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The Future of Electric Vehicles

What No One Tells You about Car Battery Life November 20, 2021
Batteries are among the most important components in cars. They provide the current needed for the engine to start and power onboard electrical appliances. Every car owner wants a battery with a healthy lifespan. That’s why we have curated the things you should know about car battery life. Let’s get to it! How to Make Your Battery Last Longer The life of a car battery is fixed, and you can’t extend it beyond the lifespan. However, by learning the factors that negatively affect your car’s battery life, you can prevent the batteries from dying early. 1. Routine inspection You should perform a routine car inspection at least once a month. Without regular maintenance, the terminals will rust over time and destroy the connection between the battery and the car. 2. Don’t go on short rides. Your battery takes a minimum time to get charged entirely and operate in full force. During shorter rides, the power cells work when they’re not entirely functional. This affects the performance of your battery by declining its lifespan. 3. Use a charger When you store your car, the accessories keep drawing energy. You may come back to meet a dead car battery. But a solar or regular charger will help you keep the battery charged even when your car is not running. 4. Turn off accessories when idling. The primary purpose of the car battery is to supply a sudden burst of power to the ignition. If you use it to power accessories for prolonged periods when idle, it will put pressure on the battery, damaging it in the long run. 5. Store your car properly when not in use for extended periods You need to drive your car regularly for the power cells to retain an adequate charge. If stored for long periods, the battery may die due to parasitic draining. Ensure to take precautions to avoid this. You can disconnect the negative cable from the battery and reconnect it when you are ready to drive your vehicle again. Factors That Can Impact Battery Life Here are the factors that can affect your car battery’s lifespan: 1. Bad driving habit Your driving habits can impact your vehicle’s battery life negatively. If you go on a lot of brief trips, your battery hasn’t ever charged fully. This behavior has adverse effects on your car’s battery life. 2. Lack of maintenance If you don’t maintain your lead-acid car battery regularly, its average lifespan will reduce significantly. It’s crucial to maintain your car regularly. If you fail to do so, it may later result in a severe problem and attract expensive repair costs. 3. Extreme temperature The weather condition in your area can also impact your car battery life. Batteries operate best in places with a temperature range of about 19℃ to 32℃. Extreme low temperatures tend to reduce the battery’s overall capacity. When the temperature is too high, the battery’s use cycle may reduce significantly. Always maintain optimal operating temperatures if you want to extend the lifespan of your vehicle batteries. How do you know when to change your Car Battery? When you notice warning signs like flickering headlights, sluggish cranking, or onboard electronic components, it means your battery needs a change. Try to check the battery once in six months for a weird smell or swelling. This usually points to a problem, and you should change the battery. If your car displays a warning light on the dashboard, it will notify you when the battery needs a change. Final Thoughts While it’s not possible to extend the lifespan of your car battery, you can take precautions to prevent the batteries from dying early. Store your vehicle properly when not in use and avoid bad driving habits. Pay attention to warning signs to know when a battery change is due. In all, make sure to maintain your regularly.
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How to Program a Car Key Fob November 19, 2021
Electronic car keys (key FOBs) allow car owners to control their car doors, trunk, and alarm in the most convenient way. There’s an incredible feeling that comes with starting your car remotely or from a distance, and it’s all thanks to your key FOB. But what happens when this device fails? You may encounter issues that trigger a malfunction of your key FOB. It could be a signal loss. But don’t worry! You can fix the problem by reprograming your key FOB, and we’ll show you how to do it! How Do I program a car key by myself? The first thing you need to consider is the make of your car. Key FOB programming process varies depending on the car brand. What works for a Ford key FOB may not work for a Nissan smart key. Generally, you can reprogram a car’s remote in a few steps. These steps apply to almost all the vehicles on the market. But the best practice is to find out the steps that are specific to your car model. Most times, the instructions are available in the owner’s manual. Now, without any further ado, here are the steps involved in programming a car key: The first thing you need to consider is the make of your car. Key FOB programming process varies depending on the car brand. What works for a Ford key FOB may not work for a Nissan smart key. Generally, you can reprogram a car’s remote in a few steps. These steps apply to almost all the vehicles on the market. But the best practice is to find out the steps that are specific to your car model. Most times, the instructions are available in the owner’s manual. Now, without any further ado, here are the steps involved in programming a car key: Step 1: Enter your car with the remote and ignition key Grab the remote and ignition key and get inside your car. Once you are in, close all the doors. Leaving the door open can disrupt the entire reprogramming process, and you don’t want that. Step 2: Turn the key to the ‘On’ and then the ‘Off’ position Now, you are inside your car. Place it in the ‘On’ position and press the Lock button on your key FOB. Once done, turn the key back to the ‘Off’ position. Step 3: Perform the previous step three more times Repeat step 2 three more times. Once you are done, place the key in the ‘On’ position. At this point, the key in the ignition will send a signal to your car’s electronic control units. Step 4: Press the Lock button on the remote for about five seconds once you hear a locking sound. Listen to hear the locking sound. This sound indicates that your car has entered programming mode. Now, you need to press the Lock button on the remote for about five seconds. After this process, the locks will cycle again. This means that you have succeeded in reprogramming the key. Step 5: Reprogram any additional remotes you have and end the programming sequence For all extra remotes, you have, press the Lock button on them after entering the programming mode. Make sure you do this within ten seconds of entering the programming mode. You can program up to two additional remotes. Once you are done, turn the ignition back to the ‘Off’ position to end the programming sequence. Step 6: Test the reprogrammed key FOBs Now that you have completed the entire programming process, you need to test the reprogrammed key FOBs. Get out of the car with the key FOBs and close all the doors. Test the success of the reprogramming procedure by using the key FOBs to unlock the doors. Hire a Professional Some types of key FOBs are easier to reprogram than others. In some situations, the reprogramming procedure may require specialist hardware. In this case, the best option is to hire a professional to help you with the process. Consult an authorized car dealer or a mechanic workshop. They should help you with reprogramming and have your key FOBs working again in no time!
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Most Popular JDM Cars Imported from Japan November 11, 2021
People love JDM cars for many reasons, including speed, performance, and ease of maintenance. These cars are always ahead when it comes to technological advancements. When looking to purchase one, you may be overwhelmed with the numerous options out there. Of course, you would want to go for the best. So, feel free to go through our list of the top 10 most popular JDM cars. What is JDM? Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars emerged in the automotive scene in the ’80s and ’90s. These cars are famous for their incredible speed and high performance. Some of the best JDM cars are from top Japanese automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. Here are some of the most popular ones out there 1. Nissan Skyline GTR Known as Japan’s legendary race car, the Nissan Skyline is one of the most popular cars you’ll come across in the country. It has a strong reputation for excelling in street racing and Group A. That’s no surprise, as the race car uses the powerful Nissan RB26 twin-turbo engine. The Nissan Skyline GT-R was manufactured in Japan and exported to other countries, including New Zealand and Australia. Today, the vehicle is very popular in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the USA, and more. 2. Toyota Supra GT-300 You cannot list the popular automobile brands in the world and skip Toyota. Their Super GT-300 JDM model features an oil cooler, trust turbo, rear wing, intercooler, force body kit wastegate, and GREX Brakes. It has an attractive body styling and wheel selection. The enhanced looks and up-to-date features with which this car was endowed endeared it to many people. 3. Honda Del Sol Honda is another brand that is known all around the world. The Honda Del Sol model comes with many great features, including coil covers, side skirts, rear bumper, Mugen front bumper, block guards, SR4 Seats, and fuel pistons. This JDM car is fuel-efficient and offers a customized version with the Type R motor to meet customers’ demands. The model is innovative with its rear engine and other attractive features, which has made it popular today. 4. Mazda RX-7 The Mazda RX-7 has a beautiful design with a smoothly curved body with contours in the right places. With a low center of gravity and a 50/50 front-to-rear weight ratio balance, this car is designed to be lightweight. It has an incredible speed thanks to its 1.3-liter twin-rotor turbocharged engine that renders 276 hp. However, you should know that the RX-7 does not comply with Japan’s car dimension regulations, which means you’ll have to pay taxes every year if you buy it. 5. Subaru Impreza WRX STI The Subaru Impreza WRX was designed to compete with the likes of the Mitsubishi Lancer and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. This high-performance car was first marketed in 1992. Later on, Subaru Technica International enhanced the WRX with upgraded transmission and performance-tuned engine suspension. The model became legendary in the rally and street races in the ’90s. 6. Honda NSX The Honda NSX offers the performance of a Ferrari at a lower cost. It is popular in the US markets and considered a counterpart of the Acura NSX. It’s no surprise that the NSX has become massively popular in the United States, Canada, Europe, and many other regions. Many people want the luxurious quality of a Ferrari but can’t afford it. So, when Honda made that luxury cheaper for them, they jumped on it. 7. Nissan Silvia S13 The Nissan Silver is one of the most important cars in modern-day automotive culture. Although many people believe that the Toyota Corolla AE86 stated the drift scene, Nissan’s S-Body vehicles made the experience accessible. The S13 has a classic appearance with its clean angular lines and low slung stance. 8. 1992 Acura Integra RS Acura Integra RS was developed with the finest JDM parts out there and launched in 1992. This car comes with man features, including the modern-day cam gears, steering boss, RNR wheels, JDM gauge cluster, head gasket, oil span, and more. It has a unique design that never goes out of style. 9. 2000 Toyota Altezza Launched in 2000, the Toyota Altezza quickly gained popularity thanks to its unique features. The car comes with custom carbon body panels, titanium coated pistons, bride seats, intercooler, ball bearing turbo, and Alcon brakes. This highly demanded JDM car has a very stylish design and does not come cheap. Well, that’s expected considering the model’s performance and features. 10. 1996 Honda Civic Introduced to the market in 1996, Honda Civic is one of the top JDM cars you’ll come across today. It comes with CTR headlights, buddy club body kit, Z1 latest wheels, turbo engine, FC commander, fuel pump, and unique white paint. The car has a modern design, which features customized carbon fiber pieces. Its price might be on the high side, but it makes up for it with state-of-the-art features and innovative design.
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White Smoke From Exhaust: Main Causes and How to Fix November 4, 2021
