It is a natural course with your car engine wear and tear affecting performance and car fuel consumption gets rises. Check out the following good practice car maintenance to enhance the longevity of your vehicle:

Cars are like humans, you need to keep them in tuned with the seasons. Remember to change to winter tires and add anti-freeze. Plug in your electric cord to warm up the engine half an hour before you start your journey.

And in summer, check your fluids too. The sun heats up and dries the fluids more quickly. Check your oil level, coolant fluids etc. Keep your car in a covered garage.

Sign Up For A Comprehensive Regular Tune-Up Package. The mechanics will do your oil change, change your air filters, check your spark plugs, radiator and fuel injector, test your brake pads, tire pressure, rotate your tires (if required) as well as tune your wheel alignment. Have the computerized system checked by your specialist mechanics. Life saving devices such as the air bags, antilock breaks etc must be checked for safety too.

Change Your Oil Every 3 Months Or 3,000 Miles. Here is a simple example to help you visualize. Imagine re-using the same pot of oil for deep-frying your French fries everyday for 3 weeks… the oil has become a thick crude of glob and your fries tastes weird doesn’t it? Same theory goes for your car. Revitalize your car engine with a fixed scheduled oil change routine.

Listen & Feel the Strange Warning Signs. Be conscious of squeaky noise, gasoline smell, and oil leaks on your garage floor. Check where the noise comes from. Early detection of car faults could save you a ton of money.

Befriend A Good Mechanic. Not only will you save money, you save yourself some anguish from unscrupulous mechanics some of whom change your good parts for bad or recommend unnecessary jobs. And now, get ready to enjoy the ride!

Be Environmentally Friendly – Money Saving Tips for Good Car Maintenance is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

One of the first steps in preparing your car for a long trip is to begin with a thorough inspection of the tires. Check the tread all the way around each tire to make sure the wear is even. There should be plenty of tread left which allows for maximum control of the vehicle on slippery roads while breaking. If the tires are not worn evenly, it may be a good idea to replace them before hitting the road. Make sure that your front end is aligned and the new tires are balanced at the same time.

It is also important to make sure that the car has fresh fluids and filters of all types. This means you should have the oil filter changed and fresh oil placed into the engine. For cars that have high mileage, make sure to use a motor oil that is especially formulated for engines that have seen a lot of action.

Also make it a point to check the transmission fluid as well. Low levels could indicate a leak that should be addressed before taking the automobile far from home. In any event, if it has been some time since the fluid was changed, have it done. Knowing that the car is unlikely to run low on fluid can provide a peace of mind, as well as help the transmission to perform at optimum levels during the trip.

Do not forget the other fluids in the vehicle. Brake and power steering fluids should be checked and changed if necessary. The radiator should also be checked to make sure there is plenty of fluid and that the balance between water and coolant is within acceptable limits.

One fluid many drivers overlook when getting ready for a road trip is the windshield washer fluid. Make sure the reservoir is full and that the fluid moves through the jets with no problem. The ability to keep the windshield clean while driving is extremely important to your safety.

Checking all of your hoses is also very important. A failed hose can leave you stranded in parts unknown and ruin your trip. Make sure the body of each hose is still strong, without any leaks. You should also check that the hoses are securely connected to the correct engine components. If any hose do not seem quite right, it is best to have it replaced. This can help prevent any problems that may occur.

Continue the preparation by checking various other components, such as taillights, lamps, signal lights, and various fuses. Include an inspection of the fan belt and any other belts that may be present in the engine. The idea is to make sure every system on the car is working properly before you pull out of the driveway.

Once on the road, you still need to perform regular maintenance each day. Whenever you stop for gasoline, make it a point to check oil and transmission fluid levels. You can also take a quick look at the levels of washer fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Do not check the fluid level in the radiator until the car engine has cooled down. A good time to check these fluid levels is first thing each morning before you get back on the road.

In order to help you stay on track with your on-the-road maintenance, invest in a simple car tool kit. Many auto supply stores offer these kits; you can also purchase one online with relative ease. The kits include necessities such as replacement lamps, heat resistant tape to deal with a leaky hose, extra fuses, and even a spare fan belt for the radiator. Basic tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches are often included. Most of these kits fit neatly into a corner of the trunk of the car, making them easily accessible should you need them.

It also never hurts to take along a few extras components, just in case they are needed. Having a container with a mixture of water and coolant could come in handy if the engine overheats on a lonely stretch of road. An extra can of oil and a small container of transmission fluid should be stored in the trunk as well. By preparing the car properly and checking all systems at least every other day during the trip, you have an excellent chance of making your complete trip without any serious problems with your vehicle.

Car Maintenance Tips for Long Trips is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

You don’t have to spend big bucks on maintaining your car. Here are few tips on saving money on your car maintenance.

