How Can You Fortify Your Car in Winter?

It’s the time of the year when everyone’s eyeing for a December vacation or how to spend the holidays; but unknown to you, it’s the dreaded time for your car. Why, it’s when its engine and batteries will be tested again by frost-biting cold.

There are, however, ways to save yourself from a car running amok due to engine trouble at a snowy bank in the middle of nowhere. Here are some tips:

1. Take advantage of the fair fall weather by doing a general clean-up of your car. Wash it and use a car wax to protect your car from falling snow or hailstorms. Somehow the coat will lessen its impact on the car’s body.

2. You have to make a complete overhaul of garbage in your car’s interior to get rid of that musty smell. An upholstery cleaner will do miracles to make it inviting for passengers. You can also vacuum the whole interior and spray it with a freshener to give it a fresh, homey smell. And just for the snowy months, you might want to avail the services of a vinyl floor mat or a rubber mat.

3. Strengthen your engine power by giving your car a test drive. Remember that with all additional usage for engine due to winter car features, i.e., defrosters, heaters, and frequent use of wipers, it’s in death row every winter. You also would have to check on your batteries’ voltage. A voltage lower than 12.4V requires you to recharge or replace it. And while at it, you need to check if all the lights in your car are functioning.

4. Make sure you have the right fluids for your car. This will lubricate most parts of your car that might stiffen due to the cold temperature. Take time to check on leaks all over your car too.

5. Lastly but surely, you need to ensure that you have in the car’s trunk the ice scrapper and snowbrush with soft bristles. Additional equipment would be an emergency kit and a collapsible shovel.

There are a couple of things you just have to be ready about when the air is blowing colder, signaling the winter months. First thing to keep is presence of mind.

Source: www.askmen.com

How to Drive with Less Fuel: A New Routine

If you are a fast and furious driver of an expensive car, your greatest fear would be that of the gasoline consumption of your car. We were able to collect valuable information on how to cut back on the liters that your engine is eating up every day.

You just have to make this part of your routine:

1. Read your manual and find out what fuel is the most compatible with your engine. Always remember to use the low-octane fuel.

2. Make sure that your gas cap is tightly closed. Take note that gasoline is so easy to evaporate.

3. Knowing that fuel is easy to evaporate, it’s a common technique to park the car in a shady area to stall the evaporation process. You can roll down the windows or the sun roof too.

4. Do a timely maintenance check-up for your engine. You can have regular filters, spark plug, and air filter replacements to make sure that your engine will be consuming minimum amount of fuel.

5. They call this the best cost-effective technique to save fuel. That would be choosing the car with the best mileage.

6.Lessen your speed. The faster your speed is in driving, the more fuel you are consuming.

7.Don’t drive if it’s not necessary or if there’s a better alternative like walking or biking instead.

These are about as simple as when you put one foot on the clutch and drive!

Sources:

http://www.fastlanes.net

http://cars.about.com

What to Do and Not to Do in Used Car Buying

Buying a used car might take more time and patience than buying a brand-new one. Here are basic tips for you to follow to make sure that your choice is fool-proof:

Do research before you strike a deal. The best document to ask would be a used car history report.

Ask somebody who knows about cars to help you choose.

It would be impractical to buy a car which is a remnant of a serious accident, specifically a frontal collision.

Test drive the car you have chosen. You might discover some defects as soon as the car hits freeways and highways, especially rough terrains.

Don’t get a car that requires minor repairs. They might turn big in due time.

Never buy a car that has survived a flood. You could be heading to a whole world of problems regarding corrosion, transmission, and the likes.

Contrary to what is implied by most buyers, treat salespersons in dealerships well. Instead of giving you a nightmarish quote for the selling price, you might be able to haggle to the least.

Don’t just believe in hearsay when you pick your choice. Double-check and do research.

Source:
http://www.samarins.com

How to Avoid Mistakes in Car Buying

Do your homework.

Salespeople are after their profits and not your advantage. To avoid the trap of high monthly payments or the worst deal, do research on your own and ask experienced buyers for advice.

Don’t forget to test-drive the car.

To make sure that the car has no defects and that the amenities and features of the car would really suit your needs, hit the road now!

Don’t buy add-ons and accessories from the dealer.

Most of these are sold relatively high, as they take advantage of the sale and bank on more profits.

Be sure of the color and model you want.

Don’t compromise one over the other.

Be sure whether you want a car lease or buy a car instead.

Don’t just jump into the bandwagon because everybody is into it. Lease when you have to or buy when you want to, but bottom line is, do research and weigh the pros and cons.

For more info, read on Car Buying Mistakes to Avoid.