of 90,000 -100,000. This is proof positive that profit hungry dealers are pushing up more expensive services, requiring additional and unnecessary services, and basically scamming and ripping off customers. We could not find an honest new car dealer in the bunch, but we did find one service and repair shop that did not require anything over the manufactures recommendations.

Our recommendations:

1) Read your owners manual and take it with you for servicing. Let the service advisor try and argue with you over when an actual service is really recommended. Don’t pay attention to his fancy charts and recommendations.

2) Check and see if your warranty covers the item and if it is really necessary.

3) Oil changes are only $14.95 at Walmart – why pay more at your dealer (dealer average is $26). The oil is the same and you can get synthetic, the best, for the price the dealer charges for regular. As an added bonus, Walmart won’t push unnecessary repairs or services on you. Walmart is also much cheaper for tires – so is BJ’s, and Discount Tire.

4) Do minor items your self. Windshield wipers cost only $4 for a set of two of the same original equipment quality. Just guess what dealers charge. We only asked a few as we could quickly see, just like with oil changes, that the dealer wants to make a lot of money – $54 including installation for the same $4 wipers. Buy then at most Auto parts stores and they will install them for free.

5) If you must use a dealer for repair, always call around. Don’t just take their word for it. Before you go to the dealer, check them out with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Find out what their customers are saying.

The most important thing to remember here is to not get scammed. Some services are needed, just check it out and make sure the dealer isn’t just trying to get a high priced and unnecessary service out of you. Get your owners manual and read the section on required services – it will save you money nest time you visit your dealer. Remember their service advisors are constantly trained just like car salespeople to get you to buy regardless of whether you may need it.

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How to Change Your Engine Oil – You Can Do That

Who changes their own oil anymore? Not me but thought it was a good idea to teach my teenage daughter how to in case she wanted to save some money by doing it herself. To help her out I wrote out step-by-step instructions on how to go about it, you may find that these simple to follow steps can help you as well. Below are the exact list of steps she followed to actually change her car’s oil.

I created a list of tools and material she would need to gather before starting. Check your owners manual for type of oil and amount needed. All auto parts stores will assist you in finding the right oil and filter.

I explained that it was a good idea to run the car’s engine for a few minutes before she drained the oil because warm oil drains faster than cold oil.

Always park the car on a level surface, engage the parking brake and turn off the engine. It may be necessary to raise the front end in order to get under. If so, use two stands, one on each side for a sturdy foundation.

I told her to place the new oil under the hood so she would not forget to add the new oil back into the engine. I’ve heard of people forgetting.

Next to locate the oil drain plug on the underside of the engine. Check your owner’s manual for the exact location.

Place the oil drain pan under the plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench and turn counterclockwise to remove drain plug.

Remove the plug by hand and be careful of the rush of hot oil. Wearing gloves is a good idea.

Let the oil drain into the pan.

It is a good idea to replace the drain plug gasket at least every other oil change.

Reinstall the plug by hand then tighten with a wrench or socket and be careful to not over tighten the plug. This could cause a leak and/or make it difficult to remove the plug later.

Locate the existing oil filter. Again, check your owner’s manual for exact location.

Place the oil pan underneath the filter to catch oil.

Use an adjustable oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter.

Use a rag to wipe the area where the filter mounts to the engine.

Using your finger add some new oil to the rubber seal of the new filter.

Screw the new filter into place by hand. If you’re not strong enough use the adjustable filter wrench, don’t over tighten.

Once all of the old oil is out and you have installed the new filter and tightened the drain plug it’s time to add the new oil.

Locate the oil filler cap on top of the engine and remove it.

Place the funnel in the opening and pour in the new oil.

Replace the cap when you’re finished.

Run the engine for a minute, then check the dipstick. The owner’s manual should show you a diagram of where the oil level should be. Add more oil if necessary.

Check the area around the oil drain plug and the filter for oil leaks. Tighten the plug or oil filter if you find leak.

Use rags and/or newspapers to wipe away excess oil.

Pour the used oil into a plastic container after the used oil cools. I use old plastic milk containers.

Lastly, dispose the used oil at a recycling center, an auto repair shop or county land fill. Never pour it down the sewer or directly on the ground.

That’s it! She was able to change her car’s oil with little help from me and she keeps these instructions in her glove compartment for future oil changes. By doing this herself she was able to save $20. Good luck.

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How To Change A Flat Tire – You Can Do That

My oldest daughter reached driving age not to long ago and one of the requirements for her license was for her to successfully change a flat tire on her own. I gave her a quick visual of where the equipment and tire was and then wrote down instructions for her to follow. I figured that if she could follow these instructions successfully then she was ready to be alone out in the car. By the way she was able to change the flat tire and stuck these instructions in the glove compartment in case of a flat tire later.

The steps below are the instructions I wrote up for her.

First make sure that you put the car in park in a level as possible area and set the parking brake. Make sure you have pulled off the road far enough to avoid traffic and turn the engine off. And don’t forget to turn on the hazard lights (flashers).

Get out of the trunk the spare tire, the lug nut wrench and the car jack. I pointed these out to her before hand.

Before jacking up the car, loosen the lug nuts, which hold the wheel in place. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the lug nut. Loosen every other lug nut first, then go back and loosen the others.

Carefully jack up the car and reference the owner’s manual for the correct and safe place to put the jack. Just Jack the car up a inch or so higher in order to remove the old tire and to be able to have room to put the new, full of air tire back on.

Continue by removing all of the lug nuts and set them aside in a place where you won’t lose them. The flat tire should be able to slide right off now.

Lift and place the new tire onto the wheel studs. Make sure that the valve, where you add air, is facing out.

Replace all of the lug nuts and tighten them by hand. Then tighten them with the lug wrench the same way you loosened them. Finally, tighten each lug as tight as you can.

Put the hubcap back on or in the truck to be put on later.

Once she did this she felt a lot more confident and comfortable about how she would handle a flat tire. I told her that there may be a time that she did not feel safe getting out of the car and that she should put her flashers on and move to the shoulder and call someone, if no one was available to just drive on the bad tire until she reached somewhere safe.

Everyone should take the time to get familiar with where the spare tire is, how to get it out of the car, and at least change a tire for practice.

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Using Self Motivation Techniques To Keep Your Goals In Focus

No matter what goal you are aiming for, staying motivated is a challenge for everyone at times. Even though you have set those goals for yourself, it will be hard to stay focused at times. Using self motivation techniques is a great way to ensure that you stay positive and have the mental attitude needed to achieve your goals. One of the best things that you can do is to map out a plan detailing your goal and the steps that you will take to achieve your dreams. It is also a good idea to regularly reassess your plan and make sure that you still feel that your original strategy is the best one. There is nothing wrong with changing your plan if you feel that changes will improve it, the plan is not carved in stone and should always be considered as a flexible tool. Life is full of unexpected surprises and this can mean your initial steps will no longer lead you to where you want to arrive, you can change your written plan to take any surprise changes into account.

Making your written plan is the first step. After that, you might find that you still need sources of inspiration and encouragement. Self motivation techniques such as breaking your plan into small tasks that you can achieve daily will help give you a sense of accomplishment as each task is finished. This is a great technique and will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or feeling that your goal is too hard for you to accomplish. Remember, the way to eat a whole elephant is one bite at a time. Make a written list of tasks for each day and cross them off one by one as you complete them. Each time you cross off a completed item, your spirits will get a boost that will encourage you to tack the next task on your list.

Rewarding yourself after you complete your tasks will also help keep you feeling mentally positive and optimistic. The reward can be anything, eg a coffee break or ten minutes to chat to a friend on the phone. The reward doesn’t need to be anything big but, by giving yourself an incentive, you will have something to help motivate you to take the next step towards reaching your goal.

Procrastination is called “the thief of time” for very good reasons. Procrastination is an easy habit to adopt and a very hard one to break, so it is best to have a scheme in place to avoid it all together. Avoiding procrastination is one of the simplest and biggest ways that you can increase your motivation and remain focused on taking the necessary small steps towards achieving your goals.

Making written lists (and following them!) is an excellent way to avoid procrastination. Try taking your yearly goals and breaking them down into manageable monthly chunks. Next break the monthly lists down further into weekly parts. Finally make daily lists that involve small steps towards your yearly goals. By working on your yearly goals in this step by step fashion, you will reduce the opportunities for being tempted to procrastinate. Once you get into the habit of following your daily task list, the temptation to put things off will be overridden by the desire to see all the items crossed through by the end of your working day.

When you finish your daily tasks, be sure to reward yourself. If you finish earlier than normal, award yourself some extra time off to spend as you please. If you are keeping to your step by step plan, there is no need to put in extra hours. The days of procrastinating and then needing to work longer hours will be over. List making sounds simple (and it is) but it is a powerful way to keep yourself on track day by day to accomplish your ultimate goals.

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Fuel Economy And Personal Choices

I used to be an over-the-road, long haul truck driver. For a while, I even owned and drove my own truck. As an owner-operator, I became interested in fuel economy, and very aware of how personal choices can affect fuel economy and fuel costs.

I’m off the road now, although I still travel a great deal, mainly by car. Like everyone else, I have listened to, and watched, news stories, discussions, and interviews on the present and future state of energy and energy sources.

