The Importance Of Regular Brake Maintenance and Shocks and Struts Repair

Most drivers are surprised to learn just how quickly brakes wear down. They buy a new car, and before the warranty has even expired, their mechanic is telling them they need new brakes. More often than not, the problem is in the front brakes. Because most of a vehicle's weight shifts to the front when stopping, the front brakes absorb most of the impact. Friction does damage to the stopping system each and every time it is used. The good news is that this damage can be easily and affordably repaired if maintenance is done on a regular basis.

Replace the Pads

The single most common maintenance task is replacing worn-out pads. These steel cushions are attached to the calipers that clamp down on the brake discs and bring the vehicle to a halt. As you might imagine, they experience an awful lot of wear and tear during normal operation. But because they are inexpensive, pads should be replaced as often as needed.

Failure to replace pads can and will damage other parts of your braking system. Most mechanics will recommend replacing them when they wear down to less than 1/8th of an inch. Depending on your driving habits, this can take anywhere from two to five years. Good pads will last about forty thousand miles. When they are replaced on a regular basis, steel pads will protect brake discs, which are far more expensive. Worn-out pads will not provide the protection needed to prevent calipers from cutting deep grooves in discs, grooves that may cause the pedal to pulsate or seize when applied.

Shocks And Struts Repair

It might surprise you to learn that components outside of your braking system can have a dramatic effect on stopping distance. In particular, your shocks and struts are responsible for maintaining an even, steady ride. If your vehicle requires shocks and struts repair, it simply will not be able to stop on a dime. The problem? The excessive swaying and bouncing that commonly occurs when these components go bad can rob your car of at least 10 feet of stopping distance, according to testing.

The good news is that the average shocks and struts repair is a relatively simple, affordable automotive procedure. Even if the parts need to be replaced, the job shouldn't cost you more than a few hundred dollars. That is a small price to pay for improved braking and driving performance. It is important to add that automotive professionals recommend getting these important components checked every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. On average, shocks and struts repair or replacement is needed every 50,000 miles.

In the end, taking proper care of your braking system and the components that affect it saves time and money. It also ensures that your vehicle will be safe to drive for years to come.

When in need of shocks and struts repair, Las Vegas residents go to Tire Works Total Car Care. To learn more, visit http://www.tireworks.co/service-description.htm?id=121338&name=suspension-shocks-and-struts.

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Corby's Collision's History and Sense of Community

"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about Corby's history and sense of community. See more at http://corbysvacaville.com

IIHS Rates Vehicles for LATCH Ease of Use - IIHS News

IHS launches ease-of-use ratings of LATCH hardware in vehicles

ARLINGTON, Va. — Only 3 vehicles of more than 100 evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have child restraint installation hardware that earns a good rating for ease of use, while more than half have hardware that is poor or marginal.

The Institute's new LATCH ratings will serve as a resource for families looking for a vehicle that makes it easy to transport their children safely. They also are intended to encourage vehicle manufacturers to pay attention to this equipment and make improvements.

Are Extended Car Warranties Worth It? | Consumer Reports

Extended car warranties are good for carmakers. But Consumer Reports' survey shows most people never use their extended warranty and those who do spend more on the warranty than they save on repairs.

Happy Customers is Corby's Collision's Top Priority!

"Hands On" Owner / Operator, Paul Troutner, of Corby's Collision in Vacaville,  California discusses happy customers and alignments.

For more information, please visit http://corbysvacaville.com/

Top Tips to Keep Your Car Dent Free!

When you have a car or any other vehicle, dings and dents are inevitable. Visit to auto shops, mechanics, and body shops can be costly and present you with a long receipt that can wipe the green off your pocket too easily. However, with a few tips and tricks, and staying alert, you can keep your vehicle free from dents.

1. Drive Smart

Make sure when you're behind the wheels, you are careful and smart. It is good to assume that other drivers may make a mistake anytime and at any second. Even when you have the right of way, look out for other drivers; they may think it's their right of way and not yours. Therefore, drive smart and stay safe. This can prevent many accidents and mishaps.

2. Park Smart

Whether it's in your garage, or a mall's parking lot, it's important you park your vehicle safely. While parking in the garage, make sure you don't park too much towards either side, and keep the vehicle in the center. Therefore, when you open the door, it won't hit the walls. While for parking lots outside malls, be sure to follow the rules. Park on assigned spaces, else your motor is likely to get a dent or ding from trolleys or other car doors. There's a reason why they have signs that say "park at your own risk".

3. Don't Test Your Car

There are times when you may feel too excited and want to check how far and how fast you can drive your car. Even though this may sound exciting, but at the end, the only thing left will be a huge bill for body repairs. Driving your car at top speed for a long time can damage the engine and other parts, and you are likely to get a dent or two for sure.

