An explanation of how to set the proper angle for a rear-facing car seat.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Car Seat Safety Tip: Find the Right Angle | Allstate Insurance
An explanation of how to set the proper angle for a rear-facing car seat.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
5 Signs You Need An Expert For Automobile Repair
Automobiles are turning into more advanced and complex since the
last decade. With the arrival of electrical car technologies, with
electronic fuel injection system and controlled systems, the automobiles
have changed dramatically from what they used to be a few decades ago!
The variety of cars which can get minor car repairs done by newbie
mechanics is shrinking rapidly.
Let's take a look at some signs that it's time to take your automobile to an automobile repair store to avoid troubles and expensive repairs in the future.
Let's take a look at some signs that it's time to take your automobile to an automobile repair store to avoid troubles and expensive repairs in the future.
- The Automobile Is Less Than 10 Years Old
- The Repair You Are Planning Is Not In The New Car Handbook
- If There's A Need To Remove Something Out Of The Automobile
- The Automobile Repair Needs Equipment You Do Not Own In Your Garage
- Your Automobile Comes With An Electronic Fuel Injection System
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Clive_James/2270133
Monday, July 25, 2016
5 Weird and Wild Car Facts | Allstate Insurance
The story of cars has been filled with many milestones. This video will take you through five fun facts and figures — from the first reported car accident to strange traffic laws — that are a part of the history of cars.
Friday, July 22, 2016
5 Benefits Of Changing Your Car's Air Filters
If you have a car, it's recommended that you change the air filter regularly. Here are some of the benefits of doing so:
You increase your car's performance
Dirty car filters reduce the amount of air that flows into the car's engine. When the amount of air in the engine is limited, the car doesn't spend the amount that it's supposed to and as a result, its performance goes down. Studies have consistently shown that cars with clean filters are by far more effective than those with dirty filters.
You protect your car from damage
Filters prevent foreign particles from getting access to the inside of the car's engine. Even when a small particle gets into the engine it can cause a lot of damage to the moving parts. The damage gets worse as more particles get into the engine. A clean car filter traps all the air debris ensuring that none gets into the engine. This protects your car from damage. Since the car and the engine aren't damaged, they last for a long time.
You increase the efficiency of the car
Studies by experts show that clean car filters increase the car's efficiency by up to 14%. The reason for this is because there is plenty of clean air in the engine thus the car doesn't strain burning fuel. Due to the efficiency, you spend less money than when the car is running on a dirty air filter.
You reduce car emissions
Dirty filters reduce air flow to the engine thus affecting emission control systems. Faulty emission control systems result to an incorrect air-fuel mixture. When the fuel mixture is too much, it can result in engine deposits resulting to a lot of emissions. In addition to the high emissions, it's also common for the car to consume more fuel than it should.
Changing the car filter
As you have seen, there are plenty of benefits that come with replacing your car filter. The cool thing with air filter replacement is that you can do it on your own. When replacing the filters, ensure that you replace them with identical ones designed for the exact match and model of car. Car filters come in different shapes, designs, and sizes; therefore, you should first remove the one in the car and buy a similar one that resembles it. For ideal results, ensure that you buy from a reputable store.
You increase your car's performance
Dirty car filters reduce the amount of air that flows into the car's engine. When the amount of air in the engine is limited, the car doesn't spend the amount that it's supposed to and as a result, its performance goes down. Studies have consistently shown that cars with clean filters are by far more effective than those with dirty filters.
You protect your car from damage
Filters prevent foreign particles from getting access to the inside of the car's engine. Even when a small particle gets into the engine it can cause a lot of damage to the moving parts. The damage gets worse as more particles get into the engine. A clean car filter traps all the air debris ensuring that none gets into the engine. This protects your car from damage. Since the car and the engine aren't damaged, they last for a long time.
You increase the efficiency of the car
Studies by experts show that clean car filters increase the car's efficiency by up to 14%. The reason for this is because there is plenty of clean air in the engine thus the car doesn't strain burning fuel. Due to the efficiency, you spend less money than when the car is running on a dirty air filter.
