(ARA) – Americans are holding on to their automobiles longer, and this means proper maintenance is key to keeping their cars running smoothly and efficiently.

Dr. FuelGood is Sam Memmolo, an ASE-certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell. He has the following advice on the best care for your car:

“As a master auto technician and passionate car enthusiast, I’ve worked on a number of different types of vehicles throughout the years — from hot rods to motorcycles to minivans,” Memmolo says. “I constantly stress that there’s no substitute for preventative maintenance. A little TLC can go a long way when it comes to taking care of your vehicle and avoiding costly repairs. Whether you drive a performance-oriented sports car or a more practical family vehicle, there are a few basic tips that I recommend all drivers follow to ensure your car is ready for the road.”

Change your oil: Regular service can help prolong the life of your vehicle.

A regular oil change is the service most likely to help prolong the life of your vehicle. Yet recent nationwide vehicle inspections found that 32 percent of vehicles have low, overfull or dirty engine oil, according to a 2008 study found on www.carcare.org, indicating that many motorists fail to perform this important task. Changing the oil (not just topping it off) using a high-quality motor oil that meets the specifications recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer helps your engine get the lubricant protection it needs. Don’t forget the following tips:

* Check the oil level regularly and change the oil at the intervals outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

* Many manufacturers recommend different oil change intervals for different driving conditions. Follow the guidelines for the conditions under which you typically drive, such as “normal” or “severe service.”

* Replace the oil filter with every oil change.

Go with the flow: Check all of your vehicle’s fluids.

Engine oil is not the only fluid your vehicle needs to run properly. Reference your owner’s manual to find information on where fluids are contained, exactly how to check them, the type your vehicle uses and how much should be in each “reservoir.”

If you see drops of fluid under your vehicle, you should be able to identify them by color or consistency. A few small drops are probably not a cause for concern, but you should take note of small puddles. Here is a guide to recognizing fluid leaks:

* If the fluid is yellow-green, blue or fluorescent orange, it could indicate a cooling system leak or an overheating problem.

* If the fluid is dark brown or black, it is most likely engine oil. The engine could have a bad seal or gasket or a loose oil filter.

* A red oily spot means you probably have a transmission or power steering fluid leak.

* A puddle of water is usually normal and is simply condensation from the air conditioning system or the defroster.

Choose carefully: There is a difference in the fuel you choose.

Some of the world’s top automakers — Audi, BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen — recognize that current Environmental Protection Agency minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine “gunk” (harmful carbon deposits) that can harm engine performance. To raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standard to help drivers avoid the problems that can be associated with using lower quality gasolines.

Fortunately, preventing engine gunk is as easy as choosing the right gasoline. Shell recently introduced the new Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, containing a unique, patented cleaning system designed to seek and destroy engine gunk left by lower quality gasolines. The new Nitrogen Enriched formula helps clean and protect critical engine parts in both conventional and modern engines, and it is TOP TIER Certified.

No matter what grade of fuel your vehicle requires, it’s important to use a high-quality gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance.

The bottom line

Next to buying a home, a vehicle is probably the most expensive purchase many people will make. That’s why it makes good economic sense for owners to take proper care of their vehicles through preventative and routine maintenance. “Most of us will switch vehicles throughout our lives, but it’s important to remember that basic car care knowledge is the same regardless of make or model,” says Memmolo. “So even if you decide to trade in your reliable family sedan for a flashy convertible — or vice versa — following these basic tips will help you take better care of your car.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: car-care, car-care tips

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(ARA) – The average price of a light vehicle has risen to $28,715, according to the Comerica Index. For most Americans, this means their car is the second largest investment they will make in their lifetime.

With the average age of a passenger car in North America being 9.4 years according to R.L. Polk & Co. — and the current economic conditions — motorists are working to stretch the life of their vehicle even longer. To help maintain this significant investment, extending the household cleaning ritual to the family vehicle is more important than ever.

Incorporating a vehicle into any cleaning routine can be easy. Start by examining the car from top to bottom, checking everything including tire pressure, tread depth, wiper blade wear and parts that should be replaced. Regular maintenance tasks and recommended intervals are often outlined in a vehicle’s manual.

“For anyone looking to extend the life of their vehicle, maintaining its interior and exterior routinely is essential. Motorists appear to be following this advice, as the automotive industry has seen an increase in regular vehicle maintenance being completed,” says Mark Ferner, Shell Lubricants technical specialist and ASE-certified master technician. “Maintaining a vehicle by cleaning interior and exterior with appropriate products and completing manufacturer-recommended engine maintenance can save money on expensive repairs down the line and potentially extend its usable life.”

Ferner recommends lifting the hood of the vehicle next to check the motor oil, which is considered the lifeblood of the engine. Just like dust and dirt can build up in a home, sludge can build up in an engine. To clean sludge out of the engine and restore responsiveness, drivers should use quality full-synthetic motor oil such as Pennzoil. By using Pennzoil motor oil, motorists can clean out up to 15 percent of engine sludge in the first oil change. With Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil motorists can clean up to 46 percent of engine sludge in the first oil change and it has the ability to continue to clean the engine further during the next oil change.

If a vehicle’s maintenance history is unknown or questionable, and if low-quality gasoline has been used in the vehicle, treat the car with a fuel system cleaner to help restore the engine to its peak condition. In older, high-mileage vehicles, special care may be required to clean out the tough, built-up gunk that has collected in the fuel system over time. Products such as Gumout Fuel System Cleaner are designed to help clean the combustion chamber, fuel injectors/carburetors and intake valves and ports of an engine, which can lead to improved fuel economy and engine performance. Regular use of a fuel-system cleaner is suggested for those who use a low quality fuel to continually clean the engine and keep it clean of any gunk or deposits.

“When cleaning a vehicle in an effort to maintain its usable life and value, it is not only the drive train that requires attention, but also the interior and exterior as well,” says Ferner.

For example, a vehicle’s wheels are subjected to a high amount of wear and tear. Tight, intricate wheel spaces can be particularly difficult to clean and polish, as dirt, dust and grime can get into those hard-to-reach spaces. The new Black Magic Bullet Wheel Polishing Tool is designed to polish your whole wheel — corners and all — in just minutes by using absorbent foam and gentle microfiber so that only the softest, safest material makes contact with the wheel.

For additional automotive cleaning hints and tips, visit pennzoil.com, gumout.com and blackmagicshine.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: automotive cleaning hints and tips, cleaning a vehicle

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(ARA) – If your old clunker is gasping its last, you might think (like millions of other Americans these days) you can save yourself some money by buying a used car instead of a new one. You can — if you make smart buying decisions. Hasty or unwise used-car buying can end up costing you much more in the long run.

As new car sales have crashed, purchases of used cars continue to rise, according to many news reports. In March, PBS reported that dealerships sold more than 2 million used cars in recent months, about 25 percent higher volume than you would expect in a healthy economy. The math behind the trend is simple: new cars cost more than used, depreciate faster and are generally costlier to insure, so more Americans are buying used to save money.

But what about repair expenses? If you buy a used car for $15,000 and it costs you $5,000 in repairs in the first year, have you really saved? To ensure you’re buying a used vehicle that won’t turn into a money pit, follow a few simple steps:

Early in the Process:

Repairs are a reality of used car buying. As vehicles get older, they begin to need more maintenance and repairs. Some newer model used vehicles may still have some factory warranty left, but older models usually do not. An impending need for repairs, however, may not necessarily be a deal-breaker if you find out ahead of time how much those repairs might cost and budget appropriately.

You probably already have a few makes and models in mind. Before you settle on one, compare the cost of the parts needed for the most common repairs and maintenance. One model may have a sales price that’s $5,000 less than another you’re considering, but if the cost of parts is 20 or 30 percent higher than parts for another vehicle, the higher priced model might actually be a better deal.

Turn to resources like RockAuto.com to compare parts prices. The site’s Repair Index automatically pulls prices from the company’s vast auto parts catalog based on year, make, model and type of part. It’s a quick, easy way to compare parts costs for different models and the results can be surprising.

