October is National Fall Car Care Month Here Some Fun Facts about Vehicle Maintenance | Hacienda Ford

Five Fun Facts About Vehicle Maintenance

Even if you're serious about maintaining your automobile, you'll enjoy these five fun facts about car maintenance.While there are many things you need to do to keep your car running smoothly, these are a few of the tasks associated with basic automobile maintenance:

• Changing the oil and replacing the oil filter
• Rotating and replacing tires
• Checking and replacing wiper blades
• Checking fluid levels
• Checking and replacing brake pads and rotors

While many of these tasks don't seem very exciting, you might be surprised by the following little-known facts about them.

Almost 900 Million Oil Changes Each Year

In 2007, drivers in the United States registered over 254 million passenger vehicles. On average, Americans drive their passenger cars and trucks just over 10,000 miles per year, and they get an oil change every 3,000 miles. That translates to nearly 900 million oil changes!

Different models of cars and trucks take different amounts of oil, but most engines require 5 to 7 quarts. That means that in one year, Americans use at least 1.1 billion gallons of oil in their vehicles. Much of this oil is reused and recycled. 

The First Auto Tires Were Like Bike Tires

Decades ago, drivers had to replace their tires far more frequently than we do today. These days, it's not uncommon to get 50,000 miles or more on a single set of auto tires, but this longevity is due to the advanced technology and materials used to produce modern tires. Radial belts, synthetic and natural rubber components, and body plies, or layers, give today's tires a long lifespan.When inventor Philip Strauss designed the first tire in 1911, the structure of tires was very different. These tires were closer in design to bicycle tires, featuring an inner tube that was inflated to provide a firm base for the outer rubber shell.

Windshield Wipers Were Invented by a Woman

Next time you're driving in a rainstorm, you can thank Mary Anderson, who invented windshield wipers in 1903. Anderson was visiting New York City and noticed that the streetcar driver had to keep his window open in a sleet storm in order to reach his arm out of the car and manually clean his windshield with a squeegee. Anderson received a patent for the windshield wiper, but she couldn't sell the invention to the auto companies, who claimed that the device did not have commercial value. After Anderson's patent ran out in 1920, windshield wipers eventually became a standard feature on automobiles.Today, changing windshield wipers is an important part of automotive maintenance. Wiper blades come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some are even heated to help keep your windshield clean in icy conditions.

Your Car Uses Six Primary Fluids

Think you can get away with just changing your oil? Think again! Believe it or not, you car actually uses six different fluids:

• Motor oil
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

It's important to replenish and change these fluids according to the car's maintenance schedule, and it's also imperative that you properly dispose of the old fluids. Many of these substances are hazardous to people and animals.

Antilock Brakes Were Invented Over 50 Years Ago

Even though they are a fairly recent safety feature on most passenger cars, antilock brakes have actually been around for half a century. The British company, Road Research Laboratories, created an anti-skid braking system in 1958. The system, called "Maxaret," was used in production in 1966 on the Jensen FF Sports Sedan.

Initially, Maxaret and other antilock braking systems were simply too expensive for automakers, but advances in computerized braking now make it possible to get antilock brakes on almost any new car.
Final Words

While auto maintenance may not be the most scintillating topic of conversation for most people, it's something all vehicle owners have to perform. Next time you're in the waiting room of the car garage, you can entertain the other auto owners with these fun facts about car maintenance.

Source: http://cars.lovetoknow.com/Fun_Facts_About_Car_Maintenance

6 Maintenance Tips for the Non-Mechanic | Edinburg, TX New & and Used Car Dealer

 

Oil Level Depending on the make, year and model of a car, the average oil change comes every 3,000 to 7,000 miles. Without proper oil maintenance, the engine may seize and constitute a much larger bill than a regularly scheduled oil change.

In between changes, check your oil by taking a rag, pulling out the dipstick and wiping it clean. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out to get a reading on oil level. There will be markings for an acceptable range to help determine whether you need a top off or change.

