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Headlights - How Can I Keep Them In Good Condition?

Headlights - How Can I Keep Them In Good Condition?

Headlights are essential for driving safely at night and in low-visibility conditions. They illuminate the road ahead and make your vehicle visible to other drivers and pedestrians. However, over time, headlights can become dirty, foggy, yellowed, or cracked due to exposure to dirt, dust, moisture, UV rays, and road debris. This can reduce their brightness and clarity, making them less effective and potentially dangerous. That's why, we will share some easy ways to maintain your car’s headlights and keep them in good condition. How to Clean Your Headlights The simplest way of cleaning your headlights is with a cleaning product (window cleaner works great) and a soft brush. This will remove any dirt and grime that may have accumulated on the surface of the headlights and restore their shine. You can also use a glass cleaner or a specialized headlight cleaner spray for this purpose. Wash your car with a cleaning product and rinse it with water. Spray some c ... read more

How Often Should I Change The Engine Oil?

How Often Should I Change The Engine Oil?

    The oil keeps all of the parts in your engine lubricated and working smoothly. While its main job is to provide lubrication, as mentioned above, it also helps with the cooling of the engine components. The engine block is full of crevasses and holes, so the oil can flow freely everywhere. But when it can't do that, problems start to arise. Things like overheating or friction welding occur when the engine has either bad or no oil. That's why we will let you know a couple of ways to spot when your engine oil needs to be changed. Keep in mind that despite our recommendations, the manufacturer's intervals should not be ignored - they can be found in the owner's manual. Is Your Check Engine Light On? If your check engine light is on, one of the many reasons for that can be bad engine oil. When it ages and gets used, it starts to break down, causing it to perform worse. Some newer cars have a warning message that pops up when you're due f ... read more

Shocks vs. Struts: What Are the Differences?

Shocks vs. Struts: What Are the Differences?

When it comes to the suspension system of a vehicle, two components often come up in conversation: shocks and struts. Although they both serve similar purposes, they have different designs and functions. They shouldn't be used interchangeably, so let's dive deeper into the differences between shocks and struts. Shocks and struts are both responsible for providing a smooth and stable ride by controlling the movement of the springs in the suspension system. However, shocks and struts are different. Shocks Shocks are hydraulic devices that dampen the springs' movement in the suspension system. They consist of a cylinder filled with oil and a piston that moves up and down inside the cylinder. When the wheel hits a bump or dips in the road, the shock compresses and releases the oil, slowing down the spring's movement. Struts Struts, on the other hand, are a structural part of the suspension system that combines the shock absorber and other components. They are a more c ... read more

5 Signs of a Bad Alternator

5 Signs of a Bad Alternator

Usually, when someone experiences car starting problems, they immediately assume that it is due to a dead battery. While your battery may be weak, there may be more to the story. Your alternator could be the culprit. An alternator is a charger for your battery, and it provides the necessary electricity to all your electronic accessories in your car. Over time, parts of the alternator weaken and stop working altogether. Its brushes, rotors, and other internal components may need replacing.  If your car shows any of the following signs, it could mean that your alternator has gone bad: 1) Dead Battery One of the most common signs of a weak alternator is a dead battery, which is why it is hard to distinguish a problem between the two. When an alternator is problematic, the battery must use a significant amount of energy until it depletes. 2) Engine Stalls If your engine stops working at any point during your drive, you may want to check to see if you have an al ... read more

Why Is My Car Battery Not Working?

Why Is My Car Battery Not Working?

Batteries can die or drain for a number of reasons. And they are absolutely necessary to start our engines to run our cars. There’s nothing worse than returning to your car to find that you can’t start it because of a battery problem. Read on to learn more about why your battery may be putting out enough voltage or any voltage at all. Why Is My Car Battery Not Working? Below are some of the most common reasons why your car battery is causing your starting problems: The car battery is old (3-5+ years) and can no longer hold a proper charge. The car battery is completely drained. It can be due to an accident such as leaving too many electronics plugged in your car or forgetting to shut a door or turning the headlights off. In other cases, it can be drained due to a faulty alternator. If you’ve only used your vehicle for short runs, your battery has not had enough time to charge.  How to Prevent the Issues Mentioned Above Avoid too short of car rides Drive a ... read more

What is an Oil Pan Gasket?

What is an Oil Pan Gasket?

  Have you been wondering what an Oil pan gasket is? You've been meaning to get it but have no idea what is. This is article is just what you've been looking for to educate you fully on what you need to know. What is an Oil Pan Gasket? An oil pan gasket is an item that clamps and secures your oil pan. It collaborates with your oil pan to guarantee that the majority of motor oil is contained in your engine, keeping each part oiled and operating flawlessly. Oil Pan Gasket Leak Symptoms Watch out for these signs so as to easily detect a leaking oil pan gasket; Smoking Vehicle One of the most apparent indications that may crop up whenever the oil pan gasket is eroded away is smoke from the engine. The smoke normally occurs when oil drips onto the exhaust pipes or manifold. Failure to pay enough attention to this issue may result in other difficulties, such as damage to your gas sensor and other automobile components as a result of being drenched in oil for an extended pe ... read more

How Often Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

How Often Should I Replace My Brake Pads?

When it comes to brake problems, they are easier to spot than some other vehicle parts. Between various sounds and sensations, you can spot worn brake pads early enough to avoid a dangerous situation. We recommend staying alert and being on the lookout for the following signs of bad brake pads: Screeching or grinding: Brake pads and many other brake parts are made of metal. They wear thin over time, and they have wear indicators that create an ear-piercing sound to warn you to have your brakes serviced. Don’t wait too long after these cues because it can damage other brake components and lead to more expensive repairs. Shaky Steering Wheel and/or Brake Pedal: As just mentioned, worn brake pads can spread damage. More often, thin brake pads can rub against the brake rotor and send a series of vibrations to the pedal and steering wheel. It is pretty discomforting to sit through, so please pay attention to your brakes when they need you!  Brake Warning Light Comes On: Most ... read more

October is Fall Car Care Month

October is Fall Car Care Month

October is Fall Care Month because it gives you a chance to prepare your vehicle for the harsh winter conditions. Fall is beautiful and other than a little rain, the conditions are great for driving. As Fall comes to an end, it is an excellent idea to fine-tune it and make it safer to reduce the chances of getting into an accident during winter. You should do the following during October, the Fall car care month: Tires and Brakes The tires and brakes are integral to making your vehicle safe for the winter months. The roads are wet and icy during winter making them incredibly dangerous. You should ensure your car's tires have deep treads, including the spare, for more friction when driving. Regularly check the air pressure to keep the tires strong for the winter. Consider getting special tires for icy winter roads. Ensure the brakes are in excellent condition, as they are the most crucial safety system in your car. Battery Your vehicle's battery is crucial for ensuring it r ... read more

How to Tailgate Safely

How to Tailgate Safely

It is officially fall or autumn, which means it is time to travel to enjoy viewing sporting events. For many Americans, tailgating has been a long-time tradition that brings close friends and families together before a game starts. So whether you're at your favorite football team's game or BBQ-ing elsewhere, remember to follow these safe tailgating tips.   First things first, there are tips you should follow before you even hit the road for the game. If you’re bringing raw meats and poultry, be sure to keep them separated. And the cooler should be cool enough to store them at a safe temperature. Next, you’ll want to be extra careful of your surroundings. Once you approach the stadium or arena, there will be large crowds scattered everywhere. This includes pedestrians. Please drive slowly and practice defensive driving.    Once you arrive, be mindful of other people and the things you unpack. We recommend that you bring a portable charger for all y ... read more

When Do I Need Coolant Flushes?

When Do I Need Coolant Flushes?

A coolant flush, sometimes referred to as a radiator flush, is the process of cleaning and exchange of coolant/antifreeze. That includes the fluid lines too. During the fluid exchange, a certified technician will get rid of all of the old and grimy antifreeze by removing it from your radiator and adding a new supply of clean coolant. This service will restore your car’s health and replenish the engine with temperature-stabilizing chemicals. As a result, it can prevent costly cooling system repairs down the line. And therefore, coolant flushes are a maintenance service that can save you thousands of dollars from engine overheating.   Most people contemplate whether a coolant flush is necessary, and it absolutely is. Sometimes, your mechanic will recommend this service after they inspect your car. Another way to tell when you need a coolant exchange is by looking at the owner’s manual. Your automaker will list out where your coolant flush falls on your maintenance sche ... read more

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