Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Car Safety Tips To Give You Peace Of Mind


According to the 2000 census, more than 112 million people drive or carpool to work daily. That number is certainly much bigger today, 10 years later. With all these people on the road, drivers need to take every precaution to ensure they arrive safely at their destinations. Here are some tips to heed for safer car travels, whether it be to work, for leisure, or taking the kids to school.

Know Your Route

Before hitting the road, take the time to map out your route. Motor clubs provide auto travelers with maps and detailed directions to their destinations. Be aware of traffic, construction and weather advisories along your route so you can make alternate plans should these conditions affect your drive. A GPS can be a really smart purchase. Knowing exactly where you are going step by step allows you to pay more attention to your surroundings when driving in unfamiliar areas.

Reduce Driver Distractions

Traffic, construction and careless drivers are distractions beyond your control. However, you can reduce the risk of an accident by decreasing the distractions inside your vehicle. Don't use your cell phone while driving and certainly don't try to send or read text messages. If you have a GPS, don't try to set it while driving- pull off the road to change any settings. It takes only a couple seconds of distraction to possibly end up in a terrible car accident.

Have an Emergency Kit

In addition to standards such as a first aid kit and battery jumper cables, consider adding a safety light to your vehicle emergency kit. A safety light serves a dual purpose: it shines like a flashlight and alerts like a flare. The light can be used as a bright spotlight or as a blinking safety light to warn oncoming traffic of a motorist's presence. Also consider having a tire inflating gizmo. Can come in really handy if a tire has deflated, and you just need to get down the road to get it fixed properly.

Preventative Maintenance

Keeping your vehicle properly maintained is absolutely essential to have a safe handling car. Follow all the recommended service intervals found in your vehicle owner's manual- always monitor hoses and belts, and check filters, spark plugs and fluids. Also, be sure tires are properly inflated and rotated, and the gas level is sufficient. Get on a good preventative maintenance program with your local auto repair shop to ensure your car is always safe to drive.

Buckle Up

When lap and shoulder belts are used correctly, they reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6069390

Sunday, August 28, 2011

U.S. Automobile Industry Shows Latest Inventions


U.S. Automobile Industry Shows Latest Inventions. An auto commercial from 1946.

If your car has been damaged in an accident bring it in to Corby's Collision! We have been in business for 47 years in Vacaville, California. When you do business with Corby's Collision you will not only deal with their qualified and professional staff but, also with Paul himself. He is an Owner/Operator and likes to be "hands on" with everything that goes in and out of the shop.
707-448-1696

Thursday, August 25, 2011

The Essentials Of Defensive Driving

No matter what level of driving experience you have, or if you are a teen, adult, or mature driver, knowledge of defensive driving is a must. Here are the basics that you will probably learn should you ever attend a driver improvement course.

Focus on the Task on Hand
Any good defensive driving course will teach you that driving is a serious activity that demands all of your attention. Anything that diverts your attention from the road to something going on inside of the car significantly increases your odds of being in an accident. This is why it is essential to never do things that might take up a ton of your attention, like talking on the phone, texting, eating, or trying to find something inside the car. In fact, texting and talking on the phone have become such serious problems that many states have passed laws that make doing so illegal. For your safety and the safety of others, it's crucial to place all of your attention on driving while in your car.

Be Alert
Online traffic schools emphasize that you should be psychologically fit for driving before you get behind the while. That means that your ability to be alert is not impaired by drugs, alcohol, illness, or fatigue. Even common over the counter medicine like cough syrup or antihistamines can make you drowsy and hinder your level of awareness, so pay close attention to warning labels before you take anything and drive.

Be Aware
You should always be scanning the road for any obstacles or hazards you might encounter. When driving around city or suburban areas, be especially watchful of pedestrians who may be attempting to cross the street. On freeways, give yourself plenty of room in-between your car and the car in front of you. When you attend a traffic school online you will learn the "two second" rule. That is, you should give yourself two seconds of distance between yourself and any car you are following.

Obey the Law
You may think that going faster than the posted speed limit, making illegal U-turns, or rolling through stop signs can save you a bit of time and get you to your destination faster, but in reality it can cost you in the long run. Increasing your chance for accidents or getting pulled over will cost you far more time than it might save.

Have Your Car Well Maintained
Traffic schools also frequently educate on the importance of vehicle maintenance. An important part of defensive driving starts well before you even start the car. A poorly maintained car creates a lot of unnecessary hazards. For example, bald tires make it easier to lose control in you have to turn sharply. Old shock absorbers actually increase the distance required to brake suddenly. And old, worn out wiper blades made it more difficult to see when it starts to rain. When you take the extra effort to ensure your car is in tip top shape, you keep yourself safe and save a lot of money in the long run.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6482418

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Recharging Or Fixing Your Car's Air Conditioning System Should Be Left To The Experts


Your automobile's air conditioner can make the difference between a comfortable trip, and one which requires you to shower and change clothes upon arriving to your destination. Automotive air conditioning units are composed of many parts which require maintenance and repair like any other part of your vehicle.

Make sure to have your air conditioning charged and repaired before the hot weather arrives. If your A/C unit is blowing hot air, or little to no air then it's time to have a professional step in.

A mechanic will visually inspect your hoses, lines, and seals to make sure there are no leaks before going ahead with costly repairs. They'll check temperature readings and inspect your drive belt for damage or cracks. The same air conditioning belt is used for many of your car's functions, so if it's broken you could experience a lot more mechanical problems than a hot and sweaty drive.

Technicians must also have a look at the compressor and take readings to see if that's the offending part that's causing the system to malfunction. Adding or getting rid of refrigerant can make a tremendous difference in the performance of your air conditioner, and this just like any servicing of the compressor, evaporator, or condenser is something only professionals are equipped to do.

While all major servicing should be left to the professionals, air conditioning repair is perhaps the most dangerous repair an amateur or professional could attempt. The refrigerant used in cars is Freon, usually two types of it which are invisible and colorless in their vapor form. Breathing in these vapors or exposing yourself to them could cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, and possibly even unconsciousness if not in a properly ventilated area.

Mixing these two gasses is also dangerous, as is heating them. Many amateur mechanics use what's called the "torch method" in which they hold a torch under the hood to see if any Freon is leaking. This method is incredibly dangerous,Exposing refrigerant to an open flame turns it into a poisonous gas known as phosgene gas. When inhaled, phosgene gas can cause severe respiratory damage that is not reversible, or even death.

Your cooling system is a complicated and intricate one involving dangerous chemicals that require professional help. If you suspect a problem then take it to a professional, as a Freon leak is nothing to try and pinch pennies on.

Keeping cool isn't just about your comfort, it's about the safety of you and your passengers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6228232

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Which Age Group Causes The Most Car Accidents?


According to statistics collected over the last decade, two age groups cause the most car accidents: teen drivers and the elderly. There are a number of reasons for these statistics, but the reality is that car accidents are a part of everyday life, and that even though someone might be a member of these demographic groups it does not automatically mean that they are going to be in a crash.

Teen drivers

Driving represents a lot of things to teens. Freedom, empowerment for the first time in their lives and status as drivers makes putting teens behind the wheel a dangerous prospect. Teen drivers cause car accidents because they are full of youthful exuberance, and they lack the experience of more seasoned drivers, and they are prone to taking risks because they feel they are invincible.

Furthermore, teen drivers also drive cars that are not the safest on the road, such as smaller vehicles that have more blind spots, or do not have the safety and accident avoidance features that many other cars have. Also, teens engage in riskier behaviors, such as racing, drinking and driving, and overloading their cars with too many people, all of which can contribute to causing an accident.

Unfortunately, the combination of inexperience and propensity for risk taking means that teen drivers are among the most dangerous, and the statistics bear this out. That's why insurance companies generally charge more for the policies of teen drivers, because the companies understand the risks of teens on the road and adjust their premiums accordingly.

Elderly drivers

On the flip side of the accident-causing spectrum, elderly drivers are also an age group that causes the many car accidents. Though they may have decades of driving experience, safe cars and a risk-avoidance mentality, these very factors can actually contribute to causing accidents. Throw in diminished reaction times, failing vision and hearing, and a sense of entitlement and elderly drivers can be just as dangerous as the newly-minted 16 year old out on the road for the first time.

As the body ages, the mind and reflexes slow down. Hand-eye coordination decreases significantly, and it is a lot harder for older people to respond rapidly to conditions on the road or other drivers in dangerous situations. Then accidents occur.

Older drivers tend to think of themselves as perfectly safe drivers, obeying the rules of the road while the world around them takes dangerous risks. While this is partially true, elderly drivers make can make judgment errors about the flow of traffic and distances between vehicles much easier than younger drivers. If this happens and there is no way to fix this incorrect perception of reality, older drivers can make assumptions that cause accidents.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of everyone on the road to be as safe a driver as they possibly can. Young drivers need to learn that they are not invincible, and older drivers need to realize that their skills and perception have likely decreased over time, and need to make adjustments to accommodate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4339406

Monday, August 15, 2011

Make Your Car Like New Again With Expert Service From Your Local Auto Body Repair Shop


Cars can suffer damage due to all kinds of situations, from collisions to plain old wear and tear. Fortunately, auto body shops can address almost any car body or frame issue you bring in and can help you get your car back in perfect condition.

No matter how the damage to your car originated, a damaged vehicle looks unattractive and can send the wrong message to the world about the people who own and drive it. Leaving repairs undone can also lead to further, more dangerous, and costlier damage, and can be a safety hazard to drivers and passengers alike. This is why it's so important to contact an auto body repairer as soon as there's a problem. Experts in car body paint and structural repairs will be able to evaluate what needs to be done and take care of your car or truck with an eye to timeliness and workmanship so that you can get your car back in top shape as soon as possible.

Whether you were in a collision on the road, or another person nicked your car's paint job while you were parked, chipped auto paint can be a real pain. First of all, it affects the overall look of your car in a hugely negative way. And secondly, if left untreated, it can lead to more extensive chipping and, eventually, to rust that can deteriorate the whole body of the car. There are products on the market that let you deal with automotive paint issues on your own, but getting an exact match to your car's original color and quality of paintwork is nearly impossible. If you go the DIY route and the color match is even slightly off, your car will end up looking worse than it did before! Avoid these pitfalls by contacting a car paint specialist as soon as you know that there's a problem. These professionals have the knowledge, tools, and experience to tackle whatever car painting project you need so that you can get your car back to looking its best, and you can drive secure in the knowledge that you've forestalled any further damage.

If you're dealing with something more serious than a paintwork issue, getting professional help is a must. Not only are there aesthetic matters to consider, but there are a number of safety issues in question when it comes to repairing the actual structure of a car. If you're dealing with dents, the cosmetic aspect is probably the most important. It's unpleasant and distracting to drive around in a dented vehicle, but a body repair expert can take care of everything from a small ding from a golf ball to a huge dent from a collision, all without causing further damage to the car or the paintwork. These professionals can also handle more intense issues such as frame repair and straightening. After a car has been in a collision, the car frame is often damaged or misaligned. In the worst cases, this can make the car undrivable, and in all cases, it can compromise the overall safety of your vehicle. Using specialized machinery, repair experts can realign your car's frame so that your car works properly and complies with necessary safety standards.

If your car is damaged, don't wait--call your local auto body and repair shop today. Whether you need a minimal touch-up to your paint, or major repairs after a collision, professional body shops will be able to ensure that your car looks great and is protected as much as possible against future damage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5807330

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Should I Have My Car Repaired?


After an accident, consumers often wonder if having their car repaired is worth the time, money, effort and risk.

  • "Won't my insurance rates go up?"
  • "The damage isn't that bad... Can't I just wait and have it done later?"
  • "I'm selling the car soon anyway so why bother?"

Recognizing that there are inherent costs of time and money it is still usually advisable to have vehicles repaired unless they are deemed a total loss by a qualified and trusted body shop or insurance adjuster.

In a nutshell our typical advice is this: Have it repaired, via an insurance claim, at a trusted body shop.

Have it repaired.


First, unless it's deemed a total loss, have it fixed. Repaired cars retain their value when it comes time to sell. You might save money in the short run but lose even more when you go to sell it. Un-repaired cars typically deteriorate after an accident. Remember the second law of thermodynamics from science class? Unchecked everything tends toward greater disorder. Cracked paint allows for rust. Broken parts strain adjacent parts and can cause further damage or even make the car unsafe. In short, repaired cars hold their value and are safer for you, your loved ones and other drivers.and

Via insurance

Second, it is almost always better to run it through insurance - yours or the other parties - if at all possible. Many people fear making a claim thinking there will be a premium increase. Typically that only occurs if there are multiple claims in a short period of time. (And even then it usually takes months before the increase goes into effect.) Many companies now offer accident forgiveness which allows you a certain number of claims before the rates are at risk of going up. Your agent can typically tell you case by case the impact a claim will have on your premiums. It's at least worth a phone call to your agent. Since you pay for insurance you might as well use it. Think about your monthly premium more as an investment in your car that will allow you to get your vehicle fixed right when you need it.

If you're not at fault your insurance company can fight for you better than you can fight for yourself. Yes, you'll have to pay your deductible after the repairs are completed but they can often recover that money if you're not at fault. In the auto body business we see this happen all the time. Insurance companies have the skills, knowledge and attorneys most of us couldn't afford. This is one of the reasons we pay them, right?

If for any reason you are unable (or decide not to) use insurance many shops have an "Economy Repair" option. This is case by case and depends on the body shop but it never hurts to ask. After getting an estimate simply ask if there is any cheaper way to get the repairs done since you are not going through insurance. They may be able to find aftermarket parts or extend a self-pay discount.

Use a trusted body shop

Lastly, for the repairs find a reputable body shop to perform the repairs. There are a few things you can do to determine if a shop is reputable. I suggest you use all of these together rather than rely on just one. First, ask your insurance company who they recommend. Shops on insurance preferred repairer lists tend to be better monitored and have a longer track record of quality repairs. Second, check for reviews to see if the shop has good recommendations from other consumers and even consumer advocates like the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org). Typically there are also reviews online of reputable shops at sites like Google and Yelp. Just type the name of the shop into a search engine and reviews will typically be available for shops with a long track record of quality repairs. You can also get reviews or recommendations by asking friends of their experiences with a body shop. Finally, visit the shop, request an estimate and take the opportunity to simply look around. You will need to trust your gut on this one but shops that are clean, professional and orderly are more likely trustworthy than ones that are dirty, in disarray and have a rude staff.

Hopefully you will not need the advice this article offers but if you find yourself in a collision I hope you will consider having your car repaired, via an insurance claim by a trusted body shop.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3798181

If your car has been damaged in an accident bring it in to Corby's Collision! We have been in business for 47 years in Vacaville, California. When you do business with Corby's Collision you will not only deal with their qualified and professional staff but, also with Paul himself. He is an Owner/Operator and likes to be "hands on" with everything that goes in and out of the shop.
707-448-1696

Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Importance of Having The Correct Tire Pressure For Better Fuel Efficiency and Optimal Handling



Most people conveniently ignore the importance of tire maintenance. As a matter of fact, by paying attention to just one thing - your tire pressure can do you a whole lot of good. As we all know, tires are the only contacts between your car and the road and therefore it should never be taken lightly.

So, why is maintaining correct pressure important? Simply put, failure to maintain right tire pressure on a consistent basis may result in faster tire wear, tire failures and loss of control, thus resulting in possible serious injuries or even property damages.

There are namely, three different situations when it comes to your tire pressure: The correct pressure, the under inflation and the over inflation.

Some Useful Information Relating To Tire Pressures

* The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that underinflated tires resulted in 300,000 accidents per year in America alone.

* Surveys have found that many vehicles (about 4 out of 5 or 80%) routinely have at least one underinflated tire.

* It is estimated that, on average, America wasted two million gallons of gas each year because of underinflated tires (more energy required to move vehicles with underinflated tires).

