Aug 3, 2010 – 10:32:14 PM
Email – Print – Discuss
Vehicle Maintenance and Car-pooling Go Hand In Hand
|
Vehicle maintenance and car-pooling go hand in hand, so be sure to complete your car maintenance so your car-pooling is as safe as can be. Take a look at these car care tips and check Fram and Prestone websites.
(NC)—For many parents, car-pooling to school is the perfect blend of financial and environmental responsibility. But given that you will be toting around other people’s loved ones as well as your own, the importance of a well-maintained, reliable vehicle is multiplied.
Here are some things you should do to prepare your car for its carpooling duties:
Check Your Fluids.
Make it a habit to check your fluid levels once per month – particularly the level and condition of your antifreeze/coolant. It’s not hard to “top off”; just use as recommended – Prestone Long Life Premixed Antifreeze/coolant is for all makes and models of cars and light duty trucks. Your preventative maintenance could help you avoid an overheated engine.
Visit your trusted mechanic for a vehicle inspection. They can alert you to any potential problems, and fix those that are necessary.
Get An Oil Change.
With carpooling schedules, the miles on your car will likely increase. If you have an older car with many miles, consider using the Fram High Mileage oil filter. It has a special time released gel additive that helps reduce engine wear by maintaining oil viscosity, neutralizing acids and keeping engine components cleaner.
Be Prepared.
As the weather gets colder, make sure your vehicle is stocked with ice-fighting products like Prestone Deicer Windshield Washer Fluid with dirt blocker. The night before a frost or snow, spray your windshield with Prestone Ice and Frost Shield Vehicle GlassTreatment to reduce the need for scraping.
Play It Safe.
Always keep an emergency kit and cell phone in your car in case of emergencies. As the weather gets colder, have extra blankets and warm clothes on hand, along with bottled water and snacks. If needed, these items can help keep you and your passengers safe until help arrives.
More information on this topic can be found online at www.fram.com and www.prestone.com.
|
Copy of NAPLESAUTOREPAIR_1
May 25, 2010 – 11:41:50 PM
Email – Print – Discuss
Five Tips For Motorcycle and ATV Maintenance
|
Five tips for maintaining your motorcycle or ATV so you can keep your machine in good riding condition. Regular maintenance will keep your vehicle and yourself safe.
(ARA) – Americans have purchased more than 15 million all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles over the past 10 years. Along with the thrill of the ride, or the convenience of chores made easy, comes the responsibility of maintaining these machines.
Typically, most guys and gals with a garage – or at least the garage mentality – know that regular vehicle maintenance comes with the territory, much like owning a car.
But knowing what to do, doesn’t always lead to doing it correctly. The owner’s manuals that come with the vehicle contain a lot of good information, including a full maintenance schedule, but here are a few items you don’t want to miss.
Changing the oil and checking fluid levels – As with any motorized vehicle, regular oil changes are a must for your ATV. Be sure to follow your vehicle’s oil change schedule and, if the vehicle’s been sitting all winter, check all fluids.
Check tire pressure – Check the tire pressure on all tires and follow manufacturer recommendations for air pressure levels.
Inspect or replace the spark plugs – The beginning of the season is a good time to replace your spark plugs, as it is a surefire way to help get your machine started more easily after its winter hibernation. Inspecting the old one is also a good way to give you an indication as to how your engine was running.
Check battery connections – After sitting idle all winter, you’ll want to check the battery connections for possible corrosion and ensure they are solid.
Changing, cleaning and oiling the air filter – This is probably the most overlooked aspect of regular maintenance. Putting oil on an air filter may seem counterintuitive, but it is an essential step when replacing the air filter on many motorsports vehicles. Air filter maintenance is important in everything from a small off-road motorcycle to larger utility ATVs like the Yamaha Grizzly 700. Let’s take a closer look at this important step.
“Anyone that has spent a day on dusty trails and then taken a look at their air filter can attest that the foamy exterior is likely covered in dirt and debris,” says Travis Hollins, Yamaha’s ATV product planning manager. “You need that moist, sticky filter oil to catch the dirt and other particles that otherwise can foul up the engine and cause long-term damage.”
Many miss this detail because most air filters are not sold with the oil already applied. So, anyone cleaning or replacing an air filter will need to add the oil. It is a simple three-step process. Step 1: Remove the air filter. Step 2: Clean the filter with a specially recommended cleaner and rinse with water. Step 3: Allow the newly cleaned filter to dry, then re-apply your filter oil. Your local dealer can provide more advice and recommendations or you can look up more information on your manufacturer’s website. Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., as an example, offers a step-by-step instructional video by logging on to www.yamahaoutdoors.com. Click on “parts and service,” then the “filter maintenance” button to view the video.
For many gear heads, tinkering with the engine and doing regular maintenance provides just as much satisfaction as a long trail ride or day at the track. A little time investment in the garage can payoff in hours of good riding.
|
Copy of NAPLESAUTOREPAIR_1
