Why Are Oil Changes So Important?

We’ve all heard it multiple times as drivers. “Make sure you change your oil on a regular basis.” But why are oil changes so important? Here are a few reasons:

• Removing old, dirty oil and replacing it with clean oil at regular intervals extends the life of your vehicle.

• Adding fresh oil to your vehicle helps it operate at peak performance.

• Lubricating all those working parts helps improve their function, and thus, your gas mileage.

• Oil changes maximize the life of your vehicle.

Imagine, if you will, that you decided you were going to give up drinking water for a year. If you do, your body’s cells will eventually get all gunked up with toxins and waste your body cannot flush. Oil changes to your engine are similar to your body drinking water, for the oil allows everything to flow like it should, getting rid of dirt and grime that builds up over time. Fresh oil allows your vehicle to go with the flow!

At Robert’s Auto Repair, we highly recommend regular oil changes, and we do our best to get you in and out at a fast rate. We may not have “jiffy” or “speedy” in our branding, but we definitely will get your oil change done correctly, affordably, and in a timely fashion.

To schedule an oil change, call 831-373-1534. Robert’s Auto Repair is conveniently located at 234 Ramona, Monterey, CA 93940, right off of Del Monte Blvd. at Highway 1.

 

Source: http://www.roberts-autorepair.com/blog/why-are-oil-changes-so-important/

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Auto Repair Shop Advice About Warranties

Are you worried about the last auto repair service performed on your vehicle? Were you offered any warranties on the parts or labor? Unfortunately, understanding warranties can be confusing--there are good ones and not so good ones. Knowing the difference is important before you make a decision.

Here are three simple questions to ask about any warranties offered by your auto repair shop before making a decision:

Source: http://www.excelautoandtire.com/tips-blog/auto-repair-shop-advice-about-warranties

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9 Tips for Driving Safely on Thanksgiving Eve

With the holidays right around the corner, many people have started making their travel plans, rushing home to be with family and friends. The truth is, more…

The post 9 Tips for Driving Safely on Thanksgiving Eve appeared first on Dashboard Blog.

Source: http://www.grandsportautobody.com/blog/9-tips-driving-safely-thanksgiving-eve/

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The Car Talk Guide to Jump Starting your Vehicle

Download the Car Talk Guide here!

Source: http://www.cartalksecondopinion.com/blog/2011/12/06/the-car-talk-guide-to-jump-starting-your-vehicle/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-car-talk-guide-to-jump-starting-your-vehicle

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Car Maintenance Coming into Spring

We are moving in to spring weather which means rainy weather, spring break trips, and another perfect time to check over your vehicle.

With the change in weather you want to make sure you are prepared

Fresh Wiper blades
Making sure your cooling system is working
Oil Change if needed
and any supplies needed if stranded

Before heading out on any long spring break trips you should get an over all inspection All Tech Auto Repair Does free 35 point inspections. When ever you are going to be taking a long trip you want to check for:

Properly maintained and inflated tires
you have a properly inflated spare tire, jack, tire iron
your coolant is non corrosive
your brakes are in good condition
you have completed recommended service for mileage
all components of your car are working properly
and an emergency kit

As Spring approaches All Tech Auto Repair is prepared to take care of all your car needs and keep your car running in good condition for all your spring adventures.

The post Car Maintenance Coming into Spring appeared first on Nampa Auto Repair & Oil Change Specialist: All Tech Auto Repair.

Source: http://www.alltechautorepair.net/car-maintenance-coming-into-spring/

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Wishing You All A Very Merry Christmas

The family of Robert’s Auto Repair wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We will be closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day, but will otherwise be open to serve you.

We want to thank all of you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your patronage of our auto body, mechanical, detail, and tire service facility. May you all be safe and healthy over the holidays. We look forward to serving you the next time your vehicle needs any type of auto repair.

With love and respect,

The Robert’s Auto Repair Team

 

Source: http://www.roberts-autorepair.com/blog/wishing-you-all-a-very-merry-christmas/

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Frank Myers Auto Named One Of Country’s Fastest Growing Businesses

Inc. magazine has named Winston-Salem based used car dealership Frank Myers Auto Maxx, one of the Fastest Growing Small Businesses In America for the second consecutive year. The exclusive ranking was celebrated with a gala on October 12, 2013 in Washington DC and featured Gary Vaynerchuk, Jim Collins, Marc Ecko and other notable speakers. Past members of the INC list include Facebook, Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Jamba Juice, Timberland, ClifBar, Patagonia, Oracle and Zipcar. In addition to Frank Myers Auto Maxx, the list added such powerhouses as Publix Supermarkets, CDW and Levi Strauss.

“For more than 30 years, Inc. has celebrated the fastest growing private companies in America. To be honored this year is a particularly notable achievement. To rank among the Inc. 500/5000, the companies had to thrive through three of the toughest years this economy has seen in recent memory. Success in such times is eloquent testimony to creativity, resilience, and tenacity,” said Inc. Editor in Chief.

“When my great grandfather opened the first Frank Myers store more than 83 years go, I would like to believe that he wanted his family to carry on the excellent business legacy that he began. This award is dedicated to him, my dad, and the other Myers family members who came before me and who will come after me,” said Tracy Myers, owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/5000.

The 2013 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2009 to 2012. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2009. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2011. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2008 is $100,000; the minimum for 2011 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/500.

For more about Frank Myers Auto Maxx, visit their blog at http://www.WinstonSalemUsedCars.com

Source: http://www.winstonsalemusedcars.com/awards/frank-myers-auto-wins-award-2/

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Picture Worth More Than A Thousand Words

The Frank Myers Auto Maxx Team has always considered themselves progressive and on the cutting edge of the automotive industry. However, they always find it fun to reflect on where they’ve been. That’s why they were extremely interested to find a stack of old photos featuring customer of the dealership and their cars.

“These photos are amazing,” said Tracy Myers, current owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx. “They definitely tell a story. Most were taken in front of the old, one room store in Dobson and not the Winston-Salem location but it doesn’t matter. There is still lots of history in those photos. Just look at the clothes the customers are wearing and the classic cars they’re buying.”

Myers Family Legacy In The Triad

The instant Polaroid photos were found in an old chest which had been tucked away for several years and represent just a small part of the Myers family legacy in the Triad. “I was fortunate to have been born into a family of entrepreneurs,” said Tracy. My family originally came to the US from Germany on a boat. All they had when they arrived were the clothes on their back on 2 hammers yet they managed to open a successful construction business. Then there’s my Great Grandpa Myers who opened the original Frank Myers store more than 85 years ago. My grandma Myers ran a successful tax preparation business from her home until she passed away and then there is my father. Most call him Uncle Frank but his family calls him Franklin and the friends he grew up with call him Fast Frank. The two of us built this dealership together until I bought it from him in 2006. Even now, he is still my mentor and is always available to assist my Team and I in the day to day operations when needed. We often enjoy reflecting back on where we’ve been and how we’ve grown. These newly found photos help us do that.”

So what’s next? Myers said they are going to continue going through the photos, posting them on their Facebook and Twitter pages and would like to find some of the people in the photographs. “Wouldn’t it be cool to recreate some of the photographs? Kind of a then and now?”

Anyone who recognizes anyone who appears in the photo may contact Tracy Myers at #336-831-0646.

About Frank Myers Auto Maxx

Frank Myers Auto Maxx was recently recognized as the #1 Small Business in NC by Business Leader Magazine, one of the Top 15 Independent Automotive Retailers in the United States by Auto Dealer Monthly Magazine, one of the Top 10 Internet Auto Retailers in the Nation, one of the Top 3 dealerships to work for in the country by The Dealer Business Journal and one of the fastest growing small businesses in America by INC magazine. Tracy is also the author of three number one books on Amazon.com, including “Uncle Frank Sez”. He is a Christian Business Owner whose goal is to run his business “By the Book”. The dealership specializes in helping people find, qualify for and own the vehicle of their dreams with little or no money down…even with less than perfect credit. For more information on Frank Myers Auto Maxx, please visit their website at: http://www.frankmyersauto.com

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

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35 Point Inspections

All Tech Auto Repair does a free 35 point inspection before you purchase a vehicle. There is a list of things that are checked to make sure you are getting a great vehicle. If there is anything that comes up in the inspection we also provide you with an estimate of the repairs, as well as printing out a reliability report.

35 Point inspection
□ On Lift:
□ Tire Condition:
□ Fluid Leaks:
□ Exhaust:
□ Shocks/Struts
□ Steering Linkage:
□ Ball Joints:
□ Axles:
□ Wheel Bearings:
□ Other:

□ Oil level:
□ Test Drive:
□ Seat Belt(s):
□ Lube Sticker
□ Starts & Idles Smooth:
□ Wiper/Washer Operation:
□ Horn Operation:
□ Interior Lights & Controls:
□ Windows:
□ CHECK ENGINE Light/Maintenance Lights:
□ Gauges:
□ Turn Signals:
□ Acceleration:
□ Steering:
□ Braking:
□ Noises:
□ Transmission Shifting/Clutch:
□ Heater/A/C Operation:
□ Other

□ Under Hood:
□ Fluid Levels /Leaks:
□ Oil:
□ Coolant:
□ Transmission:
□ Power Steering:
□ Brake:
□ Washer:
□ Belts:
□ Hoses:
□ Battery:
□ Noise:
□ Other:

The post 35 Point Inspections appeared first on Nampa Auto Repair & Oil Change Specialist: All Tech Auto Repair.

