Your Engine, Your Baby: Synthetic or Conventional Oil

One central argument between car enthusiasts and on Internet car forums alike is what oil is better for your car, synthetic or conventional. Before synthetic oils became available for regular automobiles, the argument centered solely on brand types and weight. But now, with the advent of these synthetics all over the market, what is truly the best choice for your engine? Let’s explore both of these worlds to find out.

Conventional oil is rated according to a SAE system. This scale is used so that you know what type of oil is best for your car given the environmental conditions (temperature, city driving, etc.) of where you live. The first number, for example on 10W30 motor oil, is 10 followed by a “W”. This “W” indicates that the number before it is the viscosity rating of the oil. The lower this number, the better the oil is for colder climates. The higher the number, the better it is for hotter driving conditions.

Synthetic oils, on the other hand (before their commercial release) were used in many military vehicles and fighter jets. Airlines also use synthetics in their engines. The synthetic oil has been designed not to break down as quickly and can tolerate extremities in temperature and weather (hot to cold).

One of the major differences between conventional and synthetic oils is that synthetics are treated with more additives that protect your engine for a longer amount of time before you have to change it. And, while we don’t want to get into all the molecular chemistry involved in the making of these oils, we should mention that they also last longer in hotter conditions and won’t “gel” in colder ones, like conventional oil. In other words, synthetics have more additives, which greatly protect the car from viscosity breakdown. They are designed to withstand temperature extremes. It may be safe to say that extreme driving conditions call for the use of synthetics.

On the financial side of the matter, synthetics cost a whole lot more; up to three or four times as much as regular conventional oil. But, the wonderful thing is that you don’t have to change your oil every 3,000 miles; recommended with conventional oil use. In fact, you may not have to change it until well after 25,000 and up to 50,000 miles as long as the oil filter is changed every 10,000 miles. So, the cost at first might scare consumers away, but the long-term benefits of synthetic oil use are substantial.

However, you will still have to be responsible for your car’s maintenance check-up every 3,000 miles or so. With regular oil-changes, you are automatically checking over the car for other problems (or if you don’t an inspection mechanic does). It might help you find a problem that could be dealt with, that could’ve gone unchecked. Also, you’ll want to check the synthetic oil every now and then to be sure that it isn’t contaminated and/or that there isn’t any moisture build-up.

With normal everyday driving, perhaps conventional oils work best for you. You aren’t driving in extreme conditions and you swear allegiance to regular oil. That may be fine. Synthetic oil cannot really offer you anything that conventional oil cannot under normal operating conditions. However, the definition of extreme driving states that if you do a lot of short driving (two to twenty miles) daily, it’s hard on your car. And, specialists agree that this constitutes extreme driving due to the faster breakdown of the structure of conventional oil.

Another major reason that many are choosing the synthetic route is that it contains fewer impurities; impurities that can cause your engine harm, perhaps to the point of premature engine wear. With conventional oil, there’s no way to totally rid, filter or clean the impurities from the natural elements. That’s another reason why synthetic oils do not have to be changed as much even in extreme driving conditions.

You’ll want to be careful; however, if you do decide that you want to give synthetic oils a try. If you’ve been driving your 1983 Ford Thunderbird for years using 10W30, you may not want to switch using your conventional oil brand.

Conventional oils have solvents that stick to gaskets and seals and often cause them to swell a certain way. These gaskets and seals have been used to the same oil for years and the switch to any other type of oil (whether it is to a different conventional oil brand, or an upgrade to a synthetic) may be harmful. The oil you change (or upgrade to) will also have solvents and additives, different from the original. So in other terms, the changing of oils could result in oil leaks and/or a once small oil leak becoming bigger due to the reaction the seals and gaskets will have to the change (not because of the oil itself). If you think that this might be the case for you (i.e. if you have an older car using conventional oil), it’s recommended that you not try synthetic oil until you have an engine (or new car) with relatively virgin gaskets and seals that will be able to acclimate much more easily to the chemical changes of the newer type of oil.

It’s easy to see that that fanfare for one or the other is an argument that has really been explored. It’s best for you to decide what will fit your personal needs. If you have an older car, you may want to wait until you upgrade. However, if you have a newer car, the benefits of synthetic oils are easily seen. Again, it’s solely dependent upon you and the conditions where you drive. Synthetics are shown to provide their best protection above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Most people do not drive their cars this hot. However, many do drive in cities, where driving times are considered to be more of a “stop-and-go” nature, which may be considered “extreme” in many circumstances. When the time comes for you to make a decision, at least you’ll be informed of the differences of each. And, until that time, no matter what, keep up that automotive pride!

