Your car engine uses different kinds of fluids/oils to operate properly. Some of them are as follows, including the color of the fluid or oil:

• Engine oil – brown/blackish brown
• Transmission fluid or ATF – red/reddish brown
• Engine and radiator coolant – blue/yellow depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
• Brake fluid – deep red/pale red/brown depending on the type of brake fluid used.

If you want to accurately find oil leaks on your car engine, then all you need to do is to distinguish the type of oil or fluid that is leaking.

How to Find Oil Leaks on Car Engine

In the absence of specialized tools and equipment such as mammoth vehicle lifts, you can accurately diagnose the type of oil that is leaking outside your car engine.

You will only need the following:

• Flashlight
• Cotton rag or dirty cloth

Step 1: Start the engine and open the hood. Let the vehicle idle for a couple of minutes, or until the temperature gauge reaches the normal level.

Step 2: Move the vehicle to a different spot in the garage. You can either reverse the vehicle or park in a different spot so you can see the drip stains on the garage floor.

Step 3: Let the car idle while you inspect the oil leaks on the floor. It is at this point that you can easily distinguish the type of leak. If the stain is blackish or brownish in color, then your car might have an engine oil leak. If the stain has a reddish color, then the leak may come from the automatic transmission of your vehicle.

Step 4: If the stain has a watery consistency coupled with a yellowish or bluish hue, you should check your radiator along with the engine coolant hoses of your engine. Remember that engine coolant is not supposed to leak. You should also check the temperature gauge on your dashboard, and see if your vehicle is overheating.

Step 5: Wipe the floor stain with a cotton rag to confirm the color, smell, and consistency of the stain. Use a flashlight to visually inspect the location of the leak on your car engine.

Step 6: Now that you know the cause of the leak, you should call your mechanic or service center and make an appointment. Any type of oil leak or engine leak should be repaired immediately.

Remember that even new cars are prone to have leaks of some sort. If that is the case, contact your service adviser at the dealership and inquire about your new vehicle warranty. The dealership should check and repair the leak at no cost to you.

Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S

For the North American market, the car will carry the Scion badge, along with equally-affordable Scion vehicles such as the Scion tC and Scion xB. It is also sold under the Subaru badge, officially dubbed the 2013 Subaru BRZ. Europe and the rest of Asia will get the Toyota GT86.

Pricing

The 2013 Scion FR-S starts at $24,955 with the six-speed manual transmission. Those who don’t want to shift their own gears can choose the six-speed automatic version starting at around $26,005. The 2013 Subaru BRZ starts at $25,495 for the Premium trim.

For the price, buyers of the 2013 Scion FR-S and 2013 Subaru BRZ will get the 2.0-liter Boxer engine rated at 200 horsepower with a 6-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, an 8-speaker audio system with HD radio, air conditioning, all power accessories, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Both the 2013 Scion FR-S and the 2013 Subaru BRZ gets traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution.

Performance

Whatever badge, model, or trim level that you choose, you can expect one thing from the 2013 Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ: extremely capable handling.

The steering is brimming with feel, and the accuracy is simply one of the best in the market, even rivaling the steering precision of a BMW. The suspension is coupled with unusually skinny tires, the same set that you can find on a recent model Toyota Prius hybrid.

The amazing part is that the summer tires did not affect the dynamic abilities of the 2013 Scion FR-S. In fact, the car can still corner like it was travelling on rails, while the tires are capable of soaking up minor bumps and irregularities on the road.

2013 Scion FR-S Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful yet fuel-efficient Boxer engine.
• Slick manual transmission.
• Precise steering and sports car-like handling.
• Comfortable driving position.

Cons

• Extremely tight rear quarters.
• Modest trunk space.
• Cheap-looking interior bits.
• Road noise and some harshness can be felt when driven on city roads.

If you are looking for a compact and more affordable alternative to the Ford Mustang and the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, you should take a close look at the 2013 Scion FR-S.

Get marvelous savings on a new Mazda by taking advantage of new Mazda offers! Take advantage of low APR rates and low monthly lease payments.

New Mazda Offers – Mazda Cars and SUVs

Mazda2

• 0.9% APR financing for up to 60 months on the new 2013 Mazda2 subcompact.
• 0.0% APR financing on the 2012 Mazda2.

Mazda3

• Lease starts at $179 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing on the 2013 Mazda3 compact sedan.
• 0.9% APR for a limited term on the 2013 Mazda3.
• Lease starts at $189 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing on the 2012 Mazda3.
• 0.0% APR financing for up to 60 months on the 2012 Mazda2.
• 2013 Mazda3 5-door lease starts at $239 per month for 36 months and $1,999 due at signing.

