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August 25th, 2010, 09:55 PM
4 Less Than Common Ways You May be Damaging Your Car
Posted on August 19th, 2010 by Keri DeVrieze
Your Key Chain
Are you a person who keeps a dozen keys on your key ring? When you think about that, it’s a pretty hefty load hanging off the key chain when it’s in your ignition. That weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. If you want to add years of life to your ignition switch, purchase a smaller, lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from your other keys. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. This way, if your ignition key sticks when you try to turn the car on, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. This also allows for replacement before you end up stranded somewhere.
Your Baby Seat
You may not think about it on a regular basis, however all food bits and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain or completely ruin your upholstery. To preserve your interior, place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage then re secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Your Oil
Use the oil grade that’s recommended in your owner’s manual for the temperature range you expect for the upcoming season. Lighter grades (lower viscosity, such as SAE 5W-30), often specified for today’s smaller car engines, will deliver easier starts and better engine protection in winter and improved gas mileage throughout the year, thanks to less internal engine friction. Don’t use heavier oil than suggested in the winter as it can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Your Air Conditioning
To keep your air conditioning system in shape for the next warm season, run it a few times throughout the winter. This helps prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Additionally, circulating the refrigerant will help keep the seals soft and pliant. Think of it as off season maintenance.
Posted on August 19th, 2010 by Keri DeVrieze
Your Key Chain
Are you a person who keeps a dozen keys on your key ring? When you think about that, it’s a pretty hefty load hanging off the key chain when it’s in your ignition. That weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. If you want to add years of life to your ignition switch, purchase a smaller, lightweight key chain that allows you to separate your ignition key from your other keys. Drive with only the ignition key in your ignition. This way, if your ignition key sticks when you try to turn the car on, it’s a warning that your ignition switch is about to fail. This also allows for replacement before you end up stranded somewhere.
Your Baby Seat
You may not think about it on a regular basis, however all food bits and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain or completely ruin your upholstery. To preserve your interior, place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage then re secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Your Oil
Use the oil grade that’s recommended in your owner’s manual for the temperature range you expect for the upcoming season. Lighter grades (lower viscosity, such as SAE 5W-30), often specified for today’s smaller car engines, will deliver easier starts and better engine protection in winter and improved gas mileage throughout the year, thanks to less internal engine friction. Don’t use heavier oil than suggested in the winter as it can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
Your Air Conditioning
To keep your air conditioning system in shape for the next warm season, run it a few times throughout the winter. This helps prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Additionally, circulating the refrigerant will help keep the seals soft and pliant. Think of it as off season maintenance.