New & Used cars | motorbikes

We always seem to make sure our cars are ready for the winter, right?

But what about during the summer? Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.

Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too! I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine.

Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend – assuming you read it! At least take a look-through periodically. How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed?

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. This could save you a major breakdown.

Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician. A check up here can save you a huge bill later.

The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.

Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician. This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.

Replace air and fuel filters as recommended.

Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.

Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.

Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly. Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!

Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles! Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.

If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.

Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left!

Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working.

Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.

There you go – a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.

Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!

Tips to Help You Save Gas Consumption

With the constant increase in oil prices, car owners get more concerned about how they can save gas and money while driving. This article gives you tips on how you can reduce your gas consumption and save money.

Always have your car tuned-up regularly. If you car’s engine is in bad operating condition it will utilize more gasoline. Vehicle maintenance will help your car’s engine run efficiently thus improving your expenditure of money. Clean or change congested air filters to enhance your fuel mileage by as much as 10%.

• Maintain a steady rate when driving you car. Frequent stops when driving add to your gas expenditure by as much as 30%. Avoid sudden stops and abrupt increases in speed. Make use of “cruise control” when you are driving on the highway. This will allow you to maintain a steady speed and avoid additional gas consumption.

Another way to keep a steady rate is by avoiding heavy traffic areas. Also avoid unnecessary use of the clutch.

• Schedule buying your gas during the cool hours. It is ideal to purchase your fuel early in the morning or during the night. You will acquire extra for your cash during these cooler hours.

• Close you car windows when you are driving on the highway. When your windows are closed the aerodynamics are better and it lessens the drag on the vehicle. Gaping windows cause extra friction and reduce your car’s mileage.

• Minimize the use of air conditioners when it is not necessary. Use your car’s vents if possible. If you really need to use your air conditioner, try to set it as low as possible. Do not operate your air conditioner with your car windows open - it uses more gas this way.

• Do not let your engine idle when not driving. Turn off you car’s engine when you need to wait for a time longer than a minute. If your car is idle for more that one minute, it uses the same amount of gas that you would use when you are restarting the engine.

• Lessen your car’s load. The heavier the car, the more gas it will consume.

• Check if tires inflated accordingly. Tires with appropriate pressure save fuel better than when under-filled or over-filled with air.

Are you sure you need a new car? I’m sure you want the newest safety features and modern styling that a new car offers. Perhaps you need a larger vehicle to fit your growing family. You probably feel that your old car no longer fits your life. But how about cost?

From an economic perspective, you’re better off keeping your old car. It could save you thousands of dollars. Taking better care of your current car may make much more sense in the long run.

You’re probably thinking - those repair bills are really adding up. But the cost of repairs will never exceed the cost of a new car. Changing your oil, replacing brakes, belts, and hoses are nothing compared to monthly payments on a new car. Even costly repairs like rebuilding an engine makes good financial sense.

If you’ve paid off your car, it is still in great shape and needs only a few modest repairs, there’s no need to throw it away. Enjoy your freedom from car payments. Enjoy lower annual taxes, insurance rates and license fees on your old car. Buying a new vehicle would mean several years more of monthly principle and interest payments on a loan.

You can feel secure knowing that modern vehicles last longer. Not too many years ago, a vehicle’s useful life did not exceed 100,000 miles. Today, many vehicles can breeze right past that 100,000 mile mark with no more than a tune-up, or maybe a new timing chain or fuel pump.

Older cars generally cost more to maintain and are more likely to break down. Repairs can be frustrating and expensive. But on the other hand they’re cheaper to own and operate. They lose most of its value in the first five years of their life. Your used vehicle won’t depreciate as much, saving you thousands.

Unless you’re rolling in cash, I’d say keep your old clunker. Comfort yourself knowing that one day you’ll be able to easily afford that costly new ride.