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September 19th, 2010 by

Just as cleaning is likely a part of your spring routine, you should consider adding routine vehicle maintenance to your fall to-do list.

When the weather gets chillier, more things can go wrong on the road – from your car not starting in the cold weather to it sliding off the road in the snow because your tires are in poor condition. Since nobody wants to be stranded in the cold, now's a good time to get your car into the repair shop for a check-up or take a look at it yourself.

The professionals with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence recommend checking the following items on your car as winter begins.

Things you can do yourself with proper knowledge after consulting your owner's manual include:

* Adding fuel de-icer to your tank once a month will help keep moisture from freezing the fuel line. Keeping your gas tank full will also help prevent moisture from forming.

* Scrape away corrosion and clean connections on your battery. Check fluid monthly if caps are removable. Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with corrosive material and battery acid.

* Replace wiper blades and stock up on wiper fluid, as you'll use more in the winter.

* Check your tire pressure and examine treads for wear and walls for cracking. Rotate as recommended in your manual.

* Check coolant and anti-freeze levels. Use mix recommended in manual.

* Outfit your car with an emergency kit containing warm clothes, road flares, sand and a shovel, a flashlight, high-energy snacks, water and anything else that will help if you are stranded in the cold.

If you don't feel comfortable doing any of these things, ask a certified auto technician to help. The following are more advanced preparations that should be done by a mechanic or someone with broad knowledge of automotives:

* Fix any engine problems, such as rough starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power.

* Check the condition of belts, hoses and clamps.

* Check battery charge.

* Examine your car's exhaust system for leaks or small holes.

* Flush and refill cooling system, if necessary.

* Replace dirty filters, including air, fuel and PCV filters, to make sure your engine is running smoothly.

For more tips and information on ASE-certification programs for mechanics and how consumers benefit, visit www.ase.com.

September 19th, 2010 by

(ARA) – In many parts of the country, winter can test even the most seasoned driver's skills with sudden road and weather changes. In ideal circumstances you have warning of what Old Man Winter might bring for the day, but many times wet roads can become icy and a few flurries can become a snowstorm without any warning at all.

While you can't avoid unforeseeable weather changes, you can make sure your car is maintained and ready for winter driving. From using a radiator coolant additive to carrying an emergency breakdown kit in your trunk, here are some tips to prepare your vehicle for winter driving:

Check your battery: Instead of landing on your “I Forgot” list, put this one at the top. Make sure your battery posts and connections are free of corrosion and that the battery has the water it needs. If your battery is older than three years, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge.

Belts and hoses: When you're having your vehicle serviced, make the mechanic checks the belts and hoses for wear and tear, regardless of the age of your car. Cold weather can also affect the belts and hoses of a modern car, so an inspection can't hurt.

Have the right antifreeze mix: You will want to aim for a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This prevents the mixture from freezing at extremely cold temperatures. Or try using a coolant additive like Royal Purple's Purple Ice that is a high performance, synthetic, radiator coolant additive. Royal Purple recommends a minimum of 20 percent antifreeze concentration be used in street-driven vehicles because Purple Ice has no effect on the boiling and/or freezing point of water. Learn more at www.coolerradiators.com.

Check your four-wheel drive: If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you probably haven't used it during the summer, so it's good idea to check the status of your four-wheel drive system. Make sure the system engages and disengages easily and that all the drivers of the vehicle know how and when to use the system.

Get an oil change: When you're getting your vehicle ready for winter, change the oil using the right viscosity for your vehicle for the time of year. Conventional oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if too thick, it won't properly lubricate your engine. Check your owner's manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures. Another alternative is to use a synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple that will extend the time between oil changes, saving you money and having less impact on the environment.

Emergency preparedness: If you know you're going to be on the road during the winter months, make sure you have an emergency kit in your trunk. Items you should include in your kit are: a blanket, boots, gloves and warm clothes, water and food including hard candy, ice scraper, small shovel, jumper cables, tool kit, tire chains, tire gauge, spare tire (ready to be used), tire changing equipment, first aid kit, paper towels and abrasive material such as non-clumping cat litter or sand to provide traction in the snow.

With a little preparation, you can ensure you vehicle doesn't leave you out in the cold this winter.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

September 19th, 2010 by

(ARA) – Windows down, music turned up, friends giggling in the back seat, freedom . . . it's the moment all teenagers dream of – getting their drivers license.

Teen drivers are often euphoric with this new sense of independence. After all, getting a drivers license is a big rite of passage. Teens are inundated, and rightfully so, with statistics and horrific stories that point to the dangers of driving while intoxicated. However, new research shows that distracted driving is among the leading causes of auto accidents, and the problem is getting worse.

"Although laws have been put into place in the spirit of eliminating dangerous distractions for drivers, it's critical that parents, teachers and influencers at large talk to teenagers about the dangers of driving distracted," says Duke Daugherty, vice president of auto at Fireman's Fund Insurance. “It seems harmless to take your eyes off the road for a few seconds to send a text, or change the station, but those few seconds could cost the loss of lives, and a lifetime of angst.”

Research complied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that distracted driving caused 6,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries in 2008. And data shows that these numbers are continuing to grow. Research also shows that teen drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a distracted-related collision than any other age group.

In general, three types of distractions are most dangerous for teenagers on the road. These distractions can be visual (actions that require drivers to take their eyes off the road), manual (actions that require taking hands off the steering wheel) or cognitive (actions that require drivers to take their minds off what they're doing).

Local agencies, police departments and focus groups have put into place programs intended to inform teenagers of the dangers of distracted driving, but it's crucial for parents and schools to keep the dialogue going so teenagers understand the urgency of the problem.

“Encourage your teenagers to be completely alert and fully focused on the road and their surroundings while driving,” says Daugherty. “Parents need to model good behavior in front of their kids by not texting or making calls that distract from driving. If we all take steps to show how important this is, we will see a drop in the behavior by teens.”

Discuss and stress the following driving guidelines:

* Keep both hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road (use mirrors).

* Avoid cell phone use – Cell phones are the number one distraction for teenager drivers. Cell phone use falls under the categories of visual, manual and cognitive distractions. Mobile technology has made texting, surfing the Internet and social networking all too easy.

* Encourage teenagers to avoid using their phones, for anything at all, until they are safely pulled off the road and parked. Devices are available to disable cell phone use in autos.

Drivers younger than age 20 represent the highest proportion of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes, according to the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS). Reiterate to your teenagers that making a phone call, using the Internet or sending a text message is never more important than somebody's life. If they are driving with friends who participate in cell phone use while driving, encourage them to be bold and speak up.

Teenagers should also refrain from the following activities while driving, according to the US Department of Transportation:

* Eating and drinking

* Having lengthy or involved discussions with passengers

* Grooming

* Reading (including maps)

* Using a PDA or navigation system

* Watching a video

* Changing the radio station, CD or MP3 player

It only takes one simple distraction to cause a potentially fatal car accident. Remind your teenagers to avoid participating in distracted driving activities, and to be advocates for their own safety and their peers as well.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

September 19th, 2010 by

On the road or when shopping for affordable auto insurance, it is easy for drivers to fall prey to auto insurance fraud, or auto insurance scams.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), here are some things to look out for to avoid auto insurance fraud when looking to purchase low-cost auto insurance:

* Always be wary of any unsolicited offer for low-cost auto insurance, whether it comes from the mail, the Internet via e-mail, or a door-to-door salesperson.

* Remember the old insurance adage – if something seems too good to be true, you are probably right. Be suspicious of any auto insurance quotes that are way below the competition. It could be a total scam, or you may not really be buying all the insurance you need, or that you think you are.

* Contact your state's department of insurance to make sure the company you are considering is legitimate. And check the business's rating with the Better Business Bureau. Visit autoinsurancefinders.com to receive quotes from quality companies in your area.

* If the company's policy requires you to use only a specified repair shop – steer clear – this is likely a co-owned or kickback arrangement with the shop. You cannot be forced to use a specific service center.

The road can be dangerous for a number of reasons, not the least of which is auto insurance scammers. Here are the things to watch out for while driving, according to the NICB:

* Be suspicious if a car suddenly pulls in front of you and then slows down – you could be set up for a forced collision and insurance scam.

