Road Trip Preperation For Your Car

Alot of people have concerns about taking their cars on road trips, especially if their cars are getting on in years or mileage. Amazingly long trips are actually easier on your car than day-to-day driving -- but a breakdown far from home can really ruin your fun. A few simple checks will stave off many common problems. As with most things, it's best to start early.
Two to four weeks before you go, get any major repairs done. If your car needs a major repair or maintenance, do it at least one month before you go. That will allow plenty of time for any problems related to the repair to surface.
Check the coolant. If your destination is a lot warmer or cooler than home, check (or have your garage check) the coolant's mixture of antifreeze and water to make sure the car is properly protected. If the coolant needs to be changed, do it (or have it done) now.
Check the tires. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure. Low pressure can cause extra heat buildup that can lead to a puncture at high speeds. Follow the instructions for checking tire pressure in your owner's manual. While you're down there, check the tire tread. Place a penny, edge on, in one the grooves of the tire. If you can see the space above Abe's head, it's time for new tires. Also check the tire pressure,if you have the correct pressure this will save you money on gas.
Check the spare tire. Make sure the spare is fully inflated and that the jack, wrench, and other tire-changing bits are in the trunk. If your car has wheel locks, make sure you have the adapter for the lock-nut.
Check the glovebox. Check for the owner's manual and registration. If the manual is missing, consider ordering a replacement before you go. Some automakers have manuals in PDF format on their web sites. Check the registration to make sure it won't expire during your trip. Consider carrying it in your wallet in case the car is stolen.
One week before you go get any scheduled maintenance done. If you think your car is going to come due for an oil change or other maintenance during your trip, get it done now.
Clean out your car. The more stuff you haul, the more fuel you burn. Clean mercilessly. If you're going to the Grand Canyon in the summer, do you really need those snow chains? My rule: If in doubt, take it out. If you miss anything in the next 6 days before your trip, you can always put it back.
Check the air filter. A clogged air filter reduces fuel economy. They're inexpensive and easy to change. If your current air filter has been in the car for more than 10,000 miles, it's time to clean it or change it.
Buy a road atlas. If you don't have a current road atlas, get one. Hours and hours of expressway can get boring. Getting off the beaten path can add an entirely new dimension to your trip.
Join AAA. If you don't have some sort of roadside assistance program, consider joining AAA. They'll tow your car if it breaks, change the tire if it goes flat, jump start the car if the battery dies, open the doors if you get locked out, and give you gas if you run out. An AAA membership will usually pay for itself the first time you run into trouble -- plus you'll get discounts at some roadside motels and restaurants.
One day before you goWash and vacuum your car. Before you pack, give your car a good scrubbing and vacuuming. Clean cars always seem to run better. Besides, who wants to travel in a dirty car?
Fill the gas tank. Might as well get it out of the way now. Besides, gas is often more expensive on the road.
The day of your tripLook at what you've packed. Open your suitcases and take one last look -- do you really need all that stuff? If there's anything you can do without, then do without.
Load evenly and carefully. If you're carrying lots of heavy objects, position them forward in the trunk and distribute the weight evenly side to side. Cars don't have unlimited carrying capacity, so don't overload.
Relax! Unexpected things can happen, but if you've followed these guidelines, you've headed off a lot of potential problems.

Dave Burton
http://www.bargain-motors.com/

America's Most Fuel Efficeint Cars

The #1 most efficeint car is the Toyota Prius which returns 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway these cost $22,000.

#2 is the Honda Civic Hybrid which gives you 40 mpg city driivng and 45 mpg cruising the highway these will set you back $23,650.

#3 is the Smart ForTwo car this gives you 33 mpg around the city and 41 mpg on the highway costing just $12,235.

