How To Winterize Your Car

If you haven't taken care of it already it's time to get your car ready for winter. I have had a few clients call me over the last few days asking what I thought they should do to get ready. Here's a quick list, if you have a question don't hesitate to contact me. Let the readers know how you get ready for winter or leave a tip in the comments section.

* Start with making sure your regularly manufacturers maintainence schedule is up to date.

* Make sure that your tires are in good condition and use a tire gauge to confirm proper tire pressure.

* Consider installing winter tires if your budget allows. If you purchase standard rims you will
save money on mounting and balancing.

* Flush and replace engine coolant and top up all other fluid reservoirs.

* Replace wiper blades if needed

* Load test your battery to check ability to hold a charge. Replace if more than 5 yrs old.

* Make sure spare tire is in good repair and the jack is in working order.

* Check for exhaust leaks.

* Have the braking system inspected by a qualified technician.

* Ensure all lights, defrosters and heat is working properly.

Keep your gas tank as full as you can to prevent moisture from freezing in your gas line. It is a good idea to assemble an emergency kit and keep it in the trunk at all times. Suggested items could be a collapsible shovel, kitty litter or sand for traction, gloves, boots, snowsuit and blanket.
Also include a flashlight, scraper, flares and booster cables and a first aid kit.

I was talking to our service manager and he told me that most people dont think to have the block heater checked at the beginning of winter. Just because the cord is there doesn't mean it is working. At our store we don't even charge for this!!

What steps do you take to prepare for winter, any tips?

8 Steps to Clean Your Car Like a Pro

1) Start on the outside of the car. Wash with proper cleaning solution and a pressure washer with a spray nozzle. Make sure to wash tires, rims and wheel wells, undercarriage and windows. Rinse soap off and use a sham to remove water before it dries and spots. Apply wax if desired.

2) Apply tire cleaner to the tires. Use chrome cleaner or rim cleaner depending on what type of rims you have.

3) Clean and vacuum the trunk. If you see stains you can use a foam cleaner or a steam machine, depending on what you have access to.

4) Clean all exterior and interior windows and make sure to clean windshield wipers to avoid scratching.

5) Clean and dry ashtrays, cupholders and garbage containers.

6) Clean your dash and all door panels with proper cleaning solutions and finish with a protectant such as armorall.

7) Vacuum floors and seating.

8) Feel good knowing that you are helping to keep the value of your vehicle at a maximum. Now go and enjoy.

How To Buy A Used Car

First do a visual inspection

* Look for signs of rust, if you see rust move on to another vehicle.

* Make sure to inspect all windows and especially the windshield for scratches, bullseyes or

cracks

* Check to see if there is uneven wear and tear on the tires. Also ensure there is lots of tread left

* Open up the trunk so you can be sure there is a spare tire and jack

* Look at the end of the tailpipe, if you see oil dont buy the car!

* Check the oil and radiator fluid and make sure it is clean and there is no burnt smell

* Look under the hood for frayed electrical cords, leaks, general condition etc

Road Test

* Enter the vehicle and test the electrical components such as the radio, c.d. player, wipers power windows and doors, heat and air conditioning

* Make sure the turn signals work and step on the brake and have someone behind the vehicle tell you if they work

* Turn the vehicle on, is it idling properly?

* Take it for a drive, is it accelerating and braking smoothly?

* Check the alignment when it is safe to take your hands off the steering wheel. Does the car pull to one side?

* Drive over a bumpy road to test the shocks

* Take the car to a mall or other busy parking lot and try parking. Are the sight lines acceptable?

Dont forget to do a lein search to make sure there is no money owing on the vehicle.

Always have an independent mechanic check the vehicle out for you. If the seller is reluctant to let you do this RUN!

And last but not least make sure there is a spare set of keys.

Maximize Your Gas Mileage

Hello and welcome to colin's blog.

You can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing the right vehicle to begin with. Don't buy more vehicle than you need. Before you go shopping decide what you will be using the vehicle for. Pick out three or four models to compare and make your decision after doing your due diligence.

TOP TIPS

1) Keep your windows closed to reduce drag. Set air coditioning or heat to the lowest comfortable setting.

2) Use Cruise Control to maintain constant speed. Continuously accelerating and braking burns more fuel. Stick to the speed limit.

3) Keep Idling to a minimum. If you are waiting for more than 15 seconds turn your engine off then restart when you are ready to go. Instead of wasting your gas skip the drive thru. Park the vehicle and walk in. this will save a little and you will also get the benefit of a little exercize.

4) Keep your car properly maintained, follow the recommended manufacturers maintenance schedule. You will be rewarded for doing the little things like having the oil and air filter replaced.

5) Maintain proper tire inflation and alignment. It will be easier for your vehicle to stay in motion with less effort.

6) Eliminate excess cargo, dont lug around stuff you dont need .

7) Dont make unneccesary trips. If you can plan to take care of two or three errands in one trip the savings will add up quickly.

8) Car Pool to work if possible. Take turns driving children or yourself to activities, hobbies and events.