 Your Tire Maintenance Checklist |
 | Pressure - Under inflation results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its inflation pressure and not appear to be flat! How to Check Inflation Pressure |
| Alignment - A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have a tire dealer check the alignment periodically to ensure that your car is properly aligned. See More on Checking Your Alignment |
| Rotation - Regularly rotating your vehicle's tires will help you achieve more uniform wear. Unless your vehicle's owners manual has a specific recommendation, the guideline for tire rotation is approximately every 5,000 miles. Details on Rotating Your Tires |
| Tread - Advanced and unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for signs of damage. How to Check Tread |
| Don't Forget: Always practice good driving habits To read more on this article, click here! | |
Craft Collision Center would like to wish all of our customers a Happy Thanksgiving, and say “Thank You” for all of your business and support!
Here are some good winter car care tips.
1. As you tackle fall's bounty on your lawn, leave some energy for removing the leaves that find their way into your vehicle.
Leaves, twigs and other organic matter can cause havoc with gutters on your house — and the equivalent on your car. When debris builds up in areas of your car where water is supposed to flow out, you can get leaks or corrosion. The air plenum near the windshield is a classic spot where this can happen. If you have a sunroof, open it up and poke around in there, too. Sunroofs have drains that flow water that sneaks past the seals down to the ground. Leaf gunk in there can make for wet headliners or worse. Less common, but more problematic: Animals may make nests in the engine compartment or airbox. You may need a mechanic and an animal trapper to fully solve this problem.2. So-called "all-season" tires have been on the market for decades. Coupled with front-wheel-drive and anti-skid systems, they have allowed many folks to avoid mounting a true snow tire for the winter months. But there are two trends in tires you should be aware of:
A) Styling priorities have led to manufacturers fitting wider, low-profile tires on a variety of cars. Wide and low profile, on balance, makes a tire worse in the snow. Pressures to improve tire fuel economy have also worked against the snow utility of all-seasons.
B) Winter tires have improved their behavior from the era of knobby snow tires. New tread patterns and rubber compounds make them quieter on dry roads, yet even more effective on frozen stuff.
If you choose to go with winter tires, note that vendors such as The Tire Rack and Discount Tire Direct offer packages with the tires already mounted on a new set of wheels. Switching the entire wheel for the winter is more cost-effective than having two sets of tires mounted on your existing wheels twice a year.3. Fog, snow and rain will cut down your visibility in winter. Check your wiper blades, which have a lifespan of about a year. If your car doesn’t have the newer "beam blade" style wipers, consider a pair, especially for the winter months. The beam style blades don't have an external spring to freeze up. When snow or other freezing precipitation threaten, pop your wipers up when you park so they're not touching the windshield. This little trick will make it easier to scrape your windshield and reduce the chance that you burn out the wiper motor by having them turn on while the blades are frozen in place.
4. Winter puts more stress on your battery, particularly if you park your car outdoors. Avoid the sinking feeling of hearing nothing when you hit the ignition with a proactive check of your battery and charging system now. Repair shops don't usually charge very much to load-test your battery, and some car-parts stores will do it for free. If you find out your battery's going south, you can replace it at your convenience, instead of being at the mercy of whomever your dead car’s been towed to. Note that some big-box stores such as Costco offer a good price on batteries for those of you willing to change one yourself (not usually all that hard, though batteries are heavy.)
5. To improve aerodynamics and save fuel, today’s cars are equipped with increasingly elaborate underbody panels and low-hanging air dams. These can be vulnerable to damage, and driving over a snowdrift in the winter could turn a small problem into a more expensive one. So before the ground’s too chilly to lie on, take a look under the car, starting from the front, to see if there's anything loose flapping about. Maybe you can just pop it back into place. Maybe a zip tie will take care of it.
Read more: http://autos.yahoo.com/news/winter-car-maintenance-tips.html
Thieves, especially in a tough economy and high unemployment, have been known to steal seemingly odd things that most people wouldn't think had much value. But the thieves know different. Among the vulnerable: copper pipes from building and vacant condos; freshly planted landscaping; plumbing fixtures from vacant condos. Now you can add tailgates from pickup trucks. Huh?
That's right. Law enforcement in at least eight states this year have been reporting rashes of tailgate thefts. Unlike the stuff you might leave on the seat of your truck, the tailgates are not protected by locks or barriers such as windows. Thieves have become adept at wrenching the tailgates, as well as pricey accessories, off the car.
Read more: http://autos.aol.com/photos/truck-tailgate-theft/
Keep your pet safe while driving, not only for your animal’s health and well-being, but for your wallet’s sake as well!
States Cracking Down On Dogs Behind The Wheel
If it's any indication of the danger free-roaming pets face in a vehicle, New Hampshire, the country's only state that does not have a mandatory seat belt law, actually requires dogs to buckle up.
