Thursday, August 31, 2006

10 Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency

1] Slow Down On The highway

Your car is optimized to drive at 40-60mph(80-100km/hr), when you drive 70-80+mph fuel efficiency drops by up to a whooping 33% . Yes 33% , that is not a typo. I had heard this before and thought it was an exaggeration, then I drove the new Chevrolet Cobalt which has a fuel efficiency gauge in it and I saw it first hand, what a surprise.

Is it worth speeding to save 5 minutes off your commute to work so you can just get held up in city traffic? Between the lost fuel efficiency, the extra wear and tear on the car driving beyond optimized speeds and inherent safety concerns I will need a good reason to start speeding on the highway from now on.

2] Cruise In The City

The same idea applies in city driving. Speeding up to make the next red light guzzles gas and is hard on your car. This can decrease fuel efficiency by 5%.

Why hurry up just to make the next red light? Let's face it, speeding in the city doesn't get you anywhere's faster. If you drive like a bat out of hell you might make an extra light or two and chop a mere 2-4 minutes off your commute assuming you make it there alive.

I drive at sane speeds throughout the city while most others fly by me and hard brake at the next red light, I then pull up beside them or even pass them as I may not of needed to stop as the lights are usually synchronized for sane driving speeds not surprisingly (it also takes more gas to get back up to speed than to maintain it). So have some fun watching people fly by you and seeing them at the next red light knowing your car is much better off.

3] Tire Pressure

Here's one everyone can do easily. It only takes a couple minutes to check your tires pressure. Under inflated tires can result in 3% less fuel efficiency.

4] Link Your Trips/Errands

Plan your trip to include as many destinations or errands as possible. Fewer trips means less cold starts, better fuel efficiency and less driving than multiple small trips.

5] Avoid Unnecessary Idling.

You're getting 0 mpg for this one. If you're going to wait 5-10 minutes for a friend give your car and wallet a break.

For those who live in colder climates this is a bigger issue. We all want our cars toasty warm in the winter time when we get inside. Today's cars really only needs 30 second of idling to warm up even in cold weather, then 1-2 minutes of driving to get it fully warmed up. So bundle up and save yourself a bundle.

6] Maintain Your Car

Inexpensive oil and air filter changes can boost your cars performance and increase your cars lifespan. A blocked air filter can decrease fuel efficiency by as much as 10% and a misfiring spark plug won't help either. So try to follow your cars service manual.. It beats dealing with an unexpected major repair and major inconvenience..

7] Monitor Your Fuel efficiency

I like to measure how many miles / KM I get on half a tank after filling it up. It's easier to measure this way as we don't let our gas tanks completely run dry and its impossible to estimate how much was left when you fill it up again.

You can see how your driving habits affect your fuel economy and if your habits haven't changed and you fuel economy drops off, then maybe its time for some car maintenance.

Purchasing a fuel consumption gauge (if you car doesn't already have one) can give you real time feedback and more accurate reading. This provides great instant feedback on driving habits.

8] Remove Unnecessary Items From Your Car

For each extra 100lbs you lose 1-2% fuel efficiency, so get the golf clubs out of the trunk until your next tee off time.

Leaving items on your roof rack also creates extra drag which makes your car work harder, so lock your mountain bikes up till the next trip.

9] Jack Rabbit Starts

Some people like to suddenly accelerate by putting their foot to the floor. This guzzles gas and gives marginal speed improvement to a gradual acceleration.

10] Back Off

Tail gating results in unnecessary breaking and accelerating. Hang back a little more and you can avoid the added stress and save some gas. It's also safer to drive this way, give yourself an extra second to avoid an accident !

About the Author:
Paul Fezziwig writes for and administers 'Green Cars Now', http://www.greencarsnow.com , a website devoted to promoting fuel efficient vehicles and better driving habits.
Added: 04 Dec 2005
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/17828.html

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Nine Secrets To Maintaining Your Car

Robert Sikorsky’s little book Drive It Forever offers invaluable tips to keep your car going the extra mile. His stellar advice could save you a year’s worth of car payments or more!

The smoother you drive, the longer your car will run. Stopping and starting, fast lane changes, scratching off all lead to shorter life for your car.

Naturally, you can’t drive at all without stopping and starting. But your goal is to keep moving smoothly any time that you can. Does it look like a stoplight is about to turn green? Then slow down and if possible, gently keep moving until the light changes.

Less engine idle means less engine wear, says Sikorsky. If you have to idle longer than 30 seconds, you may as well turn the engine off and start it when you’re ready to roll. So turn off the car if you’re waiting in parking lots, waiting on others to ready themselves for travel, if you have to go back in the house for something, etc.

And never rev up the car while it’s not moving.

If you’re driving in “bumper to bumper” barely moving traffic, it’s wise to turn your air conditioner off. This saves a lot of wear on your car. The engine has to work overtime if the air is on and you’re stopping and starting frequently.

You’ve probably heard that it’s good to take your car out periodically for a good drive on the highway now and again, and that’s good advice. This allows your engine to get fully warmed up and helps get rid of some deposits built up by short trips.

If it’s below freezing, try not to take your car out on short trips of less than five miles. Sikorsky says this is one of the worst possible conditions for your car.

Don’t cruise around a parking lot forever, trying to find a spot. Go ahead and park further away and get in a little exercise.

Avoid accelerating suddenly unless there’s an emergency situation. Putting the pedal to the metal may get you someplace today, but tomorrow you may end up hitching a ride from a neighbor.

If possible, don’t park your car headed uphill. When you’re ready to start it later, the engine will have to use extra power to pull itself. It’s better to park headed downhill than uphill.

Driving on dusty roads cuts your gas mileage considerably as well as adds to engine wear.

I’ve found Drive It Forever a valuable read! It’s personal, and easy to read, even if you’re mechanically challenged.

About the Author:
Steve Wilcott
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-leasing-guide.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Summer car care: get your vehicle in shape for warm weather

AS the weather heats up, travelers and vacationers will surely take to the open road to enjoy some fun in the sun. But before packing up the car for that long road trip, beach outing, or a possible overnight drive to the nearest nature preserve, owners should tune up their vehicles, especially after the wear and tear of winter.

Even if you think your car is in good shape, it's best to make some routine checks to make sure you reach your destination hassle-free. In addition to and following the recommended checks on these pages, experts advise drivers to visit their mechanic a week or two before their trip to avoid roadside emergencies.

Start by washing your vehicle to remove dirt buildup from the winter. This gives drivers the opportunity to inspect the paint for nicks and scrapes. Wash dirt and grime from your wheel wells to avoid rusting. Clean the windshield and check for cracks (some chips can be repaired without replacing the windshield). This is important because dirty and cracked windshields can contribute to eye fatigue, says Nicole Niemi, a spokeswoman for AAA in Chicago. Replace worn wiper blades and refill windshield washer solvent.

This is also a good time to inspect brake lights, turn signals and high beams. (There's nothing fun about driving at night with one headlight.) Don't forget to give your vehicle a good waxing, which will give it some sheen and help protect the paint.

* CHECK BATTERIES Batteries can fail at any time of the year. Although drivers tend to think they fail more often in the winter, they can also fail in the summer. A professional technician can maintain routine battery care, like scraping away corrosion and tightening connections.

* INSPECTED FLUID LEVELS: Have your oil and filters changed by a professional before leaving home. Oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, but check your owner's manual because intervals vary for engines in newer vehicles. Refill transmission, power-steering and brake fluid. Avoid overfilling reservoirs.

Be sure to check coolant levels. One of the greatest causes of summer breakdowns is overheating, says Niemi of AAA. The system should be flushed and refilled at least every two years. Most drivers think that antifreeze is only necessary during the winter, but it prevents your car from overheating in the summer months, too. The levels need to be maintained year-round. A 50-50 solution of water and antifreeze is usually recommended, but it's best to refer to your manual.

*EXAMINE FILTERS, BELTS AND HOSES: Belts and hoses endure a lot of wear and tear during the winter. When the engine is off and it cools, look for worn or cracked belts and damaged, blistered, or soft hoses.

Replace cracked and torn belts. Also tighten any loose belts. Follow the same routine when inspecting hoses, including tightening any loose clamps. In newer vehicles, some of these checks will have to be performed by an authorized mechanic or taken to a dealer.

