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Tips For Preventing A Windshield Chip From Enlarging
A small crack in your auto windshield may at first just seem like an inconvenience, but it can quickly become a safety issue if the crack spreads. It can weaken the integrity of the glass or block the driver’s view. There are several options to help keep a crack from spreading until you are able to get a proper repair. The following tips can help. Tip #1: Park under cover It’s best to park in a garage or carport when you have a window crack so that the window isn’t as exposed to temperature fluctuations caused by direct sunlight. If this isn’t an option, at least opt for shaded spots, such as underneath a tree or on the shady side of a building. Tip #2: Keep moisture out Another major concern with a crack is moisture. Moisture can work its way into a crack where temperature changes can cause the moisture to expand or contract. This can expand the crack and make it worse. While you can’t do too much about rain or snow when you are driving, you can prevent moisture from getting in the crack from morning dew or when you are parked by simply covering the windshield with a sheet of cardboard when you aren’t driving the car. Tip #3: Avoid major temperature changes Your car defrost and AC are also culprits when it comes to expanding a crack. Warm up your car slowly on cold mornings and don’t blast the defrost right onto the windshield – instead opt for a low setting. Hitting a cold window with hot air makes the crack grow. The same goes for the AC in summer – keep the setting low so you aren’t hitting a hot window with cold air. Tip #4: Keep the weight off If you get a crack in the snowy season, the simple weight of accumulating snow can be a problem that stresses an already cracked window. Clear the glass at regular intervals until the snow stops, as you don’t want the snow to build up to a point where its weight causes the glass to crack further or shatter. Although these tips can help, they can’t be used indefinitely. Fortunately most small cracks and chips can be repaired for minimal cost, only larger cracks or spider webbing require a windshield replacement. Call a glass repair shop like Standard Auto Glass in your area to get a quote on the repair you...
read more3 Tips To Save Money On Tires For Your Commercial Truck Fleet
If there is one thing that your company might spend a lot of money on, it’s tires for your commercial truck fleet. Unfortunately, tire costs can really add up, but there are a few changes that you can implement to save your company a lot of money while ensuring that you always have safe tires on your trucks. 1. Balance and Rotate Tires Just as it is important to balance and rotate the tires on your personal vehicle, it’s also smart to do so with your commercial trucks. It will need to be done more frequently than on your personal vehicle, however, since your trucks are probably on the road a whole lot more each month. Ensuring that the tires are balanced and rotated on a regular basis helps ensure that there is regular wear and tear on all of the tires. This can help prevent some from wearing out too quickly and having the need to be replaced. 2. Ask Drivers to Check Air Pressure Regularly Even though your drivers might think about checking the oil on their rigs when they are filling up, they might not check the air pressure on all of the tires as frequently as they should. Along with having your maintenance crew check the air pressure on all of the tires on your commercial truck when maintenance is being done, ask your drivers to check the air pressure each time that they fill up their rig. Not only can this help preserve the tires so that they last longer without the need for replacement, but it can also help keep your drivers — and other people on the road — as safe as possible and can help your company save money on fuel. 3. Consider Retreading Instead of always replacing your truck’s tires, you can always consider retreading instead. This allows you to keep your tires for longer without replacement and can be more affordable than buying brand new tires. Once you find that you can save money while keeping safe tires on your commercial trucks, you might find that you actually retread them more frequently than you replaced them in the past. Buying tires for a commercial truck fleet can be very expensive. If you feel that the costs are really adding up and affecting your company, now is the time to think about making some changes. By making these three changes, you can not only save money, but you can also help keep your drivers and everyone else on the road safe from potential accidents. Contact a truck repair company, like Bradvin Trailer Sales Ltd truck repairs or a similar location, for more tips and...
