9 Summer Car Tips to Beat The Heat

Summer surely is a great time for fun. Outdoor activities abound and families often take this opportunity to hit the road for a long trip. This is the time of the year that vacation travel is at its peak. According to AAA (Approved Auto Repair) 40 million people traveled for the 4th of July event, just for this year alone.

Needless to say, there are more people bound to drive their cars to auto repair shops for breakdowns and other car issues due to improper maintenance. So if you have plans for a long travel on the road, it is best to make the necessary preparations ahead of time.

According to Car Care Council, the common car issues are found in the cooling system, tires, and batteries. Therefore, deliberately keep an eye on these three items of your car to ensure safety and smooth driving performance all throughout your travel.

However, do not neglect to check on the following as well as they are tantamount to the safety and maintenance of your car: brakes, air conditioning, belts and hoses, windshield wipes, filters and fluids.

Cooling System

It is during this time that cars overheating are bountiful. To avoid getting into such trouble, always check the water level of your water radiator. Make sure to fill it with coolant and water, equally measured. Take this chance to check on the hoses as well. In case you experience overheat while on the road, remember not to open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Doing so can cause serious burn to the person.  Always fill from the overflow container.

Tires

Getting a new set of tires is best. However, buying one every time you take a trip is not practical at all. Hence, it is also suggested that every car owner must know how to determine when it is time to replace an old worn out tire , but having a great relationship with you local tire repair shop can take all the guesses out of your tire safety.

To check your tire, bring out a penny, with the head side down and place it between the treads. If you can clearly see the head, I’m sorry but it is time for you to shop for a new set of tires.

Next is to check on the tire inflation level. You must use a tire pressure gauge to get the correct pressure as recommended in your manual or door plaque. Improper inflation or tire pressure level can cause havoc especially when driving  at a fast speed. Over inflated on the other hand is also not safe, as it can cause hydroplaning on wet pavement. with the combination of worn tires with no tread to grab the road.  Rotate, Inflate & Evaluate!

Brakes

Brakes are also important to your safety. Long drive or not, brakes should be checked regularly. Most cars have built-in indicators on the brake pad. The moment  you hear a high squeal, this is a signal to have the brakes looked at, delaying  can cause more monies that could have been a simple repair.

For cars that do not have sensors, you need to trust your hearing ability & the feel of your brake pedal.  If brake pads are completely worn out, normally you will hear grinding and squeaky sounds. Cleaning the brakes may eliminate noises, but if the noise continues to exist you should have it checked right away and get it replaced by your professional.

Batteries

Excessive heat depletes the water in your battery. Good thing today’s batteries are maintenance-free and completely sealed. But if you own an unsealed battery, checking the water level is necessary, remember to top it off with distilled water.

Windshield Wipes

Windshield wipers must be in tip top condition especially during summer. Summer rainstorms is dangerous when driving around with worn out windshield wipers. Take into consideration the winter season which might have taken its toll on your wipers. Don't  take any chances, scratching of your windshield will cost you more than a pair of wipers.

Belts and Hoses

It is best to follow the recommended mileage intervals in changing belts and hoses. This could save you from getting stranded in the middle of nowhere while on a long trip under the scorching heat of the summer.  Extreme heat areas will wear quicker the rubber in drying them out and cracking.  These are visual items you can check  for yourself, rubber should be pliable not stiff.

Fluids

Always keep fluids at its proper level especially your vehicle’s oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant to avoid expensive repairs.

Filters

Changing your oil and air filters regularly gives better gas mileage saving you money especially during summer when prices goes up. Plus, it allows you to enjoy a smooth driving performance making long trips comfortable despite summer heat.

A/C Check-Up 

                                                  

Summer heat can cause excessive sweating, irritation, inconvenience and more. Well-maintained air-conditioning system makes traffic or long driving easy and convenient.

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                         Emma Watson

                         David Swink

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Finding a Trustworthy Auto Repair Shop In Arizona

Trustworthy auto repair shops in Arizona are not hard to find if you really want to look for one. All you need is an extra time and patience. Being impatient will lead you to go to the first auto repair shop that you pass by. Impulsiveness in your decision will not help you in finding the best auto repair shop that can work on your vehicle effectively.

How do you find a good auto repair shop?

There are many ways to find or locate a good auto repair shop. You can ask from your fellow workers, family, relatives and friends on which auto repair shops they have visited that gives good services and have nice facilities. You can also check out the web and visit their websites. You must then visit their shop as well to see their establishments yourself.  And more importantly, the quality of their services should be considered and not merely on how the shop appears.

In Arizona, there are lots of auto repair shops that have been known to provide their customers with great quality services. You just have to find one that is more accessible to your daily trip, either near your office or your home.

These auto repair shops in Arizona can handle anything regarding your car problems like engine repairs, tune-ups, shocks replacement, air condition repairs, brakes, manual and automatic transmissions, belts, clutches and many more.  They also offer extended nationwide warranty on repairs and parts that their shop have replaced. Companies that provide warranty to their services is one factor that assures you of an excellent service.

These repair shops possess special tools and equipments needed for every car problem and employs only well-trained car technicians to do the job efficiently and correctly. With these, you will feel comfortable and assured that your car is in good hands.

How would you know a good and trustworthy repair shop?

Trustworthy auto repair shops should have functional facilities and friendly attendants. They should have a clean working environment. A waiting area should also be present to make you feel at home and that their customers will feel very comfortable while waiting for their cars to be fixed.

A commendable auto car repair shop should have television, food and drinks available for sale, newspapers and magazine for the costumers to read. Providing them with these items keep them busy while waiting avoiding boredom to manifest. A play area , when possible for kids is also a good idea so that parents will not be distracted with their kids getting bored.

Clean restrooms is also one factor that makes an auto repair shop efficient especially to women. It is inevitable that people use restrooms anytime of the day. What if you have a customer who badly needs to go to the bathroom? Wouldn’t it be frustrating if you cannot provide him one? Restrooms are basic necessities and these should be available at any time in your shop especially if most of your clients stick around until their cars are fixed.

Are there any good repair shops in Arizona?

Yes! There are good repair shops in Arizona who can offer you the most convenient facilities, efficient and reliable services and friendly staff. To find them, simply remember to look for Auto repair shops that are ASE certified. They are bound to follow the laws that are provided by the State of Arizona. As the competition is also stiff, they always make sure to provide their customers the latest in technology used in car repairs.

Let us suggest doing your homework for a competent female friendly facility:

AskPatty.com (female oriented auto repair online info/locations across the country, Narpro.com (National Auto Repair Professionals), LocalFirstAZ.com (local AZ facilities-not national chains), BBB.org, & ArizonaTirePros.com to name a few....

Knowing The Signs of Transmission Problems

Transmission problem is not a common issue. It would take years after the purchase before these problems manifest and knowing the symptoms must be considered to avoid further damage. Having a regular scheduled check up will help you anticipate possible transmission issues to occur, thus, you are able to prevent it from happening.

Remember that transmission replacement or repair is a gruelling effort to do and is quite expensive so to speak. That is why it is virtually important to address any off activities that your car is undergoing. Always pay attention even to the littlest detail. Make sure to adhere to the scheduled maintenance, doing so will help keep your transmission perform well for a longer period.

Therefore, it is recommended that every car owner should learn the common types of transmission issues so that problems can be detected right away before damage becomes worse. Here are some noticeable signs when you’re having a transmission issue with your car:

1. Engine warning light on the dashboard is on.

When the engine light is turned on, it clearly indicates that something is wrong with your car, in particular, your transmission. Although, it doesn’t automatically point out that one’s the engine warning light is on your transmission is also affected. It could mean other parts of the car. But then again, it is wise to have your car check immediately if the warning sign catches your attention.

2. Brake fluid leaking

Ignoring leaking brake fluid is one of the top car issues that causes damage to your transmission. The ATF or automatic transmission fluid is very important as it lubricates, cleans and conditions the seals of your vehicle. It also acts as the hydraulic fluid. Without it, the engine will not function

Leaking is actually the easiest symptom car owners can detect if their car needs to be check immediately. Seeing this sign should not be ignored and must be address to right away.

3. Unusual and disturbing noise

Clunking, buzzing and whining noise are just some of the sounds that you hear when there is a problem with your transmission. Unusual car noises can make you wonder and ask yourself, where is that noise coming from? What is that noise? If you’re in this kind of situation, it is suggested that you let your mechanic check your vehicle right away. Diagnosing the problem early and repairing it as soon as possible keeps you from further headache and will be less costly on your part.

