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Whether your car sprung a leak or you spilled gasoline while filling up the lawn mower or snow blower, it can be easy for your driveway to end up with a few stains. Oil, transmission fluid and gasoline can leave behind spots that make your driveway or garage floor look greasy or discolored.
Regardless of whether a spot is new or old, follow these steps to help remove automotive stains from your paved driveway or uncoated concrete garage floor.
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Oil can leave a dark stain on pavement, but you may be able to clean even stubborn spots out of your driveway. Good Housekeeping suggests following these steps to get oil stains out of your driveway or garage floor:
Some other possible solutions include:
Transmission fluid spills or leaks may leave a bright red stain on light-colored concrete. Here are some suggested steps for removing the stain from Reader’s Digest:
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Spilled gasoline not only leaves stains on your paved driveway, but it will likely leave an odor you’ll want to neutralize. BobVila.com recommends the following tips for cleaning a gasoline spill and removing the resulting stain:
Spills happen, but they don’t have to leave a permanent reminder on your driveway or garage floor. These simple tips may help you get most automotive stains out of your pavement or cement flooring.
Originally published on September 15, 2017.
The post How to Remove Automotive Stains From Your Driveway or Garage appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Keeping your car in tip-top shape can help prevent unnecessary repair bills and unexpected trips to the mechanic. One essential car maintenance task is a routine oil change. Oil changes are a must for proper vehicle care, but they can be easy and relatively inexpensive.
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Your car’s engine is complex and contains numerous moving parts. Oil lubricates these moving parts and keeps everything running smoothly, says Angie’s List. Over time some of the motor oil burns off — leaving a thick sludge behind. This sludge reduces the oil’s ability to lubricate the parts properly, which can lead to engine wear. Checking your oil can help determine if the oil needs to be changed and if there is enough in the car.
According to Cars.com, here are some of the reasons why you should change your car’s oil:
Consumer Reports suggests that drivers check their oil at every other gas fill-up. Start by consulting your owner’s manual. It should contain information on how to check the oil in your vehicle. Once your car is parked on level ground and the engine is off, Consumer Reports recommends these steps for checking your oil:
Which kind of oil you use in your vehicle depends on your engine’s needs and the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual. You can choose synthetic oil, conventional oil or high-mileage oil, depending on your engine’s needs and the expected oil life. Also, you’ll need to choose the right viscosity for your engine — that information is typically found on your engine’s oil cap or in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
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Every car manufacturer has a slightly different recommended oil change schedule. Consult your owner’s manual to find your car manufacturer’s suggested oil change interval. When a dealership or service center changes your vehicle’s oil, they will typically put a sticker on your window to tell you when your car is due for another oil change.
When you have the oil changed, it’s a good idea to check the oil filter, as well. You may also want to perform other routine maintenance, such as checking the brakes, rotating the tires and topping off fluids, says Angie’s List. Be sure to ask your mechanic what inspections they perform during an oil change. Routine oil changes are a key part of car maintenance to help keep your vehicle running smoothly. If you need help checking or changing your oil, consult a car care professional.
Originally published on October 1, 2016.
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Proper brake pad maintenance is not only critical for helping your car last, but also for your safety as a driver or passenger. Simply put, your vehicle’s brakes are what enable you to slow down and stop. To help ensure your vehicle can stop safely, consider these tips on when and how to check your car’s brake pads.
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There’s no specific schedule for when it’s time to replace your brake pads, according to Cars.com. That means it’s a good idea to check your brake pads regularly to help determine the amount of wear and tear. Typical brake pad wear depends on how and where you drive, says Cars.com. For example, if you drive in urban areas, your brake pads may wear out faster than they would if you drove on rural roads due to the stopping and starting of city traffic.
Whether you go to a professional mechanic or handle maintenance yourself, it’s a good idea to check the brake pads each time your tires are rotated — about every six months, says Cars.com. It’s also a good idea to check your car owner’s manual or talk to a professional technician so you understand what service schedule and parts may be right for your particular vehicle.
Fortunately, brake pads are designed to provide clear signals that they need to be checked and possibly replaced. Here are some ways to check your brakes:
Here are a few ways you can be in-tune with your brakes and whether it’s time to have them checked.
If you have concerns about whether or not your brake system is functioning properly, you should have it inspected by a professionally immediately.
It can also be helpful to take a look at your brakes to see if there are any obvious signs of wear and tear. When the car is parked safely and the ignition is off, follow these tips for visually inspecting your brake pads:
Cars.com says some common signs that may indicate it’s time to replace your brake pads include:
If you do not feel comfortable checking your brake pads, take your vehicle to a local dealership or repair shop where a professional can do it for you. Not only will replacing worn brake pads help make your car safer, it may help save money in the long run by helping prevent avoidable accidents.
Originally published on May 29, 2017.
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Have you ever pulled your car into your garage, opened the car door and accidentally hit the wall? Just like that, the side of your car door has a ding. We’ve all been there, but there’s an inexpensive way to help avoid dents and dings. A pool noodle may be the key to helping protect your car doors, according to Precision Garage Door of Salt Lake.
Watch this video to see how a pool noodle can become a bumper for your car door.
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First, gather these materials:
Use a utility knife or box cutter to cut the pool noodle in half lengthwise. Take care when cutting — do this step on a flat surface such as a workbench or the garage floor. You may also want to consider wearing work gloves while cutting.
Carefully open your car door to determine where it makes contact with the garage wall. Using a pencil, lightly mark the point of contact on the wall. Using that mark as your guide, draw a longer line horizontally across the wall. If desired, you can use a measuring tape to make sure you are extending your line at the correct height or for the length of the pool noodle.
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Cut two strips of mounting tape the length of the pool noodle. Apply these strips of tape to the edges of the noodle. Then, attach the noodle to the wall, horizontally along the line you marked earlier.
Alternatively, The Family Handyman says you could use nails to attach the pool noodle to the wall to really help it stay in place. However, be sure to use the appropriate tools and nails for your garage wall.
Again, carefully open the car door. It should now touch the soft pool noodle instead of the wall. If it doesn’t, remount the noodle at the appropriate height.
No one likes dents in their car, especially when it is from something as simple as opening the door. Use this quick fix to help avoid door dings by mounting a simple pool noodle to your garage wall.
Originally posted on November 16, 2016.
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Do your car windows need a good cleaning? There may be a simple solution in your cabinets. According to Reader’s Digest, a mixture of vinegar, ammonia and cornstarch can help you get sparkling car windows without leaving streaks.
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Start by gathering the ingredients you need to make the glass cleaning solution:
You’ll also need a clean bucket to use while you’re mixing the solution. When the cleaner is ready, you’ll need a spray bottle and clean cloth, such as a microfiber towel, to use while cleaning.
Follow these steps to get clean windows without pesky streaks.
In a bucket, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with ½ cup ammonia, ½ cup white vinegar and 3 to 4 quarts of warm water. Mix the ingredients together — Reader’s Digest says it’s normal for it to look milky.
Pour the finished mixture into an empty spray bottle. Then, spray the solution onto your car window.
Wipe the window with warm water to rinse off the solution and loosened dirt. Then, use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to dry the window.
Repeat this process for each window on your vehicle.
For best results, consider these window-cleaning tips from Angie’s List:
Making sure your car windows are clean not only helps your car to look it’s best, but can also help improve visibility while you’re driving. With this homemade glass cleaner and a little effort, you’ll have a clearer view of the road ahead.
Originally published on October 2, 2017.
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If you live in an area where winter means driving on icy, snow-covered roads, you likely understand how challenging those road conditions can be on your car — not to mention how stressful it can be for the driver. There are a few things you can do, though, to help ensure your tires have as much traction as possible. Consider these tips to help prepare your tires for winter weather:
Your tires’ tread is what gives them their ability to grip the road. So, one of the first ways to tell if your tires are ready for winter roads is to examine the tread on each tire, including the spare. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking your tires at least once a month. If a tire has uneven or excessive wear, it should be replaced.
NHTSA says tire tread depth should be a minimum of 2/32 of an inch. To check this, hold a penny between your thumb and forefinger so that Lincoln’s head is showing. Place the top of Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves of the tire’s tread. If any part of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, you have a safe amount of tread, according to NHTSA. If you can see above Lincoln’s head, then you need a new tire.
Tires that are not inflated to the correct pressure may negatively affect your car’s handling, according to Cars.com. And, as the temperatures outside drop, the NHTSA says your tires will lose pressure. This is why it’s important to check your tire pressure throughout the winter.
The recommended tire pressure for a vehicle is typically listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door, or it can be found in the owner’s manual, says Cars.com. Use a tire pressure gauge, which you can get at most gas stations or auto parts stores, to check that each tire is at the correct pressure. (Edmunds recommends checking the tires before driving, as the friction created when driving affects the pressure.) If necessary, use an air compressor to inflate the tires. If any of the tires are overinflated, use the small bead on the back of the tire pressure gauge to release some air.
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You might think winter tires are only for areas where the winter weather conditions are very harsh, with lots of ice and snow. But, winter tires, which used to be called snow tires, are designed to work in lower temperatures regardless of road conditions, according to Road and Track Magazine. In fact, colder temperatures may cause standard tires to become too hard and lose their normal traction, even when the roads are dry.
There are several types of tires you may want to consider for winter driving:
Your local mechanic or car dealership can help you decide which tires make sense for your area’s weather, and they can also recommend appropriate tires for your vehicle.
While preparing your car for the winter takes a little extra work, it can be worth it in the long run. Your car’s tires can help keep you safe on the road during winter, so remember these tips when preparing for the new season.
Originally posted on January 10, 2012.
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During those cold winter months, you may often find your windshield covered in frost. Maybe you let the car run with the defrost on, or you get out an ice scraper to clear your windshield. But, Meteorologist Ken Weathers has a tip that may help you clear up the frost quickly and with less effort.
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Put on rubber gloves, then mix two parts rubbing alcohol with one part water. (Do not use hot water, Weathers says, because it may crack your windshield. Room temperature or cold water is fine. Isopropyl alcohol can be used instead of rubbing alcohol, too.)
Pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle.
Spray the mixture onto your windshield, and watch the frost clear up.
You can even leave the spray bottle with the mixture in your car, because rubbing alcohol has a freezing point of 128 degrees below zero (in Fahrenheit), says Weathers.
As the temperatures drop, be ready for frosty days by having this simple defrosting spray at hand. By spending a few minutes to make this mixture, this quick fix can help you get on the road a little quicker.
Originally published on January 4, 2017.
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When dealing with the frigid temperatures of winter, there’s not much worse than coming out to your car to find the doors frozen shut. According to Lifehacker, car doors can freeze because water from rain or snow gets into the rubber seal, or gasket, around the door and then freezes when the temperatures drop. Fortunately, there is a simple trick that may help prevent this from happening, using nothing but ordinary household cooking spray.
Apply the spray to the door’s rubber seal weekly during the coldest winter months, or as needed before expected icy, frigid storms, says Brian L. Gochenour, laser operations manager and sales engineer at Broadway Metal Works.
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Any ordinary cooking spray should work.
Open your car door, and look for the rubber gasket all around its edge. Spray the rubber on the top, side and bottom of the door with the cooking spray.
Take a dry paper towel and gently rub the rubber seal to get rid of drips and excess spray.
Apply the cooking spray to each door on your car. This should help prevent the doors from freezing shut, and you’ll be able to get into your vehicle with ease in the cold weather.
Originally published on November 15, 2016.
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You may think your car’s headlights are in good shape as long as they power on when you need them. But, have you ever thought about headlight maintenance and how it can help improve their performance? From learning how to inspect your headlights to how to adjust them, these tips can help you ensure they’re properly lighting the road while you’re driving at night.
Are the lenses (the plastic covering) on your car’s headlights crystal clear, or do you see some fogginess and yellowing? Popular Mechanics says most manufacturers apply a UV protective film to the exterior of the lens to help protect the headlights. Over time, UV rays can damage this film and cause the lenses to appear foggy or yellow — this can contribute to impaired visibility while driving at night.
If your headlights are no longer clear, a headlight restoration kit may help clean them. The steps typically involve sanding and waxing, so be sure to follow the kit instructions to help ensure you clean the headlights properly. If you don’t see a big improvement, you may need to use another restoration kit or buy replacement headlights, says Popular Mechanics.
If your headlight lenses are clear but still seem to let off dim lighting, it may be time to replace the bulbs. Headlight bulbs naturally dim over time and need to be replace every few years, according to Consumer Reports. When choosing a bulb, The Family Handyman recommends selecting a long-life bulb if you do more night driving. These bulbs last about three times longer than standard bulbs.
Check your headlight bulbs to see if they are centered correctly and pointing towards the road. Over time, bulbs can become misaligned and end up pointing too high, too low or off to one side. Some cars have built-in bubble levelers to help you align the headlights, notes Popular Mechanics. These are typically located on the sides and top of the headlight unit. If you can see that the bubbles are not centered in the levelers, you’ll know the headlights need adjusting.
To check the aim of your bulbs manually, Popular Mechanics recommends following these steps:
If you find that you need to adjust the headlights, locate the adjusters and move them as needed — these are typically a bolt or screw on the sides or back of a headlight, says Popular Mechanics. You can also check your owner’s manual for details on adjusting your vehicle’s headlights.
If you have any concerns as you inspect or clean your headlights, consult with a mechanic or auto repair shop for advice. And remember, your headlights aren’t the only lighting components on your car that may need inspecting from time to time. Be sure to check your tail lights, brake lights and turn signal bulbs regularly and replace them as needed.
Originally published on April 18, 2012.
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Tires that are not inflated properly may wear excessively, which is one of the reasons it’s important to know how and when to check your tire pressure. Cars.com says tires with the incorrect pressure may lead to lower gas mileage and negatively impact your car’s handling. Here’s how to check your tire pressure, from finding your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure to filling tires with air.
Your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door. It’s also usually listed in the owner’s manual, says Cars.com. Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
You may also notice that the sidewall of the tires lists a tire pressure. Consumer Reports says this is the maximum tire pressure allowed. You should go with what’s listed on the door sticker or owner’s manual, as this is the ideal tire pressure for your vehicle.
You will need a tire pressure gauge, which you can find at most service stations or auto parts stores. Edmunds states you should check the pressure when the tires are cold, as the friction from driving causes them to heat up and affects the pressure. Check them first thing in the morning or, if you’re already driven the car, Consumer Reports recommends waiting at least three hours for the tires to cool down.
Once you have a tire gauge in hand, Edmunds says this is how to check your tire pressure:
If your tires are lower than the manufacturer’s recommendations, follow these steps from Edmunds to inflate the tires:
Tip: If you hear or feel air coming out of the hose nozzle while you’re trying to fill the tire, Cars.com says you should check that it is properly connected to the tire valve stem.
You don’t want to have tires that are overinflated, as this can lead to poor handling, says Cars.com. The Family Handyman notes that overinflated tires are more prone to skidding and hydroplaning.
If your tires are reading more than the recommeneded psi, Cars.com recommends the following steps to release air:
Tip: As you near the correct pressure, release smaller and smaller amounts of air until you get to the appropriate psi, says Cars.com.
Tire air pressure should be checked once a month using the same tire gauge, says The Family Handyman. Remember to check when the car has been parked for at least a few hours and the tires are “cold.” Tire pressure can vary 1-2 pounds per square inch (psi) for every 10-degree difference in ambient temperature, says Car Talk — the psi typically rises in the summer heat and drops when it’s cold outside. If you’re in the habit of checking your tires every month, you can adjust the pressure as it fluctuates throughout the seasons.
Car Talk recommends checking your tires regularly even when they look fine. Also, check them if you’ve run over a sharp object or hit a curb. It’s a good idea to have them checked when you bring your car in for routine service, says Car Talk.
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car. They’re literally the place where the rubber meets the road. Regular care and maintenance can be essential to the safe and reliable performance of your vehicle.
Originally published April 28, 2017.
The post When and How to Check Your Tire Pressure appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Perhaps you’ve inherited an old family vehicle. Or, you’re about to hand down an older car to a young driver. Maybe you want a lower-priced vehicle to save some money. If so, you’re not alone. I drive an older four-door with nearly 200,000 miles on the odometer, and it’s been through two teen drivers. But with a little work and preventive maintenance, it’s reliable and safe.
I also love that it’s paid for. Trust me, the lack of car payments adds a shocking amount of beauty to a vehicle. Forget 20-inch rims and a killer sound system. Focus on safety and reliability. Stash the cash that would go to car payments. In short order, you’ll be able to afford a much nicer vehicle.
If you’re buying a used car, set aside enough money to make this new-to-you vehicle safe and reliable. If you’ve budgeted $8,000 for a purchase, for example, restrict your search to vehicles well under $7,000. If you spend the entire $8,000 up front, you won’t have money in reserve in case you run into car trouble. If you’re handing off a vehicle to a young family member, remember that you want them to be safe. Your gift comes with huge strings if the brakes are worn out, the tires bald and the transmission is shot.
Now, to the makeover. Unless the previous owner was especially conscientious or kind, you’ll probably have to replace the tires, renew the brakes and make other repairs. Consider these tips for “making over” an older car.
You won’t even need to get your hands dirty to check the condition of the tires. Insert a quarter, Washington’s head down, into the most-shallow groove of the most-worn tire. If you can see the top of George’s wig, even modestly deep water can cause hydroplaning. A brand-new car tire begins life with at least 10/32 of an inch of tread (pickup and sport-utility vehicle tires have even deeper treads). If a tire can’t pass the quarter test, it has less than 4/32 of an inch of tread and, thus, is prone to hydroplaning — so it’s time to start tire shopping. If it’s at 2/32 of an inch, consider buying new tires as soon as possible.
Also, check the tires’ sidewall for an alphanumeric code that starts with “DOT.” The last four digits indicate the tire’s birth week: 2510 means the tire was built in the 25th week of 2010. Tires can die even if they haven’t gone far or done much. Regardless of tread depth, a tire that’s been on a car or sitting in the sun for six years has probably aged significantly. New tires on an old car are a safer combination than a newer car on bald tires.
Brake inspection is more difficult, but the task is far from impossible for a do-it-yourselfer. If you can open the hood, you can check the brake fluid reservoir. (The owner’s manual will show the location.) It’s bad if the fluid is dark, and terrible if the reservoir is below the “minimum” line. If the brake fluid is low or looks like it has gone bad, get the car into a mechanic as soon as possible.
Next, if you can change a tire, you can inspect the thickness of the brake pads. Remove a wheel, lower the car onto a jack stand (and NOT a cinder block or other unsafe substitute), and look at brake pad thickness and the condition of the rotors. Be thorough and inspect all four brakes. Drum brakes, found on the rear of many vehicles, are more difficult to inspect, but it’s a job well within the capability of most DIYers.
Advanced DIYers can also bleed the brakes. There are many videos on the web that explain how to do this, but contact a professional if you’re not comfortable tackling this one yourself. If the fluid is black and contains bits of rubber or rust, the vehicle needs a professional brake job as soon as possible.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your car isn’t leaking any fluids. To check for leaks, slide a slab of cardboard underneath your car and let it sit overnight. Except for water that drips from the air conditioner, the cardboard should be dry.
Any fluid that smells and feels like petroleum indicates there is a problem with the car that needs to be addressed.
Fluid that smells like pancake syrup (coolant) indicates a problem with the cooling system: This could range from a loose hose clamp to the rattling of a water pump that’s about to go kaput.
Coolant can come in various colors, including green, yellow, orange, red or even blue — and it’s important to make sure you replace your coolant with the proper type, as using the wrong kind can damage your car. Other fluids may indicate other issues. Mark where the cardboard sat, and the problem can be diagnosed by a mechanic.
Engine oil is another indicator of a car’s health. Look at the oil on the dipstick: Dark black is a bad sign. Also, check the underside of the oil filler cap: If it’s covered with baked-on crud, the previous owner rarely changed the oil. Those who can change oil should do so, or take it to a professional. If the oil comes out dark and lumpy, it’s possible to rescue this unfortunate situation with a series of 500-mile oil changes, but check with your mechanic for recommendations.
In the same manner, check the fluid on the automatic transmission dipstick. If it looks dark, it’s bad. Checking and renewing transmission fluid is best left to pros. Tell the technician that this is a new-to-you vehicle and you want a report on the condition of the fluid.
A new car battery will not only make sure the vehicle starts in cold weather but will also help the starter and alternator last longer. So, it may be a good idea to check out the car’s battery and consider replacing it. Check that the cables and terminals fit tightly and that there are no signs of corrosion, says Consumer Reports. If the connections are dirty or have signs of corrosion, disconnect the battery and use a wire brush to clean them.
If the previous few paragraphs were intimidating, take the vehicle to a professional mechanic for a thorough inspection. Even if you’re a pretty good DIY mechanic, have a professional inspect the steering gear, suspension and alignment. Worn or misaligned suspension will quickly wear out those new tires, and a suspension failure can be bad news.
The plastic that many vehicle manufacturers use often clouds over time. Sunlight and age can make headlight covers foggy, and the light shining through can be hazy. For my old beast, some lens polishing treatments did little to brighten the headlights, and they were soon back to opaque. Consider replacing the entire lens assemblies. New headlight assemblies will make the car look younger than it really is. More importantly, they’ll also help with visibility.
Auto racing organizations limit how long seat belts can be used on race cars. In highway vehicles, sun can deteriorate the belts and food can gum up the latching mechanism. I replaced the driver’s belts because they were frayed, and the latch didn’t immediately snap into place. You may want to consider having the seat belts replaced, especially if they are not working well.
Now that your older car is safe and healthy, you may want to make a few cosmetic upgrades if you have a few dollars left over. I found a new set of brand-correct wheel covers online for less than $100, including shipping, while generic covers can be had for $30 a set. They’re not as cool as $2,000 new wheels, but they still cut years from the car’s apparent age. Also, a serious detailing — which can include everything from shampooing the interior to hand waxing the exterior — is about $200 and will allow you to pretend you have a new ride — but without the monthly payments.
Whether you’re buying a used car or want to keep your older vehicle for a few more years, some preventive maintenance and a few upgrades can help keep it running well and looking good. With a few updates and upgrades, you can have a safe and reliable vehicle.
Originally posted on January 2, 2014.
The post Upgrades and Upkeep for Older Cars appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
It used to be that a car approaching 100,000 miles was likely getting to the end of its life, but it’s becoming more common for cars to still be on the road with much higher mileage, says Money — adding that cars today are simply made better than they were even a decade ago. In 1995, a car’s lifespan was typically around 8 years, but this increased to 11 years by 2016, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Given that Americans drive an average of over 13,000 miles per year, according to the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, what can you do to help keep your vehicle on the road as the odometer climbs higher?
The secret to keeping your vehicle running well, even when the odometer hits 200,000 miles, often comes down to maintenance, says Money. If you’d like your vehicle to run for a long time, consider these tips for maintaining a high-mileage car.
The first step to having a car that will last a long time is to choose carefully when buying a new vehicle, says Car Talk. Go with a car manufacturer that has a good reputation and is known for its longevity. This may make it easier to get parts and keep up with maintenance as the vehicle gets older.
One way to keep a car in good shape is to stay on top of routine maintenance, says Consumer Reports. This includes changing the oil and filters regularly, getting the tires rotated on schedule and completing major service, such replacing the timing belt. Consumer Reports states skipping even one oil change can contribute to premature engine wear. Car Talk says another upside to routine maintenance is that your mechanic may be able to spot small issues before they become big problems.
The required maintenance and service intervals are typically listed in the owner’s manual. Car Talk notes that some owner’s manuals may stop listing service intervals at 120,000 miles. In that case, you should keep doing routine maintenance on your high-mileage vehicle, starting over at the beginning of the maintenance schedule.
You’re the one driving the car, so if something feels, sounds or even smells off, Kiplinger says you should trust your senses and take the car to a mechanic. And, do not ignore the check engine light or another dashboard warning light if it comes on.
Aggressive driving, hard stops and starts and rapid accelerating or decelerating may add unnecessary wear and tear to your car, according to Car Talk. Driving gently, including accelerating slowly and avoiding the need to slam on the brakes, may help prolong the life of a high-mileage car. On a cold day, Car Talk also suggests keeping the speed lower for the first few minutes of driving until the oil has warmed up.
Cleaning your car can help keep both the interior and exterior in good shape, says Consumer Reports. Giving it a good wash regularly helps remove contaminants and prevent rust, says Popular Mechanics. This can be especially important for the underside of your car that isn’t protected by paint — especially if your car is exposed to road salt during the winter. To help protect the paint, consider giving your car a good coat of wax. Vacuuming the interior of your car to remove dirt, sand and dust helps preserve the carpet and upholstery and prevent premature wear and tear.
Shorter trips can be hard on a car, allowing water to build up in the engine and exhaust system, says Car Talk. This may eventually lead to rust. Kiplinger says quick trips can also lead to engine sludge, as the engine never gets hot enough to burn off the fuel in the oil, the engine and the exhaust system. While a drive to the convenience store or to pick up your dry cleaning is a must, try to plan for some longer drives or combine all your errands so that your car has a chance to get to the optimal operating temperature, says Kiplinger.
Modern cars may be built to last a long time, but taking good care of your vehicle is one way to help it reach higher miles. Routine maintenance, driving gently and keeping your vehicle clean are a few of the ways you can help a high-mileage car keep running smoothly.
Originally published on January 9, 2017.
The post High Mileage Cars: How to Keep Your Vehicle Running Longer appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Since 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has required that every vehicle manufactured and sold in the United States is assigned a vehicle identification number, commonly called a VIN. The purpose of VINs is to help law enforcement trace and recover stolen vehicles and parts, as each VIN can be tracked back to a single vehicle. Edmunds notes it typically is on a small plate attached to the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle. It may also be imprinted on other major components of the vehicle, as required by the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard.
Learn more about VIN etching and how it may help protect your vehicle.
Labeling the windows of your car, truck or SUV with its VIN may be an effective tool when it comes to theft prevention. VIN etching, as it’s commonly known, can be a cost-effective method for doing this if your vehicle did not come with the windows marked already. Angie’s List states that car dealers and local police departments often provide etching service. You can also purchase etching kits (check online or at an auto parts store) and do the work yourself. Typically, it only takes about 10 minutes to etch the windows.
The process should not damage your windows, says the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA). Etching should only affect the outer layer of the glass, and the etching is approximately 2 inches wide and a quarter inch high — so it should not interfere with your view.
Sometimes, car thieves swap the VIN plate on the dashboard with a fake one, says the AATA. This essentially changes the identity of the vehicle and makes it hard for police to track. However, if the windows are etched, each piece of glass will also have to be swapped out. This costs time and money and cuts into any profit the thief can make selling the stolen vehicle. If the would-be thief notices the window etching, they may simply move on and look for an easier target.
If your car is stolen, the NHTSA says you should immediately contact the police and provide relevant information, including the VIN. You can find the VIN on your insurance card or statement as well as the car’s title. (Don’t forget to contact your insurance company, too.) This information will be entered into a national police database, according to the St. Paul Auto Theft Unit. Police can easily spot window etching, says the AATA, and having that information on the window may help them recover your vehicle.
As a car owner, you may take steps like locking your car and parking in well-lit areas to help deter thieves. You may want to consider VIN etching as another line of defense.
Originally published on July 20, 2012.
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The last thing most people expect when they get behind the wheel is their car engine overheating. But, it’s important to know what steps to take when a car overheats so you can handle the situation effectively and keep safety a priority. Here’s what to do if you find yourself with a vehicle that’s overheating.
If your car’s engine overheats, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so, says Donny Seyfer, executive officer for the National Automotive Service Task Force.
“Most of the time when this kind of thing happens, the driver doesn’t have the resources on hand to do anything useful,” says Seyfer. If that’s the case, he recommends that the driver turn the car off and call for a tow, adding that even one instance of engine overheating, if severe enough, can permanently damage the engine.
You may also be able to buy a little time to get off the road by turning the heater on full blast, according to Tony Molla, vice president of the Automotive Service Association. “This’ll provide some additional cooling through the heater core,” he says, but, ultimately, “the best way to cool down the vehicle is to shut it down.”
If there is steam coming out from under the car’s hood, Consumer Reports advises that you should not attempt to lift the hood, adding that it typically takes at least 30 minutes for a hot engine to cool down. And, while it might be tempting, make sure you don’t open the radiator cap while the engine is hot, warns Seyfer. This is because the hot coolant can cause severe burns.
Seyfer adds that leaving the system closed until it fully cools down may actually be better for the engine, too.
You don’t have to wait until you see steam rising from the hood to realize your car’s having difficulties, according to Molla, because there are often earlier signs that something is amiss. “One symptom might be the vehicle heater not getting warm,” says Molla, as this may indicate that the engine’s thermostat is stuck or that coolant is running low.
A glance at the temperature gauge can also help. “You can see an overheating problem developing if the temperature gauge is higher than normal,” Molla explains.
If the temperature warning light comes on, however, the problem is serious, says Molla. The same goes for a sudden burst of steam from under the hood, which he says is usually a sign that a radiator hose has blown.
So, what causes cars to overheat? The most common culprit is low coolant in the engine, says Molla, so a good defense is regular vehicle maintenance. “You can do a quick visual check of your coolant by looking at the plastic tank under the hood,” Molla says. “It’ll have the minimum coolant level mark for easy reference.” Drivers may want to make a regular habit of checking the car’s coolant level and, if necessary, topping it off.
But, there are some other reasons for a car to overheat, so having a plan to regularly inspect your car’s entire cooling system is key.
“Follow the maintenance schedule from your vehicle manufacturer,” says Molla. “The older the vehicle, the more likely it is to need maintenance, ranging from replacing old coolant or worn belts, or hoses that can leak or cause a water pump to not operate properly.”
Most engine coolant will last about 100,000 miles, says Molla, but older and higher-mileage vehicles should have the radiator coolant checked and belts and hoses swapped out according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. “A trained automotive technician can tell when it’s time for a change,” he explains.
It’s hard to predict when a car is going to overheat. But, keeping up with preventative measures and knowing what to do if it happens to your car may help you avoid some expensive repairs down the road.
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Windshield wipers can be an overlooked part of your car’s safety system. If your wipers are not working properly, it may be difficult to see the road or other hazards when it rains or snows. Faulty wiper blades can be ineffective and even smear your windshield, potentially creating visibility issues. Some simple, regular maintenance can help ensure your wiper blades are in good shape.
Auto maintenance and repair specialist The Humble Mechanic shares tips for inspecting, changing and maintaining your car’s wiper blades.
Wiper blades are made out of rubber that can wear out even with limited use. The blades should be inspected regularly and replaced, if needed, about every six months, says Consumer Reports. If your blades are cracked, torn or heavily worn, they might not grip the windshield properly and not fully remove mud, rain, sleet or snow. Wiper blades can take a beating during winter months, and since conditions and vehicles can vary, you may consider checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual and the information that comes with your wiper blades for guidance.
Changing your wiper blades is typically a simple task. If you’re not confident about your skills, it may be a good idea to leave it to the professionals — it’s often done when you take your car in for an oil change. But, if you want to do it yourself, Cars.com provides these steps:
Taking these simple steps can help make sure your wipers are working efficiently and help maximize your visibility for safer driving.
Originally posted on May 12, 2017.
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If you’re thinking about buying used tires for your vehicle, there are some important points to consider. When a tire is between six and 10 years old, its rubber and internal components will begin to get dry rot. (If there is dry rot, you’ll notice cracks in the treads, discoloration and that the tire is misshapen, says Car and Driver.) Tires can degrade and weaken even if they haven’t gone very far or done much. For example, a 9-year-old car may only have 10,000 miles on the odometer, but it might need new tires.
When a tire needs to be replaced depends on several factors, according to Edmunds, including how it is used (such as not being inflated properly), exposure to heat and how it was stored. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering buying used tires or are wondering if you should replace older tires:
It can be difficult to accurately determine age-related tire damage. That’s because the conditions in a climate-controlled warehouse help prevent a tire from deteriorating. However, one left in the sun on display may be almost worn out inside before it’s mounted on a vehicle. And, the ones I put in the cool crawl space under my house in garbage bags are somewhere in between. Still, some car makers recommend replacing tires that are between six and 10 years old, regardless of how much tread is left, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Almost every driver can find out a tire’s age just by decoding numbers on the tire. Your tire’s “born-on date” is on its sidewall, part of the government-required Tire Identification Number (TIN), according to NHTSA. The TIN is an alphanumeric code that begins with “DOT” (the abbreviation for the Department of Transportation). The last four digits indicate the week and year in which the tire was made. A TIN ending in 0112 means the tire was made in the first week of 2012. (If the DOT code ends with a letter or contains less than 10 digits, check the opposite sidewall. If you can’t find such a number or it has been ground off, assume the tire is far too old for safe use.)
While there is no way to track the history of a used tire, it’s safe to assume it likely was driven without being inflated properly, as the NHTSA states that only 19 percent of people have inflated their vehicle’s tires properly. Also, a used tire could have suffered significant damage from a pothole, been repaired improperly or permanently damaged when being dismounted. Because these factors may affect a tire’s safety, Consumer Reports advises against buying used tires. But if you do, make sure to have the used tire properly inspected by a tire professional before purchase and installation.
If you’ve just acquired a used car and encounter otherwise untraceable issues with tire wear, handling, excessive noise or the like, check to make sure all four tires were produced at the same plant at about the same time. It’s ideal if the TINs are identical on all four tires and, if applicable, the spare.
Tire manufacturers often make changes during production runs and sometimes produce the same product in multiple plants. A tire made a couple of years after or in a different plant than its otherwise visually identical sibling may have subtle but important differences. Check the plant code, which is immediately after DOT on the TIN. You can use the plant code to find where your tire was built at the NHTSA’s Product Information Catalog and Vehicle Listing.
Remember to check your spare tire, too. (You may find you don’t have one!) It’s possible to have a spare that’s never touched the ground but is so old that it should not be used. And finally, to help ensure your tires are properly inflated, the NHTSA recommends that you check the pressure of all your tires (even the spare) monthly.
Originally published on September 22, 2014.
The post Tires Can Wear Out Even If They Haven’t Gone Very Far appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
Keeping your car clean inside and out is a regular task. But you don’t have to buy expensive cleaning products to maintain the interior. Here’s an easy way to get your car’s dashboard clean with common household items.
Grab a coffee filter and a bottle of olive oil, BobVila.com recommends.
Select an inconspicuous place on your dashboard to do a spot test, Pedals and Pumps suggests. This will help determine if any discoloration may appear.
Apply a few drops of olive oil to the coffee filter. You may want to use an eyedropper to control the amount of oil you apply. You can add more olive oil to the coffee filter as needed.
Wipe until dust and dirt are removed! You can also use this method on pleather or leather seats and armrests, says BobVila.com. (Be sure to do a spot test first, though.) However, TLC.com advises that you avoid getting the olive oil on the steering wheel. Finally, consider making your own air freshener as a finishing touch for your clean car.
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