Radiator Repair: Relieve Pressure with Radiator Service!

A vehicle that overheats is a bit more complicated than just the motor getting too hot. If this happens while driving, most drivers realize that it’s critical to stop the engine as soon as possible and head to the nearest radiator service shop. Serious damage will occur to your motor if you continue on driving, and an inconvenient as well as costly radiator repair will be required. How does a driver know when a vehicle begins to overheat?

Signs of an Engine Overheating --

Source: http://www.excelautoandtire.com/tips-blog/radiator-repair-relieve-pressure-with-radiator-service

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Gun Used to Break Auto Glass in Utah New Year’s Eve Rescue

New Year’s Eve turned from a fun holiday to a harrowing night for a Utah family on the way to Beaver Mountain when an accident caused their car to slide into the chilly Logan River.  Apparently, Roger Andersen was driving with his two children, both under ten years of age, and a friend when he lost control of the car in a section of Highway 89 known for its high accident occurrence.  The car fell into the river and while the adults were able to get out of the car subsequently, the two children were apparently stuck inside, with the auto glass windows blocking their egress and their seatbelts strapping them where they were.

Fortunately for the family, the locals passing by the area were quick to help.  One particular trio, composed of a former policeman named Chris Willden, was instrumental to the rescue of the pair of trapped children.  Willden and his companions, his father as well as his son, immediately jumped to action upon seeing the state of the family and the vehicle, and freed the children from their cage by shattering the auto glass of the rear window with his pistol.

According to Willden, it was necessary to take that measure because there was no other way of accessing the two children inside the rapidly flooding car.  Although he and his father—along with the adults with whom the children were travelling—first attempted to open the car doors to extricate the trapped pair, they found that the doors were locked.  The problem was aggravated by the rising water in the car, which could well have caused hypothermia for the two children had they been permitted to stay longer where they were.  Thinking quickly, the former police officer aimed his pistol downward—to ensure that the bullet would eject without hurting the two persons in the car—and at the window of the vehicle, breaking the tempered auto glass and thus gaining access to the inside of the vehicle.

There Willden managed to cut loose the two children from their seatbelts and extracted them from the flooding vehicle.  The unfortunate family in the accident was taken to nearby hospitals soon after, and were pronounced to be in fair condition only recently.  While the two children actually started out in the ICU of the children’s hospital to which they were brought, their status was deemed to be vastly improved after medical care was given to them to stave off the possibility of shock or hypothermia.  Local authorities are already crediting the quick and efficient rescue of the family to the dozen people who helped, most especially to Chris Willden, for his quick actions in breaking the auto glass to free the pair from the vehicle.

For more information from a criminal law attorney please visit DUI Lawyer Fresno

Source: http://www.windshieldreplacementphoenix.org/auto-glass/gun-used-to-break-auto-glass-in-utah-new-years-eve-rescue/466/

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2013 Ford Escape Goes Green, Literally

The eco-friendly gimmick war continues to rage on. On the heels of Chevrolet unveiling eco-impact labels on its new vehicles, Ford has announced that its new-for-2013 Escape will be made with plant material.

Ford is replacing some of the materials in the Escape’s doors with kenaf, a tropical plant related to cotton and okra. Kenaf is edible and looks like bamboo; it’s currently used in making cosmetics and paper products.

Ford says using the plant improves the vehicle’s fuel economy because it reduces the weight of the door bolsters by 25%. Its fuel economy gains weren’t specified, however. The automaker says kenaf will help save oil in other ways, too. Because the plant replaces oil-based materials previously used in Escape’s doors, “the use of kenaf is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil-based resin per year in North America,” Ford said in a press release.

When the redesigned compact SUV goes on sale this spring, kenaf will join Escape’s soy foam seats and head restraints, recycled-tire climate gauges and carpet made from plastic bottles.

Ford’s Escape certainly isn’t the first green vehicle. Land Rover’s new-for-2012 Range Rover Evoque, for example, is made with 35.2 pounds of recycled plastic, or about 1,000 16.9-ounce plastic bottles.

Read the full article here

Source: http://www.cartalksecondopinion.com/blog/2012/01/27/2013-ford-escape-goes-green-literally/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=2013-ford-escape-goes-green-literally

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Are There Blind Spots In San Diego California?

Everyone in San Diego California has blind spots – and no, I’m not talking about the fact that you really don’t sing like Jessica Simpson. I mean the areas of the road that you can’t see when you’re driving around San Diego.

First let’s talk about our own blinds spots, and then we can talk about others…

To begin, we can greatly reduce our blind spots by properly adjusting our mirrors to give the widest coverage possible. Make the adjustments in your Nissan Z before you start to drive.

First, adjust your rear view mirror to give the best possible view directly to the rear of your car. You don’t need it to get a better view of either side of the car, the kids in the back seat or your dazzling smile. The rear view mirror should look to the rear.

Next, lean your head until it almost touches the driver’s side window. Adjust your side mirror so that you can just barely see the side of your car.

Aero Auto Repair
We’re on 9756 Aero Drive in San Diego, California (92123)
Call us to make an appointment at 858-309-4274.

Now, lean your head to the middle of the car and adjust the outside mirror so that you can barely see the right side of the car.

With your mirrors adjusted this way, you’ll have maximum coverage. Of course driving is a dynamic process – things change every second. So it’s wise to take a quick look to the side when passing to make sure that another vehicle hasn’t moved into an area you couldn’t see in your mirrors.

Depending on the kind of vehicle you drive (Nissan Z?), you may still have some blind spots. All vehicles have an area behind them that’s blind when backing up. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spot. A pick up or SUV can hide a small child – an RV, bus or tractor-trailer can hide an entire vehicle. So be careful around our San Diego streets!

