Monday, April 29, 2013

Tips For Maintaining Your Car

Do you take care of your car properly? Besides washing your car every couple of weeks and a detailed washing every six months, you need to check your car to make sure everything is working according to the owner's manual. Here are some tips that will help you keep your car in proper working condition and make it last long:

- Maintain your car's cooling system and the proper coolant level to increase your car's functioning and preventing costly repairs down the line. A failure in the cooling system can result in your engine melting down. The lack of proper coolant and maintenance of hoses can lead to serious problems.

- Tires, though one of the most important components of your car, are often the most neglected, too. It is extremely important to keep to keep your tires at the right inflation pressure. If the inflation issue is not right, it can lead to serious accidents.

- Spend time inspecting your car. Experts suggest you take 5 minutes and do a close check up of your vehicle. Check your tires if they are wearing unevenly. Open the hoods and check the hoses. Check the lights whether they are working properly. It only takes few minutes to check things like these.

- While your owner's manual will have a maintenance schedule for you, it's also important you go to the same mechanic for the routine check up as they can take care of things not mentioned in the manual. When you go to different places for servicing, they won't know what you have done the previous time. So, you may end up paying unnecessary repairs. Most services keep electronic records, so they know when the last service was done and what repairs were carried on.

- The way your drive also has an impact on the condition of your car and it's longevity. Have good driving habits. It will not only save wear and tear in your car but will also save your fuel. Accelerating all of a sudden and applying brakes rapidly is also bad for your car.

- Regularly wash and wax your car to keep it in good condition. Don't neglect the interiors. Clean the interiors, along with vacuuming the carpet on a regular basis. Take spills off immediately as they can be difficult to remove.

- Do not store your car just anywhere, exposed to the elements. Keep it in a garage and keep it covered. Keep it out of the sun. Don't park under trees as that exposes them to bird droppings and tree sap. Also avoid dings when parking.

- Regularly change your oil to keep your engine running properly and preventing engine damage. Regularly changing oil will also increase the life of your engine.

- If your car is facing any problems that you are not being able to repair, take your car to a repair shop where mechanical repairs are done. It is important to get any problems addressed as soon as they surface to prevent future problems.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Perkersen

Friday, April 26, 2013

DubChat Talk Show: Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System | VW USA



This episode of DubChat takes place in a Volkswagen Tiguan, where co-hosts Pete and Jimmy invite Volkswagen Safety Specialist Faye to discuss the Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS.)

The ICRS is a safety feature found in all Volkswagen models, which automatically unlocks all the doors, disables the fuel pump and turns on the hazard lights in the event of an accident.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

BMW Repair and Maintenance: The Oil Change

Anyone who owns one should understand that BMW repair issues can't necessarily be lumped in with any other vehicle. These precision automobiles are not made the same way a Honda or a Ford is made. And as such, they should seldom be entrusted to a mechanic who has only the basic training needed to work on those general vehicles. Even when it comes to something as simple as an oil change, there is a lot of evidence to argue that you should take your car to a specialty shop. Next time you think about pulling your Beamer into the local 5 minute lube job shop, here are some things to consider.

Intervals

One of the basic concepts of BMW repair is that they don't need an oil change as often as most other vehicles. They run on synthetic oil, which burns cleaner and provides the engine with a ton of benefits. While you can get synthetic oil at any oil change shop (if you remember to ask for it), they are still likely going to slap that 3,000 mile sticker on your windshield. Ignore it if you must, but what you're looking at is a shop more concerned with doing business in one particular way instead of giving their customers specialized service. It may not matter that much by itself, but it is symptomatic of a larger problem.

Additional Maintenance

One of the best reasons to take your car in for an oil change in the first place (as opposed to handling it yourself) is getting the additional checks and maintenance that go along with the service. But the last thing you want is some oil change technician opining on BMW repair. He likely hasn't the slightest idea what he's talking about! By contrast, if you take your Beamer into an authorized mechanic, you can be sure that he won't start recommending things that have nothing to do with your maintenance plan.

