CAR EXHAUST SYSTEM RUST PREVENTION
Even if you park in a garage, your car is continuously exposed to moisture. The vehicle’s body is painted and treated to prevent rust and corrosion, but your car exhaust system is not only the most exposed, but it also isn’t very well-protected. As you drive, exhaust pipes and the muffler are constantly hit with water, salt and other debris that can damage and rust it. Here are a few ways that you can prevent corrosion and keep your exhaust system working for a long time. Was
THE EFFECTS OF DRY HEAT ON YOUR CAR: A PRIMER
The effects of dry heat on your car might not be immediately obvious. After all, most of what you’ve likely heard about vehicle maintenance warns against damp conditions, snow, ice or road salt. In a climate where rain is an infrequent concern, is there anything in particular that you need to consider when it comes to protecting your car or truck from the heat? Of course there is — but don’t worry, we’ve got your covered. Check out these tips on how to protect your car from d
WHY DOES AN ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT FAIL?
Your engine’s accessory drive belt is tasked with a lot of responsibility. Not only does it have to connect several spinning pulleys at the front of your motor and keep them moving quickly enough to power important components like the alternator, the water pump and the power steering pump, but it also has to do so in weather that ranges from 20 degrees below zero to a scorching 120 degrees. The drive belt must do all of this while dealing with under-hood heat, rain and rocks
SUN DAMAGE: PROTECTING AND REPAIRING YOUR CAR’S UPHOLSTERY
The sun and heat present a damaging combination for cars, and this is especially true for the interior. Left untreated, dashboards may crack and other surfaces may fade or tear. Don’t let the summer heat get you down, though. There are steps you can take to protect your vehicle from sun damage. Even when damage is apparent, you still have options at your disposal. The Power of Sun and Heat Even on cool days, the interior of a car can become perilously hot within an hour, unde
BROKEN AIR CONDITIONING: HOW NOT TO GET CAUGHT SWEATING THIS SUMMER
Broken air conditioning is the absolute worst when you’re stuck in traffic dealing with the summer heat. Knowing how to spot potential air conditioning problems before they become serious is half the battle when it comes to maintaining your AC, and a little preventative maintenance can often go a long way toward keeping you cool all summer long. Use It or Lose It One of the most common causes of broken air conditioning is neglect — and that doesn’t mean maintenance-wise. If y
IS YOUR CAR RADIATOR FAN BROKEN? 3 COMMON SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR A REPLACEMENT
A car radiator fan has one very important job — to make sure that as much air as possible is drawn across your engine’s radiator. This helps to ensure that your motor is able to maintain a safe and stable temperature no matter how fast you’re driving or how hot external temperatures get. When a fan starts to act up, it’s important to move quickly in order to avoid potential damage to your vehicle. Check out these three common signs it’s time for a replacement fan. 1. Temperat
SUMMER TIRE PRESSURE: 4 QUICK TIPS TO KEEP YOU ROLLING
Keeping your tires inflated seems like it should be simple — and that’s likely the reason a lot of people overlook it. It’s a small act that keeps you on the road, and it’s definitely something to stay on top of. Maintaining proper summer tire pressure requires special considerations. Here are some quick tips to ensure your tires are always ready for the road. Battling Inflation One of the most important things to know is that tire pressure changes with temperature. Hot air e
WHEN TO USE YOUR EMERGENCY BRAKE: CAR MYTHS DEBUNKED
All vehicles have two brake systems. The “service brake” is the primary brake system, the one that activates when you step on the brake pedal. A booster amplifies the force, sending hydraulic pressure to the brakes at each wheel. The secondary brake system is independent of the hydraulic brake system, engaged by levers or cables. This functions as a backup in case the service brake fails, which is why it’s typically referred to as an “emergency brake.” When the question of wh
WHAT IS SYNTHETIC BLEND OIL?
You’ve probably seen it on the shelves of your local auto parts store or repair shop and wondered: What is synthetic blend oil? Also known as part- or semi-synthetic motor oil, it consists of a combination of mineral oil and synthetic base oil. This means that it provides some of the same benefits as a full-synthetic motor oil, including improved wear detection and fuel efficiency. Here’s a look at the differences between the two prominent motor oil types and why synthetic bl
I HAVE A STRIPPED OIL DRAIN PLUG! HELP!
Routine oil changes are an essential part of keeping your engine happy and healthy. However, as manufacturers look to reduce costs and weight, more drain plugs are made of soft metals like aluminum that strip easily if you or your mechanic aren’t careful during even routine maintenance. A stripped oil drain plug can lead to major engine failure, so take a moment to learn about the best practices for avoiding it and what your options are for repair if it’s too late. Tiny Bolt,
