Does my vehicle need a fluid flush? You might be asking yourself that question because a mechanic at a shop or quick lube station is advising you to. It’s always tough to decipher whether these suggestions stem from their own monetary gain or if your vehicle truly needs a fluid flush.

It is important to know when these flushes are needed so you won’t shell out the unnecessary expenses. The following are some fluids that might need flushing along with some information on how often they need it.

Radiator Fluid: The radiator holds a diluted form of antifreeze and is responsible for both keeping the engine cool as it runs and preventing it from freezing during the extremely cold months. Flushing this helps avoid sediment build-up. Plus, the older the fluid gets, the less effective it will be. Still, this does not have to be done often. Most experts suggest a radiator fluid flush every 40,000 to 60,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid: In automatic transmission vehicles, this fluid is of the utmost importance. To keep your vehicle shifting gears seamlessly, you will want your transmission flushed roughly every two years or every 30,000 miles. However, the caveat to this is the fact that there are long-lasting transmission fluids available that can last all the way up to 100,000 miles. You will need to know what sort of fluid your vehicle has before determining whether you need a flush.

Brake Fluid: With choice vehicles, a professional might suggest flushing out the brake fluid. This is likely not needed, and your vehicle should be fine without the service.

Power Steering Fluid: This is another low-priority flush, as power steering fluid can last a long time. If, for peace of mind, you would like your power steering fluid flushed, wait three to five years between services.

Find Someone To Perform The Flushes

Still asking: Does my vehicle need a fluid flush? Consult an expert — but know your stuff even when you do. TalkLocal offers a free service that gives you instant access to local auto repair professionals. We’ll connect you with the right professionals in just minutes.

Have you ever seen a car careening down the highway with a thick cloud of smoke behind it? Perhaps that driver should have been more conscious of when your car needs smog checks and repairs.

When vehicles get older or are not functioning correctly in general, they can release toxic smog into the air, which is a major hazard. This hazard is so severe that some states have penned laws which govern in what scenarios drivers should be subjected to smog checks and repairs.

What Is A Smog Check?

During a smog check, your vehicle is hooked up to equipment in order to monitor your exhaust. The technology identifies which pollutants are in your exhaust and in what volume. If the exhaust is especially potent or hazardous, repairs are likely necessary.

How Often Should I Get A Smog Check?

Every other year should be sufficient for smog checks. However, if your vehicle is less than five or six years old, you probably do not have to take it in for a smog check quite yet.

As vehicles get older, it is important to make sure that the vehicle’s exhaust complies with local smog emission sanctions.

When Else Should I Get A Smog Check

Buying or selling a vehicle could serve as the perfect time to notice when your car needs smog checks and repairs. This is just another way of inspecting the vehicle to make sure it is in healthy, running condition.

Smog checks do help decrease pollutants, but even if you do not care about your carbon footprint, smog checks and repairs help identify issues and prolong the life of your vehicle.

Know Your State’s Laws

It is important to familiarize yourself with the emission laws in your state. Otherwise, you will have no idea whether you are complying with them or not.

Need A Mechanic?

Use TalkLocal to find a mechanic who can run a smog check. When submitting your request, indicate you are looking for a smog check, and we will find professionals that offer this service and connect you with them directly. You won’t have to waste time talking to someone who can’t help you.

Certain motorcycles will have better MPG ratings than others. If you want to make sure that the bike you are buying will have good gas mileage, you need to compare the motorcycle MPG ratings of different bikes. When comparing these ratings, there are several things you should consider. Here are a few of them.

Year

A newer motorcycle is much more likely to have better gas mileage than older ones. Motorcycle manufacturers are always working to help make gas mileage better, so if you want the best motorcycle MPG ratings possible, opt for a new bike.

Model

Some models are just more fuel efficient than others. The best way to find the model which offers the best rating is to research different bikes that you are interested in owning.

You can check manufacturer websites or even motorcycle forums to find information about MPG ratings. If you plan on buying from a dealer, the dealer may also be able to help you decide which model is best in terms of fuel efficiency.

