Monday, January 24, 2011

Useful tips for car engine tune ups

Regular car tune ups are important to preserve the car's good running performance. Failure to do this might cost you hundreds of dollars for engine repairs. Regular car tune up also allows you to know the needed replacements on the vehicle's engine. Try to practice regular car engine tune ups using the useful tips enumerated below.

Let start with the distributor cap. Start the tune up service of your car by removing its distributor cap. Familiarize yourself with is position before removing it. This allows you to replace it correctly after the work is done. Check the cap for possible wears.

Once the distributor cap is removed, you are now able to take the rotor out and replace it. The rotor needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles for newer cars. When you replace a rotor with a new one, the distributor cap also needs to be replaced. This is because the rotor and the distribution cap react to produce a spark that the vehicle needs.

You also need to replace the spark plugs and its wires when doing the car's tune up. This gives the vehicle's engine a better starting capability. Make sure to check the car's air filter and replace it with a new one when apparent wears are visible and get a auto repair financing.

Use high quality oils and lubricants for better engine performance. Instead of using cheaper oils and lubricants, spend an additional amount to buy those that are made by reputable oil companies. Doing these boosts your car engine's performance.

It is also advisable to change the car's oil and top it up when doing the tune up. Maintain the engine's good performance by doing regular change oils every 3000 miles. Change the car's Oil filter change every second oil change. You can also use coolant additives to bring down the temperature of the car's engine.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Tips for car battery care


1) It is important to keep the battery clean and free from dust. To do so you can use baking soda and a non-metallic brush to get rid of any corrosion from the cables.

2) Then, disconnect the cables and clean the area surrounding the battery terminals and cables.

3) To remove the battery cables first disconnect the negative cables and then the positive.

4) Remove the battery cover and check the level of electrolyte/ it should be about half an inch deep. If the level is not maintained add clean distilled water and let it mix with the electrolyte.

5) Inspect the battery case for any kind of leakage and cracks. If in case there is any crack replace the battery case.

6) Make sure the car battery is well secured inside insulated case because the vibrations caused while driving may damage the battery. Ensure that to protect the battery from vibrations, you don’t over tighten the clams.

7) To replace the car battery carefully lift the battery because the acid inside can be dangerous.

8) To reinstall the cables, first connect the positive cables and then the negative.

9) Smear a little petroleum jelly onto the battery terminal before fastening the cable clamps to the posts. This jelly like substance will help slow down corrosion and enhance life of the attery.

10) These days many different types of car batteries are available. If in case you have a non-maintenance battery, check if you can see a green dot in the charge indicator. This green dot indicates that the battery is functioning effectively and if the indicator light turns yellow or no colour, it needs to be replaced.