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Eight hot tips for battery care NAPS
Warning lights send messages you can’t ignore Safety on the road is no accident. For example, when a warning light illuminates on a car’s dashboard, it is alerting you to a situation that requires your attention.
(NAPS) While not all warning
If the oil pressure warning light
lights are a sign that disaster is
comes on and stays on, pull off
imminent, no warning indicator
the road at the earliest safe op-
should ever be ignored.
portunity, shut off the engine and call for assistance.
That’s the word from the experts at AAA, who encourage motorists
Engine Temperature Light
to read their owner’s manual and
The engine temperature light is
know what each of the warning
usually a thermometer symbol
lights in their vehicle means.
or the word “TEMP.” It comes on
To help, they offer the following
when the engine temperature is
tips:
unsafe for your vehicle. Unless the engine temperature is quickly
Oil Pressure Light
brought under control, major
The oil pressure light is usually
damage may occur.
an oilcan symbol or the word “OIL.” It comes on when there is a
If there are any signs of a cooling
drop in engine oil pressure. Of all
system leak, pull off the road at
the warning lights, the oil pres-
the earliest safe opportunity, shut
sure light indicates the greatest
off the engine and call for assis-
potential for serious mechanical
tance.
damage.
Be careful when opening the ...continued on pg 6
More automobile batteries fail in the heat than in the extreme cold, and hot-weather conditions can cause more stress on a battery than frigid temperatures. With temperatures at their annual highs, motorists can protect and care for that part of the vehicle a driver depends on most every day. Battery temperatures under the hood of an automobile can reach 175 to 200 degrees in extreme conditions, affecting the corrosion factor within the battery. The extreme heat can make the acid and the fluid inside the battery expand, which can cause it to start leaking, and that leads to battery failure in the long run. It’s important for motorists to take the necessary precaution of getting their vehicle battery checked on a regular basis, especially before taking off on family trips. Here are some with some helpful guidelines to follow when caring for the automobile battery: *Wear protective eyewear, remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect skin from a battery acid explosion. *Inspect the battery case for signs of extreme bulging, cracking or leaking. If signs are present, it’s time to replace the case. *Clean the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass brush. Make sure to brush the corrosion away from the body. *If the battery has removable filler caps, open the caps and check the water level in each cell. *Make sure the plates are at least half covered. This prevents sulfation and reduces the possibility of an internal battery explosion. *If the water level is low, add distilled water (avoid tap water) until the plates are covered. *Avoid overfilling, especially in hot weather, because the heat can cause the solution inside to expand and overflow. *Have the battery and electrical system professionally tested every three to six months, especially before heading out on a trip.
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Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 710 Ave. J, PO BOX 491 Lubbock, TX 79408 806-762-8844 drive.lubbockonline.com
Steve Beasley publisher (806) 766-8610
Cody Hutchison
Drive Coordinator/Designer (806) 766-8687
Randi Mitchell
Advertising Sales Consultant (806) 766-8657
Vol 3 Issue 16
3 Camper Coaches 5 Mears Mazda Volvo 7 Pharr RVs 8 Damron Motorcycle Co.
Cover Design by Cody Hutchison Photography by Misty Setzler Photo taken at Lubbock Water Rampage Vehicle by Mears Mazda Volvo
In This Issue Lights Send Messages You Can’t 3 Warning Ignore 3 Eight Hot Tips For Battery Care Smart Consumer Knows When Premium 6 The Pays
To advertise in Drive Lubbock, call Randi Mitchell at 806.766.8657 Drive Lubbock is published twice monthly and is available free at over 300 locations. For a full list visit drive.lubbockonline.com Follow “drive Lubbock” on Facebook & Twitter for releases, automotive news, an e-edition, and more. Download drive on the A-J iPad app and visit our mobile site at m.drive.lubbockonline.com for thousands of new & used vehicles.
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...continued from pg 3
hood in the pres-
However, if the
ence of steam,
check engine
and never re-
light begins
move the radia-
flashing re-
tor cap when the
peatedly, the
engine is hot.
catalytic converter is over-
Charging System
heating. Should
Light
this occur, drive
The charging
the vehicle to
system light is
a repair shop
usually a battery symbol or the
Responding to your car’s warning lights can help to keep you on the road to safety and savings.
word “ALT” or
immediately for further diagnosis.
“GEN.” It comes
trical loads such as the radio,
comes on when there is a
on when the vehicle electri-
heater or air-conditioning,
problem affecting the ve-
Disregarding a flashing
cal system is no longer be-
then drive the vehicle to a
hicle’s exhaust emissions.
check engine light could
ing supplied power by the
repair facility immediately
If the light comes on and
start a fire, destroy the
alternator.
for further inspection.
stays on, make an appoint-
catalytic converter and
ment with an auto repair
result in necessary repairs
If this light comes on, shut
Check Engine Light
shop to have the problem
that could easily exceed
down all unnecessary elec-
The check engine light
checked in the near future.
$1,000.
The smart consumer knows when premium pays (NAPS)
Consumers are extending the ownership of their vehicles well beyond 100,000 miles by finding ways to improve the quality of their vehicle. Following a good maintenance routine will keep your vehicle on the road longer and out of the shop, avoiding costly repairs. Price is often an indicator of a quality product. Some companies use high-quality synthetic base oils and invest in premium additives in their motor oils. These tips about choosing premium products will let you make informed decisions that will keep your vehicle on the road longer.
Motor oil: Upgrading to a premium synthetic has several advantages. Some high-performance motor oils have been reported to improve gas mileage by 3 percent or more. Over the course of a year, the result can be hundreds of dollars in savings. Additionally, lubrication technology has improved significantly, allowing for longer oil life, resulting in extended oil drains and reducing the effect on the environment. Oil filters: Standard oil
filters use paper media for filtration and deteriorate rapidly after 3,000 miles. High-performance premium oil filters allow for extended oil drain intervals. These filters proprietary long-life, microglass media provides an increased level of protection due to the density of the filtration and can last for 12,000 miles. Gasoline: At the gas pump, you typically have three choices: Regular, Midgrade and Premium. The octane number associated with the fuel
grade reflects a fuel’s resistance to knocking. Engine knock can damage your engine and can be a sign it’s not running as efficiently as it could be. Many vehicles come with a certain octane rating that has been tested for the specific engine. Usually, only high-performance engines require a higher-octane fuel. Using fuel of an octane rating higher than the manufacturer recommends will not increase your car’s performance, lower exhaust emissions or increase your engine
or fuel system life. Wiper blades: There are few things worse than wiper blades that don’t clear the windshield when you need them to. This can cause a hazard when driving in potentially dangerous driving conditions such as rain and snow. Not all wiper blades are the same. Premium wiper blades are sturdier and more durable, whereas low-cost, general-purpose wiper blades perform differently from those designed specifically for rainy or snowy climates.
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