Old vehicles tend to produce more pollution than older vehicles. In fact, when it comes to California fleet vehicles, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair say that “75 percent of vehicular pollution is caused by just 25 percent of the vehicle fleet” in the state of CA.

Because some fleet vehicles are proving to be big polluters, CA completely removes these vehicles from the road should they fail the their biannual smog checks. In addition to looking at its own vehicles, the state is also considering a proposal that would expand its Fleet Modernization Program, which would give money to vehicle owners who turn in their cars that fail their smog checks.

While getting gross, dirty, polluting vehicles off the road for good is generally a popular idea, there is one demographic that is always weary of such programs – car collectors. But despite concerns, California stresses that this new program is completely voluntary.

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Owning a vehicle takes a lot of time and energy, especially when it comes to keeping it running properly and trying to save as much money as possible. Like it or not, it is costly to own a car; we’re not just talking about the money handed to the dealership for payment, but also money used for routine maintenance such as an oil change, new tires, a tire rotation, an alignment or a new paint job.

Many people are saving hundreds of dollars each year by changing their own oil these days while others are replacing their own light bulbs when they burn out. A light bulb change is easy to do and it takes only a couple of minutes, saving you wait time at the dealership and money; both of which everybody seems to be short of.

The first thing you need to do is read your owner’s manual to find out what make and model light bulbs are needed for headlights, high beams, turn signals and brake lights when they need to be replaced. You can either go to your local automotive supply store or visit a home improvement store to purchase the necessary light bulbs. It is recommended that you have one or two new bulbs on hand for each type of light just in case they burn out or break at a moment’s notice. You will know when your turn signal lights are preparing to burn out because when you signal, the noise inside your car and the icon will sound and flash faster than normal.

When you need to change one of your light bulbs, you can pop the hood and look in front of the engine behind the lights for a cap. Pull the cap off and remove the burnt out bulb by squeezing the side tabs of the light to release it. Remove the old light, throwing it out immediately, and place a new bulb in the holder. Then you can place the holder back into the light socket. Make sure you test the light before driving again. If you are replacing a bulb in the rear of the vehicle, open the trunk, and remove the lining inside to find the socket for the tail lights and turn signal lights. Repeat the above procedure to replace the old bulb with a new one.

Many auto parts retailers such as Nissan Parts Boston witness plenty of do-it-yourselfers, and most of these customers find it rewarding to perform tasks such as theses on their own. It should also be noted that when you become your own handyman, you can expect to save plenty of money.

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People all across the country are learning how to change their own oil.  Do you want to save hundreds of dollars each year and feel satisfied after the job is complete?  Of course!  It will not be easy the first time you change your oil, but with practice, comes ease and success.  Try to continue this process,  before deciding to go back to the dealership or car service company.  First, the tools you will need for the job include the following:

• a 3/8-drive socket set

• a combination wrench set

• an oil filter wrench

• a pan to catch the old oil

• a funnel and a one quart freezer bag

• old newspapers and old, dirty rags

• dirty work clothes

• a new oil filter (check owner’s manual for requirements)

• enough oil to refill the engine (check owner’s manual for requirements)

Driving your car around the block will heat up the oil and make it thin.  This will help drain the oil completely from the engine.  Next, park the car on a flat surface, either on your driveway or street.  It’s necessary to add blocks or rocks behind the wheels, so your car does not roll when you are underneath it.  Wearing old clothes and a hat is recommended as you roll underneath the vehicle to locate the oil drain plug. Place old newspapers underneath the car, where the oil will come out.  This will protect the driveway or street from oil stains.  Then, pull the pan under the oil drain opening to catch the old oil.

Now, you can pop the hood of the vehicle and open the oil filler cap.  Opening this cap will help the oil drip better from the bottom of the car.  Let the oil drip out of the car for at least an hour to make sure all of the oil leaves the engine. Once an hour has passed, insert the new oil filter to protect the vehicle.  You should also place a new washer on the oil drain plug for better protection. Once the oil drain plug is back in place, begin inserting new oil into the engine, as many quarts as the automobile manufacturer recommends. which is found in the owner’s manual.  Turn the engine car on and let it idle for five minutes, while checking the car for possible leaks.  Put all of the old oil in a protective container that will not spill, such as a milk container with a screw on top.  Once the job is complete, take the old oil in the protective container to a local oil recycling center to dispose of it properly.  It is against the law to dump oil down the sink or into water drains in the street.  Many national chains of vehicle service companies will take your old oil and dispose of it properly and legally.

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As a car owner you have two options: either neglect your vehicle or make it your pride and joy. We hope you choose the latter. Those who care for their vehicle will take every effort available to protect it from the harmful elements. The weather, from sunny or stormy, can damage a vehicle if proper protection steps are not taken.

The easiest and most cost effective way to protect your vehicle from the elements is to park it in a garage. Whether at home, work, or at the mall, make the effort to find a parking spot in the garage or parking structure. Due to lack of space, parking structures are becoming more common; take advantage of this! Find space in that messy garage for your vehicle. Chances are it’s the most expensive item you have in there, so treat it that way. Keeping your vehicle in your garage is a good way to avoid dents and dings from people parking around you, according to a collision center Wallingford.

Should there be no parking structure or garage available, consider buying a car cover. Car covers protect from rain, snow, ice, bird droppings, dents, scratches and many other damaging things. Keep in mind that the sun’s rays can also damage your car. Spending a few minutes each trip covering your car can save you money in the long run.

Some elements can be very detrimental to the health of your vehicle. Washing and waxing your car every so often will help ease the damage. The less you allow dirt, dust, and other materials to build-up on your vehicle, the better it will shine. On a nice day, why not go out front and wash your car? If not, Auto Repair Bremerton recommends spending just a few dollars to go to a car wash. As a warning though, if you use a car wash, choose a brushless wash; brushes will leave circular marks on your vehicle’s finish, lessening the strength of the finish.

By following these tips to protect your vehicle from the elements, car owners can ensure their vehicle looks better for longer! Be an owner who cares. Take pride in your vehicle.

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Who doesn’t enjoy feeling the crisp, fresh morning air with the wind running freely through their hair? Convertibles have become a very desirable option for thousands of drivers across the country, especially those who live in warmer climates year round. It is not as easy as it seems, though. Owning a convertible takes a lot of time and dedication. In fact, taking proper care of your convertible is crucial. By purchasing a car cover or by parking in a garage, you not only can keep your car cleaner, but you can protect it from all sorts of weather that can be harmful for your paint or a soft top.

If you choose not to purchase a car cover then you should take care of your soft top in other ways. One common way includes using a soft brush or sponge when washing the convertible. This helps ensure that the soft top does not rip. When you are cleaning the soft top, make sure you purchase a proper convertible top cleaner designed for soft tops, which should cost no more than $8. After you finish washing your car, use a very soft towel on the top to dry.

Most soft top convertibles use plastic windows instead of glass to prevent tearing, so steer clear from glass cleaners when washing your car. Also, be sure to let the soft top dry completely prior to putting the top down. This prevents the buildup of bacteria and mildew. After you are done cleaning your convertible, you should apply a soft top protectant to help prevent any cracking. Lastly, do not let bird droppings stay on the soft top too long due to their acidic properties that can be very damaging.

Your best bet is to purchase a car cover to do the work for you. If not, expect to work a little bit more on looking good! In the spring and summer direct sunshine can fade leather, and in autumn and winter, rain, wind and snow can truly wreak havoc. Nonetheless, proper care is essential to maximize the life of your soft top convertible.

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Routine maintenance is possibly one of the most important responsibilities of owning a car. In fact, by performing basic maintenance, owners can prolong the life of their vehicle. These are a few suggestions that can be done by most people from the comfort of their own home.

Rotating or Changing Tires

Drivers who are able to rotate or change their own tires are capable of saving hundreds of dollars and many hours of waiting every couple of years. Avoid paying for an auto club or a mechanic. It is advised to first speak with a mechanic for information or even look online how to rotate your tires step by step.

Oil Changes

When your car is due for an oil change, you can either take it to the dealership, to a local oil change company, or change the oil on your own. With proper direction, changing your own oil is a minor upkeep that can save you money. By keeping your engine healthy you can also increase your vehicle’s miles per gallon. Treat your vehicle right to increase performance.

Lighting

Every few days you should check to make sure that all of the lights are working properly. Burnt out bulbs on a vehicle can result in traffic tickets and even pose as a safety risk. Check to see that your turn signals, headlights, high beams, tail lights, running lights, and that your break lights all work properly. Being able to replace burnt out light bulbs in your own car is key. These five minute tasks can save you both time – by avoiding taking your car in for service – and money – preventing potential tickets.

Hygiene

Washing your car every so often not only keeps it looking clean and sleek, but it also helps it run just a little bit smoother. Take your vehicle to the wash during the winter months and wash it yourself during the warmer months to save some money. Having a clean car, especially one with little to no dust inside, will keep you and your car healthier. After all, it is your vehicle; take pride in it. By participating in routine maintenance and having a cleaner look and feel to your vehicle, you will appreciate your car that much more.

In all, these minor changes can save you a lot of time and money. Instead of having to drive out of your way and waste your gas money to pay for minor changes, take the initiative yourself and truly make that car your own.

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Driving 101: the most important aspect of driving is safety. Sure, we all understand the fundamental safety tips which include obeying the speed limit, using turn signals to change lanes, knowing your surroundings, and not multitasking – especially now since using your cell phone is illegal! But what about changing a tire? If you do not know how to change a tire, waiting for an auto club response vehicle is very unsafe. Anyone learning to drive should learn how to change a tire to stay safe when on the road. If changing a tire is new to you, follow these steps on your way to successfully changing your first tire:

1. When you realize you have a flat tire, pull off the road as far away from traffic as possible, making sure you are on a solid, flat surface. Place the car in park and apply the parking brake. Do not change your tire on a hill or on soft ground. Chicopee Nissan recommends to all customers wanting to perform maintenance on their own, remember one thing: safety first.
2. Remove the spare tire and the jack from your vehicle to begin. They are most likely stored in your trunk. Your owner’s manual can also be of assistance and should be stored inside your vehicle.
3. Place the jack under your vehicle on the frame and raise it until it is supporting the vehicle, not lifting it.
4. Loosen the lug nuts by turning the socket wrench counterclockwise.
5. Next, raise the jack until the tire is off the ground. Now you can remove the lug nuts completely and then the tire from the wheel.
6. Once the flat tire is off the wheel, you can now put on the spare tire. Align the rim of the tire to the bolts of the wheel and then apply the lug nuts.
7. Tighten the lug nuts by hand until they are snug on the wheel.
8. You can now lower the car to the ground but do not put full weight on the new tire until you tighten the lug nuts as much as possible with the socket wrench.
9. Lower the car completely to the ground, remove the jack, and tighten the nuts once again.

The final step of the process is to put the flat tire in the trunk along with the jack and all of your tools so you can take the tire to a mechanic for repair. It is not advised to drive excessive distances on the spare tire.

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Sometimes car trouble can sneak up on you. Simply relying on your check engine light is not enough to address numerous mechanic problems that could occur from normal driving. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to become more in tune with what you may see, hear, and smell to avoid being stranded.

Warning Lights – Naturally the first type of warning signs for engine trouble is naturally the amber warning lights. These lights are located on your dashboard and usually consist of oil pressure, oil level, and/or the check engine warning. The latter could be indicative a number of problems. By taking your vehicle to a mechanic immediately, they can diagnose what’s happening and hopefully figure out a quick solution. You can even purchase one of these diagnostic tools yourself for about $100 at your local auto parts retailer.

Jerky Driving – All cars should provide a relatively fluid, smooth ride. If there are any jerky sensations, stalls, or delays, chances are something may be wrong. This could be a sign of clogged fuel lines, impaired spark plugs, or a number of other issues. In many cases, these sensations can be averted with regular oil changes and replacing belts and filters at recommended intervals.

Funny Noises – If tapping, popping, or rattling noises from the engine have permeated the cabin, there may be an expensive mechanical issues lurking. Issues could involve anything from the starter to the cylinders. If these noises sound familiar, have your vehicle inspected immediately to avoid costs damage.

Unusual Smells – All cars emit gases since they burn fossil fuels. However, emissions systems on your vehicles should prevent your car from emitting too many odors. If you smell anything from inside your vehicle, that may be a sign that your vehicle is leaking from an otherwise closed-loop system. Some gases, such as carbon monoxide, are extremely dangerous, and if you smell that gas in the cabin or the smell burning rubber from belts under the hood, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. Washington DC Honda dealers typically warn that if something just doesn’t smell or seem right, chances are there may be an issue developing.

Up in Smoke – If you’re seeing smoke, chances are there’s a foreign substance being burned along with the fuel-air mixture inside your engine. Blue smoke means oil is being burned, and white smoke typically means water condensation or antifreeze is being burned.

If any of these issues sound familiar, get them inspected by an auto repair professional fast. By getting these issues checked out in a timely manner, you may be able to avert more costly repairs down the road.

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Technology is at the forefront of the new generation of automobiles. Consumers and regulators alike are calling for greater efficiency and lower emissions, and innovative utilization of technology will be the only way to deliver on those demands. This is precisely why automakers like Mazda are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to reassess their policies involving fuel-saving stop-start technology.

The EPA currently currently inhibits automakers from fully testing stop-start technology and bringing it to market in the U.S. This feature is used outside of the U.S .to shut off the engine when the driver applies the brakes. When the driver releases the pressure on the brakes, the engine will start again.

Mazda and other automakers are limited by the EPA’s city-mode test, which provides automakers with only a modest .1 or .2 miles per gallon gain in start-stop testing. Meanwhile in Japan, different regulations help this technology yield 33 to 37 mpg in city driving.

With an extra $500 cost to consumers for this technology, it isn’t currently available on Mazda vehicles as it simply wouldn’t be worth it. However, with new EPA rule changes expected in 2010, stop-start technology could become available with a higher rating soon.

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Recent data shows that more and more people are buckling up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belt usage has increased to 84 percent, a new record high. Each percentage point is said to represent 280 additional lives saved from these crucial safety device.

Seats belts have been widely used for over a decade, and since 1994 deaths stemming from unrestrained passengers have decreased dramatically. Many states now have laws enforcing seat belt use which has helped to improve how many users are using seat belts, and the fatality rate is also lower in those states. Seat belt usage also varies by region points out one dealer specializing in Pittsburgh used Mercedes-Benz, with the highest usage rates in Western states.

Seat belt use also varies by the type of vehicle as well. For example, a higher percentage of seat belt use is found among passengers of minivans and SUVs which does not surprise Pittsburgh Nissan dealers. Occupants of minivans and SUVs typically include families and those who purchase a car with child safety in mind.

Pioneered by Volvo, the three-point safety belt is by no means a new safety device. However, Boston Toyota believes that the seat belt will continues to be regarded as the most important automotive safety device. And with wider seat belt use, fatalities are decreasing which just goes to show how important this device is despite the range of more recent technologies and safety innovations.

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