* Tires- Check for weathering (cracks or sidewall wear) and tread depth. Overly worn out tires will cost you money out of pocket right away and are a huge safety risk.
* Belts- Open up the hood & look for obvious cracks and wear on any belts including the engine belt, serpentine belt, v belt.
* Fluid levels & Condition- Check the engine oil after the car has had a moment to sit, make sure there is enough oil & it has good viscosity, no grit, carbon or dirt. Engine oil is best if it is on the lighter colored side. Transmission coolant should not smell or look “burned”. Radiator fluid should be properly filled & mixed.
* Cosmetic & Body condition- Check the condition of the body & the paint. Make sure all the lights, blinkers & windows work properly. Check the trunk & gas door releases. Make sure you know where these items are.
* Maintenance Records- Even a backyard mechanic can keep receipts from the auto parts store for oil & battery. Ask to see them. As a plus, some warranties are transferable with a vehicle.
* Air Conditioning System- Are there visible leaks? Is there noise when you run the air conditioner? Is it blowing cold?
* Brakes & Suspension- Visibly look at the rotors. Does the car pull to the left or to the right? Pulling is a bad sign. Does the car stop easily? It should. The brake pedal should be firm not spongy.

With so many systems on a car or truck obviously a professional inspection is a great idea. But if you are on your own looking for a used car print the above information and I hope it helps you to make a better used car decision, and helps to save you money in the long run.

Andrew Dale King has been taking things apart and putting them back together long enough to know that if you fix it right the first time it saves a lot of money, effort, and time. A second generation union heavy equipment mechanic he currently operates a mobile mechanic service based in the Henderson & Las Vegas area when he is not working on his wife’s Mustang or fixing the things his children have broken, or his dog chews. His website is http://www.kingautohenderson.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_D_King

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But there are some car components which too can be replaced but are not regarded as a consumable. For example your car headlights. Now you may need to replace them if for some reason they got damaged. But if they are not damaged it is unlikely that the thought of replacing them will occur to you. And even if the performance of your car headlights is going down the change is so slow and subtle that it will not be easily obvious to you. However if you have a muscle car such as a Dodge Charger it makes sense to have Charger headlights to match.

You will be able to know how much the performance of your headlights has diminished if you will compare the lighting with the latest Charger headlights. Not only will your older headlights have lost some of their strength the latest headlights will have better technology delivering a better performance. They will have a better light source delivering a powerful beam and a better reflector making the road light up properly. The housing will be smarter looking as well.

Headlights do not cost much and improve the performance and looks of your car. They therefore give you great value for your money. You can choose them conveniently by going online. They are easy to install and will bring back excitement to the looks and the performance of your car. You can see the latest Charger headlights at http://www.ilovebodykits.com.

Louie Liu has been in the car aftermarket products industry for 5 years. He specializes in body kits, headlights, cold air intakes & other aftermarket products. You can learn more about Charger headlights, and other headlights at his site www.ilovebodykits.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Louie_Liu

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Now, be sure that you don’t confuse them with Hot Rods, which are generally classic hot rods that are pretty and shiny lots of chrome. And don’t confuse them with Muscle Cars. You know, Camaros, Gtos, Corvettes, etc, you get the picture.

Rat Rods are your old, rust bucket looking car. It can be very primitive, looking like your typical jalopy.They are all custom, built to the owners taste. Some say the more of a rust bucket, the better. Others like flat black paint, large whitewalls and red wheels, with zero chrome. But there is no “wrong” way to do it. Some don’t have a roof and some don’t even have any glass at all, almost prehistoric.

No one can truly tell you how to build it, but we can give you some ideas. You can turn any car into a Rat Rod, but do it with taste. I wouldn’t go out into your garage and spray flat black paint on your Lexus, if you know what I mean. Some of the more popular vehicles are 20s, through 50’s vehicles. Fords and Chevys are more popular, but dare to be different. Make a statement and build a Hudson or a Metropolitan.

So here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Find yourself a car that fits your personality, and no your bimmer does not count. Make sure the car is pre-fifties and preferably is poor condition.

