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Cars

Good as New: Mechanical Upgrades To Make for Your Old Car

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Cars fall apart as their components wear down over time. Wheels degrade, oil must be replaced, and many other components need repairs for a number of reasons. Here are just a few mechanical upgrades to make your old car feel good as new.

Coilover Springs

What is a coilover spring? A coilover spring coils over your shock absorber, a piece of your car that allows your car to feel far fewer bumps in the road. These springs keep an ideal weight distribution on your car, constantly compressing and extending with each bump of rough terrain so that the drive is smooth and stable. Unfortunately, these pieces degrade over time. A coilover spring upgrade will have your car driving smoothly again. After driving steadily again, you will be thankful you got made this upgrade.

Quality Tires

Tires are one of the first things that need replacing as you drive your car, and they can make the biggest difference in the quality of your car’s driving. If the tires are too small, you will have issues. Similarly, if the tires are too big and overinflated, your drive will be much rougher. Quality tires come in many shapes and sizes; the right choice depends on the specifics of your car’s make and model and how you are driving it.

Fog Lights

This is less of a mechanical upgrade than an aesthetic one, but if you have driven in bad conditions, you understand how lifesaving fog lights can be. Bad weather is not only challenging to drive in, but it reduces visibility, making driving even more dangerous. Fog lights are an excellent upgrade that makes driving safe and easy, and they are helpful for all kinds of weather conditions.

Spark Plugs

This upgrade is not often thought about because many people assume there is only one kind of spark plug. However, different spark plugs can significantly affect your overall fuel economy and help you save gas over time. Higher-quality plugs provide your car’s engine with better combustion, and you will reap the benefits.

These mechanical upgrades to make your old car feel good as new may seem insignificant, but when combined, they can make your car feel like you just drove off the lot. You are rewarding yourself if you put some due time and attention into your car.

3 Tips for Modifying a Classic Muscle Car

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Restoring a classic car is a commitment and beginners can sometimes underestimate the time and money required. Even though it might be a labor of love, you’ll need space, an understanding of the techniques, and the right tools to properly restore the car.

Check out these tips for modifying a classic muscle car.

Time and Money

First, you’ll have to ask yourself if you have enough time and money to tackle this project. A classic car restoration done properly can cost thousands of dollars. One of the worst mistakes you can make with a car restoration is to cut corners. And even if you do have the funds, it’ll be a struggle between work and spending time with the family if you can’t commit completely to the project. But if you’re excited about it and it doesn’t unhinge your budget or family time, it’s a great way to spend a weekend.

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a proper space and equipment to modify any classic car, which means another car might need to live on the driveway for a few months. The usual suspects found in your tool chest will be needed, as well as other items like a floor jack, air compressor, welder, and voltage checker, just to name a few. Some of these tools will need specialist skills so you might need to enlist the help of a mechanic friend or a training course for yourself.

Learning Bodywork

Almost older cars will need their body restored, and the best way to handle it is to dive headfirst into it. Learning how to hammer out dents and build body panels from scratch takes practice. Again, you can enroll in a course to learn how to master the art of body work. Otherwise, you can outsource the vehicle to a body shop, but tackling the bodywork yourself can be satisfying.

Understanding car restoration techniques is one of the most helpful tips for modifying a classic muscle car, because it’ll not only look great, but you will also have accomplished it all by yourself.

Common Power Steering Issues To Have Repaired

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We count on our cars to take us where we need to go every day. It’s frustrating when something goes wrong and suddenly our car isn’t acting as it should. One function that we expect to work properly every day is our power steering. It’s essential to pay attention to the common power steering issues to have repaired before they turn into a bigger problem.

Leaking Fluids

Power steering uses a fluid that moves the pressure in order to make the wheels turn. If you find an unknown fluid leaking from your vehicle, make sure to have it checked. You may hear a grinding noise as one of the first signs there’s a leak.

Power steering hoses wear out after years of use, showing signs of age as they harden and crack. The couplings connecting the hoses also wear out over time. Both issues cause leaking of power steering fluid. If it goes on too long, you’ll find yourself on the road, suddenly unable to steer.

Ball Screws

Ball screws are used in power steering components to convert rotational motion into linear motion (assisting in the motion of the wheels). Ball screws are preferred because of their rotational ability and lack of friction. To keep the steering system working smoothly, ball screws must be well lubricated. Over time, if not well-maintained, a ball screw will need rebuilding or replacing if it has worn out. Once rebuilt, you can use the ball screw again, just as if it were new.

Belt Issues

When the drive belt slips, you can’t turn your car in a different direction. If you’re driving and hear a whining noise as you turn, have the drive belt checked. It drives the pump, and without it, fluid pressure is gone.

