Car Maintenance

Courtesy of: http://cargoogler.blogspot.com

What Do the Numbers on Oil Mean?

Have you ever stared blankly at a wall of motor oil in the store, wondering what all those numbers and letter mean? SAE 5W-30, 15W-40, 10W – what does it all mean? And does it really make a difference which goes in your car?

The numbers you see on your motor oil can range from 0 to 60 and are determined in laboratory tests by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). These numbers refer to viscosity, or thickness, with the lowest numbers representing the thinnest, and therefore the most viscous oil. Also, the “W” stands for “Winter,” and refers to … Read more

February 17, 2012 by Maurina | 11 Comments

What to Do if Your Check Engine Light Comes On

You’re driving home from work when suddenly you see a light in the shape of an engine illuminate your dashboard. You pull off the road to check it out: sure enough, it’s the “check engine” light (CEL). Now it’s time to panic (just kidding). Stay calm, and consider the most common source of this warning: the gas cap. Is it tightened? Check/tighten it, then drive for 15-20 minutes to give the warning light time to turn itself off.

Pay attention to other signals from the CEL and the car’s corresponding performance:

Minor issue

Warning: the light’s on (even intermittently)

October 17, 2011 by Maurina | 4 Comments

What to Do if Your Car Fails an Emissions Test

First of all, it should be said that emissions testing is very much a local matter. Though there are national regulations for auto emissions, the testing of those emissions varies according to the state and county in which you live. In environmentally conscious and regulatory-heavy California, rigorous smog inspections are the norm for many counties, whereas in Ohio, only a handful of its 88 counties require “E-checks.”

All counties have one thing in common: you can’t renew a vehicle’s registration without passing a test during test time (typically within 90 days prior to the renewal deadline). Of the places … Read more

September 21, 2011 by Maurina | No Comments

How to Find a Great Mechanic

A great mechanic is not just one who knows his stuff, but is also trustworthy. If you’ve moved to a new area or you’re just unhappy with your current mechanic, follow these tips for finding the best repair shops in your area.

Ask around
You wouldn’t take your car to a person who has a reputation for high prices or shoddy work. Find out who friends, colleagues or family members that live near you recommend. Also, check on repair garages with the Better Business Bureau.

Take to the Web
Sites such as MechanicRatingz allow you to search for mechanics by … Read more

September 14, 2011 by Maurina | 2 Comments

Cars That Hold Their Resale Value the Best

When the buying frenzy is upon us and we’re being lured by all the shiny new metal, gleaming plastic and cool customizations and electronic devices in a new car, we don’t tend to think much about resale value and depreciation on our investment in an automobile. But we should.

Regrettably, most cars tend to lose about 50% of their value within the first five years of ownership. For those who may plan on owning a new car for seven years or so, and then selling it and buying another new car, resale value and depreciation are very important issues.

Think … Read more

September 1, 2011 by Maurina | 1 Comment

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