Happy New Year From Corbys Collision

 

Happy New Year From Corbys Collision 

When is a car considered totaled?

Getting into a car accident is scary and worrisome in itself- the insurance claims process should not be another worry! Watch this video to find out what to do and some best practices to make sure your claims process goes as smoothly as possible.

Beaux Knows Insurance - Reed Insurance

Merry Christmas from Corby's Collision!

 

Wishing You the Gift of Good Cheer this Holiday Season... 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

1948 Chevrolet 515 Holmes

This is a 1948 COE Chevrolet Truck with a Holmes 515 bed mounted on the back. Peter Aspesi purchased this truck in 1996 from Gannon Chevrolet in Westboro, Massachusetts. It was the first Holmes 515 in the area and Peter did a complete restoration and finished the truck in 2000. Warren Roosevelt purchased the truck from Peter in 2005 after displaying the unit at an ATHS Truck show in Syracuse, New York. Just another great addition to our museum family!

TEARING APART my new Ford Lightning electric truck made my mechanic WANT TO RETIRE?!?!

TEARING APART my new Ford Lightning electric truck made my mechanic WANT TO RETIRE?!?!

Hoovies Garage

Auto insurance catch: Why they may deny your repair estimate

If you are in a car accident, your insurer is supposed to make sure the car is repaired, assuming you carry collision coverage. The law in most states says you can go to any repair shop you choose.

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

How to Avoid a Deer Strike | Consumer Reports

More than a million deer are hit by drivers every year. Consumer Reports’ expert explains what you can do to prevent an accident.

How to Find a Mechanic You Can Trust

According to a recent survey, two-thirds of U.S. drivers don’t trust auto repair shops. And one-third say they don’t have a mechanic they feel confident taking their car to. No matter how you feel about mechanics, odds are you’re going to need one — and likely at inopportune moments. Matt Schmitz of Cars.com provides tips to finding a repair shop you can trust.

Nine facts on road safety explained

Wen Injuries occur the obvious answer is speed management 30 K should be the maximum speed where cars cyclists and pedestrians mix but there are more tools than speed limits how we train drivers inverse rules and design roads roundabouts force drivers to slow down for instance they also have fewer points flict and make collisions at dangerous angles almost impossible there is now ample evidence to show but a reduction of just 1% in the average speeds of vehicles lead to a reduction of 4% of in the number of fatal crashes 33% of a scooter crashes end with head injuries twice as many as with bicycles according to a recent US study the bicycle has long been a favorite for shorter trips recently electric bikes scooters and also more exotic devices have become hugely popular are they the future of urban mobility or safety risks on wheels innovations in micro mobility may bring new crash risks but if we understand those risks we can counter them 8 out of 10 fatal crashes with micro vehicles involve cars so micro mobility requires protection its own protected Street space or traffic calming where all vehicles must sharethe space street design must also serve the safety of do's using micro vehicles if we can make it safe micro mobility rhymes with opportunity that of shaping a sustainable urban mobility landscape zero deaths on our roads Easter vision we must aim for it is unacceptable that anyone should lose his or her life a the price for other people to get from A to B or zero that's possible it's a vision and I am optimistic a vision makes us think about what needs to actually happen so we get there it changes our mindset and the truth is we have become far too complacent about road safety we have accepted it as normal that people die in traffic bu our starting point should be that ttcrashes must never be deadly even if someone makes a mistake if it transform our human mobility based on this idea what now seems utopian comes into reach you

  

How to Choose a Collision Shop: TV Car Expert Lauren Fix

Sometimes our cars need repairs, not just rust or collision, but they also need to be repainted. The key is to find the right collision shop so you can save money and frustration. Car Coach Lauren Fix has some tips.

Happy Thanksgiving

Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot. 

