Reasons Your Car Would Overheat
Submitted by Brenda
Having a car reason overheat can be one of the worst experiences in the world. Driving down the road and suddenly having steam shooting from beneath the hood of a car can be traumatic. Especially if you are miles from home and help. One thing that can help the experience be less of a shock is actually knowing and understanding the reasons why your car might overheat can make the experience less frightening. Being able to trouble shoot a problem, or at least rationalize, a situation can make things a bit easier to handle.There are several reasons that can cause a car engine to overheat at an unfortunate and inconvenient moment. Most of these reasons are related to coolant because the loss of coolant ultimately leads to the engine overheating. Since engines by nature generate some sort of heat all cars have a way to keep the heat from getting to be a problem.One of the first reasons that your car engine might over heat is a problem with the radiator cap. Most people that do find themselves in a car that is overheating seemingly for no reason at all can blame it on the radiator cap. The radiator cap is used to hold in pressure and if it is not working correctly the coolant can begin to boil causing the engine to overheat. This will sometimes happen to cars with absolutely no other problems simply because the radiator cap is removed for some reason and then not replaced correctly. Another reason your car might eventually overheat is because there is a coolant leak. The radiator boiling has already been mentioned and there are other reasons that the coolant in a car can leak. There are times when the hoses in the car can be damaged causing leaking. Also there is the chance that the water pump can stop working. Water pumps can be replaced and if you are unsure how to check your water pump you can always ask any auto mechanic that you know and trust to help you check or show you how to check it yourself. Problems in your cars exhaust system can also lead to your car engine overheating. Most exhaust systems can be discovered by checking your cars vacuum readings, pipes, and converter. Also it is important that you check your radiator hose to make sure that it has not collapsed because that can also lead to your car engine overheating. Your cars electric cooling fan also needs to be working correctly or else your car will over heat. It is important that you make sure that the fan motor is working correctly so that your car is cooled properly. In addition to keeping an eye on your electric cooling fan you should also make sure that your cars thermostat is working properly. The thermostat is usually the first warning you have for your car overheating. If your cars thermostat is working properly you will be able to stop your car and let it cool down before the overheating gets serious possibly buying time to get home or to a repair shop.
About the Author
Please visit car carrier and vehicle transportation
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
TIPS TO MAINTAINING YOUR CAR
Tips To Maintaining Your Car
Submitted by Brenda
Maintaining a vehicle, regardless of its make, model, or age can be quite expensive. In order to avoid spending most of your time and money at the local body shop there are ways that you can keep from having to spend any more on vehicle repairs than absolutely necessary. Many of these preventative methods might seem like common sense but they are easy to forget or overlook during the course of the average adult life.One of the first things you can do is keep an eye on how much oil your car uses. Excessive oil consumption usually becomes noticeable during the average oil change or oil level check. If you notice that your car is suddenly consuming a large or unusual amount of oil is to consult an auto repair shop that you trust. Taking quick action will usually prevent further damage to your car and often leads to a cheaper repair.Another thing that all car owners should do is keep their gas tank filled. This might not be a very attractive plan with gas prices being as high as they are but a full gas tank can be a life saver during cold weather. If your gas tank is not filled there is always the chance that your gas lines will freeze in cold weather. In warm weather driving to close to empty will allow dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to enter the fuel lines with the gas. This dirt can eventually clog the fuel filter which will lead to carburetor damage if the problem is noticed and fixed in time. Always have your brake fluid changed with each 30,000 miles. This little measure can keep you from having to spend hundreds of dollars replacing your brakes. Also make sure that you check you cars fuses if you ever notice an electrical problem. Sometimes one small fuse being blown can cause a major problem and being able to diagnose and fix this problem yourself can save you a great deal of money. Make it a point to check your tire pressure once a month regardless of how new your tires are. Not only can low tire pressure lead to gas being wasted, it can also lead to unexpected flat tires. Spending a few moments every month checking tire pressure and adding some air to a tire can keep you from having to call a tow truck when you discover an unexpected flat after work. Treat yourself and your car to a minor road trip every other week or so. Standard stop and go traffic can cause a great deal of wear and tear on any vehicle. Cruising at a steady speed can be very good for your car so indulge in a short car trip from time to time to help your cars overall performance and life span. When going on these car trips make sure that you do not go over 55 miles per hour. Going over 60 miles per hour can cause damage to a car and gas waste.
