2016

Understand Why Your Car's Manual Transmission Needs These Preventive-Maintenance Jobs Done

The transmission system is one of the most important parts of the car, since it ensures that the power generated by the engine reaches the car's tires. Some people think that an automatic transmission is more fragile than a manual transmission, but this doesn't mean that the manual transmission doesn't require maintenance. Here are two forms of preventive maintenance that every manual car should undergo. Adjusting the Clutch Pedal In manual-transmission cars, the clutch transfers power from the engine to the gearbox.

Curbs And Parking Barriers: How They Hurt Your Car

Everyone does it: You turn too sharply or forget that a particular parking lot has barriers instead of just painted lines. Your car shakes, and you hear a grinding noise. Most people simply grimace and write off the experience as carelessness. However, a simple curb bump can cause more damage than you might think. When you miscalculate in this way, you need to check for damage and also learn prevention techniques.

If Your Car Is Over Five Years Old, It's Time To Check The Radiator Hoses

Radiator hoses take a beating over time, and it's not as easy to tell when they are going bad anymore. Back in the old days, radiator hoses would develop bumps or exterior cracks that you could easily see before they sprang a leak. Nowadays, radiator hoses wear from the inside out and the potential for spotting an imminent failure is not as easy to do. If your car is five years old or older or has close to 100,000 miles on it, you should inspect and replace deteriorating radiator hoses before they break and leave you stranded.

Here's What You Can Do If You Used The Wrong Transmission Fluid In Your Vehicle

It's easy to make mistakes when you're in a rush or if you don't know as much as you should about your vehicle. Grabbing a bottle of the wrong transmission fluid is a mistake can have costly consequences for your car or truck's transmission. Fortunately, there's a good chance you can undo this mistake if it's caught early on. Stop What You're Doing If you've realized you're using the wrong type of transmission fluid, stop what you're doing immediately.

4 Tips to Help Keep Your Vehicle's AC System in Top Shape

If you want the air conditioning in your car to work when you need it to, you need to make sure that you are taking care of your car's air conditioning system throughout the year. Here are a few tips that will help ensure that you air conditioning continues to work well. #1 Run Your AC At Least Once A Week Even if it is not that hot outside, you should turn on your vehicle's air conditioning at least once a week, and keep it running for about fifteen minutes or the length of time it takes you to listen to about three songs on the radio.

Two Worst-Case Scenarios For Engines That Won't Start

In most cases, a car that won't start has electrical or fuel problems. For example, your car may fail to start if it isn't getting the right voltage from the battery. However, in the worst case scenarios, your car may also fail to start due to catastrophic engine damages. Here are two prime examples of such serious engine issues: Seized Engine When critical engine components get damaged, and the moving parts of the engine can't work at all, the engine is said to be seized.

5 Warning Signs You Transmission May Need Repairs

Being able to get to your destination each day with ease may depend on your vehicle. This will allow you to remain independent and avoid public transportation, as well. It's ideal to keep you automobile in the best possible condition to prevent it from breaking down and requiring expensive repairs. Taking care of the transmission and being aware of any potential warning signs can be extremely helpful to you. Warning Sign #1: Won't go into gear

How To Fill And Paint Small Holes

There is nothing more annoying than small holes on your car body. Whether these holes are on the bumper or the door, they can look unsightly. If you leave the small holes unattended, they could even end up damaging and compromising the very structure of your car. This is usually the result of rust forming when the metal of your car body is exposed to the elements. This is why it is always smart to fix small holes in your car as soon as you notice them.

What You Need To Know About Your Engine's Air Filter

When you drive your car, you come in contact with all sorts of things. It's not uncommon for bugs, dirt and other debris to fly towards your engine. Guess where many of these objects end up? Inside your air filter. Many vehicle owners understand that a dirty air filter is no good, but do you really know why? Make sure you understand the importance of your air filter and when to replace it to keep your vehicle operating in better overall condition.

Engine Overheating? What You Should Do When On The Road

Your car's engine can overheat for a variety of reasons, but when it happens on the road, it can make the drive stressful. Even if you are just trying to drive your car a mile up the road to the nearest auto shop, you need to know how to prevent your engine from overheating. Follow these tips to ensure that your engine makes it to the shop without causing more damage to it.