Best Money Saving Articles Online

Find Out All The Types of Different Paint System To Use On Your Car

Mar 11, 2010 More Saving

If you have decided to paint your car, then you are in for a real adventure, and hopefully a positive one. Many people do paint their cars and they turn out great. There is no reason yours won?t, if you follow the rules and guidelines. One of the most crucial things you have to do is make sure you purchase the right car paints, and that you use them exactly as instructed. Like any technology the car paints have taken on a different character and changes over the years. Naturally they must stay consistent with what the car manufacturers are using or there would be no compatibility in the car paints at all.

You will see when you go to buy your paints that there is a variety, so you will have to make some choices. It is not a cheap commodity, so you want to be sure before you start that you are going to have the budget to buy your car paints in enough quantity to finish the job.

One of the things you will need to determine when you buy the car paints, is do you have the equipment that may be necessary to use that particular paint. For example, if it is a brand of paint that requires application with a spay gun, then do you have access to one. Unless you are inclined to do so, its unlikely you are going to want to buy a lot of additional equipment just for this one time project. Unless of course you are planning on painting other cars in the future and this would be a investment for you.

Its not just the color of the car paints that you have to decide upon, you are going to need to apply a primer as well. Once again you must consider how this is to be applied. The other alternative to buying paints that require a sprayer is to by the spray paint tins. Some individuals feel that it is more expensive to go that route, but if you don?t have to buy extra equipment, then the cost maybe very comparable.

You need to be sure that you are going to be able to purchase more of the paint should you run out. Can you imagine the disaster it would be if you got the car 3/4s finished and couldn?t get more car paints because they were end of the line and you bought them on sale?

In either the paints that you use a spray gun with or aerosol cans there are a variety of brands available. Make sure you purchase from a reputable dealer, and hopefully one that can give you some advice. No doubt everyone will have some favorite brands, but a little research on your part will help as well.

Don?t forget that you will also need to buy a top coat as well when you go to buy your paints. Don?t penny pinch when it comes to this one. You will have put a lot of hard work into painting your car and you want the effects to last. You can achieve this with a good product.

Discover how to spray paint your car in 2 hours or less with SprayPaintSecrets. You can download free videos on car spray painting and bodywork repair lessons in the official site now.

Tags: auto, auto bodywork, automotive, car painting, car repair, cars, hobbies, More Saving, recreation, Spray Paint

5 Costly Car Maintenance Mistakes - and How to Save a Fortune Caring for Your Car

Oct 21, 2009 More Saving

Many people don’t realize how much money they can save if they were to just take the time to do some simple things for their car. Every one is busy today, with work and relationships and lots of other stresses, but taking ten minutes out of your hectic schedule to do some simple care care maintenance, can save you time and money in the long run.

Here are some common mistakes people make with their cars:

1) Not keeping tires inflated - To do this, you’ll have to get a tire pressure gauge. At about $5, they’re pretty inexpensive. The next thing you’ll need to do is find the recommended tire pressure that’s listed on your tires. Finally, check the tire pressure to see if it matches.

Proper tire inflation can help in a number of ways. First is that a properly inflated tire can save gas, a precious commodity these days. Having tires with the right amount of pressure makes them last longer, and do their job better. Over or under inflated tires could blow out, causing an accident, or you have to replace or repair it. If you have to use a spare, don’t drive around on it like a normal tire, they aren’t designed to drive around on, just enough to get you to a repair shop.

2) Not checking fluid levels (or not checking them properly) - If your cat is an automatic, you should check fluids when they’re warm. Put the car in neutral, and make sure the parking brake is on. Your engive oil can be checked with the car warm, but make sure the car is turned off to do that. When it comes to radiator fluids, those should only be checked when the engine is cold. If you check them while the car is hot, pressure can build up in the radiator and cause severe burns.

3) Do it yourself oil changes, or skipping regularly scheduled lubrication - Changing your own oil, while is seems like a good alternative, isn’t, because you have to raise the car, drain the oil, which is messy, and then you are stuck with trying to dispose of the used oil.