About the author:
Michael Walker is a freelance author providing tips and hints on engine related topics such as JDM motors, used import engines and engine swaps. His articles are a valuable source of information for the auto enthusiast.
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The Importance of Cooling System Maintenance

In general terms, a standard radiator contains a vertical or horizontal finned tubing section connected between two tanks. It is designed to hold an abundant amount of water and ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, and circulates through the car's grille in discreet passages that contact with the atmosphere to cool the liquid. Because of this process, heat is conducted away from the engine parts allowing smooth performance of the engine. The outside air that passes through the radiator grille helps to cool the liquid, which then circulates back to the engine by means of another hose. The radiator reduces the temperature of the coolant, which has absorbed the heat from the engine, keeping it within a normal operating temperature. It is vitally important that you check your radiator regularly. Overheating an engine can cause permanent damage. A leaking radiator will cause your engine to run at a higher than normal temperature and may cost you huge dollars in engine repair costs. A radiator should always be completely filled with water, antifreeze/coolant or a mixture thereof. Allowing the presence of air pockets in the radiator will produce more internal pressure than liquid coolant because gases expand under heat tremendously more than liquids, and high pressure also results in higher operating temperatures. The radiator can also accumulate internal residue and/or corrode over time. The cooling efficiency can be dramatically reduced as a result. If you find your vehicle is running at higher than normal temperatures, it may be time to install a new replacement or high performance radiator.

Water Pump

A water pump is the central reason your vehicle runs at a normal operating temperature. An overheating car is not something that anyone ever wants to deal with. Your water pump is of primary importance to your vehicle’s coolant circulation throughout your vehicle's cooling system. If your water pump isn't operating, the engine coolant just sits in the block and heads. It doesn’t circulate or flow to the radiator to displace its heat. No coolant heat displacement from the radiator means your vehicle will quickly overheat. This will lead to costly damage such as blown head gaskets or even irreversible damage such as warped heads and perhaps a blown engine. Even a reduction in pressure delivered by the water pump can lead to costly damage to your vehicle. Constricted or blocked flow leads to higher engine operating temperatures. Overheating can damage the components of your cooling system as well such as the thermostat, radiator, hoses etc. If you are replacing your water pump, it is wise to do a complete cooling system tune-up. Don’t forget the other vital parts like hoses, thermostats, radiator caps and fan belts. Also remember that not all water pumps are the same. The water pump is unique to your model of vehicle and has been designed strictly for your engine cooling efficiency. High performance and custom water pumps go above and beyond to deliver the optimum cooling performance.

Thermostat

The thermostat in a vehicle regulates the flow of coolant throughout the system. This is important for two reasons. First, it controls the amount of coolant moving through the cooling system to help keep the vehicle’s engine from overheating. And second, it controls the flow in such a way that the operating temperature is kept within a narrow margin. Your vehicle’s engine operates at peak efficiency within this narrow band of temperature regulation. In other words, you don’t want your engine running too hot or too cold.

Heater Core

A Heater Core provides the hot air that comes out of heater vents in your vehicle. You may wonder what this has to do with cooling systems. Heating and cooling are really very closely related. After all, cooling is simply the transference or separation of the heat energy from the object in which you are trying to cool off. Temperature is really a measurement of how fast molecules vibrate, or how much energy they have. Trying to slow the vibration is less efficient than separating the energy from the quickly vibrating molecules from the slower ones.

The heater core is more or less a small radiator usually located under the dashboard. Coolant fluid is circulated from the main engine radiator to the heater core, but only when you turn the vehicle’s heater on. The internal heater control unit opens or closes a valve that meters the flow of coolant fluid to the heater core. That allows heat to radiate from the heater core. This is why your vehicle runs cooler when you have the heater on. The fin-like configuration of the heater core permits hot air passage into the vehicle. The hot fluid transfers its heat to the air through the fins and into the interior of your vehicle. When the heater core channels become restricted or plugged, the flow of hot liquid slows or stops. This, in turn, reduces or even eliminates the heat transfer efficiency to the flow of air and your vehicles’ heater doesn’t work very well. Flushing the radiator and heater core can sometimes improve the flow of liquid to the heater core, but replacement is usually a better option. A sweet, burning smell inside your vehicle when the heater fan is operating is a telltale sign of heater core problems. Another indicator is that the inside of your windows fog up when the heat is turned on. This is due to condensation built up from the blockage or restriction. The heater core is a significant component of the unrestricted air/heat/cooling system circulation assembly that provides heat and cooling.

About the Author:

This article was written by FR Penn sponsored by www.autopartswarehouse.com/. The Auto Parts Warehouse offers round-the-clock sales support as well as free shipping within the 48 states for orders over $50. Also, you'll find more BMW auto parts here than anywhere else on the web. Visit www.autopartswarehouse.com/bmw~rep.html. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to www.autopartswarehouse.com/.
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Auto Parts Inner Offers Preventive Car Maintenance Tips and Quality Replacement Parts

Believing that prevention is still better than cure, Auto Parts Inner offers preventive maintenance tips to a lot of car users in order to avoid common car problems, frequent repair and car part replacement and thus, prolong the life of their vehicle.

Auto Parts Inner suggests a regular inspection of the vehicle's major and minor parts, including the cooling system, engine system, ignition systems and the electrical system components.

It is also important to check all fluids in your car such as the transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid. They must be kept in normal level to ensure your safety.

Furthermore, you must make sure that the wheels are properly aligned and the tires are well inflated to ensure safety, better handling and ride quality.

In addition, Auto Parts Inner provides a wide selection of auto parts for your car part replacement needs. This store provides wide array of Ford parts, Toyota parts, Chevy parts, Mercedes Benz parts, GMC parts,Mazda parts, Honda parts, BMW parts and so much more.

Car part replacement is inevitable in your car's maintenance since all auto parts of the vehicle are subject to wear and tear and malfunctioning; thus, they need to be upgraded, repaired or replaced in order for the vehicle to function normally or more effectively.

Among the auto parts that wear out fast or gets frequently damaged are the body panels and other exterior parts such as the bumper, the door, the tailgate, and the wheels, including the tires. They are exposed to a lot of corrosive elements, which speed up formation of rust.

Sometimes, accidents happen and they too cause a lot of trouble to your vehicle no matter how much you have cared for your auto. The bumpers and the fender usually bear the brunt of the accident; thus, minor accidents are usually called fender benders. In most instances you need to replace them to restore the vehicle's gutsy looks and excellent safety.

Auto Parts Information offers top quality bumpers, fenders and fender flares like the OEM-quality Ford bumpers, Toyota bumpers, Chevy fenders and BMW grilles.

Other parts of the car that need to be checked include the radiator, auto lights, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, alternator, battery and other cooling, electrical and exhaust system parts. These auto parts perform very vital and difficult tasks and so they are also prone to abuse. They need to be checked every now and then as well.

Should you need replacement parts such as Chevy exhaust manifold, Toyota catalytic converter, BMW A/C condenser, Honda radiators, you can come and visit Auto Parts Inner. This store offers only top rated auto parts for almost all makes and models, including passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and minivans.

About the Author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto-related. He currently writes auto-related articles for several publications.
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/16677.html

Choosing A Car Stereo

Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:

1. Decks - Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.

2. Amplifiers – Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.

3. Speakers – Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.

4. Subwoofers – Every high-tech car stereo system should have a subwoofer. Subwoofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the subwoofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A subwoofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.

Now that you know the basics of how everything operates, you can ask informed questions as to which components you should have in your car.

About the Author:
Amy Barson works as a contributing editor for http://www.carstereos101.com – a site that offers information on car stereos and car stereo installation.
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The Importance of a Healthy Car Exhaust System

Every BMW vehicle is truly a source of pride and of sheer driving satisfaction. Through the years, this German vehicle has lived up to the standards of its own catchphrase “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” Performance—this clearly sets a BMW car from the rest of the autos within its class. The moment you rev up the engine, you would already know how your drive’s going to be. The longer you drive it, the more you get convinced it is designed and engineered to give you an ultimate driving experience. The exterior design itself can speak for its agility and responsiveness; that is because BMW has always believed that form follows function.

People behind the design and manufacturing of a BMW car have common things in mind: your safety, comfort, convenience and driving satisfaction. For this reason, every detail in a BMW is made to match the highest standards, including your own specifications. Aside from providing whatever a driver needs, BMW also provides what car enthusiasts want. BMW achieves their goal by using the most advanced and innovative technology in all BMW auto parts. From the moment you open the door, slip into the seats until you arrive at your destination, BMW pampers you through high quality auto parts.

Latest innovations featured in BMW cars include Bluetooth Wireless Technology, 5-speed STEPTRONIC, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Valvetronic, xDrive and Xenon Adaptive Headlights. The Bluetooth technology allows hands-free calling, that is, you can place or answer a call, browse the phonebook and do other things you do with your mobile phone by merely pressing on some multi-function steering wheel controls. The 5-speed STEPTRONIC feature adds variety to your driving by giving you three modes of driving: “Drive,” “Sport,” and “STEPTRONIC.” These and other modern features are standard or optional to new BMW models like the BMW 2006 525i Sedan, 2006 530xi Sports Wagon, 2006 760i Sedan and 2005 X5 4.8is SAV.

A car of special driving qualities, excellent design, high-tech interior and exterior auto parts and high respected name such as a BMW deserves special care, too. One who drives it is bound to give it proper care and maintenance for it to keep its good shape and perfect driving condition. Auto Parts Inner gives you excellent solution to your car repair and car maintenance needs. If you are in need of top caliber BMW parts to enhance or customize its looks, to improve its performance, to repair or replace worn out auto parts, Auto Parts Inner is ready to help you with your needs.

Wide-ranging pieces of auto parts information can also be found in this site. While you choose from the wide variety of BMW parts that range from smaller parts like BMW floor mats, BMW door handles and BMW hubcaps to bigger auto parts like BMW bumpers, BMW windshield and BMW wheels, you are also able to enrich yourself with various pieces of auto parts information.


About the author:
Terry Brown is a 32 year old from Houston Texas, and an enthusiast for anything auto related. He is currently employed as a market analyst by one of the top car parts company in the area. His automotive articles provide valuable source of information for auto enthusiasts like him as well as to those in need of automotive research.
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Safety During Car Maintenance

Keeping your Mercedes Benz in tiptop shape assures you that when you are driving, the chances of encountering any kind of vehicle mishap or problem are lesser. This has proven to be true and it also assists in keeping and having a great fuel mileage for extra miles.

However, doing car maintenance yourself also means being subjected to risks. This is most certainly because a vehicle is a machine and if you are not knowledgeable about how its parts work, it could mean disaster or harm for you. That is why experts do not recommend vehicle owners to do their own tinkering and fixing if they are not aware of the processes and mechanisms of a vehicle. Aside from that, vehicles also contain various types of fluids and gasses that could also be harmful to the health of a person.

Knowledge is the best weapon when it comes to battling car maintenance. After all, once you know how each part works and what are the components of the vehicle, you could certainly be on your way to keeping not only your vehicle in tiptop shape but also keeping yourself in good condition. Also, being careful is a good tip that automobile experts have for owners. And while you are at it, try having a fire extinguisher nearby in case anything sparks up.

When handling car batteries, make sure that there are no ignition sources like lighters or cigarettes nearby. It could create an explosion for these car batteries have acid and they also emit hydrogen gas. Both of these elements are dangerous to your health. Gloves are mandatory. And yes, make sure that the cables are disconnected before you handle the battery.

Tinkering with a vehicle's cables and electrical system could be dangerous if you do not know how to properly connect them. If you are unsure, do not touch these cables. Ask for advice or assistance from an expert.

Now, while you are doing car maintenance and you find damaged parts, these can be easily replaced. One of the leading Mercedes Benz suppliers is Auto Parts Go and they offer high quality Mercedes Benz parts and other auto parts at low prices.

About the Author:
Jennifer Dylan is a 35-year-old gal who hails from San Francisco. She has a habit of updating herself on new car trends and models. She spends most of her time reading up on cars and hopes to test drive them. She works for one of the topnotch car parts dealer in the U.S.
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How To Keep The Pump From Robbing You Dry

It is no secret that gas prices today are sky high and unfortunately there is no hope of them falling down soon. We must take action, as consumers, so that we are not robbed dry at the pump. The following are several pieces advice on how to conserve your fuel, so you will make fewer trips to the pump.

First, use the proper octane fuel recommended for your vehicle. Higher number octane’s require more resources to manufacture, cost more, and may not improve the performance of your car if it is not designed for it.

Secondly, always maintain your tires. Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure, and make sure they are wearing evenly. Align, balance and rotate your tires as needed. One under inflated tire can cause more gasoline usage. Check your tires at least once a month. It is important to check your tires when they are cold, otherwise you will not get a proper measurement.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles. The oil filter removes dirt and particles from the engine so that the parts are able to move more freely. Old oil gets less slippery and doesn’t lubricate as well. Well-lubricated engine parts require less fuel to run and create less pollution.

Make sure you change the air filter at the manufacturers recommended intervals. A new air filter allows more clean air to get in the engine, allowing it to burn more efficiently.

Similarly, make sure your spark plugs are firing properly. Spark plugs ignite gasoline in the engine. If they are not firing properly, gasoline flow through the engine unburned is wasted.

Another way to conserve fuel is to remove non-essential weight from your car. Do not carry items that you do not need in your car. The more weight causes your car to use more fuel.

It is important to not leave your vehicle idling for extended periods of time. For example, if traffic is stopped for more than five minutes, turn off your engine. Likewise, if you see that a drive-through line looks longer than a minute or two, park you vehicle and go into the restaurant.

Refrain from revving your engine. Revving the engine only wastes gasoline. Today’s vehicles are manufactured so that you do not have to rev nor “warm up” the engine.

It is important to replace tailgates on pick-up trucks. Tailgates produce air resistance and can decrease fuel efficiency. Therefore, replace a built-in tailgate with a mesh net tailgate.

Finally, in order to reduce your vehicles fuel consumption, it is important to maintain your vehicle with regular tune-ups.

About the Author:

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get patented car care products from www.carcarewizards.com
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Car Care Tips – How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

There are several things you must do to keep your car in immaculate condition and retain its value. Apart from regular mechanical servicing and maintenance, your car must also be groomed regularly to keep it looking like new. This means more than simply putting it through the carwash each week. Although it takes a bit longer, you’ll find that hand grooming your car achieves a far better result. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on car care products, however you will need to buy a few. These are some tips I use every time I clean my car.

Exterior

Rinse your car down to get rid of excess dirt, and then wash it with a sponge and soapy water. Once you’ve washed the whole car, rinse it off and then dry it with a soft cloth. If you don’t dry your car afterwards, water droplets gather dust, and when they dry out, you’re left with many spots all over the body of the car. This is especially noticeable with dark colored cars.

Every month or so you should use a bug and tar removal product on the body of your car. There are many of these types of products available at most car care stores. A great product to go for is one which removes bugs, tar and other spots, while polishing the car’s surface at the same time.

Polishing and waxing your car regularly maintains the “shiny look” and also protects the paint from being damaged by the sun.

Always clean the wheels and shine the tires. If your car has alloy wheels, dirt shows up more easily and makes them look dull. You can buy wheel cleaning products which remove the build up of brake dust, but if you clean them each time you wash your car, you should only need to use water and a cloth. When shining the tires, I always use a spray-on tire shine which is quick and easy to use. This not only keeps them looking like new, but protects them from the sun and makes the whole car look magnificent.

For other external areas, use a surface protecting product which is designed to protect rubber, vinyl and plastic from the sun’s UV rays. This can be used on bumpers, rubber seals around doors and windows, and for the interior as well.

Interior

Purchase some car seat covers to protect your seats from getting worn out. They can easily be taken off and washed once in a while. I vacuum the seats and carpet every time I clean my car. Dirt and grit which falls deep into the carpet causes it to wear out quickly, so regular vacuuming is the best way to prevent this. Buying a set of floor mats will keep the majority of dirt from getting into your carpet.

Clean the inside of your car’s windows with a glass cleaning product and a soft cloth. I use a normal household glass cleaning spray for this and it seems to do the job. When cleaning the dashboard and other interior surfaces, be careful you don’t use a product that will damage them. Some vinyl and plastic surfaces can be ruined simply by using the wrong product when cleaning. Once cleaned, you can use a surface protecting spray on these areas also.

When you aren’t using your car, park it in the garage. This not only keeps it out of the weather, but also prevents it from getting dirty. If you don’t have access to a garage, consider buying a car cover. Protecting your car from the weather as much as possible will ensure it remains immaculate.

About the Author:
Paul MacIver is a car enthusiast, and writes about various vehicle-related topics. For info on car covers, car detailing products, or car seat covers visit the Auto Accessories website. You may freely reprint this article as long as nothing is changed, and this resource box is included with all links made active.
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Body Care

The winter months can be tough on your body... your car body that is. Salt and chemicals used in the colder climates can wreak havoc on your cars precious sheet metal. By doing a few simple things this winter, you can keep your car's body looking it's best. Put a good heavy coat of wax on your car before the winter storms hit. This heavy coat will protect your paint from the corrosive salt and cold temperatures. Wash the underside of your car often during the winter months. Salt and chemicals will collect under the vehicle and slowly start eating away at your car. Skip the undercoating unless you are buying a new car. Applying undercoating after a car has been on the road for a year or two is pointless. The metal has already started to rust and there is bound to be water stuck in places it does not belong. Once you undercoat, you trap that water or rust and allow it to destroy your car. Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water. This water is loaded with salt and will get thrown into all the cracks and crevices of your car. When springtime rolls around, treat your car to a good wax job again. Make sure to get all of the road grime and salt off of the car before you begin waxing. With proper care and love, you body will stay in shape for years to come.

About The Author:
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com. kevin@schappell.com
This article was posted on December 23, 2004
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Checking Fluids

Keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape requires constant monitoring of vital fluids. Read you owners manual and look for a diagram of the engine. Most times there will be a diagram showing where to check all the major fluids. This should be your starting point. If your manual is lost in the glove box or you never had one, then ask your mechanic or a friend who knows cars to show you all the places to check. There are 4 major levels to check on most cars.

· Engine oil - Usually towards the front of the engine and marked "OIL" Always check your oil level with the engine OFF. Remove the dipstick and wipe the oil off with the rag or towel then put the dipstick back into the hole. Now pull out and get a reading. You might have to hold the dipstick to the light to get a good reading as fresh oil can sometimes be hard to see. On the dipstick there will be two marks indicating a maximum and minimum level for the oil. Make it a habit of checking your oil every two weeks.

· Transmission fluid - If you have an automatic transmission then you will have a dipstick to check the fluid level. It is most commonly found towards the back of the engine compartment or towards the passenger side. You should find out how to check the fluid by looking at the owner’s manual or on the dipstick itself. Most cars have to be running with the transmission in park or neutral. Also the transmission should be warmed up to give a true reading. Make sure the car has been driven for a short distance to make sure everything is up to operating temperature. Checking the level is just like checking your oil, wipe off dipstick, replace, pull out again and check level. If you have a manual transmission there is no dipstick and to check the fluid level you must crawl under the car and remove a fill plug. I would have your mechanic check this for you once a year if you do not feel comfortable doing this.

· Engine coolant - -- CAUTION -- Never open your radiator cap when the engine is hot ! The pressure in the system can send hot coolant splashing out on to you. Most cars have an overflow bottle, which will have level markings. Keep the coolant between these markings. If you have to open the radiator, make sure the engine is cold.

· Power steering fluid - Your car uses oil to assist in steering the car. The fluid is usually checked at the pump, but can be away from the pump in a separate reservoir. Like the transmission, this fluid should also be checked when up to operating temperature. Most commonly the level is measured by a small dipstick attached to the cap of the reservoir.

· Brake fluid - On most newer cars you can check brake fluid level without removing the cap on the master cylinder. There will be level markings on the side of the plastic reservoir. If you have to remove the cover to check the fluid level, be careful not to spill any fluid on the surrounding paint. Brake fluid makes a nice paint remover :-)

· Windshield washer fluid - That's the magic blue liquid that squirts out of your hood. Most reservoirs have the level marked on the side but some newer cars have them buried underneath everything so you can not see. Just fill to the top, there is no harm in overfilling.

If you need to add any fluids to bring the levels up, a funnel is helpful to avoid spills. Keep track of how often you add oil, and transmission fluid. Frequent additions can point to leaks and engine wear.

About the author:
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com
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Improve Gas Mileage Without Damaging Your Car

Many of the gas saving devices being advertised do not work and can actually damage your vehicle.

After evaluating and testing more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices, the Environmental Protection Agency hasfound only a few that improve mileage and none that do sosignificantly.

The gas-saving products on the market seem to fall intoclearly defined categories. These include, but are notlimited to: air-bleed devices, vapor-bleed devices, liquidinjection devices, ignition devices, fuel line devices,mixture enhancers, internal engine modification devices,fuels and fuel additives, oils and oil additives, anddriving habit modifiers.

The EPA evaluates or tests products to determine whethertheir use will result in any measurable improvement to fueleconomy. However, the EPA cannot say what effect gas-savingproducts will have on a vehicle over a long period of time.It is possible that some products may harm the car oradversely affect its performance.

For example, if an "air bleed" device actually addssignificant amounts of air to the air-and-fuel mixture, itmay cause an engine to misfire, a condition which greatlyincreases the potential engine damage or mechanical failure.This is especially likely to happen on cars manufacturedbetween 1974 and 1982, because their carburetors are pre-setfor a maximum amount of air to be burned with the fuel."Air-bleed" devices will not work at all on many carsmanufactured after 1982, because these cars have "feedback"carburetors that automatically adjust the air-and-fuelmixture rendering the device useless.

Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfiedcustomers. There are too many variables that affect fuelconsumption, such as traffic, road and weather conditions,the car's condition and overall maintenance, and the drivinghabits of the owner.

In one case a consumer sent a letter to a company praisingits gas-saving product. But what was not mentioned in theadvertisement was the fact that the consumers vehicle alsohad an engine tune-up at the time the device was installed.

Some advertisers claim that the gas-saving device isapproved by the Federal government. No government agencyendorses gas-saving products for cars. The seller can onlystate that the item has been tested by the EPA. If theadvertiser claims that the product has been tested by theEPA ask to see the results or contact the EPA directly.

If you have already purchased a gas-saving product and youare not satisfied, contact the manufacturer and ask for arefund. An honest company offers a money-back guarantee.If you are not satisfied with the company's response,contact your local or state consumer protection agency orthe Better Business Bureau.

Keeping your car in tip top condition is the best way to getthe best gas mileage your vehicle has to offer. Everyvehicle come with an owners manual. Read and follow whatthe manufacturer recommends.

Three simple steps that will help improve gas mileage in allvehicles:

Getting a tune-up.
Checking tire pressure.
Removing any excess weight from the car's trunk.

For over 20 more tips and one secret hint go to http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/gasmiles.htm

About the Author:

Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net

Article Source: www.iSnare.com

How To Easily Protect Your Car From Being Stolen

People mistakenly think that the cars stolen most frequently are flashy sports cars and SUVs but actually the top three are rather innocent Honda and Toyota sedans! For a complete list of the top ten most stolen vehicles see the bottom of this article, now on to how to keep your vehicle from being stolen.

There are car theft rings all over the world who steal cars as a business. When we think of car thieves we may have in mind some kid taking a car and joyriding but auto theft is a huge business. These people will take orders for specific vehicles and then contact their local thieves to carry out the acquisition of the particular vehicles being sought. Here are some tips to make your vehicle less of a target for these would be thieves.

The first thing you can do is park your vehicle in guarded and secure parking areas. Car thieves don't want to be seen so they aren't going to steal a car that is on a lot monitored by cameras in most cases. You want to park your car in the most visible location you can find.

Another simple way to reduce the likelihood of theft is to always take your keys out of the ignition and bring them with you when you get out of your car. I know this may sound like just common sense but you would be astounded at the number of people who have their vehicle stolen while they are in the convenience store while leaving their car running. In many cases, especially when it is a kid looking for a joy ride, car theft is a crime of opportunity and leaving the keys in the car is just calling out to a thief to take your ride.

You can deter a thief from looking at your car as a target by doing things that would slow them down. For instance, you can parallel park your car tightly between other vehicles so that the thief would have a tough time getting the car out. They won't even look at stealing your car because it would take too long. The longer it takes them to get the car away the higher their chance of being caught.

It is thought by many that car alarms are unimportant as well but this is not the case. Why do you think insurance companies give you a discount if you have an anti theft device installed on your vehicle? Because they know that it works to guard against theft. An alarm represents two negatives to a car thief. One, an alarm going off would draw unwanted attention to their nefarious activities and secondly it takes more time to disable it.

Wondering how wanted your car is to thieves? Have a look at the top ten list of most stolen cars from State Farm:

1.1995 Honda Civic
2.1989 Toyota Camry
3.1991 Honda Accord
4.1994 Dodge Caravan
5.1994 Chevy C1500 Pickup
6.1997 Ford F-150
7.2003 Dodge Ram Pickup
8.1990 Acura Integra
9.1988 Toyota Pickup
10.1991 Nissan Sentra

About the Author:

Gregg Hall is an author and internet marketing consultant living in Navarre Florida. Find more articles about cars and car care products at www.5starshine.com
Article Submission done by: www.articles-submit.com
Courtesy of: 101Articles.com

Article Source: www.articlesnetwork.com

Preventative Car Maintenance and Fuel Filter Replacement Tips

As with health care, preventative car maintenance is the best thing you can do for those dependable vehicles that get you where you want to go everyday. With preventative car maintenance you might invest a little here and there, but in the end, you will always save yourself time, money and the aggravation that comes with 'break-down' surprises. Listed below are some additional reasons to get serious about preventative car care:

• Safety is the #1 reason to invest a little of your hard earned dough in preventative car maintenance. Vehicles that are poorly maintained make it that much easier for you or one of your family members to get in an accident.
• Increased performance. A well maintained car means improved fuel economy as well as a car that is easier to operate.
• A well maintained car will also improve the trade-in or resale value of your vehicle.
• Dependability and easy handling. A well maintained car means that you won't have to worry about incorrect wheel alignment, worn tires and worn suspension components.
• Pride. Many people agree that your car definitely represents a certain extension of your own personality. Take car of your car!
  

Establish Car Maintenance Habits

It is fairly simple to get into the habit of getting your oil changed every three months but it's a bit more difficult to make those yearly check ups and replacements that every car needs. You should, on a regular basis, (meaning annually or at least every two years) ask your auto technician about the status of your air cleaner filter, oil filter, air cleaner, air filter kn and your fuel filter.

Common Complaints that Can be Solved with a Fuel Filter Replacement

This article focuses on fuel filter replacement because experienced mechanics find that many people frequently complain that their vehicles are 'experiencing' power loss, hard starting, or hesitation.¹ These problems are in general due to clogged fuel filters and can easily be avoided with a simple fuel filter replacement.

How Often Should You Change Your Fuel Filter?

As mentioned above, it is recommended that you change your fuel filter on a yearly basis. However, a yearly replacement only applies to high mileage vehicles. Those of you who use your vehicles only on occasion or only drive short distances on a daily basis, then you can probably get away with a filter replacement every two or even three years. If you have questions in regards to your vehicle, ask an experienced filter specialist how often you should change your fuel filter.

Don't Fall For It!

Many new vehicles supposedly are equipped with a 'lifetime' fuel filter that the manufacturer claims will never have to be replaced. These newer vehicles may require a fuel filter replacement only every other year, but they will indefinitely have to be replaced at some time. Any fuel filter (including the new ones) can clog or be exposed to moisture and rust--so don't fall for the lifetime fuel filter story.

Fuel Filter Replacement Services

You can replace your fuel filter by yourself, but today when there are literally dozens of service stations at your disposal, you will find that you will actually save more time and more money if you do your shopping right the first time. Take time to shop/compare and even ask for references. If you take the time now, it is unlikely that you will regret your decision later. Also, if you do decide to change your fuel filter by yourself, make sure that no one smokes around you as you work. Changing a fuel filter can be extremely dangerous.

Choose a Better Fuel Station?

Also, to prevent the quick 'decay' of your fuel filter you may want to consider patronizing only those fuel stations which have fuel filters within their gas pumps. These filters assure that the fuel you put into your vehicle will go through one final 'filter session' before going into your car. You would be surprised at the amount of dirt and other junk that is prevented from going into your vehicle because of fuel station pump filters.

¹It's simple science; a clogged fuel filter cannot allow the same amount of fuel to flow through it as a newly replaced one. This may mean that on roads around your home--as you drive slowly--your car will respond well, but at highway or freeway speeds your car may splutter and lack power.

About the Author:
Boyd Norwood is a Web Content Specialist for 10x Marketing in Orem, UT. For more information in regards tofuel filter replacement or basic preventative car maintenance, please feel free to contact Dakota Filter Services
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/14072.html
Added: 21 Oct 2005