Category Archives: Vehicle Maintenance

Hot Wheels -Wash, Wax, and Don’t Forget the Details

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Dear Tracy,

My dad is going to be going away on business for a few days, and I would like to surprise him by washing and waxing his car, including detailing the tires and wheels. He is so proud of the “hot wheels” had put on it, but he has been working so much, he hasn’t had time to do the detailing himself. My mom said I had better be careful with his baby – lol. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me?

-Shannon M.

Dear Shannon,

What a great surprise – your dad will really appreciate that! Wheel and tire detailing is not a difficult job – it just takes a little time and investment in the right cleaning products.

When you wash the car, have two wash buckets – one for the car and one for the wheels.
Since tires tend to have more abrasive dirt on them, it is important not to use that cleaning water on your car’s painted surface. Clean the wheels and tires first, scrubbing  with a sturdy, soft-bristle brush to prevent scratching. Finish and rinse each tire before moving on to the next  so that the cleaning product doesn’t dry on the surface. After washing the entire car, dry it with a chamois, then towel dry each wheel. As with the water, designate a separate towel just for wheels and tires. After waxing the car, you should apply a wheel wax and tire dressing. Give your tire dealer or mechanic a call to find out the best product for your particular tires.

Although you may have a wide selection of cleaning products at home, but not all of those may be safe for cleaning wheels and tires. Non-petroleum based products should be used to clean tires. A cleaner that has no abrasive detergents or harsh acids is the best option for your wheels. Look for products that are specifically designed for tires and wheels. There are many good ones on the market, including environmentally friendly formulas.

Your dad will really appreciate your efforts. Clean tires and wheels not only make your car look fantastic, cleaning them is an important step in good vehicle maintenance. Brake dust accumulates on your wheels and tires, and includes abrasive elements such as metal, adhesive, and carbon residue from your brake pads and rotor. Driving creates heat and friction that makes this dust extremely corrosive. Regular wheel cleaning removes the dusts and contributes to longer tire and wheel life as well as an awesome looking ride.

Help Your Car Keep Its Cool

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Dear Tracy,

As the temperatures rise, I am worried about my car overheating. This summer I have a delivery job that will require me to be on the road most of the day. What should I be doing to make sure my car does not get overheated?

Kris B.

Dear Kris,

You are smart to be thinking ahead about the possibility of your car overheating. That is a very bad situation which can leave you stranded and with a very big auto service bill. Depending on age and condition of your car, you may want to have your car’s cooling system inspected before the temperatures get too intense.

Here are the basic parts of your cooling system, which you will want to have checked out in order to avoid a meltdown:

Radiator – Make sure that your radiator is in good condition, and that the radiator core has not been damaged by salt corrosion. Another problem to check for is a plugged radiator core, which can happen when coolant flushes are neglected.

Coolant – Anti-freeze and coolant are critical to your car’s heating and cooling system. Having the coolant flushes performed per your owner’s manual recommendation is critical in assuring your engine runs cooler and cleaner.

Thermostat – If you have an older car, you may need to have the thermostat replaced when you have cooling system service performed. A failing thermostat is a common cause of engine overheating.

Cooling Fans – Overheating can result from cooling fan failure. Often problems with the air conditioning system can be a sign that you have a cooling fan issue. Have cooling fans inspected so you and your car don’t have to take the heat.

Belts and Hoses – Check the condition of the belts and hoses in your cooling system. Make sure they are tight and in good condition, and free from cracks or rubber deterioration.

Water Pump – An experienced repair technician is usually able to spot a water pump that is about to fail. A break in the water pump will often cause a coolant leak, so if you notice the coolant level dropping at a faster rate, you may have a water pump problem.

Wheel Alignment Vs. Tire Balancing

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Dear Tracy,

What is the difference between wheel alignment and tire balancing? Are these separate services, and if so, should I have them both done at the same time?

-Ben S.

