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Autumn is the time to get your car in shape for the harsh winter months ahead. Snow, rain, mud and salt can all degrade the finish of your car so now is the time to protect it.

Rain and snow both collect pollutants from the air as they fall to the ground and these end up as a thin film on your car when the water evaporates. This can cause damage if not cleaned off. Salt is corrosive and can ruin paintwork and chrome. If it binds with mud and sticks underneath the car it can also cause rust. Looking for 3D High Definition Car Care? Here at Detailcentral.com.au we always provide you with the perfect detailing experience through outstanding products and service.

As autumn starts, you should check that your windscreen washer reservoir is topped up with a decent screen wash and adjust the concentration for winter conditions. The screen wash should contain anti-freeze to stop it solidifying when the temperature drops. Your wiper blades should also be in good condition and shouldn’t leave smears on the windscreen. You can put bags of silica gel under your seats to absorb excess water on the inside windows of your car.

Oil is important for keeping your car running smoothly and it needs checking and changing if necessary to keep the car properly lubricated.

It is also very important to check the condition of your tyres (including the spare) because you will need extra grip in the winter. The tread should be above the legal limit and any wear should be even. Tyre pressures should be at that recommended by the manufacturer.

With the reduced light in the winter it is extremely important to make sure that all of your lights are working before you get caught out. You will also need to check that your car is up to date with services and that your horn work properly.

Batteries take extra use in winter because of the increased power demand for de-misters and lights. Cold starts are more power-hungry because the car fluids are thicker in winter. Check that your battery contact terminals are clean and that you battery isn’t running too low. Replace if necessary.

If you don’t already have roadside assistance options to cover you for a break down, consider getting some, and if you do have some, make sure it is in date still. You don’t want to get stuck with no-one to help you.

A thorough wash and wax of your vehicle in the autumn will help protect it during the coming months. The wash will take off any pollutants already on your car and the wax will form a protective layer to keep the paintwork safe. There are plenty of car cleaning products about to get your car in good condition but don’t just opt for cheap options because your car is one of the most expensive things you will buy so deserves to be looked after properly.

When winter sets in, keep your car regularly washed, especially if you have driven on salted roads. Don’t forget to wash the wheels and undercarriage too. A hand wash is preferable to an automated wash but it is more important for the value of your car to remove pollutants than worry about minor scratches that can occur after visiting a car wash. Dry all seals thoroughly and if possible, keep the windows down and drive the car with the heater on full for a few minutes. You can also apply a trim product.

Ice on the car in the morning is a hassle but it is something that needs to be sorted out properly. Using boiling water is a definite no-no because the temperature difference can cause the glass to crack. Do not scrape ice from your paintwork either as this will cause scratches. Heated windows are OK to use, as is using a proper ice scraper. If you want to avoid the build up of ice in the fist place, either put your car in a garage or buy a car cover. When purchasing a car cover, make sure that the seams are on the outside to avoid scratches and only put on a clean, dry car, keeping cover and straps away from hot exhausts.

For winter journeys, it is a good idea to keep a blanket, shovel, first aid kit, small bag of sand (for traction), torch, high visibility jacket, wellies, warm clothing, gloves, hat, warning triangle and emergency food and drink in the car just in case. Also take a fully charged mobile phone with you so that you can call for help easily if you run into trouble.

Do not set out on your journey until your windows are free of ice and all snow has been removed. Many motorists fell foul of the law last year when they were stopped for still having snow on the roof of their car whilst they were driving – in the event of sudden braking the snow will fall on the windscreen, preventing you from seeing which is obviously dangerous. Failure to remove the snow can result in 3 points on your license and a £60 fine. Wipe snow off your car carefully though because it will have debris in it than can scratch the paintwork if taken off too forcefully.

Winter roads are more treacherous because of ice – both visible and ‘black ice’. In the unfortunate event of skidding on it, come off the accelerator and brakes and steer into the direction of the skid. When you have full tyre grip back, steer the way you want to go. To practice this technique in a safe environment you can book time at a skid pan.

Also watch out for freezing fog. Slow down, don’t drive too close to the car in front, and use fog lights when necessary. It helps to turn off the radio and open a window to listen out for other traffic.

Winter is the time that most damage can happen to your car and when driving conditions are at their worst but with proper car care, forward planning and safe driving, both you and you car should make it through the winter in good shape.

By Rebecca G Wishford.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rebecca_G_Wishford/1094703

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Learning auto repair may seem daunting if you’re not sure how to begin. However, the article below has some quick and simple tips to make auto repair easier for you. Reading this article is a start to auto repair wisdom, which will help to save money. One of the best solution to save money is choosing the best company for car cleaning products, I found waxit.com.au as reliable store selling aluminium polish for car is a great way to keep your car looking its best. It will help you remove scratches and scuff marks from the bodywork of your vehicle and make it look like new again.

Get a reliable battery charger and be sure it is always in your car. Having a dead battery can leave you stranded in some pretty terrible places. It is also important to understand how to properly connect the charger to the battery.

You do not have to call a mechanic every time you are having car trouble. Some of the work can be done on your own, as there are problems that are relatively easy to repair. Check online to find out what might be wrong with your car. When it’s a simple fix, do it yourself!

The best way to find a good auto mechanic is getting referrals. Ask friends, family or co-workers for recommendations. This allows you to ask about the price, quality of work and satisfaction. You can learn first-hand experiences about the honesty and skill of the mechanic.

It is very important to keep records of all your auto repairs. If you have problems with your vehicle later on, you will find it helpful to have some records for the next technician to look at. No records means a blank slate to go on.

Beware of mechanics who do unneeded repairs on the car. A reliable mechanic will tell you if any parts are worn down and need replacing. But, they should ask for your approval before replacing them. Don’t go back to mechanics who made unneeded repairs.

Never leave anything in your car when dropping it off for repairs. These items may need to be removed anyway, and they aren’t responsible for lost or missing items. Everything needs to be taken out of your trunk too.

Invest in a spare tire and a jack, and keep them in your vehicle. Many new cars have these. You will have to spend a lot to get your car towed if you cannot change the tire right away. It’s less of a headache and cheaper to do it by yourself.

Put together a small tool kit for your car and keep it in your trunk. You need to have tools to change a tire, which have come along with your car. Get a lug wrench and jack if you do not have one yet. You may ask want to get a variety of screwdrivers, ratchets, socket wrenches and the like. Never buy cheap tools. Purchase solid tools that are resistant to breakage.

When your headlights or taillights burn out, you can save a lot of money on repairs if you do it yourself. This process is easier in specific vehicles and harder in others; however, doing this yourself is much more affordable than visiting a mechanic. Speak with friends and family for pointers or instructions.

Don’t forget about your windshield wipers. If your windshield wipers are no longer keeping the rain off your windshield, or if they make noise or leave streaks, it is time to replace them. If you live somewhere that gets rain often, think about replacing your wiper blades yearly.

Don’t put off washing your vehicle during the winter time. While it may seem pointless, winter is the most damaging time for your car. Salt and sand lead to rust and abrasions. Be certain to dry your car completely before driving again, so that icing does not occur.

Even minor problems should be checked by a mechanic. The problem might get worse if you do not get it fixed quickly, or your diagnosis might not be correct.

When a problem is big, don’t self-diagnose it. Remember, you are not an expert! It may seem like an easy fix, but in modern computerized vehicles, that may not be the case. You can tell them your opinion, but leave the diagnosing of problems to the experts. Tell them what you’ve observed, and then let them do their job.

Warranties are extremely important when it comes to auto repairs, particularly if you’ve purchased expensive parts. Ask the mechanic about any warranties on parts they ordered for you. See how long that warranty lasts and get a printed copy of that contract to review it.

No matter what a mechanic tells you, be aware that flushing your engine is an exceptional procedure. It is definitely not part of your car’s ordinary, routine maintenance. This is a pretty expensive service and you do not really need it unless you have been doing things that have been particularly bad on your engine, like failing to change your oil regularly.

Problems seem to crop up only when the car is left with a mechanic. This is a common techniques used to give you the impression you got a good bargain as well as excellent service. Look other places to determine if you can save money on the repair.

After fixing the brakes but before you test drive it, bleed the brakes. Then pump out the brake fluid. Examine closely to see if any leaking has occurred. You don’t want to run low on your brake fluid. You are then ready to test drive your car on roads that don’t have a lot of traffic. Start slow to see if your repairs are good, then you can accelerate.

OEM also known as original equipment manufacturer. Remember this when you have need to have parts on your vehicle replaced. Informing your mechanic that you require OEM replacement parts will demonstrate your familiarity with repair services. This could very well prevent someone from outfitting your car with old parts.

Rather than taking your old car to the shop because it has several problems, learn what the warning signals are for areas that can break down. This may help you learn how to fix simple auto repair problems. Remember what you have learned here the next time your car starts having problems.