Canvass

If you’re going to bring your car in to a dealership or to an independent auto mechanic, ask what they charge for routine maintenance.

You won’t lose your warranty if you go to an independent mechanic instead of a dealer. An independent mechanic, especially one you know on a personal level, will charge you less than what a dealership would.

If the mechanic or dealership wants you to have extra work done, you don’t have to. Maintenance measures that are not included in the owner’s manual are nice but not necessary. Don’t feel pressured into having them.

Always get quotes from dealers and car mechanics in the area. However, consider quality of service and after sales. You may end up paying a bit more than the lowest quote you receive but get better service and after sales. That should also be a factor in your decision making process.

Avoid Stress

While the advice may be good for you too, this is also true for your car. Excessive stress can damage your car. Stressing your car will lead to a breakdown and wear your vehicle out faster. A broken down vehicle will require more maintenance and in a worst case scenario, a replacement.

Driving well will lead to longer car life and more value when you choose to upgrade to a better model.

Promos

There are innovative ways of cutting on costs. Did you know that a free oil change is available in certain states for individuals who meet the requirements?

You can also get free gas if you’re a frequent traveler. If you drive at least a thousand miles every month, you can sign up and get free gas in return for acting as a mobile advertisement. A magnetic sign will be placed on your car and the size of the sign will determine how much free gas you will get.

Inflate Tires

Keep your tires well inflated. Too much or too little air can damage your tires and require you to have them replaced. You should know how much air is best for your tires. Keep the air at that level.

Fluid Checks and Oil Changes

Gas isn’t the only fluid your car needs to operate smoothly. You should also check that oil, transmission fluid and engine coolant are at optimum levels. If any of these are inadequate, an engine collapse may be in the offing.

As oil is of vital importance to your car, have it changed every three thousand miles. Regular oil changes can increase your engine’s life and performance. Thus, you get more value from your car in the long run.

Wash and Wax Regularly

Taking care of your car’s internal components is important. However, do not ignore the exterior. A clean, well polished car is a source of joy to any car owner. Regular washing and waxing can also prevent corrosion problems. Corrosion problems can lower your car’s value.

A car is a machine and machines need proper maintenance. Having your car maintained at regular intervals can extend the car’s life and functionality. Regular maintenance will save you from expensive repairs and the possibility of purchasing another vehicle.

But the ultimate car maintenance money saving tip is: do it yourself. If you can do it properly, do the servicing yourself.

Saving Money On Your Car Maintenance is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

1. Check Engine Oil

Critical to an automobile’s lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car’s moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.

To check engine oil, Turn off the car’s ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label “engine oil.”

Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the “Full” mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the “Full” mark.

Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you’d need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it’s OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.

To replace engine oil, choose the product that’s already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you’re done, replace the dipstick properly.

2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever’s position to Park of ‘P’ position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.

Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there’s still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color.

Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner’s manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.

3. Check Engine Coolant

This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.

Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between “LOW” and “FULL” markings, then it’s OK. If it’s below the “LOW” marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.

4. Check CV Joint Boots

A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint’s job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.

To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you’d need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it’s broken. If it dry then there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.

5. Check Tire Pressure

Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).

In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don’t postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.

Top 5 Tips – DIY Car Maintenance is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

UNPLUG
Do not carry your laptop around with the mains adaptor plugged into the socket on the laptop. I have seen many people bring their laptops in for repair with the adaptor still plugged in, it is a sure way to break the DC socket off in the laptop and once this happens the laptop will not charge and you could be faced with the choice of throwing out the laptop a lot of money to get it fixed. So always unplug before carrying your laptop anywhere.

USE THE BATTERY
Many people use their laptop on mains power nearly all the time. It is the best way to waste your battery. If you do not use it, you lose it. So some simple laptop maintenance is to make a point of least once a month of fully charging the battery then use it on battery power until it is nearly fully depleted then charge it again. If you get a new laptop it is advisable to repeat this process a number of times initially.

FLAT SURFACE
Laptops are after all called LAP TOPS for a reason but plenty people will stick them on the bed or on a cushion while using them, this may be more comfortable but you risk overheating the laptop. So it is advisable to keep good airflow around the laptop which includes under it too. Otherwise you could find it switching off when you least expect it, and if that persists you can seriously damage your machine.

SHUT DOWN PROPERLY
Prolong the life of your laptop and save money on electricity by always shutting down your laptop properly. If you are not going to use it anytime soon do not leave it on stand-by, this is a simple laptop maintenance tip – shut it down!

SCREEN CLEANING
Cleaning the screen is common laptop maintenance so always use anti-static wipes or a lint free cloth. Never spray anything directly on to the screen as liquid could run down into the workings of the laptop or the inverter. A coarse cloth could mark the screen or leave little fibres behind.

