December 21st, 2009
Texting and driving has become a major hazard in the recent years. Studies have shown that texting while driving is just as lethal as drinking and driving. Texting and driving is so dangerous that the President recently banned federal workers from texting while driving a federal vehicle.
If you are looking for ways to be a safer driver and to prevent the need for auto repairs, simply don’t text while driving. Drivers tend to have extreme speed changes and also swerve when trying to text and drive simultaneously. There have be thousands of wrecks as a result, some even fatal. The estimates on automotive repair for a collision are much higher than routine car repair. Collision auto repair will cost double or even triple the amount. Is texting worth the extra expense and risk to your life?
If you want to avoid an accident and a trip to the repair shop then do not text while driving. Although disturbing and somewhat controversial, take a look at the public service announcements on the Internet. While the videos may be graphic, these are sure to make you think twice the next time you pick up your phone to send a text behind the wheel.
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December 18th, 2009
There is a better chance of hitting a deer with your vehicle today than ever before. Deer-auto collisions are at the highest rates and the number of accidents is expected to keep climbing. If you don’t want to end up needing extensive auto repairs, you need to know how to keep your car from hitting a deer.
Your chances of hitting a deer are much higher in certain regions of the country than others. West Virginia has recorded more deer collisions than any other state. Other states with high numbers of collisions include Michigan and Montana. Also, if you live in the suburbs or rural areas you are much more likely to find your vehicle in the repair shop due to a deer than a city dweller.
In order to avoid unnecessary auto service as a result of a deer collision, be sure to drive slowly and keep your eyes peeled for animals on the side of the road. This is especially true while driving at dawn and dusk. Another important fact to know is that more than half of all accidents happen in the fall. While not all deer collisions can be avoided some certainly can. Taking the necessary precautions to avoid hitting a deer is a good idea. And it will certainly save you money on auto repairs!
Tags: auto repairs, auto service, Repair Shop
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December 17th, 2009
When you go out for a night on the town it is nice to treat yourself to valet parking, right? Well, this treat could turn into a disaster if you leave your vehicle in the wrong hands. It could even land your car in the repair shop. There are several videos on the Internet to explain why.
If you want to avoid unnecessary car repair, beware of who you allow to drive your car. Valets have admitted to driving recklessly or taking customer’s cars for joy rides in the past. Their reasons range from just for the fun of it to because the customer was a bad tipper.
The next time you hand your keys over to the valet driver check the mileage on your vehicle. That way you will know your car was right where it was supposed to be the whole time you were gone. If you notice anything wrong with your car when it is returned have an automotive repair shop document the repairs in detail and speak with the valet management right away.
Tags: automotive repair, car repair, Repair Shop
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December 16th, 2009
The way that our actions effect the environment is on the forefront of most people’s minds these days, including car owners. If you want to drive as greenly as possible but don’t have the funds to buy a new electric car anytime in the near future, there are still ways that you make driving your vehicle as environmentally friendly as possible. Auto service is most important.
Getting tune ups , regular car maintenance and other auto repairs at a repair shop will help your vehicle stay green. Making sure your exhaust system is working properly will reduce the amount of fumes and toxins your vehicle emits into the air. Tune ups also affect your fuel efficiency. Having the best fuel efficiency as possible is another great way to help the environment.
Other practices to keep your car from excessively polluting include not letting you car idle for long periods of time and combining trips when out and about. These are all simple ways to reduce the amount of pollution your car contributes to the environment.
Tags: auto repairs, auto service, Repair Shop
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December 15th, 2009
A muffler is something on your vehicle that will most certainly catch your attention if it needs replaced. If a muffler has a crack or hole in it, it will give off a very loud and alarming noise. A muffler that is not working properly can also have a buildup of black soot on it. These are all signs that you should take your vehicle to an automotive repair shop to have your muffler replaced.
A new muffler can range in price from $130 to over $300 depending on the type of vehicle you have and the type of muffler you will need. Replacing the muffler is a rather simple car repair. However, not all auto shops offer exhaust repair so it is a good idea to call ahead before bringing your vehicle in to be fixed.
Another reason it is important to have your muffler fixed is because a broken muffler produces a lot more pollution. If your exhaust system is not working properly your car will be emitting many more toxins and fumes into the air than it should. Keeping up with automotive repair and maintenance is not only good for your car but it is also good for the environment.
Tags: automotive repair, car repair
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December 14th, 2009
There are laws in place to protect customers from untrustworthy car repair shops. These laws offer a wall of protection to help prevent you from being cheated. Some of these laws include:
The right to a written estimate. You have the right to get a written estimate of the work that needs to be done to your vehicle. That is, if the work that needs to be done exceeds one hundred dollars and you ask for it in person. The facility is then not allowed to charge you more than 10% over the written estimated price of the repair.
The right to fight charges in some circumstances. A repair shop cannot hold your vehicle for lack of payment if the bill is over 110% of the written estimate, if there was face-to-face contact and no written estimate was offered, or is there is no “You Customer Rights” sign posted in the auto repair shop.
In order to keep yourself from being cheated you need to know your rights. Getting a written estimate and detailed invoice are always important. These two actions will prevent you from overpaying for auto service.
Tags: auto service, car repair, Repair Shop
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December 12th, 2009
Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic event. It can also cause quite a headache. The paperwork, rental cars and dealing with the insurance company can all be very time consuming. This is especially true if your insurance company decides to total your vehicle. If this is the case, you should know that you have options.
If the insurance company has decided to total your vehicle you can still have it repaired. Some collision car repair specialists have great deals. This is especially true if you just want a running car and not the cosmetic details fixed. Call several local collision auto service shops in your area and get a rough estimate of how much the repairs will cost. You may be able to entirely repair your vehicle with the insurance money.
If you choose to go this route you will need to have the auto repairs inspected to have the salvage title lifted. This inspection is simple and does not take long. If you can find a reasonably priced auto repair shop to fix your totaled vehicle you will most certainly be saving yourself a lot of money.
Tags: auto repairs, auto service, car repair
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December 10th, 2009
While I was driving home from work last night I began to slide a bit on the roads. It hadn’t been snowing so this sliding caught me completely off guard. Then I realized what it was: black ice. Black ice is a real winter time hazard. If you are looking for ways to avoid a trip to the repair shop this winter then you need to know how to properly drive on black ice.
First, be sure your tires are in good condition. If the treads on your car’s tires are worn you will have a harder time gaining traction on an icy road. Take your car into a car repair shop to have your tires looked at. If you have good tires and adequate air pressure you will find it much easier to drive on black ice.
Driving on black ice can be tricky. If you find yourself sliding on black ice immediately take your foot off of the gas pedal. However, you don’t want to slam the brakes either. Slowly steering in the direction your car is sliding will help you to quickly regain control of your vehicle.
Black ice is especially hazardous on bridges, overpasses and roadways near water. If you find yourself driving through any of these locations, take it slow and watch for black ice on the roadway. By taking these simple precautions you will be able to avoid an accident and the need for collision auto service.
Tags: auto service, car repair, Repair Shop
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December 9th, 2009
This morning I was woken up by the sound of 60mph winds crashing into the side of my house. These high speed gusts of wind got me thinking about my car and ways to prevent wind damage to my vehicle. Although a vehicle can sustain damage while driving, it is more likely to be scratched, dented or crushed while sitting in your driveway.
If you have a garage, use it. Many of us, me included, get in the habit of using our garage as an extra storage space instead of a place to park the car. This is a bad habit to get into. During high winds debris is flying through the air. Tree branches, among other things, can fall onto your vehicle and do some real damage. Now is the time to clean out that garage of yours and use it for its intended purpose so you can avoid unnecessary automotive repair.
Don’t park under trees or power lines. During periods of high winds these are the worst places for your vehicle to be. You never know when one gust of wind will knock a tree down. You certainly don’t want your car to be under it!
Be sure to take care of your vehicle during times of bad weather so that you can reduce the need for a trip to the repair shop. Many auto repairs can be prevented by keeping your car out of harm’s way on bad weather days like these.
Tags: auto repairs, automotive repair, Repair Shop
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December 8th, 2009
While having a reliable auto repair shop to take your car to is a good thing, it is not a place car owners want to have to visit too often. Practicing safe driving can greatly reduce your need for avoidable auto repairs. Here are a few tips to keep your auto repairs to a minimum.
Use your brakes sparingly. When you need to brake, do so gently and over a longer distance. Slamming on the brakes wears the brake pads much faster than necessary and will cause you to replace your car’s brakes more frequently.
Don’t speed. Most accidents are the result of one or more vehicles going over the speed limit. In order to decrease the risk of an accident and resulting major car repair needs, drive the speed limit.
Safe driving will certainly reduce your car repair needs. By reducing your need for unnecessary auto repairs, you will be able to focus on the routine care and maintenance of your vehicle so that your car is safe and reliable for years to come.
Tags: auto repairs, car repair, Repair Shop
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