Live free or die, goes the state's motto, but Spike and Spot don't have that liberty. And with due reason. Seven other states, Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island require owners to kennel or tether animals because of the severe danger the sudden stops and potential collisions pose to pets. An unrestrained dog can land you with a ticket between $50 and $200.
Animal lovers would almost always rather take their pet with them to run errands or on a road trip than leave them at home or at a pet motel. But for all that love for canines, most drivers have seen "dog people" take things too far, driving with their dogs in their laps or lying around their shoulders like a neck pillow and, yes, sometimes at the wheel.
And it's a double dose of danger: for the distracted driver and the unrestrained animal.
Find out more here: http://autos.aol.com/photos/driving-doggie-style-the-best-vehicles-for-pets/
Really neat article. Especially if your car is older and you no longer have the manual.
Although the promised "paperless society" may never come to pass, today's savvy consumers know the convenience of downloading large documents and foregoing the bulky paper version. Automakers realize this as well, and almost all of them have made the voluminous owner's manuals for their vehicles available on their Web sites' "Owner's" area. Most (though not all) online downloads are free, whereas buying the paper version costs anywhere from $10-$30 or more.
While owner's manuals don't make exciting reading, they are packed with valuable instructions, information and warnings that you've probably never read. Perhaps your manual is buried in a long-forgotten pile of papers. Maybe you've purchased a used car without the manual. Or maybe you want to read the details on a car before you actually buy it. Either way, we've made it easy for you to find a car owner's manual without any digging. And accessing a manual online — or storing it on your computer — means convenient answers when you're not in the car.
Follow the link to find your car’s manual today! http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-find-your-car-owners-manual-online.html
Are you prepared for an emergency? Read on to find out what you should have with you in case of an emergency.
With Hurricane Irene bearing down on the East Coast and many Americans trying to evacuate the area in their vehicles, there is a very real threat for people of winding up on their own or even stranded in their vehicle, which becomes a kind of lifeboat.
But what is in that lifeboat to help an individual or a family cope with adverse conditions? Too few drivers keep basic tools and other necessities and helpers to endure a night or more alone in a car, or the basics to get a damaged car back on the road.There are a few small things you can carry to make life on the road easier. If you're going to be on the road every day, these items will prove themselves useful in the long haul. Fit as many into one carrying case as you can unless the vehicle has cleverly designed stow-away slots for specific items.
First-aid kit: It's an obvious one, but how many drivers actually carry a first-aid kit? In the critical minutes before emergency care arrives, you could give an accident victim the care they need. Many luxury vehicles come with well-equipped kits, so check before you buy.
Blanket: This one goes hand-in-hand with the first-aid kit. A victim at an accident scene may need to be kept warm to prevent shock. And if you're broken down in unexpected weather, the blanket may keep you warm when your vehicle cannot.
Spare tire and jack: A well-maintained spare tire and jack can mean the difference between a fifteen-minute inconvenience and an hour-long, $75 ordeal. While other drivers are waiting to be towed to the near tire depot, you can change your own and roll for more than fifty miles to the shop of your choice. Make sure to check the condition of your spare each month or so. If you often travel in remote areas, replace a "temporary" spare with a real fifth tire that fits the vehicle.
Water and food: This is a no-brainer, right? A few bottles of water and shelf-stable or vacuum packed snacks. Don't buy snacks that will be compromised in a hot car. And change them at least twice a year.Do you keep an emergency kit in your car?
Spare wiper blades: This may seem like overkill, but it's not. Foul weather can wear down wiper blades more quickly than you think -- especially in wintry climates with snowy, salted roads. Keep them on hand and change when the windshield gets bleary. Most blades can be refilled in less than a minute; the replacements are available, usually for less than $5, at local car-parts stores or from your dealer.
Jumper cables: You can always find another driver to give you a jump-start - but can you always find a set of cables? A good set of cables costs less than $20, and offers instructions on how to jump your car if you're not sure. Most major department stores, such as Kmart and Target, stock these in addition to the car-parts stores.
Sharpie and paper: In the event you have to leave your vehicle, you want to be able to leave a note.
Phillips and standard-style sizes: This tool is far more versatile than a regular screwdriver because you can pick the bit type and size that exactly fits the fastener you're trying to remove. Some kits come with a small selection of sockets and drivers for those Torx (star-shaped head) screws that are increasingly commonplace. It's an essential tool to have and keep with you in the car.
A roll of duct tape or electrical tape: Duct tape has been the emergency mechanic's best friend for years; with it, you can temporarily bind a leaking radiator hose or quickly patch up shattered glass. Electrical tape is great to have on hand when you need to keep an exposed electrical connection from touching something it shouldn't. Toss a roll of each into your tool kit.
Pen magnet: This handy tool can help you dig out keys that fell between the seats, or retrieve a tiny screw you dropped someplace inaccessible to your hand. Get the telescoping type that looks and functions just like a radio antenna. There are also flexible models that can be bent to work around obstacles. Both are great to have in certain circumstances where almost nothing else will do.
