Let’s Talk About Car Air Filters…
Just like our body, cars need air filters to protect the inside and to function well. Dust, dirt and other debris can cause damage when entering the engine cylinder. The job of the air filter is to strain all the unwanted from entering the engine to ensure proper and optimal performance. However, examining and replacing the air filter is often times overlooked and just being paid attention when the damage or the problem has been done.
But it is not most of the time that you really need to replace it. Sometimes, the simplest and easiest thing is the most efficient and effective – check and clean it. It is not bad to replace it frequently as it won’t harm your vehicle, but you should be ready to spend. Your wallet should be prepared for the expenses.
When to replace your air filter?
- The standard replacement is every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
- If you are driving in dusty roads, it is safe to frequently check the air filter even if you still haven’t reached the said range.
- Air filters vary per manufacturer. Check the manufacturer’s schedule maintenance to know the best time to replace it. Though it looks clean, it may become brittle overtime.
Common symptoms that your car filter needs cleaning or changing
- Decrease in gas mileage. When the filter is clogged, the amount of air entering the engine also decreases. As a result, the engine needs to work harder thus using more gasoline to run efficiently.
- Fouled spark plugs
What can you benefit with clean air filter?
- Longer life for your car’s engine
- Improved gas mileage
- Lower emission
- Better acceleration
- Will save you from too many expenses caused by damages in vital parts of your car due to dirt, dust, and debris.
It pays to check your car air filter regularly. It is easy and will definitely save your time and money from the hustle and bustle of complications caused by dirty and clogged air filters.
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Dents No More!
Car is one of the most expensive investments someone may have. For car enthusiasts, they treat it like their own baby. Oh well, just like a baby, you don’t want it to have annoying scratches and most of all dents. Such a big no, no and no!
Ever imagine yourself having a bad day with just parking your car in front of a supermarket then a push cart just bump it? And boom! There is a dent in your beloved car. Sometimes, inevitable hailstorm causes wreak havoc and leave noticeable dents. How frustrating, isn’t it? Worst is you don’t have a choice but to deal with those dents. Unless you have this super magical power and you can remove dents by just staring, you might want to consider the following ways.
- Use a Plunger and Water
First and foremost, I would suggest using a different plunger and not the one you use in your toilets (If you don’t have spare, just make sure to clean it first, okay?). This method is ideal for small-to-medium-sized dents. The procedure is just easy. All you need to do is to pour water on both the dent and the plunger and start pushing and pulling. Remember how you use the plunger in your toilet, it’s just the same. Continue doing so until you hear the popping sound.
By the way, it is much better if you will do it on a sunny day and outside. The heat from the sun makes the plastic become flexible allowing you to push and pull easier. Another technique is by using boiling water. Just replace the “water” with boiling water and go through the same steps.
- Hair Dryer and Compressed Air Combo
Not only hair dryer is popular to girls, it is to men now. Do you know that this small equipment along with compressed air can do wonders to your car dents?
Start off by switching on your hair dryer at highest temperature and heat the car dent. Note that it should be between 5 to 7 inches away from the dent. When you notice that the heat is enough (too much can cause damage to paint), get your compressed air can. Don’t forget to turn it upside down before starting spraying the affected area. You will see that the dent will pop out.
- Hair Dryer plus Dry Ice
Remember how we used the hair dryer in Number 2? The same thing applies here. The only difference is instead of compressed air, we are going to use dry ice. This method requires extra caution not only with your car’s paint but also to your skin.
Say that you already heated the dent, now get an aluminum foil and cover it. Not only that aluminum foil will keep the area warm, it will also serve as protection from scratches since dry ice is hard. Now, get your insulated rubber-coated gloves and grab the ice. Gently brush the ice on top of the aluminum foil. Once you are done, wait for few minutes until you hear a popping sound. Remove and dispose foil after used.
All these three ways might not be enough after single application. You may repeat the process when there are still noticeable dents but do not overuse. Remember the saying, “too much is bad”.
If all else fails…
Consult your nearest auto repair shop and bring your baby for inspection. Better be sure than sorry. We at New York City Auto Salvage & Glass, offers this kind of service. We also have cheap used auto parts if you need one. Take note, we are offering free delivery. So what are yah waitin’ for? Drop us by and we are happy to serve you.
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6 Things to do Before You Let Go of Your Car
It is a fact that nothing lasts forever and sadly, so is our cars. No matter how we care for them, that time will come that we need to let go of it whether we want to buy a new one, emergency financial need, or we just want sell it. Here on this article are 7 things to consider when you decide to sell it.
- Organized paper works such as registrations, bills and etc.
