Automotive Top Secret

Car buying tips and tools to help you get the most car for your money. Whether you are buying a new or used vehicle these are tips you need to know.

(NAPSI)-If you’re in the market for a car–new or used–you have more information at hand than at any other time in the history of car buying, in large part due to the Internet and the competitive nature of today’s automotive market.

Automakers’ Web sites are a great place to begin your quest for information. Most manufacturers have an online tool to virtually “build” your vehicle, choosing the trim levels, options and accessories that are most important to you. Is a sunroof important? Check. Leather seats? Check. All-wheel drive? Check. The automakers’ Web site will also steer you to a dealer near you, so you can check out locally available inventory.

Since safety is such an important consideration when buying a car, be sure to check out the vehicle’s crashworthiness ratings at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Search the Web site (www.iihs.org) for vehicles that have been named a “Top Safety Pick” by the institute, which means that the vehicle has earned the top rating in each of four crash tests. Subaru (www.subaru.com), for example, is the rare manufacturer with at least one Top Safety Pick in every vehicle class in which it competes.

If you are considering a used vehicle, arm yourself with pricing knowledge before you begin shopping for your dream car by checking out Kelley Blue Book online at www.kbb.com. The site gives typical pricing for each trim level of a used vehicle, allows you to customize by adding options and accessories, and adjusts vehicle valuations based on the condition of the used car.

One way to avoid the uncertainty that often comes with buying a used vehicle is to take advantage of a manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle program. CPO vehicles are given a thorough inspection, often with well over 100 points inspected, and generally come with an extended warranty, including power train coverage. Some manufacturers, such as Subaru of America, enhance their CPO programs with additional features, including a CARFAX® Vehicle History Report and 24/7 roadside assistance.

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Get some car care myths exposed. Learn what’s true among all those false ideas you have about taking care of your car.

(ARA) – Knowledge may be power, but that’s only the case if you put what you know into good use. Sure, it’s a common phrase that can be used in many different situations, but when applying it to car care, weeding through the myths can result in financial savings and longer vehicle life.

Myth: My car’s motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles

It is recommended that vehicle owners follow their manufacturer’s maintenance intervals while it is still under warranty. However, if your car is no longer under warranty, try using a synthetic oil that can extend your oil change intervals. The number of miles you can allow between your oil changes will depend on the way you drive and the oxidations stability of the motor oil.

Oxidation stability can be measured by the American Society for Testing and Materials’ (ASTM) rigorous Thin Film Oxidation Uptake Test (TFOUT). This test is so demanding that it lasts 1,300 minutes. Conventional motor oils typically last less than 300 minutes and Synthetic motor oils typically last less than 500 minutes. One high performance synthetic motor oil, Royal Purple, has been shown to outlast the duration of the test. Royal Purple motor oils are recommended to extend oil change intervals as much as 12,000 miles under normal driving conditions, and have also been shown to improve fuel economy.

Myth: A dealership must handle all maintenance on my vehicle while it is under warranty.

The key to maintaining your factory warranty is that car care items specified in the owner’s manual are performed on schedule. As long as the service is documented, it can be performed by any auto-repair shop. You can also do the work yourself; just make sure you keep accurate records and receipts in case warranty issues arise and for future repair.

Myth: My car engine needs to warm up before driving.

During winter months, it is a common practice for drivers to warm their vehicles up inside, but a cold engine will warm up faster when it is being driven instead of idling. If you use your car infrequently, take a few minutes to warm up your car before you drive away. This allows cold, thick oil to warm up, protecting your engine from damage. For cold weather starts, all you need is 30 seconds to ensure proper oil flow and lubrication. In the event of frigid temperatures, driving at a slower speed for a few miles will give your car enough time to warm up.

Myth: You tires should be inflated to the pressure shown on the tire sidewall.

Because of the wide variety of tires on the market today, tires can be used on more than one vehicle, so inflating your tires based on the PSI number on the sidewall may not be ideal for your specific vehicle. Car owners should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cold weather and normal conditions tire pressure. That number can be found on a doorjamb sticker in newer cars, or in the glove box or fuel door on older models.

Myth: Are dishwashing detergents suitable for washing my car?

It is common for people to use dish detergents to wash your car, but do so with some warning. Dish detergents are designed to remove animal or vegetable fat and will equally target the wax on your car. Instead, opt for a product specifically for automotive use. Quality products are based on detergents and not soaps which are made of rendered animal byproduct that contain trace elements that could damage your paint.