Step 2: Tear the car apart. Remove all unecessary items that will get in the way like carpet, interior trim, emblems, you know, the stuff that makes cars look like, you know, a car!.

Step 3: Make sure you’ll be noticed: Be it painting your car flat black, leaving it rusty, or some other creative scheme, it cannot shine. Period! Cut off that silly exhaust and make it loud. You want your Rat Rod to be seen and heard.

Step 4: Finish it up with cool wheels and tires, some pinstriping, a beer can for a shifter knob, a keg for a fuel tank, etc (you get the picture).

Step 5: Cruise. This is what its all about. No trailer queens here. These cars are real drivers. Rain or shine and sometimes snow, there should be no excuse as to why your not cruising, and no, being out of gas doesn’t count.

And what better way to put this all together than by visiting the rat rod authority for all your needs for Rat Rods and even Hot Rods and Muscle Cars. All the latest parts, accessories and apparrel to get your vehicle running and looking right for the night out on the town, or the Saturday morning cruise. So come see us at ratrodauthority.com From rust buckets to Hot Rods

Started by Art Tupaczewski, his experience in the auto body industry lead him to devise a way to find that “specialty part” for your car quickly, easily, and cost effectively. Whether just starting out, or a seasoned veteran, http://www.ratrodauthority.com has what you need. After analyzing the marketplace, Art figured out an efficient way to get what you need fast and correct from the comfort of your own home. His website is the most user friendly and is designed to tell you exactly what you need to know so you can get back to your project. No guesswork and up to the date products allow you to move at a rapid rate and checkout quickly.

Whether its an exhaust for your lead sled, wheels for your jalopy, or tires for your Chevelle or Camaro, you can rest assured knowing that you found the only place to shop for your car. So always remember, from rust buckets to hot rods, the rat rod authority is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Come visit us at http://www.ratrodauthority.com for ideas, parts, vehicles and anything to do with Rat Rods, Muscle Cars, and Hot Rods.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Art_Tupaczewski

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When you need to stop your vehicle, you press down on your brake pedal, expecting your car to come to a full stop. What happens next is a mystery to most drivers. The pedal creates pressure within your master cylinder. That, in turn, pushes brake fluid through a network of hoses that lead to each of your tires. Calipers and pads at each tire apply pressure to the rotors and thereby, stop your vehicle.

Below, we’ll take a tour through this entire system. I’ll explain each of the parts involved in more detail, so you’ll understand the process by which your brakes stop your car. I’ll also describe a few common problems that you may eventually confront.

The Role Of Your Master Cylinder

Your car’s master cylinder is located in front of the driver’s seat. It is actually comprised of two individual master cylinders; each one controls the braking units of two wheels. The design is a fail-safe feature. If one of the two sides fails (though such an event is rare), the other side ensures you will still be able to stop your vehicle.

When problems occur, they are usually due to leaks that have formed somewhere in the brake line. A leak will cause the pedal to drop to the floor when your foot is pressing down on it.

The Purpose Of Brake Fluid

Braking fluid allows the entire system to work effectively. The fluid is formulated to withstand low and high temperatures so it avoids congealing or boiling (respectively). As noted above, it flows from the master cylinder through the brake line to the wheels.

You’ll find a reservoir in which you can replenish the fluid located on top of the master cylinder. You should be able to determine how much is in the reservoir without removing the cap. If you notice the level dropping below the two-thirds marker, have a mechanic check the braking system. Worn pads can often cause the level to decline.

Basic Construction

Disk braking systems have largely replaced drum brakes. They’re more durable and last longer than drums. Moreover, they are less susceptible to water and more effective for stopping your car. The assembly consists of pads, rotors, and calipers.

Each caliper has a pair of pads. The pads are fastened on either side of the rotor. When you press the brake pedal to stop your car, the caliper places pressure on the pads, which squeeze around the rotor. The friction brings your vehicle to a stop.

Over time, the pads wear down and must be replaced. The rotor likewise suffers wear and tear by developing grooves from the pressure placed upon it by the pads. When grooves appear, the rotor needs to be machined to make its surface smooth enough to provide the necessary friction for stopping. Rotors can only be machined to a certain point before they become unstable. Once that point has been reached, they must be replaced.

Common Problems

Your braking system can develop a number of different problems. Some are serious and need immediate attention while others can take a lower priority (for awhile). Squealing is one of the most common problems people experience. It is typically caused by vibrations between the pads and calipers. Replacing the former and machining the latter usually resolves the problem.

Other issues include pulling to one side when your brakes are engaged, a “grabbing” sensation, and pulsation. As noted, you might also experience a drop in the pedal when leaks form, or a pedal that feels spongy.

Any problem you experience with your vehicle’s braking system should be inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible. Even low-priority issues (e.g. squealing) can worsen to the point that they become more expensive to resolve.

When looking for used auto parts and used engines consider the leader in parts, Everdrive.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Everette_Jamison

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Here are a few reasons why everyone needs a car jump starter. First of all, you may not always have a kind stranger or a friend conveniently around whenever you have a dead battery. If you are like me, I love to hike and often don’t get back to my car until the park is just about to close, which also means that there are usually no other cars around by that time. There are a million other situations where you might be in a remote location with no other vehicles around to give you a boost.

Secondly, your car may not always be in a convenient position to be able to get a jump from another car. The most common example of this I can think of is if you live in an urban area with parking garages with tight and cramped spaces, it would be difficult to get another car positioned correctly for the jumper cables to reach far enough to connect both car batteries. In a situation like this, you may not be able to get your car into a position to get a boost nor a kind stranger to help you maneuver the two vehicles to make this happen.

Believe me, the peace of mind of having a Start It Jump Starter that can conveniently be pulled out to jump start your car is invaluable. You may have a car with a lot of mechanical or electrical issues which cause your battery to die from time to time. If you have one of these cars, these devices are that much more of an essential item for you to buy.

In addition to getting a jump for your car, these devices also give you the ability to have portable power. This device comes with a DC outlet, enabling you to power any electronic device that uses direct current or DC electricity, which is the same type of power you get from your cigarette lighter in your car. This means that you can recharge you cell phone or laptops when you’re out camping or doing other outdoor activities.

Some models also come with AC outlets, which is the same outlet you find in your house. That means you can plug in any normal electrical device to this particular type of jump starter for your portable power needs. So when you go camping, you can plug in your stereos, radios, laptops, and even televisions when you’re camping.

Speaking of the cigarette lighter in your car, you can also recharge these jump starters using that DC power outlet as well. That means after you have jumped your car, you can turn around and plug it into your car cigarette lighter to recharge it for the next time you need it.

How can a car that just had a dead battery go on to turn around to recharge the thing that started it back up? That’s simple. Because your engine is constantly recharging your car battery with it’s alternator. The alternator takes the energy generated by the engine and converts it to charge your car battery. That same engine then can turn around to recharge your battery booster jump starter.

Black & Decker’s Start It Jump Starter is one of the best jump starters you can buy out on the market made by one of the best hardware companies in the world. And it can basically boost any 12 volt battery, which is in most normal sized vehicles. The normal 300 amp device has enough power to jump any normal car like Honda Accords, to Toyota Tacoma’s and even luxury vehicles which usually have larger engines. The more powerful 450 amp model can also jump larger heavy duty work trucks. I have a friend who used to work as an engineer for them and testified to how well they control quality and build for innovation. It’s one of the highest quality devices out there.

In addition, most of the models also come with an air compressor. This will allow you to inflate your car tires, bicycle tires or sporting equipment like basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls. You can also use this to inflate pool toys like balloons and flotation devices.

Most models also come with an ultra-bright LED light so you can jump your battery even when you’re in the dark for road side assistance. You can also use this powerful LED light when the power goes out in your house or when you need illumination at night during outdoor activities like camping and outdoor barbecue’s.