You reduce car emissions
Dirty filters reduce air flow to the engine thus affecting emission control systems. Faulty emission control systems result to an incorrect air-fuel mixture. When the fuel mixture is too much, it can result in engine deposits resulting to a lot of emissions. In addition to the high emissions, it's also common for the car to consume more fuel than it should.
Changing the car filter
As you have seen, there are plenty of benefits that come with replacing your car filter. The cool thing with air filter replacement is that you can do it on your own. When replacing the filters, ensure that you replace them with identical ones designed for the exact match and model of car. Car filters come in different shapes, designs, and sizes; therefore, you should first remove the one in the car and buy a similar one that resembles it. For ideal results, ensure that you buy from a reputable store.
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Tips for Finding a Collision Repair Service
You've been in an auto accident and you've escaped unscathed, but
what about your car? You need to find a trusted collision repair center
that can fix your car, both cosmetically and mechanically. You don't
want to employ an unreliable mechanic and waste money on repair after
repair, nor do you want your car covered in mismatched or cheap, flaky
paint. Use this guide to learn how to identify a good collision repair
center and avoid unreliable service.
Naturally, the biggest concern when your car needs body work is cost. Estimates from different body shops can differ dramatically, but choosing the cheaper option may result in a poor quality job. Use these tips to help distinguish between when it's alright to take a lower price and when it's too risky.
Word-of-Mouth
Listen to any recommendations from your friends, family, and acquaintances. They may have had a successful experience with a collision repair shop and may even have a contact number. This gives you a chance to find local businesses which may not be listed on the internet. Small, family-owned shops offer a more involved experience by allowing you one-on-one access to the individuals working on your car.
Location and Overhead
Labor charges make up a healthy chunk of overall cost. Collision repair shops charge anywhere from $40 an hour to $70 an hour or more, depending on the location. Corporate body shops may have higher rates in order to support a large front-office work staff. Some may feel more comfortable doing business in an office setting with a front desk clerk, but estimates tend to increase according to the company's overhead. A shop with a small number of employees may be easier on your wallet.
Shop for Estimates
In order to make sure you get the best price you can at a repair center you trust, take your car to multiple shops and ask for quotes. This will help you avoid being overcharged. If there is a particular shop you really like, but their price is too high, try to find a few lower estimates and see if they'll consider bargaining. Remember, the cheapest estimate isn't always the best option.
Warranties and Insurance
Make sure your collision repair center provides written warranty for their work and ask about warranty details before making any agreements. At the minimum, the warranty should last for one year. If you've heard of places offering lifetime warranties, consider it an advertising tactic. Yes, the warranty technically lasts a lifetime; however, the contracts include a copious amount of regulations and stipulations. You should also ask if the repair center carries fire and theft insurance in case your car is damaged, destroyed, or stolen while being repaired.
Follow Your Intuition
Finally, trust what your intuition tells you about each shop you consider and the employees you encounter. If the facility is dirty and disorganized, you can expect sloppy body work. Take care in selecting a collision repair center and remember these tips during your search. Good luck!
Naturally, the biggest concern when your car needs body work is cost. Estimates from different body shops can differ dramatically, but choosing the cheaper option may result in a poor quality job. Use these tips to help distinguish between when it's alright to take a lower price and when it's too risky.
Word-of-Mouth
Listen to any recommendations from your friends, family, and acquaintances. They may have had a successful experience with a collision repair shop and may even have a contact number. This gives you a chance to find local businesses which may not be listed on the internet. Small, family-owned shops offer a more involved experience by allowing you one-on-one access to the individuals working on your car.
Location and Overhead
Labor charges make up a healthy chunk of overall cost. Collision repair shops charge anywhere from $40 an hour to $70 an hour or more, depending on the location. Corporate body shops may have higher rates in order to support a large front-office work staff. Some may feel more comfortable doing business in an office setting with a front desk clerk, but estimates tend to increase according to the company's overhead. A shop with a small number of employees may be easier on your wallet.
Shop for Estimates
In order to make sure you get the best price you can at a repair center you trust, take your car to multiple shops and ask for quotes. This will help you avoid being overcharged. If there is a particular shop you really like, but their price is too high, try to find a few lower estimates and see if they'll consider bargaining. Remember, the cheapest estimate isn't always the best option.
Warranties and Insurance
Make sure your collision repair center provides written warranty for their work and ask about warranty details before making any agreements. At the minimum, the warranty should last for one year. If you've heard of places offering lifetime warranties, consider it an advertising tactic. Yes, the warranty technically lasts a lifetime; however, the contracts include a copious amount of regulations and stipulations. You should also ask if the repair center carries fire and theft insurance in case your car is damaged, destroyed, or stolen while being repaired.
Follow Your Intuition
Finally, trust what your intuition tells you about each shop you consider and the employees you encounter. If the facility is dirty and disorganized, you can expect sloppy body work. Take care in selecting a collision repair center and remember these tips during your search. Good luck!
Saturday, July 16, 2016
2016 - 2017 Compact SUV Comparison - Kelley Blue Book
For our annual state-of-the-segment compact SUV comparison test we rounded up six small SUVs and set off on a two-day, 450-mile drive that took us on a roundabout route from coastal-adjacent Kelley Blue Book headquarters in Irvine, California, to our local mountains and Big Bear Lake.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Headlights for Most Small SUVs Are Poor - IIHS News
Most small SUV headlights rate poor in IIHS evaluations
ARLINGTON, Va. — Not a single small SUV out of 21 tested earns a good rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s headlight evaluations, and only four are available with acceptable-rated headlights.
Among the 21 vehicles, there are 47 different headlight combinations available. More than two-thirds of them are rated poor, making this group of vehicles even more deficient when it comes to lighting than the midsize cars that were the first to be rated earlier this year.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
5 Car Care Hacks: What Your Auto Body Shop Wants You to Know
While auto body shop professionals are happy to help with tiny and large problems alike, some car problems can be prevented or at least delayed. A great mechanic wants to empower car owners with knowledge of how to take great care of their vehicles. They should follow these five car care hacks to enjoy logging many miles to come in their automobile.
1. Tending to Tires
It's easy to trust that tires will keep spinning until the driver feels one go flat, but car owners can extend the longevity of their tires with a bit of extra care. They should wipe off brake dust on a regular basis, meaning at least once per week. If brake dust builds up, it's a little-known fact that it can bake into the wheels of an automobile if left on for too long. They should rely on a damp sponge and soapy water to clear off the dust.
That's not all it takes to keep tires in great shape. They should check the car's tire pressure regularly, or have a professional mechanic do so if they're not familiar with the ins and outs of tire pressure. Also, having their tread depth checked and tires rotated regularly is advisable.
2. Keeping Their Cool
Many people don't know that it's important to flush their motor vehicle's cooling system at least once per year, and they should change the coolant then as well as whenever it's needed throughout the year. Automobile owners need to trust a professional mechanic for this job, and they can ensure that grime, corrosion, and other deposits don't build up in the car's cooling system.
3. Letting Their Light Shine
Car owners should check their headlights and brake lights regularly to make sure these lights are in excellent working order. Not only can broken lights result in tickets, but they can also present a hazard on the road. Both the headlights and brake lights can be quickly tested at an auto body shop, and when there is a problem, it's usually easy to fix as long as vehicle owners catch it before it causes problems on the road.
4. Showing Pride in the Car's Appearance
One crucial aspect of taking the best care of a car is also keeping it clean. Whether they own a small car, a huge SUV, or anything in between, automobile owners should get a regular car wash and wax. They need to schedule a vehicle wash every week or at least every other week. Also, if they notice immediate issues, such as a bird relieving itself on the top of their car, it's important to wash the excrement away as soon as possible. Bird waste can actually damage a car's paint job, so cleaning up the mess right away is essential.
5. Paying Attention to Warnings
If drivers notice a warning light on their dashboard, they need to resist the temptation to look the other way. Whether it's a check engine light, a temperature light, an oil light, or something else, car owners should take their vehicle to an auto body shop to check on the problem right away. The earlier they catch an issue, the easier and less expensive it may be to fix.
