Is Your Dashboard lights Trying to Tell You Something

A car dashboard normally reveals a wide range of warning lights each with a different warning to put across. When a red light appears on the car dashboard, the car should be brought to a halt right away. Cars have become quite sophisticated with the advent of technology, hence a significant growth in the number of faults that might arise as well as the number of dissimilar warning lights capable of flashing on the car dashboard. After starting the car, all these lights are supposed to come on shortly hence giving the reassurance that the car's bulbs are working. When a bulb stays lit for a longer period or starts glowing, it is trying to warn the driver about some default with the car.
The warning light for oil pressure illuminates after switching on the ignition and usually extinguishes after starting the engine. If this fails to happen, the car should be stopped and the engine switched off to check the level of the engine oil which should be topped up if it is inadequate. However, the engine should similarly be topped if the oil level is adequate but there is an illumination of the warning lamp.
The warning light for the battery charge similarly illuminates after switching on the illumination but should extinguish once the engine is started. Failure to illuminate while starting or presence of an illumination while driving is an indication of a faulty charging system. This may be caused by slack starter terminals or battery, a loose or broken alternator drive-belt or failure in the alternator. The car should be taken to a repair facility and checked by a professional mechanic.
The warning light for the brake system remains illuminated after engaging the handbrake and an illumination after the release of the handbrake indicates that the brake fluid level is low. The fluid level normally drops slowly after the wearing off of brake fluid. Therefore, the level of brake fluid should be checked frequently. In case the brake fluid is adequate, but the light is still illuminated, this may be an indication of a fault with the sensor and should be taken to a technician for diagnosis.
If the warning light for the engine illuminates after switching on the ignition, it ought to extinguish after starting the engine. In case it illuminates while the engine is running, this indicates that the management system of the engine has a malfunction and should be checked immediately. In case the light flashes while driving, the speed of the vehicle should be reduced immediately until there is a constant illumination of the light.
When the ABS warning light briefly illuminates after switching the ignition on, it confirms an operational system, but if it does so while driving, there is a malfunction and should be checked immediately. Vehicles comprise of antilock brakes to indicate when the antilock car system has a problem but this does not necessarily signify that the brakes are incapable of working, but rather there is a likelihood of a problem with this feature; a technician should inspect the system. A warning light for the air bag indicates the detection of a hitch with the air bag system by a sensor. This requires to be inspected after it comes on. With a wide range of warning lights being exhibited on a car dashboard, it is vital to be aware of which warning each light portrays to be able to solve any possible car problems.

Checks to Help Your Car Through a MOT

In the UK, your car needs a MOT every year once it is three years old. Taking the time to prepare your car for a MOT will reduce the chances of it failing for something minor such as a dead light bulb. You'll also avoid the hassle and potential cost of bringing the car back for a re-test.
Below are some easy checks you can make yourself before an MOT to greatly increase the chances of your car passing.
TOP TIP: "Having your car serviced just before an MOT should pick up any faults that might cause it to fail. A well serviced engine will also help it pass the emissions test."
LIGHTS
Nearly twenty percent of all MOT failures are due to a dead bulb. Use the list below to make sure you've checked all your bulbs. Park up close to a wall or garage door if you don't have anyone to help you check them.

• Headlights (check main beam & dipped)
• Sidelights (Front & rear)
• Indicators (front, rear and side repeaters)
• Brake lights
• Number plate (only on the rear numberplate)
• Reverse lights (not part of an MOT but worth checking anyway)
• Rear fog (front fogs not checked)
• Hazards (check separately from indicators)

Some indicator and brake light bulbs have a colour coating which starts to peel as they get old. When the colour flakes off, the bulb shines white and is cause enough for a test failure. Check the colours are correct at the same time as making sure they all work. All light fittings should be secure without cracks or damage.
WHEELS & TYRES
All the tyres should be above the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across ¾ of the tyre's width.
There should be no damage on the tyres. Check for splits in the tread, bulges or cuts to the sidewalls.
Check the tyre sizes - the front tyres must be the same size and the rear tyres must be the same size.
Make sure there are no missing wheels nuts or any heavy damage to the wheels themselves.
A spare wheel is not a requirement for the MOT and is not checked unless it is being used as a road wheel at the time. A 'space saver' spare fitted as a road wheel will not pass the MOT.
WINDSCREEN
Check the windscreen for chips and cracks. The car will fail the MOT for chips over 10mm in the driver's line of sight (A) (use the width of the steering wheel as a guide) and over 40mm in the area swept by the wipers (B). Any scratching that limits the drivers vision will also be a reason for a failed test.
Get small stone chips repaired as soon as possible to stop them spreading any further and costing you the price of a new windscreen.
WIPERS
The wiper blades should be secure and clear the screen effectively for their entire length. Lift them up and check the rubber is not split or perished and that they are safely attached to the wiper arm.
WASHER JETS
Top up your screen wash before taking the car for it's MOT and test the jets to make sure they operate correctly. Blocked nozzles can be easily cleared with a pin.
STEERING
The steering system isn't something you'll be able to check easily apart from making sure the wheels can turn freely from lock to lock and the power steering is working correctly if you have it.
FUEL
The fuel cap needs to lock securely in place and the seal inside the cap shouldn't be split or perished.
EXHAUST
The exhaust needs to be held on securely and not have any holes (apart from the obvious one at the end!). If your car exhaust is sounding louder than normal there's a good chance it has a hole in it. You might be able to tell by getting your ear low to the ground on the driver's side and listening carefully as you blip the accelerator (when the car is parked). If you go over a bump and the exhaust clunks on the underside of the car, the rubber mounts may be worn and in need of replacement.
HORN
The horn needs to work and be loud enough to attract the attention of pedestrians or other motorists. Musical air horns are a guaranteed fail!
MIRRORS
The mirrors need to be in place and secure, i.e. not held to the car with sticky tape and string. The glass shouldn't be cracked or smashed.
BODY
The car's bodywork must be free from heavy corrosion, not be badly damaged or have sharp edges sticking out. The front doors should work from inside and outside and the rear doors will need to work so other parts of the test can be completed such as seat belt checks. The boot and bonnet need to close securely.
BRAKES
Most checks on the braking system require specialist knowledge but there are some easy things you can test. Make sure the rubber on all the pedals isn't worn away and if your car has ABS, the warning light should go out after the car is started. The hand brake should hold the car on a hill.
NUMBER PLATES
Front and back plates need to be secured properly to the car and not cracked, faded or hidden by dirt. The letters and numbers should be standard and evenly spaced.
SEAT BELTS
All the seat belt buckles should latch and fasten securely and lock when you give them a sharp tug. The belts need to be in good condition, not cut or badly frayed. The seats must be firmly bolted down; grab the base of each seat and try rocking it.
EMISSIONS
The best way to ensure your car passes the emissions test with ease is to have the car serviced prior to its MOT. On top of this, if your car hasn't been run in a while or is mainly used for short town journeys, take it on a longer motorway type journey where a higher engine speed is sustained for a greater length of time. This helps to clean out sooty deposits from the engine prior to the emissions test.

For MOT FAQs, head to http://motchecklist.co.uk/mot-faqs.html

Do You Know How to Keep Your Car Air Conditioning Healthy

It is important to many people to look after their car and to take pride in its appearance. Many of us spend endless hours cleaning and polishing. However, cleaning the outside and inside of the car, shampooing, polishing and vacuuming is not enough. In order, to ensure that your vehicle reaches and maintains its peak performance levels, it is vital to have regular Air conditioning services carried out by an expert technician.
The health of your car air con depends upon routine checks and regular servicing sessions, ideally spaced twelve months to eighteen months apart. The natural porosity of the hoses and other components of the air conditioning require regular upkeep. Moreover, a well-functioning car air conditioning system is not just important it is a necessity, since lack of use, could result in the refrigerant gas leaking slowly out of the system at an estimated rate of 15%-20% every year!
Ensure that you switch on your air conditioning for at least five minutes every week even during winter because an unused system can result in seals becoming dry, leading to gradual deterioration in the systems performance. This could also mean that the system would gradually stop working.
Do you have more questions on the servicing and re-gassing of your car air conditioning system?
We hope that the below frequently asked questions will help to answer some of your concerns and also provide you with a deeper insight about the air-conditioning system servicing process.
Q. What is the time duration required for servicing and re-gassing the system on most cars?
In order to properly complete the servicing and re-gassing, a minimum of one hour is required. Any time period less than one hour means that the job is not being done properly.
Q. How much gas does the system require?
The amount of gas is dependent on the make and model of the car. The gas is measured by weight. A small sized car can consume up to half a kilo of refrigerant, whilst a luxury car, with climate control can take as much as one and a half kilos of gas.
Q How often does my system require servicing?
Ideally, the air conditioning system should be serviced every 12 - 18 months. This ensures maximum performance. If the air conditioning system is run on a low refrigerant level, then the compressor has to apply extra effort, thereby reducing its life span.
Q. Is frequent running of my system good for it?
Yes, running the car air conditioning system regularly is good for the systems health. It's advisable that you switch on the air conditioning for a short period of time, irrespective of the outside weather. When you use it daily, it ensures that the rubber seals and gaskets in your system remain lubricated, thus preventing leaks.
Q. What are the causes of bad odour? How can the car smell fresh again?
Bacteria, micro - organisms or fungal growth behind the dashboard on the evaporator is usually the cause of a strong smell. When the fan blows air, these organisms are blown into the car atmosphere causing flu like symptoms or allergic reactions. Having the car air conditioning system serviced will certainly help to get rid of these types of bacteria, leaving your car smelling fresh and fragrant.

