No Need to Idle Your Car in Cold Weather
Back in the day everybody would idle their vehicle to get the engine warm. That’s when all cars had carburetors. However it’s been 30 years since that was commonplace. With today's fuel injectors, computer systems and thinner oils you don’t need to warm up your car’s engine like in the good old days.
The best way to warm up your car is to start it up, wait a few seconds and go. It takes 3-10 minutes to warm your engine so just don’t gun the engine at the start. Just take it easy. As your engine becomes warmer the computer sensors in your car will adjust the fuel mixture to be less rich until your car’s engine heats up to 40 degrees.
Idling your car for more than 30 seconds wastes gas, causes excessive wear to cylinders, piston rings, spark plugs and can even harm your exhaust system. So to be clear with the point, idling is not an effective or wise way to warm up your car.
So unless you're driving a 1980’s vehicle which we assume your not, dress warm get in your car and go.
Regular service and maintenance is the most important thing you can do for your car to keep it running better and longer.
Simple Car Care for All Ages
It’s never to late or to early to learn the ABC’s of car care.
- A - Always follow a preventative maintenance plan.
- B - Be sure to have your car safety inspection when you suspect a problem.
- C - Correct the problem to avoid the inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down on the side of the road.
Young people in general are so eager to drive, however their car care education should begin well before you hand over the keys. All drivers should understand the basics of car care before taking the wheel. This in turn will help everybody be a little safer on the road.
The bottom line is learning some basic car care is good for everyone. Below are the things our Technicians look at during a vehicle safety inspection which should be part of your preventative maintenance plan. Your Atlanta Hybrid Repair Technician takes great care to perform all these tasks during a vehicle safety inspection.
- Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake, transmission and antifreeze/coolant fluids.
- Check the brake system every 6 months including pads, rotors and drums.
- Check the hoses and belts for wear, cracking, frayed or loose.
- Inspection of the exhaust system for leaks, damage or unusual noise.
- Inspection of the steering and suspension system including shock absorbers, struts, ball joints tie rods and other related components.
- Check the tires including tire pressure and tread. Tires are also checked for uneven wear, bald spots and bulges.
- Inspection of wipers and lights so that you can see and be seen.
- Check Battery. We make sure the connections are clean and battery is in good condition
Be good to your car and your car will last longer !
We Will Be Closed On
Monday December 26th
In Observance Of
Christmas Day
And
Monday January 2nd
In Observance Of
New Year's Day