For example, you might think a Chevy Metro is an economical car, but parts for one can be expensive, according to RockAuto, which sells parts for an average 20 to 60 percent less than other parts dealers. The bulk of the company’s business is selling parts direct to consumers, so it’s possible to save even more money by buying parts directly and doing repairs yourself. Visit www.RockAuto.com to learn more.

Next, check the repair history for a particular make and model from a credible source like Consumer Reports. The independent ratings organization maintains a huge database of information on virtually every make and model vehicle available in America. Actual owners and drivers contribute the information based on their experiences with a particular vehicle.

Once You’ve Narrowed it Down

When you find a vehicle you’re interested in, check the repair history and maintenance for that specific car. Pull a vehicle history report from a third-party source like CarFax, which will generally list major (reported) maintenance and accidents. The report can also help you spot discrepancies in odometer readings, if the vehicle has been used in an area prone to flooding, or if it’s been rebuilt after being in an accident so severe it was declared a total loss.

Never buy a used car until you’ve had it checked by your own mechanic – not even from a dealership that offers “certification” on its used vehicles. If a seller isn’t willing to let you take the vehicle to your mechanic, walk away.

Finally, consult your insurance agent to see how much it will cost to insure the vehicle. A used car that actually increases your annual premium may not be the great deal you thought it was.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: used-car buying

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(ARA) – For many of the 49.7 million single women in the U.S., car care can be a pain. Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility and it’s sometimes hard to know what needs a mechanic’s attention. For a gal on a budget, calling an auto repair shop for everything just isn’t an option. Lucky for car owners today, there are simple things anyone can do to help maintain their car.

Did you know it’s recommended that drivers change their wiper blades every six months to help prevent streaking and maintain a clear view through the windshield? Wiper blades are easy and affordable to fix on your own. Simply know your car’s make and model and visit a local auto store to find a match. Some blades even come with easy snap-on connectors.

Perhaps even easier than changing your own wiper blades is replacing your windshield wash fluid. It’s important to keep the container filled, because you never know when you’ll return to a car to find dusty windows. In the summer, it’s a good idea to use a wash that includes a dissolvent to get the extra grime and bugs off, and a rain-off ingredient that puts a “wax” layer over the windshield with each swipe to help repel the rain.

Regardless if it’s inside or outside, keeping windows clean can really be a challenge. With all the washes available on the market, it’s hard to know what will actually work. When cleaning the inside of windows, one trick no matter what wash is used, is to have an excellent rag. Microfiber windshield and glass cloths are lint-free, making it ideal for those hard-to-clean inside windows. Why spend extra effort wiping away streaks when the proper cloth can do it all in a couple quick swipes?

In addition to do-it-yourself car care, there are also less expensive gadgets you can keep in the car to prevent accidents and a call to 911. Every year, thousands of children suffer from injuries caused by back-over related accidents. A back-up camera is a great way to ensure a full view of those hard-to-see spots, prevent harm to others and possibly prevent expensive damages to your vehicle. Some can even be wirelessly connected for easy installation,

Another great way to save money on unnecessary vehicle expenses, such as calling a tow truck for a jump, is to be prepared for an emergency. Gone are the days of keeping bulky jumper cables and emergency kits in the trunk to feel safe. Now, drivers can have the power of a boost right in their glove box with a PEAK Car-to-Car Charger. This small device, which fits in the palm of your hand, can successfully jump a car without even opening the hood. Done by connecting two cars through their cigarette lighters or accessory outlets with a cable for side-by-side, or tandem parked vehicles, an LED indicator light tells the user when the vehicle is charged and ready to start.

No matter what your skill level, taking control over your car’s care is possible and affordable. In fact, doing things yourself can actually save you money. For more information and ideas of things you can do, visit www.peakauto.com or stop by your local automotive store.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: car-care, car-care tips, car-care tips on a budget

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(ARA) – Automobiles often become a special place for parents to bond with their children, whether it’s tinkering under the hood, or seated behind the wheel for a test drive.