Steve Magill is the Managing Director of LVV Services Ltd. which is located in South Wales.Covering Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend and surrounding areas - http://www.lvvservices.com/

How to Repair Electric Windows

Electric windows can be problematic at times due to the amount of use they get day in day out, the main issue normally is with the electrical side rather than mechanical side of the system, fixing windows is simply a process of elimination so with this in mind it may be a fuse so look in your owner's manual for location of your fuse for the windows and check the condition of the fuse and see if it's the correct rate.

A problem may occur If the master switch is non-functioning but the door windows operate only by their respective panels, then the problem lies with the main panel. If a window does not operate with its individual control but functions with main control, it is most likely the individual control switch that has an issue. You would also need to find the electrical wire that enters the door and check it for insulation breaks, wear or breakage.

If the problem is narrowed down to the individual window motor at the door, then it will require you to remove the inner panel on that door. There will be bolts or screws and clips that hold the armrest pad in place and plastic push pins that hold the rest of the panel in place. The pushpins can be removed by carefully pulling the panel, evenly, around the perimeter to pull the pins out of their sockets. Most vehicle panels must then be moved upward to be able to remove them from the door. Move the panel aside to gain access to the inside of the door where the window motor is located. Sometimes, an electrical grounding problem is the cause. Simply restoring the ground connection can often repair the function of the window.

If you are unable to fix the problem by restoring the ground connection then it may be necessary to replace the window motor completely. After repair, replace the door panel and check to see if all windows and switches are functioning.

How To Change Spark Plugs On Your Car

In this guide we are going to show how to change spark plugs on your car and set the electrode gap for the best possible spark. Setting the correct electrode gap is essential for good fuel economy, cold starting and smooth engine idle. Set the gap too wide and the HT (High tension) coil will not provide enough voltage to provide an arc across the gap, possibly resulting in no spark at all. Set the gap too narrow and the spark will be too small.
1. Remove HT lead or coil pack from spark plugPull off the HT lead from the first spark plug by grabbing the rubber boot and pulling sharply whilst taking care not to cut yourself on sharp engine components.

2. Clean around the spark plug
With the spark plug exposed, use a paint brush around the base of the spark plug to brush away dirt which could fall into the cylinder when the plug is removed. If compressed air is available, blow any dust out from around the base of the spark plug left behind by the brush. It is very important not to allow any dirt to enter the cylinder when the spark plug is removed.
3. Remove old spark plug
With a spark plug socket (normally 13/16 or 5/8 deep socket), turn the spark plug counter-clockwise with the socket wrench to remove.
4. Set electrode gap on new spark plugs
Using a spark plug electrode gap tool or feeler gauge, set the gap as recommended by your car manufacture for your engine model. You can sometimes find this information in your car owners/service or Haynes manual. Alternatively, your auto parts store where you purchased the new spark plugs may be able to tell you this.
To set the gap, find the correct size feeler gauge and slide it between the inner and side electrode. If the gap is too wide, tap the side electrode against the inserted feeler gauge with a small hammer. Gently tap until the gauge fits snug between the two electrodes.
If the gap is too narrow, prise the gap open with a thin feeler gauge and follow the above until the gap reduces to the correct width.
5. Fit new spark plugs
You should now be able to screw the new spark plug in place by hand. If there is too much resistance, unscrew the spark plug and try again. You should not screw the spark plug in with the socket wrench as this can damage the aluminum thread which is very soft and easy to cross thread.
When the spark plug cannot be tightened any further by hand, attach the socket wrench and turn clockwise a quarter of a turn using just one or two fingers, taking care not to over-tighten.
6. Refit HT leads to spark plugs
Push the HT lead for the spark plug back on and you should hear a pop where the clip in the wire plug snaps onto the top of the spark plug.
Summary
Continue with repeating steps 1 through to 6 for each additional cylinder. It is important to ensure only one HT lead is removed at any one time. This is to ensure the firing order is not changed.

Vehicle Maintenance - The Importance of Scheduled Maintenance to Avoid Costly Automotive Repair

The importance of scheduled maintenance:
Regularly completing scheduled maintenance items like oil changes, filter changes and tune-ups can keep your vehicle performing smoothly and getting maximum fuel efficiency.
Car maintenance is incredibly important for keeping your car in good working order. Maintaining your car regularly will not only allow your car to last longer, but it can also save you some money as well.
Many aspects of car maintenance can be done on your own, as in without the help of a mechanic.
Changing your own oil, oil filter and air filter(s) is an example of a way to save your money. Making sure your tires are properly inflated can not only help keep your car safe, but also make your car a little bit more fuel-efficient. Another part of car maintenance involves your brakes. Keeping them up to date and changing them regularly can not only make your safer, but save you some more money down the road. Car maintenance can include a variety of other simple things, such as a car wash. The paint on your car is susceptible to erosion, and other problems.
Taking the car to your mechanic is still important and should be done because there are things only a mechanic can do like tire aligning, checking the engine, etc.
Overall, car maintenance is extremely worthwhile because it will help your car make it as long as you need it to go.
Many of our customers are choosing to extend the life of their vehicles by scheduling factory recommended maintenance service on a timely basis; in addition they are having repairs made before they become major problems.
To help you keep your vehicle at its peak performance our service team has compiled a list of the top ten maintenance and repair items that you can easily and affordably perform to extend the life of your gas fueled or hybrid, car, truck or SUV.
Top Maintenance Services to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle
1) Change the Oil and Filter
Change your oil regularly to keep internal engine parts cleaner which lubricates the engine. By performing this, it catches and removes elements that are harmful to the engine. Prolonging oil changes can cause these damaging particles to create what is called "sludge" in the engine. This is the most important service you can do to extend the life of your car.
2) Change Air Filter(s) and Cabin Filter(s)
A dirty air filter prevents the necessary volume of clean air from reaching the engine which affects the emission control systems of the car; reducing air flow and causing a too rich air-fuel mixture which can foul the spark plugs. A clean air filter results in improved gas mileage, better acceleration, increased engine life, lower emissions and overall improved engine performance. Vehicles also have cabin filter(s) which are for the ventilation system. It will produce problems if it gets too plugged up with leaves and dirt.
3) Replace the Spark Plugs
Fouled spark plugs can create an engine miss-fire, rough idle and even starting problems.
4) Flush the Cooling System
A cooling system extends the life your radiator, heater and engine by flushing away dirt and rust particles that clog up the cooling system. Recommended flushing of cooling system every two years.
5) Perform Tire Maintenance
Regular tire rotation and proper inflation will increase fuel mileage and lengthen the life of the tires.
6) Change the Transmission Fluid
A transmission fluid change regularly can extend the life of the transmission. Performing a transmission service faithfully will alleviate possibility of major transmission failures.
7) Maintain the Brakes
Brake pads and shoes, if left neglected, your brakes will ultimately fail. This can cause damage to other, more expensive brake parts such as rotors, calipers and drums. Perform a yearly brake inspection to find and avoid potential problems before they become a major repair expense. Flushing your brake fluid every two years will also be a benefit.
8) Change your Fuel Filter and Fuel Injection Service
It is recommended that you change your fuel filter on a yearly basis. However, a yearly replacement really only applies to high mileage vehicles. If vehicles are used only on occasion or only drive short distances on a daily basis, then you can probably get away with a filter replacement every two or even three years. Fuel injection service extends the life expectancy of the injectors and can increase fuel mileage.
9) Replace the Timing Belt
A majority of manufacturers recommend timing belt replacement between 60,000 and 105,000 miles depending on make and model. Replacing the timing belt, before it breaks can save you a financial nightmare. If a timing belt breaks on an interface engine, you will have Bent valves, busted pistons, a cracked head, and possibly more extreme damage. This is very costly and want to avoid at all costs. If the belt fails on a non-interface engine, the engine will immediately shut down leaving you stranded. Timing Chains rarely break and will give you ample warning that they are going to fail. Also, as a rule of thumb, when replacing the belt is well worth getting your water pump replaced at the same time and less expensive due to the labor in replacing the water pump alone.
10) Perform an Annual or Seasonal Complete Vehicle Inspection
Have your vehicle inspected periodically extends the life of major components of your vehicle by diagnosing issues before they become major problems. Remember, getting your oil changed usually does not include a thorough and complete vehicle inspection.

