How Often Should Used Cars Get an Oil Change?

Your car paint is one of the most visible aspects of your car, and you want to keep it in good condition. Damaged paint can quickly lead to rust or corrosion if water seeps into the metal underneath. Worn or damaged paint also isn't aesthetically pleasing. We'd like to give you a few important tips on how to take care of the paint on used cars. more 3 Ways To Protect Car Paint on Used Cars Regular Washing Dirt, mud, and other filth from the road can build up on your car and must be removed to protect your paint. Dirt can cause scratches, and surface paint damage can allow liquid from water, mud, or snow to penetrate the protective coating and damage the paint beneath. Washing your car will remove all these substances and prevent them from damaging your paint job. Use the hosepipe to hose down your vehicle and remove most contaminants. We then advise using high-quality car soap and water to wash your car and rinse it thoroughly. Don't use dish soap, as it can be abrasive on the paint. Dry your car with microfiber cloths or towels rather than allowing it to air dry in the sun, as this can leave streaks behind. Use Car Wax Your paint job consists of multiple layers, with a clear top coat that protects the paint beneath. Once your car has been washed, waxing helps to provide an additional layer of protection. Wax forms an invisible film over the paint and guards against harmful UV rays from the sun that can cause the paint to fade. Always choose a high-quality wax, as a good wax provides longer-lasting protection and won't damage your paint. Carefully apply the wax and gently rub it into the surface. Your car doesn't require waxing as often as washing, but for best results, wax your car at least twice a year. The best time to do this is in spring and fall, as summer and winter conditions cause the most damage to your paint. Park Carefully One of the best ways to protect your paint is to reduce its exposure to sunlight and other potentially damaging situations as much as possible. Parking in a garage or under a carport provides the best protection. If they're not available, a good car cover that allows air to circulate can help keep your paint safe. Parking under a tree provides partial shelter from the elements but also exposes your car to bird droppings or splatter from falling fruit. Bird droppings and fruit pulp are acidic and can eat into the paint if they aren't cleared away quickly. If you'd like more advice on protecting your paint, contact us today at Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith in Fort Smith, AR.

When you're in the market for a vehicle, we know it's sometimes hard to decide whether to go the new car route or not. If you're ever in this position, and you're weighing pros and cons, be sure to remember that used cars can be just as reliable as new cars if you take good care of them. By showing your investment some love in the form of preventative maintenance, you'll ensure your car will return the favor. more Keeps You Safer Ward off any potential issues by having a trained professional look at your car's parts and systems that are most likely to give you issues and hazards on the roads. This includes the brake system, tires, the battery, fluids, and filters. If you or a mechanic aren't taking a look, chances are you won't know there's an issue until your car has failed you until you're in an accident or stranded on the side of the road. They'll Last Longer With Upkeep All of the care you put into the individual components of your car will add up, helping you keep it on the road for longer. If the systems are kept happy with proper fluids and upkeep, they will work more efficiently, which will lead to fewer issues over time. Saves You Money In the long run, it's going to cost you less money to perform maintenance than it would have otherwise cost you to replace an entire system due to an easily preventable issue. Also, the more efficient your vehicle is, the better its fuel economy will be, which will save you even more at the pump. Overall, the more use you get out of your car, the longer it will be before you are in a position where you must replace it. More Money in the Form of Trade-In Value So, when the time eventually does come for you to part ways with your properly cared for vehicle, it will be in relatively better shape than had you neglected its health. Your car's overall condition will positively affect how much you can get for it when trading it in. This goes for both its appearance and what's under the hood. With this list of benefits, and the fact that there are some more not even listed, we think the time and effort that go into preventative care for a previously owned car is more than worth it. This is why purchasing used is a great option. Stop by Rath Auto Resources in Fort Smith, AR to check out our current inventory. Also, be sure to find out how our service department can help you achieve the benefits listed above.

Image via Shutterstock Is your car AC not working? When your air conditioning fails, it may be more than just uncomfortable. It can indicate underlying issues that can lead to bigger car maintenance problems if you don't take care of them promptly. more Signs of AC Failure Inadequate Cooling The most obvious sign of AC trouble is a lack of cold air. If the air coming from your vents feels warm or just slightly cool, your system might be low on refrigerant. There could also be a blockage in the system. Strange Noises If you hear rattling, banging, or other unusual sounds when the AC is on, it could mean you have a problem with the compressor. The compressor is the heart of your air conditioning system. Don't ignore these sounds, as they can warn of serious issues. Foul Odors A musty or moldy smell coming from the air conditioning vents suggests mold or mildew growing somewhere in the system, possibly the evaporator core. Apart from being unpleasant, this can pose health risks, especially for anyone with allergies or respiratory issues. Why Is Your Car AC Not Working? Refrigerant Leak The most common cause of a malfunctioning AC is a refrigerant leak. Without the proper amount of refrigerant, your system cannot cool air effectively. Faulty Compressor The compressor is the core of your air conditioning system. If it fails, the entire system shuts down. Compressor issues can often stem from leaks or a lack of refrigerant. Clogged Filters or Lines Over time, filters can become clogged with debris, or lines can get blocked. This prevents proper airflow and stops your system from working correctly. Electrical Issues Modern air conditioning systems are complex and rely on electrical control units. Any electrical fault in these parts can cause the system to fail. Don't Ignore AC Problems Ignoring problems with your air conditioning can lead to more severe, expensive repairs down the line. For instance, a refrigerant leak can damage the compressor, and a faulty compressor can strain your car's engine, reducing your fuel efficiency and your vehicle's performance. That's not even taking into account the fact that driving without air conditioning in the heat can be dangerous. Employ Proper Car Maintenance Regular maintenance can prevent many issues with your car's air conditioning system. This includes regularly checking refrigerant levels, inspecting and replacing the cabin air filter to ensure optimal airflow, and having a professional inspect your AC system annually. It's best to have this done just before the weather turns hot, so your AC is prepared to keep you cool all summer. If your car's AC is not working, don't sweat it out: instead, visit your mechanic today. Call Rath Auto Services in Fort Smith, AR, for help fixing your air conditioning.