{"id":268,"date":"2022-07-15T20:58:15","date_gmt":"2022-07-15T20:58:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/?p=268"},"modified":"2023-10-27T00:05:51","modified_gmt":"2023-10-27T00:05:51","slug":"elephant-how-tos-great-tips-for-all-drivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/2022\/07\/15\/elephant-how-tos-great-tips-for-all-drivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Elephant How-To\u2019s: Great Tips for All Drivers"},"content":{"rendered":"

We love maintaining our cars; they provide the transportation we need to live and work in our towns, cities and communities. Although the latest in technology has made vehicles safer, more efficient and advanced, regular maintenance is still key<\/a>.\u00a0 There may even be times when you\u2019ll find yourself on the side of the road in need of a jump start or tire change. Knowing how to fix your minor car issues, and how to maintain your vehicles can keep you safe, and keep money in your pocket. We’ve taken a look at some of the most common questions asked by drivers and vehicle owners. Luckily, there are common car tips and how-to\u2019s, as well as common car essentials, that are useful for all drivers.<\/p>\n

How To Jump Start A Car<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Life is always throwing curve-balls, and a dead-battery is a problem that most of us face at some point. In the event you find your car in need of a jump start, preparation is key.\u00a0 It\u2019s always a good idea to have quality jumper cables in your vehicle, as well as a good pair of gloves, for such a scenario.\u00a0 If you are without jumper cables, roadside assistance such as Elephant\u2019s roadside<\/a> option, is just a call away.\u00a0 But, if you do need a jump, the steps are fairly easy.<\/p>\n

Steps to jump start a car<\/strong><\/h3>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Seek assistance from a friend, then prepare for a jump start<\/strong>.\u00a0 Find a friend or good Samaritan to perform the jump start.\u00a0 Position both vehicles so the engines are close to each other.\u00a0 Turn off the ignition of both vehicles and engage the parking brakes.\u00a0 Then pop your hoods.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Attach the jumper cables<\/strong>.\u00a0 Once the hoods are open, locate each vehicle\u2019s battery.\u00a0 On the battery terminals, remove plastic caps so that the nodes are clear.\u00a0 Then place the red clamp of the cable on the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other red clamp on the positive terminal of your friend\u2019s battery.\u00a0 Next, place the black clamp on the negative terminal of your friend\u2019s battery and the other black clamp on an unpainted metal surface of your car, not any part of the vehicle\u2019s battery, fuel system or electrical parts.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Start the engine, jump your car, then detach.<\/strong> Your friend should then start their engine, and after a few minutes, you will then start your car.\u00a0 Once it\u2019s running successfully, let it charge for five minutes.\u00a0 After that, detach the jumper cables in reverse order, starting with the black clamp on the metal of your car and ending with the red clamp from your car.\u00a0 Then, you will need to leave your vehicle running for at least twenty minutes.\u00a0 This will be a temporary fix until you get to your next location, preferably an auto shop or your home.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parallel Parking doesn’t have to intimidating<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For most people, parallel parking creates a lot of stress and anxiety, but anyone can parallel park with practice.\u00a0 To learn, a low-traffic road or even a parking lot with traffic cones may be ideal and less stressful than trying to park between two vehicles.\u00a0 Back-up cameras also provide added visual assistance to get it right.\u00a0 With the following steps, you should be able to parallel park on either side of a road.<\/p>\n

Steps to parallel parking<\/strong><\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. Identify your parking spot and turn on your signal<\/strong>. Once you find the right parking spot \u2013 it should be one and half times your vehicle length \u2013 you\u2019ll want to alert other drivers you are parking in that spot with your turn signal.<\/li>\n
  2. Pull alongside the car in front of the parking space and begin to turn.<\/strong> You\u2019ll want to pull up next to the car you will park behind, but back up until the middle of your car lines up with the rear bumper of the other car.\u00a0 Next, turn your steering wheel sharply in the direction of the curb until you are at a 45-degree angle.<\/li>\n
  3. Turn your wheel in the other direction and slowly back into your space.<\/strong> Once you\u2019ve hit that 45-degree angle, turn your wheels back in the opposite direction and carefully back your vehicle into the parking space until you are aligned with the cars at both ends, and within one foot of the curb.\u00a0 Straighten your vehicle as necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How to Check Your Tire Pressure<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Knowing how to check and maintain your tire pressure is not only preventative and good for safety, but it also improves fuel efficiency.\u00a0 The seasons of the year also play a role in maintaining the correct tire pressure.\u00a0 Air pressure can decrease in cooler weather.<\/p>\n

    Steps to how to check your tire pressure<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Know your vehicle\u2019s recommended tire pressure (PSI).<\/strong>\u00a0 The recommended PSI for your vehicle can be found in your owner\u2019s manual or on the inside door of the driver\u2019s side.\u00a0 For many cars, PSI between 30 \u2013 35 is recommended.<\/p>\n

    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Check your tire pressure at an ideal time.<\/strong>\u00a0 It\u2019s preferable to check your tire pressure when the vehicle is cool, and the morning time may be best. You can purchase a pressure gauge yourself and do this at home, or go to a gas station with a solid, well-functioning air pump.<\/p>\n

    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pump air until appropriate level of pressure<\/strong>. Remove the cap on your tire, insert air pump, and apply until you have the recommended PSI for your car.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    How to Change a Tire<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Changing a tire may seem daunting for some, but with the right preparation and instruction, you’ll know how to get it done.\u00a0 In addition, knowing how to safely change a tire<\/a> can prevent a bad situation from turning worse, and save time and money.<\/p>\n

    What tools or items are needed to change a tire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Your vehicle should always carry the equipment it will need to change a tire.\u00a0 Be mindful that with new cars, not all will come with a spare tire, so this is something you should know about and prepare for beforehand.\u00a0 But, to change a tire, you will need these essentials: a spare tire, vehicle jack, and tire iron.<\/p>\n

    Steps to changing the tire<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Find a safe spot, and take safety precautions.\u00a0 <\/strong>Once you find a safe spot, like on the side of the road, and away from oncoming traffic, be visible and safe \u2013 turn on your hazard lights, apply your parking brake, and if possible, use wheel wedges.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Get your spare tire and tools.\u00a0 <\/strong>Whether attached underneath your vehicle or in the trunk, next you\u2019ll need to get the tools you need as well as the spare tire.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Raise your car and remove tire.\u00a0 <\/strong>First, if you have a hubcap, you\u2019ll need to remove it.\u00a0 Then, using the tire iron, loosen the lug nuts.\u00a0 Carefully place and operate the jack under your car frame, raising your vehicle with the jack to six inches off the ground.\u00a0 Once that\u2019s done, completely remove the lug nuts and remove the flat tire.<\/p>\n

    4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Mount new tire and lower vehicle.\u00a0 <\/strong>With the old tire removed, line up the new tire into the lug bolts, and screw on lug nuts by hand.\u00a0 Lower your vehicle back down to the ground with the jack.\u00a0 Then, completely tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron and put hubcap back on.<\/p>\n

    5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Gather old tire and put away tools.\u00a0 <\/strong>Once you\u2019ve changed your tire, you\u2019ll need to gather the old tire and tools back into your car and drive to your nearest auto shop or your home.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    How To Check And Change Your Fluids<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Checking, maintaining and changing the fluids in your car<\/a> is instrumental to the life of your vehicle.\u00a0 It keeps your car running smoothly, well-maintained and safe from breakdowns or being stranded.\u00a0 It should be done routinely and in line with your owner\u2019s manual recommendations.<\/p>\n

    Which fluids should I be checking regularly and where can they be purchased?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Many of the fluids for your car can be purchased at a retail outlet that supplies auto products, and all of your automotive fluid needs can be serviced by your auto mechanic.\u00a0 Generally, these are the fluids that should be checked on a regular basis:<\/p>\n

    \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Air conditioning fluid<\/p>\n

    \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brake fluid<\/p>\n

    \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Coolant<\/p>\n

    \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Engine oil<\/p>\n

    \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Power steering fluid<\/p>\n

    \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Transmission fluid<\/p>\n

    \u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Windshield wiper fluid<\/p>\n

    Steps to check and change fluids<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Know the specifications for the fluids in your car.<\/strong>\u00a0 You should consult your owner\u2019s manual or auto mechanic to get the correct fluid types, appropriate levels and recommended maintenance times.<\/p>\n

    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Locate your fluid reservoirs and check the levels<\/strong>.\u00a0 You\u2019ll need to know where each fluid reservoir is located in your vehicle and the check the levels according to the levels indicated in the reservoirs.\u00a0 For motor oil, you\u2019ll need to use the oil dipstick to gauge the level.<\/p>\n

    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Top off fluids as necessary<\/strong>.\u00a0 If you find out any one of your fluid levels are too low, top off the fluids with the appropriate oils or fluids.\u00a0 For engine oil, if the dipstick is too low, you will need to add oil to recommended oil level, not above the oil level.\u00a0 In addition to checking your oil regularly and filling if needed, your vehicle must have an oil change according to the instructions in the owner\u2019s manual.\u00a0 Nowadays, with new technology, oil changes can be done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.<\/p>\n

    \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

    How to Change Your Engine Air Filter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    A dirty engine air filter can result in ignition problems and lower gas mileage. The good news, is that changing your engine air filter is one of the easiest and cheapest routine maintenance items to tackle!<\/p>\n

    Steps to changing the air filter<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pop the hood of your car and find the engine air filter housing.\u00a0 It should be a black plastic box located at the top of your engine or on the side of it.<\/p>\n

    2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Remove the old\/current air filter and examine it\/check it out.\u00a0 \u201cRemove the fasteners and the top of the air filter housing\u201d to get the air filter.\u00a0 Remove any dirt or debris \u201cthat has accumulated in the housing with a rag.\u201d\u00a0 Examine the filter to see if it needs to be replaced.\u00a0 If there is dirt in it or if \u201cdirt slips out when you touch\u201d it, the air filter needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n

    3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Place a new air filter in the box\/housing.\u00a0 The new engine air filter should placed with the rubber rim face up, and once that is complete, you will need to replace\/secure the top of the housing\/box and its fasteners.<\/p>\n

    Keeping your vehicle maintained can be tough, but these common car how-to’s can make a difference, along with the right coverage<\/a> and options for roadside assistance. Knowing how to maintain your car can not just prolong the life of your vehicle, it can keep you and your passengers safe, and help you avoid costly repairs and services down the road. Get a quote<\/a> today.<\/p>\n

    The post Elephant How-To’s: Great Tips for All Drivers<\/a> appeared first on Elephant Insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    We love maintaining our cars; they provide the transportation we need to live and work in our towns, cities and communities. Although the latest in technology has made vehicles safer, more efficient and advanced, regular maintenance is still key.\u00a0 There may even be times when you\u2019ll find yourself on the side of the road in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[16],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":269,"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268\/revisions\/269"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/torrent411.me\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}