Read online “Mistakes of novice motorists. Advice from experienced drivers” by Alexey Alekseevich Gromakovsky

No matter how intensively the auto industry develops, advice to novice drivers from experienced motorists will never be superfluous.
Experience plays a significant role in various areas of life, including driving. Useful tips will help you make the right decision in an emergency, acquire your own driving style and the ability to independently eliminate basic malfunctions that arise along the route. By category, the recommendations of experienced drivers can be divided into several points: emergency advice, correct behavior in unusual situations, basic methods of parking, reversing and performing other maneuvers.

Alloy wheels

From the name it is clear that the technology for producing cast products consists of pouring molten metal into the shape of a future wheel. In general the process looks like this:

Melting raw materials and bringing to a homogeneous mass.
Pouring the alloy into the mold.
The frozen part is removed from the mold and machined to remove excess metal and balance.
Testing the product at various speeds and simulated shock loads.

Advantages and disadvantages of alloy wheels

The main advantage of this type of disc is their attractive appearance. As a rule, this becomes the reason to buy an alloy wheel. The choice of different configurations is significantly extensive and every motorist will be able to choose a model specifically for their vehicle.

The choice of alloy wheels is huge, which allows you to choose a “casting” for any car based on both appearance and price. Naturally, products from the world's leading brands cannot a priori be cheap. In the photo: Audi alloy wheels

In addition, the cast disk has other advantages:

The low weight of the product has a positive effect on controllability and efficiency.
The dynamics are increased and the braking distance is shortened.
Long service life.
Accuracy of disk balancing.

As for the disadvantages, the first weak point of cast products is that a strong impact can cause a crack. A cast disc cannot be repaired (although domestic craftsmen are trying to weld them). In addition, the cost is significantly higher in comparison with stamped options by at least 50%. Also, the service of changing tires at a tire shop costs a little more.

Advice for motorists

few people know, but a coffee filter can be used to keep your dashboard tidy. Thanks to its soft texture, it delicately cleans surfaces from dirt and stains;
You can polish your car using dryer sheets;
A little bit of any waterless, antiseptic hand gel will help if you have difficulty opening a frozen door lock. Apply a little product to the key before inserting it into the lock;
You can use a shoe organizer when traveling. It contains everything that is urgently needed during a trip;
To protect the cup holders from dirt, you can place silicone baking cups in them;
To replace the air freshener, you can use a regular wooden clothespin. To do this, you need to drop a few drops of essential oil on it and attach it to the panel for blowing glass;
to fix the crack, apply colorless nail polish to it;
An interesting way that can make the range of the alarm button wider. To do this, you need to bring the keychain to your chin and press the button. The conductor here is the fluid in the head;
It is good to clean fog lights with toothpaste. Apply a thick layer of toothpaste to the headlight glass, rinse with water and polish with a dry cloth.

13 very useful life hacks that will help you clean up and maintain order in your car interior

Necessary things in the car

A driver who loves his car tries to fill it with all sorts of fashionable gadgets. In order not to spend a lot of money on unnecessary things, there is a list of useful items that will definitely come in handy:

Every car should have a set of necessary items. For example, a comb, a toothbrush, a change of shoes, a bottle of drinking water;
In order to protect your car from theft, you can install a satellite security system. With its help you can monitor the car around the clock;
The DVR has become the most useful gadget of the modern car enthusiast. It can be used to prove guilt or innocence in the event of an accident;
in big cities and traveling you cannot do without a satellite navigator;
A driver who spends a lot of time behind the wheel due to his profession should definitely purchase a massage seat cover. It relieves discomfort from the back muscles and lower back.

Additional information (video): Tricks of motorists

Tips for car care and maintenance

If you think that a dirty car is simply unsightly, you are wrong. Dust and dirt that accumulate on the body are abrasive and quickly deteriorate the top layer of paintwork. In winter, deposits accumulate on the car body in the form of dirt mixed with snow and salt from sprinkling the roads, which hardens. This leads to rapid corrosion of the body.

So it’s more profitable to go to the car wash often than not wash your car. The same applies to service. If something rattles in the chassis, you should immediately go for diagnostics or stop using the car until the circumstances are clarified. It is worth considering the following features:

any breakdown in the car changes the behavior of the control system;
serious problems can increase the accident rate of the trip;
any breakdown that is not noticed in time becomes a big problem in the future;
It costs much less money to fix problems when they occur.

It is also worth remembering that installing low-quality spare parts will be a big mistake, because cheap components will not last the required amount of time. This will cause rapid failure of the unit and another need for repair work.

It is better to use the services of an official service, even if you have to overpay a little for the status of the repair. But you will receive a guarantee from the manufacturer of spare parts, components that are exclusively compatible with your car, and other important advantages that will allow you to operate your car confidently and efficiently.

We also suggest watching a very useful video that shows the main signals of trucks that help drivers on the road.

Attention and reaction

Motoring community

Be very attentive and careful, take your time and, most importantly, do not overtake if you do not feel confident

Avoid passengers with whom you are shy, in whose presence you feel awkward; attention will be distracted due to increased excitement. Don't drive if you don't feel well or haven't gotten enough sleep.