Emergency cell phone: If you are one of the few who don't have a regular cellphones, invest in an emergency-use cell phone that tucks away in the glove box. These phone are inexpensive (the plans call for a very limited number of calls per month or even just 911) but can be lifesavers if you have or witness a serious accident. You can also use them to report possible drunk drivers and other emergency situations.
Flashlight, disposable lighter and Flares: The flashlight and lighter are self-explanatory. Flares can be used to signal for help, mark off your car from oncoming traffic and even work as emergency lighting.
Read more: http://autos.aol.com/article/car-evacuation-emergency-safety-kit/
Is rustproofing your car worth it? In short, yes!
Rust is a car’s natural enemy. More than just a discoloration of metal, rust is the corrosive result of a chemical reaction between oxygen and iron. Though rust technically corrodes just the surface of iron or an iron-based alloy (such as steel), fresh iron is exposed during this process of corrosion, which in turn can become “infected” with rust. Given enough time, this cycle will repeat over and over to the point when the rust completely disintegrates the metal.
Put simply: Rusted metal is not as structurally strong as rust-free metal. Since most cars are made of metal (especially steel) we can rightfully guess that a car with a rust problem is not as structurally sound and, therefore, more dangerous than a rust-free car. Rust isn’t much of a problem for those who live in dry, arid climates. However, cars constantly exposed to wet weather, humidity and corrosive road salts are more likely to suffer from potentially disastrous rust problems.
To combat vehicle rust, many manufacturers use a variety of rust-proofing techniques to keep rust at bay. Often, rust proofing measures will include the use of galvanized steel (steel that is coated in rust-unfriendly zinc) and PVC-based undercoatings. Paint itself is also considered a rust proofing measure, as it acts like a protective barrier against the elements. Some aftermarket rust-proofing treatments -- including wax-based surface treatments -- are also available.
RUST PROOFING ON AM
Though there is no way to completely eliminate the threat of rust, rust proofing is the best way to extend the life of a vehicle and all its components. As we mentioned earlier, rust will structurally weaken any piece of metal it has infected, so rusty car parts are often dangerous car parts. Rust proofing helps ensure that our vehicles won’t suddenly disintegrate as we drive down the freeway.RUST PROOFING FACT
Sometimes, the best way to rust proof a car is to keep it clean. Waxing your car does more than just make it look good; a good wax job will serve as an extra layer of protection between the sheet metal and oxidizing elements like oxygen, salt and water. For those who live in snowy climates, not tracking massive amounts of snow (which will melt and form pools of water in a vehicle’s crevices) into the car is a good way to prevent rust build-up. Though it’s tough to do in the winter, keeping a car’s undercarriage free of road salts will also extend the life of any factory-engineered rust-proofing methods. A quick rinse of the undercarriage can do a lot of good.
Read more: http://www.askmen.com/cars/keywords/rust-proofing.html
Check out the following tips for driving in the rain from Smart Motorist.
- First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
- Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
- Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.
- Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
- Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
- Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.
- Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
- Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
- Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.
- Avoid off-road driving: it's hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and you can easily become stuck, even in an SUV.
- Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.
- Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your car could be swept off the road.
- When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
- Avoid splashing pedestrians.
- If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.
Slow down! This should be obvious but it also very important. People are so used to driving certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.
Before you go - Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls - steering, clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.
How are your tires? - Check your tires on a regular basis. Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. When your tires run over water, the water is displaced and it needs somewhere to go quickly. The best place is between the treads of your tires. If your tires are bald, the water has no place to go and you end up riding on a layer of water, like a boat. (See Hydroplaning, below.)
Turn on your wipers - Replace your wipers regularly, at least once a year. Wiper blades in bad condition don't clear water from the windshield very well and distort your view. Older vehicles may need to have the whole wiper arm replaced. The arms bend over time and sometimes can't keep enough downward pressure to clear the windscreen, even with new blades installed. Wipers will often clear light rain from the windscreen with a few sweeps, then run on an almost-dry screen and leave smears of drying dirt. Don't be afraid to use the windscreen washers liberally: the fluid is cheap (99 cents a gallon) and the safety benefit is high. Carry extra during the winter.
Don't follow large trucks or buses closely. Splash and spray from these vehicles can obscure your vision, creating a potentially disastrous driving situation. Keep your distance, and your windshield wipers on, when other traffic is in front of you.
Read more: http://www.smartmotorist.com/driving-guideline/tips-for-driving-in-rain.html
Do you think you can tell myth from reality when it comes to your vehicle’s care? Check out these myths and facts from Motortrend and test your know how!
