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Showing posts with label Car Check list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Car Check list. Show all posts

Maintenance Monday: Basic Tips & Services Checklist

Monday, June 1, 2015 0 comments


As drivers, we know it’s important to maintain our vehicles. But between work, the kids, and the dozens of other things we’d rather be doing, basic car maintenance can often fall to the wayside. But did you know that taking care of your vehicle not only helps it perform better, it also could mean money in the bank for you?


From better fuel efficiency to retaining your car’s value, these simple car maintenance tips will have you seeing green in no time:


1) Don’t skip scheduled service. Check your owner’s guide and find out when your scheduled car maintenance services are. Usually maintenance is done every 30,000 miles and it involves checking or replacing parts like spark plugs, wires and timing belts. Down the line, other major parts may need replacing in order to keep your vehicle running efficiently and safely . While it may cost a little more, scheduling service through your dealer not only guarantees genuine parts and expertise, it also keeps your service history in line and up to date, which will attract more buyers and higher prices when it comes to selling your car.


2) Replace the air filter. Think of it as your car’s lungs. A clogged air filter can reduce gas mileage in older cars with carbureted engines by as much as 14 percent. Replacing clogged air filters on newer cars can help improve acceleration time.


3) Get an oil change. This is one of the simplest car maintenance services you can do to keep your vehicle in good running condition. Not maintaining it could void your warranty (check your owner’s manual to find out when you’re due for service) and even cause an engine failure, which can cost thousands . Keeping your cooling system in working order is also important. So, this is also a good time to have a system flush. Getting the pump, hoses, fluids and belts checked is also part of proper cooling-system maintenance.


4) Check your tire pressure. Invest a few bucks in a tire gauge and check your tire pressure regularly (including the often-overlooked spare!) This helps to improve fuel efficiency, cut down on tire wear and tear and lets you know if your vehicle is correctly aligned.


5) Wash it. Washing not only keeps your vehicle looking good, it's also a good way to maintain that new-car finish. Allowing a layer of dead bugs, bird droppings, dirt and chemicals to accumulate on your vehicle can strip away wax and eventually paint. If you decide to wash your car yourself, don’t use household cleaning agents like hand soap, dish-washing detergent, or glass cleaner, which can also strip off the protective wax. Use a product designed specifically for cars.

Provided by Toyota

Fall Car Care Month Checklist

Sunday, October 26, 2014 0 comments

October is Fall Car Care Month, and the Car Care Council reminds motorists that checking their vehicles before the temperatures drop is a sensible way to avoid being stranded out in the cold and the unexpected expense of emergency repairs.
“The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. Winter magnifies existing problems like hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Whether you perform the check or maintenance yourself or go to the repair shop, it’s a small investment of time and money to ensure peace of mind, and help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during severe weather.”
The Car Care Council recommends the following Fall Car Care Month checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready for cold winter weather ahead.

Heating, Wipers & Lights
  • Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
  • Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
  • Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
Tires & Brakes
  • Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.
  • During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
  • Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
Gas, Oil & Filters
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.
  • Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.
  • Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust
  • Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.
  • Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
  • Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

Pack the Essentials

  • Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.
  • Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.
  • Order a free copy of the recently-updated 80-page Car Care Guide for your glove box at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide
 
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s popular Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Infiniti Q70 secures “good” rating and 2014 Top Safety Pick+ Award from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 0 comments

The Infiniti Q70 sedan has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest rating of "good" for its performance in the institute's small overlap front crash test, and when equipped with its optional front crash prevention system the Q70 has been awarded a TOP SAFETY PICK+.
The Infiniti Q70's "good" rating applies to the 2014-15 Q70 as well as the 2013 Infiniti M. The vehicles also received good ratings in the IIHS' four other crashworthiness evaluations
qualifying the Q70 for the 2014 IIHS TOP
SAFETY PICK+ award.

More information about Infiniti, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infinitiusa.com. 

Maintenance Monday: How-to Check & Refill Engine Coolant

Monday, June 30, 2014 0 comments

Visually check the engine coolant level in the overflow tank. Your owner's manual has the directions. The level should be between "Low" and "Full" marks. (Don't open the radiator cap or the pressurized overflow tank cap when the engine is hot! The cooling system is under pressure when hot!) If the coolant level is low, you can top it up using recommended type of coolant mixed with water. Again, your owner's manual has the proper way to do it. 
 Add coolant only when the engine is cool. Use only recommended engine coolant. Sometimes engine coolant is sold already premixed with water and sometimes you will have to mix it. Check you owner's manual or read the directions on the coolant bottle. Carefully add the coolant into the overflow tank to make it between "LOW" and "FULL" marks
 If the coolant level drops within a short time after topping up, there may be a leak. Have the coolant system checked - lack of coolant may cause the engine to overheat which may result in serious damage.


