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When moms take care of their cars, they take care of their families (ARA) - For moms, their automobile is quite possibly the most important component in their daily lives from taking the kids to school, doctor's appointments, soccer practice and then off to run the millions of errands on their "to-do" list.
With all of these activities swirling around in their schedules, becoming a savvy automotive consumer may not be at the top of most moms' priority list. To help them be better informed, Kim Danger, savings expert, mother of two and author of "Instant Bargains," has collaborated with automotive expert Ricardo Rodriguez-Long and Uniroyal Tire in the creation of a new e-book to help moms become empowered owners when it comes to their cars and tires. The "Mommy's Guide to Cars & Tires" e-book features the best tips on automotive maintenance, car safety and emergencies on the road. It is available for free download at www.UniroyalTires.com.
Mothering your tires "When driving, your tires are the only thing between you and the road," advises Danger. As moms carry around precious cargo, it is important to make sure these tire tips are followed to keep everyone safe:
* Next time you park your car, take a moment to inspect your tires for cuts, slashes and irregularities. It could save you from a potential blowout or changing a tire on the roadside.
* Eighty-five percent of drivers fail to properly check tire pressure, according to a recent survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Keeping the right tire pressure is easy to do and a key component in tire longevity and safety.
* Be sure to rotate your tires at every other oil change (approximately every 6,000 miles) to help balance tread wear.
Be car seat savvy Busy moms often become the taxi driver for their families. Making sure the kids are safely and securely fastened-in is crucial. Be smart about the type of car seat your child is sitting in by following these guidelines:
* If you are in the market for a car seat, buy it new. Avoid buying a seat without knowing its history.
* Take the time to get your car seat inspected by a Child Passenger Safety Technician.
* Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's rating for your car seat.
Emergencies are no joke With more vehicles on the road than ever before, it is essential to be prepared for emergencies. Having the knowledge to act quickly and correctly can help keep your children safe. Here are some important rules to follow:
* Have an updated emergency kit in your vehicle at all times.
* During a tire blowout, don't panic. Slightly increase your speed and keep steering stable to maintain the vehicle's forward motion. Then, slow down and move to the emergency lane when possible.
* If you have power locks, keep an escape hammer in your car in case you are involved in a water-related accident and your vehicle becomes submerged.
Tags: Women Auto Car Mom
Protect yourself -- and your car -- on the road this winter
(ARA) - Cold-weather driving definitely presents its challenges. Aside from the chance of getting stuck or stranded in less-than-ideal weather, there's also an increased risk of accidents when roads aren't in optimal condition.
In fact, 24 percent of accidents are weather-related, according to the Federal Highway Administration. The best way to avoid a weather-related accident is to refrain from driving when conditions aren't ideal. But since that's not always possible, you should take steps to protect yourself and your vehicle before the weather turns bad.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends taking the following actions before winter hits:
* Get your car serviced to see if you have any major issues that could leave you stranded in bad weather.
* Make sure your battery has enough power to start your car in cold weather.
* Make sure you have the proper amount of coolant to avoid freezing and consult your owner's manual to see if you should change the coolant/water ratios.
* Fill up on wiper fluid and inspect your windshield wipers.
* Check tires for cracks and worn tread. Make sure your tire pressure is at recommended levels as colder air can cause them to deflate.
* Stock your vehicle with emergency items like a shovel, sand, blankets and jumper cables.
These preparations can also help protect your vehicle from winter wear:
* If you drive a truck, spray-on truck bedliners, such as those offered by LINE-X, can help protect your truck bed from rust and other negative effects of road salt and extreme temperature changes. LINE-X Protective Coatings has also been used to protect many of the nation's bridges from corrosion, as well as the walls of the Pentagon against blast mitigation, so it has the reputation for standing up to the elements year round. More information can be found at www.LineX.com.
* Wax your car before winter hits. While you might think of waxing as more of a cosmetic treatment, it can also protect your car's paint from road salt and scratching caused by extra sand on other debris on the road.
* Wash your car frequently in the winter to remove rust-causing agents. Pay special attention to the undercarriage of your vehicle and the wheel wells, as these are often the first areas to rust.
Now that you have all the information to prepare your car for the winter, be sure to drive carefully and pay attention to other drivers - not everyone is as well-prepared for winter driving as you are.
Tags: Auto Winter Driving Tips
October is National Car Care MonthGet your car ready for winter drivingCar problems in the winter are no fun, here are some good tips to help get your car ready for the winter driving season, and lessen your chance of being inconvenienced by car problems. You know they creep up at the worst times usually!Oil: Make sure you change your oil every 3,000 miles. Newer engines are prone to sludge problems, and may require the use of synthetic oils. Old dirty oil will not provide proper lubrication, causing premature engine wear. It will also put extra stress on the battery and starter. Use the proper weight oil specified by your car manufacturer.Antifreeze/Coolant: Make sure you check the quality and protection level of your coolant. You should use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to provide a freeze point protection level around -35 degrees. If your coolant is old and dirty looking, have your coolant system flushed and refilled with new antifreeze. This is also a perfect time to check the condition of the belts and hoses.Power Steering: Check fluid level, it should be up to the full mark and look pretty clean.
Door Locks and Hinges: Spray some lubricant, like WD40 in all your locks to remove moisture and help keep them from freezing. Wouldn't hurt to do this once a week in the winter. While your at it, spray some on the door, hood and trunk hinges once in a while.
Brake fluid: This is probably the most neglected fluid in your car. Did you know most manufactures recommend flushing the complete brake fluid system every 2 years? Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. Moisture in your brake system will cause pitting in the metal brake components, and cause the steel lines to rust, and cost you more in repairs. Moisture in the brake fluid can cause loss of braking in an emergency stop.Battery and Charging system: Nothing is worse than getting up in the morning, getting ready to head out, and click, click, click. A dead battery and the car wont start. Have your mechanic test the charging system and load test your battery. This is a relatively easy procedure and will let you know the condition of your battery and alternator. Heater and A/C system: Run test your heater, and switch it to the different positions. Does the air blow out at your feet when in that position? Will it blow out in the windshield defrosters when in that position? The A/C system is not needed to cool the car, but it does dry out the air before its heated to make the defroster work way faster.Lights: It is already getting dark sooner, and winter visibility is usually decreased. Make sure you can see and be seen. Check out your lights, make sure all the bulbs work well. Have your headlights checked with a headlight aiming machine if you think yours may be a bit out of alignment. This will help give you the best view of the road ahead and prevent blinding oncoming carsWipers: Such a simple thing, but we tend to forget about them until we need them. Streaking wiper blades are a safety hazard and are quite annoying. Check the condition of the blades, clean them off with some white vinegar or window cleaner. If the streak, are tearing, or over a year old, do yourself a favor and replace them with good quality wiper blades. Cheap Blades don't last. Another good tip. When you park your car, turn off the wipers and let them park before you shut off the car. On freezing mornings, lift the wiper blades up and make sure they are not stuck to the windshield before you drive away. Turning them on stuck to the windshield will break the wiper system or tear the blades.Tires: Check your tires good before winter. Look at the inside edges that are harder to see. Check the wear bars to see how deep the tread is. You need deeper tread in the winter than you do in the summer. If the tires tread depth is too low, you will have poor winter traction pulling out, and stopping distance will be increased. Low tread depth will also allow tires to hydroplane much faster, causing loss of steering and possibly loss of control of your vehicle. Check your tire pressures and set them to proper inflation levels for your car. Most premature tire wear we see in the shop is due to under inflationTransmission: If you have an automatic transmission, check the fluid level