10 Minute Pre-Trip Checkup Can Pay Off

Car Care Council offers three suggestions for a traveler's 10-minute pre-trip checklist:

• Check all fluids. There are several fluids, in addition to antifreeze, that require attention, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission fluids and windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
• Check hoses and belts. A belt that fails can affect the electrical system, air conditioning and power steering, as well as the cooling system. Cooling system hoses may be deteriorating from within, so old hoses and clamps in marginal condition might need to be replaced.
• Check the tires. Check tire inflation and inspect the tread for uneven wear, indicating the need for wheel alignment. Also look for bulges and bald spots.

"While a last minute checkup is better than no checkup, motorists should plan ahead to allow time to perform necessary maintenance themselves or at the local service facility. A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps," said the Robert.

Not only can a pre-trip inspection help reduce chances of costly and possibly dangerous road trouble, it also provides an opportunity to have repairs made at home, with one's own technician who knows the vehicle. Especially important, it provides peace of mind. While no inspection can guarantee a car's performance, it's comforting to know proper precautions were taken.

   

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Car Tips

•  Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

•   Keep your windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds, increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10% decrease in fuel economy.

• Avoid long idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel that letting it idle.

•  Stay within posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. For example, driving at 65 miles per hour (mph) rather than 55 mph, increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.

•   Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

•   Inspect the engine's belts regularly. Look for cracks or missing sections or segments. Worn belts will affect the engine performance.

•  Have the fuel filter changed every 10,000 miles to prevent rust, dirt and other impurities from entering the fuel system.

•  Change the transmission fluid and filter every 15,000 to 18,000 miles. This will protect the precision- crafted components of the transmission/transaxle.

•  Inspect the suspension system regularly. This will extend the life of the vehicle's tires.

• According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect.

• The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of coolant should be checked. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.)

• Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled. The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked by a pro.

•   Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage or tow a trailer.

• Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended more often in dusty conditions. Get engine drivability problems (hard stops, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

•  A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

• Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; let the tires cool down first. Don't forget your spare and be sure your jack is in good condition.

•  Check your owner's manual to find out what fuel octane rating your car's engine needs then buy it. 
  
  
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Tips to conserve fuel and put cash in your pocket

The Car Care Council has offered some gas-saving maintenance and driving tips to help you conserve fuel.

Here are some suggested ideas:

Vehicle gas caps – About 17 percent of the vehicles on the roads have gas caps that are either damaged, loose or are missing alltogether, causing 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year.

Under inflated tires – When tires aren’t inflated properly it’s like driving with the parking brake on and can cost a mile or two per gallon.

Worn spark plugs – A vehicle can have either four, six or eight spark plugs, which fire as many as 3 million times every 1,000 miles, resulting in a lot of heat and electrical and chemical erosion. A dirty spark plug causes misfiring, which wastes fuel. Spark plugs need to be replaced regularly.

Don’t be an aggressive driver – Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent on city streets, which results in 7 to 49 cents per gallon.

Avoid excessive idling – Sitting idle gets zero miles per gallon. Letting the vehicle warm up for one to two minutes is sufficient.

Observe the speed limit – Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Each mph driven over 60 will result in an additional 10 cents per gallon. To maintain a constant speed on the highway, cruise control is recommended. 

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The Top 5 Vehicle Problems and How to Avoid Them

There are so many things that can go wrong with a vehicle that it’s quite hard to come up with a definitive list.  With so many components and more electrical devices being added to vehicles every year, it’s important that you have a good auto repair service that you can call on when you need assistance.  By arranging regular automotive service and repairs you can avoid some of the more common vehicle problems and ensure your vehicle performs well all year round.

1. The Flat Tire
A flat tire is one of the most frustrating problems you can experience on the road especially if you don’t know how to change a tire or do not have a spare tire available.  This is also the kind of problem that often occurs when you are least prepared to deal with it.  By having tire checks carried out on a regular basis you can help to avoid damage to your tire.  Your car repair shop can also equip you with a spare tire and show you how to change a tire if you suffer a blow out on the road.

