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Summer car maintenance tips – Maintenance – Automotive repair and maintenance industry

admin — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:20:05 +0000

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Summer Car Care

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:59:32 +0000

Summer is around the corner and in some parts of the United States it is heating up. With the change in temperature comes the need for a vehicle checkup. Remember, your car responds to the weather just as you do and depending on where you live, it could determine how much care your car needs. Here are some tips to start with:1. Prepare for Emergencies. You have to consider that each time you drive your vehicle could potentially break down. Will you be prepared? Even if you only travel short distances, if you live in climates where the temperatures are above 100 degrees, you must be prepared. Number one rule, always keep water with you. Secondly, consider buying a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight – vehicles break down at night too. 2. How Are Your Hoses and Belts. Your belts and hoses are the veins and arteries of your vehicle. If either of them go you could be in a lot of trouble. Today, many cars are equipped with a serpentine belt that runs all of the accessories; so if that belt breaks, you can lose your power steering, water pump and charging system immediately. A good shop will check for any visible damage, abnormal wear or small hairline cracks. You should replace any belt that shows signs of wear. Even if a belt appears to be in good condition, it should be replaced every 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance. Like belts, radiator & heater hoses are also made of rubber. Having all hoses inspected periodically for wear, including hairline cracks and soft, bulging spots, might prevent an impending rupture from occurring. 3. How is The AC Working? One should have their A/C System checked before it gets hot! Because of the high usage during the hot summer months, this is the time it will be likely to fail. So, if you haven’t had it checked yet, do so now! An airconditioning service will test your vehicle’s system pressures, clean the condenser, visually and electronically inspect hoses, fittings and seals for leaks, check cooling fan operation, check output temperature, and adjust belt if needed. Freon will be added if needed. 4. Check your tires. Heat makes tires react more intensely, so make sure they are neither over-inflated nor under-inflated. An inspection will also tell you how much tread life you have on your tire, as well as alert you to any uneven tire wear, which could indicate an alignment problem. An inspection can also alert you to any visible damage to your tires, which can worsen under intense heat.5. Wiper blades and windshield wiper fluid should be checked. Any rubber on your vehicle can become brittle and crack, especially if you live in a very warm climate. Replace those worn out & cracked wiper blades before you need them. Make sure that the washer fluid is checked and replenished also.6. Check Your Oil. While this very well may be the least costly of all the routine maintenance services on your vehicle, its’ importance is critical. Most manufacturers require the oil to be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. Because of the harsh desert heat conditions in Texas, we recommend every 3,000. Most good shops will perform a free bumper-to-bumper safety inspection on your vehicle while doing the Lube, Oil, & Filter Service. A safety inspection can consist of everything from checking your fluid levels, conditions of your belts & hoses, brakes, tires, battery & cables, shocks, wiper a washer operations, light operations, air cleaner, water pump, radiator, etc., etc. 7. Battery – Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.A little prevention will carry you a long way through the summer months making your travels safe and enjoyable.

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Dog Care Tips for Summer Weather

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:59:00 +0000

Summer is on its way and with it comes many great opportunities to enjoy the sunshine with your dog. But before you go outdoors, you should take a little time to prepare for the numerous dangerous situations summer can entail. When the weather is nice, it’s very tempting to take our furry friends with us in the car so they can enjoy the nice weather with us while we run errands or travel, but you should never leave your pet in your car, even if you’ll only be gone for a short time. In a matter of minutes, temperatures can easily reach 120 degrees in a parked car, and dogs left inside can suffer from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, brain damage, or death just as fast. While it’s best to leave your dog at home, if you must travel in the car with your dog, you should always provide fresh, cool water and be sure to secure your pet in a dog crate, car harness, or car seat.Dogs need exercise regardless of the weather but when it’s hot you should take extra care of your pet and exercise only in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Remember- asphalt gets very hot in the summer and can burn your dog’s paws, so try to limit the amount of time spent walking on asphalt. Make sure your dog always has plenty of shade and access to fresh water at all times. Older, overweight, and snub-nosed dogs should be kept indoors in air-conditioned rooms. If you don’t have air-conditioning, a room fan will always work. For your long-haired or thick furred pooches, a hair cut can help alleviate some of the heat, but make sure to always leave their fur at least an inch thick to provide some protection from the sun.A day at the beach may sound like a fun time for you and your dog, but keep in mind that you need to provide fresh, cool water and shade from the sun at all times. You can set up a beach umbrella or canopy, or even invest in a dog cabana. Make sure you always hose down your salty dog if they go for a swim in the ocean. You should always avoid taking your dog to crowded summer events like Fourth of July parties. The loud noises and crowds of people can cause a lot of unnecessary and unwanted stress for your dog. Taking your dog to barbecues or parties also opens up opportunities for your dog to get into poisonous items such as lighter fluid or insect coils.Hopefully these tips for summer dog care will help ensure that you and your dog have a safe and fun summer together! If you have any questions regarding these tips or you need advice on summer car for your dig you should contact your local veterinarian.

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Summer Mazda Car Care

admin — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 10:59:43 +0000

Your Mazda car is an investment you would not want to loose. And summer time gives you almost all the reasons why you should really take car of your precious investment.

Summer’s high temperatures can damage any car part such as the batteries, cooling system and tires. Moreover, the heat of the sun can definitely damage your Mazda body kit, most especially if this is not well maintained. But generally speaking, your whole car must be periodically checked to avoid breakdowns as well as other car problems.

Your car battery’s life is made short by excessive heat and overcharging. Battery fluid evaporates due to heat. And this causes the deterioration of the internal structure of the battery. Very high charging rate is caused by a component that is not working well which is usually the voltage regulator. As an aftermath, the battery is eventually destroyed.

Regularly check your car’s electrical system so that you are sure that it is charging at an accurate rate as well as to prevent battery damage. Check the battery often, especially during warm weather, if it needs to be topped off. If necessary, add distilled water on the system.

Keeping the top of the battery always clean will also prevent damages. This is because dirt can become a conductor and exhausts the power of the battery. If battery terminals have accumulated chemical reactions, the corrosion eventually transforms into an insulator and constricts the flow of current.

The primary function of the cooling system is to rival with hot temperatures. So during summer, it works harder for the engine to avoid overheat. The coolant and distilled water mixture for your Mazda car’s radiator should be 50:50 in order to maintain the effectiveness of the cooling system. When checking the coolant level in the reservoir, remember not to open the radiator cap when it is hot.

Most vehicles need to change the coolant once a year. You have to check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s suggested period of replacement. A new coolant maintains a fresh and clean cooling system interior. It also helps to prevent chemical reactions and ensures that the coolant has the accurate boiling point as well as protection.

You should also have your Mazda car undergo a pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection to check if there are leaks and corrosion. These tests should be done annually. Also check the hoses and belts to see if there are cracks, bulges or worn out edges.

By using a garden hose and a soft brush, keep the radiator clean through carefully removing bugs, dirt and debris periodically.

Change your tires during summer because high temperatures put marginal damages on them. Check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly to achieve longer tire life as well as safety. It is also important to have them rotated every 6,000 miles.

The heat of summer will surely cause tire pressure to rise. So it is necessary to check the pressure regularly. But make sure that the tires are cold if you are about to check it. To further guide you in your checking, consult you owner’s manual recommended tire pressure for your Mazda car.

Your Mazda body kit is the first that immediately suffers the heat. It is therefore wise to put the appropriate protection on the exterior that will serve as your car’s external shield against heat. It is also good to have it washed weekly and waxed every six months.

It will cost you a little time and money in maintaining your Mazda car for the summer season. But once you maintain it already, you are assured of comfort, economy, and best of all, safety. Plus, your precious investment will stay with you for a longer period of time.

It is also wise to read some articles that offer tips on summer car maintenance. There are a lot of auto websites and magazines that offer such tips. An example is the Car Care Council, which is also the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign that promotes the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

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Preventative Car Maintenance in Summer Helps to Avoid Breakdowns

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 18:59:14 +0000

Preventative car maintenance in summer months is not much different from what it takes to maintain cars in winter. In summer, you have to regularly check and maintain the mechanical components of the car to tackle the rigors of the hot summer conditions. The following tips on preventative car maintenance in summer assures you trouble less rides:

The very first thing you need to take care is the cooling system. During the hotter months, the cooling system works more intensely to prevent overheating of the engine. For the mechanism to work effectively, the coolant and water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should measure to 50:50.

The next point about preventative car maintenance in summer is tire pressure. Tire pressure is important in all contexts – irrespective of whether it is for speed or for safety reasons. If you need your car’s tires to last long and perform efficiently, you will need to inflate them properly. Properly pumped up tires help maintain the best possible contact with the road giving the vehicle steadiness and speed. Inflating tires improperly, on the other hand, leads problems like punctures.

Refer to your owner’s manual for the ideal air-pressure for your vehicle’s tire. Remember, summer heat causes the pressure within the tire to rise; hence, you will be required to check the air pressure when the tires are cold.

The subsequent preventative measure for your car’s maintenance involves engine oil. The owner’s manual specifically mentions the best engine oil for your vehicle during hot summers. Yet, the general rule for engine oil necessitates you to use a little thick, viscous oil, which lubricates the integral parts of the engine.

Next in order of importance is the car’s battery. Car batteries hardly signal failure well ahead of time. It is advisable to leave all cares of car-batteries to professionals, especially in summertime when the excessive heat causes further damage to it. Changing your car battery every three years will save you a lot of trouble.

Beside these essential tips about preventative car maintenance in summer months, your cars need some lesser yet significant maintenance programs too. Replacing belts and hoses is one such car-care as is inspecting the wipers and wiper fluids.

Round up your preventative car maintenance in summer time by placing an emergency kit including basic tools like flashlights, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. inside your car. With your car ready to budge, you can hoard some rations if you are really thinking of a long journey. Placing a first-aid kit in the car will make your journey 100% safe.

David Maillie holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale:
MDwholesale.com

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Pet Care Tips For Summer

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:01:32 +0000

One of the most fun times of the year to be a pet owner is the nice, warm months of summer. It’s a great time to bond with your pet outdoors and to go for long walks in the park. Your pet will love going outside and seeing the world and being able to run around free and burn up some of that pent up energy. However, as fun as summertime can be, it can also be a very dangerous time as well. There are a lot of different things pet owners need to be aware of to ensure that their pets stay safe this summer and enjoy the beautiful weather.
One of the first pet care tips for summer is obviously the heat. As we all know, the temperatures rise pretty steadily over the hot summer months, and in some places can reach record highs. This can be extremely dangerous for your pet, especially with a thick coat. If you’re experiencing a heat wave in your area when it’s very, very hot, then you should probably just keep your pet indoors where it’s cool. Make sure to keep the house nice and cool so that your pet doesn’t overheat inside either. If you don’t have air conditioning then you need to have a fan on your pet.
Keep an eye out for heatstroke, as your pet will be susceptible to this during summer months. If your pet has a dazed look in its eyes, seems to be panting heavily, or salivating badly, your pet may be having heatstroke. One remedy for this is to wet down a towel with cool water, make sure the water is not too cold, and give him a couple of ice cubes to lick on.
One common mistake many people make that ends up being fatal for their pets is leaving them in a parked car in the hot weather. This is really not safe, regardless of how much you have the window cracked or how good the shade is. After sitting for 30 minutes the temperature in your car can reach a devastating 120 degrees! You wouldn’t leave your child in a hot car would you? Then, don’t leave your pets in one either.
Another vital pet care tip for summer is to make sure that your pet has plenty of water to drink. Make sure the water you give your pets water that is clean and healthy for them to drink as well. Dogs can’t sweat like human beings can. They can only sweat through the pads on their paws and when they pant. You can actually lower your dog’s body temperature by giving them plenty of water to drink and keep them from getting over heated.
Heartworms are another huge problem commonly related to summer time. Heartworms are parasites that enter a pet’s blood stream through a mosquito bite. These parasites make their way to the pet’s heart where they reproduce, often causing death. Mosquitoes are very common in the sticky summer months so take precautions to protect your dog from this parasite. Purchase some heartworm medicine that helps protect your animal from the parasites. Try to avoid environments where mosquitoes are known to thrive in, such as ponds, swamps, and other bodies of water.
If you are planning a vacation, don’t leave your pets at home as this can be very dangerous during hot weather. Make sure to make arrangements for your pet at a kennel or just take him or her along with you.
Your pet loves you just as much as you love them, so make sure to have a happy and healthy time this summer.

The Author is the happy owner of a pet health and insurance site called Pet Insurance Pro where he shares a lot more information on pet health, pet fitness and pet longevity. Read the latest article on VIP Pet Insurance.

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Freedom Tire Summer Car Care Tips

admin — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:00:56 +0000

Car Care Tips

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Summer Car Care Tips

admin — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:02:07 +0000

Once the temperatures start heating up, it’s only a matter of time before your car overheats.

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Summer Travel Car Maintenance Tips

admin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:02:39 +0000

Tire Kicker TV Host Todd Jones shares tips for ensuring your vehicle is in tip top shape prior to those summer vacation destination.

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Car Care Tips To Prepare For Summer

admin — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 12:11:04 +0000

We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles are ready for winter. Who wants to get stuck in sub zero degree weather with a stalled car?
But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it is important to keep your car serviced.
Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too. Smart drivers make it a point to have their cars serviced according to the schedule of the dealer. This way, when it comes time to trade the car in, the value for their trade in is increased and they are able to move one step closer to purchasing the car of their dreams. It may not exactly be bedtime reading, but the fact is, the owners manual for your car, if used correctly, can be your best friend. Assuming, of course, that you actually read it. Here are some other tips to keep in mind
Follow the manufacturers recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.
Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. A check up here can save you a huge bill later.
The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.
Have your car s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.
Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.
Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.
Get plenty of windshield washer solvent, we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.
Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.
Check the spare tire to make sure it s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!
Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles! Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big time repair bills.
If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.
Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left
Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they are working.
Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.
Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle

For more helpful tips to keep your car running, or for quality auto repair please visit our website.

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