Engineering Magazines

If automobile battery is something that troubles you often, you need to keep a check on this auto part. It’s easy and simple. Car Battery maintenance is essential as this automotive part plays a major role in the smooth functioning of any vehicle. As I always say, a little care and basic knowledge is what is required. Just have a fair idea of the automobile electrical system to keep the car’s battery in the best shape without any hassles. Follow the following car maintenance tips to keep you car’s battery running smoothly.

Tips No. 1 – Battery Needs Change - This is common and known to almost all the car owners. Your car’s battery needs to be changed after a duration of four years. Don’t forget to do that.

Tips No. 2 – Monthly check of the battery’s load test helps you avoid any hassle. Take your car’s battery to your auto mechanic and can load test it. Make sure your car’s battery is able to pass the test. Make sure that it is capable of sufficient charge even at below freezing temperatures.

Tips No. 3 – Just wipe off the battery terminals of any crust. An easy way to do so is to use some baking soda and water. Use a wire brush to clean the crust using this solution.

Tips No. 4 – Always keep the battery cables tightly tied. Make sure the cables are so tight that they do not move.

Tips No. 5 – Keep the battery safe in a tray. Also ensure that battery remains properly in the battery tray so that no damage is caused to the hood.

Tips No. 6 – Excess of cold is not a good condition for the car batteries. Therefore, look for a solution to it. The best way is to opt for an engine or battery heater. This keeps the car’s battery function smoothly. The heater will help in easily starting the battery and would also minimize the power consumed.

Tips No. 7 – Keep a check on when Service is needed – Different cars come with maintenance free battery. Regular check is needed for such automobile batteries. There is a light in maintenance free batteries that goes black when service is required.

Tip No. 8 – For Conventional Car Battery - These batteries come with a plastic cover that can be easily removed to check the water inside. It is important that the water inside the battery reaches the filler necks.

Tip No. 9 – Be Careful While Adding Water – Incase there is less water inside the battery, you may also add distilled water. I guess I should warn you at this moment. You might just harm yourself if you don’t be careful. The battery acid that is highly corrosive might harm your clothes.

Tip No. 10 – During Battery Check – It is important to make sure that you do not keep any kind of open flames near the car battery. Automobile battery contains chemicals that are combustible and hence can be dangerous.

Tip No. 11 – Over Charging Should Be Avoided – This is common and known to everybody that a dead battery can be charged using a battery charger. Improper charging of a battery is something that should be avoided. It might also lead to damage of battery’s as well as car’s parts & components.

These were some of the battery’s maintenance tips that are to be followed in order to keep your car’s battery and electrical system in best condition. The smooth functioning of automobile battery helps you have a tension free long drive. You can try these car parts maintenance (D-I-Y) tips yourself. Have a Happy & Safe Driving!!

With the long cold days of winter about to start, you may be thinking that with nobody looking to travel long distances now is the time that both you and the car can rest. Guess again! Winter requires as much and perhaps even more car care than summer time because winter could just worsen whatever technical problem your car was showing in summer. The following tips will show you how to avoid some common winter problems.

Engine

Note down problems like stalling or difficult starts, less power, rough idling and try to get your hands dirty and fix them. Else, get a technician at a repair shop to look at them. These problems might well have existed during summer but winter always tends to make them worse.

Oil

It is important that during winter times, you use oil that can handle the cold weather and manage to flow quickly to critical engine parts, even during severe winter conditions. The frequency of oil changes will depend on the kind of driving you do in the winter – the Owner’s Manual will suggest to you how often you need to change the oil for various driving types. Usually it is suggested that oil be changed every 3-5,000 miles.

Battery

It is again important to check on the battery. The battery’s power comes down significantly in severe cold weather. This is made worse in older batteries. They tend to work fine in summer but fail as soon as the temperature drops. It is therefore essential that a technician check your battery, especially if it is at least four years old. Of course, despite all this it is better to be prepared at all times, with a set of good jumper cables. It might also be a good idea to have a portable power pack in the car, which can again be used in emergencies.

Heater/Defroster

A properly working heater/defroster not only helps passengers stay comfortable but also helps the driver’s visibility, as to drive safely you need to be able to see clearly through the windshield. Keeping a full gas tank helps in being ready but also reduces the chances of any moisture forming in the lines that carry the fuel, which can freeze up and cause problems.

Tire Care

Maintaining proper inflation in tires during winter is also essential. During cold weather, air contracts and so air in the tires also contracts. Highly inflated tires will increase the wear and tear on tires and also increase the fuel consumption. On the other hand, under inflated tires will just reduce traction. You could also consider going in for special tires, which are designed to grip slippery roads when snow and ice can be a problem.

Lights and Wipers

Always make sure that lights are inspected regularly to ensure that bulbs can be lit and headlights be aimed properly. Also, even wiper blades have to be taken care of. Replace them regularly and even consider special snow blades if you are going to be driving in severe weather.

