TIPS FOR YOUR CAR

Cnet Review of 2011 Hyundai Elantra

2011-12-27T21:29:00.000-08:00

Cnet review of the 2011 Hyundai Elantra by Brian Cooley

Easy Tips Guaranteed To Keep You Safer While Driving

2011-11-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

Below are their recommendations and tips for improving driver safety and reducing the incidence or probability of an accident.

Their first tip was to increase the following distance. Aggressive driving and following too close can easily result in a rear end collision, especially at night when vision is reduced and reaction time is slowed. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least one car length of distance between cars for each 10 mph increment. So, for 10 mph 1 car length will suffice and for 60 mph at least 6 car lengths or more. This will allow for proper reaction time and braking in an emergency. Also watch out for cars switching lanes without using turn signals. If you follow too closely there may be another car stopped in you lane that you will not have time to stop for.

Another great tip for avoiding unnecessary night time accidents was to make sure your cars lighting works properly. This is especially important at night when visibility is already low and a dimly or unlit vehicle poses a great risk and threat to other cars. According to New York State Troopers the biggest problem with headlights was not actually the bulb, it was the plastic cover of the headlight lens. Since 1992 clear plastic headlights have been made standard on almost every car made and the problem is that these plastic lenses are very susceptible to damage from the environment. Just like car paint, plastic lenses become damaged and cloudy from exposure to UV rays, harsh weathering and acid rain. The lenses start to cloud and before long light output and safety can become greatly reduced.

According to the AAA Foundation for traffic safety, An average of 9 out of every 10 cars on the road today has dirty or yellowed headlights that greatly reduce vision and need to be replaced or restored. That means almost every car out there is in need of some degree of headlight repair or restoration. It used to be that the only option was replacement of the cloudy headlight lens at an average of $250 per lens. Now there is a headlight restoration kit available that is currently used and backed by numerous police and state agencies that will restore the headlight lens to new again and restore night time driving safety. According to the National Institute for Highway Traffic and Safety dim headlights are the number one most easily avoidable factor in serious night time accidents.

Another tip was dirty or improperly cleaned windshields. According to several state troopers, most people do not realize the effect of glare on night time or daytime driving. Glare can literally blind you. If your windshield or other windows are dirty or even fogged, your vision can quickly be impaired. All it takes at night is for someone to be driving with a dirty windshield and an oncoming car with their bright lights or even regular lights on. You will be temporarily blinded and long enough to easily cause a serious accident. Clean your windows at every fill up. Many gas stations have windshield wash stations available so take advantage of them. If your windshield has scratches or cracks get it replaced. It is also a good time to check your headlights and tires to make sure they are properly inflated as improperly inflated tires can cause you to lose traction when you need it most.

Improving Petrol/Gas Mileage - Three Simple Tips

2011-04-04T21:36:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for ways of improving the petrol/gas mileage of your car for better fuel economy, here are three simple tips you can use straight away in order to cut down on the ever increasing cost of motoring. When you incorporate these tips you instantly reduce the amount of fuel being used while commuting to work and while using your car socially. Also remember the hidden benefits that are associated with the environment when you reduce your fuel consumption. So let's look to see how we can achieve this.

Tip #1 Tune in your engine.

Keep your engine in top condition. A properly serviced and tuned engine will give you the best results in obtaining the maximum amount of miles per gallon. It will run cleaner and be more efficient which in the long run results in much better fuel economy.

An off tune engine that's running out of balance will literally drink fuel, even more so if it is difficult to start. The amount of petrol/gas or diesel wasted trying to start a reluctant engine could carry you for miles on an open road so it makes good sense to eliminate this problem as soon as you can.

Tip #2 A bright spark.
You can purchase such things as aftermarket spark plugs and ignition plug leads for a petrol engine that when fitted will increase the quality of the spark which makes the whole ignition system more efficient.

There is a mini explosion taking place in a conventional combustion engine every time that the cylinder fires, so any increase in the quality of the spark will affect the efficiency to ignite the petrol/air mixture. This allows the engine to be more responsive to throttle openings so you need less throttle to move the vehicle along making the engine more economical which then returns more miles per gallon as a result.

Tip #3 Check your tyres.
Keep your tyres in good condition with the correct pressure and balancing and this will ensure that the road drag is kept to a minimum helping you to achieve more miles per gallon. Under inflated tyres mean more surface area on the road than they are designed for which results in excess drag that requires much more effort and energy to move the vehicle along.

By implementing these tips into your daily motoring, they will eventually pay for themselves over a period of time. The fuel is costing you money anyway so you might just as well invest in these now and enjoy the benefits of a smoother running engine and a more economical car.

Used Car For Sale - A Guide

2011-01-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

With the option of used cars on sale, a car can now be easily purchased. There are numerous advantages and ways to search for a used car on sale.
A decade before, one was dependent just on personal contacts or local automobile dealers or classified ads. Now, one can just surf the Internet, search for used cars that are available for sale in as big a range as one wants, pay online and get the car delivered. Things have become so simple, thanks to technology.

Advantages of Buying a Used Car
There are many of us who prefer to buy a used car on sale when it comes to buying our first car. Moreover, there are many benefits attached to buying used cars
* If you are buying a used car from the dealer, you have an advantage of getting your car repaired on the dealer shop itself and your car could be fixed at cheaper prices.
* Another point to consider is that you might find some defects or some other problems in it. However in that case, you may bargain and ask the dealer to sell the it in a somewhat lesser value than the actual amount.
* Lots of used cars come with a warranty program and proper certification which is an additional advantage.
* To purchase it from the private owner can be beneficial as well since you are likely to get the car at a better price than you would from a used car sale or dealer.

How to Search For a Used Car for Sale
If you are contemplating to buying an old car and wondering where to find used cars for sale then all that is required is a little research.
* You can choose to buy a second hand car from a local dealer or you could browse various websites for the best deals on such cars.
* Some private owners also prefer to sell their used car and put advertisements in the newspapers.
* There is end number of used cars for sale in the market. You may consider your budget and accordingly search for the car that serves your needs the best.
* Research on the Internet. There are several websites which would provide you plenty of useful data.

Points To Remember While Buying an Old Car
* Before buying a used car, remember to always check the model and its make.
* You could run through the details of the used car for sale. You must thoroughly inspect the car to ensure that it is free from any defects.
* Some other features for instance power windows, key less entry; child lock facility, power steering, etc. could also be explored.
* Do not rush. Evaluate the condition of the car and try to look out for maximum information related to the car.
* Sometimes you may feel that there are some dealers who put up advertisements in the newspapers related to the used car sale are trying to move their car quickly and offering it at a great discounted price. You need to be extra careful in cases like this. Do remember that the buyer always has options of asking questions which he may have regarding the product.
* You could probably meet the dealer or car owner in person and find out the required information about the car or you can also ask the questions from the owner or the dealer through email.
* Questions like vehicle identification number, mileage, distance it has run, etc. may be put to the dealer.
* Make sure that you check the papers of the car as well.

Driver Safety Tips

2010-09-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Since the inception of cell phones, people have been able to take their phones with them, instead of leaving them at home. Cell phones are important tools to have during an emergency, but they can also cause accidents while driving. Instead of using cell phones as a tool for emergencies, they are using them as a social tool while driving. More than 2,000 people die in Canada each year from talking on their phone while driving. Studies have shown that people who talk or text on their cell phones cannot pay attention to the road 100 percent. Talking and texting on a cell phone takes a person's reflex capabilities away. They are unable to react quickly enough to avoid an accident.

Most accidents that happen are fender benders due to a driver suddenly slamming on their brakes. When a person slams on their brakes, the person on the cell phone does not see it in time, and is unable to react appropriately. Studies have also shown that when a person talks on their cell phone while driving, everything in their peripheral vision disappears from view. If a pedestrian crosses the street, many people who are not paying attention will not see them. Texting is becoming far worse while driving because the person has to take their eyes off of the road in order to text. Most head-on collisions have happened while a person was texting.

New laws have come out to prevent people from talking and texting on their cell while driving. People are no longer allowed to talk on their cell without an ear piece, so that a drivers hands can be free to hold on to the steering wheel. Texting while driving should never happen at any time. A driver taking their eyes off of the road at any time can cause horrific accidents. With as much traffic on the roads, especially in large cities, texting while driving is a potential catastrophe waiting to happen. Many people may believe that they are perfectly capable to drive safely while texting, but studies have shown that driving while texting is just as harmful as driving while intoxicated.

For safety sake, a person should not talk on their cell or drive while texting until they get to a safe place where they can pull over. This reduces the chances of an accident, and therefore lowers the risk of raising Ontario vehicle insurance rates, as well. Wearing an ear piece to talk on a cell phone is much safer while driving, but a person's attention span is still not 100 percent on their driving. There are many things happening at one time while a person is driving. Drivers should be on the lookout for people pulling out of shopping centers and changing lanes on a continuous basis. Anything that takes a person's attention away from their driving is a potential accident waiting to happen.

Useful Tips for Total Car Care

2010-09-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

Taking good care of your ride is always a great idea. Not only will your car run better if you perform regular maintenance on it, it will also hold a good resale value if you keep it looking it's best. Keep reading to discover some great car care tips offered here.

Let's start with the outside of your car. Your car should be washed and waxed on a regular basis. But what should you use to wash your car? Some people think that any old soap will do to wash your car, but this is not true. If you are using dish soap to wash your car then you are removing all wax from your car. Dish soap is made to remove animal fat from dishes, so it will be really good at taking off that fresh coat of wax that you applied last week. Your best choice for total car care would be to choose a quality car wash. These washes are more of a detergent than a soap and will do less damage to your wax job.

Minimizing any scratches is always a great practice towards making your car looks great. Any dirt that comes in between the cleaning material and the car surface will cause the surface to be scratched and therefore dulling the paint on your car. So, when you are cleaning your car don't forget to take note of any chips or scratches in the paint. These should be repaired immediately to avoid rust. Minor dings and dents should be noted also. You can opt to repair these yourself or take your car to a body shop for the repair.

Remember to include tire care in your total car care procedure. Check the tire pressure and the tread for wear and tear. Having the correct pressures for your tires not only will prolong the useful lives of your tires, you will experience a smoother drive and better fuel efficiencies. Check all of your valve stem caps to make sure they are tight, as they are the final seal after the tire valve stem and could help to hold up the tire pressure should the tire valve stem fails. Apply a quality rubber protectant to your tires to prevent damage from UV rays. This will keep the rubber of your tires from drying and cracking.

Once you have finished with the exterior of your car, it's time to check the interior. Vacuum the interior thoroughly. If there are stains on the upholstery or the carpet, you can use a quality carpet and upholstery shampoo to clean the interior. Wash the windshield inside and out and clean all vinyl with a good vinyl cleaner and protectant as well.

To complete your total auto car care mission you should look under the hood. Checking under the hood on a periodic basis can help you to spot problems before they become costly and is therefore a wise thing to do. It is best to conduct the check when the car engine is cold, i.e. not after the car is being used and that the engine is hot. Check all fluid levels. Take a good look at your belts and hoses and check for cracks or worn out signs. Finally, make sure that all caps are screwed on tightly after the checks are done..

Following these car care tips will allow you to take the best possible care of your car. It will also save you money in the long run because a well maintained car will bring in more money for you should you decide to sell or trade in your car.

Do yourself and your car a favor and perform total auto car care on a regular basis - it will serve you well for a long, long way to come.

Enjoy safe driving.

Tips on How to Tow Your Car Safely

2010-08-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

All you need to tow your car safely is some basic information and your common sense. Failure to tow your car properly may lead to problems such as damage to one or more parts of the car or personal injury to you or others around you.

You should only tow a car when it is at neutral. This way, the wheels will not be locked. If this is not done, the wheels and other parts of the vehicle may be damaged and there is a safety risk. When towing a vehicle, make sure a sturdy cable such as tow chain is used. It should be properly fastened from the trailer hitch of the vehicle doing the towing to the vehicle that is being towed. This fastening should be double looped and it should go to a strong part of the undercarriage.

You should note that having a passenger on a vehicle that is being towed is illegal in many states and it poses a safety risk. The vehicle being towed should only have a driver whose sole purpose is to direct the vehicle in such a way that it follows the towing vehi cle. You should communicate with the one manning the vehicle being towed to make sure he/she does not stop suddenly or too slowly.

You should always have a clearly visible sign to warn vehicles behind you that the vehicle is in tow so that they should keep a safe distance. Failure to have this sign is actually a violation in many states. When towing a vehicle, you should never drive faster than 45 MPH. This is because the higher the speed, the greater the strain on the tow cable.

There is a risk that the cable could snap and this could cause an accident. You should limit the distance between the car that is towing and the one being towed. This will prevent the car being towed from getting off the course. If the tow is due to a vehicle breakdown, you should never push it beyond the nearest service station.

When towing a vehicle with an RV or a camper, most of the rules that apply to towing a vehicle that has broken down such as maintain 45 MPH apply. However, there are a few extra tips that will help you do this safely.

You should always allow for more stopping distance because of the momentum of the vehicle you are towing. You should always keep in mind the fact that the length of your vehicle has changed. This will help you while negotiating corners and while overtaking. You should note the limit of your RV or your camper and you should never pass this limit. If you do, there is a risk that the cable may snap.

You will find the limits for the RV and camper in the owner manuals, from the dealership, or through research. When towing with an RV or a camper, make sure the safety cables have been crisscrossed - make sure the cross is at the center. This will help center the vehicle behind the RV if it is unhooked for one reason or the other.

Headlight Restoration Solution to Foggy Hazy Headlight

2010-07-11T19:24:00.001-07:00

Problem: Hazy Cloudy or Yellow Oxidized Headlight

First if we understand what causes today car headlights to get oxidized and discolored then we can do some things to prevent or prolong it from happening. In the good old days headlights were made from glass and we did not have the problem of yellowing headlights because of its structure. Now today and for at least the past ten years most headlights are made from polycarbonate plastic which is very though. The problem however is that this plastic is porous.

What Causes Your Headlights To Oxidize and Discolor

The debris from the road the sun UV rays and the acid rain are the main factors that contributes to your headlights becoming hazy dull or discolored. Here is what happens because there placement on your vehicle which is obviously in the front, it is subjected to the sand, small pebbles kicked up by other vehicles in front of you in traffic. These pebbles mixed with oil and other elements from the road makes small pits on them. Some of the oils and dirt settles in the pits that gets rained on and then gets cooked with the UV rays from the sun. Over a period of time this constant pitting bombardment consumes your headlights like a cancer. It just keeps eating away the outer layer until you notice that they are no longer crystal clear any more.

First you start seeing a line towards the top of your headlight then it starts to get dull then foggy or yellowish then to a whitish cloudy look then finally a scared dirty color where you can't even see the bulb.

Cloudy Headlights Compromise Your Safety

At this point your safety is being compromised because while driving at night you are left wondering weather your headlights are ON or OFF. Your light projection is reduced by as much as 70% or more. This creates a danger not only for you but other as well. Here is where most people start thinking about headlight restoration or replacement not only because of the safety issue but their cloudy oxidized headlights makes their car look older and ugly. It becomes like an eye-saw. The question now is what solution to use, replacement or restoration?

Headlight Restoration - solution to cloudy headlights

Restoring your discolored headlights is an economical solution instead of replacement. You can save hundreds may be even thousands of dollars base on your vehicle. Most foggy headlights can be restored because it is generally the outer layer on your headlights that are oxidized and this can be fixed using a headlight restoration kit or using a professional headlight restoration service like us FixMyHeadlights.com if you are in south Florida.

Headlight Restoration Preferred - Wet Sanding method

There are a couple of ways to restore hazy headlights. Chemical and sanding process. I have tried both methods and the method of choice for me is the wet-sanding method because apart from removing the oxidation, scratches are removed as well giving the headlights a like new headlight when finished. Apart from cleaning and polishing the headlights sealing the headlights is a vital step in the headlight restoration process. Because of the porous nature of the plastic if it is not sealed properly your headlights will get oxidized in a very short space of time.

Maintain Your Headlights After Restoration

After restoring your headlights take a little time to maintain them. A five minute program can prolong your headlights from becoming hazy or cloudy. At least once a month when you wash your car apply some car wax on them and this will help keep debris from sticking on your headlights.

Be SAFE

It does not matter weather you do it yourself with a headlight restoration kit or you use a headlight restoration service or replace your headlights. The main thing is Don't compromise Your Safety Restore Your Dim Headlights. Drive SAFE!

Author
Abraham Baksh

Tips to keep the engine in a good shape-naza world

2010-06-18T02:34:00.000-07:00

1. Regular oil change is most important factor to keep the engine running. If you do it more often than suggested by manufacturer’s schedule, that’s even better.

2. Try to avoid engine overheating. ... See More

3. Changing spark plugs, air filter, timing belt and other items from maintenance schedule will save you from expensive repairs.

4. Regularly examine your vehicle in order to fix any small problem before it turns into a serious damage.

Gas-Saving Maintenance Tips

2010-05-18T19:56:00.000-07:00

Today's cars are pretty simple. Put gas in them, change the oil and you're pretty much set. After all, modern cars have become almost maintenance-free because consumers don't want to spend time keeping their car in working order.

But along with this trend of low-maintenance appliancelike cars, owners have more and more begun to overlook the little things that make a car run efficiently. And when you don't do regularly scheduled maintenance — like keep your tires inflated or check your belts on a regular basis — your car is wasting small, but significant amounts of gas with every mile.

Fortunately, for those looking to take a chunk out of their fuel costs, this is the easiest place to find a few more miles per gallon. And it takes only a few seconds at the gas station and a little record keeping to optimize your car's performance.

1. Get Your Engine Tuned
An improperly tuned engine hurts gas mileage by an average of 4.1 percent, according to U.S. government studies. Most important to mileage is a properly working oxygen sensor, which can increase or decrease your efficiency by as much as 40 percent. If you're procrastinating about having your oxygen sensor fixed, just imagine the money you'll save on gas with a boost in fuel economy.

2. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires damage your mileage by increasing resistance and making it more difficult for the engine to move the car along the road. Simply check them every time you fill the tank with an electronic gauge available at any auto parts store for about $10. Check your owner's manual or tire manufacturer's Web site for optimal "pounds per square inch" or PSI ratings. Often, tire pressure ratings are posted on a sicker in the door jam of the driver door. The U.S. Department of Energy says for every 1 PSI you are under the optimal rate, you lose 0.4 percent of your miles per gallon. It estimates the average person can improve mileage by 3.3 percent by inflating their tires regularly. See How To Check Tire Pressure and Inflate Tires.

3. Check Your Air Filter and Replace Every 12,000 Miles
Most drivers think that cars run on just gasoline. Actually, cars run on gas and oxygen, hence the performance increase when a turbocharger blows more air in the intake manifold. If this flow is restricted by a clogged air filter, your performance and your fuel economy suffer. The Energy Department estimates you could save as much as 22 cents per gallon by replacing a bad air filter. For information about changing the filter yourself, please see "Change Your Car's Filters."

4. Use the Right Motor Oil
Many people think it's OK to simply dump any motor oil they find into their engine. While the motor will continue to work with a different grade of oil, it won't work quite as efficiently. You can save a couple cents per gallon by using the exact oil recommended for your car in your owner's manual.

5. Don't Carry Junk in Your Trunk
This requires no mechanical training at all. Simply get all those newspapers, cans and other baggage out of your car and trunk. Reducing the weight of the car increases mileage over the course of a tank of gas. This costs you nothing to fix and maybe you'll find some missing treasure hiding in there.

What Really Saves Gas?

2010-05-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Lower Speeds Saves Gas

Remember a thing called the speed limit? On most highways it is either 100 or 110kph. How fast are the cars and trucks around you going? From 120kph to 150kph. These people are wasting a lot of gas for the chance to get there a little earlier. Factor in safety concerns and a speeding ticket once or twice a year and going fast is a costly proposition.

Avoid Excessive Idling

If you turn off a light bulb as you leave the room you'll save electricity. If you turn off your car you will save gas. Obviously. But related questions are more difficult to answer. If you're only stopping for only a minute, is it better to shut off the engine or keep it idling? Should I shut off the engine in traffic? How much gas will this save? What rule of thumb do I use when trying to save gas this way?

Check engine oil at every other fill-up

2010-05-13T04:47:00.000-07:00

For an accurate reading, follow this procedure:

* Run or drive your car for about 15 minutes to warm the oil; then park the car in a level place.Turn off the engine and wait 15 minutes to allow the oil in the engine to drain back to the oil pan.

* Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a paper towel or rag. Reinsert the dipstick, being sure to push it in all the way, then pull it out again to check the oil level. It should be somewhere between the hash marks on the dipstick.

* Add the type and amount of oil as specified in your owner's manual, if necessary.

Have wheel alignment checked

2010-05-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Have your car's wheel alignment checked every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), or as recommended in your owner's manual. Also have it checked after buying new tires and when you replace a rack-and-pinion steering unit or other steering parts. Improper tire alignment will shorten the life of your tires as well as cause poor handling. If your steering is stiffer than normal or the vehicle pulls to one side, you probably have an alignment problem.

Wax to protect your car's paint job

2010-03-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

No way around it! Waxing your car is work. But it's satisfying work that will help keep your car looking new. Car wax preserves paint by slowing oxidation and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. Plus driving a nice shiny car is just plain fun.

Here's what to do to ensure the maximum in protection:

* Liquid and spray waxes are tempting to use -- they make the car shiny with less work than rubbing in paste wax. But there's still no beating paste wax for the hardest, longest-lasting finish. Look for paste with a high carnauba wax content.

* Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the car's surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish.

* To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried.

* Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly.

Preserve your car during long-term storage

2010-02-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary damage and repairs upon your return.

* Fill the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts.

* Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.

* Place a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.

* Disengage the parking brake to help avoid brake corrosion.

* Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires.

* Disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining. Place the battery on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.

* Plug the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into inlet.

Car Maintenance Tips-Automobile Engine

2010-01-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Tip 1: Take care of Engine – The Heart of A Vehicle – Ask your auto mechanic to thoroughly check the engine every time you take your car for servicing.

Tip 2: Check Engine Coolant – Proper temperature of car's engine is important, hence you should check you engine coolant for right level. If the engine coolant is low, it results in overheating of auto engine.

Tip 3:- Check for Smooth Functioning of Timing Belt – If it doesn't then, just replace it to avoid an serious engine damage that can be heavy for your pocket.

Tip 4:- Calibration of the Engine Oil – Regular checking and calibration of engine oil ensures engine breakdown. Smooth performance of the automobile engine helps to increase the lifeline of your vehicle.

Tip 5:- Clean the Radiator – Radiator debris should be cleaned with a soft brush. Whereas detergent solution can be carefully used to clean the exterior of radiator.

Tip 6:- Never Spray Water On Hot Engine – This might lead to uninvited troubles and may damage your car's engine.

Tip 7:- Hydraulic Reservoir Should Also Be At An Optimum Level – Keep the hydraulic reservoir at optimum level with the fluid type.

Tip 8:- Air Cleaner Check – A regular check of air cleaner keeps your car in the best spirit.

Tip 9:- Avoid Idling – You will surely boost up the lifeline of your dear vehicle, if you do this. Avoid keeping your car idle for longer period as during this process, the oil is not distributed to different parts of the engine.

Lighten up your key chain

2009-11-21T22:26:00.000-08:00

Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That's a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it's in the ignition.The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.To add years of service to your ignition switch, purchase a lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from the others. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. If your ignition key "sticks" when you try to turn on the car, it's a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. Replace it before you get stranded.

TIPS: Operating Your Car

2009-02-17T20:22:00.001-08:00

4. Don't fill up if you see the tanker
If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station's underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.

5. Go easy when you're stuck
When stuck in mud or snow, don't make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you're really stuck, don't keep at it. Throwing your car from forward to reverse repeatedly, as well as spinning tires at high speeds, can generate lots of heat and spell trouble for transmissions, clutches, and differentials. It may be cheaper in the long run to call the tow truck rather than risk big repair bills down the road. It's a good idea to carry a traction aid in the trunk, such as sand, gravel, or cat litter.

TIPS: Operating Your Car

2009-02-17T20:21:00.001-08:00

3. Buy gas at reputable service stations
Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don't have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly -- or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it.

TIPS: Operating Your Car

2009-02-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

2. Drive with care everyday
Being car considerate shouldn't stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair.

Do not race your car's engine during start-up.This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it's cold outside.

Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive.The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation.

Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a smart idea.The engine doesn't operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.

Put less strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it's stopped.

Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when it's very hot or very cold outside. Such driving behavior will result in more frequent repairs.

Extend the life of your tires with careful driving. Observe posted speed limits. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns. Avoid potholes and objects on the road. Don't run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking. And, of course, don't burn rubber.

When turning your steering wheel, don't hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so can damage the power-steering pump.

Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear -- as well as the pollution your car generates -- takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer.

TIPS: Operating Your Car

2009-02-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

We've compiled our best expert advice, surprising tricks, and maintenance and fix-it tips to prolong the life of your car!

1. Be patient during the break-in period
You've bought your dream car and now you want to make it last at long as possible in top condition. Here are some things to remember as you pull it out of the dealer's lot:

During the break-in period, typically the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), keep your speed under 55 mph (88 kpm) or to the speed recommended by your car's manufacturer.

Avoid heavy loads on the drive train, such as towing trailers, and loading the roof rack or trunk with heavy construction materials.

Do not allow your new car to idle for long periods -- this is good advice for the life of your car, but especially during breakin. The oil pressure generated by doing so may not be sending oil to every part of your engine.

Use only light to medium acceleration, keeping the engine rpms below 3,000 for the first few hours of driving.

WHAT IS A MOTORCAR

2009-02-17T19:20:00.000-08:00

Motor car is a wheeled motor vehicle for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor. Most definitions of the term specify that automobiles are designed to run primarily on roads, to have seating for one to eight people, to typically have four wheels, and to be constructed principally for the transport of people rather than goods.However, the term automobile is far from precise, because there are many types of vehicles that do similar tasks.from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile