Kern County Roadwork Leads to Dozens of Windshield Repairs and Replacements for Locals

A Kern County Roads Department project that was started last October 3 has now become the cause of dozens of windshield repairs and replacements for locals, as well as acrimonious relations between residents of the area and the county officials.  The chip seal roadwork has apparently been performed quite poorly—at least, if the locals are to be the judge—and the result has been a great deal of aggravation for people traveling down the affected roads, which are the Frazier Mountain Park and Cuddy Valley Roads.

A former LA police officer who now resides in the area, Mike Jensen, has been vigilantly collecting and storing away evidence of the county’s sub par roadwork.  Jensen was motivated to do this after he himself was bitten by the road bug, which has actually required him to get work for either windshield repair or replacement at least three times.  He claims that traveling down the badly done road has incurred well over a grand in repair or replacement work for him, which is why he has been pushing for the county to do something about the situation.

Jensen is not alone: according to reports, well over 100 persons have suffered car damage due to the road, often due to the surface being so loose that other cars end up throwing aloft all manner of gravel and rocks at their vehicles, leading to dents on the body, broken side mirrors, shattered headlamps, and broken auto glass.  The people included in the current count have apparently already filed complaints and claims with the county, which has been dilatory in answering many of them.  Those it has answered, however, have apparently received refusals for the county to pay for their windshield repair or windshield replacement, with the reasons for the denial being vague.

Residents are understandably concerned, as they have little choice save to travel the road each day.  Some residents have even given accounts of having their windshield repaired, only to experience the same damage just a few weeks after, on the exact same stretch of roadway.  With the county continuously delaying answers even with the claims piling up, a lot of the locals are getting worked up—and have even discussed filing a class action suit, which would be the second time for Kern County to experience that, given that one already happened in the early 1980s, with remarkably similar circumstances: also for shabby roadwork and also for bits of gravel and other road detritus being thrown up by other cars as a result of poor road construction by the county and its workers.  Locals are hoping that the current situation shall be resolved as it was then, with the law siding with the people filing the suit, so that their windshield repair and windshield replacement work can be paid for the county.

Source: http://www.windshieldreplacementphoenix.org/windshield-replacement/kern-county-roadwork-leads-to-dozens-of-windshield-repairs-and-replacements-for-locals/477/

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Types of Winter Snow Traction Devices

Ever used a clamp-on or strap-on device to help with traction on icy or snowy roads?  Car Talk wants to hear from you, our loyal web site visitors, if you have. Tell us if it worked! Was it worth the investment?

And if you haven’t ever used a traction device, but want a little something extra the next time you drive to work, your can check reviews here.

AutoSock

Autosocks claim to slip easily over tires for extra grip. Read a review or add your own.

SnoBootz

SnoBootz are rubberized overshoes designed for your car tires. Read a review or add your own.

Spikes-Spider®

What’s a Spikes-Spider? A bunch of arms with tungsten carbide studs embedded in the traction surface. Read a review or add your own.

GoClaws

GoClaws are straps that claim to install easily, even when you’re stuck, and supposedly work in mud as well as snow. Read a review or add your own.

Traditional Tire Chains (multiple manufacturers)

Good, old-fashioned tire chains have been in use for years.What’s your experience with them? Read a review or add your own.

Auto Snow Traction Mats

Auto snow traction mats claim to stop spinning wheels.  Read a review or add your own.

Portable Tow Truck

The Portable Tow Truck claims to add emergency traction while being “nearly indestructable.” Read a review or add your own.

Source: http://www.cartalksecondopinion.com/blog/2012/02/06/winter-snow-traction-devices/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-snow-traction-devices

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Fall Auto Maintenance (en espanol)

Ahora en el inicio del otoño después de haber usado tu auto para todas tus aventuras este verano, es un muy buen momento para darle a tu carro un buen servicio. Especialmente ahora que el clima va a estar cambiando, es importante asegurarse de que su auto este funcionando correctamente.

Muchas veces atendemos a gente que viene debido al mal funcionamiento del motor después de un cambio de semestre o de periodo. Por eso te sugerimos que traigas tu carro a nuestro taller para asegurarnos de que los niveles de aceite, agua, anticongelante, y todos los demás estén como y donde deben de estar. Muchas veces dejamos pasar un servicio tan pequeño o un diagnóstico de los fluidos del motor, pero realmente solo se toma un nivel bajo de agua para que un auto empiece a fallar.

Aquí en Robert’s Auto Repair, nos encantaría ayudarte a darle un diagnostico, servicio y reparación a tu auto. Tu seguridad es lo que más nos importa y puedes estar seguro de que nuestros servicios serán rápidos, de buena calidad y de buen precio. Llámanos antes de que empiece el otoño para hacer una cita para el el diagnostico, servicio y reparación de tu auto. Lo atenderemos con mucho gusto.

Mecánicos (831) 373 – 1534
Body Shop (831) 373 – 1535
234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA

Source: http://www.roberts-autorepair.com/blog/fall-auto-maintenance-en-espanol/

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Best Form Of Car Care to Keep Your Car Looking Its Best

Quality car care goes far beyond running your car through an automatic wash or spraying your car with a garden hose every time it looks dirty.  Cleaning…

The post Best Form Of Car Care to Keep Your Car Looking Its Best appeared first on Dashboard Blog.

Source: http://www.grandsportautobody.com/blog/best-form-car-care-make-car-looking-its-best/

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Vehicle Safety Recalls

Need to know about important safety recalls for your vehicle?

Visit Cars.com’s Vehicle Safety Recall Tool and select your vehicle’s year, make and model and learn about important safety bulletins for your vehicle.

Source: http://www.cartalksecondopinion.com/blog/2012/02/01/vehicle-safety-recalls/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vehicle-safety-recalls

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The South Korean Largest Automaker Preparing to Launch All New Genesis Premium Sedan

The South Korean largest automaker, Hyundai Motor Company held “All New Genesis Media Preview” on 24th October at the Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center and had previewed officially the first image of the all new Genesis premium sedan. The media event was organized for the Korea with a purpose to promote the domestic launch of the car that is expected later this year. The car is scheduled to launch in the Korean market this year with a plan to launch this car in major markets of the world in 2014.

The Korean automaker invested 500 billion KRW in the production project of the all new Genesis and the car took four years in completion. The aim of the company was to manufacture a world class rear wheel drive premium sedan. The car features a premium yet distinctive design and cosmetics, the best chassis system never offered in its class, high end safety features and cutting edge styling, convenience and technology features as well as the car is designed to deliver the European driving standards and R&H performance. The new Hyundai Genesis is designed with great care and so it conveys the Hyundai’s identity “Modern Premium” because the car is loaded class leading product and equipment competitiveness.

The Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center, Moon Sik Kwon said, “Launched in 2008, Hyundai’s first premium rear-wheel drive sedan Genesis surprised the industry with its outstanding product competitiveness. The evolved all-new Genesis is the product of Hyundai’s best resources and capabilities and we strongly believe it will be a game-changer in the market.”

With the integration of the new technology under the hood of the all new Genesis, the new vehicle is now improved in each and every aspect and the new electronic control suspension will improve the car’s stability on the road.

Source: http://www.autoscraze.com/the-south-korean-largest-automaker-preparing-to-launch-all-new-genesis-premium-sedan.html

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Cleaning Your Car In 9 Steps

Breathe in. Breathe out. Ahhhhh!!! You smell that? YES, you’re right. It’s springtime!

A season of renewal, sunshine, fun and, dare I say it—CLEANLINESS! As much fun as it’s not, this is the time of the year to get your clean on and take care of some much needed spring cleaning! So set aside an afternoon to transform your stuff from messy to tidy—and please don’t forget to include your car.

Dirty cars, trucks, vans and SUV’s need love too!

Ask yourself these questions:

1) Are you a little embarrassed when a friend jumps into the passenger seat of your car? 

2) Moms, do you hang your head low in car line?

3) What about on Friday night? Does your date step back in horror as he or she sits down in the passengers side?

4) Do you know what that strange odor is coming from underneath the seats? You know the one that’s an odd mixture of month old chicken nuggets and sweaty gym socks.

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, now is the perfect time to do something about the state of your car.

So I’m here to help! Follow my guidelines to get your car back in shape for spring . . . for the sake of your friendships . . . for your sanity in car line . . . and especially for that “hot” date you’d like to go on next weekend (even if its with your spouse). 

Think about how much better you’ll feel behind the wheel of your clean ride. Say goodbye to dirt and hello to a fun springtime in your clean and shiny car!

SPRING CAR CLEANING GUIDE:

1. Wash—Wash your vehicle using a mild soap and water. Then dry with a soft, clean chamois (or lint free towel). Don’t allow bird poop, bugs, and tree sap to damage your paint. Remove them as soon as you can because the eating away of your paint happens fast, especially with the stronger sun of spring baking down on your paint. Use a soft brush to clean wheels and NEVER use chemicals with an acid base. If your wheels are dirty, clean those first.

2. Polish & Wax—Your vehicle deserves and needs a fresh coat of wax on your car for spring. The wax serves as a protective barrier against the insects, bird droppings and tree sap that’s plentiful this time of year. And that you just spent hours cleaning off. In addition to that, wax keeps your car looking nice and shiny.

3. Replace Filters—Have your auto service center of choice (like Frank Myers Auto Maxx…HINT! HINT!) inspect your cabin air filters and engine air filters. Replace all filters if necessary. During spring these filters can become heavy with pollen, which negatively effects how your car runs.

