Ottawa Tires

Posts Tagged ‘Autos’

Are you currently thinking of buying a used car? If so, then you need to know what to look for and what to look out for. Many times a person has no choice but to buy a used car. After all, new cars are so expensive, and they depreciate in value very quickly. It is much more economical to buy a car that is a few years old, rather than one that is brand new. They may even be in similar condition. Here is the problem though, accessing the working order of a used car can be very difficult.
Inspecting the engine is of utmost importance, as this is the most expensive part to replace. Instead of replacing an engine, most people will find that junking it is a better option, or selling it off to somebody that does not know cars. Start the engine up. Does it start easily? Listen to the engine to make sure that it runs smoothly and does not stall out. Pay close attention to how the engine idles as well. If it idles too fast or slow, that could be a sign of a problem. Also, look to see if any of the system warning lights appear.
The next subject of importance is the transmission. Once again, this is a very expensive part to replace. First of all, determine whether it is a manual or an automatic transmission. If you can not drive stick, then this already makes the vehicle a bad choice for you. Automatic transmission vehicles are a little more expensive, but this is something truly depends on the preference of the buyer. If it is an automatic, when you test drive it, make sure that it changes gears smoothly. If it is a manual transmission, make sure you test drive the vehicle on hills to see how well it changes gears.
Brakes are not as expensive to replace, but very important to have in working order. When you test drive the car, make sure that you apply the brakes many times, each time paying close attention to how well the vehicle stops. Try to make a sudden stop as well; does the car pull to one side? Be sure to test the parking brake as well.
Steering is an important thing to check on a used vehicle. While you are test driving it, make sure that it does not pull to one side. Pay attention to how easy or difficult it is to steer the car at different speeds. Test drive the vehicle with no radio and with windows open if weather warrants. This way you can listen for any clunking noises. Make sure that the steering wheel is centered when the car is driving straight.
There are many different things to take into consideration before buying any used car, so this is by no means a complete list. Instead, these are some of the most important things to look for due to price of repairs and safety of operation. Other things to look at include accessories, suspension, tires and body.

Winter weather is here and with it comes some big challenges for your car. Your wiper blades, tires, anti-freeze coolant and spark plugs should all be ready to handle nature’s fury, but don’t forget to lift the hood to check on the condition of your car’s battery.Your car battery can spell the difference between you arriving safely at your destination or being stuck by the side of the road. Even with jumper cables at the ready, you could be miles away from help, stranded for hours in sub-freezing cold. This isn’t only a bad thing for your car but it could prove hazardous, even deadly for you.According to Interstate Batteries, your vehicle’s battery loses 33 percent of its power when the temperature dips below freezing and over 50 percent of its power when the temperature falls below zero. A weak battery simply cannot keep up when the weather is cold, so check your battery before making your next trip.Gale Kimbrough, Technical Services Manager with Interstate Batteries, offers drivers battery winterizing tips so they aren’t left out in the cold. “Dead batteries are very common this time of year and we want area residents to know how to prevent a stalled car. When temperatures become colder, turning over an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under more favorable conditions and low temperatures can significantly decrease battery output,” Kimbrough said. Battery Winterizing Tips from Interstate Batteries Seek Professional Help – for Your Batteries, that is. These aren’t your typical AA batteries, so it’s important to have the battery and electrical system checked by a professional. Sometimes the naked eye cannot detect the presence of corrosion because it is hidden under the metal between the connection and the post. Protect Your Battery from Mr. Freeze. The cold weather can dramatically reduce a person’s energy level and it can do the same to a battery’s available starting power. It’s a good idea to have your car’s starting and charging system tested every six months. Charge It. Use a battery charger to maintain charge levels and keep the battery in good condition. According to Kimbrough, a fully charged battery will not freeze until -76F; however, a fully discharged battery could start to freeze at 32F. Small Maintenance Chores are Necessary. Preparing your car for the winter doesn’t end with the battery itself. You need to inspect your battery cables, posts, and fasteners. Make sure your cables are in good shape and are secured firmly to the battery. So before you take your next trip make sure that your battery is ready to provide the service you need even during the worst winter conditions.

