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Have you ever hydroplaned? If so, you know it can be scary. Here at Southgate Lincoln, we believe that knowledge is one of the best ways to manage fear. That's why we think it's important to share basic tips for how to avoid hydroplaning with our customers. While you may not be able to completely avoid sliding, you can often take control of the situation if you know what to do.

First, be sure to slow down if it's raining. Even if it's only raining a little bit, it's still possible to hydroplane. Turn your…

When oil and grease accumulate in your engine, it alters its performance and might lead to damage. Cleaning your car engine might sound unsettling because of how complex your car's engine is with metals, electrical components, and mechanical parts. However, cleaning your car's engine is easier than you think. Here are steps on how to clean your car's engine:

1. If your vehicle has been running, allow your engine to cool first.
2. Remove the negative terminals of your car's battery to enhance safety.
3. Cover the sensitive parts with plastic bags to avoid getting into contact with water…

If you have spent any amount of time learning about your car’s exhaust system, then you have likely heard about its various parts. The tailpipe, muffler, exhaust joints and catalytic converter are all prominent examples of exhaust system pieces. Regarding the muffler, though, are you aware if its responsibility in this overall system?

The responsibility of the automotive muffler has to do with noise. Every exhaust system must generate some noise as it expels engine gasses through the tailpipe. However, a high-quality muffler can reduce these exhaust system sound. 

Scores of different parts come together to build a car. Gaskets might not be the first parts that come to mind when people think about car parts. However, gaskets do serve an essential role. Without them, leaks could happen at various points in the vehicle.

Gaskets create a seal. Technicians place gaskets between two surfaces. In a vehicle, gaskets common appear between surfaces connected by bolts. Again, gaskets create seals, particularly in the engine area. They also perform some cushioning duties.

The "head gasket" remains a vital component in the engine. 

You never know when you might leave your headlights on and drain the battery in your car while out and about in Southgate, so make sure you have a set of jumper cables in the trunk for just such an occasion. Follow the instructions below from Southgate Lincoln to get the job done safely.

Each set of jumper cables has four clips. Two of them are red, and the others are black. The first of the red clips will attach to the larger or positive terminal on the battery of the car that starts. Now, connect the other red clamp…

Theres nothing like the look of a brand-new car. The way the paint shines in the sunlight is truly something to behold. If you want to maintain that new-car look, though, its important that you become familiar with car wax. At Southgate Lincoln, we want you to be able to take care of your vehicle, which is why we offer this look at the basics of car wax.

Wax can be made from a variety of different components. Whether its carnauba wax, palm wax, or silicone wax, though, wax is ultimately a compound that can be applied as a cream…

Your vehicle alignment is central to how the car operates. When the alignment is not within the manufacturer's specifications, you may experience serious problems with driving your car in the proper direction.

When you bring your vehicle to the service team at Southgate Lincoln, we perform a comprehensive alignment check and correction so that all of your wheels and steering axis are set at the precise angles they require. This requires that the caster, camber and toe angles all be calibrated accurately. 

It is important to consider how important your car battery is. Without it, your engine will not start and you will not be going anywhere. At the same time, you probably never even think about your battery unless your vehicle fails to start one day. That day might come in the dead of winter or the middle of the summer.

In the winter, there is a great deal of pressure put on your battery. You tend to use many items during the day that you ordinarily do not, such as your wipers and headlights. Add to that the strain that…

The engine under the hood of your automobile is probably not an area that you've thought about cleaning. There are benefits of giving it a quick clean. You'll be protecting it from particles that could work their way into the engine itself. If you're not sure where to start, Southgate Lincoln has some tips that can help you out.

You can start by removing any dirt or debris that you see on the engine, in the louvers on the hood or in the vent openings. You'll then want to run your engine for about 15 minutes…

Car owners need to get the best battery within their budget. When a battery fails, a car could end up stranded in a driveway or, worse, on a desolate road. Requesting battery checks with a voltage meter lets you know how strong it is. Be aware, however, even when a battery should have many months of life left, it could fail. Cells die and other problems may occur.

So, drivers in Southgate have to stay on top of the battery and other maintenance issues. Try shopping around for a quality battery long before the part ages out.