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Read MoreBroken windshield? How do you repair it?
When a stone hits your windscreen, it makes a horrible noise, and since shattering is not a common option on the windshield, it will chip. You can get your car windshield cracked at any time. If you notice a small crack on your windscreen while driving, do not panic. On arriving home, get your magnifying glass and take a close look at the chip. The windshield is subjected to mechanical stresses, and in case you drive on a bumpy road/surface, the small chip will grow into a big crack. It’s, therefore, best to repair the windshield as soon as possible as: Windshields are subject to constant thermal shocks. Sudden and sharp temperatures changes will cause a small chip on the windshield to enlarge The chips can be filled with grime and dirt, and this makes the windshield coloured. Water may be pulled by surface tension into the cheap, and this can result in delamination of the glass from the centre membrane. The membrane fogs cause a blemish. Although it will leave a visible flaw, it is advisable to fill it. Sealing the chip from the atmosphere eliminates any possibility of discolouring or enlargement of the chip. When fixing the chip, dry off the windshield by using a hair drier or acetone if it is wet. Avoid the use of any detergents in case the surface is dirty. Using a syringe, apply a simple kit from Loctite at the centre of the chip. Burnish it with the thumb, and you are good to go. In the case a crack is too large; replacing the windshield is the best...
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Read MoreDefrosting windshield with hot water
Autoglass is the modern used glass in windshields/windscreens. It is a combination of two layers of treated safety glass laminated with a plastic layer in between them, and then bonded into the window frame. During the cold winters, one of the main problems we encounter especially in the morning is defrosting windscreens. Temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius lead to the formation of ice on windshields, and this reduces visibility. It makes it hard to use the vehicle. One might think pouring of hot water on the frozen windshield is the best defrosting method as we all know hot water melts ice very fast. A nice try I say, but it will end badly. Pouring hot water on a frozen windscreen will shatter it. What happens is that as a result of the extreme temperature differences/change between the inner and the outside of the glass, the expansion of the glass is not uniform. This expansion renders to shattering of your windshield. Also in the very extreme low temperatures, your hot water will immediately freeze adding another layer of ice on your windscreen, an added disadvantage. The quantity of frost on your windshield has just been increased. Rather than shattering you windshield using hot water, I would recommend you to use/pour a solution of one part of water with three parts of vinegar or rubbing alcohol on the frosted windshield. The ice disappears immediately. This works since alcohol or vinegar freezes at the very extreme low...
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Read MoreUnderstanding Why Do Car Batteries Go Dead in the winter?
Starting an engine during cold season can take up to twice as much as needed under normal conditions. This extreme cold often fingered as the culprit of dead batteries for a number of reasons and we gathered a few that might aid you to understand why car batteries go dead in the winter. Number 1. The Gasoline Will Hardly Dissolve When Cold Just like any other fluid, gasoline will less evaporate when the temperature is cold as a result, the engine will hardly start. The speed of evaporation will depend on the temperature like if you pour a cup of gas in a surface during summer, it will disappear quickly. And if you do the same during winter it will hang around a bit longer that causes the car the battery become sluggish and mal-functioned Number 2. The Engine’s Oil Thickens as Temperatures Drop We know for a fact that oil gets thickens during the cold weather or any form of liquid will become solid if it is in the freezer. Thicken oil will cause your battery dead as it will make harder for the engine to spin and warm up. Number 3. Demands for Extra Usage A battery can drain even faster during a freezing season when there are more demands for extra usage. Like for instance headlights and windshield wipers are used more often during cold weather as a result, your car battery becomes weak and might not stay longer than its lifespan expected. Number 4. Chemical Reaction The battery typically with full chemicals that produced electrons. When it is cold. the chemical reaction will more slowly thus the battery will form fewer electrons which makes the starter less efficient. Number 5. Accessories or Gadgets Attached The ability (to start) of the car battery loses up to 60 percent of its strength during zero degrees. Thus, any extra items plugged like cell phone chargers, heater, GPS and other devices will push the battery over the edge The fact that there is a greater chance that the battery will fail in winter, everyone must be ready before hitting the road so here are some of the warning signs that your car battery might be at risk. When you hear a grinding sound upon turning on the ignition When you notice dashboard battery light is on When the headlights are dim instead of white When the vehicle engine has slow crank When you...