As you drive around the San Diego area, avoid staying in other diver’s blind spots. You can’t count on them to be watching their mirrors and looking out for you.

Let’s talk about safely sharing the road with heavy trucks and buses. In crashes involving a truck and car, the car causes about 40 percent of the accidents. But 78 percent of the fatalities are with the car. The laws of physics are against the smaller vehicle, so it pays to take extra precautions around trucks and buses.

Heavy vehicles have huge blind spots: to the rear, on both sides and up front. They also can’t maneuver like a car. They take twice as long to stop and need twice as much space as you do in your Nissan Z or other type of car. You need to keep wide margins when driving around one of these big rigs.

Here are some tips for passing a heavy vehicle in the San Diego area:

• Avoid the blind spots. If you can’t see the driver’s face in one of his mirrors or in a window, he cannot see you!
• Don’t follow too close. If you can’t see one of the truck’s mirrors, you’re too close.
• Make sure there is plenty of room to pass. Trucks are long and take time to get around. If you’re on one of our local San Diego California two way highways, wait for a passing zone.
• Don’t linger when passing. Because the blind spots are so big on the sides, you want to get through them quickly. If you can’t pass quickly, drop back.
• Pass on the left whenever possible. A trucks’ blind spot is much larger on the right.
• Be attentive and wear your seat belts while driving anywhere around San Diego, even short drives.
• Don’t be aggressive when driving around trucks. Because of their size, they appear to be going slower than they really are. Cutting it short around a truck could be disastrous.
• Use your turn signals when starting to pass. Once you can see the full truck in your rear view mirror, it’s safe to signal and move over. Don’t cut it short or slow quickly when you pull in front of a truck.
• Be careful passing a truck at an intersection. Trucks need to turn wide to maneuver through city streets. Squeezing between a truck and the curb could put your car in the San Diego body shop. Look for the truck’s turn signals.

We at Aero Auto Repair want you to watch those blind spots – but feel free to sing in the shower all you want.

Related Posts:

• Differential Service in San Diego California – What You Need To Know
• California Balance: Wheel Balancing and Tire Rotation
• Go Straight: Wheel Alignment For San Diego Automobiles
• Differential Service
• Differential Service

Source: http://www.myaeroauto.com/are-there-blind-spots-in-san-diego-california/

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Don’t’ be stranded on the side of the road: Safety Advice from an Auto Center

The side of the road is a dangerous place to be on a good day, let alone a cold winter day. No matter whether you have a brand-new car, or an older model vehicle, there’s always the possibility that some day you'll find yourself with a flat tire, a broken radiator hose, …and the list goes on.   Remember to be prepared and to stay calm until you can safely get to a close-by auto shop.

Here is some advice to keep you and your family safe:

Source: http://www.elkrivertireandauto.com/tips-blog/dont-be-stranded-on-the-side-of-the-road-safety-advice-from-an-auto-center

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Top 3 Mini Vans of 2012 that Can Offer Value for Money Deal

Minivans have soon become one of the most demanding cars in the world. Millions of parents, business owners, carpoolers and even small business entrepreneurs make use of minivan that can offer them better space, performance and features that can be practical and functional. If you are looking for top mini vans you need to look out for some of the best options that you would like to have in your vehicle. Here we take a quick look at the top min vans of 2012 that you can buy in the market.

2012 Honda Odyssey

• The exterior of 2012 Honda Odyssey is available in five different variants and therefore consumers always have the option with the option they want to buy. On the outside, the vehicle look very much like a SUV but it definitely has all the functionalities of a minivan and that is what makes 2012 Honda Odyssey one of the top picks for those who want to buy good looking minivan.
• Under the hood, the vehicle is powered by 3.5 liter V6 engine that has the potential to produce 248 horsepower and 250 lb feet of torque. While LX, EX and EX-L models have five speed automatic transmission the Touring and Touring Elite versions have six speed automatic transmission.
• The regular three versions can offer 18 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. While the touring version can offer 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg combined. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 in 7.9 seconds which is pretty fast.
• The interior of the vehicle is very cleverly done and spacious to ensure more space for the passengers and cargo. The 60/40 split bench can offer more space to the people and cargo whichever is needed. It also has more storage space in the dashboard for drivers to reach things that is required. The interior is very luxurious to make 2012 Honda Odyssey one of the best premium luxury minivans in the market.
• 2012 Honda Odyssey is priced at $28,375 for the base model.

2012 Toyota Sienna

• Toyota has already redesigned the vehicle in the year 2011 and therefore the exteriors are nicely done to make it more comfortable for large families. The vehicle is available in five different variants for seven and eight passengers.
• The base and LE models are powered by 2.7 liter inline-4 engine that can produce 187 horsepower and 186 lb feet of torque. While the rest of the variants have 3.5 liter V6 engine that can produce 266 horsepower and 245 lb feet of torque along with six speed automatic transmission. The car offers EPA estimate of 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined. The vehicle has similar performance to 2012 Honda Odyssey of zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds.
• The 2012 Toyota Sienna has plastic based interiors along with faux wood cabin accents that can look bit down-market but it still offers better appearance when you look at it the first time. The interior is very user-friendly but it still does not offer the premium look that Honda Odyssey delivers.
• 2012 Toyota Sienna is priced at $25,060 for the base model.

2012 Nissan Quest

• The 2012 Nissan Quest is the next minivan on the list that you can buy. The exterior styling of the vehicle is really great as it has tall slab sided design which is very different from the rest of the vehicles. On the front side, 2012 Nissan Quest looks very sporty and aerodynamic to ensure better performance.
• Under the hood, Nissan Quest offers 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 240 lb feet of torque. The vehicle also offers CVT that can allow the car to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds which is bit slower than 2012 Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna. The fuel economy of the vehicle is on par with EPA estimate of 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg combined.