Finally, automobile owners need to keep in mind that they can prevent some trips to the auto body shop for repairs by taking optimal care of their car. They need to take action today to keep their vehicle in pristine condition.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anders_Abadie/1022510
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9461614
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Automotive Services: The Importance of Proper Wheel Alignment
After gas and insurance, tires are often the single greatest
expense of owning an automobile. Even a safe driver who observes the
rules of the road must replace them from time to time. According to the
experts, the average set of wheels lasts around 40,000 miles. Since the
average American motorist drives about 12,000 miles a year, they must
replace all four tires every three to four years.
Annual Expense
Depending on the size, brand, and performance quality, tires can range in price from $50-$200 each. If replaced as a set, as recommended, the average driver would have to shell out $200-$800 each time. That's about $60-$230 a year! Fortunately, there are inexpensive automotive services that can greatly extend the life of your tires.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
In spite of its name, wheel alignment has little to do with the rubber that hits the road. A trained mechanic will actually work on your car's suspension system during this common automotive services procedure. His objective is to adjust the angles of the tires so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. This helps ensure that they make full and complete contact with the road.
The Benefits
Because tires are designed to distribute stress evenly, poor alignment invariably results in increased wear to one particular part of the tread. When ignored, the problem almost always results in premature replacement. As we mentioned, this can cost a pretty penny. Alignment helps you avoid unnecessary waste for a fraction of the price. It also helps improve driving performance, fuel economy, and driving safety.
Poor alignment can also be quite dangerous. The reason? Because when wheels are uneven, the vehicle tends to pull to one side. This can make handling your vehicle on a rocky surface particularly challenging since you will be fighting the steering wheel and the road at the same time. It is also a fact that drivers have actually lost control of vehicles on sharp turns when their alignment was terribly out of whack. Last but not least, the lack of a solid base often causes vibrations at top speeds that make driving uncomfortable for all occupants. There may even be an increase in road noise because of vibrations that enter the cabin near affected areas.
The Costs
The good news is that alignment is a fairly straightforward procedure any experienced mechanic can complete. It is not nearly as expensive or as time-consuming as brake or engine work. Most mechanics will only charge $50-$70 for a complete alignment job. As we saw earlier, that's nothing compared to the price you'd pay for four new tires.
An alignment, one of the most affordable automotive services, can save you big money on tires and repair costs.
Annual Expense
Depending on the size, brand, and performance quality, tires can range in price from $50-$200 each. If replaced as a set, as recommended, the average driver would have to shell out $200-$800 each time. That's about $60-$230 a year! Fortunately, there are inexpensive automotive services that can greatly extend the life of your tires.
What Is Wheel Alignment?
In spite of its name, wheel alignment has little to do with the rubber that hits the road. A trained mechanic will actually work on your car's suspension system during this common automotive services procedure. His objective is to adjust the angles of the tires so that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. This helps ensure that they make full and complete contact with the road.
The Benefits
Because tires are designed to distribute stress evenly, poor alignment invariably results in increased wear to one particular part of the tread. When ignored, the problem almost always results in premature replacement. As we mentioned, this can cost a pretty penny. Alignment helps you avoid unnecessary waste for a fraction of the price. It also helps improve driving performance, fuel economy, and driving safety.
Poor alignment can also be quite dangerous. The reason? Because when wheels are uneven, the vehicle tends to pull to one side. This can make handling your vehicle on a rocky surface particularly challenging since you will be fighting the steering wheel and the road at the same time. It is also a fact that drivers have actually lost control of vehicles on sharp turns when their alignment was terribly out of whack. Last but not least, the lack of a solid base often causes vibrations at top speeds that make driving uncomfortable for all occupants. There may even be an increase in road noise because of vibrations that enter the cabin near affected areas.
The Costs
The good news is that alignment is a fairly straightforward procedure any experienced mechanic can complete. It is not nearly as expensive or as time-consuming as brake or engine work. Most mechanics will only charge $50-$70 for a complete alignment job. As we saw earlier, that's nothing compared to the price you'd pay for four new tires.
An alignment, one of the most affordable automotive services, can save you big money on tires and repair costs.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Happy 4th of July!
"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."
— Benjamin Franklin
Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!
