car care – Accelerated Service International

How To Protect Your Car From Flood Damage

Over the last few years, violent storms have caused major flooding in several major towns and districts in the US. This has resulted in millions worth of damages, destroying homes, infrastructure, and other properties like cars.

Given the investment that is a car purchase, people in flood-prone areas should know what to do with their vehicles during such calamities. Here are some ways to protect your car from flood damage:

When driving through possibly flooded areas, try to find a different route to avoid driving through floods altogether. Attempts at driving through floods should be considered last resort.

If you do end up driving through flooded areas, assess the situation first. Try to look for indicators of water depth. Spot if there are other vehicles trying to cross and compare your vehicle with theirs.

When treading a flood, always drive on the highest side of the road. This is usually the middle part of the road. If you are familiar with the road, try to remember if the locations of potholes and avoid them. Keep the car in first gear and keep your speed down to possibly 1 – 2 miles per hour. This creates more traction and helps you stay in control of your car.

For parked vehicles, car owners should consider those large Ziploc bags for cars as protection if moving the car to a safe location is not possible.

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What You Need To Know About Changing Oil

Car owners are often told they need to change motor oil once it reaches a certain milestone, like every 7,500 to 10,000 miles of usage. But besides this, what else do car owners need to know about changing oil?

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Experts weigh in on this issue as each have their own takes on the factors affecting this activity. Sometimes, it’s the make of the car, other times the driving habits are the determinants.

According to the Ford Motor Company, owners of 2008 models or newer should change their oil every 7,500 miles, or every six months, whichever comes first. However, people who drive less should adjust to changing their oil every 5,000 miles.

David Waits, the owner of Japanese Automotive Service in Hilliard, Ohio, claims that the worst type of driving for oil life is that of distances below highway speeds. According to his estimates, it would be better for a car to travel 5,000 miles in five months on highway speeds rather than 1,500 miles of in-town driving for five months.

A common indicator of a need to change oil is engine noise. Since oil lubricates your engine, a noisy engine is a telltale sign of gritty oil. The longer you drive like this, the bigger the risk of engine problems.

Lastly, keep tabs on your last oil change session.

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Back to basics: How to keep your car in tiptop shape

Taking care of a car involves not just taking it to the experts for regular maintenance and preparation for emergencies, but also developing basic habits to keep it in great shape. For beginners or first-time car owners, here are some handy tips:

Periodically refer to the owner’s manual for a whole range of advice, from air bag safety to installing the child seat. For more complicated questions, refer to your auto care professional. Keep an eye on the fluid, keeping the motor oil, power steering fluid, and coolant topped off in order to maintain food car performance. Check the owner’s manual for further tips or ask for assistance from your local mechanic.

“Watch” the warning lights, which will tell you if you forgot to replace the gas cap or if one of your tires is already running low on air. Correct tire pressure is also necessary to handle the vehicle properly and to minimize risk for premature wear and tire blowouts. Check tire pressure once a month and add the needed air. Never overinflate.

Inspect exterior and interior light once a month, and perform a walk-around for body damage, wiper blade condition, abnormal tire marks, and lock and window conditions. It’s also critical to always keep the car clean: wash it regularly, keep the interior free from debris, vacuum the floors, and remove leaves and other matter from vents.

Pay attention to the way the car operates normally and if it’s deviating from it. Listen to it: it will make abnormal sounds to tell you it’s time for another trip to the car care center. Find a mechanic you can trust and with whom you can build a lasting relationship.

Accelerated Service International tailors its expertise to serve the business needs of automobile dealerships, financial institutions, and agents. It has been serving these institutions for over 20 years. Read more about the automotive industry on this page.