German Motors http://www.germanmotorslodi.com/

LED Tail Lights Look Great On Any Ride

Maybe the car has been washed, waxed, shined and buffed. It's got new tires and rims, and a fancy new fender and grille, but something just seems to be missing and a finger can't be placed on it. Does it have new, flashy LED tail lights? If not here are a few reasons they may be the next thing in need of an improvement.
Not Only Better Appearance, Better Safety
No one wants a car that seems to have just about all the right touches. People want to drive a car or truck that has all the finishing touches and looks great. That's where LED tail lights come in. They can be the first project to do or the last. They will make the rear of any vehicle much improved on the eyes. There are all sorts of styles to choose from to match the general style of the car in question. But this auto parts asset does not stop at looks. They are a must for increased safety as they are easier to spot when braking in traffic and they don't need to be replaced as often as other tail lights.
Reasonable To Find
Maybe this is an auto accessory that seems hard to find. Not the case at all, so relax, put those feet up and open up the lap top or click on that desktop. These are a fingertip away. Do a few searches and find out which styles match which vehicles and what designs really are eye-catching. If there are worries about getting items shipped, rest assured there are plenty of options here also. If it's needed in a hurry there's always overnight or next day shipping. And if it's a worry that they'll get lost in the mail, choose to have it insured. Some items even come with free shipping which can help ease the stress on that old wallet.
Easy On The Budget And Easy To Install
With all these positives about LED tail lights it seems unreasonable not to enhance any car. Here's just a couple more that are super helpful. When it comes to the car world some items can really break the bank. Tail lights are a great place to do improvements, because they come in so many looks, and all these choices come in so many different prices, so choose what works best. On top of that they aren't the most difficult item to install, so why wait.

For more information on LED tail lights or to purchase them online visit ChosenAutoParts.com today!

UK car owners urged to consider upgrading their car radios before the rush in 2015 when 25 million car radios will cease to work

If you are thinking of buying a new car in the UK soon you'd do well to check what sort of radio it has in the dashboard. Experts are predicting that cars without a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) Radio fitted could be putting potential buyers off the deal, as retro-fitting a DAB radio or buying and installing a converter could be an unwelcome additional expense. Cars which already have a DAB radio fitted are expected to have a higher market value and will be easier to sell than those which have yet to be upgraded. With the switch-over to Digital Audio Broadcasting planned to take place in 2015 any driver of a vehicle with an FM only radio could be in for a rather quiet time with very few (if any) FM radio stations being available - almost overnight. It is thought there are in the region of more than 25 million FM car radios which would become obsolete and unusable once the Digital Switch-over is completed. The last-minute rush to upgrade will catch out many people and mean they end up paying over the odds to buy new radios and maybe having to pay for the fitting work to be carried out by professionals. Buying and fitting an adapter or converter could be a cheaper alternative to replacing that old FM radio. This would at least allow the driver and his or her passengers to continue to listen to their favourite radio stations and traffic reports.
However, as this would be an externally connected and fitted device it might not do much to enhance the appearance and value of the car. Indeed it could conceivably de-value the vehicle and force the owner to pay out for an expensive new radio before being able to sell their vehicle. No doubt with the law of supply and demand anyone leaving this until late could be facing very high prices. Now that may all sound rather gloomy, and in these times of recession the thought of having to pay out your hard-earned cash can only increase this gloom. But looking on the bright side DAB Radio does have a lot to offer the motorist. There are many more stations from which to choose from and along with the far superior audio quality digital offers these new radios will be considered a very nice feature for any car. The vast choice of stations already on offer will increase even more in the course of time, particularly after the 2015 Digital Radio Switch-over. The days of noisy, fading FM radio will soon be a thing of the past with high quality digital sound quickly becoming the norm. And with the capability of DAB radios to convey such a vast amount of information via their display panels we will soon be wondering how we ever managed with just the station name being displayed or in some cases just the frequency! Anyone who has used a DAB radio at home will understand just how advanced these radio are and how much useful more information they can present. They will, I'm sure, have found features such as the time display, station name display, artist or track names etc. a real boon.

From a safety point of view the fact that DAB radios are self-tuning can only be an added safety feature. No more fiddling with that tuning knob to 'tune in' the wanted station - never a very safe thing to be doing in a moving vehicle. How many accidents have occurred because the driver was distracted by trying to tune in their car radio, I wonder? Apart from the additional cost of upgrading to a mobile DAB radio the future of mobile broadcast radio in the UK is looking very rosy. The UK is at the forefront of developing and implementing this new technology on a national scale and will, I'm sure, be the envy of the motoring world. Do please start thinking about how this Digital revolution will affect you and the value of your car soon as 2015 is not that far away.

DAB Car Radio Reviews is a good place to start for choosing just the right system for your car. Get this wrong and you could be stuck with a so-so system. Get it right and you could be the envy of all your friends! Have a look here to find the best deals before you part with that hard-earned cash. http://dabcarradioreviews.blogspot.com/

Legal UK Roof Overhang and Projection - Transport Ladders, Scaffolding Etc

If are based in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland and you need to transport ladders, scaffolding, canoes, tipi poles etc on the roof of your van or car below are the official legal requirements. They can be found under section 26 of the VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency Operational Manual).
Rear overhang
Less than 1 metre: No requirement
1m - 2m: Render clearly visible (i.e- red ribbons, high visibility vest, etc) "Clearly visible within a reasonable distance to a person using the road"
2m - 3.05: Rear marker board required:
Over 3.05 metres: 2 working days notice to the police must be given.
Projections and overhang to the front:
0 - 2m: No requirements
2m - 3.05: Front and side marker board.
Overhang above 3.05: 2 working days notice to the police
What the VOSA manual does not specify is whether or not you can have a two metre front overhang and two metre rear overhang. We contacted VOSA and were informed that this was the case. Therefore, legally you can have a four metre total overhang without the need for a light board.
In practice however, if you have 3 metre mini, and wish to carry seven metre ladders, whether you are legally entitled to carry them or not, this will look very unsafe so you will almost certainly get stopped (You may also need to consider the weight of your poles and the cars MAM - the weight it is allowed to carry).
If the size of the load you are carrying looks unsafe to you, chances are it will look unsafe to other road users and the police. A print out of the VOSA manual kept in your car or van to prove it within the law will certainly save you a lot of time when or if you are stopped.

I researched the above topic for my tipi hire business as I regularly carry large loads. If you are interesting in renting a tipi in the UK for weddings, garden parties festivals, fetes, or wish to learn how to make tipi poles and pegs, or if you wish to view tepee artwork please visit my England tipi hire site.

Common Repair Problems

This article focuses on the some of common repair areas in auto repair, and provides a good starting of what brake repairs need to be made.
Brake Problem
The common brake problems are:
1. Low Brake Fluid Level
2. Contaminated Brake Fluid
3. Worn Brake Pads
4. Bad Brake Power Boost Unit
5. Vacuum Problems
6. Brake Line Obstruction
7. Air in the Brake Fluid
8. Master Cylinder Bad
9. Bad Brake Disc
10. Car Out of Alignment
11. Worn Front Suspension
12. Bad Wheel Cylinder
13. Parking Brake Fails to Release
14. Brake Pads Vibrating
15. Loose bolts and nuts
16. Worn or Broken Suspension Components
No Start Problem
Possible starting problems are:
1. Blown automotive fuse
2. Battery corrosion
3. Dead battery
4. Bad ignition switch
5. Bad starter connection
6. Bad ignition coil
7. Faulty distributor cap
8. Broken or shorting coil wire
9. Loose electrical connection
10. Bad fuel pump and relay
11. Clogged fuel filter
12. Loose starter
13. Bad injector
14. Faulty cold start valve
15. Chipped flywheel or ring gear
16. Bad ECU or MAF
Automatic Transmission Problems
The most common auto transmission problems are:
1. Low automatic transmission fluid level
2. Leaking automatic transmission fluid
3. Clogged automatic transmission filter
Steering and Suspension Problems
Possible steering and suspension problems:
1. Low or uneven tire pressure
2. Uneven or excessive tire wear
3. Bad alignment
4. Bad steering components
5. Sticking brake caliper
6. One or more wheels out of balance
7. Worn shocks or struts
8. Broken or slipped leaf spring
9. Low power steering fluid
10. Loose or worn power steering belt
11. Bad power steering pump
12. Leaking power steering rack
13. Broken steering rack mounts
14. Wheels out of balance
15. Loose wheel bolts
16. Worn or broken tie rods or steering rack
17. Worn strut bearings
18. Loose power steering belt
19. Worn power steering belt
Engine Problems
Possible engine problems are:
1. If you have a carburetor (there are still a few out there), the choke may not be set properly, or the choke may not be working correctly
2. The engine may be running too hot
3. The fuel pressure regulator may be operating at low pressure
4. The ignition timing may be set wrong
5. Ignition system problem
6. There may be a fault in the computerized engine control system
7. The fuel filter may be partially clogged
8. Torque converter (automatic transmission only) may not be locking at the right time, or it may be slipping
9. There may be a vacuum leak
10. Possible internal engine problems
11. EGR valve may be stuck open
12. Drive axles may be loose or worn
13. The fuel injectors may be dirty
14. Dirty air filter
15. The spark plugs may be dirty or worn
16. The ignition wires may be bad
17. You may have water in the gasoline
18. If you have a carburetor, you may have a bad accelerator pump or power circuit
19. The fuel filter may be clogged
20. Your catalytic converter may be clogged

Visit http://www.fixcarsyourself.com/ for more information and updates on common auto repair problems.

Your Car's Alternator - How Long Will it Last?

The alternator is one of the hardest-working part under the bonnet, It produces a constant current then transfers that current to the battery. This then powers all electrical features of your car while your alternator makes sure the battery charged.
If you have ever turned the key in your car's ignition and heard a clicking noise, you'll already be familiar with the sound of a dying alternator. The noise indicates the component needs to be replaced if everything was off and the batery is in good condition.

So what can can shorten the life of an alternator:

Slow Deterioration Over Miles
One of the most common reasons an alternator fails is because it was built poorly in the first place. New components are rarely an issue. You can expect them to last up to 100,000 miles.

Another reason this component can fail is due to normal wear and tear. Over time, the diodes can wear down, the stator windings may become ineffective, or the needle bearing on which the part's rotor spins can deteriorate. The wear and tear suffered by the alternator may be accelerated by other circumstances. For example, extreme heat generated by the engine can slowly take a toll; the battery may lose its charge, taxing the component more than normal; dirt may get into the unit. It's often difficult to know these things are occurring, especially because they happen gradually. However, you can - and should - periodically test the component to make sure it is in good condition.

Testing And Maintaining

In order to test the alternator, you'll need to purchase a voltmeter. They normally cost less than £15-30 and can be found at most auto supply stores, this device tests output level. To use it, turn your car's engine over and allow it to idle for a minute, ensure everthing like a radio, heating e.t.c is off.
Then connect the voltmeter's positive and negative connections to the positive and negative posts on your battery. The device should display a reading between 13.8 and 15.3 volts. Next, turn on your headlights and look at the reading again; turn on your radio and take another look; turn your vehicle's heater on. The voltmeter's reading should never dip below 12 volts. If it does, there's a good chance your alternator is faulty or failing. In both cases, you need to replace it.

Part Worn Tyres How Safe Are They? Guide and Advice

Thinking of buying part worn tyres? the biggest thing you have to remind yourself is that these are indeed second hand tyres that more than likely have been used on another car or van. The main source and market leader of these used tyres are from the continental tyre companies from Europe.
Some issues you should be aware of with regards to part worn tyres are the fact that a majority of the time these types of tyre are sold with 50 percent less grip when you compare them with normal new tyres. On top of this these used tyres will usually have a good few thousand kilometres of road driving behind them too. All in all, any potential buyer needs to recognise that part worn tyres are used tyres.
So always be cautious when deciding to purchase them. Most cases however the tyre will be perfectly road worthy but you should always check with the previous owner or garage if they have been in any bumps or collisions. You must know these things as there is a chance that damage caused in the past may be irreparable now.
It goes without saying that part worn tyres (because they are used tyres) have a lower retail price than that of the new tyres. This is judged to be the biggest reason why drivers will purchase used tyres as the saving in money could be what keeps the car on the road when regarding other outgoings necessary to run a vehicle these days. Tyre companies all around notify people the hazards of second hand tyres however it is advised that each argument for and against is heard before a decision was made on the legality of them.
The trading standard office viewpoint on the matter is one of which that they will continue to make drivers aware of any dangers they must think about prior to any purchase. This makes sense as long as the driver is aware the difference in health & safety between a tyre with tread at its legal limit next to a tyre that is half worn but still has all its other functions in perfect working order.
If its your opinion that you wish to go ahead with purchasing part worn tyres, you should always view a demo of them getting blown up (inflated) before they get fit into place onto your car. On top of that, please make sure there are no bumps or bulges shown on the tyre. Part worn tyres should be checked for premature aging. If signs of aging are there then you should be advised not to dip into your wallet at all.
The Legal issues of part worn tyres
Part worn second hand tyres are legally sold throughout the world. This is only possible however when they don't have any of the following characteristics.
* Make sure there are no 25 millimetres or longer cuts on the surface of the tyre
* Make sure there is no cord or ply vulnerable on either side of the tyre
* Swollen bubbles or rubber, Tears or bumps must not appear
* Unrepairable damage to the tyre
Proper official markings must be on the part worn tyres also. These need to:
* internal inspections only if the used tyre is sold on the rim
* The ratings of the speed and load ratings must be displayed
* "PART WORN" must be displayed on the tyre
I hope the above information has helped you come to a decision on whether or not part worn tyres are for you. Like most things they have their advantages and disadvantages but always check everything first before you make a purchase.

Car Battery Tips For Every Owner

The car battery is one of the essential components of a car most drivers take for granted. Every time you turn the ignition, you expect that the battery will work and help you start your car. Little to no thought is put into checking or maintaining the battery until there is a problem. Luckily any good maintenance shop will handle checking and maintaining your battery, but there are some things you can look out for. This will help to make sure you do not get stranded somewhere with a dead battery.
First, here is a little bit of information about the battery itself. The average car battery is a 12 volt, lead-acid battery. It works off of the very simple principle of converting chemicals into electricity. The chemical in question is a electrolyte in an ionic bath. The chemical is split into six cells which use plates to transfer two volts of power each. This power is then transferred through connective wires to any parts of the car which rely on it for power. Generally, the battery is encased in a plastic mold to protect you from any danger of electric shock when handling it. This also acts as a barrier to collect battery acid if a problem should occur.
The reason you do not have to replace your car battery like you do in a child's toy is because it recharges itself. By maintaining a properly working alternator and battery, you can go for a long time without having to replace the battery. Any problems you have with electrical power could either be caused from a problem with the battery itself, or with the system involved in recharging it. The quick fix is a jump start. You can move on with diagnosing your problem from there. If a jump start gets you where you need to go without any electrical; issues, your problem is with the battery, not your alternator. It is recommended that any time you notice a problem with the electrical system you take it in right away for a diagnosis.
For those with a standard car battery, here are some tips to extend it's life. Checking the water level is a very easy way to make sure your battery is operating properly. It should be checked every few months and should come up just to the bottom of the refill hole. When refilling, make sure you only use distilled water. This protects from corrosion. Make sure you do not overfill the battery. No matter what kind of battery you have, you should clean the connections periodically with a wire brush to maintain a good flow. Make sure you are gentle with the wires when disconnecting as you may shear the wire. Make sure the connector is secure, but not overtightened. Coating the connector with high temperature grease will help reduce corrosion and rust.
Remember that proper maintenance of your car battery should only serve as peace of mind. Nothing should replace bringing your car in to a trained professional to look at periodically. Full inspections will look over not only the battery, but the entire electrical system for any problems. These tips should only be used to give you a more secure feeling when you are far from home, or even at the store.

