Car Battery Maintenance Advice and Basic Tips
We probably neglect the car batteries the most but isn’t it frustrating when you are about to leave and your vehicle refuses to start? Well, there could be a number of culprits, it might be the spark plugs, starter motor or alternator to blame. To avoid this scenario, read this car battery maintenance advice and basic tips.
Inspection and maintenance
Regular checking of your car battery can extend its lifespan, typically it will last 3 to 4 years and routine inspection at least once or twice in a couple of months will maximize battery’s life.
- Keep the battery clean, dry and free of dirt and grime. Dirty batteries can cause discharge and damage
- Check the terminals and make sure that there are no elements that can interrupt the power supply. Examine clamps, screws, and cables if there is breakage or lose its connection.
- See to it that clamps, cables, and screws are tight and clean, apply an ample amount of grease to post for added protection
- Check the battery case if there are signs of deformation as this indicates as overcharged or overheated
- Inspect the fluid level, it should be over the tops of the battery plates. Fill it in using distilled or demineralised water if necessary.
- Use a hydrometer or voltmeter to determine your battery’s condition, charge it if is below 75 to 50%
Car Battery Tips
A well-maintained battery will never let you experience being stuck in the middle of the road but this tips will help you more not to be stranded.
- Be a wise consumer, do not buy an old battery and always check the sticker on the side of the product wherein the date code printed, get the newest one to be safe.
- Keep it a 100% charge as much as possible especially when the weather changes (hot or cold) as it brings side effects of the battery
- Frequent short trips will leave the battery below the ideal specification which eventually shortens its life. Thus a longer run is recommended to fill in as much as depleted charge as possible which will make the battery last longer
- Faulty system and component will secretly drain the battery hence, try to disconnect the connector from the negative terminal of the battery when not used or not be driven in a couple of weeks.
Battery Warning Light on the dashboard is clear indicator that it needs attention. If you don’t know what to do next, call us (718) 297- 9797 and let our experts guide you.
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Junk Your Car for Cash? Wait Until You Read These Guidelines
No matter how old your auto might be, there is an appropriate value for every part of it in the salvage yard. But before you do this, take a quick glance of these guidelines to get a fair deal.
Clean Up and Determine the Value
- Take a look inside and gather all your belongings (if there’s any) like tools, extra tire, small items such as CDs, combs, scattered papers, empty bottles, cards etc.
- Wipe off some dust and dirt, a little wash will do good as it can help raise your asking price. A clean-old car is way better than a dirty new one.
- Assess how old is your vehicle, check every part and determine which items works or totally ruined
- Ask another opinion from your trusted mechanic to assess the value of your engine, drive shaft, transmission, battery, and braking system
- Run down some research and compare prices
Keep Your Documents Intact
- Provide your car ownership as proof that you are selling your own stuff
- Complete necessary paperwork required by junk salvage yard
- Prepare for identification cards or pictures as these are sometimes needed when transferring ownership
- Get your license plate as you need to hand it over to a department that conducts cancellation of your vehicle’s registration
Shop Around for Buyers
- Do a little of your assignment, search for salvage and junk yards or visit our FB page or contact us at (718) 297-9797 for more queries
- Make a list of what offer you will get and make comparison
- Listen and try some suggested junkyards as it is normally tested that giving a fair deal
- Be familiar with the “pick and tow” and “DIY car parts dismantle” pricing
- Advertised your junk car or parts through local newspaper or on Craigslist and eBay websites to catch potential buyers
- Choose junk shop that has a lot of offers like fast transactions and the highest price paid.
Negotiate
- Set your asking price and ready for negotiation
- Be flexible with what they can offer
- Deal with the firm that gives you reasonable price
- Ensure that everything is in place before signing documents or closing the agreement
If you don’t want to convert your junk car into cash, you have another option,
Donate Your Car
- Choose a charitable institution to donate your junk car
- You can claim the benefits like tax deduction but be sure to be familiar with “tax benefit donation” process
- Have your papers ready for vehicle donation and hassle-free transaction
Do you know that junking your car for cash is a form of eco-friendly practice? Read here to confirm this statement or better yet call NYC Auto Salvage and Glass at 718-297-9797 for proper auto disposal.
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Must read: How Regular Change Oil Can Save Your Vehicle
When was the last time you check your vehicle oil? The old adage suggests that if you want to extend the life of your car you should need to change oil upon reaching 3,000 – 5,000 miles, this perception might change in this generation due to the modernization of engine technologies but then again some people follow this method without even knowing the reason behind. Hence, here’s a short overview that explains why change oil is essential and how it save your vehicle.
What does the Oil do?
People need blood to be its best shape and function, in a similar manner your car needs enough oil to properly operate. Engine oil plays a major role such as to lubricate, cool and clean some parts of the engine to keep your car runs in good condition.
Lubricate
When the engine roars to life or when your vehicle is running, some of its elements rubbing each other so hard which can cause of overheating. Oil will then travel through the oil pan, pump, filter, pickup tube, pressure relief valve and spurt holes and galleries parts of the engine, lubricate every portion allowing a smooth and stable ride.
Cool
Combustion temperature typically reaches 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit or can be very hot that can damage all those moving parts of the engine. As oil normally propagates, it carries a great deal of heat away from an internal combustion hydraulic engine (and cool some component) before it will move back and circulates again.
