TIPS AND TRICKS
Before you hit the road, it’s important to spend a little “quality time” with your vehicle. You’ll need to perform some quick checks and assemble an emergency kit. It’s also a good idea to have your favorite technician perform a “road trip check” on your vehicle before you take off.
Prevent a minor or major breakdown when you’re most vulnerable…on the side of the road. A little preparation now will save a lot of aggravation, money and precious time later. The inspection process can be performed by you or your technician – a simple walk around inspection, then an under hood inspection, and finally an under vehicle inspection.
The Walk-Around Inspection
- Wiper Blades – Inspect the condition of the blade material (it should be soft and pliable) for cracks or separation from the blade retainer.
- Lights – Check the turn signals, headlights and brake lights, making sure they operate properly. It is a good idea to have the headlights checked for proper alignment in order to have optimum lighting and to prevent the “blinding” of oncoming drivers.
- Tires – Check tires for excessive or uneven wear and tire pressure. It’s important to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. The recommended tire pressure provided by the vehicle and tire manufacturers are designed to compensate for the increase in tire pressure caused by the rise in temperature of the tire when it is rolling down the highway.
Tire Wear Notes
- Over-inflation would cause the tire to wear prematurely in the center of the tire. During wet conditions, an over-inflated tire is more prone to skidding due to less tread contact on the pavement.
- Under-inflation will result in sloppy, vague handling and cause the tire to wear prematurely on the outside and inside edges of the tire.
Under Hood Inspection
- Fluid Levels – Lift the hood and check the engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels. Top up if necessary.
- Belts & Hoses – Check hoses for proper fit, leaks, brittleness, loose clamps, and softness in the elbow areas. As for the belts, check for alignment, glazing, adjustment, and tearing and cracking. Replace if necessary.
- Air Conditioning – Test the A/C system to see that it is working and cooling the vehicle down in a reasonable time. Also, inspect the refrigerant lines for evidence of leaks. Remember, on most late-model vehicles, the defroster system utilizes the air conditioning for more efficient defrosting and defogging.
- Battery Connections – Check / clean battery posts and cable terminals for corrosive buildup. White fuzz that surrounds the cable terminal ends at the battery posts can easily identify a corrosive condition. Cleaning or removal of the white fuzz requires the removal of the cable terminals after washing them down with a baking soda and water solution. The best cleaning results can then be achieved by using a battery post and cable terminal-cleaning tool. Performing this small maintenance activity will ensure optimum performance from the vehicle’s electrical system. Remember to always remove the negative terminal first to avoid sparks. (If you blow a battery up, you won’t have to worry about what to be next Halloween!)
Under Vehicle Inspection
- Fluid Leaks – Examine the ground where you park your vehicle for leaks. Any fluid residue found should be examined for the type of fluid (gas, engine or transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, radiator coolant, windshield washer fluid), and the leak repaired immediately to avoid any problems.
- Exhaust Leaks – Listen / look for leaks from the exhaust system, and if something seems marginal, have the system checked by a professional mechanic / muffler shop prior to leaving for your trip. The life you save may be your own, as the gases escaping from the system are very deadly.
- Brakes – Test-drive the vehicle for brake response and feel. Listen for noises (high-pitched squeal, grinding or clunking). Look for fluid leaks from flexible brake hoses and steel brake lines. If you feel your mechanical expertise is limited in this area, I would recommend you have a professional look at your brakes to advise you on the condition of the brake friction material, drums, rotors, and the hydraulic system. It is important that the vehicle always be prepared to stop regardless of the driving conditions.