When you take your car to a maintenance shop they check all the fluids and top any off that need it. They also lubricate the chassis, and change the oil filter. Plus, they can also check if you have an oil leak. If you are leaking oil and at any given time don’t have enough oil in your car it car permanently damage your engine.

4) Not having regular brake inspections, or not changing the pads often enough - That incessant squeal every time you apply the brake is a warning that the pads have worn down to the studs, and are scraping against the drums and rotors. Taking the time to have the brakes changed, for under two hundred dollars in most cases, is a lot cheaper than having to replace the rotors and drums.

5) A loose gas cap - When you gas cap is loose in most cases your engine light will turn on. Many people take their car into the mechanic to find out what the problem is. A diagnostic can be highly expensive and completely avoidable if you just tighten your gas cap after every fill up.

Want to find a good Salt Lake City mechanic? Want high quality service at a great price without waiting around all day for it? Check out www.slcautorepair.com to find a good mechanic at a low price. Don’t reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.

Tags: AUTO AND TRUCKS, auto repair, automotive, autos, car repair, cars, Mechanic, mechanic salt lake city, mechanics, More Saving, Oil Change, oil change salt lake city, salt lake city car repair, salt lake city mechanic

Understanding The Operation Of Your Car’s Alternator

Oct 8, 2009 More Saving

Imagine this scenario: it’s raining outside. You’re leaving the office after a hard day and are looking forward to arriving at home. You climb into your car and crank the engine. Within a few minutes, you’re on the highway with a 30-minute trip ahead of you. The radio is keeping you company while the heater warms the cab. Fifteen minutes into your drive home, your radio begins to cut out. Soon, the heater also becomes cranky. With several miles to go, your headlights begin to dim. Before long, your engine has died. You’re still miles from home and the rain has only worsened. These are the signs of a dying alternator.

Even though this component receives little attention, it is one of the hardest-working parts under the hood. Below, I’ll explain how it works and a few factors that can end its life. I’ll also provide a few tips for finding a replacement.

How The Component Works

Most people believe the electricity that powers their vehicle comes solely from the battery. In truth, the alternator creates the electricity. It’s a common misconception, especially given that this part works so closely with the battery to produce power. While you’re driving, it keeps the battery charged so it can deliver power throughout your car. It is in constant operation. If it dies, so too, does your battery. This is why parts and systems, such as your heater, radio, headlights, and engine eventually stop working.

When Things Go Wrong

Your vehicle’s alternator is comprised of several moving parts. That makes the entire assembly vulnerable to the buildup of debris, which in turn can lead to heat, stress, and ultimately, failure. For example, the needle bearings (part of the rotor) can break down from excess heat. When this happens, you might hear a grinding sound. The alternator can also fail if you attempt to jump-start your battery after it has completely lost its charge.

In some cases, this component can start to overcharge or undercharge the system. If the system is overcharged, you’ll notice your lights failing suddenly rather than dimming. If the system is undercharged, your lights will dim, your engine will start to miss (or be sluggish when you’re cranking it), and you’ll eventually hear a fast-paced machine gun sound.

The only way to fix the problem is to buy a replacement.

Finding A Budget-Friendly Replacement

The cost of an alternator is partially dependent on your vehicle’s make and model. It is also dependent on whether you purchase a new component versus a rebuilt or remanufactured unit. Automotive experts have differing opinions regarding the pros and cons of buying a rebuilt or remanufactured unit. On the one hand, doing so is less expensive. However, there is no way to know whether a rebuilt unit will last. Many drivers have discovered that the cost savings associated with purchasing a rebuilt evaporate because they fail more quickly than a “from the box” new model.

My advice? If your alternator fails, invest the money to purchase a new or remanufactured OEM unit. It will cost a few extra dollars than a rebuilt, but you’ll have confidence that it will last for years.

Tags: automobiles, Car Maintenance, car repair, cars, More Saving

How To Perform A Maintenance Check On Your Car

Oct 8, 2009 More Saving

Here’s a bit of irony: everyone dreads the experience of flat tires, engine problems, radiator issues, transmission failures, and dead batteries. Yet, few people invest the time to inspect their vehicles on a regular basis. A lot of the parts-related problems that frustrate drivers can be prevented with a little ongoing maintenance. It doesn’t require a significant amount of time or expertise. In fact, anyone can perform a routine maintenance check within minutes.

