Summer Car Tricks

Sweltering temperatures can mean trouble for your ride, but these tricks can help you keep your car cool.

Hot interior?

Cool down faster by driving with the windows rolled down and the A/C cranked up, which forces out the hot air and allows the cool air to circulate. In a few minutes, when the air inside the car should be about the same temperature as the air outside, you’re ready to roll up the windows.

Scorching steering wheel?

Prevent burning your hands with this trick: Turn the wheel 180 degrees before getting out of the car. That way, the side you touch is safely in the shade while you're out.

Stinky seats?

A hot car can also mean a smelly car. To get rid of the stench, tape a dryer sheet onto the air conditioning. When you blast the AC, your ride will get a refresher too. Stash a box of dryer sheets under the passenger seat for maximum deodorizing as you travel.

Broken AC?

If your car's air conditioning isn't working or just needs an extra boost, try a solar-powered car fan. These tiny devices can be mounted on an open window, expelling hot air from the car while creating constant air circulation. Note: Tinted windows interfere with this gadget's function.

Blown-out tire?

Be prepared. Tires are more prone to blowouts in the hot summer months, because drivers are often on a sizzling road with the heavier loads for longer periods of time. Underinflated tires are most at risk, since the lack of air pressure puts the tires' components under increased strain; but overinflated ones are more likely to hydroplane in a summer rainstorm. Periodically check your tread by sticking a penny into the groove of the tire with Lincoln's head facing inward. If you can see the top of Abe's head, it's time for a new set.

Engine overheated?

Hot temperatures and low coolant levels increase the risk of your engine overheating, and your AC working overtime. If you see symptoms of an overheated engine—the temperature gauge rising; warning lights; steam billowing out from the hood—pull over to a safe place, turn off the engine, and wait at least a half hour for it to cool down fully before opening the hood. If your coolant levels are low, topping off the tank (it’s the translucent plastic one) could do the trick, but if the tank is empty you might have sprung a leak and will need pro help.

Sunny out?

Spending time in the sun is just as bad for your car as it is for you, as sun damage can cause paint and interiors to fade. To prevent problems, park in a garage when possible and invest in a sunshade.

Muffler Warning Signs

Signs of Problems with Your Car's Muffler

A deep rumbling sound could indicate a problem with your exhaust system or muffler.

An exhaust leak and other muffler repairs are costly.

Depending on your car and its exhaust system, the cost to make repairs to a damaged or broken exhaust component can range widely - but putting off an exhaust repair almost always costs more than addressing them promptly.

Because your exhaust system does more than just keep your car quiet - it also routes exhaust fumes away from the cabin, helps your engine run properly and maintain optimum fuel efficiency, and reduces polluting emissions.

Here are some useful things to know if you suspect your vehicle may need muffler or exhaust system repairs:

Car exhaust repair

One of the most obvious signs for many drivers is a deep or loud rumbling sound coming from your car. When this happens, it's time to get it to a mechanic.

Having the exhaust repaired before it gets too loud offers the most benefit to you.

Delaying a needed car exhaust repair can make it cost more. That is because continuing to drive with an exhaust leak or bad catalytic converter can damage other things in your vehicle's operating system.

Don't just turn up the radio to drown out a loud muffler. Have the increased volume problem checked out and repaired by a professional. It will save you money in the long run.

Catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is one of the highest priced exhaust system parts and, in some vehicles such as SUVs and trucks, it may be prone to theft by scrap metal thieves.

If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you'll immediately notice a loud sound and altered vehicle performance upon startup.

An intact but failing catalytic converter may sound like someone shaking a box of rocks when your vehicle is idling when parked or stopped in traffic. If you notice any of these issues, schedule an appointment for the muffler shop right away.

Exhaust leak

If you notice a new vibration or loss of power when operating your car, have the exhaust system checked by a professional. You might notice the new vibration when you touch the steering wheel, foot pedals or car seat.

You might or might not hear a rumbling sound, depending on the size of the damaged area. A hole, exhaust leak or disconnected exhaust system component don't just cause vibrations, they can also signal the engine is no longer running at optimum performance.