Steering Pump

It’s unavoidable—as our cars age, the pumps age as well. Seals and other parts break down over time, leading to fluid pressure loss. As with most common power steering issues to have repaired, you’ll know you possibly have a steering pump problem when you hear odd noises while steering.

It’s best to have a regular, yearly maintenance schedule with a trusted mechanic so you can catch all of these issues early and avoid steering problems while on the road.

Common Reasons Your Engine Is Overheating

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It’s summertime, and with summer comes unbearable heat. This oppressive heat isn’t just suffocating to humans—it can also suffocate cars. The risk of your car overheating is at its highest in summer. But external temperatures aren’t the only factor that contributes to overheating. Here are some common reasons your engine is overheating and some tips on how to detect it early on.

Troublesome Thermostat

The thermostat in your car is, in some ways, like your thermostat at home. At home, your thermostat measures the temperature and uses it to decide whether the AC should run.

Your car’s thermostat, on the other hand, is both a temperature measuring device and a valve that controls the flow of coolant. It measures the temperature and uses it to decide whether the valve should open or stay closed. When the engine starts to overheat, the valve opens and sends coolant into the engine to cool it down.

But if the thermostat is broken, it may not register that the engine is overheating and fail to open the valve. This means coolant can’t pass through and cool the engine down, which results in the engine getting hotter and hotter until it eventually fails.

Not Enough Coolant

Another common reason your engine is overheating is a lack of coolant. Coolant, as the name suggests, plays a huge role in keeping your engine cool. It’s a heat transfer fluid that removes heat from the engine to keep it from overheating. But if there isn’t enough coolant in the coolant reservoir, the chances of your engine overheating skyrocket.

Several factors can cause a lack of coolant. This includes blocked coolant passageways, coolant leaks, incorrectly diluted coolant, and even the wrong type of coolant. If you notice a green, orange, pink, or blue puddle under your car, bring it into a mechanic to have it inspected for leaks. Think you might have another problem with the coolant? Your local mechanic can help with that, too.

Rowdy Radiator

The radiator is an important part of the engine’s cooling system. Once the coolant has carried heat away from the engine block, it moves to the radiator, where it passes through thin metal fins that transfer the heat outside your car. Sometimes, the radiator also includes a small fan that blows on the coolant to reduce its temperature.

If the radiator is broken, it can result in the coolant not cooling down enough. This, in turn, can lead to overheating. Think the radiator is your culprit? Examine the radiator fan for broken blades or an unstable connection. Both problems can prevent the radiator from doing its job.

How Do I Prevent Overheating?

Regular maintenance can help you detect and fix potential problems with the cooling system. But sometimes, the engine overheats without warning. Installing a pyrometer gauge, which allows you to closely monitor the engine’s temperature, can make it easier to identify early signs of overheating on the road.

How Cars Can Connect You With Your Kids

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If you’re looking for a way to better connect with your kids, consider the many ways your car can bring you together. Along with transportation, cars can be excellent opportunities to teach kids lessons they can carry through life, as well as happy memories they can share with their children in turn. Pull the car out of the garage and get ready to have fun and several wonderful family moments. Here’s a variety of ways how cars can connect you with your kids.

Take Them on Trips

For getting out and having one on one time with your progeny, nothing beats a road trip. Not only does the time on the road allow for great conversations, travelling games, and lots of delicious road food meals together, but it’s also truly an experience you can all share and enjoy. Find a central destination like the Grand Canyon or Washington, DC, and plot a trip, looking for sites and sights of interest to everyone. Work together to prepare the car for the trip, pack, and plan the snack options and entertainment for the ride. When the day comes to hit the road, it will truly feel like a family trip.

Wash the Car

Washing the car is one of the few vehicular activities any age can enjoy. Appoint duties according to age group. Little ones will have a blast wetting down and rinsing the car with the garden hose and can even man a sponge while washing the car’s exterior. Tweens can be trusted to wash the exterior and parts of the interior and can be the official vacuum operators for the entire car-washing operation. Teenagers, of course, can learn the importance of detailing and treating specific parts like tires, car seat covers, floor mats, dashboards, and the like with special solutions and tools for getting that deep-down clean. With proper supervision, you can save on a car wash while having a silly and fun time with the children.

Teach Basic Maintenance

Every generation should learn the basics of car maintenance. Little ones will love a look under the hood, where you can point out the different parts of the engine and their functions. Do it when the engine is turned off and cool in case little fingers accidentally touch a hot part. Your teens might be fascinated by the steps to take during minor jobs like changing the oil, removing and replacing filters, filling up the wipe fluid tank, and more. If you have the time, explain the importance of tires and keeping them inflated and show how to change one.

Learning To Drive

Restrict this one to teenagers with driver’s permits! When considering how cars can connect you with your kids, don’t forget this timeless interaction between parent and child. Taking your child on periodic test drives to sharpen their skills, remind them about road safety, and make them feel more confident in their abilities is a rite of passage for you both. Just remember to keep your cool!