About the Author
Please visit car transport companies and car carriers
Submitted by Brenda
Maintaining a vehicle, regardless of its make, model, or age can be quite expensive. In order to avoid spending most of your time and money at the local body shop there are ways that you can keep from having to spend any more on vehicle repairs than absolutely necessary. Many of these preventative methods might seem like common sense but they are easy to forget or overlook during the course of the average adult life.One of the first things you can do is keep an eye on how much oil your car uses. Excessive oil consumption usually becomes noticeable during the average oil change or oil level check. If you notice that your car is suddenly consuming a large or unusual amount of oil is to consult an auto repair shop that you trust. Taking quick action will usually prevent further damage to your car and often leads to a cheaper repair.Another thing that all car owners should do is keep their gas tank filled. This might not be a very attractive plan with gas prices being as high as they are but a full gas tank can be a life saver during cold weather. If your gas tank is not filled there is always the chance that your gas lines will freeze in cold weather. In warm weather driving to close to empty will allow dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to enter the fuel lines with the gas. This dirt can eventually clog the fuel filter which will lead to carburetor damage if the problem is noticed and fixed in time. Always have your brake fluid changed with each 30,000 miles. This little measure can keep you from having to spend hundreds of dollars replacing your brakes. Also make sure that you check you cars fuses if you ever notice an electrical problem. Sometimes one small fuse being blown can cause a major problem and being able to diagnose and fix this problem yourself can save you a great deal of money. Make it a point to check your tire pressure once a month regardless of how new your tires are. Not only can low tire pressure lead to gas being wasted, it can also lead to unexpected flat tires. Spending a few moments every month checking tire pressure and adding some air to a tire can keep you from having to call a tow truck when you discover an unexpected flat after work. Treat yourself and your car to a minor road trip every other week or so. Standard stop and go traffic can cause a great deal of wear and tear on any vehicle. Cruising at a steady speed can be very good for your car so indulge in a short car trip from time to time to help your cars overall performance and life span. When going on these car trips make sure that you do not go over 55 miles per hour. Going over 60 miles per hour can cause damage to a car and gas waste.
About the Author
Please visit car transport companies and car carriers
THE VITAL OF YOUR TIRES
The Importance of Your Tires
Submitted by Brenda
The tires are one of the most important parts of your car and the part that most people end up replacing the most. Flat and worn out tires can be a major inconvenience which makes it important for you to take care of your tires. Keeping an eye on your tires wear and tear will keep you from being caught unprepared with a flat tire or other tire problem that could have been avoided.Your cars tire pressure is one of the things that you check as often as you can. Checking your cars tire pressure at least once a month is recommended. Also do not be afraid to check your tires whenever you think they might be low. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to tire maintenance especially when you are getting ready to make a long road trip. In order to check your tires pressure you must have a pressure gauge. These tire pressure gauges can be purchased at any store that sells car maintenance supplies and also at almost any gas station. They are usually extremely inexpensive, some can be found for $1.00 if not a bit less. While many gas stations have tire pressure gauges that can be used for free near their air pumps it is in your best interest to invest in your own pressure gauge. The ones that are available at gas stations are sometimes non-functioning and will give you false read outs which can cause you to over fill your tires or under fill them. There are two ways to find out how much air pressure your car tires should have. Your cars owners’ manual will include a section about your cars tires which will tell you the ideal car tire pressure. Also the driver’s side doorjamb or the driver’s side back seat doorjamb will have a sticker telling the proper pressure for both the front and back tires. Once you know what the proper tire pressure is for your vehicle you can now check them using the tire pressure gauge that you have purchased.Carefully unscrew the cap from the air valve on the tire you want to check. Firmly press the tire pressure gauge against the air valve and be sure no air escapes. Once the gauge has connected it will immediately show you what the current pressure of your tire is. Now you will know whether or not your tire needs more air pressure. When adding air to your tire take your time and go slowly to make sure that you do not accidentally add more air than is necessary. Having too much air in a tire can sometimes do as much harm as not having enough air. When you are finished replace the cap and make sure is screwed on tightly and then repeat the process on your other tires. If you begin to notice that you are losing pressure often and filling your tires more than once a month begin checking that tire for punctures are excessive wear. Having constant, excessive, tire pressure loss usually means that it is time for a new tire or some extensive tire repair.
