Sunday, May 29, 2016

Maintain Your Vehicle's Tire


It is important to know how to maintain your vehicle tires accordingly. Proper tire maintenance will not only extend its life span, but also ensure safety to all users.

Here are some tips and tricks on how to ensure your tire maintained well.

Checking the tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge at least every month or more often when it's cold outside. On average, tires lose around 1 psi (pound per square inch) every month and 1 psi every time the temperature drops 10 degrees F. It is important to maintain proper tire pressure.

Fill up under inflated tires to their recommended psi rating. You can typically find the recommended psi for your tires on your car's vehicle information sheet attached to the panel of the driver's side door or on the tires themselves. You can use the public air compressor at any gas station for a nominal fee or you can also fill up your tire with nitrogen for a better performance.

Make sure to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotating tires ensure that they wear evenly and prolong the life of your tires. When you don't rotate your tires, you run the risk of having one tire that wears more significantly than the others and that has to be replaced sooner.

Inspect the tread on your tires for wear regularly. If you become familiar with what your tread looks like, it will be that much easier for you to identify when the tread is worn down. When you can see the tread bars that run across the tires, it's time to have your tires replaced.

Regularly check the depth of the tread with a penny. Hold the body of Lincoln on the penny and insert his head into the tread groove. If the head is hidden by part of the groove, the tread is within acceptable legal limits.

Try to listen to your car for irregular noises, particularly at speeds in excess of 50 mph. If your car is making noises when in motion, it could be a sign of irregular wear or other problems with your tires. Have a professional check this problem.

Also, make sure to choose the appropriate tire type for your need and do not over inflate within the recommended or maximum PSI. In purchasing a set of new tires, It would be a good practice to check the manufactured date. The manufactured date could be seen on the tire wall. It's usually a four numeric number; example is "1525" 15 is the year 2015 and 25 is the 25th week of that year.

We hope that this article would be helpful to all car owners and enthusiast.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jim_Kart/2287065

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9412746

Thursday, May 26, 2016

A Range of Ratings for American Muscle Cars - IIHS News



American muscle cars show range of performance in IIHS crash tests

RUCKERSVILLE, Va. — Think “muscle car” performance, and images of speed and power are more likely to come to mind than crash tests and safety ratings. Because no one buys a sports car to drive in the slow lane, the best all-around occupant crash protection is crucial. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently put a trio of iconic sports coupes through their paces, and unlike more sedate sedans, none earns the scores needed to clinch a TOP SAFETY PICK award.

Monday, May 23, 2016

Friday, May 20, 2016

Consumer Reports 2016 Tire Top Picks | Consumer Reports



At Consumer Reports we evaluate tires for braking performance, handling, wear, ride comfort and noise. See which tires came out on top in categories from all-season to truck and SUV tires.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Accident Repair: Things To Do Before Taking The Car To A Body Shop



People from different parts of the world, drive some vehicle or the other. No matter you drive a two-wheeler or a four-wheeler; you can always meet with road accidents. The number of cars on the road is increasing each day. This is a reason why so many accidents occur today. If your car meets with an accident (on the road), you need to look for a trustworthy auto repair shop.

When it comes to accident repair, looking for a nice auto repair shop is necessary. But, if you want to find a reliable professional, you must take certain things into consideration.

Client testimonials or referrals

Ask your friends, relatives or neighbours to see if they have suggestions. The referral system comes pretty handy while looking for reliable bodywork mechanic. Reputed body shops always offer a quality service to service their clients. So, client referrals and recommendations are extremely beneficial for finding a quality professional. If your friend or relative feels intent with a body shop, then you can certainly rely on its service quality.

You can also check a company's customer feedbacks. This will certainly give you a good idea about the company's credentials. You can check the company reputation on Google Places. If you find any complaints or negative feedbacks, always verify them with the business bureaus. Rival companies may always post negative feedbacks about a company to damage their credentials. So, you should always checks the feedbacks with the business bureaus.