Emergency Road Kit
Carrying an emergency kit can get you out of a tough jam when stuck on the roadside. You can easily create one by putting together in a box the items listed below:
- One quart of Oil
- Two quarts of Premix Radiator Coolant
- Small Funnel
- Tire Pressure Gauge
- Pocket Knife (If you’re MacGvver…Swiss Army Knife)
- Rags and Waterless Hand Cleaner
- Assortment of Combination Wrenches, Screwdrivers, and Pliers
- Flashlight / Spare Batteries for Flashlight
- Roadside Flares / Battery Operated Roadside Marker Lights (If you don’t like playing with fire)
- First Aid Kit
- Electrical Tape/Duct Tape
- Battery Jumper Cables
- Blanket, Food, and Something to Drink (In case you’re stuck for awhile)
- “Help” Sign for the Window (For Sale Sign Optional)
Of course, a cellular phone can be your most useful tool, but they don’t always work. If possible, use a roadside emergency telephone call box. These call boxes are provided on some major highways in the US, but not all. Look for them on the right-hand shoulder with a sign indicating “Call Box” or “Emergency Call Box.” Consult the instructions in the box; in most cases, calls are free and you are connected directly to the Highway Patrol. If there’s no phone around and you aren’t able to use a cellular phone, you may have to rely on your emergency kit, so make sure you take it with you. In my experience, when you’re totally prepared, usually nothing goes wrong. Happy motoring
Roadside Emergencies
Thanks to modern technology, today’s vehicles are more reliable than ever, but they aren’t perfect. Sometimes they break down, and when they do, you need to be able to get your vehicle safely off the roadway and seek help. The following tips will help keep a breakdown from becoming a catastrophe:
- Get out of traffic as safely, smoothly and quickly as possible. Coast toward the right shoulder of the highway, where traffic is usually moving slower.
- Once on the shoulder, activate your emergency flashers and open the hood of your car. Be on the alert for approaching traffic. If possible, exit on the curb side of the vehicle.
- Return to your car and secure your seatbelt until help arrives. If it’s after dark, never leave your car and never walk alone. If someone approaches you, keep your doors locked and roll the window down just far enough to ask them to send help. Don’t get out of the vehicle or leave with them.
- If your vehicle can’t make it to the shoulder, activate the emergency flashers, and stay in your car. Step out of the vehicle and you are taking the chance of getting hit by passing traffic. Whatever has gone wrong with your car is not as important as the safety of you and your passengers.
- Determine your location. Try to determine how far is to the next exit, rest area, service center or town.
- Next, try to determine what’s wrong with your vehicle. A flat tire is obvious, but there are dozens of other things that might have gone wrong, which might not be apparent. You may not know what’s wrong, but your car may be trying to indicate it to you. What are the lights and gauges on your dashboard telling you? Is there smoke or steam coming out from under the hood? What sorts of noises did the car make when did it started acting up?
- What kinds of communications are available to you?
Make a Plan
Cars are like computer hard drives. It’s not a question of if, but when, something will go wrong. With a little forethought, life can be easier in those trying moments. All it takes is some preparation and establishing a minimal emergency plan. It might be as simple as reaching for the cellular phone and dialing 911, or as complicated as crawling under the car and doing emergency repairs. Either way, the time to start planning for such an incident is now, before the steam starts rolling out from under the hood on the freeway at rush hour.
Is the car you are driving covered by a manufacturer’s roadside assistance program? There are many such programs available, including motor clubs and insurance companies that offer roadside assistance options on their auto policies.
Even so, there are still times when it is a good idea to have some basic auto knowledge and a few minimal mechanical skills. Know how to use the jack and lug wrench before you have a flat, and check your spare to make sure it’s properly inflated at each oil change. A canned tire sealer/inflator is an inexpensive way to get a few extra miles out of a punctured tire to get to a service center.
Take along plenty of fluids: a gallon of water, a gallon of antifreeze, a couple of quarts of oil and a bottle of automatic transmission fluid. It is also a good idea to stock a fire extinguisher, tow strap, jumper cables and a set of tire chains.
Other items to keep in the trunk include flares, spare belts, pliers, screwdriver set (regular and Philips), a crescent wrench, locking pliers, vinyl electric tape, duct tape, plastic wire ties in assorted sizes, gloves, coveralls, a couple of old blankets, first aid kit, an empty one-gallon gas jug, box of emergency food (nuts, granola bars, etc.) and bag of kitty litter to sprinkle on ice and snow for extra traction.