2. The Dead Battery
A dead battery is one of the problems that a driver dreads the most.  Without a working battery there is no way of getting the engine started or powering any of the auxiliary units on board.  The good news is that you can avoid battery problems by arranging a battery test and replacement battery if necessary.  Don’t take the chance of being stuck by the side of the road or in a parking lot with no power.

3. Ignition Problems
There are many problems that can prevent a car’s engine from starting.  If you have requested a battery test then the entire ignition system will be checked.  By taking your vehicle to your local car repair shop you can ensure your car will start first time, every time.

4.  Leaks or Liquids at Low Levels
It is so important that you keep oil, water and brake fluids topped off at all times.  Oil and water should be checked every 2 weeks if you drive your car frequently or every 2 months if you drive less frequently.  Depleted water levels could cause your car to overheat while depleted oil levels could mean your engine grinds to a halt through lack of lubrication.  Brake fluid is also essential for ensuring efficient braking and will ensure your batteries last for as long as possible.

5.  Electrical Component Failure
Our vehicles rely so heavily on electrical components these days.  From your car’s onboard computer to parking sensors, you won’t know how much you rely on these systems until they fail.  Again, your car mechanic can give your vehicle the once over so that any potential problems can be detected before you set off on the road.

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How do outside conditions affect my brakes?

Effects of Temperature

Outside temperature actually has little or no affect on your brake system. In fact, due to the friction generated between the brake pads and rotors, your brake system stays warm for a substantial amount of time after being driven for even a short amount of time and even after being parked. Cold weather doesn’t stop the heat and friction from being created inside your car’s brake system. Heavy braking can, however, overheat your brakes, reducing their efficiency.

Water or a Winter Chill

Rain or melting snow or ice can result in moisture on your brakes or brake fluid. If the water freezes, your brake system’s ability to function with the proper and efficient amount of pressure required for optimal performance drops. You may experience a dragging in your brakes under these circumstances. Additionally, if the excess moisture in your brake fluid begins to boil from the extra heat created as a result of increased friction, your brake performance may weaken and the distance required to stop your vehicle will increase. 

Prevention

Make sure that brake maintenance is on the top of your list for vehicle service each year. A skilled mechanic can make sure that your brake system’s intricate parts are working efficiently and functioning properly, helping you prevent any dangerous situations due to weather or other driving conditions.


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New Audi S3 first drive

The S3 is the new range-topping version of the Audi’s brilliant A3 hatchback. The A3’s classy cabin, prestige image and sophisticated driving manners have made it a massive hit with family hatchback buyers, but can the most powerful version strike a similar chord with hot-hatch aficionados?

Well, they’ll certainly be impressed by the numbers. The S3’s turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine serves up a stonking 296bhp, along with 281lb ft of pull delivered at just 1800rpm. This is good for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.2 seconds, or 4.8 seconds with the optional six speed twin-clutch transmission. Both versions have a limited top speed of 155mph.

Indeed, the manual car we drove did feel mightily brisk. It pulls strongly at low revs, and kicks even harder when you stretch it to the upper reaches of the rev range. As fast and as flexible as the S3 is, though, the acceleration never feels quite as devastating as you expect given the banzai power output. The slightly imprecise manual gearshift doesn’t do much for the speed of your progress, either.

The handling, too, will be something of an acquired taste. On the plus side, the body stays very flat under hard cornering, and you have immense grip to call upon, thanks partly to the standard four-wheel drive. Ordinarily, the system delivers 95% of the power to the front wheels and just 5% to the rear, but up to 50% can be sent rearwards if needs be.

The standard Drive Select system also lets you tailor the behaviour of the throttle and steering to your mood depending on which of the four driving modes you select. In every setting, the steering is consistent and nicely weighted.

 However, while the S3 deals with twists and turns in a very secure, very neutral way, it won’t thrill you like the best hot hatches can. It doesn’t respond to inputs as sharply or as dramatically, and as such, it isn’t as engaging to drive. In short, it feels too much like a fast version of the regular A3. For many hot hatch buyers, that simply won’t be enough.