Winter weather is here and with it comes some big challenges for your car. Your wiper blades, tires, anti-freeze coolant and spark plugs should all be ready to handle nature’s fury, but don’t forget to lift the hood to check on the condition of your car’s battery.Your car battery can spell the difference between you arriving safely at your destination or being stuck by the side of the road. Even with jumper cables at the ready, you could be miles away from help, stranded for hours in sub-freezing cold. This isn’t only a bad thing for your car but it could prove hazardous, even deadly for you.According to Interstate Batteries, your vehicle’s battery loses 33 percent of its power when the temperature dips below freezing and over 50 percent of its power when the temperature falls below zero. A weak battery simply cannot keep up when the weather is cold, so check your battery before making your next trip.Gale Kimbrough, Technical Services Manager with Interstate Batteries, offers drivers battery winterizing tips so they aren’t left out in the cold. “Dead batteries are very common this time of year and we want area residents to know how to prevent a stalled car. When temperatures become colder, turning over an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under more favorable conditions and low temperatures can significantly decrease battery output,” Kimbrough said. Battery Winterizing Tips from Interstate Batteries Seek Professional Help – for Your Batteries, that is. These aren’t your typical AA batteries, so it’s important to have the battery and electrical system checked by a professional. Sometimes the naked eye cannot detect the presence of corrosion because it is hidden under the metal between the connection and the post. Protect Your Battery from Mr. Freeze. The cold weather can dramatically reduce a person’s energy level and it can do the same to a battery’s available starting power. It’s a good idea to have your car’s starting and charging system tested every six months. Charge It. Use a battery charger to maintain charge levels and keep the battery in good condition. According to Kimbrough, a fully charged battery will not freeze until -76F; however, a fully discharged battery could start to freeze at 32F. Small Maintenance Chores are Necessary. Preparing your car for the winter doesn’t end with the battery itself. You need to inspect your battery cables, posts, and fasteners. Make sure your cables are in good shape and are secured firmly to the battery. So before you take your next trip make sure that your battery is ready to provide the service you need even during the worst winter conditions.

Before you finally decide on what car to buy, or if you have already picked that car that best suits your needs and your lifestyle, here still are some of the useful tips you may want to keep in mind to help you save car money:Do not buy large cars. Unless it is necessary, it is better still to have a smaller car that is not costly to maintain. Even if a large sports utility vehicle is your dream car, it’s probably a lot more than you really need. The size of the car you decide to purchase will have a direct effect on its operating costs. Purchasing the smallest car possible for your driving needs will save you a tremendous amount in gasoline charges. Small cars weigh about half as much as larger cars which results in about half as much fuel being used.Do not gas up in the heat of the day. According to some chemistry, it is best to buy your gasoline in the early morning or at night when it is cold outside. Gas becomes denser in cooler temperatures. Since gas pumps only measure the volume of fuel – not the density – you’ll get better overall gas mileage for your money by purchasing fuel when it’s cool outside rather than in the heat of the day.Do not use your car, unless necessary. By far, the best way to reduce your car expenses is to use your car only when necessary. Cars are extremely convenient and this causes people to use them much more often than they really need to. Just ask your self, “Is this trip really necessary?” If you become wise and smart enough in deciding on your trips, you will surely save a great deal of cash.Do not take your car tires for granted. Always take some time to check your car’s tire pressure each month or every time you do long trips. Under inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency by 2% for every pound they are under inflated. Under inflation also causes premature tire wear giving your tires a shorter use life.Do not drive fast in low gears. Driving at high speeds in the improper gear can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 40%.Don’t open windows when traveling at high speeds. Driving on the highway with windows open can reduce fuel efficiency by 10%. It is a lot better if you just use the ventilation system of your car. Also use cruise control to maintain a steady pace on the highway to increase fuel economy.Don’t let your car idle for long periods. The rule is, never leave your car idle for more than 30 seconds. If you think you will stay longer, better turn your engine off. Letting your car idle longer is a waste of gas. It is actually more efficient to turn off your car and turn it on again than to let it idle for more than 45 seconds while waiting.