Try not to be distracted by telephone conversations or eating while driving. Remember that there are a lot of inexperienced and inadequate drivers on the road looking for adventures on their own, so always assess the situation on the road in advance in order to have time to take the most rational actions.

Examination

Ten most useful cars

To make sure that the clutch really needs to be replaced with a clutch releaser on a VAZ 2114, it is first recommended to check it thoroughly for malfunctions. This will allow you to determine whether this device is really the cause of the problem.

The bearing allows the disc to disengage from the basket, plus it additionally ensures that the clutch is engaged and disengaged.

There are two types of squeezers:

Roller. They work on the basis of a rigid bunch of rods.
Hydraulic. The hydraulic system ensures power transmission.

Even an inexperienced car owner can detect a faulty release bearing. The failure of this element manifests itself as follows:

When moving, extraneous sounds and noises arise;
Gear shifting is difficult;
When overtaking, the clutch may completely disappear;
Slippage occurs during acceleration, etc.

If the squeezer turns out to be truly faulty, it is the responsibility of every car owner to replace it immediately. This can be done with the help of service station technicians, or with your own hands.

Basic commandments for a beginner

After receiving your license, you should not rush things by rushing to the busy streets of the city. A little practice driving on country roads will give you confidence and help you feel the car to the fullest. Any travel by car should bring positive emotions, and not be a kind of punishment for visiting a cafe or store in the very center of the city.

Even an experienced driver is not immune from troubles on the road. It is necessary to think about insurance in advance, which is a prerequisite. And most importantly, if an accident has already occurred, do not try to resolve the situation by ignoring the traffic police.

From the moment you obtain your license, a book about traffic rules should be read periodically. In an unclear situation on the road, there will be no time to leaf through the textbook, and therefore a high-quality understanding of the rules will always give confidence, both while driving and when communicating with a traffic police officer.

In addition to traffic rules, you will also need to delve into the structure of the vehicle. Today, you should not unconditionally trust employees of car service stations. Even a superficial knowledge of the operating principle of machine components will reduce the likelihood of deception for the purpose of profit.

On the road

Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel

Such advice for a novice driver is quite simple, but many new drivers face certain problems. Distraction among drivers of all ages while on the road is reaching epidemic proportions. This is especially true for young and inexperienced drivers. Stay alert on the road.

Today, more and more people spend a lot of time in vehicles. Thus, they often try to maximize driving time by combining it with other activities, which often have tragic consequences. Remember that driving is not a multi-functional task. It requires the driver's full attention.

Don't be distracted while driving

Don't turn the radio too loud

Everyone loves to listen to their favorite music while driving. This helps pass the time on long trips and also has fun on short distances. However, listening to music while driving can be a very dangerous activity. Helpful tips for novice drivers include not being distracted by switching the radio and limiting its volume.

Music in a car can distract and make the driver too relaxed

Turn your mobile phone to silent mode

In today's world, everyone is connected to a wireless network. Email, phone calls, music - today's mobile phones are multimedia mini-stations. However, studies have shown that attempting to text while driving is just as dangerous as drinking and driving. Silent mode is the easiest way to avoid being distracted by a message or call. If you really need to use your phone in an emergency, pull over to the side of the road or stop at a gas station. Never talk on the phone while driving.

It is strictly prohibited to use a phone while driving

Recommendations for inexperienced motorists

Advice for novice drivers from experienced drivers will help avoid accidents when the engine suddenly stops, loss of control over the car and some other unusual situations. If the engine stalls along the way and does not want to start, this can be fraught with a collision with any obstacle. To reduce the likelihood of a collision to a minimum, you should press the brake pedal and smoothly adjust the stop using the handbrake.

In case of sharp acceleration of the car without the driver's participation, indicating an increase in the speed of the power unit at idle, you need to move the gearbox control handle to the neutral position and fully depress the clutch pedal.

If the brake system suddenly fails, first of all, do not panic. You need to take your foot off the gas pedal, turn on the hazard lights and slowly pull the handbrake. A sharp impact on it can lead to failure of the device.

A blown tire causes a rapid loss of control of the vehicle. In such a situation, you need to slow down by shifting the gearbox, slow down and not squeeze the brake to the limit. The last manipulation in the case under consideration often leads to the machine tipping over. You should also not make sudden movements with the steering wheel. After reducing the speed and smoothly adjusting the vehicle, the car can actually be stopped or kept on the road. To avoid blown tires, it is important not to wear them to critical levels and to regularly check the tire pressure.

Driving style and clutch, select a set

Still haven't figured out what to buy to replace the coupling? Let's look at one more aspect - driving style, because each of us prefers to move in a manner unique to him. Conventionally, we divide the number of driving styles by four. Based on reviews and operational experience, we will try to create sets of companies that would correspond to a particular driving style. Thus, we will try to answer the question, which clutch is best installed on the VAZ 2114 and why.

Calm style

This driving style provides low revs, smooth shifting and the same acceleration. Products from the following brands are suitable here:

Luk is a reliable kit that provides smooth and comfortable shifting without jerking.
Valeo is a comfortable kit, it shows its best sides in traffic jams, there is a good reserve of torque.

Standard style

KraftTech is a fairly comfortable set with an average service life.
Sachs is a moderately tight clutch for such driving with a good reserve of torque, allowing you to ride in both an active and relaxed manner.
VIS is a domestic product of good quality, but is sensitive to clutch control experience.