Get in touch with your insurance company

Speak to your insurance company before choosing an auto repair shop. Even though many insurance companies have a list of suppliers, you do not have any obligation to take your car to these body shops. Before picking an auto garage, always make sure that they offer warranty on all their services.

Checking the body shop environment

Check whether the body shop is environment friendly or not. All reputed garages have a good working environment. So, checking the environment will certainly help you judge the body shop's credentials. Paint booths must include exhaust devices to hold the paint particles and apply them correctly.

Body shops and their services

No matter if you need a minor collision repair or a major structural spoilage, you should always look for a body shop specializing in different services. Always check their skills before offering them the contract.

Evaluating the infrastructural facilities

Make sure that the garage has proper licences and certifications. Certified garages always have access to the best mechanics and tools. So, they always come up with a quality accident repair service.

Meeting with a road accident is immensely stressful. But, a trustworthy crash repair mechanic will certainly offer with a relaxed and stress-free feeling.


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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8077060

Saturday, May 14, 2016

Don't Waste Your Money: The Car Repair You Really Need Now


Many drivers fail to schedule regular maintenance appointments for their vehicles, which can lead to more costly car repair in the future. And what's worse, under-maintained cars could put you, your family, and other drivers at risk. So, stay smart and safe by asking yourself the following questions.

Is Your Automobile New or Used?

Not all cars are created equal. The regularity with which you should schedule service appointments depends on your vehicle's year. Newer models often have modern systems that require less maintenance. In recently manufactured models, for example, coolants last longer, engines are more self-regulating, and you can often go much longer between oil changes. Check the user's manual for your vehicle's exact requirements-you might be pleasantly surprised.

Newer automobiles also have computerized systems with advanced sensors that notify you sooner when there's a problem. But beware-failing to get regular maintenance can void your warranty, so be sure to check your manual, and keep the receipts from all car repairs or maintenance appointments.

To keep an older model running longer, schedule more consistent oil changes. High mileage can also cause more frequent wear and tear on crucial parts like spark plugs, timing belts, and shocks. If you have time during oil changes, ask your mechanic to check these components. Failing to check these mechanisms and address any issues could cause a breakdown and cost you more.

What's Your Environment?

Every type of weather will put some stress on a vehicle. Winter weather is famously destructive. Your mechanic can help you prepare for ice and snow with coolant, fuel de-icer, and a heater and defroster check. Batteries can choke in the extreme cold, so ask if yours is in good shape.

Hot, dusty summers can be rough on the air filter, and this heat can cause the belts and hoses in the engine to crack. Make sure your coolants are full, too.

Meanwhile, wet, humid weather can increase corrosion, so be sure to clean the area around your battery, and ask your mechanic about any rust on the undercarriage. You also might need new windshield wipers-you don't want to get caught in a downpour without them!

What Are Your Driving Habits?

Even if you only drive once a week to the grocery, it isn't necessarily true that you'll need less service or car repair appointments. Engines actually need to be consistently used to stay in shape.

Stuck in traffic a lot? Stop-and-go driving can put stress on your brakes and lead to engine deposits that clog combustion. Although it means more miles, longer spurts of driving can be better for vehicles. But if you make a lot of long trips, especially with more weight, your oil needs to be changed more often to prevent overheating.

Do You Know How to Read Your Vehicle?

Ultimately, preventative care is your responsibility. Don't wait for a rattling wheel or red light on the dashboard. Take your vehicle in for a checkup before these problems escalate. Some problems, like those dealing with the brakes, steering, and shocks, can become dangerous and much more expensive if ignored for too long. With the right preventative car repair, you can extend the lifespan of your vehicle.


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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9406313

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

2016 Subcompact SUV Comparison Test - Kelley Blue Book



For Kelley Blue Book's first official subcompact SUV comparison test we stuck with a familiar destination. Every year we head to the greater Phoenix area for some Cactus League spring training baseball, a 700-mile roundtrip that's typically our longest comparison test of the year.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

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

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Do You Know What to Do After an Auto Accident?

