Do We Really Need a Cell Phone Ban While Driving?
Driving cars = good Using cell phones = good Driving cars while using cell phones = not so good The two activities combined have proven to be a dangerous mix. Just consider these staggering statistics: 45% of drivers have been hit or nearly hit by a driver using a cell phone, according to Nationwide Insurance Nearly 5,900 people were killed [...]
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Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:24:42 +0000

12 Must-Read Car Repair Tips to Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
Car breakdowns are never a good thing. But breakdowns in freezing temperatures and on icy roads are just plain dangerous. This winter, make sure you and your family are protected when you take to the roads. Get your car checked out by a trusted repair shop as soon as possible. To help you find the mechanic that’s [...]
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Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:24:07 +0000

Weather April Showers by Properly Preparing Your Vehicle

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(NewsUSA) - While it may be true that April showers bring May flowers, rain also creates wet roads and low driving visibility. To better weather the spring storms, Tires Plus recommends the following: Keep the pressure on. Now is the time to pay close attention to your tires. Regularly check your tires for proper inflation, rotation, repair and replacement. Checking tire pressure is important; both under- and over-inflation lessens a tire's gripping action. Further, rotating your tires can help correct irregular tire wear. Enlist the help of your local automotive technician in order to select a tire made for wet-weather driving and enhanced traction. Wipe away the problem. Take a few moments to check your windshield wipers; they don't last forever. If the rubber feels rough or is cracked, replace the wiper blades -- in most climates about every six months. Take tread seriously. Familiarize yourself with the "penny test" as a way to check your tire tread. Insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is worn, and the tire probably needs to be replaced. Your passenger tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth; anything less is hazardous on the wet roads. Avoid potholes. Hitting a pothole can damage your tire and/or the wheel of your vehicle. The sharp impact can cause immediate tire/wheel failure or internal damage that can lead to tire failure weeks later. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help reduce pothole damage and other road hazards. Whether you are preparing for a long-awaited spring vacation or just everyday driving, don't forget to properly prepare your vehicle to weather any storm. Take every precaution while on the road, and when experiencing wet road conditions remember to keep in mind that stopping distances will be longer than usual. And, finally, do not forget that proper vehicle maintenance can help your car stay newer longer this spring season.

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Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Deciphering Your Car’s “Check Engine” Light

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(NewsUSA) - Many drivers don't know what the "check engine" or "service engine soon" warning light on the instrument panel really means. Understanding the purpose of this light, and knowing what actions to take when it comes on, can help you nip problems in the bud -- and possibly prevent major damage. An illuminated "check engine" light is telling you the engine control computer has detected a problem that is causing the vehicle to produce excessive exhaust emissions. Sometimes the light will be accompanied by noticeable performance problems, such as an engine miss or hesitation, but other times the vehicle will appear to operate normally. Common failures that can trigger a "check engine" light include: * Failed engine-control components such as an oxygen, coolant temperature, MAP (manifold absolute pressure) or airflow sensor. * Engine misfires from faulty sparkplugs, sparkplug wires, ignition components, fuel injectors or other fuel system parts. * Emission-control failures such as loose or cracked vacuum hoses, a loose or missing gas cap or a defective EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve. How you should react to a "check engine" light depends on how the light behaves. If the light comes on for a little while and then goes out, you may have had a momentary problem in the system. The light goes out when the problem stops, but the computer could have stored a diagnostic trouble code in its memory. If the light does not recur, it can be ignored. However, if the light comes and goes intermittently, take the vehicle in for a checkup. If the light comes on and stays on, the car has an ongoing problem. While that problem may not be severe, it will negatively impact your car's performance, gas mileage and exhaust emissions. Take your vehicle to a repair shop as soon as possible for further diagnosis. If the "check engine" light begins to flash on and off, a severe problem is causing the catalytic converter to overheat. This can destroy the converter and possibly even start a fire. If your repair shop is nearby, drive there immediately. If the shop is some distance away, shut off the car and call for assistance. Always have the cause of a flashing "check engine" light investigated right away to prevent damage to important components that can greatly increase the cost of repairs. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can diagnose "check engine" light problems and provide a full range of vehicle maintenance and repair services. Approved Auto Repair shops meet AAA's high standards for customer care and technical proficiency. To locate a shop near you, look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair logo or visit www.AAA.com/repair.

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Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:00:00 +0000

Earth-Friendly Tips for Motorists

(NewsUSA) - Some day, hydrogen-powered vehicles may be commonplace, but in the meantime, motorists who want to go "green" don't have to change vehicles to help the environment. The experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair, say that drivers simply need to change a few habits. "Regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits are two strategies that virtually every vehicle owner can embrace," notes Martin Lawson, editorial director at ASE. The following tips from ASE can put you on the road to environmentally conscious care today: * Keep the engine running at peak performance. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the manual. * Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Inflated tires reduce the engine's effort and gasoline consumption. * Find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified auto technicians have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign. * Have your vehicle's air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service. * Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations; both habits guzzle gas. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving. * Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Remove that rooftop luggage carrier after vacations to reduce air drag. * If you do your own repairs, properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government for information. Visit www.ase.com for more seasonal car care tips and for information about the benefits of using ASE-certified technicians for auto repairs and service.

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Thu, 31 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0000