Friday, September 30, 2011

Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain


When the road is wet everything changes. You can't see. You need more response time. The rules you drive by have to change. If you try to drive the same way you do when it is dry and sunny, you put yourself at risk for accidents. There are thousands of serious car accidents every year that are the result of unsafe driving in the rain. When it's raining it isn't necessary to stay home - a few changes to the way you drive when it's raining will ensure your safety so you don't have to worry.

First, slow down. There are many benefits to slowing down in the rain. Slowing down gives you more time to react to a perilous situation and decreases the seriousness should you have an accident. It is hard to see when it is raining. Water on your windshield combined with the lights of other vehicles may be confusing. A little extra time to access what you are seeing can be the difference between a serious accident and safety. Keeping a safe distance between your car and the cars around you is another way to give yourself more time to react. Slow down so that you are not following the car in front of you too closely. And pay attention to the cars behind you as well.

Second, stay away from extra water. Driving through puddles or around large trucks and buses puts even more water on your windshield. The more water blocking your view, the more danger you are in. Try not to get too close to trucks or buses that are kicking up the water off the road. If you must pass them, try to do it quickly and watch the lines on the road rather than the water being sprayed up. Splashing through puddles not only decreases your visibility but can also cause mechanical problems. The worst that could happen is that water is taken in through the engine's air intake and destroys the engine.

Make sure your vehicle is in the proper shape to handle the rain. Regularly replace wiper blades so you have maximum visibility. Headlights should be in working order so that you can see, and others can see you. Understand what your vehicle can handle. Don't drive through a deep puddle unless you know that it will not affect the mechanical aspects of your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to make sure that the water stays beneath the doors of your vehicle.

Follow the above advice and you will most likely avoid accidents when driving in the rain.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4958555

Monday, September 26, 2011

Friday, September 23, 2011

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tips For Saving Fuel



Cars.com's Patrick Olsen gives some tips for how to save fuel.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Around The Corner (1937) How Differential Steering Works



How the automobile differential allows a vehicle to turn a corner while keeping the wheels from skidding.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Auto Body Repair


Auto body repair is a very common practice with cars, but can also be a very complicated process. Accidents usually cause a lot of damage that you can see on a car, but can also cause damage to the body of your car that you don't notice. This is why you should go to a professional body shop for any type of body damage that is done to your car. Auto body repair is also very affordable because shops can usually use smart and economical methods of fixing the body of your car without breaking the bank. The automotive industry of repair and body work is ever evolving and many new methods of fixing a car is discovered every day.

The first step of auto body repair is a consultation. This is where you go into a body shop and have damaged assessed. You will get a free estimate as to how much it will cost to repair your car, and this will be the first step of scheduling the repair work to be done. Body shops work closely with all insurance companies so that you do not have to directly deal with your insurance company or someone else's for that matter.

Once the repair work has begun, it is not uncommon to discover new problems with a car. If this happens, your auto body shop will contact you on the new problem, and give you a price on fixing it. They will then talk to the insurance company for you and explain more money is required to fix the automobile. There is no need to worry in the case of using your insurance on any repairs because many body shops have already established relationships with insurance inspectors.

The last step of auto body repair is the paint phase. The paint of the car can really affect the overall appearance of any repair work that has been done if it is not performed by a professional. If you just need a small amount of paint work done, your body shop can blend the area with the rest of your paint, saving you money during the process. If the entire car needs to be painted, they will do this for you, and will also give you some sort of guarantee on the paint life so you don't have to worry about imperfections later down the road. Auto body repair is not as mechanically technical as engine repair work, but it is just as important with the safety and usability of a car.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6165515

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

Friday, September 9, 2011

Worst Cars of All Time - Forbes and Time Magazine



Driving Television (driving.ca) in November 2009 produced this "Worst Cars of All Time" based on recent Forbes and Time Magazine lists. Ford Bronco II, Delta 88 Diesel, Ford Pinto, Cadilac Cimeron, AMC Pacer

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Fastest Cars In History



Shows each car to hold the record for "Fastest Road Legal Production Car"

MUSIC: Moon Over the Castle, Gran Turismo 4 opening sequence.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Common Questions Drivers Ask About Their Car's Air Conditioner


During the colder months, your vehicle's A/C takes a low priority. When the weather becomes warmer, problems in the system can make driving a miserable experience. Moreover, issues that are left unresolved tend to worsen and promise larger repair bills down the road.

Your car's air conditioning system consists of several parts and hoses. Like all auto parts, these components suffer wear and tear; they can fail with time and use. Despite the A/C's importance to your driving comfort, few motorists understand how it works or the problems that can occur. In this article, I'll address several of the most common questions people ask about their vehicle's A/C.

"Does The System Need To Be Recharged?"

Many drivers immediately think problems with their car's air conditioner are related to a low level of freon (or R134 refrigerant) within the system. In reality, that is rarely the root cause - but, it can be a symptom of another issue.

The refrigerant in your vehicle should not leak. If it does, the leak must be identified and fixed to prevent similar problems in the future. If the root cause of the leakage is not resolved, recharging your A/C will only be a temporary solution; the newly-added refrigerant will leak again.

If the freon is low, have it replenished. But, realize that a leak likely exists in the system and needs to be repaired.

"What Is Wrong With My Car's Air Conditioner?"

This question exposes an important point about diagnosing and fixing problems with the A/C. The symptoms you experience will help your mechanic narrow down the culprit. For example, if the volume of air coming from the vents is lower than normal, that suggests a blockage somewhere within the duct system. On the other hand, if the air coming from your vents is warm, that suggests a leak, a malfunctioning compressor, or another parts-related failure.

Your mechanic is going to ask you to describe what you are experiencing when you run your car's air conditioner. Be prepared with a detailed answer. That will help him find and fix the issue.

"What Happens If I Don't Repair The System?"

If you neglect to have problems repaired, you can expect the system to fail in the future. Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the greater likelihood your repair bill will be higher. Small issues are relatively easy and inexpensive to fix. When those issues cause a failure, addressing them becomes far more costly.

"What Can Go Wrong With My Car's Air Conditioner?"

There are a limited number of factors that can cause your A/C to have trouble cooling your vehicle's cabin. Refrigerant leaks can starve your compressor of oil. That may eventually cause the component to malfunction. Dirt and debris can also lead to problems. Not only will they cause the refrigerant to break down, but they can also affect the expansion valve and compressor.

A blockage within the system can starve the moving parts of lubrication, causing heat and pressure to rise. That leads to deterioration of the hoses, bearings, and other components. Eventually, it can cause a system failure (similar to an overheated engine).

You'll notice that all of the factors described above gradually contribute to a systemic failure. That's the reason you should have a mechanic repair any problems quickly.

Chances are, you rarely think about your vehicle's air conditioner until it shows signs of trouble. The key to reducing your repair bill is to avoid letting problems persist. If the issue is related to a leak, it costs very little to recharge the refrigerant and replace a ruptured hose. If that leak eventually causes the entire A/C system to fail, you can expect to pay much more to have it fixed.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3603895