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For Big City Cars

Your car battery can go ignored for days until one chilly morning when you try to start your car and it does nothing but ‘click’. Want to make sure that never happens? Here’s how you go about it.

Drive Your Vehicle Regularly. It’s common sense but sometimes people forget that driving a car regularly keeps the battery charged. Even so, people will leave their car stagnant for weeks without any action, especially during their holiday vacation. If you won’t be driving your vehicle for a while, make sure you start it at least once or twice a week and leave the engine running for 20 to 30 minutes to power the battery. Otherwise, if you’re traveling and there is nobody around to help you out, you can disconnect the battery before you leave.

Don’t Leave Car Electrical Components on Without the Engine Running. If the engine is not running, don’t leave electrical accessories like the lights or the radio turned on for a long period. Doing so will only suck the battery charge and probably leave you stranded. Another thing: don’t leave the car key in the ignition or else you will kill your battery in a few hours.  

Keep the Battery Case Clean. It’s a fact, excess dirt and moisture can spoil your battery to the extent of disrupting the charge. In fact, it can even cause corrosion or acid to leak on the battery terminals. It should only take you about 30 minutes to clean the battery with water and apply grease to keep off the dirt and dampness.  

Properly Secure the Battery in the Engine Bay. The car battery is a very fragile part of the engine; if you don’t secure it, the engine vibration can disorient the battery plates. Moreover, the vibrations can also damage the terminals prompting the car to stop. All that trouble can be avoided just by locking the battery in the engine bay.  

Don’t Jump-Start A Flat Battery. Admittedly, most drivers break this rule. Now it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t seek help from a friend when your battery is dead but sometimes a flat battery can get overwhelmed with excessive current enough to spoil the electronics. If you must do it, leave your headlights on to absorb any excess electrical current. Most importantly, read the user’s manual to know how it should be done on your car.  

Park Inside A Garage in Winter. Do you know that car batteries discharge faster during winter? It’s even worse when there is water that freezes when you leave your car exposed in extremely cold weather. The most effective method of protecting your car battery during winter is to park it inside an insulated garage.   

Cut Down on Short Trips. Okay, you know that driving your vehicle regularly helps to charge your battery, but you would be doing yourself a disservice if you take short trips. If you really want to make it worth it, go out on a long trip, especially after jump starting and resurrecting your dead battery.  

Change the Battery Every 3 or 4 Years. Naturally, all car batteries dwindle with time and eventually die (just like the batteries in your TV remote control). Most car batteries should be scheduled for a replacement after 3 to 4 years of service. However, the average battery lifespan is dictated by the weather, driving habits and charge capacity.  

Windshield wipers are vital necessities that help keep you safe on the road. When neglected, dull wiper blades can cause problems during a sudden downpour (or snowstorm), which is why keeping them properly maintained is so important. Here are a few windshield wiper care tips to help ensure your wipers are always ready to go. 

Defrost and Scrape Before Using the Wipers. Windshield wipers tend to stick when there’s been heavy snow or ice, causing them to snap if you turn them on before defrosting the windshield. In freezing temperatures, run the defroster first and scrape away any snow or ice, if necessary. It’s helpful if you warm up the car ahead of time with the defroster on high, especially if you have an early morning commute. 

Reposition the Blades During the Winter Months. Dealing with frozen windshield wipers is the last thing you want to be doing before work on a cold winter morning. To prevent this problem, pull the wiper blades away from the windshield the night before a freeze. This keeps the rubber squeegee part of the blades from freezing to the glass, and it makes it easier to scrape away any ice and snow. 

Replace the Blades at Least Twice a Year. Wiper blades are only designed to last about six months. After that, you’ll start to notice a decline in your driving visibility. To help combat this problem, buy replacements every six months and change them on time. You’ll also need to keep an eye on the blades for signs of early wear, such as smearing, skipping, or squeaking across the glass. Replacing wiper blades is really easy after a little bit of practice.   

Keep the Windshield Clean. Your car’s wiper blades are going to wear more quickly if they’re wiping across filthy glass. To help prolong their longevity, clean your windshield every time you stop to fill up at a gas station. Most stations provide a squeegee specifically for this use, so take advantage of it! Just be sure to inspect the sponge before use and wipe it with a paper towel when needed, as communal squeegees can harbor small rocks and other debris that can scratch your windshield. 

Never Run the Wipers on a Dry Windshield. Windshield wipers are designed to be used when the windshield is wet. Operating them on a dry surface can cause the wipers to wear out much more quickly than they would normally, which only causes extras headaches. When you do need to clean a dry windshield, such as when there’s pollen buildup on the glass, press the washer button first. This will require you to keep your car topped up on windshield washer fluid, which is another thing to remember as part of your wipers’ routine maintenance. 

Taking care of your car requires paying attention to the little things. When it comes to your windshield wipers, getting into a routine and being vigilant can ensure they’re always ready to go when you need them. 

 

• Turn Off Recirculate Air. When your windows are foggy, you need to get fresh air to quickly take care of the issue. Known as “Fresh Air Mode”, this button located on your dashboard is one of the easiest and quickest ways to defog your windshield in cold temperatures. The button has a car with an arrow that points into the car. Once turned on, this feature pulls in fresh air from outside but does not lower the temperature inside the car. Rather, the temperature is gradually balanced and the fog across your windshield will disappear. You will have to make sure that the “Recirculation Mode” is turned off which is the button with a car and a circular arrow inside it. This function recirculates the air inside the vehicle by closing the air ducts in front. 
• Decreasing the Temperature Inside the Car. This might not be the best option, especially for those who try and stay away from the cold. But, if your windows are fogged up, you can simply lower the temperature inside the car to match the temperature outside. You can do this by either decreasing the air-condition temperature or by increasing the fan speed to lower the temperature inside. Once the temperature is reduced, the fogged-up glass windows and windshield should clear out. However, you will need to carry an extra layer of clothing to keep yourself warm

If you want to assist the above-mentioned methods and help prevent fogging up in the future, one of the best things you can use is a dehumidifier bag (or a couple of them) and place it on your dashboard near the windshield. These bags are filled with silica balls that absorb moisture from the air. If you can’t find a dehumidifier bag, you can put a handful of silica balls in a sock and place it in your car. 

How to Defrost Your Windshield Fast 

Obviously, one of the best ways to defrost your windshield is to turn on the defrost setting on high heat in your vehicle. But what else can you do to quickly defrost your windshields?   

We have one last tip for defrosting your windows. This one takes a bit of pre-planning; but it is well worth it! All you do is take a simple mixture of 2/3 cup Isopropyl or Rubbing alcohol mixed with 1/3 cup cold water (DO NOT USE HOT WATER). Simply pour this mixture into a spray bottle and mist your windshield & windows with it & watch the frost clear up! And here is the best part. You can use this method ANYWHERE because the solution will not freeze (rubbing alcohol has a freezing point of -128 degrees Fahrenheit). This mixture can easily be stored in your car, allowing you to spray away windshield ice anyplace, anytime of day! 

And here’s the problem, you may only discover a dead battery the very moment when you want to get going. Let’s talk about what you can do to avoid a dead battery this winter.

GET YOUR BATTERY CHECKED. It’s simple and easy — and usually free at repair shops & service centers. The service technician will test your battery and let you know if your battery is good, needs to be replaced immediately, or let you know a time frame for replacing your battery. Knowing this information will help you decide when and where to replace your battery versus finding out the hard way (with your vehicle not starting).

DRIVING. Driving every day keeps the cold at bay. Your engine warms the battery when you drive (as long as you’re doing daily drives that are not short drives, like a mile or two and then you stop). A minimum of a ten to 20-minute drive will keep the acid moving and you will get a charge going into your battery. Here’s a rule of thumb: Drive the length of your commute every day, even if you’re on a holiday break. And the moment your start-up seems to slow down, get to a repair shop. That’s an early sign your battery is going to die...and driving won’t help bring a dead battery back to life.

PARK YOUR CAR INSIDE, IF POSSIBLE. Ambient temperatures can kill your battery if they drop too low. Instead, park in these places: in your garage, in parking garages with a lot of come-and-go traffic, near heated equipment, close to warm buildings, in spaces with lots of direct sunlight - which will warm the body of the car, or anywhere that can be warmer than a shaded area.

