Category Archives: Car tips

How To Improve Your Car’s MPG

Lower Your MPG and Save Money Gas is expensive. If you’re like most Americans than you groan every time you go to the gas station. Fuel may not be getting any cheaper but there are some simple steps you can take to improving your MPG.

Slow Down

We all like to get where we’re going as fast as possible, but you could be burning fuel while burning rubber. According to the U.S. Government, you could save between $0.16-$0.33/gallon simply by observing the speed limit. That may not seem like a lot, but in the end it’ll add up! (Plus, less money spent on speeding tickets means more money in your pocket!)

CALM DOWN!

Driving aggressively (rapidly accelerating and braking) is a big waste of gas. Your aggressive driving can lower your gas mileage by as much as 30% on the highway and up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic! Taking your time, and driving defensively rather than aggressively is not only safer for you and your passengers, it’s cheaper!

Replace Your Engine!

If your car is struggling to run, then you’re wasting gas. If purchasing a new car is out of the question, consider rebuilding or replacing your engine. A reputable mechanic, like American Engine Installations can restore your engine and save you from buying a brand new vehicle.

Additional Tips and Tricks

  • Turn your engine off while idling- it only takes 10 seconds worth of gas to start your engine.
  • Keep your tires properly inflated.
  • Load cargo inside of your vehicle instead of on top of it.

Are you looking to rebuild your engine? Check out the experts at American Engine Installations.

3 Common Winter Car Problems

Whether you’re planning a long road trip this Thanksgiving or you’ve decided to stick around at home, it’s important to look out for the many auto issues that occur during the cold months. Be sure to avoid these common winter car problems in order to have a safe holiday season!common winter car problems

Low Tire Pressure

When the temperature dips, tire pressure also tends to go down. On the flipside, when the temperature rises, as does tire pressure. If you’re about to hit the road and you notice a low tire, the best thing you can do is fill it up with air before you begin your trip. This will save you the hassle of finding out you have a flat on the highway later on.

Frozen Engine

Particularly if you plan on venturing out to a cooler area, it’s a good idea to make sure your engine has plenty of antifreeze before you set off. Without this vital fluid, your engine could freeze, resulting in damage and hours added to your travel time. Make sure you use the correct type of antifreeze for your particular car and engine. When in doubt, call a professional.

Dead Car Battery

One of the most common winter car problems is a dead car battery. Although you may expect for your battery to stop working if you leave your headlights on all night, you may not expect it to go out due to cold weather. However, your car demands more energy from your battery in order to run normally when it’s cold. Thus, it’s important to make sure your battery has a good charge before embarking on a long drive this Thanksgiving.

If you need any maintenance or repairs in order to prevent these common winter car problems, don’t hesitate to call us at 404-920-4252! We are the best source in Marietta, GA for high-quality auto services.

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

It may feel like this Georgia summer will last forever, but the fact is cold weather is on its way! Halloween and even Christmas decorations are overflowing in store aisles, which means it’s time to make sure your car is ready for winter before you’re swept up in busy fall and winter activities.

winter

Prepare your car for winter before the holiday season hits!

Why do I need to winterize my car?

At the moment, making sure your car is ready for winter might not be at the top of your list, but it’s important to maintain you car for colder weather. If last year’s ice and snow are any indication of the weather that may come around the Marietta, GA area this winter, you’ll want to take precautions.

What should I do to get my car ready before winter?

  1. Pack an “emergency winter supply” bag. The last thing anyone wants to do is get stuck in an ice or snow storm while traveling. Although it is only September, it’s better to prepare now than to trust yourself to remember during the busy holiday season ahead. Pack a bag or a box with bottled water, snacks and food like peanut butter and crackers, a blanket or sleeping bag, a first-aid kit and road flares. You’ll be glad you prepared before the cold set in if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of getting stranded in your car during a storm.
  2. Make sure your tires have good tread and air pressure. When you’re driving in the cold, the last thing you want is a tire blowout or a flat tire. Maintain and stay aware of the pressure and tread of your tires now and make sure your spare is in good shape to keep from experiencing any trouble on the road once it’s cold.
  3. Get an oil change and make sure antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels are good. You’ll want your car in good working condition if there’s a snowstorm on the horizon in the coming months. The experts at American Engine Installations can help with these services and much more. Call us at 404-920-4252 now to beat the rush on preparing your car for winter!

4 Tips for Car Winterization

Winter Car Prep

snow in atlantaAlthough Atlanta is known for it’s fairly warm climate, winter will still bring it’s fair share of cold days. Before the cold weather arrives, it is a good idea to conduct some simple winter car prep. The fall is the perfect time to implement these steps, before the busy holiday season is upon us. Check out these four easy tips for car winterization.

1: Inspect your tires

car tireAs the temperatures begin to cool, it is a good idea to inspect your tire air pressure. As the weather becomes colder, your air pressure can decrease leading to lowered gas mileage. For every 10° Fahrenheit change in outdoor temperature, your tire pressure will generally change about 2%. The pressure rises in the summer and lowers in the winter.

Not only should you ensure your tires have the proper air pressure, you should also check the tread. When cold weather precipitation falls, it is important that your tread is up to the correct standard.

2: Check your battery

car batteriesYour battery is a critical component of your car. And during a cold snap the last thing you want is a dead battery. Cold weather can be tough on your battery so check to see how old your vehicle’s battery is. Consider purchasing a new battery if you are due for a replacement.

If your battery is still in good condition, ensure all connections are tight. Also rid the battery of any build-up or corrosion. A clean connection will provide optimum performance.

3: Keep it warm

car ventsYour heating system is extremely beneficial in the winter. Not only does it keep you warm, the defroster is also a critical safety component. Make sure your vents are operating properly and your defroster has good air flow.

4: Tune it up

Finally, if it has been a while since your vehicle has had a tune-up, take it in to a trusted mechanic for some TLC. A quick tune-up can save you from a costly and cold breakdown during the upcoming holiday season. Having routine maintenance performed, like replacing old spark plugs will ensure you are ready for the winter ahead.

We hope these four quick tips for car winterization will help you in the months ahead. We wish you safe and warm driving during the holiday season.

Easy (and cheap) Summer Vehicle Maintenance

Simple Summertime Car Care Tips

america-219937_640      We’re well into summer, which means higher temperatures and brutal driving conditions for you vehicle.  What some drivers may ignore is making sure that your vehicle is ready for the heat that summer brings.  Here are some simple tips to keep you in that comfy air-conditioning and not on the side of the road sweating.

  • Make sure to check your refrigerant levels.  A leaky air conditioning system is not only harmful to the environment, but can leave you with a sweaty commute.  Have a certified professional check your refrigerant level and check for any leaks that may have occurred during the winter or spring.
  • Check your engine coolant levels and always be on the lookout for radiator leaks.  Like you, your engine needs fluids to stay cool and function at optimum efficiency.  Check your coolant levels under the hood by looking at the reservoir labeled “engine coolant” in your engine bay.  Coolant comes in various bright colors so if there happens to be a leak, it is easy to spot.
  • Check hoses and belts for any cracks or excess flexing.  Anything made to flex is affected by temperature variations from expanding and constricting.  These temperature changes can lead to a hose not maintaining the proper PSI to serve a function within your engine due to too much flexing under pressure.  Hoses should be flexible but still firm.  Also make sure to inspect your belts for any cracks.  Many of your engine’s critical systems run off of belts and pulleys, so having a belt snap can lead to a big bill.
  • Check tire wear and pressure.  This may seem like an obvious one, however many drivers don’t integrate this into their car maintenance.  Simply maintaining the proper PSI in your tires can help you achieve better gas mileage without spending a dime.  Proper PSI also ensures proper tire wear and maximizing safety.

For more information on how to make sure your car engine are ready for summer and to see what services we provide, stop by Engine Replacement of Atlanta.  We’ll be happy to help!

How to Check your Tire Pressure

It is important to check the tire pressure of your vehicle regularly avoid uneven wear on your tires. The air pressure of your tires should be checked about once a month or if your tire pressure indication light comes on on your car’s dashboard. Damage can result from improperly inflated tires. Excessive wear on the shoulder of the tire is a result of under inflation and excessive wear on the center tread of the tire is a result of over inflation.

Checking you tire pressure is easy, but first you are going to need a pressure gauge. You can buy a pressure gauge at practically any retail store or gas station for only few dollars. Before using the gauge to get a reading, make sure it is working properly to avoid over or under inflating your tires.

Tire PressureYou’ll need to know how much air your tires need before you can check the pressure. This information is easy to find out. Just open your car door on the driver’s side and check the doorjamb for a sticker that displays the correct tire pressure (in PSI) for your front and back tires (the front and back tire pressures may differ depending on your vehicle).

After establishing the correct PSI to look for, it’s time to check your tires. First unscrew the valve caps and then firmly press the nozzle of the gauge against the tire valve under to air is leaking out. After you’ve gotten your reading, inflate the tires as need and then put the valve caps back on.

Don’t Ignore these Six Smells!

If you are in your car and notice a strange smell, it may worth having it looked into. Certain smells can indicate certain problems with your vehicle and it’s best not to ignore them. If you notice any of the following smells coming from your vehicle, bring it by American Engine near Atlanta to have it checked out.

Syrup: Do you smell something sweet while in your car? It could be wishful thinking. OR your cooling systems may be leaking engine coolant!

Rotten eggs: If you suddenly smell rotten eggs, your immediate reaction may be to think, “Is that, me”? But in reality, your catalytic converter may be to blame—not you. It Is very possible that it is not properly converting hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide.

Burning Carpet: Yikes! This smell could be a result of brake trouble. Take action immediately!

Burnt Rubber:  Yuck! Burning rubber is not a pleasant smell and could indicate friction as a loose hose rubs against rotating accessory drive pulleys or a slipped drive belt.

Hot Oil: This smell may be an indication of an oil leak. Turn off your engine and check to see if smoke is coming from the engine or if there is evidence of oil on the pavement.

Gasoline: Uh oh, you might have a gas leak—possibly from a fuel injector or the fuel tank. Given the combustible nature of gas, you definitely should get this checked out.

Don’t hesitate having the source of these smells inspected, you could save yourself trouble in the long run if you act quickly.

 

6 smells you shouldn't ignore

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