Windshield washer fluid is a mixture of solvent, detergent, and other cleaning agents that help remove grime and bugs off your windshield. Almost every car has a function that spritzes out washer fluid to help you see better in fuzzy conditions. Since the chemicals in the fluid help remove grime and bugs, water is not an adequate substitute for windshield washer fluid.   Nearly all washer fluids have an antifreeze agent with a very low freezing point so that the liquid doesn't expand or burst within the pump or fluid lines in colder climates. Some washer fluids are extra concentrated and designed to be mixed with water at a particular ratio. While others are sold to be used as-is.   However, adding plain water to your windshield washer fluid reservoir may not be the play. While water may be quick and easy to grab when you're in a hurry, it may only be an acceptable temporary solution for those who live in warmer climates. Another problem that water can present is ... read more

If you're wondering, "what can you do to get the most out of your brake pads?", you've come to the right place. The way you drive your car can significantly impact your brake pads' longevity. Therefore, if you actively practice good braking habits, you will ultimately see a reduction in the wear and tear on your pads.  Here are several things you can do to keep your brake pads in tip-top condition: Drive with the flow of traffic to prevent any unnecessary heavy braking. Give yourself a more expansive following distance from the vehicle in front of you so that you can slow down to a nice and easy stop. Remove excess weight from your vehicle. Maintain a low speed in heavy traffic and avoid any rash braking. Last but not least, you can take care of your brakes by cleaning them off every time you wash your car. Over time, dust and debris can gather on your rotors, adding extra friction to your brake pads when you press on the pedal. Cleaning your rotors off ... read more

Catalytic converters are a crucial feature of your vehicle's emissions system. Unfortunately, if this part becomes clogged and fails, it will bring down the entire process of the emission system. When this happens, your vehicle's combustion byproducts can't correctly be filtered out and pass through the muffler. As a result, the engine could possibly shut down, resulting in a loss in acceleration power and a weak battery. Lastly, it can even cause toxic gas leaks in your car, which is incredibly dangerous.   Below are some warning signs that you have a clogged catalytic converter: Sign #1: Trouble Starting Your Car A jammed catalytic converter may make it nearly impossible to start your vehicle. Even if you get it to start, it may suddenly stop or sputter, indicating that it is a catalytic converter problem. Sign #2: Reduced Fuel Economy If your gas mileage isn't the same as before, the catalytic converter can be the problem. Because your engine is receiving ... read more

It is problematic and time-wasting to get into your car and realize that it won't start. It gets even more frustrating when you cannot determine what is causing the starting problems. However, in this article, you are about to learn possible reasons why your car will not start. A car that won't start is usually an indication of a problem with the batter, the alternator or the starter. But how do you know which one exactly is causing the problem, having in mind that all these three parts work in unison to power your vehicle? The battery is responsible for delivering high voltage to the starter, which cranks up your car engine then the alternator recharges the battery, allowing your car to function fully. Thus, any of these three parts may cause starting problems. Here is how to know if the battery or alternator is causing your starting issues. Signs it is a Battery Problem. The car battery is a vital part of the car, as it is responsible for providing power to the starter and ... read more

For many years, scientists have wondered why so many individuals are drawn to the smell of a new car. To their curiosity, they found out exactly what was in the scent (and spoiler alert: it's not good for you). The smell is emitted from the combination of materials used to produce a vehicle's interior.  Polyurethane and polyester are a few of the most popular substances used in making your car's interior because of how well they can withstand extreme temperatures. Unfortunately, these chemicals release harmful organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. VOCs are petroleum-based solvents in materials like plastic and vinyl, and unfortunately, they are the source of the synthetic smell that some people enjoy.    Why Is The New Car Smell Dangerous? While the VOCs and their fragrances disappear over time, they are considered unsafe. You may have heard about VOCs already, and you can find some of them in everyday household items (cleaning supplies, shampoo, perfume ... read more