It is widely understood that despite a cars age, it should be serviced once every 15,000 klms/ 10,000 miles to keep them up to scratch. If there is any major problem with your car take it to a mechanic straight away as i do not recommend attempting to fix anything yourself.
Ideally to start a service, you will need a pair of car ramps and a drainage bucket, and then the first port of call would be to check the water level in the radiator. You can do this by looking at the header tank and checking that the water is in between the low and high level. If it is low, make sure that the car engines temperature is cold and then look in the top of the radiator. If it is full replace the radiator cap, then top up the radiator header tank so its on the full mark. When changing coolant, use radiator coolant only.
Also check the hoses connected to the motor are not soft and leaking, this should be shown by a powdery substance at the end of the hoses where the clip is situated. If it is not leaking, but is soft, you should replace it on your next service.
Follow this by checking on the fan belts for cuts and nicks that will develop into bigger ones resulting in fan belt breaks that could thus result in breaking down and calling the RAC.
The oil filter is one thing that should be changed every service. The main cause of wear and tear in a motor is dirt and sludge that comes with the running of the motor over a period of time. If the filter is not changed you could end up with a motor that blows smoke and is hard to start. Some car oil filters are in extremely difficult hard-to-reach areas and can be nightmares for beginners, but you can obtain a filter remover from any car parts store.
The oil itself should be of the highest quality and should be the same type as listed in your car service manual. If you do not have a manual, most auto part stores can tell you the amount of oil you need. Make sure you dont over fill capacity because too much oil is worse than not enough. Before you screw the oil filer on, smear the rubber lip with lubricant such as oil or a little grease for easy assembly and next time removal.
After changing the oil, all the air filers need to be changed every time the car is serviced if it is to run smoothly and more economically. Your petrol consumption relies on this very important point, despite the age or transmission of your vehicle.
The battery should be checked for loose ends and terminals and the battery post wipes and cleaning with a rag. Do not use any harsh cleaners, except when they are covered with green particles, then you can remove them with hot boiling water which will clean up the area and a small amount of Vaseline put around the bottom of the post, as this is where acid particles leak from.
The battery cells found under the battery caps have distilled water in them and this should just cover the top of the cells only, not be completely full. The terminals should be tightened firmly so they make good contact.
All the tyres should be checked for wear and tear, especially on the inside of the tire, and the spare checked for pressure and doors and bonnet hood should be coated in dry lube
Automatic transmission should be carried out by a transmission specialist because of the cleanliness involved, if any small particle gets inside the gearbox, it will play havoc with the gearbox. I made that mistake with a friends Kia in Poole, never again. However this should ideally be done every 30,000 klms/20,000 miles and doesnt need to be done every service.
Manual gearbox fluid should be just under the filler hole. If you take out the filler nut and you have oil pouring out all over the ground, it was obviously too full.
When checking the brakes and power steering fluid, ensure it is at the full mark and not over, and to complete the DIY service, check all lights and indicators and replace them if faulty.
After attempting this DIY service, be sure to take it next time round to an actual mechanic to make sure everything is looked over properly, but every second service, if known how, can be done quite easily yourself.
How to change a tyre
One of the most annoying things that can happen to you whilst driving is experiencing a puncture. Slow down to 5mph and pull over to a safe place away from other traffic, and if its dark, preferably near a light. Do not attempt to change a tyre yourself on the hard shoulder or any busy road, call your breakdown company like the AA or RAC to do this for you.
Ensure you have parked on level ground and remove all passengers from the car to a safe place away from any traffic.
If the tyre can be changed easily just follow these simple instructions to help.
1.Obviously make sure you car is parked on level ground with the handbrake on, with the hazard lights flashing.
2.Check that your spare tyre is suitably inflated and make sure you have a car jack, the locking wheel nut (for some cars) and a wheel brace. (All of which should be in the boot)
3.With the car still on the ground remove the hubcap or cover concealing the wheel nuts then use the wheel brace to loosen the nut holding the wheel in place by turning it in an anti-clockwise direction, for half a turn. This can be quite tricky as some nuts need all your body weight to loosen them, be careful of your back.
4.Continue to loosen the nuts by half a turn each, work on opposite ones so the left over support is even.
5.Using the car jack raise the car slowly till the weight of the wheel is high enough off the ground to get it off.
6.Finish removing all the nuts and put them somewhere safe. The wheel should be hanging and can freely be removed.
7.Lift the spare wheel onto the wheel studs, the air valve should be facing outwards
8.Replace the nuts, tightening them in the same pattern as you loosened them.
9.Slowly lower the jack and remove it, then tighten the nuts again, as much as you can. Stand on the wheel brace to make it as tight as possible, but this time in a clockwise direction.
10.Replace the wheel cover or hubcaps and youre free to go.
Changing a tyre on your Kia in Bournemouth doesnt always require calling your breakdown cover. I wouldnt recommend doing this alone for the first time, but if you are with someone else, it could be a learning opportunity, and it is always a handy skill to know should ever you get a puncture and you dont have breakdown cover.
Hybrid Cars- A Revolution In The Car Industry
Hybrid cars are one of the excellent fruits of the hard work done in the car industry. These cars utilise more than two distinct power sources. Some of the major power sources include gasoline, or diesel fuels, solar, and hydrogen. This primary power source is coupled with one, or more electric motors.
World is facing a lot ofmany problems due to the increased population. There is a rapid increase in the number of vehicles along the roads. This has given rise to the pollution, and problems related to the increased fuel prices. This problem is addressed by the great minds, by inventing the hybrid cars.
These cars are a revolution in the car industry due to their marvellous features. These cars are environment friendly. They contribute least to the increase in the air pollution. Air pollution is one of the major problems of the present day. Hybrid cars reduce the smog by 90 percent. Thus, the release of the pollutant is greatly reduced.
