BD-Automotive

Some people wind up with a car that seems to run perfectly for five years while other individuals remain discouraged because their car seems to break down every two years, and they wind up buying another one. To go from the second group into the first, it’s important to remember that car maintenance is the key to keeping a car running wonderfully for many years to come. One of the most important things is to guarantee that a car receives a regular tune-up.

Most people that have their own mechanic or know a few basic things about cars choose to do their own tune-up. Making sure that these things are changed during a tune-up will drastically improve the performance of any car, and help prevent problems down the road.

NGK Spark Plugs

NGK Spark plugs do not always need replaced, and there are a few ways to check to see if they can go for another 30,000 miles or so. First, if there are no problems because of bad NGK spark plugs, they may not need replaced. To double check, vehicle owners are encouraged to ensure that the gap is what it is supposed to be, and to visually check NGK spark plugs to see if they appear to be worn.

Vehicle owners that are not sure as to whether they should replace NGK spark plugs are encouraged to replace them. Getting a new set will not hurt the car, and it may improve the performance of the vehicle.

Double Check Safety Options

This is the time when everything should be double checked, including but not limited to: windshield wipers, headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and the horn. These parts of the car are a necessity to making sure that everyone riding in the car is safe, particularly in dangerous weather. Headlights can determine whether a driver sees another car coming down the road or not, and may prevent a fatal car accident.

Brakes

The brakes do not automatically need to be replaced, but it is a good idea to take off the tires and give them a quick look while performing maintenance on the car. If the brakes show an excessive amount of wear and tear, and it looks like they may be close to the indicator, it is a good idea to replace them at the time and get it out of the way, although it is not necessary.

Oil change

Every car needs an oil change some time, and this is the one thing that most people neglect. Instead of getting an oil change every 10,000 miles as recommended, some owners never get an oil change. If this isn’t being done on regularly, at the very least vehicle owners are encouraged to get an oil change when they are doing their own tune up. The oil can become gritty and then it will not lubricate the engine properly, resulting in a wealth of damages later on down the road.

Fluids

All fluids should be checked on weekly, …

A lot of individuals these days are dreaming of having their own car. But, there are numerous things to consider when purchasing a car. To help you, auto dealers share tips in choosing the right car for you.

Know your purpose in buying a car

First and foremost, when choosing a car, it is important for individuals to consider the purpose in buying a car. Of course, individuals have different reasons in purchasing a car. For some, they need a car to help them improve their business. Next, some car buyers want purchase a car for their family. And, some individuals simply are addicted in cars. No matter what your reason is in purchasing a car, you need to consider this factor before choosing.

Determine the features you need in a car

The next thing individuals need to do when planning to purchase a vehicle is to determine the features they need. As of now, cars can be integrated with almost anything from entertainment systems, GPS, anti-theft systems and many more.

But, it does not stop there, since there are other aspects individuals need to assess. For instance, individuals need to check engine specification of a car to determine its power, hauling capability as well as fuel consumption. Other than that, it is also important for individuals to check its safety features such as sensors, airbags and even seatbelts. Plus, individuals also need to consider the size of the vehicle and its load capacity. Knowing the features you are looking for a car can help you make better decisions.

Set a budget

It is also important for car buyers to set a budget. There are instances when buying a car can easily blow up your finances. So, it is best to set a budget. In case that you do not have sufficient budget in the car you are eyeing for, you can opt for pre-owned vehicles. Or perhaps, check financing options auto dealers provide.

Find the right auto dealer

Finally, it is also important that you locate the right auto dealer. Surely, all auto dealers are the same, but there are cases when they differ from the car brands and models they offer up to insurance options and after sales services. So, individuals need to invest in time checking the services of car dealers before purchasing from them.

With these simple tips, car buyers can choose the right car that can provide them with the best benefits to make their driving experience better and safer.

SOURCE…

Are hybrid car repairs more expensive and extensive than those for gas-powered vehicles? The answer could help you determine whether to purchase a hybrid vehicle. In addition, knowing the maintenance needs of a hybrid can help keep it out of the shop and on the road. First, it is essential to understand how hybrid vehicles differ from gas engine autos.

How Are Hybrids Different?

The top reason for driving a hybrid car is obvious: it’s a major fuel saver. These vehicles combine the power of gasoline with battery-stored electricity, combining the best of both worlds. Instead of letting the energy produced by the gas tank to go to waste, electric drive systems store the excess energy in a battery. Besides assisting the gas engine in powering the vehicle, the battery also takes over and allows the gas engine to shut off whenever possible.

Batteries

Most manufacturers warranty hybrid batteries for up to 10 years or 150,000 miles. If your battery happens to expire after the warranty, repair and replacement costs could drain between $1,000 and $6,000 from your wallet. Here’s the good news: that is the only potential extra maintenance cost you risk when driving a hybrid.

Regenerative Braking

Because of the way a hybrid vehicle is designed to bear some of the gas engine’s burden, certain parts of the vehicle are preserved, including the braking system. Each manufacturers’ design is different, but most use regenerative braking to trap and store electricity in the battery. With this system, the driver should slow down gradually in order to harvest the most electricity possible from the braking system. This technology causes less wear and tear on the brake pads.

Oil Changes

Since the gas engine is used less, the oil need not be changed as often. Instead of the standard 3,000-mile recommendation for an oil change, hybrid owners can eek out 5,000 miles between oil changes.

Car Repairs

Over a decade, barring a battery malfunction not covered by a warranty, hybrid car owners can expect to spend the same amount of money as owners of gas-powered vehicles on maintenance, if not less. Here are some tips to prevent unexpected repair costs:

• Always keep the battery charged by slowly coming to a stop, allowing the regenerative braking system to store electricity. You will extend the life of the battery by never allowing it to drain completely.
• After coming to a complete stop, slowly pick up speed in order to preserve fuel.
• Use synthetic oil in your hybrid vehicle and you may not need another oil change for 10,000 miles.
• Don’t attempt to diagnose a problem with your battery; it’s best to leave repairs to a licensed professional to reduce the risk of shock.
• As the owner of a gas-saving, bank-account-boosting hybrid vehicle, make sure to employ a licensed, experienced auto mechanic to conduct routine and emergency hybrid car repairs.

Jill Smith is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients …