Keeping your automobile running smoothly and efficiently may help you avoid costly repairs and possible breakdowns. Whether you are a do-it-yourself kind of person or one who relies on the knowledge and skills of a professional auto mechanic, routine car maintenance is essential to the performance and longevity of your vehicle. Listed below are some general car care tips that should help you keep your vehicle in top performance.
Keep your tires inflated. Underinflated tires waste gas by increasing road friction and forcing your car's engine to work harder. Improperly inflating your tires can cause the tread to wear unevenly.
Change your oil. Dirty or low oil can cause engine parts to grind together, causing damage and putting you at risk for engine failure. Conventional oil should be replaced every 3000 miles while synthetic oil should be changed every 6000 miles.
Replace your air filter. An air filter will prevent dirt particles from entering your engine and possibly causing damage. Replacing your air filter routinely will ensure that your vehicle is receiving plenty of clean air to run efficiently.
Flush and fill your radiator. Your car's cooling system needs to be flushed and filled with antifreeze to extend the life of the engine. The radiator protects the engine from overheating during hot summer months by circulating coolant through the engine block area. Fresh coolant also lubricates seals and protects against corrosion in heater cores.
Clean fuel injectors. Over time, dirt and contaminants from fuel system deposits can inhibit accurate fuel flow and can lead to poor engine performance and costly repairs.
Change differential fluid. Old or contaminated fluid loses its ability to protect the metal components and clutch plates in your differential. This can lead to worn or even broken ring and pinion gears, leaving your car immobile.
Replace brake pads. If you notice high-pitched or rumbling sounds when you apply pressure to your brakes, you may need your brake pads replaced. Your brake fluid should be replenished routinely. As one of the most important safety features on your vehicle, your brakes need to be properly maintained.
Replace windshield wipers. Wipers become cracked and damaged over time. They should be replaced about every 6 months or sooner if you notice they are not working properly. Be sure to replenish your wiper fluid as well.
Check your lights. It is a good idea to routinely check to make sure all of your vehicle lights are working. Often a light will stop working and we never know it until someone points it out.
Maintain proper alignment: Improper wheel alignment can cause your tires to wear faster and can put stress on your vehicle's engine.
Following these simple tips should help your vehicle to run smoothly and efficiently while preventing inconvenient breakdowns or costly repairs. The best thing you can do to prolong the life of your engine is to keep your vehicle well maintained. Routine maintenance can prevent problems from occurring in the future.

Mac Allen is the location manager of Havoline Xpress Lube in Kernersville, NC, providing maintenance and repairs for all types of vehicles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mac_A.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6376208

If you have ever had to have your transmission worked on or replaced you already know how expensive it can be. Transmission service is one of the most expensive part of the car that people typically need to get replaced or repaired and overheating is one of the most common causes of transmission failure.
Fortunately, there are some very cheap and easy ways to help prevent burning out your transmission. Purchasing and installing an aftermarket cooler kit in front of your radiator can keep a transmission healthy even under duress.
What Does a Transmission Cooler Kit Do?
In much the same way a radiator is vital to keeping your engine cool, a cooler kit keeps your transmission cool when you are struggling on muddy roads or hauling a heavy load. When a transmission begins to overheat, it can burn off transmission fluid rapidly.
This can lead to a breakdown of the internal component of the transmission and, ultimately, complete failure of the unit. A cooler kit keep the transmission fluid cool so that the fluid does not boil off and lead to damage.
Why Do I Need a Cooler Kit?
For many light trucks, there is a dealer optional towing package that often comes with a factory transmission cooler. If you purchased a vehicle used or you did not get the optional package, you may find that your warranty doesn't cover damages caused by hauling a heavy load.
The reason for this is simply that a truck without a cooler kit cannot put the stress of a heavy load on the transmission without possibly causing damage. A cooler kit will help your transmission stay cool hauling uphill or in poor traction conditions.
Prevent Costly Repairs
However these kits are not just something useful to someone looking to pull a boat or other heavy object. Even for the average passenger car, an after market cooler can save you costly repairs if you often drive in places where there are lots of hills or poor traction.
Getting stuck in the mud and trying to free yourself by spinning the wheels is often all it takes to overheat a transmission and possibly cost you thousands in repairs. A cooler kit is a simple install that can often be done for just a couple hundred dollars at a transmission shop and can be vital in preventing overheating problems.
If you have ever experienced an overheating transmission, then it is important that you look into a transmission cooler to prevent damage to a vital part of your car. Whether you are looking to tow a heavy load a long distance or you just want to protect your car from costly and untimely repairs, there are few options as cheap and simple as installing a cooler kit.

