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.

While getting gross, dirty, polluting vehicles off the road for good is generally a popular idea, there is one demographic that is always weary of such programs – car collectors. But despite concerns, California stresses that this new program is completely voluntary.

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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.

Rotating or Changing Tires

Drivers who are able to rotate or change their own tires are capable of saving hundreds of dollars and many hours of waiting every couple of years. Avoid paying for an auto club or a mechanic. It is advised to first speak with a mechanic for information or even look online how to rotate your tires step by step.

Oil Changes

When your car is due for an oil change, you can either take it to the dealership, to a local oil change company, or change the oil on your own. With proper direction, changing your own oil is a minor upkeep that can save you money. By keeping your engine healthy you can also increase your vehicle’s miles per gallon. Treat your vehicle right to increase performance.

Lighting

Every few days you should check to make sure that all of the lights are working properly. Burnt out bulbs on a vehicle can result in traffic tickets and even pose as a safety risk. Check to see that your turn signals, headlights, high beams, tail lights, running lights, and that your break lights all work properly. Being able to replace burnt out light bulbs in your own car is key. These five minute tasks can save you both time – by avoiding taking your car in for service – and money – preventing potential tickets.

Hygiene

Washing your car every so often not only keeps it looking clean and sleek, but it also helps it run just a little bit smoother. Take your vehicle to the wash during the winter months and wash it yourself during the warmer months to save some money. Having a clean car, especially one with little to no dust inside, will keep you and your car healthier. After all, it is your vehicle; take pride in it. By participating in routine maintenance and having a cleaner look and feel to your vehicle, you will appreciate your car that much more.

In all, these minor changes can save you a lot of time and money. Instead of having to drive out of your way and waste your gas money to pay for minor changes, take the initiative yourself and truly make that car your own.

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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.

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More stories on auto safety are coming your way.

Is an engine flush really good for your car? According to new reports, the popular service can actually cause damage to your engine, rather than helping it run better.

Many service facilities such as Jiffy Lube and EZ Lube promote the benefit of an “engine flush” or engine cleaning service. At many of these facilities it’s required about every two years, or at 30,000 miles estimates a used car dealer Tacoma. An engine flush is process that is supposed to extend the life of your vehicle’s engine. Over time, sludge builds up in the engine, and an engine flush is a process by which a chemical solvent is poured into your edge to flush out this sludge.

While many service facilities say that this service is manufacturer recommended, many manufacturers say that this is simply not true, and that an engine flush could actually do more harm than good. According to Mazda Service Saint Louis, Honda is one manufacturer that has issued warnings against an engine flush, as it may damage the inside of your engine. Honda has also go so far as to advise mechanics not to perform an engine flush at all. GM, Ford, and Nissan, have all issued similar warnings suggests Chicago Used Autos and recommendations against such a service.

The problem with engine flush procedures is that the process does break up harmful deposits, but it makes these deposits susceptible to clogging up other parts of the engine. Saint Louis Volkswagen Service says this process may cause entirely new problems, which could leave many drivers completely stranded.

Another warning that automakers have made clear is that damage that stems from an engine flush will not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty, as pointed out by a used car Lubbock dealer. Another service, fuel injector cleaning, also is a commonly offered service at Jiffy Lube and other service facilities. And while technicians say it’s recommended from the automaker, the service is actually an improper repair procedure according Honda and other manufacturers, as the procedure may potentially damage the injectors.

Some of these service facilities, such as Jiffy Lube, are working toward reducing these issues. However, debate will continue and problems have not gone away since these services remain profitable for these businesses.

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With a little research, anyone can easily save on car repairs and avoid the scams.

The sluggish economy has plagued the auto industry and to hold on to sales momentum automakers have introduced incentive after incentives to entice consumers to showrooms. Some of these incentive programs have been more successful than others, but one that seems to get plenty of attention is the no-cost maintenance programs. In a shaky economy, it makes sense that consumers would easily be swayed by such a program which promises that necessary maintenance is completely free. But what exactly is the price of these “free” programs?

No-cost maintenance provides new car buyers with peace of mind, but there are often hidden costs associated with receiving maintenance at the dealership. In most cases, Audi Service Wausau point out that no-cost maintenance is currently being offered by many premium brands.

It’s advised to read the fine print advises Philadelphia Ford, and to understand the duration of these no-cost maintenance programs as they all vary. Land Rover for example covers scheduled maintenance for free for the first 7,500 miles, in which time there really isn’t much required in terms of scheduled maintenance. Audi offers the program as well, but only to 5,000 miles which covers only one oil change. Holmes European Motors stress that longer programs provide more bang for the buck.

In addition to the duration of the program, many no-cost maintenance programs have exclusions. For example, Volkswagen’s three year program can help save drivers much more money on oil changes when compared with Land Rover’s or Audi’s shorter term programs. However, Shreveport Mercedes Benz dealers admit that these programs don’t cover common wear and tear, so if your brake pads need to be replaced you’re out of luck.

It’s often impossible to estimate what you’re likely going to be spending on many maintenance issues. For starters, costs associated with maintenance differ between dealers and other garages. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, Wausau Auto Loans says that new cars typically don’t require much in terms of maintenance in the first few thousand miles, aside from an oil change. In addition, if you are able to calculate the maintenance costs, drivers are likely to save only a fraction of the car’s actual price. In other words spending $60K on a new BMW that comes with no-cost maintenance isn’t going to save you all that much in the long-run.

Ultimately, there is a price drivers pay for no-cost maintenance suggests Boise used truck dealers, and that price is in the price of the car. Premium automakers continue to offer these incentives simply because they aren’t losing any money on them. In addition, these programs help to attract value-conscious buyers – and keep them coming back to the dealer rather than independent garages and shops. This relationship keeps customers coming back to the dealer in the long term, and increases the likeliness that drivers will go to their dealer for other auto repairs as well.

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Only a week after the start of the program, the Cash for Clunkers program has officially been suspended. With intense popularity among consumers, confusion among dealers and speculation that cash has run out, the program appears to have been doomed from the start.

Rules governing the Cash for Clunkers program covered 135 pages, and required car dealers to scramble to find information the program’s official website says one Virginia Toyota dealer. Administering the program has been tough, admits some Providence car dealers, due to the complexity and high demand of the program. Additionally, engines of the so-called clunkers had to be destroyed prior to heading to the junk yard, creating logistical issues for some dealers. Plus, with useless junked cars on their lot, a dealer will be stuck with an unsellable vehicle if a deal isn’t able to go through.

As of last Thursday, nearly $221 million of the $1 billion had been paid out, according to the government. Meanwhile, Overland Park Ford Car Loans point out that some customers have speculated that the total $1 billion set aside for the program was actually already used up as a result of the sales influx stimulated by the program’s launch.

The Cash for Clunkers program states that those who traded in a vehicle that averaged 18 mpg and that purchased a car that was 4 mpg more efficient were eligible for a $3,500 voucher. Consumers that purchased a car that was more than 10 mpg more efficient were eligible for $4,500. Commercial Truck Washington DC says for those buying trucks, the new truck has to be 2 mpg more efficient than the traded vehicle.

No doubt consumers and car dealers alike are eager to see this program renewed. Hopefully, cash earmarked for the program can be retained as program has successfully helped bring consumers to showrooms in just a short period of time.

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Stay tuned on how the fate of Cash for Clunkers unfolds.

While struggling automakers such as Chrysler and General Motors are grabbing plenty of attention for their bankruptcy restructuring, automotive suppliers are also facing their share of difficulties. With sales down, and production cut dramatically, the effects of dismal auto sales have also been difficult on auto suppliers. Lear Corp, a large seating supplier, is one such company that has struggling amid economic constraints and has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Lear has already been in talks with lenders and bondholders, from which the autos parts supplier has already secured about $500 million towards bankruptcy financing. To no surprise of New York Dodge dealers, Lear has stated that the bankruptcy filing was simply the most effective method to reducing its debt amid falling demand for new cars on a global basis.

Michigan-based Lear has said that their operations outside of the U.S. will not be affected by the filing. The company earned about $13.6 billion in sales last year, with the bulk of sales attributed to GM and Ford says Newark Ford dealers. Additionally, the company has already borrowed about $1.2 billion to cover debts, but needless to say it wasn’t enough.

With billions already made available to automakers and suppliers, a Boston Nissan Murano dealer admits the investment in the industry continues to grow. However, if too little investment is made, Car Service Alexandria warns that more bankruptcies could result. This scenario is a continuing challenge in this industry that sadly won’t be dispelled until auto sales rebound.

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We’ll keep you current on everything auto repair related.