Myth: All oil filters are the same

You may think that “an oil filter is an oil filter,” but that’s not true, because there can be significant differences that affect both filtration efficiency and longevity. The oil filter is the engine’s main line of defense against abrasion and premature wear. The more dirt and other contaminants the filter can trap and hold the better.

Inexpensive filters are typically made with the 3,000-mile interval in mind, using low-quality paper media that deteriorates rapidly for filtration. There are a number of new high performance premium oil filters on the market from manufacturers such as Royal Purple, Wix and K&N. These filters are made for extended oil drain intervals. For example, Royal Purple uses a proprietary long-life, micro-glass media that provides protection for 12,000 miles.

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Price Versus Value-When Premium Auto Products Are Worth The Extra Cost. Find out more about car care products that are a good value and a good price.

(NAPSI)-To keep your car on the road to safety and savings, it’s a good idea to pay attention to what goes into and onto the vehicle.

Sometimes it pays to upgrade to a premium automotive product. As the experts at the Car Care Council put it, “Small steps that motorists take today can go a long way toward improving the safety and reliability of their vehicles.”

Here are a few tips on common automotive product categories to help you make informed decisions.

Gasoline

Engines are designed to use a particular grade/octane of gasoline. There’s no substantial benefit to using an octane higher than recommended by the manufacturer. The bottom line is that if you use higher octane against manufacturer’s recommendations, you could be paying up to 40 cents more a gallon, which could add up to over $300 a year in extra expenses with no added benefits.

Wiper Blades

There is a noticeable performance difference in low-cost wiper blades versus those specifically designed for rough weather conditions. Premium wiper blades are significantly sturdier and more durable than low-priced blades. The bottom line is that the upgrade will cost you less in the long run if you live in a more extreme (rainy or snowy) climate.

Motor Oil

There have been substantial improvements in lubrication technology over the past few years. The longer oil life of high-performance synthetic motor oil allows for extended oil drains, which saves time and money and reduces the effect on the environment. The bottom line is that some high-performance synthetic oils such as Royal Purple have been reported to improve mileage by as much as 3 percent, which adds up over the course of a year.

Oil Filters

Inexpensive filters are typically made with the 3,000-mile interval in mind because they use low-quality paper media that deteriorate rapidly at 3,000 miles. The new generation of high-performance premium oil filters allows for extended oil drain intervals. For example, Royal Purple uses a proprietary long-life, microglass media that provides protection for 12,000 miles. It also provides an increased level of protection due to the density of the filtration. The bottom line is that the more expensive filter pays off if you plan to extend oil drain intervals or live in extremely dusty or cold-weather climates.

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Weather April showers by properly preparing your vehicle. Tires Plus tells us some important parts of Spring vehicle maintenance.

(NewsUSA) – While it may be true that April showers bring May flowers, rain also creates wet roads and low driving visibility. To better weather the spring storms, Tires Plus recommends the following:

Keep The Pressure On.

Now is the time to pay close attention to your tires. Regularly check your tires for proper inflation, rotation, repair and replacement. Checking tire pressure is important; both under- and over-inflation lessens a tire’s gripping action. Further, rotating your tires can help correct irregular tire wear. Enlist the help of your local automotive technician in order to select a tire made for wet-weather driving and enhanced traction.

Wipe Away The Problem.

Take a few moments to check your windshield wipers; they don’t last forever. If the rubber feels rough or is cracked, replace the wiper blades — in most climates about every six months.

Take Tread Seriously.

Familiarize yourself with the “penny test” as a way to check your tire tread. Insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn, and the tire probably needs to be replaced. Your passenger tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth; anything less is hazardous on the wet roads.

Avoid Potholes.

Hitting a pothole can damage your tire and/or the wheel of your vehicle. The sharp impact can cause immediate tire/wheel failure or internal damage that can lead to tire failure weeks later. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help reduce pothole damage and other road hazards.

Whether you are preparing for a long-awaited spring vacation or just everyday driving, don’t forget to properly prepare your vehicle to weather any storm. Take every precaution while on the road, and when experiencing wet road conditions remember to keep in mind that stopping distances will be longer than usual. And, finally, do not forget that proper vehicle maintenance can help your car stay newer longer this spring season.

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