As a business man and private citizen who travels extensively by car, both for business and pleasure, I am concerned about present costs and those which might be expected in the future.

Even more, however, I am becoming concerned about what might be my future, if I live long enough, and what will almost certainly be the energy future of my grandchildren, if not my children. As a result of these concerns, I have begun to think more about the changes that I and others can make to alleviate some of the coming ecological and economic problems related to fuel.

Because of my experiences past and present, I have some thoughts on the subjects of travel, the operation of vehicles, and the modern driver. I would like to make a couple of points, particularly as these subjects and fuel economy meet at the nexus of choice.

For years, I have watched drivers drive far in excess of the posted speeds or rational speeds for the conditions in which they found themselves. I have witnessed several situations in which the driver created or arrived at a dangerous situation as a result of this need for speed and I have had several opportunities to view the sad results of these choices. Many of these individuals will eventually either grow up or remove themselves from the gene pool. In the meantime, they will continue to drive in this manner, and many will drive this way into old age. I remember one long traffic jam in Utah that resulted from a driver’s attempt to find out what his new Porsche “could do”. In the words of another truck driver on the scene, “It could kill him. That’s what it could do.”

However, let’s just talk about speed from the viewpoint of fuel economy. I regularly see interviews with “the consumer” on TV. Often these people are bemoaning the money they have to spend on fuel. Daily, these people, or those just like them, blow down the road at high rates of speed when driving a few miles more slowly could result in appreciable real money savings, especially at today’s fuel prices. Many of these cars are hardly fuel efficient in the first place, and, when operating at such high speeds become super-gas-guzzlers! Many of these people also rush up to stop signs and stop lights, maintaining their speed or accelerating until the last minute before treading heavily on the brake. They seem to give no thought to the fact that accelerating to a place where you are going to have to stop is equivalent to throwing money out the window, not to mention simply wasting fuel and causing the next expensive brake job to arrive more quickly. For many, the simple act of looking at what is happening ahead of them and removing their foot from the accelerator before arriving at a point where they HAVE TO STOP could result in savings in fuel and money.

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Ancient Greek Food: Olives

Today, you go to the store and buy a little container of olives. You can get them in all different shapes sizes colors, and more. You can buy them with pimentos in them or not. Many wonder how this food became such an important part of Greek culture and large part of their diet.

Ancient Greeks used olives as there main source of fat instead of meat from animal because they thought it was an unhealthy way of getting fat, since the barbarians (non Greeks) ate that way. In actuality, the barbarians ate meat and their products such as milk and cheese because they were nomadic and had no way of growing an olive tree or preparing olives if they saw any.

Preserving olives was possible because there was salt everywhere! Since Ancient Greece was a huge island basically, salt was easily accessible and allowed them to preserve olives with ease.

To preserve their olives, first ancient Greeks would gather them while they where not ripe. They left them in eater that they changed every 12 hours with water that contains wood ash and then again cleared the water. It might have taken a week. To decrease the time sometimes they would cut them with a knife. They, oil would come forth from the olives but this was just used to help preserve them. They were then kept in wine, vinegar, and salty water.

Olive oil was created to help preserve the olives. Olive oil was a great source of the Ancient people’s diet because it was their main source of fat. You might think that fish was a main source of their diet, but these things were very expensive so common people mainly just had olive oil. It is not as it is today where people eat a large variety of food no matter who they are. Ancient Greece was a very socially unequal place.

If you ever dip bread in olive oil, you are carrying out the actions of an aristocratic meal. In ancient times, common Greeks mostly ate porridge and not bread for carbohydrates. Bread was a lot of work to make and was not a common food among them.

Today, olives are eaten by anyone who has a few bucks and can walk or drive to a store. Not so in the days of past. Still, ancient Greeks still figured they could turn tiny strange spherical objects on a tree into a delicious and nutritious food for all of the Mediterranean.

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Car Wash Supplies

To run your car wash business with a profit margin, it is essential to get the right car wash supplies from the right dealers. Car wash supplies include all the accessories necessary for cleaning a car: car soaps, tire cleaners, glazes, polishes, waxes, conditioners and even bill changers, vending supplies, vacuum cleaners, water treatment plants and shampoo units. There are several car wash suppliers throughout the U.S., including those listed below.

Sonny’s Car Wash Factory has a range of car wash supplies that include different types of brushes, brooms, conveyor parts, vacuums and accessories, pump accessories, vending machines for self-serve wash systems and detergent accessories.

