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Your car is a series of machines that work together in amazing synergy to propel you through space at unnatural speeds. These machines produce fire and explosions and heat and friction; they circulate water, petroleum and other liquids, along with air and grease, and they release steam and smoke in the air. It’s an absolute… The post An Expert Guide to Gasket Kits and Sealants appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

If you have a Subaru vehicle, you may need to use a special Subaru coolant conditioner to protect the head gasket and prevent leaks. Just as “the hip bone is connected to the knee bone” (okay, not directly), all the parts of a car affect each other. That is because an automobile is a series… The post The Importance of a Coolant Conditioner in Subaru Vehicles appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

Winter is quickly approaching and that means fewer hours of daylight. To be sure you can be seen by others and your visibility is not compromised, check your vehicle’s lights and wipers, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “The days are getting shorter, so it is a good time to check that your vehicle’s wipers and lighting are working properly because the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so check all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out. Also, be sure to inspect and replace wiper blades so you can see clearly when wet weather hits.” The wiper system keeps excessive water, snow and dirt from building up on the windshield, maintaining clear visibility. Many factors can accelerate the replacement interval of wipers, including operating conditions (winter conditions are tough on wiper blades), frequency of use, material and type of wipers and sunny weather. In fact, wiper blades can deteriorate faster and need more frequent replacement in desert states. Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:  If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle. For more information about keeping your vehicle in safe, dependable operating condition, visit the Car Care Council website at www.carcare.org. 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 As Days Get Shorter, Check Vehicle Lights, Wipers appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

The transmission in a car delivers the proper amount of power generated by the engine to the wheels, much the way the gear shifter on a bicycle works. Imagine getting on your bicycle and attempting to start from a standstill in the highest gear on the bike. It would be nearly impossible to move. You… The post What Does a Transmission Weigh? An Overview appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

As wildfires engulf the West, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds car owners to have their cabin air filters and engine air filters inspected and changed regularly to ensure they are providing maximum protection from smoke and debris. “Cabin air filters are the first line of defense against contaminants that reduce vehicle cabin air quality for vehicle owners and their passengers,” said Nathan Perrine, executive director, Car Care Council. “The Car Care Council recommends that motorists in areas impacted by wildfires and those in surrounding states have their cabin air filters replaced. This simple, yet important, service will help ensure vehicle longevity as well as clean air inside the car.” The cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the passenger compartment. Under normal circumstances, it helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, compromising interior air quality and damaging the system. The filter also prevents leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the HVAC system, which could also cause problems. Most cabin air filters are accessed through the panel in the HVAC housing, which may be under the hood or placed within the interior of the vehicle. A cabin air filter should not be cleaned and reinstalled. Instead, it should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or per the owner’s manual.  In areas with heavy airborne contaminants, such as soot, smoke and debris from wildfires, it should be changed more frequently. “It’s important not to overlook the engine air filter,” continued Perrine. “Engine air filters trap dirt particles, including soot, which can cause costly engine damage. They also plays a critical role in keeping smoke and debris from contaminating the airflow sensor on fuel-injected cars. As a rule of thumb, air filters should be inspected at each oil change and replaced annually or when showing other signs of contamination.” To learn more about vehicle air filters, visit www.carcare.org and view the “Air Filter Maintenance” video on the Car Care Council’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/carcaretips. 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 Wildfires a Serious Concern for Vehicles, Passengers appeared first on Be Car Care Aware.

It’s a Hollywood staple: the happy-go-lucky vacation sidetracked by the image of mom and the kids standing forlorn at the side of the road while dad waves a shirt at an overheated car engine, hood up and white smoke pouring out. Vacation ruined, danger lurking, cue the foreboding music. An overheated engine is actually the… The post Overcoming Overheating: Fixing Your Car’s Engine appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

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.

If there is one thing everyone can do to optimize the life of their car engine, it is to take care of their motor oil. Keeping the oil level at full and changing the oil as indicated in the owner’s manual will extend the life of the car more than anything else. This is why… The post Potential Consequences of Low Oil on Engine Overheating appeared first on BlueDevil Products.

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.