The 3 Worst Things You Can Do When Your Car is Overheating

Posted on September 17, 2019 by admin

An overheating car could be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be a broken radiator, a kinked radiator hose, a faulty thermostat, and maybe even a lack of coolant. There are many more reasons as well. No matter what the cause, if you are ever in a similar situation, there are three major things you should never do when your car is overheating.

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❶ Do Not Continue Driving

When you first notice that your vehicle is overheating, it is crucial to pull over and stop the car immediately. An overheating car should never be driven. This can be very dangerous. Wait until your car is entirely cooled down before starting the engine again.

❷ Never Check the Radiator Fluid

Checking your fluid levels in your radiator when the car is overheating is simply asking for trouble. It can be extremely dangerous. There is a lot of pressure built up beneath the radiator cap. Boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, potentially burning and injuring anyone in its path. Determine whether or not you are on an inline for accurate fluid readings. If the car is not level, the fluids cannot be level.

❸ Never Use Cold Water on a Hot Engine

When a car’s engine has overheated, do not put cold water in the vehicle. Not only can this damage the engine block and cause it to crack, it can lead to other severe auto damages and costly repairs. Let a car cool down completely, as mentioned earlier, before tending to an overheated engine.

Here’s What To Do When Your Car Overheats:

➀ Pull Over Immediately
➁ Place Vehicle in Park
➂ Turn Off Engine
➃ Remove Keys from Ignition and Place in Pocket
➄ Walk Off a Busy Road
➅ Find a Safe Location to Wait for Help
➆ Contact 24 Hour Roadside Assistance

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4 Ways to Get Better Gas Mileage Out of Your Car

Posted on July 25, 2019 by admin

The fuel prices today are simply depressing. Does it really cost almost four dollars for one tank of gas? For people who are on a tight budget, keeping a fuel tank full can be troubling. Worry not, because there are a few solutions to getting better gas mileage on a daily basis. Not only can this help you save money and gas, it can also benefit the environment at the same time!

Continue reading to learn these tips and tricks to getting better gas mileage, no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

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❶ Tire Pressure

Surprisingly, the amount of pressure you have in your tires can influence the amount of gasoline consumption. This is because low tire pressure forces a car to exert more energy and work harder to get from one place to the next. This uses a lot of fuel. Be sure to check your tires on a monthly basis, and do not let radial tires trick you. They can sometimes look completely inflated, but actually be low on pressure.

❷ Auto AC Usage

It is hard to not always blast your vehicle’s AC on a scorching hot summer’s day. Unfortunately, the frequent use of a car’s air conditioner uses a lot of fuel. Try to roll down windows and keep a cool drink in your cup holder. These are ways you can avoid using too much AC and wasting all your fuel. Also, try parking in shady areas to keep the car cool when not in use.

❸ Driving Habits and Patience

Quick stops and sudden starts is often referred to as jackrabbit driving. Aggressive and abrupt driving habits can not only use up a lot of fuel, it can potentially damage your vehicle. If this describes your style of driving, try to slow down in the future. Relaxed driving keeps your car at a comfortable status and reduces the amount times you have to fill up.

❹ Routine Car Maintenance

Having your car in optimal condition drastically improves the amount of miles it gets per gallon of gas. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, brake services, engine cleanings, tune-ups, and much more. Keeping your car in a condition that it can perform at its best reduces the amount of work the engine has to do to operate the vehicle. Factory scheduled maintenance is crucial for any vehicle you own. It has a huge influence on how long your vehicle will survive and how fast it uses its fuel.

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Most Expensive Car Repairs to Watch Out For

Posted on June 14, 2019 by admin

As a car owner, it is important to have automotive insurance coverage in case of an emergency breakdown, or worse, collision. However, depending on your particular policy, you may not have full coverage, which would leave you financially responsible for covering the rest of the repair bill. If you want to be on the preventative maintenance side of car ownership, it is wise to have all of your vehicle’s systems serviced on a routine basis. Not only will this ensure your car is operating smoothly and efficiently, which can also save you money on fuel, it will help catch small mechanical problems early on, before they can get too expensive.

To be cautious, continue reading to learn which automotive repairs tend to be the most expensive, and where you can find better deals on new and used auto parts in town.

