Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Periodic AC Service And Auto Repair Keeps Automobiles Running Longer


For everyone who has a car, they know the importance of maintaining it and keeping it up. They are a few things that should be done periodically to help keep your automobile running longer. This mechanic knows the importance of up keeping your car is. There are a few things that you should up keep to keep it running smooth.

First thing, one that everyone thinks of, is oil change, air filter changes, and tune ups. They know that those are needed to keep your car running smooth. Those are really the easy ones to remember. These things keep your car running good and help to keep everything how it is supposed to be. Oil Changes should be done every 3 months or every 3000 miles, whichever comes first. The air filter should be changed every other oil change. And the tune up should be done every 15000 miles or so. Doing these things keeps the life of your car longer.

Another service that should be done to keep your car up to par is AC service. No one would think that the AC and heating is just as important to up keep as other parts of your car. If the heating and cooling of your car is not working properly, it could also mean the engine of your car is running hot. The entire cooling system is dependent on certain parts working right and in unison. The mechanics can pinpoint exactly what is wrong, and help fix the problem.

Next on the list, is steering alignment and tires. Having your tires inspected is probably one of the most important things you can do. The only thing between you and the road is your tires. Bad tires can cause accidents. Checking the condition of your tires and the steering and stability systems is important in helping to prevent an accident. Getting these checked periodically and especially before a road trip, can help maintain safety. Also checking your tires and making sure they have the right amount of air can help cut down your gas usage as well.

In other words, getting your car checked periodically or when recommended can help maintain the running of your car. It can also catch when things are not running right, sooner rather than when a part goes bad. It helps keep your car safely running and can help cut down the cost of major repairs in the future.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7355294

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Auto Headlight Restoration - A Neglected Prospect


A brand new car mostly provides all the features and services that the manufacturers guarantee. However, as time passes, people start noticing a little deterioration and variations in its features. One such automobile feature that requires utmost attention, but is mostly ignored, is the vehicle's headlights. While the headlights of a car may lose their luminosity after a certain period of time, they may also get scratchy and stained. In such a scenario, auto headlight restoration is a service that cannot be ignored at all.

Polycarbonate, an important element of auto headlights, is generally known for its tough characteristics. Nonetheless, this porous substance is prone to develop different defects after some years of usage. This is where a usual headlight restoration service plays a significant role. It is the utmost responsibility of automobile owners to repair their car's headlights without worsening their condition. With such restoration services, they can save hefty amounts spent in headlight replacement.

Better Appearance

While dull and defective headlights affect attractive looks of your car, they also make your journey a risky experience. No matter how sparkling and greatly polished your car is, dim and foggy headlights can truly make it look unappealing and dull. With auto headlight restoration, you car's headlights get their bright and radiant looks back. Your car gets back its aesthetic appeal which was lost due to yellow and murky headlights. It also implies that such services have potential to increase the resale or trade value of your car in the time to come.

Enhanced Safety

A headlight restoration service is important for various reasons. It does not only improve the appearance of dull, foggy, and hazed headlights, but also protects passengers from several safety hazards. A majority of people do not realize that a dim or disoriented headlight affects the working of its plastic lens which reduces the extent of light that can radiate. It mostly results in poor vision during foggy weather, rain, or at night. With restored headlights, they are able to enjoy the journey and reach their destination safely.

There are various factors that affect the functionality and appearance of a car's headlights. Apart from the ultraviolet rays, the exhausts from a vehicle and other rough chemicals often lead to scratches, haziness, and staining of headlights. Auto headlight restoration is imperative because broken bulbs definitely need to be replaced. Furthermore, it incorporates an added safety feature to your car and protects you from becoming the reason of an accident.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7447102

Monday, January 21, 2013

What Is Collision Insurance and Do You Need It?


Why buy auto collision insurance? If you get in an accident and it is the other driver's fault, you can just sue or get the money from the other insurance company, right? Well, that may be true, but what if they have no insurance or what if the accident is your fault? You may be the most careful driver in the world, but it is still conceivable that you could cause an accident. If that happens, you will not be able to collect any money from the other driver's insurance company to pay for the damage. This is when collision insurance is needed.

Auto collision insurance is one of the most misunderstood insurance types; many people cannot explain it or know what it does and doesn't cover. Basic collision insurance covers your vehicle's repairs if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle. It does not cover accidents involving structures such as walls, telephone poles, or a house. It also does not cover accidents involving animals. It is also not required by law.

There are a few reasons to get auto collision insurance. The first reason, as detailed above, offers an extra layer of protection if you cause an accident or if the other driver has no insurance. Drivers who own a car that is completely paid off and still has a decent value, may want collision insurance in order to have the complete cost of their car covered in case of major damage. If you finance a car, the lender will usually require you to carry collision insurance to ensure that the cost of the car is covered in case the automobile is totaled in an accident.

There are also a few reasons not to purchase collision as part of your insurance coverage. If you have enough money in the bank to cover any major repairs or the full cost of the vehicle, it might be wise to just keep your own funds as insurance instead of paying them out to an insurance company just in case you get in an accident. However, if you don't have the extra funds, this is not a wise decision. The other reason not to purchase collision coverage is if you have an old car that is not worth very much. Collision coverage is often the most expensive portion of the premium and getting this type of coverage for an old car without much value is not a wise financial decision.

Auto collision coverage is basically a promise made by the insurance company to pay a specific amount of money in case of an accident. The ceiling for that amount of money is the book value of your vehicle minus the deductible. This ceiling decreases every year as your car depreciates. The best way to decide if you need collision coverage or how much your deductible should be, is know what you can afford and take that risk with your own funds, but get insurance coverage for what you cannot afford. Once you take the time to understand what collision insurance is, it is a fairly simple decision to make.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7438994

Friday, January 18, 2013

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Safe Driving Is Your Responsibility - Accident Avoidance Tips


Drivers today are very distracted. Facebook, Twitter, email - there are so many things to keep you distracted while driving. But if you are doing any of these while driving you are not practicing safe driving habits and it can cost you.
You don't need to take an accident avoidance training course to understand that those things can wait. It is not worth losing your life or causing a wreck that kills someone else so you can "Like" your friend's new status update.
The same thing with texting while driving. It is dangerous and can cost you your life, especially when you are going 70 miles per hour on the highway. It doesn't take much to lose control of the vehicle and cause a multi car wreck.
Then you can be facing a lawsuit for causing personal injuries to the other driver and passengers. Their lawyers will have a strong case because they can subpoena your phone records and see that you were texting right before the accident. That is a case you will lose and it can cost you.
You can practice safe driving by pulling over to the side of the road and send your messages if you must. Or wait until you get to your destination to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter. Nothing is worth losing your life or causing someone else to lose theirs over your recklessness.
Believe it or not, you can live without Facebook.
Another accident avoidance tip is to keep your eyes on the road and looking ahead at traffic and what's coming up. By keeping your eyes on the road and away from the radio, phone or your comb, you can anticipate an oncoming car turning or be able to step on the brakes if the car in front of needs to brake.
The next accident avoidance tip is to keep your hands on the wheel. Driving with your knees or any other body part is foolish. You need at least one hand on the wheel at all times. You never know when a stray dog will run out in front of you or you have to swerve to avoid a car merging into your lane incorrectly.
Double check your blind spots to make sure it is ok to chance lanes is another crash avoidance tip to remember. After you check your mirrors, do a quick head check to make sure no one is in the lane you want to get into. Many sideswipe accidents occur when drivers rely on just their mirrors to make sure there is no vehicle there.
One last safe driving tip is to sign up for a defensive driving course. Not only will you get a refresher on accident avoidance tips but you can also save money on your auto insurance.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6599281

Saturday, January 12, 2013

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

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

5 Benefits of Wheel Alignments - Why to Get Your Wheels Aligned Regularly


Regular wheel alignments are an important part of conscientious car maintenance. Unfortunately, many car owners fail to understand the importance of good wheel alignment, and therefore don't have their alignment checked often enough.

Here are five reasons why getting regular wheel alignments is good for your car, your bank account, and your peace of mind.

1: Better gas mileage. When your wheels are aligned properly, it cuts down on rolling resistance, which means that you car doesn't have to work as hard or burn as much fuel in order to move forward. This is good news for everyone: Not only do you spend less money on gas, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing your car is responsible for less pollution.

2: More mileage out of your tires. Even the slightest problem with your alignment can have disastrous effects on your tires. If your tires have too much or too little toe-in (the degree at which they point in toward each other at the front, like a person who stands pigeon-toed), a narrow strip on each tire will wear down very quickly, causing you to have to get new tires sooner. By getting regular wheel alignments, you ensure that your tires wear evenly, making them last as long as possible.

3: Tire warranties still apply. The problem with your tires wearing from poor wheel alignment is that it usually voids your warranty on the tires. Most warranties only apply to the quality of the goods. In other words, if the tires wear out too soon because of something other than poor quality, then the manufacturer is not responsible. Failing to get wheel alignments often enough is considered to be negligence on the part of the car's owner, and usually means that the warranty is voided.

4: Less wear and tear on other parts. Having the wheels out of alignment can be stressful on the rest of the car, too. It means that you continually need to put pressure on the steering system in order to keep the car straight, and when you brake you often feel the car pull even more sharply, indicating that the brakes are needing to work harder on one side than the other.

5: Easier to drive. One of the biggest advantages of having your wheels aligned properly is that your car is easier to drive. No annoying pull to one side or the other. It's much easier and more pleasant to drive a car that has had regular wheel alignments.

As you can see, there are many reasons why a car owner should be sure to get regular wheel alignments. Not only does having your wheels aligned properly save you money on gas, tires, and other potential repairs, but it also gives you better peace of mind to know that your car is being cared for properly.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1020505

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Cold Weather Care Tips For Your Windshield


When people prepare their vehicle for winter driving, they probably worry about servicing their engine or tires. One important area that is often overlooked is the windshield. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your auto glass in good condition and avoid a windshield repair or replacement. Here are some simple tips that you can follow this winter to prevent damage to your windshield and keep your auto glass in top working order.
Use an ice scraper to remove ice from your windshield and glass. If you find yourself without an ice scraper, you may consider using a spatula or some item you find in your car to remove the ice. This can cause scratches on the glass. A plastic scraper is very affordable and can be found in most stores you visit. Pick one or two up the next time you are out so that you do not get stuck without the proper equipment you need when your windshield is iced over.
Never pour hot water on your windshield. If you walk out and notice that your windshield is icy, you may consider pouring a large cup of hot water on the glass to melt the ice. This is actually a very bad idea. Large temperature changes can cause the glass to crack. It is best to turn on the car defroster and let the glass slowly warm up. The ice will melt away safely without damage to the glass.
Routinely replace worn out or old wiper blades. Over time, the rubber on your wiper blades begins to break down. As a result, the metal or plastic on the blades can scratch the glass, causing damage to your windshield. Replacement blades are very inexpensive and can save you money in glass repairs. You should replace wiper blades about every six months or more often if you notice the rubber is cracked or worn.
Spray on a de-icer. There are a number of sprays on the market that are designed to melt away ice on contact. In some cases, you may not even need a scraper.
Refill the windshield washer fluid. There are washer fluids available that are enhanced with an ice-melting component that is perfect for cold winter months. Do not fill with water, as it will freeze.
Park your vehicle in a garage or under a shelter. If possible, park your vehicle in an area where it will be insulated from the harsh environment. This will not only protect it from ice, but from falling limbs or other hazards this time of year.
Repair all cracked or chipped glass. Even if you have been driving around for months with a chip in your glass, the cold weather can cause that chip to spread quickly into a crack. It is much more affordable to have chips repaired before they spread. In fact, many insurance companies will pay the full price for a repair. Once the chip spreads into a large crack, the windshield will need to be replaced.
As you prepare for winter travel, do not neglect your windshield. It is an essential safety feature of your vehicle and should be given the attention it requires. With a little care and maintenance, your windshield should remain in good condition all season.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6838797