Make sure that the paper works such as mentioned above are ready. When you want to sell your car, it is an essential part of the transaction when transferring the deeds to the new owner. A registered car is more likely to be sold easier so if your car is registered up to date, your car is easy to sell.
- Inspection and Road worthiness of your car.
You may not know your potential buyer personally and for that it’s your responsibility as the seller to ensure the safety of the car you are selling. Engine, brakes, tires, chassis, interiors, lights, and clutch are inspected and it is recommended to be done by a shop for reassurance. On the other hand, if it’s not drivable, there are salvage yards like us New York City Auto Salvage and Glass who are paying cash for junk or cars to be wrecked. You can consider that as an alternative.
- Make it more profitable, return your car to stock.
When you have the chance to modify your car, for example, aftermarket mag wheels, stereos, seats, or suspension, you can make the most of your car if you return it to stock. Sell your car separately from the aftermarket parts you installed. The same way you will do with the parts, sell them separately and you will make more profit with your car.
- First impressions last.
Make your car presentable. After we make sure the safety of our car, we have to ensure that it is clean and looking at its best. We can put in in a car wash, put some wax and tire black, clean the dashboard, if your car smells old, you can put some air freshener and wash the upholstery to make it smell better. A fresh looking car is the one that meets the eye.
- Publicity is another key.
Advertise and post your car for sale in classified ads, social media and word by mouth to sell your car. Make the use of the web by advertising to reach more people. The more people you reach, the easier it is to sell.
- Just be honest.
Tell the history of your car, if there is something wrong in the car during the sale then tell it. If it got involved in an accident relate it or whether its flooded. It is always best to be honest. In the end you will have no regrets.
Then there you have it the 6 simple ways to do when you decide to let go of your car. If you need some parts to repair your car, why not go to New York City Auto Salvage and Glass. Just contact us at (718) 297-9797). We are happy to serve you.
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When to Change your Car Tires?
Tire is one of the most essential parts of a car. It is better to have to check to ensure safety. Why?
According to N.H.T.S.A, about 200 fatalities are caused by tires failure. Yes! So why wait to be in this 200 list when you can avoid it in the first place. Here are some tips that will help you decide if it is the right time to replace your car tire and shop for new.
- Check if the tread is down to 1/16th of an inch (1.6mm).
If this is the case, the tire is no longer safe. You might encounter hydroplaning on wet roads and cause brake control issues. - Check the tread using the “penny test”.
Your buddy here is right there in your pocket. Take a penny and face Lincoln towards you then flip upside down. Now place it in center of the tread and observe the following:- If the very top of Lincoln’s head is showing or the copper above it, do not think twice and replace your tires immediately.
- If Lincoln’s hair on top of his head is halfway seen, you better consider shopping for new tires.
- If the hair on of top of his head is not showing; given that it is inserted deeply, then congratulations! Your tires are healthy as a bull!
- Use a tread depth indicator or gauge to measure your tire’s head.
- Let your take their retirement age. The minimum replacement time that is recommended by the N. H.T.S. A is six years and 10 years as the maximum.
- Be observant of dry rot. Little cracks in your tire are signs of damage. It means that the rubber is breaking down. Have it check or consider replacing it.
Make it a habit of checking your tires for a safe ride. As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry.” But if you find buying new ones a pain in your pocket, you can still consider buying at salvage yard.
We at New York City Auto Salvage and Glass, we have varieties of used tires in good condition to fit your needs and budget. In addition, we also have cheap used auto parts for all your other needs. Cool, right?
Interested? Give us a call at (718) 297-9797 or visit us in Jamaica or Queens. We are pleased to serve
you!
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When is the Best Time to Junk your Vehicle?
Junking your vehicle could be a very hard decision. It could be your very first vehicle and you have gone through a lot with it. However, it is a decision that you will eventually have to do especially if it is already unwise to keep it. So, when is really the right time to junk that old vehicle sitting on your garage?
One, if it is already too expensive to have it repaired. Sometimes, it is wiser to just buy a new vehicle rather than having that old car repaired because it will cost you a lot of money that it feels like you have already bought a new one. When you repair it, you are not even sure if it will work once again. It could even impose harm in case one part breaks down while you are driving.
Second, if your vehicle has been sitting on your garage for years, we hope you understand that you have to let it go. Rust and bacteria infesting your vehicle could impose severe harm to your household, so it would be best if you will just have a salvage yard get your vehicle so that it could be appropriately disposed.
You’ll earn money from selling your old vehicle. New York City Auto Salvage & Glass buys vehicles no matter what the condition is. Rest assured that you will be properly compensated. We offer the best price here in New York City so come visit us today!