The Internet is a store for car wash supplies, and many websites bring to you the best products from the top manufacturers. Buyersmls.com provides a range of car wash supplies categorized by brand names and product applications. Their popular brands include Carrand, Einszett, Meguiar’s, P21 and Porsche. The website provides online ordering and buying for car waxes, polishes, wheel and carpet cleaners, vacuum cleaners vinyl protectants and lubricants.

Beauty Shine Advanced Car Care Products of California manufacture their own range of car wash supplies that cater to all kinds of vehicles and car wash systems. Since 1926, they are a reputed supplier to car wash owners, with products including paste wax, liquid polish, dressings and automotive shampoos. Auto Gloss Wash, Moonshine Liquid Carnuaba Speed Wax, and Chrome and Glass Polishes are some of their products. The Carnuaba wax is unique in that it can be used for processes where polishing is not needed. Easy to apply, this wax protects the paint from fading. They also have exclusive products for special cars, one of which is Frontline Finishing Mist. This product, sold for approximately $7, is a spray that can be applied for removing dust and fingerprints by wiping it onto the car surface.

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64 Mechanic’s Ways To Make Your Car Last Longer

Every 2 weeks or 3,000 miles:
1. Check engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant.

Once a month or 1,000 miles:
2. Check tire pressure – with tire gauge.
3. Check transmission fluid.
4. Check brake fluid.
5. Wax car (to protect finish).
6. Check belts and hoses.

Every 3 months or 3,000 miles:
7. Change oil and oil filter (every 6 months or 3,000 miles).
8. Lubricate chassis.
9. Check transmission fluid.
10. Check all drive belts (fan belts) frayed or cracked belts.

Every 6 months or 6,000 miles:
11. Change oil and filter (every 6 months or 3,000 miles).
12. Inspect suspension.
13. Rotate tires.

Every 12 months or 12,000 miles:
14. Flush radiator, replace anti-freeze, check air conditioning system.
15. Replace air filters.
16. Lubricate chassis.

Every 2 years or 24,000 miles.
17. Replace spark plugs (30,000 miles average suggested for unleaded gas) and PC valve.
18. Change automatic transmission fluid, filter and pan gasket.
19. Inspect brake linings.

Every 3 years or 30,000 miles:
20. Check and test ignition wires (replace if needed).
21. Test cooling system and heating hoses (replace if needed).
22. Check drive belts (replace if needed).
23. Replace fluid in differential and manual transmission.

