http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/top-ten-car-tyre-tips.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/top-ten-car-tyre-tips.html Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:03:31 -0600
1. The wrong car tyre pressure is costly. Running on overinflated tyres accelerates wear and reduces both grip and ride comfort. Underinflated tyres also wear more quickly, and can worsen fuel economy by as much as ten percent. Check your tyre pressures regularly.

2. Cuts in car tyres are obvious. Lumps or bulges may be less so but they tend to indicate damage inside the car tyre's carcass. Check for any such damage while correcting tyre pressures. If in any doubt, avoid the risk of a blowout by having a tyre specialist examine the damage.

3. A spare wheel with a flat tyre is worse than useless. Check the spare tyre pressure regularly, unless you have run flat tyres or an onboard tyre pump and repair kit. Remember that space saver spare tyres generally have speed and distance restrictions.

4. If, at car tyre checking time, you find a stone embedded in a tyre tread, you can lever it out before it causes damage. However, if you find a nail in a tyre, leave it alone. The nail will be temporarily keeping the air in - have a tyre specialist take a look. He may be able to repair the tyre.

5. While using the tyre inflator at a garage, or a tyre pump at home, look after the tyre valve dust caps. They keep dirt and grit away from the delicate valves, and are a line of defence against tyre pressure loss. Always put them back carefully.

6. Potholes can damage more than your car tyres. Hit a large one hard enough and you could be facing a bill for the repair or replacement of one or more wheels. Should you be unlucky enough to encounter a big pothole and suspect damage has occurred, stop and examine the affected wheel(s) and tyre(s).

7. Never straddle a speed bump. Instead, let the wheels on one side of your car pass over the bump. This will prevent damage to your car's tyres, steering and suspension. When negotiating speed bumps and road-width speed pads, slow down or face the cost of repairs.

8. When you're manoeuvering, curb your enthusiasm so you don't kerb your car tyres. Kerb impacts can wreck not only tyres, they can scratch, chip and even dent your car's wheels. Steering misalignment can also result from kerbing.

9. Keep your car in a garage, if you can. Car tyres suffer from prolonged exposure to ultra violet light. This leads to cracking and crazing of the car tyre sidewalls' structure.

10. When the time to buy replacement tyres rolls around, think about replacing all four. Should this be too costly, always have new tyres fitted in pairs. It's accepted that the new tyres should be fitted to the rear wheels.


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Article Resource

Merityre.co.uk are one of the leading UK independent suppliers of car tyres. Why not visit their website for an online tyre quote or contact your nearest fitting centre.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/the-practical-nature-of-car-servicing.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/the-practical-nature-of-car-servicing.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:29:16 -0600
The life of the car is meant to be anywhere from ten years or more. Some of the best cars have been known to last even longer. This is not just because of the make of the car but also the make of the owner. Car servicing is not something to be overlooked until later. A conscientious owner is very much aware much the vehicle cost in the first place, and wants to see to it that every ounce of benefit is derived from that automobile before it is finally sent to the scrap yard.

Car servicing doesn't have to be expensive but it should be routine. Changing the oil every three thousand miles can assure the engine is running smoothly. Lubricating the moving parts of an engine will guarantee that things operate as they should, and there are few surprises on the road. The simple things such as checking the windshield wiper blades or the spark plugs on the car will add months of life to something that is no longer a luxury but a necessity of life.

To be sure, there are some major car servicing matters that require fast attention. Faulty brakes will cause accidents, so the brake pads and brake lining of cars cannot be ignored. The car battery may be the heart of the electrical system but the alternator and distributor control the flow of current throughout the internal operations of the vehicle. If ordinary car servicing does not include checking the battery cables a motorist should not be surprised if his car stalls on the road.

Some people worry about the cost but car servicing ordinarily is not that expensive as long as it's done on a regular schedule. In fact, car servicing sometimes allows the mechanic to detect problems that may surface a little while later. In this case of prevention is definitely much cheaper than the cure. Major auto parts can be quite expensive and is better to maintain them at a reasonable cost, then to have to replace them at a heavy price. Establishing a good working relationship with the nearby auto centre may be just as cost effective as doing the work alone. It often happens that in return for steady business a mechanic may allow for some discounts either on the cost of material or labour itself. More importantly, a mechanic who's worked on a car more than once knows about the condition of the car and what it needs to be kept in top running performance.

Routine car servicing is not going to break anybody's budget. However, not keeping up with routine attention can cause some problems later on. Cars will break down if left unattended and such misfortune can easily happen at the most inconvenient times (i.e. Vacations, emergency trips, business appointments, etc.). Car servicing means that a motorist is keeping a watchful eye on a rather large investment. It helps assure that the car is running efficiently for a very long time.


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Regular car servicing can help a vehicle pass its MOT test as the car is kept to a high standard and small problems can be picked up quicker before they become a costly issue.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/surfing-the-internet-for-cheap-tyres-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/surfing-the-internet-for-cheap-tyres-online.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:22:55 -0600
All it takes is being able to search efficiently. A consumer has to do a little research before he or she ventures out into the great unknown to look for cheap tyres online. The type of tyre and an acceptable price range should be considered, along with durability and the tread. Any additional research such as the best tyres for the model of car will help.

Shopping for cheap tyres online can be very exciting. All major retail stores have embraced the idea of using e-commerce to sell products and they all have websites, allowing customers to purchase cheap tyres online without any trouble. Any of these cyber shops will have sales or discounts on given brands of tyres. If a consumer knows exactly what he or she wants, that person can make a purchase within a matter of minutes. It's even possible to schedule home delivery of the new tyres, or arrange for quick shipment from a location that may be hundreds of miles away. It all means that a person doesn't have to take a trip to a tyre store. It's possible to get cheap tyres online without even having to walk away from the home PC. Time spent shopping at a store can now be spent more productively doing something else.

Some web locations are dedicated sites. They only sell a certain brand of tyre and nothing else. But there are websites that allow a person to choose from various brands. These websites have features that help narrow down the search, allowing the buyer to investigate the brands using price ranges, tyre size, and seasonal types as filters. Purchasing a cheap tyre online does not mean that inferior merchandise is being bought. Indeed, the quality of cheap tyres online is just as good as those that are sold in a retail store or tyre outlet. The primary difference is convenience. It takes a lot less time and trouble to buy cheap tyres online than actually going to a retail outlet.

One small disadvantage in searching for cheap tyres online is that the buyer has to do a certain amount of self-education. There is no sale associate there to explain the pros and cons of a given brand. A buyer needs to know ahead of time what would be best for the car. That really shouldn't be a problem. A smart shopper knows that the more information collected before the purchase, the better that final purchase will be. The Internet's broad range means that suppliers have to look sharp and offer competitive prices. This means that the consumer wins in the end. Tyres don't have to be considered luxury items thanks to cyberspace. Buying cheap tires online is as easy as clicking the mouse.


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Finding the right tyres and car servicing online can save you a lot of money, and save you time compared to searching the high street with now many big name brands offering great deals online.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/looking-for-a-cheap-car-mot.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/looking-for-a-cheap-car-mot.html Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:11:35 -0600
Many auto repair centres will offer a cheap car MOT in order to promote business. The reason being is that if a car fails the test because of a repair need, that repair can be done immediately and it is a cost the centre adds to the bill. Conducting the test also enables auto repair centre to look for potential problems and suggest the owner that now is a good time to fix them. That might not seem right but it's all part of doing business in the auto repair industry. One way a motorist can make sure that he is getting a cheap car MOT is to insist that only those repairs needed to meet legal standards are done and nothing else. Checking the car beforehand helps guarantee a cheap car MOT. The vehicle often fails the test because of a needed repair. Sometimes these repairs are small enough to be do-it-yourself jobs. The chances of a cheap car MOT are thus enhanced the car owner does some quick maintenance ahead of time.

One spot that is often overlooked and is a great place to get a cheap car MOT is the local council MOT centre. A local council will have its own testing facility for all the vehicles in the council's fleet. These facilities are legally required to be open to anyone. What makes this a cheap car MOT is the nature of the service provided. The councils centre will only do the inspection and will not do any repairs. This means they are not looking for extra work outside of the MOT itself. A motorist can get exactly what is needed: a certificate renewal. Additional auto repairs are not part of the bill. There are some commercial garages that will also offer this type of service. They will provide a cheap car MOT but they will not do any of the repair work. If that is all a person wants then either of these two options are available.

Car owners may grumble at the inconvenience and be slightly annoyed at the cost, but deep down inside every one of them knows that it is intended to promote safety on the roads. Auto accidents can be horrific calamities, and anything done to reduce the annual numbers of death and injury due to vehicle collisions is in the public interest. A cheap car MOT doesn't mean that corners are cut or sloppy inspection is performed. It just means the cost is lower than that charged at other places. The same attention to safety is there regardless of the price.


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If you are looking for a Cheap Car MOT many national garages now offer special offers combining MOTs with car servicing, and advice specific to your vehicle make or model.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/mud-remover-for-your-car.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/mud-remover-for-your-car.html Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:11:07 -0600
There is more to a mud remover than making your car look good. Did you know that this can also help keep the paint shining for a longer period of time? In turn, you can avoid issues such as rusting.

Some people think they have to pay an arm and a leg for mud remover, but nothing could be further from the truth. There are many online stores that sell mud removers for a reasonable price. On top of this, it will be sure to last you a very long time. After all, you won't have to use mud remover on a regular basis - unless you like to drive off-road.

You paid a lot of money for your car. Why would you want to neglect it? Rather than do this, take the time to buy and use a mud remover when necessary. This will go a long way in keeping your car in better condition.

Do you have enough mud remover in your garage? If not, buy the right formula today.

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RX MARINE INTERNATIONAL ( ISO CERTIFIED ) offers a wide range of marine chemical products such as tank cleaning and water treatment , fuel oil treatment , swimming pool chemicals and more.
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Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/hand-cleaner-for-mechanics-why-it-is-important.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/hand-cleaner-for-mechanics-why-it-is-important.html Sun, 25 Dec 2011 11:11:04 -0600
Here are three reasons why hand cleaner for mechanics is important:

1. You don't want to live with dirt on your hands after you leave the garage. At some point, you will want to freshen up and it is important to have a heavy duty cleaner that allows you to do just that.

2. Clean hands are healthy. The last thing you want is to jeopardize your health by leaving your hands dirty throughout the day.

3. Keep things around you clean. Once you are done working under the hood you may need to move to the inside of the vehicle, for example. In this case, it is important that your hands are clean so that you don't make a mess.

Now do you see why it is so important for mechanics to have the right hand cleaner? Once you have what you need, there is nothing stopping you from cleaning your hands no matter what time of the day it may be.

Before you start a job, make sure you have the right hand cleaner available.

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RX MARINE INTERNATIONAL ( ISO CERTIFIED ) offers a wide range of marine chemical products such as tank cleaning and water treatment , fuel oil treatment , swimming pool chemicals and more.
For more information visit us at http://www.rxmarine.com/

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/tips-for-buying-cheap-tyres-online.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/tips-for-buying-cheap-tyres-online.html Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:06:53 -0600
There's a large market for used tyres and they are usually cheaper than new ones, but you're much better off going for new tyres. Used tyres might look good to the eye, but could be damaged underneath that won't be known until after you've purchased them. So when searching for cheap tyres online, the first thing to concentrate on is new tyres of higher quality. Good quality tyres will last longer and make your drive safer and more comfortable, so the investment is worth it. Another type of tyre that is usually cheaper than new ones, are retreaded tyres. In this case, new tread has been glued onto an older tyre, but again it's recommended you search for new tyres if you're shopping for cheap tyres online.

You should also consider that purchasing all four tyres at once will wind up costing less than if you only buy one or two at a time. Once you start searching for cheap tyres online, you'll probably notice many of the best deals are for a set of four tyres. Buying all four at the same time will normally bring you the most savings. Another tip for getting the most out of your search for cheap tyres online is to know the size of the tyre your car needs. Check the size on the current tyres and that way you'll know what size you're shopping for. Many sites will request this information before quoting a price, so it's important to have this information when shopping for cheap tyres online.

A few final tips when looking for cheap tyres online: always inquire about the final price and what it includes. If you are getting a price quote from an actual automotive center that will install the tyres, find out if there are any extra charges for labor, balancing and/or disposal of your old tyres. When getting a price for cheap tyres online, sometimes the final price will include this work, but it's up to you to find out for sure. If you are simply looking to buy cheap tyres online and have them installed elsewhere, then be sure to find out what the shipping costs are. Some dealers will include shipping costs in the total amount for the tyres, while others will have an added shipping cost based on total weight and how quickly the tyres can ship. But consider that if you do have tyres shipped to you, there will still be a cost for having them installed since you should always have professional install tyres on your car.


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For more information on finding the best car tyre brands and cheap tyres online, and advice on the differences in tyre performance, to find the best tyres for your car, as well as MOT and car servicing Packages.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/how-to-find-cheap-car-tyres.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/how-to-find-cheap-car-tyres.html Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:51 -0600
The worst thing to happen is when a single tyre goes out and you have to replace them one at a time. That always seems like it winds up costing more money than replacing all four at the same time. When searching for cheap car tyres, it's easier to find good deals if you're buying two or four at a time. Also, many car tyre places will not charge for labor when installing new tyres if you're buying all four instead of just one.

The very first thing to consider when looking for cheap car tyres is determining if you need new tyres in the first place. The best way to know is to check the treads on your current tyres. One good test is to insert a quarter (coin) into the tread. If the top of Washington's head isn't hidden by the tread, then it's time to start thinking about new tyres. (Normally this test was done with a penny coin, but a quarter makes for a better safety measure.) As a tread wears down, it becomes less effective in repelling snow and water and therefore your car is less safe to drive.

If you find yourself looking for cheap car tyres at stores and online, make sure to educate yourself about what kind of tyre is already on your car. Safety is important and even though you want to find a good price, it's important to know what sort of tyre you need. Even before you begin to look for cheap car tyres, check in with a car tyre professional at an auto shop for recommendations. Normally tyres come in different grades and the prices can vary greatly. A tyre professional will be able to explain the differences in quality and the difference between cheap car tyres and higher grade ones. Sometimes purchasing a more expensive tyre can actually save you money in the long run.

Once you have all the information you need, it's time to check for good cheap car tyre deals. Even high quality tyres are often on sale and it's just a matter of finding the right shop at the right time. Many places also offer coupons for cheap car tyres that also come with free installation. The Internet has become a great resource in finding things like cheap car tyres so make sure to use it before you replace those old tyres. Chances are you can find a good deal if you're patient.


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Cheap tyres online, information, images, brands, sizes and more. Find the right tyres at the right price for your vehicle, by MOT and car servicing experts.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/five-things-to-do-before-a-mot-test-centre-visit.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/five-things-to-do-before-a-mot-test-centre-visit.html Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:53:27 -0600
But before you even arrive at the MOT test centre, there are a few simple things you can check on your car to help insure it passes the test. By performing these simple checks, you can save yourself time and money in the long run. While doing these checks won't guarantee your vehicle passes at the MOT test centre, they will rule out the most common reasons cars sometimes fail the test. So, in order of highest percentage of why cars fail at any MOT test centre, consider the following five things:

The first thing to know is that over 20% of cars fail because not all the lights on the vehicle are working properly. Grab someone to sit in your car while you go around checking every light: front, rear, side, blinkers, hazards, etc. to make sure they all work. If any fail while you're checking, then they'll fail at the MOT test centre too. If any lights are out, replace the bulb yourself if it's possible. On to numbers two and three: check both the tyre pressure and tyre thread on each tyre. Make sure each tyre is at the recommended pressure, which is easy to check - and correct - at any petrol station. Once at the MOT test centre, they will check that your tyre tread is at the legal minimum depth of 1.6mm. This is something you can check beforehand yourself to see if your tyre tread is going to pass the MOT test. The fourth thing to check before your MOT test centre appointment is the exhaust, to make sure there are no leaks. To check this yourself, start the engine and from the rear of the car listen for any strange noises and look for abnormal smoke. If either of these exists, you may have an exhaust leak and it's something you should have fixed before going to the mot test centre.

The fifth and final item to check is the license plates. Make sure they are both clean and clearly legible from a minimum of twenty meters away. By doing these five simple things before a MOT, you can go in with added confidence that your vehicle will come out with a passing grade for another year of safe driving.



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To find your nearest mot test centre and more information about passing you mot. How to avoid costly repairs and find the best MOT, cheap car tyres and Car Servicing options for your car make and model.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/which-tractor-oil-to-choose.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/maintenance/which-tractor-oil-to-choose.html Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:49:30 -0600
Engine motor oil lubricants offer several functions in an engine, including lubrication, engine cooling, removal of impurities in the engine, a sealer of small microscopic holes in seals and gaskets, and as an inhibitor of corrosion by preventing rust from forming on the internal engine components. To perform these functions efficiently, appropriate oils must be chosen based on the engine application and the other functions mentioned above.

The first selection factor is the engine fuel itself. Diesel engines are manufactured to higher compression rations and will need better protection that gasoline engines. Thus, the oil chosen must be specially manufactured for gas or diesel engines.
The ambient temperature is one the most significant factors in oil selection.

For above zero Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit, the single (mono) grade SAE 40 oil can be used for temperatures between 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) to 50 degrees C (122 degrees F). The straight SAE 30 can be used between 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) to 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). The single grade SAE 10W winter motor oil can be used between -25 degrees C (-13 degrees F) to 10 degrees C (50 degrees F).

The multi grade oils have a large variation of temperature applications, with the largest variation oil being the SAE 0W-40 multi grade oil, which can be used in temperatures -40 degrees C (-40 degrees F) to 50 degrees C (122 degrees F). Like the SAE 0W-40, the SAE 15W-40 and SAE 10W-40 can both operate to a maximum of 50 degrees C (122 degrees F), however, the minimum temperature of the SAE 14W-40 is approximately -18 degrees C (-2 degrees F), and the SAE 10W-40 minimum is -25 degrees C (-13 degrees F).

The SAE 10W-30 has the same minimum temperature of the SAE 10W-40; however, a maximum ambient temperature of 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) can be reached with no negative effects.
The SAER 5W-30 has the same maximum as the SAE 10W-30, but is designed for a slightly lower temperature of -30 degrees C (-22 degrees F).

Machines operating in temperature below -40 degrees C (-40 degrees F) will need to use oil that's typically called "Arctic Oil" which has been specifically manufactured for such low temperature applications.


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Easy Tractor Parts is a major provider of aftermarket John Deere Parts and Case IH Parts


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>