Tire Pressure Monitoring Is Not Just For Show

By Sarah McBride

SUMMARY: The tire pressure monitoring system is made up of just four little sensors that you can find on your vehicle. When one of your vehicle's tires suddenly starts to lose air, the system would actually alert you while you are driving so that you would know about your tire's situation.

The tire pressure monitoring system is an electronic system and what it does is it monitors the level of air pressure or your vehicle’s tires. That way, you would not have to park your car somewhere, get out of your car, and go around just to check if all your car’s tires are still inflated just right.

However, unlike your vehicle’s external Mitsubishi OEM parts, your vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system has been actually created not just for you to boast about it but to actually help you save your life.

Come to think of it, the tire pressure monitoring system is made up of just four little sensors that you can find on your vehicle. When one of your vehicle’s tires suddenly starts to lose air, the system would actually alert you while you are driving so that you would know about your tire’s situation. You see, if you drive with under inflated tires or over inflated tires, you and your passengers have a great chance of meeting accidents and being in a very dangerous driving condition. On the other hand, if you do have your tires inflated just right, you benefit a lot out of it. Not only are you safe, but you also get pluses. Your vehicle gets to perform at its best and in different aspects – from steering to comfort, to noise, to fuel economy to braking, and even to cornering.

Jim Gutting, the director of General Motors’ Tire Wheel Center, shares, “Tire pressure monitoring is wonderful technology that has the potential to help make our roads safer. But it’s no substitute for being conscientious about tire maintenance. All vehicle owners should familiarize themselves with TPMS, how it works and what it can tell them about basic tire maintenance.”

If you think that the amount of air pressure your tires have inside it are no big deal, then perhaps you should let the statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) change that thought for you. You see, according to the mentioned group’s data, there are about 660 fatalities each year which are actually caused by vehicles with low tire pressure. However, that is just the one part of the whole picture. There are also some 33,000 injuries per year to add to that.

Let It Snow – Winter Vehicle Preparation Made Easy

By Michael Cosentino

SUMMARY: Whether we like it or not, winter is just around the corner. Unless you plan to hibernate, you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the inevitable snowy, icy, slippery driving conditions ahead.

Whether we like it or not, winter is just around the corner. Unless you plan to hibernate, you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the inevitable snowy, icy, slippery driving conditions ahead.

The first step in any winter vehicle preparation is the tires. You wouldn’t go out in a snowstorm without your winter coat so why consider driving without the right tires? Regardless of how skilled a driver you may be, you can’t improve the traction of your tires with driving technique. Only winter tires are designed to perform better in colder temperatures, snow and ice and can save you from being part of the next winter driving collision.

Consumers in the market for winter tires this year should start by looking for a snowflake symbol on the sidewall of the tire, which indicates the tire has been tested and passes current winter safety standards. When shopping for winter tires, price alone shouldn’t govern the purchase decision; what’s behind the tire — a reputable manufacturer and a good warranty — is also very important.

A couple of new winter entries in the market for drivers this year are the Goodyear Ultra Grip 7 and Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D. Ultra Grip 7’s are the newest generation of the celebrated Ultra Grip lineup, featuring a new waffle blade technology that provides maximum grip on slippery surfaces, as well as double "v" grooving that provides the best possible water draining and snow grip, even at high speed. Goodyear has also incorporated an advanced silica tread compound technology into the Ultra Grip 7 that enables the tire to remain more flexible at low temperatures - providing markedly better traction in wet and cold.

The new Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D’s earned their stripes in the harsh proving grounds of European winters. Available in Canada for the first time, the Dunlop 3D is a well balanced, high performance winter tire that excels at cornering and handling in icy, snowy, wet and dry winter driving conditions.

Simple Car Maintenance Tips That Will Keep Your Car Running Properly

By Gregg Hall

SUMMARY: If you want to ruin your day, never take the time to property maintain your car's engine. This is a sure fire way to have your car breakdown in the most remote of areas. Instead of tempting fate, why not learn how to keep your car well maintained and working properly.

If you want to ruin your day, never take the time to property maintain your car's engine. This is a sure fire way to have your car breakdown in the most remote of areas. Instead of tempting fate, why not learn how to keep your car well maintained and working properly.

Check your oil levels every week. Engines run at extremely high temperatures and some models will burn through oil at an alarming rate. You do not want to run dry on oil. This will damage the engine to cease. Once this has happened, you either need a new engine or a new car. Both of these issues are extremely costly. Can you afford to be without your car for a lengthy amount of time?

Change your oil every 3,000 miles. After driving for a certain amount of time, oil becomes dirty and sluggish. Keeping the oil changed regularly reduces dirt circulating in the engine.

Another troublesome issue is the belts. With every oil change, you should have the fan belts and air hoses checked for wear and tear.

Antifreeze should be changed every year. Have a professional flush out the cooling system and replace the tanks with new coolant. This can keep a radiator from developing leaks.

