Repair or buy

Should I repair my car or buy a new one?

Something goes wrong with your car and you're faced with a high repair bill. It would be nice to get a new car, but is that the smartest decision? Would you be better off fixing your current ride, or is it really time to buy a new one? The answers... read more
Flood damage

Flood-Damaged Engine: Where to Start

We all know engines breathe air, so when an internal combustion engine made of ferrous materials is submerged in (salt)water, things can get expensive quickly. Fear not, your engine isn't dead if you take the right steps, but it is dead if you take the wrong steps. Here's how to... read more
Car investment

Invest a Portion of Tax Refund in Auto Care

With the average tax refund expected to be nearly $3,000, you might be thinking about splurging on something special. However, being practical with some of your refund might be a better choice. A new video from the Car Care Council explains how spending a portion of your tax refund on... read more
car warranties

Auto Repair: Wondering About Your Warranty?

It’s a common misconception that only car dealers can perform the routine maintenance and repairs on a newer vehicle that is under warranty. In fact, it is law that consumers can patronize their neighborhood repair shop. Or do the work themselves without violating the manufacturer’s warranty, says the Car Care... read more
VIN

How to Interpret a Chevy Truck VIN

Your truck's vehicle identification number contains clues to a variety of information, ranging from the country where it was manufactured to its engine size. The specifications for your Chevy truck are detailed in the VIN number, and you can also learn the vehicle's weight rating, its chassis type, the kind of engine and even the... read more
checklist for auto repair shops

Checklist For Selecting The Right Auto Repair Shop.

Selecting The Right Auto Repair Shop Is your car in good hands when it needs repairs or maintenance? I recommend looking for the following checklist for auto repair shops. And characteristics in critiquing and selecting an auto repair shop to care for one of your most valuable assets: Checklist For... read more
belts and hoses

Inspecting Belts and Hoses On Your Vehicle

A belt or hose failure can cause an overheated engine, loss of power steering, and loss of the electrical charging system. If a hose leaks coolant or the belt turning the water pump snaps, the cooling system is inoperable. If the engine overheats, it can suffer serious internal damage that... read more
Starting a diesel vehicle

Starting a Vehicle With a Diesel Engine.

Gas powered engines and diesel powered engines ignite differently. Gas powered engines start when the fuel is ignited by a spark from a spark plug. In contrast, diesel engines are ignited by the heat caused by compression. In a diesel truck, the fuel and air must get hot enough to... read more
Halloween safety

Smart Road Tips for Halloween Safety

Advice for drivers and trick-or-treaters Halloween safety is important. Ghosts, witches, and goblins will wander the roads on Halloween looking for candy and treats, and drivers should take extra care to ensure that the holiday doesn’t become truly horrifying. The scary reality is that Halloween is one of the deadliest... read more
fix my car

5 Tough Questions to Ask Your Mechanic

We’re all afraid of the unknown when we take our cars in for repairs. After all, the range of possible outcomes is pretty wide. To your relief, a mechanic might cheerily tell you, “Yeah, they all do that. Don’t worry about it!” Or he might say what you dread the... read more
Hurricanes

Preparing Your Car For A Hurricane

Hurricanes: Prepare your car If you live on the coast, then hurricanes are a possibility between the months of June and November. These storms may not be common in your area, but hurricanes bring heavy rain and strong winds. Therefore, it is important to be prepared in case one does... read more
text and drive

Avoid Dangerous Driving Habits!

When you are out on the roads, it's not difficult to spot people who have dangerous driving habits. Whether they are the result of a lack of education about safe driving practices or a matter of poor driving habits, these people present a danger to themselves as well as other... read more
back to school carpool

Vehicle Checklist for Back-to-School Carpool Season

Five Point Checklist Back to school carpool season is upon us and the non-profit Car Care Council reminds drivers to make sure their vehicles are kid-safe and road ready with a five-point checklist: Check lights and wipers for visibility.  With shorter days and inclement weather ahead, make sure lights and wipers... read more
Sensors

Types Of Car Sensors Used In Automobile Engines

Today’s modern automobiles have a variety of sensors. These sensors built into their engine to ensure that the owner can identify and prevent possible issues. Before they result in breakdowns can result in expensive repairs. These automobile engine sensors also ensure that the vehicle is operating at its most efficient. Many owners... read more
fluids in a car

What are the different types of fluid in a car?