With so much misinformation out there surrounding car care, it's no wonder people get confused about what's truth and what's fiction. Paint care is definitely one area that can raise a lot of questions. To sort the myths from the reality, we talked to Mike Pennington, director of training for Meguiar's. Active with detailing professionals, show-car owners, and amateur enthusiasts, Pennington conducts regular paint-care classes and seminars and acts as technical consultant for many auto manufacturers and their dealerships-including BMW, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, and DaimlerChrysler-as well as such automotive paint manufacturers as DuPont, PPG, and BASF. Here's his insight into the paint-care quagmire.
Myth: A wax made of 100-percent carnauba is superior to those using lesser amounts.
Reality: Carnauba wax has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for years, but don't believe that any wax is made of 100-percent carnauba. As the hardest natural wax known, carnauba is much too hard to apply directly to automotive paint. It comes in bricks that must be melted and added to a company's formulation. If a paint protectant advertises "pure carnauba," it means the part of the formula that is carnauba is pure, not that it's 100-percent carnauba. According to Pennington, today's synthetic polymer technology actually provides better protection than carnauba.
Myth: Avoid a silicone-based wax. If used, the vehicle can't be repainted.
Reality: It's true that silicones are a bane of the auto painter. For instance, if particles of silicone are on the sheetmetal when it's painted, they can keep the paint from adhering to the surface, causing defects known as fisheye. That's why some professional cleaners and polishes intended for shop use are formulated without silicone. However, once paint is on the car, silicone is no longer an issue. In fact, virtually every wax on the market uses some kind of silicone in its formula because it enhances the product's ease of application, gloss, and durability. If repainting is necessary, a body shop can easily take off the wax as part of its normal preparation.
Myth: You can assume that a finish that looks glossy is in good shape.
Reality: There are different degrees of glossiness, and a paint can dull so gradually you may not realize it's happening. For this reason, don't rely just on reflectivity to judge your paint's condition. Use your sense of touch, as well. Place your clean, dry hand flat against the paint and slowly rub it along the surface. Feel with both palm and fingertips. A well-maintained finish should feel smooth as glass. Any roughness could be due to oxidation, tree sap mist, or adhered grit, all of which degrade a paint's gloss to some degree.
Read all the myths and facts here:http://www.motortrend.com/womt/112_0004_paint_myths_and_reality/viewall.html#ixzz1Xq9mnl9H
To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of September 11th, Facebook has created an application that allows you to dedicate your status to a victim of the terrorist attacks. This Facebook Memorial gives you the opportunity to honor and revere the 3,000 who died in the 9/11/01 attacks, along with the six who died in the World Trade Center bombing in 1993.
In collaboration with the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, the app will work for those members of the social media marketing community who choose to donate their status to the cause. They will then have the option to dedicate their status to a specific victim of the attacks, or to have one given to them.
So if you are part of the 750 million member Facebook or the 100 million member Twitter community, choose to commemorate the 10th anniversary of this event and share it with others. Even if you don’t want to dedicate your Facebook status to the cause, join in the effort to reflect and honor the heroes of that day.
Many have already expressed their willingness to participate in this movement on the official 9/11 Memorial Facebook page, the place to get started.
Information courtesy of: http://www.leadgenix.com/blog/news/dedicate-facebook-status-to-911/
Is texting while driving really worse than drunk driving? That’s the question that Christopher Neiger from “How Stuff Works” asked. Read more to find out his conclusion.
Texting, or short message service(SMS), is a quick form of communication that allows users to send 160 characters or less to and from their cell phones and smartphones. A study by the Pew Research group in 2009 and 2010 reported that out of the number of Americans who have cell phones, 58 percent of adults and 66 percent of teens use them to text [source:Motavalli]. With these high percentages of Americans using text messaging every year, many are bringing the habit along with them when they drive. The same Pew study showed that 34 percent of teens who use their phone for texting said they've done it while driving, and 47 percent of adults who texted said they had done it while driving, too [source: Motavalli].
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that almost 6,000 fatalities and over half of a million injuries were due to accidents caused by drivers who were distracted [source: Motavalli]. The study wasn't focused on texting, but it does show the seriousness of driving while distracted. Like many other driving distractions, texting involves a certain amount of mental attention as well as physical application which may be why 28 states have banned drivers from texting while operating a vehicle [source: Motavalli].
But is there really proof that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving? Even though research is just now being done to measure the effects of texting while driving, some in the automotive industry and others in research circles say that texting is definitely more dangerous than drunk driving. Mainly because taking a driver's eyes off the road significantly cuts down on his or her ability to react to changes.
In 2009, Car and Driver conducted a driving test with their editor-in-chief and an intern to prove or disprove that texting while driving was more dangerous than drunk driving. The first step of their experiment was to test and measure the reaction times of both drivers while driving sober with no distractions, and then while reading and sending text messages on their cell phones. A light mounted to the front windshield simulated a car braking in front of them [source:Austin].
As they read and sent text messages, their response time was measured based on the time it took between when the brake light came on and when the driver applied the brakes at both 35 miles per hour (56.3 kilometers per hour) and at 70 miles per hour (112.7 kilometers per hour) [source: Chang]. Both drivers had a longer response time while reading and sending the text messages when compared to driving without any distractions. After the initial test, both drivers then consumed alcohol and reached the legal driving limit for intoxication in their state. After running the same test again while driving drunk, response times for both drivers were better when the driver was drunk, compared to when they were reading or sending text messages while sober. Car and Driver writers mentioned that the test was performed on a closed airport runway, with no road signs and no turns. Although this test was performed on a closed course, slow response times due to texting could result in serious consequences in real-world driving situations.
Another test conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory in London took it a step further. It found that drivers who texted had slower response times, were more likely to drift in and out of lanes and even drove worse than those who were driving while high on marijuana [source: Nugent]. The study found that reaction times for those who texted while driving were 35 percent worse than when they drove without any distractions at all. When driving while intoxicated, the reaction time was only 12 percent worse than when the driver was sober and driving without any texting distractions [source: Nugent]. The researchers also found that there was a significant decrease in ability to maintain a safe driving distance between vehicles while texting and steering control dropped by 91 percent compared to driving without distraction [source: Nugent]. One of the study's commissioners eventually concluded that texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things a driver could do while behind the wheel of a car.
Read the full article: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/texting-while-driving-worse-than-drunk-driving.htm
Labor Day is this weekend! Are you planning a road trip? Remember to plan ahead for one of the busiest highway holidays:
Getting Your Car in Shape
The last thing you want on Labor Day is a car that breaks on the road. A routine check of the engine, radiator and fluids will go a long way. Tires should be well inflated and wiper fluid should be replenished. Also, check that the steering wheel and brakes work properly. A car emergency kit should include, at a minimum, jumper wires, a tire gauge, a flashlight, a tool kit with wrenches and screwdrivers, duct tape, rags and an emergency stop sign. Add a first-aid kit, a bottle of water, a blanket and some energy bars in case something happens and you're stranded for some time.
Staying Safe
There are two major reasons for accidents on highways: losing concentration while driving and ignoring the risk of big trucks. If you are tired, had a drink or feel sick, either give the wheel to somebody else or postpone the driving. This is especially important coming back home on Labor Day, as many spend the day drinking and having fun, and chances are people are tired and moody. Monitor yourself and learn your limits, so you can head to a rest stop if you start feeling dizzy, confused or sleepy. Big trucks are especially dangerous if you cut in front of them quickly and unexpectedly, as trucks cannot brake fast enough to avoid a collision if things get tight. Also, trucks drivers have lots of blind spots, where they are unable to see you and thus avoid you. As a general rule, if you can't see the truck's mirror, the driver can't see you either.
Avoiding the Madness
The most important thing you can do is leave early. Take on the highways early Saturday morning or before rush hour on Friday. If you're driving on Labor Day, follow the same rules. Most people will brave their return home in the early evening or late afternoon. Try getting to the highways before 4 p.m. or after 10 p.m. and you should be in much better shape. Another important thing you can do to prepare for Labor Day driving is to plan your route well. Look for alternate routes, program your GPS or use a map to get you where you need to go as fast and efficiently as possible. You also can check online to see if the road you're planning to take is undergoing repairs or has scheduled lane changes, so you can search for alternatives or plan for additional driving time.
Check out the full article here. Where will you be headed?
There's more to the cost of owning a car than just paying the sticker price; in fact, the car with the lower sticker price might just turn out to be more expensive over the long haul. In other words, you might have the cash to buy a car, but not the income to afford to own it. That's the difference between price and total cost of ownership (TCO).
The total cost of ownership (over five years) includes six factors:
So which cars have the lowest cost of ownership? It's a complicated question and your circumstances may vary (especially if you include used cars in the mix), but here are some good candidates among 2010 vehicles. The list also indicates the award-winners in their categories for 2010:
Nissan Versa (also best compact car), Toyota Yaris (also best subcompact car), Hyundai Accent, Honda Civic, Scion xD (also best compact wagon), Honda Fit, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius
(also best mid-sized car), Nissan Cube, Chevrolet Aveo5
If you would like to prevent a car accident, read these tips!
In this collection, "70 Rules of Defensive Driving," by RoadTrip America's contributing expert Robert Schaller, he shares wisdom gained from nearly fifteen years of teaching defensive driving and traffic law in his home state of Arizona.