Friday, July 1, 2016
Vehicle Collision Claims Processing
Many drivers will experience an auto collision with more than 250
million vehicles on the road in America. Unfortunately, few people
understand the process of filing an insurance claim and following it
through to settlement. Here are a few tips to help you better understand
the auto insurance claims process.
Starting the Process
Contact your insurance agent or carrier as a first step after a collision; this assumes that no one is hurt, and that you contact the necessary authorities to file a report. Your insurance carrier will dispatch an adjuster to inspect your vehicle and work up a repair estimate based on the damage. In a perfect world, your insurance carrier would then send you a check to complete the repairs. But then that would be a mistake.
Filing an Auto Accident Insurance Claim
To file a claim, collect all relevant information prior to contacting your insurer. You will need items like your insurance policy number, the police report number and all information on others involved in the accident, including names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers and their insurance information. If there were witnesses, have their contact information available as well. Your insurance company may record a statement from you by phone. Take good notes, keep all information and paperwork in a safe place and take your own detailed photos relevant to the collision.
Don't Cash the Check
If your insurance company wants to send you a check prior to the work being done, tell them to wait. If a check is sent, don't cash it. When you cash the check from the insurance company, they are essentially off the hook for any damage that is not initially visible. A collision can bend an automotive frame, take your car out of alignment, and involve much more once the auto body shop starts the repairs.
Collision Damage Repair and Insurance
Getting an auto insurance settlement may not be simple, depending on the circumstances. Settlements take time or may become drawn out as more insurance companies seek reasons to deny claims. There is, however, one way to get the most from your auto insurance claim in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of work.
Before taking your vehicle for repair - or even before you file an insurance claim - find a local collision damage repair shop able to process your claim. Many auto body shops specialize in processing claims, which offers several distinct advantages. First, you are spared the hassle of dealing directly with the insurance carrier. More importantly, insurance claims specialists at many repair shops have years of experience and know exactly what your insurance carrier needs to process your claim quickly.
A local body shop can work up a written estimate and submit it to the insurance carrier for authorization on your behalf. The insurer can issue a check directly to the auto body shop rather than to you. In no time at all, your car will be repaired and back on the road. Now that's a win-win situation for all parties concerned.
Starting the Process
Contact your insurance agent or carrier as a first step after a collision; this assumes that no one is hurt, and that you contact the necessary authorities to file a report. Your insurance carrier will dispatch an adjuster to inspect your vehicle and work up a repair estimate based on the damage. In a perfect world, your insurance carrier would then send you a check to complete the repairs. But then that would be a mistake.
Filing an Auto Accident Insurance Claim
To file a claim, collect all relevant information prior to contacting your insurer. You will need items like your insurance policy number, the police report number and all information on others involved in the accident, including names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers and their insurance information. If there were witnesses, have their contact information available as well. Your insurance company may record a statement from you by phone. Take good notes, keep all information and paperwork in a safe place and take your own detailed photos relevant to the collision.
Don't Cash the Check
If your insurance company wants to send you a check prior to the work being done, tell them to wait. If a check is sent, don't cash it. When you cash the check from the insurance company, they are essentially off the hook for any damage that is not initially visible. A collision can bend an automotive frame, take your car out of alignment, and involve much more once the auto body shop starts the repairs.
Collision Damage Repair and Insurance
Getting an auto insurance settlement may not be simple, depending on the circumstances. Settlements take time or may become drawn out as more insurance companies seek reasons to deny claims. There is, however, one way to get the most from your auto insurance claim in the shortest amount of time, with the least amount of work.
Before taking your vehicle for repair - or even before you file an insurance claim - find a local collision damage repair shop able to process your claim. Many auto body shops specialize in processing claims, which offers several distinct advantages. First, you are spared the hassle of dealing directly with the insurance carrier. More importantly, insurance claims specialists at many repair shops have years of experience and know exactly what your insurance carrier needs to process your claim quickly.
A local body shop can work up a written estimate and submit it to the insurance carrier for authorization on your behalf. The insurer can issue a check directly to the auto body shop rather than to you. In no time at all, your car will be repaired and back on the road. Now that's a win-win situation for all parties concerned.
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