Source: http://www.autoscraze.com/top-3-mini-vans-of-2012-that-can-offer-value-for-money-deal.html

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Top 10 Green Cars of the Year 2012

With the growing emphasis on climate change and environment preservation, automobile companies are increasingly focusing on green energy solutions. Environment-conscious consumers may be interested in the variety that is coming forth in green cars and this year has quite a few interesting models to offer. Here is a look at the top green cars of the year 2012.

1. Kia Rio

Kia Rio is just the perfect mix of economy and environment-friendliness. Kia Rio features diesel, electric and hybrid varieties and with the capacity of 88 MPG fuel efficiency, it is one of the most efficient and environment friendly cars around for a reasonable price. Kia Rio offers one of the most well optimized diesel engines for efficient performance and low carbon emission rate of 85 g/km. The modern, compact design makes it a great choice for the consumers.

2. Fisker Karma

Want to wake up the inner James Bond in you, but in a green way? Then probably nothing would serve you better than Fisker Karma and there are good reasons why. Fisker Karma is a sexy design that delivers remarkable performance for its green mechanism. Fisker Karma is a hybrid electric car that is capable of achieving 100 MPG on a 403 HP engine. Fisker Karma is a four door design and makes you reconsider your thoughts about.

3. Lexus GS 450h

Lexus GS 450h is a rear-wheel drive luxury sports saloon with hybrid petrol and electric engine and a breathtaking design. Lexus GS 450 is the best choice if you love the thrills without hurting the environment too much, as its 363 HP engine can speed up to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Though such speed takes a 3.5 l V6 petrol engine, it only costs carbon emissions of 145 g/km.

4. Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius is a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid high performance vehicle with a terrific design. Thoroughly rich in style and aesthetics, Toyota Prius features a 1.8 liter petrol engine that delivers a fuel efficiency of 134 MPG. With that performance, Prius only emits 49 g/km CO2 and is not hard on the environment at all. The ground breaking technology of merging the petrol engine with a battery and electric motor is what makes the excellent performance of Toyota Prius possible.

5. Ford Focus ECOnetic Technology

Ford Focus is not a hybrid car and works with a fuel economy of 83.1 MPG. For a car that runs on diesel, this is not bad performance at all along with low carbon emissions of 88 g/km. Focus is a product of Ford’s state-of-the-art ECOnetic technology that is designed to optimize the diesel powered engine and to minimize efficiency leakages. A stylish, four-door sedan, Focus will appeal as much to the aesthetics as it would be good for the environment.

6. Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a diesel-electric hybrid sedan with a lot of room to offer. Volvo V60 delivers remarkable fuel efficiency in 150 MPG with emission rate as low as 49 g/km. The combination petrol engine with an electric motor and battery as used in Toyota Prius makes Volvo V60 deliver such brilliant output.

7. Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4

Peugeot 3008 is the world’s pioneering Diesel-Electric Hybrid vehicle, which has an impressive design that itself looks like a hybrid of SUV and MPV cars. Peugeot 3008 offers reasonably good fuel efficiency in 74 MPG paired with the carbon emission rate of 99 g/km. However, another model emits 104 g/km with the fuel efficiency of 74.3 MPG. The vehicle is a good buy particularly due to its low fuel costs and its four wheel drive capability with the diesel engine powering the front wheels and electric motor fueling the back wheels.

8. Renault Twizy

Probably the most unique of all the top green cars of 2012 is Renault Twizy thanks to its compact model that almost makes it look like a golf cart. Its small size gives it the luxury of being completely reliant on electric power. Weighing 450 kg, Twizy is almost a four wheel electric scooter with two seats. You can’t expect it to perform as well as the hybrids given its size and power, of course, as it only covers a 60 mile distance range with a top speed of 47 mph. Lack of ventilation and poor weather protection due to an open design are a couple of other weak aspects of Renault Twizy. Twizy was released in the European markets in early 2012.

9. Renault Zoe

Renault Zoe is a brand new 5-door electric car model from the French manufacturer. Being completely electric, Renault Zoe is great for the environment and with the range of 210 km, it offers pretty good value as well, at least for urban consumers who need to frequently cover short distances. Speaking of performance, the 65 KW electric motor can propel it to a speed of 60 mph in just a little over 8 seconds and with the top speed of 84 mph. Needless to say that all that is achieved with zero carbon emission. The production version of Renault Zoe was announced in March 2012.

10. 2012 Fiat 500

Compact, stylish and convenient, 2012 Fiat 500 is a green car that promises to deliver a wonderful experience. 2012 Fiat 500 is pretty small and probably not as powerful as many of the other cars in the lineup, but its compact design certainly is rich in terms of style.

Source: http://www.autoscraze.com/top-10-green-cars-of-the-year-2012.html

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Privacy Auto Glass on Cinderella’s New Carriage by Maybach

The luxury automotive manufacturer, Maybach, has just submitted its entry for the 2011 LA Auto Show Design Challenge, putting forth a recreation of the classic Berline carriage into an updated version of Cinderella’s enchanted pumpkin.  Among other things, the Maybach Berline is going to be fitted with oversized moulded auto glass panels for the gull-wing doors, a virtual chauffeur centre, and retractable stairs: Cinderella’s ideal fairytale experience, in other words.

The first thing that pops into your head when you see the Maybach Berline is simply awe.  The whole thing is gorgeous, and with the huge auto glass doors, looks like something that has popped straight out of a futuristic film.  This is in keeping with the theme of the contest: the LA Auto Show Design Challenge is basically a competition for various automakers to see which one can design the next “dream car” for Hollywood.