#4 VW Jetta Sportswagen TDI (29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway) $23,870
#5 Toyota Camry Hybrid (33 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) $26,150
#6 Toyota Yaris (29 mpg city, 35 mpg highway) $12,205
#7 Mini Cooper (28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway) $19,200
#8 Honda Fit (27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway) $14,750
#9 Chevrolet Aveo5 (27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway) $12,625
#10 Nissan Versa (27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway) $16,100

Dave Burton

www.bargain-motors.com

How to Deal with a Broken Windshield

Getting a broken windshield is not only a nuisance, but could also be dangerous and more importantly it's also illegal. If someone has a broken windshield, they must take steps to have the windshield repaired or replaced immediately. If you have the skill and tools, you can remove the broken windshield and then replace it with a new windshield. You will need to ensure that you have a new or replacement glass ready to go, and can lubricate the hinges. If the hinges need an adjustment be sure to perform that as well. If you don't feel comfortable performing the work, it is important to have a professional complete it instead. Since the windshield is such an invaluable aspect of your vehicle, it must be installed correctly. The replacement glass will also need to be cut to an exact measurement to ensure that it fits perfectly. It's important to keep the hinges of your windshield tight as well as the nuts that are used to keep the windshield securely set in place. If the windshield is not securely fastened, or the nuts and hinges kept tight, you run the risk of having the windshield break or become damaged due to any slight trauma or movement. This will also prevent any annoying rattling from occurring in the windshield, a sign that the windshield is not securely set in place and that the nuts affixing the windshield to the cowl brackets need tightening. When replacing a broken windshield be sure to determine what type of glass is being used in the new windshield as well as the best methods for taking care of it.

Dave Burton

www.bargain-motors.com

Top Tips for Saving Money on Car Parts and Maintainence

Taking care of your car maintenance can be very rewarding if done properly so here's a list of seven top tips that can help you save money on your car parts and service.
1. A well tuned car can have a fuel consumption from 25% to 33% lower than a poorly tuned car making a tune-up cheaper than driving without it, tuning your car for better performance can save you between ${
150 and $300 per year.
2. Regardless of the number of miles the manual recommends a oil change and filter change you should change them every 3,000 miles. This is one of the most important factors in your engine's life since it's going to prolong your engine's life and you're going to save on engine car parts. The potential savings are $500 to $3000.
3. Dirty air filter means more gasoline used and reduces the engine's life so you should check it regularly, maybe monthly. The air filter can be cleaned by blowing it with a hose or can be replaced. You can save about $130 per year..
4. Using steel-belted radial tires can increase the number of miles you make per year by up to 10%, saving this way about $130 per year.
5. Most cars, don't work better on premium gas, so, unless your car is pinging or knocking you shouldn't use higher octane gas. If your car doesn't have a high performance engine, using the gas that best suits your car's engine can save you $200 to $400 per year.
6. Having under inflated tires makes your engine burn about 6% more gas so make sure you check your tire pressure regularly.
7. If your tires are improperly balanced the tread on them will be destroyed. In addition, your suspension and shock absorbers can be damaged leading to more expense on car parts and service. Balancing your tires once a year can add thousands of miles to their life.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

