April 30, 2012

Gas Saving Myths

Every culture has its ideological blind spots. In time, these ideas become so profoundly rooted in its psyche that they’re rarely debated and are eventually accepted as factual. Such is the case with a number of questionable and even humorous gas saving myths. So we decided to compile a list of the 10 most commonly held misconceptions:



Myth #1 – Newer Gas Stations Have More Accurate Pumps

Since every state has a Weights and Means department responsible for regulating the proper measurement (fuel volume), vapor recovery and quality of motor vehicle fuels, the age of the pump does not make a difference. Field officers regularly examine fuel dispensers. Once the dispenser passes the inspection and meets all legal requirements, officers place a dated seal on the dispenser. If the dispenser does not pass the test, the department will take enforcement actions to ensure the dispenser is repaired and recalibrated before it can be put back into service.

April 24, 2012

Is your vehicle's coolant system ready for summer?

Whether you call it engine coolant or antifreeze, the fluid in your radiator multi-tasks, circulating throughout your engine block and keeping the works running smooth.

What Is Coolant?

Generally, coolant is a half-and-half mixture of a form of glycol and water. The glycol represents the antifreeze element of the mix, guaranteeing that the fluid doesn't turn into ice under harsh winter conditions. Glycol also prevents the coolant from reaching the engine’s boiling point in high summer heat; it keeps engine temperatures stable under all climate extremes and driving conditions.

Coolant/antifreeze also includes additional additives that prevent rust and corrosion in the radiator, engine and the vehicle's heater.

Like any other engine fluid, the coolant needs to be checked on a regular basis. You're checking for two things: quantity and condition. Since the 1970s, most vehicles have a coolant recovery tank or overflow reservoir, which makes checking the fluid level a lot easier and safer. The configuration of the radiator and tank/reservoir lets hot coolant expand into the tank as the engine temperature rises. When the engine cools down, a slight vacuum forms in the radiator and the fluid is drawn out of the tank/reservoir and back into the radiator. As long as the radiator cap remains sealed, the coolant can expand and contract without losing a drop.

April 11, 2012

Is your vehicle's air conditioning ready for summer?

As we leave winter behind and head into spring now is the time to look at a preparing your vehicle for those long summer road trips. Your vehicle’s Air Conditioning System is a vitally important componant and as part of your HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) it is designed to perform three things:
  1. Remove Heat
  2. Remove Moisture
  3. Filter the Air in the Cabin
Your vehicles air conditioning is essential in helping to keep you alert during long road journeys by providing you with a more cool and comfortable environment to drive in. Having vehicle air conditioning used to be considered a luxury, but now the majority of vehicles have it as standard.