4. Drive Safe

Speed limits, speed signs, and other signs are there for the safety of drivers. It is wise to follow them to prevent accidents or hazardous situations. Especially during the night and on highways, you need to drive safe and stay alert. Also, don't drink and drive - this will not only cause you a penalty, but also can wreck your car and cause fatal injuries.

These tips only talk common sense. They are a reminder for new drivers and old, to drive safe and protect your car from dings, dents and accidents.

In case you may encounter a door dent, you can always get a quick paint less dent removal. Usually this technique requires 20 to 30 minutes to repair dents. Paint less dent removal is great as it saves you a fortune. Many companies provide PDR services that include door dent removal and paint less door dent repair. Find the best one that gives you the best service, because your vehicle is a precious investment. For more information related Paintless dent removal call us at (951) 318-1818

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5 Tips for Family Road Trips by Cars.com

Cars.com Expert Mom, Jennifer Newman, shares her top tips for families before hitting the road! Are you sure you didn't forget anything? Make sure that you get a maintenance check, set a playlist for everyone to enjoy, play classic and innovative road games, pack lots of snacks and build in extra time for rest stops and playing outside of the car.

Professional Brake Service - When's The Last Time You Thought About It?

Brake service and repair is crucial for the safety of you and your family. This safety system is for all practical purposes the most important item on your vehicle. Without a properly maintained stopping system, you are betting on whether you will be able to stop quickly in an emergency situation. To avoid putting yourself in this situation, let's look at the components of a braking system.

Parts

In a vehicle stopping system, your main components are the drum or disc brakes as well as the lines, pedal, master cylinder (booster), calipers and combo valve, fluid (typically an oil type), and rotor.

How It Works

When you press on the pedal to stop, your car transfers this force to the system through a fluid. Since your car needs more force than you can apply with your leg, the vehicle must amplify your force. It does this in two ways: mechanical advantage and force multiplication. This means that when you press on the pedal, the force you apply is multiplied by as much as a factor of 36. That means if you apply a force of 10 pounds of stopping pressure, you will have a force of 360 pounds of stopping power.

How It Can Fail

There are two major ways this system can fail. One method occurs when the car is low on fluid, and the other is when there is air in the lines. Low fluid means you have a leak. If it's a slow leak, the pedal may feel "mushy" and less effective. If you have a tear in your lines, then the first time you press the pedal, all the fluid squirts out, and you have catastrophic brake failure. Air in the lines means you just need to have your lines bled, which is just as bad as having low fluid.

Worn Out Pads or Shoes

Most vehicles have disc brakes in the front and drum style in the rear. This type of system uses what are called pads and shoes. Pads are used in the front and shoes in the rear. Both of these items use a semi-rough exterior that presses against the rotor to bring the vehicle to a stop when you press the pedal.

Here are two ways you will be able to tell if you need to have a professional brake service performed.

Shrill Screeching Sound

When you come to a stop, do you have a harsh squealing or grinding noise coming from underneath your vehicle? That noise is coming from your completely worn out shoes or pads. If these worn pads become wet, you will in all probability not come to a stop if you need to and may be seriously injured.

Mushiness or Soft Feel to the Pedal

Worn pads or shoes, air in the lines, and low fluid will all give your pedal a mushy or soft feeling when you slow down or stop. This soft pedal means you need to have your system inspected as quickly as possible.

Check with your brake service professional today if you have any of the preceding problems.

When seeking brake service, Livonia, MI residents can learn more by visiting http://www.quicklanelivonia.com/services/brake-repair/.

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Turn to Your Local Auto Body Shop for One-Stop Service and Repairs After a Car Accident

Having a collision or fender-bender is a traumatic experience, but getting your car back in good driving condition doesn't have to be if you find the right auto body repair shop to work on your vehicle. Look for one that offers a range of services so that you can get everything--from scratched paint to a broken windshield--dealt with in the same place.

In a best-case scenario, both you and your car would be able to walk away from an accident without a scratch. However, even in the most minor of collisions, it's possible for some damage to occur. If you've been involved in a collision and notice that there is damage to the car or to the way it drives, take it to an auto body and repair shop as soon as possible. The experts there will be able to fix any dents, scratches, or other exterior issues, and make sure nothing else is wrong with the frame or structure of the car. A professional body shop will be able to address all of these problems from under the same roof. This means that you don't have to coordinate getting your car all over the city, and you'll know that your vehicle is getting expert, comprehensive care.