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Read More10 Things That Every Car Owner Should Know
Learning how to drive is quite easy but do you really know the vehicle that you are driving? For the newbie drivers “getting to know” more of its car is somewhat a difficult task but we’re here to help you determine things that you should keep in mind. Let’s get started. Spare Tire How inconvenient if you found out that you are driving a car with a flat tire and you happened not to know where the spare one set’s in. Make sure that you check where the extra tire and tools are located (typically placed under the floor mat in the trunk) and see to it that it is inflated before you travel. Fixing or replacing is another story but some tools (like jack) can help you do most of the heavy lifting to change a tire. Tire Pressure Smart drivers should know how to check its tire pressure, driving with low or too much air is a dangerous thing. If possible, buy a pressure gauge and see how much it reads, always follow recommended tire pressure (check your manual or see the driver’s side door) to avoid accidents and extend the lifespan of your vehicle’s tire. Engine Oil Checking the engine oil is one good practice that a driver (and the car) will reap the benefits in the long run. Learning how to check the oil is a bit simple by locating the deep stick and pulling it out, check the level or see how far the oil runs up the dipstick. If it goes beyond its requirement, adds oil before you travel. Headlights and Taillights Headlights and taillights will go dimmer overtime thus it is right to know how to check and learn how to change it before you get an accident or catch cop’s attention. Generally, car lights should be replaced every year or depend on its usage but if you don’t know how, better ask expert’s assistance. Brakes Knowing your brakes condition is an advantage as it is essential safety features that you should never overlook. When you drive, observe closely, if you likely feel a vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking better head on to your car mechanic to check your brake parts. Battery Most often than not, dashboard warning light appears when your battery has an issue or the obvious problem show when turning on the ignition and your car won’t start. Hence,...
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Read More5 Car Problems That You Shouldn’t Fix Yourself
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting inspired by fixing your car’s problem and discover that it needs beyond your mechanical skills. Yes, there are minor car problems that you can fix yourself but there are also situations that the safest way is to call experts for its services and assistance hence, put away your toolbox and take a look at these 5 car problems that you shouldn’t fix yourself. Removing the Transmission Your car’s transmission plays an important role in your vehicle, this is the main part that distributing power to another component that allows your vehicle to run and fixing damages of this object should be done by an expert. Here are many warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore such as; Red blinking light on your car’s dashboard. Loud noise when in neutral and difficulty of changing gears. Burning smell, grinding and shuddering while the car is in motion, leaking of fluids and many others. Replacing the Brakes Pressing down the brake pedal slows a car to stop thus you should get a certified professional for any repairs or adjustment for security reason. Call your mechanic if you notice these warning signs. Brake red (or yellow) lights up on your car’s dashboard. Hearing a metallic squeaking or grinding noises. Shaking off the steering wheel when you apply brakes. Soft brake pedal or when you sink all the way to the floor. Replacing Electrical An electrical problem is a common factor that most car owner’s complaining but analyzing it is one of the crucial tasks to do as it needs a specialized diagnostic equipment to figure out the root cause of the issue. Get in touch with electrical experts when you notice the following. If you turn the key and your car won’t start. If you observed the dashboard light or the headlights seem to dim when you are driving or when your automobile is idling. Car Paint Replacement Maybe you thought that car paint is one easy task that you can do it yourself but before you made some action you should remember that car paint replacement involves sanding, priming, painting (first, second coat) in which professionals are the obvious choice. Take a look at these signs that your vehicle needs a fresh coat of paint. When the paint looks faded. When you see paint peeling from your car’s surface. When you see some deep scratches on your car’s body ...
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Read MoreSafety Driving Tips this Christmas Season
Have you smelled the scent of Christmas and New Year? Well, it is because we are all counting days to embrace the holiday season, a day were we usually spend time with family and friends wherein usually involves parties with lots of foods and drinks. Another aspect of the holiday season is the additional amount of travel that often comes from various parties, reunion, different events and from people who are on the rush shopping for Christmas presents. So, while all people are excited for this event, we assemble some safety driving tips that make festive season more enjoyable. You might have monthly car maintenance schedule on the list but be more cautious on this holiday season most likely if you are planning a Christmas vacation or a long trip. Make sure that your car is operating properly, check the oil, tires, belts, brake fluids, lights and many other. “Don’t drink and drive” is a common warning to the motorist for the festive period. If you plan to have a drink at Christmas event, stay for the night or plan for alternative options such as asking someone to drive you home or have a cab number on your pocket as best alternatives. Wearing seatbelts are important safety measures that can help to save lives. Do not put yourself at a greater risk, always buckle up to avoid spending thousands of dollars on medical bills before the year-end. Pay attention to the road and obey every rule especially speed limit. High traffic volumes are expected during Christmas season thus, slow down and steer gently to avoid dangerous and irrational overtaking. If an event appears to be held far from your destination, plan your travel ahead. Check some traffic report, activate your GPS system and check for the weather’s condition before you leave in your house. Texting while driving has become the number one driving distractions for so many people and because individuals are seemed preoccupied for the holiday rush, drivers need to be aware of the danger and should keep their attention “only” on the road. Follow the rule of thumb, leave at least “three seconds” between you and the car ahead. The right distance will give you the chance to respond to problems or in case of an emergency. Driving this holiday season can be stressful, if you feel exhausted try to pull over and relax. Fatigued can lead to a poor decision and risky behavior behind the...
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