You don’t want to see your car smoking. It’s abnormal, as it points to a problem that needs to be fixed. Thin white smoke from the exhaust during the winter might be normal. But if the smoke is thick, you should look into it. Whether the smoke comes out on startup or when accelerating, you can fix it with a few steps. Here’s a list of reasons for white smoke from exhaust and how to fix it. Reasons for White Smoke from Exhaust When you notice white smoke coming out from your car’s exhaust, it’s usually a result of the following culprits: 1. Coolant Leak A cracked coolant reservoir tank can allow coolant to leak into the engine’s combustion chamber. When the coolant burns within the cylinders, it creates a thick white smoke from the exhaust. More common causes of a coolant leak include a cracked head gasket, cylinder head, or engine block. They usually occur due to overheating of your engine. 2. Condensation Buildup When there’s a condensation build-up within the exhaust system, you may notice a thin white smoke on startup. The smoke burns out fairly quickly once your engine warms up. Although this isn’t a serious issue, you should check it out if it’s accompanied by poor engine performance. 3. Bad Fuel Injector Your vehicle’s fuel injector delivers fuel to the combustion chamber, but it can’t control how the fuel gets sent. If it malfunctions, the chamber won’t receive the right amount of fuel at the right time. Too much fuel in the engine needs to be burned off. The result is thick white or gray smoke from the exhaust. When this happens, you should call a professional to help you inspect and change the injection. 4. Injector Pump Timing Is Off This culprit only applies to diesel engines. The injector pump is responsible for sending diesel into the cylinders. If its timing is off, the cylinders won’t receive the right amount of diesel when needed. An overrun of diesel could occur, which can cause thick white smoke to come out of the tailpipe. 5. Engine Control Unit Error Sometimes the cause of the white smoke is a faulty engine control unit. In this case, you need to repair or reset the engine control unit. This way, you’ll correct the fuel pump injector’s timing. All you need to do to reprogram the computer is unplug the car battery for a few minutes. If the thick white smoke persists, you should take your car to a professional. How to Troubleshoot and Fix White Smoke from Exhaust The first thing you need to do when you notice white smoke coming out from your exhaust is check the coolant level. If the level is low and there’s no leak from the coolant reservoir tank, then the leak is a result of a crack in the cylinder head, engine block, or head gasket. It would help to purchase an engine block leak detector kit, so you can tell when your coolant is contaminated. These steps will help you troubleshoot and fix white smoke coming out from the exhaust: Step 1: Open the hood Make sure the engine is cool before you remove the reservoir cap or radiator cap. If the engine is hot, allow it to cool for at least one hour before attempting to check the coolant. Step 2: Check the coolant level Your car needs to be parked on a flat surface while you check the coolant level. Open the coolant reservoir and check the coolant chamber. You will see the markings on the plastic overflow bottle, saying “Low” and “Full,” or similar terms. Use a funnel to fill the reservoir until the level reaches “Full.” You may check the level by putting a stick into the reservoir. Step 3: Inspect other engine components Once you have determined that the amount of coolant in the engine is adequate, you should inspect other engine components. Cracks or other damages may cause the coolant to mix up with fuel or engine oil. Determine the part that caused the leak by performing a cooling system pressure check. Apply pressure to the system up to the range specified on the radiator cap. This way, you can confirm that there’s a leak if the system can’t hold pressure for more than two minutes. In the absence of an external leak, the cause of the white smoke is most likely a crack in the engine block, head gasket, or cylinder head. Final Thoughts White smoke from exhaust should never be overlooked. It is a problem to the environment and a signal that your car needs attention. But, there’s no need to panic, as you can fix the issue in no time with the tips we provided. In all, always remember to take care of your car engine. FAQ How can oil leak into the combustion chamber? This usually happens when leaky valve seals or piston rings allow oil to flow into the combustion chamber. When you fail to lubricate engine components properly, they will wear out prematurely, which results in oil leaks. It leaves you with expensive replacements and repairs that you don’t want to deal with.
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Tire Size Comparison November 2, 2021
If you have non-stock tires installed on your car, you need to understand tire size comparison. You don’t want to purchase new tires only to find out that they don’t fit. Your tires are responsible for many things including, performance, handling, comfort, and driving safety. That’s why we curated these important details to help you choose the right sizes when upgrading your wheels and tires. Tire Size Conversion Chart Tires are very important and you should understand their measurements. With a tire size conversion chart, you can figure out the right measurement of a tire. The chart also enables you to know the correct replacement for your car’s original tires. You should know that no tire size conversion chart can provide you with perfect measurements. However, the correct size depends on factors like wheel size and diameter. If you want to determine how close a match the tread footprint is, the best method is by measuring outside diameters. You can also ask a dealer to help you with all the required information before purchasing new tires for your car. They are knowledgeable and should be able to advise you. Tire Size Comparison Examples by Wheel Size Metric Tire Size Comparison for 14′ Wheels 19’ Tire Diameter105/70R14 = 19.8X4.1R14 20′ Tire Diameter 115/70R14 = 20.3X4.5R14 125/70R14 = 20.9X4.9R14 21′ Tire Diameter 165/55R14 = 21.1X6.5R14 22′ Tire Diameter 135/80R14 = 22.5X5.3R14 165/65R14 = 22.4×6.5R14 185/55R14 = 22×7.3R14 185/60R14 = 22.7×7.3R14195/55R14 = 22.4×7.7R14 205/50R14 = 22.1×8.1R14 205/55R14 = 22.9×8.1R14 225/50R14 = 22.9×8.9R14 23′ Tire Diameter 175/65R14 = 23×6.9R14 175/70R14 = 23.6×6.9R14 185/65R14 = 23.5×7.3R14 195/60R14 = 23.2×7.7R14 205/60R14 = 23.7×8.1R14 24′ Tire Diameter 185/70R14 = 24.2×7.3R14 185/75R14 = 24.9X7.3R14 195/65R14 = 24×7.7R14 195/70R14 = 24.7×7.7R14 215/60R14 = 24.2×8.5R14 225/60R14 = 24.6×8.9R14 25′ Tire Diameter 185R14 = 25.7×7.3R14 195/75R14 = 25.5×7.7R14 205/70R14 = 25.3×8.1R14 215/70R14 = 25.9×8.5R14 235/60R14 = 25.1×9.3R14 245/60R14 = 25.6×9.6R14 26′ Tire Diameter 195R14 = 26.2×7.8R14 205/75R14 = 26.1×8.1R14 215/75R14 = 26.7×8.5R14 225/70R14 = 26.4×8.9R14 26X8.5R14 27′ Tire Diameter 205R14 = 27×8.2R14 27X8.5R14 27X9.5R1428′ Tire Diameter 28X10R14 30′ Tire Diameter 30X10R14 Tire Comparison Examples by Tire Diameter 22′ Diameter Tire Size Comparison: 13′ Wheel Size155/80R13 = 22.8×6.1R13 175/70R13 = 22.6×6.9R13 205/60R13 = 22.7×8.1R13 22X8R1314′ Wheel Size 135/80R14 = 22.5X5.3R14 165/65R14 = 22.4×6.5R14 185/55R14 = 22×7.3R14 185/60R14 = 22.7×7.3R14195/55R14 = 22.4×7.7R14 205/50R14 = 22.1×8.1R14 205/55R14 = 22.9×8.1R14 225/50R14 = 22.9×8.9R14 15′ Wheel Size 125/80R15 = 22.9X4.9R15 145/65R15 = 22.4×5.7R15 155/60R15 = 22.3×6.1R15 165/60R15 = 22.8×6.5R15 175/55R15 = 22.6×6.9R15 195/50R15 = 22.7×7.7R15 22X8R15 22.5X4.5R15 245/40R15 = 22.7X9.6R15 275/35R15 = 22.6×10.8R15 16′ Wheel Size 125/70R16 = 22.9X4.9R16 175/50R16 = 22.9×6.9R16 195/40R16 = 22.1×7.7R16 195/45R16 = 22.9×7.7R16 205/40R16 = 22.5×8.1R16 215/35R16 = 21.9×8.5R16 215/40R16 = 22.8×8.5R16 How to Check Tire Size As mentioned earlier, you must understand your tire size conversion chart. This way, you can make correct replacements to your car’s original tires. You can easily check your tire size in the few steps listed below. Step 1: Check your car’s manual First of all, you need to check your car’s manual to confirm the size. Step 2: Check the number on the sidewall of a front tire You need to compare your tire size with the number on the sidewall of a front tire. For example, say the number on the tire is 220/50R-14, the ‘220’‘225’ describes the tire’s width in millimeters. The other part of the number sequence, ‘50R’ carries two kinds of information. It means that the sidewall aspect ratio or height is 50% of the tire’s width. The letter ‘R’ shows that the speed rating of the tire is less than 150mph. The letter for tires rated to run at speeds over 150mph is ‘ZR’. Step 3: Check wheel size compatibility The last number ‘14’ indicates the compatible wheel size. This means that the tire is perfect for a wheel with a 14-inch diameter. If you want to figure out the correct size of your rear tires, you will need to follow a similar process. How Important Are Correct Tire Measurements? Correct tire measurements are very important. Imagine buying a new pair of shoes only to discover that they are not your size. That’s how it feels when you use the wrong tire measurements when purchasing a replacement for your original car tires. You must check every single dimension, including width, height, speed rating, and wheel diameter when purchasing a tire. Ensure that these dimensions match your wheel for driving performance and safety. For instance, if you purchase a tire that has the wrong diameter, it will affect speedometer accuracy. Also, if the height and width are more than the required measurements, it will cause your chassis or car’s body to bump with the road surface. Incorrect tire measurements can affect the wheel speed sensors and cause problems with the anti-lock braking system (ABS). Ensure that the tires you want to purchase match the recommended tire size by your car’s manufacturer. Once you have done this, you can then go ahead to scan the tire size conversion chart and place an order. Conclusion Car tires are extremely important, as they help to ensure smooth running. Choosing the wrong replacement for your original tires can lead to problems and attract expensive repairs. Luckily, the information above will help you avoid this mistake.
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How to remove small dents and dents from your car’s door panel October 21, 2021
Car maintenance is not only done to ensure smooth running but also for good aesthetics. Let’s face it! There’s a good feeling that comes with driving a cool car, and your vehicle’s appearance is reflective of your lifestyle. But isn’t it expensive to keep your vehicle looking clean at all times? Don’t panic! There are some cost-effective ways to maintain your car. For instance, when dealing with dents, you can fix it yourself. It’s easy, and we’ll show you how to do it! How to Pop a Dent on a Car’s Door Panel The following steps will help you eliminate a large dent on a car door: Step 1: Make the door’s surface wet and slippery Pour a mixture of soap and water on the area around the dent to make it slippery. Step 2: Pop the Dent Place a plunger on the dent and pop it. Push and pull the plunger until the dent pops out. If it doesn’t, remove the plunger and rinse off the soap. Step 3: Detach the Door Panel from your Car Keep a container beside you in which you will put all the screws from the interior door panel. Open the car door and remove all the screws. Once done, use a flat screwdriver and pop open the square covers or the small circle. Pull the door’s internal panel away along the edges and disconnect the wiring. Now, lift the panel and pull it off the door. Step 4: Peel out the Plastic Sheet from the Metal Door Frame Peel off the plastic sheet from the metal door frame and lay it on a clean area. Make sure the adhesive does not touch anything to avoid ruining it. Step 5: Push the Dent Out Now, you can push out the dent gently by placing your hand on its backside. Gently increase the pressure if necessary. You may also use a plastic hammer to tap the dent out. Once you succeed, place the plastic sheet and the interior door panel where they belong. How to Remove Small Dents on your Car Small Dents Solution 1: Use a Plunger The first thing that comes to mind when talking about a plunger is unclogging a drain. But you can also utilize this tool to eliminate dents on your car. Here’s how to do it! Step 1: Splash some water on the dent and the plunger.Step 2: Place the plunger on the dent, push and pull until it pops out. Avoid using a flange plunger, as they may not stick. Cup plungers used for sinks are more effective. Solution 2: Use Vacuum cleaner and pot Your vacuum cleaner can help you pull out dents in your car by suction. But you can’t use it alone. You need a dent puller that can provide the right amount of power. The good news is, with a pot and some tape, you’re good to go! Step 1: Create a hole underneath the potStep 2: Tape the pot around the dent securelyStep 3: Place your vacuum cleaner hose on the hole you created and turn on the vacuum cleaner. The suction produced should be enough to pop out dents on your car, provided that they are not too shallow. Solution 3: Boiling Water It’s not easy to push out dents on a plastic car bumper because plastics can be very stiff. However, a simple workaround would be to apply boiling water to the dent. Here are the steps to follow: Step 1: Pour boiling water on the dentStep 2: Reach out to the back of the bumper and push the dent out The heat from the boiling water applied will make the plastic bumper more flexible and easier to put back in place. Solution 4: Use dry ice Dry ice is a popular cooling agent that is also helpful in removing minor dents from a car. Be sure to wear gloves when handling it, though. Here are a few guidelines for eliminating dents in your vehicle using dry ice. Step 1: With your gloved hands, place a piece of dry ice on the dentStep 2: Rub the dry ice around until the dent pops back in. You may also heat the dent first before applying dry ice to it. Solution 5: Use a hairdryer and compressed air This method is useful when dealing with plastic car bumpers. Here is how to utilize these two popular household products for car dent removal. Step 1: Use the hairdryer to heat the car dent. Ensure the dryer is at its highest temperature to ensure the effective expansion of the plastic.Step 2: Once the dented area is hot enough, apply the compressed air to it.Step 3: Keep spraying the area around the dent with cold air until it contracts and pops out. Solution 6: Use a specialty tool You can also purchase a suction dent remover tool or any special tool for removing car dents. There are many options on the market, and they will help you get rid of the dent on your car in no time. Final Thoughts If you’ve got dents on your car, you can remove them by yourself. Not only are these DIY methods easier than you thought, but they are also cost-effective. However, some dents could be more severe than you can handle. In that case, it is better to accept your limitations and take your car to a professional body for repairs. This way, you will avoid costlier damages that could occur down the road.
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