Are Tinted Windows Illegal?

Car owners tint the windows of their vehicle for a variety of reasons, including security, privacy, appearance, and so on. When you have made the decision to have tinted windows, here are some of the rules and regulations to keep in mind:

• The intense sun rays can make the fabric of the car seats to fade easily. It can also contribute to the damage of leather seat coverings. The films that are available today are quite effective in blocking the damaging UV rays by up to 99%. Blocking these harmful rays does not only helps prevent you from skin cancer, but is also easy on your pockets.
• Car window tinting has different laws in every state, as each one has established restrictions regarding the Visible Light Transmission percentage through the car windows. There are states that provided limits on how dark a film is allowed, while some others have completely banned people from tinting their two front windows and windshield.
• If you are using a recreational vehicle, it is best to determine what sort of filming you are able to use. In most states, RVs are only permitted to use non-metallic films considering that they are also non-reflective.
• It is advisable that you get the windows of your vehicle tinted by a professional. Even though window tinting is not difficult at all, a shop that specializes in the job will do it correctly, plus the film can last much lasting. Consider asking the shop to present you a compliance certificate just in case you get questioned by the law enforcement.
• If you opt to tint the windows by yourself, you should thoroughly clean the windows before anything else. Then, cut the film exactly the same size as your car window, and install it with an adhesive. Smoothen the surface of the newly tinted windows with a squeegee to remove bubbles. Do not roll down or wash your windows yet until the film has totally bonded.
• The cost of window tinting will primarily depends on the size of the vehicle and the kind of film used. Performance warranty is another factor in the cost, together with how credible the provider is. It the brand and tint type also determine the cost.

So, if you would like to get the windows of your tinted, consult with the authorities with regard to the legal guidelines as per your state before you continue. Basically, it is not just about privacy, and get a classy appearance, because it is also protecting your body from direct sunlight.

How To Fix A Radiator Leak

A leaking radiator can happen in your car over time, and this requires immediate repair. The most noticeable signs of this condition are the overheating and low coolant level of the engine. Should you continue to drive your automobile with a leaking radiator, you will soon smell a burning coolant underneath the hood of your car. Also, you will see a slimy puddle dripping from your vehicle. This is just the anti-freeze coolant that is dripping from the defective radiator. Fixing it is a simple process that you can do all on your own, if you know some basic skills in car mechanics.

Depending on your car model, you will see whether the radiator is made from aluminum or copper. If you know the functionality and location of a radiator, then you have no trouble fixing it immediately. Many people prefer to use duct tape and ground black pepper for temporary repair. You may also opt for a radiator leak sealant that is particularly meant for repairing a leaky radiator. Follow these easy steps to fix it right away:

• The first thing you should do is to find the exact leaky spot. Look for a puddle or a hole in the radiator. A simple solution is to wash the radiator and the hose with water to be able to find the leakage. You may also put the radiator inside a tub filled with water and check for any air bubbles getting out from the car radiator.
• Next, you will need to patch up the leakage. If the leak is found in the hose pipe, a duct tape is a good approach to fix the condition. In case the leakage is within the radiator itself, then work with a radiator leak sealant, according to the instructions given in the kit. If you opt to use pepper powder, pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of it in the radiator. Pepper powder is an effective sealant that instantly lodges in the leakage. The pepper swells up once it comes in contact with water, therefore repairing the leak efficiently.
• After you have used the pepper powder or the radiator sealant, increase coolant to the right level. Next, close the radiator cap and inspect once again for any leaks. If you find any, carry on with the steps that are mentioned above again, until there are no indications of leakage anymore.

However, keep in mind that these are just temporary solutions, and you will want to get in touch with a professional auto mechanic as soon as you possibly can.

Coomon Brake Problems

Brakes are one of the most popular DIY repairs. If your car is having braking problems, whether it’s weak brakes, a mushy pedal, grinding sounds, or a squealing noise, it needs to be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Waiting will only lead to more expensive parts wearing out and requiring replacement.

Here’s a quick review of some of the more common brake problems and troubleshooting tips you may find helpful:

Squeals

Commonly caused by vibrations between the disc pads and caliper, which can be cured by resurfacing or replacing the rotors, installing new pads and pad shims, or applying brake grease or noise compound to the backs of the pads.

Car Pulls to One Side During Braking

This can be caused by a sticking brake caliper or plugged rubber brake hose. Try to determined which brakes are dragging and check for sticking caliper first. You will also notice the pads on one side of the car may be worn more than the other.

Brakes are Slack

You are applying pressure to the brakes and very little is happening. Most likely this is because the cable has not been properly tensioned. It could also be however that the cable is slipping through any fixing bolts on the caliper arm and the bolt will need to be tightened.

Loss of Brake Pedal

This condition is usually a result of brake fluid leakage due to failure of a brake hose or a rusted metal brake line, a worn wheel cylinder or brake caliper, or a worn master cylinder. A simple "once over" of the system will reveal what's going on.

Soft Brake Pedal

When it does, it can leak brake fluid, causing a drop in hydraulic pressure to the brakes. A soft brake pedal is the result of a loss of hydraulic pressure. You should have your vehicle seen by a mechanic immediately if your master cylinder is worn out or leaking.

Why is My Car Making a Squeaking Noise?

Fixing a car is much easier when you know what the problem is. Your car produces a lot of different noises. While some are completely normal, others signify that a bigger problem might be present. Here's a quick guide to the sounds your car might be making and what they mean.

Sputtering
When your car loses power and has discolored white or black smoke, you may have major issues. Anything from ignition control modules to head gaskets can be at fault.

Whining
A constant whine when the car is in motion could indicate worn gears in the driveline, usually in the differential. It could also mean the differential fluid needs to be replaced.

Clunking
Clunking noises when you?re braking is usually a sign that a brake caliper is damaged, missing or not mounted properly.

Creaking
If your car is making a creaking noise when you turn the steering wheel it could just be an issue with your power steering. Pay attention to where the noise is coming from, because if it is coming from under the hood it could also be a problem with your car?s struts.

Hissing
A hissing noise while idle can mean that one of your hoses is cracked or has come loose. You should have your vehicle serviced immediately if you notice this noise accompanied by steam from under your hood.

How Do You Protect Your Car From Hail?

Every year, hail storms pound the country causing millions of dollars in destruction. Even a brief hail storm can cause significant damage to your car. Keeping your car under cover during these times will offer the greatest protection against damage.

Here are other ways to protect your car from hail damage.

Plan ahead. If a storm is forecast, make arrangements to park your vehicle under cover, delay your trip or use an alternative mode of transportation.

If caught in a storm, look for safe shelter. Options include bridges, service station awnings and covered car parks or ramps.

In a severe storm, avoid parking under trees as branches could fall on your vehicle.

If you have to leave your car outside, cover it with a thick blanket or hail car cover to minimize hail’s impact.

If there’s nowhere to go, stop your car. The impact from hail is stronger when a vehicle is in motion.

At home, park your car in a garage or carport. If you don’t have a covered parking spot, consider a specially designed car cover to minimize vehicle damage.

If nothing else, consider duct taping heavy blankets to your vehicle.  Moving pads work well. During the taping process, it is recommended to do so towards the bottom of the vehicle so that the sticky residue doesn’t have an effect on the vehicle’s paint.

How to Pinstripe Your Car

Car pinstriping is one of the best ways to make your vehicle very unique. Pinstriping has been used commercially since the 1800s, and is a definitive style for the decoration of style. Pinstriping can be as plain or as fancy as your patience and level of skill allows.

Pinstriping is, as one may gather from the name, the use of thin “pinstripes” in ornate decorative patterns, commonly used on automobiles and motorcycles. Pinstripes are usually done in two colors: one that compliments the body color, and another, thin line, which contrasts to make the stripe stand out.

Before you start, the vehicle surface must be absolutely clean—no grease, wax or polish. If it's not, you'll have paint adhesion problems with the stripe.

Mechanical Pinstriping

A mechanical auto pinstriping is the best for striping long areas like trucks, vans, or station wagons. The main advantage is that it puts down stripes of consistent width, letting you concentrate more on keeping the contour of the stripe aligned along your work surface. The Buegler pinstriper and accessories are one of the preferred by body shops and pinstripers for their high quality construction and consistent operation.

Striping with Stencil Tape

There are several different stencil tapes that are suitable for almost any auto pinstriping application. Stencil tapes let you lay down stripes of different colors without waiting for the other stripes to dry. Stencil tape striping requires brushes: the pinstriping brush is the most important element for an excellent final result.

Freehand Striping

This method is the most advanced one and requires the most practice to master, but offers unlimited flexibility. The easiest method for the freehand striping novice is to lay down a strip of masking tape about ¼ inch from where you would like the line to be. Use the tape as a visual guide for your stripes. Do not use standard masking tape for edging pinstripes. the pinstriping paint will seep and bleed under the edge of standard masking tape. The pinstriping can be as plain or as fancy as your patience and level of skill allows.

How To Repair A Punctured Tire

A punctured tire happen as a result of several factors; low quality tire, sharp object on the road, rough roads or an inbound tire pressure that causes it to burst. While you do not know where and when the puncture could happen, what you can do is not to get off guard. Be always ready with all the right tools to help you repair a tire puncture no matter where you are. These include:

Tire Spray

This is an essential tool to help you seal punctures temporarily before you go to the mechanic. It can save you from a lot of trouble especially if you have no spare tire with you. This kind of spray seals small punctures quickly so that you can continue with your journey for the time being. It is also useful to people who have no idea how change tires.

Spare Tire

Be it a large or a small puncture, a spare tire is an absolute must have. You cannot tell when a puncture requires a change of tire. This is why you should have a spare tire always in your vehicle. Besides, many punctures cannot be repaired quickly if you are not an auto mechanic. Even if you know how to fix a tire puncture, you may not have enough time to get it done if you are in a big hurry.

Jack and Spanner

Even if you have a spare tire in your car, you cannot do anything if you have no jack and spanner with you. Unless you have a number of strong people to help you lift the vehicle, it is useful to have a jack on hand. A jack is what you use to lift the vehicle to remove the punctured tire from its position and put the spare tire. On the other hand, a spanner is used to unfasten the nuts on the punctured tire and fasten the nuts on the spare tire to ensure that it is held firm on the car.

Ultimately, you should know when it is time to say goodbye. Needless to say, no tire can last forever. Check if the puncture of your tire is bigger than a ¼ inch in diameter, if your car has been driving on a flat tire that is potentially causing a zipper or blowout, or if the puncture is located on the shoulder/belt edge.If you see any of these signs, then it is time to get rid of the tire. Also, check the manufacturer’s policy of your tire for repair limits.