With so many people saving money these days by driving to their vacation destination rather than flying, We at Merrillville Auto glass & Restyling thought we would like to point out some things that you should consider before heading out for your summer getaway.
If you have not had you care in for routine maintenance in the last few months, try and get it at the mechanics ship a week or so before you leave on your trip. It's better to catch a problem now than at 10:00 PM somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Most mechanics shops have Summer Care Inspections.
Air Conditioning system. Nothing is worse than sitting in traffic in a car with the A/C that doesn't work. Especially if it's a sunny and 95, which as Murphy's law would have it, is the weather when your A/C decides to fail on you.
Cooling System. If you haven't had the cooling system of your car flushed recently, do it now. This will help prevent your car from overheating.
Check your belts and hoses for cracking and have them replaced if necessary.
Change your oil frequently. Most engines in new cares have longer oil change intervals than cars from a few years ago. Follow your manufactures guidelines and make sure that you hang on to the receipts.
Check and replace your filters
Replace your windshield wipers. Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling recommends replacing your wipers 2 times per year.... once before winter so you have a new set to get your through our winters, and once in the spring to handle those rainstorms. We have wiper blades in stock for your vehicle. Wipers & Washers
The windshield wipers and washers are obviously very important parts of your car, and they need periodic maintenance. Windshield wiper blades should be replaced once a year to maintain a perfect seal against the glass. (Hardened rubber can scratch the glass surface and will not remove water effectively.) When replacing wiper blades, make sure that the refills are the exact same length as the OE ones. This will prevent metal-to-glass contact and the serious scratching that usually results.
The windshield washer reservoir should also be checked and filled with a cleaning product, not just water. Periodically use the washers to make sure they're functioning properly. Clogged squirt nozzles can be cleaned by clearing them with a small-gauge wire. If the problem is the electric pump on the washer-fluid reservoir, replace the pump. Driving in slushy snow or muddy rain can impair vision and require frequent use of the washers. Don't neglect this safety item
Add a Aquapel to your windows - a fantastic product in rain/sleet/snow. Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling would not drive a vehicle with our it- We keep plenty in stock.
Inspect your tires. Make sure that your tires are wearing evenly and that they do not need to be replaced. Also, make sure your tires can withstand heavy loads and high temperatures. Check your spare.
Make sure your radiator core is in good shape. Since they do salt our streets in the winter, the salt can cause your radiator to become rusty and leaky, and your car to overheat. Have your radiator inspected and tested. Use antifreeze in your radiator, even in the summer. It contains corrosion inhibitors that will help reduce rusting.
Observing the speed limit isn't just a matter of safety and obeying the law, it can also save you money. In Highway driving, over half the energy needed to move your car down the road goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag ( that is, pushing air out of the way.) The faster you go, the greater the drag. Using your air condition while driving on the highway can reduce the drag of an open window, improving gas mileage.
Also, Keeping the out side of your car clean and waxed can greatly reduce this friction saving you money and keeping your car looking great longer
At Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling - We have the cleaners & conditions to keep your car looking Great. Inside and Out
Anticipating traffic conditions is another good way to increase fuel efficiency. Nearly half the energy needed to power your vehicle in the city goes to acceleration. Unnecessary braking waste energy. Avoiding extreme acceleration reduce unneeded braking can improve fuel economy by up to 10%
Avoid Idling. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait.
Instead of idling at a drive-up window. Park the car and go in.
Idling burns more gas than restarting the engine.
Pack up some Back up items:
One gallon of 50% coolant to 50% water
2 spare qrts of oil
One gallon of windshield washer fluid
A good flash light with spare batteries
A disposable camera in case of an accident
Something to lay on or kneel on in bad weather
If you can find a road emergency kit - Buy it.
Drinking water
SunBlock and Insect Repellant- See AVON above
Take breaks when you are out on the road this summer - and most important ENJOY
Glass Care
There's nothing worse, or more dangerous, than looking out of a dirty windshield. Dirty glass deflects the light and can make visibility dangerous at best, impossible at worst.
Many products do an excellent job of washing your windshield, and it's always advisable to wipe the product off with a paper towel that doesn't leave lint or streaks. Consider cleaning your windshield every morning, or at least use your automatic windshield washers before departing.
For surface scratches, glass-polishing products can usually make the windshield appear as good as new. Also, small rock chips and cracks can be sometimes successfully filled with resin. Alternately, Merrillville Auto Glass & Restyling can fill small chips and cracks so that they virtually disappear.
Interior
The interior of your car is not a storage area for empty cans and old french fries. It should be clean and well maintained. The carpets should be vacuumed, and the vinyl should be coated with a protectant periodically. For cloth interiors, many products are available at your auto parts store for shampooing and stain removal. Leather interiors require special conditioners to keep the skins soft and pliable.
Always read the application directions on the container. With today's technology, almost any type of interior problem can be solved with a specific cleaner. Always read the label and follow the directions exactly for optimum results. Sometimes surface preparation is required prior to applying stain remover or using other interior chemicals properly. We have a wide range of cleaning products for your interior .
10 Ways You Can Save Gas
1. Avoid rooftop carriers.
Approximately one quarter of each gallon of gas is needed to overcome wind resistance, so avoid carrying things on your roof. If necessary, use an aerodynamic carrier to help minimize drag.
2. Remove junk from the trunk.
Added weight in your vehicle affects fuel economy, so take unnecessary items out of your trunk.
3. Go the speed limit. Use cruise control.
Speed limits are calculated for maximum safety – they'll also reward you with maximum gas mileage. You can get up to 20% more mileage traveling 55 than 70 mph. Using cruise control provides additional gas savings.
4. Drive evenly. Avoid hard stops.
Quick starts burn gas while hard stops also cost you. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast a bit before stopping for a traffic light or a stop sign.
5. Avoid idling and rush hour traffic.
You're burning fuel while idling – up to a gallon every hour. So, avoid rush hour traffic when possible.
6. Open windows at slow speeds. Use A/C on highways.
Around town, turn your air conditioning off and roll down the windows. On the highway, open windows create drag at speeds of 40 mph or more, so roll them up and use the air.
7. Don't accelerate up hill.
Build up speed before an incline, and then maintain it on the way up. Coast on the way down for additional fuel economy.
8. Fill up when it's cool and before holidays.
Cooler temperatures in the early morning or late evening create less vapor. Also, getting a fill-up three days before a holiday will help you save on the per-gallon price at the pump.
9. Don't top off gas and tighten the cap.
When buying gas, stop when the pump shuts off automatically. And remember, your tank needs both fuel and fumes, so tighten the gas cap after every fill-up.
10. Use the correct fuel grade, any brand.
Most vehicles don't benefit from higher-octane, higher-priced gasoline, so use the lowest grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. The federal government also has standards for gasoline to be sold. That means one brand of gas isn't better than another.