4. Clean Screen—Clear the screen where the hood and windshield meet, directly under the wipers. Also clear out crevices in this area. You have to make sure and keep these areas free of leaves and miscellaneous debris so that they won’t absorb water, which causes rust, and which can cause sediment that will clog the evaporator drain. If you don’t, you could be facing very expensive auto repairs and no one wants those.

5. Pressure Check—Make sure your tires are set to the proper pressure because as temperatures get higher, air expands, so you may have to let air out of your tires. If you need assistance with this, Frank Myers Auto Maxx can check your tire pressure for free.

6. Interior Detail—Pull out your car mats. Vacuum carpet. Wipe down interior. Throw away garbage. Organize your trunk. If your carpet is stained, they can be cleaned at most professional auto detail centers.

7. Window Clean—Clean all the windows and mirrors (inside and out). Use a solution of ¼ cup household ammonia to 1-quart water. Apply solution with a sponge and dry with newspaper, paper towels or a soft cloth…but newspaper works best.

8. Clean Your Blades—Gently lift the blades, and wipe both sides with a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in a solution of ¼ cup household ammonia to 1-quart cold water. Dry the blades with a cloth and lower them back into place.

9. Shine Your Lights—Apply window cleaner to your headlights. Rub vigorously. If your headlights have become milky, they may need some additional TLC by a professional.

If you’ve followed steps 1 to 9 to get your car clean then you deserve a break! So take that shiny ride out to dinner. Bring a friend along. You wouldn’t want all that work to go unnoticed!!!

Happy clean trails to you! Until we meet again.

 

Source: http://www.winstonsalemusedcars.com/articles/car-cleaning-in-winston-salem/

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How to Know When to Change Your Oil At Atlantic Car Care

Today in the Atlantic Car Care auto care blog, we’re going to talk about oil change intervals. It seems that as engine technology advances, recommended oil change intervals have gotten longer for Atlantic Car Care customers. High quality oil in a well-engineered sedans engine has lead to extended intervals. But it’s also lead to some confusion among Wilmington car owners.

The old mantra “change your oil every three months or three thousand miles, whichever comes first” once applied to every vehicle on Wilmington expressways. Time and miles take their toll on motor oil. But now, you could have a different oil change recommendation for every car or truck you own.

Wilmington car owners are like everybody else, they have a tendency to follow the oil change schedule of the vehicle with the longest interval. Of course, that can lead to problems. For example, recently four of the world’s largest auto makers shortened the published intervals for several of their engine models. They originally published intervals that extended out to a much as 8,000 miles.

In real world Wilmington driving, the oil started to sludge up before the recommended change interval. Oil sludge is a thick jelly-like substance. Quite literally petroleum jelly – like Vaseline. This goop was clogging sedans small engine passages so the oil wouldn’t flow to some parts of the engine. This resulted in engine damage. We see it too often at Atlantic Car Care in Wilmington.

The auto makers began to offer an extended warranty to cover sludge damage. But there was a catch: the vehicle owner had to follow a new, lower service interval, and provide proof of oil changes in order to make a warranty claim.

So here’s the bottom line: with longer oil change intervals, it’s essential to follow them closely. Back in the day of 3 months or 3,000 miles, if you went an extra month or an extra thousand miles, your oil was still fresh enough that it didn’t have time to build up much sludge.

But if your recommended interval is 6,500 miles and you go over another thousand, you’re getting into heavy sludge territory. You absolutely need to follow mileage intervals very closely. And don’t forget your severe service schedule. If you do a lot of stop and go driving in North Carolina, short trips, drive in dusty or polluted Wilmington conditions, hot or cold weather, or haul heavy loads, you’re driving in severe service conditions. Your Atlantic Car Care advisor can help you determine which schedule to follow.

So check your sedans owner’s manual or talk with your Atlantic Car Care service advisor about where and how you drive in Wilmington. Should you change your oil closer to the regular schedule, or the severe service schedule? You need to make the call.

Let me give you an example of this. Some newer sedanss have an oil change indicator. It has a sophisticated computer algorithm that tracks number of cold starts, engine temperature, RPMs, mileage, and many more variables to come up with a recommendation for when to change the oil.

Depending on driving conditions, the indicator in one test vehicle came on at anywhere from 2,500 miles to almost 7,000 miles. It’s typically just over 4,000 miles. Clearer sometimes, we’re driving easy miles that are easy on the sedans – like a long road trip. Sometimes, we’re driving hard North Carolina miles – like towing a heavy trailer or a lot of around town driving. But, usually, it’s a combination of both.

Once again, it’s up to you to make the call as to when to change your oil at Atlantic Car Care to protect your sedans engine. Another place where North Carolina car owners can go wrong is with the type of oil they use. More and more new cars are coming to Wilmington owners filled with synthetic oil. Without going into a lot of detail right now, let’s just say that synthetic oil lasts longer and is very resistant to oil sludge.