Every 50,000 miles.
24. Check brake shoes (replace if needed)
25. If you have a major repair to do, it’s wise to get at least 3 estimates, if possible, before you decide.
26. Read and follow your car owner’s manual – it’s your car’s bible for making your car last longer.
27. Whether you are a man, woman, boy or girl, learn to do some routine maintenance on your car yourself. A multitude of books, videos, magazines and classes are available at your local library that will teach you for free if you don’t know. Learn how to check your own oil, transmission fluid, tire pressure and coolant, etc.
28. If you find a good mechanic who you can trust, stick with him even if his prices are a bit higher – all things being equal. You’ll always save time, money and aggravation in the long run.
29. Don’t race or gun your engine when you start it up. Accelerate slowly and smoothly when your engine is cold.
30. Avoid burning rubber – it places excessive wear on the transmission, rear end, not to mention your tires.
31. An international tire company estimated that 33% of all tires on the road are under-inflated (low air). Under-inflated tires wear out quicker and have a tendency to blow out easier.
32. A garaged car lasts longer. A car port is next best, and a car cover is a distant third.
33. Avoid jackrabbit starts and stops. Stop and accelerate gradually.
34. Avoid tailgating, tire squealing turns, flying over speed bumps, pot holes and revving your engine.
35. When possible, avoid driving your car during rush hour stop and go traffic periods.
36. Keep front-end aligned, for longer tire life and better gas mileage.
37. Make sure you get promised repairs in writing including how much it will cost.
38. Avoid car dealers except to have highly specialized repairs done that can’t be done properly anywhere else.
39. It’s hard to be overcharged when you get three estimates before you have the work done. 40. Beware: Cheapest is not always the best. Normally, the best mechanics with the best equipment and training cost more.
41. Often mechanics that charge extremely low prices have inferior or out-dated equipment, little to no formal training or are under-insured.
42. Complex electrical problems are so involved that serious electrical work should be done in an “Auto Electric” shop. They have the equipment, tool and training to do the job more efficiently than the average mechanic.
43. If your car has “Cruise Control” use it. Using cruise control will save you 5% to 10% of a gallon of gas on long trips.
44. Avoid constantly pressing and releasing the accelerator when driving. This practise not only wastes fuel, but it puts excessive wear on the drive train of your car.
45. Don’t ride your brake pedal, this wears out your brake linings pre-maturely, and wastes fuel.
46. Driving with your windows all the way down at higher speeds, will waste 10% more gallons of gasoline than driving with them closed.
47. Research by a major car manufacturer has revealed that neglect of proper routine maintenance is the number one reason for the enormous increase in car repairs being required.
48. Tires purchased at department stores such as Sears, Montgomery Wards, K-Mart etc., can be an excellent value because many are made by leading tire manufacturers. For a list of what manufacturer makes which tires for what department store, write to: Tire Information Center, P.O. Box 677, Syosset, NY 11791
49. When purchasing or changing tires, make sure you have them spin balanced.
50. Avoid cleaning your windshield with a dry rag or towel. Always dampen with water or some other cleaning liquid. Dry towels grind and scratch your windshield hindering your visibility.
51. Avoid turning on the car air-conditioning while running at highway speeds as this tends to put an immediate heavy load on your compressor and clutch. This could cause excessive wear and tear on these components. Instead turn your air conditioner on at car speeds below 25 to 30 m.p.h. This helps to preserve your expensive compressor.
52. Try to avoid running your car with the tank low on gas. Keeping a low tank of gas increases the chance of dirt, water/moisture and rust forming in your fuel system. Keeping a full tank decreases the chance of dirt and other foreign matter forming in your fuel system.
53. Tires driven at 70 m.p.h. wear out almost twice as fast as cars that go 50 m.p.h.
54. A government study has confirmed, the top three causes of car breakdowns while on the road are: (a) running out of gas (b) tire troubles (c) cooling system problems (overheating)
55. The best as well as the easiest ways to find a good car repair shop is by recommendation or referrals from satisfied customers.
56. To work on a late model computer-controlled engines, make sure the shop you choose has the equipment to handlecomputer-electric service/repair. Sophisticated diagnostic equipment is a must.
57. To choose the right repair shop for you, it’s wise to have a small or minor maintenance or repair job done first to see how the repair shop and mechanic treat you and your car.
58. Give detailed description of your car’s problem when you take it in for repairs. The more you can describe what your car is doing or not doing (thumping, squealing, clacking sound, etc.) the faster and less it will cost for your mechanic to fix it.
59. When in doubt about the cost of a repair or a mechanic’s honesty get a second opinion. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself from being ripped-off until you can find a permanent repair shop.
60. Regular oil changes are the most important thing you can do to protect your engine and make it last longer.
61. If you have a manual transmission, downshift to slow your car down instead of using your brakes. This will save wear and tear on your braking system.
62. Each time you have your engine oil checked, have your transmission fluid checked also.
63. Protect your car’s interior and make it last longer – park your car in the shade or place a windshield guard or cover in the windshield.
64. If you spill something inside your car, clean it up immediately before it dries. Delaying even 30 minutes can sometimes leave a permanent stain or spot.

NOTE: To better protect your car seats have them treated with scotchguard.

NOTE: According to current auto insurance statistics, the average U.S. car’s useful life is 10 years or 100,000 miles. By following proper preventative maintenance you can often double your car’s useful life, and spend less time visiting your local mechanic.

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Guide For Checking And Changing Your Car’s Air Filter

An automotive air filter is not only good for you in your room or office, but its also ideal for your car. The lifespan of your car can be greatly enhanced with the right air filter. Your car’s air filter is very important since it keeps the engine of your car free of dust and dirt, which may reduce its efficiency. A wrong air filter can greatly affect the performance of your car. Hence, its highly recommended that you check the filter and change when necessary. Checking and changing your air filter is not as difficult as some people out there think. There are some simple steps which need to be followed

When should you change your car’s air filters? You should change it once a year or after every 15,000 kms, but it is always recommended to keep checking the filter after 10,000 for dust and wear and tear. It’s not hard to check or replace the air filter. You can do it once you learn the how-to . How do you check and replace it? You can do it by using a torch or some source of light from inside pointing outside and check how bright it looks through it. If you can see the light clearly, then your air filter is still in a pretty good condition. But if you cannot see much of the light , it is time for a new air filter.

. Newer cars come with different air filters than the older ones. If your car is new, then its air filter is probably rectangular and can be found under the hood, near the radiator area or fender wells. Open it and remove the air filter from it and replace it with the new one. Make sure you close it up after replacing the filter.

But if your car is older, then the air filter will probably be of a big round shape which can be found near the engine area. You may find it screwed. Unscrew the cover, remove the air filter and put the new one instead while not forgetting to screw it back again. However, this demands your utmost attention in case there are any other attachment mechanism that may need to be removed as well.

