UK Vehicle Auctions

Undoing the wear and tear of winter should be job number one for motorists as they prepare for warmer weather ahead. Summer's heat, humidity and heavy stop-and-go traffic can cause marginal systems to fail. Why risk the inconvenience and aggravation of having your holiday interrupted? More importantly, any road-side breakdown on today's busy motorways is unsafe.

Here are some tips to get your vehicle ready for summer.

-- Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules. The manual contains a complete checklist of services, schedules and other important information about your vehicle.

-- Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition and concentration of coolant should be checked periodically. If you are doing your own work, make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.

-- Have engine performance problems -- hard starts, rough idling, stalling -- corrected. You'll get better petrol mileage and you may prevent more expensive repairs later on. For example, something as simple as a rough idle could indicate an underlying problem that could ruin your vehicle's catalytic converter over time. The old adage, "Pay me now or pay me later," is especially true with today's high-tech, computerized systems.

-- If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own, modern equipment in the service bays and signs that the automotive technicians are qualified, such as trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training classes, as well as national certification.

-- The tightness and condition of belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician. Most do-it-yourselfers do not have the proper equipment. But weekenders can look for signs of wear, cracking or frayed belts. And, once again, don't ignore the service schedules listed in the owner's manual.

-- Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician. The air conditioners on older vehicles often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be released into the air through improper or incompetent service.

-- Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner's manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.) Polls of technicians overwhelmingly indicate that this is one of the most neglected services, and one that can greatly reduce the life of your car, light truck or SUV.

-- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended in the service manual.

-- Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires "cool down" before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, "cupping," vibrations or "pulling" to one side indicates problems with your tires or suspension system.

-- Don't neglect your transmission. Costly repairs can be prevented by routine service.

-- For safety and convenience, inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs. Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to fight summer's dust and insects.

Original Article Courtesy of ARA Content

Popularity: 16% [?]

Editors Note: We all want to save money on petrol, and with petrol prices climbing, we all need to look at ways to improve mileage.  The following article will help you save money on petrol and increase your mileage.

Petrol Saving Tips from the Pros

(ARA) - They're up, they're down, they're back up. Petrol prices got you down? If telecommuting and pubic transportation are not viable options for you, here's some down-to-earth advice from the pros at the non-profit American National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

It is important to keep your vehicle properly maintained and change your driving habits so as to maximize your mileage, according to ASE officials. Here's a plan of action from the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians:

Monitor your tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure. Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Consolidate your daily trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Avoid excessive engine idling. Shut off your vehicle while waiting for friends and family.

Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon.

Drive gently. Sudden accelerations waste petrol. Anticipate traffic patterns and adjust your speed gradually. Use cruise control. (You'll help your brakes and suspension system last longer, too.)

Get rid of excess weight by removing unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. After family holidays, make sure you remove all unnecessary items, including that roof-top cargo carrier.

Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on -- assuming that the system is in good working order. If possible, try to avoid using your air conditioner in heavy, stop-and-go traffic such as traffic jams or holiday weekend back-ups.

Keep your engine operating at its "peak efficiency." A well-maintained engine will help you maximize the gas mileage for your specific make and model. A misfiring spark plug can greatly reduce mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, etc.) corrected at a repair facility. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are certified in engine performance.

These conservation tips will not only save petrol, they'll help extend the life of your vehicle and help you conserve precious natural resources.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in America in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Visit www.asecert.org for more information.

Based on an article originally prodcued by ARA Content

Popularity: 12% [?]