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Tyre Maintenance is Critical to Safe Driving

Long weekends, road trips to favorite fishing spots or summer cottages suggest long traveling distances, overloaded vehicles and high tyre temperatures. Add low tyre pressure, found in 30 percent of all cars and light trucks, and a potentially dangerous situation develops.

Your tyres, vehicles and family are at risk

Tyres play a crucial role in the safety of a vehicle. As the only part of the car that physically touches the ground, tyres are one of the key factors affecting a vehicle's handling and overall safety. "Proper tyre inflation and maintenance can extend tyre life, increase fuel efficiency and improve vehicle safety.

Long intervals of high-speed driving with low tyre pressure, excess vehicle weight and high temperatures cause additional flexing and stress on the sidewalls and can lead to tyre failure. In addition, tyres with low pressure wear more quickly, degrade the vehicle's handling, lower the vehicle's load-carrying ability and increase fuel consumption. In a worst-case scenario, under inflated tyres can lead to a catastrophic blowout or tread separation.

The facts suggest that a largely unseen and potentially dangerous problem exists for drivers:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found 27 percent of passenger cars and 33 percent of light trucks (including sport utility vehicles, vans and pick up trucks) are driven with one or more substantially under inflated tyres.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) responded to approximately 3.48 million calls related to tyre problems in 2000. AAA says tyres are one of the most important features of a motor vehicle, and regrettably one that is often overlooked by motorists.
A Consumer Reports study evaluated air pressure loss in 109 all-season passenger car tyres over a six-month period. These included 36 tyre models from 18 major brands. The results showed that all tires leaked some air, from 3 pounds per square inch (psi) in some models to 8 psi in others.
NHTSA estimated 23,000 crashes and 535 fatal crashes annually involve blowouts or flat tires.

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Summertime Car Care Tips

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

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Tags: aggravation, auto, auto technician, automotive technicians, autos, Car, Cars, catalytic converter, clamp, clamps, computerized systems, coolant, cooling system, engine performance, hand, hoses, inconvenience, Manuals, mileage, motorists, motorways, old adage, other, performance problems, radiator, radiator cap, Repair, service bays, service schedules, trade school diplomas, vehicles, wear and tear

Environmental Car Care Tips

Drivers, why not make every day Earth Day?

According to officials, motorists can help the environment and their own finances by changing a few habits. This may come as surprise to those who think they must wait for hybrid or alternate-fueled vehicles to become popular.

They recommend regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two can't-fail action plans. Here are a few specific, easy-to-implement tips:

-- Keep the engine running at peak performance -- a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in your owner's manual. A well tuned engine pollutes less and uses less petrol than a neglected vehicle. Moreover, engine performance problems only get worse if neglected.

-- If you do your own repairs, be a good citizen. Dispose of engine fluids and batteries properly. A single quart of used motor oil can pollute thousands of gallons of water. Anti-freeze poured on the ground can poison wildlife and household pets. Some repair facilities accept used fluids and parts. Or call your local council for more information.

-- Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. If your air pressure is just a few pounds low, you force the engine to work harder (read: burn more petrol) just to move the vehicle. Tires that are misaligned also make your vehicle work harder. Consider, too, that poorly maintained tires wear out faster, which means more discards have to be scraped, recycled or sent to the landfill.

-- If you are not much of a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the garage with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. Certified technicians have passed one or more exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.

-- Have your vehicle's air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

-- Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations. Both habits guzzle gas and put extra wear and tear on your vehicle's engine, transmission, steering and suspension system, and other components. Use cruise control and anticipate traffic patterns ahead. As a side benefit, your brakes will last longer.

-- When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. And, yes, walk more often.

-- Remove excess items from the vehicle's truck, since less weight means better mileage. Remove that roof-top luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag.

If appeals to save the environment are not enough, consider this: A well-maintained vehicle should last 50 percent longer than a neglected one. Good car care saves you money and helps the environment -- a win-win situation.

Original Article Courtesy of ARA Content

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The Top 10 Rules of High-Mileage Car Maintenance

People are keeping their vehicles longer and driving farther than ever before. Today, the average age of vehicles on the road is greater than nine years and more than 68 percent of vehicles have more than 75,000 miles.

As a vehicle's engine ages, its performance decreases and oil starts to break down at a faster rate. Over time, seals begin to deteriorate, gaskets become brittle and oil consumption increases -- all leading to a reduction in engine performance.

Treating your high-mileage vehicle with a little TLC and consistently following the 10 rules for high-mileage vehicle maintenance will help ensure it will go the distance. Using premium motor oil specially formulated for higher-mileage cars -- such as Castrol GTX High Mileage Formulation --will also help a higher-mileage car feel young again.

Rule #1 -- Make sure you change your oil every three months or 3,000 miles -- whichever comes first. No exceptions. Think of your engine as the heart of your car and motor oil as the lifeblood of the engine. One can't function without the other, so stay on top of your oil-change schedule.

Rule #2 -- Find a good mechanic. If you don't do your own maintenance, find a garage staffed by certified mechanics. A good mechanic will listen to your questions and explain procedures clearly.

Rule #3 -- Have your tire pressure checked at least once a month. It's the best way to prevent unexpected flats. A service station attendant can quickly and easily perform the check. Also make sure to rotate your tires and check their alignment as part of a regular tune-up (or with every other oil change).

Rule #4 -- Pay attention to warning signs. Of course, not every little thump or ping you hear spells disaster. Cars, like people, have their peculiarities, and you are sure to quickly learn what is normal for yours. With a high-mileage vehicle, however, it's best to check out any symptom --- be it a sound, smell or feeling -- that seems the slightest bit abnormal. Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Rule #5 -- Pay attention to outward signs. If your car is leaking fluids, it can mean serious trouble. Keep an eye on the conditions of your driveway or regular parking space for stains or spots that can warn you of possible leaks. Castrol's GTX High Mileage Formulation motor oil contains special conditioners that help protect and maintain seals, thereby helping to reduce leakage -- a common problem in older, higher-mileage engines.

Rule #6 -- Schedule regular tune-ups. Even if your high-mileage car seems fine, that's no guarantee it is. Use tune-ups to ensure your car's major components are running smoothly and that they stay that way. Your oil should be changed, tires checked and rotated if necessary, belts checked and replaced, brake lines inspected, spark plugs and air filter checked and replaced, and fuel injector checked. A good way to top off a tune-up is an overall analysis of your car's engine, and undercar, safety and computer systems.

Rule #7 -- Prepare your car for the seasons. If you live in a sunny climate all year round, you can skip this step. For the rest of us, visit the "Ask the Expert" feature at www.castrolusa.com for a checklist of seasonal maintenance practices for your high-mileage vehicle. Preparing your high-mileage car to defend against the elements will lessen its chances of needing repairs and save you money in the long run.

Rule #8 -- Check your fluids regularly. It's dangerous for your high-mileage car to get dehydrated, so be sure to keep an eye on its vital fluids. Simply lift the hood and perform a quick visual check. Use the dipstick to check the oil level; a quick glance at the coolant reservoir will let you know if you need more cooling fluid.

Rule #9 -- Store it properly. Storing your vehicle in a dry, temperate location when it is not in use will prevent disastrous wear and tear on both its interior and exterior. Garage your car whenever possible to protect its looks.

Rule #10 -- Stay on top of safety features. Nothing is more important than your car's ability to protect both you and your passengers. Air bags, antilock breaks and any other additional safety features that you may have added to your car should be carefully checked on a regular basis (when your car has a tune-up) to ensure that in the event of an accident, they will perform their vital, lifesaving functions.

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Tags: ad, ads, alignment, brakes, Car, Cars, castrol gtx high mileage, engine performance, gaskets, lifeblood, mechanic, mileage, mileage car, mileage cars, mileage vehicle, motor, motor oil, motors, nine years, oil change, oil consumption, other, parts, performance decreases, Repair, seals, stay on top, tire pressure, tlc, vehicle maintenance, vehicles

Used Car Guide

Editors Note: Buying a used car can be a little scary. Use the article below as a used car buying guide and click around our site to find yourself a new, used car today!

Steps to Buying a Used Car With Confidence

(ARA) - Industry statistics show that almost three times as many people buy used cars as buy new.

To help consumers make informed decisions in the process, this article has been written to pull together a basic list of the things to check when buying a used car. It's a helpful guide for anyone looking to buy a new or used car.

1. Check the vehicle's safety features.

Consider a vehicle with air bags and anti-lock brakes. Not only will they make a car safer, but insurance companies sometimes give discounts on their rates for cars with these features.

2. Inspect the mileage.

Mileage is a good indicator of the vehicle's age, and the average consumer will drive from 12,000 miles to 15,000 miles each year. A late model used car may be more cost-effective and come with many features you may not be able to afford in a new car.

3. Check the mechanical condition of the vehicle.

If you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, have a mechanic you trust check it for you. Fluids, lights, belts, power steering, the charging system, the air conditioner, the engine cooling system, the brakes and the suspension should all be carefully inspected for any defects and wear. And don't forget to test drive the car.

4. Examine the tires.

Uneven tread wear can be a sign that the car may need an alignment, or that it has damage to its suspension. Make sure the spare tire is in working condition with no damage or excessive wear.

5. Watch for frame damage.

Seriously damaged cars may be repaired, re-titled and sold in some cases, masking a vehicle that may not be structurally sound. When looking at a used car, check for:

-- rust around the fenders and bumpers, around lights, under doors and in wheel wells

-- cracks, dents and mismatched body panels

Cars that have been previously damaged may be more likely to have mechanical problems, and do not withstand accidents as well as cars that are structurally sound.

6. Check for cosmetic problems.

Common signs of wear and tear in used cars include cigarette burns, dirty upholstery, smoke stains, and paint scratches and chips.

7. Carefully read and understand the terms of any warranty offered on the car.

Don't hesitate to ask questions of your salesperson, and be wary of hidden conditions and exclusions that may be in the fine print. A reputable dealer will answer your questions completely and explain the details of the warranty.

8. Check the price.

The actual price of the car is only one of many factors that will determine your total price. Don't forget to compare financing rates, warranty costs, trade-in values and processing fees. The different features on the vehicle can also make a price difference. For example, a car with an automatic transmission is usually going to be slightly higher in price than the same car with a manual transmission. Research the vehicle you are considering, and find out what comparable prices are for similar vehicles in your area.

9. Look for a reputable dealership.

Ask around, and talk to previous customers of the dealer to find out what their experiences were like. A good dealer is more likely to be fair and up-front in price, value and condition of its vehicles, and won't pressure you to buy a vehicle you don't want. Hassles should never be part of buying a used car. Be prepared, and know what you're looking for.

Original Article Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

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Petrol Saving Tips

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

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