However, if you can’t do all of that, it’s recommended that you call a professional mechanic to help you change it. It’s also advisable that you stay with him when he’s changing the air filter as well as ensuring that a genuine air filter is actually used to replace the old one. There are many mechanics out there that will fix the wrong or fake air filter into your car. This ensures that you come back to them to have your car repaired. Be careful

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Car Care Centers

Next to your house, your car is probably your most expensive property, and it only makes sense to give it the best possible care you can. This means that you need to do more than just the usual check ups and maintenance routines – you also need to regularly take your car to a professional car-care center. How do you choose the best center for your car? Here are some aspects to consider.

Scope and variety of services are important. Choose a car-care center that covers everything your car needs, from transmission maintenance to wheel balancing, to electrical repairs and air-conditioning. You want a one-stop shop for all your car concerns – such a set up can help you save time and money in the long run.

Customer support is also important. You want a car-care center that has a competent team of customer-care representatives available to accommodate your specific requests and address whatever concerns you may have. Some car-care companies even go as far as to provide you with free roadside assistance, towing, or emergency repairs!

Compare the prices of parts and services of different car-care centers and then choose wisely. Remember that the cheapest car-care center is not necessarily the best – they may lack the equipment and personnel to attend to your car when you need something fixed immediately. Some also disguise their services as the cheapest in the market only to surprise you with hidden fees.

Keep in mind, however, that low process does not necessarily mean low quality (because there are some very good but very cheap car-care centers out there). If you’re not sure whether a cheap car-care center’s services are satisfactory, try out one of their minor services first (such air-filter cleaning). If they perform well even in small functions, they are likely to deliver well in bigger projects, too.

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The Benefits of Snow Blower Tire Chains

Snow blowers generally come in two styles: one stage or two stage. Two stage snow blowers have one or more low-speed metal augers that break up the snow and movie it into a separate high-speed fan that blows the snow out the discharge chute. These machines are usually self-propelled, either with large wheels equipped with tire chains or, in some case, tracks. Snow blower tire chains are important for these large wheels because, without them, they would not be able to force themselves through the snow, much less clear it out of the way.

Like other tire chains, snow blower tire chains are available in a few different styles. They can be purchased in two link or four link spacing. In two link spacing, there is a cross chain every second side chain link. Similarly, four link spacing means that there is a cross chain every fourth side chain link. Two link spacing generally provides for a smoother ride and better traction. As with other tire chains, snow blower tire chains can be purchased with an optional V-Bar chain in both two link and four link spacing. V-Bar chains are especially recommended for snow use because they provide extra traction for use on hills, ice, and hard packed conditions. However, drivers should not use V-Bar chains on pavement since it can damage the surface.

Although snow blower tires are built to provide for extra traction in winter weather, snow blower tire chains will give drivers the extra grip they need to make it through even the worse snow conditions.

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Tires

Cambridge Dictionary defines tire as “a rubber ring, usually filled with air, that fits around the wheel of a car, bicycle, or other vehicle.”

Tires have reinforcing treads within them. Based on the direction of the treads, tires may be classified as cross-ply or radial. Radial tires are standard for modern automobiles. They have belts that run around the circumference of the tire to give stability to the tread. Underneath the belt are multiple plies of steel, Kevlar, or other textiles that run vertical to the belt. Beneath the belts is the casing, which is made of rubber, with polyester, nylon, or rayon cords within the rubber give it strength. Beneath the casing is the inner tube. There is no cord reinforcing here.

A monthly check-up of tire pressure is important. Under inflation causes reduced fuel efficiency and heat buildup in the tires. Over inflation wears tires out more in the center of the tread. Friction from moving contact with the road causes the tread on the outer perimeter of the tire to deteriorate. When the reinforcing treads inside the tire get exposed, the tire is bald and should be replaced.

Sometimes, a tire gets a hole through which the air inside leaks out, resulting in a flat tire. Nails, broken glass, or other sharp objects cause flat tires. If the hole is small, plugs from a repair kit can mend the tire. Otherwise, a plug coated with a semi-liquid form of rubber can be inserted into the hole with a special tool. The rubber covering the plug solidifies quickly, after which the protruding ends of the plug can be cut off, the tire can be refilled with air to the appropriate pressure, and the repaired wheel replaced on the vehicle. Tubeless tires that go flat can be fixed with a plug, but tube tires require the removal of the wheel and tire so the tube can be patched or replaced.

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Car Care

Proper car care can save you thousands of dollars a year. If you stick to the right maintenance routine and quick do-it-yourself check ups, you can prevent breakdowns and make your car last longer – or even resell it at a good amount when the time comes.

The key to prolonging the useful life of your car is prevention – plug the leaks and replace parts that need to be replaced even before they break down. Identifying and quickly fixing a problem while it is small keeps it from being overwhelming and saves you a lot of money in the long run.

