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  If the heart is the engine of the human body, the engine is the heart of an automobile. It is the place in which air and gas are forced into a chamber and blown up in a process we call internal combustion, pistons to pump up and down inside cylinders, and the mechanics that… The post Everything You Need to Know About Engine Repair appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

Your car’s water pump does not make your car go. In fact, it doesn’t even make the parts that make the car go, work, at least not directly. But if your water pump fails, your cooling system stops working and then your engine seizes up. Thus, the water pump is vital to the operation of… The post Can I Change a Car Water Pump Myself? appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

Summer is the main season for “cone zones,” road construction where you will likely hit a bump or two, or come across loose stones and other hazards. These rough road conditions can be tough on a vehicle’s steering and suspension system and can throw out the alignment, while loose stones have the potential to damage the vehicle’s exterior or windshield, according to the non-profit Car Care Council. “Even the most careful motorist, who is driving slowly and carefully through road construction, is bound to hit an unexpected bump or other road hazards,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “Be sure to pay attention to your car and if you think there’s a problem, have it taken care of as soon as possible.” The main symptoms of steering and suspension or wheel alignment problems are uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, noise and vibration while cornering or loss of control. The council recommends that motorists have their vehicles checked out immediately if any of these symptoms exist, as steering and suspension systems are key safety-related components and largely determine the car’s ride and handling. Regardless of road conditions, these systems should be checked annually and a wheel alignment should be performed at the same time. Motorists also should do frequent visual checks of their vehicle’s exterior and windshield to identify any chips, dings or cracks. These are small problems that can become costly repairs and safety hazards if they aren’t taken care of immediately. For information to help you keep your vehicle running dependably and protect its long-term value, visit the Car Care Council’s website at www.carcare.org and sign up for the free custom service schedule. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org. The post ‘Cone Zone’ Season Can Be Tough On Vehicles appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

If you’re feeling the summer heat, so is your car’s battery. Contrary to popular belief, summer highs rather than winter lows pose the greater threat to battery life, according to the non-profit Car Care Council. “When most motorists think of dead batteries that cause starting failure, they think of severe winter weather, but summer heat is the real culprit,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “Many battery problems start long before the temperatures drop. Heat, more than cold, shortens battery life.” Sooner or later all batteries have to be replaced. Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, leading to slow death for a battery. To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following simple steps: Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow. Driving habits such as frequent engine on/off cycles will cause more wear on the starter than a simple back and forth to work. Other factors include driving and weather conditions, mileage, vehicle age and excessive electrical draws like in-vehicle entertainment systems. Check the battery if you notice headlights and interior lights dim, accessories that fail to operate, or the “check engine” and/or battery light illuminated. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org. The post Summer Heat Takes a Toll on Your Car’s Battery appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

By James C. Owens, Deputy Administrator, U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Only you can protect your family or yourself from defective or noncompliant vehicles or equipment that could pose a threat to your safety. Hundreds of injuries have been reported, and 16 people have been killed in the U.S. by defective air bags that are part of the largest and most complex vehicle recalls in U.S. history—affecting tens of millions of vehicles from 19 automakers. Getting these unsafe vehicles repaired is integral to improving safety and saving lives. The U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging vehicle owners to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and others from this urgent threat to safety. Learning how to check for recalls is the first important step, and the next is knowing how to get your recall fixed for FREE. What is a vehicle recall? A vehicle safety recall is just that—bringing an unsafe vehicle to a dealership to resolve a safety problem when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle or piece of equipment has a safety-related defect or does not comply with federal standards. Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases, repurchasing the vehicle. In 2019 alone, there were over 38 million vehicles recalled. Check for recalls If your vehicle is currently under recall, you should receive a notice in the mail from your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you’re worried about missing a notice, you can also stay up to date on recalls by signing up for notification emails. You don’t need to wait for a notification to find out if your vehicle is under recall. Visit https://www.NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your VIN to see if your vehicle is under recall. You can also use NHTSA’s website to check on vehicle-related products, such as car seats, tires or equipment. Not sure where your VIN is? Look on the lower left of your vehicle’s windshield. It is 17 characters long. Your VIN is also located on your vehicle registration card, and may be shown on your insurance card too. Get the repair (for FREE!) If your vehicle is under recall, follow any interim safety guidance provided by the manufacturer and contact your local dealership to get the FREE recall repair. Report problems for investigation If you think your vehicle or equipment could have a safety defect, reporting it to NHTSA is important. If the agency receives similar reports from a number of people about the same product, this could indicate that a safety-related defect exists that would warrant an investigation. You can report any suspected safety defects to NHTSA one of two easy ways: by visiting www.NHTSA.gov/recalls, or by calling NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline (888-327-4236 or 800-424-9393 toll-free from anywhere in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands). Vehicle owner reports fuel NHTSA’s work, and that’s why we’re committed to sharing more information with you about how to report recalls. NHTSA recommends checking your VIN twice a year to see if your vehicle is under any safety recall: when you set your clocks forward in the spring and when you set them back in the fall. Stay in touch with NHTSA and keep an eye on your mailbox for direct alerts. And if your vehicle is under recall, get it repaired for FREE immediately. With safer drivers and safer cars, we’ll have safer roads—and your efforts can help save lives. The post Are you Driving an Unsafe Car? What You Need to Know About Recalls appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

