canegardenmedia

Car Maintenance that should not be postponed during Winter!

Posted on by canegardenmedia

Are you stuck in the snow and wishing you had done some basic car maintenance before
winter? Don’t make the same mistake again! In this blog, we’ll outline simple car care tips
that could help prevent a major breakdown on your next winter drive. We’ll also discuss why
it’s important to not postpone routine maintenance during the cold months. Get all the
information you need to stay safe on icy roads this season – Read on!
Winter Tires
Winter tires are essential for safe winter driving. With temperatures dipping below freezing
and snow covering the roads, car maintenance shouldn’t be delayed during this season.
Winter tires can help improve traction and improve safety on icy pavement and minimize the
risk of getting into an accident.
They are designed to remain flexible in cold conditions and provide more grip than
all-season or summer tires. It is important to remember that when the temperature drops,
regular tires will become stiffer and won’t provide you with the same level of protection as
winter tires do. Winter tire treads also contain a special rubber compound designed to stay
soft in cold weather so they won’t lose traction on slippery roads.
Getting the Wipers Ready
One of the areas to focus on is your car’s windshield wipers. Ensuring they are in good
condition will help you drive through inclement weather without worrying about visibility
issues. For starters, check to see if your blades need replacing or if they just need cleaning
to get them back in working order. Wiper blades tend to tear or wear out over time due to
cold weather and harsh elements like road salt. Replacing them at least once a year can
help keep your visibility clear when driving during winter months.
Juicing the Battery
One aspect of car maintenance that often gets overlooked is battery care. Keeping your
battery juiced up during the winter can ensure that you stay on the road when temperatures
drop outside.
Your vehicle’s battery needs extra attention during colder weather because its lifespan is
shorter due to factors like reduced cranking power, longer nighttime hours, and increased
use of accessories such as lights and heaters. The best defense against dead batteries or
low voltage problems is regular testing and preventive maintenance including full charging
cycles whenever possible.
Prevention to Corrosion
Corrosion can have a huge effect on vehicle performance and longevity if it isn’t addressed
quickly and efficiently. Even though snow, ice, and salt are often associated with winter
weather, they can all lead to corrosion in your car—and that’s why car maintenance shouldn’t
be delayed during this time of year.
Corrosion occurs when metal parts start to break down due to contact with oxygen or
water—both of which are abundant during winter months! Thus, it’s essential that you check
your car regularly for signs of rusting or wear and tear.
Checking the Antifreeze
As temperatures drop, it’s important to check the antifreeze in your vehicle to prevent any
potential issues from arising at an inconvenient time. Antifreeze is a vital component of an
internal combustion engine since it prevents the engine from overheating or freezing when
temperatures are extreme. It also helps dissipate heat and lubricates engine components.
Without antifreeze, an engine would not function properly and could even suffer permanent
damage if allowed to freeze in cold weather conditions. The importance of regularly checking
the antifreeze level during winter cannot be stressed enough; it’s one of the most critical
tasks for keeping your vehicle running smoothly throughout the season.
Checking the Washer Fluid
One of the most important checks you can do is to make sure your washer fluid is topped up
and ready for use. Failing to check this can leave you unable to clear away dirt and grime
from your windscreen, potentially impeding visibility and putting yourself and other drivers at
risk.
It’s also worth knowing what type of fluid should be used for the job. Generally speaking, a
50/50 mix of water with an antifreeze-type solution works best in cold weather conditions as
it will help prevent the liquid from freezing in contact with ice or snow. Depending on where
you live, a different concentration may be required – so always check with your local auto
parts store before purchasing or topping up.
Waxing
A good wax job is one of the simplest and most effective methods for protecting your vehicle
from the elements during this season – it keeps dirt and grime from accumulating on your
car, which can easily scratch and damage its paint. Furthermore, waxing also helps to
preserve the original shine of your auto exterior.
For those who are unfamiliar with the process, waxing a car is relatively simple – all you
need are some microfiber towels, quality carnauba or synthetic waxes, and a few hours of
time. First off, make sure that your vehicle’s exterior is clean before starting: washing it
thoroughly will help to remove any dirt and debris that could interfere with the task at hand.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, car maintenance during winter is essential to ensure the longevity and overall
performance of your car. It is important to check your antifreeze levels, inspect wiper blades,
and replace oil if needed to avoid any potential damage from extremely cold temperatures.
By proactively taking these steps, you can help avoid costly repairs and keep your car
running efficiently for longer.

canegardenmedia

How to Buy a Car During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted on by canegardenmedia

 

 

 

Life has changed as we know it since the COVID-19 pandemic,so it is safe to say that the way we purchase cars have also changed as the pandemic continues.

