Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Car Parts Basics: the Serpentine Belt | Allstate Insurance


The serpentine belt is an important part of your car's engine: it helps make some of the the car's other systems work. The Humble Mechanic helps explain how it functions and how it might fail.

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Least Reliable New Cars of 2018 | Consumer Reports


Consumer Reports each year asks its members whether they're having problems with their cars. From major engine issues to frustrating infotainment problems, we collect data to determine which cars and brands are running smoothly, or giving owners constant issues. This is a list of new vehicles that have the lowest reliability in their segment.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

How to Jump Start a Car | Allstate Insurance


Every car may have a dead battery from time to time, but you can be prepared to get it running again. From having jumper cables in your car to calling for assistance, here's what you need to know about jump starting a car.

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Collision Repair Process: What You Need to Know


If you are involved in any kind of car accident or collision, the process of getting your car repaired and back in working order can be a hassle. From insurance adjusters to finding alternative transportation and reviewing estimates, many people feel overwhelmed by the whole ordeal. When you work with a reputable collision repair shop, they will walk you through the process so that you feel comfortable and secure knowing that your vehicle will be expertly repaired for a fair price.

When you take your vehicle to a collision repair shop, the first thing that the technician will do is visually inspect the car and fill out an estimate. This inspection will not only give you a price for the repairs but will also determine how much time the repair process may take. Keep in mind that there may be hidden damage that is virtually undetectable until the vehicle is disassembled. Once all of the damage is identified, an official report will be created and serves as the blueprint for restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.

Once the estimate is complete and approved by you and your insurance company, the vehicle repair process can begin. Your vehicle then enters the metal shop and is disassembled to identify any additional damage. If there is frame damage, the repair shop should have specialized machinery that is able to verify and record the condition of your frame repair. It is at this point that your vehicle is restored to factory specifications. The technicians repairs or replace any panels and the vehicle is primed and prepared to go the paint shop.

The goal of the paint department is to restore your vehicle to its factory finish and correct color match. With proper preparation, including priming, sanding, and sealing, your vehicle paint will look as beautiful as it did when you first drove it off of the lot. If you only need one or two areas repainted, the technician should be able to closely match the paint to the original so that the repaired area is virtually unnoticeable.

Once the painting process is complete, your car will be reassembled. All trim pieces and decals will be added at this point. If there was glass damage, it will be repaired or replaced. Your tires and wheel alignment will be inspected and adjusted if needed.

Your vehicle will be thoroughly inspected to ensure that every bit of damage has been fixed properly and the vehicle has been reassembled correctly. The interior and exterior will be detailed to be sure that all dust and debris has been washed away. Your new paint will be polished for extra shine. It will be given a road test to make sure that it runs well and is restored to its pre-accident condition.

The collision repair technician should be in contact with you and the insurance company if any issues or problems occur during the collision repair process. Be sure to inspect your vehicle thoroughly and feel free to ask your technician any questions you may have. They are usually more than willing to help customers with insurance issues or anything else that may trouble them.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Craig_Pelton/1212530

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6707630

Thursday, October 18, 2018

The Tire Tread Test | Consumer Reports


Not sure if it’s time for new tires? CR’s expert explains how George Washington and Abraham Lincoln can help.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Quick Fix: How to Remove Stickers From a Car Window | Allstate Insurance


Peeling stickers off your car’s windshield may leave behind a pesky residue. Using supplies you may have at home, here are three simple ways to remove that sticker residue for good

Friday, October 12, 2018

Safety Tips for Teen Drivers | Consumer Reports


Having a teen driver doesn’t have to be a terrifying experience. CR experts offer tips on how to keep young drivers—and other motorists—safe on the roads.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Quick Fix: 3 DIY Car Air Fresheners | Allstate Insurance


If your car smells like last week's takeout or the gym bag you left in the backseat, there are a few easy ways to get rid of lingering odors. Try these three quick fixes to freshen up your ride

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Keeping Children Safe in Crashes: Forward Facing


For parents of children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats

More than 1,000 children 12 and younger die in passenger vehicle crashes every year, and more than 100,000 are injured. Parents can reduce the risk to their kids by properly securing them in the back seats.

The "Keeping Children Safe In Crashes" series of videos help parents choose the right type of restraint for their child's age and size and provide general information on installation and use.

All children should ride rear-facing in back seats until they are 2 years of age or until they reach the height and weight limit of their child restraints.

When children reach the rear-facing height and weight limit of their child restraint, they should be turned forward-facing in a convertible or another forward-facing child restraint. They should remain in forward-facing child restraints in back seats for as long as possible. Some forward-facing seats have weight limits only up to 40 pounds but many forward facing seats now go up to 65 and even 80 pounds.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Road Trip Emergency Kit | Allstate Insurance


From a summer road trip to your daily commute, there's never a good time to be stuck on the side of the road — but having essentials on hand can help. Here’s what you'll need to create a roadside emergency kit