Modern Car Care Myths

Our vehicles can be costly, and for that reason, we all want to take good care of them and make sure we can get as much life out of them as possible. In this, most of us want to know what we should do to help our vehicles along – but we also want to know what not to do, so that we aren’t wasting our money.

So – what are some of the basic car care myths professionals have identified?

1. Myth #1 – Tune-ups – How often should you have your vehicle tuned up? Do you know? Most engines are computer monitored and controlled – the good news with this is, they don’t need tune-ups as often as a traditional engine. There was a time that with a standard tune-up, it often called for new ignition parts such as a distributor cap, spark plugs, and points and rotors. Besides spark plugs, which usually don't have to be changed until 100,000 miles, today's cars aren't built with points and rotors, and many engines don't have distributor caps that need replacement as often.

2. Myth #2 – Having Your Car Lubricated – In the old days, cars had chassis that needed lubrication. All that metal, potential rust – you name it, the car needed to be greased. But now, cars are a combination of metal and plastic and therefore need little additional lubrication.

3. Myth #3 – Flushing Your Radiator Annually - Manufacturers have made significant advancements in engine cooling systems during the past few years with closed systems that recirculate coolant. These new systems don't lose coolant as often, and coolant manufacturers have also made advancements in their products' chemical components with synthetic materials, making the seasonal radiator flush almost extinct. It is still important to check fluid levels periodically--especially before long trips--and use the manufacturer-recommended coolant. You should change your coolant about every four years. Coolant chemicals last longer than they used to, and newer engines aren't going to be damaged by leaving it in long.

When changing your coolant, try a premixed formulation rather than adding tap water, which contains minerals that can cause trouble.

Some coolants will need to be mixed with water, in this case use only distilled water which doesn’t have the hard minerals in it.

For those who live in extreme climates, hot or cold, then you should be paying much more attention to your coolant than others.

4. Myth #4 - Wheel Alignment – We all want to keep our car in balance and were taught growing up to make sure our vehicle had the tires rotated frequently so that it stayed in alignment. Although it's important to keep tires properly maintained and inflated, it's not always necessary to have them aligned every time they are rotated. A majority of manufacturers recommend a wheel alignment and wheel balance only if there is a major issue with the car pulling to one side or another.

5. Myth #5: Winterize Your Car – Many grew up with the notion that before winter came, you had to winterize your car. Your car’s maintenance doesn't have to be tied to the seasons. Today’s modern cars don’t require the same amount of attention. Professionals say, other than possibly changing to winter tires, modern cars don't require special attention at this time of year the way that your parents' car might have.

What can you do for your car before winter? During colder months, it is advisable for you to keep more gas in your car's tank. Why – this is due to the fact air carries moisture and water, which can freeze and crystallize. The more gas in the tank, the less air - and less chance of ice forming inside where it could get into fuel lines and cause trouble, he says.

So, don’t spend unnecessarily, in these times, we all want to be a bit wiser about where our dollar goes. And enjoy your car for as long as you have it.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Keeping Your Car Up and Running

You just bought your car and now you want to make it last as long and as effectively as possible. To do so, there are some things you can do to keep your car well maintained.

1. Watch Your Oil - For normal driving, many automakers recommend changing the engine oil and filter every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. This is sufficient for the majority of motorists. For “severe” driving--with frequent, very cold starts and short trips, dusty conditions, or trailer towing--the change interval should be shortened to every 3,000 miles or three months. (Check your owner’s manual for the specific intervals recommended for your vehicle.) Special engines such as diesels and turbocharged engines may need more-frequent oil changes.

2. Air Filters - Check the air filter. Remove the air-filter element and hold it up to a strong light. If you don’t see light, replace it. Regardless, follow the recommended service intervals.

3. Joint Boots - Check the constant-velocity-joint boots. On front-wheel-drive and some four-wheel-drive vehicles, examine these bellows like rubber boots, also known as CV boots, on the drive axles. Immediately replace any that are cut, cracked, or leaking. If dirt contaminates the CV joint it can quickly lead to an expensive fix.

4. Exhaust System - Inspect the exhaust system. If you’re willing to make under-car inspections, check for rusted-through exhaust parts that need replacing. Also tighten loose clamps. Do this while the car is up on ramps. If a shop changes your oil, have them make these checks. Listen for changes in the exhaust sound while driving. It’s usually advisable to replace the entire exhaust system all at once rather than to repair sections at different times.

5. Brakes - Look at the brakes. For most people it makes sense to have a shop check and service the brakes. If you handle your own brake work, remove all wheels and examine the brake system. Replace excessively worn pads or linings, and have badly scored rotors or drums machined or replaced. The brakes should be checked at least twice per year; more often if you drive a lot of miles.