WRAP YOUR CAR BATTERY IN A THERMAL BLANKET. Battery warmers, insulators, electric battery blankets, thermal wrap — they go by many names, but they’re all a corrosion-resistant heat blanket for your battery. They’re available online or in stores. In a pinch, you can throw a dry, thick bath towel on the battery after you’ve driven enough to warm the engine. As soon as you park, pack the towel onto the battery — and the extra coating will retain the engine heat. Just be sure to remove the towel before you start the engine again!

IF YOU HAVE A FROZEN BATTERY, HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD DO. What if the worst happens? Batteries aren’t as easy to freeze as ice cubes in a tray, but it’s still possible. What happens then? And what should you do about it?  First, remember that water expands as it freezes. There’s only so much space inside the plastic battery case. As water expands into ice, it’ll warp the lead plates and crack open the case. Even when the battery and its inner liquids thaw out, the battery has probably already formed into a short circuit. After all, it’s frozen solid, and the negative and positive plates have most likely joined. In that instance, you need to replace your battery immediately!  At the end of the day, don’t try to crank or jump-start your battery if it shows bulges, cracks, icicles, or frost on the terminals or plastic case.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that your battery is winter-ready!

 

Here are some essential fall vehicle maintenance tips to make sure your vehicle is ready for the rest of fall and the approaching winter weather.

Right now, it is also a good time to get your vehicle accessorized for the approaching winter with new floor mats and seat covers. You should also keep an emergency kit in your vehicle just in case it breaks down and include such items as a warm blanket, an extra coat, scarf, hat, gloves, emergency road flares, and a flashlight (just to name a few items).

We hope that you find these tips useful. And as always … safe journeys on your trips around town. Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget.

 

Clean Them Regularly. It’s quite common for dirt and dust to pile up on your headlights and negatively affecting the visibility. Unlike dirt on the windshield, which is immediately noticed, most folks can drive for miles with no idea the low illumination is due to building up dirt. In fact, you should clean your headlights with a damp microfiber towel every week.

Address Clouding & Yellowing. One sure way potential buyers judge a used car to determine if the price is worth it is by looking at the headlights. If the headlights are cloudy or yellowed, people assume your vehicle is as old as the dinosaurs and throw it in the ‘meh’ category. But you can restore those headlights to default settings using headlight restoration systems. If it doesn’t work out, there is always the option of replacing it.

Check Illumination. Occasionally, one headlight can dim or it completely malfunctions leaving its twin sibling working just fine. The result is a reduced illumination that interferes with visibility. Sure, some people would notice it immediately but it’s possible not to tell when you’re behind the wheel. In case you’ve noticed something is a bit off, park your car, get out and check the illumination. Alternatively, you can park in front of an obstacle and switch both headlights on and off to evaluate the status.

Check Alignment. It’s not just tires that can get misaligned but headlights too. Quite often, misaligned headlights are triggered by accidents or driving through rough terrains over a long period. Again, you would have to park the car in front of an obstacle like a wall or a garage door to confirm if the headlights are aligned. If you observe any issue (even a slight misalignment), consult a mechanic.

Replace Bulbs in Pairs. When you’re seeking to replace one faulty headlight, it is better to buy both bulbs in pairs. Why? It’s common for a new headlight to be brighter than an older headlight. However, if you buy both bulbs in pairs, the brightness intensity will be the same. Not to mention, the remaining light bulbs could be on their deathbed even if they’re working just fine.

We hope that you find these tips useful. And as always … safe journeys on your trips around town. Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget. 

Engine Oil. After fuel, oil is your car's most important fluid. Engines components spin thousands of times a minute, and it is oil that keeps everything moving smoothly. Most cars have a dipstick in the engine bay which lets you quickly inspect the oil. It's best to check your oil after your engine has been turned off for at least 10 minutes so the oil can settle at the bottom and cool off. First, pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a towel or rag. Then, reinsert it and pull it back out. The dipstick is marked with maximum and minimum indicators that show how much oil is in your engine. The oil on the dipstick should be near maximum. If it's at or below the minimum, add more immediately. A low reading could indicate your engine is leaking or burning oil, which can cause damage if left untreated.

Oil level is one thing, but its condition is equally important. To check it, you're going to have to get your hands dirty. Smear the oil on the dipstick between your fingers. It should feel slick and smooth – if you notice any particles or grittiness, components are likely wearing down, which is a major issue. Also look at the color of the oil. If it's a yellow or amber color, you're good to go. If it's a darker coffee color or black, it's time for an oil change.