In this article, I’ll explain the steps involved with keeping your automobile properly maintained. If you do the following tasks on a regular basis, your vehicle will last longer and perform better.

Inspect Tire Pressure And Tread Wear

Air escapes from your car’s tires constantly. As a result, they’ll lose pressure over time and need to be refilled. Adopt the habit of checking the pressure once a week. You’ll need to use a tire gauge in order to determine whether the amount of air in your tires matches the manufacturer’s recommended specs.

You should also check the depth of your treads. Even though you can get away with checking them once every few weeks, it’s convenient to do it the same time you’re checking the pressure.

Inspect Fluid Levels

Oil is arguably the most important fluid in your vehicle. If it dips below a certain level, you risk allowing your engine to overheat. If your engine overheats, the repairs can cost hundreds of dollars. The good news is that checking the oil is one of the simplest maintenance tasks you can do. If you lift your car’s hood, you’ll see a clearly-marked dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean, and insert it back into its slot. Then, pull it out and check the level and consistency. If it’s low, add more oil. If you see flakes, or the color is extremely dark, have it changed.

You should also check the coolant level in your radiator. If your vehicle is relatively new, you’ll notice an overflow reservoir with level markers. There’s no dipstick to remove; you can visually inspect the markers to identify whether you should add more coolant.

Check your oil and coolant levels once a week. It may be inconvenient, but it only takes a few minutes.

Inspect Your Battery

Get into the habit of checking the poles and cables of your battery each month. Corrosion accumulates and can hamper the connection. If a charge cannot travel from your battery to the connecting cables, it may be difficult (or impossible) to crank the engine. Buy a metal battery cleaner at a local auto supply store. One end fits over the poles; a few vigorous turns will clean off the corrosion. The other end fits into the cable connectors; again, a few robust twists will clean them.

If you perform the maintenance items above on the schedule I’ve recommended, you’ll help protect your car’s components from damage. In the case of checking your tire pressure and tread depth, you’ll ensure your own safety. The best news? It takes very little time and will help you save thousands of dollars in the long run.

Tags: automobiles, Car Maintenance, car repair, cars, More Saving

Introduction To The Basics Of Wheel Alignment

Oct 5, 2009 More Saving

Have you ever wondered why your vehicle seems to pull to one side? Or, do the treads on the right always wear out before those on the left? Does your gas mileage decline year after year even though your engine, fuel injectors, and sensors are in top-notch shape? The culprit may be your wheel alignment. Unlike a malfunctioning alternator or failing transmission, this problem happens gradually over thousands of miles. That makes it difficult to identify.

If left unchecked, an alignment problem can cause issues with your vehicle’s steering response, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability. I’ll explain the factors involved below and describe how caster, camber, and toe each play a role in aligning your wheels.

Caster Explained

Caster is a measurement that reflects the tilt of the steering axis. If the steering axis tilts forward and positions itself ahead of the tire (from a side view), the caster is considered negative. If the steering axis tilts backward, it is considered positive.

Caster does not influence the wear of your treads - but, it does influence handling. The more positive it is, the “heavier” your steering control will feel. This is especially true when your vehicle is moving slowly. If one tire’s caster is more positive than the other, the misalignment will cause a pull.

Camber Explained

Camber reflects the degree to which the top of a wheel tilt inward (toward the center of your car) or outward when looking at it from the front. An outward tilt is considered positive while an inward tilt is considered negative.

Camber affects tread wear. If it is too positive, the excess wear will occur on the outside portion of the tire. If the camber is too negative, the wear will occur on the inside. A misalignment will cause a pull toward the most positive camber.

Aligning The Toe

The toe of your wheels measures the amount they turn inward (again, toward the center of your car) or outward when looking at them head on. If they turn inward, the toe is considered positive. If they turn outward, it is considered negative.

Ideally, the toe will aligned as close to neutral (that is, neither positive or negative) as possible. If the toe of your tires is not aligned properly, your treads will wear down faster than normal and you’ll experience a lack of stability when steering.