* COOLING SYSTEM: A marginally operating air-conditioning system can fail in hot weather. AAA recommends having the system examined by a qualified technician, who will inspect and adjust drive belts and check for cold stream air from outlets.

* TIRES: Outdoor temperatures can affect tire pressure. Going from extreme cold to warm weather can definitely have an effect on tire pressure. Use a gauge to check the pressure of your tires. Don't forget to check the spare, too! Proper tire pressure maximizes gas mileage and prevents some wear and tear on your tires.

*EMERGENCIES: Drivers should always prepare for emergencies. AAA recommends that motorists always carry an emergency kit in their vehicles. The kit should be stocked with a flashlight and extra batteries, jumper cables, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, a first-aid kit and a cellular phone.

About the Author:
COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
Article Source: www.findarticles.com
Publishing: May, 2005

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Helping Your Car Run The Extra Mile

A little extra care here and there when it comes to your car, and you'll find yourself saving loads of money - not just on repairs, but on fuel as well!

Keep your engine tuned up. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. This means less money in your wallet. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.

I know it doesn't always fit into your schedule. You just have to make yourself do it. If the dealer is charging an arm and a leg for a tune-up, get a second opinion at a local reputable car repair shop. They can do the same service schedule, usually at a greater savings to you.

These tune-ups not only keep your car running smoothly, but they’ll help when you’re ready for a newer vehicle. A smooth running car means a better trade in value for you.

Check your tires for proper inflation. Under-inflation actually wastes fuel. It causes your engine to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line (as evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Keep those tires inflated properly, and you will save when you fill up.

Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and the jerky stop-and-go routine. (Pass the barf bag, please!) Use cruise-control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.

Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's vehicles are designed to "warm up" fast, so there's no need to warm your car up for half an hour on cold winter mornings.

Keep your air conditioner in top condition.

Remove extra items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Storing luggage in the trunk rather than on the roof reduces air drag. All these little things add up.

Plan your daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. Try to travel when traffic is light to avoid stop-and-go conditions.

Join a car pool. At least, ask if someone wants to share a ride if you're just headed one place and then back.

Remember, how you drive your car, and how its fluids, old parts, and tires are disposed of all affect the environment. So take good care of your baby! Go the extra mile for it, and it will run the extra miles for you!


About the Author:
John Sanderson
This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-audio-shopper.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Monday, August 21, 2006

5 Automotive Tools Every Auto Owner Needs

Automobiles are sizeable investments. As a car becomes older, its maintenance becomes increasingly important. There are many tools that every auto owner should have. Auto shops can sometimes charge exurbanite amounts for a simple fix that could have been done at home for much cheaper. Having the proper tools and knowledge will allow any auto owner to save money, learn more about their automobile, and maintain their car.

1. Every auto owner should have a jack and jack stands. When working on a car, more often than not, the car must be elevated. Simple procedures like rotating tires can be done at home with the help of a Jack. Additionally, all car owners should have a jack in their car with them wherever they go. In the unfortunate event of a flat tire, having a jack and a spare tire can lead to a simple tire replacement. In a garage, having a powerful jack and strong jack stands makes it possible for an auto owner to reach every point underneath the car and thus solve problems more efficiently.

2. One of the most important car maintenance practices is the oil change. To maintain an automobile, the oil should be changed once every 3,000 miles. Quintessential to a successful oil change is having an Oil Wrench that takes the oil filter off and allows the oil to be changed expediently. Without an oil wrench, an auto owner may be forced to take their car to an auto shop and overpay for a simple oil change.

3. Often when dealing with parts of the engine, or the hard-to-reach spots under the hood, proper tools are required. A 3/8-inch Socket Set can allow an automobile owner to loosen and subsequently tighten a wide variety of bolts. Different extensions allow the auto owner to obtain the best angles for torque and therefore make auto jobs quite a bit easier.

4. When changing oil, having a funnel, some rags, and a bucket is very helpful. Once again, the oil change is one of the most important maintenances for a car, and it can be done easily by anyone. However, many people do not have the proper tools or knowledge for a successful oil change. Having a funnel can also be useful when refilling any other fluids in one’s car. The funnel serves to make sure that fluids do not get over filled, which can lead to significant problems.

