What you need to know.

Due to a recent request for a blog that explains some of the simpler things on a car such as where you can check the oil or how to jumpstart a car, I will be writing a few blogs on some of these things that are good to know.

The first thing that is very important on a car is where the oil dipstick is located. This allows you to check and see if your oil is at the appropriate level, whether it’s too full or too low. The dipstick will always be located right around the engine block, since the oil is located within the engine itself. The dipstick is almost always yellow, and comes out of a small tube that protrudes out of the back of the engine. On top the yellow part of the stick, there is an engine oil sign and in most cases a small ring where you can grab it and pull it out to be checked.

When checking the oil, grab an old rag or something that does not matter to wipe oil on it. Pull the dipstick out of the tube in which it is kept, and wipe all the oil clean from the bottom of it. Then place the dipstick back into the tube, making sure it is pressed all the way in and remove it once again. Look at the oil at the bottom of the stick, there will be two lines, one saying full and one saying low or add. As long as the oil is in between these lines the amount of oil in the vehicle is fine. Make sure to wipe and place the dipstick back into the tube.

Another very key thing to know is how to jumpstart a car when the battery is dead. The first thing to know is how to “pop” your hood open. There is a release lever that is located to the left of your steering wheel, under the dash, that when pulled will “pop” the hood. Then, in the front of the car between the front grille or bumper and the hood there is another lever that must be pulled up to allow the hood to open. Once the hood is open prop the hood up with the given rod usually attached right in front of the radiator or on the bottom side of the hood. Do the same with another car that is able to run and make sure the two cars are within range so the jumper cables will be able to reach from one car’s battery to the other.

With both car hoods open, place the red (+) wire on each battery terminal that is red (+), do the same with the black (-) wire between the two batteries. Make sure to keep the running car on, this will make sure there is enough power leaving the car battery to “jump” the other car. Once the wires have been connected, try starting the dead car. If this does not work, wait a minute and try again. After a few tries if this does not work, there is something more significantly wrong with the vehicle.

These are just two important things to know while driving and owning a vehicle. Let me know of any situations you’ve been in or anything else you want to know.

Something for Everyone!

Last night I didn’t have any homework, so I decided to write a blog. Unfortunately, the night ended up with me staring at my computer and clicking on and off of facebook and the TV. I had no good ideas what so ever. This morning when I woke up I couldn’t think of what’s something you guys might be eager to hear about. Then it hit me, my mom is always talking about how much she loves her impala and how she wants her next car to be the 2008 Impala SS (or Super Sport for those of you not familiar to the car world). I think she might be getting one very soon.
Lets face it, my dad and I are your typical car guys. We like to see classic but also fast and if mom want a car like this, I don’t think my dad could let it get away. I actually got to drive one this past summer at my work, and let me tell you they are quick! But really any time you get a V8 you can’t go wrong.
For a price of just under $30,000 you can have an above average ride of your own. The Chevy Impala’s V8 produces 303 horse power for a little fun on the highway. And I already know what you’re thinking, a V8 now a days with gas prices? Well no worries this Chevy gets 25 MPG on the highways and around 16 in the city.
And since I’ve driven one I figured I’d tell you my experience. This sucker is quick. Its handles like a dream even though 90% of the newer cars today have the same feature. But not only is the Impala a means of fast transportation, it’s a well rounded car. The interior has a very comfortable feel to it. This is a car that basically any type of person could have. It reminds me a lot of the 90’s when everyone was getting a ford tarsus. The impala I guess is just the new age.
Its exciting to see cheap and affordable cars like these that can hang with the $60,000 cars. Not only is it cheaper than most of the cars in its class it brings speed and luxury to its owner. If my mom really does end up getting this I will defiantly have to take it out for a true test drive. Ill test out the top speed on some country road somewhere!