Hybrid cars are economical with respect to the fuel. World is running out of the natural fuel resources. , Soso the need of the fuel economical vehicles is greatly increased. They are fuel efficient as compare to the traditional cars. They can get up to 60 miles per gallon in the city driving as compare to the typical cars that might travel 15 to 20 miles per gallon. These cars use three times as much fuel for travelling the same distance. The hybrid cars are better than others as a hybrid car battery recharges it as you drive. You do ntnot need to plug in. Moreover, they possess a greater speed as compare to the typical cars.
Hybrid cars possess two engines. One is the electric motor, and the other is the gasoline. When the car stops at the signals, the gasoline engine is automatically shut off and the electric motor is switched on. When more power is required, both engines work simultaneously.
Hybrid cars are based on power split technology. It is based on the gearbox. The electric motor along with the internal combustion engine provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or climbing. In some of the drives, where less power is required, the motor provides the only power source. Thus, the consumption of gasoline is reduced in such cases.
Hybrid cars possess an efficient regenerative braking system. When the brakes are applied, the energy is dissipated. This energy turns on the motor, which functions as the generator. Thus, the otherwise wasted energy is converted into electricity. This energy is stored in the battery, and is available for the electric motor.
Hybrid cars have firm and puffed up tires. They are filled at a higher pressure to smoothen the ride. So due to the texture, they offer a less bumpy, and comfortable ride. The texture of the tires reduce the friction, thus the life of the tire is increased. The other marvellous feature of the car is reduced air drag . For this purpose, these cars utilise the reduced frontal area, and sometimes a stream lined texture. Thus, all the above- mentioned features rank their invention a revolutionary step in the vehicle industry.
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A Review Of America’s Car Donation Center
Americas Official Car Donation Center has been in business since 1992. The center accepts cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, trailers and RVs that will help to support thousands of local and nationwide charities. This often allows for new research funding and outreach because of your donation.
Over 1 million donated vehicles have supported hundreds of non-profit charities through the work of Americas Official Car Donation Center. The center is also equipped to receive trailers, boats, trucks, RVs, and some other recreational vehicles like snowmobiles and jet skis. They accept most vehicles even if they are not running, so your “junk car” is welcome here.
The donation process is pretty easy. There is an online form or you can call to request a form. Local and national charities that include the American Red Cross, United Way, Humane Society, SPCA, Boy Scouts of America, the USO and many more. Check out the list by state, cause or national chapter on their website.
Towing companies that are associated with Donation Charities Center are professionally licensed, bonded and insured. Americas Official Car Donation Center is able to pick up in every US state except for Alaska. Usually the towing company will be notified by the center and call you and come up with an agreed upon time to pick up the vehicle.
The title and keys will be picked up when the towing company comes to pick up the vehicle. Do not forget to sign over the title to the Center, cancel your registration and insurance. It is very important for you to sign the back of the title and then give it to the organization or charity that you are donating the car to. Also, don’t cancel your auto liability insurance until youve cancelled your car’s registration. You should cancel your car’s registration so you are not responsible for anything that happens with the car after you’ve donated it, like getting a speeding ticket.
IRS and Tax Deduction: A Donors Guide to Car Donation
The IRS allows a tax deduction of the value of your vehicle up to $500 or if the vehicle is sold at auction for more than $500. Donation Charities Center will mail the IRS tax form 1098-C with the value. To find out what your car is worth visit Kelly Blue Book website.
Most cars will be sold at auction. The cars are sold then the center will forward a portion of the proceeds to the charity of your choice. When donating to this particular charity, you may want to check out the regulations. The regulations would be different than an outright donation. You can find the information you need in A Donors Guide to Car Donations. You should read the guidelines and ask questions. Checking with a certified tax planner is an excellent idea, too.
A Car Salesman Career Can Be A Great Choice
Have you given some thought to a car salesman career. The current state of the auto industry shows us that this is an ideal time to enter into a car sales career. Today the car makers are taking more responsibility for the satisfaction of the car buyer and their car buying experience. In order to improve and clean up the image of the car salesman the dealer, sales people and the manufacturers are making change and improvements. The less than desirable car salesman image from the past is hard to change, but things are getting better as the car salesman is learning to be a true car sales professional.
As the business of selling cars grows as predicted the opportunities for those thinking about a car sales career will also increase. The myth that a car salesman should be a smooth talker and outgoing is false, they old need to communicate. There are many very good car sales people that are shy and introverted. Selling cars for a living is not about you, it is about dealing with people. Man or woman a career in car sales is only right for a few just like any career.
Even if you never consider being a car salesman before this might be a good time to reconsider. Not everyone has a day at work that consists of fun, making money and enjoy a number of other benefits. If you meet an ex-automobile salesman that speaks poorly of selling cars they almost always have a reason for their failure. Selling cars is much more than going for a ride with customers and that is why the turnover rate can be higher than other careers. Sorry, but that is not the case when it comes to selling cars. It takes a little more than driving people in cars to be a successful car salesman.
A career in car sales might be a great alternative for the person that can’t afford or desire to go to college. Going to college and having a degree is not a requirement to be a car salesman. Selling cars for a living doesn’t require college and it still has the potential to create an annual income of 100K or more. No experience needed at most dealers because they will teach you how to sell cars with their method. One great feature of selling cars is that your dealership will train and mentor you so that you can start making a very good sales income.
The perks that go along with a car salesman career can include a new car demo, first crack at all fresh trade-ins, an unstructured workday and a chance to have some fun with your fellow car sales people. One of the greatest things about selling cars for a living is being able to control your own income, you can make as much or little as you want. Now you decide, if you like making money, having great benefits and no chance of being bored think about a car sales career.