5. Finally, every auto owner should have a pair of solid vice grips. Some times a part will just not come loose. Other times, a car part may not seem to be tight enough despite one’s best efforts. Vice grips can hold a wide variety of car parts and allow the user to obtain more leverage for either tightening or loosening a part. When encountering a part that will simply not come loose, many auto owners will give up and take their car to a shop. Having vice grips can help one to avoid this problem.

Unfortunately, there is no car in existence that doesn’t require constant maintenance. However, with the right tools, anyone can fix minor problems and maintain his or her automobile without the assistance of an auto mechanic. The right tools can lead to a longer last vehicle, and large cost savings.

About the author:
Mike Scurria is very interested in automobiles. Learn more at http://www.sjdiscounttools.com.
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Thursday, August 17, 2006

High Quality Parts Perfect for Old Ford Mustang’s Maintenance and Upgrading Now On Sale

Ford Mustang is not only one of Ford’s most successful cars, but one of the industry’s best automobiles. Equipped with powerful, durable and top caliber auto parts. this first pony car is destined to weather the industry’s toughest competitions. From its conception in 1964, Ford Mustang never ceased to be a popular vehicle. Today, being the only pony car still in production and being recently nominated as the North American Car of the Year, the new 2005 Ford Mustang again substantiates Ford’s leadership in the industry and of course, its well-known extraordinary qualities inside and out.

Earlier models of the Ford Mustang specially draw interests of many car enthusiasts. These vehicles, now considered as icons in the industry, possess not only excellent driving abilities but impressive beauty that never seems to fade with time. Vehicles of Ford Mustang’s prestige are indeed great addition to one’s priceless collections of cars. However, such extraordinary vehicles also deserve extraordinary care. They need to be maintained carefully; thus, they require owners who are capable of giving that care and attention they deserve. Maintaining a classic Ford Mustang is not quite a problem nowadays, though, for there are thousands of auto parts stores catering to the needs of classic, old and vintage car enthusiasts. There are numerous Ford Parts Online stores as well that specialize on providing OEM-quality replacement Ford parts, including Ford Mustang Parts.

One of the most trusted auto parts dealers online is Ford Parts Discount. Housing a great line of automotive products for Ford, this is your most ideal choice for your top quality replacement and aftermarket Ford Mustang Parts and other Ford parts needs. Auto parts available in this store include Ford Front Bumper, Ford Grille, Ford AC Condenser, Ford lights, Ford radiator, Ford mirror, Ford hood and many other exterior and interior parts. This leading Ford Parts Online store can help you restore your old Ford Mustang and maintain its excellent features. Best of all these are priced like Ford Parts Used, giving you the best savings possible.

Performance parts such as Ford Wheels, Ford Starters, and Ford Alternators are available here as well in case you want to boost your Ford Mustang’s driving abilities. Upgrading your old Mustang with these auto parts offered at Ford Parts Discount, your old Ford Mustang can be well set to hit the racing arena once again. On the other hand, accessories such as Ford hubcaps, Ford Spoiler and other Ford accessories can help you make your Ford Mustang a lot sportier and consequently make your ride more enjoyable.

It doesn’t really matter whether you are driving an old or new vehicle because there are many ways now to upgrade and customize your auto. What matters most is you know how to take care of it so it can work more efficiently and can serve you for a long time. Getting a quality replacement or aftermarket parts counts a lot in keeping your vehicle always at its best driving condition, so why settle for anything less? Get your replacement parts only from trusted dealers like Ford Parts Discount.


About the author:
Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.
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Monday, August 14, 2006

The Role Catalytic Converters Play In Automotive Emissions: A Serious Concern

Catalytic converters have undergone a number of changes since the 1970s. New models were introduced to replace of the power-sapping pellet catalysts of earlier times. Contemporary honeycombs used in todays catalytic converters enable easy flow of exhaust through the exhaust system of the car. At the same time, they help clean the unsafe toxin gases produced in the engine of the car. Nevertheless, the natural life of the catalytic converter is restricted yet it is one of the most important parts of a car and a compulsory one at that.

Why do we need catalytic converters?

