Author Archive: Chad Baus

Does Saving Pennies on Gas Put Your Car’s Engine at Risk?

Gasoline is expensive and you’re looking for every way possible to save money at the pump. You already shy away from premium fuel, knowing that your car doesn’t require it. You’d like to save a few pennies per gallon more by going to an off-brand gas station. But you can’t get rid of the nagging fear: Is the cheap gas going to damage your car’s engine?

Edmunds.com put this question to experts in several fields, including an automotive engineer at a major carmaker, gasoline manufacturers and two engineers with the American Automobile Association (AAA). It boils down to this: You can stop worrying about cheap gas. You’re unlikely to hurt your car by using it.

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Proper Maintenance Will Keep You on the Road

Most people wait until their car battery dies before they decide to replace it, a recent report revealed. The survey of 1,000 drivers, sponsored by Batteries Plus Bulbs, showed that 53 percent of the group waited until they were stranded by a dead battery and then had to call for roadside assistance.

“We get a lot of calls for dead batteries,” says Steve Mazor, chief automotive engineer with the Automobile Club of Southern California. “It always seems to be at the most inopportune time and place.”

While the battery is a simple, relatively inexpensive device, it is essential. If it doesn’t work, you aren’t going anywhere. So it pays to check your battery regularly and replace it before it dies.

A car’s 12-volt battery stores electricity used to briefly turn the car’s engine until it starts and runs. Then, the engine’s power turns the alternator, which generates electricity to [...]

You might not be familiar with the term “beater.” But in all likelihood, you’ve owned or driven one in your lifetime. This is the hand-me-down, the junker, the old car that hasn’t received an ounce of love in at least a decade. It’s the vehicle that’s been beat on.

A big difference between those doomed to spend their lives in old, ugly, dented, fuel-thirsty beaters and those who can soon afford better rides is how they care for it. Neglect maintenance and it could lead to a crash, a breakdown or cost money you may not have.

In this article, we’ll offer tips on how to keep your old car running safely as long as possible for the least money. You can do a lot yourself, even if you have little mechanical experience.

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These little-known bulletins can save you money on repairs

Today’s cars are more reliable and low-maintenance than ever thanks to advances in engine technology, car computer systems and more robust build quality. But “low-maintenance” doesn’t substitute for “no maintenance.” Whether your car is brand spanking new or wearing the patina of age, it requires proper maintenance. Assuming you’re not doing the work yourself (and sometimes even if you are), you’ll be visiting a dealership or independent mechanic, with all the accompanying pros and cons of each.

The pros and cons of dealership service are numerous. In favor are technicians who are skilled in your brand, up-to-date repairs and methods, and manufacturer-backed warranties, while the cons include higher prices, limited parts choice and less personalized service. Independents, meanwhile, typically cost less and range from general repair and maintenance shops to expert technicians and specialists who can offer service tailored more specifically to your car and needs.

Which oil should you use?

The choice of synthetic oil vs. conventional motor oil generally comes down to what your owner’s manual recommends. In most cases, however, you can go with conventional oil, which is the less expensive option. That said, there are several benefits of synthetic oil that are worth considering.

Every gasoline or diesel engine needs lubrication. An internal combustion engine is made up of thousands of metal parts rubbing against one another at any moment. Without the lubrication provided by engine oil, your engine can’t run. But knowing what kind of oil to use is another matter altogether. Generally, there are two categories: synthetic and conventional engine oil. So which one should you use?

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These guidelines will help you know when to replace tires

Like many other car maintenance tasks, when it comes to your tires, there is no exact number of years or miles you should reach before you replace them. How often to replace tires depends on a number of variables, including obvious considerations such as tread depth or sidewall damage, but it also depends on indicators you may not often think about, including tire age and the climate you live in.

Tires are an extremely important part of your car’s equipment. No matter how many advanced driver assistance or safety systems your car has, worn-out or damaged tires can render them useless. Those four rubber hoops are the only part of an automobile that contact the road, and bad tires can cause your car to lose traction or efficiency and could lead to a loss of vehicle control entirely.

As we said at the outset, there [...]

Don’t just turn it off; fix the problem

The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp, illuminates whenever one of your car’s computers or sensors is giving an incorrect reading. Little things, like a loose gas cap or a faulty oxygen sensor, can set off the check engine light, but it can also be an indication of a far more serious problem, such as worn-out timing equipment or a bad catalytic converter. Whatever the cause may be, it’s crucial to visit an auto parts store, repair facility, or dealer to diagnose the issue and make any necessary repairs.

Check engine lights most commonly come in an orange or amber color, with either an icon in the shape of an engine block or words like “check engine.” A steady check engine light is usually an indication of a serious but not urgent problem. If the check engine light starts flashing, however, it means [...]

NOFZINGER MOTOR SALES INC. dba CAR 1 TEXT MESSAGING TERMS OF USE

By “Opting In” to or using a “Text Message Service” (as defined below) from NOFZINGER MOTOR SALES INC. dba CAR 1 (hereafter “CAR 1”), you accept these Terms & Conditions.

This agreement is between you and CAR 1 or one of its affiliates. All references to “CAR 1,” “we,” “our,” or “us” refer to NOFZINGER MOTOR SALES INC. dba CAR 1, 1601 S. Defiance St., Archbold, OH 43502.

DEFINITIONS

“Opting In,” “Opt In,” and “Opt-In” refer to requesting, joining, agreeing to, enrolling in, signing up for, acknowledging, responding to, or otherwise consenting to receive one or more text messages.

“Text Message Service” includes any arrangement or situation in which we send one or more messages addressed to your mobile phone number, including text messages (such as SMS, MMS, or successor protocols or technologies).

CONSENTING TO TEXT MESSAGING

By consenting to receive text [...]

FACTS: What does Nofzinger Motor Sales Inc. dba CAR 1 do with your personal information?

Why?

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information.  Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing.  Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share and protect your personal information.  Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

What?

The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us.  The information can include:

• Social Security number and income
• Account balances and payment history
• Credit history and employment information

When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice.

How?

All financial companies need to share consumers’ personal information to run their everyday business.  In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers’ personal information; [...]