In the glove box it is a good idea to keep the vehicle registration, insurance papers, vehicle owner’s manual, small flashlight with extra batteries, ice scraper, pocketknife and change for a telephone call (even if you have a cell phone.) Make sure that phone numbers for insurance agent, attorney, auto club, and a reputable towing service are also included. This might seem like a lot of stuff to store in a small space, but you only need to use these items once to appreciate their value.
While traveling, pay attention to mile markers or road signs, so you know your present location. Make sure you have a good idea of how far it is to the next exit, service center or town.
The best pre-planning for roadside breakdowns is following recommended service and maintenance intervals for your vehicle, as well as keeping an eye on your car’s fluid levels and vital signs. Have your service writer or technician give a short overview on preventative maintenance. Pay attention to the needs of your vehicle before something goes wrong and you can minimize the chances of having a roadside emergency.
What are TSBs and Recalls
Your technician uses Technical Service Bulletins, or TSBs, when diagnosing and repairing your vehicle. TSBs are notifications from vehicle manufacturers intended to advise their new car dealer’s service departments. TSB content may range from diagnostic and repair procedures for a known vehicle problem or condition to notifying dealerships about new and improved parts, warranty and service manual updates, or to update company policies and procedures.
Usually, TSB repairs are paid for by the manufacturer only if the vehicle is still within its factory warranty period. If the vehicle is out of warranty, the customer is responsible for the repairs. Often “extended warranty” policies will pay for a TSB related repair.
There are two basic types of motor vehicle recalls – Mandatory and Voluntary. Mandatory recalls are mandated by either the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In other words, the manufacturer is forced by one of these governing agencies to recall the affected vehicles to remedy a defect. A Voluntary recall is when a manufacturer recalls vehicles for a defect not necessarily related to safety. These types of recalls are rare. Recall repairs are always paid for by the manufacturer.
Some TSBs and Recalls are sent by the manufacturer to dealers to repair manufacturing defects before the affected vehicles are sold. These “in stock” fixes are usually performed before you buy the vehicle.
Breakdown Prevention
There is never a convenient time for a vehicle to breakdown. Many of us rely on our vehicles daily to deliver us safely to our destinations. Commuting to work, getting the kids to school, or taking that well-deserved vacation are just a few examples of how our lives revolve around our vehicles.
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle on the road and running strong is by performing regular inspections and preventative maintenance. You can accomplish many of the following vehicle inspection and maintenance items yourself. If there are items on the list you feel uncomfortable tackling, have a qualified repair shop complete them for you.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE LIST
Walk-Around
- Inspect all lights and replace burned out bulbs.
- Inspect the wiper blade material (it should be soft and pliable) for cracks or separation from the blade retainer and replace if necessary
- Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Check the air pressure when the tires are cool. If you notice uneven wear, vibrations, or your vehicle pulling to one side, have the suspension components and alignment checked by a certified shop.
Under Hood
- Check the engine drive belts for cracking, fraying and looseness. Replace or adjust the belts as necessary.
- Inspect engine coolant hoses for swelling near the clamps, leaks, loose clamps, softness in the elbow areas and brittleness. Replace hoses if necessary.
- Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) every 24 months or as specified in your owner’s manual.
- Air Conditioning (A/C) – Test the A/C system to see that it is working and cooling the vehicle down in a reasonable time. Remember, most late-model vehicles also utilize the A/C for more efficient defrosting and defogging.
- Change the oil and oil filter as specified in your owner’s manual.
- Inspect the automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid levels. Top up or replace if necessary.
- Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, cabin, etc.) as recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Check / clean battery posts and cable terminals. Corrosion or that white fuzz surrounding the cable terminal ends at the battery posts should be completely removed. Performing this small maintenance activity will ensure optimum performance from the vehicle’s electrical system. WARNING: Battery corrosion contains battery acid. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves and clothing to prevent contact with battery acid. Always remove the negative terminal first to avoid creating sparks.
Under Car
- Examine the ground where you park your vehicle for leaks. Any fluid residue found should be examined for the type of fluid (gas, engine or transmission fluid, coolant, etc.) and the leak repaired immediately to avoid any problems.
- Listen / look for leaks from the exhaust system, and if something seems marginal, have the system checked by a qualified repair or muffler shop.
