Monday, October 30, 2017

Consumer Reports 2018 Most Reliable Car Brands


Consumer Reports each year asks its subscribers whether they've had problems with their cars. We use that information to produce our annual reliability survey, which this year includes data from 640,000 vehicles.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Unusual Car Smells


Unusual smells could be a warning sign that your car is in trouble.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Consumer Reports 2018 Least Reliable Cars


Consumer Reports each year asks subscribers whether they've had problems with their cars. That data, which this year comes from 640,000 vehicles, forms our annual reliability survey. Here are the vehicles at the bottom of our rankings.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

When Should Automotive Engine Coolant Be Replaced?


Engine coolant goes by many names, including radiator fluid, radiator coolant, or antifreeze. No matter what you call it, engine coolant is one of the most vital car fluids for any vehicle. It is a combination of antifreeze and water (usually a 50/50 mix), and serves a number of purposes for a car.

First, it runs through a vehicle's radiator to remove any excess heat and prevent the engine from overheating. Next, since it contains antifreeze chemicals, it prevents it from freezing up in cold temperatures. But also, engine coolant prevents corrosion and works as a lubricant to the water pump and other internal workings.

So as you can see, radiator fluid is very important for a car or truck to operate safely and effectively. Continue reading to learn when your vehicle's engine coolant should be changed, as well as, factory car maintenance scheduling, and more!

Radiator Fluid Flushes

Changing or replacing the radiator fluid in your vehicle is referred to as coolant flush. Regular coolant flushes are vital for your vehicle because it inhibits corrosion, prevents over-heating, and provides lubrication to the internal workings of your engine's water pump, radiator, and heater core.

To properly identify when your coolant is dirty, you must first know what the color of the fluid is when brand new. The primary colors of engine coolant are yellow, orange, green, and black. Check the color of your radiator fluid once every week. When this color starts to change, you know it's time to change your radiator fluid. But the most noticeable sign that it is time to replace the coolant is when your engine starts to overheat. The temperature gauge on your car's dashboard will tell you how hot the engine is getting, and if you start to see smoke, it's gone too far!

Never operate a vehicle with an overheating engine. Not only is this extremely dangerous, it causes significant damage to the engine. This can result in a costly repair, engine replacement, or even a totaled vehicle. As soon as you are aware your engine is overheating, take it to an auto so immediately and have it serviced.

All fluids should be changed, flushed, and replaced regularly for all vehicles. The general factory car maintenance schedule is every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This includes motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, battery fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and in some cases, even transfer case lubricants. But engine coolant does not need to be replaced this often. Most manufacturers suggest flushing the coolant every 24,000 to 36,000 miles, or once every 2 to 3 years. But if you are driving in hot climates or long distances regularly, then once per year is a better schedule.

Consult a licensed automotive service and repair technician for information regarding your make and model vehicle's factory maintenance schedule. An ASE-licensed mechanic will have up-to-date knowledge and information for all make and model cars and trucks.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9806478

Sunday, October 15, 2017

10 Steps to Get Your Car Super Clean


Keeping your car clean makes it more enjoyable. Plus, it helps preserve the car's value.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

What Is Gap Insurance? | Allstate Insurance


Gap insurance is an optional car insurance coverage that helps pay off an "under water" auto loan on a totaled vehicle. Learn how it works.

Monday, October 9, 2017

5 Ways to Make Your Old Car Feel New Again


You don’t have to buy a new car to enjoy that new-car feeling. Here are 5 tips on how to make your old car feel showroom fresh.

Friday, October 6, 2017

How to Go About Getting Auto Body Repairs Done


Unfortunately with the cold season fast approaching, snow and icy conditions will bring about several automobile accidents. It's rough, but it happens all the time. Many people have gotten into accidents, but it is important to do the right thing. This will help the insurance company get to auto body repairs as soon as possible.

Here is what you should do if you get into an accident:

  1. Get safe. If your car is in working condition, pull over. You don't need any other cars added to the accident. If your car is immobile, get yourself to the curb and out of harm's way.
  2. Get help. If someone is injured, dial 911. Otherwise, call the cops. Even in the case of a minor accident, it is good to have an official record of the accident. If someone else is involved, it's their word against yours. It is good to have an account for the insurance companies. This way, there will be no disputes when it is time for repair work to be done.
  3. Call insurance provider. This can wait until you are safe and at home. It is best not to wait too long though. While the accident is still fresh in your mind, you will better be able to recall the events more accurately.
  4. Get repairs. When all of this is completed, you can search for a body shop to perform auto body repairs. Your insurance provider should have a list of body shops that they sponsor to work on your vehicle. There are benefits for using one of these shops, but you do not have to. If you have a shop that you always go to, the insurance companies will allow it with no problems.

There are a few different auto body repair services that a body shop will need to perform. After a collision, suspension and frame work will likely need to be done. This will keep your ride smooth with little bumps. If pieces do not need to be replace, auto body shops can perform paintless dent repair to get dents and scratches out. However, if any piece needs to be painted, several surrounding pieces or the entire car will need repainting.

Getting body work done can be a long and difficult process. Hopefully, these tips will help to get you through any ordeal properly. This way should ensure that you get little resistance from the insurance companies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Dan_J_Delgle/1675549

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8187860

Tuesday, October 3, 2017