Has your car been sounding a bit louder lately? How about a lot louder? Either scenario could be taken as a telltale sign that your exhaust system need attention, or that your exhaust system is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced by an automotive service professional. Here are a few tips to help you determine if that’s the case.

• Park near a solid wall or another car so the sound of your vehicle echoes off a large object. Roll down the windows and start the engine on your vehicle. If you are parked in your garage, be sure to open the garage door. Turn off the radio and pay close attention. If your car’s gotten a lot louder than you’re used to, this will be your first indication that something’s amiss.

• Try to locate where that loudness is coming from. Depending on where the sound is emanating from, it could be your muffler, connections to your catalytic converter or the engine exhaust manifold. A malfunctioning muffler will be heard toward the back of your vehicle where the exhaust pipe is. If the noise is coming from your engine compartment, it may be your exhaust manifold. If the noise is in the middle of the vehicle, it may be a connection to your catalytic converter or the converter itself.

• Perform a back pressure test yourself (if you are up to it). First, get yourself a pair of gloves and a large rag or towel. The gloves will protect yourself from getting burned. Next, turn the engine on and cover the tailpipe with the large rag or towel. You should feel the flow of exhaust pushing outward through the tailpipe. If you don’t feel any pressure, this is a sign that your exhaust system may have a leak.

• Is your muffler loose? Sometimes diagnosing a muffler on its last legs is as simple as observing if your tailpipe is loose, or if it moves a lot easier than it should when you wiggle it.

• Give it the sniff test. If your car has started to give off an unusual odor or fumes, this could be a sign of a leak in your exhaust system. Get this taken care of right away – exhaust fumes are incredibly bad for your health and can even be deadly.

Driving around with a leaking exhaust system can be both dangerous, costly and next time you get your vehicle inspected, it may fail. If your exhaust system is leaking or cracked and on the verge of coming off, you could cause damage to your car and others on the road if it decides to separate from your car’s undercarriage while you’re driving. To be on the safe side, make an appointment with a local auto repair shop to have your exhaust system checked out.

Find the most highly rated mechanics in your area simply by becoming a member of Openbay today.

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Summers were made for road trips. But everybody’s favorite time of year can also be fraught with hazards, especially when it comes to the heat. Hot summer days can push your car over the edge and cause it to overheat. When that happens, you could find yourself stuck by the side of the road waiting for a tow truck to rescue you. Don’t let this happen. Follow the tips below if you notice your temperature gauge peaking out. They’ll keep you rolling until you can get where you’re going. Once you do, get your car into the shop ASAP.

First, let’s understand what can cause your car to overheat.

• Loose or broken fan belt
• Low coolant level
• Coolant leak
• Engine thermostat stuck in a single position
• Defective or failing water pump

If you get a warning on your dash or the engine temperature gauge begins to increase, your car is starting to overheat. Now, let’s understand what NOT to do and what TO do about it.  

What NOT to do:

• Sounds like common sense, but do not touch any engine component to include the radiator cap, hoses, anything in the engine compartment. You’ll get burned. Simple enough, but folks still poke around.
• Do not touch, try and remove or open the cap on your radiator until the car has sat for a few hours and cooled down.
• Do not try and add any water to the radiator or hose it down (yes some have done this). Let the vehicle cool down on its own. If needed, add coolant to the radiator at the appropriate time, not water.   

What TO do:

• Turn off the A/C if its turned on. A/C runs off a compressor that places a load on your engine causing it to work harder. You need to lighten the load on the engine.
• Crank up the heater to the highest temperature and roll down your windows. The heater will pull high temperatures away from the engine.
• If you can, give your car a rest and open the hood to release some of the heat in the engine compartment.   

To prevent you car from overheating, make sure that the coolant level in your radiator is where it should be. If it’s low, you’re asking for trouble. Before it gets too hot and before you head out on that long awaited road trip, make an appointment with a local auto service shop to bring your car in and have your coolant levels tested and topped off. You can find the best nearby auto shops by becoming a member of Openbay.

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Few car maintenance issues are as easy as checking the air pressure on your tires. Neglect this simple procedure, you may be paying more at the pump and buying a new set of tires sooner than you think.

Most of the time, you don’t even need to have a pressure gauge of your own – most gas station air pumps have a built-in gauge that’ll tell you how much air your have in your tire. Where things can get confusing, however, is determining the right amount of air to pump. Usually,  what’s stamped on the sidewall of your tire doesn’t match what your owner’s manual is telling you. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you don’t over inflate or under inflate your tires.

• Don’t exceed your tire’s maximum air pressure limit. If you take a close look at the sidewall of your tire, you’ll find a numerical value followed by the letters P.S.I. This stands for “pounds per square inch.” Pay attention to this number, as this is the maximum amount of air pressure your tire can hold safely. Never inflate your tire past this number.

  Over inflating or adding too much pressure to a tire can cause the center treads to wear faster because most of the vehicle’s weight is resting on the center treads. What you don’t want is uneven wear which will result in a trip back to the tire shop for a new set of tires.

• Don’t under inflate your tires. Similar to over inflating, under inflating your tires leads to excessive wear on the tire’s outer edges. Under inflating a tire also generates excessive heat due to friction because there is a greater area of tire surface in contact with the road. More friction means less miles per gallon of gas and faster tires wearing faster.  

• Check the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure for your car. This information can be found in your owner’s manual. If you don’t have your owner’s manual, take a look on the inside of your driver’s side door jamb or in the glove compartment. There will usually be a sticker there telling you how much air pressure to pump into your tires.

• Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. As long as it doesn’t exceed the maximum pressure limit of your tire, it’s strongly recommended that you fill your tires to match the suggestion found in your door jamb, glove compartment, or owner’s manual. Sticking with this number will give you optimal gas mileage, ride comfort, handling, and braking.

Remember that as you drive and your tires heat up, the air pressure in your tires expands. For this reason, always check your air pressure before you’ve done a lot of driving to get the most accurate results.

Still have questions? Talk to an auto maintenance professional in your area. Become a member of Openbay today to get free access to all the best service shops in your area.

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In the everyday person’s quest to save as much money as possible on auto repairs and maintenance without sacrificing the performance of their vehicle, there exists one myth whose time has come for extinction. What’s the myth? That you have to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles. As a matter of fact, the business that was propagating the myth has ditched the mantra. Believe it or not, these days you can go a lot longer between oil changes. Almost two-and-a-half times longer, in fact.

7.5K is the New 3K

If you own a late model car, you can officially forgo taking your car into the shop every few months to have your oil changed. Nowadays, due to improved technology in engine manufacture and in the oil that’s used to operate them, you can go anywhere from 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes. If you drive an average of 12,000 miles per year, that means you can go as long as a year without having to pay your local mechanic a visit for this kind of routine maintenance. Think about what that’ll do for your bank account.

Is Sticking to a 3,000 Mile Schedule Bad for Your Car?

Absolutely not. But it can be a bit wasteful, not only where time and money are concerned but also environmentally. If you’re getting your oil changed every three months instead of once a year, your car isn’t going to complain – but that just means you’re disposing of your old oil on a far more frequent basis than is ideal where Mother Nature’s concerned.

An Important Note!

To be absolutely sure at what interval your vehicle’s oil should be changed, read the manual and stick to what’s in there. If you don’t have a copy of the original manual that came with your car, look online or contact the manufacturer to order a replacement copy. Going to the extra effort could end up saving you a pretty penny in the long run.

To save even more money on car maintenance, visit Openbay to shop around for the best and most cost efficient auto mechanic in your area. Membership in Openbay is absolutely free, so why not sign up today and get on the fast track to finding the crème of the crop in maintenance shops.

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Source: CR

There’s an old saying we’ve all heard before: “You get what you pay for.” It makes all kinds of sense, right? If you buy an imitation smartphone or a cheap pair of running shoes, you don’t expect to get the same life out of them as you would have if you’d paid more for the real deal.

But does the same hold true with regular unleaded vs. premium gas?

Most people believe that higher octane gas will give you better performance and extend the life of your vehicle. But according to the experts, this is bunk.

For example, did you know…

• Higher octane gas has always been recommended to eliminate knocking in your engine. But these days, cars are built with computerized knock sensors which take care of the problem.

• The majority of engines out there were built to function perfectly on low octane gas. This means that filling your tank with super unleaded is probably not going to give you any better performance than opting for lower grade.

• The energy content of premium, mid-grade and regular unleaded is exactly the same: 111,400 BTU’s per gallon.

Only vehicles designated “high performance” are required to use premium gasoline. If you don’t own a Porsche, BMW M-Series, or a Corvette capable of going faster than most people would ever feel comfortable traveling, pumping high octane gas into your tank is totally unnecessary.

With the high cost of gas and the promise of even higher prices to come, you need to take steps to maximize every gallon. This includes keeping your car regularly serviced and making sure that your tires are properly inflated. It also includes knowing when not to go overboard when there’s no good reason to do so.

To keep your car in tip top shape without breaking the bank, become a member of Openbay. Openbay in an online marketplace that connects vehicle owners with trustworthy auto mechanics and provides you with multiple competing offers for you to select from so you can be sure you’re in the best hands.

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Source: Scientific American

Earth Day came in April and it was soon gone, but we shouldn’t forget what the day represents. No, we’re not going to make you feel bad about being reliant on fossil fuels and clouding up the ecosystem with your car. What kind of people do you think we are, anyway? What we are going to do, however, is give you some suggestions on how you can do your part as a car owner – without trading in your independence for a bus pass or hoofing it everywhere you go.

“Doing your part as a car owner”

• Become more aware of the speed at which you drive. First of all, it’s dangerous to exceed the speed limit especially in rural area where kids are at play. It’s also the worst thing you could possibly do as far as fuel efficiency is concerned. Putting the pedal to the metal causes you to burn more gas, which can put a hole in your wallet and increase greenhouse gases.

• Do you have overdrive gears? If so, use them. A lot of drivers don’t know that their cars come with overdrive gears, just as many don’t know how to use them properly. Going into overdrive doesn’t mean you’re unnecessarily taxing your engine. It actually means you’re going into a higher gear where your engine’s not working so hard. This also cuts back on emissions.

• Lighten the junk in your trunk. No, that’s not a hint you should go on a diet. Stop being so sensitive. We’re talking about your car. Specifically, what you’ve got in the trunk or the hatchback or the back seat that could be weighing you down to the point where you’re burning more gas than necessary to get you from here to there. Lessen the load and you’ll send up less fumes. Plain and simple.

• Service your car regularly. Don’t wait until your car is sputtering or spewing black smoke to take it in for routine maintenance. Stay on a regular schedule and fix problems as they occur. Out of shape cars are one of the biggest contributors to pollution, according to the Department of Ecology for Washington State.

Whether you call it going green or being eco-conscious, you don’t have to be a tree hugger to want to limit that amount of pollution your car puts out. Following the tips above can help you accomplish that. To learn more about car care, or to find highly rated mechanics in your area, become a member of Openbay. Hey – it’s free!

Become a member of Openbay. A free, no-strings-attached online service that gives you the straight talk about the best auto repair shops delivering the best value in your area. Openbay ensures that you don’t have to worry your car will be under anything but the best and most capable care.

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Source: Fuel economy gov , Washington State Dept of Ecology

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There’s a new study out by AAA that shows a growing number of car owners are relying on built-in reminder systems telling them when it’s time to get routine maintenance done on their cars. This is great, but what if the vehicle you are driving is not equipped with one. Or what if you’re constantly forgetting when it’s time to take your car in for routine service? No worries. Here are a few cheap and easy ways to stay on top of your car maintenance schedule.

• Get a calendar and mark it or put a Post-it Note on it. People have been using this method to remind themselves of important stuff since the beginning of time or since the invention of the cubical. The fact that it’s still a practice in used today tells us that it not only works, but it works darn well. If you don’t have a calendar or Post-It Notepad, do yourself a favor and get them. 

• Set up a reminder on your computer calendar or smartphone. These days you can set up reminders through everything from Gmail calendars to appointment apps, and you don’t even have to pay a dime to do so. Unless you’re the type to rarely get on your computer or you don’t own a smartphone, setting up an electronic reminder is one of the best ways to keep yourself aware of upcoming routine car maintenance.

• Tie a string around your finger. Okay, that one’s not going to work – never-mind. Next…

• Set appointments in advance. If you know when you’re going to need your tires rotated next or your oil changed, go ahead and schedule that appointment before you even leave the mechanic’s shop. Committing to an appointment in advance serves as a great reminder you’re far less likely to space out on.

Another way to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance is by becoming a member of Openbay. Openbay is an online marketplace that links vehicle owners with local auto service professionals. With Openbay, vehicle owners get multiple auto repair and maintenance offers to compare from. Openbay books the appointment for you and payment is handled through Openbay too. All of your vehicle maintenance history is maintained and you will be notified of upcoming maintenance events.

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image credit: JasonParis

Source: AAA

If you’re a car owner, get ready to dig deeper into your pockets for the privilege. According to a recent report published by the AAA auto club, the cost of owning a car – not the cost of buying a car, but the cost of having and maintaining and operating that vehicle – just took another jump. If you drive about 15,000 miles a year, own and operate a sedan, you’re now paying 60.8 cents per mile or about $9,122 per year, on average.

The AAA study shows the costs involved with maintaining a vehicle had the largest increase over last year’s figures. The cost to maintain a vehicle grew to 4.97 cents per mile, an 11.26 percent increase. The study bases its estimates on the cost to maintain and repair a vehicle for five years and 75,000 miles. This includes labor expenses, replacement parts and extended warranty policies. Parts and labor costs have risen year over year, which is contributing to the increase on a cost per mile basis.

Before you freak out and list your car for sale through the local classifieds, here are a few things to take into consideration that might make you feel less taxed over the whole scenario.

• Inflation is a big factor. The average 1.17 cent jump in cost per mile over last year doesn’t mean your car’s suddenly decided to get a lot more expensive. It just accounts for a rise in prices for everything from gas to the cost of maintenance.

• It’s also what you drive. The statistics show that not everyone’s paying the same amount of money to keep their cars in operation throughout the year. For example, if you drive a small sedan you’re paying close to 30 cents less per mile and about $4500 less per year than someone who drives a large sedan. SUV drivers pay the most, averaging 77.3 cents per mile or $11,599 per year.

Although maintenance costs took the biggest jump, you’ve still got options. Using services like Openbay to help you hunt down the best quality services for the most reasonable prices can make a huge difference.

For more tips on how to save money to keep your car in operation, or advice on how to ensure you get the best service for your vehicle, become a member of Openbay today.

image credit: 401(k) 2013 

Source: AAA

The auto mechanic industry is just like any other. It’s full of honest, hard working people making a living at what they do best. But unfortunately, just like any other business, there are bad apples that make the rest look bad. If you’ve ever been burned by a crooked or less than capable auto mechanic, you’re probably gun shy about ever taking your car to a pro again. But you don’t have to be – not as long as you use the following resources to locate the best auto mechanics in your area.

• Yelp it! If you thought that Yelp was a website that only gives you the skinny on the coolest and tastiest restaurants in town, think again. You can also use Yelp as a way to find nearby auto mechanic shops and read what other customers have to say about them. Worried about cost or quality of service? This is a great way to narrow down your selections.

• Ask around. With all of this awesome technology at your fingertips, it’s hard to believe that word of mouth is still one of the best and most accurate ways of discovering quality car maintenance shops in your area – but it’s true. If you’re looking for an honest mechanic in your neck of the woods, ask your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers who they’d recommend. Asking sources you know you can trust is a foolproof method of discovering an auto shop you may never have discovered otherwise.

• Visit the Better Business Bureau and check out a mechanic’s record. Simply by going to www.bbb.org, you can key in the name and location of an auto mechanic to see if they have any complaints registered against them from past customers. Not every business in operation is required to register with the BBB, however, so you should only employ this method as one part of your overall strategy.

• Become a member of Openbay. At Openbay, they offer you the unique ability to choose from the most highly rated auto mechanic shops in your area, eliminating the chances that you’ll get burned again by guiding you to the most honest and qualified auto mechanics, based on the word of consumers like yourself. The best part is, it’s a free online service and there are no strings attached. As an added bonus, Openbay doesn’t only guide you to highly rated service shops, but also enables you to book services and pay online.

Pay us a visit at www.openbay.com today. We’ll steer you right.

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Just a minor windshield crack :))

Here’s a sobering fact of life for all car owners – windshield rock chips are unavoidable. But this doesn’t mean you have to limit your driving for fear a wayward pebble might mark up your otherwise pristine vehicle. You also don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to replace your windshield. In many cases, you can have an auto repair professional repair small chips and cracks in your windshield for a fraction of the money it would cost you to replace it. Here are a few tips on how to determine if you should repair your windshield or replace it.

• Measure the size of the chip or crack. Most auto repair shops can repair a chip or small crack in your windshield as long as it’s not too big. Here’s a good rule of thumb: if the chip in your windshield is no bigger than a quarter, it very likely can be fixed. Likewise, if you’ve got a crack less than three inches long, this can usually also be repaired. Anything bigger, and you’re probably looking at replacement.

• Where on your windshield did the damage occur? If the crack or chip is located on the edge of your windshield, you may want to consider an all-out replacement. This is because damage that occurs on the edges can impact the windshield’s structural integrity. Also, bear in mind that a lot of shops won’t repair windshield damage that’s directly in your field of vision when you drive. Why? Because even the best repair job can leave behind small traces that could distort your vision and make driving unsafe. And you can’t have that!

• Get a professional’s opinion. If you’re not sure if you should have your windshield replaced or repaired, the best course of action is to ask a pro. They’ll be able to diagnose the damage and tell you if the damage is minimal enough to warrant repair, or extensive enough to justify a replacement.

According to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations: Division of Insurance, damage to motor vehicle glass shall be repaired rather than replaced if: 

(a) damage to the windshield is outside the critical viewing area, which is that area covered by the sweep of the wipers originally provided by the vehicle manufacturer, exclusive of the outer two inches within the perimeter of that sweep; and

(c) the repair will not impair the operational safety of the motor vehicle. 

If you’re not confident enough in your skills, you can always have an auto service professional take care of a rock chip for you. To find the best and most highly rated auto mechanic in your area, become an Openbay member. Openbay is a free, no-strings-attached online service that gives you the straight talk about the best auto repair shops delivering the best value in your area. Openbay ensures that you don’t have to worry your car will be under anything but the best and most capable care.

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