Latest News, Tips & More | Autos El Amigo

How Low Will You Let It Go?
In the world of cars, there's a risky dance we all play it's called the Fuel Level Limbo. How low can you go with your fuel gauge before your car decides it's had enough of your shenanigans?;

The Sediment Shuffle: Dancing with Dirt

First up in our limbo line is the sediment shuffle. You see, your fuel tank isn't a pristine oasis. It's more like a mini desert, complete with its own set of buried treasures, sediment and gunk. Go too low on fuel, and your car starts picking up this dance floor debris, leading to a not-so-funky clog in your fuel system.

The Pump Plunge: A Drying Dilemma

The fuel pump loves a good swim. But in the Fuel level limbo, it's like being at a pool party with no water. Running on low fuel means the pump gets no cooling or lubrication, think of it as trying to dance in quicksand. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well for the pump

The Gauge Guessing Game: Fuel Forecasting Fiascos

Ever play the guessing game with your fuel gauge? Trying to predict exactly how many miles you can push before your car sputters to a stop is like trying to forecast the weather with a magic 8-ball. Spoiler, Outlook not so good

Stranded Salsa: The No-Gas Tango

There's nothing like the dance of desperation when you're stranded on the side of the road. It's a unique mix of the regret-rumba and the frustration-flamenco. Trust me, roadside assistance doesn't appreciate impromptu dance performances

The Wallet Waltz: Fuel Efficiency and Your Finances

Dancing on the edge of an empty tank isn't just risky; it's also a waltz with your wallet. Consistently running low can mean more trips to the mechanic, and those visits can have more zeroes on the bill than you'd like.

Keeping the Tank Tango at Bay

So, what's the moral of our Fuel Level Limbo story? Keep that fuel dance above the danger line. It's cheaper, safer, and far less embarrassing than doing the roadside stranded salsa. Happy driving, and may your fuel gauge always be a limbo stick that's set just right!

How To Safely Remove Ice and Snow From Your Car

Winter can bring a variety of problems with your car – from icy windshields to frozen lock mechanisms. But one of the most common winter car troubles is having to clear away ice and snow, which can quickly become an annoying and potentially dangerous job. To make things easier we’ll provide you with some simple tips and tricks for safely removing ice and snow from your car.

Check Your Car’s Temperature

The first step in safely removing ice and snow is to make sure that your car is at the right temperature. Generally speaking, you don’t want the engine to be too hot or too cold; if it is too cold, any sudden change in heat could cause glass (including the windshield) to crack or shatter. So be sure to start your car up and let it sit idle until its temperature reaches a comfortable “warm-to-the-touch” level before attempting any removal attempts.

Start With The Windows

Once you have an acceptable temperature inside your car, it’s time to start removing that pesky layer of ice and snow! The best place to start is with the windows; this will allow you maximum visibility when driving once everything has been cleared away. Begin by scraping off any snow or ice build up on the exterior of each window using either a plastic or rubber scraper or even a credit card; then move on to clearing away frosty condensation from inside (for this, a cloth should do). Once you have removed as much as possible, turn on your defroster until all glass is completely cleared away. 

Use A Deicing Agent

If scraping alone doesn’t seem to cut it – especially if you are dealing with thick layers of frozen water – consider using a deicing agent like rock salt or even diluted rubbing alcohol (make sure not to use straight rubbing alcohol as this could damage paint jobs). Sprinkle these substances onto the problem areas on both the outside and inside of your windows (just remember not to get any of these agents on any part of your vehicle’s interior). Let it sit for a few minutes before attempting another scrape – this should help break up large chunks of ice into smaller pieces that can be more easily removed. 

Finish With A Cleaning Wipe Down

Once all visible snow/ice has been removed from both exterior AND interior surfaces, give everything one final wipe down using paper towel or newspaper – just make sure whatever material you are using does not contain any dyes/inks that could stain fabric surfaces like dashboard coverings or floor mats! This will ensure no dust remnants remain after completion and prevent interior surfaces from becoming wet due to any residual moisture. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can make short work of removing snow and ice from your car.

5 Tips To Keep Your Parked Car Cooler

Summertime is approaching fast, and with it, soaring temperatures. The last thing you want to do is climb into a scorching car and wait for it to cool down.

Did you know "When temperatures outside climb range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the internal temperature of your car can reach a scorching 130 to 172" (actionnews)

What Can You Do To Lower The Temperature In Your Car?

• Tip 1: Park in the Shade

If you have the option to park in the shade, take it! In many parking lots they will have trees or other natural shade options, Also try to park so that the sun is not shining on the driver's side. Even a few minutes in the shade can make a big difference.

• Tip 2: Use Your Visor And A Sunshade

You can find a sunshade for your windshield at most auto stores. Sunshades are especially useful if you have to park in the direct sun. They will help keep your car cooler and make it more comfortable to get in. Your windshield visor can also help keep the sun from entering your car

You could also fit a visor to your rear window as well as invest in window vent visors to keep individual passenger windows shaded.

• Tip 3: Let Your Car Cool Before Getting In

Does your car have a remote starter? You turn on the air conditioning to full blast, shut all the doors and give your car a few minutes to cool down before driving. The other option is Leave the doors open for a minute to let most of the hot air out before getting in.

• Tip 3: Cover Up Steering Wheel

No one wants to try to dive with a hot steering wheel. Consider placing a light-colored terry cloth towel over the steering wheel before you leave the car. This may reduce how much heat it absorbs

• Tip 4: Cover Your Seats

This will protect your seats from the sun's rays and reduce how much heat they absorb. If you have leather seats, this is especially important as they can get uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight. You can buy special seat covers designed to reflect the sun's rays, or just use a light-colored towel or blanket

• Tip 5: Tint Your Windows

One of the best ways to keep your car cool is to tint your windows. This will reduce the amount of heat that comes into the car, making it more comfortable when you get in.

While you may or may not be able to do all of these things, any combination will help make your car more comfortable in the summer heat. Enjoy your summer and stay cool!

One of the best ways to keep your car on the road longer is to perform regular maintenance. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups. By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can avoid more serious and expensive problems down the road.

Spark Plugs And Wires

In addition to regular maintenance, changing your spark plugs and wires proactively help extend the life of your car. Over time, these parts can wear out and cause problems with your engine.

Cabin Filter and Air Filter

Change your cabin air filter and engine air filter. One affects the airflow in your car and the other affects the airflow to your engine. Both are important for keeping your car running smoothly.

Fuel Injectors & EGR Valves

Check your fuel injectors.  Although not part of a standard service maintenance schedule, they start to deteriorate. You'll have a check engine light come on. Another major component that a lot of people fail to talk about when they just tune ups is the EGR valve or the exhaust gas recirculation valve. These should be checked and replaced according to your manufacturer's recommendations.

A faulty EGR valve can cause  all sorts of engine performance problems, including a loss of power and fuel economy.

Tires

Most people recognize the importance of having good tires on your car for  traction, safety, and gas mileage. But did you know that the condition of your tires can also have an impact on your electrical components. It's possible to have vibrations from your tires that will loosen battery terminals and other electrical connections. So, not only do you want to have good tread on your tires for safety, but you also want to keep an eye on any loose wires  or terminals.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.