Best 10 Tips for Maintaining Car Engine

Car Engine maintenance is one of the most essential car care activity that requires huge investment, an investment that pays off with enhanced fuel efficiency and longer engine life.

The most common cause of various engine problems is overheating. This is one such factor that contributes to various engine issues like overheated engine, engine surges, strange engine sounds, engine hesitation, and more fuel consumption. This key contributing factor and various problems are directly linked to the condition of engine components that control the functioning of the car engine. The problems that occur in the engine directly influences the functioning and effectiveness of the car. Therefore, it is very important to take good care of the car engine.

Here are the best 10 tips for maintaining car engine:

1. Engine oil is the most element of a car engine that plays a vital role in car performance. It should be changed periodically or after every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Also check the oil level and refill the tank if the level is low.


2. Check the condition of the air filter. If you find any kind of dirt or crack in the air filter, immediately replace it or else it would hamper the functioning of the car engine.


3. Whenever you decide to replace engine parts, ensure that you use original components. Faulty and fake engine components may damage the engine completely if they don't fit in well or are not reliable.


4. Use clean fuel for your car. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the engine can also be helpful for preventing gas from going stale.


5. For proper functioning of the car engine you also need to check the condition of the car battery.


6. The battery case should be free from dirt and cracks. If in case you find any leakage or dust on the surface of the battery case, replace the battery immediately.


7. A car engine also comprises a timing belt that runs the engine and some even comprise a serpentine belt that runs various pumps and accessories in the car. If you find wear and tear of these belts, then you should replace them or else it would hamper the efficiency of the car engine.


8. Ensure that all the car fluids including the brake fluid, engine fluid,engine coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid are topped up to the marked level. Ensuring that all fluid levels are topped off can maintain the health of your engine.


9. Inspect the condition of the spark plug and if required change them. Damaged or ineffective spark plugs hamper the performance of the car engine and also prevents costly engine repairs.


10. If in case you find any kind of strange noises from the engine, get it checked from the mechanic and make sure that the necessary repair is done.

August 27 , 2009
By Carazoo.com
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/best-10-tips-for-maintaining-car-engine-713587.html

Tips On Looking For The Best Used Car Dealer

Buying used cars is a more practical way of avoiding a public mass transportation commute. However, with the industry’s numerous car dealer options, lack of education could lead you straight into a bad car deal.

So how do you know who to trust? Which car dealer is best to transact business? Here is some useful information on searching for the best used-car dealer.

1) Reputation: This is the most vital in choosing car dealers. Making business deals with fair, honest and accommodating car dealers is easy as long as you find a reputable dealership. You should check with the local Better Business Bureau for car dealers reliability report and you could ask relatives and friends for past car dealers they dealt with that guarantee satisfaction.

2) Services: Finding the best car dealers should not be the only factor to consider. Make sure the services the car dealers provide are appropriate. These services include:

* Check and check out – Most car dealers provide express maintenance and service appointments to its customers.

* Car loans - Some extend their services by handling or providing assistance with your financial needs.

* Service rates - Each car dealership has various service discounts. Service rates may vary depending on the name, location, other benefits, and negotiations.

* Warranty – Some car dealers offer free extended car warranties when you purchase used cars or service and examine vehicles from them.

3) Price range: Most people assume that the price you pay is for the whole vehicle. This is not the case when doing business with car dealers.

Majority of dealerships include “add-ons” that may include window tinting, car accessories, CD changers, paint protector products, undercarriage coatings, car interior accessories and many more. Some dealers may try and force the customers into purchasing them usually install the add-ons.

If these additional accessories would be an advantage for you, it might be a blessing. However, if you prefer to purchase the car alone, check to see the car you wish to buy if it includes add-ons refrain from paying additional for each.

Extra fees such as dealer handling and dock fees are charged to set up a used car for sale, maintaining the car and preparing needed documents for the car sale. These extra fees could be negotiated since all of these services would only provide additional profit for the dealer.

Aside from a respectful, dignified and honest dealer, consider these factors in choosing the best car dealer. You may be purchasing a used car, but by looking for the best person to assist you, it will lead to a good investment.

August 26, 2009

By Gregory Ashton

Gregory Ashton, your resident automobile enthusiast, bringing to you over 20 years of vehicular passion, and expertise; presents for your approval his insider secrets on selecting, buying, and maintianing the car that is ideal for you. http://www.best-car-buying-tips.com

Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/automobiles.php/38217

Car Rental Faqs

Q. What does “car type” or similar mean?
A. Car rental companies can never guarantee a specific model or car. When renting a car, companies will give you an idea of what you can expect – you may get the car type that was advertised or you may get one similar in size or model.

Q. How old are rental cars?
A. Depends on the car rental company. Larger suppliers like Hertz and Avis carry cars on their fleet that are about 3-4 months old. Smaller companies can carry cars up to 4 years old.

Q. Can baby seats be requested?
A. Yes, the majority of car rental companies do carry baby or booster seats and can be requested before collection.

Q. What happens if my rental car breaks down?
A. Most car rental companies should include 24 hour roadside assistance in the rental rate. If you do break down, help is only a phone call away.

Q. Can I pick up a rental car in one city and drop it off in another?
A. This is known as a one way car rental. It depends on the supplier and the country – sometimes a fee will apply. Ask when booking!

Q. Can cars be driven into countries other than the country the vehicle is collected in?
A. In most cases, yes but conditions and restrictions do apply. In Europe, there are restrictions about traveling into Eastern Europe and some vehicles cannot be driven in Italy. In the USA, cars cannot be driven into Mexico. Always check at the time of booking.

Q. Are there age restrictions on drivers?
A. Yes. Maximum and minimum ages vary depending on suppliers and car type. Additional fees may also apply for younger or older drivers.

Q. Can anyone drive the rental car?
A. Additional drivers must be added to the rental contract before collection. There may be a fee for additional drivers.

Q. Can my prepaid rental be extended after the vehicle is collected?
A. Yes. In most cases, the renter pays the supplier directly for any extensions. However, this is at the local rate which is often higher than the pre-paid rate.

Q. What do I do if I return the vehicle early?
A. This is possible, however no refund of unused rental days is allowed by the car rental companies.



August 25, 2009
By Car Guru
Car Guru writes for DriveAway Holidays, DriveAway Holidays New Zealand and DriveAway Holidays Blog
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/car-rental-faqs-part-2-646443.html

Should You Buy Or Use 12 Month Car Leasing?

Car leasing is a great option for people that do not want the hassle of purchasing a vehicle, the expense of taking out a loan, or the effort of a car sale on after they have decided it is time to upgrade. Car leasing is particularly useful for people that want to change their car every few years and those that enjoy driving a new car around.

The fundamental difference between purchasing and leasing a car is that the ownership of the vehicle. In the case of car leasing the vehicle always remains the property of the person or company that leases it out. As opposed to purchasing where the vehicle is the property of the owner and they are responsible for all aspects of its use.

Because a car leasing vehicle always remains in the ownership of the person or company that leases it out there are a number of benefits. Firstly the vehicle is always the ownership of the person or company. This means that the person leasing it can return it the minute the contract expires. This means they do not have to worry about selling it on. They also do not have to worry about potential depreciation in value of a vehicle.

It is a well known fact that cars depreciate in value very quickly and if you lease a car this depreciation will not affect you. This may mean that those people that utilize car leasing can change cars very quickly and easily at the end of the contract. The down point is that the vehicle never becomes their own so there is no potential to make money on the sale.

Another important benefit of car leasing is that because the car never becomes the possession of the person that leases it, it can cost less than the cost of a car loan. As a result it may be possible to afford a better car than would initially be possible. This is because if you do not have to worry about paying off a loan the price per month of hiring a car can be much less. You can transfer this saving into improving the quality of the vehicle that you drive around in. Because the person leasing the vehicle does not have to worry about paying off a loan the cost of paying a monthly fee for leasing can be cheaper and more beneficial.

Because the person leasing the car never owns the vehicle it is possible that arrangements can be made for insurance and breakdown cover. This means that the monthly payments can be regulated and the person that leases the car will never be hit with unexpected payments if something was to go wrong with the car. This can make managing your budget much easier as you are never susceptible to unexpected costs. This can be extremely appealing to some people.

The downside to leasing is that you do not own the vehicle at the end of your contract. The money that you pay will go to the company that you lease your vehicle from and those payments can never be retrieved through resale. Car leasing contracts are typically held over 24 month contracts. 12 month car leasing and 36 month car leasing contracts are also common. Usually the longer the contract: the cheaper the monthly payment. So if you are considering this type of agreement think about whether a longer period would be possible as it could save you money.



August 24, 2009
By Shaun Parker
Shaun Parker has been at the forefront of the contract hire and 12 month car leasing industry for several years. He has arranged finance for hundreds of satisfied customers.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/should-you-buy-or-use-12-month-car-leasing-370463.html

Car Driving Tips

Today, most of the teens have become reckless when it comes to driving. They seem to believe in the speed to forget the fact that they are risking their lives, while you do so. A significant number of young people meet daily with accidents by careless driving.

If you are a parent with a child, a teenager is soon to meet, at the age of seventeen, you should become aware, and make sure your child goes in the right way. Here are a few tips for your child to follow, in order to avoid accidents and ensure safe driving.

Car Driving Tips 1

• Do not allow the child drive on busy streets, if he comes home big eyes, running with power, and a driver's license.

Car Driving Tips 2

• Try to take at least 3 hours with him in the car before it's over the car and runs all alone.

Car Driving Tips 3

• The best thing you can do is a little money, and send him to a driving school. The few dollars worth paying agent for his safety in the event that you do not have enough time for your child.

Car Driving Tips 4

• Tell your child, for driving at night.

Car Driving Tips 5

• Make sure that your child's friends are not tempted him to drive to a fast speed. Children generally drive too fast under the influence of friends.

Car Driving Tips 6

• Set an example for your child by driving in a responsible manner. My child is, in most cases, to adopt your driving style.

Car Driving Tips 7

• Teach him to take responsibility and tell him clearly what an accident can cost him.

Today, auto manufacturers have been aware of these risks. Today's cars are mostly with security measures. Also, if you buy a new car, you can use any of these cars. Toyota cars are, of course, very good choice if you are specific about the security.



August 20, 2009
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/advertising-articles/car-driving-tips-245360.html

Washing Your Car

The spring and summer seasons are rapidly approaching, and that means that more people will be concerned over how their vehicle looks. For whatever reason, warmer weather seems to attract people like magnets. Suddenly, you're spotting your next door neighbor, who hardly comes out of their house, driving around the neighborhood in some old classic car that they haven't driven since the summer before. Car lovers can look forward to car shows and block parties in which people bring their toy cars to show off to one another.

Whether you live in the middle-of-nowhere or own five houses in Beverly Hills, one thing is certain, people love to wash their cars and/or have their cars washed! There is, perhaps, something more significant about washing your car though. What is it about having a car look clean on the exterior- especially when the weather is nice? In essence, it can be said that you are what you drive. Even if you have a car that is only worth $500, the fact remains that if you have kept up with the maintenance and are keeping it clean, who has to know what it's worth?

Many people take pride in their vehicles the same way that you or I would take pride in our own appearance to others. Therefore, having a filthy car is akin to walking around in dirty clothes that you haven't washed for days. Drive through any of the ritzy neighborhoods near where you live and nine times out of ten you'll find a few things to be true. First, most people who have a lot of money tend to invest more in sedans. You'll rarely see bulky SUVs laying around, unless of course there are children involved. Secondly, everyone's cars are typically really clean- to the point where it looks as if they just picked up the car that day!

For the pickier drivers out there, there are plenty of self-car washes. These are the kind in which you drive your car up to what looks like a see-through garage in which you can put money and wash your car by hand. Others aren't quite as committed, preferring to bring their vehicles to a major gas station that has a drive-thru car wash in which the driver purchases a ticket to drive their car through an automatic car wash. And then, of course, there are those who don't want to be bothered at all and will pay to have their car washed by others. Whichever method is the one you choose, just be sure that if you're paying someone else to wash your vehicle, be specific with them about what you expect as well as what you want done. There is no reason you should have to your car clean again after you just had it cleaned!

