Tips to Keep You on the Road

Basic Car Maintenance Tips to Keep You on the Road

Take care of your car and it will take care of you. Following basic car maintenance tips can help keep you on the road and out of the repair shop.

A little vehicular TLC can even help stretch your fuel dollar and help the environment, too.
Here are some car care guidelines:

Battery
Most car batteries today are maintenance-free, sealed and can last more than three years. The first sign your battery should be replaced is often trouble starting the engine.

Tires
A car tire inflated to 35 pounds per square inch (psi) can lose one psi every month or for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature change, so your car maintenance checklist should include checking tire pressure. Find the recommended level in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. And don’t forget the spare.

Rotate tires every 6,000 miles to prevent uneven wear, replace them when they become worn and have the alignment checked if the car pulls to either side when driving or if you notice uneven tire wear.

Engine oil
Checking and changing oil is critical to keep today’s engines running properly and efficiently. Follow manufacturer guidelines for changing the lubricant – generally, every 3,000 miles or three to six months.

Check the oil level with the engine off and the car parked on a level surface. Open the hood, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth or paper towel, then return it to the oil reservoir. Take it out again and see whether the level is within the acceptable range marked on the dipstick. If you add oil, don’t overfill, which can damage the engine.

Transmission fluid
Checking the automatic transmission fluid is another vital item on the car maintenance checklist. Look for a reservoir marked ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and follow the same steps as monitoring the oil level – only this time, with the engine running. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for change intervals, about every 30,000 miles.

Engine coolant
Replace most engine coolant or antifreeze every 30,000 miles – or every two to three years. Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles. To check coolant level, turn the car off and wait for the engine to cool. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators.

Power steering fluid
Power steering fluid should be changed every three years or 50,000 miles. If you have a power steering fluid reservoir, check the level visually; otherwise, follow the dipstick method. Low power steering fluid may indicate a leak, so have your mechanic take a look.

Brakes and brake fluid
Check to ensure that brake fluid levels are within tolerance. How often you need to replace brake pads or other components depends on how you drive and typical driving conditions. Warning signs of a brake problem include noise, vibration or “grabbing” when you apply the brakes. Working on your brakes is a job probably best left to the professionals.

Air filter
Basic car maintenance suggests changing your air filter each year or every 12,000-15,000 miles. A clean air filter can help your engine “breathe” better and improve gas mileage and reduce harmful emissions.

Fuel filter
Replace it annually to help prevent debris from clogging your car’s fuel line.

Windshield wipers and wiper fluid
Windshield wiper care is one of the most neglected basic car care tips. Replace the blades every six to 12 months or whenever the rubber becomes worn. Check the wiper fluid reservoir every week or so and keep it full.

Headlights and brake lights

With your car turned on and parked, have someone walk around to see that your lights are working – headlights, brake and tail lights, turn signals, etc.

Replacing bulbs in today’s vehicles can be a challenge. Have a mechanic do the job, particularly replacing and aiming headlights. A pro also knows if the problem is a blown fuse, not a burned out bulb.

source:http://www.nationwide.com/rss/car-maintenance-tips.jsp

Why Add Fender Flares on Your Truck

Have you ever thought of adding a set of fender flares to your rig? That is a great idea! You can’t prevent the mud that splashing on your wheels, but you can reduce unwanted dirt by using fender flares.

Fender Flares are originally manufactured to prevent mud from splattering across the side of your vehicle. These are exclusively designed to keep road debris away and to avoid the risk of damaging your wheel wells. Although dirt can be easily washed off by cleaning them, however, the discoloration of your truck’s coat is highly at risk. Fender flares are easily installed to the side panels providing wider tire coverage.

If we are going off-road with your truck, Fender Flares are very effective from protecting your vehicle from tough terrains and other harmful elements along the road. You don’t have to spend almost thousands of dollars to keep your vehicle in good condition. With just a set of fender flares installed, all is well!