- Test-drive the vehicle for brake response and feel. Listen for noises (high-pitched squeal, grinding or clunking. If you feel your mechanical expertise is limited in this area, have a professional look at your brakes to advise you on the condition of the brake friction material, drums, rotors, and the hydraulic system.
Warnings and Precautions
- When raising the vehicle off the ground, be sure to chock any wheel remaining on the ground. If a jack is used, be sure to use jack stands to safely support the vehicle.
- Do not drain any fluids when hot. Contact with hot fluids can result in severe burns.
- Make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.
- Wear protective clothing, including impervious gloves to protect skin from contaminants.
- Wear eye protection such as goggles or a face shield when performing any service procedure.
- Never operate the engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, which is harmful to health and potentially lethal. Repair exhaust leaks immediately.
- Used oil and filters must be disposed of properly and in accordance to local, state and federal laws.
- Vehicle Maintenance
The benefits of proper maintenance
The automobile is a truly amazing machine. It is expected to function under a wide range of weather conditions and other adverse conditions, yet it often is subjected to careless hard driving and indifferent maintenance. Recommended service intervals are often ignored by the same car owners that wouldn’t let a week go by without vacuuming all the rugs in the house.
Today the automobile is an integral part of our life. We have come to rely on the proper functioning of the family car and seldom, if ever, make a time allowance in case the car should fail to start. We expect it to start and move every time, and fortunately, most of the time it does. However, the rare instance that it doesn’t, causes the owner to forget the thousands of times it started without a problem. The irony is that, chances are, the car failed to start because of neglect.
Common Sense Auto Care Tips
Auto care if your car overheats…
Turn on the heater full blast.. This pulls heat off the engine. Then keep an eye on the gauge to see if it changes.
Of course, if the car overheats while the air conditioner is on, turn the A/C off immediately since it taxes the engine. Coasting can also help cool the engine if you can’t pull over right away. Remember not to ever remove the radiator cap on a hot engine or you’ll risk explosive heat. The cap maintains pressure so removing it when the car is hot is like opening a volcano.
If you’ll be sitting idle for more than 90 seconds, like at a train crossing or drive-thru, pop your automatic transmission into neutral. This takes some of the strain off the engine and lets it rest a bit.
Auto care for tires…
Practice pre-emptive auto care, by getting in the habit of glancing at your tires as you walk to your car. Soon it’ll be second nature and you’ll know before leaving home if you have a potential auto care problem. Don’t wait to check a tire that looks low. Not only will you avoid flats, but your tires will last longer when properly inflated, and your car will get better gas mileage.
While you are driving, if the car seems to be pulling right or left, it could indicate a low tire that is on its way to a blow-out. Don’t ignore the warning signal. As soon as you safely can, pull off and take a look. If it really is low, get to a service station as soon as possible or call for help (or change your tire).
More pre-emptive auto care…when tires get worn in spots, the cords can begin to pop out. You may not be able to see the cords, so once in a while, especially before a trip, run your hands all around the tires and see
if you feel anything you shouldn’t, like wires.
Auto care for battery cables and connectors…
Basic auto care requires that you open the hood once in a while and look at your battery. If your battery connectors become corroded and covered with greenish, fuzzy material, you could end up going nowhere fast because corrosion inhibits current flow. You can clean the corrosion yourself by pouring some cola directly on the green fuzz. If it’s stubborn, you may have to remove the cables and scrub the corrosion with a wire brush that you can get at a hardware store. The corrosion is battery acid so you will need gloves and eye protection. If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Use distilled water. Also, with a little advance auto care you may sidestep battery problems by keeping the top of the battery clean, since dirt acts as a conductor which drains power.
Auto care for brakes…
If you must drive through a puddle, your brakes could get wet. After leaving the puddle, accelerate slowly while applying your brake. That exposes the brakes to air, giving them a chance to dry.
If you must hit a pothole, don’t keep the brakes applied. Doing that locks up the wheel and can damage the suspension.