read moreWhat You Need To Know About Driving Snow Tires Year Round
Many individuals believe it’s an acceptable practice to drive snow tires all year. However, this is not true unless you live in a climate that is cold year round. The tires should be taken off for many reasons because they aren’t made to function during summer months when the pavement gets so hot. It is recommended to change them once the colder weather has passed. Here are the facts of the dilemma. Tire Composition The rubber content of a tire is softer and more flexible for colder conditions for both studded and studless tires. A deeper tread is designed to grip the road surface during snow and icy conditions. During the warmer months, you won’t need the extra traction for rain. The car’s performance will be jeopardized, and the tread will wear down much quicker with the added heat. You will not be saving money by leaving them on the car. You should change them out after the season changes. That is the reason different tires are sold for each season. For the most part, winter tires have optimal use in temperatures below 45 degrees. Tire Performance Snow tires, if used during the summer months, not only reduce the optimum life of the tire; it sacrifices its performance as well. An all-season tire is designed to be used during warmer, dryer, and milder climates. Also, the performance will be satisfactory during rainy conditions. The tread pattern for winter tires is more ‘aggressive’ to grasp the ice and snow. Slush is pushed away with the extra treads. All-season tires provide a more comfortable ride because there are fewer treads ‘biting’ the road surface. The car cannot be as easily controlled if you have the wrong tire. The harder/summer tire makes the vehicle handle better and will save you money at the fuel station. You will also have to replace the tires quicker if you choose to run the snow tires year round. Ultimately, the choice of using snow tires versus all-season tires depends on your specific needs, including the climate where you are located. It is a much wiser choice to use snow tires only when the weather is cold, and the chances of poor weather conditions are evident. You don’t want to waste the extra money and have a rougher ride when you can purchase a set of regular tires for the summer. The money saved by changing out the tires will help the budget in the long-term. Contact a business, such as Autolube AMS, for more information....
read moreGetting You Car Ready For Your Road Trip Home For Spring Break
Winter is a tough time for both you and your car when you are living away from home for college. Your first year of independence means that all of the errands to get groceries, personal items, and to go out on the town are all your responsibility. Your auto repair and maintenance are also your sole responsibility as you put the wear and tear on your car. If you are planning to head back to your childhood home for your spring vacation or break, you should be sure that you get your car checked out and repaired before you hit the road. To do this, get to know some of the car maintenance tasks and checks you should do before your drive home. Have the Tires Checked and Put Snow Tires On If Necessary Even though it is called spring break, you very well know that there could be snow or a blizzard as winter sometimes likes to linger on way past its welcome. Because there is a risk of snow and ice on the roads when you make the journey home for spring break, you want to be sure that your tires are in the best possible condition for the journey. First, check the tire air pressure in all four of your tires. You not only want to determine if there is enough air in all of your tires but also if the amount of air in the four tires is even (all tires have the same air pressure readings). If the air pressure is low, you may want to have your tires checked by a professional to be sure there are no holes or embedded objects like nails in your tires that could cause further air pressure problems. Checking the tire tread is also important when you plan to head on a long road trip. Bald or nearly bald tires with nearly no tread can be dangerous and may blow out causing you to get into an accident or need extensive repairs on your wheels and axles. Of course, if there is deep snow, you can also have snow tires put on to increase traction and get you home safely. Deal With Your Motor Oil and Other Fluids In addition to being sure your tires are in good condition, you also need to ensure that all of the other elements of your car are working properly. Motor or engine oil is one of the most important aspects to check before a long trip. The engine oil lubricates your car’s engine preventing all of the moving parts from rubbing together, causing friction and damage. Have your oil changed before you head out so that it is at the correct levels and is viscous enough to keep the engine running. Other fluids to check include antifreeze and windshield wiper fluids so that everything in your car remains at the right temperature and so you can clean the grime and snow/ice off of your windshield. Now that you know a few of the car maintenance tasks you should complete before you head out on the road, you can schedule your auto mechanic appointment and get everything checked and any issues repaired before you enjoy a break back at home over your spring...