Tire Pressure
Once a month, use a tire gauge to ensure you’re maintaining a proper pressure. You can find the desired level in the owner’s manual and often in the door jam, fuel door or glove compartment.

If the pressure is too low, tires wear quicker and more gas is used. If too high, tires wear easily and have less grip on the road.

Tire Treading
Feel the treading of your tires for any height differentiation or smooth areas. If there are any irregularities, you may be able to preserve tires for a longer period by getting them rotated. If there is extreme wearing or signs of damage, you should take your car in to a service center to avoid flat tires and other dangerous situations.

Air Filter
Owner’s manuals will have recommended timing for filter replacements to keep your car air intake and exhaust emission ideal. With a clogged filter, cars lose fuel efficiency and power. The Internet provides how-to’s in checking air filters if you’re unsure a change is required.

Car Fluids
While most people just consider gas and windshield fluid, there are a number of fluids needed to run a car, including brake fluid, engine oil, radiator/engine coolant and antifreeze, transmission fluid and power steering fluid.

All fluids can be topped off at a service station and typically are during an oil change. Washer fluid is easily filled by yourself but for other fluids, AutoUpkeep.com offers advice, recommendations and how-to’s.

Drive Time
This is most pertinent for those storing cars for long periods of time, such as a deployment. Idle cars have to be started and run for a certain amount of time on a regular basis in order to keep everything working properly and ensure that when you return it’s ready to be used again.

A healthy battery can last up to three months without a car being started, but without a consistent start up, condensation may accumulate and rust out the engine. It’s recommended a car be started at least once a week and run for 10 to 15 minutes.

5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car | New & Used Car & Truck Dealer | Edinburg TX

Here are Five Spring Car Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind

1. Remove leftover salt

Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids

If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it, spring is also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services. Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. Your car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely.

5. Inspect brakes
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.

Five Habits that will Ruin your Vehicle | Hacienda Ford

Avoiding these habits can go a long way in preventing an expensive repair bill.

Most things you own will last longer if you take care of them and treat them well. Your car is no exception to this rule. While neglecting your car may seem harmless in the short term, regular neglect and mistreatment will add up and will reduce your car’s lifespan. To keep your car running longer and stronger, avoid these five harmful habits.

1. Delaying regular maintenance

Regularly maintaining your car is vital to your car’s longevity. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter replacement, as well as transmission fluid, air filter and brake pad care. Every vehicle manufacturer specifies a different maintenance routine, which can be found in your owner’s manual. While regular maintenance requires you to invest some time and money, it’s peanuts compared to the cost of a new engine or transmission.

2. Ignoring dash warning lights

When a warning indicator lights up on your dash panel, it’s important to address the problem immediately. If you don’t know what the light means, check your owner’s manual or call your mechanic. Dash warning lights can alert you to some very serious problems, such as a coolant leak, which can cause your engine to overheat. A simple preventative repair can often prevent a large problem down the line.

3. Shifting while moving

The transmission is one of the most complex and expensive parts in your car and it’s important to use is as it was intended. Be careful not to shift from drive to reverse or vice versa while the car is still moving. This “jerky” shifting places excess strain on the transmission’s internal gears and can instantly destroy it.

4. Jerky driving

We all know someone who accelerates wildly on every straightaway only to brake hard at a traffic light or stop sign. This type of driving won’t destroy your car immediately, but will cause your engine, transmission and brake system to deteriorate much more quickly than intended. Cars that have been abused will have premature fluid leaks, broken seals and mechanical problems.

5. Putting off tire replacement

Tires for some cars can be expensive, so replacing them is an unwelcome cost. Driving on bald tires is very risky, however. If a tire blows out while you’re driving, you can lose control of your vehicle and have a serious accident. And if you drive with bald tires in the rain, the risk of hydroplaning goes up tremendously. A new set of tires may seem pricey, but probably costs less than your car, and even less than your insurance deductible.