Dear Ben,

Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are separate services, but they are commonly confused. Both of them are important and necessary for enhancing the life and performance of your tires.  Wheel balancing should be performed more frequently, while a wheel alignment should not be needed as often.

Wheels lose balance over time, so wheel balancing service is necessary to restore proper balance. Tread wear causes the distribution of weight around the tire to change. This leads to an imbalance that causes the vehicle to shake or vibrate. During wheel balancing service, the technician will use a calibrated spin balancer, and usually will test both static (non-moving) and dynamic (moving) wheel balance. Improperly balanced wheels will be adjusted to the proper balance. Tire balancing is typically performed when tires are rotated on the vehicle, which is usually every 5-6,000 miles or 6 months.

Wheel alignment is sometimes referred to as “front end alignment” or “tire alignment.” During this service, your technician will adjust the angle of your car’s wheels to the position to the manufacturer’s recommended specification. Wheel alignment service will include a tire tread check for signs of poor alignment, as well as inspection of the toe, camber, and caster, which are the three components for measuring wheel orientation. Following the evaluation, all necessary adjustments are made and the service is complete. Most manufacturers recommend having wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles. You should also have it checked if you notice the vehicle pulling to one side, or if the vehicle has recently been in a collision.

Understanding Car Maintenance: Checking Accessory Belts

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The last in the series on simple car maintenance, this week’s post is about checking your car’s accessory belt or belts. Most newer vehicles use a serpentine multi-accessory drive belt. It is a single ribbed belt that drives all the accessories, air conditioning system, power steering, alternator as well as other pumps and accessories. Some older cars and trucks may have separate accessory belts.

Belts wear and become damaged over time. A broken accessory belt could mean serious damage to the engine or its systems. Periodically checking the accessory belt or belts will help you catch and replace a bad belt long before it snaps.

Here is what to do:

Inspect belt for signs of wear. With the engine off and cool, inspect the belt or belts. In addition to doing a visual check, feel the condition of the belts checking for cracks, fraying, splits or brittle areas.

Look for places on the belt where the rubber is slick looking. Slick spots can cause a belt to slip and may be precursors to overheating and cracking.

Check the pulleys. Look for rubber deposit build-up spots or worn spots that could catch the belt and cause it to snap.

Note the belt tension. Check the tension on the longest length of the belt; it should be tight, with little or no give.

If you hear squealing sounds from the engine while you are driving, this could mean a worn, loose or damaged belt. If you are not sure about the sounds you are hearing, listen to how the engine sounds with the hood up. Make sure the car in park, with the parking brake on, and have someone accelerate the engine while you listen. When you do this, be sure to keep a safe distance from belts and components while the engine is running.

If you confirm there is a squealing noise, or if you are unsure about accessory belt condition, be sure to get your car in for service, before you have any serious problems.

Understanding Car Maintenance: Oil Check

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Oil ChangeThis week’s topic features another simple check you can perform to better understand your car maintenance. Oil checks are a simple maintenance step you can do in your own garage in just a few easy steps.

Oil is vital to the proper functioning of your vehicle. It is important to know that your car has enough and that it is in good condition.

The function of oil is to reduce friction in your engine and keep it running smoothly. It is a good idea to check your vehicle’s oil once a month to be sure you have the proper amount and that it is not too dirty to be effective.

  1. Park your vehicle on a level area and wait for about 15 minutes for the engine to cool
  2. Pop the hood and locate the dipstick, usually located next to the engine
  3. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off on a clean, dust-free rag
  4. Insert the clean dipstick back into the pipe
  5. Remove the dipstick again and look at the oil on the end of the stick
  6. If the oil does not reach the second or “full” indication line, you need oil
  7. Note the condition of the oil, making sure it is not dirty; if it is dirty, you need an oil change
  8. Once your check is finished, simply return the dipstick to its spot in the pipe

When you do need to add oil, make sure it is a good quality oil that is right for your vehicle. Your trusted auto service professional can help you determine the best product for your engine.

