Being the owner of a car is always a big responsibility. It is the owners job to ensure they car is running properly and that any problems the car may be having are addressed, so that it is kept up and in good working condition.

One of the keys to having a reliable car that runs smoothly is to make sure the oil is changed every 7,500 miles, or when the oil light comes on. Although many companies suggest you change your oil every 3,000 miles, some would argue it is a money making scam and unnecessary. If your oil light comes on in between oil changes, which often occurs in older vehicles, it is smart to top up the oil.   Although many individuals opt for taking their car to commercial companies when they need an oil change, it is not a hard task to learn, and could save you money in the long run. Knowing which type of oil is the best for your vehicle is very important, and all engines need different kinds of oil. Today various manufactures insist that you use a particular kind of oil in your vehicle, and if you fail to do so, it could invalidate you warranty, and not cover break downs, or engine problems. This is no surprise as choosing the wrong kind of oil to put in your vehicle could potentially ruin the engine. Smaller cars that have smaller engines like Dodge Neon’s are obviously going to need a different kind of oil than a big Dodge Ram. Not only do you need to ensure you pick the right oil type, there are also many brands to choose from? To find out what type of oil you need does not have to be a hard task, if you take it to a commercial mechanics; they are usually happy to help and will be more than willing to tell you what kind of oil your vehicle needs. There are also plenty of websites where you can search the brand and make of your vehicle, and after putting in your vehicles information, the website comes up with what type of oil you should put in your car and even often where you can find it, if you don’t have time to stop by your local mechanics. If you are changing your oil yourself, it is typically sold in every car parts store and can even be found in grocery superstores, and gas stations. Does the brand matter? Although some would argue it does matter, oil is all pretty much the same. Although some people will always choose to use a more expensive brand, it doesn’t mean that you have to.

Although changing the oil in your vehicle sounds like a challenging task, it doesn’t have to be, if you do it correctly, it can be quite simple.

When you think of a Japanese car you think about great quality and extreme reliability. They have grown in popularity all over the world simply because they make good on all promises made. Through several tests Japanese cars have proven time and time again that they are more reliable than American or European cars. The results speak for themselves and for this reason there are hundreds of thousands of Japanese cars in the United States. Due to the high popularity of the foreign cars, Japanese car manufacturers have spread their plants throughout many different countries to accommodate the high demand. When you list the top ten most reliable cars in the US you will find that at least seven of the ten cars are Japanese.

Some might wonder why these cars are so popular and continue to score so high above the competition in both reliability and performance. For Japanese car manufacturers their main priority is the satisfaction of the customer. In an effort to keep their clientele happy they create high quality cars. Companies that manufacture Japanese cars focus on customer satisfaction so much that they teach each of their staff to work with the customer in mind. Whether their staff is the maintenance tech, or the CEO of the company, they pride themselves on please the customers. Strange as this may sound, some customers may complain about a problem with their vehicle and the CEO will contact them about the problem. This shows the customers that they are serious and stand behind their products wholeheartedly.

Japanese car makers take pride in what they do, however, they do not let their ego get the best of them. They are open to suggestions and criticism from their customers and work as best they can to improve their product while incorporating customer ideas. Doing so lets the customers feel that their voice is being heard, and that the company is not simply trying to sell them any old vehicle.

Companies such as Toyota and Nissan spend a lot of money to continually upgrade their technology. They spend time and money on research and development to ensure that the cars are developed in new and innovative ways. They choose only the best of staff providing them with the efficient training and knowledge that they need to continue to develop super efficient vehicles. To keep their staff motivated, large Japanese companies they encourage advice as well as reward them for their hard work and dedication.

The quality of the Japanese cars can show you just how effective their companies are from start to finish. The cars last much longer than American cars and maintenance while more expensive does not happen often. US drivers have entered mile high clubs with cars such as Toyota for mileage over 200,000. Most cars at this point would start to damage, however the quality of the foreign car is very durable and constantly improving. People have been known to keep their Japanese cars for decades without many problems or difficulties. With great management, happy employees, and high quality product Japanese cars will continue to be the leading brand of cars in the United States.

What happens when my car is a total loss from a collision accident? What does that mean? This kind of question may come to your mind if it is the first time that it happened. Total loss is a definition of car insurance policy that defines the status or category of a car after a collision accident. It is the condition of a car that means it is better to replace it with a new one or pay an amount that is equivalent to the selling value of the car when it was not yet damaged. This description tells that the accident’s category as total loss is a simple designation that means it is cheaper for the insurance company to pay for a replacement rather than spend on repairs.

When your car happened to meet an unavoidable accident and the car is damaged so severely, you can make an insurance claim to the car insurance company in which your car is registered. The car insurance people, the investigation or assessment personnel, will determine if the damage done on the vehicle may be repairable or not. If the assessed value for the repair is so expensive that a new car replacement is better than to have it repaired at an auto repair shop, then that means a total loss from collision accident.  The replacement policy is becoming a popular decision because in repairing a total loss car, the insurance company may spend more than the value of the car. It is because the spare parts price is highly costly and labor is also highly priced. The reasons for the rise in repair costs are so many, such as the towing and delivery cost to the repair shop and many more.  The two most important factors that determine the high cost are the cost of spare parts and the labor intensity of work.

It is not recommendable to repair the car. So, it is better to pay the price value of it at an assessed reasonable value and give you a check to buy a new one. But sometimes, since the car is already considered a second hand vehicle, the asset value price may be lower than the check received. You may contest the value given to you if you still want to add more for the same car value, or may pursue a court hearing for this purpose. However, the cost of litigation may drain your money as lawyer’s fees or some other expenses related to the case can soon add up. It is therefore recommended that you must reason out with the insurance people to consider the insurance money or check you received.

Total loss accidents are becoming common and attractive to car owners as vehicles are becoming increasingly more costly to repair. This means to say that when you ask yourself, what happens to your car when it met a total collision accident? That it means to say that your car is to be simply replaced by another one.

In the book The Devil’s Dictionary, American satirical writer Ambrose Bierce sardonically defined insurance as “An ingenious modern game of chance in which the player is permitted to enjoy the comfortable conviction that he is beating the man who keeps the table.” Unfortunately, there is some truth to this, and when it comes to car insurance, it pays to know how your provider stacks the deck.

There are so many seemingly insignificant factors that can sway the cost of your premium, or the amount you pay each month for your policy, such as age, sex, marital status, the quality of the neighborhood in which you live, your credit scores, your academic grades, what make and model of car you drive, how well you drive it, and what color your car’s paint job is. For example, it is worth knowing that motorists that drive red cars of any make and model tend to be charged more, as statistics compiled by insurance companies have shown that red cars – particularly sporty models like the Corvette, Mustang, Diablo and Testarossa – tend to be involved in more accidents and are more often vandalized and/or burgled.

There are several types of protection plans offered by insurance companies. Although details vary depending on what state you live, liability insurance covers injuries and property damage if it is determined that you were at fault in the event of an accident. Uninsured motorist protection covers injuries to the occupants of your car, and in some states, property damage. Collision insurance pays for damage to your vehicle in an accident. If your car is made a total loss, you will receive what your provider considers the market value of your car to be, minus the deductible. Comprehensive insurance covers theft, non-collision damage such as vandalism, and animal collisions. Personal injury protection is much like uninsured motorist protection, except more comprehensive, as it is designed to protect all of the occupants of the car, regardless of which driver is at fault. Some states offer no-fault insurance, which covers the driver’s injuries and property damage, regardless of who bears the responsibility for the accident. Gap insurance is an option offered by some providers that protects drivers who owe more on their car than its actual value.

If you want to scale down the amount of money you fork over to the insurance company each month, it is first and foremost important to thoroughly research each potential company and their respective rates. Make sure to talk directly to an agent. In other words, shop around. Factors that affect the cost of insurance include the company’s operating expenses, history of claims and formulas for setting premiums. Check a company’s financial status and consumer record. The last thing you need is to go cheap and then find it’s all but impossible to file a claim. It is also worth it to ask about any possible discounts the company may offer. If you feel that the time has come to make a switch, be sure to state such an intention in writing, all in the interest of avoiding getting billed for nonpayment. This will affect your credit score negatively, and in turn will cause you to pay higher premiums.

It is a good idea to raise your deductibles on comprehensive and collision coverage to an amount you can cover out of pocket. Then again, you might do well to jettison both if you own your vehicle outright and the combined annual cost for that coverage is more than ten per cent of what you would get if you car were totaled.

But all in all, the easiest way to keep your insurance from going through the roof of the universe is to maintain responsible behavior as much as possible, inside and outside your car. Pay your bills on time, as credit scores affect premiums. Drive defensively, avoid using your cellular phone to talk, text or surf the web, and most common-sensical of all, do not drink and drive. Keep all moving and parking violations to a minimum, as well. Although one speeding ticket may not cause your rates to go up astronomically and exponentially, you being the cause of an accident very certainly will.

If you ever find yourself in an accident, be sure to let your insurance company know, even if injuries and damage were insignificant. Remember – there is a difference between filing a claim, and simply letting your insurance agent know what’s what. It is also recommended to investigate whether or not you can receive payment for the diminished value of your car. Should you come to find fault with the value assigned to your damaged car assigned by your insurance agent, provide quotes from local dealers and proof that your vehicle was well-maintained. If this does not work, legal action in the form of arbitration, mediation or a lawsuit may be in order.

If the damage to your vehicle is reparable, make sure that when you go to the auto body shop that the personnel there know what they are doing. Some people in that field might be tempted to cut corners to meet insurance companies’ pricing requirements. To further pre-emptively alleviate the cost of an accident, check to see whether or not you need to pay the difference between generic and original-equipment manufacturer parts in the event that you are at fault. However, if you are not at fault, request original equipment parts. This is an especially good idea if you drive an expensive brand such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Maserati or Aston Martin.

It is self-evident that being a good driver means to keep your eyes open and your wits about you at all times as you travel along the road. To save on car insurance, however, it is necessary that you keep your eyes open and your wits about you as often as you can, both on and off the road.

Maintaining a clean look for your automobile entails, among other things, being mindful of the pH balance of your car’s finish. Bird droppings, dead bugs and chemicals from the environment contain acids that can corrode the wax and eat away at the car’s finish. As such, they should be washed off immediately. Using water from your garden hose should be just fine, as the slightly alkaline water will neutralize the acids from this debris. If you live in an area prone to acid rain, it is best to park your car indoors to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals. Failing that, a quick rinse with the hose as soon as the rain has let up will wash the acidic chemicals away from your car’s exterior.

When choosing a soap to use for your car, avoid using hand soap, dish cleaner or window cleaner. These products are decidedly not designed to be used on automotive paint, and they may strip off the sacrificial protective wax barrier, leaving the coat of paint vulnerable. Ammonia-based cleaners are particularly harmful to tinted windows, as they will degrade and disintegrate the plastic film applied to the glass.

Soaps specifically designed and intended for washing the exteriors of cars are best, as they are milder and less harsh for the finish. Ideally, an automotive soap should be pH balanced to protect the finish; high in lubricants to ease grime and debris from the surface of the paint; high in suds to flood away grime, and should also resist water spotting. Several popular and reputable brands include Optimum, Poorboy’s Super Slick & Suds, Mothers California Gold, 3M, and Pinnacle.

Never wash your car when the body is hot, especially immediately after driving it or after it has been parked in the sun for a long time. Heat speeds the drying of soap and water, making washing more difficult and increasing the likelihood of spots or deposits forming atop the paint.

Avoid moving the sponge in circles, as it can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. It is far better to move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. And don’t continue using a sponge that’s dropped on the ground without thoroughly rinsing it out, because it can pick up dirt particles that will scratch the paint.

Make sure to rinse all surfaces thoroughly with water before you begin washing to remove loose dirt and debris that could leave scratches. Once you begin, concentrate on one section at a time, washing and rinsing each area thoroughly before moving on to the next one. This will allow you plenty of time to rinse before the soap dries. Start from the top, and then work your way around.

Work the soap and water solution into a lather with plenty of suds that so that the paint surface will be well lubricated. Be mindful to rinse the sponge often and Use a separate bucket to rinse the sponge so that dirt will not get mixed into the sudsy wash water and thus risk scratching the finish. When rinsing, use a hose without a nozzle and let the water just run over the car from top to bottom. This will create a sheeting action that will keep the water from pooling. If you notice that the water doesn’t bead as it rolls off your car, this means that it is time for a fresh coat of wax. Fortunately, most modern synthetic car waxes can last up to a year.

With a little common sense, regular maintenance and some tender loving care, your finish will have a shine that will last a lifetime.

A timing belt is a belt that acts as a control of the valve timing inside of an engine. In an internal combustion engine it connects the crankshaft to the camshaft – this helps control the opening/closing mechanism of the valves. In some designs an oil pump or other mechanisms are also made to rely on the timing belt. There are also timing chains that serve the same purpose, but with a few differences. What kind of timing belt/chain your engine uses depends on its design and age, as well as what is expected in ways of performance or convenience.

Remember that the belts are usually rubber and degrade with time, use, and heat. Newer or more expensive timing belts are usually made with more durable materials, and don’t have to be replaced as often. You will want to check your belt out if you hear your engine making odd noises, if the engine begins rattling, or if your car emits more exhaust than usual. The timing belt should be something you replace as soon as it shows signs of failing or signs of too much wear, because not repairing it or replacing it could damage the engine’s valves when it finally breaks.

Replacing timing belts is a common enough part of car maintenance, and should not be something you’ll have to find a specialist to do. Many manufacturers will even have a set amount of time or distance that show when the belt should be replaced. Some car designs make it harder to access the timing belt, making it take longer to replace. You should be sure to take that into consideration when planning to replace it yourself or when taking it to a mechanic.

Whether you have a timing belt or chain depends mainly on what year the engine was manufactured, as well as what company manufactured it. Many engines made between the 70’s – 90’s era will have the timing belts. Before then it was usually chain belts that were in use. Chain belts did however begin to rise again in popularity in the 00’s. Some engines, especially those going for a more inexpensive design, will still be using the timing belts. It should say what type it is in the owner’s manual if you do not wish to go through the trouble of looking yourself.

The standard rubber timing belts tend to be quieter as well as less expensive – they also do not need to be lubricated like with timing chains. They do however have to be replaced more often, and sometimes will not show the common warning signs of eminent failure. Because of this it can be more expensive to replace if it suddenly breaks and damages the valves. They’re usually chosen for their low cost and easy maintenance.

Timing chains serve the same function as their rubber counterparts, but come with a different set of pros and cons. Chains still degrade over time, stretch with use, and also require more maintenance than rubber belts. They are also more expensive than rubber belts, but make up for it by lasting far longer. Usually when a chain breaks it usually does not cause any damage to the engine, making it less costly if your belt breaks without warning.

When deciding on whether you want a timing belt or a timing chain think about how much you’re willing to spend in terms of time and money. A chain is more expensive in the short term, and requires more upkeep, but also lasts a long time. A rubber belt is less expensive to get and does not require as much maintenance, but you’ll have to replace it much sooner. In the end it can be said that it’s all personal preference.

As technology has improved through the years, reaching 200,000 miles or more on your car’s odometer is becoming more and more commonplace. However, a lot of factors can affect the possibility of reaching six or seven digit sums on your odometer. For example, if you drive a Honda Civic or a Mazda MX5 Miata and you are on top of your car’s upkeep, the odds that your car will achieve high mileage are generally very good. Then again, reports have confirmed that newer models by such brands as Ford, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are not quite so reliable.

In general, the rule of thumb for car repair is that a stitch in time saves nine. That being said, automobile repair is not cheap, and often can cost more than buying a new car. To determine whether or not you are overpaying for repairs, keep a log of all repairs and the accompanying cost from 36,000 miles – this being the distance at which most manufacturer’s warranties expire – to the present number on your odometer. Subtract 36,000 from your current mileage, and divide the amount spent on repairs by that figure to get a cost per mile average, which should come to about eight to twenty-five cents per mile. To compare what you are paying in repairs versus the cost of a new car, divide the purchase price of a new car by 36,000. Since most new cars cost about $17,000 including the title, sales tax and tags, the cost would come to roughly forty-seven cents per mile, not including oil changes, tire rotation, interest on a car loan or insurance premium increases. Therefore, the amount saved annually when you drive 15,000 miles comes to about $5,100.

Although it is not uncommon to be able to drive a car 200,000 to 300,000 miles, it still is rare for a car to reach even 500,000 miles. However, vehicles known for being reliable are inherently more likely to reach mileage well into six digits. On the other hand, vehicles that are not especially reliable but inexpensive to maintain can easily be driven into high mileage with worthwhile results. For example, Consumer Reports editors observed that many Ford Ranger pickups are kept to high mileage. Surprisingly, this model is not known for its reliability, but when you realize that its maintenance and repair cost is among the lowest of any vehicle, suddenly it all makes sense.

Although driving a car to its half millionth mile is an extraordinary occurrence, it is not impossible. That being said, it pays to choose a car that is well-built and low maintenance and keep the repairs current.

Certain counties or regions in most states in the USA require yearly or bi-yearly smog check service. A smog check is a test performed on the exhaust system of a vehicle in order to determine how many pollutants, and what kind of pollutants, the vehicle is emitting into the atmoshpere. The smog check may also include an evaluation of other parts of the vehicle, especially the parts related to controlling emissions, to make sure that they are in working order. The following states: Missouri, Tennessee, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Alaska, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, California, New Hampshire, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Washington DC, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Ohio, all require a smog check service. Since some states do not require smog checks, some only require them in certain parts of the state, and some require the smog checks to be performed by authorized dealerships or auto shops, you should check the regulations in your area before having your car smog checked.

If you find that your area requires a smog check, you should be aware of the things that will make a car fail. These include:

• Emissions loads that exceed limits decided upon by the state – hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and oxygen are 5 gases that may be emitted from a vehicle. High levels of any of these gases is the most common reason why a vehicle will fail a smog check
• Inadequately maintained muffler
• Unsuitably maintained exhaust system
• A lit “check engine” light
• Defective distributor cap and/or rotor
• Defective ignition coil and wires
• Bad spark plugs
• Gasket or vacuum leaks
• Oxygen sensor malfunction
• Engine failure
• Burned valves
• Low compression on cylinders
• Catalytic converter failure
• Defective fuel metering
• Bad fuel injectors
• Computerized engine control problems
• Air injection system problems
• Restricted air filter
• Problems with the air mass or air flow sensor
• Faulty fuel evaporation system or purge valve
• Defective cooling system/thermostat, engine running hot
• Overdue for oil change/Oil contaminated with fuel
• Incorrect ignition timing
• Defective Map sensor or Air Mass sensor

If a vehicle does not pass the smog check, it must be repaired and then be checked again. Many of the necessary repairs required to pass a smog check are fairly simple and inexpensive. In most cases, the repairs are worth your while, to be sure your car is safe and legal to drive. However, there are times when the repairs are quite costly. There are some states that offer assistance for people who cannot afford the repairs necessary to pass the smog check testing. Also, in many states, certain vehicles can be exempted from meeting the smog check requirements, typically meaning the vehicle requires repairs that are considered to be extreme. Some states have assistance programs to help pay for high repair costs. For instance, California offers $500 (to repair vehicles that fail the smog check) to people who qualify for their Consumer Assistance. If you can’t afford to fix your car, check to see if your state offers this type of assistance.

The following is a list of standard basic driving laws for the state of California. This is not a complete list of all driving laws in the state of California. Some of the basics include the following:

- All drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts.

-Children under the age of six or children who weigh less than 60 pounds must be in a child safety seat.

- Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear safety helmets while on the roads.

-Unless there are signs posted stating otherwise, it is legal to make right hand turns at an intersection when the traffic light is on red.

- Driving under the influence (of alcohol or other drugs) is considered a serious offense. There are criminal penalties and severe consequences. If an officer can prove you were influenced by alcohol, they can file charges even if a driver is below the blood alcohol limit of 0.08%.

- Passing is legal on the right side as long as you are on a multiple lane highway or freeway, and the lane is marked as a passing lane.

- Right of way rules for four way stops include taking turns in the same order the vehicles arrived at the intersection. If two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, typically the driver to the right goes first.

- At certain times, often late at night, some intersections’ traffic lights are set to flashing yellow or red instead of the regular green, yellow, red pattern. In this situation, the intersection is treated as a two way or four way stop sign intersection. If the light is flashing red, all cars must stop and proceed when the intersection is clear. Flashing yellow means that drivers should proceed slowly and cautiously through the intersection.

- In a situation where there is a power outage or a traffic light is out for any other reason, the intersection should be treated as a four way stop. All cars must stop at an intersection when a traffic light is out. Police officers typically direct traffic at intersections where there is a known traffic light outage.

- It is illegal to block an intersection. Heavy fines are issues to drivers who block intersections for other drivers.

- U-turns are typically allowed at intersections, unless signage is displayed saying they are not allowed. U-turns are not allowed on freeways and highways.

-When a school bus is stopped (on either side of the road) with the red lights flashing, all drivers have to stop until the red lights are off. DO NOT pass a school bus with the red lights flashing. These lights indicate that children are getting on or off the bus and may be crossing the street.

- Pedestrians always have the right of way in a crosswalk.

- There are strict rules about driving in the carpool lanes (also known as high occupancy vehicle – HOV – lanes or multiple occupancy lanes), and if you drive in these lanes without the minimum number of people in your car, during certain hours of the day (rush hours) you will be fined heavily.

Again, this is not a complete list of California driving laws. If you live in California, or plan to travel there, please make an effort to familiarize yourself with all the driving laws, not just the ones outlined here.

It is very difficult to maintain a newly bought car. If carpets are not properly cleaned, after a week it will look like several years old. This condition of car mainly occurs due to driving with drinks, food, small children with toffee, candy, chocolate, juices etc. If you properly maintain your car’s interior design including car carpets, your car interior will look gorgeous and pretty. Now take a look on some ideas to clean stains inside the car carpet.

Blood stains from human or animal bodies must be covered with the paste of dry laundry starch and cold water as soon as possible. Do not use hot water it will help to set the stains. Wait until the area is fully dry and then brush the area.

If coffee falls on your car carpet, as soon as possible clean it with cool water and by paper towel blot the area. If the coffee strains remain after this, spray glass cleaner on it. Soak the effected area and wait for five minutes and again blot the area with paper towel. Magically your carpet will be cleaned. Glass cleaner is very effective on even more difficult stains.

Do not drink alcohol during driving, even after alcohol spills on the car carpets, immediately clean the area with cold water. Try this as soon as possible and the color of you carpets will remain unchanged.

Most oily carpeting stains may be cleaned by weeping on paint thinner with a clean, hundred percent cotton cloth. After this you have to cover the stains with salt and wait till the remaining oil is absorbed and vacuum. If you not want to use salt, you may also use cornmeal and wait whole night and vacuum in the morning. Firstly, try the paint thinner on a little area of the carpet and look the effect. If it remove the color of carpet or destroy the glossy look it can be recommended that don’t use it.

You may use baking soda on a damp rag to clean vinyl seats quickly. It may be done by the dishwashing detergent and water. If your carpets are general, first take a gallon of hot water with a good amount of dish washing detergent and then add a cup of white vinegar. It is better to use a hard bristle brush to clean the carpets with this mixture. Wait just for thirty minutes and blot them until dry with towels.

If pen ink stains occur in carpet you may use hairspray. Hairspray is very effective in this case. Salt is also able to remove stains from carpet. Wait until the stain is absorbed and brush off. Carsickness stains from pets, children even from adults, must be removed with club soda. You may also use baking soda and water in this case.

If you want to keep car carpets looking new, wax them with a fluid shoe wax buff up. This will also make your carpets much easier to rinse clean. Use these ideas and get your car carpets clean always.