Auto Care Guide 2020

FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS

Friday, March 27, 2020

Shopping for a car? Here’s an expert to guide you Buying a vehicle?

Navigating your way through a vehicle purchase is not easy, and when you only do it once every few years you are always left trusting that the person helping you has your best interest in mind. I wanted to give you a few insights that go beyond how to make sure you are getting a good deal.

You can find many resources online for getting a good deal and I will still have some tips for you after I help you navigate the biggest challenge, understanding the legal process.

When you buy from a dealer the dealership has to legally collect taxes and process your title. If you are buying from a dealer and they want to give you the title beware.

They also have Paul Nicholas to supply you with a copy of the Odometer Statement, Bill of Sale, if you finance the vehicle you should receive a retail installment contract. If you live in the metropolitan Atlanta area (13 counties) you should also have an emissions completed.

A buyer’s guide commonly referred to as an AS-IS form is required in all 50 states on used vehi-cles. It tells the consumer if there is any warranty on the vehicle. Most dealers sell vehicles AS-IS which is why it is always a good idea to get a vehicle checked out by a mechanic. Once you sign the documents the vehicle is yours.

Keep in mind that they are looking for everything that the car could possibly need, they don’t want you upset with them when three months later you need brakes. Look for the mechanic to find all issues, but ask them for the safety and major issues. Routine maintenance items would be up to you to plan for, you just don’t want to buy something that will need a major repair just after purchase.

Terms that people misuse are common and there are many, including: Lemon Law: Is only for new cars and has to be something that is unfixable (more than 30 days in the service department) or repeatedly fails (going back to the service department three times for the

same issue).

Right of recension: Does not apply when you by a car at the dealership. You do not have three days to change your mind.

It is important to know dealers have 30 days to pay your TAVT (taxes). Dealers that don’t complete this cannot print you another TOP (Temporary Operating Permit). You can only get one 30-day extension while you try to work things out with the dealer. You can legally ask for your mon-ey back and give the car back to them.

If they are not being cooperative or you want to keep the vehicle, you need to call the Georgia State Board of Registration of Used Motor Vehicle Dealers, make a formal complaint and ask for the surety bond information. You can turn a claim into the bond and get your taxes paid and the title processed.

Now what everyone likes to read.

How to SAVE money!

The best way is to be informed and strategic.

Just asking a salesperson to take $1,000 off the price without having research on how you come up with your valuation does not work well. I have had a customer bring me a PowerPoint presentation explaining his valuation. I was so im-pressed that I lowered the price as much as I could and we made the deal.

Whether from an individual or dealer, do not make a low-ball offer, it starts the conversation off with the wrong attitude. You can save money buying a vehicle from an individual, but you are solely taking on all the risk. Something happens after you drive away you have no one to help.

You might pay a little more from a dealership, but they usually spend money checking the car out and fixing some important items. If something breaks shortly after buying the vehicle, they don’t have to fix it, but many will help in a form of good will.

Check out reviews, don’t get hung up on the good or bad, but it will give you an idea on the deal-ership. If the dealership has a warranty or offers CPO (certified pre-owned) vehicles they typi-cally will spend more money fixing up vehicles. Keep this in mind when you are negotiating as these dealers cannot be the cheapest, but they are the best value.

Paul Nicholas, Dealer Principal, Friendly Auto Gallery

The importance of routine vehicle maintenance Owning a car is a big responsibility. Drivers who plan to keep their vehicles for the long haul must emphasize maintenance if they want to keep adding miles to their odometers. In fact, the automotive information site CarAdvice says that routine maintenance may be the most important thing drivers can do for their vehicles.

A vehicle needs consistent care if it is to run efficiently.

Maintenance also reduces the risk of roadside breakdowns and costly repairs. Here’s a look at some of the benefits of staying on top of maintenance.

• Saves money: Even though maintenance costs money, sticking to a consistent maintenance schedule can save big bucks in the long run. For example, the cost of rotating and aligning tires is considerably less than repairing a car after a major blowout and paying for a tow and tire replacement.

• Improves performance and efficiency: Routine maintenance includes oil changes, filter changes and fluid topoffs. Such tasks keep engines running smoothly. Ignoring this routine maintenance can put engines in jeopardy of breaking down and adversely affect vehicle performance, diminishing fuel economy and leading to a sluggish ride.

• Identifies safety issues: Routine inspections and work performed by reputable service stations help drivers stay abreast of recalls or issues that can affect the safety of the vehicle.

• Maintains a maintenance record: When the time comes to sell the vehicle, having a log of routine maintenance indicates to potential buyers that the vehicle was well cared for.

