Those were wonderful times! Most women today don’t even remember a time when such was the case. Short of having a guardian angel that doubles as an on-demand auto mechanic, every woman should at least have a basic understanding of how to care for her car.

When I first started dating my husband, I had been driving a pretty blue sports car for about a year. Being a gentleman, he offered to check whether my car needed service. He came to me at once and asked me when I had last changed the oil. “Do I need to change the oil?” I asked him. I just topped off on the oil whenever needed, but never changed the oil. When he drained the oil, it was like sludge, probably because I had driven 25,000 miles without changing it. Now I’ve learned that I need to change the oil regularly. A good way to remember to do it is to change the oil around holidays. Since I drive 15,000 miles per year, oil changes every 5,000 miles coincide with Easter, Labor Day, and Christmas.

Located inside your glove compartment, you will find the owner’s manual; this is perhaps one of the most important things that comes with your car. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with it; if you do, you will be well-versed in the things needed to keep your car running at maximum potential, and it will also tell you what the different lights and gauges are for. Another section that usually falls under the heading of “Maintenance Intervals” will indicate the suggested things that you should have done to your car at certain mileage milestones. Most of these small jobs are not difficult tasks to perform, and things like changing the air filter can be done at your local service station. The manual will tell you what type of oil and antifreeze to use and how much air to put in the tires. Keep a maintenance log inside the owner’s manual so you will know when your oil was last changed.

Learn to check the pressure in your tires and to add air if needed. Learn how to change a tire if it becomes flat, and know where the spare tire and jack are. You can only depend on your roadside assistance provider for so much; if your tire goes flat in an area with no cell phone service, you may be on your own. You never know who the guy who stops to help you may be – he could be a Good Samaritan who just wants to help, or he could be a serial killer or sex offender. It is important that you at least know how to change a flat tire.

In the event your battery goes dead, it would be helpful to have a portable battery charger on hand. It’s not necessary to have another car to jumpstart your battery, and the chargers are safer.

There is a built in device in brakes that will let you know that it’s time to check them. A squeaking noise, caused by a small pin, will occur when the pads are reaching the point of being worn out. If you don’t pay attention to this early on, you will find that your pads get completely worn out and you will end up spending twice as much money to fix them.

It is important to locate a quality auto mechanic before the need arises. Do it now – find a reliable and reputable auto repair shop before your car needs a repair that isn’t covered under the warranty. Confer with people that you trust the most, such as family members and friends, to restore your peace of mind about needed repairs. However, if you put forth the effort to maintain your automobile, your driving should be relatively carefree.

Deloris Emmeries has learned many tips for car maintenance over the years. That’s probably because she married a smart mechanic who uses auto shop software. Deloris knows how to use the vehicle and fleet management software and helps in the shop by printing out car repair estimates, and her husband knows how to fix the cars and does so quickly and carefully. Definitely a good combination.

Author: Deloris Emmeries
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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While state inspections are required each year so that a professional mechanic can assess the condition of your vehicle and prescribe and perform any necessary maintenance. But what should an automobile owner do in the interim? Following your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance plan is one way to limit the likelihood that serious problems will develop, but there are still some gaps that could leave you vulnerable to accidents caused by automotive disrepair that may not be immediately apparent to you.

What to Watch For

So, if all of these required measures are not quite enough to maximize your safety behind the wheel, then what can you do? Fortunately, for your sake, there are many steps that you can take to somewhat regularly perform a check the state of your car, truck, or van on your own without having to take the time, trouble, and expense to drive it to the shop. Obviously these are not intended to substitute for other suggested and required maintenance, but when looking out for your own safety and the welfare of your family there is no question that a little extra caution can go a long way.

There is no harm in performing these checks everyday but weekly, biweekly, or monthly would probably be sufficient, depending upon the amount of driving that you are doing. Some things to test and watch for include:

• Brake light burnout
• Turn signal burnout
• Tire air pressure
• Tire wear
• Signal horn functionality
• Fluid levels (especially windshield wiper and brake fluid)
• Windshield wiper condition

In the Event of an Accident

If you are involved in a car accident that has been caused by another individual’s failure to properly maintain his or her car, then it may be appropriate to file a legal action.

To learn more, contact the Des Moines personal injury lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C.