Understanding Car Maintenance: Air Filter Check

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This week’s topic is a follow up to previous post on understanding car maintenance. Over the next few weeks, we will take a look at simple checks you can do on your own, which will help you to better understand your vehicle and keep it running smoothly. This post will cover air filters.

The benefits of a clean air filter include enhanced engine performance, longer engine life, better gas mileage, and lower emissions. A dirty air filter prevents the necessary amount of clean air from reaching the engine, which hinders the car’s emission control system by reducing air flow. Lack of clean air may lead to ignition problems caused by dirty spark plugs, leading to engine miss, rough idle and starting problems.To check your air filter condition:

  1. Turn off the engine, pop the hood, and wait for the engine to cool
  2. Look for the filter housing, which is located near the engine
  3. Open housing by loosening bolts or clips (see your manual for specific details)
  4. Remove filter
  5. Tap it lightly on a hard surface to remove loose dirt

If it looks excessively dirty, you probably need a replacement. Your auto service provider can help you with selecting a quality air filter replacement that is right for your vehicle make and model.

Understanding Car Maintenance

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Dear Tracy,

My brother recently handed down his 2005 Honda Accord to me. While he is very generous, I am afraid he was not all that committed keeping up with auto maintenance. I plan to take the car in for inspection and maintenance services, but before I do, I would like to check things out for myself. Not only do I want to be familiar with my car, I want to be an informed consumer of auto products and services. Can you tell me what things I can check out myself ahead of time?

Anna B.

Dear Anna,

Congratulations on your new car and on your decision to be an informed car owner! You are smart to take care of your car, and especially wise to want to educate yourself on car maintenance.

Your decision to take your car in for a professional  inspection is a good one. Auto safety is extremely important, and your trusted auto service provider can make sure your car is in peak condition. That said, there are some basic things you can check on your own regarding simple auto maintenance:

  • Air Filter – this simple, but important maintenance step will help keep your engine clean.
  • Oil Check – oil changes are necessary, but it is also important to regularly check your oil
  • Engine Leaks – these are a sure sign of trouble, but easy to miss – watch for them
  • Accessory Belts – worn belts can mean big problems – catch them before they break
  • Wiper Blades – blade condition means the difference between good visibility and bad
  • Exterior Lights – take the time to make sure your lights are working
  • Tire Condition – make sure the tread looks good and that the pressure is right

Being an educated vehicle owner is important! In the next few weeks, I will offer a little more in depth advice on some of these checks, so stay tuned.

Knowing your vehicle and finding a trusted local auto service professional will keep you driving safely,  reliably, and efficiently.

Spring Cleaning for Your Car

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Dear Tracy,

Now that winter is officially over, I am wondering what kind of spring cleaning I should do for my car. Is a basic car wash enough, or are there other end-of-winter maintenance items that need to be performed?

Jared G.

Dear Jared,

Spring cleaning for your car is an excellent idea. Not only will it get your car looking great, it will help to undo some of winter’s damage. Spring also may be a good time to stop by your auto service center to have regular services performed including oil and fluids changes, wheel alignment,  and tire rotation.

Start your spring cleaning with a complete car wash including underbody. After a season of driving on winter roads, the bottom of your car will be coated with salt, sand, and other grime that can cause corrosion. Since corrosion leads to rust  that will seriously damage your car, it is important to get it cleaned from top to bottom. It is worth the time and money to get the undercarriage power wash at your car wash or spray the car’s bottom with your own hose. Soap or cleaner is not necessary, just a thorough rinsing.

Make sure you clean the car inside and out. Wipe down the engine to remove all the debris that ends up under the hood.  Remove any crusty white residue off the battery with a toothbrush, baking soda, and water. If enough of this corrosion residue accumulates,  it may prevent your car from starting. Battery cleaning also helps prepare it for the stress of warmer temperatures.

