Category: Blog Article

Like all fluids in your vehicle, power steering fluid plays an important and specific role in keeping your car operating at peak performance. This fluid is critical for providing its namesake system with hydraulic assistance so you can turn the steering wheel of your vehicle easily. It also helps lubricate the power steering pump and the steering components. Power steering fluid even prevents corrosion. Because this fluid serves a variety of different purposes, you can see why it’s so important to use the right kind.

Is power steering fluid the same as brake fluid?

Some of the other important fluids in your vehicle, are brake fluid and transmission fluid. While they all have the same overall function — to keep your car running smoothly —they all have different properties to help them do their specific jobs.

No, power steering fluid isn’t the same as brake fluid, and you should never … Read more

When it comes to getting car help, there’s no shortage of things that owners want to know. And there’s no shortage of important vehicle-related information to learn. Start with the essentials. Take a look at five of the most common car questions drivers ask car mechanics — and their answers.

1. Why does my “check engine” light come on?

One of the common reasons your check engine light comes on has an easy (and free) solution. If your gas cap wasn’t put on tightly the last time you filled the tank, it can affect the pressure in the fuel-delivery system — and that triggers the check engine warning. Try tightening your gas cap first. If that doesn’t work, see your mechanic; it could be anything from a failing catalytic converter to faulty spark plugs to an oxygen sensor failure.[1] Because this light could indicate a number of different problems, … Read more

Staying on top of your car’s maintenance can prolong the life of your vehicle. It can also save you money by avoiding costly repairs and keep you and your family safe on the road. You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to keep your car well-maintained; all you need is a checklist and the discipline to stay on top of it.

View the complete car maintenance schedule below to help you with regular vehicle maintenance. You can use this checklist to set maintenance reminders in your calendar. Stick to this schedule and you’ll be driving smoothly and safely for years to come.

Service right away

Attend to as soon as possible if your car is experiencing the following:

Check engine light

The check engine light indicates your electronic control system has run into a problem … Read more

When you live in an apartment or a townhouse, no matter how nice the location and your home, there’s always the possibility you will have to deal with loud neighbors. It can be an issue from the start or can occur years down the line or after someone new moves next door. Knowing how to deal with with noisy neighbors requires a balance of diplomacy and directness. You want to get someone to quiet down but not embarrass them or leave them with hard feelings.

Here are 5 tips to help guide when dealing with noisy neighbors.

1. Gently knock

If they’re having a good time your boisterous neighbors may have forgotten that it’s late or that the walls are thin. They may believe that everyone likes their music.
Try knocking a couple of times on the adjoining wall to get their attention. Remember, you don’t want to pound; … Read more

A working alternator is crucial to your car’s operation. As the producer of your car’s electricity — and as the mechanism that helps the battery hold its charge — it has a hand in everything from radio use to the car’s ability to start. When an alternator falters, your power comes directly from the battery instead, which isn’t engineered to provide power for an extended period of time. This means that if you wait too long to replace a broken alternator, you run the risk of being left stranded.

There are many signs of a bad alternator that may require you to replace it. Here are some of the most prominent indicators to look out for[1][2]:

• Headlights dimming and brightening intermittently
• “Low battery” warning light appearing on the dashboard
• Difficulty starting the car
• Car battery dying frequently
• Growling, grinding noise
• Strong smell of burning rubber

Fortunately, when … Read more