Joseph Devine

Author: Joseph Devine
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The maintenance records are crucial for higher end sports cars such as BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. Everyone that wants a car can’t afford to buy a sports car from one of these companies but here are some hints and tips that will help you maintain your sports car no matter what it is.

It is always sensible to inspect the brakes, tires, check the oil and the steering system as well to make sure that everything is normal before going for a drive. If you hear a sound or noise that was not there before while out driving the automobile, take it to your automobile mechanic or local repair shop to have it checked into.

Have the auto-mechanic look into all the parts of the ignition system. The spark plugs should be inspected since their condition is a very good indicator of how the engine is performing overall. These days with the advances in technology they should be changed every 100,000 miles but you should still be checking them every 30,000 miles just to be certain that everything is OK.

Due to the fact that the rotor and distributor cap are made of plastic which deteriorate over time due to normal wear and tear they need to be checked regularly. To make certain that these don’t casue any problems when starting the vehicle have them checked on a regular basis.

The various filters act as a preventatives against rust and other harmful objects that could hurt the performance of your vehicle. There several filters such as those for oil or fuel. These filters should be checked frequently – about every 3,000 miles.

Keep tack of the automobile’s mileage by computing the amount of fuel bought and the amount of miles driven as exhibited by the odometer before and after you fill your tank. If you discover a sudden and noticeable change in the number of miles per gallon, be proactive and take the car to the mechanic shop for analysis.

If your car’s sensor lights come on,you should be on the safe side and pull the car over to the side of the road call for help. The lights are there for a reason and there is a chance that the trouble can be relieved there or if it is a serious matter it may have to towed to a repair shop.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about sports cars as well as tires and wheels at http://www.tiresandwheelsdirect.com

Author: Gregg Hall
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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1. Change the oil regularly. It is an absolute necessity. Many people do not realize that the oil in the engine can become very dirty if it is not changed. Follow the schedule in your car’s manual. Clean oil is important for making sure that everything runs smoothly.

2. Rotate the tires as needed. The outer edge of the tire can become worn down over time so the tires need to be rotated. This puts the unworn edge on the outside so that you can get more use out of the tires. Rotating tires as needed can substantially increase how much you get out of them.

3. Look over the belts inside your engine. If they look worn or frayed then it is time to replace them. You can often buy replacement belts at any auto parts store. Look up the right ones for your type of automobile.

4. Check your tire pressure often. If it is too low or too high, it could pose a problem. Keep this level maintained so that your tires last as long as they should. You can easily check this with an inexpensive tire gauge.

5. Make sure that your brake fluid is always well above the line that indicates a healthy minimum. Your brakes are the lifeline of your vehicle, something that you do not want to overlook.

6. Always run the right type of gasoline for your car or truck. The user manual indicates which type is ideal for the best performance possible. It is not wise to ignore this as it is there for a reason. Do what is best for your vehicle.

7. Keep your paint job new and clean by washing your vehicle on a regular basis. Use materials that are made for a car so that you know it is safe for the paint.

8. Waxing your car every few months is recommended for optimum paint protection. The wax creates a protective barrier from dirt and debris. Test various waxes until you find one that you like.

9. Keep your battery clean and check it regularly to ensure that it is maintaining a proper charge. Allowing the battery to get filthy can be problematic.

10. Check your signal and brake lights. It does not take much for them to burn out and you could be driving around without knowing it.

Find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Visit us today for money-saving tips and instant insurance quotes for men, women and young drivers from respected insurance companies.

Author: Levi Quinn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Keeping their vehicle running is one of the major worries of car owners. Almost everyone gets an uneasy feeling when they take their car in for repairs. Their main concern is whether they will be taken for a ride or be given their money’s worth. So the most important thing after you purchase your car should be to find a good and honest auto repair shop. Finding a good auto repair shop or a good mechanic that you can trust can be difficult.

There are several steps to finding a good auto repair shop. Reputation is what counts in any service industry, so always make it a point to go around and check the reputation of an auto shop or a mechanic before taking your car there. Find out whether the auto repair shop provides all-inclusive and extensive service. They should have the experience as well as the equipment required for any problem that arises with your vehicle. A first rate auto repair shop should not only provide you with excellent service but should also use genuine spare parts. They should maintain modern premises and the technicians in the auto repair shop should all be ASE certified.