Size

Bigger motorcycles are heavier and create more wind resistance while on the road, and therefore use more gas. A smaller, lighter, and more compact motorcycle is not only easier to maneuver, but will save you money in gas over time.

They often have smaller gas tanks which hold less gas at a time, so make sure to consider that when deciding which motorcycle MPG rating is best.

Owning a motorcycle can be an awesome experience. Almost all motorcycles get good gas mileage, but it is important to find the one that offers the best ratings. Always research thoroughly before you take the next step and make your purchase.

How To Find Professional Help For Your Motorcycle

If your motorcycle acts up and you can’t fix the problem on your own, you will require the help of a trained auto mechanic. TalkLocal can put you in touch with one in your area.

We gather info from you and then contact three qualified professionals who can help. We will get you on the phone with them so you can decide which will work best. It’s that easy.

If you own a motorcycle, you probably already know that they get pretty good gas mileage. For many people, this is why they chose to buy a motorcycle in the first place.

Did you know that you can increase motorcycle mpg with a few simple techniques? It’s true, try one of these methods and you could be driving even further on a tank of gas.

Accessories

The accessories and decoration which are hanging on your bike may look good, but they could be hurting your gas mileage. These things can make your bike heavy and cause it to use more gas than necessary.

Remove the items unless they are absolutely necessary or serve a purpose on the bike. You can always add them back at a later time or when your bike is parked and on display. Also, check your tires. Under-inflated tires (maybe you need to change one of them) can contribute to decreased mpg.

Acceleration

Many people are not aware that the way they drive can increase motorcycle mpg. When you drive fast or are quick to accelerate and hit the brakes, you are using more gas than necessary and essentially wasting it.

Slow down and only go as fast as the speed limit or as necessary. If you know you will be stopping, try coasting or barely giving the bike any gas.

Driving In Town

While most people enjoy driving their motorcycle in town, it can use a lot of gas. Starting and stopping uses more gas than if you are driving for longer periods of time between stopping. Avoid rush hour traffic and try to stay away from busy streets.

Face Shield

Little things like wearing a face shield can help increase motorcycle mpg. The face shield helps reduce wind resistance and helps save your gas. Many helmets come with face shields.

All of these techniques are simple, inexpensive, and effective at increasing the gas mileage on your bike. Try one or more of them out and see for yourself.

For Motorcycle Repair…

If you need an auto repair service for your motorcycle, start (and end) your search at TalkLocal. We help you track down, and connect you with, the most qualified professionals in your area. It only takes minutes.

When you own a motorcycle, you want it to be as fuel efficient as possible. The average motorcycle mpg rating is 40 to 50 mpg. While this mileage is pretty good, and much better than most cars, it is still possible to make it better.

Here are some tips to help.

Drive On Highways As Much As Possible

Although it is impossible for most people to avoid driving through town or on side streets, you will get much better gas mileage driving on the highways.

When you drive your motorcycle in town and make a lot of stops, you are using much more gas than what you use while driving for long periods of time without stopping on the highway. When you do have to drive in town or on side streets, try coasting between stop signs and red lights and avoid aggressive driving as much as possible.

Remove Bike Accessories

Some motorcycle accessories are necessary and others aren’t. If you want to improve the average motorcycle mpg, remove any accessories that you aren’t using, such as saddlebags and sissy bars.

These accessories weigh the bike down and cause it to use more gas to get from place to place. They also make for more wind resistance.

Keep The Right Tire Pressure

Many people do not realize that their tire pressure can affect your average motorcycle mpg rating. Check your tires often and make sure they are aired up to the appropriate pressure. Too much or too little pressure could be making your bike use more gas than necessary.

You may be happy with your motorcycle’s mpg rating, but why not try to improve it? With the money you save by improving your motorcycle’s gas mileage, you could travel across the country on a motorcycle road trip!

Finding A Repair Service For Your Motorcycle

TalkLocal offers an innovative new service that connects you directly with service professionals in your area. This includes auto mechanics who can take care of your bike. All you have to do is provide a little bit of information about your needs, and we handle the rest. Try it out.

Few companies have seen great luck with their version of the electric/plug-in hybrid car. The Chevy Volt has witnessed solid sales, but a relatively newer manufacturer has stepped in to seemingly corner the market.

