Posted in General | February 27, 2021 

Flat tires are one of the most common problems that cars can have. Fortunately, they’re also one of the easiest to fix. Everyone should know how to change their car’s tires.

Why it Matters

Many car problems have simple solutions and can be resolved on your own. Everyone should have some basic car repair Brigham City UT knowledge, including knowing how to change a tire. That way, if you’re ever stranded on the side of the road with no assistance, you’ll know what to do.

1. Be Safe

When you notice you have a problem with your tire, you should try to find a safe place to stop, such as a parking lot. Turn on your hazards and put up any reflective devices you have to make sure you are visible to other drivers.

2. Turn Lug Nuts

First, remove your car’s hubcap if it has one. Then use a wrench to loosen each lug nut until you can easily turn them by hand.

3. Use the Jack

You’ll want to place the jack under the car where it is only in contact with metal framing, as it could bend plastic. Next, raise the jack until the tire is off of the ground.

4. Remove the Tire

You will now remove the lug nuts that you loosened. Then, you will pull the tire towards yourself to remove it.

5. Replace the Tire

Place your spare tire on the car by lining it up with the lug nut posts and pushing towards the car.

6. Tighten Lug Nuts

Put the lug nuts back on the posts and tighten them to secure the tire. Tighten them in small increments in a rotation. Tighten them as much as you can.

7. Lower the Car and Check Lug Nuts

You will then lower the car and remove the jack. Check to see if any of the lug nuts can be tightened more.

Once these steps are completed, your car will be drivable again. You should then take your car to a tire shop to replace the tires.

Posted in General | February 27, 2021 

If you have family members who hoard, you know that it is not always easy to break them of this lifestyle. Although it won’t be an overnight process, it can be done. Learn more about how you can combat this disorder with a little help from outside sources.

Understand It Is Psychological

There is a psychology behind hoarding. Individuals may hoard because of the trauma they encountered in life, and they feel hoarding possessions is one way they can maintain control of a situation. Depending on how bad the hoarding is, it might be helpful to have a professional involved, so you are not trying to assist or otherwise intervene on your own. They can also provide your family member with tools to use to help their hoarding tendencies from getting out of hand again.

It Takes Time

Go in with the understanding that you might have to tackle the hoarding bit by bit. This can depend on the size of the house, how much has accumulated over time, and if the hoarder lives and acts alone, or if there are other family members who are caught up in it as well. During this time, it can be useful to rent a dumpster and clear items out bit by bit.

Know What The End Game Is

While you might want the hoarder to have a perfectly clean house, that won’t necessarily happen overnight. If they have other places on their property, such as a garage or sheds, you’ll need to go through those, too. Make a plan for bigger items, such as taking old cars to junk yards in MD.

If you are trying to help a family member with hoarding, it’s crucial to understand this is psychological. The whole process takes time, and you should develop a plan for how you want to get everything cleaned up.

Posted in General | February 27, 2021 

Having a swimming pool in your backyard provides endless entertainment on hot summer days. Routine maintenance helps to keep your pool in pristine condition and ready to use at all times.

Inspect the Pump

The swimming pool pump handles cycling water through the filter system. Ideally, the pump runs for at least ten hours a day. Check the air vents on the pump’s housing system daily. Make sure that there isn’t any debris or dust blocking incoming air and preventing proper cooling. Since this is a vital component of your pool, have your pump serviced by a professional once a year. If there are any issues or concerns, they can order the necessary pump products Ontario for repair.

Clean the Litter

Leaves, bugs and even trash find their way into your pool. The easiest way to get this out is by using a skimmer net. Drag the net along the surface of the water to capture the debris. Pools also have skimmer baskets that collect unwanted material to keep it from getting into the pump system. Empty the basket so it doesn’t get so full of debris that it blocks water circulation completely. If the litter sinks to the bottom, you can vacuum it up. The best option is to get a robotic vacuum that runs in your pool continuously, saving you the time and effort of doing it yourself. Not only does keeping your pool clear of debris make it look more inviting, but it also prevents the buildup of algae.

Monitor Water Chemistry

Chlorine is a chemical added to a pool to keep it free from bacteria and viruses. Levels fluctuate based on how much water evaporates or splashes out of the pool. Test the levels of chlorine daily when the days are hot or in times of frequent use.

Keeping your pool in good condition isn’t hard work if you do it each day. Focus on these three things to ensure it is always available for summertime fun.

Posted in General | February 20, 2021 

Your car’s suspension system is responsible for keeping the vehicle in control and smoothing out your ride. With every bump or pothole in the road, the suspension system takes the impact and absorbs it, so you hardly feel a thing.

If your suspension system goes bad, you will have a hard time controlling your car. Here are six signs that your suspension system might be failing, so it’s time to take your vehicle in for local auto repair West Palm Beach FL.

1. A Rough Ride

When you start to feel every bump and curve in the road, it could be a sign that your suspension needs repair. The struts and shocks are part of the system that should absorb the bumps in the road. If they don’t, it’s probably time to replace them.

2. Drifting or Pulling

Do you feel like your car wants to drift over the left or right? Trying to keep the steering wheel on a steady course can be challenging. The suspension system is supposed to keep the vehicle body stable at all times. If it’s pulling or drifting, then it needs repair.

3. Lurching Forward

If your car lurches forward and downward when you apply the brakes, it’s a sign that your shocks are worn out. This could affect your ability to stop, so you should have the car looked at as soon as possible.

4. Uneven Tires

Are your tires unevenly worn down? This could be caused by the suspension system breaking down to a point where it can no longer hold the vehicle even. A suspension system that is working correctly will put even amounts of pressure on all tires.

5. Oily Shocks

When inspecting the shocks and struts under your car, if they are oily, it could mean they are damaged and leaking.

6. The Bounce Test

There’s a simple test you can do to see if your suspension is going bad. While the car is in park, press down on the front with all your weight and “bounce” it. Do the same on the rear end of the car. If it continues to bounce after you release it, the suspension needs to be repaired.

Posted in General | January 19, 2021 

People have a way of communicating when they feel something’s off, and so does your car. Your automobile works hard on a daily basis to get you where you need to go, which can wear on it over time. You can return the favor by taking care of your vehicle and watching out for engine troubles. You don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road, even if you entrust your car to the best auto repair service Ferguson MO has to offer.

A car will give you warning signs long before it breaks down. Before getting back on the road, read on to learn about a few hints that tell you your car needs an engine repair.

Extra Noise

Your engine may chatter every once in a while, but anything more should grab your attention. If things start to get worse, your engine will make what most people refer to as a knocking sound. Once your engine rattles, you know it’s time to take a closer look. You can try and spot the issue, but it helps to have a second pair of eyes on it. Only a professional can diagnose the issue with swiftness and accuracy.

Suspicious Smoke

If you see a trail of smoke in your rearview mirror, that’s an instant red flag for you to have your engine checked. Depending on the color of the smoke, the problem can range from burning oil to a leaking coolant. Regardless, smoke means nothing good. Be sure to take your car in, so an auto repair service can give you a precise analysis.

Poor Performance

You now know the obvious tip-offs of engine failure, but there are more subtle signs to be aware of. If your car tends to stall in traffic, then this could reveal engine troubles. Slow acceleration and a required warm-up time also tell you that your engine is slowing down. Once this happens, it’s time to have a mechanic fix it up. 

Remember the signs, so you can make sure your car gets the same amount of attention that it’s given you.

Posted in General | January 19, 2021 

When you plan for a long summer road trip with your family, the last thing you want to experience is your car faltering in the middle of nowhere. Your car’s major mechanical systems must work seamlessly if you want to make it to your destination. You can minimize the risk of car-system breakdowns by performing the following preventative maintenance inspections.

1. Air Conditioner

When outside temperatures reach heightened levels, your car’s air conditioner will need to work overtime to keep the interior comfortable. Air conditioners remove moisture in the air, bringing down temperatures. Excess humidity is not only uncomfortable but in extreme temperatures can lead to your body overheating. Have your car’s air conditioner serviced auto ac repair shop Fairfax VA before the trip.

2. Cooling System

When was the last time you had your engine’s cooling system checked? You need to address this often-overlooked maintenance task under any circumstance, but especially before a road trip. An inspection will ascertain the condition of your coolant in particular and the cooling system in general. A well-functioning cooling system both prevents engine overheating and helps keep essential engine parts lubricated.

3. Oil and Filter

The oil you add to your motor provides primary lubrication functions. Over time the oil breaks down such that it loses some of its lubrication properties. Change your oil and oil filter based on your car’s service manual’s mileage recommendation, especially if you will pass that mileage during the trip. In the month leading up to the trip, check your oil’s level weekly to ensure it is not dropping inadvertently.

4. Tires and Brakes

Your car’s tires and brakes work together to keep you both turning and stopping safely. Worn breaks will lose their stopping power gradually, while worn tires can fail quickly and catastrophically. A mechanic should inspect both tires and brakes at the same time.

On a long summer drive, your car needs to perform flawlessly. By maintaining its major systems prior to the trip, you can take comfort that the car will hold up its end of the travel bargain.

Posted in General | December 31, 2020 

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right opportunity to show your spouse how much you love and care about him or her. If you are looking for a small but meaningful way to convey your appreciation, read on for a few helpful ideas.

Have His or Her Car Cleaned

Cars can accumulate grime and crumbs quickly, especially if you have small children, commute daily or both. Next time your spouse is at an appointment, out of town or otherwise distracted from the daily grind, take his or her car to a detailer for a spotless car cleaning. Your spouse will be thrilled to drive a car that feels just like new!

Get a Surprise Gift

You may not necessarily want to go overboard and blow your previously agreed-upon budget on a lavish piece of jewelry or anything else excessively costly, but a small trinket goes a long way towards showing how much you care. “It’s the thought that counts” may be a cliché, but in this case, it rings true. A bouquet of flowers, a new coffee mug and a comfortable set of pajamas are all viable candidates.

Do Some Extra Chores

Another way to be a star spouse and show your husband or wife just how much he or she is appreciated is to take on some extra household duties. This could involve vacuuming every room, washing the dishes or doing a load or two of laundry. If possible, set your spouse up to relax while you tackle these tasks.

Successful, long-lasting marriages are formed on a basis of mutual respect and admiration. By doing small favors for your spouse on a regular basis, you will show him or her the depth of your love and commitment to your relationship.

Posted in General | December 22, 2020 

You are ready to sell your car, but you don’t want to waste time haggling with dealerships or car-buying services. If you are looking to sell your car on your own, here are three easy things you can do to make your sale a success.

Get It Detailed

If you want your car to appeal to buyers, you will need to ensure that it looks as good as possible. Buyers do understand that pre-owned cars may come with a few dents and scratches, but they won’t be happy if it is dirty. Find a company that performs auto detailing Laplace LA and let them work their magic. Your car may look so new that you may not even want to sell it!

Study the Market

You may have a desired profit in mind, but it is important that you are not asking too much or too little for your vehicle. Do your research online to find out what your car is truly worth so you can begin with a fair price that potential buyers are willing to pay.

Get an Inspection Done

Even if your car seems to be running fine, it is a good idea to get an official inspection done by a trusted mechanic who can look for any current or potential issues. You want to be able to present an accurate representation of the condition of the car to the buyer so there are no surprises for them down the road. If you are lucky enough to get a clean bill of health, this can be used as a major selling point. 

Selling your car on your own can help to cut back on costs and make the sale process a bit more simple. Ensure that your car is in tip-top shape and you’ll have a successful transaction.

Posted in General | December 18, 2020 

On average, over 100 million Americans travel for the holidays. If you are traveling to see friends and family members this holiday season, you need to take the time to prepare for this experience. Breaking down on the side of the road can be a very scary and frustrating experience.

Rather than hitting the road with no idea of how your car will do, you need to work on getting it ready. Are you trying to get your car ready for a trip this holiday season? If so, check out the helpful tips in this article.

Check Out Your Car’s Tires

One of the first things you need to do when trying to prepare your car for a road trip is to assess the condition of the tires. If the tires on your vehicle are worn or aren’t properly inflated, it can put you and your passengers at risk. Rather than dealing with this problem, you need to take your vehicle to a reputable mechanic. By doing this, you can get a second opinion regarding whether or not to replace the tires.

Allowing tire services Normal IL to replace your tires is a wise move. These professionals will have the experience and the tools needed to get this work done quickly and correctly. Having new tires on your vehicle will allow you to get the proper amount of traction while driving. This makes a big difference if you have to drive in bad weather or come to a sudden stop.

Get Your Oil Changed If Needed

When trying to prepare your vehicle for a road trip, you also need to check your fluids. If you are due for an oil change, you definitely need to get it changed. Driving your engine with old and thick oil can damage the internal engine components.

Posted in General | December 18, 2020 

American car owners spend over $2,000 a year on repairs. When faced with car repair issues, your main goal needs to be getting them fixed in a timely manner. The longer you wait to get your car repair problems fixed, the harder it will be to avoid additional damage.

Most car owners don’t have the experience or tools needed to fix their broken vehicles. This is why using an experienced mechanic is your best course of action. Here are some of the signs you may notice when it is time to get your vehicle

Your Car Is Constantly Running Hot

The internal temperature of your car’s engine gets very high during operation. However, your car’s cooling system is designed to keep this temperature at acceptable levels. If you start to notice that your car’s temperature gauge is always redlining, it is time to take action. This problem can be caused by a number of different problems. Getting the underlying cause of this problem is only possible with the help of an experienced mechanic.

Finding the best auto shop North Vancouver will require some time and research. Looking at the reviews an auto repair shop has received in the past is a great way to figure out if they are the right fit. With their help, you can get your car back in good shape in no time.

Issues With Your Battery

Are you using jumper cables to get your car started on a daily basis? If so, it is probably time to get your charging system checked. Once a mechanic runs a few diagnostics, they can fix your charging system quickly. Ignoring these problems can result in your car becoming unreliable, which is never a good thing.

Taking the time to research the mechanics in your area is the only way to ensure the right hire is made.