5 Ways to Make a Car Last Forever

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When your teen obtains their first car, you’ll want to instill in them the skills they need to keep it running for as long as possible. Some things that are second nature to you haven’t yet become a part of their regular routine. To help you give your teen the most important tips, we’ve made a short guide on how to make your car last forever.

1. Buy Smart

Whether you’re buying new or used, the first step is to make sure the car you invest in is a reliable model. Make sure you’re with your teenager throughout the entire buying process to help them choose a car that will run well. They need a beginner-friendly make and model as they develop their driving skills.

2. Stay on Top of Maintenance

Simple maintenance routines save your teen—and you—a lot of money, so supply your teen with a list of tasks they should stay on top of. This includes regular oil changes, tire maintenance, and visits to the mechanic.

3. Drive Smart

Erratic driving is a surefire way to shorten the lifespan of a vehicle. Your teenager needs to be aware of how important it is to drive defensively and to mind the rules of the road. Additionally, make sure they know to keep an eye out for road conditions. Environmental factors such as potholes can cause significant damage to a car.

4. Use Seat Covers and Floor Mats

Simple interior maintenance can do a lot of good for a car’s lifespan. Seat covers and floor mats are replaceable, and they’ll help prevent the seats or floor of a car from wearing out too quickly.

5. Don’t Weigh the Car Down

If the trunk becomes too weighed down, the tires and rims can begin to wear faster than they would have otherwise. As such, it’s advisable to make sure your teenager never overloads the trunk of their car.

Top 10 Cars for Dads

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Whether you’re a dad who simply needs a car to get from A to B or a petrol-head who loves life in the fast lane, you’ll need a practical, reliable car to drive the kids around. Here’s a guide to ten of the very best cars for dads. There’s something to suit all families – big and small – so take a look at the list to see which one will fit your lifestyle best.

Nissan Pathfinder

The all-new Nissan Pathfinder, due for release in 2013, is the perfect car for a big family. With 7 seats and loads of storage space, you can fit the kids, their friends and everything that comes with them, in this SUV. The Pathfinder will be offered in either front wheel drive or four wheel drive, so it’s great for driving in all environments.

Ford Fiesta

It’s the simple, reliable and practical hatchback with a reputation for being safe and efficient. Spacious but not unnecessarily large, the newest version of the Fiesta has the latest in safety technology, and looks great. The Fiesta is a great choice for a small family looking for a runaround.

Toyota Prius

If you’re an eco-friendly family looking for a car to fit your busy lifestyle, the hybrid Toyota Prius is a great option. Suitable for both inner-city and highway driving, the hybrid switches between electric and gas power sources. You can pick up a second hand Prius for around $25,000, and you’ll save money on fuel in the long run!

Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon

The Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon is the perfect car for a father who needs a multi-functional vehicle for both business and pleasure. Marketed as a ‘quality’ car which your ‘family can rely on’, the all-new Cruze Station Wagon looks great and handles well. Available in different specifications, you can customize your car with Chevrolet’s range of accessories.

BMW X5

If you’ve got a bit of money to play around with, the BMW X5 handles extremely well for a 4×4, and looks just as good as it feels. Versatile and equipped with the latest safety technology, this car will keep you and the kids safe and will make you the envy of all the other dads!

Volvo C30

It’s reliable, stylish and family-friendly. The Volvo C30 isn’t the largest of Volvo’s on the market but it’s perfect for dads with young families. Keep the little ones safe in the C30, as Volvo’s are renowned for their excellent safety ratings and durability.

Toyota Land Cruiser

This 4×4 Toyota is ideal for dads of sports-crazed kids, as you’ll never struggle to fit all their sports equipment in. It doesn’t look as sleek as the BMW X5, but it’s practical, built to last and drives on every terrain.

Dodge Charger

Perfect for a business dad, the Dodge Charger certainly looks the part. It’s powerful so you can put your foot down on the highway, but it’s also family-friendly. Complete with all the most up to date safety features, and perfect for inner-city driving, the dodge makes for a stylish yet practical option.

MINI Cooper Countryman

The MINI isn’t renowned for being a spacious family vehicle, but the MINI Countryman makes for the perfect small but sturdy family car. If you’re a new parent, this MINI is the perfect introduction to 4×4’s. Avoid gas-guzzling SUV’s and opt for a stylish, reliable runaround. The trunk is deceptively spacious, and it scores well on the safety front.

Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

Last but by no means least, this eco-friendly Volkswagen is small for a 4×4. It gives you all the benefits of a four wheel drive, along with the guilt-free feeling which comes with driving a hybrid. Buying a Volkswagen could be the best move for your family, as they’re safe, reliable and have a fantastic family-friendly reputation.