Mazda6

• Lease starts at $199 per month for 36 months and $1,979 due at signing on the 2013 Mazda6 midsize sedan.
• 0.0% APR for 60 months on the 2013 Mazda6.
• Lease starts at $189 per month for 36 months and $1,979 due at signing on the 2012 Mazda6.
• 0.0% APR for up to 60 months on the 2012 Mazda6.

Mazda CX-5

• Lease starts at $239 per month for 36 months and $2,999 due at signing on the 2013 Mazda CX-5 compact SUV.
• 0.9% APR financing for a limited term on the 2013 Mazda CX-5.

Mazda CX-9

• Lease starts at $279 per month for 36 months and $2,679 due at signing on the Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV.
• 0.0% APR financing for up to 60 months on the 2012 Mazda CX-9.

Mazda dealers are also offering 0.0% APR for up to 60 months on the Mazda5 compact minivan.

New Mazda offers are all good until 10/31/2012.

Now is the best time to lease or buy a new Mazda! Get marvelous savings on your new Mazda car or SUV!

]]> http://www.buyingadvice.com/new-mazda-offers-lease-or-buy-a-new-mazda-and-get-marvelous-savings/feed/ 0 http://www.buyingadvice.com/featuring-the-best-0-down-payment-lease-offers-on-new-honda-vehicles/ http://www.buyingadvice.com/featuring-the-best-0-down-payment-lease-offers-on-new-honda-vehicles/#comments Mon, 15 Oct 2012 09:34:38 +0000 admin http://www.buyingadvice.com/?p=7464 The first Honda vehicle to be sold in the United States was the Honda N600 sedan, a 4-door version of the Honda N360 mini car (or kei car).

The Honda Civic was introduced in 1973, and it quickly became popular because of its fuel efficiency. From then on, Honda vehicles have gained a reputation for clean and efficient performance with outstanding durability.

Here are the featured $0 down payment lease offers on new Honda vehicles, along with other lease offers on new Honda cars and SUVs:

Honda Accord

• $280 per month for 35 months with $0 due at signing on the 2012 Honda Accord Coupe LX-S.
• $$290 per month for 35 months with $0 due at signing on the 2012 Honda Accord Sedan EX V6.

Honda Civic

• $159 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at lease signing on the 2012 Honda Civic LX.
• $199 per month for 36 months with $2,799 due at signing on the 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid CVT.

Honda CR-V

• $310 per month for 35 months with $0 due at signing on the 2012 Honda CR-V 2WD LX.
• Or you can lease the 2012 CR-V at $239 per month for 36 months with $2,699 due at signing with no security deposit.

Honda Crosstour

• $270 per month for 35 months with $0 due at lease signing on the 2012 Honda Crosstour 2WD EX.
• Or you can lease the 2012 Crosstour at $219 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at signing.

Honda Odyssey

• $310 per month for 35 months with $0 due at lease signing on the 2012 Honda Odyssey LX.
• Or you can lease the Honda Odyssey at $259 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at lease signing.

Honda Fit

• $189 per month for 36 months with $1,799 due at lease signing on the 2013 Honda Fit .

Honda Pilot

• $289 per month for 36 months with $1,999 due at lease signing on the 2012 Honda Pilot 2WD LX.
• $390 per month for 35 months with $0 due at signing on the 2012 Pilot LX.
• Or you can lease the 2012 Honda Pilot EX at $329 per month for 36 months with $2,699 due at signing.

All Honda lease offers are good until 10/31/2012.

In part 2, we talked about the correct way to apply polish and wax.

As a wrap up, we will now discuss when to apply polish or wax. This will help you to determine whether your paint needs a wax or a polish.

But first, here are some important tips regarding your paint finish:

1. The paint job is the first thing that you notice about a car. It definitely serves a cosmetic purpose, but the primary purpose of paint is to protect the sheet metal underneath the paint. Paint prevents the metal from rust and corrosion.

2. Your car’s paint is constantly exposed to the elements of nature. Modern paint finishes are finished with clear coat, an added step in the paint process that serves two purposes: it protects the color of the paint, and it adds shine and gloss to the finish. The clear coat will prematurely fade over time, and it is your duty to protect and preserve the integrity and beauty of the paint by applying wax and/or polish.

When to Apply Polish or Wax

• You can do the water bead test. Using a garden hose, spray some clean water over the roof, hood, and trunk of your vehicle. If you don’t see a lot of water beads, then it is time to apply wax. Only apply polish if you notice that the color is dull, or if you notice a lot of imperfections upon close inspection (such as swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, etc.)