Take it from me, and automotive industry insider, you don’t have to pay those high dollar retail prices anymore. I will unveil industry secrets that will save you a ton of money on your next car purchase.Here are some sure fire ways to save you money on your next car purchase:

Cars – Used Cars – Best Deals On Repossessed Used Cars:

Used cars are becoming more and more popular every year. People are realizing that a good used car can be had for the fraction of the cost of a new car. They figure that there is no point in buying a new car, when in one year they can get the same car with a huge discount on it. The only difference is that the car may have a few thousand miles. But that is usually not too much of a concern in today’s day and age. Cars are made to last a long time, and a few thousand miles is not going to harm the car in the least beat.Used cars can be found in a couple of places. You can first start out by reading your local newspaper. A newspaper will usually have hundreds of used car listings. All you will need to do is read through them and find the ones that catch your eye the most. At this point you can simply go and check out the ones that you like.If your newspaper is not giving you what you need go online. There are many car sites that specialize in providing used cars to the general public. Sites which offer many different options for the person who is looking for a used car, you can browse thousands of cars in your area and within a matter of minutes. This will allow you to maximize your time, and ensure that you do not miss out on any good deals that may be available. Visit Best Car Dealers blog for the best deals on Cars, Used Cars, Best Repossessed Used Cars

The temperature is beginning to drop as winter approaches. In many states, the cold weather can have a major impact on how well your car operates. If your car normally experiences hard starts in the morning or it stalls periodically, the low temperatures of winter are likely to make matters worse. Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare your car for the winter without worrying about expensive repairs. In this article, I will explain why your owners manual should be the first resource you consult. Then, I will provide some tips for making sure your car is ready to perform by the time the cold weather arrives.
Review Your Owners Manual
Oddly, most car owners neglect to read their owners manual. It may look boring, but it contains important information about how to maintain your car. The manufacturer suggests a host of service procedures along with a time line in which to have them performed. They have an intimate understanding of how their cars function and the things that will ensure they operate properly for years. Read your owner’s manual and take action on the recommendations.
Changing Your Oil
Changing the oil in your car regularly is critical. If you do not, it can slowly turn from a fluid liquid to a dark sludge. When that happens, it’s less capable of lubricating the moving parts of your engine. In the winter, be especially diligent about changing the oil according to the schedule suggested in your owners manual. Spend a few extra dollars to change the oil filter as well. Finally, if you’re using a minerals-based oil, consider changing to a synthetic oil. It performs better under low temperatures, making it more effective during the winter.
Important Odds And Ends
If you live in an area that experiences heavy rains, snow, or icy roads, make sure you check your tires for tread wear. If you notice that one or more of your tires is worn, invest in new ones. Also, have a mechanic check your cars battery. Your engine may start quickly, but the battery may still be weak. Your mechanic can check its life, and clean and tighten the connections.
Do not neglect to replace your filters. Besides your oil filter, change your air and fuel filters, too. A lot of drivers procrastinate because filters cost a few extra dollars. Plus, people don’t think there’s an immediate need because they don’t see the results of changing them. However, during the winter, soiled filters will make your car work harder than it needs to.
With winter promising cold temperatures, it is more important than ever to take care of the small maintenance chores that you’ve been neglecting. Review your owners manual to check the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. Then, make an appointment with an experienced car technician and have them perform everything on the same day. By the time winter arrives, you and your car will be prepared.