Transmission fluid should be checked regularly. The fluid should be changed every 36,000 miles. If the head gasket leaks, your coolant will leak into the oil system. This is an extremely costly repair, so have them checked regularly to prevent this issue. Always stop first before shifting into drive.

Look regularly in your driveway for leaks. If you spot any, take not of the color of the fluid and then take the car in for servicing. Transmission fluid is pinkish, antifreeze is green, oil is golden brown, and brake fluid is reddish. Knowing which fluid is leaking can help a garage determine the severity of your problem. They can fit you into a busy schedule if the leak is potentially hazardous.

To keep your air conditioning system working properly, run the system every month, even in the winter. The same is true with the heating system. It should be run in the summer to prevent any seizing.

Try to brake in advance. Sudden stops wear down brake pads far more quickly. Have your brakes checked regularly for wear and tear.

Tires should be rotated every 7,000 miles. Inspect them visually every month for tire wear, punctures, and bulges.

Pay attention to your battery. If you see white deposits forming on the terminals, clean them with a wire brush and then clean the battery with a mixture of baking soda and water.

Keep your car rust free by keeping it waxed once per season. Have the undercarriage washed at least twice a year.

Use WD40 to keep door hinges well lubricated. This keeps doors opening and closing properly.

Follow your car manual's recommended maintenance schedule. This guarantees the warranty will cover costly repairs, but also prevents unexpected breakdowns.

All it takes is a few simple checks every month, and you can protect yourself from breaking down in an unfamiliar or remote area. Your safety is that important isn't it?

Commercial Auto Repair

By Ken Marlborough

SUMMARY: When a car breaks down or does not perform up to par, if it makes strange sounds while running or comes away from the scene of an accident with dents and scratches, a responsible owner will perform a thorough check of its parts and systems. If the vehicle is beyond the simplest troubleshooting techniques, it is best that you seek advice from the experts. Visit an auto shop that you trust so professionals can examine your car, identify the problem and fix it.

When a car breaks down or does not perform up to par, if it makes strange sounds while running or comes away from the scene of an accident with dents and scratches, a responsible owner will perform a thorough check of its parts and systems. If the vehicle is beyond the simplest troubleshooting techniques, it is best that you seek advice from the experts. Visit an auto shop that you trust so professionals can examine your car, identify the problem and fix it.

Commercial auto repairs can be defined as the kind of auto repair services that an auto shop offers. This kind of auto repair helps keep your vehicle in tiptop shape. Experts who provide auto repair services commercially have mastered the automotive sciences' they know what is best for your car.

When you bring in your vehicle to the auto shop or when you use the services of a mechanic, the first thing that your car will receive is a look-over. Much like a consultation at the doctor's, a look-over allows the mechanic to examine your vehicle extensively. A good mechanic will ask you some questions regarding your experiences with the car. He will most likely get your opinion on what you think is wrong with it. He will then conduct a series of tests to identify the damaged or malfunctioning parts. When he has completed his evaluation of your car, he will explain what exactly needs to be done. After he gets your approval, he will undertake the necessary repairs.

Of course, there is always a price to pay when you bring your vehicle in for commercial auto repairs. You have to pay a premium to get all the necessary work done, along with the additional charges for the auto parts or auto body parts that need to be replaced. For most owners, it can be well worth their money if their vehicles look and perform better in the end.

Some Easy To Implement Ideas To Help You Conserve Gas

By Gregg Hall

SUMMARY: Looking for ways to save money at the pump in light of the climbing costs of gasoline? It's surprisingly easy to do so. Check out these simple things you can do to make your car's gas last longer.

Looking for ways to save money at the pump in light of the climbing costs of gasoline? It's surprisingly easy to do so. Check out these simple things you can do to make your car's gas last longer.

Stop driving your sport utility vehicle. These vehicles, and others similar in size (including trucks), require quite a bit more fuel than smaller cars do to operate. Unless a larger car is a necessity for your lifestyle,(you have big family or you tend to carry large items), driving a smaller one can help you save big at the pump.

Look for discounts on gas. Don't just stop at the first station you see when your fuel gage is low. Pricing varies and you should pick the station that gives you the best price possible. Use the Internet to check for deals, like web sites that provide current gas prices by zip code.

Be efficient in your daily routine. Know where you need to go and what you need to do before heading out to accomplish your tasks. Planning more carefully and eliminating unnecessary, additional trips can help you save on how much gas you use when making multiple stops.

Exercise or try public transportation. Are there places you need to go that are close enough to walk instead of drive? Will your bike suffice for slightly longer distances? Can your children ride the bus to school rather than be chauffeured twice a day, (to school in the morning and back home in the afternoon)? These alternatives are great ways to save money on the cost of gas.

Cash is key at the pump. It may not be quite as convenient as the popular paying at the pump option is, but using cash makes the most sense to use when fueling up your car. If you use a credit card, and don't pay it off every month, interest charges will ultimately make your gas more expensive than what it would have been had you paid in cash.

Fill up early or wait until late. Gas pumps measure volume, not weight. Since it tends to be cooler early in the morning or later in the evening, gas is actually heavier then that it is during other times in the day. The colder it is outside, the more gas you'll get for your money.

Empty the gas nozzle before returning it to the cradle. Often, there is still gas in the pump's nozzle when the automatic shut off, indicating your tank is full, occurs. Turn the nozzle after the stop occurs to add more gas (sometimes up to half a cup) to your car.

Use a lower grade of gas. Does your car really need that pricey high octane gas? Most vehicles will function just as well with a lower level fuel and at a cost that's significantly less.

Car Radio Installation Accessories -- What You Need To Know

By Chimezirim Chinecherem Odimba

SUMARY: Useful information on accessories you need for the proper installation of your car radio.

Car radio installation accessories comprise of harness adapters leads, fascia adapters, stalk/steering wheel control adapters (also known as SMART leads) and aerial adapters.

One or more of the above adaptors may be needed when you are installing an in-dash CD or MP3 player or a complete CD changer package. Car radio installation accessories enable you to install your new radio/head unit seamlessly without the need to cut any wires and so will not invalidate your car warranty.

Harness Lead

Simply connect the harness adapter (by push fit) in between your car radio wiring and your new radio/head unit. This will enable you to connect them together safely and seamlessly. This means that you will not have to cut any of your cars existing wiring, therefore not invalidating the warranty.

Fascia Adaptor

Many factory-fitted radios are now a unique shape, design and are integrated into the dash. Removing your factory-fitted radio in order to fit a standard sized radio (i.e. Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, etc), will alter your dashboard appearance by leaving a large hole. A fascia adapter will reduce this hole enabling your new radio to fit perfectly into the dash reproducing the original look.

Aerial Adapters

You may require an aerial adapter, as some cars use a female socket instead of the conventional male plug. The adaptor simply pushes into your cars female socket and the result is a male plug that fits into the rear of your new radio. Conveniently, one is included with all new radios.

Stalk/Steering Wheel Control Adapter

Steering control adapters, commonly known as stalk control leads, enable your car's steering wheel radio controls to remain fully functional when you are adding an aftermarket in-dash radio/head unit on it's own or as part of a CD changer package.

These connect by push fit to your existing wiring at the rear of your radio that is linked to the steering wheel control.

Stalk control leads are available for all car makes and models and for Sony, Kenwood and Panasonic radios. In order for the stalk control lead to be compatible with each brand of radio there must be a specific socket or lead present on the radio that will accept the stalk control lead connection, linking the two together seamlessly.

How To Use The Internet To Help You Save On Fuel

By Gregg Hall

SUMMARY: Okay, so you already know all the ways to help save on gas, However, I bet you have never thought of going online! There is tons of data on local and international gas prices and the closest gas stations online.

Okay, so you already know all the ways to help save on gas, However, I bet you have never thought of going online! There is tons of data on local and international gas prices and the closest gas stations online.

The internet can help you research gas station options, and allows you to compare gas stations for the best prices. There are tons of sites that can give you the current prices at the pumps in your area. Google "fuel prices" and find the site you want to use. In most cases, all you have to do is enter your 5 digit zip code, and Voila! You have the prices for the gas stations in your area. Your buddies at GasBuddy.com advises that you should stay away from high income neighborhoods and highways where the gas stations hike the prices based on the demand and the price people are willing to pay. Try more out of the way gas stations; they are more likely to have the least amount of gas inflation.

Triple A can also help you find the lowest prices on gas in your neighborhood. All you have to do is enter in the necessary information into the "Fuel Price Finder" and you will be given a list of all the stations in your area and the price of the gas. This particular service gets its data from the OPIS which gathers data from pumps around the country.

Since this service is offered online just go to Triple A's site (www.aaa.com) and enter in your zip code and you will be taken to the Triple A chapter in your area. This device is a wonder if you are planning on taking a road trip or just a trip to the store. You can use this tool to calculate your gas costs based on the address information you provide, and the make, model, and year of your vehicle.

Fuel maximizing devices are in great want for trucking companies and truck drivers. The demand for the maximizing devices has risen to over 450% in the past year. The main reason for this increase is that people are buying them online. Fuel routing devices were once exclusively used by trucking fleets, but now that they are available online, everyone is clamoring to get one.

With all the sites offering the everyday person fuel saving advice, its no wonder that the internet is the driving force behind the battle against the monster of fuel inflation. You can research gas saving tips, alternative means of transportation, or even cars with better gas mileage. You can poke around the internet and find sites that can give you a list of reasons why your gas competency is less than desirable. If you are completely clueless about how to save money on gas, then the internet is your brain food! Everything you need to know is right there at your fingertips. It's a tool that few use for gas saving purposes, so tell someone about it and maybe they'll let you carpool with them.

• Beat High Gas Prices Now!: The Fastest, Easiest Ways to Save $20-$50 Every Month on Gasoline
• Fuel: 10-Minute Devotions to Ignite the Faith of Parents & Teens (Focus on the Family Books)
• Synthetic Fuels (Dover Books on Engineering)