Warm Up

During winter, when you start the engine, just wait for a few seconds so that a proper flow of oil has been started and there is adequate lubrication before driving off. However, waiting for too long is also not good, as that will just waste gas.

Take care of your car for the winter and your car will ensure your safety even during the worst of winter.

 

 

To keep your car looking good and performing well, OzFreeOnline offers some simple guidelines that will give you all the information you need to know. Each week we will offer you some excellent suggestions in taking optimum care of your car.

 

UNDER THE BONNET

 

Do you know your way around under the hood of your car? While not as critical as it used to be, periodically checking under the hood can head off problems before they become costly. Today, with self-service gas stations everywhere, often the only way you will get it done is for you to do it yourself.

 

Start by reading your car owner’s manual or search for your car models manual on line if you bought a used automobile which most of the times doesn’t have manuals for the drivers for them. There will always be a section on under bonnet checks. A word about safety though: read the safety warnings in your owner’s manual and any safety warning stickers under the hood. Also, it’s advisable that you keep a pair of old gloves and a roll of paper towels in the boot.

 

If the engine has been running for any length of time, there are areas under the hood that can be very hot. Except for checking transmission fluid level, all checks should be done while the engine is turned off. If the engine is running, do not put your hands near any belts or fans.

 

BATTERY

 

Most batteries today are “maintenance free”, which simply means that you can’t check the water level. This doesn’t mean however, that there is nothing to check. The main things to check are the top of the battery, which should be clean and dry, and the terminal connections, which should be clean and tight. If the top of the battery continuously becomes damp or corroded soon after cleaning, then have the charging system and battery checked by your mechanic. If by chance you are considering to buy used cars from dealers, and know nothing about batteries, you might wanna check it by looking and inspecting the connection wires. If it is corroded (it is rusty or white chemicals are forming), you can ask the used car dealer to clean it or change the battery to save you more money.

 

Happy motoring – and remember the best source to buy a used car today is OzFreeOnline.com – Cars Section. To sell your car, you can use our free car listings – We promise, it’ll cost you nothing.

 

To keep your car looking good and performing well, OzFreeOnline offers you suggestions on checking the Coolant (Antifreeze) level as well as the engine oil level.

 

COOLANT (ANTIFREEZE) LEVEL

 

Never open the radiator of a car that has just been running. The cooling system of a car is under high pressure with fluid that is usually hotter than boiling water. Look for the cooling system reserve tank, somewhere near the radiator. It is usually translucent white so you can see the fluid level without opening it. (Do not confuse it with the windshield washer tank). The reserve tank will have two marks on the side of it. ‘FULL HOT’ and ‘FULL COLD.’ If the level frequently goes below ‘full cold’ after adding fluid, you probably have a leak, which should be checked as soon as possible. Today’s engines are much more susceptible to damage from overheating, so do not neglect this important system. If your car is prone to overheating, you might wanna change your engine coolant or have your radiator checked up. Cars bought from car auctions usually have this problem so you might wanna research the used car value and asking for the cars service and damage/accident history to be aware of this kind of problems. Having an overheating engine on the road could be a very difficult thing to deal with.

 

ENGINE OIL LEVEL

 

An engine cannot run without oil; oil is what prevents serious engine damage or total destruction! To check the oil level, make sure that the engine is turned off, then find the engine oil dipstick and remove it. With a paper towel or rag, wipe off the end of the stick and notice the markings on it. You will usually see a mark for ‘Full’ and another mark for ‘Add’. If you have just acquired a used automobile, it is wise to check the oil immediately to determine if it is required to refill or do an oil change. Clean oil also is best for car engines.

 

Check your owner’s manual to be sure. Push the stick back into the tube until it sets, then immediately pull it out to see the oil level. You should not add oil unless the level is below the ‘Add’ mark and NEVER add oil to bring the level above the ‘Full’ mark. Your main concern with this check is that oil consumption is not rapidly increasing. If it is, take your car to a repair shop as soon as possible and have it checked out. It is acceptable for the oil to be dark as long as you change it at the recommended intervals. However, it should never be foamy and should never have a strong petrol smell. If either of these conditions exists, have it checked out soon. Remember, you can browse sites like OzFreeOnline to give you some tips and advices in properly maintaining your car but it is also advisable to pay a few dollars for an expert periodically to check your car to get it to its best condition.

 

 

It’s that time of year again, the nights are drawing in, the roads are covered with wet leaves and you’re starting to think a canoe would be more practical than a motorcycle right now. It may only be the start of winter, but we’ve already had floods and our first snow. As reluctant as you may be to admit it, it’s probably time to put the motorcycle into hibernation for the winter.

However, before you shut it away in the garage for the next few months, it may be worth taking a little time just making sure its comfy and more importantly, going to be good-to-go as soon as the weather picks up. Here are just a few simple tips to ensure that your motorcycle will be ready to go the second you are.

