Types of Bulbs in Vehicle Headlights

Motor vehicles typically have one of three types of bulbs in their headlights.  Incandescent bulbs are nearly the same as what is used in your home or office. However, the ones in your vehicle are higher wattage than what would be used in the other settings.  They glow when a filament inside them is heated by electricity.  Halogen bulbs use a gas to create their light.  They are brighter than an incandescent bulb and because they use gas to create the light, they do not tax the vehicle’s battery system to the same extent.  The newest bulbs that are gaining in popularity are Xenon bulbs.  They operate much like a halogen bulb, but are much brighter and provide a very “white” light.  They are quite easily identifiable when you meet cars with Xenon headlight bulbs on the highway. Xenon bulbs have the longest lifespan of the three.  

Fog Lights with Headlights

Nearly all newer model motor vehicles are equipped with standard and fog lights.  Fog lights are useful in rainy, snowy or foggy conditions.  They angle the light down toward the roadway to reduce glare back in the driver’s eyes. Regardless of the type of headlight your vehicle has, headlights are all connected to your vehicle’s electrical system.  Make certain that any adjustments or repairs are handled by one of our reputable mechanics to avoid injury or other damage to this delicate system. Choosing to upgrade your headlights if you drive an older model vehicle is a good investment.  You will likely experience a considerable boost in visibility.  

Keys to Maintaining Headlight Function

A good rule of thumb is to clean your headlights every time you wash your windshield.  A dirty headlight emits less light and your line of vision may be reduced more than you realize.  Sometimes, older headlights develop a fog or haze.  If your headlights appear white or cloudy, you might ask one of our mechanics about headlight restoration. This fairly simple process uses chemicals to deoxidize the headlight without having to purchase an entirely new lens. Make sure that you have our mechanics routinely inspect your headlights for cracks.  While still functional, a cracked headlight will allow dirt and moisture inside.  This will reduce light flow and may increase glare for oncoming vehicles. Occasionally headlights will need to have their aim adjusted.  You may become aware of this because your line of sight has been reduced, because you can actually see the light shining at an awkward angle or because oncoming traffic routinely thinks your lights are still on bright even though they have been dimmed.

Replacing Headlight Bulbs

A responsible driver makes routine vehicle maintenance a priority.  Have a firm schedule for having getting your car and headlight inspected.  However, even the most diligent owners often fail to proactively replace their headlight bulbs.  You cannot predict when a bulb might go out and there are certainly circumstances such as night driving or driving in fog that would be hard to deal with if a bulb went out.  To avoid this potential unsafe scenario, ask our mechanics about a realistic routine bulb replacement schedule.   You might also consider carrying a spare bulb in your glove box. 

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Car Repair and Necessary Fluid Maintenance

Car fluids are an essential part of proper engine function, and a large percentage of drivers do not know how to test these car fluids or where to locate these components.  An integral part of general car maintenance includes bumper-to-bumper inspection of a vehicle each year to verify the safety of a vehicle on the road.  

Common Daily Fluid Checks

The fluids running through a car engine are as vital as water to the human body.  These lubricants protect the engine and all moving parts throughout the car that enhance performance and maneuverability.  It is commonly known that automatic transmissions fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles.  While the transmission flush tends to be more difficult than an oil change, it’s best to bring your car to professionals for the transmission fluid change.  You can read hundreds of sites that argue about the different mileage before you need an oil change. Ten or fifteen years ago, cars were recommended to get an oil change around 3,000 miles.  With the upgraded technology and fuel efficient cars, it is argued that most cars truly do not need oil changes until 5,000 up to 10,000 miles.   The same debate with oil changes is similarly arguable with the required miles before you flush the radiator.  Various mechanics and car repair companies differ on the number of miles before you have a radiator flush, but it is common knowledge to flush the radiator every 40,000 miles or more.  While it is not one of the most common fluids to monitor, it is a vital part of any operating engine.  Finally, windshield washer fluid can easily be detected because the fluid will not spray across the windshield if the reservoir is empty.  Not only is this the most inexpensive fluid check, windshield wipers increase visibility and protect the driver from inclement weather changes.

Regular Wheel and Tire Maintenance

Like the human body, you would not be able to walk without caring for your feet.   Another important maintenance issue concerns your tires and wheels to keep your car moving.  Wheel alignments prevent extensive wear on your tires and it keeps your tires balanced.  If your wheels are out of alignment, you will notice the car tends to pull towards one side of the car.  You can test wheel alignment by driving down an empty road and removing your hands directly from the wheel.  If the steering wheel veers towards one side, you need to check the alignment.  Brake pads also need to be checked especially if you have an automatic transmission.  The first sign of brake repair is a loud metallic grinding sound as you turn your wheels around street corners.    