There are a lot of advantages of using fender flares to your truck. Since it gives wider tire coverage, the bigger tire, the greater force that will throw off debris on the side of your truck. It also adds styles to your vehicles and gives you an aggressive off-road look.

Two reasons to add set of Fender Flares to your vehicle.

1. Being extended tire coverage for oversized wheel/tire combos. If you have upgraded your vehicle’s stock tire size, Fender Flares are an aesthetic requirement and in some states a legal requirement. They provide a new, tough and powerful look.

2. Even if you want to stick with the stock tire size, a set of Fender flares can noticeably enhance the look of your vehicle.

Two types of Fender Flares:

1. Universal Fender Flares this are off-the-shelf products that can be customized with paint and graphics. These types of Fender flares are available in the auto shops or via online.

2. Custom Fit Fender Flares are specially designed to fit a particular truck, SUV, or van.

You may choose any of these depending on your needs and requirements. But before you add fender flare, you have to determine the size of your vehicle’s wheel wells. Fender flares are easy to install with no drilling requirements and comes with different sizes and colors.

There are lots of fender flares to choose from with different styles that gives your ride different and distinct looks. Choose from; OEM Style, Rivet Style, Cut out Style and Street Style. From different style, you can also choose with the trusted brands such as the Fender Flares, Prestige Fender Flares, Rugged Ridge Fender Flares, EGR Fender Flares and Warn 4x Fender Flares.

Bestops PowerBoards

Find Bestops PowerBoards for Your Vehicle Here!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

You can also visit: Bushwacker Fender Flares

Fender flares with its various brands

Get various brands of economical and universal Fender flares online. All auto parts which include Fender Flares come with an industry foremost variety. Fender flares does not only provide additional style yet also safeguards your automobile.

4 Wheel Online brings you a full line of Fender Flares from manufacturers like Bushwacker, Bestop and Warn for your Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Jeep, Toyota, Nissan or just about any truck! Fender Flares have become a popular way to add style and function to your car, Jeep or SUV. Truck fender flares are also offered in low profile designs to simply accent your truck. Our Fender Flare is no other, the only accessory that can turn heads, drop jaws of anyone who sees it due to its custom fit and formed look into your ride. However if you still want a fender flare with more function than style, we have that too.

We offer Fender Flares, Jeep Fender Flares, and SUV Fender Flares. All of our Fender Flares are priced the Lowest as compared to anywhere else.

All fender flares can be purchased in street fender flare styles all the way to extra large and wide fender flares for that extra tough look.

4WheelOnline is a leading retailer of Bushwacker, Warn, and Bestops products, including fender flares. If you have a Dodge, Chevy, Ford, Jeep, GMC, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda we have a fender flare for you and your truck.

How to Install Bushwacker Cut-Out Fender Flares on a Jeep

Bushwacker cutout fender flares are compatible with most Jeep models. The flares are ideal for Jeep models with off road packages and aggressive tires. The cutout style adds a custom look to the Jeep. You can complete the installation process in less than a day and with basic tools. The modification creates an open space in the wheel well for extra-large tires.

Things you’ll need to prepare before installing the Bushwacker Cut-Out Fender Flares on a Jeep:

* 10 mm socket wrench
* Grease pencil
* Tape measure
* Square
* Reciprocating saw
* Razor blade
* 5/32-inch drill bit
* Torx bit
* Screws

Instructions:

1. Remove the stock fender flare by unscrewing the bolts with a 10 mm socket wrench. The bolts are located on the bottom of the flare and on the inside of the fender. Use your hands to pull the fender flare away from the vehicle.

2. Use a grease pencil to draw a horizontal line from the inside of the fender to the bottom of the headlight. Make a mark on the line at five inches in from the base of the headlight. Use a square to connect the mark on the line to the factory hole in the fender corner. The hole is located above and inside of the mark.

