Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance. Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!

Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician:

Air Conditioning - A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner's manual for location and replacement interval.

Cooling System - The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically (a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended). Do-It-Yourself-ers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Oil - Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual-more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

Engine Performance - Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended-more often in dusty conditions. Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.

Windshield Wipers - A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can pose a safety hazard. Replace worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

Read more at http://townsquarebuzz.com/ams/43069/five-tips-getting-your-vehicle-ready-summer-part-one/18543/ams/43069

Q: The oil light on my 2000 Chevy Cavalier comes on at low rpm and then shuts off as I start driving. I checked the oil level and it's fine. Is this something I should be worried about?

A: Any time the oil light goes on, it's cause for concern. Many newer and high-­feature cars have oil-life monitors that determine when the oil needs to be changed, but the glowing red oil light in your Cavalier indicates the oil pressure is low. That's bad for several reasons. Low pressure means there either isn't enough oil in the system or the oil pump isn't circulating enough oil to keep the critical bearing and friction surfaces lubricated. If the light comes on while at speed, do your best to pull off the road quickly, turn the engine off, and investigate the problem to avoid damage.

Oil is the lifeblood of any engine, but the oil circuit is probably the least appreciated­ engine system. The oil-supply path starts in the oil pan, where a pump sucks up the lubricating fluid and distributes it to passages cast into the block. From there oil is directed to the crankshaft bearings, the camshaft bearings, the valve shafts, and ­other important moving parts. Modern oil formulations include detergents, so regular oil and filter changes at intervals recommended in the owner's manual generally keep the system happy. Unfortunately, everything wears over time, which increases the tiny gaps between sliding parts. Those alone can cause a slight drop in oil pressure, as can an aging pump.

Before you go too far in diagnosing the problem, it probably makes sense to double-­check the oil level and top it off to make sure that isn't the problem. Since the light comes on at low engine speeds and then shuts off, the oil pump is probably fine; if the pump were dying, you'd see low pressure at high engine speeds as well. The most likely culprit is the sensor that operates the light. The sensor is screwed into the engine and has a probe that resides in an oil passage. It's basically an on/off switch that uses the oil pressure to close an electrical circuit. Sometimes a particle of dirt or some other foreign matter gets into the probe and fouls the part. The sensor is fairly easy to replace—as long as you can get at it, which is ­sometimes difficult. Unhook the wiring, loosen with a wrench, and follow the instructions to replace the sensor. Take the car for a test drive and see if the light still goes on at idle. If it does, you might be due for a new oil pump after all. 

Read more at http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/repair/why-does-your-cars-oil-light-come-on-8657725?click=main_sr

When you are getting your car repaired, you want a no-hassle experience that gives you a good deal for your money. But there are con artists out there who will advantage of you. You can spot auto repair scams by watching for a few warning signs

1. Be cautious of flat rate repairs. This means that you will pay a specific amount for the job regardless of how long it takes. You think you're getting a good deal because you're not paying for time, but the mechanic knows he can do the job in nothing flat. You end paying much more than you would had you agreed to an hourly rate from an honest mechanic.
2. Restrict overcharges. Get an estimate for the cost of repairs and parts. Make sure your mechanic sticks to this estimate and get an itemized accounting.
3. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You take your car in for an oil change, your mechanic compiles a list of items that need replacement or repair, even though the vehicle isn't giving you any trouble. Unless the mechanic is someone you trust, take your car to another professional for a second opinion. Some unscrupulous mechanics will try to persuade you to pay for unneccessary repairs.
4. Check that the parts you pay for are actually used on your car. Some con artists can charge you for parts that you don't need. On top of that, they don't even give you the new parts. Always ask for the old parts back, so you can make sure you're getting the parts you pay for.
5. Make sure your car mechanic uses manufacturers parts or replacement parts. Some mechanics use counterfeit car parts but charge you for the more expensive versions. Always check the parts before you pay for them to make sure they're from the manufacturer. If they're visible after installation, make sure the mechanic used the parts he showed you.

Read more: How to Spot Auto Repair Scams | eHow.com 

http://www.ehow.com/how_2124266_spot-auto-repair-scams.html

It's a rare motorist who doesn't have strong feelings about today's sport utility vehicles. Love 'em or hate 'em, one thing is certain-just like their automobile cousins, SUVs last longer, operate more efficiently, and command a higher resale value when they are properly maintained and serviced.

For those too busy or too overwhelmed by modern vehicles to perform their own maintenance, the pros at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer some advice on choosing a repair establishment:

• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one.
• Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations.
• Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location.
• Look for a neat, well organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Look for a courteous staff, with a service writer willing to answer all of your questions.
• Look for posted policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, acceptable methods of payment, etc.
• Ask if the repair facility usually handles your type of repair work.
• Start off with a minor job and progress to more complex work if you are pleased with the establishment.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards.
• Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification of the technicians by ASE.

For ASE’s Glove Box Tips, click here.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign.

Article written by ASE.com

Keeping your car clean will significantly help preserve its overall value, according to the Car Care Council.

“Simply cleaning your vehicle not only fosters a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it also protects your valuable vehicle investment,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It’s a task that takes very little money or effort, but has huge returns.”

Polishing your vehicle once every six months and washing it once a week prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt that may harm the vehicle’s finish. In addition to regular care, it is important to look for any dents, dings, scratches or cracked glass. These problems, when left unattended, can lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Frequent washing and polishing is also the best way to protect your car’s finish from the damaging effects of harsh ultraviolet rays and acid rain.

It is imperative to clean your car only with products sold specifically for cars which are specially formulated to ensure that the treatments your vehicle’s manufacturer included on the paint finish remain intact. Using harsh detergents, like dish soap, that are not intended for use of vehicle exteriors can damage those protective layers leaving your vehicle even more vulnerable to the elements than before you washed it.

Article written by The Car Care Council.  www.carcare.org.