4. Grinding sound whenever you change gears

When you hear a grinding sound, it is a sign that your engine lack brake fluid. Without brake fluid, stepping on the clutch pedal prevents the clutch to push the lever on the transmission in full, therefore the transmission is having a hard time shifting into another gear.

5. Odd odor

If you notice an odd smell of something burnt is another sign of a transmission problem. The smell comes from the burned clutch lining which is very essential in shifting gears. Over using your clutch or clutch driving is mainly the causes of such problem.

6. Gear breaking out

While driving, if you experience your gear breaking out or slipping out from engagement then this is an indication that something is wrong with your transmission. This should be taken to a shop for diagnosis then have it repaired right away. Gear that is breaking out is detrimental to your safety especially when driving, either going up or down a slope. This is one problem that should not be ignored or neglected.

7. Car does not move

After starting the engine and your car still do not move after engaging the gear is another sign of a transmission issue. Even when you step hard on the gas pedal, it still won’t run. Usually this is due to a transmission lining problem.

These signs should always be kept in mind to avoid accident on the road. If you notice something like these, then have your car checked by a well-trained and experienced technician at a reputable auto repair shop.

Scheduled check up is indeed vital and car owners must prioritize matters like this. Even when your car is performing well, it is best not to skip scheduled maintenance. Preventing accidents from happening is better than blaming yourself after. The cost of car maintenance is far cheaper than having to have your vehicle repaired due to damage. So don’t wait for problems to occur, always adhere to your schedule vehicle maintenance. And if early signs of vehicle issues occur, don’t ignore it, bring your car to your local repair shop right away.

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10 Tire Safety Tips You Should Know About

Tires are essential. They are the backbone of any vehicle that transports you from point A to point B. It can be an automobile, truck, 10 wheelers or the like. Tires also come in different sizes and shapes such as all-terrain, all-season, run-flat, off-road, mud and road tires. But no matter what type of car tire you have, this should be kept in good condition at all times to ensure safety in as much as enjoying the utmost driving performance of your vehicle.

To help you on maintaining your tires, below are tips on how to keep your cars in good condition:

10. Right Tire Selection For Your Vehicle – More specialized tires are now engineered to ensure quality and high performance satisfaction for car owners. Manufacturers have created tires designed to perform better for snow, ice, and off-road driving to mention a few. Some are even designed uni-directional or run-flat.

Using the right kind of tire for your vehicle and weather condition protects them from early wear and tear; thus ensuring longer use and better driving experience.

9. Correct Tire Replacement Practice – Tires may be costly but it is recommended that tire owners try as much as they can to replace tires if not by set, at least in pairs. Pairs mean tires should be in the same construction, size, brand and type. It is imperative that both sides are the same, just as both front and rear should also be a matched except of course for those high-performance cars that requires larger tires in the rear.

Moreover, when replacing only two, make sure to put it on the rear wheels. Remember, it is highly important to maintain stability at the rear wheels.

8.  Proper Tire Replacement Schedule – Replacement should be done when you notice the following:

• Once the tread is showing the “wear indicator bars”.
• Palpable uneven tread wear – that is; the center is worn more than the edges.
• Severe cracks on tire sidewalls.
• Bulges present in tires
• There is an indication of tread separation from the tire carcass.
• Punctured tires and can no longer be repaired.
• Wrong type of tire for a particular weather.

7. Avoid Tire Overheating – Heat or high tire temperature is your tire’s worse nightmare. It can fast track tread wear and structural resistance.
Factors to consider include the following:

• Underinflation
• Aggressive Driving/Hard Braking
• High Speed
• Overloading
• Coarse Pavement

All the above contributes to high tire temperature; thus, make sure to avoid such scenarios if you want to keep your tires in good condition for a longer time. Remember, constant use plus tire overheating can cause extreme damage to your tire. So keep in mind to avoid the underlying factors that causes the sudden failure of your tire that may even lead to life endangerment.

6. Avoid Tire Overloading – Overloading can lead to tire failure. Always keep in mind that tires are built with a corresponding load range. Any excessive loading may cause shortened tire life and extreme damage to it just like any other equipment or machines. As the saying goes, anything excessive is not good.