Coolant. With all the combustion & friction that happens in an engine, it produces a lot of heat. Coolant (also known as antifreeze) works to keep everything, well, cool, by absorbing engine heat and dissipating it through the radiator. Maintaining the correct coolant level prevents your vehicle from overheating. You only have to check this fluid every 50,000 miles or so, but if there's a leak or other issue it's important to know how to top it off. Warning: Never check your coolant while the engine is hot. Pressurized coolant can spray and cause burns.

The process to check coolant varies from car to car. If your car has a coolant expansion tank, look to see if the coolant falls between the minimum and maximum indicators on the tank. If it doesn't, open the radiator cap to see if the coolant is filled up to the top. Before you add coolant, make sure it's a type approved for your vehicle and give the radiator a few minutes to "burp" out any trapped air bubbles before you put the cap back on.

Power Steering Fluid. Like with other fluids, look for either a dipstick or reservoir in the engine bay. The process is similar in that you'll remove the dipstick or check the markings on the reservoir. If the fluid is low just top it off, but it's essential to use the type specified for your vehicle to avoid damage. If you find that you're frequently adding fluid, it's likely there is a leak, and your car will become increasingly difficult to steer if it isn't addressed.

Brake Fluid. The importance of your car's brakes needs no explanation. Most cars have a brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay, and checking it is as simple as looking at its level and color. Like with other fluids, make sure the level falls between the minimum and maximum indicators. Add more if it's below the minimum, but make sure it's a type compatible with your car. Brake fluid comes in several varieties with their own distinct colors, but all should be translucent, not cloudy or dark. If you can’t see through your brake fluid, it’s time to have it replaced.

Transmission Fluid. Transmission fluid serves a similar purpose as oil in the engine, it lubricates and cools the components inside your transmission. If you experience any transmission issues, check the fluid first. Some cars have a dipstick, however others require a professional mechanic to inspect the fluid condition. If your car has a dipstick, the process is the same as above, though you'll need to have the engine turned on and the transmission in Park or Neutral to get an accurate read. Inspect the fluid level, as well as its condition. It should be amber or red in color and feel smooth. Like with other fluids, if it's dark, cloudy, or gritty, it means there is a problem that needs to be inspected.

To add transmission fluid, pour it into the fill tube if your vehicle has one. After verifying the fluid level on the dipstick, move the gear selector through the gears with your foot on the brake to help the new fluid flow through the transmission.

Windshield Washer Fluid. Windshield washer fluid doesn't have any effect on your car's performance, but it's still vital to safe driving. After all, if you can't see where you're going, you won't get very far. Fortunately, it's the easiest fluid to maintain. You can buy jugs of it at gas stations or auto supply stores. Simply pour the fluid into the reservoir until it's full, close the cap, and be on your way.

Fuel is what your car uses the most, but don't neglect the other fluids. Make a schedule so you don't miss oil changes, and always watch out for unusual noises, odors, or vibrations. These fluids might not stop you like an empty tank of gas, but they're equally important in keeping your car in great working order.

We hope that you find these tips useful. And as always … safe journeys on your trips around town. Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget.

 

We’ve all been there: You’re driving along the freeway, enjoying the views, and suddenly, you hear a beep—you look down, and a symbol appears on your dashboard. You start to wonder what could be wrong. Some symbols on your car’s dashboard are more obvious than others. However, it’s important to know exactly what they mean in case you need to pull over and call for help.

Keep in mind that every car is different, so the symbols on your dashboard may vary slightly from the 15 we’ve mentioned. If in doubt, consult your vehicles owner's manual! Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget. 

Longevity: You’ve probably seen a car that is older than, well, dirt. But surprisingly, it doesn’t look like it. I’ve seen vehicles with over 400,000 miles on them that run & look great! In fact, a well-maintained old car can outlive a newer car that’s been neglected without proper care. Quite often, it’s the little things like regularly checking your tire pressure, brakes, fluid level, battery and lights that make the big difference in the long run.

Boost Your Safety: Did you know that some road accidents are directly caused by poor car maintenance? For instance, you can forget to service your brake system and when you need to slow down, it malfunctions causing an accident. Another scenario would be a worn-out tire that was supposed to be changed that bursts when you’re driving at high speed. You get the picture, right? Anyway, maintaining your car can improve your safety and potentially save your life.