OPENING AND CLOSING THE LID
This point mostly applies to larger screen laptops, when opening or closing the lid either hold both corners of the screen lid or grab it in the middle. Why? If you continually pull the screen open or shut from one side you could be putting unnecessary strain on the screen by twisting it, I have had to replace screens on laptops because of users doing this very thing!

Laptop Maintenance Top Tips is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

If you own a vehicle, there’s a great chance that a big chunk of the budget you allot for your car is for car repair and car maintenance. As you drive your vehicle daily and expose it to different elements, it experiences wear and tear. It’s important that you monitor its running condition to avoid problems. And when damage occurs, it’s also important that you do repair immediately. Despite the increasing cost of car repair, the fact is that you can still save on your car through do-it-yourself car repairs and maintenance.

DIY is a growing trend among many drivers and vehicle owners today. Although this requires some kind of knowledge in automotive, it does not only give big savings but as well as the satisfaction of truly owning your vehicle. There are basic and more advanced car maintenance and repairs that you can do. These include the following:

Cleaning, Car Washing, and Waxing

You don’t need a professional mechanic to do these for you, and you don’t need to be highly skilled in automotive to learn these basics. All you will need is to have the right cleaning and detailing materials to ensure that you will achieve your desired effect. With just a little time on your hand, you can reduce your trips to car wash and car detailing shops and you can save a lot of bucks.

Routine Fluid Changing and Refilling

Many of the systems in your car make use of different types of fluid in their operation. Other than fuel, there are oil and special water formulas that make your car work. Over time, these fluids are reduced due to evaporation or leaks, and you have to ensure that you refill them to avoid problems like overheating.

• Oil. This fluid is needed for lubricating the metal engine parts as they rub against each other. Without it, too much friction will be produced and the parts will heat up and get damaged. Over time, the oil also gets dirty and should be replaced.

• Coolant. This is a special type of water solution that circulates throughout the cooling system to absorb engine heat so that you won’t experience overheating. Regular coolant refilling is vital in keeping the engine temperature right.

• Brake Fluid. This fluid is crucial to the operation of the brakes. With not enough fluid in your system, the brakes may not work well and you may experience braking problems. Refilling your braking system should be done with caution and you must only use the right type of fluid.

Removal and Installation of Parts

Whereas many of the parts in your auto are complicated and dealing with them requires professional knowledge, there are others that are simple enough for average drivers. The addition of add-ons like spoiler, car bra, or wheel caps, for instance, can be done simply. And if you’re skilled enough, you can even do more serious part replacements when the need arises.

Yes, do-it-yourself car repairs and maintenance may take time, but the savings are all worth it. Plus, nothing beats being able to know the inner workings of your own car.

Do-It-Yourself Car Repairs And Car Maintenance is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

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A very essential, and often ignored, one should have car maintenance schedule. Ideally, it’s not that it’s difficult for us to remember to put car maintenance in our priority list; it’s just that it’s so basic that it’s so easy to forget.

Here at fastlanes.net, we provide information and tips on car maintenance schedule. These helpful tips get the most out of your car keep in good shape, in a long haul and to prolong its efficiency. If you have proper maintenance of your car, it won’t be needed to buy a new vehicle when the old one is still functioning well, and when in the midst of a financial crisis.

Actually car maintenance schedule varies deeply on the type of car you have and the time it was purchased, the driving conditions and the driver’s behavior. The basic car care tasks include of checking or flushing the engine oil and replace fuel with filters; the oil is the lifeblood of the engine as it lubricates various engine parts as well as it cleans and inhibits corrosion. Balancing and inspecting tire for pressure and wear; all tires must be in good tread, it is very important because when the tire rotates, balancing of mass can cause of the wheel to vibrate and gradually, can cause ride disturbance. Checking and cleaning of battery; make sure that the battery is in good quality and is fully charged as it is used for the main power source mostly of an electric vehicle. Inspecting or replacing air filter; it is very vital because it maintains various parts of the car system clean and free of dirt, as it removes dust and other particles from air. Inspecting brake pads and brake fluid; these are significant in the braking system as it is the major cause to prevent accidents. Inspecting and replacing of timing belt and other belt; it is used for power transmission, as it controls the timing of the engine’s valves; all hoses and belts must be in good form, the extra belts will allow the vehicle to be driven if an alternator breaks. It is also necessary to protect the exterior of the car as well as the headlights; car washing and polishing goes a lengthy way towards maintaining the vehicle’s outer surface, washing and polishing of vehicles on a regular basis protect it from the natural elements that damage the finish. Most importantly, avoid rash and reckless driving; drive carefully and properly- it will give you fair chance of saving your vehicle from any kind of harm and further damage. Love your vehicle, who else would do that than the owner itself.

Inappropriate or neglected car maintenance schedule can cause general damage and leads to costly repairs. Thus, following the tips and guides, and performing regular maintenance are crucial steps in order to increase the longevity of your vehicle. Just a thought: Taking proper care of your vehicle takes only a few minutes of your hectic time each month, but gives you big dividends for the years of your car!

Car Maintenance Schedule is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

A Guide To Basic Car Maintenance is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

The very first thing you need to take care is the cooling system. During the hotter months, the cooling system works more intensely to prevent overheating of the engine. For the mechanism to work effectively, the coolant and water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should measure to 50:50.

The next point about preventative car maintenance in summer is tire pressure. Tire pressure is important in all contexts – irrespective of whether it is for speed or for safety reasons. If you need your car’s tires to last long and perform efficiently, you will need to inflate them properly. Properly pumped up tires help maintain the best possible contact with the road giving the vehicle steadiness and speed. Inflating tires improperly, on the other hand, leads problems like punctures.

Refer to your owner’s manual for the ideal air-pressure for your vehicle’s tire. Remember, summer heat causes the pressure within the tire to rise; hence, you will be required to check the air pressure when the tires are cold.

The subsequent preventative measure for your car’s maintenance involves engine oil. The owner’s manual specifically mentions the best engine oil for your vehicle during hot summers. Yet, the general rule for engine oil necessitates you to use a little thick, viscous oil, which lubricates the integral parts of the engine.

Next in order of importance is the car’s battery. Car batteries hardly signal failure well ahead of time. It is advisable to leave all cares of car-batteries to professionals, especially in summertime when the excessive heat causes further damage to it. Changing your car battery every three years will save you a lot of trouble.

Beside these essential tips about preventative car maintenance in summer months, your cars need some lesser yet significant maintenance programs too. Replacing belts and hoses is one such car-care as is inspecting the wipers and wiper fluids.

Round up your preventative car maintenance in summer time by placing an emergency kit including basic tools like flashlights, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. inside your car. With your car ready to budge, you can hoard some rations if you are really thinking of a long journey. Placing a first-aid kit in the car will make your journey 100% safe.

Preventative Car Maintenance in Summer Helps to Avoid Breakdowns is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Tip #1. Buy a newer car.

Does it sound rather vague to you? Some new cars from a manufacturer can last for years without any repairs. It mostly depends on your driving habits indeed. Once you have a new car you can forget your mechanic’s address for a while even though regular maintenance is still required. But if you already have an old car… well, see below.

Tip #2. Get good auto insurance.

Good car insurance is the best way to save on car maintenance when it comes to breakages and failures. Try to do some research and find such car insurance which best fits your needs. When you get car insurance with a low deductible payment it will help you reduce your technical maintenance expenses considerably. If you already have auto insurance with a high deductible… hm, continue reading.

Tip #3. Do it on your own.

In case you have a mechanical breakdown, try to fix it by yourself. There are many online support services that can help you check your car and discover the fault. If you still need to take it to a repair service keep in mind that they get new car parts to change the broken ones with a high markup. Thus in some cases buying spare parts by yourself (if you know exactly what you need) will help you reduce the expenses by 4 times! Just shop around and look for better offers online.

Tip #4. Prevention is better than cure.

You can save money and prolong your car’s working capacity if you take some preventive measures. By changing oil, charging batteries in time as well as doing total check-up of your car once a month, you can help your vehicle last longer.

Tip #5. Use your car wisely.

You’ll be surprised how much you can save if you give some thought to the ways you use your car. One should stop the engine at red traffic lights and in the jams.

Tip #6. Maintain your speed level.

From my own experience I can say that when I speed up and pull up fast, it does good neither to my brakes nor my fuel economy. One should stick to some certain speed level. That way one can achieve the lowest fuel rate and save the brake pads from wearing out. Using deceleration technique to make your car come to a halt is better than applying the brake.

Tip #7. Check your tires.

Partially deflated tires do not help save money at all. First of all if there isn’t enough air in the tires they can wear out faster. Secondly underinflation increases fuel rate by 4-6% which makes you spend more fuel than usual. You can read technical characteristics and check the best tire inflation pressure for your car.

Tip #8. New spark plugs every once in a while.

Statistics show that changing old spark plugs in time cuts fuel costs down by 25-35%. Moreover new spark plugs also help improve car’s performance and capacity.

Tip #9. Wash it in time.

At first blush one could say that washing doesn’t reduce maintenance costs at all. However cleaning your car in time will help you prevent if from corrosion which is caused by accumulation of mud and dust that stay wet and stimulate corrosive wear.

Tip #10. Read the manual.

When you know your car as the back of your hand you are definitely aware of what it needs, when its engine has to be tuned-up or what oil it’s better to use. It’s always helpful to read the owner’s manual and look under the hood once in a while.

10 Tips on How to Save on Car Maintenance is a post from: GREEN TECHNOLOGY

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