How Often Is Oil Change Necessary?

Oil change is a huge issue for a lot of people. Some of the people don’t even know when to change your oil. While some do not remember to change the oil in their car, they either have a windshield reminder sticker that helps them to remember to get an oil change, or they change the oil when their car starts to give them trouble. To all those out there, stop following these stickers, instead follow the automaker’s advised service intervals. Thanks to the modern technology oil change has become very easy. These days most cars have built-in oil monitoring systems, which let you know when to go for an oil change.

Let the Manual Guide You

Bless the good old manuals. You can get all the information you need regarding oil change in the maintenance section of the owner’s manual. You can even get a softcopy of our manual in case you have misplaced or lost your hardcopy, all you have to do is go online and search for the right manual.

You will find that the owner’s manual has two lists of service schedules, in most of the cases. These are based on type of driving conditions; they can be normal and severe or special. Carefully read the manual to find out more about the driving conditions or how you drive. In most cases, the vast majority of people fall into the normal schedule.

Trust Your Oil Life Monitor

With the constant innovation and technological advancements, life is becoming easier. One of the many innovations that have helped people is the oil life monitors systems. An increasing number of automakers are moving towards installing oil life monitors of varying complexity in their vehicles. The basic versions tend to be more like maintenance protectors rather than actual systems. They are determined by mileage, and maintenance light starts blinking when the vehicle reaches a certain range of mileage.

The advanced oil life monitors rely on constantly taking information from numerous sensors throughout the vehicle and then use a complex algorithm to predict the life of your oil. The frequency of oil change depends on the driving conditions and habits. The knowledge about when your next oil change is due is al; based on guesswork. There is no specific time after which you should change your oil. You just have to drive and wait till the maintenance light comes on. The frequency of oil changes vary from car to car. You will be surprised at the difference of oil change between cars.

It's also essential to note that these systems are attuned to work with the factory-recommended oil. They aren't sophisticated enough to recognize that you've upgraded to another blend, so save your money and stick to the factory fill.

Use the Time Estimate

However if you have a weekend car or use your vehicle seldom, you'll have to change your maintenance strategy a bit. Many specialists believe that over time, oil becomes contaminated by gases that blow by the pistons, and the longer the oil sits with that contamination, the more it degrades.

Whichever method you follow, whether its the oil life monitor system set by the automaker or set mileage intervals, all of them have prescribe a maximum time frame for an oil change. For example, the 2010 Toyota Prius has a recommended oil interval of one year or 10,000 miles — whichever comes first. Most of the oil life monitors are more sophisticated than others; vehicles that employ them will have different time recommendations. This information can be found in the owner's manual.

Get an Oil Analysis

The two type of driving conditions have been of a point of conflict between vehicle owners, mechanics and dealership service departments for very long. Each one has his/her own beliefs, and based on these beliefs they have their own recommendations. However the best way to understand your driving style is to get your analyzed.

The advantage of this oil analysis is that it will tell you the condition of the oil in your car; it can also uncover any issues that your engine might be experiencing. Sometimes your you might find out that the sample tests show traces of fuel and coolant in the engine oil, which are initial signs of engine complications. These tests also let you know how far you can travel in between oil change.

Extended-Life Oils: It's Safe to Switch

Numerous oil companies are releasing the extended-life oils, which are guaranteed for precise mileage listed on the bottle. For example, Mobil's most advanced fully synthetic product, Mobil 1 Extended Performance, for instance, is guaranteed for 15,000 miles. The company advises it for vehicles that have crossed their warranty period. This is an important point because many automakers will void your warranty if you do not follow their recommended service intervals.

By following the above listed points not only will you know when to change your oil, but it will also help in protecting your engine from having any serious issues that might harm your car.

At Auto House Calgaryhttp://www.kijiji.ca/b-cars-vehicles/calgary/c27l1700199 we understand your need better and therefore aim at providing you with the best quality services that are reliable and have reasonable prices.

What is Fuel Economy?

Transport has always been an important part of human life. Traditionally, humans used animals and carts to transport themselves from one place to another. It used to take a considerable amount of time. Horseback riding, camel riding and other animal riding used to be regarded as modes of speedy transportation. As the human race has advanced, so has the means of transportation that they use. Now we have cars, which travel faster than any horse or camel could ever travel.

Cars run by fuel. This fuel is in the form of natural gas, kerosene, petrol and diesel. Since this fuel comes from natural oil and gas, it is a given that fuel is not unlimited. Rather, the fuel for cars today is becoming depleted very quickly, and the prices of fuel have risen to astronomical values as compared to even fifty years ago. Therefore car companies have made advances in car design and engines which allows the car to require lesser fuel to operate. The concept of fuel economy has therefore arisen in the world of automobiles and vehicles.

Fuel economy refers to the relationship between the distance a car travels and the amount of fuel it consumes. It is usually measured as the kilometers a car travels per liter of fuel. Generally, cars that run on petrol have better fuel economy than those that run on diesel. With the advancement in information technology, car manufacturers have achieved significant breakthroughs, which have greatly improved fuel economy of cars. Not only petrol cars, but diesel cars also have a better fuel economy now. This has become possible due to the introduction of such technology as Electronic computer module, ECU, and Eco. The computer system is installed in the engine of the car which gives instructions to the car about how much fuel to inject, and how fast to go etc. And this system incorporates advanced fuel systems for cars, such as VVTI for Toyota or IVTI for Honda cars etc. Apart from this, companies have even introduced hybrids, which greatly reduce the need for fuel. Hybrids run either on petrol or on a battery. The battery recharges itself as the car runs. Toyota Prius is an example of a hybrid.

With the increase in knowledge of aerodynamics and propulsion, as well as vehicle mechanism, we now know that steady speed driving greatly helps reduce the amount of fuel consumed by the car. An improvement in route selection, such as building tunnels, to reduce distance has also resulted in better fuel economy. Apart from this, improvements in road surfaces have also had a positive impact on fuel economy of cars. Moreover, driving habits of people greatly influence fuel economy. Fast, reckless driving usually leads to more fuel being consumed whereas slow driving or driving in a flow reduced the amount of fuel required. Moreover, on time servicing and maintenance of your car would ensure a better fuel economy.

The benefits of better fuel economy

Having a better fuel economy in your car has a number of benefits for you. The key benefits are:

• Cost saving. Since your cars now require lesser fuel for travel, this would greatly reduce your spending on petrol

• Greener environment. Some trains used to and still run on burned wood and coal. This greatly damages the environment quite a bit. Even cars have certain emissions that are harmful both to humans and other animals, as well as the environment as a whole. The new technology adopted by car manufacturers to reduce fuel consumption, also results in lower emissions from the engines of the car. This will greatly enhance environmental conservation.

• If you are a car manufacturer, producing cars with better fuel economy will greatly increase your sales. This is because more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of fuel economy and prefer cars that offer them the best in fuel consumption.

At AutoHouse only the best and most fuel economical vehicles in excellent condition are sold to gratified and appreciative customers with auxiliary consultation services and assistance.

5 Reasons to Buy a Preowned Vehicle Instead of a New One

The automobile market is thriving these days with modern engineering technology developing new and improved models with amazing hi-tech features. However, the market prices of these vehicles keep fluctuating with the different trends in the market so it is important to be aware of them before you decide to purchase a car. There has always been a debate about the advantages of preowned cars over brand new cars. Here are some factors listed to help you weigh the pros and cons when approaching a car dealer.

Cost

The most obvious benefit of getting a preowned car is the negotiable price depending on its condition and time of release. You can easily afford a really good preowned car within a reasonable budget. The trouble usually accompanying the payment of a brand new car is that the lack of good credit results in difficulties when applying for a loan.

Insurance

The insurance costs for a brand new car are much higher than those for a preowned car. Also the owner does not have to be on their toes all the time afraid to scratch or dent their new car accidentally. Overall, a new car is a much larger investment that not everyone at afford in difficult financial times.

Depreciation

Most car prices drop up to 40 % within the first year! This means that instead of walking into a showroom to select a new model, you can just purchase the same model from a quality car dealership company after a couple of months.

Improved Reliability

The business of preowned car dealerships has developed greatly in recent decades leading to a more flexible and reliable system of certified dealers. A new car comes with a definite full warranty that extends for a reasonable period of time. The original factory warranty on a new car can actually be transferred when it gains new ownership if the time falls within the preordained warranty of the car company. So a portion of the leftover warranty can belong to the new owner of this preowned car.