* Trust your gut –, if something does not feel right on the road, if it seems like a car is following you, pull off to the nearest police station, or “safe” public place.

If you are involved in a collision – it may not be an always be an “accident.” To protect yourself, the NICB suggests:

* Exchange all information with the driver – license, insurance card, vehicle registration.

* Take note of all occupants of the car including the driver and any indications of injuries.

* Take pictures of the car, the scene and the people involved if you can.

* Call the police and see that a police report is filed, even if you think nobody is “at fault” and it seems that things are amicable between you and the other driver.

* Do not speak to anyone who suddenly appears on the scene offering medical care or legal advice at a specific facility. The same for any wrecker or tow truck operator who offers a “special deal” at a given repair shop.

And finally always protect your insurance ID number just as you would your social security number and credit cards, because once it's obtained it could be used in a crime or a scam.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

September 19th, 2010 by

(ARA) – All motorists want their vehicle to last on the road and perform at its best. As the summer finally begins to wind down, it's important to make sure your car is properly prepared for cooler weather and weekend road trips. Since a car is typically the second largest investment Americans make, and families are now keeping their vehicles longer than ever, protecting and maintaining this investment is key to keeping cars running smoothly and efficiently.

Sometimes vehicle maintenance can be one of the more daunting aspects of automobile ownership. For many drivers, spending a few hours under the hood or taking their car into the dealer can be like having a tooth pulled – necessary, but painful.

Lifelong automotive enthusiast Bob Long, Gumout spokesperson and host of the nationally syndicated "AutoWorld Radio," the "Motor Trend Radio" program and "The Long Drive" feature, has helped educate drivers about their vehicles for more than two decades. He has a few simple tips for maintaining your vehicle's longevity and helping to avoid preventable repair costs down the road.

"As a passionate car enthusiast, I constantly stress that there's no substitute for preventative maintenance. A little TLC can go a long way when it comes to taking care of your vehicle and avoiding repairs," says Long, an automotive expert with 25 years in the industry.

With a little planning and some willpower, there are a few smart and easy ways to get your vehicle ready for the road. The key is to plan ahead and know the basics. Below are a few essential maintenance tips from Long that can pay off in the long run.

* Change your oil regularly

A regular oil change is the service most likely to help prolong the life of your vehicle, and it's especially important to keep in mind before you head out on any long road trips. Changing the oil, not just topping it off, with a high-quality motor oil that meets the specifications recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer can help your engine get the lubricant protection it needs.

* Protect critical engine parts

Just because you can't see a problem, doesn't mean it's not there. Before taking a long trip or if you drive a lot, visit a trusted professional and make sure your car is properly tuned. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, regular vehicle maintenance can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.

If your car is experiencing poor fuel economy, decreased horsepower, hesitation and/or rough idling, consider using a fuel additive to help your vehicle's critical engine parts work more efficiently. With a comprehensive range of product formulations for just about every type of car, truck, diesel or flex-fuel vehicle, all Gumout Fuel System Cleaners are a one-stop vehicle maintenance supplier. All Gumout Fuel System Cleaners help reduce carbon buildup deposits and emissions. By removing deposits in the fuel system, the combustion efficiency is improved, which in turn improves miles per gallon (MPG) and performance.

* Keep your tires properly inflated

Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure and not over- or under-inflated. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, keeping tires at the correct pressure can improve your gasoline mileage by about 3.3 percent. Proper air pressure is also essential for automotive safety and optimum driving performance.

* Use quality gasoline and don't run on empty

A number of consumers have switched to low-quality gasoline due to the struggling economy. That's understandable, but what most people don't know is that lower-quality gasoline can leave behind carbon deposits that can rob the vehicle of performance which may reduce gas mileage. Gumout Performance Chemicals are designed to clean and protect critical parts in your car.

Running your vehicle on empty is also not a part of good car care, because sediment from gasoline settles at the bottom of the gas tank and when the gas level in your car runs low, your car uses the dirtiest gasoline in its tank. Driving on a near-empty tank puts your car at risk to get this dirt into the fuel line and possibly the engine.

