The Nissan LEAF electric car is a hatchback car that was introduced in 2010 to the USA and Japan. The US Environmental Protection Agency stated that the Nissan LEAF’s fuel economy is 115 miles to the gallon, which makes it very economical. The newer version of the Nissan LEAF electric car, the 2013 model, has a rating of 200 miles per gallon. The Nissan LEAF electric car is now sold in 17 countries across the European continent.

Best-Selling Electric Car

The Nissan LEAF electric car is the world’s best-selling electric car, with over 50,000 units sold as of February 2013. This is not surprising, since you won’t run in to power steering pump noise using this car due to its unique mechanisms. The leading markets for the Nissan LEAF are the United States and Europe, because it is the best highway-capable car with electric propulsion.

Environmentally-Friendly

Since it is an electric car, the Nissan LEAF produces no greenhouse emissions and no tailpipe pollution. It also reduces dependence on petroleum. It has won many awards due to its environmental benefits. Among these awards are the 2010 Green Car Vision Award, 2011 World Car of the Year and 2011 European Car of the Year.

The average prices of a car nowadays depend on the car’s capabilities and the technology that comes with the car. With a car like the Nissan LEAF, the money will be well-spent because of the advanced technology and the savings from not having to buy petroleum. The Nissan LEAF is truly a remarkable car that you should consider buying because of the many features it offers.

Cars powered by electricity or with hybrid electric/gasoline engines are finally beginning to come into their own. The LEAF is a prime example of the changing trends among car buyers.

Need Help Deciding?

Contact TalkLocal today and let us put you in touch with someone to help you decide if a Nissan LEAF electric car is for you. We’ll connect you with up to three professionals in just minutes.

The average MPG hybrid cars perform to can vary, but it’s generally higher than cars with conventional engines. Miles per gallon, or MPG, represents how far a car can travel on a single gallon of gas, in other words, the fuel consumption of a vehicle. Fuel consumption varies considerably based on many factors, but car manufacturers generally quote an average MPG for each vehicle model and engine.

A car or motorcycle MPG rating will always depend a lot on how the vehicle is driven. The average MPG hybrid cars will return is one of the incentives persuading increasing numbers of drivers to make the switch from conventional vehicles. By having an electric motor to provide some of the power, these cars can really stretch a gallon of gasoline.

Average MPG Depends on the Model

For the Toyota Prius, the average MPG is 40-50. This is quite efficient for a car and is something that you should consider when looking for a hybrid car. For the Honda Civic Hybrid, the average MPG is 38-43, which is significantly lower than the Prius. This may be due to the fact that the Civic has cruise control, which can increase fuel consumption.

For the Chevy Malibu or Saturn Aura, the average MPG is just 25-34. Obviously, this is very low, meaning these two cars are not the most economical examples of hybrid models.

For the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the average MPG is 30-40, which is better than most, but still doesn’t top the Toyota Prius. So, if you’re looking for the most fuel efficient car, the Toyota Prius is worthy of consideration, due to its impressive fuel economy.

Choosing a hybrid car is becoming a more attractive proposition, even for drivers staunchly reluctant to move on from the ‘big ole gas guzzler’  era.

Need Professional Help?

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We live in a culture where some professions consider tipping to be a standard requirement for services rendered. So how about when you take your car for service or repair? Do you tip mechanics?  There are no hard and fast rules to tipping an auto mechanic, but there are some things you should consider before forking out cash to your mechanic.

Do You Tip Mechanics?

On the plus side, mechanics do tend to help you determine a lot of things that you don’t know about your car, such as when to replace shocks.

A tip could get you preferential treatment if you frequent one particular auto repair shop. Naturally, this isn’t something that you should expect, but it is something that can potentially happen and make you glad you tipped.

Do you tip mechanics a large or small amount? If your mechanic has been working past his shift replacing your timing belt for hours and you hand over a $1 bill, don’t expect the mechanic to be too happy. On occasions like this, it’s better to hand over a $50 bill.

Never assume that whatever you are paying for your car is going directly to the one repairing it. Much of the money that you are forking over goes to the auto repair shop because they pay their mechanics an hourly or flat rate. Take that into consideration when you tip.

Ask before you tip. Sometimes, auto mechanics are not allowed to take tips, so ask the mechanic first if it’s okay to give a tip. An alternative may be to approach the manager of the auto repair shop and ask if the mechanics are allowed to take tips. This will save you the awkwardness of the mechanic having to refuse your money.

Need the Help of a Mechanic?

TalkLocal can help you find a trustworthy auto mechanic in your area within minutes of placing your call! Give us a call today and let us assist you in finding a mechanic near you!

When you’re out driving in the concrete jungle on a hot day, nothing beats the cool comfort of chilled air blasting from your car’s A/C system. But did you know that the cold air coming from the vent originates as hot air? A complex process is involved in removing the heat. This method of generating conditioned air for your car involves several components that must all be in good condition, especially if you want to avoid paying out for auto AC heating repair.

Auto AC components, such as seals and fittings do wear and can even become loose over time. This eventually leads to refrigerant leakage, which affects the comfort inside the car and may also cause damage to other auto-components such as the evaporator or compressor. You can save money and time on auto AC heating repair by detecting issues early on.

Regularly checking your car and scheduling it for maintenance is a great way to extend the life of your car’s engine and its components to avoid unnecessary auto AC heating repair. A proper cooling system inspection involves the following:

1.      Check if the water pump is in working condition.

2.      Inspect the radiator for leaks or corrosion.

3.      Ensure there is adequate coolant. Remember, NEVER remove or open the pressure cap while the engine is still hot.

4.      Check for any leaks in the hoses and connections. Tighten any loose clamps.

5.      Look at the condition of the radiator’s pressure cap. If the rubber gasket is already damaged, replace it.

6.      If the engine gets too cool, you probably have a faulty thermostat that may need replacing.

7.      Look at the condition of the hoses. Replace any hose with cracks or other signs of deterioration.

8.      Check heater hoses and make sure they are not leaking or cracked and that there’s no rotting rubber. Faulty clamps should be replaced.

9.      Inspect belts for any tension or wear. Usually they last up to seven years. Cracked or frayed belts need to be replaced.

If you notice your car’s air conditioning is not as effective as it used to be, that’s a straightforward sign that you should have it inspected. Your car may well be low on Freon, which is a good indicator that something’s wrong with the system. The problem may just be a small leak or you could need serious auto AC heating repair.

Have a professional auto repair technician take a look at it immediately. Use SevaCall to locate auto repair professionals you can trust.

Every once in a while, you have to invest in basic, mandatory auto maintenance projects to keep your car looking and running like new. Before giving the green light to an extreme makeover, focus on the safety systems that guarantee a smooth ride and prevent traffic accidents.

Fully functional brakes help you stop or slow down your automobile, but defective brakes represent a major life-threatening problem, which should be addressed as soon as possible. Keep reading to find out how to replace car brake pads on your own or with help from a good mechanic.

Replacing Car Brake Pads on Your Own

In time, brake pads wear off and lose their ability to slow down or to stop a vehicle. Noisy brakes are an important sign, telling you that you should replace your car brake pads immediately. The process is relatively simple and time-efficient.

1. Start by lifting up your automobile and securing it properly by using jack stands.

2. Unscrew the car’s lug nuts and then remove its wheel and tire. After completing this phase, you’ll be able to take a closer look at the brake pads, brake caliper, and brake rotor.

3. Start by removing the caliper; then carefully inspect the brake rotor. If you notice wide grooves on a large surface, don’t hesitate to resurface or replace the part.

4. Brake pads are usually secured with bolts or pins. Carefully remove the elements holding them in place, slide out your car’s brake pads and analyze them: do they display obvious signs of wear and tear? Old, used pads should be much thinner than brand-new ones.

5. Remember to retract your car’s caliper piston. Afterwards, just place the new brake pads in the empty slots where the old pads used to be, and secure them with bolts and pins.

6. Last, but not least, don’t forget to test the effectiveness of your new brakes.

Ask for help

Want to replace car brake pads the easy way? If so,get connected with the best mechanics in your area by relying on TalkLocal, a free service designed to simplify your daily life.

There comes a moment when your car’s power steering system doesn’t work as it used to. Ford vehicles are no exception. Some of the problems may be noticeable from the beginning; others may be more insidious, causing more damage. However, if you pay attention to the signals and know what to expect, you might prevent a more serious problem by nipping it in the bud.

What Ford Power Steering Problems Can You Expect?

Just like with other cars, if the steering system of your Ford has stopped working, one of the common sources of this problem is the failure of the power steering pump.

How Can You Repair Your Power Steering Pump?

Follow the steps below to identify if you’re dealing with pump failure.

If steering becomes difficult, check the level of the power steering fluid. If you don’t have enough fluid, it’s hard to maneuver the steering wheel.

Your Ford power steering problem might have other sources besides the fluid. For instance, the steering gear or other components in the steering system might be worn out.

1. Lift the hood and start the car engine. Pay attention to the sound of the steering pump while someone else turns the steering wheel. If you hear a whining in the pump, you might be dealing with belt slipping. Reposition the belt and check again.

2. If the noise is still audible, check the fluid. Add power steering fluid if there’s not enough and verify the condition of the pump by turning the steering wheel from left to right  a few times to eliminate air from the power steering system.

3. Start the car engine and have somebody turn the steering wheel while you inspect the components of the power steering system. If there are damaged or loose parts, that’s where the noise might be coming from. This means you need to take your car to a mechanic for a more serious check.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions about Ford power steering problems or want to find a reliable mechanic, TalkLocal can guide you, saving you the hassle of searching for a good car repair shop. Don’t hesitate to use our service. It’s free!

As a driver, you know that the steering wheel is that part of the car which allows you to have control over your vehicle. But have you ever wondered how it is that rotating the steering wheel makes the front wheels move, and keeps them moving? To answer this question, you need to consider the power steering gearbox. This means that you need to understand how the steering box and the steering gear work.

What Is the Role of the Power Steering Gearbox?

The combination between the steering box and the steering gear makes your car’s steering system, which converts the circular movement you make with the steering wheel into the motion of the vehicle’s front wheels, which move to the left and to the right. This is what allows you to make a turn, change lanes, or go past another car.

This function is essential and your car can’t function properly without it. That is why this part of your vehicle must be durable. The materials used in making it need to be very solid to prevent easy deterioration.

How Does the Power Steering Gearbox Work?

The commands sent by the steering wheel to the gearbox are interpreted in relation to the pressure exerted. When you turn the steering wheel, the vehicle turns thanks to power steering. How does this happen? A fluid pump sends the power steering fluid up through pressure lines into the steering gearbox.

What Are the Main Components of a Power Steering Gearbox?

The internal components of the gearbox are contained in a gearbox housing, which is generally made of resilient cast iron. There are four line inlets built into the casing of the gearbox. One is connected to the reservoir, another to the pump, and two leading to the fluid lines.

There is a rotary valve inside the gearbox, which senses the pressure applied with the help of the steering wheel. This valve works only when it detects pressure. When the movement is straightforward, the rotary valve doesn’t do much. Other key components of the power steering gearbox are the torsion bar, the shafts, and the power piston.

Additional Help

If you’re experiencing problems with your power steering gearbox, TalkLocal can help by putting you in contact with a local qualified professional for free.

Car owners who want to keep their vehicles looking and running like new acknowledge the importance of an essential maintenance routine, and follow the right steps to increase the lifespan and resale value of their automobiles. If you have the skills, the tools, and a sufficient amount of time to complete such a task on your own, a DIY project could be a viable, cost-effective alternative. If you seek professional services, you might be wondering: How could I estimate the average transmission flush cost?

Reasons transmission flush cost is so important

A transmission flush is a mandatory procedure that should be conducted regularly by a specialist to eliminate the old fluid and replace it with new fluid. In some cases, an effective cleaning solvent is utilized by technicians to remove unwanted transmission fluid deposits.

In this process, the converter, cooling lines, the car’s cooler, and various other components are meticulously cleaned. Keep in mind the fact that a transmission flush operation is much more effective than a plain fluid change, as a professional flush will replace the entire amount of oil fluid while also eliminating fluid deposits that could potentially contaminate the newly introduced substance.

In this context, it goes without saying that a professional transmission flush is an indispensable service, and that you shouldn’t cut corners when it comes to this type of auto maintenance routine.

How much could a professional transmission flush actually cost me?

Want to determine the transmission flush costs? The price of a professional transmission flush will vary a great deal based on at least three important factors: the geographic location of the car owner, the vehicle’s make and model, and also on the type of shop offering you this type of service.

If you shop around, you might actually find transmission flush services priced under $100. Generally speaking, the cost of this operation ranges from $75 to $150.

How to find the best deals on professional transmission flush

Are you looking for the best auto repair services available in your area? Want to profit from great deals without making any quality compromises? If so, rely on TalkLocal, the free service designed to get you in touch with reputable auto repair experts providing excellent results, on time and on a strict budget.

A car designed to have power steering fluid can be dangerous to drive without power steering fluid. A power steering fluid change is therefore essential for any owner of a car with power steering. If your car’s power steering goes out suddenly, you could lose control of your car and you could crash and end up in a really bad accident.

Power steering fluid is not like car oil, which can sit for long in a car and not cause any damage. It is important to change the power steering fluid of your car periodically to avoid accidents.

1. Lift the car using a hydraulic jack and ensure that you can slide easily underneath the wheels at the front of the car. You can find a trustworthy mechanic to do this for you, of course, but just in case you can’t, we’ll show you how.

2. Remove and locate the car’s catch tray found underneath the power steering system of the car.

3. Disconnect the hose from the steering pump to drain the power steering fluid. After this, you have to reconnect the hose.

4. Unscrew the cap to the reservoir, and add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of steering fluid.

5. Replace the cap and start the engine. Listen for a buzzing sound and turn the steering wheel until the fluid is properly circulated in the system.

6. Turn off the engine and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

7. Turn the engine off and allow it to rest again. Drain the fluid once again through the hose.

8. Reconnect the hose again and fill with fluid once again. Restart the engine again and rotate the steering wheel to release any air. Turn off the engine and let it rest again.

9. Repeat this process until you have drained three quarts of fluid out of the system.

10. Lower the vehicle, start the engine, and you are done.

Let TalkLocal help you locate a mechanic near you to get the professional help that you need! We will connect you with the right professionals in your area, so you can get the help you need when you need it.