Torque VS. Horsepower

Which is more important? Well that depends on what you use your vehicle for. Higher torque ratings are more important if you pull a trailer, haul heavy loads or drive on roads with long, steep grades. More horsepower is if you like to get from stoplight to stoplight in record speed or if you do a lot of quick acceleration driving.

Torque is the force that helps your vehicle start moving from a stop and pulls it up steep hills. Horsepower moves the vehicle along and gives it the ability to cruise on the highway and accelerate. The higher horsepower and torque ratings also means lower fuel economy. That is another reason to know your needs because with fuel prices, who wants to pay even more when they don't have to.

Spring Is In The Air

Winter is soon coming to a close and warmer weather is on the horizon. Living in an area that has snowfall during the winter can be hard on your vehicle in several ways. One is the effects of salt and sand used on the roads. It is great to have that extra traction, but what it does to your air filter will have your engine breathing heavy. By now your air filter is more than likely clogged, which can reduce your gas mileage and accerleration. Having your air filter changed is a quick and cheap fix to keep your vehicle running more smoothly and efficiently.

Can You See?

You should check your wiper blades every six months and replace if necessary. It is very important during the winter months due to snow, ice, sleet, rain and road grime. Most people don't realize they need new ones until they are on the road and suddenly need their wipers and cannot see. This is not only an inconvenience but very dangerous.

To help make your blades last longer you can clean them using a lint-free cloth or papertowel soaked in windshield washer fluid or mild detergent. Also keeping your windshield clean will help. Early deterioration of blades can be caused by extreme dust, extreme heat, sand & salt in snow areas, pulling frozen blades off windshields and using your wipers to remove frost.