Posted on Sunday 12 May 2024
You may be one of those romantics who don't like giving (or getting) practical gifts for special occasions. Just wait until one of those gifts helps you out of a big predicament in cold weather, and you realize that practical gifts can be life savers. Here are a few things you may give the cold-weather driver in your life—or suggest to someone else to give you! A portable air compressor. If you've ever had a flat and you can't imagine trying to change a tire on a snowy, winter day, this may just get your tire pumped up enough to drive over to the repair facility. Some are fancy and pricey, some are only a few bucks. They plug into the cigarette lighter/12v outlet and will take a few minutes to pump up your tire. But it could save you a tow. Portable jump starter. These are relatively small power units (they easily fit in a car trunk) that can jump start your vehicle that has a dead battery. Some even have an air compressor built in. If you've ... read more
Posted on Sunday 05 May 2024
It’s important for safe driving that two of the most important systems in your vehicle work right. One is the brakes. The other is the steering. Nearly all vehicles on the road have some sort of power steering that allows you to direct a very heavy machine with little effort. There are two types, hydraulic and electric. Many newer vehicles have electric power steering that uses an electric motor to make your steering easier. But there are many vehicles on the road that use a system that has been around for years. It uses a power steering pump, a cylinder, several valves, and hydraulic fluid to make it easy for you to turn the wheel. If you have hydraulic power steering in your vehicle, it’s important to change your power steering fluid every once in a while. Over time, the fluid gets contaminated with dirt and other particles. You might notice your steering is loose, maybe harder to turn and makes a low, strainin ... read more