WyoTech, one of the premier automotive training institutions in the country, asked its students for the best advice their fathers gave them about automotive care. Students shared their stories and the wisdom of their fathers. While some of this fatherly advice is simply about mechanics, much of it extends well beyond automotives to lessons for life.

Many fathers stressed the overall importance of learning. Reymundo Delago, an automotive technology student at the Fremont, Calif. campus, says that his father also encouraged him to learn as much as possible. “My father told me: You cannot possibly learn everything there is to know about cars, so every day becomes an opportunity to learn more,” says Delago.

His classmate, Jose Gonzales, says that his father’s advice was to: “Focus on education and try to learn as much about cars as possible.”

Jimmy Avalos, an automotive student at the Long Beach, Calif. campus, was encouraged to: “Go to school and make something of myself.” Avalos adds that he has followed his father’s advice by enrolling at WyoTech, and is now planning for a future in automotive repair.

Caroline Gishnock, a refinishing student at the Blairsville, Penn. campus, says her father told her to: “Never give up. You can fix anything!” Of course, some jobs may require more elbow grease than others, but Curtis Treadaway, an automotive technology student in Fremont, says that the similar advice from his father and his father’s optimistic attitude have given him a good perspective on some of life’s troubles.

Treat your car — and others — well was the advice that Covey Durham received. He is an automotive technology student in Fremont. His father’s rule applies off the road as well — if you want to be treated with respect, it has to start with you.

The best advice Nick Jensen’s father gave him was simply that: “Your future is in your hands.” Jensen, a Fremont automotive technology student, says his father’s advice made him realize his own potential and encouraged him to pursue further education. “My dad always said that my future is in my own hands, but I didn’t realize what that meant until I grew up. Now that I have begun my studies at WyoTech, I really do feel like I am in charge of my own future,” says Jensen.

Andy Kunselman, director of student services at the school’s Blairsville, Penn. location, says that his father never said much, but that he learned by having a role model and a mentor. “Because my dad always had a joke to tell, I learned to have fun, enjoy life and do my best to get a laugh. I also learned how to be reliable and provide for my family. I believe I learned how to be there for friends in need, and help others in general, by watching my dad.”

Fathers have also passed on a love for cars. “Two days before my father passed away he was still working on his ’57 Chevy station wagon. He taught me all I know about cars, and now it’s my turn to teach my son,” says Charles Cuevas, an automotive student in Long Beach.

Walter Davis, an automotive technology student in Fremont, shares Cuevas’ passion for cars and adds that his father’s best advice to him was simply to do what he loves. This inspired him to combine his passion for cars with a technical training from WyoTech, turning his love of cars into a full-time career as an automotive technician.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: auto careers, automotive advice, automotive technician, automotive technician career, fathers and sons, WyoTech

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Steve Meade, a top Denver, Colo., radio personality known as 'Willie B,' co-stars on SPEED's 'PINKS All Out' program and advocates teaching young, would-be racers how to safely pursue their passion.

(ARA) – Just one day after the premier of “Fast & Furious,” a movie that spotlights the world of street racing, a mother and her 2-year-old child died in Charlotte, N.C., when their vehicle was caught in the middle of an apparently illegal street race. A 13-year-old passenger in one of the racing vehicles also died, and the driver of that car now faces three murder charges, police say.

It’s the kind of tragedy that illustrates the need to get young would-be racers to pursue their interests safely – off the streets and on a secure track instead, says Steve Meade, a top Denver, Colo., radio personality known as “Willie B.” Meade co-stars on SPEED’s “PINKS All Out” drag racing lifestyle series, which which premiered its third season in July.

Meade himself witnessed a similar tragedy as a young man when he watched an illegal street race go awry. Years later, the experience inspired him to participate in the Colorado Highway Patrol’s “Take It to the Track” program, a drive to encourage street racers to race on private tracks instead of public roads.

“When a young person is about to participate in a street race, they’re always going to have that one moment of reflection when they think ‘Should I really be doing this,’ ” Meade says. “We want to catch them in that moment and let them know that there is a safe alternative.”

The premier of the third “Fast & Furious” move may well inspire some young drivers to think they can race like actor Vin Diesel’s character, narrowly escaping death and avoiding harm to innocent bystanders. Meade hopes “Take It to the Track” will help aspiring racers to realize the difference between fiction and reality, and pursue their interest in a safer setting.

“If a young person has that desire to race, they’re going to find a way to do it,” Meade says. “If there’s no safe alternative for them, they’re going to race on the street.”

San Antonio resident Michael Andrews and his two sons enjoy a weekend together during the recent PINKS All Out shoot at San Antonio Raceway.

Parents who see the drive to race in their teens and young adult children should take steps to help ensure their passion is fueled in a positive, safe environment, Meade says. If the community has a local race track, parents can contact managers to see if a drag racing program is available. If not, they should encourage the track to found one. Local law enforcement can also be a resource for establishing and supporting safe racing programs in communities, he notes.

Fast cars and racing are an integral part of the American psyche, Meade says. Millions of Americans avidly follow NASCAR racing and millions more are classic car devotees, collectors or just enjoy working on cars in their spare time.

“If your child has that passion for cars and racing, you either help and encourage him to do it the right way, or you risk finding out about it by a knock on the door in the middle of the night telling you that he’s been involved in an illegal race or worse,” Meade says.

“PINKS All Out” airs 9 p.m. EST Thursdays on SPEED. To learn more about the “Take it to the Track” campaign, go to www.csp.state.co.us.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: drag racing, Fast & Furious, PINKS All Out, safe racing programs, street racing

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A big part of engine maintenance is making sure you select the right type of gasoline for your vehicle.

By Dr. FuelGood (Sam Memmolo, ASE certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell)

(ARA) – For most drivers, filling up at the pump is an automatic routine. But considering that cars are typically one of our largest investments, it’s important to remember the way we take care of them can mean the difference between trouble-free driving and costly repairs.

Dr. FuelGood is Sam Memmolo, an ASE certified auto technician and automotive expert for Shell, who has the following advice on the best care for your car:

A big part of engine maintenance is making sure you select the right type of gasoline for your vehicle. Not only is it essential to use the recommended octane (regular, midgrade or premium gasoline), but it’s also important to make sure your fuel has enough cleaning agents to protect your engine. Let’s get back to the basics to help you better understand what you’re putting into your car.

Octane
You probably associate octane with the number you see at the pumps (the higher the number the more premium the fuel), but the technical explanation for octane is the measure of the fuel’s ability to resist “engine knock.” If you use a lower octane rating in an engine designed to use higher octane fuel, “engine knocking” might occur, causing the car to shudder and lose performance. Most modern electronic engine management systems can sense this knocking and make adjustments to prevent serious engine damage, but downgrading to a lower octane can mean reduced performance and lower fuel economy.

Since not every car is the same, different vehicles require different octane gasoline. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation for the appropriate octane level is listed in your owner’s manual. Some vehicles may even have the octane requirement noted on the fuel gauge or the fuel filler cap. If your vehicle’s engine is designed to run on regular grade unleaded gasoline, that’s all it should require. However, using octane above the recommended level will not harm the engine. If you are experiencing engine knocking in an older car that recommends low octane, using a higher octane grade may help correct the problem (however, it’s also recommended to have your car serviced). If you have a performance or luxury vehicle that requires a higher octane level, I recommend you use the rating specified in order to achieve optimal engine performance.

Cleaning Agents
The enemy of engine performance and efficiency is engine “gunk,” or harmful carbon deposits. The gunky build-up is the result of various chemical processes that occur during engine operation, creating a build-up of residue on intake valves and fuel injectors. This gunk acts like a sponge, absorbing and trapping gasoline which can result in decreased engine performance.

Some of the world’s top automakers — Audi, BMW, GM, Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen — recognize that current Environmental Protection Agency minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to prevent engine gunk and ensure optimal engine performance. To try to raise the bar on fuel quality, these auto manufacturers designated the voluntary TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Standards to help drivers avoid lower quality gasolines.

Choosing a gasoline for your vehicle is like choosing a meal for your body — healthy choices can make a difference. Fortunately, preventing engine gunk is easy. Shell recently introduced TOP TIER-certified Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, containing a unique, patented cleaning system designed to seek and destroy engine gunk left by lower quality gasolines. The new Nitrogen Enriched formula helps protect and clean critical engine parts in both conventional and modern engines.

No matter what octane level is required for your vehicle, I recommend you always use a high-quality gasoline that meets TOP TIER standards. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance.

The Bottom Line
While most engines will work regardless of the fuel grade or quality, it’s important to understand that using a higher quality gasoline can be a simple step to help maintain your engine and its vital components. In today’s tough economy, American drivers are concerned about protecting the health of their vehicles. Not all gasolines are the same — the differences in product quality are real. To keep overall costs down, there is no substitute for preventive maintenance.

For more information about Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline and fuel tips, visit www.passionate-experts.shell.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Cleaning Agents, fuel grade, gasoline, Octane, Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline, TOP TIER standards

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(ARA) – Highly motivated dealers, offers to make your payments if you lose your job and a wealth of inventory – all make it a great time to buy a new car. 

Even with American automakers’ very public struggles to stay afloat, many financial and business experts agree that the American automobile industry will never disappear. But a perfect storm of rising inventory, greater competition and economic factors make this summer a particularly good time to buy a new car. 

Factors driving the trend include: 

* Ample inventory – Right now, most American auto dealers have about a six-month inventory of new vehicles on their lots. That means if they stopped adding cars to their inventories tomorrow, they’d still be able to sell for six months before they ran out. 

Ideally, dealers prefer to keep smaller inventories — just a few months’ worth — because every unsold vehicle costs them money the longer it sits on their lots. For potential buyers, this excess of inventory means more motivated dealers and a wider selection of makes and models to choose from — even high-demand hybrids. 

* Incentives – From zero percent financing and no-money-down deals to low interest rates on shorter-term loans, dealers are offering a plethora of incentives to woo buyers. Rebates and employee pricing have been around for a while, but last year several car companies introduced programs that promise to make at least some car payments for you if you lose your job (and income) within a certain time frame after buying one of their cars. With the arrival of warm weather – traditionally a prime car-buying season – dealers and automakers are rolling out new incentives every week. 

* Financing – With competition for your car-buying dollar expected to become even fiercer, your financing options may soon expand. You’ll be in an especially good position to land a deal if you know the power of your credit score prior to negotiations. 

Your credit report and score give lenders a better idea of what kind of credit risk you may be. The higher your score, the more likely it is that you will be able to negotiate good finance terms for your auto loan. 

If you don’t know what’s on your credit report, find out before you head out to the dealer’s lot. Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com give you instant access to your free credit report and score with enrollment in their in Triple Advantage Credit Monitoring membership. 

* Competition – Not only are new car dealers competing with each other, they’re competing with a booming used car market. More Americans are opting to buy used vehicles, perceiving them as cheaper to purchase. Yet new cars most often cost less to operate and maintain, so buying a new car now (when everyone else is looking for used) may actually make greater economic sense for you in the long run. 

Finally you might consider buying a new car because it’s one way you can actually help the economy. Recovery from the recession is everyone’s concern and responsibility, federal officials have said. Contributing your hard-earned dollars to support a vital American industry can not only put you in a new set of wheels you’ll enjoy for years, it can give you a sense of doing your part for the economy as well. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: buying a new car, credit for a car, new car, new car shopping

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(ARA) – Have you checked your tire pressure lately? Properly inflated tires save gas, prevent premature tire wear and increase safety on the road. 

Fewer than 8 percent of vehicles have four properly inflated tires, according to a Rubber Manufacturers Association sponsored national tire pressure survey. Worse, at least 20 percent of vehicles were found to have at least one tire under inflated by at least 8 pounds per square inch, also referred to as PSI. 

Driving on under-inflated tires can significantly affect fuel economy and safety. The U.S. Department of Energy says that properly-inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association estimates that under-inflated tires contribute to more than 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries a year. 

The RMA offers tips that will not only help motorists stay safe, but will also help them save money. Drivers can save 6 cents per gallon at the pump and keep tires rolling longer with simple, monthly maintenance. Regular care helps tires get the most potential wear so they don’t need to be replaced as often. Practicing good driving habits also keeps tires in good condition (avoid fast starts, stops, potholes and curbs). To help keep tires roadworthy, RMA recommends that motorists take five minutes a month to check their tires. 

Be Tire Smart — Play Your PART — Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. These are all key things to check during monthly tire maintenance. 

* Pressure: Check tire pressure monthly with a tire gauge and inflate to vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. 

* Alignment: Misalignment of wheels can cause uneven and rapid tread-wear. 

* Rotation: Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to help you achieve more uniform wear. 

* Tread: Advanced and unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. 

Regular tire maintenance of your vehicle can save you money at the pump and keeps you and your family safe on the road. For more information visit RMA’s Web site at www.betiresmart.org. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: tire pressure, under-inflated tires

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(ARA) – Hanging onto your vehicle is a popular activity with Americans given the current economy, which means you are probably evaluating how your car or truck is performing. One important factor you need to keep in mind is using the right motor oil to help improve you car’s performance and reliability.

Two components determine how well motor oil will perform in your car. One factor is the base oil, and the other is the combination of chemicals (additives) that are added to the base oil.

Base oils
Mineral and synthetic are the two primary types of base oils. Mineral oils are by-products of refined crude oil. Refining helps reduce the impurities, but leaves molecules of all shapes and sizes. Synthetic oils are man-made compounds whose molecules are all the same size and shape. Consequently, synthetic oil has less friction and performs significantly better than mineral oils.

There’s been sizable growth in the use of synthetic oils over the years. In fact, synthetic oils are often what the factory puts in many new performance and luxury cars.

Additives
Regardless of the base oil used, chemicals must be added to give motor oil the characteristics needed to do its job. Typical additives that may be added to base oil include detergents to reduce the formation of residue, defoamants to deter absorption of air, anti-wear agents, antioxidants and others.

Although additives are typically only 15 to 25 percent of the make-up of motor oil, they can impact a lubricant’s performance much more than the base oil. For instance, mineral-based motor oil with a very good additive package can easily outperform synthetic motor oil with a mediocre additive package.

There is no easy way for a consumer to determine the quality of motor oil’s additive package. Price is often an indicator of quality since the more advanced additive technologies cost more to produce. Performance is the ultimate measure of additive package quality.

Advances in lubrication
Some of the biggest technological advances in lubrication are now coming through advancements in chemical additives. These breakthroughs have been developed by a handful of companies that specialize in high-performance lubricants, as opposed to major oil companies whose primary focus is refining and selling crude oil byproducts like gasoline and other fuels.

One high-performance lubricant company, Royal Purple, has developed lubricants that outperform both leading mineral oils and other synthetics. Their oil has been reported by numerous independent sources to dramatically reduce engine wear, increase horsepower and torque, and reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Cars using their oils can also go further between oil changes, saving the owner time and money, and reducing the impact on the environment. More information about their products is available at www.royalpurple.com.

How to choose:
Mineral-based (conventional) motor oils — These are the cheapest and most widely available oils. They typically use standard additive packages that provide minimum levels of performance and protection.

Synthetic motor oils — These man-made oils are more expensive that mineral-based oils but are still widely available. Their performance advantages come predominantly from the synthetic base oil used. They have a longer service life and offer some improvements in protection. They typically use the same additive packages found in mineral-based oils.

High-performance ‘specialty’ synthetic motor oils — These motor oils are the most technologically advanced oils. Although they significantly out-perform mineral-based or synthetic motor oils, they are about the same price as standard synthetic motor oil. They are typically only available through auto parts stores and select oil change centers. These oils primarily differ in their use of more advanced, proprietary additive technologies.

Still confused? For a used car with little life left in it, stick with the cheap mineral-based motor oil. For a car you plan to keep for a few years and want to get a little better performance from, you should at least upgrade to synthetic motor oil. To get the most performance out of your car, truck or RV, or to protect a vehicle you really care about and want to last, upgrade to a high performance motor oil.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: base oils, crude oil, lubrication, Mineral oils, motor oil additives, Synthetic oils

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