Winter is near and that means you need to winterize your car. If you don’t winterize your car, you are risking something horrible going wrong. If something goes wrong while you’re on the road, then you may find yourself in quite the pickle that may be difficult to get out of. So it is a lot easier to take preventative measures than to have to get yourself out of a preventable bind.
Here are some things that you want to do to winterize your car:
- Make sure your tires are in good condition. If you’re not sure how to take a look at them, make sure you have an accountant do it for you. You want to make sure there is no uneven wearing, no cuts or punctures, and ensure that the remaining tread is deep enough. Take a look at your car’s manual so that you know when your tires need rotated.
- Stay up on your oil changes and make sure that you check the oil often to ensure that there are no leaks. If you drive in the city, it is a good idea to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. Also, try to check your oil level every time you fill up your gas tank.
- Make sure there is no fraying and cracking when it comes to your belts and hoses. Make sure there are no fluids leaking
- Make sure you change your windshield wipers before the first snowfall. Also, make sure your wiper fluid reservoir is full.
- Have a tune-up before winter. Most of all, have your ignition system checked because the cold weather can be rough on the ignition system.
- Check your antifreeze level when you fill up your gas tank. Since you’re going to be checking your oil, it is good to do that while you’re at it. If you have a professional change your oil, you may find that they will top of your antifreeze also.
- Keep your gas tank full during cold weather to ensure your fuel line doesn’t freeze.
- During the winter months, your battery needs a certain amount of cold cranking amps. If your battery is more than three years old, it is a good idea to go ahead and have it replaced.
- Make sure you have a first aid kit and an emergency kit in the vehicle. You can take preventative measures and still find yourself stuck somewhere in the cold weather. You want to make sure you have blankets, flares, water, flashlights with good batteries, and anything you may need to survive.
- Make sure there is no dirt and grime covering your headlights. If there is, then you need to clean it off so you can see.
Make sure that you take all of these steps and any other steps that are necessary for your car. There are some cars with extra components that require special attention to ensure everything works properly. Cold weather can be harsh. The colder, the harder it is on your car. If you just let your car go without giving it any special treatment, it is hard to tell what sort of situation you will find yourself in.
If you find that you are unable to winterize your car on your own, make sure you have a mechanic do it for you. When a mechanic does it for you, you know that your car is being winterized the way it needs to be. You just never know what you may overlook, especially if you’re not one who is very experienced with cars. Some individuals are fine just doing it themselves.

This is the third in a series of articles containing useful pointers for coping with frost, ice, and snow while you travel by vehicle. The correct tires can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a hefty towing or hospital bill.1. Summer tread tires are not meant for icy or snowy conditions.

When the temperature dips, so does the traction capability of summer tires. The material used in the manufacturing process loses elasticity and grip as it gets colder. This means that summer tires do not perform as well in freezing temperatures, even on dry roads.2. All-season tires work well in some areas.

If you only experience an occasional mild snowstorm, you might be happy with all-season tires. However, they don’t perform as well as good winter tires. Their composition and tread is a compromise that provides decent handling and traction in a variety of conditions. Busy drivers who don’t have the time to change their tires twice a year will often swear by all-seasons.3. Real winters demand real winter tires.

If you have ever been stuck in a snow bank, you appreciate how much time and inconvenience it requires to get a tow. A car that slides into a snow bank can just as easily careen into oncoming traffic, over an embankment, or into a pedestrian. For safety’s sake, a change to winter tires is a good investment.4. Choosing the correct tire requires some forethought.