Safety Car Components 

Once all the fluids and tires have been checked on the car, it is important to check a few more features on the car for safety.  Changing the air filter depends on how often a car is driven, but it has been suggested to change the air filter every 30,000 miles or during every other oil change.  Finally, inspecting the wires in your engine will assist in better performance of the vehicle overall.  

So Many Coolants, So Little Time

Everyone who owns a car is familiar with that green liquid that is poured into your car to keep it from overheating. That green liquid is the symbol for antifreeze, and like other coolants, it is used to remove heat. Antifreeze is poured into a reservoir and is then distributed to the radiator to help keep the engine cool. There are many different brands and types and you may be confused about which one to put in your car for the winter. To keep your car in safe and reliable service, it is important to know the differences between the types of coolants so that you can make the best choice to get the performance you need out of your car for the cold months.

Type 1: Propylene Glycol

The most common type of antifreeze is propylene glycol. This substance is organic and it not as toxic as ethylene glycol. It is becoming more popular as an engine coolant because of its less toxic nature. It is also added to other items such as ice cream, baked goods, and a number of processed foods. The major drawback to using this coolant is that it oxides when it is exposed to heat and air to form lactic acid. If the growth of lactic acid is not prohibited, it could form corrosion in the cooling system. The organic nature of this mixture is also prone to form a bacterial slime, which accelerates the rate of corrosion. If you use this type of antifreeze, you should make a conscientious effort to keep a close eye on the cooling system and check for color change, bacterial slime, and corrosion. If the color turns reddish, it is time to change the fluid. 

Type 2: Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is colorless, odorless, and viscous in its pristine form. It has a sweet taste but it can be toxic to humans and animals if taken internally. Because it is colorless, odorless, and has a sweet taste, manufacturers have purposely added coloring to the mixture to emphasize its potential for harm in case of accidental ingestion. Ethylene glycol is slowing falling out of favor as a coolant because of its toxicity level, but it displays a higher boiling point so that it could be used in all seasons. If this fluid appears to be dirty, be sure to drain out the old fluid and replenish with fresh.

Type 3: Extended Life

Extended life antifreeze is a coolant that has additives in the mixture to provide protection against rust, corrosion, and other related damage. That means that the coolant should last longer and stay serviceable longer than standard antifreeze. Most formulas are made with ethylene glycol and it is usually light orange in color. Like the other formulas, it is mixed with water before it is added to the coolant reservoir. If you are unsure about what antifreeze you should be using, you should ask your mechanic or automotive professional. Check your car manual to find the recommended type and the timeframe in which the fluid checks are performed. The label on the bottle will tell you how to mix the antifreeze with the water before you add it to your car. 

WHY ARE CAR TIRES SO IMPORTANT?

Your tires are the only contact your car has with the road, so keeping them in good shape is important in that it improves the performance and protection of your vehicle, which demands attention to help keep your tires like new.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CAR TIRES NEED REPLACING

The performance of your car tires is not only critical to the safety of your car, but also to the performance and efficiency as well. By knowing the telling signs of your tires wear and tear, it is easier to indicate whether they need replacing or not. One way to determine if your tires are going bad is to take a close look at the tread depth. By using a tread depth indicator, you are able to gage when the tread is worn. If your tire tread is down to 1/16^th of an inch, then it is time to think about purchasing new tires. Additionally, you should check for cracks or cuts in your tires sidewall. The more miles your tires have driven the more likely there are to be cracks and blemishes. Noticing a bulge in your tire’s sidewall will also indicate that a weak spot has developed and should be fixed immediately. If you notice irregular or uneven tread wear, this could mean that your wheel alignment might need to be altered through a tire rotation. Having an improper alignment or worn suspension can dramatically shorten the life of your tires. By checking your tires on a regular basis, you are able to catch problems sooner, keeping more money in your pocket. 

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR TIRES

Proper tire care is simple.  By doing a monthly tire inspection, you can potentially save yourself a lot of money. By having your tire pressure checked by our technicians, we will be able to tell if there is a hole or leak, which could lead to flats and accidents. A modest jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your tire out of alignment. By having us align and rotate your tires periodically you can ensure that there will be less wear and tear on your wheels, allowing for longer driving time. Also, by regularly checking your tire’s tread for any unusual wear, you can note and fix any problems you might see before things get worse and more dangerous. Tires for your car can be very expensive. However, by making an effort to do a routine checkup on your vehicle, you can help to prolong the life of your tires.  This will help your car to run more smoothly. 

ADVANTAGES OF NEW CAR TIRES

Having a set of new tires will not only provide safety for yourself and your passengers, but it will increase the performance of your vehicle in the rain, snow or ice. Another advantage of new tires is achieving better gas mileage. When the tread on your tire is worn, it makes your car work harder to put power on the ground. Your tires should be balanced and mounted properly to ensure the best results and decrease premature wear and tear. Lastly, it will provide a better driving experience, which is great for those taking long road trips.