There are quite a lot of different fluids in a car. A fluid is defined as anything that flows. I know that there is fuel, engine oil, engine coolant and brake fluid. Hydraulic Fluids General use: Hydraulic fluids are used to transfer power from one point to another Brake Fluid - Based on... read more
Commuting

Tips for a Smooth Commuting Travel To Work Or Play

Whether we travel for work or for play, commuting can consume a big part of our day. It can also consume a big part of our mental and physical energy. When we travel the same route every day, we get complacent – which for some of us also means BORED. Some of us find distractions like... read more
Sim Testing

What is Sim Testing and How Does it Differ from Dyno Testing?

Sim Testing Sim testing (or simulation testing) – Is a test performed by manufacturers of rebuilt engines but is often referred to incorrectly as Dyno testing. Sim testing is the process of using a machine to spin the engine. The SimTest machine flows preheated oil through the engine while spinning the... read more
ASE certified mechanic

Use An ASE Certified Mechanic To Repair Your Vehicle

It does not matter if you are driving a high-performance car or the family transportation, your car is a major investment. You have spent thousands of dollars and may still be paying off the car loan. That investment has to be protected with some of the very best maintenance service possible. That... read more
4th of July driving

4th of July Driving: How to Deal This Holiday

Ah, the Fourth of July. Full of picnics, parties, swimming, boating, and fireworks. The perfect day. 4th of July driving. Then comes the drive home. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year when it comes to vehicle crashes. Why? Four... read more
prepare for a long trip

How Do I prepare for a long trip?

A week or so before you prepare for a long trip and leave, have regular maintenance done, like oil and filter change. Specifically, ask the shop to check the air filter and change it if necessary. Changing the air filter is an inexpensive way to enhance fuel economy and performance.... read more
changing a car engine

Changing a Car Engine Can Be A Difficult Task

Changing a car engine is one of the more difficult tasks a home mechanic may ever face. Replacing the engine requires different approaches for every year, make and model. So it’s important to utilize a service manual specific to your vehicle when taking on such a big project. While the... read more
shady car dealers

5 Things Shady Car Dealers Try To Sneak Past You

Shady car dealers are becoming quite adept at sneaking things into purchase documents. To the point where car buyers today have no idea that they signed away many of their legal rights – until it is too late. Here are the top five things most car buyers miss in the... read more
saving gas

13 Must-Know Tricks to Max Out Your Road-Trip MPGs

Saving gas. The traditional tune-up at the shop is a thing of the past. Here's what you need to know about getting better MPG before you start driving. Saving Gas A generation ago, you could drop the car off at the corner gas station and ask for a tuneup. Times... read more
Automotive abbreviations

SOHC, AFM, EGR, VVT??? What Is This?

Automotive abbreviations can be confusing at times.  Many times acronyms and abbreviations are used when buying an engine. Don’t know your SOHC from your socks? Here is a quick lookup and reference guide for all those acronyms and abbreviations that you’ll find around the car industry. Some of these will be very important to... read more
Prepare for a summer road trip.

Simple Vehicle Check Helps Avoid Road Trip Fireworks.

A simple vehicle inspection before a family vacation can help avoid the short fuses, inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down many miles away from home, says the Car Care Council.  “It’s easy to keep the sparks from flying from car trouble on a road trip,” said Rich White,... read more
Identify a flood damaged vehicle.

How to Identify A Flood Damaged Vehicle.

Identify a flood damaged vehicle. Following one of the worst hurricane seasons in years and record-setting rainfall in many areas of the country, flooding has taken its toll on vehicles. Furthermore, it is important for those considering the purchase of a used vehicle to be car care aware and check... read more
auto mechanic

“How Auto Mechanics Can Rip You Off” Report By ABC

Have you ever gone to an auto repair shop for an oil change, only to have the auto mechanic say your car needs a new transmission? Has the “check engine” light come on, and suddenly the mechanic says you need expensive new engine parts? Auto Mechanic Rip Offs One seasoned... read more
Don't drink and drive

Don’t Drink And Drive

Roadmaster Engine wishes you a safe and happy holiday. Don't Drink and Drive How are you getting home? What is your plan? Here are some useful tools to help you Make a Plan and Stick to the Plan. Use and share these tactics to prevent yourself and others from driving... read more