Clean
Road dirt and other sediments can be accumulated upon the oil cycle. These contaminants will be trap through the oil filter and will pass through easily upon using oil as it is designed to clean and avoid sludge that builds ups in the engine.
What Happens when you do not Change Oil regularly?
As a general rule, change oil is highly recommended as part of vehicle maintenance though there are cases that skipping the process (once or twice) will not occur any troubles but if you set it aside for a long period of time it will lead into possible repercussion like as follows.
- It will get the oil dirtier and will stop lubricating some parts which eventually wear out
- It affect the performance of the vehicle’s engine and to the point of overheating
- It can lead you into huge expenses of repair as damage engine parts will surely occur
- It will shut down the motor and need to replace some of the materials
- It shorten the life of the engine and worst, sending your car to an early grave
Problems listed above will certainly occur the moment you neglect to maintain your car. Fortunately, change oil is one of the cheapest maintenance which if you do regularly you will save your engine as well as your car from deterioration.
In case the damage is done, contact a skilled mechanic and car expert for best aid or recommendation. Your index finger is the key, dial (718) 297 9797 or click this link that leads you through a helping hand for a complex auto mechanical problem.
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Flood-Damaged Car? Keep Calm and Do This Procedure
The number of flood-damaged cars are increasing because of unpredictable natural disaster (typhoon) or even just due to crazy rains that caused some areas into flooding. If your vehicle is affected or near devastated then you have a serious problem. But, don’t panic instead, follow these steps that will help you evaluate the damage:
Don’t dare start the car! Typical car owner’s first reaction is to turn on the ignition to check if the car still works but we advise not to opt for this action as this will bring a bunch of risks and may cause more problem beyond repair.
How far does the vehicle submerge? Check the water line, if it reached the dashboard considered it complicated and call an expert
DYI cleaning. To start drying out your flooded car and avoid stinky odor and molds, open all the car doors, remove all wet items from the interior such as wet carpet, dashboard (if you can) floor mats, insulation and foam rubber in the seats as well as upholstery. Deciding if all the interior stuff is salvageable and replaceable or not is another question.
How about fluids and filters? Car fuel filter, coolant, transmission, brake and power steering reservoir needs to be check. If any seemed contaminated with the water, you should drain and dry it as this can lead to a lot of problems. Like, submerge brake system can lose its power while water in the transmission will cause of lack of lubrication and rust.
Let’s go with the electrical! Investigate brake, signal and hazard lights, air conditioning and headlights. Also check the power locks, audio, and video system as well as power window. If any of these doesn’t perform the way it should then it’s a sign of trouble.
Check it under. Submerge car collects a lot of dirt hidden inside or under the body that causes rust damage. Thus raise the car, securely inspect or remove the tire and wheels wash the mud and dry.
Considering you have followed these steps, still, you have to get ready for the worst scenario such as:
- Dry and clean flooded car parts might not last too long
- Water- logged car system will not function the way it used to be
- Mechanical and electrical issues will soon arrive
Obviously, flood-damaged car is a case to case basis, restoration may vary depending on your issue nevertheless, you have an option of leaving the task in the hands of the expert and a qualified mechanic, hence, New York City Auto Salvage and Glass can give you a hand in one call, dial 718-297-9797 and worry no more.
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Tips to Determine if Your Car Should be Replaced or Repair
Generally, the average of car’s life calculation is about 8 to 10 years or 150.000 to 200.000 miles, if you pass it through most often than not, you will encounter some mechanical or other related troubles. Now, replaced or repair? This common question usually occurs in mind most likely if you feel like your vehicle’s condition is unstable, and it is very difficult to decide especially if you consider your auto as a jewel or if it has a sentimental value.
Consider the following facts that can help you determine if you should let go of your car or just opt to restoration.
Repair
Repair might be your first option but does it fit with the situation? Can you meet the following expenses?
- Engine and cylinder damage is one thing that you never want to show up as it has an estimated cost of $6, 000 to $10,000
- Replacing your car battery is a no cheap action you have to raise $6,000 out of your pocket
- One of the complicated issues is when you have a transmission problem if you experienced gear slipping and burning smell (when driving) then prepare your $4,000 for repair
- Suspension overhaul (comprised of shocks, control arms, and spring) might give you a headache as it cost $3,000 to $5,000 in order to bring it back into shape
- Important car part is the camshaft and when it is broken repair cost could be $2,000 or more
- Head gasket maybe cheap but the labor cost when you are aiming to replace it is around $ 1,500
Replace
Replace would be your second thought considering that it will surely cost a lot in a one time (unless, installment) payment. Are you ready for these?
- Brand new car is, of course, expensive depending on what brand or car type you wish to have. Cheapest car price varies from $12,995 to $17, 651
- You need to pay your car insurance, which most likely around $1, 905 you can have a bit cheaper (or higher) it depends upon the rate given by your chosen insurance agency
- Registration and licensing fees might be affordable on your end, but don’t forget that it is part of your expenses
Finally, the moment to decide has arrived, run the numbers and compare the repair cost and the amount you are going to pay when you opt to replace your car. Which side suits you best? If you still uncertain with your decision let me ease up your troubles, dial (718) 297 9797 and we will help you check your old car and give advice.
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