⚙ Catalytic Converters

Not only are catalytic converters one of the most essential automotive components within every vehicle, they are comprised primarily of precious metal, platinum. These attributes make catalytic converters highly valuable, and therefore, expensive. So if your car needs a new one, you can expect to pay a pretty penny, no matter how many car repair quotes you seek out. You can expect to pay anywhere from $700 to $2,250 for the part alone, plus an additional fee to have it installed.

⚙ Engines

If you blow an engine, or require a new transmission, you can expect to pay a large bill for both labor and parts. The engine is the heart and soul of a vehicle, and without it, you won’t go anywhere anytime soon. This makes it the most critical component of your car. Typical repair costs for a new engine range between $1,000 and $4,000, depending on the make and model vehicle. If you require a new transmission, expect to pay about the same.

⚙ Engine Components

Turbo replacements and repairs can really hit home with an average price tag between $2,000 and $6,000! If you have timing belts, head gaskets, or camshafts repaired, the bill will be equally impactful, averaging in the thousands, depending on how many components are damaged along with them, such as connecting rods, pistons, valves, and similar parts. Camshaft replacement can range between $1,500 and $3,000, while head gaskets can set you back between $400 and $900.

⚙ Air Conditioning Compressor

Although not as expensive as the other repairs mentioned above, a new AC compressor will cost between $200 and $600, depending on the extent of the damage and other contributing factors. Furthermore, if your car requires Freon charging, you can expect to pay additional fees for both parts and labor.

? Want to avoid paying too much for new auto parts? Consider buying used or refurbished parts for a fraction of the cost!

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What To Do If Your Car Gets Stuck in Mud

Posted on May 17, 2019 by admin

There is a lot of rain happening in our region this time of year, which means everything that’s dirt turns to mud. To make matters worse, this mud can sometimes be hiding thick, unforgiving clay that acts like a vacuum to anything that has the misfortune of falling in. All of these factors increase the chances of getting your vehicle stuck in a patch of stubborn mud. If this happens to you, be prepared by knowing exactly what to do. Continue reading to learn more.

Getting stuck in mud is just as common as getting stuck in snow or in a ditch. In fact, as a driver, you are more likely to face such a scenario at least once in your life than not. For this reason and more, it is wise to be prepared for if it happens, but also, to know how to prevent this exasperating traffic set back.

How to Get Your Car Out of Mud

Basically, to get a car unstuck from mud, you need traction. And in order to gain traction, you will need a combination of supplies and method. If you have snow chains, put them on and see how well they work. They will almost always pull you out of mud. If you do not have a set of snow chains on hand, which is usually the case for most, rely on these tips instead:

? For front wheel-drive vehicles, add more weight to the trunk.

? Clear the mud away from each tire, front and back.

? If possible, pour sand or cat litter in front of or behind (depending on FWD or 4WD) each tire.

? Place cardboard or floor mats in front of or behind (depending on FWD or 4WD) each tire. You can also use anything else on hand, like blankets, clothing, coats, or towels.

? Use the rocking method by pressing the gas ever so slightly every time the vehicle rocks forward. DO NOT allow someone to stand behind the vehicle and push.

? When all else fails, contact a local towing company for help. After all, that’s what they’re here for!

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What You Need to Know About Using 4 Wheel Drive

Posted on February 27, 2019 by admin

In terms of traction and control, having a 4-wheel drive vehicle instantly puts you at an advantage over other drivers on the road when navigating in dicey weather and terrains, like muddy rains, slippery pavements, gravel roads, off-roads, and of course, snow and ice. When you need your car to move forward with stability and control in such conditions, a 4-wheel drive vehicle will do much better than two-wheel drive since it engages all four wheels at once, providing more torque. A two-wheel drive vehicle will very likely have you off the shoulder or stuck in a ditch with snow up to your axles!

So having a 4-wheel drive vehicle is certainly a plus, but it is important to know just when and where to use it. You see, you should never drive using four-wheel drive on roads that are smooth, flat, and/or dry, because it can cause irreversible damage to the drivetrain and more.

Continue reading to learn some tips for operating your vehicle’s 4-wheel drive system, including what to do if you ever get stuck on the road without options.

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4-Wheel Drive Modes

There are various modes on a four-wheel drive vehicle. The precise modes will vary slightly from make and model, but most are operated using a basic, universal language. Get to know these modes and what they do, and you will know just when to use your 4-wheel drive skills! Here are the most basic four-wheel drive modes and applications:

⚙ Four-High (4H)

Four-high (4H) drive is also referred to as high-range 4-wheel drive. This mode allows you to drive at regular speeds with extra traction, making it the perfect go-to setting for highway and interstate travel during inclement weather like snow, ice, rain, sleet, hail, and more. In lower but still normal speeds, this mode is also good for gravel, packed sand, and mud.

⚙ Four-Low (4L)

Four-low (4L) drive, or low-range 4-wheel-drive, is designed for maximum traction and power. For this reason, it is a more serious and advanced mode that should only be used in conditions like deep snow, mud, and sand, or when crossing shallow bodies of water. In this mode, it is important to use low speeds (under 35 mph), otherwise you can damage the drivetrain and power control module.

⚙ Automatic Four-Wheel Drive (AWD)

One of the most admired and modern conveniences in automobiles today is automatic 4-wheel drive (AWD). This version is a “set it and forget it” mode, which allows the driver to pre-program the tires to monitor the traction in 2-wheel drive, and automatically shift into 4-wheel drive when traction is detected to be reduced. Combination road conditions, such as snow and ice, rain and mud, or any other conditions in which tires might abruptly slip, are well-navigated with AWD drive.

There are two different types of AWD. The automatic version just mentioned, also known as “part-time AWD”, and full-time AWD. Full-time AWD supplies power to all four wheels, but does not retain the degree of low-range torque that Four-Low drive (4L) delivers.

When Your 2-Wheel or 4-Wheel Drive Fails

Regardless of which mode your vehicle is equipped with, it is common to find yourself stuck in mud, snow, or a ditch on the side of the road. When this happens, contact a licensed and insured 24 hour towing company for emergency roadside assistance. They can pull you out and give you a tow to the nearest location or auto repair shop of your choice.

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What NOT To Do When Your Car Engine Overheats

Posted on October 29, 2018 by admin

In previous blogs, we have touched on important automotive and road safety advice regarding what to do when your car engine overheats. But in today’s blog, we will be discussing what you should NEVER do when your car engine is overheating.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 things that can really make matters worse for you and your vehicle.

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⚠ Continue Driving

The worst thing you could possibly do when your engine is overheating is to continue driving. As soon as your engine begins to show signs that it is close to overheating, you need to pull over, come to a safe stop, and turn off the ignition completely. If you continue to drive while the engine is overheating, you are putting your safety at risk.

Driving on an overheating engine is not only dangerous to your safety, it can potentially cause an extreme amount of damage to several internal automotive systems, which will end up costing you more money in repairs and replacements. It may even total a car. If this were to happen, you would have to accept the insurance money for it, or sell it to a junk car buyer in Indianapolis.

⚠ Use Cold Water

You should never use cold water on a hot engine. There are many things that can go wrong if you were to attempt this. First, you risk damaging the engine block and causing it to crack. Second, you risk burning yourself. You always wait for an engine to cool completely before investigating or resolving any issues.

⚠ Check Radiator Fluid Levels

Another terrible mistake to avoid is checking your radiator fluid levels while the engine is still hot. As mentioned above, you must always wait for the engine to cool completely before moving forward. You see, a lot of pressure builds up beneath a radiator cap, which means that boiling hot fluids and steam can shoot out at high speeds, and seriously injure you.

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When to Get an Oil Change for Your Vehicle

Posted on September 24, 2018 by admin

When it comes to caring for your vehicle, routine and regular scheduled maintenance are among the most vital necessities. In order to sustain the value and performance of your vehicle, consistent oil changes, tune ups, tire rotations, and other factory scheduled services are required.

Continue reading to learn the importance of oil changes and when you should get your vehicle’s oil changed.

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The Importance of Oil Changes

Cars, trucks, and other vehicles have different requirements when it comes to oil changes. Depending on the make or model of the vehicle, oil change frequencies will differ. Typically, we measure the length of time between scheduled auto services in distances. For example, most manufacturers suggest cars should have their oil changed every 3000 to 5000 miles, depending on the make and model.

Size and vehicle type also influence the rate of which a person should have their oil changed. For instance, diesel engines will have a contrasting oil change schedule compared to a gasoline fuel engine. Larger engines and vehicles burn more fuel, which may require them to have the oil changed more often. Small gasoline-fueled engines get better fuel mileage, resulting in less frequent routine maintenance.

Refer to the Owners’ Manual

The best way to accurately determine how often you need to change your vehicle’s oil is to refer to the owners’ manual for manufacturer recommendations. If you can’t find your owner’s manual, you can download a version for your make and model vehicle, online. You can also consult with a professional auto repair technician for professional advice.

Maintaining a Safe and Functional Vehicle

Nonetheless, understanding the importance of oil changes, and staying on top of factory maintenance, are vital factors to preserving the integrity and safety of your vehicle. Without routine oil changes, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the road with an overheating engine!

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Helpful Advice for Long-Distance Driving

Posted on August 16, 2018 by admin

If you are planning a road trip of some kind in the near future, you could use a quick review of some long-distance driving tips. Regardless of age or driving experience, these tips will give you the knowledge necessary to transport yourself, your passengers, and your cargo, safely and efficiently.

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Whether you are moving to a new state, traveling for work, or going on vacation, long-distance driving is something you might have to do once or twice in your life. And when the occasion arises, it is important that both you and your vehicle are fully prepared to travel hundreds or thousands of miles. Below are some vital long-distance driving advice that you can use and then pass along to friends and loved ones!

☑ Vehicle Maintenance

The first thing you need to check before heading out on the road is the condition of your vehicle. It is important that your car or truck can actually make it to your destination, safely. Take your vehicle into your local auto repair shop for a routine service inspection. They will inspect your vehicle and provide all the necessary services to get it in optimal driving mode, such as bulb changes, fluid changes and refills, tire rotation and balancing, brake pad and rotor replacement, engine tune-up, and more. Once you know your car is in a safe and operational condition to drive a long distance, you can focus on the other preparations you must make for your upcoming trip.

☑ Roadside Emergency Kit

It is always a good idea to have an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle at all times. Before you leave for your road trip, be sure your kit is fully-loaded and ready to go. If you do not have a roadside emergency car kit, it is strongly encouraged to purchase one at a local home improvement or automotive parts store. You can also purchase them online. For long-distances, it is recommended to choose a deluxe or extended kit that contains several pieces of emergency equipment, such as jumper cables, car jack, blanket, water bottles, flashlight, first aid kit, medication (OTC pain medicine, allergy medicine, etc.), batteries, small tools, triangle reflectors, road flares, and more.

☑ Route Planning

Another important part of preparing for a long-distance road trip is to plan your route ahead of time. Not only does this avoid getting lost and experiencing unexpected dilemmas, it will save you loads of time and money. Plan out your entire course on a map, and add in stops for snacks, meals, restroom breaks, hotels, and more. With all of these planned out, you will always know where you are headed and what to expect when you get there. It can also save you money on fuel since you won’t waste time driving around looking for places to stop for food or bathrooms.

Part of planning out your journey should include provisions; so fill up the gas tank all the way, stock some coolers with snacks and beverages, and create a cozy interior with blankets, pillows, tablets, headphones, and anything else that will make the ride more comfortable for everyone.

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Effective Solutions For a Problematic Car Battery

Posted on March 19, 2018 by admin

Sometimes car batteries just don’t want to cooperate. And bad battery behavior can cause quite the disturbance among other vehicular components and systems. But fortunately, there are several precautions a person can take to ensure their battery behaves itself. Routine maintenance and a change of bad habits can be the best medicine for preventing sub-par battery performance.

Continue reading to learn how you can fix your problematic car battery, and the options you have if your battery troubles seem to persist no matter what you try.

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Battery Fluid Loss

One of the main reasons why batteries become problematic is fluid loss. There are several factors that cause battery fluid loss, but the most common include excessive heat, hot weather, and cold weather. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, so the hotter the engine gets, the more fluid is lost. Driving excessively, aggressively, or in hot parts of the country will cause this to happen.

Cold weather causes motor oil to thicken, which makes it harder to turn the engine, thus forcing the battery to work harder. Another major cause for shortened battery life is overcharging. Overcharging can happen when a voltage regulator is defective, which causes the battery to charge at a rate that is too high.

Preventative Maintenance

It is important to provide preventative maintenance for your car battery if you want it to stop giving you trouble. The more you care for your battery, the faster it will turn around.

Here are helpful tips for better car battery performance:

☑ If you own a car battery that requires manual fluid refills, check it regularly and be sure to top it off with distilled water when needed.

☑ Ensure that your electrical system is charging at the proper rate to avoid accidental overcharging.

☑ Check your battery more often when driving in hot weather for needed “top offs.”

☑ Avoid aggressive driving, fast acceleration, and harsh braking to preserve the life of your battery.

☑ Check your battery life when the check engine light is on, or if you notice dim lights or malfunctioning accessories. See if charging it corrects the issues.

☑ Keep the top surface area of your battery free of dirt, dust, and debris. Clean it regularly to avoid malfunctioning or decreased performance.

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Call 317-247-8484 to request a free estimate, today! We are a family owned and operated company with more than 75 years in business here in Indiana! We offer a wide range of services for Hoosiers, including roadside assistance, scrap metal recycling, cash for junk cars, towing and recovery, storm damage, traffic clearance, and much more.

5 Essential Car Fluids Every Vehicle Needs to Stay Safe on the Road

Posted on February 28, 2018 by admin

In order for a vehicle to operate and function properly, it requires a number of liquids to facilitate specific responsibilities. Keeping a vehicle’s fluids at the proper level sustains its drivability and overall condition. In this blog, we will discuss the five most important vehicle fluids, as well as, some other equally essential solutions that cars and trucks need to ensure easy and safe driving.

Continue reading to learn about the five essential fluids every car or truck needs to be operational and safe, and who to call when your car fluids fail you unexpectedly.

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When it comes to driving, or maintaining a car in good condition, it is important to change out or refill specific vehicle fluids. There are several solutions a vehicle uses, however, there are five that are absolutely necessary in order for your car or truck to drive properly. These solutions include motor oil, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Other beneficial solutions include windshield wiper fluid, and in some cases, battery fluid. Each fluid has its own purpose and responsibility, and all of them together can keep a car or truck safe and operational for years.

Motor Oil

If a car has an internal combustion engine (which almost all do) then it will most certainly require motor oil. Motor oil is the most important fluid for a car or truck engine. It is designed to lubricate all the moving parts in an engine’s crankcase. The lubrication prevents all of the high heat production from damaging other vehicular components like pistons and valves. Without motor oil, a car engine will quickly seize up and stop working altogether.

Coolant

Vehicle coolant is usually a combination of a 50/50 solution. This means that fifty percent of the liquid solution is a specialized radiator coolant, and the other half is simply water. In colder climates, the ratio of coolant to water will lean more towards coolant, while in warmer climate, the opposite applies. This is because coolant is basically a heat-transfer liquid. Its main responsibility is to keep the car engine cool and prevent it from overheating. It accomplishes this by circulating coolant throughout the engine, absorbing excess heat, and running it (the heat) back to the radiator and eventually out into the air. This cycle is what keeps a car engine cool and driveable.

Brake Fluid

In terms of passenger safety, brake fluid could be considered the most important car fluid to maintain. All cars and trucks have a brake line system. It is best defined as a completely sealed network that uses hydraulic pressure to control a vehicle’s ability to stop. As a person presses down on a brake pedal, the brake fluid compresses, transferring hydraulic force to the shoes and pads that cause the friction needed to stop a vehicle in motion. It is common for brake fluid to leak, which can greatly reduce a vehicle’s ability to stop in time.

Power Steering and Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is not a solution that requires a car owner to check on their own. Professionals typically tend to these types of fluids when implementing regular scheduled maintenance requirements. Transmission fluid is rust-colored, almost a reddish hue. It is used to lubricate and cool the inner components of a vehicle’s transmission, similar to motor oil. Power steering fluid is also typically checked and administered by a professional automotive technician during routine factory care. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a small hydraulic pump that is powered by the engine. Its main responsibility is to make turning a car easier. It increases the functionality of the steering mechanism that directs the car tires while driving on the road.

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