While an engine burns fuel, it produces harmful gases that damage the environment. These gases are hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Catalytic converters are installed between the exhaust line and the muffler to prevent the irreversible damage to the earth's environment. A catalytic converter uses chemicals that act as a catalyst to convert the poisonous gases to harmless inert gases. A catalyst is a chemical that causes and speeds up a reaction between two chemicals without changing its own chemical properties.

The catalytic converter like any other converter has to be replaced with a new one when it out lives the vehicle it's installed on and ceases to function. Vehicles with worn converters are mostly replaced with converters from other manufacturers when they are worn away with use. Most people choose these converters as a replacement since they are very economical.

Where is the catalytic converter located?

The harmful exhaust gases enter the catalytic converter from the engine side into a sort of stainless steel container. The inside of the container has a honeycomb mesh, which is lined with catalysts such as aluminum oxide, platinum, and palladium. These catalysts change the carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons to water vapor and carbon dioxide. Some converters have a third lining of chemicals such as platinum and rhodium to reduce nitrogen oxides. Catalytic converters are also known as three-way or dual bed converters.

Do not use leaded fuel with a converter

Whether it is an OEM or any other catalytic converter, it is suggested to use unleaded fuel with it since the lead oxide produced in the fuel renders ineffective the lining of the catalyst chemicals. The only reason for using lead in the fuel is for lubrication. These days the law has made it compulsory to have Catalytic converters. Manufacturers have researched and designed special engine parts in order to withstand chemicals and the corrosive temperatures in the parts of the engine.

Conclusion

The best part about installing catalytic converters in vehicles is that emission of pollutants is reduced by about 96 percent from pre-control vehicles.

About the Author:

The above catalytic converter information has been submitted by Chad McDonald to assist those looking for various oem catalytic converter help.

Article Source: www.articlesnetwork.com

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Extend The Life Of Your New Or Used Car

You don't think much about your car do you? Your car sits outside 24/7, 365 days a year in all extremes of weather. You routinely drive it at speeds that exceed 70 mph. You stop, start, stop, start through city traffic. You sit idling in traffic jams day after day. Yet, you expect your car to start every time you get into it and turn the key.

The best thing that you can do to extend the life of your car, and to potentially save yourself a bundle of money, is to have your car serviced on a routine basis. All car manufacturers have a schedule of recommended services for each vehicle they sell. Follow this schedule. The best place to have work done on a new vehicle that is still under warranty is the dealership.

It's a bit different when you have an older, out of warranty car. At this point you can make a decision to continue to use the dealer for service, or find yourself a local mechanic.

The first rule of thumb is to have the oil in your car changed every 3,000 miles. This is the simplest and most important part of routine maintenance for your car. At that time, whether you go to a "speedy" oil change business or to your mechanic, the technician will take a look at the overall condition of your engine. They'll check belts and hoses and fluid levels of your transmission and brakes. They'll check your air cleaner and the condition of your tires. Some of these drive through services also offer add on's such as engine cleaning and radiator flushes. If they think they see something that could become potentially serious they will tell you about it and suggest you take your car to a mechanic.

Cars have really changed over the years and most technicians use computers to diagnose problems. You'll need to be able to describe the problem to the mechanic. They'll need to know things such as when you first noticed the problem and exactly under what condition it happens. Does it happen when the car is cold, or after it warms up? Does it happen when you're at an idle or when your accelerating? If you don't use the same mechanic have a copy of your car's service record with you so that the new mechanic can see what maintenance been done in the past. It's best to find a mechanic you're comfortable with and stay with him. Knowing your car's history can go a long way towards helping him diagnose and fix a problem.

Learn to listen to your car. If you hear an unusual noise, notice a change in it's performance or handling take it to your mechanic.

About the author:
Ryan Larson
This article courtesy of http://www.bmw-owners-guide.com

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Monday, August 07, 2006

What is Fleet Maintenance Management?

Fleet Maintenance Management is a critical position in any company that has a number of commercial vehicles. The individual responsible for the management and maintenance of fleet vehicles performs a variety of functions. It is imperative that companies such as delivery drivers or even taxi services know what is going on with their vehicles at all times. Preventative maintenance, order/vendor logging and fuel economy are among a few of the issues that fleet maintenance managers deal with on a daily basis.