Change your oil every three months (or every 3,000 miles). This is the general rule unless you car manufacturer says otherwise. Do not neglect this seemingly trivial maintenance task. Keep in mind that failure to change your oil will increase the wear and tear on your engine, leading to other problems.

Regularly check your transmission fluid, your brake fluid, your power steering fluid, and your coolant. These fluids make up the lifeblood of your car, and checking them frequently can help nip small problems in the bud, saving you from breakdowns and expensive repairs. Different cars require different kinds and amounts of fluid. Read your manufacturer’s handbook to find out more.

Keep your batteries new. Your battery is your most important power source – if it fails you, you will get stranded. This is why it is important to always check it with every oil change. Keep your battery clean with a mixture of baking soda and water. Make sure that the cables are corrosion-free and are securely attached. Remember that most disposable batteries last for only over a year – after that span of time, you should replace your battery.

A car is like a patient – it needs a good doctor. If you are not very handy with cars, have one official mechanic service your car regularly. The mechanic will be able to develop a familiarity with your car and be able to recommend the correct preventive and diagnostic care it needs. What’s more, you can probably get a lot of discounts from mechanics if you are a repeat customer!

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Choosing the Right Tractor Tire Chains

Tractor tire chains come in many of the same models, styles, and designs as other tire chains. Depending on the size and brand of the tractor and tractor wheel, a variety of tire chains can be found.

Like most other types of tire chains, there are many different options available in tractor tire chains. The most popular choice, and the most widely recommended, is two-link spacing with an optional V-Bar. Two link spacing means that there is a cross chain every second side chain link. Basically, it has twice as many cross chains as the four-link spacing, which only has a cross chain every fourth side chain link. The extra chains provide for a more steady, smooth ride and more steering control. The optional V-Bar chains are extremely helpful on ice, hills, and other hard-packed conditions. While V-Bar chains are available in both two- and four-link spacing, they should not be used on pavement since they can damage the surface of the road.

Kubota Tractor tire chains are available in the basic two- and four-link chains. Kubota recommends using tire chains and wheel weights in icy conditions. Even when using tire chains, drivers should still drive at a speed slow enough to maintain complete control of the tractor at all times.

For farm tractors, dealers recommend duo-group cross tire chains. These chains are not connected in the middle, so the pattern does not fall between the tread bars. Duo-group cross chains are recommended for field work, deep tread, off road use, and hilly conditions, making them the perfect choice for farm tractor tire chains.

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The Importance of Snow Tire Chains

During the winters, drivers should take extra caution when driving. Snow and ice can spell trouble, especially for those drivers who do not have experience driving in those conditions, or those who fail to prepare. One of the most important aspects of winter car preparation is tire care. Snow tire chains provide one option for drivers who find themselves in slick conditions.

The first rule of tire chains is to make sure they can actually be used on your vehicle. That means dragging out the old owner’s manual. After ensuring that tire chains are safe for your car, truck, of SUV, check with local law enforcement officers to make sure that chains are legal in your state. When shopping for snow tire chains, make sure that they fit the tires before actual use. Tire chains should be pre-fit long before going out into the snow. Drivers should carefully follow the directions of installing their tire chains, which should be applied as tightly as possible by hand. When installing the chains, tires should be at normal inflation – no deflating the tires for an easier application process! After putting the tire chains on all four tires, drive about one-quarter of a mile, then stop and retighten. When driving with snow tire chains, drivers should not exceed 30 miles per hour.

For cars, there are many snow tire chain options to choose from. Cable chains are the most economical choice; they are lightweight and often have galvanized steel rollers for increased traction on vehicles with limited fender clearance. Twist link chains are another economical choice for vehicles with minimal clearance. Highway chains are usually all-steel with a twist link design also, but these chains are designed for vehicles with non-restricted wheel well clearance, and the heavier chains provide added durability and traction. Sno Grip chains are an excellent option for winter weather – they provide superior traction and a smooth ride, and the square link design allows for better standing, stopping, and cornering than any other conventional ladder design. Road King chains offer a square link design, with a Y pattern chain. This offers drivers a comfortable, yet aggressive drive, with less vibration and noise. Finally, V-Bar snow tire chains provide aggressive traction for snow removal and emergency vehicles, but they should not be used on vehicles with restricted wheel well clearance.

Regardless of the brand or style of snow tire chains used, winter drivers should make sure that the chains are the proper fit and are correctly installed in order to offer the most protection for the driver and passengers.