Choice of a Higher Model or Discontinued Features

Recently launched cars obviously come with attractive new features but they are not within everyone’s budget. One can easily buy a relatively new classy model with almost the same design and innovative features for a fraction of the original price. So a buyer can conveniently upgrade to a higher model well within budget. Sometimes a car enthusiast finds some older features more suitable for themselves that are absent in the latest models. Preowned cars are a great option for such individuals.

Although the purchase of preowned vehicles may be tricky, most problems can easily be eliminated by the choice of a reliable well established car dealership. At AutoHouse only the best preowned vehicles in prime condition are sold to satisfied customers with additional consultation services and benefits.

How to find the best car for Snowy Winters?

With summers long gone, and winters just around the corner most of you will be looking for either a new car or a replacement for the one you have. Most of the people do not find any difference in the cars that are built for snowy regions and for places without snow. However, with close inspections you will see a number of differences. And if you live in a snowy area it is a must that you look up for these specifications before making a purchase, not only will it help you find the perfect car to drive in snow, but will ensure that you have a safe and satiated journey.

Front-wheel drive

First and foremost the car you are looking for should have a power engine. Reason being the powerful you engine is the more easily it will provide the power needed by the front wheels, to pull the rest of the car behind it, this extremely useful on icy surfaces. Four-wheel drive offers maximum traction in more extreme conditions, like mountainous or otherwise rougher terrain.

Heated windshield

As often seen once you turn on the heater in your car, the windshield along with the side glasses start to get foggy. This awfully dangerous if you are driving at night. Also it’s a tremendous task to get rid of the layer of ice on your windshield. To make things easy look for a car that has heated windshield and side-view mirrors.

Seat heaters

One thing you will come across in all the cars in Forbes top 14 cars for winters is heated seats. Who would not want to keep their behind warm? Sure the cabins get warm after a while, but why wait for so long and suffer if you are getting the option to keep yourself? This is what value for money is. To be safe and warm.

Snow tires

How can you expect to drive in snow without snow tires? It’s like going to a cocktail reception without a cocktail dress. So to improve the brakes, acceleration and traction of your car in the winter snow tires is a must. The reasons for having these tires are: First, they have tiny slits all over them called sipes, which act as little snow grippers as they move over the snow. Second, snow tires are made of a special compound that stays pliable at lower temperatures than regular tires do.

Wiper Blades

You can choose either double-bladed or single-bladed winter-rated windshield wipers. They can even replace the ones you already have in your car with these ones. In fact to save your windshield from being damaged you should regularly change your blades. The blades are made of rubber which erodes from the constant exposure to sun and salt. You can choose among from single, double or triple blades.

Heated Steering Wheel

Want to go out for a drive, but do not want to touch a cold steering wheel? Well then look for a car that has a heated steering wheel. It improves the overall comfort of the driver and enjoyment of the driving experience. You can even get those with electronic control, making it more reliable for you to adjust the heat according to your requirements.

Traction and Stability Control

Are you afraid to lose control on a slippery road and collide into something? We even have a solution for that, look for a car with traction and stability control.  Traction control monitors relative speed between the driven wheels, activating the brakes or reducing engine power to curb wheel spin and wheel spin alone. Stability control adds sideways sensors but uses similar methods to keep the car pointed in the direction you want to go. Stability control always includes traction control. You should always keep the stability control on during winters, because if you ever hit a patch of black ice at 70 mph rounding a bend on the freeway, it can help you keep the car on the road and under control and might even save your life.

Forward-collision avoidance

It is one of those options that are to die for. These systems use various types of sensors, such as cameras, radar or light detection and ranging, also called lidar, to detect vehicles in front of you. After you have been warned the car will automatically brake.

Adaptive headlights

If you are supposed to drive on a dark and curved road on a regular basis, then you should have these lights in your car. They help drivers see well.  Even though they might not be as common they can provide a great assistance in the fog or rain.

Anti-lock brakes

These systems use sensors to monitor the rotational speeds of selected wheels when you hit the brakes. If a wheel locks up, the electronic control unit of the system applies and releases braking pressure multiple times per second. The main benefit of anti-lock brakes is their application on wet and slippery roads, like the ones you often encounter during the winter.

The experts at Auto House Calgary guide customers to the best previously owned vehicles designed for individuals from all walks of live without compromising on safety and superiority that come with the best deals.