But it also costs quite a bit more, so some Wilmington people are tempted to use conventional oil for their oil changes. Now, it’s always best to use the oil recommended by your manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual see if a conventional oil alternative is allowed.

But getting back to the problem, if your sedans came from the factory with synthetic oil, the recommended oil change interval is for synthetic oil. If you use conventional oil, you can’t use the synthetic interval. You need to shorten it.

Source: http://www.atlanticcarcare.com/fluids/how-to-know-when-to-change-your-oil-at-atlantic-car-care

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Halloween / Dia De Los Muertos Driving Safety Tips (en espanol) Recomendaciones de seguridad para este Halloween y Día de los Muertos

Las fechas de fiesta y celebración se están acercando muy rápido! Como lo hacemos de costumbre, en estas fechas salimos a buscar el mejor disfraz para llevar a las fiestas de Halloween y buscamos las mejores flores y decoraciones para los altares de nuestros familiares que han fallecido para el día de muertos. Aquí en Robert’s Auto Repair, ustedes son parte de nuestra familia y queremos que pasen un divertido y seguro Halloween y un tranquilo Día de Muertos. Por eso les pedimos que tomen medidas de precaución cuando salgan a las fiestas para evitar que le pase cualquier tipo de accidente a usted y/o a sus seres queridos.

Algunas medidas de seguridad que les recomendamos en estas festividades son:

1. No maneje en estado de ebriedad

El manejar ebrio es una de las causas de accidentes más comunes que ocurren durante fechas de fiesta como lo son Halloween.

2. No maneje con objetos que limiten su vista en el volante

Muchas veces escogemos disfraces que incluyen mascaras, botargas, y objetos que van en nuestro rostro que limitan la periferia de nuestra visión. Es importante que al conducir usted pueda tener su vista despejada para prevenir un accidente por no haber visto algún auto, persona, u objeto que pueda poner en riesgo su vida o la de sus seres queridos al manejar.

3. Evite manejar a altas horas de la noche

Por lo general las fiestas se acaban alrededor de las 12 – 3 de la mañana. Desgraciadamente mucha gente decide manejar en estado de ebriedad o bajo la influencia de alguna sustancia que altera sus sentidos causando que sus reflejos y su sentido común disminuya. Por esto, le sugerimos que si no es necesario que conduzca a esas horas de la noche, no se ponga en riesgo.

Usted es parte de la familia de Robert’s Auto Repair y no queremos que por causa de algún accidente que se pudo haber evitado le tengan que hacer un altar el Día de Muertos. Le pedimos de la manera mas amable que considere nuestras recomendaciones de precaución en estas fechas de fiesta para que puedan tener una buena y divertida noche y un bonito recuerdo de ella. De parte de la familia de Robert’s Auto Repair, ¡le deseamos un divertido Halloween  y un tranquilo Día de Muertos!

 

Source: http://www.roberts-autorepair.com/blog/halloween-dia-de-los-muertos-driving-safety-tips-en-espanol-recomendaciones-de-seguridad-para-este-halloween-y-dia-de-los-muertos/

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Ready For Fall At Frank Myers Auto Maxx

So who’s ready for a trip to the beach? How about a glass of ice-cold lemonade? Perhaps another cook out? Not so much, eh? As much as we love the outdoor activities and flavors of summer, when fall swings around they just don’t appeal to us as much. Maybe it’s the cooler weather. Or maybe people just like what’s in season at the grocery store. (I don’t know, I just love food!)

Now don’t think that just because summer’s over that the fun is too—fall happens to be one of my favorite seasons. This time of year usually brings different flavors, many of which are steeped in traditions that go back to the founding of our country. I’m gonna go ahead and give you some of my favorite recipes so you can get in the spirit of September. Pumpkins, Apples, Cranberries, Oh-My!

 

Pumpkins

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

INGREDIENTS:
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.
3. Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake

INGREDIENTS:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground cloves
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/2 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Blend in eggs one at a time. Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of crust; set aside.
3. Add pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to the remaining batter and stir gently until well blended. Carefully spread over the batter in the crust.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until center is almost set. Allow to cool, refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight. Cover with whipped topping before serving.

Apples

Country Apple Dumplings

INGREDIENTS:
2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored
2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Mountain Dew ™

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cut each apple into 8 wedges and set aside. Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the baking dish.
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Pour over the apple dumplings. Pour Mountain Dew™ over the dumplings.
4. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

Apple Pie

INGREDIENTS:
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
8 Granny Smith apples – peeled, cored and sliced

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer.
2. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.
3. Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.

Cranberries

Cranberry Waldorf

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 cups chopped cranberries
1 cup chopped red apple
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1/3 cup raisins 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (8 ounce) container vanilla low-fat yogurt

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cranberries, apple, celery, grapes, raisins, walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and yogurt. (I chop cranberries in a food processor, and it works great). Toss to coat. Cover, and chill 2 hours. Stir just before serving.