One of the most important duties of a fleet maintenance manager is the maintenance of vehicles. With the number of vehicles many companies have on the road each day, maintaining quality vehicles is important. Regular and controlled fleet vehicle maintenance can assist in more efficient and lower cost repairs, fewer technical problems and more efficient tracking, management and budgeting of the fleet. An outstanding fleet vehicle maintenance program can save time and money by ensuring that vehicles are safe and on time.

Repairs and downtime for fleet vehicles can cost your company a considerable amount of money. High-quality fleet vehicle maintenance can mean the difference in your company’s reputation being one of top-notch service rather than undependable service. Preventative maintenance and scheduling routine maintenance or repairs can extend the life of your fleet vehicles. Many fleet vehicle managers find that using a specialized software program is the best way to organize these needed elements.

With the high cost of fuel today, fleet managers also take into consideration the fuel usage among the vehicles. Fleet maintenance software programs often have features that enable the manager to appropriately budget for gas. The ability to log and track the mileage of drivers can give the manager a good idea of the average fuel consumption of each vehicle in the fleet.

Fleet maintenance managers occupy important positions within a company. Most managers within top U.S. companies recommend the use of high-quality fleet maintenance software programs. These programs enable the fleet managers to keep detailed records and logs of everything that happens with each vehicle. For companies whose primary service depends on well-maintained vehicles, organization and tracking of the fleet and expenses is obviously a key responsibility. Your company’s business reputation is important and it is essential that the fleet manager is able to accurately maintain an exceptional level of quality of all vehicles in your fleet.

With all of the products available on the market, the fleet maintenance management needs to examine the company’s needs to find the product best suited for them. The manager may choose to examine some of the top products by taking advantage of free trials offered by most companies. During the free trial, you are generally capable of performing the full range of functions in order to get a good feel for the product. This is a critical first step in choosing the software program that is right for your company

About the author:
Jennifer Bailey

Fleet Maintenance Software Info provides comprehensive information on fleet maintenance software, reviews and programs for commercial vehicles. Fleet Maintenance Software Info is the sister site of Preventive Maintenance Software Web.

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Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Tips for maintaining your Snowblower

If you don't want to be standing out in the cold arguing with a snowblower that doesn't want to run, then do the annual maintenance before the snow starts flying. Regular maintenance will give you years of hassle free use, and less attitude from your blower. Don't forget the safety aspect, because without proper maintenance your snowblower could become a hazard.

Each fall before winter arrives, you should check all bolts, belts, and moving parts, to ensure they are not frayed, loose, or worn. Belts are best checked by removing and checking for cracks. Replace any worn parts, and tighten any loose bolts.

Turn your snowblower on its side and check the scraper bar. This is the bar that rubs against the ground and scrapes the snow off. This item wears, so check to see if it need replacement. If you neglect to replace the bar when it is worn, it will lead to damage on the snowblower's housing, and that's will hurt your pocket book. In fact, if your snowblower gets a lot of use through out the season, check it regularly.

Check the rubber paddles and the rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing it's time to replace the rubber. A new rubber will help your snowblower operate at its optimum performance levels.

Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Adjust as needed. If you have tire chains for your snowblower, have them handy or put them on in advance. There's nothing worse than searching in the freezing cold, while trying to remember where you put the chains.

There are only two types of snow blower engines: The two cylinder engine which uses mixed gas and oil. You'll just need to replace the spark plug on this style of engine.

If you have a four cylinder engine which uses straight gas, with the oil in the crank case just like your vehicle, you'll need to change the oil, spark plug, and filter. You should also check the oil each time before you start it. Most four cylinders use 5W30 oil, and hold approx 20 ounces. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct oil weight, and replacement part numbers.

Lube the drive and chassis. If you have two stage blower, make sure you check the lube in the gear box. Check with your owners manual whether you have a one stage or two stage. It will also tell you the type of lubricant to use.

If there was fuel left from the previous year, you'll need to siphon it off, and fill the gas tank with fresh gasoline. It doesn't hurt to add some methanol in with the fuel, once or twice a season, to avoid condensation from building up in the tank, or the carburetor icing up.

About the author:
Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who is an authority on a wide variety of subjects. Find out more about his reviews on snowblowers at http://www.snow-removal-online.com/

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