• You can also do the swipe test. Simply run your hand and palm over the roof or the hood of the vehicle. If the surface feels dull, rough, or if you feel a lot of imperfections over the paint, then it is time to apply wax or polish.
• As a golden rule, you should apply carnauba wax at least once a month, depending on where you live. This is a relatively simple procedure that will preserve the value of your automobile.
• If you have a brand new car, don’t apply wax. Simply use pure polish, because newly-applied paint needs to breathe. Wax will seal the finish, and this is not entirely good for brand new paint finishes. You can apply polish after 3 or 6 months.

There is a difference between polish and wax. The purpose of these blog posts is to educate you on how to differentiate waxes from polishes, and what you should use for your car. As a simple recap, you should use pure polish if the surface of your finish is rough, dull, and faded. If you do this before applying pure carnauba wax, your paint finish will be smooth, glossy, and well-protected against the harmful elements of nature.

We will now talk about the correct way on how to apply polish and wax.

Step 1: Always wash your car before applying wax or polish. Use mild soap or an aftermarket car shampoo to rinse off excess dirt, dust, and debris on your paint. Remember to rinse the surface with plenty of water, and you should dry the surface thoroughly before proceeding.

Step 2: Avoid working under the hot sun. The paint surface should be cool to the touch. The heat from the paint surface might affect the chemical composition of the product, and it might produce some ugly results such as staining, fading, and uneven patches on the paint. Park the car in the shade before applying wax or polish.

Step 3: Depending on the product that you are going to use, you can either apply by hand or use an orbital polisher. The trick is to buy the right product for the right intended action. Read the label of the product carefully, and determine if the product can be safely applied by hand. Remember that there are some products that are only intended to be used by professional paint detailers.

Step 4: Less is actually more. Use the product sparingly. If you prefer paste over liquid wax, you should use a foam applicator pad. If you are using liquid-type wax or polish, you can either use an applicator pad or a small terry cloth towel to apply the product to the finish.

Step 5: Let dry. Let the wax or the polish set for at least 10 minutes before removing the excess product from the paint. There are some products that will need to be removed immediately upon application, so it is best to read the label for proper drying procedures. For best results, you should use a clean terry cloth towel to remove excess wax and polish.

We will wrap up this series in the next post, including some helpful tips on when to polish or wax your finish.

However, car enthusiasts know too well that using the right products will not only produce a better shine, but this will also prolong the life of your paint finish.

BuyingAdvice.com now presents to you a quick guide so you can better understand the difference between a wax and a polish, when to use polish or wax, and how to apply the product.

Wax

Pure wax contains no abrasives. The primary purpose of wax is to seal the paint, protecting it from the harmful elements of the road and the sun. Wax will also provide a glossy shine on your paint finish.

However, applying wax to badly treated paint is not advisable. The same can be said for paint surfaces that are oxidized, peeling, fading, or cracking. Pure carnauba wax will only work well when the paint finish is smooth and free from large imperfections.

Polish

Pure polish contains mild abrasives. The formula was designed to cut thorough paint imperfections such as mild or deep scratches, swirl marks, bird droppings, and oxidation damage.

Applying polish will also restore the color and the smoothness of your car finish.

Should You Wax or Polish Your Car?

The answer will depend on the condition of your paint.

• Brand new cars, or relatively new paint finishes will benefit most from a pure polish, since the chemicals from the paint will need to breathe. Wax will only seal the paint further.
• Older vehicles should be polished first, before applying wax. This will give you a more consistent shine, and the wax will also last longer even in bad weather.

As a quick tip, try to run your hands on the roof or the hood of your vehicle. If you feel that the surface is smooth, or if you see water beads on the surface of the paint when you wet the finish, then it is safe to only apply wax on your paint finish.

If the surface is rough or inconsistent, it is time to apply polish before applying wax. This also holds true if you want to remove deep scratches and swirl marks on your finish.

Should you wax or polish your car? Now you know the simple way to determine if applying wax or polish is best for your vehicle. We will discuss how to apply wax and polish in the next post.

Gasoline prices are now sold at an average of $3.60 per gallon. Changing your driving habits and paying attention to your average fuel consumption will help you save thousands of dollars on gasoline each year. Small changes will eventually add up, and you will eventually thank yourself in the end.

Here are more fuel saving tips so you can maximize every drop of fuel inside your gas tank.

1. When was the last time that you had an oil change? Do you maintain your car regularly? The engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine in your car. The oil not only lubricates the internal parts of the engine, but it also helps to dissipate engine heat. The engine oil will also clean the pistons and the combustion chamber, thereby producing a more efficient burn.

Experts say that you should change the oil every six months or every 3,000 miles, but the automotive experts at Edmunds.com says that this will all depend on the type of vehicle that you drive and the type of engine oil that is prescribed by the manufacturer of the car. For example, the Toyota Prius hybrid needs an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, while some vehicles need an oil change every 5,000 miles.

Always check your owner’s manual to determine the recommended oil change interval of your car. Changing the oil regularly will not only make your car run smoother and go faster, but it will also help it to burn fuel more efficiently, hence saving you money in the long run.

2. You should also change the air filter or the air cleaner of the engine. Remember that the engine needs to suck in huge amounts of air in order to create a more effective burn. If the air filter is dirty, the engine will have a hard time absorbing the right amount of air, making less fuel efficient. A clogged or dirty air filter will also decrease the life of the engine oil.

It is possible to save gas and save money, as long as you press lightly on the gas pedal and follow our exclusive fuel saving tips.

Gas Saving Tips

1. Avoid prolonged engine warm-ups, especially on cold mornings. The engine will still use fuel even when your are just quietly idling the car. Modern engines are designed to rev higher on cold starts–this actually serves a purpose, as it helps the engine to warm faster.

Don’t be surprised if you start your car and find your engine idling at above 1,000 to 1,500 RPM. The tachometer needle should settle at the normal idling speed once the engine gets a chance to warm up.

However, don’t let your engine idle for too long. You should commence driving immediately within 30 to 45 seconds after starting the engine. Anything longer than that is just money down the drain.

2. Make your car lighter and more aerodynamic. If your car or SUV is equipped with a bike rack or a ski rack, then you should consider removing them, because they will affect the aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle. The same goes for some aftermarket parts such as spoilers, side skirts, and front bumpers: while aftermarket go-fast goodies look cool, remember that they were not designed to be a part of your vehicle in the first place. Some of them may actually do more harm than good (they may add vehicle weight, and they may reduce the aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle).

Car manufacturers spend millions of dollars in research and development, and majority of this has something to do with reducing vehicle weight, and designing a slippery yet functional body. This is the reason why sports cars are equipped with go-fast body parts, because they were designed for high-performance and extreme driving.

With that being said, you should unload all unnecessary items from your vehicle, including the trunk or your stuff inside the boot.

3. Avoid speeding. Don’t get us wrong: speed is fun, but you should always adhere to the speed limits when driving on public roads. Travelling at more than 40 MPH will already create a lot of aerodynamic drag. The faster you go, the more drag is produced, and the engine needs to produce more power to overcome wind resistance.

There is no point in speeding. You should always adhere to the speed limits prescribed in your locale. You will not only save gas, but you will also save yourself the hassle of dealing with a speeding ticket.

1. Weight. The heavier the car, the more fuel that the engine needs to burn in order to propel the vehicle. This is the main reason why compact SUVs or midsize sport utility vehicles will burn more fuel compared to a small and light compact car.

2. Engine size. The bigger the engine, the bigger the appetite for fuel. Compact 4-cylinder engines are more fuel efficient compared to a V6 or V8. Car manufacturers are looking to strike the perfect balance between adequate power and moderate weight when designing a new vehicle.

3. Aerodynamics. Same reason why SUVs consume more fuel compared to normal road cars: large vehicles produce more drag, and are less aerodynamic compared to a low-slung sedan. As the vehicle travels forward, wind resistance produces drag. The faster you go, the more wind drag is produced.

4. Rolling resistance. Tire manufacturers are working hard to produce new tires with less rolling resistance without sacrificing grip and comfort. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt have specially-designed tires to deliver fantastic fuel economy.

Gas Saving Tips

Tip 1: Keep your tires well-inflated. Don’t know the right tire pressure for your car? Check the owner’s manual, or take a look at the tire placard posted near the driver’s door. As a general rule, over-inflated tires will produce less rolling resistance, but you will sacrifice tire wear and road comfort, while under-inflated tires have a tendency to overheat, specially when traveling at speed. Maintaining the right tire pressure will do a lot of wonders to your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

Tip 2: Only use the HVAC or air-conditioning when needed. When travelling at slow speeds or driving in city traffic, roll down your windows so you can save fuel. When the road opens up, roll up your windows when you reach speeds of up to 40 to 50 MPH. Travelling at highway speeds with your windows down will affect the overall aerodynamic performance of your vehicle, hence affecting fuel economy.

More gas saving tips coming in the next post.