About the Author
Please visit car delivery and vehicle transport
Submitted by Brenda
The tires are one of the most important parts of your car and the part that most people end up replacing the most. Flat and worn out tires can be a major inconvenience which makes it important for you to take care of your tires. Keeping an eye on your tires wear and tear will keep you from being caught unprepared with a flat tire or other tire problem that could have been avoided.Your cars tire pressure is one of the things that you check as often as you can. Checking your cars tire pressure at least once a month is recommended. Also do not be afraid to check your tires whenever you think they might be low. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to tire maintenance especially when you are getting ready to make a long road trip. In order to check your tires pressure you must have a pressure gauge. These tire pressure gauges can be purchased at any store that sells car maintenance supplies and also at almost any gas station. They are usually extremely inexpensive, some can be found for $1.00 if not a bit less. While many gas stations have tire pressure gauges that can be used for free near their air pumps it is in your best interest to invest in your own pressure gauge. The ones that are available at gas stations are sometimes non-functioning and will give you false read outs which can cause you to over fill your tires or under fill them. There are two ways to find out how much air pressure your car tires should have. Your cars owners’ manual will include a section about your cars tires which will tell you the ideal car tire pressure. Also the driver’s side doorjamb or the driver’s side back seat doorjamb will have a sticker telling the proper pressure for both the front and back tires. Once you know what the proper tire pressure is for your vehicle you can now check them using the tire pressure gauge that you have purchased.Carefully unscrew the cap from the air valve on the tire you want to check. Firmly press the tire pressure gauge against the air valve and be sure no air escapes. Once the gauge has connected it will immediately show you what the current pressure of your tire is. Now you will know whether or not your tire needs more air pressure. When adding air to your tire take your time and go slowly to make sure that you do not accidentally add more air than is necessary. Having too much air in a tire can sometimes do as much harm as not having enough air. When you are finished replace the cap and make sure is screwed on tightly and then repeat the process on your other tires. If you begin to notice that you are losing pressure often and filling your tires more than once a month begin checking that tire for punctures are excessive wear. Having constant, excessive, tire pressure loss usually means that it is time for a new tire or some extensive tire repair.
About the Author
Please visit car delivery and vehicle transport
14 TRIED AND TRUE GAS SAVERS
14 Tried and True Gas Savers, Tips
Submitted by marilyn
When I was a little girl we lived in a town of 1200 people in Oregon. An uncle came to visit and was horrified at the price of gas in our little town. I remember it was 41 cents a gallon and he said it was 21 cents where he lived. That didn't mean anything to me then but the high cost of gas today sure does mean something to me. We are all probably feeling the pinch in our wallets when we fill up at the pump. Here are some gas saving tips to help us all save some money to take a little of the sting out of filling up at the pump:•Fill up your car in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. All service stations have their tanks buried below ground so the colder the ground the more dense the gasoline. As it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or evening your gallon is not exactly a gallon. •When you are filling up DO NOT squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to fast mode. When you pump the gasoline slower it minimizes the vapors that are created. All hoses have a vapor return, if you are pumping in fast mode; some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you are getting less worth for your money.•Fill up when your tank is half full or half empty. The more gas you have in your tank the less air is occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates at an extremely fast rate. The gasoline storage tank has an eternal floating roof that serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.•Follow your owner's manual recommendation for the right octane level for your car. For most cars the recommended gas is regular octane. A higher octane gas than recommended does not have a higher benefit.•Be careful of gas saving gadgets. The EPA has tested supposed gas saving devices and has found few that provide fuel economy benefits. Check out "Fact or Fuelishness" at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm for more information.•Combine errands as several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip driving the same distance when the engine is warm.•Carpooling is an option to driving alone and many cities have programs to match those who want to carpool, or they offer ride share vans.•Drive at a consistent speed, even in traffic. Too much braking wastes as much fuel as rapid acceleration. Applying the brakes kills momentum and then you have to speed up again which wastes gas.•Accelerate slowly. A pretty simple tip that will leave you with more gas in your tank and less visits to the pump.•Unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air. •Keeping tires inflated and aligned can increase gas mileage up to 3•Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. •Quick starts and stops eat up the fuel. In-town gas mileage can be improved by up to 5% by driving at an even speed.•For more information check out http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer.htmMarilyn Bohn's BioMarilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and is working towards becoming a Certified Professional Organizer. Professionally she has been organizing homes and offices for over two years. She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah. Marilyn invites you to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful videos on organizing.
About the Author
Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.Marilyn invites you to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful videos on organizing.
Submitted by marilyn
When I was a little girl we lived in a town of 1200 people in Oregon. An uncle came to visit and was horrified at the price of gas in our little town. I remember it was 41 cents a gallon and he said it was 21 cents where he lived. That didn't mean anything to me then but the high cost of gas today sure does mean something to me. We are all probably feeling the pinch in our wallets when we fill up at the pump. Here are some gas saving tips to help us all save some money to take a little of the sting out of filling up at the pump:•Fill up your car in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. All service stations have their tanks buried below ground so the colder the ground the more dense the gasoline. As it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or evening your gallon is not exactly a gallon. •When you are filling up DO NOT squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to fast mode. When you pump the gasoline slower it minimizes the vapors that are created. All hoses have a vapor return, if you are pumping in fast mode; some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you are getting less worth for your money.•Fill up when your tank is half full or half empty. The more gas you have in your tank the less air is occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates at an extremely fast rate. The gasoline storage tank has an eternal floating roof that serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation.•Follow your owner's manual recommendation for the right octane level for your car. For most cars the recommended gas is regular octane. A higher octane gas than recommended does not have a higher benefit.•Be careful of gas saving gadgets. The EPA has tested supposed gas saving devices and has found few that provide fuel economy benefits. Check out "Fact or Fuelishness" at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm for more information.•Combine errands as several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip driving the same distance when the engine is warm.•Carpooling is an option to driving alone and many cities have programs to match those who want to carpool, or they offer ride share vans.•Drive at a consistent speed, even in traffic. Too much braking wastes as much fuel as rapid acceleration. Applying the brakes kills momentum and then you have to speed up again which wastes gas.•Accelerate slowly. A pretty simple tip that will leave you with more gas in your tank and less visits to the pump.•Unnecessary idling wastes fuel, costs you money and pollutes the air. •Keeping tires inflated and aligned can increase gas mileage up to 3•Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. •Quick starts and stops eat up the fuel. In-town gas mileage can be improved by up to 5% by driving at an even speed.•For more information check out http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer.htmMarilyn Bohn's BioMarilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and is working towards becoming a Certified Professional Organizer. Professionally she has been organizing homes and offices for over two years. She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah. Marilyn invites you to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful videos on organizing.
About the Author
Marilyn is a creative organizer who has been organizing for over 20 years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.She holds a bachelors degree in Social Work. She has reared five daughters and currently lives in Utah.Marilyn invites you to her website http://www.marilynbohn.com where you can find free organizing tips and interesting blogs and helpful videos on organizing.
the MORE things change...