Devices like the Start It Jump Starter are also great to have around for just about any emergency situation where you need portable power. Even in the model western world like the US, we still have natural disasters and the occasional power outage. I’ve lived through at least one hurricane and one snow storm that took out power for more than a week and one of these devices would have come into very good use during those episodes. Not only does it provide light, but it also provides power for your radio, cell phones, laptops and other communication devices that can be life savers during emergency scenarios. Not only that, because you can recharge it using your car, it can continue to give you power and light for days without a problem.

David is a Business Development Consultant who assists businesses craft marketing and sales strategies which include developing marketing materials, developing a sales model and recruiting and managing a sales force.

David also helps people start home based businesses and those looking to work from home. He’s been there, and he’s there now himself. In addition to his consulting work, David also does contracting for various humanitarian organizations and has multiple streams of income from projects on the Internet.

One of his websites is a resource for car guys online.

http://car-guys-blog.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_CJ_Jones

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1) Brake system

2) Oil change/lube

3) Cool system (radiator)

4) Ignition

5) Suspension

6) Fuel system

7) Electrical system

Transmission

9) Air conditioning

10) Exhaust

There are ways to keep your repair costs down. One of the easiest and best ways is preventative maintenance. Regularly schedule trips to your mechanic or service station can save you lots of money from future problems. Most cars have manufacturer’s maintenance schedules or you can ask your mechanic if they have their own.

Being aware of your car is important as well. Keep your eyes ears and nose open. You can visually check your car yourself. Checking all your fluids and making sure they are topped is an easy thing to do. You can inspect your tires for wear and to see if they require rotation. Do you see oil, water or break fluid under the car?

Be aware of how the car sounds. Does it sound loud while driving. Do you hear squeaks while breaking. Do you hear squealing when you turn? Do you smell fumes or smoke or burning wires? Being diligent can help keep repair coasts down.

When you do have to repair or service, make sure you ask for a written estimate ahead of time. Make sure that the mechanic will ask your approval before any repairs are made. So what they suggest and what may prevent future problems. Finding a good mechanic should be done before you need repairs done. But if you are having your car maintained regularly this should not be a problem. Make sure you are using a competent and professional mechanic for your repair work and servicing. Cheap price does not mean good work. As they say you get what you pay for. Check to see if the mechanic uses new or used parts in the repairs. Make sure the shop is clean and orderly as well.

Some problems are foreseeable and can be prevented, other problems cannot. Having a trustworthy mechanic in mind before anything happens can save a lot of headaches. As cars get older wear and tear does take its toll and repairs will be necessary at some point. Just take care and be aware.

Visit ttp://www.carinsurance.com for a Car Insurance Quote in your State

James Diaz is a representative of CarInsurance.com. You can visit CarInsurance.com at http://www.carinsurance.com or contact them at 1-877-327-8728.

CarInsurance.com’s online insurance marketplace gives an opportunity to consumers and to insurance companies. We offer the ability to shop for car insurance online.

Consumers can receive quotes from many insurance companies, in some states you are able to purchase your insurance instantly, online. You don’t have to drive your car to buy car insurance. Buy online… anytime!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Diaz

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Vehicle owners are supposed to know several tips on how to maintain their vehicles in order for them to be safe on the road. A vehicle is made up of several parts and each need to be maintained on a regular basis. One of the common parts needing constant attention is the wheels and tires. It is ideal to regularly check the tire pressure as well as cleaning the dust off the brakes. The tire pressure affects the vehicle’s fuel economy as well as performance and it should be checked about once a week. The brake dust can be best removed with a damp sponge.

The tires should also be rotated approximately after every five thousand miles and be replaced when their tread bars are too low. The Engine is also another important part of the vehicle that should be maintained. There are belts inside the engine that are supposed to be checked after approximately twenty five thousand miles. The engine is also where the oil is and it is not supposed to be too high or well as too low for the best engine performance.

To be able to know the specific amount of oil in your vehicle you should park it in a level ground and wait for the engine to cool down and use the dipstick. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean then put it back until it reaches the end and pull it out to know the level of oil. The dipstick has the high and low indicated on it to be able to know the level. The coolant level should also be checked in the engine. It is important to go through your vehicle handbook to be able to locate your coolant reservoir. The coolant level should also be between the high and low marks indicated on it. The coolant level should also be checked when the engine has cooled. The radiator cap should not be taken off when checking the coolant level.

