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Tips for Saving Money on Your Car

Your vehicle is one of your most significant expenses, while also being necessary to most people. The average vehicle owner can spend a fair amount of money each year (between car payments, fuel, and service). While a car will never be free, there are many tips for saving money.  7 Tips for Saving Money on Your Car 1. Don't Settle for the First Gas Station You See Do some research on gas stations instead of just stopping at the first one you pass. Sometimes you can't help it, and that's okay. But it wouldn't hurt and can make a small difference in finances if you take a moment to investigate options. Especially the one that will be your routine gas station. It will benefit you to find one that is convenient while also being affordable. Gas stations along the highway or on the outskirts of town tend to be more expensive. There are even phone apps that can tell you where cheaper gas options are located. This could be [...]

By |2020-12-16T14:28:17-06:00December 16th, 2020|Auto Care|0 Comments
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Disc Brakes vs. Drum Brakes

 Most modern vehicles use either drum brakes or disc brakes, and sometimes manufacturers use both. Drum brakes and disc brakes have different benefits and problems, which is why they can work well together. It is essential to understand the differences to decide which brakes you use and where on your vehicle.  The drum brake has shoes that press against a metal drum housed inside the wheel to stop the vehicle. The disc brake has a disc-shaped rotor inside the wheel. When you press the brake, a caliper will squeeze the rotor, stopping the car.  A Brief History of Car Brakes Both brakes are far more impressive than the original braking system. Early vehicles used a block of wood that pressed against the wheel to stop it. Cars used this braking method until pneumatic rubber wheels were invented in the late 1890s by Édouard Michelin. The wooden block would grind down the rubber quickly with these new wheels, making it an ineffective and overly expensive braking option.  The disc brake and [...]

By |2020-11-24T15:14:11-06:00November 24th, 2020|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Needed Car Safety Features

Modern vehicles have so many advanced features and options that it can be overwhelming to car buyers or even car owners trying to understand their vehicle. Many of the features are for comfort, convenience, or luxury. But, since cars have gotten faster, manufacturers have added more car safety features — safety features you'll want to make sure your car has! Needed Car Safety Features Airbags Manufacturers started installing them in vehicles in the 1980s, but they didn't become a manufacturing requirement until 1998. Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate or worse crashes, with Frontal airbags having saved about 44,869 people as of 2015. Modern vehicles have both front and side airbags for added protection. Keep in mind that children 13 years and younger should sit in the backseat as airbags can injure them.   Anti-Lock Brakes If you ever have to stop quickly on a slippery road, you will be grateful for your anti-lock braking system. Anti-lock brakes allow you to stop fast and steer while preventing the [...]

By |2020-11-13T11:43:32-06:00November 13th, 2020|Car Parts|0 Comments
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Protecting Your Car From Rust

Winter is on its way, and with it comes a higher threat of rust to your vehicle — which means it's time to start protecting your car from rust. In the winter and spring, there is more moisture in the air, leading to rapid corrosion. And the salt used on the roads during the snowy season will speed up the process. Now is the time to start thinking about how to protect your car. The first step in the fight against rust is awareness. It's essential to always keep an eye out for rust or possible corrosion. Even small nicks or scratches can lead to rust, and it's surprising how rapidly rust can spread, so you need to catch and treat even small scratches early and quickly. You should also pay attention to any bubbling or dark spots in the paint because this can be a sign of corrosion on the metal underneath the paint. Give some attention to the areas of your car that you don't usually notice, such as the undercarriage and [...]

By |2020-10-21T14:09:28-06:00October 21st, 2020|Auto Care, Car Tips|0 Comments
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Different Gasoline Types & What’s Right for Your

Have you ever pulled up to the gas pump and wondered which of the gasoline types you should put in your car? Did you end up choosing the cheapest option because you had no idea what the difference was? If so, you are not alone. 73% of U.S. drivers choose gas based on price. While price is an important consideration, it will benefit you to have a better understanding of what type of gasoline you are putting in your car and why. Gasoline Types There are generally four options for fueling your vehicle. The three most common gasoline fueling options are: unleaded, mid-grade, and premium — have one main difference: the octane grade. The octane grade or rating is based on how much oxygen is in the fuel. The higher the octane grade, the more resistant an engine is to knocking. Knocking is a rattling or pinging sound that results from premature ignition of the compressed fuel-air mixture in one or more cylinders. This can cause serious damage to [...]

By |2020-10-15T13:08:28-06:00October 15th, 2020|Car Questions|0 Comments
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Making Your Car Battery Last

Most of us have experienced car battery problems while driving at an inconvenient time or location. It can be very inconvenient and annoying if you do not have the tools or another car to jump start it. Car batteries have become more important than ever as car technology continues to advance and relies more and more on electrical features. Your car battery is what allows you to start your car, it also allows you to charge your phone, use seat heaters, and listen to music. Here are some tips to help you avoid a car breakdown in the middle of nowhere. Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car Battery Make Sure the Battery is Tight and Secure Your battery can come loose from its brackets, especially if you are driving on rough terrain like dirt roads. A battery that’s not secured properly, can cause internal damage and short circuit internally. Occasionally you should check that the battery is secure in its bracket and be careful if you decide [...]

By |2020-09-29T12:57:13-06:00September 29th, 2020|Auto Care, Car Parts|0 Comments
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Cars and Storms: Protecting Your Vehicle

The best way to face a storm or hurricane is with preparation and a plan. It’s important to consider how to protect your family and home, where you would go if your home became unsafe, what food to store, and what emergency equipment you might need. If you are preparing for a storm or hurricane, you have a lot on your mind. Let us help you out by ensuring that you don’t forget on topic that's important: cars and storms. Your car is easy to take for granted but it could be the difference between danger and safety in a time of emergency. Let’s discuss some ways to protect your car from storms and hurricanes and why these should be included in any emergency plan you have. Cars and Storms: 4 Tips for Protecting Your Vehicle Cover Your Car Keep your car covered during a storm or hurricane. Ideally you can keep it in your home’s garage or carport. Not everyone has that option but there are other things [...]

By |2020-09-21T15:36:21-06:00September 21st, 2020|Auto Care|0 Comments
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Why is My Car Shaking?

Ever drive down a paved road, but it feels like you're driving down a washboard, gravel road? Or maybe you feel your arms starting to go numb from your car shaking? Not only is it annoying, but it's also a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. But what exactly? Let's take a look at a few common problems that could be causing your car to shake. Why Is My Car Shaking? The answer is, it could be several things — some that require immediate attention. So, it's always important to confirm your suspicions with your local auto repair shop. But to get you started, here are just a few things that leave your car shaking and you wondering why. 1) Unbalanced Tires or Unevenly Worn Tires As your points of contact with the road, something off with your tires can certainly cause your car to vibrate. If your tires are unbalanced (sometimes caused by hitting a pothole or driving on bumpy roads), you may notice a [...]

By |2020-08-25T11:27:10-06:00August 25th, 2020|Car Questions, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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10 Common Car Problems

When your car isn't running the best, it can leave you wondering what is going on. And unless you're a seasoned mechanic, that is a difficult question to answer. To help, we created a shortlist of common car problems that many drivers experience (some at their fault...). Remember, car problems vary from car to car. What may be a common issue in a Subaru isn't a common issue for a Ford. The same goes for a commuter car and a farm truck. What we are saying is — always get your car problems checked out by your local mechanic, no self-diagnosing here. 10 Common Car Problems From dead batteries to flat tires to squeaks when you brake, these are just a few common car problems many drivers experience. 1) Flat Tires One of the worst feelings as a driver is feeling your tire going flat. Whether from a sharp object in the road, your tire pressure being off, or regular wear and tear over time, flat tires are a [...]

By |2020-08-19T10:49:40-06:00August 19th, 2020|Car Service & Maintenance, Damaged Car|0 Comments
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Tips to Preserve Your Engine

Your car engine keeps you moving and on the road — without it and you wouldn't be going anywhere. So, it would be best if you were doing everything you can to preserve your engine, or you may find your car in the shop and you riding the bus. Luckily, car and engine maintenance aren't hard. It ranges from a few regular maintenance appointments to driving tips to keeping it clean. 4 Tips to Preserve Your Engine Change Your Oil It's at the top of the list — and for a good reason. While it's a quick and straightforward appointment (or an at-home task for those with the skills), many drivers wait too long between oil changes. Your engine oil is responsible for removing dust and other contaminants that overtime clog filters and passages. Without changing it, you never remove these contaminants. So if you want to preserve your engine, one of the main things you can do is change your oil and fluids and conserve your engine, and [...]

By |2020-07-28T14:59:20-06:00July 28th, 2020|Auto Care, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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