Auto Tips & Car Care Tips

Before leaving on vacation, have your auto inspected. Stop potential breakdowns before they happen.

If the front end of your auto rebounds more than two times when bounced, you may have a weak shock absorber or strut. You need to have them checked. If they are damaged and not replaced, they can cause damage to other parts of your auto.

Check the air pressure in your tires when they are cold. Warm or hot tires can give an inaccurate pressure reading. Tires with to much pressure or to little pressure can wear your tires uneven, causing the tires to have to be replaced prematurely. Check the tire pressure once a month.

These are some items that you should keep in your auto at all times for emergencies: a jack, tire tool, spare tire, gloves, flashlight, booster cables, no sparking flare, first-aid kit, gallon of clean water and blankets.

Use a garden hose and a soft brush to remove bugs, dirt and debris from the front of the radiator to make sure the radiator receives sufficient air.

If you hear scraping or squealing sounds when the brakes are applied, see a brake mechanic at once. Waiting will be more costly and very unsafe.

When applying the brakes, if the front end dips have the rear brakes adjusted. Adjusting the rear brakes will add life to the front brakes.

Keep a small garbage bag in the car.
Submitted by Denise S.

My only tip would be to keep a first aid kit in your vehicle because you never know when it may be needed. Especially for us Moms!
Submitted by Donna R.

If your vehicle "pulls" to one side while driving, have the wheels aligned. Make sure to have a 4 wheel alignment.

If your battery becomes weak, have it replaced. A weak battery can cause problems with the alternator and starter. Check the expiration date on your battery and replace it before it expires.

In harsh climates use rubber-clad windshield wiper blades to fight ice build-up and carry an ice scraper.

To get the musty smell out of your car vents, lift the hood, and spray Lysol into the vents just underneath the windshield while you have the fan running at the same time. Lysol will get rid of the dust, mold and musty smell!
Submitted by Jo Ann C.

Keeping your auto properly maintained can save you from major repair bills.

If you have a bad cooling system hose, have them all replaced. Deterioration begins within the hose where it can't been seen. Spending more now can save your engine.

If you have a manual transmission, don't rest your foot on the clutch or your hand on the gear shift.

Check the coolant level in the radiator periodically. Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has completely cooled.

Check the exterior lights to be sure they are all working properly for safety concerns.

Make sure you always have a spare tire, jack and tire tool in your vehicle.

Replace the windshield wiper blades every 6 months. Don't get caught in bad weather with bad windshield wiper blades.

Have regular tune-ups, fluid checks and inspections.

To add miles to the life of your tires, have them rotated periodically.

Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections.

Always read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturers recommendations.

Inspect the radiator cap and the rubber gasket on it. Replace it if the rubber gasket is broken, dried out or missing.

Always keep a spare nail file, a pair of scissors and a few safety pins in your car's glove box, these can really save the day.
Submitted by Robyn C.

Before washing a car, rinse off all of the dirt. Dirt that is rubbed into the car may cause scratches.

Before going on a road trip, have your vehicle checked by a professional. It's better to fix a problem before it occurs and not be stuck on the side of the road.

Check the air filter in your auto every other month. Replace it when it is dirty.

Rinse off all dirt before washing your car. Any dirt that is rubbed into the surface can cause scratches. Do not wipe the vehicle dry, this may causing scratching.

When you have an emergency on the road, raise the hood and trunk. Also tie a white handkerchief to the driver's door handle.

Try baking soda on a damp sponge to remove bugs.

To remove a bumper sticker, use nail polish remover and gently scrape the sticker with a knife or razor blade.

Does your auto need washing? No water hose available? Get two buckets and three towels. Put soapy water in one bucket and clean water in the second bucket. Beginning on the roof and working your way down, use one towel with the soapy water first. Then use another towel with the clean water to rinse. Use the third towel to dry. Use this method for the remainder of the auto. You'll end up with a clean, dry auto without using a water hose! This method is also great for water conservation!

Don't let your auto idle "to warm up". It is easier on the engine if you start driving when you start your engine. Drive "gently" for the first few minutes.

Change your auto's fuel filter at regular intervals. Changing the filter will help prevent the fuel injectors from clogging.

Change the oil in your car more frequently when most of your car trips are short, stop and go trips.

Have your alignment checked about every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

To keep your cooling system in top condition, have it flushed every one to two years. The cooling system not only protects the engine but also the transmission.

Driving at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to driving at speed of 65 mph and 70 mph.

When driving, if you start to feel tired, pull over in a safe area and let someone else drive. If you are alone, take a short nap or walk around for a few minutes. Stop as often as necessary.

Keep your tires balanced. A tire that is out of balance can cause a vehicle to vibrate. The vibration can cause the steering and suspension components to wear out prematurely.

When having parts on your car replaced, such as brakes, ask to keep the used parts. Then you can find out if the car needed the new parts.

When traveling at highway speeds, keep the windows closed. The air drag from the open windows reduces your mileage by 10%.

Don't drive when you're sleepy! If your eyes are staying focused on one spot, that's a danger sign. Stop as soon as you can find a safe place and nap for
a few minutes.

When parking at night, find an area that has plenty of light. Never park in the dark for your safety.

Keep your valuables hidden. Lock them in the trunk or cover them.

When buying a used car, never shop on impulse. There are many places to buy a used car, don't just stop at the first one. Read consumer magazines and price guides to help you make your purchase.

When washing your auto, don't make lots of bubbles. The more bubbles you make, the harder it will be to rinse them off.

While you are in your car, if someone threatens you, lock all the doors and blow the horn to attract attention.

To deter thieves, store valuables out of sight in your car. Leaving valuables in sight is asking for trouble.

Use a pre-wash laundry spray to remove tar from your auto. Spray it on and wipe it off.

Always check the oil and transmission fluid each time you fill up with gas, or you could end up with no car. It's easy, you can do it yourself.
Submitted by Joyce C.

A bad tire, unevenly worn tires, front suspension problems, and the wheel alignment are things that could be wrong if your steering wheel pulls to one side or the other. Be sure to have it checked out by a professional.

To get an objective opinion on repairs, go to a shop that does only diagnostic work and does not sell parts or do repairs.

Never open the radiator cap unless the car sat over night and is completely cooled off.

If your car runs good under normal driving conditions but stalls and sputters on hills or with a heavy load, have the fuel filter checked. It could be getting clogged.