How to pick the best family car?

The task of choosing which vehicle to buy is even harder when you are selecting one that fulfills your family’s needs. Depending on how many family members you have, their ages and their personal preferences, there are many different models available in the market. It is not so easy to make sure that everyone is happy and there will e no fuss during a regular family drive. Here are some features listed that are great for those buying a family car.

Roomy

What is the main distinguishing factor between a family car and other cars? The most obvious one is space to fit in more people and their luggage. How many seats you require should be considered according to the number of people in your home including toddlers in child car seats. A car having just a trunk is not a very smart pick for a family car because it has less space. Go for one has a hatch that opens all the way revealing maximum capacity.

Automatic doors and locks

Juggling all the bags you drag around wherever you take your children, their toys, your own purse or bag or files is a nightmare. This is why you should definitely consider an option that has automatic sliding doors and locks controlled by a central command center far away from the kids’ seats giving you control and convenience.

Raised back seats

These are really helpful not only for keeping a better eye on what the kids are up to in the back but also for installing child seats every time you take your family out. Bending low, straining to attach the belts in the right places will surely give you a premature spine condition that you can easily spare yourself by getting a car that has stadium seats. 

Back view mirror

This is a concave mirror that maximizes the driver’s vision of the backseats providing relief from the mini panic attacks you get every time you feel you have lost track of what’s happening in the back. Keep glancing in the back and you will have much worse problems to worry about than spilled contents of a juice box when you become a careless driver.

Adjustable seats

Adjustable seats that can move back and forth and slide forwards and backwards are a real comfort. Your children do not need as much leg room as you and you can keep more space for yourself and make yourself comfortable while driving.

Tinted rear windows

Tinted windows are great for long journeys and a much better option than those removable ones that really waste time and annoy everyone. They may also have UV-filters that protect your children’s sensitive skin from damage and allow for a more comfortable nap giving you and them both some peace.

Dark easy-to-clean interior

No matter how many precautions you take the unexpected always ends up happening when children are involved. There are inevitable spills and messes to be cleaned up every so often and you need to be prepared for that. Dark interiors hide the worse of the stains and interiors made of leather and other waterproof materials are really simple to clean and must be preferred by anyone buying a family car.

Isofix

If you have young children then you must pick a car with attachment points for car safety seats. They are very easy to use and you can test them when you are buying a car and see how the different parts fit perfectly. They are for your child’s security and your peace of mind. Also look for cars that have a switch for turning off the front seat air bags in case you ever need to have your child beside you in emergency situations.

Reverse sensors

With kids running around everywhere, pets on the loose and toys scattered all over the place don’t underestimate this very useful feature of a family car. When you are in reverse position and the sensor detects any object within a few feet of the bumper and lets you know so you may investigate before proceeding to avoid any accidents.

Beverage holders

These are convenient for all types of cars even those which are not designed for families because at some point you will need to place a beverage cup, bottle or some other thing inside it. You can easily use it for your baby’s formula, children’s bottles or your own coffee cup while you drive.

Video and audio players

Anyone who has ever had children or babysat them knows the most demanding part of child care is distracting the child long enough for you to finish your work or stop it from making a fuss. Built in DVD players attached to the roof or near the back seat for the kids to watch and stay entertained while you drive are really helpful in such cases.

Bluetooth

Having your hands free while you drive is really important. By syncing your phone with the built-in Bluetooth device of the car you can easily converse while you drive and not have to worry about the dangers of driving with one hand while you have to take an urgent call.

Safety ratings

You should check the safety ratings for any car before purchasing it. Look for the one with better features that fared better in the safety testing before it was released.

The experts at Auto House guide customers to the best previously owned vehicles designed for families without compromising on style or quality that come with the best deals.

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How to inspect a used car’s condition before purchase?

Many people feel hesitant when buying a previously owned vehicle and for good reason. There can be hidden faults or oddities that surface later and may even cost you more than the car was originally worth. So, always make sure that you have gone through all the necessary details when you sign any papers. You can negotiate the price to a lower number according to its quality and be satisfied that you have made the right decision.