Car Body and Paint Repairs

Whether its ownership or the intention of boosting your car's morale, one can make repairs to body and paint. For instance, a cracked or leaking window, a door does not close properly, the car's fender was attacked by the garage, the car was whacked by a rock or a boulder or the interior has a tear or a cigarette burn. These and many others body and paint problems can be fixed by DIY style.
Tips for Your Car
- Here are some tips and guidelines for troubleshooting paint problems and automotive body;
- If the car was parked overnight in a violent neighborhood, it would probably need paint and body works.
- Prior to spending huge amount on a new paint, a little money can be spent on cleaners, polishes and rubbing compound just for seeing if grease are of any help to solve the problem.
- Anti-rust products such as naval jelly are really useful for removing and stopping rust. The manufacturer's recommendations can be followed.
- The auto parts dealer has a lot of aftermarket car care products which are designed to give a good look to the car. In such cases, they can be availed and used on the car to give it a better look.
Knowing the kind of a Crack
Car windows are really superb. They are helpful in seeing ahead without the wind mussing your hair. They also keep the rain and snow from getting in the car. So the question is what one can do if the car window is leaked or cracked. They can be easily repaired by using products that can be bought auto parts dealers and even many super stores. Depending on what is being intended to be done, there also might be a need for one or two glass suction cups for lifting and positioning larger glass pieces.
For repairing a car window with simple tools, these simple steps can be followed:
1. First, the damage to the window has to be identified. In case it's a small crack or chip, it can be repaired by using an automotive window repair kit. It is possible then the damage can be checked over a few days to know if it's even or if it's spreading. In case its spreading, then the repair kit might not be able to help in stopping the spread. A new glass would be required.
2. For repairing the glass, the instructions on the package of different window repair kits should be read. Some are for chips, some for cracks while others are for both. Look for the one that seems best to solve the problem. The manufacturer's instructions can be followed. Some kits require the removal of rough corners from the chip, installing the retaining cup and then installing the filler into the chip. In case of glass scratches, a glass abrasive and cleaner can be applied, it is available from bigger auto retailers or glass shops.
3. For replacing the glass, it has to be figured first how it will be taken out. Even though it is shattered into countless pieces, the glass would have to be removed from the edges before installing a new one. For a door glass, the door panel has to be removed to access the mechanism that moves the window up and down. The glass is attached below. The front and rear window glass requires the trim and the rubber gasket to be removed. The rubber gasket has to be replaced with a new one as the new one is installed. The car manual will be of help for removing and replacing the glass.
4. For repairing a leaking window gasket, pour water on it for identifying how it is getting it. If it is penetrating through the gasket, a putty knife can be used to lift the gasket away from the glass and a little window sealer can be applied. The excess can be cleaned and dried and then retest and repeat as required.
Sagging Doors gives an Old Look to the Car
Few things are more frustrating than standing by the car door in rain and banging it close tightly.
For adjusting doors using the car care toolbox, follow the simple steps below:
1. Look for the door sag. Open the door and close it slowly just stopping as it is about to touch the latch. In case the door is too high or too low for the opening then lift the door from the bottom below the handle. In case the door moves too much before it moves, then open the door completely and check the hinges for loose bolts or noticeable movement in hinges. For moving the door up, down, forward and backward, the hinge bolts on the body has to be slightly loosen, the door has to be moved to the correct position and then the bolts have to be tightened. For moving the door in and out, the hinge bolts on the door has to be slightly loosened, the door has to be moved to the correct position and then the bolts have to be tightened.
2. Once the door the correctly aligned, the door latching has to be checked. The door has to be carefully closed to see how it catches. Either the latch or striker bolt on the door can be adjusted. By opening and closing the door carefully few times, it can be estimated how much adjustment is needed. For guidance, the relative positions of the latch and striker on the opposite door can be checked. Once the door is adjusted, small changes can be done in the alignment by adjusting the screws at the bottom and top but not both of them at the same time. Once the door latches well, the screws can be tightened well so that the latch stays in alignment.
3. The rubber seal around the door can be inspected for presence of cracks
Un-Denting Unavoidable Dents
Here is what one can do to remove body dents. Some specialized body tools might be needed for the following job. Follow these steps:
Look closely to observe the nature of the scratch, in case of deep damage, some metals might have to be moved.
Tools for body repair can be bought form an auto retailer. They can be slide, pick and bumping hammers, and a variety of dolleys.
To hammer a dent, hold the dolley on the back side of the dent and bang on the front side with hammer.
For pulling out a dent, a hole has to be drilled, screw the slide hammer into the hole and move the handle back and forth for pulling it out.
For filling holes and finishing the repairing dent, a grinder or file can be used for removing the paint from that part and then filler can be used to shape. Filler can be of plastic or lead, the brand name of a popular plastic filler product is called Banda.
Permanent Makeup
Once everything is done, you can choose your desired color to give your car a good makeup. Sprays and paint cans can be used for this purpose, they can be easily bought from the market and easily used on the car.

Also learn other methods of car body and paint repairs

Car Seat Buying Advice and Guide - Car Seats For Babies and Children

Choosing the Correct Car Seat
Choosing the correct car seat can often be very confusing as not only have you to ensure the correct size car seat for your child but that the car seat that you choose is also a correct fit for your car. Selecting a car seat that scores highly in the many test reports available is all very well but selecting a car seat that fits your car properly is probably the more important feature for your childs safety.
If you are in any doubt about which car seat is the correct fit for your car consult the car seat manufacturers web site as many of the leading manufacturers such as Britax, Maxicosi and Renoluxwill have a Fit Finder guide detailing which of their car seats are most suitable for your model of car.
All child restraints sold in the UK must conform to the United Nations ECE Regulation R44.03 or later version of the standard and must be clearly marked.

Choosing a car seat that is suitable for your childs weight and height.
• Group 0+ Infant Carriers
• Group 0: for babies upto 10 kgs (22 lbs) approximately from birth to 6-9 months.
• Group 0+: for babies upto 13 kg (29lbs) approximately from birth to 12-15 months.

Group 0+ Infant Carriers
This group of car seat can be used in the front or rear of the car but CANNOT be used in the front passenger seat if there is a passenger airbag. It is safer to put them in the rear. Rearward-facing seats provide greater protection for the baby's head, neck and spine than forward-facing seats.
Babies should be in a rearward facing car seat and should not be placed in a forward-facing seat until they weigh at least 9 kgs and can sit up unaided. Babies should be kept in a rearward-facing seat for as long as possible. Once your child is above the maximum weight for a rearward-facing seat or the top of their head is above the top of the seat they should be moved into a forward-facing seat. It is not important if their knees are bent in the seat, provided they are still within the seat's weight range.
Convenience factor with this stage of car seat is that most models will have a carry handle enabling you to easily remove and carry the baby without removing them from the car seat especially handy if the baby is asleep and may also fit onto corresponding pushchair converting it to a travel system.
Group 0+ and 1 Car Seats
Suitable for Babies upto 18kg, Birth to 4 years approximately.
Ideal car seats if you do not have to constantly remove them from car to car or car to home. They are a much larger seat designed to protect your baby from newborn to 4 years approximately. The car seat is used rearward facing when using for a baby up to 9kgs. The car seat can be used forward facing once the baby has reached 9 to 13kg weight. Baby does not have to be forward facing until they are 13 kgs. It is important to check that this style of child car seat is compatible with your vehicle when fitted forward AND rearward facing. You must never leave baby asleep unattended in any car.
Forward-facing child seat
Group 1: for children weighing 9-18 kgs (20-40 lbs) approximately from 9 months - 4 years.
Once a child has outgrown a rearwards facing seat, the best option is to use a Group 1 seat with an integral harness, the large area of the harness helps to reduce the risk of injury if there is a crash. The bottom attachment between the legs will also prevent the child from sliding under, and out of the harness. They can be used in the front or rear of the car but it is safer to put them in the rear especially if there is a passenger airbag in the front. Once again it is safest to keep children in this type of car seat until they have outgrown it.
Only move your child to a booster seat once they have exceeded the maximum weight for the child seat or the top of their head is higher than the top of the seat. If you intend to use this car seat between two cars please ensure that the model of car seat purchased is suitable for both cars. It maybe simpler to purchase two seats each one fitting the car perfectly rather than buying one seat which may not fit either car perfectly as great care is needed to follow the seat belt routings and tighten well. They can also be car specific for correct fitting and not every child seat fits every car.
With this in mind it maybe worth checking out ISOFIX fitting car seats. This is a system that is intended to make fitting child seats quick and simple. All new cars are manufactured with ISOFIX points built into them allowing ISOFIX child seats to be simply plugged into the ISOFIX points in the car. This is a very useful development as many people find it difficult to fit child seats correctly and many surveys have found that a high proportion of the child seats are not fitted securely enough. Most child seats are currently designed to be fitted by using a car's adult lap and diagonal seat belt (or sometimes, just a lap belt). However car seats, seat belts and their anchorages vary dramatically between different models of cars. Car seats have different shapes, some seat belts are much shorter than others, the position of the anchor points differs so some are further forward or have shorter stalks than others. All these factors make it virtually impossible to make a child car seat that fits all cars and sometimes tricky to fit a child car seat correctly.
ISOFIX car seats are designed to solve all these problems. The ultimate aim is that any ISOFIX child car seat you buy will fit your car simply by plugging it into the ISOFIX points. The other benefit of ISOFIX is that it will create a rigid link between the child seat and the car to provide extra solidity. It is important to make sure that any ISOFIX seats that you use in the vehicle are approved for it. It is not yet the case that any ISOFIX seat will fit in every car with ISOFIX points. To fit an ISOFIX seat into some cars you may either to use a top tether kit or an ISOFIX car seat that has a drop down leg to stabilise the car seat to the car floor. Please ensure your car is suitable for whichever seat you choose by consulting the relevant manufacturers web site.
Group 2 Child Car Seats: for children weighing 15-25kgs (33-55lbs) from 4 to 10 years approximately.
If your child is over the 25kgs weight but is below 135cm in height it is recommended that the child remain in the seat. The majority of Stage 2 seats have a height adjustable back to allow you to gradually change the height of the back as your child grows; this also changes the height and angle of the seat belt, keeping it constantly in the optimum safest position. These seats do not have to be fitted to each car and will generally fit all vehicles without too many problems - sports car owners with bucket seats will need to choose a seat with a small base.
Group 1 & 2 Child Car Seats:
Suitable for children weighing 9-36kgs (20-80lbs) from 9 months to 12 years approximately or up to 135cms.
There is now a greater choice of car seats in this range than ever before. The car seat will include a child harness to be used up to 15-18kgs then the harness can be removed and the child seat can then use the adult car seat belt with most of these seats having an adjuster or seat belt guide so that the belt does not rub on the childs neck. The back rest of these seats will be height adjustable with some even having width adjustment as well.
Group 3 Child Car Seats:
Usually Suitable for children of 22kgs (48lbs) or 6 years upwards.
This child seat raises the height of the child so they can use the adult seat belt in the correct position.
WARNING:
No child seat is escape proof as harness systems are not designed to be completely child proof in order to comply with the legal requirements of ECE R44. The harness must be fastened and adjusted correctly with children encouraged to sit within the car seats harness.
If child seat has been involved in an accident or sustained any damage whatsoever it must be replaced immediately. Any damage to the car seat is not always visible such as the harness which is designed to stretch helping to prevent damage to the childs internal organs. This can only happen once with any further impact leaving the harness with no more stretch thus risking injury to the child.
This is why you should never use a second hand car seat.
If you allow your child to eat and drink in the car seat please ensure that you keep the buckle of the childs car seat clean as any food or drink that finds its way in may prevent the buckle and harness from working properly.

