Touch-up paint won’t adhere well to rust. So be sure to keep some matching touch-up paint on hand so you can touch up any minor nicks, often found around door edges, before rust has a chance to form.
Protect car paint from the sun
Paint does more than make your vehicle look great. It’s also the first line of defense against rusted body panels. Of course, the best way to protect the paint is to park the car in a garage. If that is not possible, park in the shade or purchase a car cover. The sun’s ultraviolet rays break down paint and cause it to fade. Some car covers protect your car from more than sun, moisture, bird droppings, and dust — they also have a thin layer of cushioning that will guard against light impact, such as from a tipped bicycle or small falling tree branch.
Paint does more than make your vehicle look great. It’s also the first line of defense against rusted body panels. Of course, the best way to protect the paint is to park the car in a garage. If that is not possible, park in the shade or purchase a car cover. The sun’s ultraviolet rays break down paint and cause it to fade. Some car covers protect your car from more than sun, moisture, bird droppings, and dust — they also have a thin layer of cushioning that will guard against light impact, such as from a tipped bicycle or small falling tree branch.
Place a towel under baby seats
All manner of food bits and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain the upholstery. Place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage, and re-secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions.
All manner of food bits and liquids can accumulate under a baby seat, where they can permanently stain the upholstery. Place a sheet of heavy plastic and an absorbent towel under the seat to prevent damage, and re-secure the seat according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Keep leather from drying out and cracking
Leather cars seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to clean in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple.
Leather cars seats are durable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. After a few years, however, the seats can become soiled. Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and stains.Then apply a leather protectant formulated for pigmented or top-coated grain leather (the leather used for most leather car upholstery). Protectants will resist stains and make the upholstery easier to clean in the future. Choose a protectant that includes conditioners to keep your leather supple.
Fix bad weatherstripping immediately
If your weatherstripping is letting rainwater leak into the interior of your car, take a look at it and decide if you can repair it or if it needs to be replaced. Small leaks can be handled with brush-on seam sealers. Re-secure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim adhesive. Torn sections may be repaired with special caulking available at auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn-but-intact sections by inserting foam rods, available at automotive stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstripping. If you decide to replace entire sections of gasket, don’t simply buy generic stuff such as you’d use around the house. Buy a product that matches your car’s original weatherstripping — it’s available in a wide variety of profiles from dealerships and automotive mail-order catalogs.
If your weatherstripping is letting rainwater leak into the interior of your car, take a look at it and decide if you can repair it or if it needs to be replaced. Small leaks can be handled with brush-on seam sealers. Re-secure loose sections, not otherwise damaged, with trim adhesive. Torn sections may be repaired with special caulking available at auto parts stores. You may also be able to extend the life of worn-but-intact sections by inserting foam rods, available at automotive stores, into the hollow section of the weatherstripping. If you decide to replace entire sections of gasket, don’t simply buy generic stuff such as you’d use around the house. Buy a product that matches your car’s original weatherstripping — it’s available in a wide variety of profiles from dealerships and automotive mail-order catalogs.
Preserve door and window seals
Wipe a rubber protectant (such as Armor-All) or silicone on door and window weatherstripping to keep it in good condition. Don’t use an oil based product, such as WD-40, because the oil will damage the rubber. Regular cleaning and treatment of your car’s weatherstripping will also lessen the likelihood of your door sticking to its rubber seal in cold weather, a common cause of damage to the rubber.
Wipe a rubber protectant (such as Armor-All) or silicone on door and window weatherstripping to keep it in good condition. Don’t use an oil based product, such as WD-40, because the oil will damage the rubber. Regular cleaning and treatment of your car’s weatherstripping will also lessen the likelihood of your door sticking to its rubber seal in cold weather, a common cause of damage to the rubber.
Don’t fill up if you see the tanker
If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.
If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.
Buy gas at reputable service stations
Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it.
Ask whether the gas you buy is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the pump filters regularly. If you get a song and dance, find another gas station. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix alcohol and fuel properly — or worse, water down their product. Find a station you trust and stick to it.
Drive with care everyday
Being car considerate shouldn’t stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair.
Being car considerate shouldn’t stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair.
- Do not race your car’s engine during start-up.This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside.
- Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive.The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation.
- Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a smart idea.The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.
- Put less strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it’s stopped.
- Avoid driving at high speeds and accelerating quickly, especially when it’s very hot or very cold outside. Such driving behavior will result in more frequent repairs.
- Extend the life of your tires with careful driving. Observe posted speed limits. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns. Avoid potholes and objects on the road. Don’t run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking. And, of course, don’t burn rubber.
- When turning your steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds. Doing so can damage the power-steering pump.
- Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear — as well as the pollution your car generates — takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer.
Be patient during the break-in period
You’ve bought your dream car and now you want to make it last at long as possible in top condition. Here are some things to remember as you pull it out of the dealer’s lot:
- During the break-in period, typically the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), keep your speed under 55 mph (88 kpm) or to the speed recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
- Avoid heavy loads on the drive train, such as towing trailers, and loading the roof rack or trunk with heavy construction materials.
- Do not allow your new car to idle for long periods — this is good advice for the life of your car, but especially during breakin. The oil pressure generated by doing so may not be sending oil to every part of your engine.
- Use only light to medium acceleration, keeping the engine rpms below 3,000 for the first few hours of driving.
Manufacturers recommend replacing your blades every three months. Keep a spare set in your trunk. A product such as Rain Clear can also help minimize the work of your wipers; spray it onto the glass every few weeks. In some light rains, it makes the wipers almost unnecessary.
(Source: menshealth.com)
Elite Auto loan
How It Works
Elite Auto Loan is committed to finding you the loan solution you need. Regardless of poor credit or bad credit, we will put you behind the wheel of your new vehicle. Using the free online loan application, contact Elite Auto Loan with your information. When your application is received, we contact our network of top lenders. Using the information you provide, we find you the personalized financing that’s best for you. Then you’ll receive immediate access to endless options, flexible terms, and the best rates available! The application is free and easy, so get on your way to a new vehicle TODAY!About our loan website, eliteautoloan.com. Come check it out!
Life doesn’t stop in bad financial times. Elite Auto Loans understands that car buying is necessary— in every economy! We work with a network of top lenders to find you the best rates for your auto loan regardless of recent bankruptcy, poor credit, bad credit or no credit. Elite Auto Loan is partnered with lenders specializing in all kinds of credit profiles to get you behind the wheel faster. No matter what your specific situation, we’ll find the right financing solution for you. Apply online today to take advantage of the best interest rates the industry has to offer!Financing
At M & L Imports, we strive to assist you with every step of your vehicle purchase. We will do everything we’re able to get you into your vehicle. Great credit, bad credit or no credit, our finance department will go the distance in helping you take home your pre-owned car or truck. To the right you’ll find our secure credit application, which you can use to get the process started. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call our knowledgeable and dedicated finance staff at 630.379.0061
There are a number of fluids that are needed to be
maintained to their recommended level in order to keep the car’s
performance up to the mark that comprises of Brake fluid, battery fluid,
transmission fluid and coolant fluid. The level of all of these fluids
should be checked and maintained on a fortnight basis.
(Source: carmaintenanceguide.typepad.com)
(Source: carmaintenanceguide.typepad.com)
The car engine oil remains responsible for the
lubrication of engine components that reduces the friction among them
and keeps the engine from overheating. But the engine oil tends to loose
its lubrication power due the heat and mixing of metal particles over a
period of time, thus, it is very important for the performance and
longevity of the engine to change the oil strictly as per schedule.
(Source: carmaintenanceguide.typepad.com)
(Source: carmaintenanceguide.typepad.com)
Every carmaker offers a recommended service schedule
with the car that contains information in tabular form regarding the
exact distances or durations after which the car needed to be serviced
at the company’s work shop. The servicing of a car includes a thorough
checking and repairing and replacement of a number of parts. Thus, it is
highly recommended to strictly follow the service schedule.
(Source: carmaintenanceguide.typepad.com)
(Source: carmaintenanceguide.typepad.com)
Service Department
M & L Imports employs highly trained technicians to provide outstanding service in a timely manner. Brakes, oil changes and more; we are committed to maintaining high quality customer service, all auto buyers! Our team will demonstrate our dedication to excellence.We service all makes and our service department is open Monday through Saturday 8AM to 6PM and closed on Sundays.
Elite Auto loan
How It Works
Elite Auto Loan is committed to finding you the loan solution you need. Regardless of poor credit or bad credit, we will put you behind the wheel of your new vehicle. Using the free online loan application, contact Elite Auto Loan with your information. When your application is received, we contact our network of top lenders. Using the information you provide, we find you the personalized financing that’s best for you. Then you’ll receive immediate access to endless options, flexible terms, and the best rates available! The application is free and easy, so get on your way to a new vehicle TODAY!About Us
Our goal here is to help our customer get into a reliable, affordable, quality vehicle. M & L Imports may be a new quality used car lot, but our owners and staff have been in the business for several years, so trust us to help you get the vehicle that best fits your needs and you can enjoy driving. We are looking forward to your future business.
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