RV Fifth Wheel & Travel Trailer Towing Safety

When towing a 5th wheel or travel trailer, safety should be your #1 priority,an accident while towing these will have greater consequences than in a small car.Consider the following safety tips each time you tow your fifth wheel RV or travel trailer.General Travel Trailer and Fifth Wheel RV Towing TipsIf you are new to RV towing, take time to practice towing your travel trailer or fifth wheel before driving on main roads. Most seasoned RVers recommend finding a large vacant lot and setting up some traffic cones to practice turning and backing. Never allow anyone to ride in or on the travel trailer. Before you leave on a trip, remember to check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels. Use the trailer hitch system the manufacturer recommends for towing. Drive at moderate speeds. This will place less strain on your tow vehicle and RV trailer. Trailer instability (sway) is more likely to occur as speed increases. Avoid sudden stops and starts that can cause skidding, sliding, or jackknifing. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers that might create sway or undue side force on the travel trailer. Fifth wheels are less susceptible to side force sway but you should still be aware of the possibility. Slow down when traveling over bumpy roads, railroad crossings, and ditches. Make wider turns at curves and corners. Because your trailer’s wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of your tow vehicle, they are more likely to hit or ride up over curbs. Parking a Fifth Wheel or Travel TrailerTry to avoid parking on grades. If possible, have someone outside to guide you as you park. Once stopped, but before shifting into Park, have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the trailer wheels. Apply the parking brake, shift into Park, and then remove your foot from the brake pedal. Following this parking sequence is important to make sure your vehicle does not become locked in Park because of extra load on the transmission. For manual transmissions, apply the parking brake and then turn the vehicle off in either first or reverse gear. When uncoupling a travel trailer or fifth wheel, place blocks at the front and rear of the trailer tires to ensure that the trailer does not roll away when the trailer hitch coupling is released. An unbalanced load may cause the tongue to suddenly rotate upward; therefore, before uncoupling, place jack stands under the rear of the trailer to prevent injury. Backing Up Your Fifth Wheel or Travel TrailerPut your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To turn left, move your hand left. To turn right, move your hand right. Back up slowly. Because mirrors cannot provide all of the visibility you may need when backing up, have someone outside at the rear of the trailer to guide you, whenever possible. Use slight movements of the steering wheel to adjust direction. Exaggerated steering control will cause greater movement of the travel trailer. If you have difficulty, pull forward and realign the tow vehicle and trailer and start again. Apply the parking brake, shift into Park, and then remove your foot from the brake pedal. Following this parking sequence is important to make sure your vehicle does not become locked in Park because of extra load on the transmission. For manual transmissions, apply the parking brake and then turn the vehicle off in either first or reverse gear. When uncoupling a trailer, place blocks at the front and rear of the trailer tires to ensure that the trailer does not roll away when the coupling is released. In smaller trailers an unbalanced load may cause the tongue to suddenly rotate upward; therefore, before uncoupling, place jack stands under the rear of the trailer to prevent injury. Braking While Towing a Fifth Wheel or Travel TrailerAllow considerably more distance for stopping. If you have an electric trailer brake controller and excessive sway occurs, activate the trailer brake controller by hand. Do not attempt to control trailer sway by applying the tow vehicle brakes; this will generally make the sway worse. Always anticipate the need to slow down. To reduce speed, shift to a lower gear and press the brakes lightly. Acceleration and Passing While Towing Your Travel Trailer or Fifth WheelWhen passing a slower vehicle or changing lanes, signal well in advance and make sure you allow extra distance to clear the vehicle before you pull back into the lane. Pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance. Avoid passing on steep upgrades or downgrades. If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration or speed maintenance. When passing on narrow roads, be careful not to go onto a soft shoulder. This could cause your trailer to jackknife or go out of control. To control swaying caused by air pressure changes and wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass from either direction, release the accelerator pedal to slow down and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. When excessive sway occurs, activate the trailer brake controller by hand. Do not attempt to control trailer sway by applying the tow vehicle brakes; this will generally make the sway worse. Towing Your Fifth Wheel or Travel Trailer on Downgrades and UpgradesDownshift to assist with braking on downgrades and to add power for climbing hills. On long downgrades, apply brakes at intervals to keep speed in check. Never leave brakes on for extended periods of time or they may overheat. Some tow vehicles have specifically calibrated transmission tow-modes. Be sure to use the tow-mode recommended by the manufacturer.
Dave Burton

http://www.bargain-motors.com/

What To Do In The Event Of An Accident

What to do if you have a Car Accident
If you’re involved in an accident, it is important to get as much information as possible. If you are injured or in a state of shock, there is still information you can provide by returning to the scene of the accident as soon as possible and jotting down a few pointers.
This will assist your claim by helping both your insurance company and solicitor obtain the best possible outcome at a later date. It is advisable to carry a pen, paper and disposable camera (altho most new phones have camera's nowadays) in your car to help you to accurately record the accident details.
Information to collect if possible at the time of incident
Contact details including names, addresses and telephone numbers of drivers, pedestrians and passengers involved. If a party is driving within the course of his employment, take both the driver and the employer's details. It may be worth noting a description of the driver, location and any distinguishing features
Time and date of the accident
Gather as many vehicle details including vehicle make, model, registration number, color, any modifications and if relevant, the number of passengers in each vehicle
Whether the parties were using headlights and/or indicator lights
The weather, visibility and lighting conditions, including street lighting
Name, "collar number" and force details of any police officer attending and other emergency services details if appropriate
Identify the damage to each vehicle involved.
Identify any injuries to persons involved
If you have a camera, take some photographs of the accident scene
Useful information to jot down at the time or after the accident;
A full description of what happened including sketches of the vehicles’ positioning.
Estimated speed of the vehicles involved
The type of road
A description of the scene of the accident, including any relevant road markings, signals, obstructions etc (i.e. skip outside property at road junction)
Whether the parties were using headlights or indicator.
Reporting;
It is an offence to refuse to give details to the other driver following an accident, if there has been injury or property damage
Accidents must be reported to the police within 24 hours
Inform your insurance company of the accident as quickly as possible. The company may refuse to insure you if you have not notified them of the accident within the time period set out in the policy.