The Tesla Model S has proven itself as the best-selling electric/plug-in vehicle in the United States. This is somewhat of a surprise considering the Tesla Model S price.

However, when it comes to electric cars, buyers need to work past the sticker shock to take into account the amount of money they will save in fuel throughout the life of the vehicle.

What Is The Tesla Model S Price?

The lowest Tesla Model S price you will see is just north of $62,000. This model features a 60 kWh battery in it and is the very bare standard of the vehicle. As you move into the 85 kWh battery, or even the version with the upgraded power train, buyers are now looking at a price tag closer to $90,000.

Surprisingly, this range is not far off of popular luxury gas cars, like Mercedes-Benz or Audi.

The Model S is a luxury car, and the price tag fits. But, compared to luxury cars of similar price, you are actually getting a far greater deal with the Tesla Model S price.

Figuring In Fuel Costs

The average vehicle in 2013 got 23 miles per gallon. Drivers can do some things to increase their gas mileage, but not significantly.

Because of the electric elements of the Tesla Model S, it gets roughly 89 miles per gallon. Rough math estimates that over the course of five years, Tesla Model S drivers will save $8,500 in fuel costs compared to traditional gas vehicles.

This, of course, is the big draw of electric cars today, especially with skyrocketing gas prices.

Car Need Servicing?

Electric cars could be trickier to service. Luckily, TalkLocal can help you find local help for any problem you might have. Fill out a free request form on our site and we’ll connect you with three qualified mechanics in your area who are available to help you.

The proper air pressure for tires will vary from vehicle to vehicle. There is not one universal standard. Air pressure for most common cars or vans range from 27 to 35 pounds per square inch.

This is important because both over-inflating and under-inflating your vehicle’s tires could have a dramatic effect on how the vehicle handles and could put your safety at risk. Having properly-inflated tires can also increase your gas mileage, which ultimately saves you money.

So, how do you find the proper air pressure for tires on your vehicle? Here are some tips.

Do NOT Look On The Tire

Often, drivers will look for direction on the tire itself. Often, the tire lists the maximum pressure the tire can withstand. You do not want to test the limits and inflate your tires with the maximum amount of air.

Refer To Your Owner’s Manual Or Inside Of The Driver’s Door

These are two places that will list more accurate measurements you can use. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual likely lists the appropriate range that constitutes proper air pressure for tires.

Otherwise, you might have a sticker which is placed inside the driver’s side door. This can also serve as a quick reference guide.

Always Work With Cold Tires

All tire pressure measurements must be made when the tires are cold — meaning, you have not driven on them for several hours. This allows you to get an accurate reading. If you have been driving on the tires, the friction from the road heats them up, and the air inside expands, which increases the pressure.

Checking And Refilling

To measure your current tire pressure, unscrew the cap to the valve stem and use a pressure gauge. If the pressure is too low, fill the tire with more air. If, for some reason, the tire is over inflated, let some of the air out.

Need Help With Your Tires Or Other Parts Of Your Vehicle?

With TalkLocal, help for all of your automotive needs is just a few clicks away. We will locate and connect you with three, qualified service professionals in your area, and you get to choose which one is best for you. After all, you shouldn’t have to waste time tracking down quality help.

Knowing how to change your oil in your car is an invaluable skill. Being able to perform this routine maintenance on your vehicle can save you a lot of money and also increase the health of your vehicle.

You might be hesitant to try doing it yourself with the fear that you will break something. Changing your own oil can be relatively easy and something that gets easier with time. After all, practice makes perfect.

How To Change Your Oil In Your Car

1. You need to start by draining the existing oil out. Go under your car and find the oil pan. The drain plug is under it. Remove the drain plug and be ready for the oil to come flowing out. Make sure you have something to catch it with, otherwise you will have a huge mess on your hands.

2. While the oil is draining, get out from under the car, and move to under the hood. Find the oil filler hole and unscrew the cap to it. This is where you will eventually be putting the new oil of your choice.

3. This is also the location of the oil filter. Unscrew the filter. Use a wrench if you can’t do it by hand. The filter will also have oil in it. You can discard this oil in the same container you are using under the vehicle. These old oil filters can be recycled.