-Hausa Proverb

Forces and Motion – Collisions

A collision occurs when an object hits another object. A collision can occur between two objects in motion, or by an object in motion and an object at rest. During a collision, kinetic energy is transferred between the colliding objects. A collision occurs when a tennis player hits a tennis ball. Kinetic energy is transferred from the player’s moving tennis racket to the ball, causing it to move. The more kinetic energy that is transferred, the faster and farther the tennis ball will move. During a collision, the faster an object is moving, the greater the energy transfer and the greater the impact on the other object. We can see this by looking at car accidents. If the cars are traveling slowly at the time they collide, there may be little damage to the cars. If the cars are traveling faster, there is a much more observable impact. There is likely to be more damage to the cars. The observable impact of a collision reflects how much energy was transferred between objects and relates to the amount of energy of the moving object. At the start of a game of billiards, a player uses a large force to hit one ball into the other balls. The ball gains kinetic energy from the billiard cue and moves down the table. As it hits the other balls, a loud sound is made. Kinetic energy is transferred to the other balls as they scatter all over the table. When a player uses a smaller force, less kinetic energy is transferred. The balls produce a softer sound when they collide and move more slowly. Motion is the process of changing position. When something is moving it is in motion. An object that is in motion has kinetic energy. We can describe motion by measuring its speed and direction. Speed is the time it takes an object to cover a certain distance. The faster an object covers a distance, the greater its speed. Direction is which way an object is moving. The greater the speed of an object, the more energy it has. Forces can also affect the motion and energy of an object. Larger forces will cause objects to move faster and have more energy than smaller forces. All forms of energy can be described as either stored energy or moving energy. The stored energy in an object is called potential energy. Food has potential energy. The energy is transformed into other forms when we eat the food and use the energy to move about, keep warm and stay healthy. Potential energy is also related to the shape and position of an object. If you hold a ball above your head, the ball has potential energy due to its position. If you drop the ball, the potential energy is transformed into moving energy. When potential energy is released, it is converted into kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of an object due to its movement. All moving objects, from the tiny particles that make up our air to an airplane flying in the sky, have kinetic energy. The amount of kinetic energy in an object depends on how fast it is moving. The faster an object moves, the greater its kinetic energy.

Next Generation Science

The world's first public two-car electric crash test by Mercedes-Benz

Demonstrating safety in an unprecedented crash test: Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first automaker to publicly conduct a frontal offset crash of two electric vehicles that simulates a real-life accident scenario common on rural roads. Take a look behind the scenes of this extraordinary undertaking that not only confirms occupant protection in the EQA and EQS SUV but also illustrates the aspirations of our real-life safety philosophy: To build cars that can withstand not only crash test scenarios, but also real-life accidents. After all, safety is not a question of drive system, but one of our core commitments to all road users we’ve taken on. [Mercedes-Benz EQA 300 4MATIC | WLTP: Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 18,7‒17,4 kWh/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km]* [Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 4MATIC SUV | WLTP: Stromverbrauch kombiniert: 24,3‒19,9 kWh/100 km | CO₂-Emissionen kombiniert: 0 g/km]* Subscribe to the channel so you get notified for new exciting videos here: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_c... ► Experience the world of Mercedes-Benz: http://benz.me/international  

Mercedes-Benz

1.82M subscribers

CRASH TEST Pickup Trucks – Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, RAM 1500, Nissan Titan

The majority of pickups recently put through the passenger-side small overlap front test struggled to maintain their structure, but two trucks — the 2019-2020 Ford F-150 and the 2019-2020 Nissan Titan — earn a good rating. ► These results are valid only for models sold in the USA

✅ Source: IIHS

Which Age Group Causes The Most Car Accidents?

According to statistics collected over the last decade, two age groups cause the most car accidents: teen drivers and the elderly. There are a number of reasons for these statistics, but the reality is that car accidents are a part of everyday life, and that even though someone might be a member of these demographic groups it does not automatically mean that they are going to be in a crash. 

  Teen drivers Driving represents a lot of things to teens. Freedom, empowerment for the first time in their lives and status as drivers makes putting teens behind the wheel a dangerous prospect. Teen drivers cause car accidents because they are full of youthful exuberance, and they lack the experience of more seasoned drivers, and they are prone to taking risks because they feel they are invincible. Furthermore, teen drivers also drive cars that are not the safest on the road, such as smaller vehicles that have more blind spots, or do not have the safety and accident avoidance features that many other cars have. Also, teens engage in riskier behaviors, such as racing, drinking and driving, and overloading their cars with too many people, all of which can contribute to causing an accident. Unfortunately, the combination of inexperience and propensity for risk taking means that teen drivers are among the most dangerous, and the statistics bear this out. That's why insurance companies generally charge more for the policies of teen drivers, because the companies understand the risks of teens on the road and adjust their premiums accordingly. 