Dynamic style

Involves rapid acceleration and sharp gear changes with constant clutch throwing, which operates at high speeds most of the time. In this case, the following kits are suitable:

Pilenga – use the kit not with metal ceramics. The stiffest clutch, in order to avoid jerking, you have to raise the speed and quickly release the clutch.
Sachs is the best kit for this type of riding, moderately tight with minimal jerking.

Sport style

Based on the use of maximum acceleration, as well as sharp gear changes and regular clutch drop. As in the previous style, to the question of which clutch is best to install on a VAZ 2114 car, the answer will be to use the following kits:

Pilenga - without ceramics! As mentioned, the clutch is stiff, resulting in a stiff pedal. However, in the end the driver gets instant traction.
Sachs - according to many, the best choice for such riding, moderately tight with a good service life.

Most car enthusiasts choose the Sachs kit, but change the release bearing to a VAZ one, considering this option to be optimal for all cases. The recommendations are not binding and are the result of processing many opinions and reviews from our motorists.

Alexey Gromakovsky - Mistakes of novice motorists. Advice from experienced people

Alexey Alekseevich Gromakovsky

Mistakes of novice motorists. Advice from experienced people

Introduction

Everything requires experience. A person learns throughout his life and for the most part it is from mistakes. Training “by contradiction” has always given effective and spectacular results. After all, talking about how good and right it is is not always effective. But once you come across “what’s bad”, it immediately becomes clear that you can’t step on this rake, the lump turns out to be extremely painful.

For the most part, we learn from our mistakes - our foreheads, our bumps and our own rake. But for a car enthusiast to learn from his mistakes means wasting time and money (car mistakes are quite expensive). And some mistakes made by motorists can lead to accidents, and here you can lose much more than time and money. This is exactly the case when it is better to learn from the mistakes of others, look from the outside and understand that under no circumstances should you do this.

Learning from other people's mistakes is the most painless option. This is what this book offers you, that is, a collection of descriptions of other people’s mistakes for novice motorists. Now you don’t need to fill your own bumps, you can try on someone else’s – it doesn’t hurt. After reading the book, you will get the experience that cost many motorists a pretty penny.

Let your own mistakes be harmless, painless and low-budget! And the experience of a motorist is only a plus. Green wave to you!

1. Mistakes when buying a car

The theater begins with the coat rack, and the independent automobile experience begins with the purchase of your own car. And here, in the most seemingly harmless place, an “ambush” lies in wait. And not even alone.

But the result of a wrong choice is very fraught; it definitely entails considerable expenses. Therefore, it is better to make sure that everything is done correctly from the very beginning. In this chapter I will try to answer the questions that most often arise when buying a car.

Why is an exclusive car bad?

One very good friend of mine in the mid-1990s, having just received his license, immediately began looking for his first car. He was not limited in funds, so the key issues were prestige and his own preferences.

It so happened that an American-made Ford Tempo with an automatic transmission caught his eye. The car was only a few years old, the mileage was minimal, the condition was excellent, and they asked for very little for it. In addition, the car was very beautiful, it looked especially impressive in those days when foreign cars were rare (Fig. 1.1).

The temptation was great, it was impossible to resist. However, less than a few months later, the car needed repairs. And it’s small – just replacing the boot. And then it became clear why this charming car in excellent condition was sold so cheaply. Firstly, it was impossible to get the boot - there were simply no spare parts for the “Americans” on the Russian car market at that time. Moreover, car services did not have the necessary sets of keys! It turns out that American and European standards are different. So the boot had to be ordered from the USA, and the keys had to be made to order.

The wait for the required spare part lasted three months. The car was laid up, because even a novice can see that operating the car without a boot will lead to the inevitable failure of the unit that is designed to protect the notorious casing, and then the repairs will cost simply unimaginable money.

Rice. 1.1. Ford Tempo 1994

It is clear that after replacing the boot (it turned out to be simply “golden”!) the car immediately went to the car market - for sale, in search of another newcomer who would be seduced by the attractive appearance, excellent condition and exclusivity of the car.

In order not to repeat the described mistake, when choosing a car, check its maintainability: are there spare parts for this brand and this model (by the way, the availability of spare parts for a brand does not always mean that they will be freely available for a specific model - too outdated or too new, – this needs to be clarified separately), as well as car services that specialize in repairing this car.

Note

Every car sooner or later ends up in a car service center either due to repairs or scheduled maintenance, and you should prepare for this from the moment of purchase.

If you are determined to purchase used spare parts for your “iron horse” in the future, then before choosing any car, check the used spare parts market: what is there, how much it costs, how freely they can be purchased or will have to wait , while they are being delivered, they will be removed from the damaged car (when it crashes), etc.

You can purchase an exclusive car only if you absolutely do not count the money that you will have to spend even on the smallest, most frivolous repairs or maintenance. If the financial issue does not confront you in any form, you can buy any car. But if you are in any way concerned about saving money (money or time), then it is better to stay away from such “uniques”.

“I want a red car!”

Once, one girl taking a driving course told me what kind of car she would buy as soon as she got her license. According to her, the car will definitely be red (“I want it brighter, no dull colors!”), with a velor interior, certainly with alloy wheels, air conditioning and a CD player.

Have you already realized what her mistake was?

Not a single significant criterion by which the choice of car should be made was named. If a girl, for example, said that all her life she had dreamed of a red Audi 80 with a two-liter engine in order to drive it to work and shopping (Fig. 1.2), questions would hardly have arisen and there would have been no talk of a mistake. But just a “red car” is from a fire engine to the unknown. And as a result, you may end up with a car that is not at all suitable for you.

Rice. 1.2. Audi 80 – what a dream!

Especially often, young drivers buy a car “like from a friend” or “like in a movie,” without thinking at all that the friend, for example, does not pay for the car’s maintenance himself, and the car is not his own, but his parents’, who pay for everything they pay. As a result, a young man diligently saves money, acquires a coveted brand (of course, second-hand and most often quite reputable), and then it turns out that there is not enough money for maintenance, there is simply nothing to pay for operating costs. The same cars that so dashingly cut through vast spaces on screens turn out to be much more modest in real life (we are, of course, not talking about well-known elite brands and models).

But one should not assume that such a choice is only for the young. When choosing a car, a completely respectable person may be guided by a very strange criterion: exactly the same car is driven by his boss, a neighbor in the country, a colleague or a family friend. And the car looks very attractive, so why not buy it? Only after the purchase does it become clear that the family friend is a single person and a Ford Ka or Smart minicar is enough for him, which sneaks around wonderfully in metropolitan traffic jams (Fig. 1.3). And our hero is burdened with a large family, which he has to pack into the notorious minicar with every trip. In addition, it turns out that a family friend has never driven his car on country roads, but you need to go to the dacha and bring something from there...

Rice. 1.3. In a big city, a small Ford Ka (in the center) or Smart (on the right) comes in handy

The opposite option is to purchase not too small, but too large a car, which you liked for its solid appearance and spaciousness (Fig. 1.4). It just turns out that a single person has nothing special to carry in the spacious trunk and interior, and such a car consumes quite a bit of fuel. In addition, you still need to find a parking space for it - a large car is not so easy to park in modern urban conditions.

Rice. 1.4. Hummer is not the best choice for a novice driver

But there is also the problem of new and used cars, when a person whose income is clearly not enough to buy a new car nevertheless purchases one on credit, borrowing money for the down payment from all his friends and acquaintances.

For many, such car loans have become a real trap. Of course, a new car is preferable from many points of view. But interest on the loan? Are they preferable to purchasing a nice and not particularly “worn” car? But how many times has it happened that a person who did not calculate his capabilities when obtaining a car loan was left as a result without his money already invested in the car, and without his four-wheeled friend, which was confiscated by the bank (and, believe me, very reluctantly, because it’s a used a car is a practically illiquid asset). At the same time, a more modest used car, purchased without the help of a car loan, would faithfully drive its owner to this day.

End of introductory passage DID YOU LIKE THE BOOK?

This book costs less than a cup of coffee! FIND OUT PRICE

Forged wheels

Despite the name of the type, it does not quite correctly reflect the disc manufacturing procedure. The product is not forged, but is forced out of a heated alloy under high pressure using a hydraulic press.

Forged wheels are visually similar to cast ones

Main stages of the production process:

Preparation of the alloy and pouring into a cylindrical mold.
Passing through several stages of pressing.
Heat treatments for hardening the alloy and relieving internal stresses.
The spoke pattern and disc configuration are created using special equipment.
Passing tests at peak overloads.

Advantages and disadvantages

By and large, we can say with confidence that the best car wheels are forged wheels. They have only one drawback - extremely high cost. A forged rim can cost at least twice as much as a similar option created using casting technology.

As for the advantages, in addition to the original design, forged products are distinguished by a high degree of strength and reliability, long service life, and even lower weight, even in comparison with cast counterparts.

Forged wheels are much stronger than cast wheels, so they can be installed on powerful SUVs

The increased strength is due to the fact that due to heat treatment and pressing, the product does not have any voids inside. Therefore, cracks on a forged wheel are extremely rare.

What should you consider when choosing?

In order to choose the right car wheels, you should consider the following nuances:

Terms of use of the vehicle.
Car class.
Frequency of operation in cold or warm periods of the year.

Ideally, it is better to have two sets of wheels with winter and summer tires. If you plan to use one set for both winter and summer use, then it is better to give preference to simple stamped options. This is due to the fact that the appearance of an alloy wheel will quickly become unusable when used in winter. Dirt and ice in the formed ruts can easily scratch the surface of beautiful rims.

It is recommended to install wheels of the same brand as the car itself. Of course, you can also select models from third-party manufacturers, but it is worth measuring the location of the mounting holes with particular accuracy

Their configuration may differ on different vehicles, so it is important to pay attention to this

What to check before buying a new car at a car dealership

Let’s imagine that you have already agreed on everything and your car is already in the showroom.

Despite the excitement, check the appearance of the car (for absence of damage) and compliance with the specified configuration.
You should definitely check the warranty card, vehicle documents, certificates and licenses. The registration certificate must contain the date of registration and issue, as well as the VIN number of the vehicle. The invoice must contain information about the place and date of sale, terms of purchase and a detailed description of the vehicle. The details of the car dealership that made the sale must also be present.
For the sake of increasing profits, car dealerships may “keep silent” on some features. This often concerns the year of manufacture of the car. At the beginning of the year, as a rule, prices for models from previous seasons go down, which they may simply “forget” to tell you about.
Discuss all the points with the seller, starting from delivery dates and the seller’s responsibility for failure to meet these deadlines, to service points (where, when and for what).