Spring cleaning is a good time to scrub the bottoms of doors and clean the window channels. You may want to apply a silicone spray that will repel dirt and lubricates the surfaces so the windows will not stick. Remove all the salt from the car’s inside. Take the time to clean rugs and upholstery. Salt can break down some fabrics and lead to rips or damage. You should also check the wiper blades and replace them if necessary.

Finally, don’t forget .. wax on, wax off! Waxing gives your car protection and a great looking finish.

Ways to Improve Gas Mileage

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Dear Tracy,

I know everyone is complaining about gas prices, but the expense is really killing my budget! Is there anything I can do to improve the gas mileage on my car and make that expensive gas go a little further? I have heard that you can get fuel additives that will improve gas mileage. Do these work?

Nancy S.

Dear Nancy,

I completely relate to your frustration! For most of us it is really difficult to cope with the financial burden of these rising gas prices. I understand why you would like to do something to improve your gas mileage, but think twice about spending even more of your hard-earned money on fuel additives.

The knowledge and technology that has gone into the vehicle engines of today is pretty amazing.  Through decades of research, vehicle engineers understand engines and the demands placed on them. Today’s engines are developed to provide optimal performance under the most stressful conditions. Engines undergo thorough and rigorous testing, and are developed to be reliable with proper maintenance. While some fuel additives may provide some benefits, your engine was designed to provide peak performance all on its own. If you still are not sure, before you pick up a bottle of something from your local auto parts store, check with your mechanic. He or she will be able to educate you on the different types of additives and the needs of your particular vehicle.

The best way to improve gas mileage is with proper maintenance and smart driving habits. Here are a few quick tips that should help you make the gas budget go a little further:

Proper Tire Inflation – always keep an eye on your tire pressure and keep the tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Regular Oil Changes – make sure you always use the manufacturer’s recommended grade of motor oil for optimal performance.

Regularly Check Tire Tread – remember that worn out tires are not only dangerous, but they cause your vehicle to operate less efficiently.

Do Not Speed/Use Cruise Control  on the Highway – maintaining a safe and consistent speed has all kinds of obvious benefits including better gas mileage.

Combine Trips – if you can discipline yourself enough to plan your trips, you may be surprised and delighted to discover how much you can save on the gas budget.

At the Car Wash

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Dear Tracy,

I received a pack of car wash coupons as a gift. An automatic car wash seems like a great idea, especially in the winter when I cannot wash the car myself at home. But it seems like I remember hearing that regularly going through an automatic car washes is not good for a car’s paint finish. Is this true? I was also wondering if when using an automatic car wash it is best to have the recommended extras performed.

Candace B.

Dear Candace,

Don’t be worried about taking your car through an automatic car wash. While the brushes used in the car washes of the past could be a problem, the newer “brushless” car wash systems are safe. It is very important to keep your vehicle clean because long term exposure to dirt and grit will have a negative impact on paint finish, giving it an old and dull appearance. Depending upon whether the car is kept in a garage at night, parked in a lot all day, or located for extended periods under bird inhabited trees, you should typically wash your car at least once a month.

The car wash recommended extras can quickly add up from the price of a basic wash, and may not always be necessary. For example, undercarriage rust-proofing may not be as beneficial as it sounds. Rust-proofing is effective when it is applied to brand-new metal, which seals it from contact with road corrosives like salt. Typically new cars receive a thorough rust-proofing at the factory during assembly. This treatment should be sufficient, with no further treatments required. The one extra that may be wise to indulge in a few times a year would be an underbody wash. It is important to keep that area of the vehicle clean of damaging debris, and it may not be as easy to do a thorough job with a home wash.

One final tip when going through a car wash is to come prepared for the last step – the towel dry. Although most automatic car washes have high power blowers for drying, the car may still come out wet. Bring a clean towel from home and dry it yourself before heading back on the road. Some car washes may do this step for you, but make sure they are using fresh towels on each car.