That said, the S3 shares plenty of other characteristics with the regular A3 that buyers will like. For example, it’s a brilliant cruiser. Wind and road noise are extremely well suppressed, and although the engine sounds suitably throaty when you get your clog down, it settles well at motorway pace. The ride is also impressively smooth, despite the suspension being 25mm lower than a standard A3’s, and this also helps you plough through the miles in a relaxed, comfortable manner. However, it remains to be seen whether the S3 is as comfortable on battered British roads as it was on the smooth German ones on which our test drive took place.

 

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Each time you drive, you trust your life to your car's tyres.

A tyre at incorrect pressure may have less grip, be more likely to puncture and can increase fuel consumption. It will also wear out much faster. Yet surveys show that many cars have one or more tyres incorrectly inflated and few drivers check their tyre condition and pressures regularly enough.

An astonishing 87% of 789 drivers interviewed recently by jamjar cars confessed to forgetfulness when it came to carrying out this basic but vital safety check. And most women, despite being known to be safer drivers, put their lives in greater risk by either neglecting this task or leaving it to others to perform (or not).

The world-leading publisher of automotive repair manuals, is renowned for teaching millions of car owners how to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. Each manual lists the correct tyre pressures (they vary accordingly to the particular model and the number of passengers and amount of luggage being carried) and explains how to check them - a five-minute task that should be done weekly.

This vital check may save you from returning to your vehicle to find a flat tyre, experiencing a blow-out on the motorway, or even worse, a crash!

Pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold (not driven for at least 30 minutes), so a garage or filling station may not be the most convenient place to do it. It's probably better to make it a regular task you do at home - for which you will require a pressure gauge. A good quality tyre pressure gauge is not expensive and a digital version will be easy to read. Alternatively, you can buy a foot pump with a built-in gauge, or a compressor which runs off the car battery. See a full at your local San Jose.

Don't forget to check the pressure of the spare tyre. It should normally be inflated to the highest of the pressures quoted for your car (or higher in the case of 'space saver' spares).

For more advice on model-specific procedures, please refer to the appropriate San Jose Auto Repair Services.


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HOW TO CHANGE A WHEEL

Changing a wheel is straightforward, provided you know where the tools and spare wheel are kept, and how to use a jack. If you've just bought the car, or if you have never changed a wheel before, it is worth practising at home - then you'll know exactly what to do if you get a flat tyre.

• Apply the handbrake, engage first gear or set automatic transmission to 'P', then use the blocks of wood to chock the wheel diagonally opposite to the one that is being changed.
• Put on the gloves, get out the spare wheel, vehicle jack and wheelbrace. They are generally located in the luggage area, under a cover in the floor (see in your car handbook for details).
• Lay the carpet beside the flat tyre to kneel on. Where applicable, remove the wheel trim/cover - you may need to cut nylon cable ties fitted to stop theft - then prise off the trim or cover with a flat-bladed screwdriver. Use thewheelbrace to loosen each wheel bolt/nut on the affected wheel by about half a turn - if necessary, employing the special socket for any anti-theft bolts or nuts.
• Engage the jack head in the jacking point nearest the affected wheel (check your Haynes Manual for details). Slide the spare wheel part way under the car, near the wheel to be removed, but out of the way of the jack (this is a safety measure in case the jack slips). Raise the jack until the tyre is 25 to 50mm off the ground.

It's important to get the flat tyre repaired or renewed as soon as possible - don't put it off!.        

 Positioning a wheel on the hub can be tricky, as you have to support its weight at the same time. If you find this difficult, try resting the wheel on your shoe to help you manoeuvre the wheel into position (but be careful not to hurt your foot).









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Automotive Tips

Q. How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change, or every 6000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Q. Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Q. What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems.

Q. What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut the engine off! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to A & J Automotive.

Q. When should I get my oil changed?

You should get your oil changed every 3000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Q. What is that milky brown engine oil?

Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler, or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.

Q. How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?

Battery cables and terminals should also be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

Q. What is synthetic motor oil?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Synthetic motor oils, though more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

Q. When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?

To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Q. When should I change my spark plugs?

For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum tipped spark plugs.

Q. I need to replace a burned out fuse, what should I do?

Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.

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