The Berline is in good standing in the competition.  Equipped with only the most luxurious amenities and provided with a teleoperation system that saves occupants of the car from having to deal with the (often intrusive) presence of a driver, the car is perfect for several dozen movie plots that are all takeoffs on the original Cinderella story.  Auto enthusiasts, especially those who loved the Mercedes-Benz GL Class, should also find another type of perfection in the car’s lines, as its futuristic look is not without references to some of the most popular cars of old.

The interiors are particularly attractive in the Maybach Berline.  One can practically envision all types of film sequences playing out in it due to the tête-à-tête positions of occupants—a return to the old horse-drawn carriages back in the day.

The Berline is going to be in stiff competition, though: also participating in the event are Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Hyundai, and Honda.  Mercedes-Benz, which collaborated with Maybach in the creation of the Berline, is actually putting forth two entries from two separate branches, one from N. America and Germany.  The former is going to be fielding the Mercedes Silver Arrow, the latter the Smart 341 Parkour.  Subaru is going to be submitting the Subaru Horizon, designed by its team in Tokyo.  Hyundai is submitting the Stratus Sprinter, a car conceptualised for a vampire movie, and Honda is submitting the Honda Intelligent Horse, a futuristic concept car with striking lines and unusual wheels.

The concept cars all feature some sort of tweak or new technology, whether it is in the type of auto glass used or the very functionalities of the vehicle.  The winner of the LA Auto Show Design Challenge this year is going to be announced on the 17^th of this month, and car enthusiasts (as well as film-lovers) are already speculating heavily on which vehicle design shall take the prize.

Windshield Replacement Phoenix

Source: http://www.windshieldreplacementphoenix.org/news/privacy-auto-glass-on-cinderellas-new-carriage-by-maybach/371/

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Aero Auto Repair On Your Serpentine Belt

Today we’re going to be talking about serpentine belts for our San Diego California customers. Let’s start by talking about the accessories that are driven by the serpentine belt. First is the alternator. That’s the device that makes electricity to power the vehicle and recharge the battery. Then there’s the air conditioning compressor that makes cool air for you while you’re driving around San Diego California in the summer.

The power steering and power brake pumps are driven by the serpentine belt in most vehicles. Those pumps make the pressure that assists your steering and braking.

In many vehicles, the water pump is driven by the serpentine belt. The water pump is what circulates the coolant that protects your engine. In some cars around San Diego California, the water pump is driven by the timing belt.

The radiator cooling fans on some vehicles are also driven by the serpentine belt. Some have separate electric motors. That’s really a lot of work for one belt.

But modern engine design has a single belt that snakes around the front of the engine and drives most if not all of these accessories. Serpentine belts do a lot of work, but they’re tough and can last for thousands of miles.

Just how long will they last? That’ll vary for each individual car in the San Diego California area. Your manufacturer will have a recommendation for when it should be changed, but it could need it sooner. The good news is that a visual inspection can reveal a belt that’s getting close to failing.

Aero Auto Repair can look at the belt: if it has more than three or four cracks per inch it needs to be replaced. A deep crack that’s more than half the depth of the belt – replace. Frayed, missing pieces, a shiny glazed look? It’s out of there.

What’s involved in replacing the belt? First the old belt is removed. Then a new one is fitted around all the pulleys for the accessories and the drive. There’s a special pulley called a tensioner.

This pulley is mounted to the engine block with a spring loaded arm. Its job is to apply the correct amount of tension to the belt to keep it from getting loose and maybe slipping off. Because the spring in the tensioner pulley wears out, AutoNetTV recommends replacing them at the same time as the belt. It just makes sense.

What are the warning signs that there’s a problem with the serpentine belt? You may hear a squealing sound from under the hood when accelerating around our San Diego California streets. A loose belt might give you a slow, slapping sound.

What do you do if your belt breaks? If you’ve actually had that happen on our local San Diego California freeway, it can be a little scary. Often the first thing you notice is that you have no power steering or power brakes. Don’t panic – you can still steer and brake, but you’ll have to do the work. It’ll be harder to steer and you’ll need more time and effort to stop, so plan accordingly.

Your dashboard will light up will all kinds of warnings. You’ll see a warning about your cooling system if you have a water pump that’s driven by the serpentine belt. This is very critical because without your cooling system working, your engine will overheat. If you don’t stop you’ll have massive engine damage, maybe to the point that you need a new engine. Pull over as quickly as you safely can. Open your windows and turn the heater on full blast to provide a little engine cooling and pulled over as soon as possible.

The battery light will come on because the alternator isn’t working. If your car’s water pump isn’t driven by the serpentine belt, you’re not in danger of overheating so you can drive a little further if necessary. But the battery will run down to the point where the car won’t run and will just shut off. You don’t want that to happen while you’re driving in our local San Diego California traffic.

Remember, this does not have to happen if you replace your serpentine belt on schedule. Ask your technician at Aero Auto Repair to check your belts and hoses from time to time so you can take care of them if they need to be replaced prematurely.

Aero Auto Repair
9756 Aero Drive
San Diego, California 92123
858-309-4274

Related Posts:

• Serpentine Belt Replacement Near The San Diego Area
• What To Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in San Diego
• What To Do After You Buy a Used Vehicle in San Diego
• Air Conditioning Maintenance At Aero Auto Repair In San Diego
• Power Steering Service At Aero Auto Repair In San Diego

Source: http://www.myaeroauto.com/aero-auto-repair-on-your-serpentine-belt/

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Got Spiderwebs On Your Black Car?

Have you seen spiderwebs on your black car?  No, we’re not talking real spiders!  We’re not even talking about Halloween!  We’re talking about those tiny scratches you see when the sun shines brightly on your black paint.

If you see spiderwebs in the black paint of your car….or any dark colored paint, for that matter…come in to Robert’s Auto Repair’s Detailing Center, where we have the Ultimate Facial for Exterior Paint.

Our “Ultimate Facial” is a complete Micro Buff, using Clay Magic and Complete Carnuba Wax, and it includes our Platinum Wash Service. With this “Ultimate Facial”, an appointment is required, but we have rental cars available for your convenience. The price of an “Ultimate Facial” is $250, which is an amazing deal!

Call Robert’s Auto Repair today to schedule your vehicle’s “Ultimate Facial” at 831-373-1535.

Source: http://www.roberts-autorepair.com/blog/got-spiderwebs-on-your-black-car/

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Brakes: Slow Down with Brake Service!

You expect your car to move forward when you step on the accelerator. The same principle applies for your brakes. When you step on the brake pedal, what happens? Does your vehicle stop firmly, when and where you want it to? Is it keeping you and your family safe? You may have already experienced that if you keep your vehicle long enough, you’ll probably need a brake replacement some point in time. Don’t jeopardize the safety of your passengers or other motorists by neglecting a brake service for one of the most important systems of your vehicle. 

Source: http://www.theautoexperts.net/tips-blog/brakes-slow-down-with-brake-services

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Tire Replacement Experts in Grapevine

Your car can only operate at its peak efficiency if every part is working correctly. This includes your tires, which are 4 of the most important parts of your car. Family Tire & Service is an auto repair company in Grapevine that has over 40 years’ experience in the industry. Let our experts handle all of your auto repair needs, including your tire replacements.

Your tires are essential to making your car run. In addition to your brakes, the treads on your tires help your car come to a stop. Treads also keep your car gripping the ground, preventing slippages during wet or icy conditions. If your tires are not working at their peak performance levels, you could be setting yourself and anyone traveling in your car with you up for potentially dangerous situations.

Not sure if your tires need replacing? The “penny test” is one common way that you can check your tires at home for wear and tear. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head when you place a penny upside-down in one of the tread grooves of your tires, it’s most likely time for new tires. If your tires fail or are close to failing the penny test, bring them in to the Family Tire & Service auto repair shop for a full inspection.

Family Tire & Service are the experts on tire replacement. We stock several tire brands, including Michelin, Goodyear, Crosswind, Bridgestone, and more, ensuring that no matter your car’s make, model, or specific needs, we’ll have the right tires for you. We proudly serve the city of Grapevine and surrounding areas with quality auto repair jobs and would love to help you make your car safer and more efficient. Call our shop at 817-488-5520 for more information or to schedule a free estimate!

Source: http://www.familytireandservice.com/blog/tire-replacement-experts-in-grapevine/

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Car Maintenance Part II – The Other 5 Most Expensive Car Repairs!

To refresh your memory, last month we listed five of the 10 of the most expensive car repairs with possible solutions with good car maintenance (check out our August 18^th blog). Again, we just want to remind vehicle owners of the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance to help avoid more costly repairs. A small problem found early will avoid a much bigger one down the road!

Part II - #6-10: Continuing with the top 10 most expensive car repairs and the car maintenance needed to avoid them.  

Source: http://www.elkrivertireandauto.com/tips-blog/car-maintenance-part-ii-–-the-other-5-most-expensive-car-repairs

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Keys to a Long Lasting Vehicle

We’re living in a disposable society. Everything from elaborate packaging to our clothing. Even cell phones are disposable. When replacement is cheaper than repair, the term “built to last” goes by the wayside. An exception is our vehicles. They’re still a very big investment and we want to make them last as long as possible – and we want to make keeping them as cheap as possible. When talking cars, it’s all about preventive maintenance. There is an old saying that says, “a stitch in time saves nine” and that is really true when it comes to taking care of your car. A great example is coolant service.

Your coolant not only protects your engine from overheating and freezing – it must also protect cooling system components from corrosion. Over time, coolant becomes corrosive and actually starts to damage your radiator and other parts. That’s why you need to have your cooling system serviced on a regular schedule.

The same is true for your power steering system, brake fluid, air conditioning system, differential and transmission. And of course, don’t forget those oil changes right on schedule. Skipping even one change can start the build up of harmful oil sludge.

Our engines are full of gaskets and seals. Fresh fluids condition those gaskets and seals to keep them from drying out and leaking. Automotive fluids contain additives that help clean and lubricate the various systems they protect. Over time, the additives are used up and the fluid just does not provide the protection it did when it was fresh. And don’t forget the mechanical systems. Changing brake pads before they are worn to the point that they cause damage to rotors is a great way to keep your operating costs down.

Replacing serpentine belts and timing belts on schedule is much cheaper than repairing the damage that can be caused by failure. Also, air filters, fuel filters, PCV valves and batteries are all important. Regular wheel alignments, tire rotation and balancing will make your tires last longer. And don’t forget to replace your shocks and struts when they wear out. Your fuel system needs regular cleaning to keep running well, prevent mechanical damage and reduce fuel consumption.

Now this is a lot to remember – too much really. But it is your Wilmington automotive technician’s job to keep on top of this stuff. At Atlantic Car Care we can tell you what your manufacturer recommends and help you with a plan to take care of it. We can advise you about which maintenance schedule you should use – the regular schedule or the severe service schedule – depending on the kind of driving you do. We also know the right fluids for your vehicle and may even suggest higher mileage formulations for your older vehicle.

Bottom line – take care of this stuff on schedule and you will reduce operating costs, prevent costly damage and maintain your warranty coverage.

Of course, you want your car to look as good as it runs. Regular washing will prevent rust and protect your finish. Take advantage of cleaners, waxes and protectants for your interior and tires. Your vehicle will look great and you’ll be proud to drive it longer.