read more7 Maintenance Tips For Sunroofs
A sunroof is more than just a cosmetic feature. It can help to circulate cool air on a warm day. Unfortunately, the sunroof can occasionally experience problems. To help keep your sunroof functioning properly, here are 7 maintenance tips to observe. Clean the rubber gasket. The rubber gasket is the seal between the body of the sunroof and the glass. To help maintain the seal, periodically clean it with a mild detergent and lint-free cloth. Use cool water to thoroughly remove the detergent. If the seal appears to be damaged, have it changed by a pro. Business such as T M Custom Auto Trim & Glass Ltd can help you to replace a window gasket. Lubricate the gasket. Use a silicone-based lubricant on the rubber gasket. Other types of lubricant can sometimes build up on the gasket and lead to functionality problems. Remove the wax buildup. Whenever you wax your car, it is possible to get into the frame of the sunroof. Over time, the buildup can impact how smoothly the sunroof operates. To remove the wax, use a mild detergent and a soft brush. Inspect the tracks. Check the tracks of the sunroof monthly and brush away any dirt or debris that is visible. Lubricate the tracks with white lithium grease. Apply the grease in moderation to avoid overly lubricating the tracks. Tighten the screws. Occasionally, with manual sunroofs, the screws can become loose. If you have a manual sunroof and the hardware is exposed, you need to tighten the screws. By tightening the screws, you help to avoid leaks in the future and protect the interior of your vehicle. Avoid using an ammonia-based window cleaner. Clean the glass on a regular basis to check for chips or other defects. Ammonia-based cleaners can linger in the closed environment of a car and cause breathing problems. If you remove the glass to clean it, wrap it in a blanket to avoid damage to it. Get a professional inspection. Each year, have your sunroof inspected by a professional to ensure that it is in its optimal working condition. The pro can also fix problems, such as clogged drain tubes, that are common for sunroofs. Consult with a car sunroof repair pro to learn other ways you can maintain your sunroof at home. Simple maintenance can help prolong the life of your sunroof and help you avoid repairs. In between annual inspections, be sure to have issues addressed by a pro as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the...
read moreWhy You Need To A Get A Full Tune-Up For Your Car When It Reaches 100K Miles
Taking care of your car is more important than simply maintaining your investment, it is also about keeping you safe while on the road. If your car has just surpassed 100,000 miles and has not been taken to a repair shop anytime recent, you need to look into the numerous reasons why a tune-up is necessary. With the right care from a trusted repair shop, your car should be able to last for a long time to come. Replacing the Battery Before it Dies While it is likely that you have experienced your cat battery dying at some point and being stranded, you can reduce the chance of it happening greatly by replacing the battery. While there is not much you can do to prevent the battery from dying if you leave the headlights or the radio on when the car engine is off, you can prevent any unexpected issues by replacing the battery periodically. The 100k mile tune-up is the perfect opportunity to switch out the existing battery if you have had the same battery for a long time. Switch to High-Mileage Oil As your cat gets older or simply has more miles put on it, it is a good idea to take a look at what kind of oil you are using. Switching to a high-mileage oil is essential since it will help keep the oil moving smoothly and will help to prevent leaks and other issues. Get the Timing Belt Replaced While replacing the timing belt can get pricey, it can be even more expensive if it breaks while you are driving and leads to other repairs being needed. Getting your timing belt replaced if you still have the original one put in can make a big difference in the condition of your car. Potential Issue with the Tires While it is recommended to replace your tires once the tread has begun to get worn out, it is also important to simply check how old they are. When your cat has reached 100k miles, take into consideration the age of the tires and what kind of shape they are in before moving onto replacing them. Visiting an auto repair shop (such as Perfection Automotive Services Auto Repair) as your car has more miles put on it can make a big difference in how long it continues to run. With a full tune-up at 100k miles, you can be confident that your car does not have any major issues and that it will continue to run...
read moreTop Benefits Of A DC Motor
If you are interested in a DC, or direct current, motor, you might want to learn a little more about the benefits of it. This way, you will be able to make the purchasing decision that will best suit your personal needs. Quick Shifting Of Gears Whether you want to pop the motor into drive, reverse, accelerate fast, or come to a complete stop, you will be able to do so with speed and accuracy. You should find that there is little to no hesitation with such actions when you have a DC motor under the hood. Higher Starting Torque Anyone who is interested in having as much torque in their vehicles as possible will enjoy the DC motor. This might be especially important for anyone who is driving a large truck or who has to haul heavy machinery. That torque is going to be what makes a difference between you getting up the hill without trouble or trying to find a longer, less stressful, alternative route. Better Performance For Traction Vehicles If you have a vehicle that requires a lot of traction, such as a golf cart or mining vehicles, you will want to consider using a DC motor. This means that you are going to have extra control of your vehicle, which is highly important in rough terrain situations. It Has The Option To Be Portable Another great thing about the DC motor is that it is fully portable. This means that you can make use of it pretty much wherever you need to. It can also run power tools and various types of machinery that need an external power source or motor in order to keep things running properly. Lasts A Long Time Sure, it might cost a little more to get set up with a DC motor. However, the initial investment is well worth it in the end, especially since it is known to be a long-lasting motor. You should not have to worry too much about having to repair or replace it anytime in the near future. For a professional DC motor, contact a company such as Western Starter Ltd. As you can see, there are actually a lot of various benefits that come from making use of a DC motor. All you have to do now is pick one up for yourself and start taking advantage of all of the benefits. The sooner you do this, the sooner you might realize that you should have done this a long time...
read moreWhat Are The Different Types Of Window Tinting Film?
When you are planning on having your windows tinted, it is a good idea to know what different types of tint you have to choose from. This will help you decide which type of tinting film will best meet your needs. These are the common types of window tinting film that are used today: Dyed Window Tinting Film Dyed window tinting film is composed of a layer of adhesive that bonds to the car window, a layer of dyed polyester film, and a scratch resistant hardcoat. The dye that is inside this film is heat absorbing. This means that much of the heat from the sun is absorbed into the film and then escapes through the sides of it with normal air flow. This helps keep your car from getting as hot inside on warm, sunny days. Deposited Window Tinting Film Deposited window tinting film is made up of an adhesive layer, a UV treated film, a laminating adhesive, a metallicized film, and a scratch-proof hardcoat. Since this film has metals in its makeup, it is thicker than dyed film. The metals that are commonly used may be nickel-chrome, aluminum or copper. The metal in this window tinting film make it reflect the sun. This helps keep dangerous UV rays from getting inside while you drive, reduces the heat inside the car and prevents your interior from fading when being exposed to strong sunlight. Hybrid Window Tinting Film Hybrid window tinting film uses both dyes and metals to protect your car from harsh sunlight. The layers that are included in this type of film are a mounting adhesive, dyed polyester film, a laminating adhesive, a metallized film, and a scratch resistant hardcoat. Hybrid window tinting offers the best of both worlds. It keeps out UV rays and excess heat from the sun without being overly dark colored. The metallized features of this window tinting film gives it a brighter finish that is not extremely reflective. Having window tinting film added to your car windows is very beneficial. It helps make riding in your car safer by blocking out harmful UV rays from the sun and reducing the glare that may hinder the vision of the driver. It may also help reduce the amount of fuel you use since can run your air conditioning on lower settings to remain comfortable. Window tinting also gives motorists more privacy from the outside world as well. It is available in various thicknesses and you may want to see what the laws pertaining to window tinting are in your area before choosing the level of tinting you will have. For more information, contact a company like Canada Auto Glass window...
read moreJerky Car Problems? One Simple Solution That Might Help
Your car may start jerking at any time, and you need to be ready to deal with it, especially if you want to save some money. Your throttle position sensor might be causing your erratic acceleration, and you can take care of this on your own. The Throttle Position Sensor The throttle position sensor helps the throttle regulate the amount of air that goes into your engine. It reads the amount of power that you are requesting and allows just the right amount of air for proper combustion and power. This sensor can fail, which can cause your car to jerk. The problems that are caused by a faulty throttle position sensor has to do with improper air intake. You might also experience some of the following: You’ll experience a loss of acceleration because your car won’t have enough power. You may also notice quick and erratic fluctuations in your normal idle RPM’s, which should stay at around 1000. Your scanner may also read codes from P0120 to P0229. The engine might begin to stall from time to time. Your check engine light might turn on. Pay attention to your fuel economy, as it may drop. Gear changes might become difficult and jerky. You can have your auto care specialist check your vehicle out to confirm your suspicions. You can either have him or her replace your throttle position sensor or deal with this on your own with the following guide. Fix Your Throttle Position Sensor Things You Need A new throttle position sensor that matches your car. Your owner’s manual or repair guide. A screwdriver set. Your safety goggles and gloves. Steps Park your vehicle in a safe and leveled location. If needed, let your vehicle cool down enough to work on. Put your gloves and goggles on. And open the hood of your vehicle. Disconnect the red (negative) cable of your car battery for your safety. Locate the throttle position sensor, which looks like an octagon with a small tail. You can use your owner’s manual or repair guide to find the throttle position sensor. It is usually to the left or right of your throttle body and connected to one plug-like cable. Carefully disconnect the plug-like cable from the throttle position sensor. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the throttle position sensor in place. There are usually just two screws to remove. Remove your old throttle position sensor, and replace it with your new one. Reconnect the plug-like cable to the throttle position sensor. And reconnect your car battery. Turn on your car, and test out your work. As you can see, dealing with jerky car issue issues might not be hard. But, remember that your auto care specialist can deal with this problem if you feel uncomfortable with any of the aforementioned steps. To learn more, contact an auto repair shop like Lakeland...
read moreWindow Tinting In British Columbia: What You Need To Know Before You Get It
Tinted windows can protect the vehicle and its passengers from heat, reduce the glare of the sun, and give a stylish look to the vehicle as a whole. However, there are legalities that must be observed when you get window tinting. Every province in the country has its own rules and regulations regarding window tinting. Fortunately, as a resident of British Columbia, you enjoy some of the most lenient window tinting rules in Canada. Read on to learn what you should know about the legalities of window tinting in B.C. The Windshield Since the windshield is the most essential window for proper driver vision, it has a restriction on its alteration. While it is permissible to tint this window, you can only add this tint to the top 75mm (three inches) of the windshield. There are currently no restrictions on how dark the tint can be, so you can choose anything from near-black to a pale gray shade. The darker that you go with a windshield tint, the more obvious the contrast will be between the tint and the non-tinted glass. Therefore, many people may choose a graduated tint that begins with a near-black shade at the very top and changes into a gray shade at the bottom of the three inch tinted area. The Rear Window You can tint the rear window of any vehicle registered in British Columbia without restriction. However, the shade of the tint may incite an extra vehicle safety requirement. If you choose a shade of window tint that is dark enough to impede your rear-window vision, you are legally required to have fully functional side mirrors on both sides of your vehicle to help improve rear visibility. Ask a professional window tinting installer, like Auto Style Plus, exactly how dark you can go with the window film without potentially causing reduced vision while you drive. The Side Windows The side windows of any vehicle in British Columbia can be tinted with no restrictions. However, you should keep in mind that you do need to have reasonably clear vision in your side windows to change lanes safely. Sometimes, people who own four-door sedans choose to have the back side windows tinted very dark while selecting a lighter tint for the front side windows. British Columbia residents are able to get nearly any type of window tinting that they want for their vehicles. Take advantage of this flexibility by choosing an effective and stylish new window tint for your car...
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