Automedia.com - CarCare - Maintenance - Electrical Articles

Battery Care

Unlike most toys, your vehicle actually comes with a battery. But, unlike that energetic little bunny, your car battery won't keep on going and going without some diligence on your part. Before we get into the maintenance tips, there are a few things worth knowing about automotive batteries, which will help you understand exactly what they do...

Car Care Resolutions

As long as you're making lists of New Year's resolutions, go ahead and add a few to help your auto make it through 2004...

Dash and Console Care

Manufacturers of car-care products often liken vinyl or leather automotive interiors to human skin. That's a valid comparison, especially when it comes to protecting those surfaces. Regular cleaning and application of dressing (akin to a cosmetic moisturizer) is the key to preventing damage. Careful maintenance will keep your dashboard's skin plump and smooth, looking years younger than its actual age...

Malfunction Indicator Lamps

My, how times have changed. Back in the days when leaded fuel was sold at "service stations," as they were quaintly called, motorists had to be concerned with only a few warning lights that each monitored the condition of an important vehicle system. Colorfully dubbed "idiot lights" by the gauge-reading contingent, these did little more than indicate it was time to get your car off the road as soon as possible. Today's instrument panels, however, display a Christmas tree of warning lights that provide a wealth of information (some might say too much). Question is, what do those lights all mean? Are life, limb, and property at risk if you continue to operate your vehicle? And isn't it going to take a lot more than an idiot to interpret them all?..

Road-Trip Tips

The trunk is packed, the family is buckled up, you're headed out of town on a long-anticipated vacation with the open road calling you to new adventures. The family vehicle was sent for a thorough check-up in preparation for the trip and came back with a few minor adjustments and in perfect shape. Nothing can go wrong, right? If you're that optimistic, you obviously haven't heard of Murphy's Law: Everything that can go wrong will...

Service Intervals

You've probably heard all the excuses: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" "Don't they check all that stuff at the quick-lube when I get my oil changed—" "I know it's time to change my oil when the red oil light comes on!"..

Tips to Ensure a Long Vehicle Life

In auto racing, good drivers know that to finish first, they must first finish. Achieving this goal requires more than good driving skills and watching out for fellow competitors. The vehicle must also survive the rigors of racing. So what does this all have to do with passenger cars?..

Tow Far - Preparation

Even if you've never been a big fan of Willie Nelson, the words of one of his songs probably ring in your ears every time you hitch up your trailer and hit the road: "On the road again. Ain't it great to be on the road again..." Those words may or may not hold true, though, depending on how well prepared you are for towing your favorite recreational toy, be it a boat, dirt bike, ATV, mobile home, or horse trailer...

Tow Far - Safety and Security

Proper preparation is a key component toward successful trailering, and in a sister article, we covered some basic points about preparing for a trip. With major items taken care of well ahead of time, the departure day is much less stressful. Still, there are a host of things to do to ensure safe travels. Let's start with the specifics of securing the trailer to your tow vehicle...

Tow Far - Trailer Maintenance

Nothing opens the door to recreational opportunities wider than the lowly trailer, be it for hauling a boat, motorcycle, ATV, horse or whatever your pleasure. Often overlooked and unappreciated, this bucket of steel on wheels adds mobility and freedom to our outdoor experience, taking us to new adventures in distant settings where we garner fond memories to feed our souls for years to come...