Some factors  besides precautions to keep everyone safe, such as low used car inventory and cheap financing, have changed the way prospective car owners shop for the car they want.

Here are a few ways you can find the vehicle you want:

 

  1. Be decisive,and act quickly:

If you find the year, make and model of the car you are looking for at a fair price, contact the dealership and make arrangements to safely view the car.

 

  1. Cast your net,  far and wide:

Browse car dealerships out of your local area. You may have to go the extra mile to  an out of town dealership to test drive the car you want due to low used car inventories.

 

  1. Don’t be rigid with your choices, be flexible

Consider similar cars across different automotive brands, so you have more cars to choose from. Be flexible when it comes to the color of the car, and upgrade options. This will put you in a position to negotiate since you are not getting exactly the car you want. Ask  for a decrease in price, you won’t know the answer if you don’t ask.

 

  1. Choose value over discounts.

Shop for cars that have value in luxury options and low milage. The price may not be the ideal price you’re looking for, but if it’s a good deal in terms of value, you should make the purchase, The used car inventory is low and it may not be there next week.

 

  1. Do your homework, be patient

Compare prices, inventory and the choices of cars yo u want to purchase over a 5- 10 day period. If what you want isn’t there at a decent price, wait. The inventory should increase in late summer and fall as automotive production increases

 

  1. 6. Get a pre- purchase Inspection by a reputable auto repair shop. DON’T DO IT YOURSELF

This is the last tip, however I consider it the most important one, and I am writing from a recent experience I had.

I purchased a used truck without a Pre-Purchase Inspection, which I never do. However, there was another buyer at the dealership who wanted the same truck. I test drove the truck, looked it over and purchased the truck. A few months later when I got my brakes serviced, the mechanic told me I would have long term mechanical issues. I bought an aftermarket repair policy to assist  me with upcoming repairs, and a year later, during the pandemic, the transmission failed.

A Pre-Purchase Inspection  is very important and is an absolute necessity so car buyers can validate that they are making the right purchase

membhershipsite

Preventative Maintenance is Required for Safety and Longevity

Posted on by membhershipsite

As the average age of the car on the road increases to 11.5 yrs. old, it seems that we are all keeping our cars longer, so preventative maintenance is needed in order to cope with safety with longevity.

A preventative maintenance plan for your vehicle may minimize the chances of a roadside breakdown and also assist with the efficiency, and reliability of the vehicle. The most common maintenance performed are checking the oil, filters, and fluids, belts, and hoses, timing,  brakes, tires, and air conditioning.

You should also browse through the Car Care Guide created by the Car Care Council to a fully customized maintenance plan, use Car Smart People to connect you with a highly-skilled, certified mechanic who will do a comprehensive review of your vehicle.

As a car owner, knowing the maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle can increase the longevity and resale value of your vehicle. Buying a new car can be expensive and very often, unnecessary. Get the most out of your vehicle for years to come by getting preventive maintenance at the recommended interval.

membhershipsite

Spring Car Maintenance Tips

Posted on by membhershipsite

As the temperature rises and spring gets in full swing, it is a good idea to get prepared for road trips, more frequent driving, or even that epic summer vacation that’s only a few months away.

Do you want to save money and get a little exercise in the process?  Try some DIY maintenance – the best time to start is right now! After the winter months, your car needs a breath of fresh air, and with all this COVID-19 quarantine stuff you do too!

Wash and wax. Some winters may seem longer and colder than others, and may come with salt, slush, ice, and snow, Give the underside of your car some special attention. Check for rust or any loose parts.

               

Fluid checks. Bring in the spring season with fluid checks, missing this small step serves as an invite for bigger problems during hot summer months. Make sure your brake fluid, coolant, oil, and transmission fluid are all at maximum capacity.

Change your windshield wipers. Check your wiper blades for cracks and stiffness, you may need new wiper blades for springtime showers.

Battery voltage check.  Stop by part stores like AutoZone or see your local mechanic and get a battery load test to make sure the battery survived the winter, and is charged, and ready for spring.

Inspect air filter. A clogged air filter will impact engine performance. It is simple and in expensive to change your air filter (costs around $10 – $15). The most important part is a dirty air filter, which can reduce gas mileage up to 10%.

Tire maintenance. Use the recommended pressure range, typically 30-32 psi for your tires. Check your tires for specifics under different road and weather conditions also ensure your treads are not worn and, remove winter tires, use all-season tires for the spring through autumn.

Interior.  Clean your interior, vacuum the carpet thoroughly

If you stored your car throughout the winter, check for moisture, dead insects, rodent dropping, etc.

Hang a nice air freshener in your car, and make sure your car stereo works, it’s time to take your first springtime spin.

membhershipsite

The Most Dependable Cars in 2021

Posted on by membhershipsite

When choosing a car, one of the important factors to consider is the dependability of such a car. Will this car stand the test of time? Will it serve me well for many years without major repairs except for basic maintenance? Or is it the kind of car that will subject me to a series of mechanical woes? These and many more are some of the questions that every buyer should ask before deciding on a car.

Nevertheless, this article will go a long way in helping buyers identify some of the most dependable cars in 2021. It would also enlighten readers on essential tips to maintaining a car.

Survey Company J.D Power & Co. is known for its annual survey of the most dependable cars. They do not just come up with these overnight; determining these requires a series of polls among owners of three-year-old cars in order to learn what they enjoyed about the car, and what problem they may have encountered in the course of its usage. This, in turn, will be helpful to buyers as the result of the survey will present them with the best choices for them, and at the same time, help them identify the cars that need to be avoided.

This year, the survey was on 33251 car owners with the 2018 model year, that is, those who had used their cars for three years. The idea was to determine the number of problems encountered in each vehicle. On average, there were 121 problems reported per 100 vehicles.

Lexus turned out to be the most dependable with 81 problems per 100 vehicles, and it was followed closely by Porsche with 86 problems.

Kia was third at 97, while the fourth was Toyota at 98.

There was a tie for the fifth dependable vehicle at 100 – Buick and Cadillac.

It would not surprise many that Lexus topped the list of the most dependable vehicles in 2021. It has retained the top spot in J.D Power’s Dependability Study for eight years in a row other than J.D Power’s; they have also topped the most dependable lists for quite some years now on the Auto Express Survey. If there is something it is known for, that would be consistency.

Other cars – Porsche, Kia, Toyota, Buick, and Cadillac that made the list of the top five most dependable cars in 2021 also have a reputation for quality and durability.

The Toyota Tundra ranked as the most dependable large light-duty pickup by J.D Power in its 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study.

Just as it is important to identify and purchase dependable cars, it is also essential to invest in car maintenance. Many think that it is just about purchasing a dependable car, but really it is not. Your car can stop being dependable if you ignore the aspect of car maintenance, so continue to maintain your car. Some of the benefits you enjoy from investing in your car maintenance are:

  •     Increased safety: If every car on the road were taken for regular maintenance, the rate of road accidents would have reduced considerably. You are safer when you drive a car that gets regular maintenance.
  •     Longer life span: When you invest in regular car maintenance, you automatically make sure that your car serves you for as many years as possible.
  •     Low repair costs: If you take your car for regular maintenance, you will reduce the repair cost. Small issues can be discovered early before they become big; this way, you save yourself some money.
  •     Increased reliability: A well-maintained car can be driven anywhere and anytime without unnecessary breakdowns.

. Shop online  for certified, reliable  and insured 0 repair shops in your area  at www.carsmartpeople.com