Exhaust system affects fuel efficiency

If you notice you have to fill up your gas tank more often than normal, have your exhaust system checked out by a muffler repair shop.

Similar to the vibrations, increased fuel use is a sign something is wrong with your car. When the exhaust leaks, your engine works harder. When your engine works harder, it requires more fuel.

Things Self-Driving Cars Will Make Obsolete

New technology eventually replaces the old. Not only have public pay telephones all but disappeared in the wake of cellphones, but many homeowners even choose to forgo having a landline telephone. Meanwhile, Internet shopping services such as Amazon are slowly gaining prominence over brick-and-mortar retail stores.

Self-driving cars will change our cultural landscape the way the printing press, indoor plumbing and the Internet did. Over time, these autonomous vehicles (AVs) will make some things obsolete that we currently take for granted. They may not disappear overnight, but one day we'll likely look around and notice that the roads and highways are quite different places than they once were.

Here are five things the transition to AVs will probably relegate to history books.

Street Signs

Although pedestrians may still require signs announcing the names of streets, instructional signs -- such as stop, yield and no-parking signs -- will quickly become redundant on roads where cars drive themselves. AV programming will include such instructions. Even today, some GPS navigation systems display the current speed limit on their touchscreens. With this information programmed into a car's computer, we could see speed-limit signs eventually disappear, as well.

Traffic Lights

Chances are that traffic lights as we know them will also fade into disuse. Sure, pedestrians and bicyclists will still need to know who has the right of way, but traditional traffic lights that go from green to yellow to red probably won't be the source of that information. Something along the lines of current cross/don't-cross signals would probably serve the purpose more effectively.

Valet Parking

Self-parking will be a function of AVs: They'll be able to unload their passengers and find a parking spot on their own. Nissan has test AVs that are already capable of dropping off passengers, parking themselves and then returning to pick up those passengers by commands issued through a key fob. Essentially fulfilling the role of a valet parking attendant, AVs will eliminate such services and the costs associated with them.

Parking Meters

As with valet parking services, today's parking meters will likely disappear. In communities that currently use parking meters to generate revenue, some new technology will need to be developed to charge for street and public lots filled with self-parking cars. Such technology could look like today's toll-road transponders, such as Florida's SunPass. In any case, the idea of physically inserting money or a credit card into a metering system just won't work when cars park without a driver present.

Mail Carriers

Electric refrigerators replaced iceboxes, eliminating the need for ice vendors, and corner supermarkets eventually erased daily milk deliveries and milkmen from the scene. In much the same way, a number of commonplace service jobs may prove unnecessary in the age of self-driving cars. With AVs able to follow set routes, the position of mail carrier might be one of the first to go.

While it remains to be seen whether self-driving cars will truly make these now-common realities things of the past, one thing is for certain: Once AVs hit the streets, the world will start to look different pretty quickly.

Tire Dry Rot

Inactivity, low tire pressure and excessive heat are the primary culprits that cause automobile tire dry rot.

If you notice little cracks running spider-like along the sidewalls of the tires and running all the way to the tread, you may be experiencing a common phenomenon that occurs in stagnant cars – tire dry rot.

One of the most common reasons for tire dry rot is improper storage or infrequent use.

SIGNS OF DRY ROT

Rubber and plastic materials naturally degrade over a period of five to six years depending on the climate, temperature and humidity, the use and storage of the vehicle, and the air pressure levels of the tires. Dry rot is indicated by hard and brittle surfaces on the tires. As the oils in the rubber begin to evaporate, the chemical bonds break down, leaving a dry tire behind.

CAUSES OF DRY ROT

The most common causes of dry rot include low inflation of the tires, storage near excessive heat and a lack of use. Constant exposure to sun can speed up the effects of dry rot upon the tires, so if your car sits for long periods of time in balmy Florida, for example, chances are your tires will deteriorate quicker.

Finally, if your tires were manufactured several years ago, they could be unwrapping, whether they’ve been on your car the whole time or not.

HOW TO PREVENT DRY ROT

If you have to store your vehicle for long periods of time, ideally store it in a climate-controlled garage, keep the tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations, store it with boards under the tires and check the air pressure at least once a month.

TIRE DRY ROT REPAIR

Dry rot can be fixed only in the early stages. Try using a water-based tire product to help seal cracks and avoid products using petrochemicals or silicone. If dry rot is advanced, the only real solution is to replace the tires.

IS IT SAFE TO DRIVE ON ROTTED TIRES?

In most cases, tires with dry rot are probably not safe to drive on. Around town, you may have a little time before you need to replace the tires. Once the cracks reach the cords of the tires, the heat of long distance driving will cause the rubber to expand and the tires to actually break apart while driving.

Signs Your Brakes Need to be Inspected

Routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle.
When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year. Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.

Seven signs your brakes need to be inspected:

1. Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.
2. Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking.
3. Low Pedal: brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.
4. Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage.
5. Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal.
6. Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions.
7. Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard.

Brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle and they will eventually need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material.

For Auto Lang Syne...New Year's Resolutions for Your Car

Here are some valuable tips to help you green your car and start off the year the right way.

1. Get your vehicle's body into shape
Most people resolve to get their body into better shape in the New Year. Why not make the same resolution for your vehicle? A simple vehicle maintenance regime -- including measuring your tire pressure, checking for leaks once a month, taking your vehicle in for regular tune-ups and reading the owner's manual -- will help you save money and fuel, and protect the environment. Maintenance regimes vary widely from one vehicle to another so check with the manufacturer of your vehicle and find a trained automotive professional to tune up your vehicle.

2. Be a fuel-efficient driver
Relax behind the wheel. Aggressive driving and speeding can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 35 percent. Slowing down, giving yourself more time and planning your routes ahead of time are just a few of the many things you can do to save money and fuel, and lower your vehicle's emissions.

3. Kick the idling habit
New Year's is a great time to start kicking bad habits like unnecessary idling. It's bad for your wallet, your vehicle, the environment and the health of people around you. Contrary to popular belief, the best way to warm up your car is to drive it at a moderate speed. Idling for 10 minutes a day produces almost a quarter-tonne of carbon dioxide emissions and costs you more than $80 every year!

Avoid using automatic car starters -- they encourage idling and waste a lot of fuel. Even on the coldest winter days (and as long as your windows are defrosted) today's electronically controlled engines allow you to drive away 30 seconds after starting the engine, even on the coldest winter days.

Another option is to use a block heater to warm your vehicle's engine before you start it. Use a timer so that the vehicle will be warm by the time you need it.

4. Check your tire pressure
Your tires need special attention during winter. Cold temperatures decrease the air pressure in tires, which adds to the rolling resistance caused by snow and slush. Measure tire pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature. Operating a vehicle with just one tire under-inflated by 8 psi (56 kPa) can reduce the life of the tire by 15 000 kilometres (9,320 miles) and increase the vehicle's fuel consumption by 4 percent. For improved fuel efficiency and enhanced safety, give your tires the attention they need.

Happy New Year!

Windshield Ice and Snow Removal Safety Tips

Windshield ice and snow removal guide for winter driving.

To remove windshield ice and snow, you must have a mind for safety. The added stress on your windshield from the freezing temperatures can lead to disaster if you are not careful.

What matters most for windshield ice and snow removal?
Time is the most important tool. If you rush the removal, you greatly increase the risk of damage.

During the cold winter months, be aware of overnight weather conditions. Plan to get up early after freezing nights with precipitation.

How to prevent windshield ice and snow.

The best offense is a good defense. Listen to the local weather report and try to do the following:

• Park in a garage or covered area.
• Use window covers or a tarp to cover your car.
• If your budget is tight, make a windshield cover from paper bags or cardboard, then place the home made covers under the wiper blades.

Any of these steps will reduce the chance of frozen water on your windshield. In other words, you will not have any ice or snow to remove at all!

Removing windshield ice and snow.

• Before you get into your car, check to make sure no ice or snow is blocking your tailpipe. A blocked tailpipe could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide in your car. Even if you think it won’t take long, take the time to check the tailpipe and prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning in your vehicle.
• Cold glass is under stress; applying heat too quickly causes more stress. Start your car and set the defrost and the fan to “low” to prevent the windshield from heating up too quickly.
• Allow at least 5 minutes for the windshield to slowly heat up.
• Use a plastic ice scraper and a soft brush to clear the ice and snow off of your windshield.
• If you allow plenty of time for your windshield to warm up, a scraper and brush should be sufficient.
• Use a left-to-right sweeping motion to remove melted ice snow.
• Make sure you use the edge of the scraper which is designed to remove ice and snow from glass surfaces. Use of other edges of the scraper could scratch or crack the windshield.
• Be careful if you find you need to chip ice from the windshield. Excessive force can damage the windshield’s integrity and cause cracks or breaks.

Lights Out? Check Vehicle Lighting

Winter is almost here and its arrival means fewer hours of daylight and upcoming holiday travel. Before hitting the road, it is a wise idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights are in proper working order, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Lights play a critical role in safe driving, as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so inspect all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out.”

• Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The vehicle lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:
• Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.
• Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
• If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

“Some states have laws that require the headlights to be on with the wipers,” said White. “Keeping your vehicle’s lights properly cared for and replacing wiper blades periodically will help ensure a safer ride, keeping the road ahead well-lit and giving you a clear view.”

Thanksgiving Driving Tips

According to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. During the 6-day Thanksgiving travel period, the number of long-distance trips (to and from a ­destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 54 percent compared to the average number for the remainder of the year. Most long-distance holiday travel, about 91 percent, is by personal vehicle, such as by car.

If you plan on hitting the road this Thanksgiving to visit family or friends, consider these tips as seen in an article from Consumer Reports to help prepare you and your car for whatever challenges might be faced on the road.

Fuel up - Don’t head out on a long trip without a full tank of gas. In addition to topping off the tank, also check fluids and tire pressures before you leave.

Pack smart - Check your vehicle’s load capacity to make sure you aren’t putting too much weight in the car. On most new cars, the total weight you can carry is printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. This weight capacity includes cargo and passengers.

Don’t be distracted - Pay attention while driving. If you need to send a message or make a call, hand your phone to a passenger or pull over. It’s not worth risking your and your passenger’s life.

Be patient - During busy travel times, expect to hit traffic. A GPS device with traffic information can help you navigate around congested areas.

Buckle up - Always use your seat belt and make sure children are properly secured in a car seat and are seated in the rear seats if they are under 13.

Watch for weather - If you’re driving in wintry weather, make sure you clear the snow and ice off for better visibility. Also, allow for longer braking distances and reduce your speed while driving in inclement weather.

Missouri: What to Know About Driving in the Fog

(MISSOURI) St. Louis used car dealer, GMT Auto Sales reports how and what local residents should know about driving in fog.

On November 21st, flights were delayed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport due to a fog advisory. And then, there was the 129 car pile up in Texas over the same time span. Fog is not like a hurricane that can be tracked and predicted with preciseness. Given this winter’s weather forecast, there is speculation that fog may be a regular occurrence in Missouri.

The Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a blistery, snowy Winter 2013 in the Plains, which includes, the state of Missouri. But in between, those days when the temperatures rise; and, the dew point level is within five degrees of the outdoor temps, fog is generally imminent.

GMT Auto Sales, a used car dealer known for selling the best used cars in Missouri, serves as a safety advocate in Missouri. “Drivers should know these facts about driving in fog.

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) does not recommend driving in fog. But sometimes, fog looms in, unexpectedly, as was the case with the pile-up that happened over the Thanksgiving weekend in Houston.
• Thicker than normal air, fog flows downward, into lower terrains.
• Note that fog accumulates over cold, snow-covered surfaces as warmer air pushes its way inward.

A spokesperson at GMT Auto Sales Says: “In the event that you are caught in a patch of fog, consider these driving recommendations:”

• Do not turn on high beams. Instead, switch on fog lights, designed to illuminate.
• Turn off the radio. Crack the window to hear any outside sounds, which may signal the need to stop
• Use the road’s painted markings to navigate.
• Turn on the defroster to help improve visibility.
• Do not tailgate vehicles in front of you.
• Reduce your speed by five to seven miles below the limit.

But whether it’s Missouri, Texas or any other state, drivers should always try to avoid driving in fog,” advises GMT Auto Sales.