A body shop professional will have seen all manner of collision-related dents, scratches, and cracks in his or her time. Using the latest tools and technology, your repair expert will be able to evaluate the extent of the damage, perform the necessary repairs, and get your car back to you as quickly as possible. Paintless dent repair is one of the most exciting innovations in the auto body industry and can be a major aid if you have an unsightly dent post-collision. This technique involves fixing the dent from inside the body panel of the car, so the technicians never even touch the paint on the outside. This new dent repair method eliminates the previously necessary step of repainting the dented area, meaning that it takes less time and costs you less money to have the work done. Most body repair shops will also be able to handle other issues, such as auto glass replacement, bumper repair, and paint touch-ups. No matter what you need to have done, professional auto body shops will be able to do the job quickly and efficiently, and you won't have to worry about going to five different locations to get your car back in tip-top shape.

While car body repair shops provide expert service for exterior issues, they can also handle larger collision repair tasks as well. For example, your car's frame is designed to react in a specific way if it experiences an impact so that you, and anyone else inside the vehicle, are protected as much as possible. Once that frame changes shape, though, the car is often not drivable, and, even if it is, the frame is in no shape to protect anyone in the event of a future accident. The same professionals who can fix any dents or scratches caused by a collision, though, will also be able to straighten out your car's frame if necessary. Using specialized machinery, these experts will realign the frame of your car, making it both roadworthy and compliant with current safety standards. Whether you need a frame realignment, or you need to have some part of your car's body totally replaced after an accident, your auto body repairer will be able to handle the repair or auto glass replacement, and any accompanying work that may be involved. Your car will come out of the repair process looking great, driving well, and running safely, and the only thing you will have had to do is drop it off!

Regardless of scale, car accidents or collisions are sure to leave you shaken. When you're in such a state, the last thing you want to deal with is figuring out how to coordinate any necessary car repairs. Body shops that offer comprehensive auto body repair services take that worry off your mind. They are your one-stop-shop for all of your post-collision auto body needs--let them worry about the repairs so that you can get on with the rest of your life.

Regardless of scale, car accidents or collisions are sure to leave you shaken. When you're in such a state, the last thing you want to deal with is figuring out how to coordinate any necessary car repairs. Body shops that offer comprehensive auto body repair services take that worry off your mind. They are your one-stop-shop for all of your post-collision auto body needs--let them worry about the repairs so that you can get on with the rest of your life. Rebecca Paul is an amateur mechanic and an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, a leader in local online advertising for small businesses.

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The ABC's of Car Service

When you buy a car, it's a given that it will need service at some point. That said, those who take care of their vehicle can extend its life and avoid service for many years. For new car owners, it's helpful to know what proper care looks like, and for experienced owners, it's nice to have a refresher about the ABC's of car care.

A - Always Follow a Preventative Maintenance Plan

One of the most important parts of vehicle maintenance is following its manufacturer's recommended maintenance plan. The core component of that plan is regular oil changes, but drivers have more to do than that. In addition to oil changes, drivers should change the fuel filter, check the battery and keep the terminals clean, change automatic transmission fluid and filters, and occasionally change out the spark plugs. The car's manual comes with a suggested schedule for all the preventative maintenance that it needs, so it's a good idea to become familiar with it.

B - Be Sure to Take it to a Professional When You Suspect a Problem

Drivers can save themselves a lot of money by taking their vehicles to a professional when they suspect something might be wrong rather than putting it off because they don't want to spend the money. Putting off repairs often makes things worse, as wear and tear can exacerbate the problem, which leads to higher repair costs. Whether it's a weird sound or a component that stops working suddenly, take it to a repair shop and have it checked.

C - Correct Problems to Avoid Potential Safety Hazards

After drivers go to a repair shop for service, they should fix the problems. Sometimes that's easier said than done as money is usually the only reason people choose not to complete the service. However, the risk of putting off repairs could result in higher costs and potential safety hazards. Not only do they risk breaking down away from home, but they also risk more detrimental damage that could ultimately put the vehicle out of commission.

D - Don't Ignore Your Tires

With all the talk of engine care, another component that needs attention is the tires. Keeping them properly balanced, filled with air, and rotated can extend their lifetime. When the tires are in good shape, they help improve the vehicle's mileage. The owner's manual should include recommendations on how often to rotate and balance the tires. In general, drivers should rotate them every other oil change and balance them every 3,000-6,000 miles to keep wear evenly spread throughout the tread. It also helps if drivers check the air in the tires each time they fill up with gas, and refill as necessary.

Before you buy a new vehicle, you should understand the essentials of taking care of the car. Keeping the ABC's of car care in mind can help you make the best maintenance decisions for your vehicle, which will help keep it on the road longer. Always check the owner's manual for recommended schedules, and stick to them when possible. Even when money is tight, making your vehicle a priority will extend its life and performance throughout the years.

When considering car service, Belleville, MI residents visit Atchinson Ford. Learn more about them at http://atchinson.net/Service.aspx.

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