Dave Burton
www.bargain-motors.com

Safe Tips to Change a Car Tyre

How to change a tyre
Tools required:
Spare wheel with inflated tyre
Tyre jack
Wheel brace
Wheel chocks (or brick/large stone)
Warning triangle

If you experience a puncture whilst driving, slow down to no more than 5mph, and drive yourself to a safe place away from other traffic – ideally a lay-by or car parking space, and preferably near a light if it is dark. You may need to park the car on the other side of the road to get the side of the punctured tyre out of the way of the traffic, but DO NOT attempt to change a tyre yourself on the hard shoulder of any busy road – call emergency services for this, the risk is too great.

Ensure the car is parked on level ground, and remove all passengers from the car to a safe place away from any traffic.

Step 1:
Double check you've applied the handbrake. If you have a manually geared car put it into gear, if you have an automatic put it into "Park".

Step 2:
Turn off your engine and put your hazard warning lights on. If you have one, put down a warning triangle down about 30 meters away. Opening your bonnet can also help indicate to other drivers that you are making repairs on the vehicle.

Step 3:
Check that your spare tyre is suitably inflated, and make sure you have your wheel jack and wheel brace, the tool you'll need for getting the wheel off (pictured), – all should usually be in the boot.

Step 4:
On the diagonally opposite wheel to the flat one, place a wheel chock (available from all car part stores) or a brick/large stone either behind or in front of the wheel to prevent the car from rolling down hill. If you are in doubt about which direction has the more incline, put chocks on either side of the wheel. Do this even if you are sure you're on a level surface.

Step 5:
If you have one, remove the hubcap or plastic cover concealing the wheelnuts. (You may need to use your wheel brace or a large screwdriver to prize this off.

Step 6:
With the car still on the ground, 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 the worst bit, as the nuts can be extremely tight. You will probably need to use all your body weight to loosen them – but BE CAREFUL OF YOUR BACK! Bending your knees and pulling is better for your back, and you may need to extend the arm of your wheel brace by attaching an extra tube to it for added leverage. If you still do not have the strength, place your foot on the left handle of the wheel brace (without any extensions on it) and use your body weight to drop the handle to the floor carefully while supporting yourself using the roof of your car.

Step 7:
Continue to loosen all the nuts by half a turn – first loosen one then loosen the one opposite, working across the tyre until all the nuts are loosened slightly.

Step 8:
Check your owners' manual for the correct place to put the jack nearest to the wheel you are changing. Only use the recommended place – anywhere else can be dangerous and cause collapse.
Start to jack up the car, as soon as there is enough room, but before the wheel is off the ground, place the spare tyre under the body of the car to add extra support just in case the jack slips.
Continue to jack the car up a bit higher than is necessary to remove the flat wheel as you will need enough room to fit the fully inflated spare.

Step 9:
Finish removing all the nuts and place them somewhere safe. The wheel with the flat tyre should be hanging from the threaded studs now.

Step 10:
Remove the flat wheel from its threaded studs and put it in the place of the spare under the body of the car.

Step 11:
Lift the spare onto the wheel studs. (To check you're fitting it the right way round, check that the air valve is facing out.

Step 12:
Replace the nuts, tightening them in the same pattern as you loosened them.

Step 13:
Remove the old tyre from under the body of the car, and slowly lower the jack and remove it.

Step 14:
Tighten the nuts again – as much as you can (standing on the arm of the wheel brace might again be helpful – but this time in a clockwise direction)

step 15:
Replace the hubcap or wheel cover.

www.bargain-motors.com