Tips for Automotive Electrical System Maintenance

Now that all of us know the common problems related to electrical system, it should be almost mandatory for us to know few ways to keep these problems at bay. A little care towards the auto part and careful driving will definitely help. And few tips are to be followed that will take care of the electrical system of your vehicle. Automobile battery forms an important part of your electrical system. Read on to know what are these Do-It-Yourself (DIY) tips for its maintenance.

Things to Remember

Keep The Battery Clean – We often make this mistake. Our car's battery is mostly clogged. Try not to do this. Ensure that the vehicle's battery is not clogged.

Battery Connection Also Need Care – Its not just the battery, but also the connections that are important. Keep them clean too, inorder to avoid ovetaxing of your starter.

Ensure that Proper Ventilation Takes Place – Thats why, i say cleaning of battery is important. If clogged, the dangerous and explosive gases will not be able to find a way out of car's battery.

Always Buy Branded Battery – In case you are replacing your car's battery, remember to always buy a branded one or the one recommended by the carmaker.

Also Keep the Same CCA Rating – Few of us pay attention to it or are even aware of it. But, CCA rating that is cold cranking amps is important for any automobile battery. Make sure you buy a battery that has the same or higher CCA rating.

Group Size To Be Checked – While buying the battery, ensure that the battery's group size is compatible to fit your battery tray, battery cables and cable connections.

Never Jump Start Your Car Using Another Car – I suggest not to do so, as it might damage the vehicle's voltage system. If the other vehicle's battery's volt is more than you vehicle's, then it can cause damage to your vehicle. Overvoltage is a common problem in an electrical system. Always use, other vehicle's battery power alone for starting your vehicle.

No Heavy Load On The Battery - When you start you vehicle, make sure you do not put heavy load on the battery. Instead of starting your vehicle with A/C and music system on, make it a habit to turn off them. This eases the load on the battery.

Regular Checks of Car's Electrical System – Obviously, regular care increases the lifeline. Follow this tip to make sure that your car's electrical system gives hassle free performance all its life.

Most Common Problems With Automobile Electrical System

An integrated part of any vehicle, the automobile electrical system has definitely made driving a lot more easier over the decades. Frequent innovations in electrical system has helped us in a comfortable and easy drive. But friends, no coin comes with a single side. If there are advantages, there are problems or hassles that accompany them. Very often, you face problems while starting up your car and notice other problems with the electrical system. Are you aware of the problems that actually affect your electrical system. Some of the hassles that you face with your vehicle's electrical system are:

Common Automobile Electrical System Problems Are :

Car's Battery Is Dead - This is the most common problem. Your car's battery might be dead, thus inviting troubles for your vehicle.

No Power Stored in the Battery – This is possible that your car's battery does not have ample power so that it can spin the engine.

Alternator is Not Working – At times, a damaged alternator might be the cause for the hassle. Such an alternator will not charge the battery.

Problem with Starter or Solenoid – These bad auto parts will affect the functioning of a braking system.

Battery Cables Might Be The Problem – A loose cable might be the root of the problem.

Electrical Fuses – If there are any damaged electrical fuse or loose wire, it might affect the smooth functioning of electrical system.

Cracks In Alternator Belt – Tension as well as crack in the alternator belt causes trouble.

Ignition System Has Problems – Thats common in breakdown of a vehicle. Any auto part of automobile ignition system like ignition switch, magento, coil wire, etc might have caused the problem.

Loose Spark Plugs – These electrical devices have loosened or are not properly implanted into internal combustion engine.

These are some of the common problems that you face with the electrical system. In our next post, we will discuss, the solution of these problems. Till then, Happy & Safe Driving.

Car Maintenance - A Must In Economic Recession

Rising economic gloom in every industry has made a great impact on the consumers pocket. The present economic recession has taken not only hit automotive manufacturers only but also automotive parts manufacturers. Talking about auto industry - 'buying of a new car' today has become a dream that would take some time before it comes true. In such a deploring situation, it is better to keep your old car function smoothly. And its true that if you take proper care of your old car, it will deliver more than the desired output. Few important car care tips that would surely take your car in the long run. Just note down & follow these maintenance tips for dear old car.