If you would like to find out more about transmission coolers contact a local Raleigh transmission repair shop like Affordable Transmission & Auto Repair. Call them today! 919-790-7979

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_LaVallee

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6381142

I know that lots of people who are still running old analog audio equipment are obtaining extremely tired of listening to them. A much more up to date car audio program sure is sound appealing correct now, huh? You will find a couple of questions you need to ask prior to creating this jump though on going out and purchasing brand new equipment.
My initial recommendation would be to simply talk to others who might be much more knowledgeable in this area than your self. Really take a look at what they've and try to determine what makes their audio systems so special. They might be able to even point you within the correct direction on what would be finest for your automobile since not all vehicles can use the exact same system and get the same quality. I would also talk to other professionals in the audio equipment stores nearby. Occasionally they are able to assist lead you within the correct direction. Keep in mind though, many of them work on commission and will try to encourage you to purchase probably the most costly thing on the wall, not the highest quality.
Take the in-dash car receiver into account initial. The sleek and portable signal receivers are built in a way that their focus is portability. The signal receiver you choose should be small and fit into the smallest of areas. This is really a fairly standard system these days as it appears smaller is often viewed as much better.
The second factor to look for is really a good amplifier. Have you ever been in an automobile that had the crackling noise or distortion on top of the music becoming played inside the car? This is normally an amplifier issue. A good amplifier will help clean up the sound that your speakers create. Before selecting on a great location for an amplifier you need to make note that amplifier do create heat. This means that they need to be in a nicely ventilated region where the heat can escape. In the event you tuck it underneath something the likelihood of it tearing up interior or maybe even burning up the amplifier all together becomes a larger likelihood.
The speakers are the next factor to take a take a look at. You don't necessarily need to look specifically at the size. You need to take a great take a look at the frequency it produces. You need to also do some study on what size of speakers could be best for your size of car. At times, larger speakers can often rattle smaller cars and the result is really a much less high quality sounding audio program. You want a good balance between power and clarity to have individuals truly searching at your system as a great program.
Do your study on the brands. Just simply because 1 program is from JVC and another from Sony it does not usually mean that the Sony will probably be a better program. In fact, JVC does also make some high performing audio equipment. For you, you'll want what fits you best and inside your budget.

If you need more news on auto sound systems and parts, please go to car stereo and you find the apparatus and information that you need.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Shakirta

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6352611

When transporting cars from one location to another, safety is the most crucial thing that comes to mind. There are hassles and complications that occur when doing this on your own. The best thing to do is to seek the assistance of a company that specializes in car transporter.
The car transporter will depend on the type of car you want to deliver, or how many there will be. It's understandable if you want to save money because this is one of the most crucial points that enter your mind when moving cars from place to place.
Some businesspeople argue that transporters aren't necessary since an employee can just drive to the intended destination where the business meeting will be held. The thing is, by the time he gets to the venue, he would be exhausted from the long drive and might not be able to be his best when needed. The employer also has to reimburse the driving charges and may encounter different hurdles to the business' growth due to inconvenient transfer of cars (or others) to specified destinations.
Transporters are not only available for cars. Also offered are plant transporter, mower transporter, and race car transporter. Transport service companies guarantee to transfer your vehicles or commodities from area to area in the hands of expert drivers. They can also ply several vehicles or products at the same time, making it safe and very cost effective.
When choosing a transport company, make sure you do some research and read reviews and testimonials of customers who can attest to the company's service and cost. Also delve into the company policies and terms and conditions if there are any. If you're a car seller and are trying to have some cars delivered to dealers or exhibitions, contacting a reliable transporter with a car transporter house is advisable. If you have chosen a company you like and trust, you can even be their regular customer. This can deliver all types of cars, such as vintage, race cars, classic, pickup trucks, etc. Tires of race cars should be protected, because getting them damaged would mean corroding its utility and wearing of tires making them ineffective to win a race. Transporting a race car can be done with a trailer.
Car transporter services incorporate moving cars within cities, counties, states, and across borders. If you need to move cars and other merchandises, let the experts do it.

KFS Special Vehicles: Transporters, Race Transports, Minibuses and Custom Vehicles designed and built.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yuki_Okudera

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6372124

Making sure that you choose the right commercial van can depend on many different factors and can at times be confusing. One of the most important points to follow when seeking a new van is to know exactly what you need for your business; this can mean knowing of any upgrades that you will be seeking to apply to the vehicle in the future that could well be cheaper at the first point of sale.
Depending on your budget you may well find that buying a used vehicle could be your best option, this of course is not always the case and ensuring your vehicle is straight out of the showroom can give you not only peace of mind but also a reassuring sense of security should anything happen to it during its lifetime.
Here is just a selection of the different types of commercial vehicles that are available on the market from the many great Commercial van dealerships around the country. Hopefully one of these will be suitable for you and your business.
Small panel Vans are very popular for small to medium sized businesses due to their fuel economy and easy manoeuvrability. More recently small panel vans such as the Ford Transit Connect have been designed to have one large cargo area at the back which can carry very large loads but also give plenty of driver / passenger cab space.
Large Panel Vans such as the Ford Transit provide the gap between fuel economy and a large carrying ability. Newer models are able to provide much lower operating costs and are often fitted with many space saving systems such as racking to further enhance the loads they can carry. No longer are large panel vans awkward to drive, newer models have everything from power steering to collision detection monitors for a much safer and easier drive.
Depending on what service your company provide it may be much more convenient and practical to invest in a pick up truck. Models such as the "Ford Ranger Wildtrak" which are equipped to be able to carry and tow large and heavy loads and at the same time provide a luxury driving experience. Long gone are the days when driving a pick up truck was uncomfortable, giving up power and versatility for comfort is certainly no longer a problem. Everything from heated seats to leather trim and impressive exterior is just a few of the key features that Ford has included with its newer models.