Nishik is an expert in baby car seat [http://www.just4baby.co.uk/acatalog/Baby_Car_Seats.html] buying advice and tips

How Does a Car Auction Work? Getting to Know More Things About Buyers During Car Auctions

Provided that you want to observe or start listening to commercials about cars, then you will probably hear most of the commercials talking on some features that the cars might have and that they can use to boast about the cars. Actually, not many of the advertisements can actually point out an ability that is really outstanding. This marketing strategy is just happening because of the huge numbers of new cars on the market today that also need to be sold out to somebody.
While some car makes are considered to be more reliable than others, the cars the most popular will generally be the ones that will become sold out the most rapidly during car auction. Therefore, you can imagine the saying that has been proven to be true so many times, that Reliability sells. Moreover, people always look for the reliable cars when they come at car auctions and thus, they also consider the maintenance costs for the cars they are interested into. Therefore, you might be aware of people crowding to buy a BMW or maybe even a Saab because those makes of cars have high maintainable costs, even though they are extremely reliable. There are some other types of buyers that will opt for the most luxurious cars and thus, the percentage of the customers is slightly different.
To be capable of purchasing a car offered at an auction, you might need to time your actions perfectly because remember, that if you need to buy certain cars , then you will need all the time in the world possible. Also, since every car on the auction will host different buyers, you need to look over the cars offered on display and then make your mind deciding on one specific offer. Therefore, you need to retain yourself to what interests you and only purchase what you need to do.
Different Types of Buyers
For purposes of the discussion, we assume that you are, to begin with, a novice at dealing with auction. therefore, you need to know what kind of people make up the buyers present at an auction. For then on, you need to keep along your hope that youwill then ensure that you put your hands on good deals and that you do not encounter any additional problems. Once you do that, make sure the others are not too impulsive and that they are willing to play the game of the bidding in a fair way. Once you do that, then you will become part of a competition to put your hands on a car and it is in your best interest to fight for it.
Also, there are some people who are present at car auction just to look after reliable cars. The people would only be looking at certain brands of cars and they will want to see that other bidders are interested in buying the same car. Because there are a lot of buyers out there willing to buy cars that are reliable, then you should be aware of this fact and realize that in some cases, you might not want to compete for the others that you wanted to. Therefore, it is a good idea to calculate timing as well as patience when you want to put your hands on a good car.
The hot cars that make up the season might not be available for an unexperienced auctioneer like you are but that doesn't mean you cannot still get good deals for a car. You just need to be patient and be on the look out for whatever is left in the car auction.
Also, another type of buyers during car auctions would be the type that holds a special interest into certain cars and is searching for cars that he or she could improvise or modify to suit personal needs .for instance, these types of buyers will probably not choose expensive cars to start with, but they will like to modify them in a way that is fitting to them. They might choose from the different SUVs, minivans or trucks that are on sales during car auction and thus, accommodate their budget needs with what they have in mind.
The last category of buyers that are on the lookout for different cars during car auction are the ones targeting luxury cars. They might want to save up some money from buying them directly from the manufacturing company and thus, they are targeting the car auctions which have extremely good offers for them. Also, the cars in the auction come with guarantees and their prices are generally lower than in general. You might also buyers of this types going for cars that are cars with a special value or emotion attached to the owners.

Uncover the importance of understanding about buyers at car auctions for your successful sales as well as tips and pointers in understanding about car auctions from the experts at http://www.howdoescarauctionwork.com/, the free resource guide on how to buy cars from auctions.

Always Consider the Best Car Tint

Window tinting is no longer anew thing for us. We always see this tinted window everyday since most our cars today are having a tinted window. But many of us do not know the benefits of car window tinting or what is the best car tint to gain the benefits of car window tinting.
The benefits of window tinting are reduction of solar heat, UV protection, privacy, as well as safety and security consideration. These are the main purposes of car window tinting that should be the first thing in mind by car owners when making decisions especially when customizing tint of their car window.
The best car tint will give you the benefits that are mention above because if it doesn't, then you are just wasting your time and most of all your hard earned money for something that doesn't give something in return as what we are expecting.
Considering that there are many options available and customizable for car window tinting, everyone who own a vehicle can now achieve the ability to personalize their vehicle as well. On the other hand, when car owners will make decision to tint their car, they also have to make sure that they choose the best car tint to install as well as the company to install the film. When you as a car owner will have to follow the two basic approach mention above then you will be pleased by the benefits of the tint.
To be able to acquire the best car tint, it is also vital to choose the right company to install the film in your window. Although there are many available do it yourself tinting products for consumers, it is still best to hire a company in order to enjoy a lasting benefit of best car tint. But as a consumer of this product to be careful because you will be attacked with many promises of low price and even a life time guarantee (for low cost).
The quality of the tint is the primary determinant of best car tint, so to make sure that you get the best, it is important that you should make a clear emphasis on the quality of tint to your vendor because if not then perhaps your tint will become bubbly and the dye in the tint will easily get fade. Therefore, for the best car tint it is important for car owners to discuss with their vendor the type of film to use as well the corresponding guarantee of the service rendered.

Here you can find a lot of useful information on the Best Auto Tint for you.

The Safest Cars on the Road

When you go car shopping you are probably dazzled by the sports cars or even the
big burly SUVs as well as the shiny colors and whether or not the vehicle is fully
loaded. Frequently, you will hear people talking about what car they want to buy and
will hear them mention things like leather seats, a great sound system, DVD players
and mini TV screens, great rims and other similar features. However, unfortunately,
you do not frequently hear people talking about the safety rating of the vehicle and
how well it performed in crash tests or if it has recently been recalled. For some
reason Americans are more consumed with how comfortable and cool their car is
and makes them rather than how safe it can keep them. However, even if consumers
are not overly interested in safe cars insurance companies are.
Insurance companies focus on keeping people safe, reducing accidents, and
ultimately the amount of money they have to pay out for coverage. So, safe cars are
the pick of the litter so to speak for insurance companies. They are so favored, in
fact, that insurance companies frequently offer discounts to individuals who buy
safe cars resulting in hundreds of dollars in savings each year on premiums. Safe
does not mean the car is unattractive or without all the extras you want, so get it
out of your head that safe does not equal cool.
And while the trend may not change and people will continue to look for cool cars,
they should keep in mind that there are indeed cool cars that are also safe cars.
Each year a rating list of the top 25 safest cars is produced and if you are in the car
buying market you should definitely take a peak and see if the car you are
interested in buying is on that list. If not, check out the other safe cars that did
make the list and see if you can find something that is equally cool and considerably
safer. The following cars made it on the safe car list and also have some amazing
features that will please even the pickiest car connoisseur.
Upscale Cars
If you are interested in and can afford an upscale car and are also concerned about
safety, then you should consider the Audi A4 or perhaps the BMW 330i. The Lexus
ES300 also ranked high in the crash tests and overall safety in the upscale sedan
category.
Small Cars
Small cars that rank high on the top 25 safety car list include the Volkswagen golf
and Honda Civic which received the top honors. Another safe car in this category
includes the Volkswagen Jetta.
Midsize Cars
Volkswagen also took the top prize in the midsize category with the Volkswagen
Passat GLX 6.0. The Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy also ranked high in the mid
size family sedan category.
Pickups
Everyone thinks pickup trucks are safe, however some are safer than others and
generally pick up trucks are not as safe as cars. In the top 25 safest cars the Toyota
Tundra SR5 4.7, Ford F150 XLT 5.4, and the Dodge Ram SLT 4.7 ranked higher and
safer than the rest.
Minivans and SUVs
The minivan and SUV category have an interesting array of really safe vehicles and
then some that are hazards to drivers and passengers. Minivans that responded well
in the tests include the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey EX, and the Mazda MPV. The
safest SUVs include the Lexus RX300, Toyota Highlander, and the Saturn VUE as well
as others.
Of course, you could choose to buy a safe vehicle and still be injured in an accident.
This is because there is no perfect car that is constructed in a way that it can protect
you 100%. However, there are plenty of cars that are significantly safer than others
and as a result consumers should pay attention to these cars. Fortunately, some of
the safer models are actually very stylish and come with the latest gadgets and
features so many people are looking for in a new car. So, no matter if you want the
coolest car on the market you can still find one that is rated high in the safety
category. Honda, Lexus, BMW, Saturn, Volkswagen, and others all ranked high in
their respective categories and are all very popular car models. Also, cars today are
significantly safer than they were even 15 years ago and tires are safer as well.
If you buy a used vehicle that is 10-15 years old you can rest assured it will not
have the same safety qualities as new cars made today. The reason for this is safety
standards were different as well as the technology used to build the cars. As a
result, older cars simply are not as safe. The best option for your safety and that of
your family and other passengers is to buy a car that is ranked high on the safety
list and rest assured that if you are in an accident your car will protect you as much
as possible because it was designed with safety in mind. By making safety one of
the qualities you look for in a vehicle, even above price or design, you are choosing
to protect yourself and your family, which is the best decision you can possibly
make. Remember to take a look at the top 25 list before you start car shopping. Not
only are the top 25 cars in all categories listed, but some of the worst cars are listed
as well so you will know what to avoid. Happy car shopping!

