What Causes a Car to Overheat?

A vehicle’s engine can overheat due to a problem or combination of problems which inhibit or impair its ability to maintain an appropriate operating temperature. Continuing to drive a vehicle that is overheating will cause serious damage to the engine and can cause chain reaction damage to other components that are vital to engine function. If your temperature warning light comes on or the temperature gauge begins rising toward “hot,” it is important to pull over immediately and turn off the engine. Never attempt to open or touch a radiator immediately after an engine has overheated to prevent burns and injuries to you. While some engine damage has likely been done at this point, turning off the engine right away can prevent further harm. Some potential causes for engine overheating are addressed below.

▪Coolant Loss: Engine coolant, a broad term commonly used interchangeably with the more specific term anti-freeze, helps regulate a vehicle’s engine temperature, serving purposes such as preventing overheating, preventing freezing and hindering corrosion. A coolant leak is a very common cause of engine overheating, and can happen in a number of areas. Hoses, water pumps, the radiator, head gaskets and cylinder heads are just a few of the areas that should be considered when checking for coolant leaks.

▪Fan Issues: The fan situated between the radiator and the engine is an important component to a vehicle’s cooling system, pulling outside air in to regulate temperature. Mechanical fans incorporate a mechanism called a fan clutch, which is designed to make the fan spin fast enough to cool the engine as needed and decrease at times when the fan is not needed. The fan’s clutch fluid helps regulate this process, and its leakage or deterioration is a common cause of overheating. A fan should be checked and possibly replaced if it wobbles or spins easily when pushed or if there are signs of a fluid leak around it.

▪Damaged Belts and Hoses: The condition of belts and hoses should be periodically checked for quality and secure connections. Belt slippage may prevent proper water pump operation or interfere with fan performance, leading to overheating.

▪Radiator Clogs: After engine coolant or antifreeze (mixed with water) absorbs the heat that has been created by the engine, the radiator cools it before returning it to the engine. Radiator clogs, which can be caused by intake of debris, bugs and dirt, may block airflow and reduce the radiator’s ability to disperse heat as it should, impairing its cooling ability. A clogged radiator can possibly be removed and cleaned but may need an overall replacement.

If your vehicle has overheated, the thermometer likely incurred damage in the process and should be tested for proper functioning and potentially replaced after other repairs are complete. Periodic evaluation of a vehicle’s cooling system for undue wear, fluid leaks, belt and hose condition and clogs can help identify issues before the true problem of overheating occurs.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin has depended on since 1959. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Child Safety in the Car

Most parents are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of their children, and feel confident that they are doing so by using a child safety seat for car travel. But the fact is that an alarming number of parents do not install safety seats properly, allow their children to graduate to a booster seat too early or fail to use a safety seat altogether, posing an enormous risk to their children’s safety in the event of a wreck. With car accidents being the number one cause of accidental deaths in young people, utilizing the proper protection in the car for a child’s age and weight is a serious responsibility for parents and is also required by law.

When used correctly, car seats significantly reduce infant deaths in car accidents. Still, improper use of a car seat is a very common mistake parents make. First of all, any infant one year of age or younger or weighing 20 pounds or less should be securely harnessed into a rear facing car seat reclined at a 45 degree angle in the back seat. Harness straps should be snug and at or below shoulder level, with the harness retainer clip that connects the straps positioned at the level of the infant’s armpit. Additionally, all fasteners should be attached as recommended by the car seat manufacturer. The safety belt securing any car seat should be always be taut and locked.

Once a child has reached one year of age and weighs over 20 pounds, the car seat may be arranged facing forward in the back seat. The harness and seatbelt requirements as described for rear facing car seats also apply for forward facing car seats. The harness should be snug such that only one finger can fit between the harness and the child’s collar bone. Placing a child in the back seat and away from airbags is extremely important for any of these situations.

Once a child has reached four years old, weighs at least 40 pounds and has outgrown his or her car seat, it is time to start using a booster seat in the back seat of the vehicle. A child must fall into the appropriate height and weight range recommended for the booster seat in order to have adequate protection. A booster seat lifts a child to the proper height to allow for safe use of the seatbelt, which involves the lower strap being positioned over the child’s upper thighs and the shoulder strap fitting across his or her shoulder. The seatbelt must be properly routed through the booster seat in order to provide the protection for which the seat is designed. A child is ready to use a seatbelt with no booster seat only once he or she reaches a height of 58 inches (with a sitting height of 29 inches) and weighs at least 80 pounds. Additionally, the child must be able to bend his or her knees over the edge of the seat with his or her back firmly against the back of the seat. It is recommended for all children ages 12 and younger to ride in the backseat of a vehicle regardless of whether a booster seat is required.

Make sure to complete and return the enclosed registration card upon purchase of a car seat, so that you may be notified in case there is a safety recall on the model you purchase. Read and comply with all instructions and recommendations for your car seat. Failure to properly secure a child in a size and weight appropriate car seat can have devastating consequences in the event of an accident.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin has depended on since 1959. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Increasing your Vehicle’s Fuel Economy

The proliferation of millions of fuel powered vehicles in the United States impart enormous environmental and economical consequences, which are becoming increasingly apparent and prompting radical change in future automobile production. Aside from the enormous impact that vehicle pollutants have on the environment, the unpredictable and seemingly ever rising prices at the pump impact consumers on a daily basis. Alternative energy vehicles are slowly entering the automobile market, but are far from widespread and do not provide immediate relief to the common vehicle owner. As technological capabilities and production volume of alternative energy vehicles increase, the prices will drop, thus making more consumers able to reap the benefits. But for most people, adopting such innovations is far into the future and immediate relief is still desired.

Below are some ways you can reduce the fuel consumption of your vehicle, save money at the pump and do your part to minimize your affect on the environment:

▪ First and foremost, maintain your vehicle. Regular tune-ups go a long way in maximizing the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Make sure to regularly replace your air filter, as obstructed air flow increases fuel waste. Have the alignment of chassis parts and suspension occasionally checked as well. Uneven wheels, bad shocks and bent axles can affect your vehicle’s fuel usage.

▪ Drive conservatively. Accelerate slowly from a start, and generally try not to press the accelerator more than a quarter of the way to the floor. Avoid revving the engine, another surefire way to needlessly burn fuel. In manual transmission vehicles, shifting as soon as possible (i.e.- not revving) without bogging down the engine will help maximize fuel efficiency. As opposed to accelerating and decelerating often, driving at a steady pace will help maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy. Also, anticipate hills and accelerate before you approach them, instead of while you are driving against an incline.

▪ Do not underestimate physics. Driving faster than about 40 miles per hour dramatically increases wind resistance and thus fuel consumption. Obey speed limits to minimize wasted fuel, not to mention traffic citations that are sure to cost you as much as several tanks. While using the air conditioner does waste fuel at low speeds, its use is preferred at high speeds as opposed to driving with the windows down, which would increase resistance and therefore reduce your vehicle’s gas mileage.

Maintaining your vehicle, modifying your driving habits and realizing the affect of resistance on gas mileage as advised above will reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption as well as the impact of driving on your finances. A simple way to determine mileage per gallon is to start with a full tank and set your odometer to zero. The next time you fill up, divide the mileage on the odometer reading by the number of gallons you purchase, giving you the miles driven per gallon on the last tank. For example, if you drove 358 miles and used 13.3 gallons, your vehicle’s gas mileage calculates to 358 miles/13.3 gallons = 26.9 miles per gallon. To ensure that you are getting the most from your fuel conservation efforts, periodically determine your vehicle’s mileage per gallon and have your vehicle checked in the event of major changes to its fuel efficiency.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin has depended on since 1959. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Tips for Used Car Shoppers

Shopping for a used car may seem like an insurmountable task, but it does not have to be. The following tips will help you purchase the right car, arrange a payment plan you can afford and establish a business relationship with a trustworthy and respectable used car dealer.

▪Research dealerships before you shop. This may involve an internet search for used car dealers in your city as well as phone conversations with reputable candidates. Finding a used car dealership with true in-house financing who reports to the credit bureau will benefit you beyond the joy of driving your new used vehicle. In house financing means that rather than outsourcing to a bank, the dealer is your lender. This type of loan can prevent the damage that could be caused by having a major bank make multiple inquiries on your credit. Make sure your lender reports to a credit bureau, which will allow you to improve your credit score as you make timely payments on your loan.

▪Know how much to spend. Realistically analyze your budget and determine how much you can afford to spend for a monthly payment. Do not push your payment to the maximum, as you may have increases in insurance payments to consider as well. Use the internet to obtain the generalized resale value of any used car you are considering, which will give you a good idea of a fair price before you start any pricing discussion at the dealership.

▪Do your homework. You likely have a few ideas in mind for the type of car you are seeking. Research how certain makes and models stack up against competitors and read accounts of owners’ experiences with certain vehicles on the internet and in consumer journals. Develop an educated opinion about the benefits and shortfalls of different vehicles, and evaluate them against your personal vehicle requirements.

▪Perform a background check. Thanks to CARFAX, consumers can now find out the history of a particular vehicle and avoid purchasing one with hidden problems. Reputable dealerships will provide a CARFAX report to potential buyers on all of their vehicles at no cost. But you can obtain a report on any vehicle yourself for a fee if necessary. The CARFAX report will advise you whether a car has been salvaged, flooded, seriously wrecked, used as a rental, or stolen among other things.

▪Get a second opinion. Even highly praised vehicles with a reported perfect history can have problems under the hood, and you never know why previous owners replaced them. Before finalizing your purchase, have the car lifted and inspected by a trusted mechanic who can advise you about problems the car may have. If a car requires major repair and you feel the dealer has concealed important information from you, take the hint and take your business elsewhere.

When shopping for a used car, seeking instant gratification may translate to settling for a vehicle that will not provide you with enduring satisfaction. Remember that a car is a long term investment and you must consider your long term intentions when making the purchase. Take your time, and use common sense about the background of the vehicle you want and the dealership you are working with. Whether you find the perfect vehicle on your first try or spend months searching, the ultimate goal is to end up with a reliable vehicle you love and a financial situation you can manage for the long haul.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin can rely on. For more information, please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Road Rage

Road rage is extreme, violent behavior that some drivers exhibit as a way of releasing frustration related to the actions of other drivers or delays on roadways. A person who has road rage shows aggressive driving behavior such as abrupt and dangerous maneuvers, rude gestures aimed at other drivers and even physical violence upon people and their vehicles. Road rage is typically provoked by and aimed at another driver, though not always. Drivers who experience road rage tend to feel as if their rights have been violated by another driver, and retaliate in aggressive and sometimes violent ways. A driver who is susceptible to uncontrolled rage may be set off by other drivers who cut them off, pull out in front of them, tailgate, or any number of other catalysts. Anonymity contributes to drivers’ overconfidence and sense of freedom to release escalated emotions directed at unknown citizens.

In 1999, two Alabama women from upstanding neighborhoods jostled for position in interstate rush hour traffic for a few miles, their rage toward one another escalating as they inched toward their homes on a regular weekday commute. A few miles later, with both vehicles stopped at a traffic light (obviously neither having gained any ground from their heated race), one woman opened fire on the other, orphaning a four year old child. Cases in which road rage ends in tragic violence are not uncommon. Understandably, road rage is of serious concern to law enforcement, safety officials and the general public due to the threat of violence, accidents, or other harm to drivers and pedestrians.

Not everyone experiences road rage. Most drivers become frustrated with other drivers at times, but road rage is a severe, typically provoked loss of temper that can interfere with the safety of oneself as well as other drivers on the road. While frustration is a passing emotion that most drivers control, forgive and forget, road rage is frustration escalated into fury that hinders logic. Even people who are normally calm and collected can have a short-tempered alter ego behind the wheel.

Road rage is not a lost cause, and is an issue that should be confronted by those who suffer from it. Compassion and patience go a long way in preventing devastating losses brought on by careless road rage. In certain cases, professional counseling can help drivers control their anger toward other drivers, as road rage is often paired with other violent mood disorders. Numerous online forums are dedicated to helping people with habitual road rage vent their emotions anonymously in the company of others who experience the same problems. Controlling road rage should be a high priority for anyone who experiences bouts of this heightened mental state, to help prevent accidents, unnecessary violence and hazards to the public.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin can rely on. For more information, please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Advice for Teaching a Teen to Drive

There is no doubt that teenage drivers pose a higher risk for car accidents than any other segment. As a parent, demonstrating safe driving practices yourself is crucial, since your child establishes opinions about road etiquette by observing your driving style. Make sure your teen is mentally ready to take on the responsibilities that go along with the driving privilege, and do not force the issue. Some teens are counting down to the day they can drive and others are cautious and in no hurry whatsoever.

Start slowly. If it is your teen’s first time behind the wheel, take the time to acquaint him or her with the locations of all controls in the vehicle. Have the teen adjust mirrors, activate turn signals and windshield wipers and become familiar with the locations of the gas and brake pedals. Begin in a parking lot or other area without traffic for the basics. Have the teen practice stopping, turning and parking the vehicle in a controlled environment. Once the teen has become comfortable with his or her control of the car, move to an area with slightly more traffic, such as a residential street. Only move to higher traffic settings as the driver builds confidence with his or her abilities and feels ready for a bigger challenge.

Your demeanor is important to a successful driving lesson. In teaching a teen to drive, it is important to remain calm and focused on helping the teen develop safe driving habits from the beginning. If you are anxious and jumpy, your teen will pick up on that energy and feel the same, hindering the ability to build confidence in his or her skills. Act composed and confident and you will encourage the same from your child. Clearly state what you want when giving instructions, and use caution with criticism. Make sure the teen understands the repercussions of unwanted habits and why you are discouraging certain behaviors.

Encourage constant alertness. The focus and 360 degree awareness that make a safe driver may not come naturally for your teen. Help your teen develop a habit of periodically scanning the surroundings for other vehicles beside and behind, hazards or stopped traffic ahead and posted warning signs.

Besides practicing driving, you should also talk to your child about the seriousness of the responsibility he or she is assuming. Make sure to reiterate the importance of staying alert and focused, even with friends in the vehicle, a distraction proven to increase the risk for teen accidents. It may be worthwhile to enroll your teen in a professional driving course in addition to your instruction, which will give him or her more practice and help contribute a safer driver to the roadways.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin can depend on. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

Vehicle Battery Care

A dead car battery is a common problem that leaves people inconvenienced and frustrated. Depending on the cause, a dead battery may be easily jump started by another battery or it may require replacement altogether. But you do not have to wait for the dreaded breakdown to start thinking about your battery. Taking proper precautions to lengthen the life of your car battery and educating yourself on warning signs may prevent you from needlessly getting stranded.

Most automobile batteries require a certain level of water, though some are maintenance free and do not require that you monitor it. Check the water level in your car battery every few months, and if necessary add distilled water without overfilling. Battery terminals often collect deposits that can impede the electrical current. Corrosion can be found by performing a simple visual inspection, and is easily removed with a wire brush, a solvent or both. Ensure that the ends of the battery cable are tightly affixed to the terminals, with no room to move them if you try. Also, make sure that the battery is securely attached in a harness or tray, as vibrations and bumps can loosen connections and even reduce the operating life of the battery. Be sure to use extreme caution when inspecting, refilling and touching a vehicle battery.

Your vehicle probably has a battery warning light alongside the other warning lights, but this light does not indicate that your battery is low or dead. You should see the battery light illuminate when you first turn the key, and go out as your vehicle starts. If the battery warning light comes on or begins to flash while you are driving, it likely means that the alternator is unable to charge the battery as it should. While this light does not signify an emergency, it is impossible to tell how much life is left in the battery when the light comes on. Turn off electrical accessories such as the radio, windshield wipers, heater and headlights while the battery light is on, and try to avoid using power windows and turning signals. If possible, drive directly to a mechanic or battery specialist who can test your battery’s voltage, check the water and pinpoint problems with current.

If your battery has been tested and works but your vehicle will not start, there may be an issue with the alternator or starter. It is generally recommended to replace an automobile battery about every four years, though driving habits, climate and other factors affect the true life span of a battery.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading used car dealer Austin has relied on since 1959. For more information please visit Greg Chapman Motors.

What Kind of Used Car Should I Buy?

Purchasing a used car can be a wise financial decision, costing you thousands of dollars less than a brand new vehicle from a dealership. Since new vehicles depreciate significantly immediately after purchase, a used vehicle can give you the optimal value when planned for and chosen wisely. Deciding on the best vehicle to purchase is a common concern for consumers who are navigating the vast used car market.

Determining the best type of vehicle for you begins with assessing your expectations and requirements of the vehicle. If vehicles were only intended to transport us from point A to point B, the plethora of diverse models available in the used car market would never have been introduced. Your vehicle’s purpose is unique to you, so make an honest assessment of your lifestyle and needs when pondering the best vehicle to purchase. Do you have children and need a four door for back seat accessibility? Do you need your vehicle to be capable of pulling a boat or trailer? Does your height warrant extra leg or head room? Do you have a long commute and aim to minimize fuel costs? Creating a comprehensive list of your requirements is crucial to selecting a vehicle that will meet all of your needs and keep you satisfied with your purchase in the long run.

Once you have determined the totality of your vehicle requirements, the vehicle options will be narrowed significantly. At this point, you can begin to research vehicle models that seem to fit the bill by asking around and consulting the internet to get a consensus of current owners’ experiences with particular models. The internet is an excellent tool that allows you to read reviews and comments from people who already own the type of car you are considering. Repeated and common complaints about the same problems on a particular vehicle are a red flag and should be taken seriously. Make sure to visit several sites and trust your instincts based on consumers’ collective opinions and claims about a vehicle.

You may choose to visit a used car dealership and seek the assistance of a professional to help determine the best vehicle for your needs. If you choose this route, make sure to assess your expectations as explained above before visiting a reputable used vehicle dealer. A sales representative who is familiar with the inventory can introduce you to different options that the dealership has available. Providing you stay focused on your personal requirements, assistance from an industry professional can be an informative and helpful component of your used car search.

Regardless of the procedure you follow in determining the type of vehicle to purchase, always obtain a CARFAX report on a vehicle before purchasing. This report, which details the history of a particular vehicle, can be easily obtained and is often provided at no cost by reputable dealerships.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars Austin can rely on. For more information visit Chapman Motors.

Replacing a Flat Tire

The experience of getting a flat tire seemingly happens to people at the worst possible time and place. While inconvenient, replacing a flat tire is one of the simplest responsibilities related to vehicle care. In fact, the need to change a tire is so common that all of the required equipment is conveniently included when you purchase a vehicle. Since most people experience a flat tire sometime in their driving career, the ability to change a tire is a valuable skill.

If a tire goes flat while you are driving, pull over immediately and park the car on level ground. Always engage the parking brake, and put the car into gear if it is a manual transmission. If you are close to moving traffic, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to warn other drivers to be cautious. If you have wheel chocks, which are wedges intended to keep a car from rolling, place them behind or in front of the tires (depending on the direction of incline where the car is parked). Rocks are a good alternative to use if you do not have wedges.

Next, locate the spare tire, jack, and lug wrench. All three of these items are secured in the trunks of most vehicles. Remove the hubcap on the flat tire if it has one. Before jacking the car, you should loosen each lug nut holding the wheel in place. To loosen the lug nuts, place one end of the lug wrench over a nut and turn counterclockwise a little. It is recommended to follow a star pattern when loosening lug nuts, always loosening the lug nut across from the previous one. Continue until all lug nuts are loosened slightly.

Now it is time to elevate the vehicle. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended location on the vehicle to apply the jack. Since the entire weight of the vehicle will be resting on a small mechanism, it is extremely important to use caution and to place the jack in the appropriate place. Raise the car slightly higher than required to remove the flat tire, leaving space for the full spare tire to be attached.

Once the vehicle is securely lifted, remove the lug nuts completely using the lug wrench. Make sure to set the lug nuts aside in a safe location where they will not roll or otherwise get lost. Remove the flat tire by it pulling straight out, and replace with the spare tire, ensuring that the valve is facing outward.

Finally, tighten the lug nuts using the same star pattern as you used to remove them, concentrating on the nut opposite the last. The technique here is not tightening two neighboring lug nuts all the way consecutively. Carefully lower the jack and return it to the trunk. Replace the hubcap if you can, and do not forget to remove the wheel chock or rock before driving away.
Spare tires typically have limitations on speed and distance, so be sure to check and adhere to these requirements. Have the original tire checked by a tire specialist, who can determine whether it can be repaired or requires replacement.

About the Author: Greg Chapman, of Greg Chapman Motors, is a leading provider of used cars Austin can depend on. For more information please visit Chapman Motors.