Source: http://www.alltechautorepair.net/pre-purchase-inspection/

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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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Are You and Your Car Ready For The Shopping Season?

Though we love the holiday season, it a time to heighten your awareness of safety. Here are a few tips we found, courtesy of the LAPD, about keeping yourself and your vehicle safe during the holiday shopping season:

Driving

• Avoid driving alone or at night.

• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.

• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.

• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.

• Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.

• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.

• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.

• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.

• When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.

• Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

• If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.

• Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.

• Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

• Dress casually and comfortably.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

• Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

• Keep cash in your front pocket.

• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.

• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Children

• If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.

• Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.

• Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.

• Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.

• Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.

• Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

Hosting a Party

• Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.

• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.

• Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

Attending a Party

• Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.

• Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.

• Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.

• Know your safe limit.

• Never drink and drive.

Source: http://www.roberts-autorepair.com/blog/are-you-and-your-car-ready-for-the-shopping-season/

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9 Tips to Prepare You for Harsh Winter Driving

We’ve been lucky the past few days with the mild weather, but with winter officially right around the corner, a host of bad weather driving conditions are…

The post 9 Tips to Prepare You for Harsh Winter Driving appeared first on Dashboard Blog.

Source: http://www.grandsportautobody.com/blog/9-tips-prepare-harsh-winter-driving/

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Safelite’s Internal Auto Glass Repair and Replacement Technician Contest Scheduled for Feb 8

After nearly half a year of qualifying contests and division competitions, the auto glass company Safelite’s internal competition for identifying the best auto glass repair and replacement technicians in the company is coming to its national heat, with the country’s best technicians coming to New Orleans on the 8^th of February to duke it out amongst each other.  The technicians shall be meeting in the River City Ballroom of Mardi Gras World, and the event shall be running from 8:00hrs to 17:00hrs of that day.

This competition has been going on for a while now, with the first event having taken place last year, on the 10^th of September for the auto glass repair company’s Southern California division.  Two more competitions took place in that same month, one for the South Atlantic and one for the technicians of Ohio Valley, followed by four competitions in October for the Pacific Southwest, Northwest, Mid-South, and South, in order of occurrence.  November had only two division contests, with the Midwest and the Rockies heats being decided, and the one contest for December was the North Atlantic division heat.

Also called the Best of Belron Competition, this company event is going to see contestants being tested on various skills and competencies, being asked to perform a range of procedures that shall include windshield repair and windshield replacement in order to demonstrate their skill at their chosen profession.  The requirements are quite rigorous and evaluation is famously strict, with speed not even taking the front seat when it comes to the most important aspects of the procedure or repair required: quality, strict technical prowess, and even interaction with the consumer are all looked into first and foremost in the contest, in order to ascertain a truly outstanding, superior breed of auto glass repair technician.

The national heat that is going to be taking place this February is of particular import because it decides who gets to represent the country in the coming global heat of the competition.  There are going to be 32 countries participating in the event, so winning that round—the final one—would be a most prestigious honour indeed for any auto glass technician.  The need to ensure that the country is well-represented also factors in the tension surrounding the coming event, so both participants and judges are expected to be fairly amped up for the contest.

The auto glass repair technician who wins the national heat gets more than the chance to represent the country in Barcelona, Spain on the 22^nd-24^th of May for the global part of the contest: he is also going to be taking home a total of $10,000 in pocket money as an additional reward.

Source: http://www.windshieldreplacementphoenix.org/auto-glass/safelites-internal-auto-glass-repair-and-replacement-technician-contest-scheduled-for-feb-8/475/

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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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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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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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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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What Do You Know About Oil Changes?

With the change in seasons, it's time to get your vehicle ready for those cold winter months, starting with an oil change. Even though an oil change is a basic element of car care, it is one of the most important. Many auto shops offer oil change coupons to make regular oil changes affordable for their customers.

There are some basic facts about oil changes that drivers should know. Take a few minutes to become an informed consumer. This will help instill trust in your auto mechanic, rather than try to analyze and take care of everything on your own.

Source: http://www.elkrivertireandauto.com/tips-blog/what-do-you-know-about-oil-changes

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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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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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