as per manufacturer's procedure. Some cars do not have a transmission dip stick, and require a service technician to do this for you. Look at the fluid and smell it, if it does not look kind of cherry red, and is dark, you are due for a change. Smell the fluid, does it smell burnt? If it does, you are due to have it changed. Check to make sure you use the proper fluid, as some cars require a special Synthetic ATF fluidIf you have a manual transmission, have the gear oil level checked and topped up as needed.Your transmission will work much harder on slippery roads, and transmission failures are quite expensive to repair.Engine: Check your maintenance schedule in your car manual. Are you due for a new fuel filter? Air filter? Spark Plugs, Timing belt? etc. If you neglect these things, it will cost you more in the long run. When you start your car, let it idle for a few minutes so the oil can circulate through the engine to properly lubricate it before driving away Preventive maintenance is always preferred to being towed in for problems.Be Prepared: Keep an emergency kit in your trunk. Some handy items include, A fold up snow shovel, a bag of salt or ice melt, gloves, a hat, some blankets, an ice scraper, jumper cables, cell phone, Flash Light, Emergency flares, and a first aid kit. Some energy snacks and bottled water to snack on so you dont get dehydrated or too hungry. A lighter in your pocket to heat your key in case the door locks are frozen is a good idea too. If you need to run the engine, make sure the exhaust is not blocked at your tailpipe, and keep a window or two cracked open for fresh air to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.If you need any help with you car, or have any questions, feel free to give us a ring. We have been providing quality auto service since 1966.Paul's Motor Car Service2600 Library Road, Rte.88Pittsburgh, PA 15234412.884.8866
www.MotorCarService.net
Tags: Car Winter Driving Car Care Month Tips
It has been quite a busy month at the shop this week. We have 6 cars with ruined engines in this month so far, and its only the 16th of the month. Its a shame, but all would still be fine if the cars had proper maintenance.
The first, was a 2005 Jetta 2.5 litre 5 cylinder. The owner went a couple thousand past the oil change interval, but worse than that, no one checked the oil since changed. Car was quarts low on oil, and it ruined the engine inside. It also had a bad cooling fan, so only 1 fan working. We had to replace the engine, change over every part like doing a new long block. Customer got the engine for 700 and had 1200 plus fluids more in the engine swap, plas a new factory fan. Cost of poor maintenance, over 2000.00 plus a new 260.00 cooling fan, and misc other work while in
The Second is an Audi A6, with a 6 cylinder, Engine got noisey, when we removed the valve cover, the sludge was unbelievable. Oil most likely not changed for 10,000 plus miles, plus driven a long time low on oil.
Scheduled for next week, estimate for engine, new timing belt, tensioners, waterpump, plugs, all parts changed over fom old engine, etc. Estimated total cost around 3000.00
The third is a 2000 Jetta, VR 6. This car was driven overheating with a waterpump problem, which was fixed at the dealer. Then the car hit something underneath, and crached the oil pan, was driven this way, adding oil often. Had oil pan replaced at dealer. Shortly after, engine failed inside fron heat and being run low on oil. Used engine, and labor probably will be over 2500. Engine was delivered today.
The fourth was towed in today from another shop. 2003 Audi Avant Wagon, 1.8 l turbo engine. The customer went 6000 miles past the time to change it. So, the fast oil change place, who did cheap oil changes on the car with regular oil, what the customer probably asked for, and they didnt know to tell her the engine uses only synthetic oil, probably put 3000 miles on the sticker. No one ever checked the oil for 9000 miles untill the engine got noisy inside. There was hardly any oil left in the engine. Once oil was refilled, engine was already severly damaged and still noisy. In line for a replacement engine. Used engined run 1500 to 2000, new around 3000, plus labor, and if used engine, new timing belt, tensioners, and waterpump. Plus Fluids. Figure either way, well over 3000.00
The fifth, a Jetta turbo diesel. This car has has good maintenance the last 20,000 according to the owner. She has no records from the previous owner. Well, seels last owner was bad with oil changes, as the engine wore out a cam lobe and then wore a hole on the lifter. Needs a new Cylinder head. Brand new head, labor, oil change, new coolent, gaskets, etc probably 2000 plus.
The 6th, is an audi A4 1.8 turbo. Came in with a broken timing belt, leaking waterpump, and damaged tensioners. Bent valves indicated on a leakdown test. Removed head, 12 bent valves out of 20. Head at macine shop getting tested and an estimate for repairs. Close guess at the total for all repairs, probably 2000.00
The cost for an Oil change by a Quality professional mechanic, checking fluids, setting tires, Using a quality oil filter and premium synthetic oils, around $79.99
I hope this makes everyone check when they last changed their oil, and get on a good schedule to change it regularly. Checking the oil level often, to lean how much oil your engine uses, and keeping it topped up is a must.
Bob@
Paul's Motor Car Service
2600 Library Road, Rt.88
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
412.884.8866
Tags: Pauls Motor Car Pittsburgh Auto Service Repair Vw Audi Foreign Domestic
Don't sweat it this summer, have us service your A/C system during our spring A/C special. We will hook up your car to the A/C machine, test the system pressures, top up as needed and add an UV dye to the system to act as a future leak detection means. We will also check over the operation and function of the cooling fans, and clean out the A/C condenser with compressed air.
Sound good, doesnt it? Well, we will do this for you for 29.99 plus the cost of the refrigerent and the UV dye.
A/C system completely empty and filled with air? We will do the above service, plus evacuate/vaccume the a/c system to remove air and moisure contamination, perform a complete recharge and dye the system for only 59.99 plus refrigerent and UV dye.
We are good, and know what we are doing... give us a call, we will both be glad you did!
Paul's Motor Car service
2600 Library Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15234
412.884.8866
Tags: Auto A.C Airconditioning
President Obama sets new fuel efficiency Standards
Now, i am not real big on government regulations and prefer to let the free market determine what we drive and buy, but i really think without the government setting some mandatory goals in the past, Domestic auto manufactures would be in a much worse situation than they are now. Opec plays games with our economy, raising oil prices by limiting supply. Look at the 4.00 plus per gallon we paid last summer for fuel. The 1,300 cost per car to get 39 mpg will be easily offset by the fuel savings. I dont believe people will put off buying new cars because of the additional cost. Most buyers finance for 5 to 6 years, so the difference in monthly paymets would easily be offset by the monthly savings in fuel expences.
Below is a report on the New Fuel Standards courtesy of Fox News
American automakers got in line Tuesday behind President Obama's call for strict fuel efficiency and emissions standards, bracing for a string of trade-offs that the industry calls tough but doable. The requirement that automakers' fleets average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 drew criticism from those who say such standards will lead to more dangerous vehicles and hurt the economy in the middle of a recession. But the reaction was mostly positive, as lawmakers, environmental groups, consumer groups and the auto industry said the long-term benefits should outweigh the short-term costs. "The status quo is no longer acceptable," Obama said, warning that the American appetite for oil comes at a "tremendous price." Flanked by auto executives and officials, the president said the proposal would simultaneously help end U.S. dependence on foreign oil, lead automakers to develop more advanced products and save consumers money in the long-term. "This rule provides the clear certainty that will allow these companies to plan for a future in which they are building the cars of the 21st century," Obama said. "Yes, it costs money to develop these vehicles. But even as the price to build these cars and trucks goes up, the cost of driving these vehicles will go down, as drivers save money at the pump." RELATED: How CAFE Really Standards Work? The standards are expected to add $1,300 on average to vehicles. But Obama said drivers would make that back within three years due to savings on gas. Wade Newton, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said having a national standard is better for the industry than having a patchwork of varying standards on a state-by-state basis -- which is what they feared would happen. He said Obama's plan would give manufacturers the "certainty" they need to plan for the full development of cleaner vehicles. Newton said the 2016 deadline can give automakers enough time to comply, since it typically takes five to seven years to bring a new product to market. Plus some existing vehicles will be retooled to comply, which could take less time. "We're going to try our hardest. This is going to take the industry working as hard as it can and employing every single engineer we can," he said. "It's challenging, but it's doable if we invest all our resources into it and have consumer support." Ford released a statement calling the plan "decisive and positive," good for the economy and the environment. General Motors CEO Fritz Henderson said his company is "fully committed" to the approach. Detroit's Big Three had long-resisted such economy standards. But with the government having poured billions into GM and Chrysler, and with Chrysler in the throes of a government-supervised bankruptcy and GM facing the possibility of a similar fate by month's end, industry leverage appears to be minimal. Ten car companies and the United Auto Workers union support the administration's changes, according to the White House. Officials said the changes will lead to an estimated reduction in oil consumption of about 1.8 billion barrels of oil "over the lifetime of the program." A senior administration official said the changes (when compared to current pollution and vehicle use totals) will have the same effect as removing 900 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the air, taking 177 million cars off the road and shutting down 194 coal-fired power plants. Environmental groups hailed the move. The Union of Concerned Scientists estimated the plan would not only drop U.S. dependence on foreign oil but offer a net savings to consumers of $30 billion by 2020 -- based on a gas price of $2.25 per gallon. Higher gas prices would mean more savings. But some Republicans and analysts warned that such rosy estimates ignore other factors. For instance, one side effect could be that consumers gravitate toward used cars to avoid the higher price tags on the more fuel-efficient cars and retain the features they liked in older models. "The law of unintended consequences is at work always and everywhere," said Michael LaFaive, director of fiscal policy at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, which focuses on policy issues in Michigan. "The headline should read 'U.S. to boost the attractiveness of used cars by 2016'." He warned that until the old fleet of vehicles flat-out sputters and dies, consumers could be squeezing every last mile out of their used cars -- in turn holding sales of new, fuel-efficient cars to a low level. Plus critics have long warned that strict fuel-efficiency standards hurt vehicle safety, since one of the easiest ways to increase fuel economy is to reduce the weight and size of vehicles -- making them less crash-resistant. In addition, reducing the engine size can increase efficiency, but it also hinders acceleration. Sticking on tires with less friction can increase efficiency, but it also makes it harder to brake. "While these new standards may sound good, they actually make cars more expensive, reduce safety and do little to improve the environment," Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., said in a statement, warning that smaller cars are more dangerous in high-speed crashes and that it hurts the economy by raising auto costs. "All Americans are for a cleaner, healthier environment, but we're concerned that today's announcement could significantly increase costs for millions of families at a time when they can afford it least," said Antonia Ferrier, press secretary to House GOP Leader John Boehner. The cons outweigh the pros, advocates of the plan say. The Obama plan would increase fleet fuel efficiency by 5 percent per year starting in 2012. For 2016 -- the final year new the rules will apply -- the fleet fuel efficiency standard for all domestically sold passenger cars will be 39 mpg. It will be 30 mpg for all domestically sold light trucks and sport utility vehicles. The average of these two equals a passenger car and light truck fuel efficiency standard of 35.5 mpg. The current requirements are 27.5 mpg for cars and 23.1 mpg or trucks. The tighter standards will first affect the 2011 model year for cars and trucks. The administration will also impose the first-ever tailpipe emission standard for every class of vehicle -- a move that will bring regulations of fuel efficiency and pollution under one set of rules. The Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency will, for the first time ever, jointly monitor and enforce fuel efficiency and tailpipe emission standards. Despite an obvious shift toward sleeker, more efficient vehicles, Newton said the new standards will preserve the wide variety of models on the market. "This does preserve consumer choice," he said, assuring that SUVs will not disappear as a result of this program. He pointed to the fact that under the plan, the requirements for each individual model would be based on that model's attributes. So while the entire fleet must average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, bigger SUVs could have less stringent standards than compact cars. "Consumers can continue to buy the cars they want. They'll just get a savings because that car's going to go further on every gallon of gas," Obama energy adviser Carol Browner told FOX News. However, it could still be more costly to bring vehicles like SUVs up to code, meaning the price tag increase on those vehicles could be much more than on smaller autos. FOXNews.com's Judson Berger and FOX News' Major Garrett, Wendell Goler and Dan Springer contributed to this report.
Tags: Fuel Standards Cafe Emissions
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