#2
Don't vacuum hard to reach places -
instead, blow it out by connecting your vacuum hose to the vacuum
outlet. It is most effective to rapidly toggle the power switch on your
vacuum between "on" and "off." Here's why. If you blow the debris out at
full speed, it's going to fly all over the vehicle. Doing it at a
reduced power, however, will move the debris just far enough so you can
access it, then easily vacuum it up.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Myth: If regular-grade fuel is good, premium must be better
Reality: Most vehicles run just fine on regular-grade
(87 octane) fuel. Using premium in these cars won't hurt, but it won't
improve performance, either. A higher-octane number simply means that
the fuel is less prone to pre-ignition problems, so it's often specified
for hotter running, high-compression engines. So if your car is
designed for 87-octane fuel, don't waste money on premium.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Check Your Tires
Tires are one of the most overlooked parts of a car. According the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), only one out of 10 drivers checks his or her tire pressure correctly, compared with almost seven out of 10 who wash their cars regularly. But the truth is that an under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be extremely dangerous, particularly in hot summer weather.
Tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures -- approximately one to two PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree increase in outside air temperature. Consult your owner's manual or the sidewall of your tire to see what your tire pressure should be and check it with a hand pressure gauge or just let the guys at the service shop do it for you.
An under-inflated tire bulges outward and puts undo pressure on the sidewalls of the tire. With enough heat and pressure, that tire eventually will blow. An over-inflated tire, on the other hand, makes less contact with the road and can lead to hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Use the penny trick to see if you still have enough tread on your tires. Stick a penny in the tread, and if Lincoln's head disappears, you're good. Your local service shop or specialty tire store can also check your tires for proper alignment and balance.
And don't forget about your spare! There's no point in having a spare tire if your spare is in worse condition than the rest. Make sure the spare is properly inflated and has ample tread depth.
Tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures -- approximately one to two PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree increase in outside air temperature. Consult your owner's manual or the sidewall of your tire to see what your tire pressure should be and check it with a hand pressure gauge or just let the guys at the service shop do it for you.
An under-inflated tire bulges outward and puts undo pressure on the sidewalls of the tire. With enough heat and pressure, that tire eventually will blow. An over-inflated tire, on the other hand, makes less contact with the road and can lead to hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Use the penny trick to see if you still have enough tread on your tires. Stick a penny in the tread, and if Lincoln's head disappears, you're good. Your local service shop or specialty tire store can also check your tires for proper alignment and balance.
And don't forget about your spare! There's no point in having a spare tire if your spare is in worse condition than the rest. Make sure the spare is properly inflated and has ample tread depth.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Preserve your car during long-term storage
If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary damage and repairs upon your return.
- Fill the gas tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the gas tank. Add a fuel stabilizer and drive the car around a bit to distribute the additive to engine parts.
- Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.
- Place a vapor barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.
- Disengage the parking brake to help avoid brake corrosion.
- Put the car on jack stands to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tires.
- Disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining. Place the battery on a trickletype charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.
- Plug the tailpipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Winter Tires Save Lives And Money
Winter tires save lives and money is an important statement. Read the article and find out why...and what you can do to make sure your tires are in good driving condition this winter.
(NC)—Feel that cold air? It won't be long now until we're all dealing with sub-zero temperatures and wind chill that takes your breath away. While we can all agree that the prospect of winter can be pretty miserable, being prepared and taking the necessary precautions in advance of the ice and snow is ideal. And one of the best ways of doing this is by switching to winter tires.
But according to recent Canadian Tire survey, a majority of drivers in Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia choose not to install winter tires, mistakenly believing that all-season tires offer adequate safety.
(NC)—Feel that cold air? It won't be long now until we're all dealing with sub-zero temperatures and wind chill that takes your breath away. While we can all agree that the prospect of winter can be pretty miserable, being prepared and taking the necessary precautions in advance of the ice and snow is ideal. And one of the best ways of doing this is by switching to winter tires.
But according to recent Canadian Tire survey, a majority of drivers in Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia choose not to install winter tires, mistakenly believing that all-season tires offer adequate safety.
The evidence says otherwise. In winter-condition tests, Transport Canada and the Rubber Association of Canada found that stopping was 30 to 40 per cent longer with all-season compared to winter tires. In cornering, vehicles with all-season tires went off the testing track at speeds of only 40 to 50 km/h, while the vehicles equipped with winter tires had no problem. The results were consistent with front-, rear- and all-wheel vehicles.
The experts from Desjardins General Insurance (DGI) agree that winter tires are designed to save lives. "What's interesting is that many people who live in snow-belt regions across the country recognize the need for them," said DGI spokesperson Joe Daly. "But some drivers in urban regions don't see the need to switch. The fact is we've all experienced those icy mornings when you're rushing to work or school and the salt trucks just haven't made it to your neighbourhood yet. These conditions are much more dangerous than just plain snow and having the right tires can keep every one safe.”
The reason why these tires are the most effective at preventing accidents is because they have deeper, specially-designed treads and are made of innovative rubber compounds that are softer and more pliant. This allows them to perform better on ice, snow and slush, but also in both dry and wet conditions when the temperature dips below 7C.
Daly also suggests that it's also important to keep an eye on your tires' air pressure. "Overnight temperatures can drop from 5˚ to –15˚ and this rapid reduction can zap the air out of you tires by as much as 4 psi. An under-inflated tire can be quite dangerous, so it's important to keep tracking your tire pressure."
Having a safe winter is a great reason to equip your car with the best tires. Transport Canada suggests that “winter tires marked with the pictograph of a peaked mountain with a snowflake meet specific snow traction performance requirements, and have been designed specifically for use in winter conditions.” Another incentive is that some insurance companies like DGI will reward their clients who use winter tires with a discount on their auto insurance.
The experts from Desjardins General Insurance (DGI) agree that winter tires are designed to save lives. "What's interesting is that many people who live in snow-belt regions across the country recognize the need for them," said DGI spokesperson Joe Daly. "But some drivers in urban regions don't see the need to switch. The fact is we've all experienced those icy mornings when you're rushing to work or school and the salt trucks just haven't made it to your neighbourhood yet. These conditions are much more dangerous than just plain snow and having the right tires can keep every one safe.”
The reason why these tires are the most effective at preventing accidents is because they have deeper, specially-designed treads and are made of innovative rubber compounds that are softer and more pliant. This allows them to perform better on ice, snow and slush, but also in both dry and wet conditions when the temperature dips below 7C.
Daly also suggests that it's also important to keep an eye on your tires' air pressure. "Overnight temperatures can drop from 5˚ to –15˚ and this rapid reduction can zap the air out of you tires by as much as 4 psi. An under-inflated tire can be quite dangerous, so it's important to keep tracking your tire pressure."
Having a safe winter is a great reason to equip your car with the best tires. Transport Canada suggests that “winter tires marked with the pictograph of a peaked mountain with a snowflake meet specific snow traction performance requirements, and have been designed specifically for use in winter conditions.” Another incentive is that some insurance companies like DGI will reward their clients who use winter tires with a discount on their auto insurance.
Monday, July 23, 2012
For Gifts That Give Back, Think Vehicle Donation
For gifts that give back, think about vehicle donation. If you are planning on getting rid of a used car find out about charitable car donations with this article from 1car1difference.
(NAPSI)—This holiday season, giving a generous gift doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Instead, you can get on the road to giving joy by donating your old car. Vehicle donation is one gift option that’s sometimes overlooked, but, to charities, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
A recent donation behavior study found that nearly three out of four Americans have made charitable contributions in the last five years. Of these, 69 percent donated cash, 67 percent donated used goods and 47 percent donated their time.
(NAPSI)—This holiday season, giving a generous gift doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Instead, you can get on the road to giving joy by donating your old car. Vehicle donation is one gift option that’s sometimes overlooked, but, to charities, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
A recent donation behavior study found that nearly three out of four Americans have made charitable contributions in the last five years. Of these, 69 percent donated cash, 67 percent donated used goods and 47 percent donated their time.
According to the report, however, only 6 percent have ever donated a used vehicle and 76 percent of the rest said they never even considered doing so.
“Donating one car can generate enough cash to supply a month’s worth of food for a family of five or provide more than two years’ worth of generic drugs for a senior citizen,” said Pat Walsh, who oversees the national vehicle donation campaign, One Car One Difference. “That’s why we launched the One Car One Difference program: to help raise the public’s awareness about the ease and benefits of donating vehicles, and convert donated cars to much-needed funds for charities.”
The program’s partners, which include the National Kidney Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the American Heart Association, select chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boy Scouts of America and the Yellow Ribbon Registry Network, work closely with it to demonstrate the benefits of vehicle donation.
“Donating one car can generate enough cash to supply a month’s worth of food for a family of five or provide more than two years’ worth of generic drugs for a senior citizen,” said Pat Walsh, who oversees the national vehicle donation campaign, One Car One Difference. “That’s why we launched the One Car One Difference program: to help raise the public’s awareness about the ease and benefits of donating vehicles, and convert donated cars to much-needed funds for charities.”
The program’s partners, which include the National Kidney Foundation, The Humane Society of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the American Heart Association, select chapters of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Boy Scouts of America and the Yellow Ribbon Registry Network, work closely with it to demonstrate the benefits of vehicle donation.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Three Tips To Make Holiday Road Trips Merry And Bright!
Three tips to make holiday road trips merry and bright! Holidays mean visiting relatives and that means road trips. Find out how to save money and stay safe while you are traveling in your car.
(NC)—When people tell their most cherished family stories, they usually involve the holidays. But the journey to reconnect with friends and family can be expensive, especially at the height of the holiday season.
To increase your gift giving budget here are a few tips to follow for improved mileage and savings at the pump:
(NC)—When people tell their most cherished family stories, they usually involve the holidays. But the journey to reconnect with friends and family can be expensive, especially at the height of the holiday season.
To increase your gift giving budget here are a few tips to follow for improved mileage and savings at the pump:
1. Perform Smart Vehicle Maintenance Before You Drive.
Keep your engine well-tuned and repair any problems immediately. A poorly maintained vehicle can consume up to 15% more fuel than a well-maintained vehicle and increases emissions by even more*. Following the service recommendations for your vehicle, such as changing the air filter, spark plugs, engine oil and other fluids, ensures optimum performance.
In addition, operating a vehicle with just one tire under-inflated by 8 psi (56 kPa) can reduce the life of the tire by 15,000 kilometers and increase the vehicle's fuel consumption by up to 4%*.
2. Practice Smart Behaviors And Actions While You're Behind The Wheel.
Plan your holiday shopping trips and routes wisely. Combine several short trips into one longer trip. In the winter an engine can burn up to 50%* more fuel for a short trip than for the same trip in the summer.
To help stretch your fuel further, drive smoothly. By avoiding speeding, heavy acceleration or breaking you can lower your consumption by up to 20%*.
Although your hands may be cold, resist the temptation to start your car and sit idle while warming up – this only wastes fuel and increases emissions. Once a vehicle is running, the best way to warm it up is just to drive it. With computer-controlled, fuel-injected engines, 30 seconds* of idling is all that's needed on winter days before driving away.
3. Purchase Smart Products And Services At The Right Price Without Sacrificing Quality.
A clean engine typically runs more efficiently – like the vehicle manufacturer originally designed. “A lower-quality gasoline leaves behind carbon deposits, called engine gunk, which can negatively affect engine performance,” confirms Ken Mitchell, an engineer for Shell Canada. “Protecting your engine from gunk is as simple as using a high-quality gasoline, like all three grades of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, which help clean your engine as you drive.”
As you plan your way to savings at the pump this holiday season, these tips can help to ensure that you can afford to take all of these trips and have an arm full of gifts to give upon your arrival.
Keep your engine well-tuned and repair any problems immediately. A poorly maintained vehicle can consume up to 15% more fuel than a well-maintained vehicle and increases emissions by even more*. Following the service recommendations for your vehicle, such as changing the air filter, spark plugs, engine oil and other fluids, ensures optimum performance.
In addition, operating a vehicle with just one tire under-inflated by 8 psi (56 kPa) can reduce the life of the tire by 15,000 kilometers and increase the vehicle's fuel consumption by up to 4%*.
2. Practice Smart Behaviors And Actions While You're Behind The Wheel.
Plan your holiday shopping trips and routes wisely. Combine several short trips into one longer trip. In the winter an engine can burn up to 50%* more fuel for a short trip than for the same trip in the summer.
To help stretch your fuel further, drive smoothly. By avoiding speeding, heavy acceleration or breaking you can lower your consumption by up to 20%*.
Although your hands may be cold, resist the temptation to start your car and sit idle while warming up – this only wastes fuel and increases emissions. Once a vehicle is running, the best way to warm it up is just to drive it. With computer-controlled, fuel-injected engines, 30 seconds* of idling is all that's needed on winter days before driving away.
3. Purchase Smart Products And Services At The Right Price Without Sacrificing Quality.
A clean engine typically runs more efficiently – like the vehicle manufacturer originally designed. “A lower-quality gasoline leaves behind carbon deposits, called engine gunk, which can negatively affect engine performance,” confirms Ken Mitchell, an engineer for Shell Canada. “Protecting your engine from gunk is as simple as using a high-quality gasoline, like all three grades of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, which help clean your engine as you drive.”
As you plan your way to savings at the pump this holiday season, these tips can help to ensure that you can afford to take all of these trips and have an arm full of gifts to give upon your arrival.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Hot Tips For Getting The Most Out Of Your Vehicle In The Cold Weather
Hot tips for getting the most out of your vehicle in the cold weather. Keep your car performing at it's best this winter.
(NC)—You love your vehicle and want it to look and perform at its best, but Canadian winters can create challenges for keeping it in tip top shape. Here are a few tips to safeguard your vehicle from the rough weather to keep you and your ride looking ready for the road:
Inspection/Maintenance:
(NC)—You love your vehicle and want it to look and perform at its best, but Canadian winters can create challenges for keeping it in tip top shape. Here are a few tips to safeguard your vehicle from the rough weather to keep you and your ride looking ready for the road:
Inspection/Maintenance:
Routine maintenance is a must for vehicle longevity, but before any long journey in the cold weather, it's even more important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic. Brake pads, tires, belts and hoses should be inspected for wear and proper operation, fluids should be checked and topped off.
High-Quality Gasoline:
It's important to note that a 'high octane' number doesn't necessarily ensure the gasoline is 'high-quality'. “For vehicles whose manufacturers recommend or require the higher octane associated with a premium gasoline, ensuring you buy a high-quality fuel can make a difference. For example, Shell V-Power Premium Gasoline is designed to clean and protect your engine from performance-robbing gunk that lower quality gasolines can leave behind, providing maximum protection for optimum performance,” explains Ken Mitchell, an engineer at Shell.
Tire Swap:
Snow tires have deeper grooves that provide significantly more traction than all season tires, making them capable of stopping your car faster than all season tires. In addition, the colder weather and rolling resistance caused by snow and slush can decrease air pressure in tires. After you switch to your winter tires, ensure that the pressure is optimal, and re-check the pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature. Each tire that is under–inflated by 2 psi (14 kPa) causes a 1%* increase in fuel consumption.
Cold Starts vs. Idling:
You may believe that you're doing the best for your vehicle by allowing it to 'warm up' in the cold weather with a few minutes of idling. In fact, more than just the engine needs to be warmed up and this can only happen if the vehicle is moving. For an average vehicle, it takes about five kilometers of driving* to warm up the engine as well as the wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires.
Emergency Kit:
Although the aforementioned tips are preventative measures, vehicle breakdowns can still occur. Pack an emergency kit for your car filled with a first-aid kit, flashlight, thermal blanket, tire pressure gauge, coolant, water, jumper cables, safety flares, and emergency tire inflator.
* Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Auto$mart Thinking program
High-Quality Gasoline:
It's important to note that a 'high octane' number doesn't necessarily ensure the gasoline is 'high-quality'. “For vehicles whose manufacturers recommend or require the higher octane associated with a premium gasoline, ensuring you buy a high-quality fuel can make a difference. For example, Shell V-Power Premium Gasoline is designed to clean and protect your engine from performance-robbing gunk that lower quality gasolines can leave behind, providing maximum protection for optimum performance,” explains Ken Mitchell, an engineer at Shell.
Tire Swap:
Snow tires have deeper grooves that provide significantly more traction than all season tires, making them capable of stopping your car faster than all season tires. In addition, the colder weather and rolling resistance caused by snow and slush can decrease air pressure in tires. After you switch to your winter tires, ensure that the pressure is optimal, and re-check the pressure regularly, especially after a sharp drop in temperature. Each tire that is under–inflated by 2 psi (14 kPa) causes a 1%* increase in fuel consumption.
Cold Starts vs. Idling:
You may believe that you're doing the best for your vehicle by allowing it to 'warm up' in the cold weather with a few minutes of idling. In fact, more than just the engine needs to be warmed up and this can only happen if the vehicle is moving. For an average vehicle, it takes about five kilometers of driving* to warm up the engine as well as the wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires.
Emergency Kit:
Although the aforementioned tips are preventative measures, vehicle breakdowns can still occur. Pack an emergency kit for your car filled with a first-aid kit, flashlight, thermal blanket, tire pressure gauge, coolant, water, jumper cables, safety flares, and emergency tire inflator.
* Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency Auto$mart Thinking program
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sizzling Summer Tag Sale!
Check out our Summer Specials at:
http://www.fredmartinsuperstore.com/sizzling-summer-tag-sale.htm
http://www.fredmartinsuperstore.com/sizzling-summer-tag-sale.htm
Friday, July 13, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Tips for a Tidy Interior
#1
Refer to the owner's manual before attempting to clean the interior of your vehicle. I've found that many of today's auto components are very sensitive to cleaners. Before you start, test each of the interior materials in small, out-of-the-way locations, where consequences won't be too terrible if it doesn't work out. It's better to be safe than sorry. Do you want to look at the spray pattern from a can of Super Duper Quikkie-Kleen for the rest of the life of your car?
Refer to the owner's manual before attempting to clean the interior of your vehicle. I've found that many of today's auto components are very sensitive to cleaners. Before you start, test each of the interior materials in small, out-of-the-way locations, where consequences won't be too terrible if it doesn't work out. It's better to be safe than sorry. Do you want to look at the spray pattern from a can of Super Duper Quikkie-Kleen for the rest of the life of your car?
Thursday, July 5, 2012
More Tips for a Spotless Exterior
#7
Use a different mitt to clean the tires and rims. Using a separate mitt for the wheels will reduce the chance that you'll scratch the car's paint with brake dust and dirt you pick up from the rims.
Use a different mitt to clean the tires and rims. Using a separate mitt for the wheels will reduce the chance that you'll scratch the car's paint with brake dust and dirt you pick up from the rims.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
More Tips for a Spotless Exterior
#5Always hose off your mitt or sponge before putting it back in the wash bucket to re-soap. In other words, start with a bucket of clean soap - and end with a bucket of clean soap.
#6
Rinse your vehicle thoroughly. When you think you're done rinsing - that's when you give it a final rinse!
Rinse your vehicle thoroughly. When you think you're done rinsing - that's when you give it a final rinse!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
More Tips for a Spotless Exterior
#4Wash one section at a time, and then rinse it off. Start with the roof of the car, then proceed to the hood and the rear. Next, clean the upper sections of the sides, and then, finally, clean the lower areas, including the rocker panels, which invariably have the most dirt. Why this sequence? If you clean the lower sections first, you'll wash the dirt from the top of the car back down onto the lower parts. But, more importantly, you run the risk of having small pieces of debris adhere to the mitt or sponge, and could scratch the vehicle.
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