1. Pay attention to the body

It is a large surface area to check in such tiny detail but if you want a good looking car and avoid any future body repairs then you must perform this inspection diligently.

a. Rust

Even with the amazing technology we have the age old enemy of vehicles everywhere cannot be defeated. Especially check for rust on any part of the car. Bring a flashlight with you and inspect in daylight so that any rusted areas no matter how small they may be are apparent to you. Observe each section of the vehicle with a keen eye because it is very difficult to repair rusted areas and it is almost irreversible in most cases.

b.  Dents

Denting is a really obvious flaw and extremely easy to spot but how do you know that there have been denting repairs performed on this particular vehicle? Run your finger between the joints of the car panels and you will feel that the smooth surface is rough in that section due to asking tape if indeed it was dented once. Another hint is the difference in paint job between the part that has been fixed and the rest of the car. Another confirmation can be the presence of non-metallic dent fillers that may be detected with the help of a small magnet. The magnet will stick to the car metal body everywhere except for the repaired portion.

c. Sealing

All the panels should slide perfectly in place and be sealed well against each other like the hood of the car or the hatch of the trunk must be in line and seal well. Everything must fit. Keep a sharp eye out for any odd things that you notice during inspection.

2.    Tire inspection

The wear and tear that tear that tires have suffered over their journeys with the previous owner will tell you quite a lot about how much they were used and how much longer they can run in the future. Check all the tires to make sure that they have the same amount of wear to them. If not, that might mean that the vehicle has been through an accident. It also highlights problems with the car’s alignment which is really important to maintain.

3.   Trunk check

You must check the trunk of the car for the spare tire and observe the amount of wear it has too. It needs to be in good condition. Also, lift the carpeting and inspect the trunk for any signs of damage or rust that indicated leaks and other issues. You must also consider how much space you require in your trunk and does it fulfill your requirements. Lastly, check if the hatch opens properly and can stand on its own without falling on top of your head.

4.   Lift the car’s hood

The main part of the car is under the hood so you must make a good effort to check it out or even hire a decent mechanic to help you evaluate it. Check for any damage and notice if the VIN is still present otherwise it means that the fender has been replaced. The engine should be clean, free of corrosion and leakages. The oil dipstick should be full and not smell strange when you pull it out, wipe it, replace it and pull it out again. Observe the radiator fluid. It must not be oily or rust colored. The belts and hoses should be in good condition and not damaged in any way.

5.   Look under the car

This may seem extreme but this a great way to check for any faults with the system, alignment, pipe leaks, repairs, rust and other such issues.  Also, the exhaust should not be oily and the vapors should not be white except in cold weather.

Auto House, Calgary is dedicated to the supply of good quality previously owned vehicles in the best possible conditions in a large variety of models to suit your needs.  

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How to Deal with Car Payment Options?

When purchasing a new or previously owned vehicle, there are two ways to go about it. Either you can give the complete payment at the moment you take it home or you can pay it in installments over an agreed period of time. Most people find it hard to make the entire payment in one go because of the sky rocketing prices of vehicles nowadays. So, the installment option is the one most car buyers tend to lean towards. However, the choice to make the payment installments comes with its own concerns. There is the initial down payment to consider and interest comprises a major portion of the entire amount of money this way.

The time limit depends on the car dealership so you need to be crystal clear on how much you will be able to contribute towards the actual payment every month. This requires a lot of advance planning and money management on your part so you must be sure that this is the method you want to choose. The car dealership company may offer to help you with financing or you may select a separate source like a finance company, credit union or a bank. You must thoroughly research all opportunities, scrutinize and compare all such deals to ensure that you have picked the best available one. All special offers and deals must be studied in detail to be satisfied that there is no catch you might get stuck with. Beware of deals where you might have to give a huge down payment. If somehow you decide to sell the vehicle, you will have to face a big loss. You will have to deal with a similar situation if the vehicle is damaged beyond repair.

So, before agreeing to any terms of the seller, you must plan and make a strategy to come up with the best approach when purchasing the vehicle of your choice. Understand how much of your resources are being spent and the role of the finance organization. Know how many total installments there are and how long will it take to complete the transaction. Be certain you are aware of how much you will be expected to pay in each of the coming months. Compare the ideas of paying the total sum at the time of purchase and in installments. Weigh the pros and cons and ask yourself which method will be more convenient for you and result in the least loss. At Auto House, Calgary, there are many payment options designed to suit the requirements of the customer for an easy and pleasant purchase experience.

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