BARRIER MOTOR FUELS, INC CAR TIPS

We have collected some useful car tips from various sources, including our dealers, which we hope you can benefit from.

FLUID CHANGES:

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your car, is to keep your fluids changed at the proper intervals. Although many maintenance manuals recommend 7,500 miles between oil changes, it's much better to treat your car as though it were subjected to constant severe driving conditions, and change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles.
TIRE PRESSURE:

Keep your tires rotated and balanced every 6,000 miles and maintain the recommended tire pressure. An under inflated tire will cause abnormal tire wear and loss of fuel economy. Align the front end every 12,000 miles. This will extend the life of your tires and prevent premature replacement of tires.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS:

During the winter months, it's always a good idea to leave the windshield wipers in the off position when you shut off your engine. If the wipers are left in the up position, there's a chance that they might freeze to the windshield and cause the wiper motor to burn out when the car is re-started.

Source: B&L CITGO   Briarcliff, NY
CLEANING YOUR VEHICLE:

TIRE PRESSURE:

Are you inflating your tires based on numbers located on the sidewalls? You'd better think again!

The biggest misconception about tire inflation is the relevance of the number on the sidewall, which reveals the MAXIMUM suggested inflation pressure, not the recommended pressure.

The recommended inflation pressure for a specific car is normally printed on a placard either on the vehicle's door post or in the glove box. This suggested inflation pressure is based on the load-carrying potential of a vehicle and anticipated handling, which are determined by the vehicle manufacturer. Many tires are universal and can be used on many different vehicles, but the recommended tire pressure changes based on the suggestions for each particular car.

For example, an Aquatred II all-season family-car tire is rated for 44 pounds per square inch (psi) maximum inflation pressure. On a 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix SE, the Aquatred II’s recommended pressure is 30 psi; the recommended pressure is 35 psi on a 1995 Plymouth Grand Voyager minivan.

Don't automatically assume that all service stations and quick-service oil-change shops will get it right, especially if they don't specifically work on tires! If you are uncertain what the suggested tire pressure should be on your vehicle, contact the vehicle manufacturer for the specifications.

Source: Goodyear
THE EFFECT OF COLD WEATHER ON YOUR VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:

Problem: Colder temperatures increase demands on the battery and electrical system. The use of headlights, windshield wipers and washers, defrosters and the heater put added strain on the system.

Solution: To help your vehicle's battery stay strong, inspect the cables and posts for good connections and corrosion, and have the cables replaced or cleaned if necessary. If the battery and charging system are not within specifications, have necessary repairs performed immediately. Replace a marginal battery before it fails you.

Problem: Cold weather may decrease the amount of voltage produced by the ignition system while the spark plugs require more voltage to fire. This may mean the engine will not start because of insufficient voltage at the spark plugs.

Solution: Preventive maintenance, including regular tune-ups, can prevent ignition system problems. A tune-up consists of an analysis and replacement of various ignition and fuel components.
PROPER FILLING OF PORTABLE GASOLINE CONTAINERS:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns motorists to place portable gasoline containers on the ground while filling them.

"Take the portable gas container out of your vehicle and set it on the ground while filling it with gas. Static electricity could cause fire to erupt while fueling when it is in your car or pickup bed," NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D., said.

Dr. Martinez told truck owners who had bedliners (a plastic, protective lining) to be especially careful because the bedliners act as an insulator, allowing static electricity to build up on the gasoline container while it is being filled. During fueling, the flow of the gasoline through the pump nozzle can produce static electricity and this can create a spark between the container and nozzle, igniting gasoline vapors and causing a fire or explosion.

According to the NHTSA, there have been 24 fires and 5 injuries associated with static electricity discharge from portable fuel containers.

NHTSA Recommends The Following Safe Procedures For Filling Portable Gasoline Containers:

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
RADIATOR CHECKUP:

Motorists can benefit from a seven-point annual maintenance check. Radiators are an intregal part of the cooling system, designed to protect engines from the destructive effects of too much heat. The test consists of:

  1. A radiator pressure cap test to check for the recommended system pressure level;
  2. A thermostat check for proper opening and closing;
  3. A pressure test to identify any external leaks to the cooling system parts including the radiator, water pump, engine coolant passages, radiator and heater hoses and heater core;
  4. An internal leak test to check for combustion gas leakage into the cooling system;
  5. A visual inspection of all cooling system components, including belts and hoses;
  6. A system power flush and refill with car manufacturer's recommended concentration of coolant;
  7. An engine fan test for proper operation.
Source: National Automotive Radiator Service Association (NARSA)
VISION AND DRIVING SAFETY:

Being safe means more than having good tires, a spare and a flare in the trunk. Highway safety begins with a driver who can see and be seen. Your vision/visibility check list should include:
  1. WIPERS: Wiper blades should be checked periodically. If they're worn or brittle, better late than too late to replace them. Depending upon your climate, the rubber "squeegee" part of your blades may be effective for only six months. Clean them periodically with glass cleaner or windshield wiper solvent to remove accumulated oily road film.


    2. If the wiper arm springs are weak or broken, replace the arm. This ensures the pressure will be evenly distributed along the length of the blade.

    Be sure the windshield washers are working properly, too, and that you keep the reservoir filled with solvent.

  2. SIGNALS:Get in the habit of checking your turn signals, brake lights and emergency flashers. They are essential for communication. When they're not working properly, other drivers can't get your message and the results can be disastrous.