  Elderly drivers On the flip side of the accident-causing spectrum, elderly drivers are also an age group that causes the many car accidents. Though they may have decades of driving experience, safe cars and a risk-avoidance mentality, these very factors can actually contribute to causing accidents. Throw in diminished reaction times, failing vision and hearing, and a sense of entitlement and elderly drivers can be just as dangerous as the newly-minted 16 year old out on the road for the first time. As the body ages, the mind and reflexes slow down. Hand-eye coordination decreases significantly, and it is a lot harder for older people to respond rapidly to conditions on the road or other drivers in dangerous situations. Then accidents occur. Older drivers tend to think of themselves as perfectly safe drivers, obeying the rules of the road while the world around them takes dangerous risks. While this is partially true, elderly drivers make can make judgment errors about the flow of traffic and distances between vehicles much easier than younger drivers. If this happens and there is no way to fix this incorrect perception of reality, older drivers can make assumptions that cause accidents. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of everyone on the road to be as safe a driver as they possibly can. Young drivers need to learn that they are not invincible, and older drivers need to realize that their skills and perception have likely decreased over time, and need to make adjustments to accommodate. Article 

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4339406

New Crash Tests Show Modest Speed Increases Can Have Deadly Consequences - IIHS News

Drivers want to save time, and local transportation agencies want to improve traffic flow, but at what cost? With posted speed limits increasing on roadways around the country, a vehicle’s ability to protect drivers in crashes is in doubt.

Small speed increases can have huge effects on crash outcomes, as shown in new crash tests by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics. The safety organizations conducted crashes at three different impact speeds (40, 50 and 56 mph). They found the slightly higher speeds were enough to increase the driver's risk of severe injury or death.

Make Your Car Like New Again With Expert Service From Your Local Auto Body Repair Shop

Cars can suffer damage due to all kinds of situations, from collisions to plain old wear and tear. Fortunately, auto body shops can address almost any car body or frame issue you bring in and can help you get your car back in perfect condition.

No matter how the damage to your car originated, a damaged vehicle looks unattractive and can send the wrong message to the world about the people who own and drive it. Leaving repairs undone can also lead to further, more dangerous, and costlier damage, and can be a safety hazard to drivers and passengers alike. This is why it's so important to contact an auto body repairer as soon as there's a problem. Experts in car body paint and structural repairs will be able to evaluate what needs to be done and take care of your car or truck with an eye to timeliness and workmanship so that you can get your car back in top shape as soon as possible.

Whether you were in a collision on the road, or another person nicked your car's paint job while you were parked, chipped auto paint can be a real pain. First of all, it affects the overall look of your car in a hugely negative way. And secondly, if left untreated, it can lead to more extensive chipping and, eventually, to rust that can deteriorate the whole body of the car. There are products on the market that let you deal with automotive paint issues on your own, but getting an exact match to your car's original color and quality of the paintwork is nearly impossible. If you go the DIY route and the color match is even slightly off, your car will end up looking worse than it did before! Avoid these pitfalls by contacting a car paint specialist as soon as you know that there's a problem. These professionals have the knowledge, tools, and experience to tackle whatever car painting project you need so that you can get your car back to looking its best, and you can drive secure in the knowledge that you've forestalled any further damage.

If you're dealing with something more serious than a paintwork issue, getting professional help is a must. Not only are there aesthetic matters to consider, but there are a number of safety issues in question when it comes to repairing the actual structure of a car. If you're dealing with dents, the cosmetic aspect is probably the most important. It's unpleasant and distracting to drive around in a dented vehicle, but a body repair expert can take care of everything from a small ding from a golf ball to a huge dent from a collision, all without causing further damage to the car or the paintwork. These professionals can also handle more intense issues such as frame repair and straightening. After a car has been in a collision, the car frame is often damaged or misaligned. In the worst cases, this can make the car undrivable, and in all cases, it can compromise the overall safety of your vehicle. Using specialized machinery, repair experts can realign your car's frame so that your car works properly and complies with necessary safety standards.

If your car is damaged, don't wait--call your local auto body and repair shop today. Whether you need a minimal touch-up to your paint, or major repairs after a collision, professional body shops will be able to ensure that your car looks great and is protected as much as possible against future damage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Maria_Allen/914516

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5807330

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Seatbelts

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - Wear your seatbelt - - Ensure all passengers wear seatbelts - - Safely secure children in car seats - SAFE STEPS Road Safety is a pan-Asian public service initiatives aimed to raise awareness and provide clear and simple life-saving educational messages on road safety. Acclaimed actress and producer, Michelle Yeoh is the SAFE STEPS Road Safety Ambassador. This programme is created and developed by Prudence Foundation, in partnership with National Geographic Channel and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). All SAFE STEPS Road Safety tips have been approved by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). For more information please visit: www.safesteps.com

How Wrecked Cars Are Repaired | Cars Insider

We got an inside look at Hendrick Collision center in North Carolina to learn how the frame machine, Bondo, flatliner and paint processes are used to fix damaged car bodies. For more visit: https://www.hendrickcars.com/hendrick...

Insider Cars

208K subscribers

Top 10 Most Expensive Car Crash Tests Of All Time

For most car manufacturers, a crash test often means sending about a dozen cars to a crash test facility where the vehicles will be tortured, destroyed, and abandoned in most cases. The more expensive the car is, the more money its maker has to spend for the tests. Here are some of the biggest spenders in the industry. ---------------------- 10) Range Rover Velar 9) Audi Q8 8) Tesla Model S 7) Porsche Taycan 6) Mercedes-Benz G-Class 5) Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 4) Lamborghini Murciélago 3) Bugatti Veyron 2) Koenigsegg Regera 1) Pagani Huayra

Corby's Collision - "Hands On" Owner with Happy Employees

"Hands On" Owner / Operator Paul Troutner talks about happy employees and happy customers. http://corbysvacaville.com/

Most watched IIHS crash tests in 2022

Enjoy unique angles of the five most watched crash test videos in 2022! Viewers watched more than 207,800 hours of video on IIHS' YouTube channel. To learn how these vehicles rated, please visit our website: https://www.iihs.org/ More ratings and content coming in 2023.

Tips For Avoiding a Rear-End Crash

You might be able to prevent a rear-end crash if you apply a little technique to how you handle following distance.

5 Tips To Avoid Car Accidents

In this video, I talk about 5 tips to avoid car accidents. Nobody wants to get into a car accident, and drivers should be taking the necessary steps to avoid getting into them. With that being said, these 5 tips will help you to avoid getting into a car accident! There are always risks that are associated with driving a car, but these tips will help you to minimize those risks!

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

Good Headlights Mean Fewer Crashes - IIHS News

                                     Good IIHS headlight ratings linked to lower crash rates

The headlight ratings program developed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is reducing dangerous nighttime crashes in the real world, a recent study shows.

Nighttime crash rates per mile are nearly 20 percent lower for vehicles with headlights that earn a good rating in the IIHS evaluation, compared with those with poor-rated headlights, the study found. For vehicles with acceptable or marginal headlights, crash rates are 15 percent and 10 percent lower than for those with poor ratings.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Speed Limits

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives. - Obey speed limits - - Slow down at high risk areas - - Keep a safe distance -

The Dangers of Over-Inflated and Under-Inflated Tires

There are many reasons why you should take good care of your car. Not only is your vehicle a very expensive investment that you want to last for as long as possible, but your safety can also be at risk if your car is not performing at its best. One of the most overlooked factory scheduled car maintenance requirements for ALL vehicles is tire care.