• Keeps compliance: Vehicles covered under manufacturer’s warranties typically need to be maintained in adherence to factory-recommended maintenance schedules. This ensures that the vehicle is in compliance and will be covered in the event of a warranty claim.

Routine vehicle maintenance is important for a variety of reasons. Drivers can work with a trusted and reliable mechanic to develop a schedule that keeps their cars and trucks on the road.

— Metro content

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Standard vehicle maintenance intervals you may want to follow No two automobiles are the same. So it makes sense that vehicles have different maintenance guidelines. Such guidelines, which include recommendations regarding how frequently oil should be changed and how often tires should be rotated, are typically included in vehicle owner’s manuals. Drivers are urged to familiarize themselves with these guidelines, which can protect vehicles as well as the people inside them.

According to CarGurus, a free internet-based automotive resource, many manufacturers adhere to the 30-60-90 schedule. That schedule recommends everything from inspections to part replacements when vehicles reach 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. These recommendations are meant to serve as guidelines, and drivers should know that certain factors can affect how often routine maintenance should occur and when parts must be replaced.

For example, harsh driving conditions can lead to excessive wear and tear that causes parts to erode long before owner’s manuals suggest they should. As a result, drivers should always speak with their mechanics during service appointments to determine if their vehicles are aging gracefully or if they need a little extra TLC. Drivers should always read their manuals for recommended service intervals. The following are some general maintenance guidelines, courtesy of CarGurus, that drivers can keep in mind as the miles pile up on their vehicles’ odometers.

• Oil and oil filter: Many new cars now run on synthetic oil, which tends to last between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. Older vehicles using traditional oil may need to adhere to the once-standard oil change interval of 3,000 miles. Mechanics will typically replace oil filters with the same frequency as they replace oil.

• Air filter: Air filters generally need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

However, CarGurus notes that drivers who

3 potential indicators of engine trouble Many drivers have found themselves stranded on the side of the road at one point or another. Whether the culprit is engine trouble, a flat tire or another issue, finding oneself stranded on the side of the road in need of assistance is an often helpless feeling that no one wants to experience twice.

Even drivers whose automotive clubs or insurance companies provide roadside assistance services want to avoid using such services. One way to do just that is to learn about potential indicators of engine trouble.

1. Warning lights

park in dusty environments should err on the side of caution and have their air filters replaced every 15,000 miles.

• Fuel filter: Clogged fuel filters can affect engine performance and even prevent engines from running. Fuel filters may need to be changed at 30,000-mile intervals.

• Battery: A typical car battery tends to last around four or five years.

• Brake pads: Worn out brake pads will make a screeching sound. Brake pads should last around 50,000 miles, though they should be inspected at regular intervals regardless of mileage.

• Brake rotors: Brake rotors can be resurfaced or replaced, and this should be done around 60,000 miles. Resurfacing can only be done once and is less expensive than a full replacement.

• Hoses: Hoses crack over time, but generally do not need to be replaced until they reach the 90,000-mile mark. However, hoses should be inspected routinely, as busted hoses can cause very significant damage.

Recommended maintenance intervals are only intended to serve as guidelines. If drivers notice any changes in vehicle performance, they should consult a mechanic immediately, regardless of how many miles are on their cars or trucks.

— Metro content

Vehicle warning lights exist for a reason. According to the automotive retailer Pep Boys, a check engine light typically illuminates when vehicle sensors detect there are issues stemming from a loss of power. This can be dangerous, and its recommended drivers pull over and call for a tow the moment the light comes on. In addition to check engine lights, drivers should heed warning lights referring to oil pressure and oil levels.

2. Poor gas mileage An easy way for drivers to monitor vehicle performance is to keep gas mileage in mind. If a vehicle suddenly feels like it’s not getting as much mileage out of a tank of gas as it used to, this might be indicative of engine troubles. A fuel additive such as a fuel injector cleaner might be helpful because it can clean clogged fuel injectors that can affect performance and lead to poor acceleration.

However, the automotive retailer Advance Auto Parts notes that such products are not a one-size-fits-all cure. If vehicles continue to suffer from reduced gas mileage, drivers should bring them to a mechanic for a thorough examination.

3. Jerking Some signs of engine trouble are not as subtle as reduced gas mileage. Vehicles that begin to jerk while they’re being driven are likely suffering from some form of engine trouble. Jerking might put a scare in drivers, but it’s not necessarily the result of a major problem, even if it is one that should be addressed immediately. A jerking vehicle that stalls puts drivers, their passengers and other motorists at risk of accident, so bring this issue to the attention of your mechanic immediately. Poorly functioning spark plugs may be the culprit behind jerking, and that’s a relatively inexpensive and quick fix. However, other issues can cause jerking as well, so don’t delay in speaking with your mechanic.

