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Understanding Car Issues

When I began thinking more seriously about car issues, it occurred to me that there were a few things I needed to do if I wanted to make things easier for myself in the long run. For starters, I began taking my car in for regular auto service, which really helped out. It was really interesting to see how many different things had to be fixed every time I went in, but when my car didn't have as many problems, I could tell that it was really paying off. This website is all about understanding and preventing car problems by making better choices.

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Understanding Car Issues

Micheal Barrett

Roadside Safety Tips: How To Stay Safe While Waiting For A Tow
Having your car break down on the highway, freeway, or a remote road can be a harrowing experience, but there are some steps you can take to help ensure you stay safe while waiting for rescue. Use the following guide in the event you find yourself stranded and in need of a tow. Make Your Vehicle More Visible Ensuring your disabled vehicle is visible to traffic can help avoid accidents. Use your hazard lights if you are still able to start your car.

An RV Body Repair Shop Can Help You Beyond An Accident
When people think about an RV body repair shop, they often think about a collision. Yes, after an RV accident, a body shop can help restore the damage caused to the vehicle. However, it's important to remember that these professionals can provide services outside of accident repair. Discover some of the additional things an RV body repair shop can provide you with. Paint Job The paint coating on your RV is designed to withstand the elements, but not to be invincible.

3 Major Reasons To Get A Commercial Driving License
Are you hoping to find a new career in the near future? Do you want something that pays well but that utilizes skills that you already have? A lot of well-paying jobs are for careers that require extensive degrees and the studying of subjects that you probably have little to no interest in. But this isn't the only type of career available. One career that you might have overlooked is that of driving commercial vehicles.

How To Check Your Car's Air Conditioning System For Refrigerant Leaks
If your car's air conditioner slowly starts losing its ability to cool air, a refrigerant leak may be the culprit. Refrigerant leaks are particularly common in older cars since the rubber O-rings between connections degrade over time—this makes them prone to leaking. Damage to your car's condenser is another common source of refrigerant leaks. Once enough refrigerant has leaked out of your car's air conditioner, it will lose its ability to cool air entirely—it may even refuse to start up when it detects low refrigerant pressure in the system.

Top Benefits of In-Shop Truck Repair vs. Mobile Truck Repair
If you're involved in the trucking industry, then you probably know just how handy mobile truck repair can be when you need it. After all, having someone come out to repair your truck on the spot can help a lot when you need to get your truck up and running quickly or when your truck is not in drivable condition and cannot be easily taken to the shop. However, when possible, you may want to opt for in-shop truck repair, since it does have these benefits over mobile truck repair.

Signs A Clutch Needs Repairs
Getting a vehicle to a clutch repair shop in a timely manner is a good way to keep it operating efficiently. You may also avoid larger repair bills down the road by making sure the engine and transmission aren't struggling due to a damaged clutch. Some aging is expected from every system, but there always comes a point where clutch repair has to be done. Let's look at four of the biggest signs your ride's clutch needs to be fixed.

Detailing Your Car So That It Looks Its Best
Over the course of using your vehicle, it can become remarkably dirty and coated with grime. Unfortunately, these issues can have major impacts on the appearance of the vehicle as well as its condition. When you are working on detailing your automobile, there are a few steps that you should avoid overlooking. Clean The Wheels The wheels of your car can be exposed to some of the most intense dirt and mud.

Stopping Power: Understanding The Components Of Your Braking System
You're driving down a quiet, country road in the middle of the night when you suddenly catch the light from your headlights reflecting off of something just off to your right. Before you know it, a deer leaps into the street directly in front of your car. You slam on the brake pedal, and your car comes to a screeching halt. Behind the scenes, a huge number of important components were working in concert to make that sudden stop possible.

2 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Used Truck
If you are looking for a used vehicle, you may decide that you would like to purchase a pickup truck this time instead of a car. However, if this is your first truck, you may not know exactly where to start with the selection process. If so, ask yourself the following questions to discern how you will be using the truck so you can find out what fits those needs.

Repair That Chip In Your Car's Windshield Promptly To Avoid Escalating Damage
A chip in your car's windshield can turn into a serious problem if it's not repaired right away. Hitting a pothole in the road could jar your car hard enough that the damaged area cracks and spreads. It's always a good idea to have damage to your windshield repaired right away. Here's why. Repairs Are Quick And Less Expensive Repairing a small chip in the glass doesn't take too long when compared to replacing the windshield.

Getting Prepared For A Road Trip
With so many things to be concerned about in life, it isn't uncommon for someone to constantly feel stressed out. It isn't wise to allow stress to become worse without taking any steps toward reducing or getting rid of it. If you have noticed that stress is beginning to affect various aspects of your life in a negative way, consider doing something fun that can put you on a more positive path.

Want a Recreational Vehicle? Why You Should Get a Fifth Wheel
Owning a recreational vehicle (RV) means you have the freedom to hit the road and go wherever you want to at a fraction of the cost. No more paying for expensive hotel rooms or laying out the cash to cover pricey restaurant meals. You'll have your food and lodging right there in the RV and can travel to your heart's content without busting your wallet. As you consider your options, you might be leaning towards getting a larger, motorized RV.

3 Features The Service Center You Choose For Your New Mercedes Benz Should Offer
It's important not to overlook the need to choose a service center that can help maintain your new Mercedes as it ages. Here are a few features to look for when choosing a service center to work with long-term. 1. ASE Certified Technicians One of the most important things to look for when choosing a service center for your new Mercedes is ASE certification. If a technician holds this type of certification, it means that they've proven to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence that they have the knowledge and experience it takes to effectively perform vehicle maintenance and repairs with integrity and honesty.

How To Get The Best Truck Fleet Maintenance Services
When you're thinking about how to care for your truck fleet, it's important that you develop some tips that will assist you and carry you far. By looking into the help that some truck repair and maintenance professionals offer, you're better able to care for your vehicles. Follow the tips below and start contacting various truck repair contractors that can serve you.  #1: Get Your Fuel Use and Costs Under Control

2 Signs Your Transmission Might Be Going Bad
The transmission in your car makes sure that the energy that your engine produces makes your car go. The way that it happens is that transmission sends that energy into the driveshaft, which then transmits it to your car's axles and turns the wheels, making your car go forward or backward. Your transmission has the option to go in drive or reverse, and within the choice of drive, there are several gears.

Three Types Of Car Window Tinting
Tinting your car windows can be done for a variety of different reasons, from altering the appearance of your vehicle to something more aesthetically pleasing to increasing the amount of privacy that you have while driving. No matter what you want to accomplish, you will still need to choose between a variety of different types of auto glass tinting. Understanding the differences between the range of car window tinting options available on the market can help you choose the one that is the best fit for your needs.

Specific Car, Specific Repair: Why Choosing A Brand-Specific Shop Is Best
The question of whether or not to go to a dealer service center or an independent repair shop is an old one (and a good one), with independent shops often winning the contest because of better prices. However, if you own an Audi, you may want to look into going to an independent shop that specializes in Audi repair, such as Sterling Service Inc. If you're concerned about prices at a dealer service center, you may prefer an independent shop -- but for Audis, you need that brand-specific care because of some quirks that Audis tend to have.

4 Auto Maintenance Tips To Help Save Fuel With Simple Improvements
With fuel costs constantly on the rise, you want to get the most mileage out of a tank of gas. There are some simple improvements that can be done during routine maintenance to help reduce fuel consumption, such as installing a tuning chip or grounding electrical wiring. You may also want to consider investing in good tires or installing a vacuum gauge. Here are some tips for improvements that help you save on fuel when you have routine car maintenance done:

3 Ways To Fight Back Against The Cold With Your Car
When it is really cold outside, you need to make sure that your vehicle is ready to fight back against the cold. Switch Windshield Wiper Fluid One of the first things that you need to do is switch the type of wiper fluid that you put in your vehicle. The type of washer fluid that you put in your vehicle during the spring and summer time has too much water in it for winter use.

3 Keys For Buying A Roadside Assistance Plan
In order to always feel safe when you drive, you'll want to contact professionals that can sell you a roadside assistance plan. One of these plans is exactly what you need to handle the ins and outs of your automotive repairs so that you're in good hands and keeping every part of your vehicle in tip-top shape. These plans especially come in handy if you ever find yourself stranded and in need of assistance.

Maintaining Your Semi's AC System
Semi truck drivers spend a significant amount of time on the road, so having access to a comfortable cabin is essential. Maintaining a cool temperature is critical to your comfort during the warm summer months. Access to a reliable air conditioning system in your truck can help you stay alert and reduce the amount of discomfort you feel while completing delivery runs. You don't have to be an experienced mechanic to maintain your AC system.

Prepare Your Truck And Yourself For A Long Roadtrip
If you plan on driving your truck several hundred miles during an extended break from your job so that you can spend time with some of your relatives, ensuring that your vehicle is in top notch condition and packing emergency supplies are two things that you should do. Traveling alone can be scary if you are not well-prepared for a long roadtrip and the last thing you will want is to put yourself in a precarious situation or cause yourself to worry incessantly while on the road.

Are You A First Time Auto Owner With No Mechanical Knowledge? What To Do With A Shaky Car When You Brake
When you are a first time vehicle owner you may not know when to take your vehicle in to a mechanical shop, or when you want let it go. If your vehicle is having a difficult time stopping and it tends to swerve or pull in one direction when you apply the brakes, then there are some things that you want to have looked at. Talk with the professionals at the auto mechanic shop about the following things, so that you don't do any damage to your car.

6 Reasons Your Car May Be Vibrating & Shaking
When you drive, you should not feel your vehicle vibrating and shaking. If your vehicle is vibrating and shaking, there could be a much bigger issue at play. The key is to determine what exactly the issue is and how to move forward. #1 Out of Balance Wheels When your wheels get out of balance, you could feel a lot of shaking and vibrating in your wheel and throughout your car when you are driving.

Is Your Vehicle In Need Of An Alignment? Here's What You Need To Know
It is very important to make sure that your vehicle is properly aligned in order to maintain its condition and so it is easy for you to drive. Should you find that you are experiencing any of the following, you will want to contact an auto repair shop that has the machines available in order to do the alignment. The Tire Tread Is Wearing Out In An Uneven Manner Tire tread is going to wear out over time, but you should always be able to notice that the tread wears out evenly.

The Causes Of AC Trouble In Vehicles: How To Fix The Problem And Enjoy Cool Air Again
Are you tired of sweating when you're driving around on hot days? If the air conditioning system in your car isn't working properly, you're likely feeling frustrated. You may assume that it'll never work again, but that isn't necessarily true. In fact, there are several different reasons why the air conditioning in your car might not work, and it's something that a professional may be able to fix for you. It all starts with having your car inspected.

Why You Want To Have Your Bad Muffler Replaced Soon
If you have a vehicle that has a bad muffler on it, it is imperative that you get it replaced as soon as possible. In order to have a better understanding of why this is so important, you will want to make sure that you are taking a little time to read through the following points. You Could End Up With A Ticket When you have a missing or damaged muffler, your vehicle is going to sound a lot louder.

3 Reasons To Hire A Semi Repair Service
Semi repair services are a massively useful option for trucking companies and owner-operators alike. Here are three reasons to hire a semi repair service. 1. They Can Offer Assistance Regardless Of Where The Semi Is A huge benefit to hiring a semi repair service is that it can offer assistance regardless of where your semi is located. This means that even if your semi breaks down on the side of the highway or freeway in the middle of nowhere, the semi truck repair service will be able to send someone out there to either tow the vehicle to a shop to get the repairs done or to perform roadside repairs when possible.

Don't Let Wear Tear You Down: Four Common Tire Problems To Look Out For
One of the most important components that makes up your vehicle is the tires. Without properly functioning tires, many problems can start to occur, such as poor alignment of the vehicle, excessive wear and tear on the brakes, and more. Here are four common tire problems to look out for: Heel-Toe Wear: Heel-toe wear is when the back tires of the vehicle are worn much heavier down than the front tires.

Renting A Pick-Up Truck: 4 Questions To Ask
There are many reasons as to why you may need to rent a pick-up truck. Perhaps you need to transport a piece of furniture that's too large to fit in your personal vehicle, or maybe you need to tow something, such as a trailer or RV. Either way, before you sign on the dotted line, there are a few questions you should ask your truck rental service to avoid potential problems or fees later on.

3 Ways To Take Great Care Of Your Turbo Engine
Many more specialized models of vehicles, such as sports vehicles, come with turbo engines. Turbo engines are designed to give you an extra boost when you need or want to drive a little faster. They put more power under the hood and under your foot. If you just purchased a vehicle with a turbocharge engine, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your engine stays in the best shape possible.

3 Tips For Taking Care Of The Air Suspension On Your Vehicle
If you have a vehicle that is equipped with air suspension, such as a Land Rover, there are specific things you can do to help take care of and maintain the air suspension system on your vehicle. Visually Check Your System It is a good idea to check your air suspension system every once in a while. If you are going to pull a heavy load with your vehicle, you should always check the air suspension to make sure that it is up to the task.

What Can You Do If A Tree Falls On Your Windshield?
You come back to your car, only to find that a tree limb has landed on your windshield and smashed it. You don't want to pay for it, obviously, if it wasn't your fault. Before you get going with who is responsible for the damage, you are likely to want to get your care into a windshield replacement service to get the windshield replaced. Arguing for reimbursement or compensation from any of the following entities is likely to take a while, and you don't want to leave your vehicle exposed to the elements.

Avoid The Bumpy Rides Of Transmission Problems With These Simple Maintenance Tips
Transmissions are part of your drive train that often gets neglected, and when problems start, you are going to be in for a bumpy ride. To avoid serious mechanical problems, simple maintenance like checking the fluid and having an inspection done will ensure you have a smooth ride. Some of the simple transmission maintenance that needs to be done includes: Checking and Changing Transmission Fluid Is Your First Line of Defense

Why Your Car Is Losing Power When Accelerating
The acceleration power of a car is one of its most useful strengths; it determines how fast you can overtake other road users, which means it's important for your safety on the road. This is why you need to be concerned when your car's accelerating power is on the decline. Here are some of the reasons a car may lose its accelerating power: Clogged Filters Fuel for diesel and petrol engines tends to contain impurities that can damage the engine or reduce its efficiency.

Think You Need A Brake Inspection? Two Trouble Signs To Look For
Your car's brakes are one of the most essential parts to its operation. If the car cannot stop properly, it will be dangerous for others drivers and yourself when driving. Thankfully, you do not have to wait for your brakes to fail to know that they need servicing. There are subtle signs to look out for that can tell you it's time for a free brake inspection. Steering Wheel Vibration

Three Tips For When Your Car Battery Isn't Functioning
No one likes when their car battery starts to fail. If the sound of your vehicle clicking is making you hit your head on the dash, there are a few things you need to know about your battery. What Your Battery Light Is Trying To Tell You If your battery light turns on, the first culprit usually isn't the battery, it's the charging system itself. In most cases, either your wires have gone faulty, or it's the alternator.

3 Spring Auto Maintenance Tips To Prepare For Summer Weather
Winter auto maintenance is something you hear about all the time, but what about spring maintenance when the warmer weather arrives? There are some maintenance tasks that you need done to your car to prepare for warmer weather and different driving conditions for the spring and summer months. Here are some spring auto maintenance tips to help you get ready for a change in driving conditions: 1. Inspecting Brakes and Rotating Tires for a Change in Driving Conditions

Beyond Cost: Choosing Between Aftermarket And OEM Windshield Glass
You will need to make one major decision, if you need to replace your windshield glass; you have to choose between aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer glass. It's tempting to use cost as the only deciding factor, but that kind of decision-making would be flawed in some cases. Ideally, you should consider other relevant factors, such as these ones: Whether the Aftermarket Glass Satisfies Industry Standards This is one of the most important considerations because it determines whether and how good the windshield will perform its duties.

4 Auto Care And Repair Tips That Will Help Reduce Car Trouble And Breakdowns
Without proper car maintenance, your car will eventually have problems and need repairs. There are also repairs that come with wear and are going to be part of the routine maintenance that needs to be done to your car. Here are some auto repair and maintenance tips to help avoid car troubles and inevitable breakdowns: 1. Reduce Engine Wear with Routine Fluid Changes It is important to change the oil in your car regularly, but there are also other fluids that need maintenance.

3 Things To Know About Working A Fleet Job
A fleet job is an automotive repair job where you work on fleet of vehicles. For example, you may work for a shipping company and focus on taking care of their vehicles, or you could work for a beverage distributor and work on all of their vehicles, from passenger vehicles to semi-trucks. With fleet jobs, you are generally responsible for a wide range of vehicles for a particular company. It is like being a personal mechanic.

3 Tips For Finding The Perfect Auto Repair Shop
If you've been involved in a wreck, you'll want to do all you can to recover quickly. This means finding the best auto repair shop to help get your vehicle back in shape. It's essential to only use the best repair provider possible, and this may take some time to find. Being aware of tips to help you accomplish this task is sure to be essential for optimal results. Tip #1: Talk to several providers

What Can Cause A Transmission To Fail?
Are you a car owner? If so, you need to know the signs that you may need transmission repair. One of the reasons this is important is transmission repair can be costly. Sometimes the damages that car owners experience can be prevented. Unfortunately, many car owners ignore the signs of transmission damage until it is too late. There are also many unassuming individuals who do not know what can cause their transmissions to fail.

3 Big Reasons To Replace Your Damaged Windshield Today
Do you have a damaged windshield, either from driving around or as a result of something one of your children did? Have you been putting off having the damage repaired or replaced? As a busy person, it can be difficult to make time for seemingly little things like replacing a windshield that has a crack or a chip in it. However, your windshield is an essential part of the safety features of your vehicle.

3 Tips for Dealing With Emission Problems & Repairs
If you have an older car, one of the things that you will need to have done is an emissions inspection. If you fail the tests, there are going to be some repair that need to be done. There are going to be some repairs that need to be done to keep your car on the road. Here are some tips to help do maintenance and ensure your car passes the emission test:

Rear-End Collisions: Should You Repair Your Dented Bumper?
If your car received a small dent in its bumper during a slow-speed rear-end collision, you might not worry too much about repairing it right away. But even the smallest fender bender can spell big trouble for a car later on. Your dented bumper could potentially hide defects in your vehicle's gas tank and rear axle. Here's why it's important to have your car inspected by an auto technician. Would Could Lurk Behind the Dented Bumper?

4 Ways To Take Care Of Your Car This Winter
If you live somewhere that is battle a really cold winter, you want to make sure that your vehicle is up for handling the cold temperatures.  Check Your Washer Fluid Make sure that you are using a winter washer fluid mix that is designed to work at and below freezing. You can pick up winter washer fluid mix for a couple of dollars at your local department store, auto supply store or even perhaps your grocery store.

What Are The Signs Of Possible Automatic Transmission Issues In Your Vehicle?
The automatic transmission in your vehicle works with the torque converter to regulate the transmission of power from your engine to your wheels. It is assisted by hydraulic pressure produced by the transmission fluid that is encased with in it. When the transmission fluid becomes corrupted, or a seal breaks and the fluid begins to leak, the transmission can no longer work effectively. Fortunately, there are specific indicators that may be observed that can protect your transmission from damage and ultimate failure when problems arise.

Two Signs Your Brakes Need To Be Repaired
Experts recommend people have their brakes inspected at once every six months when they have their tires rotated. However, determining when brakes actually need to be repaired can be more challenging, since how fast your brakes wear out is determined by your driving habits. If you're not sure your brakes need to replaced, here are two ways you can tell. The Car Pulls to One Side One sign there's an issue with your brakes is if your vehicle pulls to the left or right whenever you stop.

Must-Have Boating Safety Accessories
Taking friends and family out on the water is one of the great pleasures of owning a boat. Naturally, you want to make sure everyone stays safe so that they can have a good time. The following marine accessories are must-haves to ensure every boating experience is as safe as possible. Life jackets Accidents can result in a person overboard. Make sure to keep a range of life jackets on hand in a variety of sizes, from small ones for children to larger ones for adults.

Three Issues With Your Car That Need To Be Repaired Right Away
Having your car repaired can be quite expensive. There are certain repairs that you can put off for a while and some that you need to have addressed right away. The following guide walks you through a few of the repairs that you need to have done right away when you start to notice that there are issues with your car. Your Transmission If you start to notice that your car feels as if it is dragging or having a hard time pulling off when you are at a light, you may have transmission issues.

How To Replace A Power Window Switch On A Vehicle
If your vehicle windows fail to open, a power window switch may need replacing. Each window commonly has its own switch, but the driver's side has a lock-out switch that controls all windows. You should be able to replace the power window switch yourself by following these steps.  Prepare to Replace the Switch To replace the switch, gather: work gloves rags  wheel chocks needle-nose pliers (optional) flat-blade screwdriver small flat-blade screwdriver cross-tip screwdriver (optional)  socket and ratchet or set torque bit set (optional) electrical cleaner Try all window switches to find the faulty ones.

4 Tips That Will Help Take Care Of Your Transmission
Your transmission is an expensive piece of equipment on your vehicle that you need to make sure that you take care of. There are specific things that you can do that will ensure that your transmission stays in good shape and does not break down.  Use Your Emergency Brake You should actually use your emergency brake. Whenever you park your vehicle on an incline, you should use the emergency brake. Using the emergency brake when you park on an incline will reduce stress on your transmission and help protect it from wear and tear.

Dealing With Misaligned Wheels
Have you been too afraid to drive your vehicle because it moves to the side on its own? The type of problem that you are dealing with is very dangerous, as it can lead to you getting into an accident. It is likely something wrong with the wheels that is causing the problem to happen while you are driving. For instance, the wheels might not be aligned as straight as they need to be for you to drive straight.

2 Signs Of An Oil Leak
Your car needs to have oil to make it work correctly. The oil lubricates the engine and the cylinders so that you don't have metal rubbing against metal. That would cause little metal fragments to show up in the cylinders and eventually cause the cylinders to seize up and your engine to throw a rod. Making sure you have enough oil in your car is the best and easiest way to make sure that you don't have this problem.

In A New Town? How To Find A Good Auto Service Shop
When you move to a new town finding a good place to have your car serviced is an absolute must. Just like you would immediately start to look for a favorite grocery store or mall, the auto service center that you take your car to is at the top of the list. The facilities you choose need to be clean, fast and staffed with people who are knowledgeable enough to give your car the very best care.

3 Things To Know About Inspecting Tires On An RV
If you are interested in purchasing an RV, be sure to check the tires before you drive the RV off the lot. As a potential RV owner, it is important to understand the specific risks that RV tires face as well as how to inspect and care for your tires. Check The Year When you look at the tires on your RV or on any vehicle, you should be able to tell how old the tires are.