So I thought I’d start a few threads on some different topics that can still fall under Home Economics
No. 1 on the list: Car Care…so lets share some car maintenance tips n tricks…
Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner…
so how many folks here got ur car a spring tune-up? if its a newer car, most dealerships offer a spring tune-up package…i’m just going to list the MUST do’s here:
oil change
while u’re getting the oil changed, get the air filter checked and replaced as well if needed (most likely it will if it hasn’t been changed recently)…a clean air filter increases the gas economy of the car as well!
check all other fluids (brakes, steering, transmission, radiator coolant, windshield washer etc) and get 'em replaced/topped as needed…
check all lights, including the indicators…
get the brakes and rotors checked and replaced as needed…
get the tire pressure checked…
if you have all-season tires, get the tire threads inspected and the tires rotated as well…if u were using winter tires, its time to change 'em to all seasons…unless u want to wear 'em down completely
visual inspection of any belts/chains…
battery check…cold cranks in winter time do take its toll on the battery
this should prevent a lot of headache during the spring/summer
My question: Is it better to purchase snow tires with rims? I pay 70 bucks every season I have them changed. Just wondering which mathod is better. Does buying rims saves in long term?
Another question: I had my car serviced and they said brakes are fine But when I am driving I feel something is wrong with breaks. I have to keep my foot pushing very very hard on the break paddle to not to let go of the car. And If I happen to loose my foot even a little bit, my car goes off …is there a reason why? I just almost hit a car at the front becuz I was busy looking at myself in the mirror and I didn’t realize the car had started moving forward slowly and hit another car.
purchasing tires with rims saves the hassle of getting the tires replaced on the same rims each season…replacement of the whole wheel is much easier than the tire itself…however, keep in mind the cost of getting additional rims…so it really depends on what u want
wheel alignment is different than tire rotation…simply put, wheel alignment ensures that ur wheels are adjusted at the proper angles so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground…if the alignment is out, u’ll notice that even when u’re driving the car striaght, the steering wheel is not exactly straight…so getting wheel alignment done increases the tread life of the tires and the overall balance and handling of the car…if u r looking for preventive maintenance, then wheel alignment can be checked when u r getting the tires rotated by looking at the tread wear pattern…so it can certainly be corrected then…of course, other than that, u should get it done once u start noticing a pull towards the left or the right, or the steering wheel not being straight while u r driving straight etc…
as for the brakes, brake pads might be fine, specially if u r not hearing any squeaking etc while braking…get the brake fluid checked…and stop being distracted by urself
thank you DMooo.
Anyone knows how important is to get coolant(i hope I got it right) to get flushed? Last time I went for service they told me I need to have it done which costs about 80 bucks. Well at that time I didn’t know what the heck it was Then I heard from other people that it is not necessary to have it done as long as you top up the coolant fluid every month or so. So I am so confused..does it affect the car performance if I don’t have it?
Tip of the day: Armor All manufactures a whole line of products for car care, both for the interior as well as the exterior…I always have a pack of Armor All interior cleaning wipes, to clean any surface inside the car…i can’t even count the number of times i’ve spilled coffee and, the seat got saved cuz of these wipes heck, they even worked on gulab jaamun sheera! :k:
coolant flush ensures that the engine cooling is optimal, and it prevent overheating etc...it does get dirty, and rule of thumb is to get it done once a year...depends on the car manufacturer...optimal time would be when u r getting ur car ready for spring and summer...
same with tramission fluid flush...every 50,000 kms, u should get that done...heck of a difference in the cars performance when u get that done :D
Armor All also do external polish wipes - I was sceptical at first but now I’m a believer! they clean dirt and stuff easily off your car and leave it all shiny and nice
But when I am driving I feel something is wrong with breaks. I have to keep my foot pushing very very hard on the break paddle to not to let go of the car. And If I happen to loose my foot even a little bit, my car goes off 
…is there a reason why? I just almost hit a car at the front becuz I was busy looking at myself in the mirror and I didn’t realize the car had started moving forward slowly and hit another car.
thank you DMooo.
Then I heard from other people that it is not necessary to have it done as long as you top up the coolant fluid every month or so. So I am so confused..does it affect the car performance if I don’t have it?
heck, they even worked on gulab jaamun sheera! :k: