Top Tips for Car Battery Maintenance - Part II

In the earlier post, we covered some tips to keep our car's electrical system function properly. Here are few more maintenance tips for Your Car's battery...

Tips No. 7 - Keep a check on when Service is needed – Different cars come with maintenance free battery. Regular check is needed for such automobile batteries. There is a light in maintenance free batteries that goes black when service is required.

Tip No. 8 – For Conventional Car Battery - These batteries come with a plastic cover that can be easily removed to check the water inside. It is important that the water inside the battery reaches the filler necks.

Tip No. 9 – Be Careful While Adding Water – Incase there is less water inside the battery, you may also add distilled water. I guess I should warn you at this moment. You might just harm yourself if you don't be careful. The battery acid that is highly corrosive might harm your clothes.

Tip No. 10 – During Battery Check – It is important to make sure that you do not keep any kind of open flames near the car battery. Automobile battery contains chemicals that are combustible and hence can be dangerous.

Tip No. 11 – Over Charging Should Be Avoided – This is common and known to everybody that a dead battery can be charged using a battery charger. Improper charging of a battery is something that should be avoided. It might also lead to damage of battery's as well as car's parts & components.

These were some of the battery's maintenance tips that are to be followed in order to keep your car's battery in best condition. The smooth functioning of automobile battery helps you have a tension free long drive. You can try these car parts maintenance (D-I-Y) tips yourself. Have a Happy & Safe Driving!!

Top Tips for Car Battery Maintenance Part - I

If automobile battery is something that troubles you often, you need to keep a check on this auto part. It's easy and simple. Car Battery maintenance is essential as this automotive part plays a major role in the smooth functioning of any vehicle. As I always say, a little care and basic knowledge is what is required. Just have a fair idea of the automobile electrical system to keep the car's battery in the best shape without any hassles. Follow the following car maintenance tips to keep you car's battery running smoothly.

Tips No. 1 – Battery Needs Change - This is common and known to almost all the car owners. Your car's battery needs to be changed after a duration of four years. Don't forget to do that.

Tips No. 2 – Monthly check of the battery's load test helps you avoid any hassle. Take your car's battery to your auto mechanic and can load test it. Make sure your car's battery is able to pass the test. Make sure that it is capable of sufficient charge even at below freezing temperatures.

Tips No. 3 – Just wipe off the battery terminals of any crust. An easy way to do so is to use some baking soda and water. Use a wire brush to clean the crust using this solution.

Tips No. 4 – Always keep the battery cables tightly tied. Make sure the cables are so tight that they do not move.

Tips No. 5 – Keep the battery safe in a tray. Also ensure that battery remains properly in the battery tray so that no damage is caused to the hood.

Tips No. 6 – Excess of cold is not a good condition for the car batteries. Therefore, look for a solution to it. The best way is to opt for an engine or battery heater. This keeps the car's battery function smoothly. The heater will help in easily starting the battery and would also minimize the power consumed.

Stay tuned for few more tips on battery maintenance in the next post.....

Top Tips For Spark Plug Repair

In the previous post, we covered the problems with the automotive spark plugs. Now that you know these problems and what causes them, it would be great if you also know how to repair your car's spark plugs. Probably, you would be able to save some money on auto repair.

Spark Plugs form a part of the automobile ignition system, hence we would also have a glance on D-I-Y tips for repairing of ignition of the vehicle. Follow these auto parts repair instructions coming weekend, if you have been successful in diagnosing spark plug problems.

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Tips

• The first tip always for any auto part repair is to go through the carmaker's manual. Read it carefully to avoid any kind of confusion at the time of repair. Every manufacturer specifies the time for changing of the car's spark plugs. If its time, do not delay in replacing the auto part.
• It is essential to ensure that the other auto parts connected or related in the functioning of spark plugs are in proper condition. If the ignition wires have burned, they need to be changed too.
• For checking the wires – Have a look at the the ignition system at night. Its easier to notice the shorting of wires at that time.
• Try checking the spark plug wires by pulling each and every wire manually. First switch off your engine and let it cool for some time, else you might harm yourself. Once you pull out one wire, check it for burns, cracks or any kind of discoloration. If found O.K. fix the wire back into its position. Follow the same step to check all the wires. Any damaged wire should be immediately replaced.
• Remember : Do not pull out all the wires at the same time, rather pull them one by one. Otherwise, you might get confused while fixing them in right terminals, causing more auto repair loss.
• Change the Spark Plugs – the first step is to clean the debris accumulated on the well of this auto part. Avoid any dirt or dust to fall into the combustion chamber. You may also blow air into the well or brush off the debris so as to clean it properly.
• Now remove the spark plug wire. The next step follows is to keep the plug socket over the plug & then unscrew it.
• Its time to pick up the new plug. Now just start threading it. Only thing that you need to remember is to not cross- thread it.
• Now take the plug & socket and them try lowering it into the plug well. Then screw the plug with a socket extension.
• Once you get the feel that the thread have matched, you need to use a ratchet for tightening the plug in its place.

That's it friends, you have successfully replaced your car's spark plug.

Tools Required During Spark Plug Change Procedure

• A Half-inch Ratchet Drive
• A Spark-plug Socket with Rubber Retainer
• A Flexible Drive Coupling
• Socket Extensions
• Needle Nose Pliers

Other Things

• Small Stepladder
• A Cloth Shield
• A Protective Eyewear
• A Narrow Paint Brush

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.

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

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

Safe Driving Tips on Icy Roads

Even the most experienced drivers face problems while driving during winter season. A snow covered road can be as dangerous as a wet one is. Reports reveal that road accidents rate increases during winters and the causes are many. Besides the fog, the snow or ice on the road accelerate the chances of skidding of vehicles. A check on your driving and behind the wheel behaviors on road can save you and others from accidents. Apart from following the winter car care tips, there are few driving tips that must be followed especially during freezing weather.

From taking care of the car tires to keeping a check for black frost on road or by ensuring to keep lights clean from dirt, one can minimize the chances of road accidents. One should keep an eye for any indication that can misguide you while driving.

Read on to find more at Automotive-online.com