Tag Archives: safe driving practices

What to Look for in an Auto Repair Shop

Choosing the right auto repair shop is crucial for the longevity of your car. Your end goal is to find one that is reliable, knows how to service your vehicle, and is trustworthy. To help you determine if an auto repair shop is worth your time and money, here are some things to look for. Good Reviews Reviews are very telling of a business. They come from a variety of people who have already worked with the auto repair shop. Oftentimes the reviews are very honest, and you can easily get an idea of how the shop handles vehicle repair and maintenance needs. Save yourself time and money by taking the time to search online for auto repair shops that have plenty of good reviews.  Certifications Does the shop have any certifications? The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) line of certifications has become the industry standard. Do not be afraid to ask an auto repair shop to see their certifications. The right shop should be eager to show you just how trustworthy and experienced a me ... read more

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5 Things That Are Causing Your Car Battery to Die Quickly

Most of us like to believe that when our car battery dies, it is a fluke. But sometimes that is not the case. Did you know that you could be causing your car’s battery to die quicker? Check out these four things that you could be causing your car’s battery to die quickly. Leaving Lights On Drivers who leave their headlights or dome light on for extended periods of time are causing their car battery to drain. Never leave your headlights on overnight, and always be sure to check for any lights that remain on after you have closed and locked your vehicle. The last thing you want is to come to your car in the morning to find out that your simple overlook has cost you an expensive battery.  Corroded or Loose Battery Connections A corroded battery connection can prevent the charging system from topping off your battery while you are driving. Loose battery connection can lead to excessive resistance buildup and cause electrical problems. Have an auto mechanic regularly ch ... read more

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How Does Your Car’s Exhaust System Work?

Your car is equipped with multiple systems that work together to form a functioning car. One of those systems is the exhaust system. It is responsible for diverting gasses away from the engine so that they do not get into the cabin and into your lungs. Take a look at some of the parts that make up the exhaust system.   Exhaust Manifold For most cars, the exhaust system begins with the exhaust manifold. It is usually made of metal and it connects the engine to the rest of the exhaust system. One side of the manifold has individual tubes that connect to each of the engine cylinders. In the manifold, these individual tubes merge and come out on the other side as a single tube. Oxygen Sensor Another part of the exhaust system is the oxygen sensor. This part measures how much oxygen is in the waste gases. In a perfect world, the car’s engine would use exactly the right amount of oxygen needed to completely burn the fuel, and none would be le ... read more

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Safe Driving Tips for the Rainy Season

Wet weather is right around the corner so here are a few safety tips to help keep you from being caught in the rain. Driving in the rain can be intimidating and sometimes dangerous for those who are not prepared. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make your drive safer and limit the risk of getting into an accident. Let us look at some tips for making your next rainy drive a safer one. Replace Worn Tires One of the biggest contributing factors to accidents is the condition of the tires on your car. Worn down tires do not grip the road like they should, which could lead to hydroplaning and accidents. If your tires seem worn down it is time to have them checked by a professional and replaced if necessary. Most drivers understand that worn tires can be dangerous in snow and ice, but the same is true for wet roads during or following a rainstorm. Check Windshield Wipers The windshield wipers on your car are essential when it starts to pour ou ... read more

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Smoke from Wildfires Can Clog Your Cabin Air Filter

Since there was so much wildfire smoke in the air in August and September, we have had several people ask us if that would affect their engine air filter. No, forest fire smoke will not do anything to your engine air filter. The smoke particles are so tiny, they just pass through the filter like other small particles. The smoke may irritate your eyes and lungs, but it is harmless to your engine. However, most cars have a cabin air filter, which is designed to clean the air blown out your cabin air vents. This filter will remove the small particles that bother people and smoky air will shorten its life. A lot depends on how often you use your heater and air conditioner, or even just turn on your fan. Also, most cars allow you to choose between outside air or recirculating cabin air. When you recirculate the air, the filter is bypassed and not used. When you switch to bringing in outside air, your filter is engaged, and this will eventually clog it up. Some cabin air filters are conv ... read more

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Why is My Car Bouncing When I Drive?

A bouncing car is never a good thing. When you drive, it is supposed to feel like a smooth ride. When you experience a bumpy car ride even when you are not driving over potholes or on a damaged road, there can be a few things wrong with your vehicle. Here are some of the most common problems that cause your car to bounce: Bad Tires The first thing you should inspect if you are experiencing a bumpy ride is your car’s tires. Do they look flat or deformed? When was the last time you checked your tire pressure or refilled them with air? Bad tires are the most common problem for a bouncy car and luckily not extremely expensive to repair or replace. Transmission Problems Plenty of drivers tense up at the idea that their car may have a transmission problem. This is because replacing a vehicle’s transmission can be costly regarding both parts and labor. If you are experiencing a bumpy ride while driving, your car’s transmission may be to ... read more

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How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

Chances are that you want your vehicle to last a long time. With the right practices and maintenance, your vehicle can keep you driving safely and efficiently for many years. Here are some things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle. Stick to the Maintenance Schedule  Do you know that book that usually comes with the car that you rarely, if ever, look at? That book, also known as the vehicle’s owner’s manual, contains a schedule for maintenance. It tells you what on your car should be checked out or replaced and when it should be addressed based on your vehicle’s mileage. Sticking to the maintenance schedule will help extend the vehicle’s lifespan and keep it in good shape. Don’t Neglect Your Vehicle’s Fluids Fluids make your car run smoothly and soundly. Always make sure your vehicle has enough fluids for things such as the engine, transmission, bra ... read more

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Common Driving Hazards to Avoid

Common Driving Hazards to Avoid

Whether you have been driving for decades or you have just gotten started, the open road can be both liberating and dangerous. Thankfully, there are methods that you can employ to stay safe while you drive. Today we are going to be talking about some of the most common driving hazards and how you can avoid them. Distracted Driving We live in a busy world and the road is no exception. There are flashing billboards, your cellphone, the radio, passengers, and other drivers that are all vying for your attention. Though it may feel okay to take a quick glance at your cell phone or change the song on your playlist, these moments where your eyes are off the road can turn deadly.   Before you start driving, set your playlist, and do not touch it. Put your phone on silent and do not pick it up until you’re safely parked at your destination. If your passengers are being rowdy, remind them that you need to focus on the road for both your safety and theirs. The key ... read more

8 Things to Keep in Your Car in Case of Emergency in 2020

Emergencies can happen anytime it is important to have some key things in your car in case of an emergency. You never know when you might be stuck on the side of the road or run into an unforeseen circumstance. Here is a list of eight things you should always keep in your car in case of an emergency. First Aid Kit A first aid kit should be the first thing to go into your car’s emergency kit. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, a first aid kit can be a literal lifesaver. Commercial first aid kits can be purchased that include everything you might need in an emergency, or you can put one together yourself using bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, etc. Spare Tire A spare tire is a good idea no matter where you are driving. Instead of being stranded on the side of the road you can use your spare tire to get you where you need to go. If you do have a spare tire, make sure to also have a jack ... read more

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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR OLDER CARS

Preventative Maintenance is More Important as Vehicles Age The average age of vehicles on the road is rising, and as cars get older, they need more service and repair. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends that motorists who own an older car, truck or SUV become more diligent about preventative maintenance. “With the average vehicle age exceeding 11.5 years, the chance of a breakdown or service issue on an older vehicle is much greater,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “The Car Care Council urges drivers of older vehicles to implement a preventative maintenance plan for their vehicle to minimize the chances of a roadside breakdown and to also help their vehicle run more efficiently and economically.” According to Experian Automotive, the average age of passenger vehicles on the road is rising, up from 11.29 years in the first quarter of 2015 to 11.61 years in 2019. The most common maintenance procedures to keep a car operating safely ... read more

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