Learn About Flood Damage and Flood Repairs on Used Cars

By Ron Haugen

With so many natural disasters occurring, including floods and hurricanes, knowing how to spot flood damage in a vehicle is critical. Some damage is relatively minor but most can ruin the value and operation of the car. Good dealers can make flood-damaged cars look great, but they cannot remove the risk.

Consider several factors that can influence the damage done by a flood.

1. How deeply was the car underwater? If the water did not reach the electronics, the vehicle might suffer rust or corrosion, but it might not have major or even life-threatening problems. Deeply submerged cars run a significant risk for dangerous problems.
2. How long was the car under water? Longer submersions equal greater damage.
3. Was it fresh water or salt water that flooded the car? Salt water causes more corrosion and faster corrosion than fresh water.

Check for indicators of severe floodwater damage when inspecting and test driving any car.

1. Look at the car title. If it says "Flood" or "Salvage" on it, it was deemed irreparable by an insurance company, a bank or an owner. Expect problems unless major, expensive repairs were done.
2. Beware of prices far below market value. Flood damage voids the manufacturer's warranty. Unless the seller can prove they completed major restoration and repair, buyers take a big financial risk for major repairs. Consider the cost of these likely repairs when deciding how much to pay for the car.
3. Most flood-damaged cars will have very low or no resale value if the new owner attempts to sell them later.
4. Ask the dealer if there was any flood damage, and make them put the answer in writing. If they hesitate or refuse, be concerned.
5. Be alert to odors of mold and mildew. These are very difficult to remove and indicate the car sat in significant amounts of water. Similarly, strong air fresheners may indicate attempts to cover up bad odors.
6. Check hidden areas for moisture.

1. Check the carpet and underneath the carpet if possible.
2. Check the trunk for moisture.
3. Feel the material underneath the spare tire.
4. Check the headlights, taillights, mirrors and instrument panels for moisture or a foggy appearance. This indicates water inside the area.
5. Check for dampness or water lines in the overhang inside the wheel wells.
6. Feel underneath seats and in the seating tracks for dampness.
7. Feel inside the glove box for moisture.
8. Look at the oil on the engine dipstick. Water-affected oil may be pale or milky, and it may be sticky to the touch.

7. Debris inside the car or engine compartment, engine crevices, around wiring, inside or under the dashboard may indicate the car was underwater.
8. Look for rust and corrosion on metal surfaces such as hinges, springs, screws and latches. Check for corrosion where the car doors meet the auto body. Seat springs and the undercarriage of the car may also show signs of rust and corrosion.
9. Examine the interior upholstery of the car. Look for water stains on the surfaces of seats and underneath seats. Be suspicious if the carpet in an old car looks brand new. Make sure the fabric on doors and the headliner are about the same age as the carpet and the car. Another clue is mismatched upholstery where some sections are faded, others are newer, or patterns are not aligned.
10. Test the electronic systems before and during a test drive

1. Bend a few electrical wires under the dashboard. If they are brittle, it is probably due to water damage.
2. During the test drive, listen for odd sounds during starting. See if the car smokes during starting.
3. Check to make sure all dash lights come on, including backlighting, when starting the car.
4. Make sure the headlights, taillights, turn signals and emergency blinkers work.
5. Turn on windshield wipers, air conditioning and heater to make sure they work.
6. Test the radio. Distorted audio, severe static or lack of audio can be the result of water damage.

The best way to determine if a car has flood damage is to have it inspected by your own mechanic. Good mechanics know where to look for indicators of problems, and they can get to difficult places like alternators, pumps and some wiring. Mechanics should remove the wheels and inspect all brake parts and components for silt and mud. Used cars represent a significant investment, so make sure to get one that will not cost even more money down the road.


If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com
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How to Prevent the Six Most Common Auto Repairs

By Ron Haugen

Paying for expensive car repairs is never fun, and they never occur when you are flush with cash. Most common problems that cause car breakdowns are preventable with good vehicle maintenance.