Enhances Reliability & Performance: If you drive a car for long enough without maintenance, you start to notice a decline in the performance. It could be that it doesn’t accelerate fast like it did when it was fresh out of the dealership. Maybe the fuel economy worsened, or it coughs when you start it. This happens because it is normal for car components to wear out if they aren’t serviced or replaced on a regular basis.

Increases the Resale Value of Your Vehicle: Ever wondered why some classic cars are auctioned at a higher resale value decades later after they were purchased? This is usually quite common among rare limited car models that are out of the market, but the owners kept them in mint condition. However, even if your vehicle is not one of those scarce types, ensuring that it is well-maintained will increase its resale value when you go to trade it in at a dealership or sell to a private buyer.

Saves You Expensive Repair Costs: Prevention is better than cure! Regular maintenance of your vehicle ensures that little issues are caught before they become BIG issues. It’s like going to the doctor for an annual exam. You can take care of your body...take care of your vehicle in the same way.

Minimizes Roadside Emergencies: It can be annoying when your car engine won’t start on a cold winter morning or it suddenly breaks down on the roadside due to overheating problems. It’s even more frustrating when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with no strong network signal and you have no choice but to abandon your vehicle to go seek help. You can minimize the risk of roadside emergencies if you take good care of your vehicle.

We hope that you found these auto tips useful...and that if your vehicle to the “doctor” lately, we hope that you schedule an appointment soon! Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget. 

The interior of your car is one of those first impression details that are left lingering on most people’s mind. Obviously, if your car interior is filthy, it will depreciate your car’s value when you go to trade it in. But besides that, who wants to sit in a filthy car all the time? Not me...that’s for sure! And probably not your spouse or significant other either. Sure, little children or pets can make it hard to keep up with the interior cleaning of your vehicle. But with a few simple tricks and a bit of work you can have your car’s interior looking great in no time!

Clean Your Seats Regularly. You see, if you don’t clean your car seats regularly, the dirt will accumulate and the next thing you know, your car interior turns into a pigsty. For what it’s worth, you should clean your car interior at least once a month to avoid the dirt build up. If you’re too busy to do it, you can bribe your kids (or the neighbor’s kids) to do it.  

Apply Protective Creams. Just because your car windows are tinted, it doesn’t mean the vinyl or plastic-coated interior parts can’t become brittle, dry, or vulnerable to cracks due to sun exposure. You do open your windows, don’t you? Even if you rarely open the windows, those parts can just wither due to old age. Anyway, you can apply a protective cream to safeguard those parts. Note: Don’t apply the protective cream on the steering wheel and pedals since they would become slippery and be a hazard while driving.

Use a Vacuum Cleaner. You vacuum your house every week. Doesn’t it make sense that you should vacuum your car on a regular basis as well? Also, it doesn’t make practical sense to clean those far-reachable parts under your seats or carpet with your hands. If you do so, you will only end up wasting your time. By using a vacuum cleaner, you can suck up the grains, sand, or stones that you probably won’t even notice with your eyes. The best part? There are small handheld car vacuum cleaners that run on batteries. Are they worth the investment? You bet!    

Remove any Stains Immediately. Stains can be a pain in the ‘you know what’; the faster you do it, the easier it will be for you. Leather seats are the easiest to remove stains from; but, if you want to remove the stains on cloth-lined interiors or carpets, you must sweat it and put in a little of elbow grease. For instance, to remove coffee stains, you must dilute the stain with cold water and soak it with glass cleaner. On the other hand, you can remove grease stains using paint thinner, salt, and a vacuum cleaner.  

Headliners and Visors. The headliner is that protective cover on the ceiling of your car. The visor is what you use to block distracting sun rays when driving. Both the headliners and visors are prone to wear and tear if left neglected (and most people neglect these 2 parts of their vehicle). Make sure you keep a close eye on both parts to foresee and fix any small rips or other issues that may turn into a bigger problem.  

Keep a Trash Bin in Your Vehicle. A car trash bin is not much of a necessity, but it can help to keep your car interior cleaner than a whistle. Where else are you going to throw those candy wrappers, used tissues, and empty pop cans? Remember, you can get fined for throwing trash out of your window.  

We hope that you find these interior car cleaning tips useful! As always … safe journeys on your trips around town or that family vacation that you may be planning.    

Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget.