You should always keep running tabs that show the average miles per gallon your vehicle is achieving. You can check the average mileage that you are getting and if the figures have begun to drop 10-15% there is a good chance that your automobile would benefit from a little TLC at a garage.

Of course there are some additional signs that can give you clues that let you know if your car could use a tune-up. When you perform routine tune-ups on a vehicle you are rewarded with better mileage and performance, but sometimes some small adjustments can be needed in between scheduled maintenance visits.

There are other reasons besides a tune up that could be the cause of many automotive woes, but this procedure will often clear up minor problems and it is relatively inexpensive.

Here are some of the top problems that occur in cars that are begging for a tune-up:

• Misfiring of the engine becomes more frequent
• Unusually rough running, engine coughs and sputters
• Fast Idling is noticeable, especially when the engine is warm
• Low power is obvious, especially on hills or when accelerating
• Rough idling can be felt by the driver and passengers
• Engine pings and knocks
• Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
• Engine continues to run for a few seconds after the car is turned off
• Engine hesitation
• Problems starting the engine

Usually you will notice more than one of these signs, and the more of them that are present, the greater the chance that you should take your car in for a check up soon. Some people have cars that may occasionally exhibit one or two of these problems; this is not necessarily an indicator that a tune up is in order. It is when these types of automotive symptoms suddenly occur that the alarm buzzers go off.

If you have been driving a car that has always had a little engine ping that you are used to hearing it may be very normal. You can ask a mechanic to check it out for you, but if your vehicle has already had an extensive work up and it is tuned to perfection, another tune up will not be necessary. There are some automobiles that have idiosyncrasies and if the problem is not major then you should not become overly concerned.

Proper maintenance will keep your car running longer and stay in better shape. But what about those unexpected mechanical breakdowns? Your extended car warranty policy will cover the repairs if you’ve purchased it from Warranty Direct.

There are a few things that you can do to keep the temperature down. Follow these simple tips in order to keep your car reasonably cool.

The biggest thing you can do is remember that shade is your friend. Parking under the shade in your car can make a huge difference when it comes to the overall temperature of your car.

Whenever you enter a parking lot, try to see if there are any trees nearby. Many times, the parking lot will have trees in little grassy areas for decoration. While it adds to the aesthetics of the parking lot, it can also be a big help for you and the temperature inside your car. Sometimes you can find the shady side of a building in a parking lot. Even if you have to park a little farther away from the front door, it will be well worth it when it comes time to get back in your car.

When you’re at home, an obvious way to help keep your car cool is to park inside the garage. Those that have a garage have a decided advantage over those that don’t in regards to temperature regulation in their vehicles. While garages usually aren’t heated and cooled, they will be a little cooler than the outside world. If you keep the garage door shut, it will usually be pretty dark in there. The lack of sunlight will help keep the temperature down in the garage and in your car.

Another great tool that you can use to keep your car cool is a windshield shade. Windshield shades make a huge difference in keeping the temperature down in your car. They prevent direct sunlight from getting into your car and on to the interior. Many times, the interior features in your car are dark, and when sunlight gets on them directly, it will make them extremely hot to the touch. A windshield shade will prevent any of this from happening. They are relatively inexpensive and they come in a variety of different styles and colors. You can definitely find one that will go nicely with the color scheme of your car.

Yet another obvious thing that you can do is to keep your windows cracked on the car. Just an inch or two of space can allow a lot of air to flow from the outside. This will make a huge difference in the air temperature inside the car.

Overall, these tips should make a big difference for you in keeping your car cool. While they can help, just remember NEVER leave any animals or small children in the car during these times. The car can still get way too hot for them. With that in mind, just take these simple steps to keep your car comfortable in the summer.

If your car overheats this summer, will you have the money on hand to pay for the repairs? With Warranty Direct’s easy payment plan for extended car warranties, it’s easy for you to buy a warranty and know that mechanical breakdowns and overheating will be covered.

Back then, just about every time you filled up your gas tank, you checked your oil level. In fact, gas station employees did that for you, cheerfully, right after they pumped your gas and just before they washed down your windshield.

Things have changed, with maintenance schedules easing up over recent decades for two reasons. First, cars stand up to more wear and tear these days. And also, the products we put into them are better made.

But your car still requires some upkeep—so here’s our list for the ten most effective maintenance musts:

1. Read your car manual. The manufacturer didn’t print it just to fill the glove compartment. Learn the maintenance schedule direct from the horse’s mouth to stay on track with your new vehicle. And really, your maintenance schedule depends on your car’s age and how you use it.
2. Check your oil level monthly. This is less often than in the old days, but many people don’t even realize they should do this. You must learn here and now that your car engine will die forever if it runs out of oil.
3. Tire pressure should be measured every month, as well. Look in your manual to learn where the recommended air pressure is posted; usually it’s on the door well. Do not go by the numbers that are printed on the tire. Tires that lose air will wear unevenly, perform below standards, and cause your car to use more gas.
4. Rotate your tires every 10,000 miles to keep them balanced. This is a good time to inspect the depth of the tread.
5. Check the cooling and heating system each spring and fall to make certain that your air conditioner is working correctly. This also guarantees proper radiator function.
6. Change power steering fluid yearly to protect your steering system and maintain your suspension alignment. Ask about transmission, brake, and coolant fluids at this time, as well.
7. Clean your car monthly to preserve its finish. If you don’t want to stand in your driveway in your bathing suit, take it through a drive-through. Laser or other non-touch washes are recommended. You’ll thank yourself when the day comes to resell it.
8. About every 3,000 miles, get a complete oil change. Some manufacturers allow you can go up to 5,000 miles because today’s oils have a higher quality base, and—just like your face cream—they contain antioxidants. However, oil exposed frequently to temperature extremes as well as oil in cars doing mostly short trips, with the attendant stops and starts, will wear out more quickly.
9. Air and fuel filters last approximately twelve months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Changing these is a relatively simple procedure—play some Sixties music if you want to try this yourself while following instructions available on Edmunds.com.
10. When you’ve put about 30,000 miles on your car, it needs its first tune-up. Your mechanic will replace the fuel and air filters, clean or replace the spark plugs, check the spark plug wires, check belts, hoses, and lights, and flush and/or replace your fluids—brake, transmission, power steering, and coolant. This can also include other items such as looking at the PCV valve and oxygen sensor. It’s like a day at the spa for your car!

Just about all breakdowns, electrical or mechanical, can be traced back to poor maintenance. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you.

Car maintenance is your responsibility, but an extended car warranty from Warranty Direct will cover wear and tear repairs on your car. Contact us today for a free quote – we offer extended car warranty payment plans to suit your budget.

A car log is a simple record of repairs, including warranty and recall repairs your vehicle has had completed on it—and much more.

You can make a car log on your own or buy a pre-printed car log at most office supply stores. Actually, a car log folder is better because it can hold all the invoices from your repairs in one place when you need it.

Another good reason for keeping a car log is in the long run, if you have an extended vehicle warranty, it can ensure that you have obtained all the recommended maintenance your owner’s manual suggests. Warranty companies need to know that you have been responsible in your car care and really shouldn’t pay for things because you missed important upkeep.

What to Include

Your car log should be organized properly. The first elements should contain everything about the vehicle when you purchased it, whether it was new or used, its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), year, make and model—and don’t forget the mileage on the car when you first bought it—that’s important. You should also keep a copy (not originals) of your insurance card, your finance company (if you have one), and if you own the car outright, a copy of the title—keep the original title in a safe place other than your car log.

Vehicle Repair Records

Repair records for every single repair, even if it was a warranty repair should also be kept in your car log—with the repair shop’s invoice. The invoice should clearly state the type of repairs, the cost of the repairs, and the mileage of your car at the time it was repaired.

You should also keep a good record of the gas mileage you are getting each time you fill up your tank. If you find any variation in this, ask your repair shop if they know why this is happening and if you should be concerned. More often than not, getting lower gas mileage can be an indication that something may need to be fixed or is on its way to decline.

The type of tires and tire purchases you have made over the time that you have owned your car are other good things to keep in your car log. Make sure to include the invoice from the repair shop or tire shop where you tires were put on. This invoice will show the type and size of tires you bought and recommended replacement times as well as mileage at time of replacement.

Vehicle Maintenance Reminders

Keep some pages or space in your car log that you can refer to for maintenance reminders. This could include brake pads, lube-oil-filter changes, hoses, belts, and other repair maintenance your owner’s manual recommends. You manual will also give you recommended times these repairs should be completed. For instance on most vehicles, a lube-oil-filter should be performed every three thousand miles.

Miscellaneous Items

If your vehicle has been damaged through an accident, keep a record of the accident and what body and paint facility repaired your car. Keep a copy of the estimate from your insurance company as well as the body shop’s estimate and final invoice. You should also keep copies of checks paid to the body shop on your behalf from your insurance company and any payments you made on your deductible.

Why So Important?

Keeping a car log is beneficial for many reasons but two reasons are high on the list. First, a repair shop can use your car log to diagnose and recommend repairs. Second, if you decide to sell your vehicle, having the life record of the car is gold when it comes to selling it.

In most cases your automobile is a precious companion. So why not take the time to ensure your car’s life is enjoyable and long? Here are a few tips on how to extend the life of your car:

1) Change the oil regularly.

2) Change the air filter.

3) Flush the fluids every two years.

4) Flush the cooling system every two years.

5) Monitor your brake pad thickness.

6) Rotate the tires.

7) Keep the front end aligned.

Start slowly. Especially when the car is cold.

9) Use the parking brake.

10) Wash your car.

11) Invest in an extended car warranty.

12) Read your owner’s manual.

A car is more than a hunk of metal; it is your complexion, your accomplice, not just a facilitator, but a destination in and of itself.

Invest this newly found knowledge in not only protecting yourself, but protecting your car.

Show your sidekick that you care, give it the proper attention that is deserved…and in turn, it will take care of you!