1. Engine Misfires

These occur when the spark plugs fire at the wrong times or do not fire at all. There are many reasons this can happen. Repairs range from cheap and easy to very expensive. Replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual of the car. Keep the engine tuned up according to schedule and have a yearly trouble-code scan to find potential problems before they become major issues.

2. Evaporative Emissions Systems Control (EVAP) Leaks and Failures

The EVAP system traps gas tank fumes to ensure the gas and the vapors stay separate. Corrosion often damages the lines in the system, and sometimes the EVAP canister fails. Always refasten the gas cap tightly after refueling. Turning the cap until it clicks at least three times is good practice. Have a good rust protection application to keep corrosion in the system lines minimized.

3. Problems with "System too Lean" Error Code

The "System Too Lean" warning light can appear for several reasons ranging from the car needing a software update to a major engine failure like broken gaskets or cracked cylinder heads. Bad vacuum lines, faulty sensors, problems with the injector driver and similar issues commonly cause this error code. If this error code appears, have the car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Most regular maintenance and upkeep schedules help prevent these problems.

4. Catalytic Converter Failures

Catalytic converters fail due to leaks caused by rust and corrosion, or from carbon buildup or other problems causing internal plugs in the system. Uncontrolled fuel delivery causes the plugs, but many mechanics do not check this. They simply replace the catalytic converter, only to have the new one fail in a few months. Keep engines on schedule for maintenance and tune ups as recommended in the owner's manual, and make sure the mechanic checks the fuel delivery system if the catalytic converter is replaced.

5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Systems Breakdown

The EGR system lowers formation of harmful air pollutants inside the combustion chambers of the engine. Unburned gas builds up in the form of carbon, electrical controls fail, and the EGR valves experience wear and tear. Get a professional fuel system cleaning every 30,000 miles to prevent carbon buildup.

6. Brake Pads

Replacing brake pads before they completely wear out prevents costly brake rotor replacements. Listen for screeching or grinding sounds when stopping, as these noises indicate the pads need attention. Have a mechanic inspect the brake pads regularly, and replace them when they start to thin.
In summary, any time a "Check Engine" light or other alert appears on the dash display, get the engine checked as soon as possible. The warning indicators are there for a reason, so do not ignore them. Sometimes the problems are minor and easy to fix, and other times they indicate a pending disaster. Quick attention to the indicators lessens the chances of permanent vehicle damage and expensive mechanic bills.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com
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5 Reasons to Convert Your Vehicle to CNG (Compressed Natural Gas)

By Ron Haugen

Healthy and green fuel alternatives are creating a buzz as sustainability has become a popular topic of conversation in media and government. Traditional fuel is becoming more expensive, and many people are looking for alternatives that are not only cheaper, but also better for the environment. People are beginning to take notice of the harm they are causing the planet by burning gasoline and fossil fuels. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a gasoline alternative for fueling vehicles that is quickly gaining popularity.

There are many reasons why converting a vehicle to CNG is a good option:

1. It provides fuel efficiency, greater than that of gasoline. It can also reduce fuel costs by up to one-third if home refueling is an option. At the station, CNG can cost up to 30% less than gasoline- still very significant savings.
2. CNG is a cleaner fuel to burn than gasoline. CNG reduces the amount of carbon monoxide that is released into the air- about 97% less carbon monoxide emissions than gasoline. Greenhouse gas emissions and carcinogenic pollution excretions are also significantly reduced by use of it.
3. CNG is safer than gasoline because it is a clean burning fuel. If CNG is spilled, it will release into the atmosphere, as it is of a lighter weight than air. When gasoline is spilled, the contents pool on the ground and cause hazard because the contents are highly flammable. It is advantageous to use it because the contents are stored in tanks designed to release the gas more slowly. This helps to mitigate hazard.
4. CNG is in high demand, but there is adequate supply to support demand and beyond, particularly in the United States. Fueling stations are currently being built to supply gas to a greater population, and there are already more then 1,000 fueling stations in the US.
5. It requires a one-time conversion of the vehicle. The CNG tanks will be placed in the trunk or back area of the vehicle, again these being very safe even in the event of a crash or accidental opening. Once the car has been converted, it is ready to run on CNG. There is very little upkeep involved, aside from the regular refilling and maintenance of the tanks.

CNG is a viable alternative to the gasoline that is currently used to fill most cars. It is a clean fuel that reduces air pollution emissions while remaining cost effective.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
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Hypermiling, What Is It Really?

By Ron Haugen

Hypermiling is a method of driving that increases fuel efficiency. The method uses various factors that the driver can control in order to reduce fuel usage.

It is the practice of making adjustments to a vehicle or using driving techniques that will maximize the vehicle's fuel economy.

Hypermilers are people who are known for trying to get their gas to go even further. Gas prices are high, and are often increasing dramatically without warning. It is a way to combat rising gas prices, by being more aware of driving methods and their resulting fuel usage. It is possible to use some or all of these techniques, and people can easily implement as they choose.

The main mantra of them are: Use the gas and break pedals as little as possible.

Using the gas pedal draws out fuel, and when the brake pedal is pressed immediately or soon after, that fuel that was released for use is wasted. When hypermiling, the driver will coast to a red light for as long as possible, rather than breaking hard at the stopping point. They will also accelerate out of stoplights slowly, so that fuel is not wasted on making a quick jump forward.

Hypermilers are known to drive at or below the speed limit, which decreases fuel waste. It takes gas to accelerate, especially when there is regular deceleration and acceleration in sequence. It is also recommended that tires be filled to the maximum safe pressure in order to increase stability.

They also use gadgets, most commonly fuel usage display devices. These devices show exactly how much fuel is being used with each acceleration of the vehicle. These gauges are currently included with hybrid vehicles, but can be installed in other vehicles. This can greatly help new hyper milers to see the fuel they can save by making small adjustments to their driving habits.

It is similar in ways to eco-driving, which is the implementation of driving practices that are better for the environment. They both include ideas of easy acceleration and deceleration, which decreases fuel consumption and is better for the planet.

Some serious hyper milers go to more extreme measures, including turning off the vehicle at stoplights and coasting down hills. These tactics are not recommended, especially for those people who are more concerned about safety than saving money on fuel. Unsafe driving habits are never encouraged.

Now that you know what hypermiling is, you will be more efficient while driving.
If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
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Three Reasons to Rotate Your Tires Every 6,000 Miles

By Ron Haugen

The top three reasons to rotate your tires often are: financial savings, better traction, and increased fuel efficiency. Everyone wants to save money, and replacing them sooner than necessary can cause unexpected financial burden. Rotating tires helps prolong their life. Arriving safely at your destination is the goal of every driver, and better tire traction ensures that tire grip is maximal and tire treads are worn evenly. As fuel prices rise, fuel efficiency is becoming an important factor to be considered in vehicle travel. Rotating tires on a regular basis increases fuel efficiency and will help you fill the tank less often. Even if tires do not show obvious wear, it is recommended that they be rotated every 6,000 miles to equalize tread.

Reason 1 - Financial Savings

When tires are rotated regularly, tire wear is evened out and tread is worn down at the same rate. Tires that are not rotated when they should be will become too worn down on one side, and will be unsafe to rotate. This means they will need to be replaced much sooner than they would have if they had been rotated. If you do not want to replace your tires earlier than necessary, make sure they are rotated near every 6,000 miles.

Reason 2 - Better Traction

Tires that are rotated regularly have better traction, and therefore increase control for the driver. When all four are even, it results in a smoother ride. Quicker acceleration, sudden breaking, and traction on tight corners are all extremely important, and can be improved when tires are evenly worn. Ones that are rotated regularly are more stable, and help maintain proper alignment by reducing friction.

Reason 3 - Fuel Efficiency

Reduced friction results in increased fuel efficiency. Driving on tires that have even treading will reduce horizontal friction with the road, which will increase fuel efficiency.

Rotating them every 6,000 miles will increase overall durability and lifespan. Tire rotation done before the winter season will increase traction and will allow tires to grip wet and unpredictable surfaces. Another benefit to rotation is that when tires are allowed to wear out evenly, they can be replaced all at the same time. This is an advantage because having four new tires will allow for better and more predictable handling. It is much better to replace all four tires together than to replace one or two at a time, which may result in instabilities.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com
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Top 3 Reasons to Install Winter Tires

By Ron Haugen

Winter tires may seem unnecessary to those who aren't living in snowy mountains or heading on weekend trips to the ski slopes, but the truth is, in snowy conditions a good set of them could save your life. Here's how:

They are made for wet, snowy, and icy conditions. Finding yourself driving in these conditions can be scary, especially if you are not used to the climate. However, knowing you have a good set of winter tires can help to put your mind at ease.

1. Winter tires have increase traction

Winter tires are designed with smaller treads and hundreds of small treads within the treads themselves. In other words, they have treads on their treads. This varied surface of the tire is better able to grip the road and the ice or snow because it has more flex. They are extremely effective for accelerating and braking on slippery or unpredictable road conditions. Increased traction undoubtedly means increased safety on the road.

2. All-Season tires aren't great for snow

When you purchase a new car, the tires will likely be advertised as all-season, or all-purpose. This is a generalization that the tires will work well in most conditions. Because not every area requires winter tires, manufacturers do not feel the need to include them on vehicles. However, if you are living somewhere where winter conditions last most of the year, such as in Alaska, or in snowy mountains, it is best to upgrade those all-purpose tires to proper ones. Research done by one of America's largest tire retailers demonstrates that winter tires can supply the vehicle with 21% more traction that all-season tires in winter conditions.

3. Give Your Summer Tires a Longer Life Span

You know now that winter tires are significantly better for snowy and icy seasons, but what about the increased cost? It can be difficult to justify purchasing a specialized set of tires that is specific to one particular climate and season, especially if winter in your area lasts only a few months. However, placing your safety first, they are the way to go. As far as costs, you will be paying for an extra set of them for winter, but that just means there is less wear on your summer tires and less frequent replacement. For that reason, the costs should about even out.

With this being said, you now know why you need to install Winter tires.
If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.askronthecarguy.com
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Top 3 Benefits of Inflating Your Tires with Nitrogen

By: Ron Haugen

Have you wondered why racecars and airplanes inflate their tires with Nitrogen rather than air? One reason is that Nitrogen is a non-combustible material, and is safer in hot conditions with extreme friction. Nitrogen also maintains a more stable pressure, and does not need to be inflated as often as Oxygen.

1. Longer Inflation Time

Using Nitrogen to inflate tires gives longer use than air inflation. When tires are inflated with Oxygen, there is a slow seepage of air that works its way through the rubber through a process known as oxidative aging. As the Oxygen works its way from inside the pressurized tire to the outside atmosphere, it oxidizes the tire rubber, causing the rubber to deteriorate and ultimately resulting in under-inflation. Nitrogen has significantly less aging seepage, which keeps tires inflated longer, and in better condition.

2. Nitrogen Prevents Corrosion

 Oxygen and moisture corrode steel and aluminum, which creates a problem for vehicle upkeep. When Oxygen seeps through rubber, particles of the rubber can break off which results in the formation of rust. If valve cores rust, they can begin to leak. Oxygen also eats away at the thin rubber inner liner of the tire. Similar to oxidative aging in the tire, the Oxygen works its way through the inner liner causing damage to both the liner and then the tire. As a point of reference, a truck tire loses an average 2 psi a month due to Oxygen seepage. Both Nitrogen and Oxygen permeate rubber, but Nitrogen does so at a much slower rate. With Nitrogen, the loss of pressure may be closer 2 psi every six months.

 3. A Smoother, Stable Ride

Inflating tires with Nitrogen results in a smoother ride because the tire pressure is more stable. A firm tire pressure allows for stable driving and better control for the driver. Also, because Nitrogen permeates less quickly, tires will not need to be filled up as often. Good tire pressure helps to prevent tears in tires, reducing the number of flat tires or tire issues.

Using Nitrogen for a large fleet of vehicles, there will definitely be a noticeable difference in the necessary upkeep for the tires.