Car Maintenance

Most Important – Avoid Rash Driving – Love your vehicle as you love the sophisticated & antique showpieces of your living area. If you drive carefully, you have fair chance of saving your car from any kind of breakdowns.

Go for Routine Maintenance – Its better to spend few dollars every fortnight than to waste thousands of dollars on complete car repair. A closer look at automotive parts and keeping eyes & ears open will help you identify any upcoming problems

Interior As Well As Exterior Maintenance – One always thinks that it is important to maintain the exterior of vehicle and do not pay attention to the interiors. But friends, you must realize that both the interior and exterior of any vehicle needs equal attention. Ensure that you take care of your car's interior accessories so that every time you drive, you have a fresh & new feeling.

Brakes As Well As Engine Maintenance – This is one the best way to keep your car functioning properly. Take proper care of your automotive braking system and car's engine to ensure that your old car doesn't brake down.

Proper Checks of Automotive Fluids – Keeping a check on the engine fluids or steering fluids always helps. Get the fluids checked after regular interval.

Windshield & Window Glass Maintenance – Obviously, this tip comes under exterior maintenance. But, I guess, it needs special mention. Most of us neglect the windshield or just wipe it off once. Such a cleaning does not even clean the dust & dirt, infact leaves stains.

Remember Just Love Your Car - If you love your old car, you will surely take care of it.

These were just a few reminders to let your old car function smoothly. Trust me, if you maintain your car, it won't be necessary to buy a new vehicle when in the midst of economic crisis. Save some money now and you will definitely do so by not spending money on buying a vehicle.

101 Car Maintenance Tips - that are easy as well as won't cost you much.

Toyota to Reveal 2010 Tundra Pickup at 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today debuted the 2010 Tundra full-size pickup truck and an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

On display are two new packages, including the debut of an all-new Tundra Platinum Package and the recently announced Tundra Work Truck. Value will be enhanced on all 2010 Tundra models with the addition of standard and optional exterior, mechanical, safety and convenience feature upgrades. The 2010 Tundras will arrive at dealerships in April.

The new 4.6-liter V8 engine will be available on all 2010 model year Tundra models. With 310 horsepower, 327 lb-ft. of torque and internal preliminary fuel efficiency estimates of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway, the new automobile engine is expected to deliver the best combination of power and fuel economy among any standard V8 in the full-size pickup segment. Like Tundra's optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, the new 4.6-liter V8 will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Toyota

Tips & Advices for Automotive Cooling System Maintenance

If you have been experiencing some problem with car's radiator, then its time to check your car's cooling system. Few maintenance tips and some precautions would help make your car functioning efficiently without any hassle. There can be a number of possible reason behind the problems in the cooling system. Minor checks or change of engine cooling fluids would assure smooth functioning of the auto part.

Find out how you can keep your car's cooling system function amoothly. Read at Automotive-online.com

Little Known Driving Rules of California

In earlier posts, I covered the driving laws of UK and New York. Lets move on to California now. Obviously common driving rules and laws are known to all and we have also covered a few (of other states & countries) in earlier posts. Now lets have a quick glance over the less common driving rules of California. Here are few little known driving laws of California stated under Driving and Traffic Laws.

Turning Upon a Highway

Section 22100.5 or 22101 of Driving Laws has clearly defined the rules of 'turning upon a highway'.

Section (a) states that while taking a right turn, upon a highway with 3 marked lanes, the driver should take a right turn into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered. For more details on Driving Laws, read traffic laws.

Traffic Laws Regarding Signals -

One Should Give a Signal When Stopping – Section 22109 states that no person should suddenly reduce the speed of vehicle or stop while driving without giving an appropriate indication.

Hand Signals While Driving – Any kind of signal given by hand should always be given from the left side of the vehicle. Few hand signals are as follows:

For a Left turn – The driver should extend his hand and arm horizontally beyond the side of vehicle.

For a Right Turn – Driver's hand and arm should be extended upward beyond the side of vehicle.

Hand Signal While Stopping – It is a driving rule in California to indicate stopping of vehicle with hand & arm extended beyond the side of vehicle. that means if you are using your automotive braking system suddenly, you need tto give a clear indication to others on road.