* A survey has shown that a relatively high percentage (>50%) of people have mistakenly believed that the correct pressure is listed on the tire sidewall.

Under Inflation

Underinflated tire, while common, is really not something that is desirable and can be a serious liability.

Here's some good reasons why you should not have underinflated tires:

* An underinflated tire can affect load-carrying capacity.

* Underinflated tires cannot maintain the ideal tire shape and thus resulted in having more contact areas with the ground and require more traction to move. This in turn imply that more energy are needed to move the vehicle, which resulted in waste of fuel and at the same time cause the tires to wear out much faster.

* Underinflated tires flexes more as it rolls, thus building up an excessive amount of heat and could damage the tire's internal structure which can happen within an unexpectedly short period of time. In short, underinflated tire builds up excessive heat that may result in sudden tire destruction. This possible consequence is exacerbated when the vehicle is going at high speed.

* The overheated, underinflated tires can become rather soft and thus can be penetrated fairly easily.

* An underinflated tire will wear excessively on the edges of the tire than at the center, thus putting a great deal of pressure on the side walls of the tires.

* Driving a car with underinflated tires can result in a tire failure over time, such as tire blowouts, with the possibility of a loss of vehicle control and also crashes.

Tip: Avoid driving when you noticed that your vehicle has seriously underinflated tires. As a quick solution, get a portable air compressor that can draw power from your cigarette plug to bring the pressure up before proceeding with your drive and then make sure you fill your tire to the right pressure at using proper tire pressure air pump.

Over Inflation

While underinflated tires vastly reduce fuel economy, the overinflated tires have its own set of risks. Though it is a somewhat lesser issue (in terms of occurrence but definitely not in terms of safety) as compared to underflated tires but it is a problem nonetheless and should be avoided.

Overinflated tires have the following characteristics:

* They are stiff and thus the areas of contacts with the road are somewhat reduced.

* Overinflated tires are riding on just the centre portion of each tire treads, wearing out the centre portion of the tires faster than the edges, thus shortening the useful lifespan of the tires.

* Being stiff, overinflated tires are therefore more prone to punctures by foreign sharp objects.

* Overinflated tires are more likely to give more bumpy rides with less cushioning compared to tires with correct pressure.

* They offer substantially lesser grip with the road due to smaller footprint on the road and subjected to spinning and skidding when certain thresholds are crossed under certain situations such as cornering at high speed or sudden brakes carried out on wet conditions.

The Correct Tire Pressure and How to keep to it?

Fortunately, running your car around with the correct pressure is relatively easy.

The first question that you have to ask yourself is: What is the correct pressure for my car? The correct pressure for your car's tire usually depends on the load on the tire and is usually provided by the vehicle manufacturer on the user's manual and on the doorjamb (or doorpost), and never what is listed on the tire itself.

The next thing that you have to do to make sure that your tires roll well, is to make sure you check you tires pressures at least once a month, and maintained them at the correct levels. Do note that checking of tire pressure has to be done when your tires are cold, i.e. they are not used for at least 3 hours - 'hot' tire will give an 'inflated' pressure number and showing a misleading result on the tire gauge.

Bottom line:

Make sure that you know the correct tire pressures for your vehicle, and take steps to ensure the consistency and integrity of your tires pressures and lastly, check your tires pressures regularly to make sure that they are at the correct pressure levels to improve fuel efficiency, better and safer handling and increase the longevity of your tires lives which translate into money saved.

More importantly, having the correct tire pressures mean that you can be in better control of your car, lesser chances of experiencing tire blowouts or punctures and therefore preserving your precious life and your love ones. Drive safe.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/382887

Monday, August 1, 2011

How To Wear A Seat Belt Properly



Seat belts save lives... but are you wearing yours the right way? Size up yours for a safe ride.

If your car is damaged in a car accident be sure to bring it in to Corby's Collision in Vacaville! When you do business with us you will not only deal with ourtheir qualified and professional staff but, also with Paul himself. He is an Owner/Operator and likes to be "hands on" with everything that goes in and out of the shop.
707-448-1696