3. Measure 5-and-1/4 inches inside of the base of the door seam and make a mark with the grease pencil. Use a square to draw a line from the mark to the factory hole located on the top corner of the fender. The line will match the line located on the front end of the fender.

4. Use a reciprocating saw to make a cut from the bottom to the top of each line. Cut inward from the exposed edge of the fender to remove the piece of metal on each side of the fender. On the rear side of the fender, use the saw to cut the inner metal using the new edge. The cut must be an exact match of the outer metal.

5. Use a razor blade to trim the splashguard to match the new fender shape. Set the Bushwacker fender flare against the vehicle. Hold the flare in place and use the pencil to mark the locations of the screw holes. The holes are located along the top ridge of the flare. Remove the flare and use a 5/32-inch drill bit to create the holes.

6. Hold the fender flare in place and use a Torx bit on a drill to attach the screws. The screws are inserted through the hole on the flare and into the newly drilled holes on the vehicle body.

Tips & Warnings:

-Make precise measurements before cutting into the vehicle. Take your time with the cuts as they are completed without a guide.

-Do not over tighten the new crews. The screws will strip the metal and create a loose connection.

Read more: How to Install Bushwacker Cut-Out Fender Flares on a Jeep | eHow.co.uk http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_7963609_install-cutout-fender-flares-jeep.html#ixzz1XKsay2Du

For Bestops | Jeep Tops :visit Bestops

Must Have Accessories for your Jeep Tops

Having Jeep tops are almost equivalent to having these qualities while you drive on your Jeep = enjoyment, style, comfort and versatility. While these qualities are traditionally thought to be appropriate, they are actually just some of the many benefits that a Jeep top could provide for you and your vehicle.

Most of the best tops cannot be considered essential without the useful accessories that come with using it. Adding a particular top to your Jeep and managing it, after all, is all about being versatile and improving customization. If you want to go further then try getting nifty Jeep top accessories.

What are the bestsellers?

If you have decided to go a step further in customizing your Jeep’s appearance then, accessorizing your Jeep tops must be one of your top considerations. As a rule, such is not entirely required for your general Jeep setup, but if you seek extra practicality with a certain measure of style, then accessorizing is the best supplement.

Here are some bestselling accessories related to improving the overall impact of your top and make it the bestops ever. Most of these products are already widely available from well-known retailers and manufacturers with reasonable prices.

1. Deck Covers – aside from improving the aerodynamics of your Jeep, these also ensures protection for your cargo. They make a great addition to bikini-style or open-air Jeep tops.

2. Bikini Tops – these provides an open-air feeling to your summertime driving. They are versatile and sleek Jeep soft tops available for different applications in various fabrics and styles.

3. Rear Windscreen or Windjammer – these accessories is similar to the windscreen and protects your Jeep’s cockpit from various natural elements but still allows enough airflow. They can be easily attached.

4. Windows – Jeep soft tops that are replacement-styles has options that can change the rear and side windows. You can replace the worn ones easily, then change its style or add tints.

5. Doors – your Jeep would not be complete without the best set of doors, whether you have soft, hard or other Jeep top styles. There is a wide variety of styles to choose from – tubular for off-road driving, standard half-doors and many more.

6. Trail Cover – does your Jeep top set up has a part left open? You must have a trail cover then, in case you meet with adverse weather conditions while on the road. This accessory comes in a wide range of styles, shapes, fabrics to make sure that it would perfectly fit your particular Jeep model.

7. Soundbar – are you into music while driving? Then, adding a soundbar to the frame of your top would help to coax increased decibels from your mobile stereo! Do not forget to pick out a custom-fit cap in order to keep your mobile electronics component well protected.

8. Cargo Units – devices for trunk storage come in many types. They are usually optimized even without regard to the setup of your top. It is definitely a must-have, a great investment for a Jeep owner.

These Jeep top accessories would definitely enhance your Jeep and make it as versatile and practical as you want it to be.### (Written by Kay Zetkin)

You may also visit: Bushwacker Fender Flares | All about car