First up, take it for one last ride. Any niggling noises you’ve been ignoring or anything that doesn’t feel right should be addressed now. Once the motorcycle is warmed up, any condensation from the exhaust will evaporate too. On your way back top up the fuel tank. Half empty tanks are a great place for moisture to build up which coupled with any exposed metal could damage your bike. Once you’re back home, top the engine up with some fuel stabilizer and run the motorcycle for a few minutes to allow it to work its way round, even if your motorcycle doesn’t have carburettors, a fuel stabilizer will stop any compounds from the fuel tank breaking up and damaging your engine.

Changing the oil and filter is very important too; any acid compounds developed by the oil will need to be flushed out. As this oil will need to be drained before you next ride, it doesn’t need to be the most expensive oil on the market. Submerging some of the more sensitive parts of your motorcycle, like the bearings, in oil will help prevent corrosion. Remember that any excess oil has to be drained before starting the engine as too much oil can damage the engine just as much as too little oil. You will also need to top up the antifreeze. If you’re able; drain the float plugs. Alternatively, if a stabilizer is added to the fuel and run through the system this should work just as well. Before you put your motorcycle into storage, you will also need to lube the chain, if left; the chain can corrode and rust. Remember to keep any lubricants away from the breaks or tyres, assuming you want to stop without the aid of a tree next time you try to break. Any other exposed metal is going to need some WD40 to prevent any rust and corrosion.

It may sound obvious, but give the bike a good clean. This will enable you to notice anything out of the ordinary as well as removing any dirt or grime which could damage the motorcycle over the winter months, just remember not to put it away whilst it’s still wet. If there’s anything worth repairing or maintaining this is a great time to get it out of the way, so that in the spring the motorcycle will be ready to go as soon as the weather permits. Chances are with most motorcycles these days everything will be ok, but your motorcycle maybe close to a valve adjustment or something similar and now is a great time to get that done.

Next you’ll have to remove the battery, especially if your motorcycle is going to be left to brave the elements outside all winter. Batteries contain water which can freeze and expand, this can cause the battery to crack and once it melts it can then leak. If you can, leave your battery hooked up to a small charge for the winter. A battery tender will give it just the charge it needs without letting it over charge. If you leave your battery alone to stand in your bike all winter, you’ll have trouble even getting to the shop to buy a new one!

All that’s left now is to find somewhere nice and dry to store you motorcycle. Ideally your bike would prefer to be left in a garage but if that’s not possible try and make sure it’s covered. It is worth bearing in mind though, if its left with a cover outside, condensation could build up and you’ll have a very impressive pile of rust to take on your first ride out in the spring. If you’re going to have to leave your motorcycle outside make sure it’s secure and preferably out of sight. Nothing says challenge like an unattended motorcycle with nothing more than a glorified keychain round it. If you can, leave your motorcycle on a stand as this will take any weight from the suspension.

Well that’s it, time to relegate yourself to the car for the next few months. Next time you’re at a loose end on a bright clear Sunday afternoon, refrain yourself from taking your bike for a quick mid winter spin, you’ll only end up creating condensation in the engine, instead get on with a bit of routine maintenance.

The hybrid car engine holds the key to its being an environment-friendly vehicle. They are a combination of a gas engine and an electric motor that assists a car as it accelerates, slows down and even when it stops. Throughout all these basic actions, the hybrid car engine plays a major role so that the least amount of gas is used and cleaner emissions achieved.

Breaking It Down

A gas-electric hybrid vehicle is exactly that; a car that runs on both gas and electricity. A gas-powered car has a fuel tank and it is this tank that supplies the engine with the gasoline it needs to run. The engine then turns a transmission which is what it essentially behind the turning of wheels.

A set of batteries provide the power to the motor in an electric car. In this case, it is the electric motor that turns the transmission that turns the wheels. Although mileage is something that gas-powered cars have been covering with great efficiency in later years, there is still the issue of air pollution, which is something a hybrid car is a solution to.

The hybrid’s motor doesn’t produce any pollution at all. But an electric car can only go so far before having to be charged again. Now, by combining these two functions into one, a hybrid car engine attempts to increase mileage while reducing emissions of a gas-powered car and also reducing the use of large amounts of fuel. And to make up for the electric motor having to be charged, it is now left to the gas-powered engine and transmission to charge the cells in the batteries found in a hybrid electric vehicle. It’s a simple solution that has had great and positive effects with respect to fuel economy and eco-friendliness.

Cutting Costs

The hybrid car engine is known to help keep carbon dioxide emissions down and therefore it helps to improve our environmental situation by keeping pollution levels at bay and much lower. But most importantly (to average consumers), hybrid cars can save you money gas and maintenance costs. The engines of these cars are quite small and easy to manage so they last for a very long time and are quite durable.

When choosing your hybrid car options, consider the manufacturers that offer free part replacements on the model that you’re getting. There is also the added tax break that the US government has promised to all owners of new hybrid vehicles purchased after January 1 2006.

Its environment-friendly as well as its being economical make the hybrid technology popular among both manufacturers and consumers. It is perhaps one of the most overlooked technologies in the world but a growing awareness of these vehicles will eventually lead to a future of more hybrid electric vehicles on city streets and highways.