Enjoying Improved Drivability

Caster, camber, and toe are the basic components that affect the alignment of your vehicle’s wheels. If they are severely misaligned, they can have a significant influence on your ability to steer effectively. They can cause excess tread wear as well as wear and tear on your suspension. Have the alignment checked annually to protect your car’s tires, suspension, and drivability.

Tags: automobiles, Car Maintenance, car repair, cars, More Saving, vehicles

Determining When Your Master Cylinder Needs To Be Replaced

Oct 4, 2009 More Saving

Your braking system is comprised of a number of parts. Most people think of the assembly in the context of the pads that apply pressure to the rotor. When you see repair shops advertising “Brake Jobs: $39.99,” that is usually what they’re focused on - the pads. The truth is, there’s far more to the assembly than the pads, calipers, and rotors.

In order for your car’s braking fluid to make its way to your calipers, it must be pumped. That’s the job of your brake master cylinder (BMC). In this article, I’ll briefly describe how this critical component works and explain how you can identify warning signs that it’s failing. Then, I’ll shed some light on whether you should replace it yourself or have a trained mechanic do it for you.

A Brief Overview Of The System

As mentioned, brake fluid needs to be pumped to your vehicle’s front calipers. The fluid begins in the master cylinder, which is located near your braking pedal. When you press the pedal, hydraulic pressure is created within the BMC; that pressure pushes the fluid through the lines. Eventually, it reaches the calipers, which allows the pads to apply pressure against the rotors.

Even though most people refer to it as one component, the master cylinder is actually separated into two parts. If one part fails, the other part is able to deliver enough fluid to stop your car.

Warning Sign Of A Possible Failure

Brake master cylinders are very dependable and rarely fail. That said, they are susceptible to leaks. If the leak cannot be repaired, the component must be replaced. One of the first signs of a leaking BMC is a “squishy” brake pedal. When you press down on the pedal, you’ll notice that it travels further to the floor than normal. That’s called “extended travel.” It happens because a leak is preventing the master cylinder from producing the pressure needed to push the fluid to the calipers.

If you take your foot off the pedal and immediately press it again, you’ll feel a little more pressure, but the problem is not going to correct itself. It’s time to have the BMC replaced.

Should You Replace The Component Yourself?

If you own a few rudimentary tools, you’ll be able to replace the BMC without the help of a mechanic. That said, it can be a time-consuming job, especially if you have very little experience working under the hood. You’ll need to suction out the existing brake fluid, disconnect the sensor that monitors the level, and remove the lines and bolts that hold the component in place. Once the replacement is in, you’ll need to bleed the lines.

It’s far easier to take your car to a repair shop and ask the mechanics to replace the brake master cylinder for you. You’ll pay a little more for the labor, but you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing they’re performing the job correctly.

Tags: autos, car repair, cars, engines, More Saving, vehicles

Exploring Different Types Of Sporadic Engine Problems

Sep 21, 2009 More Saving

If a component fails, it’s relatively simple to locate the problem and fix or replace the part. If the problem happens sporadically, it’s far more difficult to do so. Sometimes, the issue only happens under specific driving conditions, and even then, it may not occur every time those conditions are met. In other cases, the issue may be completely unpredictable. It can happen at any instant regardless of the circumstances under which you’re driving. That makes resolving the issue problematic.

When your car’s engine suffers intermittent glitches, it’s frustrating for both you and your mechanic. Without being able to duplicate the glitch, it’s hard to know how to fix it. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the types of sporadic engine problems that can be difficult to resolve.

Temperature: Too Hot Or Cold

In some cases, your engine might only experience trouble when it’s too hot or cold. For example, you might notice that you have trouble turning it over after it has been sitting overnight, but you can do so easily if it has only been sitting for an hour. On the other hand, trouble might emerge only when you’re moving at cruising speed. That is, a “normal” temperature while driving is somehow triggering the snag.

Usually, when a glitch happens due to temperature, it can be isolated to one or more circuits. Heat and cold can play havoc with the connections. Connectors can lose contact due to expansion; a solenoid might short out; a circuit board can develop tiny cracks. Each of these things (as well as plenty of others) can cause an unpredictable engine problem.