Sometimes when you go through an automatic car wash, you need to remember to always be careful. If you are sitting in your car, make sure that all of the windows are rolled up tightly. If you're having your car washed by someone else, make sure that there are no valuable belongings laying around in the areas that are being cleaned. If need be, if you know that you're going to have your car washed, take these items out ahead of time.



August 19, 2009
By Brenda Williams
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/automobiles.php/124979

Car Accessory for New as Well as Used Cars

For anybody it is not enough to buy a car; he needs to accessorise it with lots of parts. No matter whether his car is brand new or a used one, addition of car accessory to it is a must. Sometimes it may be exigent for him to add parts to the car. Sometimes he may go for it just for the sake it thereby to add glamour and attraction to the car.

The car accessory market also responds well to the call of those who need parts for their car. They are most likely to get whatever they want. Be it something to stylise the interior of the car or to glamorise the exterior, there will be no dearth of options. The same goes with new and old cars equally. While old cars have lots of accessories to be added to them, the new ones also have enough options.

In fact, the car accessory market becomes proactive once the announcement of launching a new car is made. They collect information on the type of engine and body the car has and start researching on the accessories it will require. It takes very little time for them to supply the car parts that a brand new car needs. Sometimes the company that manufactures the car also supplies accessories. The parts they make are preferred most.

Presently the trend of fashionable car accessory is catching fast. By the side of the parts that are most common and must be there in a car, lots of other accessories have come into existence. All these parts are used to make the car look flashy and attractive. While some of these accessories are quite expensive, most of the others are well within the reach of people with limited income. They can buy these parts without a bust in their budget.

August 18, 2009
By Garry Kelkar
Garry Kelkar is an expert writer having perfection in automobile industry and presently writing on car parts topics like car horns, car fog lights, car heaters and so forth.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/car-accessory-for-new-as-well-as-used-cars-312528.html

Reasons to Get Automobile Insurance

If you are having money problems, driving without car insurance can seem like a good idea to save a little money. However, this is an extremely bad idea because you are only a moment away from an accident. This article is going to tell you why you should never drive without automobile insurance.

The point of car insurance, like all other insurance, is to hope you never have to use it; but, you are prepared and have it in case something was to happen. The worst thing that can happen is getting into an accident and not having insurance, so do not try and save money by cutting car insurance.

If you do not have car insurance and are wondering if you should get it; or, if you are just wondering why you should have car insurance before driving, here are some of the top reasons:

1. If you are involved in an accident and neither you nor the other driver has car insurance, and you require medical care, you will not be covered by any form of personal liability insurance. Personal liability insurance comes with auto insurance packages, and you will lose a lot of money, more so than if you bought auto insurance, trying to pay your medical bills.

2. If you cause an accident and you have no insurance you are leaving the victim in a tight spot. If an accident is your fault than your insurance company is suppose to pay the other drivers company, who in return would pay that driver. However, by not having insurance, you will probably have to pay to fix that persons car with your own money.

3. If your car was either stolen or you got in an accident and had to try and pay the cost of either fixing it or replacing it, you could be looking at no transportation for a long time. If you are trying to save money by not paying for car insurance, you are probably not going to be able to fix or replace a car anytime in the near future. This will hinder your ability to get to work or go places period which will lose you money.

4. You may think that you are not breaking any laws, but you are. If you are driving without car insurance you are driving illegally, which is against the law. Also, if you are caught without car insurance you can loose your license.

5. If you are caught driving without insurance you will be moved to the high risk category for car insurance. This will raise how much your car insurance premium will be when you go to get car insurance, which is a bad thing.

From potentially spending more money than you are saving to breaking the law, there are many reasons for you to get car insurance. There is no good reason for you to drive without automobile insurance and you should never leave the driveway without insurance. Hopefully after reading this article you understand the importance of car insurance and you will be on your way to finding a good auto insurance quote.