It is worth not forgetting about your rights, according to the Consumer Rights Protection Law; in case of unpleasant situations with breakdowns, you can receive full or partial compensation for costs. Although, it is better not to get into such situations.

Don’t forget to check the documents for installed equipment from third-party manufacturers (car radio, acoustics, security system, etc.). Each such unit must have a separate set of documents (warranty cards, instructions, etc.).

After checking all the specified points, you can safely complete the transaction and pick up your car. As a result, you must receive the following documents along with the car:

vehicle passport;
purchase agreement;
invoice;
warranty card;
service book with a stamp confirming the completion of pre-sale maintenance and the condition of the vehicle;
instructions for use.

Since driving a car is prohibited without a compulsory motor liability insurance policy, it can be issued directly at the salon or by inviting your insurer in advance.

The best manufacturers of car wheels

The modern range of products is very wide, but it is worth highlighting the best brands of car wheels:

Advan is a brand that produces high-quality wheels with increased reliability. Japanese quality speaks for itself.
AEZ is a German company that produces light alloy wheels using special technology.
BBS – the company’s production was established back in 1970 in Germany. Over the many years of existence, the company has earned a reputation as a manufacturer of quality products, and retro style has become its calling card.
K&K is a Russian-German production established on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Metallurgical Plant. It produces high-quality products and is in demand both in Russia and in neighboring countries.
Sparco is a popular Italian company that has gained recognition all over the world thanks to the quality of its discs.

Wheel rim from the Italian company Sparco. Sparco products, despite the high price, are popular among street racers (including Russian ones) and tuning enthusiasts, ranging from sports cars participating in rallies to cars like Zhiguli cars due to their high quality, convenience, reliability and safety

To the readers

You are holding in your hands a new collection of “Advice from Experienced Drivers”, compiled according to the most popular section of the magazine “Behind the Wheel”.
But before you open it, read it and, as they say, get down to business, let me give you some more very useful tips. The first one is: do no harm. Don't rush to improve your car unnecessarily. Remember that experts in their field worked on its creation.

“Why then do you need advice?” you ask. Each of them, in fact, is a hint for a way out of some difficult situation: for example, how to repair or replace a failed component or part cheaper and more convenient.

By the way, about the authors who remain “behind the scenes”. As a rule, these are also specialists: engineers, designers, auto mechanics, car enthusiasts with extensive experience and practice. They can also be trusted because each piece of advice undergoes a thorough examination by the editorial staff before being published in a magazine or book. We used many of the recommendations ourselves in practice and were satisfied, and some of the “know-how” we offered ourselves, having tested it from our own experience.

Sometimes it seems that DIY car repairs are becoming a thing of the past. A network of car services is being developed, the car warranty is being extended, during which the owner’s independent intervention in components and assemblies, even if they have failed, is actually prohibited. And the design of cars is becoming more complex; more and more often, components and parts turn out to be irreparable, even disposable, and must only be replaced in the event of a breakdown. And yet, the experience of experienced people is still invaluable today. Especially, for example, on a long journey or during a trip to areas where it is not yet easy to buy the right part.

Some advice today's readers are disgusted by because the author recommending this or that repair operation seems to be saving on matches. Many parts, especially for domestic cars, are no longer scarce or expensive; if something breaks, buy a new one, replace it and forget it. However, remember that old cars, which most often require the use of advice, are often the first to be purchased by poor owners, including very young ones. Whether you can afford a replacement and what you regret more - money to buy a new part or time to repair the old one - only you can decide.

Of course, applying the advice in practice requires certain skills. If you are not sure that you can handle it, it is better to refuse the planned operation or contact a car service - let them do it the way you want. Eliminating the consequences of an unsuccessful repair can cost much more than if you did not take up keys and screwdrivers at all, but immediately invited specialists to help. Do not try to “improve” published advice if you do not have experience, and do not rush to advise others (including sending to the journal) what you have not done yourself and have not verified in practice. The screening of advice sent is very active.

When working on a car, do not forget about safety precautions. Be careful especially when welding, contact with aggressive technical liquids, and repairing electrical equipment. Use only reliable tools, do not install parts of questionable quality and condition on your car, avoid buying spare parts in the markets - give preference to large specialized stores, where sellers are responsible for the quality of the goods sold. Do not hesitate to ask questions to sellers and consultants, refer to specialized literature more often.

And further. Even if you, having read the book from cover to cover, have not found a single piece of advice suitable for use on your specific machine, do not rush to put our collection away on the shelf. Take the advice creatively and think about it. Many components and parts of seemingly completely different cars have similar designs. Therefore, advice addressed to Zhiguli owners can unexpectedly help the owner of a serious foreign car in a difficult situation. And then you will feel a genuine and completely unique joy - the joy of creativity, which is worth spending time, effort and money.

Drawings on car rims

In recent years, the art of airbrushing has taken root well in the automotive theme. Many owners want to see beautiful patterns, inscriptions, or drawings on their “iron horse”. However, there is also airbrushing on discs.

Only a specialist should be trusted to do airbrushing on rims.

Applying a design to a car wheel is an original approach that emphasizes the driver’s individuality. The discs can simply be repainted in a different color or have complex design solutions.

This is not just a disc, but a work of art

But not every car owner can afford the cost of such a procedure. Painted airbrushing can cost even more than the alloy wheel itself.

Other tips for new drivers

Now all drivers with less than 2 years of driving experience are required to install a “novice driver” sign. This is necessary to warn other road users about your inexperience.

Always consider the weather conditions and do not take risks.

Try to keep a safe distance, which should be increased on slippery roads.

If you are afraid that you will not be able to drive a car, if you are afraid of the road and the possibility that you may get hurt yourself and harm others, then before you get behind the wheel, you need to get rid of such fears. If you need to consult a psychotherapist, then contact him, don’t be shy about it. There are phobias, the treatment of which requires the intervention of an experienced specialist; perhaps this is just your case if you are unable to overcome your fear on your own.

Remember that the main thing is knowledge, attention and caution. It will never be superfluous to repeat the traffic rules and signs, as well as read the relevant material in books or on Internet sites

Let's sum it up

Professional experienced motorists can give a lot of practical advice. You just need to learn to listen to these tips and get the information you need. The most valuable information you can apply to your life is the information you gain from your own or others' experiences. The more useful information you find in expert advice, the easier it will be for you to learn to drive correctly, safely and economically.

Follow the recommendations of the professionals to learn how to enjoy every minute of driving. This is what all experienced drivers do, who have learned the most important aspects and benefits of using a car as a vehicle. If you have anything to add to the advice in the text, be sure to do so in the comments.

Advice for motorists

Frozen glass To prevent this problem, mix vinegar and water in a 3:1 ratio and spray on the glass. If the glass is already frozen, then mix 600 ml of pure alcohol, 200 ml of water and 1 drop of dishwashing detergent. Spray the product onto the frozen glass.
Frozen lock The most common hand sanitizer is excellent at removing ice that has formed and putting the mechanism into action.
Just put a few drops on the key or in the lock hole and you're done! You can make it simpler and heat the key with a lighter, but you can get burned this way. To prevent the lock from freezing, spray a little WD-40 lubricant into the keyhole before the frost begins. It will only take a few minutes, but it will definitely get rid of problems with the lock in winter.
The door won't open To prevent the door seal from freezing, use regular cooking spray. Spray it on the rubber door gasket and wipe with a paper towel. Ready!
Foggy Windows To fix this problem, wipe the window with a chalkboard eraser.
It will no longer fog up, and the best part is that there will be no streaks left. You can also fill an old sock or small cloth bag with cat litter and place it under the seat. This trick will make the air less humid, and foggy windows will no longer bother you.
Ice on the side mirrors To prevent ice from forming on the side mirrors, simply wrap them tightly in plastic bags overnight. When you remove the bags in the morning, you will see that the mirrors are perfectly clean, and you don’t need to waste time cleaning.
Frozen or foggy headlights Clean the headlights from dirt and apply a thin layer of wax. It will not allow water or snow to settle. The effect of this trick lasts for several weeks.
Stuck in the snow Take the floor mats of the car and place them under the wheels - this will create traction, and you will be able to cope with the situation yourself. Also have a couple of bags of cat litter in your trunk. If the car gets stuck in the snow, just put a little mound under the wheels. This way you can easily leave.

Now the frosty winter will not create new worries for you when driving a car. These tips are very simple, but many people don't know about them.

Advice from experienced drivers. Issue No. 4 (Collection, 2007)

Oil filter: different removal methods

It happens that the oil filter is difficult to unscrew without a special tool. Here are a few ways that experienced motorists have come up with to get out of this situation.

It’s easy to make an analogue of the common and rather expensive oil filter chain puller yourself. You will need a piece of a bicycle chain (for VAZ size filters - 30 links), which must be connected with a rivet or a standard lock into a ring. In an old, damaged or simply unnecessary socket head “19” or “22”, a cut is made the width of the chain. The puller is ready. Extensions of any size and ratchet wrenches can be inserted into the connecting square of the head - this will allow you to unscrew filters located in the most inaccessible places (see Fig. 1).

Cut a strip about a meter long and 80 mm wide from sanding paper on a fabric backing. Cut a rectangular hole in the middle of it. Fold the strip in half (with the abrasive facing out), insert a suitable rod into the fold and wrap the tape tightly around the filter housing. A spade inserted into the hole in the strip will unscrew the filter (see Figure 2).

Instead of a ribbon, you can use a fairly strong trouser belt folded into a loop for this purpose.

If the filter housing is small in diameter and round, without a special cut, you can build “pincers”. Take two strong wooden slats 40-50 cm long and connect their ends with a rope or a piece of belt. The length of the connecting flexible ligament should be approximately equal to the diameter of the filter. By grasping and tightly squeezing the filter with these pliers, you can easily turn it. For better adhesion to the filter housing, stick pieces of sandpaper or rubber onto the slats.

Sometimes a “recalcitrant” oil filter is simply pierced with a long, pointed pin or mounting blade. If the lack of space under the hood does not allow you to do this (closely located nodes interfere), you can knit a self-tightening loop from a strong nylon tape, put it on the filter near the base and wind a few more turns on it. You need to tie a suitable wrench to the end of the tape and, grasping it with both hands, pull the tape, as when starting a boat motor. The filter will unscrew several threads, after which it can be unscrewed by hand.

Oil filter puller made from sandpaper tape, rod and mounting blade:

1 – rod; 2 – sandpaper tape; 3 – oil filter; 4 – mounting blade; 5 – “pattern” of the tape

Replacement

The procedure is not so simple, therefore, if you lack experience, it is not recommended to do it yourself. If you have enough skills and abilities, get to work.

Disconnect the clamps and remove the release bearing along with the clutch.
Remove the input shaft from the bearing.
After fully releasing the clamps, remove the damaged bearing from the coupling.
Install a new part, but first make sure of its quality. If the bearing moves freely, there is no need to worry, it works well.
Lubricate the clutch and the release tool itself. This device loves high-quality lubrication. Then install it on a release sleeve that has been pre-treated with machine oil.
Using special clamps, place the new element in its rightful place.
The final stage will be reassembling and installing the gearbox in its original position.

The work can be considered completed. It is quite possible to do it yourself, but just do not forget about the accuracy and consistency of your actions.

A high-quality squeezer lasts a long time, so you won’t have to perform such operations regularly. Of course, provided that you have correctly replaced the old bearing and your clutch is functioning efficiently.

The clutch began to get a little tired (slipping, “grabbing at the end”) - I knew that it was still good, but I had a new clutch kit that I had purchased earlier in stock. There are a lot of weekends in January, and the positive weather was also pleasing - in general, everything led to tinkering with the car)

I chose for a long time, read a lot of forums and reviews, consulted with friends... In the end, I made the following choice:

According to all reviews, the clutch is very good - soft, durable, but the release from the kit (according to reviews) is rather weak - with a plastic clip, it starts to “howl” a short time after installation. Therefore, a release bearing from a VAZ-2110 was purchased - all metal, manufactured by Trialli.

Even the external comparison of the bearings finally predetermined the choice of trialli.

This is how the Sachs clutch kit and Trialli release bearing from the VAZ-2110 turned out

What was disappointing about the Sachs kit (which is not cheap) is that it does not have a centering shaft, which is necessary when installing a new clutch. I had to search through friends...

Unfortunately, I didn’t take any photos of replacing the clutch, because... there was absolutely no time for that (those who changed it themselves will understand that this is not the easiest task)... I will say one thing - we did it together with my brother (mostly he did everything - I helped) - we got it done in 3 hours, but we were simply in no hurry, with frequent smoke breaks and conversations...

As expected, the factory clutch was still showing signs of life and would have lasted 15-20 thousand.

But I don’t like to let it get to the point where it will break, tear, etc. In my opinion, it’s better to prevent all this and enjoy a working car

Fortunately, everything went without incident, everything was in its place, the clutch cable was adjusted. I got into the car and squeezed the new clutch - in my head I remembered the last 3 hours of my life with the question “didn’t you install a new clutch?” No, it’s just that the new one is so soft - as if it wasn’t there at all... The first time I even stalled when I started off - it catches at the very beginning, the pedal is very soft, not usual, but as they say, you quickly get used to good things. Now I will hope for a long service life of this clutch, and On first impressions it is simply magnificent!

Foto 2

T. KUZNETSOV, St. Petersburg

Alas, even owners of old, no longer prestigious cars are immune from the actions of villains. In our city, they do not shun the theft of parts from ancient Zhiguli cars, since the methods of getting under the hood have long been known. Using a strong hook, firmly hook the hood lock drive cable and pull... That’s exactly how they stole my brand new battery. This trouble prompted the idea to protect the cable. Having found a suitable metal pipe with a diameter of 16 mm, I bent it in place. The cable was laid inside and securely fastened. Now you can't use a crochet hook! Even such “armor” will not stop some, but not everyone walks the streets with an angle grinder under their arm.

SUFFERING INSOMNIA

Dead zone of mirrors

Almost every novice car enthusiast is not even aware of the presence of a dead zone in mirrors. So, when you start driving, you can immediately get into a serious accident. The fact is that, looking in the mirror, we must make sure that there are no cars approaching from behind. However, we may not notice another vehicle if it is too close to our car. This is the so-called dead zone of mirrors; with the help of rear-view mirrors, it is sometimes impossible to adequately assess the situation on the road. Therefore, when starting to move, overtake or change lanes in a relatively large flow of cars, it is recommended, just in case, to look in the mirrors and quickly turn your head back to make sure that there is no vehicle approaching from behind.

Recommendations and useful tips for car enthusiasts

When lubricating the bearing located in the pump (coolant pump), do not overuse lithol. A small layer of the substance will be enough. Try not to pack lubricant tightly into the pump housing - under the influence of high temperature, lithol turns into a liquid state and, if it gets on the pump seal, can damage it, which will certainly negatively affect the operation of the pump as a whole.

A slice of lemon eaten while driving is great for drowsiness. And, placed under the tongue for a short time, a bay leaf usually helps with motion sickness.

During the rainy period, after driving through puddles, the brake pads must be “dried” by periodically pressing the brake pedal while further driving on a dry area.