Cranberry Spinach Salad

INGREDIENTS:
1 tablespoon butter
3/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
1 pound spinach, rinsed and torn into bite-size pieces
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons minced onion
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook and stir almonds in butter until lightly toasted. Remove from heat, and let cool.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, onion, paprika, white wine vinegar, cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. Toss with spinach just before serving.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spinach with the toasted almonds and cranberries.

All recipes can be found on allrecipes.com

I hope everyone enjoys the recipes listed here as much as I do! I’m just glad to be able to give the people what they really want: good food, good times and a nicer, newer car when they come down and see my Team and I at Frank Myers Auto Maxx. Until next time, Have a Good Fall, Y’all!

Source: http://www.winstonsalemusedcars.com/articles/fall-at-frank-myers-auto-in-winston-salem/

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The South Korean Largest Automaker Preparing to Launch All New Genesis Premium Sedan

The South Korean largest automaker, Hyundai Motor Company held “All New Genesis Media Preview” on 24th October at the Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center and had previewed officially the first image of the all new Genesis premium sedan. The media event was organized for the Korea with a purpose to promote the domestic launch of the car that is expected later this year. The car is scheduled to launch in the Korean market this year with a plan to launch this car in major markets of the world in 2014.

The Korean automaker invested 500 billion KRW in the production project of the all new Genesis and the car took four years in completion. The aim of the company was to manufacture a world class rear wheel drive premium sedan. The car features a premium yet distinctive design and cosmetics, the best chassis system never offered in its class, high end safety features and cutting edge styling, convenience and technology features as well as the car is designed to deliver the European driving standards and R&H performance. The new Hyundai Genesis is designed with great care and so it conveys the Hyundai’s identity “Modern Premium” because the car is loaded class leading product and equipment competitiveness.

The Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Center, Moon Sik Kwon said, “Launched in 2008, Hyundai’s first premium rear-wheel drive sedan Genesis surprised the industry with its outstanding product competitiveness. The evolved all-new Genesis is the product of Hyundai’s best resources and capabilities and we strongly believe it will be a game-changer in the market.”

With the integration of the new technology under the hood of the all new Genesis, the new vehicle is now improved in each and every aspect and the new electronic control suspension will improve the car’s stability on the road.

Source: http://www.autoscraze.com/the-south-korean-largest-automaker-preparing-to-launch-all-new-genesis-premium-sedan.html

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How to Know When to Change Your Oil At Atlantic Car Care

Today in the Atlantic Car Care auto care blog, we’re going to talk about oil change intervals. It seems that as engine technology advances, recommended oil change intervals have gotten longer for Atlantic Car Care customers. High quality oil in a well-engineered sedans engine has lead to extended intervals. But it’s also lead to some confusion among Wilmington car owners.

The old mantra “change your oil every three months or three thousand miles, whichever comes first” once applied to every vehicle on Wilmington expressways. Time and miles take their toll on motor oil. But now, you could have a different oil change recommendation for every car or truck you own.

Wilmington car owners are like everybody else, they have a tendency to follow the oil change schedule of the vehicle with the longest interval. Of course, that can lead to problems. For example, recently four of the world’s largest auto makers shortened the published intervals for several of their engine models. They originally published intervals that extended out to a much as 8,000 miles.

In real world Wilmington driving, the oil started to sludge up before the recommended change interval. Oil sludge is a thick jelly-like substance. Quite literally petroleum jelly – like Vaseline. This goop was clogging sedans small engine passages so the oil wouldn’t flow to some parts of the engine. This resulted in engine damage. We see it too often at Atlantic Car Care in Wilmington.

The auto makers began to offer an extended warranty to cover sludge damage. But there was a catch: the vehicle owner had to follow a new, lower service interval, and provide proof of oil changes in order to make a warranty claim.

So here’s the bottom line: with longer oil change intervals, it’s essential to follow them closely. Back in the day of 3 months or 3,000 miles, if you went an extra month or an extra thousand miles, your oil was still fresh enough that it didn’t have time to build up much sludge.

But if your recommended interval is 6,500 miles and you go over another thousand, you’re getting into heavy sludge territory. You absolutely need to follow mileage intervals very closely. And don’t forget your severe service schedule. If you do a lot of stop and go driving in North Carolina, short trips, drive in dusty or polluted Wilmington conditions, hot or cold weather, or haul heavy loads, you’re driving in severe service conditions. Your Atlantic Car Care advisor can help you determine which schedule to follow.

So check your sedans owner’s manual or talk with your Atlantic Car Care service advisor about where and how you drive in Wilmington. Should you change your oil closer to the regular schedule, or the severe service schedule? You need to make the call.

Let me give you an example of this. Some newer sedanss have an oil change indicator. It has a sophisticated computer algorithm that tracks number of cold starts, engine temperature, RPMs, mileage, and many more variables to come up with a recommendation for when to change the oil.