Oil Change - 5 Tips That Let You Know You Need New Lubricant

Whether you just bought your vehicle or it's over a decade old, you need to make sure you get an oil change on a consistent basis. Explore a few common signs that it's time to switch out the old lube for something newer.
Change in Color
Initially, when getting an oil change, the lubricant is a nice, clean honey color. However, as each day goes by and your car continually uses the same lube, it can get really dirty and turn dark, sometimes black. If you have the lubricant checked and notice it is really filthy, your vehicle has probably been in desperate need of new lubricant. To help be on the safe side and to protect your engine, you should bring your car into a shop so the experts there can replace the lubricant with a fresh batch.
Unfamiliar Sounds
When operating your vehicle, you often know what's normal and what isn't. So if all of a sudden, you begin to notice that your car is not sounding the way it should, you should bring it in to a pro. That's because there are various reasons why your car is making noise. One possible issue could be the fact that you need an oil change. If you have dirty lubricant, the parts of your engine won't function properly. You could have a leak that is getting into the entire system, which can cause malfunctions or strange noises. So don't take chances - if you hear something that seems out of order when it comes to your car, get it checked out and make sure filthy lubricant isn't the issue.
Sensors
Many vehicles have sensors or warning lights that tell you when something is wrong. The check engine light is a common one that lights up. Oftentimes, people think this light means your engine is trouble. While this can be true, there is a number of other issues that could be causing it to illuminate. For instance, if you're leaking brake fluid, this can cause the light to come on. Dirty lubricant is also the reason why some vehicles' check engine sensor can come on. In addition, you may also have a car that alerts you when you need an oil change or if it is low.
Time
Another common way to know when it's time to switch out the lubricant in your car is the amount of time that's passed. If it's been six months and you haven't had an oil change, now would be a good time to drop your car off. Although all cars are different, you need new lubricant on a regular basis. In the past, every 3000 miles was a common gauge. Yet, with so many variations in vehicles, this just isn't applicable to all cars. The best bet is to read your owner's manual or chat with the car dealer for a ball park figure regarding an oil change.
Low Oil Level
For some people, simply having lubricant in their car seems to be enough. However, there may not be enough in there. If that's the case, you most likely will have a sensor light that comes on. Also, if your car seems to be overworked or you're burning a lot more gas, this could also be due to the fact that you don't have enough lubricant.

A Crash Course on Your Vehicle's Anti-Lock Brakes

A large number of traffic accidents occur because drivers are unable to stop their vehicles before colliding into the cars in front of them. Sometimes, this is due to lack of attention. Other times, it's due to a motorist following the person in front of them too closely. In some cases, the collision is due to a driver's wheels locking up when he or she slams their foot on the brake pedal.
When your wheels become locked, they skid across the surface of the road. As a result, you have little to no traction or control of your vehicle. This is the reason anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were developed.
In this article, I'll provide a bird's eye view of the entire system and explain how the various components work together to prevent your tires from locking up. I'll also offer a few tips for driving with ABS before clarifying whether the pesky warning light truly signals a problem.
A Bird's Eye View Of Your ABS
Your car's anti-lock brakes are comprised of four main parts: speed sensors, computer control module, pump, and valves. Each wheel on your vehicle has a sensor that monitors its speed. The computer control module monitors each of these sensors. When it senses that one of your tires is about to become locked, it closes the solenoid valve that provides braking fluid to the tire. In doing so, it allows the tire's rotation to adjust to the driving environment in a way that prevents it from locking up. Once the problem has been averted, the control module reopens the associated solenoid valve to provide braking fluid.
Driving With Anti-Lock Brakes
If you have never driven a vehicle with ABS, you might be surprised to discover the pedal offers more resistance than cars with conventional braking systems. Don't be concerned; it's normal. Also, you'll notice that when the anti-lock feature engages in order to prevent locking, there's a mild pulsing sensation that you'll feel through the pedal. Again, it's normal.
One of the most common misunderstandings that motorists have about ABS is that they need to pump their brakes in order to slow down without locking their wheels. Pumping the pedal is entirely unnecessary; the speed sensors, control module, hydraulic pump, and valves work together to prevent your wheels from locking.
Does The Warning Light Indicate A Problem?
Like traditional braking systems, you'll need to periodically replace the shoes and pads. They wear down over time; the more you drive, the faster they wear out. Having said that, you'll occasionally see a warning light appear on your instrument panel that suggests there may be a problem with your anti-lock brakes. To be sure, if you see the light appear, have a mechanic inspect the system as soon as possible. But, also realize that moisture can trigger the warning light. In either case, don't ignore it. Your safety may depend on having a lurking problem fixed.

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Tips - How to Avoid Odometer Fraud

A three year old vehicle that's only done 50,000 kilometres? It could be a great deal or it could be a scam. Unfortunately, odometer fraud does happen and dodgy dealers or dishonest private sellers can try to dupe unsuspecting buyers into believing a vehicle has travelled less than it has.
Here are a few ways to guard against odometer fraud:

1. Ask the seller: ask about the kilometres the vehicle has done and how many it had when the seller first acquired the car - ask to see records from the logbook. You can often determine if something suspicious has occurred, for example if the seller gives inconsistent answers.
2. Look for warning lights - is the check engine or check oil light on? These lights come on after the vehicle has done a certain number of kilometres and indicate that the vehicle needs servicing.
3. Check the tyres: examine the tyre treads to see how worn they are. Newer car tyres can last up to 120,000 kilometres before they need to be replaced so if the seller is quoting low kilometres, make sure the tyres live up to those numbers.
4. Get a professional opinion - have a mechanic take a look at the engine and other parts. While not an exact science, a mechanic can look at engine wear to determine mileage. Problems with the suspension or steering will also indicate that the vehicle has done its rounds.
5. Obtain a car history check - a vehicle history report will give you a rundown on any reported accidents the vehicle has been in and will give you an indication of all known odometer readings. You'll also receive a REVs check with your report to verify that the car has a clear title and does not carry any outstanding debt.

In 2009, the Office of Fair Trading received 17 complaints from consumers that claimed their odometers had been tampered with. The office had prosecuted a number of private sellers for misleading buyers about the kilometres on the vehicle. "Consumers who are unaware of a vehicle's background put themselves at risk of expensive repair costs in the future or much worse," the Fair Trading Minister Peter Lawlor said.

Dangerous Car Trouble Warning Signs

Keeping your vehicle in tiptop condition through regular visits to an auto mechanic is the best thing you can do to keep your car safe and to maintain the value of your car. Many of us are happy to leave the safety of our vehicle in the hands of a professional but sometimes we need to add to our skill base and learn to read the signs that our vehicle gives us from time to time so we can avoid expensive repairs.
Sometimes it is simply not enough to only know how to fill her up and start the car! It doesn't take much to put in a bit of effort and learn more about your vehicle so that you can look after it even more and avoid having to visit the service station more often than you have to.
Here are some warning signs that your vehicle may give you which mean that you should plan a visit to the service station sooner rather than later.

