Steps to Help Keep Your Car Longer

Try and use these sensible steps to help motorists maintain their vehicles for safety, dependability and value:

 

Keep it Clean Washing and waxing your vehicle on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that may harm the finish.

A good cleaning of the inside and outside of the vehicle prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, reduces the potential for rust from road salt and ensures proper visibility needed for safe driving.

Rely on Your Senses
When driving, always be alert and rely on your senses. While you may be familiar with noises that your vehicle makes on a daily basis, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem. Listen for sounds such as squealing, thumping, hissing and grinding – these are all signs that the vehicle may be trying to tell you something.

Unusual smells such as burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, rotten eggs, burning carpet or the sweet smell of syrup can be a sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle.

When you hear or smell something that doesn’t seem right, do not ignore it. Instead bring your car to a professional service technician to get an informed opinion on the nature of the sound or odor.

Stay on Schedule
The key to a car running at its best is basic maintenance. Keeping up with fluid changes, tire checks, filter changes and other services will help avoid bigger and more expensive repairs. Over time, some car parts and components wear out or become damaged. Being aware of your car will help you address any issues before they become bigger problems.

If you treat your car as a valuable investment and commit to regular preventative auto care, not only will you end up saving money, but your car will keep on running for many miles down the road.

Is Your Car Pet Ready?

Tips for drivers planning a road trip with the family pet so that all passengers can remain comfortable in the close quarters of a vehicle interior.

Before you and your pet hit the road, make sure your vehicle is both pet ready and road ready, take steps to keep your pet safe and conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection, so you can have an enjoyable, low-stress trip with your pet in tow.

According to the Humane Society, keep your pets in the backseat. The safest way for a dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Cats should remain in carriers. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck and make plenty of rest stop breaks.

Be sure to check your vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system before embarking on summer road trips. Driving with your windows closed and the A/C on will keep all passengers comfortable and protect your pet from sticking its head out the window. Do not leave pets unattended in the car, even with the windows slightly open, as inside temperatures soar and will endanger your pet.

Cleaning your vehicle’s interior will make for more comfortable travel with your pet. Heavy casino duty floor liners, water proof car seat covers and water repellent fabric or leather solutions will help protect your vehicle from pet hair, odors and other messes. Keep a kit in the trunk for on-the-spot cleanups, containing such items as upholstery or leather cleaner, glass cleaner, paper towels or rags and lint rollers. Place dryer sheets under the seats to help keep your car smelling fresh.

2010 Dodge Journey

 Cost: $15,875

Mileage: 61,446 miles

Color: Stone White Clear Coat

Engine: 6-Cylinder 

Transmission: Automatic

Trim: RT All-Wheel-Drive

Fuel Type: Gasoline 

MGP (City/Highway): 15/23

Vehicle Options: Power Sunroof; Third Row Seats; Leather Upholstery & Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel; Back Up Camera; Keyless Entry; Sirius Satellite Radio; and so much more!

Sellers Notes: This vehicle is in excellent condition with under 65,000 miles. It has plenty of room for both cargo and passengers. Now all it needs is to go home with you today!

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

Cost: $12,975

 

Mileage: 117,656

Color: Mocha Steel Metallic

Engine: 6 Cylinder

Transmission: Automatic

Trim: 2LT 2-Wheel Drive

Fuel Type: Gasoline

MGP (City/Highway): 17/24

Vehicle Options: On*Star System; Power Brakes, Locks, Drivers Seat, Steering, and Windows; Sunroof; Keyless Entry; Heated Seat; Leather Upholstery; and so much more!

Sellers Notes: This vehicle is in great shape, with a perfect history report. It has a log of space for passengers or storage. All this car needs is a new driver, and why shouldn't that be YOU?!!?

How to Improve Fuel Efficiency

When you drive, you will want to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. By doing so, you can also help save on wear and tear of parts of your vehicle. You can help improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by simply changing a few driving habits. The most effective step you can take to help reduce costs is to accelerate slowly and to brake over a longer distance. Speeding, braking, and rapid acceleration all lead to wasting gas. If you try to anticipate stoplights and signs, you will get better gas mileage. It is also important to slow down when driving. Gas mileage decreases once you go above sixty miles per hour. Also when you fill your tank with gas, make sure to do it when it is the coolest outside. By fueling it up in the morning or late at night, the fuel will be denser and result in you getting more for the same amount of money.

 By keeping your vehicle maintained properly, you can also help with fuel efficiency of it. Having it in for a regularly scheduled maintenance check up will help ensure your vehicle is running the best it can. Be sure to check the tire pressure of your vehicle and by keeping your tires properly inflated it can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Also checking the alignment of your wheels is important as well. If you notice an issue with the tires, make sure to bring the vehicle in to your trusted auto care center as soon as possible. Catching an issue at the first sign can help you to prevent further damage and wear in the future.