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A Car So Clean You Could Eat Off Of It

You might think washing your car, truck or suv with kitchen dishsoap is a good idea. After all, if it's good enough for dishes it must be safe. Actually most dishsoaps have ingredients like ammonia that can remove the wax you worked so hard to put on. Dishsoaps can also be hard on plastics, vinyl & rubber, and will start to dull your paint with each continued use. Car soaps are specially designed for todays' automotive finishes and some have waxes added to their formula to help your vehicle *shine*.

Noise Isn't The Only Headache A leaky Exhaust Can Cause

Keeping your exhaust system in good working condition is more important than just having a quiet vehicle, it's a matter of safety. A leaking exhaust pipe or damaged muffler can allow dangerous carbon monoxide gas to build up in the interior of your car or truck. If you think you may have a leak, get it checked-out by a licensed mechanic.

Keeping Records of Repairs Can Save You Money

You can keep track of your repair receipts in a home filing cabinet, in your glove compartment, or in a shoe box under your bed, but keeping them can save you money. A convienient system is to buy a notebook, a mini-stapler & staples (inexpensive from most dollar stores) and then attach each new receipt to the book as you have maintenace work done. This will allow you to reference your records for warranty information should a replaced part fail prematurely. By keeping records of all repairs; oil changes, tire rotations, etc. - can show potential buyers how you properly cared for your vehicle should you decide to sell it. Possibly helping you to sell your vehicle or even to get a better price.

Rock Chip On Your Windshield ?

So you've got a little chip in your windshield. No big deal, right? It could be. Getting the chip fixed is quick, relatively inexpensive and often covered by insurance, but let it go and it could mean replacing the entire windshield. That little chip is the perfect place for a crack to start, especially in the winter when there's a greater difference in temperature between the inside of your car and the elements. Getting it fixed in the summer should be a priority too, because dirt and dust can penetrate the chip and make the repair less than perfect.

Saving Money On Your Vehicle Insurance

There are many ways to lower your insurance premiums; increase your deductible, sacrifice on coverage, or even combining your auto and home insurance policies. Another great way to make sure your premiums are low is to avoid accidents by driving safely. While some accidents may be due to another drivers' error, we all can improve our driving habits. Here's a few simple tips:

• Don't use your cell phone while driving and stay focused.
• Slow your speed to match the conditions of the road.
• Make your intentions clear by always using your signal lights.
• Be prepared for sudden stops by not tailgating other drivers.

Looking for a New Car?

Get reviews on the latest New Cars, Trucks and SUV's

Motor Trend, Car & Driver, Motoring 2009, Driving.ca, Canadian Driver, Auto123, TheCarMagazine, CarPages.ca

How are Your Wiper Blades?

We often take our Windshield Wipers for granted until we're driving and suddenly there's a heavy rain or the first snow storm of the season. Like your headlights, your wipers are an important part of seeing well while driving. Get in the habit of checking their condition regularly, a good time is when you clean your windshield while filling up with gas.

Taking Care of Your Vehicle's Finish

Regardless of the season try to keep your car clean. Washing removes salt and dirt that if left over time will hold moisture and cause rust. Fill rock-chips and scratches on your paint with with touch-up to prevent them from getting worse. If you see surface rust beginning have it repaired before it penetrates the metal.

In the winter be careful when clearing snow and ice off your car. Being too aggresive by putting too much pressure on your snowbrush can cause the snow and ice crystals to scratch your paint.

Road Trip!

Vacation, weekend getaway, golf trip with the buddies or shopping trip with the gals! Why not rent? Choose a vehicle that suits your needs; a full size vehicle will allow everyone to travel in comfort, a mini-van, suv or pickup can give you the room you need to haul the gear, or perhaps if your vehicle is a little older, maybe you should conside a rental just for the peace of mind without worries of breakdowns. If your personal car or truck doesn't get the best fuel mileage, renting a smaller car might might even save you money on longer trips.

Take A Walk Before You Drive

It only takes a second, but it's a good idea to take a quick walk around your car or truck before you drive away. A quick inspection will ensure your vehicle is ready for road by making sure tires are inflated, passenger doors are closed, etc. It may also prevent you from damage by unseen obstacles such as shopping carts, childrens bicycles or snowshovels. At least once a week do a walk-around with your headlights and 4-way flashers on to inspect their condition, not to mention have someone check your brakelights to make sure they are working too.

Driver Training

Here are some links with lots of great information about getting you driver's license:

• New Brunswick Department of Motor Vehicle
• N.B. Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
• Service New Brunswick 'Driving and Vehicle' Page
• NB Insurance Board 'First Chance Discount'
• Insurance Bureau of Canada New Driver Page

It's Your Transmission... Should You Choose to Accept It.

No, it's not Mission Impossible, but did you know vehicle manufacturers have a recommended transmission service interval and most transmission shops actually recommend changing your transmission fluid every 30,000 - 40,000 kilometers? Like engine oil, transmission fluid deteriorates over time and should be replaced. You can have your transmission drained, filter replaced and then re-filled, or have it flushed. Flushing uses a machine to pump new fluid through the system until it's clean. Either way, your transmission will shift better and last longer. Each manufacturer has their own schedule and driving conditions do have an effect on maintenance intervals, so check your owners manual or consult with your dealer for advice.

Looking for a Used Car?

If you are in the market for a used car or truck there are many great online resources to help you find what you're looking for,

• Driving.ca
• Trader.ca
• Kijiji Canada