 
Being involved in an auto collision can be a stressful event. Even a minor accident can be annoying and costly. If you are involved in an accident, the first thing to do is make sure no one is injured. If no is hurt or there are only minor injuries, the next thing to do is make sure all vehicles are moved out of the line of traffic. But, do you know the next steps to take to ensure you maximize your options and protect yourself financially?
  1. If anyone is injured, you should call 911 immediately. Don't play doctor, unless you really are a doctor. Provide comfort and support to help prevent someone from going in to shock, and don't move anyone unless there is immediate danger. Wait for the ambulance to arrive and then stay out of their way and let them do their jobs.

  2. Even if there are no injuries, you should call the police. The police will create an accident report, a document that can be very useful for your insurance claim, or in case some litigation arises from the collision.

  3. Exchange personal information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Your insurance company is going to want to know contact and insurance information from the other drivers - make sure to get it. Even if you don't involve your insurance carrier, this information can be useful if any issues arise.

  4. Documenting the scene is something most people forget to do. It was more difficult years ago, because most people didn't carry cameras around. However, because almost all people have cell phones and almost all cellphones have cameras, it is very easy to document an accident scene. Take as many pictures as you can, from as many angles as you can. Take pictures of road signs, obstructed views and any other pertinent peripheral information. You should also talk to witnesses and write down your own notes on what happened and why it happened.

  5. Call your insurance company. For some minor accidents, calling your insurance company is unnecessary, but for most collisions, it is a wise move. When you tell them what happened, it is important to be honest. Any false or fraudulent information can not only hurt your claim or case, it is also a crime.

  6. If you think that litigation may arise from the accident, do not hesitate to call an attorney. Experienced attorneys know how to protect your rights and make sure you are properly compensated for any damages or injuries.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Greenfield

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8032267

Monday, May 2, 2016

Always Be Prepared for Auto Emergencies


We live in modern times and basically everyone has car insurance, an auto club membership, or a cellphone, and many of us drive new car models which are not likely to break down. Accidents and malfunctions still happen, and when they happen in an area that is not inhabited, we may find ourselves in a bit of trouble.

The first move for many will be to pick up the phone and call for help from your auto club, but this can take a lot of time. Your phone battery could be dead and the reception in some of the wilder parts of the country is certainly not reliable.

This is why it is important to always have a car emergency kit with you, with all the emergency materials and tools you might need to make minor fixes to your vehicle yourself, and at least get it running until you reach the nearest gas station or town. At the very least, you should have everything you need to wait it out until someone can come pick you up or until another car comes along so you can ask for help.

Some of the emergency materials you should always prepare before going on a trip include:

- First aid kit
- Charged phone or phone battery
- Spare tire
- Tire gauge
- Jumper cables
- Duct tape
- Rugs and gloves
- Drinking water
- Blankets, shovels and clothes

While some of these emergency materials such as jumper cables, duct tape and tire gauge will help you do actual fixes to your car, most of the listed items are survival gear. You don't know where a breakdown can happen, and during long trips you may end up stuck in the middle of nowhere. Having a turned off, charged phone is a great idea, but sometimes there is simply no reception.

In these cases, if you can't fix your car yourself, all you can really do is wait. This is where the other emergency materials will help, as they will keep you warm, hydrated and alive until someone comes along and you can finally get back to civilization.

In some cases, you may have to spend the night in your car, and being well prepared for such an emergency may mean the difference between being comfortable or extremely uncomfortable and in extreme cases even between life and death.

Making sure you learn a bit about auto mechanics before setting out on long trips will be the smartest thing, because minor breakdowns can be fixed with a simple set of emergency tools and materials. If the breakdown is more serious, it is important to call a professional auto repair shop that can make any necessary repairs to your car.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mohamad_Alzibdah/2206379

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9399887