If you’re traveling on a windy, steep, downhill road you may be tempted to apply your brakes more than you should. If the brakes get hot, they may start to smoke and emit a strong chemical smell. If that happens, pull over in a safe spot and give the brakes time to cool down. You may be able to avoid this problem by putting your car in a lower gear before traveling downhill, causing the car to go slower without the need for constant braking.
Auto care according to smell…
Some car problems give you no warning whatsoever. But fortunately, other problems announce themselves with definite odors.
Here is a checklist of car odors that may be no big deal, or may require that you put down the keys, call a tow truck and let a professional handle your auto care needs.
Burning coolant. You could have a blown head gasket, which causes coolant to mix with your gas. If this is the case, you may notice thick, sweet-smelling, whitish smoke coming from the tailpipe. At this point, you may need professional auto care, so see your mechanic.
Exhaust. You may have a leak in your exhaust system, like a hole in your muffler, tailpipe, or exhaust manifold or exhaust pipe. Once again, it may be time for professional auto care.
Burning trash. Is your engine burning oil? If your car is older, you may have worn piston rings. These rings seal gaps between pistons and engine cylinders. If they wear down, oil can leak out of the cylinder walls. The oil burns, and exits the tailpipe in smelly, blackish puffs of smoke. Don’t take chances. See your auto care technician.
Hot oil. If oil is leaking, it may boil onto engine components and bake. Start by checking to see if your oil cap is loose.
Fresh asphalt. This could be a sign of an overheated engine. Something is melting down, like plastic parts under the hood. If that happens, a chain reaction may result, making the engine hotter and hotter.
Raw gas. Is the gas cap loose? Did you overfill the tank? If neither of these is possible, don’t risk starting the engine. You may have a severed gas line or leaky fuel-injection system. You’re going to need professional auto care, so your best bet is to have it towed to a technician you trust.
Rotten eggs. This could indicate a plugged or damaged catalytic converter or a too-rich air/fuel mixture. Call your mechanic, since this is a sign of electrical malfunction.
Burnt toast. A burnt toast smell could mean the electrical insulation is burning. Again, call your mechanic for a professional auto care opinion. You may have an electrical malfunction.
Burning plastic. This may be as simple as a plastic bag caught under the car. Use a flashlight to check. If that’s the case, you’ll probably just have to wait for the plastic to burn off.
Burning rubber. A rubber hose may be resting on the exhaust manifold, or a belt may be shredded by a jammed pulley. If a belt is loose or worn, it is usually indicated by a squeal. Turn off your engine and inspect the hoses and belts and replace as necessary. Could the smell be from your brakes? As mentioned above, after a long, steep descent, it’s not uncommon to smell your brakes. Try using a lower gear. If you smell your brakes during normal driving, get them checked immediately.
When you do need a mechanic for auto care…
Of course you know there are times when you need professional auto care. Many women feel taken advantage of by male mechanics. Before you make an appointment, ask friends and family where they take their cars for auto care. You can also call local consumer groups to find out if a particular auto care shop has complaints registered against them. Choose a shop with ASE certified mechanics (ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence).
When you take your vehicle in for auto care, ask for an estimate in writing. Also ask a lot of questions and write down the answers, including a list of the parts the mechanic thinks you will need. That way, if you get a call in the middle of a busy work day telling you your car needs additional repairs and parts you can repeat their own words back to them as you ask questions. Tell the mechanics up front that you’ll want to see any parts they remove from your car. If the repair is costly, you may want to get a second opinion.
As with any area of life, there are honest, trustworthy mechanics. Don’t succomb to pressure… after all, it is still your car and you’re in charge of your auto care.
Finally, you shouldn’t go into a auto care shop acting cocky as though you know more than you do. But arm yourself with a little knowledge, describe the problem as clearly as possible or take a test drive with the auto care specialist and point out the problem, and be willing to ask questions.
If you have any questions about your vehicle please feel free to send us an email and we will be glad to assist you as much as possible.
Get Directions
U Save Auto Repair
1868 Old Concord Rd
Smyrna, GA 30080
Phone: 770-435-1162
Email: usave@usaveautorepair.com
Monday - Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday: 8am to 4pm
Sunday: Closed