4. Screw in a new filter where the old one previously was.

5. Once the oil is done draining, put the oil cap back on and screw it tightly.

6. Place a funnel in the oil filler hole and pour in the new oil according to specifications. Once the oil is in, put the cap back on and turn the engine on for up to a minute. This allows the oil to work its way into the oil pan.

7. Turn the engine off and then back on roughly five minutes later.

8. You can then check the oil level by removing the dipstick to ensure you do not have a leak.

Professional Help Is Not Far

Seems easy enough, right? If you do need help with your oil, or with fixing a bigger problem, TalkLocal can get you on the phone with local auto repair technicians immediately. We only track down professionals that can help you with your unique problem, so we don’t waste your time.

Light Emitting Diodes, commonly called LED light bulbs, are a newer product on the shelves that offer a lot of exciting upgrades from traditional light bulbs. They are brighter than older bulbs, typically run on less than half the power, and tend to have a bluer color, making objects more visible. It’s no wonder why many car manufacturers use them in the headlights of their vehicles.

However, because they are new, they produce a lot of questions. One of these questions is very important, as it directly relates to your health and safety: Are LED light bulbs bad for your eyes? Let’s look at some information about LED bulbs to answer this question.

Are LED Lights Bad For Your Eyes?

– LED bulbs are much brighter than other bulbs. The light from an LED bulb is more concentrated than in incandescent or halogen bulbs, thus causing brightness to intensify. Brighter lights do tend to be more painful when they make contact with your eyes.

– LED lights most commonly come in a shade of blue. The eye naturally struggles to focus on blue lights, typically putting a halo around the light instead. Since blue is difficult for your retinas to handle, it produces more of a glare and causes slight fatigue and eyestrain.

– Different brands of LED bulbs produce different light flow. If one brand is too bright, another brand may not be.

– The question “are LED light bulbs bad for your eyes,” came up when the bulbs first hit the market and consumers reported eye troubles. That said, the number of consumers that reported issues was not high enough to justify a recall, and many researchers have said this is a string of unrelated, but similar, individual reactions to a change.

– Although these bulbs are brighter, they typically do not reach the brightness necessary to cause serious damage.

See What An Auto Mechanic Thinks

If you do think LED bulbs are too bright for your eyes, you could try changing the shade or cover for the bulb to something a bit more opaque or even darker. This would still provide the benefits of the brighter, power-saving light bulb without the high intensity. If you need more assistance, we can help you find a professional to answer all of your questions. At TalkLocal, we take the work out of the search for you.

One of the most frustrating things during the morning rush is finally getting in your car only to find that your auto key won’t turn in ignition.  While this problem is usually rare, don’t panic. In most cases, the problem is really minor and you’ll first want to do some basic troubleshooting before trying to call a professional.

Do You Have The Right Key?

While this may seem obvious, but this can be quite common for people who own more than one car.  It happens sometimes when you’re in a rush or running behind schedule, so make sure you’re using the correct key.  You may also want to take the time to check that your key isn’t damaged or bent, as your key needs to be firmly seated all the way in the ignition before it can turn.  Try using a spare key and see whether it makes a difference.

Is Your Car In The Right Gear?

Depending on your vehicle and its transmission, your vehicle usually needs to be in either Neutral (for manuals) or Park (for automatics) before it can start. Be sure that you are in the correct gear before starting your car.

Is Your Steering Wheel Properly Aligned?

Oftentimes, vehicles need to have the ignition and the steering column in a precise position before being able to start the car.  In order to do this, you’ll first want to insert your key and begin to apply turning pressure on the key.  Shift the steering wheel back and forth until you find the “free spot” where your key can turn in the ignition.  You may need to apply considerable pressure or give your steering wheel a good yank before it actually moves.

Is Your Car Still Not Starting?

If none of the above tips helped to solve your ignition problem, you may want to contact an auto repair professional to take a look at your ignition and give you a personalized assessment.  Save yourself the hassle of searching and use TalkLocal, so that you can talk to high-quality, local mechanics in just minutes!