12 Oct 10 Check Your Car Mirrors – Take Action Before You Hit The Road

Oct 9, 2010 – 9:52:55 PM
Email – Print – Discuss

Check Your Car Mirrors – Take Action Before You Hit The Road

Check your car mirrors everytime you get into your vehicle. Check your seat belts too…regular maintenance and vehicle checks can save lives. And when you are in a vehicle safety is very important.

(NewsUSA) – Checking mirrors and seat belts every time you get in you car might seem overly cautious, but driving experts say that what you do before you turn on the ignition may mean the difference between life and death.

“So many accidents can be traced back to bad decisions before you even get behind the driver’s seat,” said Jeff Purner, a professional driving instructor for Porsche Cars North America.

Routine maintenance is critical to your safety. For example, under-inflated tires are the primary cause of tire failures and can adversely affect you car’s handling and fuel mileage. Check you tires, including your spare, at least once a month.

You should check your wiper blades monthly as well. Worn blades impact visibility and create glare on the windshield, even when they are not in use.

What you bring with you into your car could be the most critical decision of your day. Cell phones are one of the most dangerous items to use in your car. Anytime you’re talking, texting or using GPS applications, you’re not paying attention to the road. Purner says that using cell phones while driving, especially to text message, is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Do yourself a favor, and turn your cell phone off.

After switching off your cell phone, you should check and adjust your seat belt. The lap belt should rest low across your waist, and the shoulder strap should come over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the shoulder strap under your armpit. Before turning on the ignition, adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors. According to Purner, too many drivers set their mirrors to reflect the outside of their own car instead of the road.

“You already know where your car is; you should be concerned about where the other cars are so that you can avoid them.”

When positioning your hands on the steering wheel, hold the wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. In this position, you can turn the wheel the furthest without your hands crossing over. This hold also allows for a better “feel” and faster response time.

Copy of NAPLESAUTOREPAIR_1

Tags: Action, Before, Check, Mirrors, Road, Take
Filed in News with Comments Off

29 Jul 10 Check Your Tires Before Your Trip

Jul 27, 2010 – 5:14:02 PM
Email – Print – Discuss

Check Your Tires Before Your Trip

Check Your Tires Before Your Trip. Your tires air pressure should always be checked before a road trip. Make this simple auto maintenance function a part of your monthly car check up.

(NAPSI)-Keeping your car on the road to safety and savings can start with something as simple as well-maintained tires.

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, about 11 percent of vehicles on the road have at least one bald tire, and 55 percent of vehicles have at least one underinflated tire.

Ongoing preventive maintenance-which can take less than 10 minutes-at least every month or before long trips is the best method to maximize tire performance, say the experts at Cooper Tire. Before hitting the road, drivers should conduct do-it-yourself maintenance checks, examining tires for proper inflation, damage or excessive wear and tear.

• Treading Firmly.

The only piece of a vehicle to touch the road is the tires, making tire tread-a key factor in handling, cornering, accelerating and braking-a vital part of overall tire maintenance. Tire tread depth should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep all around the tire, and drivers can check this by using a penny.

Insert the edge of the coin into the tread with Lincoln going in head first. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, there’s an acceptable amount of tread; if the top of his head is visible at any location on the tire, the tire is worn out and should be replaced.

• Wearing Well.

While examining the tread, also look for signs of uneven wear or damage such as cuts, cracks, splits, punctures and bulges. These conditions shorten the life of tires and, if not corrected, may do further damage to the tire, or air loss may occur.

• Putting the pressure on. Tire pressure also plays a critical role in the overall performance of tires as underinflation creates excessive stress on the tire, while overinflation can cause uneven wear in addition to handling and braking issues. A common myth is that the tire pressure listed on the sidewall is the optimal pressure, while in reality it is the maximum pressure.

Drivers should follow the guidelines found in the vehicle owner’s manual or tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door, trunk or fuel door.

• Professional Help.

Should any of these checks reveal the need for required maintenance-or when in doubt about the condition of their tires-drivers should take vehicles to a tire dealer for a professional inspection, suggests Chuck Yurkovich, vice president of global technology for Cooper Tire.

Learn More

To obtain more information on proper tire maintenance, visit www.coopertire.com, or follow Cooper on www.facebook.com/coopertire or www.twitter.com/coopertire.

Copy of NAPLESAUTOREPAIR_1

Tags: Before, Check, Tires, Trip
Filed in News with Comments Off

13 Jul 10 Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

Jul 12, 2010 – 2:45:38 PM
Email – Print – Discuss

Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

Stop vehicle problems before they stop you. No one likes to be inconvienenced by car problems during a road trip or on your daily commute. Keep your vehicle on the maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer.

(NAPSI)-Whether you’re taking a road trip or just commuting to work, the likelihood of your vehicle leaving you stranded is greater than you think.

Each year, AAA rescues 29 million stranded motorists. In 2010, the motor club expects it will jump-start or replace nearly 5 million auto batteries with its AAA Mobile Battery Service, and estimates it will change more than 3.5 million flat tires. And while AAA’s well-trained roadside technicians will be able to get three out of five motorists back on the go, more than 11 million drivers will have problems that require their vehicles to be towed-many of which could be avoided with proper maintenance.

Taking care of your vehicle now can cost far less than a major repair later on. AAA recommends two fundamental things you can do to find and fix problems before they happen.

1. Identify a quality repair shop and use that facility for all your vehicle repairs and maintenance so you develop a good working relationship with them and they get to know your car.

One way to find quality auto repair facilities that meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service is to look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. You can also search online at www.AAA.com/Repair.

2. Have your car serviced regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. While some maintenance and repair tasks are best left to certified automotive technicians, there are a few basics you can easily check yourself:

• Engine Air Filter

Check the air filter every six months or 7,500 miles by holding it up to a 100-watt lightbulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it’s still clean enough to work.

• Battery

Check the battery cables to ensure they are securely attached to the terminals. Clean the terminals if there are any signs of corrosion.

• Tire Pressure

Check and adjust tire pressures at least once a month when the tires are cold- including the spare. The manufacturer’s recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s doorjamb.

• Tire Tread

Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington’s head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington’s head.

• Windshield Washer Fluid

Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir monthly and test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation and aim.

• Windshield Wiper Blades

Check the blades at every oil change or whenever they fail to wipe the glass clean in a single swipe. The rubber inserts usually last six to 12 months.

Copy of NAPLESAUTOREPAIR_1

Tags: Before, Problems, Stop, They, Vehicle
Filed in News with Comments Off

09 Jul 10 Four Important Steps To Take Before Buying A Car

Jul 7, 2010 – 9:22:09 PM
Email – Print – Discuss

Four Important Steps To Take Before Buying A Car

Here are four important steps to take before purchasing your next vehicle. Get car buying tips from the experts.

(ARA) – It’s that time of year – summer car-buying season is in full swing. Many dealers are offering great incentives to move cars off their lots to make room for the arrival of new models in the fall. Since buying a car is one of the biggest investments many of us make, it is important to be prepared so you can drive off the lot confident in the purchasing decision you’ve made.

Despite the economic hardships the auto industry has faced, financing a vehicle is still possible. Once you’ve researched reviews and valuations, and decided on the vehicle you want to buy, consider these four tips from Experian Automotive:

1. Check Your Credit Score

Knowing where your credit history falls in the range of risk is more important now than ever before. Auto lenders use scoring models to help predict whether or not you could become delinquent on your auto loan payments. An auto lender typically receives a credit score that emphasizes your current and previous vehicle payment history. While they may use different credit scores for potential buyers than traditional lenders do, that simply means you shouldn’t focus on the number, but on your level of risk and what in your credit history most influenced that risk. Knowing where your credit history falls in the range of risk can help you anticipate the interest rates you may qualify for and the amount of the down payment you will need to make. Consequently, knowing where you stand may give you the leverage you need to negotiate for better rates. You can get your credit report and score at www.experian.com.

2. Know How Much You Can Afford To Spend On A Down Payment

It’s important to know how much you can afford to spend on a down payment before you go to the dealer and ask for the keys. If you are able to offer a solid down payment on a car, you will be in a better position to negotiate the final sale price of the vehicle as well as the terms of your loan. And the lower your credit score, the larger the down payment you may be required to make. Being aware of how much cash you have to put down on a car can empower you to secure an even better deal and it can also help you realize what type of car you can truly afford.

3. Research Loan Options On Your Own

It’s a good idea to get pre-qualified for an auto loan before visiting an auto dealer. Knowing what loan options you have may influence the dealer to beat an offer from your bank with a better interest rate and lower monthly payments. Before heading to the dealership, check with your bank or credit union to see what loan rates are available.

4. Request Your Vehicle History Report

If you decide to buy a used car or truck, you should always have a licensed mechanic physically inspect the vehicle. You should also conduct your own inspection of the vehicle’s past by requesting a vehicle history report from your dealer or pulling a report yourself at AutoCheck.com. The report will provide you with all reported events for that vehicle (odometer readings, vehicle registrations, title transfers, accident damage, emissions inspections) in addition to any issues with the vehicle’s title, any unexpected odometer readings, whether the vehicle was ever a rental or used as a service vehicle, and your AutoCheck score. This score is a tool that enables you to understand a vehicle’s past quickly and easily, compare it to other vehicles, and lower the risk of buying a vehicle with undetected problems.

Buying a car is an exciting time in everyone’s life, so before you rush out to the dealership, make sure you are properly prepared to get the most bang for your buck. Educating yourself on your financial standing as well as the current auto loan market and the history of the car you want to buy will help you drive off the lot with the knowledge that you made a sound investment.

Copy of NAPLESAUTOREPAIR_1

Tags: Before, Buying, Four, Important, Steps, Take
Filed in News with Comments Off

12 Oct 10 Check Your Car Mirrors – Take Action Before You Hit The Road

Check Your Car Mirrors – Take Action Before You Hit The Road

29 Jul 10 Check Your Tires Before Your Trip

Check Your Tires Before Your Trip

13 Jul 10 Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

09 Jul 10 Four Important Steps To Take Before Buying A Car

Four Important Steps To Take Before Buying A Car

Archives

Blogroll

Tags