Most of us can’t afford to throw away our car when it breaks down. By budgeting for regular preventive maintenance, we can prevent many inconvenient – and expensive – problems down the road, and can keep driving “old faithful” for years to come.

Source: http://www.atlanticcarcare.com/maintenance/keys-to-a-long-lasting-vehicle

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Top 10 Green Cars of the Year 2012

With the growing emphasis on climate change and environment preservation, automobile companies are increasingly focusing on green energy solutions. Environment-conscious consumers may be interested in the variety that is coming forth in green cars and this year has quite a few interesting models to offer. Here is a look at the top green cars of the year 2012.

1. Kia Rio

Kia Rio is just the perfect mix of economy and environment-friendliness. Kia Rio features diesel, electric and hybrid varieties and with the capacity of 88 MPG fuel efficiency, it is one of the most efficient and environment friendly cars around for a reasonable price. Kia Rio offers one of the most well optimized diesel engines for efficient performance and low carbon emission rate of 85 g/km. The modern, compact design makes it a great choice for the consumers.

2. Fisker Karma

Want to wake up the inner James Bond in you, but in a green way? Then probably nothing would serve you better than Fisker Karma and there are good reasons why. Fisker Karma is a sexy design that delivers remarkable performance for its green mechanism. Fisker Karma is a hybrid electric car that is capable of achieving 100 MPG on a 403 HP engine. Fisker Karma is a four door design and makes you reconsider your thoughts about.

3. Lexus GS 450h

Lexus GS 450h is a rear-wheel drive luxury sports saloon with hybrid petrol and electric engine and a breathtaking design. Lexus GS 450 is the best choice if you love the thrills without hurting the environment too much, as its 363 HP engine can speed up to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Though such speed takes a 3.5 l V6 petrol engine, it only costs carbon emissions of 145 g/km.

4. Toyota Prius

Toyota Prius is a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid high performance vehicle with a terrific design. Thoroughly rich in style and aesthetics, Toyota Prius features a 1.8 liter petrol engine that delivers a fuel efficiency of 134 MPG. With that performance, Prius only emits 49 g/km CO2 and is not hard on the environment at all. The ground breaking technology of merging the petrol engine with a battery and electric motor is what makes the excellent performance of Toyota Prius possible.

5. Ford Focus ECOnetic Technology

Ford Focus is not a hybrid car and works with a fuel economy of 83.1 MPG. For a car that runs on diesel, this is not bad performance at all along with low carbon emissions of 88 g/km. Focus is a product of Ford’s state-of-the-art ECOnetic technology that is designed to optimize the diesel powered engine and to minimize efficiency leakages. A stylish, four-door sedan, Focus will appeal as much to the aesthetics as it would be good for the environment.

6. Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a diesel-electric hybrid sedan with a lot of room to offer. Volvo V60 delivers remarkable fuel efficiency in 150 MPG with emission rate as low as 49 g/km. The combination petrol engine with an electric motor and battery as used in Toyota Prius makes Volvo V60 deliver such brilliant output.

7. Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4

Peugeot 3008 is the world’s pioneering Diesel-Electric Hybrid vehicle, which has an impressive design that itself looks like a hybrid of SUV and MPV cars. Peugeot 3008 offers reasonably good fuel efficiency in 74 MPG paired with the carbon emission rate of 99 g/km. However, another model emits 104 g/km with the fuel efficiency of 74.3 MPG. The vehicle is a good buy particularly due to its low fuel costs and its four wheel drive capability with the diesel engine powering the front wheels and electric motor fueling the back wheels.

8. Renault Twizy

Probably the most unique of all the top green cars of 2012 is Renault Twizy thanks to its compact model that almost makes it look like a golf cart. Its small size gives it the luxury of being completely reliant on electric power. Weighing 450 kg, Twizy is almost a four wheel electric scooter with two seats. You can’t expect it to perform as well as the hybrids given its size and power, of course, as it only covers a 60 mile distance range with a top speed of 47 mph. Lack of ventilation and poor weather protection due to an open design are a couple of other weak aspects of Renault Twizy. Twizy was released in the European markets in early 2012.

9. Renault Zoe

Renault Zoe is a brand new 5-door electric car model from the French manufacturer. Being completely electric, Renault Zoe is great for the environment and with the range of 210 km, it offers pretty good value as well, at least for urban consumers who need to frequently cover short distances. Speaking of performance, the 65 KW electric motor can propel it to a speed of 60 mph in just a little over 8 seconds and with the top speed of 84 mph. Needless to say that all that is achieved with zero carbon emission. The production version of Renault Zoe was announced in March 2012.

10. 2012 Fiat 500

Compact, stylish and convenient, 2012 Fiat 500 is a green car that promises to deliver a wonderful experience. 2012 Fiat 500 is pretty small and probably not as powerful as many of the other cars in the lineup, but its compact design certainly is rich in terms of style.

Source: http://www.autoscraze.com/top-10-green-cars-of-the-year-2012.html

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Alignment Services from Your Grapevine TX Auto Repair Shop

With winter weather present in Texas, it is essential that your car is ready to handle whatever the weather throws at it. This includes critical alignment services to ensure your car is kept on the road and keeps you and your family as safe as possible. Our Grapevine TX auto repair experts at Family Tire & Service can perform these crucial maintenance services for your automobile to ensure your vehicle lasts long beyond the winter weather.

Having improper wheel alignment in your vehicle can quickly escalate into a much larger issue than your car shifting from side to side. Improper alignment drastically increases the wear and tear your tires collect, meaning you may have to replace your tires more often than necessary. Improper alignment can be caused by potholes, being involved in an accident, or just general usage over time. This will cause your vehicle to pull left and right, making it almost impossible to handle and can often feel like you are on the verge of veering off the road at any given moment. These frightening issues can be corrected easily by having all four of your wheels aligned – a service provided by the expert automobile technicians at Family Tire & Service.

Alignment services from your Grapevine TX automobile repair shop are an essential component in keeping your car healthy and efficient. For additional information regarding alignment, give us a call at 817-488-5520 or contact us online today.

Source: http://www.familytireandservice.com/blog/alignment-services-from-your-grapevine-tx-auto-repair-shop/

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Engine Service: Save $$ on an Engine Rebuild with 4 Questions!

Are you a member of the group of vehicle owners who end up paying too much for an engine rebuild because they don’t know the right questions to ask before it takes place. Knowing the right questions can save you a considerable amount of money on any engine service.

Here are four important questions you should ask before your auto mechanic performs an engine rebuild on your vehicle:

Source: http://www.theautoexperts.net/tips-blog/engine-service-save-on-an-engine-rebuild-with-4-questions

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Wilmington Drivers: Get Fresh Air Inside Your Car

Let’s talk about air quality in Wilmington. It’s a global issue, but affects us wherever we are. Many decades ago, we began to become aware of how air pollution negatively affects health. But what about the air inside your vehicle?

Cabin air filters are now coming on most new sedanss in Wilmington. These filters clean the air in the passenger compartment. They can filter particles down to three microns, so that’s good enough to clean out dust, pollen and most pollutants. If you suffer from allergies in Wilmington, this is very good news. Your car can be a haven during your Wilmington commute.

Now, it’s only been in the last few years that cabin air filters have become common. You can look in your owner’s manual to see if you have one. If you do, there’ll be a recommendation for replacing it when it gets dirty. If you live in an area of Wilmington where there’s a lot of dust, pollen or pollution, you may need to change it more often.

You can also ask your service advisor at Atlantic Car Care in Wilmington. How hard is it to change an air filter on a car? It depends on your vehicle. Some are quite accessible; others take some doing to get to them. They’re usually in the engine compartment or under the dashboard.

Because cabin air filters are so new on the scene, some Wilmington people haven’t heard of them – even people who have cabin air filters in their sedans. Atlantic Car Care service advisors have discovered that many Wilmington customers who complained about an unpleasant odor in their sedans simply had a dirty cabin air filter.

Source: http://www.atlanticcarcare.com/cabin-air-filter/wilmington-drivers-get-fresh-air-inside-your-car

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Engine Service: 4 Questions can Save $$ in Engine Repair!

Do you know the right questions to ask when it comes to engine repair? Some vehicle owners end up paying too much for an engine rebuild because they don’t know the right questions to ask before it takes place. If you know the right questions, it is possible to save a considerable amount of money on any engine service.

Ask your auto mechanic these four questions:

Source: http://www.excelautoandtire.com/tips-blog/engine-service-4-questions-can-save-in-engine-repair

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Privacy Auto Glass on Cinderella’s New Carriage by Maybach

The luxury automotive manufacturer, Maybach, has just submitted its entry for the 2011 LA Auto Show Design Challenge, putting forth a recreation of the classic Berline carriage into an updated version of Cinderella’s enchanted pumpkin.  Among other things, the Maybach Berline is going to be fitted with oversized moulded auto glass panels for the gull-wing doors, a virtual chauffeur centre, and retractable stairs: Cinderella’s ideal fairytale experience, in other words.

The first thing that pops into your head when you see the Maybach Berline is simply awe.  The whole thing is gorgeous, and with the huge auto glass doors, looks like something that has popped straight out of a futuristic film.  This is in keeping with the theme of the contest: the LA Auto Show Design Challenge is basically a competition for various automakers to see which one can design the next “dream car” for Hollywood.

The Berline is in good standing in the competition.  Equipped with only the most luxurious amenities and provided with a teleoperation system that saves occupants of the car from having to deal with the (often intrusive) presence of a driver, the car is perfect for several dozen movie plots that are all takeoffs on the original Cinderella story.  Auto enthusiasts, especially those who loved the Mercedes-Benz GL Class, should also find another type of perfection in the car’s lines, as its futuristic look is not without references to some of the most popular cars of old.

The interiors are particularly attractive in the Maybach Berline.  One can practically envision all types of film sequences playing out in it due to the tête-à-tête positions of occupants—a return to the old horse-drawn carriages back in the day.

The Berline is going to be in stiff competition, though: also participating in the event are Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Hyundai, and Honda.  Mercedes-Benz, which collaborated with Maybach in the creation of the Berline, is actually putting forth two entries from two separate branches, one from N. America and Germany.  The former is going to be fielding the Mercedes Silver Arrow, the latter the Smart 341 Parkour.  Subaru is going to be submitting the Subaru Horizon, designed by its team in Tokyo.  Hyundai is submitting the Stratus Sprinter, a car conceptualised for a vampire movie, and Honda is submitting the Honda Intelligent Horse, a futuristic concept car with striking lines and unusual wheels.

The concept cars all feature some sort of tweak or new technology, whether it is in the type of auto glass used or the very functionalities of the vehicle.  The winner of the LA Auto Show Design Challenge this year is going to be announced on the 17^th of this month, and car enthusiasts (as well as film-lovers) are already speculating heavily on which vehicle design shall take the prize.

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Source: http://www.windshieldreplacementphoenix.org/news/privacy-auto-glass-on-cinderellas-new-carriage-by-maybach/371/

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Tracy Myers of Frank Myers Auto Says “Drive The Vote!”

November 6 is next Tuesday and you know what that means! YES, it does mean that you only have a few weeks to bust out best pumpkin pie recipes and best stuffing recipes, although that in and of itself is a very important matter (In fact, I’ll talk turkey on my next post). However, it’s also time to get out and VOTE!

You saw the young people take control of the last election and do it their way with ROCK THE VOTE, now it’s my turn time to DRIVE THE VOTE this November 6.

Although I know that I was ranting and raving about negative campaign ads last month, that won’t keep me from voting! I admit, political ads are pretty annoying and have taken on a life of their own but the issues behind the ads are far too important to ignore.

It’s sad that so many Americans don’t vote in elections. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, turnout by all races and ages was only 64% during the 2008 elections.

Why are only 64% of the population making decisions for 100% of the people? You may think that voting doesn’t matter but ask yourself: if you don’t vote then who is voting? Think about the fact that even if you aren’t voting, someone is and that someone is making decisions for you. There is a LOT riding on this election. Your vote does count and does matter. Don’t give it up.

There was some good news and bad news with regard to voting last election. First the good news: about five million more Americans voted in the 2008 elections than in the elections four years prior to that. Voter turnout was highest in Minnesota and the District of Columbia at about 75%. Now some bad news: voter turnout was lowest in Hawaii and Utah, where just over half of voters went to the polls. At 64% of the people voting, there is one thing that is certain. We KNOW can do better.

So…who do you know that needs help voting? Why not help them make it happen? How about you? Make sure you are registered and know where to vote. More important, go the polls armed with information. Responsible government only comes as a result of responsible voting. You may be tempted to go to the polls only knowing half the story. Take time to educate yourself before election day. You’ll be glad you did when you are staring at the ballot November 6.

Here are a few online resources to help you:

http://www.canivote.org/
Need help with voting–nonpartisan web site created by state election officials to help eligible voters figure out how and where to go and vote.

http://votesmart.org/
Find out who’s running for office before you go to the voting booth at Project Vote Smart Web Site—nonpartisan. Get more information about the candidates where you live.

http://www.ontheissues.org/
On The Issues: Every Political Leader On Every Issue—Find out about the issues that are important to you and your family.

Get your engines running and DRIVE THE VOTE November 6. Tell ‘em that I sent you!

About The Author 

Tracy Myers is the owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston Salem, NC and is commonly referred to as The Nation’s Premier Automotive Solutions Provider. For more information, visit http://www.TracyMyers.com

Source: http://www.winstonsalemusedcars.com/articles/vote-frank-myers-auto/

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Got Car Problems? Which ones need expert Car Repair?

Many problems with cars are quite common and are shared by millions of drivers. A lot of car repair issues are not real serious and can be resolved with just a little knowledge about car parts and car repair services. It’s a wise vehicle owner who does a little research to be aware of the most common car problems so that more serious problems can be avoided.

To be included in the group of informed drivers, here are just a few of the common car problems to be aware so that you know what your auto mechanic means when a particular car service is recommended:

Source: http://www.theautoexperts.net/tips-blog/got-car-problems-which-ones-need-expert-car-repair

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Grapevine TX Transmission Repair with Family Tire & Service

As you prepare for the onslaught of the summer heat, it is extremely important to make sure your car is ready as well. Without the proper maintenance services your car needs, it may not be. Your transmission is one of the most important aspects of your automobile, and without critical maintenance services, can present you with a costly replacement. Our Grapevine TX auto repair experts at Family Tire & Service can provide your vehicle with these services today, keeping you on the road all summer long.

Your car’s transmission consists of the gearbox, clutch, and prop or drive shafts. While some of these intricate parts of your vehicle may not be familiar to you, our trained and knowledgeable transmission repair technicians can utilize their vast experience in the industry to provide your transmission with the proper repairs it needs. Your transmission is one of the most important pieces of your car, which is why you should treat it as such. Without the proper maintenance service, your transmission can cause you many different issues in your vehicle. You may hear strange noises when you are shifting gears, or your vehicle may be slipping, even in ideal conditions. It may also be taking you a longer time than usual to switch gears, which is a warning sign of potential transmission failure. Fluid leaks in your vehicle may also be a warning sign of transmission problems, so it is critical to check for any puddles or pilings of fluid under your vehicle when it has been parked.

Transmission issues are some of the most serious issues that can face your vehicle daily, and should be taken as such. For additional information regarding our transmission repair services, give us a call at 817-488-5520 or contact us online today to schedule an appointment.

Source: http://www.familytireandservice.com/blog/grapevine-tx-transmission-repair-with-family-tire-service/

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Alignment Services from Your Grapevine TX Auto Repair Shop

With winter weather present in Texas, it is essential that your car is ready to handle whatever the weather throws at it. This includes critical alignment services to ensure your car is kept on the road and keeps you and your family as safe as possible. Our Grapevine TX auto repair experts at Family Tire & Service can perform these crucial maintenance services for your automobile to ensure your vehicle lasts long beyond the winter weather.

Having improper wheel alignment in your vehicle can quickly escalate into a much larger issue than your car shifting from side to side. Improper alignment drastically increases the wear and tear your tires collect, meaning you may have to replace your tires more often than necessary. Improper alignment can be caused by potholes, being involved in an accident, or just general usage over time. This will cause your vehicle to pull left and right, making it almost impossible to handle and can often feel like you are on the verge of veering off the road at any given moment. These frightening issues can be corrected easily by having all four of your wheels aligned – a service provided by the expert automobile technicians at Family Tire & Service.

Alignment services from your Grapevine TX automobile repair shop are an essential component in keeping your car healthy and efficient. For additional information regarding alignment, give us a call at 817-488-5520 or contact us online today.

Source: http://www.familytireandservice.com/blog/alignment-services-from-your-grapevine-tx-auto-repair-shop/

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