5. Maintain Proper Tire Balance – Maintaining a proper tire balance helps you avoid uneven tread wear, suspension wear and other components to your car. If you notice severe thumping while driving (more apparent at highway speeds), have an expert technician take a look at your vehicle right away.

4. Maintain Proper Alignment For Steering and Suspension – This is also very important. Misalignment of either the front or rear steering and suspension of a vehicle can cause rapid tire wear affecting driving stability and comfort.

Go to your trusted Auto Repair Shop immediately once you detect that your steering wheel is pulling you to either the left or the right side of the road even when driving on a flat road.
If you are constantly driving on rough roads or have been in a vehicle collision, make sure to have your alignment checked also.

3. Tire Rotation – Rotating your tire according to the specification is essential in order to maximize tread life.

What you can do, especially if you are using non-unidirectional tires is to move the left front-tire to the right rear-axle and the right front-tire to the left rear-axle. On the other hand, unidirectional tires must rotate tires in front to rear and rear to front pattern and it should be on the same side of the vehicle. While lateral rotation is recommended for all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles. That is, from right to left and left to right at the same end of the vehicle.

2. Regular Tire Inspection – A regular tire inspection must be done to ensure that there are no abnormal wear occurrence that is left unattended or ignored. This should be done once a month or before going on a long trip.

Take time to check on the following: uneven tread wear, cracks or bulges, tread chunking or separation from the carcass, signs of punctures and presence of nails, glass or any object embedded in the tire.

Addressing these issues beforehand ensures driving safety, high driving performance and longer tire life.

1. Keep Tires in Correct Pressure – Always check and adjust tire pressure at least once a month and of course before going on a long trip. Therefore, it is imperative that you know the recommended tire pressure of your vehicle. This is usually found on the driver’s doorframe, in the glove box or printed on a label.

According to studies, the leading cause of tire-related crashes is underinflation. It can immediately affect vehicle handling and fuel consumption; but most of all on the overall safety of the passenger and tire life.

Underinflation may result in rapid uneven tire wear, overheating and more which leads to structural failures. So, to avoid this from happening, make sure that your tires have the correct pressure all the time.

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5 Car Problems That Only Auto Repair Shops Should Fix And Not Yourself

It is a common practice that car owners like to fix things on their own. This is good but keep in mind that not all car problems can be fixed by you. You may need some expert in this field to help you with these things. There are 5 different car problems that you shouldn’t fix yourself and must be checked by an auto repair shop.

5. Drivability Issues. If you notice that something is not right when driving your vehicle or see some unstable warning lights blinking, don’t just go and try to fix them. Today’s vehicles are manufactured with a more complex system; hence, it is unwise to think that it’s that simple. You may know a lot about cars, no doubt about that, but there are people who are trained to do these things. You may not know that what you consider to be simple and an easy fixing endeavor is actually a money pit for mechanics. For instance, all the while you thought the problem is solved only to find out that another problem emerges. This may have occurred while fiddling with your car’s components and got the system all mixed up instead, thus causing more damage.

4. Transmission maintenance or repair. Automatic transmission repair and maintenance should be left in the hands of a specialized transmission shops and skilled mechanics. Improper cleaning of the connectors and gaskets during transmission flushes may cost you more than having it seen by your usual auto repair shop.

3. Suspension Component Replacement. Replacing the suspension components such as the struts, shocks, control arms and bushings may seem easy to do. Repairs like this require you to have specialty equipment like a wheel alignment rack which you don’t have at home. So you might as well leave it to the pros to get the job done right. 

2. Timing-Belt Replacement. Typically, timing belt replacement is where expenses constantly incur..... The need for replacement usually takes place every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. As such, it is very tempting for homeowners to try and do it themselves. I suggest you don’t, as they are difficult to get to as it lies behind complicated items.  By simply making a little mistake doing this job can double or even triple your cost of a simple timing belt replacement by auto repair shops.

1. Overheating. Maintaining a cooling system is one job that a skilled car owner can easily do, given that they have the right tools. However, if the engine is already overheated, don’t you dare to still do it by yourself. You need a mechanic to properly diagnose the issue and address the damage accordingly.  

With computers that are attached to most everything in your complex machine,  don’t second guess your talent only to find the simple repair  is now going to cost  more than you expected.   Wise decisions are necessary when to know to leave the professionals  handle  certain repairs as in the long running of your car investment.  Remember, that skilled mechanics underwent extensive training and auto repair shops are equipped with the right tools which you don’t have at home. So for risky and delicate repairs, it is best to seek for proper assistance.

Finding Your Ideal Car Insurance Company is Like Searching for an Auto Repair

Just like when you are searching for a trusted auto repair in Arizona, finding an ideal car insurance company is also important.  Doing so is also going to take good research and your valuable time to find an appropriate car insurance company for your needs. As there are a lot of companies today that provide almost the same benefits in their car insurance, it could be quite challenging to find one that suits you. This is especially true since most of these car insurance companies are competing with one another and are willing to go the extra mile to get ahead of their competition. That is why it would be wise to make a list of important features that an ideal provider should offer.

Your list should be organized based on what is most important to the least when it comes to buying insurance. This should be done preferably before you have obtained a quote from any car insurance company. The traits that you should be looking out for from these firms should be things like coverage features that they provide. You could also compare the protection options for vehicles insured in the company, additional coverage and personal injury protection that can be obtained from a plan.

With these ideas in mind, you are able to make a wise decision in choosing a coverage that will give you the benefits you need. After conducting a comparison check either offline or online on the various features provided by each of the companies, you can then start on the different insurance quotes that your potential companies offer prior to you to making your final choice.

Acquiring list of insurance quotes from various sources is important because this is the step where you will be determining the amount of money you are capable of spending for your insurance. This day’s economy should prompt you to make the most out of your investments and making a list of quotes is going to shorten your list as well.

Go over the list of companies again. By now you must have narrowed down your choices and will be easier for you to pick the best. But before that, check their various features again including the money you are able to spend when going over the last few companies in your list for your decision. But one of the most important traits that you should look for in a car insurance company is their integrity. You can learn about this by checking out the reviews that the company gets online and what their customers have to say. These people will share their personal experience to others and is a great tool in deciding the acquisition of a product or service.

All these traits hold true in searching for an auto repair shop in Arizona. Record a list of options, compare, check their services,reading reviews from other people and more. Once every detail has been deliberately considered, then you are ready to pick your best choice and decide.


About the Author:
Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair as well as tire repair and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles.

5 To-Do Things When Choosing a Repair Shop

Going to an auto repair shop is a constant obligation we need to do to upkeep the condition of our vehicles. If you want to extend the life of your car and be able to drive smoothly around town or even out-of-town, regular check-up is a must. However, it does not mean that we will just pay them whatever they are charging us. Remember, every penny spent on the maintenance of our car is our hard earned money and we don’t want it spent on something more than what we ought to.

So how do we do that? Choose the right repair shop. Here are some to-do things you need to know before choosing a repair shop:

1.       Word-of-Mouth Recommendations

Compared to advertisements, by word-of-mouth coming from family and friends or acquaintances is by far the best way in finding a reliable repair shop. It’s not the size or the appearance that counts; what matters most is that people are and were satisfied during their visit on that particular shop.

2.       Inquire First

Inquiring smartly, that’s the key. It means before barging in for a repair you need to ask some important facts – Do they have a written warranty? What is its coverage and for how long? You may also want to know more about the business - How long have they been operational? Are there any promotional items or discounts they have? How long do they get things done?

3.       Compare Estimates

Being a potential client, you have the right to gather details and choose the auto shop that carries the best package. With that I mean, getting the most out of your money but it doesn’t mean that the auto shop with the lowest quotation is the right choice. Consider other factors and the overall pricing and determine what benefits you most.

4.       Working Atmosphere

Apart from rates and quality of service, having a friendly atmosphere in the workplace is also one factor you need to consider. You need to feel welcome and important and not like a money dispenser that is being ripped off by some repair shop.

5.       Follow Your Heart

Sometimes we don’t understand it but there are places or new acquaintances we meet that we immediately feel comfortable with. If you have that feeling for a particular repair shop, then follow what your heart tells you. Going to a place where your heart is makes you happy, right?

With these 5 tips, you will surely find the perfect shop that will help you with your car issues at the right price with friendly staff to accommodate your every need. If you are searching for an auto repair shop in Glendale, Community Tire Pros & Auto Repair is the place to go.

About the Author:

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair...offering complete automotive repair in Glendale as well as tire repair and replacement and service to both domestic and import vehicles.

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