This article was written by Thom Sanders on behalf of Foray Vans who offer Transit Vans at great prices as well as other great Ford Vans for Sale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thom_Sanders

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6382442

If you run a business that involves you using a van, have you ever thought what the van says about you? If customers can see your reflection in your van then that is a good reflection on your business. You wouldn't turn up to a job interview without polishing your shoes or ironing your shirt, yet many business people do turn up to see a client, or even worse a prospective client's house, in a dirty van. Of course there is dirty, and then there is dirty. A bit of dirt on your van is acceptable, but when it is so dirty that people have written on it, or even worse, your details are covered up, then this is perhaps a bit too dirty. Same goes for the interior of the van. If your client sees a messy interior, he might think that you are a messy worker. If you are a tradesman going into people's homes then this really isn't good. So here are 5 tips to help you keep a clean van.
1 - Now this is obvious, but wash your van regularly. Even a cold water spray with a hose just to knock off some of the dirt is better than no wash at all. The more often that you clean your van the quicker it is each time.
2 - Use a soft brush. A soft brush dipped in a builder's bucket of soapy water really cuts through a lot of dirt. On vans it can save you from getting out the step ladders to do the hard to reach areas. Just make sure that the brush has no grit on it or you might scratch the paint-work.
3 - Before you start, hose off the van. This stage is often overlooked. If you don't do this then when you use a cloth, sponge, or brush to clean the van, you might be rubbing grit into the paintwork and putting scratches into it.
4 - Never use washing up liquid. Eventually, washing up liquid will dull the paint-work. It is better to buy a wax-type soap.
5 - Save time and don't dry all of the van. This is never advocated for a car, but after all, this is a van. You are not trying to get a sparkling showroom finish, just a clean van. It is worth drying the area that has your logo and contact details on as this is the bit that people are most likely to look at. When you dry these sections, a towel, or a wet leather usually works best.
By keeping your van clean, you will also be keeping your windows clean. Clean windows mean better visibility, and hopefully less chance of being involved in an accident. Using this logic, keeping your van clean, will help keep you licence clean, and will therefore lead to lower van insurance premiums.
If you gave someone a dirty, dog-eared business card, it just wouldn't look good. So apply the same thinking to your van, and keep it clean.

For more things van, go to the Temporary Van Insurance website. You can read more articles by Brian Ahite, who not only loves vans, but also knows a thing or two about insurance.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Ahite

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6295899

A healthy clutch is vital to the control and operation of your vehicle. Without it, your car is pretty useless, so making sure that you stay on top of clutch problems is of the utmost importance. However, you can't always know what to expect when you take your car or truck into a shop to have the clutch replaced. From the moment you step through those doors, you probably feel like you're being charged for something. That's because there are a lot of disreputable shops out there, who will not shoot straight with you when it comes to the true cost of replacement. The most common liberty they take with you is the hourly labor wage. Some places charge around $50 per hour, while others have been known to go $70 and above. The final clutch replacement cost will depend on where you get the work done, and what kind of car that you have.
Know Your Car
Before you can know the true clutch replacement cost of your vehicle, you need to be aware of the options that are out there for your particular make and model. Not every dealer sells at the manufacturer's suggested retail price, and not every dealer sells at the same rate of discount. You may even be able to find new parts for your car online and do the work yourself, though this entails a considerable amount of automotive knowledge and research time. Most do not have the patience, the time, nor the ability to make this happen. However, you may be able to cut a deal with a mechanic - you find and pay for the part and they just do the labor. This will largely depend on the shop, though.
Choose Your Shop Wisely
Labor hours cannot be measured in an objective fashion. Each mechanic's shop will set hourly rates for labor with regard to their employees and whether or not it is worth it to them to take on more work. Be leery of extremely low prices. You don't want to be paying for a beginner's knowledge and expertise. Nevertheless, you should stay away from those shops intent on charging you top dollar. You want to make sure that the "hour" of work is really an hour, and that they are not padding the labor time to up your bill.
Shop Around
You may believe in following a referral from a friend, but taking your car to the first choice for a clutch replacement is a bad idea. When you make up your mind that you are going to do the work at one place and one place alone, you remove some of your bargaining power.
Use Online Resources
The whole world is now online. Widen your reach and you could end up with the best deal!

If you want to keep your Replacement Clutch Cost down, then you need to shop around. For Clutch Replacement Cost that you can truly afford, check out our site today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_W_Chow

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6391315