There are various types of winter tires. Analyze your driving patterns (fast? slow? heavy on the brakes?), travel routes (uphill and downhill grades? tight curves? gravel vs. pavement?), and other factors that might affect tire performance and needs.

a) Performance Winter Tires

Performance winter tires are responsive on dry winter roads – but their traction is not as good on ice and snow as some other types of tires. The treads tend to be a bit soft; these tires should always be changed in the spring in order to preserve tread life.

b) Snow and Ice Studless Tires

These tires will give better traction than performance winters, but the handling will not be quite as responsive.

c) Winter Studded Tires

These are good-quality winter-tread tires embedded with 60-120 small metal studs per tire. The studs, composed of a very hard metal like tungsten carbide, protrude slightly above the tread surface. This provides superior traction on ice and snow. However, studs also dig into pavement – and they are banned in some areas. If you plan a long trip, be sure to check the regulations regarding studded tires along your route.5. A tire professional can help you to sift through the choices.

Nothing can replace competent advice from a good tire technician. However before you pick a tire shop, consider the following:

a) Does the tire business have a good reputation – or does a check with the local merchants’ association or Better Business Bureau reveal a number of consumer complaints?

b) Do you know of anyone who has used the shop and can provide first-hand recommendations?

c) Are the tire shop’s certifications, licenses, and permits prominently displayed where customers can see them?

d) Are the service people properly certified? And are they experienced?

e) Will the shop honor your vehicle warranty?

f) Do the shop technicians have experience with vehicles of your model and year?

Inventors and manufacturers are continually trying to design the ‘perfect tire’. An online search for ‘tire patent’ will bring up over 1 million pages in Google. Who knows – maybe the perfect tire will be on the shelves next year! In the meantime, do your research, and get the most suitable tire for your driving style and weather conditions.

©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is free to publish only if this copyright notice, the byline, and the author’s note below (with active links) are included.

Travelers can save money on gasoline by replacing the air in their vehicle’s and RV’s tires with nitrogen gas. They can also save money on gas in their every day driving as well.  Research has shown that drivers can improve their gas mileage by over three percent when they use nitrogen in their vehicle’s tires..

This is not new technology as it has been used for years by commercial airlines as well as in NASCAR cars. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that nitrogen gas be used in all commercial aircraft tires to eliminate the possibility of water vapor freezing at high altitudes which happens with air filled tires. NASCAR teams also use nitrogen gas in the tires of their racing cars because the tire pressure fluctuates less than it does with air.

How can using nitrogen gas in your vehicle’s tires save you a lot of money?

Firstly, you don’t need to buy new tires to make the change, your present tires will do just fine. If you use nitrogen in your tires you can improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save a lot of money over time. Nitrogen gas in your tires also improves your vehicle’s handling and extends the life of your tires so you will have to replace them less often. There is no question that in these times of record high gasoline prices you will realize significant savings on all your driving for many years to come.

How can using nitrogen gas, in your vehicle’s tires also improve our environment?

By using nitrogen gas instead of air in you vehicle’s tires, it will help to better maintain proper tire air pressure.  This optimizes tire road contact which reduces tire/road resistance.  Because of this, the fuel economy is increased and less exhaust emissions enter into the atmosphere.  You might say that by going green you are also saving green, greenbacks, that is.

How can you do your part to help America’s economy reduce its dependence on foreign oil?

Current national research shows that if every driver in the U.S. replaced the air in each of their vehicle’s tires with nitrogen gas, they would improve their gas mileage by over three percent.  These figures  translate into an enormous saving of almost four trillion gallons of gasoline per year!

For more information and research on the growing use of nitrogen gas in motor vehicles’ tires including those of commercial carriers, visit Get Nitrogen at their website, GetNitrogen.org. In addition to the research data, you will find an ever growing list of registered dealers in the United States and Canada that can replace the air in your tires with nitrogen.

These are some important points on how you can save gasoline and reduce green house gas emissions at the same time by not driving on under inflated tires, whether you use air or nitrogen gas in them.

Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the optimum inflated tire pressure.

Measure tire pressure accurately with a tire gauge as a visual tire inspection is not reliable.

It’s best to measure tire air pressure when they’re cold.  You should wait approximately three hours for the air inside your tires to cool down before measuring the tire pressure.

Lastly, and probably the most important point, always check the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires at least once a month.