  3. HEADLIGHTS:When the sun goes down, your chance of being involved in a fatal accident may increase by as much as 300%. That's a good reason to check your headlights periodically. Make sure they work on both high and low beam and are properly aimed.

    It's also a good idea to keep your headlights on while driving in the daylight. They help define your car's position on the road, and its distance from other drivers.


  4. REAR WINDOW:If you have luggage, camping gear or other travel items loaded in the rear window, you may be an accident waiting to happen. Although side mirrors help, they are a poor substitute for a clear view out the back window. Likewise, an unobstructed view when backing up is essential.


  5. WINDSHIELD:The combined effect of chipped or cracked glass, bugs and road film obscure vision. Repair a damaged windshield as soon as possible and clean it regularly with windshield wiper solvent and a clean paper towel or cloth.


  6. SUNGLASSES:There are times when the sun visors above your windshield will not be enough to shield your eyes from glare, so have a good pair of sunglasses handy. Beware of substandard eye wear. It can distort your vision and fail to provide necessary ultraviolet protection. Be certain you can see and be seen, reminds the Council.
Source: Car Care Council
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES:

Are you getting as much added benefit as you could from your vehicles anti-lock brake system? Understanding just a few key points about these popular safety features may reduce the injuries that you and your passengers receive during a collision.

A study by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that many drivers don't know how to use the anti-lock braking systems to reduce the frequency or the costs of vehicle collisions resulting in insurance claims.

Before the development of ABS, drivers were taught to 'pump' their brakes, especially on wet, icy or other slippery roads. ABS does the pumping for you. ABS uses electronic controls to maintain wheel rotation under hard braking that would otherwise lock a vehicles wheels. Keeping the wheels rotating increases the vehicle's steering and braking, especially when tire/roadway friction is reduced, such as when the pavement is wet.

"Do not pump the brakes - pumping the brakes discards all the benefits of ABS," says Dr Leonard Evans, principal research scientist at General Motors.

"The way to avoid traffic crashes is to drive carefully and allow generous safety margins, so that you avoid situations requiring hard or emergency braking. However, if you are in a situation calling for emergency braking, and your vehicle has ABS, apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal, and continue to apply it until the emergency is resolved. The ABS system will pump the brakes for you. This reduces the risk of your vehicle skidding out of control, and it increases your ability to steer the vehicle."

Source: I-Car
AIR BAGS:

The lifesaving ability of air bags in a collision has been well documented. What many drivers might not think about is the importance of having the air-bag system serviced by properly trained professionals after it has been deployed.

An air bag cannot be "repacked" after it has deployed. In fact, the air bag and many of the systems parts are not repairable and must be replaced. The parts are designed for each specific vehicle. For the system to function correctly after the vehicle has been involved in a collision, the proper parts much be purchased and installed by a qualified technician.

If you are buying a used vehicle that has an air bag, ask if it has ever been deployed and, if so, where the system was replaced. If the air bag in your own vehicle has deployed, make sure it is replaced by qualified technicians.

Source: I-Car
JUMP STARTING:

QUESTION:  When helping another motorist by offering to jump start their car, should I leave my car running or if I need a jump, should they leave their car running?

ANSWER:  NO, this common mistake can be dangerous to both of your cars. Your good battery should be able to start their car without running your engine. If it does not, call a tow truck, they usually have bigger problems. Damage to the charging system is possible.

IMPORTANT: Always make sure the cables are connected positive to positive (red to red) and negative to negative (black to black). If the engine compartment smells like a rotten egg smell or of sulfur, DO NOT CONNECT THE CABLES; IT MAY EXPLODE THE BATTERY.
STEERING WHEEL SHAKE:

If your steering wheel shakes at higher speeds, most likely your tires are out of balance. You should get them balanced as soon as possible.

Consumer Warning: A common rip-off is the suggestion that the shocks or struts are the blame of this condition. The reverse is actually true; if you have driven a long time with one or more tires out of balance, you may wear out your shocks or struts prematurely.

You can test your own shocks, simply push down each corner of your car a few inches and release. If your car returns quickly to the original position after one or two rebounds, your shocks are probably fine. However, if your car continues to bounce three or more times, you need shocks.
SAFELY STORING YOUR CAR'S BATTERY:

If you need to store your car's battery, it should be stored in an area that has good ventilation, (preferably outside) and is free from an ignition source. Contrary to popular belief, a battery can be stored on a concrete floor and there is no danger of it being damaged or discharged. However, be careful that it is clean before you store it anywhere as the acid is both corrosive and the fumes are explosive.

Note: Any long term storage will discharge the battery.
BREAK-IN PERIOD:

With a new vehicle or rebuilt engine, you should avoid rapid starts or hard stops during the first 500 miles or so. In addition, avoid cruising at a constant speed. Try to vary your speed a few miles per hour.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT:

All automotive liquids can be harmful to our, rivers, lakes,reservoirs and oceans.

If your vehicle is loosing fluids it will eventually get to a water source by traveling through our drains in the street. In order to help protect our natural resources, please follow these procedures:

Learn what ASE certified means.


We thank you, and so do future generations.


Please check back often for additional Car Tips!


We hope that you may benefit from the information presented here in our "Car Tips" section. If you have a related story or idea that you feel would contribute to this section, and which you'd like to share with our visitors, or if you wish to make any comments, please feel free to e-mail us.
Web Design by ComputerTek  Copyright©