It is always better to get somebody you really trust to recommend a shop so that you will feel comfortable when taking your car there. Also make sure that you are provided with a proper estimate of the things that need to be repaired. If you do not understand what the mechanic is saying, make sure you free your doubts by asking as many questions as you need to. A good shop will require you to authorize or sign off on the work order before any work begins.

A good shop can totally ease any worries that you may have. Whether they have been in business for just a few years, or are a family owned enterprise going back a generation or two, they should be able to buff your bonnet, perform a detailed brake repair, or execute a complicated overhaul with equal aplomb. Honesty and trust are the two hallmarks that you should seek in the auto service and repair shop you select.

Nick Messe is president of The Lead Frog LLC. Pro Auto Care in Denver has been providing top notch Littleton car repair since 1992. Have your auto repaired by fully qualified technicians who care – http://www.proauto1.com

Author: Nick Messe
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Minimum Basic Maintenance

• Change oil and filter every 3000 miles. This means every 3000 miles even if the manufacturer recommends 6000 miles or more between oil changes. Oil is cheap compared to replacing the car or funding major repairs.
• I recommend a tune up every 20,000 miles. Many times this require nothing more than changing the spark plugs. Check with your technician and repair shop on this. If you have an honest mechanic he or she will tell you what you need. This is the major reason for finding an honest shop and mechanic and sticking with them.
• Check your air filter with every oil change. It will not need changing every time but under dusty and dirty conditions most owners do not change the air filter often enough.
• Have your brakes inspected at least annually depending upon the amount that you drive and the conditions under which you drive. Insist on high quality brake pads and parts they will pay for the added expense with long wear and greater safety. I recommend Wagner Theroquiet pads.
• Have the wheel alignment checked with every set of tires or anytime that a wear problem, or steering control problem show up.
• Have your battery checked every two years. Low battery voltage can create all kinds of difficult to diagnosis problems.
• Add a bottle of fuel injector cleaner with every oil change.
• Change the fuel filter every two years if it is external to the fuel tank. Change it more often if condition or operation of the vehicle indicate the need.
• In general the manufactures’ recommended service interval is adequate for transmissions, differentials and wheel bearings. Most owners do not service their transmissions at the recommended intervals and pay the price.
• Timing belts deserve a little special treatment. Do not go over the manufactures’ recommended interval for the conditions of your driving. A separate article will address timing belts.
• Treat you car with the love that you would give a cherished possession.

Find a quality shop and technician to perform your repairs and maintenance. This is an important part of getting 200,000 of service from your car. This is the only way that a car ever is a useful and profitable investment.

Every mile that you drive your car is worth $0.20 charged against the initial cost and repair cost. This does not include insurance, license, tires and fuel. This translates into about $40,000 for 200,000 miles. If it costs you less than this you have beaten the odds.

One customer,at Rattlesnake Mountain Enterprises repeatedly gets over 3000,000 miles from his vehicles. He is not a mechanic and does nothing special with his cars. He does maintain the vehicle and keeps a logbook of all repairs and oil or fuel added. This is one of the most important things that you can do to make your vehicle last.

Charles L. (Bud) Evans is an experience automotive repair technician specializing in the difficult to solve problems with 30 years of full and part time auto repair experience. His education and experience include a masters degree, a major in industrial technology, several years teaching industrial technology and auto repair and 15 years experience as a health physicist. Bud is the owner of Rattlesnake Mountain Enterprise, http//:http://www.ratmtent1.com Please visit our web site for free auto repair information. Bud recommends a good jigsaw puzzle for fun at home while your car is in the shop, find one at Puzzles Games and Gifts http//:www.puzzlesgamesandgifts.com

Author: Charles Evans
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Regular car maintenance is important to maintain the running condition of your vehicle and to prevent untimely car repairs and break downs on the side of the road. If you live in places like Minnesota you’ll want to do regular maintenance on your car. Cold weather is hard on the engine of a vehicle so you’ll want to make sure your car is in good running condition. Plus being stuck on the side of the road in freezing cold is tough on the human body too.

Most of the import and domestic automobile manufacturers recommend their vehicles receive a lube, oil & filter change and or inspection every 3,000 miles, such as BMW, Audi, Toyota, just to name a few. At 3,000 miles they also recommend a chassis lube, air filter inspection, have all the vehicles fluids checked, hoses and belts inspected and tire pressures checked.

At 6,000 they’ll recommend another lube, oil and filter change and or inspection, the tires rotated, brakes inspected, have an inspection done on the fuel system, all vehicle fluids checked, belts and hoses inspected, and the tire pressures checked. At 15,000 miles they recommend to have the air filter, lube oil and filter changed, plus a 4-wheel alignment performed. At 18,000 they recommend an engine oil system flush. At 30,000 they recommend air and fuel filter change, injector cleaning and throttle body service, rotate and balance the tires, a power steering flush, automatic transmission flush, radiator system flush, and evaporator system flush.

All quality expert mechanics will recommend that you have a maintenance schedule written down and stick to it religiously. It’s also good to keep this kind of record in case you ever sell the car, you could even get more for it by letting the buyer know exactly the services, which have been performed on the car whether you do the actual work yourself or pay a good mechanic to do it for you. All these inspections are recommended in order to prevent damage to your engine and other parts of your car, which if not done could lead to costly repairs. If you have a quality mechanic you use all the time for the maintenance and repairs of your car, he’ll help you keep up with the scheduled maintenance by reminding you when something is coming up. He’ll even record the service, so you’ll have record of it later. So, keep up the maintenance on your car regularly and you’ll have a car to last you for a very long time.

Started the business 20 years ago with 5,000 dollars and my toolbox we do 500k in business now I have grown the business 100k in the last year doing internet marketing.

Learn more at http://www.uptownimports.com.

Author: Jon Shanderuk
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There is a contrarian view. Over inflate the tires, put extra stuff in the trunk (helmet, tools, driving gloves), check the suspension and the brakes, and pray the nut holding the steering wheel doesn’t lose it going into the turns.

Soon you could be hitting the track with a full tank of over-priced premium. It’s flat out pedal to the metal on that next acceleration run. Just thinking about it makes your heart race. The arm twitches as if the stick shift for a dogleg five speed is inches away from your office chair.

No doubt some automobile owners are having more fun than others. How so? Each year auto clubs sponsor driving events on numerous racetracks throughout the country. Within the last year members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America ran full-throttle at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) and at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, not to mention the dozens upon dozens of autocross events held throughout the country.

More than likely, there are several such events in your area. Greg Calabro is one organizer and he said, “Last year I organized the Mid-Atlantic Defensive Driving School and Mini-Autocross sponsored by the New Jersey Section. We had many newcomers to the event and you should have seen the grins, ear to ear.”

Time trials, autocross, and the acceleration run. Yes, another sport and another vocabulary to master. Here’s some of the lingo and a few things to keep in mind if you’re game for the track less traveled.

First Things First: Performance and defensive driving classes are offered at almost all of the driving events. Instruction often takes place both in the classroom and on the track. You’ll gain essential knowledge from experienced professional instructors in a non-threatening environment. Consider a class mandatory before taking your first lap around the track.

Silver Bullet: Long before you hear the sound of the starter’s gun, your car needs a thorough inspection. Tires, suspension, and brakes must be in excellent working order along with other mechanical systems. Even if you’re the world’s best do-it-yourselfer have your mechanic conduct a complete inspection of your vehicle before taking your car to the track. A second opinion can’t hurt. And of course, while the car is on the lift have your pit-crew tune it up.

Time Trials: Strap on your helmet and grab the wheel. It’s your turn to test your driving skill and your car’s performance against the clock. The fastest time around the track wins. These solitary jaunts are popular venues. Automobiles are rated based on their class (model, engine size, etc.); there’s a winner in every class.

Autocross: Autocross events are low to medium speed auto racing challenges that are often held on large parking lots and airport runways. The autocross tests your ability to circumvent a course marked by those lovely orange cones. You’ll likely suffer a time deduction as you abuse a few cones on your first attempt.

Acceleration Run: Yellow, yellow, yellow – green! That’s right, the acceleration run is akin to a drag race. It’s all about achieving maximum speed in the shortest amount of time while traversing a fixed distance.

Helmet: Helmets are required and loaner helmets are usually available. Events sponsored by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and other organizations have specific requirements for helmet ratings. No, your bicycle helmet won’t do, but your motorcycle helmet might. Check with the event organizer for specific requirements.

To all those enthusiasts holding last year’s trophy, “Look out baby, ’cause here I come. Get ready, get ready.”

By Greg Magnus, a freelance writer and owner of eoecho.com; a custom publishing and strategic, yet sensible, marketing-communication firm. He can be reached via email (greg @ eoecho.com) or you can leave a comment on his blog: Greg Magnus – Blog

Author: Greg Magnus
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Inspect the pressure at least monthly.

The average tire for a passenger vehicle should be inflated to 35 psi (pounds per square inch). During regular usage, tires can deflate on average of about 1 psi per month (as stated on Michelinman.com). It obviously stands to reason, then, that psi should be checked no less than once a month. It is also recommended that you check your tires cold (that is, before a long drive). Improperly inflated tires (as Edmunds.com informs) can lead to poor vehicle handling, which can then have a negative impact on performance, and even put you at considerable risk. Keep in mind that your spare needs to be maintained, too. Ensure the right air pressure.

Your automobile has specific standards regarding the air pressure for it’s tires. So don’t look for psi requirements on the tire. It’s best to consult the owner’s manual, or look inside the glove box, inside the fuel door, or on the door jamb for the exact specification of your vehicle. Decent valve caps are important.

Having valve caps in proper working order helps maintain psi. The rubber valves can deteriorate with time, causing air leakage. Change your valve caps every time you change your tires.

Routine rotation is recommended.

Every six to eight thousand miles you need to have your tires rotated (as stated by Michelinman.com) by a tire store or auto garage. Moving the front tire to the back wheels, and back to front, is essential to ensure even wear patterns. This will prolong tread life, cutting unnecessary costs and freeing up time. Align your vehicle.

When a car pulls hard to one side consistently when it’s moving along a flat surface, and extra effort is required to keep it going straight, then that car should be brought to an auto garage or tire store for an alignment. Tire balancing is important, too.

If one part of a tire’s weight is unequally matched throughout the whole tire when mounted, it throws off the tire’s balance. This can create a shaking of you whole car at higher speeds, also causing the tires to wear out faster than normal.

For more information on BFG tires, visit our site.

Author: Andrew Tucker
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The first and foremost reason for the occurrence of a breakdown is the lack of maintenance of your car. If you check your vehicle often with due care, you will never end up in these situations. When your automobile breaks down it is not a magical situation which occurs out of nothing. Always remember to be calm and relaxed when you have these problems with your car. You are never alone. With the advent of new systems and methodologies, you can find many service centers and automobile shops if you are in a city or an area near to city. Keep watching your vehicle`s important parameters like engine oil level, brake oil, brake stiffness, horns, ignition system etc, which are very vital parts in your vehicle.

You should make sure that you carry all the pre-requisite materials that would help you when in a break down. These include blankets, warning triangle, mobile phone etc. You should always be easily communicable. Whenever your vehicle breaks down, park your vehicle at a safe location on the road. Turn on the flash lights to notify everyone that your vehicle broke down. Immediately call the police or emergency help centers so that you get an assistance which would reduce the time consumed and wastes incurred. It is advised to fix the warning triangle at your boot so that the vehicles coming behind you can see it and help you to tackle the situation.

This is quite a brilliant move that could be very useful. Be sure that you don’t stay inside the vehicle after a break down has occurred. This would be very much dangerous if its a highway where vehicles come with very high speed and you cannot expect the driver to anticipate your vehicle and apply brakes immediately. This is a safety measure which can save you and the passengers from the risk of collision with other vehicles. In addition, never wait on the hard shoulder of a motorway, instead move onto the grass or embankment next to the road. Drivers can also risk their own lives from remaining by their vehicle and attempting to fix the problem themselves.

During the winter months, it is very vital to have a sleep bag or a very hard and thick blanket so that you can feel the warmth and save yourself from killing cold. One of the most important things is to ensure that you have a break down cover in your car which is often included inside the car insurance files and quotes.

Be sure that you follow all the guidelines and to relieve your tension when you are stuck up with a break down. If you maintain your vehicle properly, there would be no symptom of break downs and your vehicle would always be hail and healthy.

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Author: Brenda Williams
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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