Powering a Generator

If you have a backup generator but absolutely no power whatsoever is available to make the generator run, and then run the power in your home, you can connect several car batteries to the generator to get it going and keep it going. This will provide you with power as long as your generator and your car have enough fuel to run.

Running a Refrigerator When Your Power Is Out

There are portable devices called inverters, which you can connect to your car battery. You will need a power inverter plug for most appliances. Some inverter boxes have electrical plug outlets built into them. These devices are short-term solutions, as they can draw a lot of power from your battery if you leave them connected for more than a couple of days and you have more than just your refrigerator plugged into them. However, they are very effective at keeping your refrigerator/freezer going until you can get your power turned back on. Usually, inverters are far less expensive than a battery- or gas-operated power generator.

Indirect Emergency Battery Uses Via Your Cigarette Lighter

Now that practically every tech device has a cigarette lighter adapter for use in your car, you can find many more products and cords which can help you charge up and power just about anything. For instance, there are devices out there that you can plug indirectly into your car battery via the cigarette lighter which grant you the ability to re-inflate flat tires and check the tire pressure with an electric or digital gauge. Since the only limitations on such a device is the amount of life left in your battery, you can re-inflate your tires as often as you need to until you can get your vehicle to a tire or auto shop safely. 

Planning Ahead

If you think you might need to use car batteries for any of the aforementioned emergency purposes, you may want to keep an extra battery or two in storage. Just be sure to test the stored batteries at least once a month, since idle batteries are not receiving any charge from an active system and can lose some of their power over time. If you can, purchase a car battery charger at the same time that you purchase the reserve/emergency batteries so that you can quickly recharge them before you use them.

The post Three Emergency Uses For A Car Battery appeared first on Accessorizing Vehicles for Performance and Looks.

It prevents rust damage. The undercarriage of your car is particularly vulnerable to rust damage. Unlike your car’s exterior, the undercarriage isn’t painted. That means there’s nothing protecting it from the elements. Also, the undercarriage is the part of your car that is most likely to come in contact with the elements. Moisture on the road can easily rise up and condense on your metal parts. During winter weather, snow accumulation can do serious damage to the bottom of your car.

All of this contact with moisture can lead to rust damage, which can ultimately lead to a need to replace certain parts. Undercoating uses a mixture of several elements, like fiberglass and silicone, to prevent moisture intrusion. That keeps your parts rust-free and working properly for a long period of time.

It suppresses noise. One of the unique benefits of undercoating is that it makes for a quieter ride. A lot of your in-car noise while you’re driving comes from beneath the car. The tires may be loud on the roadway or the suspension may operate noisily. Undercoating is substantial enough that it can block out much of the noise. That keeps the sound outside the car so you can have a more comfortable ride.

It provides balance. Undercoating may be a spray-on substance, but it’s substantial enough that it has some weight to it. In fact, it has enough weight to balance out your car for a smoother ride. The undercoating will add weight to the center of the car, between the wheels. That will provide more balance, especially when turning. If your car is prone to tipping, such as some types of jeeps and SUVs, then undercoating could be a very beneficial safety feature in addition to its protective qualities.

For more information, talk to a car undercoating dealer in your area. They can help you find determine whether undercoating is right for you.

The post 3 Reasons Why You Should Get Undercoating On Your New Car appeared first on Accessorizing Vehicles for Performance and Looks.

Low Transmission Fluid

Your transmission fluid plays an important role in keeping the parts of the system lubricated. If the parts of the transmission are not properly lubricated, extreme friction can occur, which could result in damage. As a result, the check engine light can be triggered. Check the fluid levels and add some, if needed. 

Solenoid Malfunction

The solenoid of your transmission is responsible for regulating how transmission fluid is dispersed throughout the transmission. Even with the proper level of fluid in your car, it can still experience a lot of friction because all of the components are not getting the amount of fluid that is needed. Your mechanic can determine if the solenoid is the culprit. 

Cooler Lines Clogged

The transmission’s cooler lines are responsible for helping to deliver fluids to keep the system cool. As you drive your car, the parts of the transmission start to heat up. If the parts are not being cooled, friction can occur and the transmission can start to overheat. When the transmission overheats, it can start to slip, causing the check engine light to engage. To resolve this issue, the cooler lines need to be unclogged and the filter should also be changed. There is also the possibility that the pump to the cooling lines is not functioning, which requires professional attention.

Transmission Control Module Failure

The transmission control module is responsible for controlling different aspects of your system, including when and how to shift gears. When it is not working properly, the check engine light comes on and you could have problems with shifting or your car might not start in the “park” gear. The only solution to this is to have your control module replaced. 

Sensor Failure

The check engine light relies on a range of sensors to report the conditions of different components of your car. If a sensor is malfunctioning, it can trigger the check engine light even if there is nothing wrong. Replacing or tweaking the sensor might be necessary to resolve the light issue.

Even if you are not experiencing problems, it is important to have the check engine light checked out when it is engaged. You can also contact a local repair shop that specializes in transmission repair, such as American Transmission Center, if your transmission is to blame.

The post 5 Transmission-Related Problems That Can Trigger The Check Engine Light appeared first on Accessorizing Vehicles for Performance and Looks.

Health Benefits

Dermatologists have long observed that Americans have more skin damage on the left side of their faces than they do on the right. This phenomenon is caused by harmful UV rays penetrating the driver’s side window. The damage, which is reflected in wrinkles, sags, and brown spots, can lead to skin cancer. In fact, 90% of all skin cancers are caused by this UV radiation. Auto glass coating, whether tinted or clear, has been found to reduce up to 93% of cell death caused by UV radiation.

Eyes also suffer from UV rays. Over-exposure to the sun increases your chances of suffering from eye conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing quality sunglasses is recommended, but adding window coating to your windshield also aids in preventing serious eye damage. 

Other Benefits

Window glass coating also protects your car’s interior from sun damage. Since it blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, glass coating prevents fading of your car’s upholstery, dashboard, and trim. Your car will look newer longer, which helps it keep a higher resale value. Tinting your windows also reduces the heat in your vehicle by providing up to 63% of “solar energy rejection.” 

Privacy

Some people do choose window tinting to provide privacy and keep their possessions out of sight of potential thieves. Different states have their own laws pertaining to this practice, so before you have the process done on your vehicle, check the local regulations. For instance, in Illinois, the side windows and rear window of sedans must admit more than 35% of the sunlight. The windshield must have non-reflective tint on only the top six inches of the windshield. All states allow clear coating, however. 

If you own a motor vehicle that does not have glass coating, consider having the process done. Your car will benefit, but more importantly, so will your health. You can protect the skin and eyes of your entire family from dangerous UV rays while keeping your car interior looking new. Check your state’s laws, and then seek out a local expert for an estimate before making your decision. 

For more information, contact SML Window Tint or a similar company.

The post The Benefits Of Vehicle Window Tinting appeared first on Accessorizing Vehicles for Performance and Looks.