Depending on driving conditions, the indicator in one test vehicle came on at anywhere from 2,500 miles to almost 7,000 miles. It’s typically just over 4,000 miles. Clearer sometimes, we’re driving easy miles that are easy on the sedans – like a long road trip. Sometimes, we’re driving hard North Carolina miles – like towing a heavy trailer or a lot of around town driving. But, usually, it’s a combination of both.

Once again, it’s up to you to make the call as to when to change your oil at Atlantic Car Care to protect your sedans engine. Another place where North Carolina car owners can go wrong is with the type of oil they use. More and more new cars are coming to Wilmington owners filled with synthetic oil. Without going into a lot of detail right now, let’s just say that synthetic oil lasts longer and is very resistant to oil sludge.

But it also costs quite a bit more, so some Wilmington people are tempted to use conventional oil for their oil changes. Now, it’s always best to use the oil recommended by your manufacturer. Check your owner’s manual see if a conventional oil alternative is allowed.

But getting back to the problem, if your sedans came from the factory with synthetic oil, the recommended oil change interval is for synthetic oil. If you use conventional oil, you can’t use the synthetic interval. You need to shorten it.

Source: http://www.atlanticcarcare.com/fluids/how-to-know-when-to-change-your-oil-at-atlantic-car-care

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Atlantic Car Care: Why Replace Your Engine Air Filter?

Just as our bodies need clean air to function properly, your sedans engine needs clean air to operate efficiently. Let’s go egghead for a minute. For every gallon of gas we burn driving on North Carolina expressways, twenty pounds of carbon dioxide comes out the tailpipe. Question: how can a gallon of gas that weighs a little over six pounds produce twenty pounds of carbon dioxide?

The answer is that the carbon comes from the gasoline, but the oxygen comes from the air. You see, it takes about twelve thousand gallons of air to burn a gallon of gas in your engine. Clearly, your sedans needs a lot of air to keep going in Heampstead. A lot of clean air is best.

You’ve seen the pictures of people in Japan wearing face masks. They want some kind of filter to keep unwanted pollution and germs out of their lungs. Well, your sedans also works better when its internals are clean. When your sedans air filter’s dirty, it simply can’t trap any more dirt, so the pollutants just pass through into your air intake system. From there it can clog your fuel injectors and even get into the motor itself. Not surprisingly, burning dust and pollen in your sedans engine does you no good.

So, we’re talking potential damage for Wilmington drivers. But another big thing is wasted fuel. Your sedans engine management computer tries to mix the correct amount of air in with the fuel. If the filter’s clogged, there isn’t enough air for the optimal fuel to air mix and that really messes with fuel efficiency.

In fact, replacing a dirty air filter at Atlantic Car Care in Wilmington can improve your fuel economy by up to ten percent. At today’s Heampstead fuel prices, you should be able to pay for a new air filter before your next oil change.

The verdict: When your sedans engine air filter needs to be replaced; it needs to be replaced. How often depends entirely on the level of air pollution where you drive in North Carolina. A simple visual inspection at Atlantic Car Care will tell you when you need a new engine air filter.

When you look at the air filter on your furnace at home and see it’s all clogged up with dust and dirt, you don’t hesitate to replace it. When your Atlantic Car Care service advisor shows you your nasty engine air filter, you now know why you should go ahead and replace it.

Source: http://www.atlanticcarcare.com/maintenance/atlantic-car-care-why-replace-your-engine-air-filter

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Tracking True In North Carolina: Wheel Alignment In Burgaw

Wheel alignment is often overlooked by busy Burgaw and Leland motorists until serious tire damage has been done. One wheel can be knocked out of alignment by hitting a curb or pothole on a Wilmington highway or surface street.

When a vehicle’s out of alignment, one or more of the wheels does not track true and pulls against the others. This causes several serious problems. First off, the tires will wear out faster and will need to be replaced prematurely. It could also lead to expensive sedans suspension problems.

But the big issue for Burgaw, Leland, and Wilmington motorists is safety. When your sedans wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side, which could lead to an accident. When you’re out of alignment, you should have it taken care of right away at Atlantic Car Care in Wilmington.

When undergoing an alignment service at Atlantic Car Care, your sedans is put on an alignment rack where the tires, steering and suspension parts are checked for damage. Then the alignment is charted and checked against the factory settings.

Precision adjustments are made to bring the wheels back into alignment. This gets all four wheels going in exactly the same direction.

Leland motorists should be aware of the signs of alignment problems. These include the car pulling to one side. Also, the steering wheel may not be centered when you’re going straight. If you see the edges of one or more tires rapidly wearing down, you should have your Wilmington service center look it over. If you’ve been in an auto accident in North Carolina that involved a wheel, you should get your alignment checked.

Obviously, a big jolt can seriously knock things out of alignment, but Burgaw drivers also need to understand that a series of smaller ones can add up.

That’s why car makers recommend periodic alignment checks. If your sedans owner’s manual doesn’t specify, once a year might be appropriate. Or check with Mike Moore or your service advisor at Atlantic Car Care in Wilmington.

One thing’s for sure: the cost of the alignment at Atlantic Car Care is cheaper for Burgaw motorists than having to buy a couple of new tires because of neglect.

Source: http://www.atlanticcarcare.com/alignment/tracking-true-in-north-carolina-wheel-alignment-in-burgaw

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Heading for an Engine Rebuild? Consider these 4 Tips!

Do the words "engine rebuild" send slivers of fear down your spine in relation to your vehicle? Did you miss the warning signs? This is why it's important to make sure you have an engine service performed by a certified auto mechanic on a regular basis as noted in your owner's manual. If there are signs that your vehicle is starting to have engine problems, get them taken care of promptly before they escalate!

To help prevent a major engine rebuild, there are a few things you can do yourself as follows:

Source: http://www.elkrivertireandauto.com/tips-blog/heading-for-an-engine-rebuild-consider-these-4-tips

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Subaru, Mazda Rise, Ford Crashes, in Consumer Reports’ Automaker Report Card

Park a spot on the “Automaker Report Card”. Much like school report cards, automobile manufacturers get one based on consumer opinion. The list is being published in “Consumer Reports” magazine. Highlighting the latest automaker rankings in best and worst used cars and used car reliability for cars manufactured from 2006-2012. Where did your favorite automaker make it on this list?

(Overall score out of 100)

1.    Subaru (75)
2.    Mazda (74)
3.    Toyota (73)
4.    Honda (72)
5.    Nissan (67)
6.    Volvo (64)
7.    Hyundai (63)
8.    BMW (63)
9.    Volkswagen (62)
10.  Ford (60)
11.  Mercedes-Benz (58)
12.  General Motors (56)
13.  Chrysler (51)

Subaru in the first place spot, holding this spot for the first time with only six models out.  All of the most popular Japanese brand cars take the top 5 spots, with Mazda making significant improvement moving from seventh the last time the report has ran all the way to second place. Kudos Mazda!  Honda was in first place now falls to third place, mainly for the poor reviews on the redesigned Civic and Odyssey models. Unfortunately, General Motors and Chrysler remain on the bad side of the report, despite Chrysler’s reliability improvement to “average”.

Read the full Car Talk article here.

Source: http://www.cartalksecondopinion.com/blog/2012/03/20/subaru-mazda-rise-ford-crashes-in-consumer-reports-automaker-report-card/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=subaru-mazda-rise-ford-crashes-in-consumer-reports-automaker-report-card

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Check it out before you buy it

Here at All Tech Auto Repair we will preform an inspection on a new or used vehicle before you purchase it we will do the first one for free.
Lately there have been a few customers coming in with cars they have just purchased with a check engine light on or another issue, we can check all of that out before you purchase the car and let you know what kind of money you will be putting into it or if you are getting a great car. We print out reliability reports and a detailed list of anything the car needs, we will arm you with all the information you need before you buy the car. Being well informed when buying a car can help with the stress of finding the right car and prevent the headache of problems with your car just after you have purchased it.

Call us up and schedule an appointment for us to take a look at your potential vehicle.

The post Check it out before you buy it appeared first on Nampa Auto Repair & Oil Change Specialist: All Tech Auto Repair.

Source: http://www.alltechautorepair.net/check-it-out-before-you-buy-it/

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Kern County Roadwork Leads to Dozens of Windshield Repairs and Replacements for Locals

A Kern County Roads Department project that was started last October 3 has now become the cause of dozens of windshield repairs and replacements for locals, as well as acrimonious relations between residents of the area and the county officials.  The chip seal roadwork has apparently been performed quite poorly—at least, if the locals are to be the judge—and the result has been a great deal of aggravation for people traveling down the affected roads, which are the Frazier Mountain Park and Cuddy Valley Roads.

A former LA police officer who now resides in the area, Mike Jensen, has been vigilantly collecting and storing away evidence of the county’s sub par roadwork.  Jensen was motivated to do this after he himself was bitten by the road bug, which has actually required him to get work for either windshield repair or replacement at least three times.  He claims that traveling down the badly done road has incurred well over a grand in repair or replacement work for him, which is why he has been pushing for the county to do something about the situation.

Jensen is not alone: according to reports, well over 100 persons have suffered car damage due to the road, often due to the surface being so loose that other cars end up throwing aloft all manner of gravel and rocks at their vehicles, leading to dents on the body, broken side mirrors, shattered headlamps, and broken auto glass.  The people included in the current count have apparently already filed complaints and claims with the county, which has been dilatory in answering many of them.  Those it has answered, however, have apparently received refusals for the county to pay for their windshield repair or windshield replacement, with the reasons for the denial being vague.

Residents are understandably concerned, as they have little choice save to travel the road each day.  Some residents have even given accounts of having their windshield repaired, only to experience the same damage just a few weeks after, on the exact same stretch of roadway.  With the county continuously delaying answers even with the claims piling up, a lot of the locals are getting worked up—and have even discussed filing a class action suit, which would be the second time for Kern County to experience that, given that one already happened in the early 1980s, with remarkably similar circumstances: also for shabby roadwork and also for bits of gravel and other road detritus being thrown up by other cars as a result of poor road construction by the county and its workers.  Locals are hoping that the current situation shall be resolved as it was then, with the law siding with the people filing the suit, so that their windshield repair and windshield replacement work can be paid for the county.

Source: http://www.windshieldreplacementphoenix.org/windshield-replacement/kern-county-roadwork-leads-to-dozens-of-windshield-repairs-and-replacements-for-locals/477/

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Important Features of an Off-Road Vehicle

Are you interested in some off-road capabilities for your next car? If so, you may want to swing by Toyota FJ Cruiser dealerships. This is a car that gives you all of the off-road aspects that you are looking for, such as a four wheel drive system, great ground clearance, and the like. If you want to go on trails or even climb the side of a mountain, this is exactly what you need.

Even if you are not planning to take to the trails, it might not be a bad idea to get a car that can do it. Think about driving in the winter, when you can hit a lot of snow. What do you need the most? You have to have two things: ground clearance and four wheel drive. If you do, you can punch through the snow and be safe. This is nice whether you are driving to work or going on the back roads. The same things that help you on the trails can help you when the roads get tough and the weather is out of control.

Every high-quality off-road vehicle possesses an extremely efficient engine that can produce an optimum level of horsepower and torque. A strong engine helps the vehicle perform well in testing circumstances like mountainous environments. An good off-road car should have the potential to climb a terrain at a 60 percent angle and the ability to move across a terrain sideways without tilting over even if the slope is at an angle of 40 percent.

Another thing that an off-road vehicle may have is a set of skid plates. These are designed to help keep the car from being damaged if you are going over rocks or logs. In the winter, they keep the snow away from the engine, preventing rust. The plates protect the engine, so they heat up quickly, meaning you do not even have to worry about snow getting packed under them.

Some of the modern off-road cars come with an electronic parking brake which makes sure that the vehicle does not slip on slopes. A rollover sensing system is another modern technology that warns the driver about the dangers of tipping over.

It needs to be remembered that off-road vehicles are built with higher ground clearance and they have a higher center of gravity as a result. This means that there is always a greater chance of rolling over as compared to other vehicles, which is the reason why a rollover sensing system is an extremely important addition to this type of vehicles.

However, a number of cars that perform exceptionally off the road are not that great when it comes to on-road driving and they fail to compete against other vehicles. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you go through the features, pros and cons of a car before opting for it.

Let us go through a few qualities of a good off-road car and it is advised that you consider them before purchasing such a vehicle:

• Large tires with deep open treads
• A flexible suspension of the highest quality
• A powerful engine that has the potential to generate a high level of torque and horsepower
• Enough cargo space
• Lighter, agile and fuel efficient
• Efficient brakes that prevent any kind of slipping
• A rollover sensing system

You can search for off-road vehicles before choosing one.

Source: http://www.autoscraze.com/important-features-of-an-off-road-vehicle.html

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Car Maintenace Check List

All Tech Auto Repair preforms a 35 point inspection when you bring your car into us. We keep record of everything your car may need and have it listed as a recommendation on your invoice. We want to keep your vehicle running in top preforming shape for you.

CHECK EACH MONTH
* oil level — add oil if low and check for leaks
* hoses — replace if bulging, rotten, or brittle
* belts — replace if worn, frayed, or glazed
* tire pressure — add air if low
* coolant or antifreeze — add more if low
* air filter — replace if dirty
* inspect tires for leaks, damage, bulges, or uneven wear

CHECK EVERY 3 MONTHS
Included in all oil changes preformed at All Tech Auto Repair

* oil and oil filter — change every 3,000 miles
* windshield washer fluid — add fluid if low
* battery and power steering fluid — add fluid if low
* brake fluid — add fluid if low
* transmission fluid — add fluid if low
* battery terminals and cables — clean if corroded

CHECK EVERY 6 MONTHS

* wiper blades — replace if worn, brittle, or smeary
* make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work
* make sure horn works properly
* inspect brakes for wear and tear or “slippage”
* make sure spare tire is fully inflated
* inspect exhaust system for rust, damage, or loose parts
* inspect shock absorbers for oil seepage or wear

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel

The post Car Maintenace Check List appeared first on Nampa Auto Repair & Oil Change Specialist: All Tech Auto Repair.

Source: http://www.alltechautorepair.net/car-maintenace-check-list/

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