5 Reasons You Need To Get Your Car's AC Checked Before Summer

There is nothing as amazing as the feeling you get taking a casual drive on a hot summer day with your windows rolled down and the music turned up. With all the places to see and the things to do this summer, the last thing you want to do is have your car breaking down on you or simply refusing to start. It is for this very reason that you have to make sure that you get your car checked and necessary repairs made.

One of the most important checks is the auto air conditioner check. It goes without saying that the AC is one of the most important parts of the car especially over the summer when there is nothing but heat and humidity inside and outside the car. This makes getting an auto AC check and repair something that should be at the very top of your priority list.

5 reasons you should get your car's AC checked

1. A good AC will keep you cool in the hot weather

Driving on a hot summer day can be absolute torture if your auto air conditioner is not working. Getting it checked ensures that it is in good enough shape to keep you cool and supplied with fresh air as you enjoy your drive.

2. The AC keeps other parts of the car from overheating and malfunctioning

Some parts of the car are at risk of damage from excess heat and humidity in the car. A good AC system ensures that the cool air in the vehicle also benefits these parts by cooling them and allowing them to function properly.

3. It is more cost effective to find and fix problems early

AC checks allow you to identify potential problems early and to have them fixed as soon as possible. This will save you a lot of money in terms of costs that might be incurred fixing the problem when it gets bigger.

4. It is possible to discover other issues during the checks

Given the position of the AC in the vehicle, a certified technician can come across other problems with other parts while performing the check. This is a major advantage and allows you to fix these problems as soon as they are found.

5. AC checks and repairs prolong the lifespan of the AC itself

Automotive AC repair work is part of the recommended maintenance practices for most of the systems and ensures that you get to enjoy the cool fresh air breeze in the car for as long as possible.

Bottom line

With all these advantages, there is no reason why you shouldn't get you car's AC checked. It is sure to make a difference in your summer and for as long as you have the car.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gary_Ward/2206373

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9364062

KBB.com's 5 Best SUVs Starting Under $25,000

Compact SUVs became the best-selling vehicle category in the country last year, outpacing the mighty midsize car for the first time ever. Compared to their midsize sedan counterparts, compact SUVs offer far greater cargo versatility and a higher driving position, with similar pricing and sensible fuel economy. And all small SUVs are offered with all-wheel drive, increasing their appeal to those who regularly drive on the slippery stuff. Here are the five best SUVs available today for less than $25,000.

Important Guidelines For Auto Collision Repairs

Accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Auto accidents are an unfortunate and unavoidable fact of life. Every day, millions of drivers pass each other on the road. A lot of them are distracted by phone calls, texting, lack of sleep, bad weather and other such factors.

Therefore, car crashes and collisions are unavoidable and inevitable.

Fortunately, most of the car accidents are relatively minor, and lead to few, if any injuries.

Unfortunately, even minor accidents can cause serious damage to the interior and exterior of your car. Areas like doors and fenders are quite susceptible to damage. After such accidents, collision repair is not only important, but is absolutely necessary.

In most cases, it is the insurance provider's job to get the car patched up, and pay for any damages. However, when you've met with an accident, there are some things you need to consider before hiring an auto collision repair service. This will make sure your car is properly dealt with and repaired properly.

Choosing the Collision Repair Shop

It is important to understand that insurance companies refer you to body shops they work with. However, you have the option to choose who repairs your car. It is worth mentioning that most body shops recommended by insurance companies are reputable, and perform high quality repairs. But just like other businesses, there are a few bad eggs. These companies try to cut corners to get the job done cheaper and faster.

Such body shops can entice insurance providers with cheap repair costs. However, this could lead to a shoddy repair, and you may end up spending an extra amount later. Before you agree to get the car fixed from an auto shop, recommended by the insurance company, you should conduct an extensive research on the Internet. It is important to read some reviews and testimonials about the company to make an informed choice.

Always Avoid Aftermarket Auto Parts

When you take the car to an auto shop for collision repair, it is important to inquire about the various replacement parts being used by the shop. Many body shops use new original parts. However, there are also some companies that use aftermarket or used parts.

While used parts are made by the same manufacturer and perform well in your car, aftermarket parts are just cheap imitations. They are inferior quality and cause problems with your car. Such parts can rattle, corrode and diminish the overall value of your car.

Properly Examine Paint Match

One of the most important factors to consider during collision repair is the paint match. There are many instances when you see cars with body panels not matching the exact color of the car. It can be quite difficult to match a newly painted body panel to your car. Sometimes, there may even be an obvious difference in color or shade.

While picking up the car from the auto body shop, you need to ask which panels were painted, and which ones are original. You should step about ten feet away from your car, and try to notice the difference in color. If you see the difference, you may need to ask for some extra paint work for a better match.

Check Warning Lights

After you have met with an accident, you may notice many different warning lights turning on in the dashboard. Some of these include the low coolant light, the airbag light, the check engine light and more. While picking up the finished car from the collision repair shop, you need to make sure that all the problems have been dealt with.

None of the lights should be illuminated. If you see illuminated lights, it indicates that the car's on-board computer needs to be reprogrammed. In fact, some electrical components may also need replacement.

In case you have been involved in a major or minor car accident, you will have to get the vehicle fixed. It is likely that you would need to consider collision repair for your car. Auto repair specialists are able to perform all kinds of damage repairs and bodywork associated with a collision.

Auto repair can include damages to the interior or exterior of the car. It may also include some damage to the structural parts of your vehicle. Therefore, you need to conduct an extensive research to find a good auto body company, and make an informed choice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Frizzell

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9010444

6 Tips to Minimizing the Cost of Car Service Appointments

For most Americans we depend on our vehicles to get us from place to place. Yes, we can walk, take a train, bus or other form of public transportation but for many situations having a vehicle means the ability to get from one place to another. However, that mobility is seriously hindered if our vehicle is in need of repair or if proper maintenance is overlooked. Consequently, it is necessary to plan on frequent car service appointments to ensure that your vehicle is in top working condition.

Of course, it is not always needful to take the car to a shop to be serviced. There are many actions you can take to help maintain your vehicle's reliability. Here are a few to get you started.

· Don't ignore the check engine light. When the light first comes on, it can be easy to overlook it or think you will get to it later. However, whenever this light comes on, it is best to go ahead and see a mechanic. These lights are designed to come when there is a problem. Early discovery can mean spending a little vs. spending a lot.

· Check the tire pressure. Take time on a regular basis to see that your tires have the correct amount of air. Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of air for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Know what the proper air pressure is for your tires and see that they stay at optimum levels in order to get better gas mileage and give you better traction.

· Get the oil changed. Motor oil and car engine technology has advanced so much over the years that, depending on the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturers, it may no longer be necessary to get an oil change every 3,000 miles - the average oil change interval is around 7,800 miles for today's cars. However, just because the time frame is longer, it doesn't mean that you don't need to change the oil! If it is left too long, then it will affect the engine's performance.

· Check the fluid levels. Take time at least once every couple of weeks to check fluids such as transmission, brake fluid, power steering fluid coolant and other fluids are topped off, as doing this will help your vehicle to run at its best.

· Don't drive if the vehicle is overheated. When the engine is overheated, it will affect how it performs. Pull off the road, turn it off, and call for a tow.

· Use the right filters. There are specific filters designed for your car's systems. Use the correct ones, and be sure to change them according to manufacturer's instructions.

Having your car serviced is an important part of extending the life and reliability of your vehicle. If you take the time to see that these and some other, vehicle maintenance steps are taken then you can depend on your vehicle to last for many years. If you have questions about car servicing talk to a local garage. But, whatever you do, don't ignore your vehicle! Being proactive is much better than having to be reactive.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Janet_Slagell/285006

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9347364

The Lowest-Rated Cars in 10 Categories | Consumer Reports

Each year, Consumer Reports reveals its Top Picks, the best-scoring cars. But there's a group of cars at the other end of the spectrum, the Bottom Picks. Here are the cars you'll want to stay away from.

What to Look For in Auto Body Repair Shops

For most drivers, getting their vehicle repaired can often be a stressful time. When many people think of auto repair shops, they often think of scoundrels who will try to milk them for as much money as they can. Fortunately, good and honest auto body repair shops are easy to find. You just have to know what to look for and what questions to ask when researching auto shops.

The following are a number of tips on what to look for in an auto body repair shop:

1. One place to search for information about an auto repair shop is to check online. The internet is a great source of finding the history of an auto repair shop. You can go to such sites as the Better Business Bureau, a consumer report site, and Angie's list, to see if there is a history of complaints. As well, you can also find reviews of auto repair shops written by customers.

2. Before you have a problem with your vehicle, visit a number of auto repair shops to assess the shop. Look for cleanliness, proper lighting that allows mechanics to see small dents and such, and if the mechanics have licenses and certifications. Do you see any special awards? Does the equipment look current and well maintained? As well, you can talk to the employees to assess their professionalism.

3. When you are at an auto shop, look at the vehicles that they have worked on. Are there good paint jobs? Are all the panels aligned correctly? You should talk to the mechanics to find out what they do if you are unhappy with the repair work. Will the mechanic repair a problem they did not fix the first time at no charge? Or, will there be extra fees? How long is the warranty? How long will it take for the repairs to be completed? Ask about their fees and if they get quality parts.

After you have your car returned from repair, make sure you exam it right away to make sure repair was done and look for anything unusual or does not seem right. If you do find something wrong, take it back to the auto repair shop right away. Take the car for a test drive to listen for any unusual sounds or something not working properly. As well, before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle, make sure they know how much you are willing to pay and if they find something else that is wrong, they should call you to tell you and how much it will cost to fix.

There are many honest and professional auto shops out there. The key to finding the best auto repair shop that meets your needs is to do your research, ask the right questions, and always get a price quote before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle. Choosing a good auto body repair shop will save you a lot of headaches and money, and you will have peace of mind knowing you are getting a good repair.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Adriana_Noton/446836

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3321409

2016 Top American Car Picks | Consumer Reports

If you're in the market for a car from Chrysler, Ford or General Motors, look no further. Here's a list of the American cars with high Overall Scores in seven key categories.

Auto Alignments And Repairs

Auto alignments and repairs as performed by a professional auto repair shop will ensure that your tires perform better and last longer. Otherwise referred to as tire alignments, these wheel alignments will also improve handling. Additionally, they keep your vehicle from vibrating strangely and/or pulling in a single direction.

About Tire Alignments

Auto alignments and repairs typically involve adjustments to the car's suspension. This suspension refers to the system that connects your vehicle to its wheels. Although most people assume that tire alignments involve adjusting the tires and wheels, this is not the case. Instead, the automotive repair technician will alter the angles of the wheels so that they make proper contact with the road.

Knowing If You Need an Auto Alignment

There are many ways to tell if your vehicle needs an alignment. In case you notice any of the following indicators, check your car in with a licensed auto alignment and repair service technician immediately:

a) Steering wheel vibration

b) Uneven tread wear

c) When the car pulls either to the right or to the left

d) If you notice that your steering wheel is off-center while you are driving straight

Camber, Caster, and Toe

Qualified auto alignment technicians are typically concerned with 3 main things, the camber, the caster and the toe.

1. Camber

Camber refers to the outward or inward angle of the wheels as viewed from the front of your car. Too much outward or inward tilt indicates improper alignment. If you notice either or both of these on your car, get an auto alignment.

2. Caster

Your vehicle's caster angle balances cornering, stability and steering. Caster is the angle of your car's steering axis as viewed from the side of the vehicle. Should you notice that your steering wheel is tilted towards you or towards the front of the car, get your vehicle aligned.

3. Toe

Toe alignment refers to the extent to which the wheels turn outward or inward from above. Both toe-out and toe-in alignments have to be adjusted.

The Importance of Auto Alignments and Repairs

Improper tire alignment will cause your wheels to wear out prematurely and unevenly. In the same way, your tires will feather, meaning that the tread will be sharp on one side and smooth on the other.
Similarly, tires that are not properly aligned are susceptible to camber wear and toe/heel wear. In both cases, your wheels (as well as your car) will not drive optimally.

In conclusion, you need to talk to an auto alignment and repairs expert. Make sure that the expert is a trained, experienced and licensed auto repair professional.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Gary_Ward/2206373

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9346278

Top Five Most Commonly Replaced Car Parts

Every automobile owner will tell you that maintenance is critical. By taking care of your vehicle, you can dramatically increase its lifespan. There are some car parts that should be at the forefront of your mind during road trips or even your daily commute. Here are five automobile components that need to be replaced frequently.

Spark Plugs

Some manufacturers suggest you change your spark plugs every three years in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Engine idling, engine misfiring, high fuel consumption, engine surging, or a lack or acceleration all indicate that it's time for new spark plugs.

Headlights

In order to see properly and drive safely at night, you need working headlights. As technology changes, owners have seen a decrease in the frequency of replacing the car parts associated with headlights. That is because more manufacturers are using LED technology, which outlasts traditional lamps. Of course, these do cost more, so when the time comes to replace the bulbs, you probably will spend a little more money if you have a newer vehicle.

Tires

Depending on the brand of your tires, you could have to replace them after as little as 30,000 miles of travel. You should regularly check the tread for signs of wear. If you place a penny in between the treads of a tire and can see the head of Abraham Lincoln, then the rubber has worn down too much.

In addition, if you have a newer vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system, you will eventually need to replace this component. Over time, the sensor will wear out. This system offers significant benefits, as it warns drivers when the pressure is too low. Even though the replacement of this system adds to an automobile's maintenance pricetag, many choose to pay the extra price.

Brakes

Stopping your vehicle takes its toll. Brake pads eventually wear down and have to be replaced. In order to avoid incurring additional expenses, you should have your pads replaced at the first sign of wear. This could be a noise or noticing that it takes more pressure or time to come to a complete stop. If you wait too long, not only will you have to replace the pads, but you may also have to replace the rotors underneath.

Batteries

New technology is making it so that your vehicle's battery does not have to be replaced every three years. However, even if you have a five-, seven-, or ten-year battery, you should make sure the battery gets testing during your annual maintenance tune-up. By checking it annually, you can replace the battery before it dies, avoiding the hassle of finding your automobile dead one morning.

There are many different car parts that you will eventually have to replace. However, these five are the most common and will need to be changed more often than other components. If you perform regular maintenance on your automobile, it will last for years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ace_Abbey/851844

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9329600

Consumer Reports 2016 Top Car Picks | Consumer Reports

What does it take to be the best? We calculate which cars have the best Overall Score in categories from subcompact to luxury SUV to find Consumer Reports 2016 Top Picks.