By extending the wrench with a suitable piece of metal pipe and placing it on the wrench horn, you can unscrew the “dried” nut without much effort. When tightening the nut, it is better to abandon the “help lever” - the length of the wrench is initially designed for the required tightening limit of a nut of a given size.

To disperse the drowsy state, you can turn on the audio system in the car and arrange a “duet concert”, loudly singing along or imitating the performer sounding from the speakers. But it’s still better not to take risks - stop and take a nap.

Many people, when starting their car engine in winter, make the mistake of pressing the clutch pedal. Believe me, it is much easier for a car starter to give movement to the gearbox shaft and driven disk than to the engine crankshaft clamped by the clutch. True, the above does not apply to the situation when the oil in the gearbox froze in severe frosts, although this is unlikely, since almost no one uses “outdated” nigrol anymore.

Find out another useful tip on battery reanimation and choosing a new battery.

If the clutch pedal spring breaks, you can get to the nearest workshop by returning the hydraulic pedal to its original state with the toe of your shoe before the intended release.

When removing nitro paint from a car body, it is undesirable to resort to a solvent. It is much better to use regular gasoline, which can soften a dried stain without damaging the enamel layer of the car's paint. The main thing, of course, is not to use too much zeal. After removing the unwanted stain, it is necessary to wash the surface with a soapy solution, preferably using a sponge.

Timely and correct changing of the oil in your car engine will help you in the future to keep your car not only in good condition, but will also save your budget when repairing a seized engine and protect you from purchasing spare parts that fail early.

If a car that suddenly stalls in an inappropriate place cannot be moved from the roadway manually, use the starter and first gear engaged. In this way (but only as a last resort) you can “pull back” the car, clearing the way for other drivers.

We hope that these useful tips for car enthusiasts will help you in many cases, and finally -

Experienced drivers always walk around behind a parked car. This “walk-around” is a visual check of the external condition of your “iron horse”.

How to replace valve stem seals on a VAZ-2109

Replacing valve stem seals is a simple procedure that you can do yourself.

Useful tips on repair and maintenance, car operation, life hacks from craftsmen and experienced drivers.

Do-it-yourself door card reupholstery from genuine leather and leather substitute, Alcantara, velor, artificial suede.

From the article you will learn how companies that professionally buy cars are profitable.

For people who find themselves in difficult circumstances and want to get a loan secured by a car, the best choice would be to contact the Avtolombarda999 company.

What to look for when buying a battery, the main reasons for reducing its life, proper care and maintenance of the battery.

Summer tires should combine seemingly contradictory qualities - maintain high speed, be quiet, and grip well.

List and description of used cars that can be purchased on the secondary market with a price tag of up to 270 thousand rubles.

We will tell you whether there is a need for child car seats, their main age groups and characteristics.

A late fine is a penalty that has not been paid after 60 days from the effective date of the order.

Methods for defrosting liquid in the windshield washer reservoir for car owners during the cold season.

We drain gasoline from the base of VAZ 2110/2112/2114, Lada Granta, Kalina, Priora, Largus, UAZ Patriot, Daewoo Lanos, Renault Logan, Sandero, Duster, Ford.

Behavior tactics in unfamiliar situations

Practical advice for new drivers is ideal for gaining as much experience as possible. The rating of tips for novice drivers includes some tactics that help them learn to handle various situations on the road.

Proactive tactics - tips for planning for the future when you know what awaits you behind the wheel
Responsive Tactics - Helpful tips for new drivers on the road when you have time to think things through
Reactive tactics - tips for when you find yourself in difficult situations under high pressure

Beginners and inexperienced drivers should drive carefully for the first time on the road.

Proactive tactics

Always plan and think through your entire known route in advance. Check the map if necessary and mentally draw the best route that suits your abilities. For example, it is better to take longer bypass roads than to go to the main streets during rush hour. Be sure to prepare your car before your trip.

Use navigation technology on the road if you have it and if it can help you. Give yourself more time for the road, don’t rush.

Practice maneuvers in your mind when faced with a difficult situation. For example, if you have to turn left at a large traffic light, mentally rehearse this situation.

You can review and plan your intended route in advance

Travel style tips to save fuel

Safe travel may seem boring to you. You should not accelerate or brake too sharply, and you should not exceed the speed limit. But with the help of such simple rules, you can not only achieve a high level of safety, but also get the maximum tangible fuel economy.

Through simple experiments, you can prove that gas savings depend entirely on your travel style. You can save about 30% of valuable fuel if you learn to drive correctly by following simple recommendations from experts:

avoid sudden acceleration with the pedal to the floor;
use the engine in a calm and measured mode;
shift to higher gears at low speeds;
do not overload the power unit by loading the vehicle too heavily;
use coasting before traffic lights and speed bumps more often.

The simplest rules that every professional driver uses will help not only reduce gasoline consumption, but also increase the level of peace of mind behind the wheel. Most accidents occur at a time when a person loses a sense of the reality of the situation and tries to make incredible maneuvers, overtaking and sudden actions.

Feel the pleasure of a relaxing ride without speeding. By the way, the most economical speed for highway travel is 90 kilometers per hour. This is a comfortable, confident and convenient speed for any journey.