The More Things Change...
Submitted by sverdlow
“…the more things remain the same.”As they gathered around the salad bar, one employee said, “that must be the umpteenth announcement this month.”One of the senior employees smiled. “Don’t worry. It’s all talk. There’s never any follow-through. Trust me, I’ve been here long enough. Things will NEVER change around here.”We remembered conversations like this in the company we worked for. The pattern was familiar: first, a crescendo of excitement, then implementation, and then half-way through the project, you never heard anything again.Take the Ball and Run With It Momentum. That’s one of the most beautiful words in the English language. We like using it when we speak of change. At the organizational level, past experience tells us that when there are leaders versus followers and initiative versus resistance, change becomes a very difficult process to manage.Common sense dictates that to initiate change the buy-in of EVERYONE in the company is needed. Even if the change affects only a segment of the corporation, executives and the rank and file must believe that the change will be good. Common sense also dictates that the person responsible for overseeing the change must be supported by his superiors and his team members. It isn’t fair to tell the person, “take the ball and run with it” without providing him with the resources and diligent guidance.This is why the intended change does not materialize. Somewhere in the implementation, momentum diminishes and gradually disappears. Six Sigma and Change ManagementChange imposes generous doses of enthusiasm, a disciplined approach, unconditional support from those who have the resources and strict measurement of progress. Change connotes obstacles - a large corporation is a collection of human ambitions going in different directions – unstoppable, driven, and selfish. Does change have a chance then?Yes!Business case studies prove that change does happen in spite of real challenges. Success comes easier when management takes the time to participate and act in a democratic manner. When we say “democratic”, we mean key executives take an active part and not just pay lip service to the concepts and processes involved in a given change. Management engages in sincere dialog and is open to the opinions of others.Six Sigma offers valuable lessons in change management. In a business environment where the desire to implement change is customarily met by resistance, leaders can look to Six Sigma as a concept, an approach, a culture, a set of statistical tools, a philosophy, a sacred ritual that’s been tried and tested.If there’s one defining trait for Six Sigma, it’s flexibility. Companies are cleverly combining Six Sigma with other change management tools to reach targets. You are aware of how companies have blended Lean with Six Sigma, where they take Toyota’s lean manufacturing strategies and combine them with Motorola’s measurement tools to track progress in cost reduction efforts without sacrificing customer loyalty. Using DMAIC and ADKAR in Change ManagementIn Lean Six Sigma, we learned how DMAIC can be an effective tool to bring about desired changes to the company’s profitability. DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) necessitates a certain structure, serving as a roadmap for the attainment of a company’s stated objectives. There are times, however, when a company may need to combine DMAIC with other proven change management tools.One such tool is ADKAR - acronym for awareness, desire, knowledge, ability and reinforcement. Note that it harmonizes with the five steps of DMAIC.Rick McCormick of the Change Management Learning Center explains ADKAR by aligning it with DMAIC. Project leaders build awareness (ADKAR) of the change by defining (DMAIC) what that change is and who will implement it. Desire (ADKAR) must be felt and embraced by those who will be affected by the change so that inputs and outputs can be measured (DMAIC). For change to be off to a good start, leaders must possess the knowledge (ADKAR) necessary for successful implementation, but this requires an analysis (DMAIC) of factual data. Going hand in hand with analysis is the ability (ADKAR) to deploy the right measures so that the desired improvement (DMAIC) can be sustained. To complete the process, the change must be reinforced (ADKAR) where standard operating procedures and training manuals will serve to control (DMAIC) aspects and consequences of the change.McCormick pointed out that important questions such as profile coherence, divergence of opinions, and problem areas must be settled first before getting to what he calls the “toll gate” – the end point of each ADKAR phase.
About the Author
Peter Peterka is the president of SixSigma .us. For additional information on six sigma certification or six sigma black belt certification programs contact Peter Peterka.
Submitted by sverdlow
“…the more things remain the same.”As they gathered around the salad bar, one employee said, “that must be the umpteenth announcement this month.”One of the senior employees smiled. “Don’t worry. It’s all talk. There’s never any follow-through. Trust me, I’ve been here long enough. Things will NEVER change around here.”We remembered conversations like this in the company we worked for. The pattern was familiar: first, a crescendo of excitement, then implementation, and then half-way through the project, you never heard anything again.Take the Ball and Run With It Momentum. That’s one of the most beautiful words in the English language. We like using it when we speak of change. At the organizational level, past experience tells us that when there are leaders versus followers and initiative versus resistance, change becomes a very difficult process to manage.Common sense dictates that to initiate change the buy-in of EVERYONE in the company is needed. Even if the change affects only a segment of the corporation, executives and the rank and file must believe that the change will be good. Common sense also dictates that the person responsible for overseeing the change must be supported by his superiors and his team members. It isn’t fair to tell the person, “take the ball and run with it” without providing him with the resources and diligent guidance.This is why the intended change does not materialize. Somewhere in the implementation, momentum diminishes and gradually disappears. Six Sigma and Change ManagementChange imposes generous doses of enthusiasm, a disciplined approach, unconditional support from those who have the resources and strict measurement of progress. Change connotes obstacles - a large corporation is a collection of human ambitions going in different directions – unstoppable, driven, and selfish. Does change have a chance then?Yes!Business case studies prove that change does happen in spite of real challenges. Success comes easier when management takes the time to participate and act in a democratic manner. When we say “democratic”, we mean key executives take an active part and not just pay lip service to the concepts and processes involved in a given change. Management engages in sincere dialog and is open to the opinions of others.Six Sigma offers valuable lessons in change management. In a business environment where the desire to implement change is customarily met by resistance, leaders can look to Six Sigma as a concept, an approach, a culture, a set of statistical tools, a philosophy, a sacred ritual that’s been tried and tested.If there’s one defining trait for Six Sigma, it’s flexibility. Companies are cleverly combining Six Sigma with other change management tools to reach targets. You are aware of how companies have blended Lean with Six Sigma, where they take Toyota’s lean manufacturing strategies and combine them with Motorola’s measurement tools to track progress in cost reduction efforts without sacrificing customer loyalty. Using DMAIC and ADKAR in Change ManagementIn Lean Six Sigma, we learned how DMAIC can be an effective tool to bring about desired changes to the company’s profitability. DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) necessitates a certain structure, serving as a roadmap for the attainment of a company’s stated objectives. There are times, however, when a company may need to combine DMAIC with other proven change management tools.One such tool is ADKAR - acronym for awareness, desire, knowledge, ability and reinforcement. Note that it harmonizes with the five steps of DMAIC.Rick McCormick of the Change Management Learning Center explains ADKAR by aligning it with DMAIC. Project leaders build awareness (ADKAR) of the change by defining (DMAIC) what that change is and who will implement it. Desire (ADKAR) must be felt and embraced by those who will be affected by the change so that inputs and outputs can be measured (DMAIC). For change to be off to a good start, leaders must possess the knowledge (ADKAR) necessary for successful implementation, but this requires an analysis (DMAIC) of factual data. Going hand in hand with analysis is the ability (ADKAR) to deploy the right measures so that the desired improvement (DMAIC) can be sustained. To complete the process, the change must be reinforced (ADKAR) where standard operating procedures and training manuals will serve to control (DMAIC) aspects and consequences of the change.McCormick pointed out that important questions such as profile coherence, divergence of opinions, and problem areas must be settled first before getting to what he calls the “toll gate” – the end point of each ADKAR phase.
About the Author
Peter Peterka is the president of SixSigma .us. For additional information on six sigma certification or six sigma black belt certification programs contact Peter Peterka.
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