Sudden Decrease of Speed – Even for sudden decrease of speed of a vehicle, the driver should give the signal with his hand & arm extended downward beyond the side of vehicle.

Slowdown While Driving Near Schools or Senior Centers

Section 22358.4. (a) (1) states that it is a one should slow down her/ his vehicle near a school or a senior center. The rule states that one should drive at a speed limit of 15 miles per hour near specified areas. So, just get your brake pads checked before you are trying to drive down near a school or senior center.

Talking about Road laws or Driving laws, there are also some duties specified for those driving on road.

Stop at A Scene of Accident – Californian government has defined under section 20001 (a) that it is a driver's duty to stop at the scene of accident if he is involved in an accident causing injuries to someone. Incase of accidents, one should stop and then fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.

Violation of Law If One Flees the Scene of Crime – It s a violation of Section 191.5, if someone flees the scene and will be subject to be punished by an additional term of imprisonment of five years in state prison.

New York Driving Laws You Ought To Know

Driving on roads in New York is easy. All you need to know is few driving laws. You have been following them till now. But there are some driving laws that residents of New York are not aware of. Here is a snapshot of the common driving rules of New York city. Follow them to avoid landing yourself in any trouble.

Operating A Motor Vehicle Under The Effect of Alcohol or Drug – Article 31 of Vehicle and Traffic Law of New York state that it is against law to drive any motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drug. The common driving law worldwide – Do not Drink & Drive.

Driving Without a License – One must not drive a motor vehicle upon public highway, sidewalk or any other public place without a driving license. Under, section 509 of article 19, one should be duly licensed while driving any vehicle at such places.

Driving Without Registration/ With Expired Registration – The New York government considers its a crime to operate any automobile on public highways of New York without vehicle registration. As per section 401 of Article 14, it is important to drive only a registered vehicle.

Reckless Driving - Vehicle and Traffic Law of New York states under section 1212 of article 33 that reckless driving is an offence. Its violation of traffic rule to drive a motor vehicle in a reckless manner. If someone drives in an unreasonable manner on a public roadway or highway endangering other highway user, the person will be have to pay penalty or might serve imprisonment.

Seat Belt/ Child Restraint Violations – Section 1229 C says that violation of operation of vehicles with safety seats and safety belts is a law and anyone not abiding by this provision is subject to be guilty of a misdemeanor. This driving law means all the back seat passengers who are under the 4 years of age should be restrained in a specially designed baby car seat that is permanently affixed or is affixed to such vehicle with a safety belt.

Disobeying of Traffic Signals/ Red Light/ Stop Sign – If one does not follow traffic signs or traffic rules or jumps red light, then it is an offence under article 24.

Driving On Right Side of Roadway or Overtaking – One should never drive on the right side of roadway or try to overtake another vehicle. Article 24 also considers these acts violation of traffic laws.

No Driving on Sidewalks – It is an offence (under1225) to drive any motor vehicle on or across the sidewalks. Exception to this vehicle is that one can drive at a reasonable speed that is not more than 5 miles/ hour without disturbing the safety and passage of pedestrians.

Cling to Other Vehicle – Stated under 1253, a motorbike rider should not cling to any other vehicles on a roadway.

Operating Motorcycles on Roadways Laned for Traffic – Full use of lane is entitled to all the motorcycles till the time there is no disturbance to other motorcycles on the road. Under section 1252, no motorbike should be driven in a manner to deprive other motorcycle of the full use of a lane.

These were some of the driving laws of New York. Stay tuned for driving rules or motoring laws of other states, countries in the next post. Till, then Happy Driving!!

How to Maintain Your Car - 101 Tips

You often spend thousand dollars on your car maintenance. Don't you? But still find it difficult to take care of your car and keep it in best condition? If the question implies on you, read on. Car maintenance is an easy task, if you are aware of some useful car maintenance tips.

Maintenance of car can be sub divided as repair, cleaning and servicing. Careful driving is also important for vehicle maintenance to keep any automobile in the best condition. Do not indulge in rash driving if you want to prevent any damage to the vehicle. Ensure that monthly car maintenance schedule is never skipped. Complete car care includes maintenance of each and every car part. Remember, proper car maintenance is essential for your car's health.

Read more at 101 Car Maintenance Tips