Source:

Road Trip Checklist

Sunday, March 16, 2014 0 comments

The most critical areas to check before going on a driving trip are engine fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires and brakes. Appropriately preparing these key areas of the automobile before you leave for your trip will not only keep you safe while driving, it’ll also help prevent costly repairs.

1. Engine Oil
Check your oil levels and the date you’re due for an oil change. If you’re close to the manufacturer-recommended oil-change then go ahead and change it. 

2. Transmission and Differential Fluids
Did you forget about the other fluid reservoirs in your car? Both your transmission and drive axle have their own lubricant supply. Check your owner’s manual for their change intervals. They are usually quite a bit longer than those for engine oil, but if your car has over 75,000 miles and you’ve never checked or changed these other lubricants, it’s time to get busy. 

3. Hoses
Look for bulges or blisters in hoses, which indicate a weakness in the wall. If your hoses have cracks or blisters, replace them. As a precaution, buy a hose-patch kit at the local auto parts store to keep in the glove compartment.  

4. Belts
Check belts by turning them sideways with your hand so you can see the friction surface. If they’re even the slightest bit ragged, torn, cracked or showing the fiber cords, it’s time for fresh ones. Consult your service manual for instructions

5. Engine Coolant
New vehicles come equipped with engine coolant designed to go 100,000 to 150,000 miles. If your car is less than four years old, just check that the under-hood coolant reservoir—usually a clear plastic bottle that says “engine coolant” on the cap—is topped off. Not all coolants are the same and it’s not a good idea to mix them, so be sure to use the same coolant type that is already in the engine. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct type.  

6. Tire Pressure and Tread
Low tire pressure can decrease fuel economy, but more important, may cause the tire to run hotter from the extra friction, leading to a blowout. Before you hit the road, be sure to check the pressure in all four tires using a good gauge (available from your auto parts store). If it is too low, an air hose is usually available at most gas stations. It’s also important to look at the tread on all four tires to make sure they’re not too worn or unevenly worn. If your tires are questionable in terms of wear, or have a bubble in the sidewall from a recent bounce against a curb, it’s best to install new tires now rather than take a chance on them wearing out while you’re on the road. 

7. Brake System  
Rusted brakes are bad. Check your brake reservoir for the color of the fluid and make sure that it is topped off up to the full mark. If you haven’t had a flush in the last two or three years, get one before you leave. While you’re at it, go ahead and have your brake pads and rotors checked, replacing them if they’re worn so you can stop on a dime in an emergency situation.
 
8. Battery
Have your electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your battery is more than four years old, it might be a good idea to replace it before your trip. Check the battery condition visually. If you see any leaks, cracks or any other damage, do replace the battery. Make sure the battery terminals are tight and not corroded. 


Main Image: Google
Source: AskPatty.com



Car Checklist: What every woman should know about her car

Thursday, March 13, 2014 0 comments


How much do you know about how to keep your car in amazing condition? I found this amazing essential car checklist on vistamagazine.com check it out below:

Engine

Car checklist tip number One: Getting your oil changed is the cornerstone of routine engine maintenance. Engine oil doesn't exactly age well while in your car. In fact, it breaks down over time, becoming less of the smooth, lubricating substance that your engine loves and more of a liquid sludge. Buildup can accumulate on your engine's interior surfaces. All of this can lead to reduced fuel efficiency , and it can reduce the life of your motor. As a general rule, getting your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is a good car maintenance habit. Use an upgraded oil only if your car owner's manual recommends it — otherwise, you may be wasting your money. To keep your engine in great shape, you should also change your air filter once a year or every 20,000 miles.



Tires

Car checklist tip number Two: Take good care of your tires! Keep them properly inflated and have them rotated regularly to increase tread longevity and maintain fuel economy. To check your tire pressure yourself (which you should do once a month and before long trips), buy a tire pressure gauge. Take a reading when the tires are cold, meaning that they haven't been driven in at least three hours, by sticking the gauge into the valve stem. When the gauge pops, check the number. It represents pounds of pressure per square inch, or "psi." If it is below the psi in your owner's manual, then it is time to put air in your tires.

Your tires also need to be rotated to help distribute the wear on your wheels. Check your car manual for recommended frequency, but as a general guideline, they should be rotated about every 6,000 miles, or every second oil change. When should your tires be changed? The penny test is a great way to check your tire tread and to make sure that your wheels are safe enough for the road. Place an upside-down penny in the grooves. As long as part of Abe Lincoln's head is covered, then the tread is high enough and your tires are fine.

Brakes

Car checklist tip number Three: Good brakes are an essential component of vehicle safety. They should be a priority on your car checklist , next to engine and tire maintenance. How often should your brakes be checked? Have them inspected by a professional once a year or about every 15,000 miles. If they make a sound when you brake, if you feel a slight back pressure on your foot, or if you notice that it takes more pressure than normal to get your car to come to a complete stop, you should have your brakes looked at.

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