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Monday, 26 October 2009

Getting Ready for Winter

Well, I am sad to say that winter is just about here. Since we get very cold weather and snow (I know some of you will gasp), there are some things that we need to do to get ready before the snow falls.

First, I have to change the windshield washer fluid to winter washer fluid. I had a car a couple of years ago that I forgot to change the washer fluid, and it froze and I couldn’t use it all winter. Lucky for me it didn’t burst – I’ll never make that mistake again.

I also check to make sure that the antifreeze level is high enough because we have some days where it gets really cold. The radiator is just one of those things you just don’t want to have freeze up, so I make sure that it is on my list.

Also, once the snow falls and stays, I go to the shop and get my winter tires put on. Since we do a lot of highway driving, they have been an invaluable investment and have saved us from getting into an accident a number of times.

Oh, and I shouldn’t forget the window scraper – in winter, you should never leave home without it!

Thursday, 24 September 2009

Tips for Locating Hard-to-Find Toyota Parts

Most of us are used to just going to the parts store and them having the part we need in stock. And most of the time, that is the case.

Sometimes, though, a part turns out to be much harder to find. This might be the case when the part is for an older car, or perhaps for a very new car. In the latter case the car should still be under warranty, which might help; but in the former, you may have to really hunt to locate the specific part you need.

Another factor is how common the vehicle is. For instance, you no longer see very many of those old Corollas, particularly the Supra Corollas -- remember those, before they made the Supra into a totally different car? Toyota Corolla parts for these old cars are typically more difficult to find than for a newer or more common model.

Any time you are looking for parts for your Toyota, the first place to check is with a supplier of genuine Toyota parts. This might be your local dealership, or you might prefer to shop around for the best prices online. Just be sure the parts you are getting quotes on are genuine Toyota, or you'll be comparing apples to oranges.

The reason to start with OEM is because these are the most like what came on the car originally, which usually means they are the most reliable. Most aftermarket parts manufacturers cut corners in order to price their parts competitively, so although it may look and sound like you're getting the same thing, you really aren't. Unless you want to be hunting for the same part all over again in a year or two, buy genuine OEM parts whenever possible.

If you can't find your part there, it's time to get creative. If your car is an older model, you might be able to find the part you need at a junkyard or from a used parts dealer online. Don't forget to check eBay and to ask members of reputable car forums for advice.

There are many avenues available to you where you can find parts for even the older and rarer models -- all you need to know is where to look. Good luck!

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

Things to Think About When Buying a New Car

If you are planning to buy a new car, there are a few things you need to think about before you head down to your local Fort Worth auto dealership. Some of these things could have a serious impact on how satisfied you are with the car you purchase, so considering all of your options could really pay off in the long run.

One thing to think about is how fuel-efficient a car is. I know gas isn't all that expensive right now, but it is still on its way back up. Most likely it won't be long before it is just as expensive as it was a year or two ago to fill up your tank. When that day comes along, wouldn't you like to have a relatively fuel-efficient vehicle saving you money on gas?

Now, this doesn't mean that you necessarily need to get a hybrid, or even that you have to give up your dream of owning a truck. It does, however, mean that you'll probably want to ensure that your vehicle is the most fuel-efficient one possible within your budget and other requirements.

You also ought to consider the age of the vehicle, and how much you are likely to spend in repairs. A newer vehicle may cost more, but most likely you won't have to spend much on parts. Likewise, consider whether a particular model has a reputation for breaking down, and how expensive or easy to find the necessary parts will be. For instance, if you are looking for Ford parts they should be pretty easy to find, but certain other manufacturers or models will be more challenging.

If you aren't sure whether a model or make is a good buy and will be reliable enough for you, be sure to call a dealership and ask an experienced mechanic what flaws tend to be common with that make or model. Also be sure to ask about routine maintenance, so that you know when you are looking at a car whether something big such as a timing belt replacement needs to be done.

Thinking about details such as these can help prevent you from making a mistake in which car you choose to buy. If you make your decision carefully, you should get years of good use and much satisfaction out of your vehicle.

Friday, 22 May 2009

Rural living is far away from genuine Toyota parts

Being a car care enthusiast, I was somewhat unsure about my decision to make my next car a Toyota. Not so much that I was concerned with the quality or performance of their vehicles, but more about the ongoing care and maintenance of them.

Since I live about 2 hours away from the nearest dealerships, how hard was it going to be for me to get genuine Toyota parts when I needed them? I learned long ago that you should always err on the side of caution when buying car parts so as not to void your vehicle's warranty.

Knowing there are innumerable car enthusiasts out there, I started doing some research to find online sources for buying Toyota accessories. Any time I have bought a new vehicle in the past, I've always spent a good chunk of money in order to get the car completely tricked out.

But just having access to Toyota parts isn't enough. I am also concerned about being near an authorized dealer for warranty repairs, potential recall work, and anything else that might require me to have to drive the 2 hours each way in order to get my car taken care of.

Of course, I do realize this is one of the costs of living in such a rural area. The normal conveniences are just a little further away.

Monday, 04 May 2009

Ford refuses to take competitive advantage with diesel vehicle

In another move that leaves you scratching your head, officials at Ford have decided that (relatively) low gas prices currently will keep you from considering the purchase of a diesel pick-up truck next year.

Apparently, since both Chevrolet and Dodge have put their entry level truck with a diesel option on hold, Ford decided to join the fray and "postpone" or eliminate all together their F-150 diesel.

Most analysts, and likely most prospective buyers of these vehicles believe that fuel prices will rise above current levels. One has to wonder just what the U.S. automakers are thinking. Clearly, since Ford seems to be sitting pretty in these financially challenging times, (they recently stated losses of only about $1 Billion dollars) they have no incentive to offer a vehicle that gets 20% better fuel mileage while also increasing torque and power.

Granted all three companies do and will likely continue to offer diesel vehicles for more expensive prices, this truly seemed like an opportunity for Ford especially, to wreak havoc on market share.

Perhaps foreign oil will stay at the current $2 per gallon rates, and there will be no real incentive to create a better product. We are, of course, talking about the U.S. Auto industry.