• Carbon monoxide emissions are generally hard to detect because this gas is odourless. If you find yourself becoming drowsy or nauseous or even have a ringing in your ears, this could be a sign that there is a carbon monoxide leakage within your vehicle and you should stop immediately.
• When you apply your brakes and your vehicle veers to the left or to the right, it means that your brakes need to be adjusted as soon as possible.
• If the oil warning light comes on intermittently or continuously whilst driving, this is a dangerous sign that your vehicle is low on oil and needs to be topped up or serviced urgently.
• If your brake pedal feels spongy when you apply the brakes or the brake pedal travels almost entirely to the floor, your brakes need to be attended to urgently.
• When you hear squealing noise as you apply the brakes this may mean there is water on the brake pads or the brake pads are dangerously low. In either case you should have a brake expert attend to this as soon as possible.
• If you hear a clunking or clattering noise coming from your engine you should stop driving immediately as this could be a sign that you have blown the head gasket. Stop and have your car towed to a service station as soon as possible.
• Sometimes you might find your car difficult to start and there may even be a clicking sound as you turn the key. This could mean that your alternator is faulty or that your battery is low on power. Either way you should visit the service station as soon as possible or call your motor vehicle association for roadside assistance.

Although these tips are not meant to be exhaustive in any way, they can give you a heads up that your vehicle needs specialist attention. This may mean a quick visit to your mechanic to put things right.

The Basics of a Car's Electronic Stability Control

Driver safety is critical, but unfortunately, some aspects will be outside your control when you're on the road. For example, poor weather conditions combined with slippery roads can easily lead to a traffic collision. Fortunately, automakers are designing vehicles with more flexible safety features. Electronic stability control (or ESC) was developed nearly 20 years ago and made its automotive debut in 1992. Following years of research, electronic stability control was created to help drivers compensate during a loss of steering control by braking accordingly.
Overview Of ESC Technology
During a slip or skid, a wide array of sensors throughout your car send data to the onboard computer. By analyzing this information (i.e. yaw, wheel position, steering wheel position, speed, etc.), the brakes are applied individually in order to compensate. For example, during oversteer the brakes on the outer front wheel may be applied. What makes ESC indispensable is the fact that a human driver is unable to apply the brakes individually, thus affording the computer a greater range of control.
In certain cars, a high-performance ESC system may be installed. With this system, the computer is programmed for a greater traction allowance so the car is able to skid more before the brakes engage.
When the system is activated, drivers are typically alerted with a warning light, while certain cars have an alarm that sounds. Part of the motive behind warning signals is the overinflated sense of confidence many drivers feel with stability control, thus the need to remind them of the vehicle's handling limits. In addition to a warning signal, each system will demonstrate different tendencies when activated. For example, the driver may feel the automatic pumping of the anti-lock brakes, or the car may shift direction slightly.
How Effective Is It?
ESC is responsible for a significant decrease in the number and severity of traffic collisions. By some reports, the technology is directly associated with an estimated 32% drop in risk for fatal multiple-vehicle crashes, and a 32% drop for fatal single-vehicle collisions. Overall, electronic vehicle stability control reduces the chances for a fatal collision by 43%. Including non-fatal crashes, the overall likelihood is reduced by 35%.
It's important to note that the technology is not perfect. It is still possible to lose control of your vehicle when you're driving on slick roads, over the speed limit, or with poorly inflated or worn out tires.
ESC versus TSC
Traction stability control (or TSC) is a predecessor of ESC. First implemented in 1987, TSC is only able to sense wheel slippage, and once detected, apply the brakes or decrease engine output - or both. While TSC can recover from certain slips, it is unable to compensate for all road conditions. In modern control systems, TSC has been incorporated into ESC.
Ideally, you'll never need to rely upon your vehicle's stability control system. However, like most of your car's safety features (for example, air bags), the technology is an invaluable tool that can literally save your life.

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Crash! 5 Tips To Help You Avoid The Deadliest Traffic Collisions!

It is true, most drivers believe they are really very good drivers. But what is the criterion that defines what a good driver is?
Some feel strongly that the answer is "a good driver follows all of the rules of the road". Some insist that their ability to weave in and out of traffic at high speed places them in the "above average" club. Others suggest that attention to traffic; risk perception and the application of strategies to reduce their risk of crashing make them better than the average Joe on the road.
It appears that the latter have it right. Most crashes can be avoided by any of the drivers involved, regardless of who was at legal fault. And although I do not have space here to explain every crash risk reducing strategy, there are a few simple things that I will share here today that any driver can do. And these tips will dramatically reduce your chances of dying in a car crash.
Tip #1) When starting up at an intersection on a new green light, pause, and while you take your foot from the brake to the gas pedal, check left, then centre, then right to make sure that any potential cross traffic has stopped.
This is a very important habit. Many drivers see the light change to green and, like they were told all their lives, "green means go." Without a second thought, they press the accelerator only to position their vehicle directly in the path of the driver who ran the red light. As pedestrians, we know better than to step onto the road just because the light changed. As drivers our perception seems to change with the metal cage that surrounds us. Lights are only indicators that tell us which direction of traffic has the legal right to proceed. But can lights stop cars? No. Only drivers can do that. A very large portion of traffic deaths each year could be prevented if this simple habit were adopted by drivers.
Tip #2) Avoid driving in other drivers blind spots.
Not all drivers check their blind spots before making a lane change. It is a smart driving practice to avoid driving in any other vehicles blind spot. How can you tell if you are in a blind spot? Glance into the side view mirror of the car in question. If you can see the driver, the driver can see you. If you can not see the driver, it is likely that the driver can not see you either and that you are in their blind spot. Simply adjust your speed to get out of that position.
Tip #3) Look further ahead as you drive.
The faster you are going, the more distance your vehicle will travel while you perceive a problem ahead, and you continue traveling while you get your foot from the gas to the brake pedal. If you are not looking far enough ahead at higher speeds, by the time you see a problem, you could have already hit it. Looking further ahead also gives a driver early warning to construction ahead, busses in the lane or traffic problems. By looking ahead, these can be seen early enough to make lane or route adjustments long before these things become a problem for you. How far ahead should you look? At lower speeds and typical city speeds, a block to a block and a half ahead is a good idea. At faster speeds and freeway speeds, a good kilometer is best. When visibility is restricted, slow down to compensate for the lowered response distance you will have.
Tip #4) Maintain a safe following distance.
We have all heard this one before but few seem to understand why it is important.
The average driver has a perception time of 3/4 of a second. That means that it takes you and me 3/4 of a second to realize there is a problem. The average driver also has a 3/4 of a second reaction time. That means that the average driver takes about 3/4 of a second to get their foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal and all of that happens before their car begins to decelerate. How far a car travels in that 1.5 seconds (the time you are perceiving the problem and then getting your foot from the gas to the brake) depends on the speed that the car is traveling. If your car is moving at 30/kmH, your will travel 6m in 3/4 of a second while your brain realizes that a child is running from behind the car, 6m while you get your foot from the gas to the brake and now, you requires an average of 6m to stop the car. Although the car stopped in 6m, we traveled 18m from the time we started to perceive the problem to finish point where the car stopped. When a car is going 100/kmH the perception and reaction times stay the same, but the distances we travel as we go through perception, reaction and stopping changes. You will travel 21m in the 3/4 second you are perceiving, 21m in the 3/4 second you are reacting and then you will require an average of 88m to bring your vehicle to a stop.
When you are traveling behind another vehicle, moving at the same speed, what is your first clue that the vehicle ahead of you is stopping? If you said "their brake lights come on" you are right. (Unless their brake lights do not work, and then it will be the rapid rate at which the space between you is closing that will alert you.) Once the brake lights of the car ahead of you are on, you know that the foot of the driver ahead of you is already on the brake pedal. They are already stopping. You however, have just begun. You have to perceive, and react and stop before you hit the vehicle ahead of you. It is for this reason that drivers are encouraged to follow the 2 second rule. Two seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you will ensure that you always have enough time to stop before you hit the person in front. At freeway speeds, it is wise to make that a 3 second rule and in adverse conditions you want to increase it accordingly for the road surface.
Tip#5) Check your mirror every 5-10 seconds and anytime you think you may need to brake. Why? By checking that frequently, you will maintain a mental picture of all the traffic around you. You will know where your best escape routes are if others begin to crash. You will see emergency vehicles early enough to get out of their way before they are on your tail. You will be alert to drivers who are weaving in and out of traffic at high speed so you will not make the mistake of making a lane change into them as they pass you. Most importantly, you will be sure that it is safe to brake before you touch the brake pedal, reducing your risk of being hit from behind.
Almost every driver has areas where he or she could lower their risk of crashing. By taking the initiative to implement new strategies into your driving habits, you will make your travels safer for you and those you travel with.

L. Goodwin is a former senior instructor for Young Drivers of Canada and Collision Free!(tm). She currently oversees the design of defensive driving rallies and adventure rallies for Rabid Entertainment Inc. Her rallies are used as team building exercises for corporate groups in and around the Calgary area. [http://rabid-entertainment.com]