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Car Maintenance

We all avoid maintenance on one pretext or the other but forget its core advantages, like low recurring expenses and optimum product utilization, especially in the case of Car Maintenance. By doing regular maintenance on our car, not only we can save money on car repair, but also enjoy more pleasant drives.

Car Maintenance is not a big technical job, and a novice with minimal car-related knowledge can also do it easily. You can initially start with tires. Tires are among the most expensive, regularly replaceable and neglected items on the car.

One must follow some basic rules for tire maintenance. The first and the foremost are checking tire tread for abnormal wear patterns. On finding any symptoms of abnormal wear in specific areas, tire alignment needs to be done to prevent further deterioration. Along with it, you must check tire pressures once a week, for longer tire life. Tire experts also suggest rotating tires and wheel balancing on every car’s regular service.

The other important aspect is oil, filter change and chassis lubrication. Car experts always advice car owners to change them after every 4,000-5,000 miles or every 3-4 months, to ensure longer engine life and optimum performance.

It is also important that lights are in working condition. One must check and replace all fuse bulbs every month, to ensure your journeys at nights are smooth and trouble-free. Besides this, we also advise you to check for any fuel leaks by looking for fuel drops below the car every morning, before you start your car. Washing the car and checking the battery once a week will also help you keep your car in perfect condition. By following these small instructions, you can easily say, “Let’s go for a long drive, honey!”

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Boost the power and performance of your car with a K&N Cold Air Intake or reusable K&N Air Filter.

Unleash your vehicle’s power with a K&N cold air intake system which works by force feeding a blast of fresh oxygen into your engine. And, even K&N air filters can help your engine breath better and, to top it off they’re long-lasting and reusable; better for the environment and your wallet.

More and more car and truck enthusiast’s are upgrading their performance with a K&N cold air intake. Here’s a primer on some of their top selling products: The K&N FIPK Air Intake has custom engineering with a cooler crosslink nylon intake tract and a famous K&N Filtercharger cone filter. This air intake will boost your vehicle’s power across the RPM band and can even improve fuel economy.

The K&N 63 Series AirCharger Air Intake is on of K&N’s newest designs. In fact, this product is so new that it isn’t CARB certified yet. The 63 Series features the biggest possible K&N Filtercharger and a cool air tube for dramatically improved power and comes with a 1-year warranty.

Next is the K&N Typhoon Air Intake System, which is built in a short ram, cold air, or a convertible sort ram/cold air intake design. They come with a polished, Red, Silver or Blue metal intake tube and an incredible 10-year/1,000,000-mile warranty.

Last, but not least is the the K&N 77 Series Air Intake Kit which will give your truck or SUV more show and go. This famous K&N performance product comes with a smooth metal intake pipe in polished aluminum or gunmetal gray, a long-lasting K&N filtercharger air filter and, to top it off, a 10-year/1,000,000-mile warranty.

Thousands of people evevryday are realizing the benefits of upgrading to a high-quality, super-long-lasting, reusable air filter from K&N. Spend a little more now to replace inferior stock or aftermarket parts with a K&N air filter considered, “the world’s best air filter.” The cotton-gauze K&N filter boosts horsepower, never needs replacing, is environmentally friendly, improves fuel economy and comes with a 10-year / 1,000,000 mile warranty.

The following are a few of the K&N product reviews that we have found from some K&N brand users:

“Over the last 10 years or so, I have used K&N products in all my cars and trucks. Having used their FIPK kits on my last two vehicles I can say with some certainty that this is one of the best products that I have seen come out of K&N’s design team. Well made, excellent fit and finish, and does add an outstanding custom look. Functionally, it provides a significant air flow increase over the stock design and has a very pleasing sound when you plant your right foot on the gas pedal. Heavy duty, great function, superior finish, performance boost – this has it all. My only issues may be heat (time will tell on this one) from the engine may be transmitted through the metal tube more easily than the composite FIPK units and the cost (although the cost is comparible to their competitors).”

“Got the K&N filter for my 1986 Chevy PU with a 305 – They are not famous for good MPG. I can tell a real difference in the power and it sounds like it is breathing much better. MPG has also improved. Thanks”

“Over the past year we’ve added K&N filters to everything we own that moves my RoadStar motorcycle and my wife’s FZI, my Audi TT, her Isuzu trooper and my 1980 Corvette. Everything works better-the vet came alive!”

“The K&N filter fit perfectly in my 04 Supercrew. I noticed a difference in engine response as well. The price was great considering the stock air filter is about two thirds the cost of the K&N. This filter is worth the money.”

With a well-known and respected brand like K&N, you can surely find performance improvements with K&N air filters and a K&N cold air intake. – David S. Brooks

Read more: Boost the power and performance of your car with a K&N Cold Air Intake or reusable K&N Air Filter.