car maintenance Archives - Auto Global News

6Jan

By J.CarterNo Comments

Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe on Snowy Roads

As the winter chill sets in, British drivers face some of their toughest driving conditions. Freezing temperatures and icy roads are a stark reminder that it's best to avoid travel if possible, but when you must hit the road, these tips can help keep you safe.Key TakeawaysAvoid unnecessary journeys in bad weather conditionsSelect appropriate lights for visibility and safetyMaintain a smooth driving style to prevent skiddingDriving on snow and ice requires more than just four-wheel drive. It demands caution, planning, and an understanding of how your vehicle behaves in challenging conditions.The first step is deciding whether you need to go out at all. If it's not essential, staying home eliminates the risk entirely. But if travel is unavoidable, make sure your car is ready with winter tire...

Spotting the Need for Tire Balancing: Key Signs and Solutions

4Jan

By J.CarterNo Comments

News

Spotting the Need for Tire Balancing: Key Signs and Solutions

Keeping your tires balanced is crucial for maintaining a smooth ride, but how do you know when it's time to have them checked? As a seasoned automotive journalist with two decades under my belt, I've seen countless cars suffer from imbalanced tires. It’s not just about the shake; it affects fuel efficiency and tire wear too.Key TakeawaysVibration at high speeds often signals unbalanced tires.A loose or wobbly steering wheel can indicate imbalances.Tires pulling to one side might also point towards balance issues.If your car feels like it's shivering when you hit the highway, there’s a good chance your tires are out of whack. Back in the day, we didn't have as many options for tire balancing technology, so these signs were even more critical to spot early on.Another telltale sign is if your...

Extend Your Car Battery’s Lifespan with These Simple Tips

3Jan

By S.MartinezNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

Extend Your Car Battery’s Lifespan with These Simple Tips

Is your car battery starting to act up? Don't let it leave you stranded. By following these five easy tips, you can extend the life of your car’s battery and keep those warning lights at bay.Key TakeawaysTurn off accessories when not in use to prevent parasitic drainAvoid long stationary periods to maintain a healthy charge cycleCheck your battery regularly and replace it after five years of serviceBatteries don't last forever, but they can stick around longer if you treat them right. Start by turning off those pesky accessories when the car's not running. Leaving a light on overnight? That’s like leaving the fridge door open—it'll suck up all your battery power.And what about long-term parking? If you're going to be away for more than two weeks, think of it this way: just as regular exerc...

Decoding the Tire Sidewall: What Those Numbers Mean

31Dec

By S.MartinezNo Comments

Guides & Maintenance, News

Decoding the Tire Sidewall: What Those Numbers Mean

Have you ever stared at your tire's sidewall, feeling lost among a sea of numbers and letters? It’s like trying to decipher an ancient language. But fear not! These markings are actually a cheat sheet for ensuring your vehicle is running smoothly.Key TakeawaysThe first letter indicates the tire type, such as P for passenger cars or LT for light trucks.The numbers 275 and 40 represent the width in millimeters and aspect ratio of your tires, respectively.A wheel diameter like 18 inches is crucial for fitting new wheels correctly on your car.Let's start with the basics. The letter at the beginning—P, T, or LT—is a clue to what kind of vehicle you're dealing with. P stands for passenger cars and is probably what most people see every day. If it’s an LT, that means we’re talking about something...

How Tire Pressure Impacts Your Fuel Efficiency

30Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

News

How Tire Pressure Impacts Your Fuel Efficiency

Keeping your tires properly inflated is more than just a safety measure; it's also crucial for maximizing fuel efficiency. Proper tire pressure ensures optimal rolling resistance, reducing the strain on your engine and improving miles per gallon.Key TakeawaysTires underinflated by 25% can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%Cold weather decreases tire pressure, leading to reduced efficiencyOverinflation offers minimal gains in fuel economy but risks handling issues and tire damageUnderinflating tires increases rolling resistance. This forces the engine to work harder and consume more gas. A study by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that a 25% drop from recommended pressure can reduce your car's efficiency by up to 3%, while a 50% reduction could cut it by as much as 10%. In winter, colder te...

Beach Day with Your Car: Tips to Stay Damage-Free This Summer

27Dec

By S.MartinezNo Comments

EV & Electric Cars, Guides & Maintenance, News

Beach Day with Your Car: Tips to Stay Damage-Free This Summer

Summer's here, and the beach is calling your name. But before you hit the sand in your trusty 4X4, there are a few things you need to know to keep it safe from saltwater damage.Key TakeawaysAlways deflate your tyres for better traction on soft sandClean your car thoroughly after beach excursions to prevent corrosionCarry a basic recovery kit and learn how to use it before you goDriving on the beach can be exhilarating, but it's not without risks. Sand gets everywhere, salt corrodes metal fast, and waves spray your car with salty water. To avoid costly repairs later, take these simple steps.First off, make sure you have a reliable way to deflate and inflate tyres. Driving on soft sand requires lower tyre pressure for better traction. Most 4WDs come with air compressors or portable pumps tha...

What Happens If You Put Diesel In A Gas Car?

26Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

News

What Happens If You Put Diesel In A Gas Car?

Drivers often make the mistake of putting diesel fuel into a car designed for gasoline. This error can lead to significant mechanical issues and hefty repair costs.Key TakeawaysAvoid starting your engine if you've mistakenly filled it with diesel.The thicker viscosity of diesel can damage fuel injectors, spark plugs, and the catalytic converter.Professional help is crucial to minimize potential damages; DIY solutions rarely work effectively.If you're a seasoned driver or even just starting out, you've likely heard horror stories about putting diesel in your gasoline car. The consequences can be severe, but understanding why this happens and what to do if it does is key to avoiding major headaches.Diesel fuel has a much higher viscosity than standard unleaded gas. This means that when the w...

How to Install and Understand Windshield Wiper Sensors

25Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

News

How to Install and Understand Windshield Wiper Sensors

Ever wondered how that handy windshield wiper sensor works? It's not just a luxury feature anymore; it’s becoming standard in many mid-range cars. But can you install one yourself?Key TakeawaysThe technology behind the sensors uses infrared beams to detect rain.You need professional help for installation due to technical challenges.Kits are available that combine both wiper and light-sensing functions.When it rains, a sensor on your car's windshield automatically triggers the wipers without you having to do anything. It’s pretty cool technology using infrared beams. The sensors emit these invisible rays onto the glass—when raindrops hit, they change how those rays bounce back, and that tells the system when to turn on.Now, some folks think installing this tech themselves might save money o...

12Dec

By E.WilsonNo Comments

News

Cold Weather Battery Blunders to Avoid

Winter mornings can turn into nightmares when your car won't start due to a dead battery. Kazimieras Urbonas, Supplier Excellence Manager at Ovoko, warns that freezing temperatures significantly strain batteries.Key TakeawaysCold weather can reduce a car battery's power output by up to 50%Heated seats and defrosters draw extra amps from the battery, especially when idling or on short tripsMaintaining your battery’s health year-round is key to avoiding cold-weather woesCold weather slows down chemical reactions in batteries. At 0°C, a car's battery can lose up to 20% of its power; at -17°C, it drops by as much as 50%. Imagine your battery trying to run through molasses—it just doesn't have the oomph.Heated seats and defrosters are lifesavers on cold mornings but are major drains on batterie...

Can Baking Soda Really Fix Foggy Headlights?

7Dec

By J.CarterNo Comments

News

Can Baking Soda Really Fix Foggy Headlights?

Driving at night with foggy headlights is like trying to see through a dirty window. But can baking soda actually help? It's an age-old trick, but does it work for modern cars?Key TakeawaysBaking soda and water won't restore factory clarity.It removes surface grime temporarily but doesn't prevent future yellowing.Commercial kits offer better results with UV sealants for long-term protection.The idea of using baking soda to clean headlights is as old as the Model T. But does it work on today's cars? Well, yes and no. It can remove surface dirt and oxidation, but that's about it.For older models like a '65 Mustang or even an early Honda Civic, you might get away with baking soda for years because the plastic isn't as sensitive to UV rays. But modern headlights are made of polycarbonate which...