6. Fluids - Check the fluids. On many newer cars, the automatic transmission is sealed. On cars where it is not sealed, check the transmission dipstick with the engine warmed up and running (see the owner’s manual for details). Also check the power-steering-pump dipstick (it’s usually attached to the fluid-reservoir cap) and the level in the brake-fluid reservoir. If the brake-fluid level is low, top it up and have the system checked for leaks.

7. Radiator - Clean the radiator. Prevent overheating by removing debris with a soft brush and washing the outside of the radiator with a detergent solution.

8. Battery - Check the battery. Check the battery’s terminals and cables to make sure they are securely attached, with no corrosion. If the battery has removable caps, check its fluid level every few months--especially in warmer climates.

9. Windshield Wipers -Check the condition of your blades, and replace them if split, perished or not wiping your windscreen properly. If you live in dry and hot climates, the wipers may need to be replaced yearly.

10. Tires - Incorrect tire pressure can reduce the life of your tires, and may make your car less safe to drive. Check and adjust pressure when tires are cold. You'll find your car's correct tire pressure on the tire placard on the inside of your glovebox, fuel cap filler, or inside the driver's door opening.

You should check for a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm on any part of the tire surface that comes into contact with the road. Tires have indicators in their tread pattern, which show (as lines across the tread) when worn down to 1.6 mm.

Check your tires for abnormal wear or damage (such as cracks, bulges or tears). By routinely rotating tires you can eliminate this problem and extend the life of your tires by approximately 20 per cent.

In some cases this is not practical due to directional or different sized tires, which are only suitable to a particular side or particular position on a vehicle. Always refer to your owner's handbook and follow the instructions.

Longer term maintenance, that is things that need to be done every two to four years include:

1. Drain and flush the cooling system. Considering the hassle of collecting and safely disposing of old antifreeze, you may want to leave this to a shop.

2. Change the automatic-transmission fluid. Many models require that you replace the fluid and filter every 36,000 miles--sooner if the normally pink fluid takes on a brownish tint. With some cars the fluid and, if applicable, the filter can go 100,000 miles or more. With other late models, the transmission fluid never needs to be changed. Check your owner’s manual for this information.

3. Replace the drive belts and hoses. Do this every two to three years, even if they don’t show any wear. If a belt becomes noisy, have it adjusted. Look for any frayed, damaged, loose or disconnected wiring. If you find any, notify your mechanic. Check the top and bottom radiator hoses, heater hoses, fuel lines and any pipes associated with power steering or brakes.

Ask your mechanic to replace any hoses that are very soft, kinked, swollen or cracked.

4. Change the timing belt. If your vehicle has a belt instead of a chain, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval--usually every 60,000 to 80,000 miles. Check the owner’s manual or consult a dealer. Failure to change the timing belt can result in a very expensive engine repair if the belt should break.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Keeping Your Teenage Driver Safe

Your child has just become a teenager and is already behind the wheel. This can be the most frightening part of a parent’s life. According to data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, car crashes take more young lives than all other causes--and in larger proportion than for any other driving age group. And most of the fatal crashes and serious injuries come in the very earliest months of unsupervised driving. But you can help keep these statistics from affecting your child by simply offering them some basic driving rules.


1. Help your teens develop the right habits especially during the first six months of solo driving. Let them know right away these are the rules:

• Use of safety belts is mandatory.

• Teen passengers won't be allowed initially.

• Night driving will be limited.

• Don’t drive when you are drowsy.

• Distractions (e.g., text messaging) are prohibited.

• Speeding must be expressly prohibited. Since most new drivers don't have the experience to handle vehicles at high speeds, it's the source of many deaths and injuries.

• There will be no alcohol or drug use.

2. Set a good driving example in the way you drive:

• Wear your safety belt always.

• Don't speed.

• Practice defensive driving.

• Don't use your cell phone.

• Don't run red lights.

3. Develop a parent/teen driving contract. An example is available from the National Safety Council at www.nsc.org/issues/teendriving/ agreement.pdf. Many states also have sample agreements.

4. Plan to provide your teen with extra practice time in a variety of weather conditions so he or she can gain experience and confidence. If you live in a climate where the winters are challenging, make sure your teens vehicle is up to par. Here are some things you can do:

• Winter weather puts your vehicle's mechanical systems and performance to the ultimate test, and demands that your vehicle is in excellent condition. Make sure that your tires and all mechanical systems, including your brakes, are in top working order.

• Take your new driver to a vacant, snow or ice covered parking lot where you can safely practice slow-speed maneuvers.

• A novice driver's first on-the-road experience with winter-weather driving should not be during a major blizzard. Ensure he/she waits until conditions are less severe.

• If possible, have your teenager practice driving on slippery roads in daylight only. Exposure to slippery roads at night should be limited until beginners have gained more experience driving in various types of winter weather.

• Maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you.

• Make sure the speed limit is observed and respected.

• Transform the trunk of your vehicle into a winter survival kit by filling it with essential emergency equipment including a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, sand and a small shovel or ice scraper.

5. Reinforce state graduated licensing programs so teens must have a longer period of supervised driving and more restrictions in the early months.
This is a just a short list, but with your reinforcement, a little time spent with your teen driver might protect your child’s life and at the very least keep their insurance rates from going through the roof.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the used cars for sale in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Car Emergency Kits

Many of us never think about keeping certain ‘emergency’ items in our car until it’s too late. But by just compiling a handful of items, many which may be laying around your house, keeping these items in your trunk or behind the seat, could help you or another drive at some point in your life.

What should you have in your emergency kit? The sky is the limit here. According to the FAA, not sure why they are concerned with cars, they suggest the following:

* Battery powered radio and extra batteries
* Flashlight and extra batteries
* Blanket
* Booster cables
* Fire extinguisher (5 lb., A-B-C type)
* First aid kit and manual
* Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods, such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
* Maps
* Shovel
* Tire repair kit and pump
* Flares

Click and Clack, the famous auto gurus have similar suggestions. Here is their list along with some of their comments:

1. Heavy-Duty Jumper Cables

This is one area on which not to skimp. Why? Because a lot of jumper cables on the market today simply aren't up to snuff. In fact, in our humble opinion, most jumper cables stink. They're either too short, too thin or won't stay flexible in the cold — which is when you really need them.

When you're shopping for cables, we'd recommend that you buy ones that are at least 20 feet long, which gives you plenty of length with which to work. They should be at least four-gauge, and thicker if possible. And, finally, they should be made of copper, so there's less resistance.


2. Tire pressure is very important — it affects everything from handling to braking to gas mileage to tire wear. We recommend that you never use one of those cheap, pencil-type tire gauges. They're notoriously inaccurate. And don't trust the gauge on the air hose at Phil's Quikie Gas either. Gauges at gas stations are often completely out of whack as well.

Tip: Don't check tire pressure after you've been driving. The friction of the tires on the road creates heat and will give you the wrong reading. Check the tire pressure *before* you start driving. What is the "correct" tire pressure? It's different for all vehicles. Look in your owner's manual, which will usually refer you to a label on the doorpost.

3. Breaking down on the side of the road is bad enough without a bread truck plowing into you. We recommend you have a sturdy, heavy triangular folding reflector on hand.

Tip: The best ones have a base that's loaded with sand so it won't blow over when that semi comes barreling down the road.

4. Someday, somewhere, you'll be really glad you have a can of Fix-a-Flat in your car.

If you do get a flat, you'll want to use Fix-a-Flat as soon as possible, before all the air escapes from the tire. Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel, and then it won't work.


5. A safe container for carrying gas.

Tip: No matter how desperate you are, you should never, ever carry gas in milk jugs or anything else that's not designed for carrying fuel.

6. Vise-Grip Straight-Jaw Locking Pliers

Vise Grips are the emergency alternative to carrying around a full set of English and metric sockets. In our opinion, a pair of Vise Grips is the most versatile tool you can have in your car. Get the original ones, too--not cheap knockoffs from Outer Mongolia.

There are all sorts of uses for vise-grips, including removing stubborn nuts and bolts, and tightening battery connections. There are more creative uses for vise-grips, too. For example, if you have a leaking coolant hose, clamp the vise-grips onto the hose and temporarily stop the leak. If your alternator bracket breaks, you can hold it in place with vise-grips.

7. 20 feet of 18-gauge galvanized wire.

Tip: Mechanic's wire is great for reattaching loose mufflers and exhaust parts, wiring trunks shut — or securing anything else that's falling off.

8. Duct Tape

Duct tape is great for temporarily fixing hose leaks, fixing busted side mirrors and hiding rust holes before your annual inspection. Duct tape is very easy to tear in both directions. You can make a piece of duct tape fit just about anything.

9. Four-in-One Screwdriver

We especially like this tool because it's four screwdrivers in one--two straight blades and two sizes of Phillips ends, which sure beats carrying around a box of various sized screwdrivers. Look for one that's not a piece of junk, and feels sturdy and durable.

10. Flashlight/Lantern

Look for a flashlight that's durable and dual-purpose, which doubles as a lantern or beacon. An alternative that we like is the Mag-lite brand flashlight. They're indestructible, but pretty costly. And, like any flashlight, after months of sitting in the back of your car, the batteries are often corroded. For a neat alternative, see the generator light below.

Tip: Store the batteries outside the flashlight, in a Zip-loc, if you want to make sure the flashlight doesn't accidentally turn on and drain the batteries. And have extra batteries on hand — who knows how long you'll need that light when the time comes.

11. Mylar Space Blanket

Will our Mylar space blanket save you at 40 below in blizzard-force winds? Of course not! A good space blanket, however, will reflect back a lot of your heat--they're used by rescuers of all sorts. Having one in your car might just help keep you keep cozy when you're broken down next January in East Moosejaw.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the used cars for sale in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.