August 20th, 2010
Old vehicles tend to produce more pollution than older vehicles. In fact, when it comes to California fleet vehicles, the California Bureau of Automotive Repair say that “75 percent of vehicular pollution is caused by just 25 percent of the vehicle fleet” in the state of CA.
Because some fleet vehicles are proving to be big polluters, CA completely removes these vehicles from the road should they fail the their biannual smog checks. In addition to looking at its own vehicles, the state is also considering a proposal that would expand its Fleet Modernization Program, which would give money to vehicle owners who turn in their cars that fail their smog checks. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: auto repair, pollution, smog check
Posted in Auto Service & Repair News | 28 Comments »
February 1st, 2010
Owning a vehicle takes a lot of time and energy, especially when it comes to keeping it running properly and trying to save as much money as possible. Like it or not, it is costly to own a car; we’re not just talking about the money handed to the dealership for payment, but also money used for routine maintenance such as an oil change, new tires, a tire rotation, an alignment or a new paint job.
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Tags: blinker, car bulb, headlight, high beam, low beam, turn signal
Posted in Auto Service Tips | 29 Comments »
January 29th, 2010
People all across the country are learning how to change their own oil. Do you want to save hundreds of dollars each year and feel satisfied after the job is complete? Of course! It will not be easy the first time you change your oil, but with practice, comes ease and success. Try to continue this process, before deciding to go back to the dealership or car service company. First, the tools you will need for the job include the following:
- a pan to catch the old oil
- a funnel and a one quart freezer bag
- old newspapers and old, dirty rags
- a new oil filter (check owner’s manual for requirements)
- enough oil to refill the engine (check owner’s manual for requirements)
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Posted in DIY Auto Repair | 3 Comments »
January 25th, 2010
As a car owner you have two options: either neglect your vehicle or make it your pride and joy. We hope you choose the latter. Those who care for their vehicle will take every effort available to protect it from the harmful elements. The weather, from sunny or stormy, can damage a vehicle if proper protection steps are not taken.
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Tags: car cover, elements, garage, parking structure, protection
Posted in Auto Service Tips | 67 Comments »
January 22nd, 2010
Who doesn’t enjoy feeling the crisp, fresh morning air with the wind running freely through their hair? Convertibles have become a very desirable option for thousands of drivers across the country, especially those who live in warmer climates year round. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: care, convertible, maintenance, rag top, soft top, wash
Posted in Auto Service Tips | 32 Comments »
January 20th, 2010
Routine maintenance is possibly one of the most important responsibilities of owning a car. In fact, by performing basic maintenance, owners can prolong the life of their vehicle. These are a few suggestions that can be done by most people from the comfort of their own home. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: brake light, car wash, change tire, flat tire, high beam, hygiene, oil change, rotate tire, routine matintenance, running light, tail light, turn signal
Posted in Auto Service & Repair News | 90 Comments »
January 19th, 2010
Driving 101: the most important aspect of driving is safety. Sure, we all understand the fundamental safety tips which include obeying the speed limit, using turn signals to change lanes, knowing your surroundings, and not multitasking – especially now since using your cell phone is illegal! But what about changing a tire? If you do not know how to change a tire, waiting for an auto club response vehicle is very unsafe. Anyone learning to drive should learn how to change a tire to stay safe when on the road. If changing a tire is new to you, follow these steps on your way to successfully changing your first tire: Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: auto club, auto repair, car, car jack, change flat tire, emergency response, lug nut, repair, safety, socket wrench
Posted in Auto Service Tips | 113 Comments »
December 29th, 2009
Sometimes car trouble can sneak up on you. Simply relying on your check engine light is not enough to address numerous mechanic problems that could occur from normal driving. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to become more in tune with what you may see, hear, and smell to avoid being stranded.
Warning Lights – Naturally the first type of warning signs for engine trouble is naturally the amber warning lights. These lights are located on your dashboard and usually consist of oil pressure, oil level, and/or the check engine warning. The latter could be indicative a number of problems. By taking your vehicle to a mechanic immediately, they can diagnose what’s happening and hopefully figure out a quick solution. You can even purchase one of these diagnostic tools yourself for about $100 at your local auto parts retailer. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: auto repair, carbon monoxide, check engine, coolant, engine trouble, oil, warning signs
Posted in Auto Service Tips | 7 Comments »
December 29th, 2009
Technology is at the forefront of the new generation of automobiles. Consumers and regulators alike are calling for greater efficiency and lower emissions, and innovative utilization of technology will be the only way to deliver on those demands. This is precisely why automakers like Mazda are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to reassess their policies involving fuel-saving stop-start technology.
The EPA currently currently inhibits automakers from fully testing stop-start technology and bringing it to market in the U.S. This feature is used outside of the U.S .to shut off the engine when the driver applies the brakes. When the driver releases the pressure on the brakes, the engine will start again. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: epa, mazda, stop-start
Posted in Auto Parts and Components | 32 Comments »
November 18th, 2009
Recent data shows that more and more people are buckling up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belt usage has increased to 84 percent, a new record high. Each percentage point is said to represent 280 additional lives saved from these crucial safety device.
Seats belts have been widely used for over a decade, and since 1994 deaths stemming from unrestrained passengers have decreased dramatically. Many states now have laws enforcing seat belt use which has helped to improve how many users are using seat belts, and the fatality rate is also lower in those states. Seat belt usage also varies by region points out one dealer specializing in Pittsburgh used Mercedes-Benz, with the highest usage rates in Western states.
Seat belt use also varies by the type of vehicle as well. For example, a higher percentage of seat belt use is found among passengers of minivans and SUVs which does not surprise Pittsburgh Nissan dealers. Occupants of minivans and SUVs typically include families and those who purchase a car with child safety in mind.
Pioneered by Volvo, the three-point safety belt is by no means a new safety device. However, Boston Toyota believes that the seat belt will continues to be regarded as the most important automotive safety device. And with wider seat belt use, fatalities are decreasing which just goes to show how important this device is despite the range of more recent technologies and safety innovations. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: accidents, nhtsa, safety, seat belts
Posted in Auto Service & Repair News | 62 Comments »