August 17, 2009
By Michael Hunter
Michael Hunter helps people locate reliable cheap auto insurance online. He Has helped thousands of drivers nationwide save hundreds of dollars per year by showing them how to use the internet to uncover affordable auto insurance. Get your own free, instant auto insurance quotes now by visiting, http://www.insurancequotemarket.com
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/automobiles.php/79841

Rent-a-car Services

Cars or automobiles are one of the most prevalent means of commuting from one place to another. The ownership of cars makes it easy for individuals to commute easily according to one's own preference and not depend on public vehicles. However, it is interesting to note, that in recent times, rent-a-car service or car rentals have become lucrative business ventures with many car rental companies mushrooming in different corners of the metropolis. Car rentals are offered by various agencies against a fee for certain hours of the day or for certain days of the week, this system is mostly useful for tourists who are visiting foreign lands and a car hire provides them a driver who can serve as a guide as well and it can allow them free movement in the alien land where they are unaware of locations. It is also extremely helpful for individuals who require a vehicle for commuting daily in the absence of his or her vehicle. Since the main purpose of these car rental agencies are to acquire tourists, these car rentals are available in localized forms closer to airports or landmarks in the city to attract more customers. However, it must be remembered that not only smaller vehicles, but even heavy goods vehicles like trucks are also supplied by the car rental agencies for service.

The car rentals are carried out in exchange of a stipulated amount to be paid as fees. This price is determined by various factors like fuel prices, distance covered and also by the brand of car rented out. The more expensive and famous the brand name, the more will be the rental. The maximum distance that is to be covered while the car is let out on rent is usually pre-determined and one must be careful of not overcoming that limit as in such cases an additional fee is liable to be levied on the consumer. Moreover, in case of any damage caused to the vehicle while it is rented out will also require the client to pay for the damage. Most of the car rental companies have set age limits for their drivers which is usually 25 and with the aid of the GPS or the global positioning system, the agencies are able to restrict the maximum speed limits of the vehicle. Most car companies have their own fleet of rentals cars while some broker agencies may have tie-ups with these companies to provide cars for hiring purposes.



August 13, 2009
donate car to charity and help those in need.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/rentacar-services-282587.html

Removing Unwanted Paint From a Car

Buying a new car can be draining yet rewarding all in one. Once the new car is off the lot and in the driveway it is like bringing home a new toy. The beautiful glisten of the brand new paint, the new car smell of the interior and the smooth acceleration of the brand new engine can make any new car owner fall head over heels for their new car. You’ve been taking care of that car since day one; not getting a scratch on it and washing it once a week. But you can’t avoid everything. Driving to work one day you see paint splattered on the roadway but you can’t move into the oncoming lane of a two lane road because you are approaching a blind bend. The paint is unavoidable. You drive the car right through the paint and it still has its strong scent. That can only mean one thing. The paint is fresh and it is now all over your brand new car.

How do you remove unwanted paint from a car? This method works but it takes a lot of time and a lot of elbow grease. The first step in removing the unwanted paint is to get the car out of the direct rays of the sun. If the paint is only on one side of the car; turn that side of the car away from the sun. Make sure you wash the car before doing anything else. There are plenty of different items that can be used for removing unwanted paint from a car. Some of them are paint thinner, goo gone and anything with acetone in it such as nail polish. Paint thinner can work but you have to be very, very careful. The paint thinner can ultimately remove the original paint from your car.

After applying these substances to the vehicle make sure you rewash the car and then put a coat of car wax on the area that was covered in the unwanted paint. When removing the unwanted paint from the vehicle make sure you don’t use your fingernail to scratch off the car paint but use a soft rag dipped in soapy water. Spray the paint remover onto the areas of the car you are working on at the time and rub gently but with some elbow grease. Also, don’t work on the same area for an extended period of time or the original paint job will begin to wear off. Move from area to area, slowly removing the unwanted paint.

Since you drove through the wet paint on the roadway, it is splattered on the tires and on the plastic covers above the wheel attached to the body of the car. Those plastic covers can be removed to clean them. Also, take off each wheel and clean it with soap and water. That should be enough to get the paint off of the wheel. If not, you can use paint thinner since there is no other paint on the wheel.

The process works but it takes a good handful of hours to get the paint completely off of the car without ruining the original paint job.



August 3, 2009
By Brenda Williams

http://www.nationaltransportllc.com/nashville-car-transport.php Nashville Automobile Shipping http://www.nationaltransportllc.com/nashville-car-transport.php Nashville Auto Transport
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/automobiles.php/102300