Tires should be in good condition at all times. And as soon as they begin to show signs of wear and tear, it is time to have them replaced. In between tire replacement, your tires require regular rotations and balancing, as well as daily air pressure monitoring.

If you fail to take good care of your tires, they can begin to lose their ability to do their job, which can put your safety at risk. Tire pressure is a common problem that can influence your overall tire performance and safety. Be sure to routinely inspect your tires for proper inflation; you don't want them to be over or under-inflated.

The Dangers of Under-Inflated Tires

Bulges can form in the tire walls, which can weaken areas of the tires, and put them at a higher risk of blowing out on the road.

Under-inflated tires will cause reduced fuel efficiency, which affects a driver's budget and vehicle reliability.

Under-inflated tires will impede vehicular mobility, which can be dangerous in the defensive driving scenario and inclement weather, and while navigating small spaces.

The Dangers of Over-Inflated Tires

Over-inflated tires can cause an increase air temperature within them, which can lead to sudden blowouts while driving. They can also lead to an imbalance of contact on the road among all four tires, which can hinder vehicular mobility and handling.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

A tire that is 25% above the recommended air pressure is 2 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

A tire that is 25% below the recommended tire pressure is 3 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

There are virtually 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents every year.

Nearly 75% of roadside flats are a result of improper tire pressure.

Flat Tire?

If you get a flat as a result of over or under-inflation, you can try to repair it yourself if you have a spare tire or an emergency roadside kit. If you are not capable of repairing or changing your flat, you can contact a local towing company for 24-hour roadside assistance service.

They can respond to your location within a short amount of time, repair your tire, or tow you to the location of your choice. Whether it is 3 o'clock in the morning or 5:30 rush hour, they have the resources to get you back on the road in no time at all.

Car Theft Prevention Tips

Being alert and taking simple steps can help prevent a vehicle theft from happening to you. Learn more from AAA about what steps you should take so that you don't end up being a victim of car theft.

The Importance of a Properly Installed Windshield

Did you know up to 30% of your vehicle’s structural strength is derived from your windscreen? Or that the windscreen supports the airbag or airbag cover when activated in an accident?

The vital role a windscreen plays in the safety of your vehicle cannot be overstated. Every time we turn the ignition we place our trust in our vehicle. Our safety and that of our passengers, other motorists and pedestrians is reliant on our vehicle’s components meeting all necessary safety standards.

Windscreens form a key part of your vehicle's safety restraint system (SRS).

SRS has been developed to keep the driver and passengers inside the vehicle during an accident. Provisions for seat belts and air bags are found in the SRS, and each component within the SRS must be functioning for the vehicle to be deemed safe.

Occupant ejection and head injuries account for a large proportion of fatalities in road accidents. Maintaining the integrity of the windscreen is integral to the prevention of such occurrences as the windscreen helps keep passengers inside the car while supporting the roof and the airbags when activated.

For optimal safety, always repair a windscreen as soon as the damage occurs. Repair can save the windscreen and in doing so maintain its original factory seal, which will help reduce the risk of air and water leakage.

Hiring a trained specialist to fix your windscreen is paramount, which is why it pays to use an AGA member who understands the standards, has access to the latest technical advice and abides by a code of practice. Click here for a list of auto glass technicians because

when it comes to safety, there should be no compromise.

A word on wiper blades…

Who has waited for the next rainy day before remembering their wiper blades need changing? Even though maintaining vision in inclement weather is critical, for some reason wipers aren’t seen as a priority. The AGA recommends wipers are changed regularly, at least twice a year.

Source: https://www.autoglass.org.au/Safety

Cognitive Distraction

Think you know all about distracted driving? Think again! New research reveals that voice-activated in-car technologies dangerously undermine driver attention.

MOST COMFORTABLE TRUCKS YOU HAVEN'T SEEN BEFORE

1. Tech Zone features all the latest, amazing and innovative gadgets, products, futuristic new technology and amazing inventions. You will be amazed by seeing how innovative and creative people are ...

The Physics of Car Crashes

How is the chemical energy of gasoline transformed into kinetic energy of a moving car? And where does that kinetic energy go when the car crashes into something and stops moving? Thanks to Ford (http://www.takeagoodlook.com) for sponsoring this video. Link to Patreon supporters here: http://www.minutephysics.com/supporte... Music by Nathaniel Schroeder, http://www.soundcloud.com/drschroeder MinutePhysics is on Google+ - http://bit.ly/qzEwc6 And facebook - http://facebook.com/minutephysics And twitter - @minutephysics

minutephysics

Why Getting Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly Is Essential

The mechanical condition of a vehicle dictates its safety 

as well as its performance on the road. In order to guarantee

• a smooth ride,
• prolong the life of a car,
• and increase its safety

The owner should always consider getting the vehicle serviced regularly. The main reason why this procedure is required is to ensure that any mechanical anomalies can be spotted and rectified before they can cause harm.

The routine maintenance is a small price to pay to guarantee one's safety on the roads. So what are the benefits of acquiring this service?

• It reduces the repair costs - maintenance procedures are preventative in nature and this means that it is a good way of avoiding major repair bills as a result of oversight.
• It reduces the chances of getting surprise breakdowns.
• Regular car services will lower the possible risk of getting involved in an accident
• Servicing involves various procedures that guarantee better fuel consumption. In essence it is cheaper to run a car that regularly goes for servicing

There are several kinds of servicing available and they include the following:

6 month or interim car service

This is a procedure that is intended for those individuals who cover a lot of mileage over short periods. This means that the car will require more regular checks to avoid unforeseen faults. Some of the work includes filter and oil changes as well as a comprehensive diagnostic check for all essential functions.

12 month or comprehensive car service

This is an all inclusive checkup that should be mandatory for all cars that are used on a regular basis. Most service providers do no less than 70 checks as well as some necessary adjustments. Replacement of worn out components is also done where necessary. The procedure includes Spark plug and air filter replacement among other processes.

Winter Inspection

Ensure that your car is ready to withstand winter conditions by getting a specialised check. Winter safety checks should be a mandatory practice for all car owners.

Car owners have a wide variety of options when it comes choosing a vehicle servicing company, whether you are driving a Land Rover or a Volswagen Polo. There are even new companies offering to service your car at your home or work place.

Of course, for those owners that are mechanically savvy, there is the option of servicing the car themselves. But you have to be qualified to do so and you must know exactly what you are doing.

Whether you use a professional's help or do it yourself, getting your car is very important.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7432715

How to Deal with Roadside Emergencies

                                           Some tips on how to deal with roadside emergencies.

SAFE STEPS Road Safety: Distracted Driving

We all have a role in road safety! So follow these SAFE STEPS to play your part and help save lives.

10 Things Everyone Should Know About Tires

By Eric Peters, Automotive Columnist

You probably know tires are made of rubber — but how much more do you know? Here’s a run-through of some important tire-related terminology:

1) Aspect ratio

This technical-sounding term refers to the relationship between the width of a tire and the height of the tire’s sidewall. High-performance “low profile” tires have “low aspect ratios” — meaning their sidewalls are short relative to their width. This provides extra stiffness and thus better high-speed handling and grip — but also tends to result in a firmer (and sometimes, harsh) ride. “Taller” tires tend to provide a smoother ride and better traction in snow.

2) Contact Patch

As your tires rotate, only a portion of the total tread is actually in contact with the ground at any given moment.  This is known as the contact patch.  Think of it as your tire’s “footprint.” Sport/performance-type tires are characterized by their wider footprint — more tread is in contact with the ground — which provides extra grip, especially during hard acceleration on dry pavement and during high-speed cornering.

3) Treadwear indicators

These are narrow bands built into the tread during manufacturing that begin to show when only 1/16 of the tire’s tread remains. Also called wear bars, treadwear indicators are there to provide an obvious visual warning that it’s time to shop for new tires.

4) Speed ratings

An alpha-numeric symbol you’ll find on your tire’s sidewall that tells you the maximum sustained speed the tire is capable of safely handling. An H-rated tire, for example, is built to be safe for continuous operation at speeds up to 130 mph. Most current model year family-type cars have S (112 mph) or T (118 mph) speed ratings. High performance cars often have tires with a V (149 mph) or  ZR (in excess of 149 mph) speed rating. A few ultra-performance cars have W (168 mph) and even Y (186 mph) speed-rated tires.

5) Maximum cold inflation load limit

This refers to the maximum load that can be carried in a given vehicle with a given type of tires — and the maximum air pressure needed to support that load. In your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you should be able to find the recommended cold inflation load limit. It’s important not to exceed the load limit (or over or under-inflate the tires) as this can lead to stability/handling problems and even tire failure. Always check tire pressure “cold.” Driving creates friction which creates heat; as the tires warm up, the air inside expands, increasing the pressure. Measuring air pressure after driving can give a false reading; you may actually be driving around on under-inflated tires.

6) Load index

This number corresponds to the load carrying capacity of the tire. The higher the number, the higher the load it can safely handle. As an example, a tire with a load index of 89 can safely handle 1,279 pounds — while a tire with a load rating of 100 can safely handle as much as 1,764 pounds. It’s important to stick with tires that have at least the same load rating as the tires that came originally with the vehicle — especially if it’s a truck used to haul heavy loads or pull a trailer. It’s ok to go with a tire that has a higher load rating than the original tires; just be careful to avoid tires with a lower load rating than specified for your vehicle, even if they are less expensive. Saving a few bucks on tires is not worth risking an accident caused by tire failure.

7) Radial vs. bias-ply tire

Bias-ply tires have their underlying plies laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread; radials have their plies laid at 90 degrees to the centerline of the tread. That’s the technical difference. The reason radial tires are dominant today is that they help improve fuel efficiency and handling; they also tend to dissipate heat better than bias-ply tires. No modern passenger cars come with bias-ply tires these days and their use is generally not recommended. (Exceptions might include older/antique vehicles that originally came equipped with bias-ply tires. Some RVs also used bias-ply tires, etc.) It is very important never to mix radial and bias-ply tires; dangerously erratic handling may result.

8) LT and MS tires

These designations indicate “Light Truck” and “Mud/Snow” — and are commonly found on tires fitted to SUVs and pick-ups. LT-rated tires are more general purpose, built primarily for on-road use — while MS-rated tires typically have more aggressive “knobby” tread patterns designed for better off-road traction.

9) Temporary Use Only

Many modern cars come with so-called “space-saver” tires which are smaller and lighter than a standard or full-size spare tire. They are designed to leave more room in the trunk and be easier for the average person to handle when a roadside tire change becomes necessary. However, they are not designed to be used for extended (or high-speed) driving. Your car will probably not handle (or stop) as well while the Space Saver tire is on – and you should keep your speed under 55 mph and avoid driving on the tire beyond what’s absolutely necessary to find a tire repair shop where you can have your damaged tire repaired or replaced.

10) Treadwear, Traction and Temperature ratings

Each tire has three separate ratings for Treadwear, Traction and Temperature.

Traction ratings run from AA to A to B and C — with C being the lowest on the scale. The ratings represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement under controlled testing conducted by the government. C-rated tires are marginal and should be avoided. Never buy a tire with a Traction rating that isn’t at least equal to the minimum rating specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle.

Temperature ratings from A to B to C — with C being the minimum allowable for any passenger car tire. The ratings correspond to a given tire’s ability to dissipate heat under load; tires with lower ratings are more prone to heat-induced failure, especially if driven at high speeds (or when overloaded). As with Traction ratings, never buy a tire with a Temperature rating that’s less than specified for your vehicle.

Treadwear ratings differ from Traction and Temperature ratings in that they aren’t a measure of a tire’s built-in safety margin. Instead, these ratings — represented by a three digit number — give you an idea of the expected useful life of the tire according to government testing. A tire with a Treadwear rating of 150, for example, can be expected to last about 1.5 times as long as a tire with a Treadwear rating of 100. These are just guides, however. Your tires may last longer (or not) depending on such factors as how you drive, whether you maintain proper inflation pressure and rotate the tires per recommendations — and so on.

Comments?

www.ericpetersautos.com