Brake Safety Awareness Month in August is the perfect time to have your brakes checked to make sure they are in safe working condition before summer ends and the school year starts, says the non-profit Car Care Council. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need to be replaced. A vehicle’s braking system should be checked at least once a year and a thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems. “When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of driving conditions. Motorists can put a stop to any potential brake system problems by recognizing the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.” If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, they should be inspected. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing. Several factors affect brake wear including driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous and lead to a more costly repair bill. To help you learn more about auto care and brake repair, visit www.carcare.org to view the popular 80-page Car Care Guide or sign up for the council’s free personalized service schedule and email reminder service. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org. The post Stop and Check Your Brakes appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

Back-to-school season is the ideal time to review your ABCs; the ABCs of car care, that is. The Car Care Council recommends that motorists brush up on their auto care knowledge to make sure their vehicle is operating at its most efficient level before the school year commences and the onset of fall and winter weather. The ABCs of basic car care include: A – Always follow a vehicle service schedule.B – Be sure to have your car inspected when you suspect there is a problem.C – Correct the problem to help avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down away from home. “By following these three basic car care tips, motorists can address minor issues before they become more complicated and more expensive repairs,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “The ‘Five Point Check-Up’ featured in our back-to-school video offers valuable maintenance and safety tips that will help families get their vehicles ready for transportation needs during the school year.” Produced in conjunction with AutoNetTV Media, the Car Care Council’s informative video entitled “Back to School Tips” can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaW4Q7yt1QY. Motorists can also visit www.carcare.org to view the popular 80-page Car Care Guide and sign up for the council’s free personalized service schedule and email reminder service. The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org. The post Learn the ABCs of Car Care appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

With gas prices remaining low, motorists should take advantage of their savings and invest it back into their vehicles. By spending a little now to increase fuel efficiency, drivers can multiply fuel savings and save more money at the pump, says the Car Care Council. With the average cost of a gallon of gas remaining low at $2.166, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Car Care Council encourages motorists to be car care aware and perform simple steps to improve fuel efficiency and save money. Engine Performance: Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of four percent.Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to three percent.Motor Oil: Improve gas mileage by one to two percent by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.Air Filters: Replacing clogged air filters on older vehicles can improve fuel economy and will improve performance and acceleration on all vehicles.Gas Cap: Replacing damaged, loose or missing gas caps will stop gas from vaporizing into the air.Fix It: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent, according to www.fueleconomy.gov. “A small investment in simple and inexpensive auto care will add up to better fuel economy. In addition, modifying driving habits, such as observing the speed limit and avoiding quick stops and starts, can also increase fuel efficiency,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “Consolidating trips, avoiding excessive idling and removing unnecessary items from the trunk are also easy ways to lower fuel consumption.” The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org. The post Low Gas Prices + Simple Car Care = More Savings appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. The Car Care Council recommends that car owners follow its Fall Car Care Month checklist and inspect their vehicles before the temperatures drop and severe weather hits. Heating, Wipers & Lights Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed. Tires & Brakes Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item. Gas, Oil & Filters Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time. System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed. Pack the Essentials Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.Order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide for your glove box by visiting www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.  “Winter magnifies existing problems like hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling, so a little car care now is a sensible way to avoid being stranded out in the cold later,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council.” Whether you perform the inspection and maintenance yourself or go to a trusted repair shop, it’s a small investment of time and money to help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during the cold winter months ahead.” About the Car Care Council The non-profit Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.  The post Motorist Checklist for Fall Car Care Month in October appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.