In addition to performing some basic car maintenance, fall is the perfect time to make sure you have a few essential items in your car that will save you from a lot of trouble in case of an emergency. As winter approaches and driving conditions become increasingly unpredictable, take note of these items you should always have in your car to stay safe all year long. Blankets In the event of a breakdown or harsh weather that leaves you temporarily…
Your vehicle is equipped with a Vehicle Warning Indicator system. This is a technical term for all those little icons that light up in your dash. A few common indicators you should know are: Check Engine This could mean a routine maintenance task is needed. It may also mean that a sudden engine issue has arisen. When you see this light, get your vehicle in for an inspection immediately! Coolant Temp See a thermometer icon light up? You will probably…
Traveling with pets definitely has its pros and cons, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. Follow these tips and tricks, and your vacation with your furry friend will be a breeze. The best thing you can do to keep your pet in a good mood on the drive (and keep him from bugging you the whole time) is to get them used to taking trips in the car before you go, taking longer and longer drives each time…
If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of person when it comes to your car, here are some tips on how to change your oil. First, consult your owner’s manual for the type and weight of oil specific to your vehicle. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s suggestions, because using the wrong type of oil could damage your engine. Second, spread a plastic sheet on the ground, and then drive your car over it. This will keep you from having to do…
Winter is coming to a close and that means your vehicle is probably looking like it’s seen better days. Between the salt stains and sludgy hubcaps, winter does a number on vehicles both big and small. But thankfully the time for spring car maintenance is here, and we’ve got some quick tips for getting your hot rod hot again. Salt isn’t just ugly, it’s damaging. Salt causes rust, and the sooner you get all of it washed of your vehicle,…
When your car starts to show signs of a bad radiator, it’s one of the most important parts to have replaced, especially as we enter the cold winter season. The radiator is vital for maintaining a normal temperature inside your engine, so without it your engine will overheat and stop working. Overheating is the most noticeable sign of a bad radiator. While you’re driving, it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge, which measures the internal state of…
With Autumn comes so many wonderful things: drinking apple cider until your belly hurts, pumpkin carving, road trips to admire the foliage, “sweater weather,” and of course trick-or-treating. The latter often sees kids at their most excited. They get to dress up and be a character, hang out with friends, and, best of all, collect massive amounts of candy. Everyone loves trick-or-treating but it’s important to maintain safety. Our friends at the CDC took some time to put together some…
The first step to handling a problem is admitting that you have a problem. Ask yourself… Do you find it impossible to stop texting and driving? You probably already know how dangerous it is but you just can’t stand to be out of the loop. You text and drive despite that fact that nine Americans die every day from distracted driving, according to the CDC. Although it’s technology that got you into this problem in the first place, technology can…