"Maintenance 'musts' include regularly checking your vehicle's oil, fluids and filters," says Long. "These basics are a critical part of any maintenance regime and relatively inexpensive. By keeping these simple car care tips in mind, you can help keep your car running at its best for years to come."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

September 19th, 2010 by

When you hit the road on a beautiful summer day, you're probably going to see at least a couple of motorcycles – or maybe you'll be riding one yourself. In recent years, the number of people traveling by motorcycle instead of by car has increased dramatically. And while the vast majority of motorcycle owners today are still men, things are changing, and changing quickly.

According to a July 2010 report on NBC's Today Show, 1 in 10 motorcycle owners are now women. In fact, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports women make up nearly 30 percent of students in its basic rider courses program.

In addition to yourself and your friends and neighbors, many of your favorite female celebrities are riding motorcycles these days as well. Among them: Queen Latifa, Wynonna Judd, Niki Taylor, Joan Jett, Elizabeth Taylor, Tanya Tucker, Molly Culver, Lauren Hutton (the original vice-president of the Guggenheim Museum Motorcycle Club), Cher, Catherine Bell, Charlize Theron, KD Lang, Angelina Jolie, Pink, Alanis Morrisette and Courtney Cox.

Why are so many women riding these days? Among the biggest draws are empowerment and freedom, saving money on gas and pure pleasure, according to a recent Motorcycle Industry Council owner survey.

But along with the pleasure of the wind in your face, and the beauty of your surroundings close at hand, comes responsibility. It may be wise to have adequate motorcycle insurance before hitting the open road.

Among the motorcycle insurance coverage options generally available to you: liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist, personal injury protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage. If you have an older bike, or will be traveling far from home, you may also want to consider purchasing roadside assistance and towing coverage. You never know when one of these coverages will come in handy during a ride.

So what are some of the most popular rides according to the ladies? Making their way through any of the beautiful parks from Arcadia National Park to Yellowstone National Park, and traveling along world famous Route 66, to name a few.

September 19th, 2010 by

Have you ever considered how much you rely on your car? You need it to get to work, get the children to school, to run errands or just to have a relaxing evening away from home. If your car is a vital part of your life, how important is your relationship with the people who take care of it?

Because your car mechanic is the person you trust to keep your vehicle on the road, it's important to build a great relationship with one mechanic. If you take your car to the same mechanic regularly, he will get to know your vehicle because of regular car maintenance visits. This will help your mechanic be able to spot any auto maintenance and repair needed earlier than if you floated from shop to shop, chasing down the best price.

You can build a great relationship with your mechanic in many ways. Here are some great ideas from the experts who deal with car maintenance professionally:

* Authorities from this field agree: Loyalty and referrals are the best way to building a relationship with a mechanic. And by consistently frequenting the same person, you're also benefiting yourself, because your mechanic has your car maintenance information handy, and knows what services have been completed over time.

* Trusting your mechanic is something promoted by the experts at Cars.com. If you have a good mechanic, don't run to another shop when he delivers bad news. Yes, second opinions might be necessary in rare cases, and good mechanics should recommend you pursue them.

* Communicate everything with your mechanic, from how often you have car maintenance checks to what you see, smell, hear and feel when driving the car, says CarDealExpert.com. But after presenting all the important information about your vehicle to your mechanic, leave him alone to diagnose the problem. Feel free to ask questions, which might open more dialogue about other symptoms you didn't notice earlier.

Some may argue that seeking out the best service price, even if it means going to a different shop, is a better deal. But in the long run, the experts say, developing a great professional relationship with one maintenance man who you trust will better serve your car, and potentially your pocketbook.

September 19th, 2010 by

After your house, your car is probably the most expensive purchase in your life. And because it has such a high price tag, you want to keep it around as long as possible, which means it's best to practice car preventative maintenance.

But don't fall into the car maintenance costs trap due to ignorance or bad advice from an "auto specialist." MSN Auto has some tips on mistakes people make when taking their car in for work.

* If you drive a modern vehicle – something built in the last three years, it doesn't need a tune up. In fact, computers are programmed to handle just about everything that makes your car run. But you will need to perform regular maintenance and replace items like belts, spark plugs and coolant fluids. Check with your owner's manual for recommended car maintenance.

* The top-rated fuel at the pump might not be the best match for your vehicle. If your engine only requires 87 octane regular, don't bother paying the extra cash for the premium fuel. It won't do anything to improve your gas mileage or keep your engine cleaner.

* Did your check engine light pop on as you drove to work this morning? But you aren't noticing anything strange in the way your car handles or sounds? Before you call the maintenance shop, tighten your gas cap first. Paying a diagnostic fee for a loose gas cap is one of the most common – and expensive – omissions drivers make.

Another auto maintenance mistake many car owners make is winterizing their vehicles, according to CNNMoney.com. If you check your owner's manual, you'll probably discover your car doesn't need any special treatment. The only exceptions are if you need to put on winter tires, and to keep more gasoline in your tank, which minimizes air mixing with the fuel and potentially crystallizing in the cold temperatures.

You don't have to be a fully certified mechanic to keep your car running smoothly for many years, but reviewing your owner's manual and asking many questions at your service shop will help you to avoid spending unnecessary money on car maintenance.

September 19th, 2010 by

Buying, selling, trading in and insuring cars are all major tasks you will likely face at some point if you own or plan to own a car.

Which means you might want to be a little educated before you head to the dealer or the online ads looking for a vehicle – or buy the vehicle and then try to figure out the best car insurance plan for your budget.

A lot of information is out there for you to sift through, searching page after page of company-sponsored information, or finding blog posts that give you half the material you really need.

If you are serious about expanding your knowledge on the basics of auto insurance coverages and their premiums, visit www.theautoinsurance.com. The free articles and infographics on the site provide plenty of background information about comparing insurance companies, what factors could increase your policy, and even interesting facts like the average cost ($150) of a speeding ticket in the United States and how much more that ticket will cost you in increased insurance premiums over three years (about $900). The site also allows you to compare multiple insurance quotes from top companies.

As you head out to purchase your new car, make sure you check out the top automobile safety picks for 2010 – the vehicles that scored the best on the crash test dummy tests. Also brush up on your knowledge of what car dealers might do in an attempt to get you to pay more for the vehicle – like adding customer service fees, or extended service contracts covering items that probably won't break.

Having all this knowledge at your fingertips will help you to secure the best financial deal and safe products – for your car purchase, and your insurance coverage. And having a good knowledge of the industry is important before you start shopping.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

September 19th, 2010 by

In many American communities, the end of summer signals an uptick in the number of cars on the road in the morning, as kids return to school and parents return to work after summer vacations. With more youngsters in vehicles – either teens behind the wheel, or elementary schoolers riding with parents or on the bus – driving safety should be front-of-mind for anyone on the road.

Before you climb behind the wheel, wave goodbye to your teen driver or drop your younger child at the bus stop, it may be a good idea to review some vehicle safety basics with your family:

* Buckle up – Parents should ensure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt or rides in an age-appropriate car seat or booster seat. Children less than 40 pounds and younger than 4 should be in a safety seat in the back seat. Kids 4 to 8 and heavier than 40 pounds can use a booster seat. Safety experts recommend that all children younger than 12 ride in the back seat, where they are safest. And lead by example – make sure kids see that you always buckle up in the car.

* Back up wisely – Before you leave the garage or start backing down the driveway, turn around and look back to make sure no one is walking or riding a bike behind your vehicle.

* Go cell-less – You are four times more likely to get into an injury-causing crash if you use a hand-held device like a cell phone while driving, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Don't talk or text while driving, and make sure teen drivers know the cell phone should be stored away while they're driving the car.

* Slow down – Obeying posted speed limits and traffic laws is essential when practicing automobile safety. Pay especially close attention to school zones and reduced speed limits when school is back in session. Many school zones have reduced speed limits during certain times of the day when children and other cars are more likely to be present.

* Respect the bus – Watch for school buses. Stop for buses with red flashing lights, as they are either loading or unloading children who may need to cross the street in front of you. Watch out for kids playing and congregating at school bus stops.

* Set boundaries – Make sure your teen driver understands the rules of your household, as well as the rules of the road – no speeding, texting, talking on the cell phone or otherwise distracted driving, and limit the number of other children or teenagers allowed as passengers in the car.