1. Pay Attention
2. Don't Trust NOBODY!3. Yield Anyway!
4. Don't Speed!5. Don't Drive Impaired
6. Wear Your Seat Belt!7. Buy and Use Safety Devices
8. Motorcyclist, Protect Thyself!9. Don't Run Red!
10. Drive Precisely11. Chill Out!
12. Look Down the Road!13. Create Space
14. Drive to Communicate15. Drive Predictably
16. Always Signal Your Intentions17. Know Your Blind Spots!
18. Avoid Distractions19. Avoid Backing Up
20. Beware of Intersections21. Be A Freeway Pro
22. Know How To Stop23. Know When To Use Your Headlights
24. Slow Down in Rain or Snow25. Maintain Your Tires
26. Take Care of Your Vehicle27. Get Rid of Tailgaters
28. Maintain an Even, Measured Pace29. Check for Hydroplaning
30. Know How To Recover From A Skid31. Avoid Head-On Collisions
32. Be A Safe Passer33. Avoid the Single-Vehicle Collision
34. Deal with Light Glare35. Never Play Chicken With a Train
36. Beware of Stopped or Slow-Moving Vehicles37. Practice Animal Avoidance!
38. Don't Prevent Others from Passing39. Drive Your Van Safely
40. Practice Smart Bicycling
Red-light cameras may seem technologically cut-and dry, but that's far from reality. They've saved lives, but they've also stirred up more controversy that most other traffic control devices on the roads to date. See how knowledgeable you are about some of the more picayune and esoteric aspects of this growing debate.
Follow the link to get started: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/red-light-camera-quiz.htm
Check out these hot weather tips for your car.
The prolonged hot weather we've been having is hard on vehicles, but a little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring that you don't wind up stranded on the side of the road withering in the heat while waiting for a tow truck.
Cars are complicated beasts and, of course, anything can go wrong at any time. But experts say there are four main problem areas that crop up as the mercury rises: batteries, tires, radiators and air conditioners.
"The extreme heat makes the acid and the fluid inside of them (car batteries) expand, which can cause them to start leaking," says Jim Kilgo, a supervisor at Austin's Groovy Automotive and Groovy Lube. "That causes battery failure in the long run."
Sarah Schimmer, AAA Texas public affairs representative, recommends that drivers keep in mind the age of their vehicles' batteries, especially in hot weather. "If it's older than 2 to 3 years, have it tested and consider having it changed out," she suggests.
Heat raises tire pressure, which is why manufacturers recommend checking their inflation before driving. And worn treads compound the effect. "As you drive during any month of the year, your tires' PSI (pounds per square inch) will raise from 5 to 8 pounds," Kilgo explains. "When it gets hot like this, it's going to raise even more. If you've got weak tires — worn tires — you've got a better chance of having a blowout."
Here's a bonus: Properly inflated tires in good condition (don't forget your spare) will improve your gas mileage.
If you see a car stranded on the shoulder and it's not up on a jack, chances are it has overheated. Your car is already working harder than normal in extreme heat, and low coolant levels can spell disaster for its engine. Belts stretch and hoses deteriorate with age; long periods of extreme heat can accelerate the process.
"A hose failure can cause an engine to blow almost before you can shut it down in this heat," Kilgo says.
"If you've got worn hoses that haven't been replaced in a while, you've got a better chance of a hose rupturing now than you do at any other time."
Read more: http://www.statesman.com/life/hot-weather-car-care-tips-1579503.html
While installing and using child safety seats may appear to be easy enough, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated that close to 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child restraints ... and if you are one of them, that child safety seat may not protect your child the way it should. Use this locator to find a child safety seat inspection station nearest you. Certified technicians will inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly install and use it.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm
You can filter results by State/Zip Code as well as with Spanish-speaking technicians, and/or having local Child Passenger Safety events.
Maintaining the value of your car starts on the outside. Below are the top tips for washing your car.
- Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
- Do fill your bucket with warm water.
- Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
- Do spray the car often with water.
- Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
- Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
- Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.
"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc.
"The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."
Read more: http://www.carcare.org/wash_wax
What driving habits annoy you the most? Tell us! Or just check out this Top Ten list created by Car Talk radio personalities Click and Clack:
It's a known fact that everyone reading this is an above-average driver — and that each of us always displays deep and abiding civility toward our fellow travelers. So we're sure you won't recognize yourself in any of the items listed below.
But what about all those other jerks on the road?
What things do other drivers do that annoy you most? Here's our list, with an invitation to share your pet peeves below.
Yours in Pounding the Steering Wheel,
Tom and Ray Magliozzi, Car Talk
Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers1. Talking on a cell phone
When you're talking on your cell phone, you're as likely to cause an accident as when you're legally drunk. Now, what's your excuse? What's more annoying than a driver who's willing to riskyour life so he can pick up his General Tso's chicken without waiting? Even when distracted drivers don't cause a wreck, they weave from lane to lane, create confusion in intersections and generally drive slower than other drivers around them while they're trying to do two things at once, leaving a gang of irate drivers in their wake.
Don't Be a Jerk: Put the phone down while you drive. You know about voice mail, right?
2. Driving too fast for road conditions
Just because a speed limit is 65 mph doesn't mean that's always the right speed. Snow, ice or rain can dramatically reduce your car's braking and handling abilities, as well as limit visibility. The right top speed for those conditions is that at which you feel safe and in control and able to react in time to anything that happens up ahead. That could be 40 mph. Or zero mph.
Drivers who fly past you at 50 mph when conditions call for 15 mph are not just risking their own lives — they might take you with them. If they lose control, they could easily spin into you, knocking you off the road and down an embankment. Or, at the very least, they could cover your windshield with a thick film of slush or rain, leaving you temporarily blinded. Annoying? We'd say so.
Check out the full top ten at Cars.com
I love to see the starry flag
That floats above my head.
I love to see its waving folds
With stripes of white and red.
“Be brave,” say the red stripes.
“Be pure,” say the white.
“Be true,” say the bright stars.
“And stand for the right.”
Author Unknown
The SBCA Community is pleased to announce that Billy Craft Honda has been selected for the 2010 Best of Business Award in the Automobile Dealers-New Cars category! The SBCA Best of Business Award Program recognizes the best of small businesses throughout the country. Using the world's most comprehensive directory of business information on people and companies and other research, the SBCA identifies companies that we believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy.
Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great. Congratulations Billy Craft Honda!
Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 19th. What was the best advice you ever received from your Father? Share it with us! We’d love to hear it.
Or just enjoy some of these pithy quotes about our favorite dads:
"A new father quickly learns that his child invariably comes to the bathroom at precisely the times when he's in there, as if he needed company. The only way for this father to be certain of bathroom privacy is to shave at the gas station." -- Bill Cosby
"A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again." -- Enid Bagnold
"A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be." – Unknown
"My father always told me, 'Find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life.' " -- Jim Fox
"A father is a banker provided by nature." -- French Proverb
"My father said, 'Politics asks the question: Is it expedient? Vanity asks: Is it popular? But conscience asks: Is it right?'" -- Dexter Scott King
"When I was a kid, I said to my father one afternoon, 'Daddy, will you take me to the zoo?' He answered, 'If the zoo wants you, let them come and get you.'" -- Jerry Lewis
"Small boy's definition of Father's Day: It's just like Mother's Day only you don't spend so much." – Unknown
"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong." -- Charles Wadsworth
Check out more quotations here.
How are you planning to celebrate/ honor Memorial Day weekend? Is the holiday a chance to barbeque and hang with friends, or is it a more solemn occasion as you remember a loved one? Share with us!
But no matter how you choose to spend your weekend, we want you to stay safe. Here are some tips for grill safety this weekend:
- Keep food covered or refrigerated until ready to be cooked. Cook meat to 170 degrees Farenheit as a minimum.
- Cooking (by any method) of meats (particularly red meat and chicken) at very high temperatures until surface charring occurs can cause cancer causing substances (Heterocyclic Amines (HCA)) to form. To avoid this, use marinades and turn frequently.
- Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order.
- Don't use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies.
- When using a grill, you should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible, including your house.
- Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill.
- Only use approved ignition fluids – don't use gasoline to ignite a grill.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire.
These tips are from: http://bbq.about.com/od/grillinghelp/tp/grillsafety.htm
Craft Collision has been providing complete, top-quality auto repair services to Lynchburg and surrounding areas since 1989. We strive to uphold the Craft Automotive Group’s hard-earned reputation of a quality product delivered with award winning customer service.
Craft Collision is housed in a state-of-the-art 30,000 ft. facility in Lynchburg Virginia and uses the latest technologies available in auto body repair to restore your vehicle to its pre-collision condition. There are no body shop facilities like ours in the Lynchburg area! We offer complete auto body repair on all makes and models and take the time to explain every step of the process to you so there are no surprises. And of course we gladly work with all insurance companies to ensure that all related damages are addressed.
Over the years, many major auto insurance carriers have selected Craft Collision as their Direct Repair Facility for their insurance customers. As a Direct Repair Facility, we are able to provide customers with a more convenient and hassle-free repair experience. Since we know that automobile accidents create enough of their own trauma and disruption in your life, we pride ourselves in doing everything we can to reduce or eliminate the complications commonly associated with auto body repair.
AUTO REPAIR SERVICES OFFERED
Our staff is committed to providing Professional Customer Service
CALL US TODAY! 434-385-6048
With the prices of gas going up here are some great tips on saving money!
Fill up with a lower-octane gasoline. Buy the lowest grade or octane of gasoline that is appropriate for your car. Unless your car requires premium gasoline, filling up your car with high-octane fuel is a waste of money. That pricey premium fuel won't boost your car's fuel economy or performance in the least, so skip it.
If you're not sure what grade of fuel works best for your car, open up your owner's manual and take a look. As long as your engine doesn't knock or ping when you fuel up with regular unleaded, you're good to drive on this much cheaper gas. Passing on pricey premium gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Don't top off. Don't bother topping off when filling your car's gas tank. Any additional gas is just going to slop around or seep out. Why waste your money paying for gas your car won't use? Stop pumping at the first indication that your tank is full when the automatic nozzle clicks off.
Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car's gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.
Go for the shade. The hot summer sun that makes the inside of your car feel like a sauna also zaps fuel from your gas tank.
"If you let your car bake in the sun there's going to be a greater amount of evaporative emissions that take place than if you park in the shade," says Jim Kliesch, research associate at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and vehicle analyst for GreenerCars.com.
So park your car in the shade of a building or tree whenever possible. And buy a good windshield shade. A windshield shade blocks sunlight and helps to keep heat out of the inside of your car.
Use your garage for your car. Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/fuel-efficient/5.asp
Check out these fun facts and may the luck of the Irish smile upon ya!
Fun Facts about St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day is observed on March 17 because that is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17 in the year 461 AD. It is also a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and history. St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, and a provincial holiday in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The actual color of St. Patrick is blue. Green became associated with St. Patrick's Day during the 19th century. Green, in Irish legends, was worn by fairies and immortals, and also by people to encourage their crops to grow.
St. Patrick did not actually drive snakes out of Ireland; the snakes represent the pagans that he converted to Christianity.
The very first St. Patrick's Day parade was not in Ireland. It was in Boston in 1737.
In Chicago, on St. Patrick's Day, the rivers are dyed green.
In Seattle, there is a ceremony where a green stripe is painted down the roads.
Most Catholics attend mass in the morning and then attend the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Shamrocks are worn on the lapel on this day.
In Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, people traditionally wear a small bunch of shamrocks on their jackets or caps. Children wear orange, white and green badges, and women and girls wear green ribbons in their hair
Many young people dye their hair green for the special day.
Many people wear green on this holiday to avoid being pinched.
The phrase, "Drowning The Shamrock" is from the custom of floating the shamrock on the top of whiskey before drinking it. The Irish believe that if you keep the custom, then you will have a prosperous year.
Many bars in the United States, and abroad, serve green beer to celebrate St. Patty's Day.
Fun Facts about the Irish
34 million Americans have Irish ancestry, according to the 2003 US Census. That’s almost nine times the population of Ireland, which has 4.1 million people.
Nine of the people who signed our Declaration Of Independence were of Irish origin, and nineteen Presidents of the United States proudly claim Irish heritage -- including our first President, George Washington.
Some American towns have “Irish” names. You could visit: Mount Gay-Shamrock, West Virginia; Shamrock Lakes, Indiana; Shamrock, Oklahoma; Shamrock, Texas; Dublin, California and Dublin, Ohio.
The harp is the symbol of Ireland. The color green is also commonly associated with Ireland, also known as “the Emerald Isle.”
The Irish flag is green, white and orange. The green symbolizes the people of the south, and orange, the people of the north. White represents the peace that brings them together as a nation.
The name “leprechaun” has several origins. It could be from the Irish Gaelic word “leipreachan,” which means “a kind of aqueous sprite.” Or, it could be from “leath bhrogan,” which means “shoemaker.”
Fun Facts about Clovers
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14.
One estimate suggests that there are about 10,000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.
Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.
It’s always there when you need it, and it got you through one of the worst winters in recent memory. So why not give your vehicle a little something back? The Car Care Council recommends setting aside a little time this spring to care for your car by following three simple steps.
• Keep your vehicle clean. Regular car washes and waxes protect the paint and body of your car from corrosive debris. In parts of the country where salt is used on the roads, regularly washing is especially important.
• Keep your car on schedule. Every vehicle has a manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule. Whether you choose to do your own maintenance or patronize a local repair shop, following a routine service schedule is essential to keeping your car in safe and dependable working order.
• Keep an eye on the little things. Your windshield wipers aren’t cleaning as well as they should? Your gas tank is missing its cap? There’s a warning light on your dashboard? When you see your car needs attention, don’t delay. Repairing small things now can help avoid more costly problems down the road and add years of useful vehicle life.
“Many vehicles end up neglected during the winter months and could use a little extra care to get them ready for the spring and summer driving season,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “For most Americans, their vehicle is their second biggest investment and they rely on it every single day to get to work, school and everywhere in between. Taking a little time for car care now can save headaches and money in the long run.”
Read more: http://www.carcare.org/node/441
Daylight savings time is coming up this weekend. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward!
Every year, daylight savings time seems to take people by surprise. In the United States, daylight savings time begins on March 13 at 2 a.m. local time except in parts of Arizona and Hawaii. As the popular saying goes, clocks need to "spring forward" to observe the change. In other words, clocks need to be set ahead by one hour when the clock strikes 2 a.m.
Daylight Savings Time Begins on March 13 in the U.S. - Yahoo! News