The Right Tools

BMW repair, done properly, requires specialized tools that won't work on other vehicles. For that reason, most shops don't have them around. You can do plenty of things with a BMW with general car tools, but you're risking breaking something important in the process. Don't take the chance. You didn't pay a lot for a luxury automobile to have it pawed at by some guy who doesn't know the difference between a Volkswagen and an Audi. Take it somewhere that the craftsmanship that goes into one of these vehicles is respected.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7005250

Star Tech European in Vacaville specializes in BMW service and repairs. The auto repair business doesn't have the best reputation, so we go the extra mile to build trust. That includes taking extra time to really explain what your car needs and why. Our goal is to give professional, friendly, honest service without the stress and hassle of going to the dealer. We will never sell you something you don't need.
707-455-8870

Saturday, April 20, 2013

The CLA 45 AMG




With the CLA 45 AMG Mercedes-Benz creates a new vehicle segment. Watch and find out the most important facts about the new four-door high-performance coupé.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

5 Things to Do to Prepare Your Car for a Summer Road Trip

If your car is reaching a certain age, it's only normal for you to worry about taking it on a long trip. Yet, what most people don't know is that long trips make less damage to your car than short course trips in the city.

The speed will be constant, you won't be needing to hit the brakes so often, making the car spend less gas and the motor won't have too much strain.

But, the last thing you want is to have a breakdown away from home. To avoid this, do a few simple checkups, the earlier the better - two to four weeks before departure would be the best choice.

  • Repair major problems: If your car needs some big repairs, you should make them ASAP. This will give you time to see if there's something really wrong with the car, and you'll have the time to fix it.

A good thing to keep in check, is the coolant. If you're going to a warmer or colder place than what you're used to, your car may suffer with the changes. Ask for the mechanic to check if your vehicle is properly protected, and have it done as soon as possible.

  • Check tires and spares: Make sure your tires have the proper pressure. If you have a low pressure, your tires will heat up, and this can cause them to blow up if you speed up. The best way to do this is by checking your user's manual, to see what the best pressure for your car. Also, check your tires tread.

A good thing to do beforehand is to check the spare tire - is it inflated? Also, check if the jack, wrench and everything you need to change a tire is in the trunk

  • Check the glove compartment: Make sure you have your vehicles owner manual and registration. If you don't have the manual anymore, order a replacement or ask if they don't have it in PDF format on their websites.

Check the registration to see if won't expire while you're on your trip, and keep it in your wallet or in your pocket, in case your car is robbed. It's also a good idea to have a road atlas in there, just in case.

  • Check the air filter: If your air filter is obstructed or clogged, it will make you spend more fuel. They aren't very expensive, and they're quite easy to change. If you haven't changed the filter ever, and your car is over 10,000 miles, it's time for a change.
  • Join Triple A: If you don't have a roadside assistance program, consider triple A. in case of an emergency or if you have any problems, they'll tow it, put gas in it if you run out and change the tire if it goes flat.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7639639

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Mercedes-Benz TV: Torie Shows Two World Premieres in New York



Mercedes-Benz presents the all new CLA 45 AMG at this year's New York Auto Show. MB-Reporter Torie was on location and shows you another trend-setting highlight: the B-Class Electric Drive.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Top 5 Pieces of Vehicle Maintenance Most Owners Forget to Do

For most vehicle owners, maintaining their vehicles is a necessary evil. Regular maintenance involves oil changes, brakes and fixing things that break. However, owners often neglect and forget some of the most basic maintenance items.

Here are five vehicle maintenance items most owners forget when it comes to maintaining their vehicles.
  1. Windshield wipers. For many drivers the windshield wipers are often neglected until the first heavy rain or snowfall. When wipers fail to keep the windshield clear, it creates dangerous driving situations, impairing vision and visibility. Drivers should also remember wiper blades for winter driving conditions differ from summer driving conditions. Make it a point to change your wiper blades to match the seasons and improve your visibility on the road.

  2. Windshield Wash Fluid. There is nothing worst than finding your windshield covered in dirt and grime, depressing the washer button and realizing you're out of washer fluid. Most drivers forget this basic maintenance item until they find themselves without fluid and an obscured windshield. Carry an extra container of wiper fluid in your vehicle and periodically check the level to ensure clear visibility while driving.

  3. Tire Pressure. Your vehicle maintains constant contact with the road through its tires. Having over-inflated or under-inflated tires can cause excessive wear on your tires, decrease traction and cause dangerous driving conditions. Many drivers forget to check the tire pressure of their vehicle. Make it a habit to check tire pressure every time you get gas. It will not only improve fuel efficiency to have properly inflated tires, it will improve the life expectancy of your tires and improve safety while driving.

  4. Gas Cap. Most drivers forget to check the gas gap after they have pumped gas into their vehicles. Ensuring the gas cap fits tightly will improve fuel efficiency and minimize dirt from entering the fuel system.

  5. Spare Tire. Almost all drivers forget to check their spare tire and when the unfortunate happens and they have a flat, they are unsure where the spare tire is, if it is inflated correctly and if it is a condition making it acceptable to use on their vehicle. Drivers should make it a point to check their spare tire every few months, ensuring it is properly inflated and safe for use when required. Being prepared is one of the most important aspects of being safe while on the road.
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, drivers have to realize a properly maintained vehicle means paying attention to ever detail no matter how small. Keeping a vehicle well maintained not only improves its life, but also improves safety on the road.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7388237

Monday, April 8, 2013

The BMW Concept X4. First Glimpse and Interview.



With the BMW Concept X4, the BMW Group offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW X model can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class. Eye-catching proportions, tight contours and numerous high-quality details produce an unrivalled product character brimming with emotional appeal, dynamism and the sturdiness you would expect from a BMW X model, while at the same time holding out the promise of outstanding performance and driving dynamics. All of this can be experienced when the BMW X4 production model rolls out of the factory for its market launch, scheduled for as early as 2014.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Extend Vehicle Life With Simple Preventative Checks of Auto Repair Shops

To consider the cleaning and exterior maintenance is not enough for better care of a car. To maintain the overall structural integrity, it is mandatory that the attention is paid to each and every part of vehicles. Experts say that maintenance is always better than repairs. One should never ignore the warning signs like noises, pulling or drifting or mysterious problems. Otherwise, these can result in a costly and time taking repair or replacement affairs.

According to professional auto repair shop owners and experts in the industry, following some simple preventative tips can save one from expensive repairs and other maintenance issues in car. Even, some studies have proved that the rate of all motor vehicle fatalities can be reduced at large by paying attention to such preventative checks. Presently, the rate of fatalities is increasing by 5% as of neglecting automobile maintenance by vehicle owners.

As a matter of fact, the maintenance requirements vary from one to another manufacturer of vehicles. This is why one should always consider the owner manual for individual service schedules. Moreover, the preventative checks that can be considered by vehicle owners are:

Regular oil filter change
Experts always advice to consult owner's manual for service schedules, but a rule of thumb is to keep a check on the regular change of oil filter. It would be better to acquire assistance of professional car maintenance experts to change the oil filter after every 3000 to 4000 miles.

Fluid check
Another important measure is to have all fluids checked. Improper fluid in the car can cause the problems like poor gas mileage, hesitation while accelerating and musty odor in the cabin. The fluids concerning brake, transmission, power steering, antifreeze and windshield washer solvent play a significant role in the performance and overall safety of vehicles; thus, these fluids have to be checked regularly.

Lighting system
Lights and wipers support safe driving. In fact, the chances or risk of accidents increase if you cannot see or can't be seen by other drivers on the roads. Dimming lights, streaking wiper and rapid signal blinking can be considered as the signs to acquire immediate assistance of auto repair shops. In addition, it is mandatory to keep a regular check on the proper functioning of the turn signals, headlights, brake and taillights etc.

Have the chassis and air filtration system checked frequently, check battery cables for corrosion, check tire inflation and much more are the components that need monthly check and regular maintenance. It may not take much time to check the proper functioning of these components but is critically important to keep your vehicle dependable and safe on the road longer.

 
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7553966

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Seventh-Generation VW GTI | 2013 New York International Auto Show



The seventh-generation Volkswagen GTI debuted at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Volkswagen product specialist Andres Valbuena gives an insider look at the features and styling's of the vehicle.