You should also check the vehicle handbook to find out the recommended fuel for your vehicle and always use what is specified. The vehicle’s interior as well as the exterior also need to look good and to do this you need quality waxes and polishes. Things like bird poop should be washed of as soon as possible. Many cars users would also think of changing the car music system which will involve the battery efficiency. When disconnecting the battery you should start with negative terminal first then the positive. When reconnecting it should be the positive terminal first. It is also good to clean the terminal caps with wire brush.

The vehicle lights are also very important. The indicator lights should be checked from time to time. Headlight bulbs are also supposed to be working properly and an important thing to put in mind is hold the metal bulb holder at the base when changing them. The dash board warning lights are also very sensitive and you should be well familiarized by going through your vehicle’s handbook. These lights include the service engine light, brake warning lights, coolant warning light and oil warning light.

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When you hear an occasional rattle that becomes persistent with time, identifying the cause can be problematic. In this article, we’ll describe a few reasons why your car, truck, or SUV begins to groan as it ages.

What Causes Rattling And Squeaking?

Rattling and squeaking can come from a number of sources. In some cases, the problem is under the dashboard. Other times, it’s in the brakes. Depending on the age of your car, the noise might be caused by your suspension. The first step in determining the cause is to isolate the general source. Do you hear the rattle under your seat? That suggests the suspension. Is squeaking coming from the rear of your vehicle next to a tire? If so, your brake pads may be worn. Does the noise occur only when driving over large bumps? Your shocks might be failing.

Tracking Down Leaks

Have you ever been annoyed by a persistent air leak while driving with your windows up? Ever heard a tedious drip while driving in rainy weather? Both types of leaks are incredibly difficult to find. You’ll need a friend to help you locate their source.

With water leaks, have a friend remain within the cab of your vehicle while you hose it down from outside. If the leak is visible inside the interior, your friend should be able to easily locate it (a flashlight helps). If water is leaking within the door, he or she can at least isolate it.

Identifying the source of air leaks requires using a special device while driving. Ask your friend to accompany you while you take your vehicle on the highway. Then, ask him or her to use the leak-identification tool while you pilot your car.

Finding The Source Of Vibrations

Vibrations can come from your car’s chassis, drivetrain, suspension, or engine. Those caused by your chassis are difficult to identify because the location seems to migrate over time. By contrast, the drivetrain will send a clear signal by vibrating your entire automobile.

The most common sources of vibrations are the suspension and the tires. Vibrating tires suggest a balancing issue. On the other hand, if you feel shaking in the steering wheel, that suggests the arm bushings, strut bearings, shocks, or joints may be failing.

If you notice rattling, squeaking, leaks, or vibrations, have them fixed. They will not resolve themselves. Instead, they will continue to worsen, leaving you with a higher repair bill in the future

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Sometimes, when people are too busy, they often neglect the need to take care of the things that offer faithful service to them everyday. One of the really good examples is the car. At times, people fail to take notice of the groans of their vehicles and end up with a broken car instead.

You have to be aware of how your car runs. Your familiarization with the “ride” of your car would greatly help you determine whether your car needs some tweaking and fixing or not. If you feel like you are riding in an old vibrating vehicle, your tires might need some balancing and alignment.

One important aspect that you have to be constantly aware of is your breaks. When it sinks to the floor when you apply pressure, or if your car moves sideways every time you apply the breaks, then there is definitely a problem and it is a very ripe time to let an auto mechanic check your car.

An auto service in Atlanta would only take some of your time and you don’t need to watch your car the whole time. It is a good idea to leave your car at the shop while it is being checked for any problems and it enables the mechanics to check your car thoroughly.

All car problems could be brought to an Atlanta auto service. Highly reputable ones are available to serve you day in and day out. You are assured of the employment of the latest modern equipment and highly-trained mechanics to fix your car troubles.

So for your car needs, whether it is in the worst case of a broken down car, or still in the pre-worse stage, bringing your car to an Atlanta auto shop would really help you save time and expenses.

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