When In Motion

Some glitches only happen when you’re driving. For example, you might experience trouble whenever you hit a specific speed. Or, running over rough terrain might cause your vehicle to stall. When this happens, the snag is usually due to something that has become loose. Even a single loose connector can lead to stalling. In some cases, the root cause might create a ripple effect; for example, the computer might misinterpret feedback from the chassis or exhaust system.

Moisture And Electrical Shorts

These types of issues are relatively easy to identify. Your engine might stall after you drive over a large puddle. Or, it may refuse to turn over if your vehicle has been sitting in heavy rain overnight. The issue is typically due to a short; something is shorting out due to the conducting nature of the water around it. The problem is that if the moisture hits the powertrain control module, it can do a lot of damage. If that happens, you’ll probably need to have it replaced.

Diagnosing intermittent problems with your car’s engine can be enormously frustrating. Normally, mechanics will rely partly on the circumstances under which a glitch happens in order to resolve it. If they don’t have that information, a lot of the initial testing will be based on guesswork. And that can quickly add up to a hefty repair bill.

Tags: automobiles, Car Engines, Car Maintenance, car repair, More Saving

Rv Paint-How to Find The Right Rv-Paint Shop

Sep 18, 2009 More Saving

If you’re looking to repair your recreational vehicle or just need a little RV paint to give it a fresh look, it’s important to find the right business to help. They should also have extensive experience in the RV paint and repair area.

When you start looking, you may want to search the internet for fast results. You may also look in the phone book under recreational vehicle or motor home. These options will lead you to the best advertisements for RV paint, collision, and repair centers in order to help you with professional advice.

One thing to consider is finding a company that offers a free estimate for an RV paint job or repair. This will give you the opportunity to look for affordable pricing and a high end customer service staff.

Another thing to think that’s good to know is their past performance. See if they can provide you with a past collection of jobs. Seeing how well they did will make you feel more comfortable about your decision. If they don’t offer anything like this, then you should probably go somewhere else.

Your recreational vehicle or motor home is your vacation and fun mobile; you want to give it the best care possible. Find the companies that can help you make your repairs and paint jobs in a timely manner but ideal for your taste and expectations. What you should be looking for companies with the highest quality equipment and an experienced staff.

One of the things that most people are and should be picky about is the color and quality of the paint job. Making sure there are no fish eyes in the paint and it has a shine of a brand new paint job is important. You do not want to pay all that money for a paint job that isn’t the same color as it was when it went into the shop.

You may be surprised when you take your RV to a professional, at all the different designs and options that you will have. This is actually a good thing but can cause a bit of confusion on your end as to what you really want. Make sure that you consult with the technician so that they can help you decide what is best for your RV. You might want to stay with the same thing that you have, or you may go outside of the box and get some drastic mural painted upon your RV. In any case make sure that you have the technician show you the options that you have so you are informed.

Having an auto accident is something that happens and is unfortunate. However, even after all the stress that you go through when the accident occurs you will get more trying to get it fixed. This is why you will need a fast and reliable place to take your RV so that you can rest assured that it is getting fixed the right way.

So as you can see there are some things that you have to take into consideration when getting your RV fixed and painted. Make sure that the place you take it is professional, and takes pride in their work and you will be happy just about every time you go.

About The Writer: Mike Miller will help you decide the best Rv paint shop to use for your Rv or your Auto Collision Repair.

Tags: Auto Collision Repair, Camping, car repair, More Saving, RV, Rv Body, Rv Collision, Rv Collision and Repair, Rv Paint

Understanding Your Car’s Traction Control

Sep 13, 2009 More Saving

Even as car manufacturers strive to make their engines more powerful and fuel-efficient, they have also devoted enormous resources to making their vehicles safer. Popular review sources consider driver safety a priority. Those vehicles which include the latest technology to safeguard drivers, their passengers, and other motorists often score well. One of the areas in which automakers are developing more robust safety systems is with traction control (TC).

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this safety feature. I’ll explain what it is and how multiple automotive technologies work together to keep drivers and passengers safe.