Vehicles may indicate engine troubles in various ways.

Drivers should contact their mechanics immediately whenever they suspect engine trouble is affecting their vehicles. — Metro content

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Charge up your car battery knowledge Vehicles consist of many essential components to keep them running efficiently and effectively.

Car and truck owners should have an understanding of how their vehicles function so they can diagnose and address problems as they arise.

Car batteries are an important component of any vehicle. Even though engines are the powerhouse of any car or truck, without a battery, the engine wouldn’t be able to work. According to Firestone Complete Auto Care, car batteries work by providing a jolt of electricity necessary to power all the electrical components of the vehicle. This is achieved through a chemical reaction that changes chemical energy into the electrical energy needed to deliver voltage to the starter. In addition to initially starting the car, the battery also keeps electric current steady to keep the engine running.

The battery also works in conjunction with the alternator to power the electronics in the car, according to the automotive information blog Autosessive.

While the car is running, the alternator reverses the current produced by the battery, recharging it as a result. This happens during long journeys, so people who drive for short bursts of time may find that their batteries will not have a chance to recharge and may not have the longevity desired.

There is quite literally a lot riding on a functioning battery. No one wants to be caught stranded by a dead battery, so drivers may wonder if there are any indicators that may signal the battery needs replacement.

• Slow turnover: If a vehicle does not immediately start or if the cranking is sluggish and takes longer to start, it may mean the battery is starting to fail.

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Learn the function of a car battery and how to keep it operational.

• Frequent, short trips: Drivers who make frequent, short trips may find their car batteries do not have time to fully recharge. This, coupled with overtaxing thanks to a lot of accessory use, may cause the battery and the alternator to have shortened life spans.

• Low battery fluid levels: If the fluid level is below the energy conductor inside, it is often indicative of overcharging and excessive heat.

• Corrosion: Corrosion buildup, dust, dirt, and grime on battery connections may cause performance problems. Inspecting and cleaning the terminals can prolong the battery life.

• Odors and leaks: Battery leaks can produce a sulfur odor similar to the smell of a rotten egg. This can become problematic over time, and leaks may indicate an aging or damaged battery.

• Age: Most batteries have a finite life span. A well-maintained battery can last up to five years.

Neglect can reduce that life expectancy considerably.

• Bloated or cracked battery case: Replace the battery immediately if the case is cracking, as it could be because excessive heat is swelling the battery.

Understanding how car batteries work can help drivers keep their cars running smoothly.

— Metro content

What noisy brakes may be telling you The only noises many drivers ever want to hear coming from their vehicles are the sounds of their favorite songs blasting from their car stereos. But cars sometimes make noises that aren’t nearly as inviting as music.

Noises that seem to pop up when applying the brakes can be especially scary for motorists. No one wants to drive a vehicle with faltering or suspect brakes, so learning to distinguish between the two most common brake noises can be a wise move for drivers.

Grinding brakes

Automotive professionals say that grinding noises indicate a serious problem with the braking system. There are two major causes behind the grinding noise made by brakes. If the grinding sound is audible when pressing on the brake pedal, this likely because the rotor disc is coming into contact with part of the caliper. This typically occurs because the brake pads or rotors are extremely worn down, causing the steel backing of the worn out pad to grind against the rotor. In such instances, professionals recommend replacing the brake pads immediately.

If the grinding noise is audible while the vehicle is in motion, debris might be stuck inside the brakes. Drivers might be able to dislodge this debris by repeatedly moving their cars forward and backward in a safe

place, such as a driveway. If that doesn’t work, have the brakes serviced by a qualified mechanic.

Squealing

Many drivers are familiar with the highpitched squealing sound that comes from their vehicles or those of fellow motorists.

That squeal, while certainly not music to the ears, might be a good thing. That’s because some brake pads are equipped with small steel clips that serve as wear indicators.

When brake pads have worn down, these devices produce a squealing sound to let drivers know it’s time to get new brake pads.

But squealing can be indicative of other things as well. Squealing noises are sometimes heard immediately after brake pads or rotors have been replaced. In such instances, the noise typically subsides within a day or two once the pads have been broken in.

Glazed pads also can create a squealing sound. When calipers stick, the brakes stay partially applied, producing excessive friction or heat. The heat causes the brake pads to glaze.

No one wants to hear noises coming from their brakes. However, such noises are often a car’s way of telling drivers that brakes need to be serviced.

— Metro content

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