tips – Hoof Automotive

Importance of oil

January 16, 2020 / 23 Comments / 1155 / Blog

oil drop

Why is your oil so important?
As the heart of any vehicle, the engine requires the right lubrication and protection to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. Mobil™ oil products are designed to provide superior engine protection, keeping your engine running like new even under the most demanding conditions.

On the highway

Cruising: In ideal driving conditions, the oil will be at the ideal temperature so fuel and water will not accumulate.

High speed: Fast acceleration and running at high speed can raise oil temperature and reduce oil viscosity, exposing the engine to greater wear. Oils designed to operate under higher temperatures can keep the engine protected, prolonging engine life and maintaining efficiency.

In the city

Frequent starts and stops: Oil may not sufficiently warm up, and may accumulate water and fuel due to prolonged idling, causing corrosion and sludge.

Heavy traffic: Encountering a traffic jam after driving at high speed for a period of time can cause thermal stress on the engine, making it run hotter.

Environment

Cold weather: Oil thickens at low temperatures, reducing pumping efficiency and takes longer to reach critical engine parts to provide lubrication and protection.

Hot weather: High-temperature environments can make it more difficult to keep the engine cool. Engine oils not designed to perform under high temperatures may suffer a reduced ability to protect the engine’s moving parts.

Wet environments: Driving in humid environments can cause moisture accumulation and acid formation in the oil, which then corrodes metal parts and shortens the oil life.

Dust and sand: Dust and sand present a serious problem for engines and may contaminate the oil, greatly increasing the wear on moving parts.

Engine technology

Direct injection diesel engines: Soot particles may remain in the oil and combine into a block, causing accelerated wear of metal parts.

Turbocharger: Using low-quality oil can result in the formation of carbon deposits on the turbocharger, a common cause of turbocharger failure.

Fuel quality: Low-quality components in fuel can contaminate and degrade engine oil, leading to oil pollution and the formation of sludge.

Overused oil: Many vehicle owners extend the oil change maintenance cycle past the manufacturer’s recommendation. Higher quality oil can maintain effective lubrication for a longer period of time, keeping the engine running smoothly.

Harsh Operation

Overloading: Carrying heavy loads puts greater stress on the engine, requiring a higher level of lubricating oil to provide protection.

Racing: Fast acceleration and running at very high speed puts the engine under extreme stress. High-quality oil designed to perform under these conditions is required to keep the engine protected and running smoothly.

Source: Mobil

7 Simple Tyre Tips For Safer Driving

May 3, 2019 / 5 Comments / 1699 / Blog

Driving Tips

Source: Goodyear

DRIVING IN WET CONDITIONS

October 15, 2018 / 3 Comments / 1387 / Blog

Properly preparing yourself and your vehicle can give you a better driving experience and keep you safe when driving in wet and rainy conditions.

Preparing to drive in wet conditions
Before you head out, be sure to check on the condition of your vehicle and your tyres.

Tyres should have plenty of tread depth to evacuate standing water from between the road surface and your tyre. If your current tyres are worn down to anywhere near the wear bars (2.5mm or 3.0mm), it’s time to think about replacing your tyres.
Tyre pressures that are too low or too high can lead to reduced traction, premature tread wear, or tyre damage. Check your tyre pressure regularly (at least once a month) to make sure they’re properly inflated.
Being able to see the road in wet conditions is critical to a safer driving experience. Your vehicle’s wiper blades should also be checked for age and wear. If they leave streaks on your windshield, it’s time for a change.
It’s also important to make sure your vehicle can be seen in wet conditions. Turn on your lights and make sure that all of them are in working order.

Tips for driving in wet conditions
When it’s time to head out, keep a few of these tips in mind.

If your windows are fogging up, use the air conditioner to dehumidify the air inside of your vehicle. If you don’t have an air conditioner system, wind down your rear windows a little to allow air to circulate.
Slowing down on wet roads is crucial. Wet roads give you less grip, increase your braking distance and reduce your ability to properly steer around obstacles.
Keep a further distance from the car in front of you since braking distances are longer on wet roads. Staying back also keeps you away from the tyre spray of the vehicle in front, giving you better visibility.
Jerky or sudden change in steering direction can lead to loss of control, especially on rain-slicked roads so drive with smoother steering.
If the rain becomes too heavy and you are uncomfortable with your visibility, stop! Heavy rain can overload your wiper blades, causing a constant sheet of water to flow over the screen, making visibility close to zero.
Initial rainfall makes the road very slippery as the mud and oil on dry roads combines with the water to form a rather slippery layer. You’re likely to experience a loss of control so be extra careful of the first half-hour after it begins to rain.
Allow some time for your brakes to dry after driving through standing water by tapping your brake pedals lightly.

Source： Goodyear

Tips to Prolong Your Car Battery’s Life

April 6, 2018 / 0 Comments / 1173 / Blog

The first thing you should know is that a car battery’s lifespan is fixed and there’s nothing you can do to extend it beyond that. But, there are things drivers often do that cause the battery to die early. Learn how to care for your battery and be rewarded with a long battery life.

1. Limit short rides

Shorts distance trips prevent your car’s battery from a full charge cycle. Over the long run, this will reduce the charge capacity of the battery and its lifespan. Instead, go for a long distance drive once a week during the weekend to give the battery a full charge it deserves.

2. Once a month routine inspection

Battery terminals corrode over time, but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.

3. Don’t use electronics when idle

Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down. And not to forget, don’t charge your smartphone before starting your car’s engine.

4. Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened

A battery that’s not securely fastened could end up vibrating, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly, especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads.

5. Check your car’s alternator

If your alternator is bad it will results in ineffective recharging of your battery and dramatically shorten your battery’s lifespan.

Source: Carput