Maintaining Friction On The Road

Traction refers to the friction between your car’s tires and the road. When you accelerate, whether from a complete stop or to pass another car, your wheels maintain contact with the surface of the road. That is how you can control your vehicle during acceleration. Any elements - rain, snow, ice, etc. - that come between your tires and the road reduces the level of contact. As a result, the amount of control you have drops and a traffic accident becomes more likely.

The manner in which your TC system prevents your wheels from spinning during acceleration is based upon throttle control and brake application. To explain, suppose you have stopped at a traffic signal. The signal turns green and you step hard on your gas pedal. Your tires begin to spin as they lose contact with the surface of the road. Your TC system will identify the slip and limit the throttle while applying the brakes to the drive wheels. In doing so, your tires will regain contact.

Multiple Technologies And How They Work

Your vehicle’s traction control system also encompasses your anti-lock brakes and stability control. While the TC provides friction as you accelerate, your anti-lock brakes provide friction as you slow down. Both systems perform the same job based upon the same fundamentals. Sensors monitor the slippage and modify the level of braking force that is applied to the drive wheels.

Electronic stability control (ESC) works on the same basic principles as the TC and anti-lock brakes, but adds a number of sensors to compensate for understeer and oversteer. If the sensors identify skidding, braking power is applied to the outer wheel to prevent oversteer, or inner wheel to prevent understeer. In many cars, ESC can also reduce engine power in order to compensate.

Better Grip And Safety

Maintaining a high level of contact and friction between your vehicle’s tires and the road beneath them helps to ensure that you and your passengers remain safe while driving. For their part, car manufacturers continue to develop advanced technologies to further improve driver safety. By increasing the grip of your tires on the road, they can help prevent unnecessary traffic accidents.

For all your used Ford Probe engines and used Ford Tempo engines needs consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

Tags: autos, Car Maintenance, car repair, Driving A Car, More Saving, vehicles

Your Muffler: The Key To Quieting A Noisy Vehicle

Aug 30, 2009 More Saving

If your vehicle is loud enough to jolt people several streets away, your muffler may need to be replaced. It is a sophisticated part of your car’s exhaust system that is often misunderstood by motorists. Most people think this component’s job is limited to reducing the noise level made by the engine. However, its responsibilities expand further.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at your car’s muffler and its place within the exhaust system. I’ll describe its role and a few factors that can affect its ability to perform it. I’ll also clarify whether you should have the part replaced at a dealership or at a local repair garage.

Understanding Its Role

To say your engine makes noise is an oversimplification. The sound is actually generated as the result of pressure waves. High-pressure molecules within gas mix with low-pressure molecules, which create alternating pulses. Those pulses form the pressure waves. There are tubes within your car’s muffler that are designed to push the resulting sound waves against each other. That cancels them out and thereby, reduces the noise.

The component performs a critical role as part of your exhaust system. Besides reducing the noise level, it helps to expel hydrocarbons and other chemicals that would otherwise be harmful to you and your passengers.

Factors That Cause A Problem

Under normal circumstances, your muffler should last for years. In fact, it’s not uncommon for drivers to sell their vehicles after many years of ownership without having to replace it. Having said that, there are a few factors that can impact its integrity.

For example, in states that receive a heavy volume of snow or ice, chemicals such as sodium and rock salt are used to clear away the roads. The problem is that these chemicals, when combined with magnesium chloride, can begin to corrode the metal of your muffler. Also, when you start your engine cold, a blast of exhaust shoots through the system. Because the pipes are cold, the hot exhaust creates condensation, which can lead to rust. If corrosion or rust set in, you’ll eventually need to replace the part.

Should You Visit The Dealership?

You should visit your dealership if your car is still under the factory warranty. The dealer’s technicians will install an OEM replacement. Also, if you’re driving a foreign performance vehicle (for example, a Maserati or Lamborghini), take it to your dealer. Those cars often have exhaust systems that are specially calibrated; you should only trust it with a pro who has the right tools. Aside from those circumstances, you can feel comfortable having a local mechanic do the job. You can even do it yourself if you have the right equipment (and patience).

The important thing to remember is that your muffler is an important part of the larger exhaust system. If it suffers corrosion, rust, or other damage, have it replaced as soon as possible.

Tags: automobiles, Car Maintenance, car repair, cars, More Saving, Mufflers