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Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.

August 31, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

Consumers have heard plenty these past few years about automotive recalls, especially those involving airbags supplied by Takata. Tens of millions of cars are currently affected by airbags that may release dangerous projectiles on deployment.

But the Takata mess is just the tip of a recall iceberg involving vehicles, car seats, tires, and other equipment. With as many as thousands of parts and accessories present in many modern vehicles, something is bound to go wrong. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tracks this information and now supplies a tool to help vehicle owners stay on top of it all.

That tool is none other than a new SaferCar app that’s easily downloadable to most any cell phone. So, why this app? Because as important as it is to stay on top of recalls, many are going unheeded. Notably, the NHTSA says that one in four vehicles currently in use has a safety recall. That’s a risk to the driver, passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians, and is something that can and should be tracked and fixed as soon as possible.

How well does this app work? Well, we headed to the Apple App Store (Google Play Store for Android) and downloaded a copy to our iPhone and found the process straightforward. Once downloaded, you’ll be prompted to respond to a request to expedite notifications. If you “allow” notifications, then you may receive alerts, sounds, and icon badges for notifying a recall. You can control these requests in your cell phone’s settings.

Registering your vehicle is as easy as identifying it by its make, model, and year. You may find various versions of your vehicle listed, depending on the body style and drivetrain. Choose the one that most accurately describes your vehicle.

The app makes it easy to identify your vehicle. To help the app “understand” what you own, either scan or input the 17 alphanumeric sequence that represents your ride. I would love to say it scanned mine, but it did not. Instead, I took a photo of the VIN and then inputted the information to the app. The easiest way, of course, would have been to simply add that sequence while standing in front of the VIN.

Once the app has your information, it’ll issue you an update for your car. Mine returned the following statement: “This vehicle has no unrepaired recalls.”

What’s especially helpful about the app is what it can do. You can enter as many vehicles you like, thereby setting up your “virtual garage” for tracking those details. Besides your vehicles, there’s room to add tire, car seat, and information about the many accessories you may have. If there is a recall notification for anything listed, it will appear. Importantly, the NHTSA issues prompt notifications once it publishes its findings. This means that allowing notifications may be the best way to go. Otherwise, you’ll need to check your app regularly for updates.

What the app cannot do is arrange a recall fix. Instead, once you discover your vehicle is under recall, reach out to your local dealer’s repair shop for guidance. If a part must be replaced, the shop will tell you whether it is in stock or not. Moreover, you’ll need to make an appointment to have the recall handled.

The good news about a recall, is that they’re typically covered by the manufacturer. This means the repairs are made at the dealership level and the dealer bills the manufacturer. The same goes for recalls covering tires, car seats, and vehicle accessories. If you’re not sure a cost is involved, just ask.

We haven’t used the app much since its launch. There are bound to be some bugs present early on, so expect updates along the way. With this in mind, respond accordingly to keep the app current to ensure all recall notifications are delivered immediately.


Photo copyright NHTSA.

Filed Under: Automotive News Tagged With: ACCESSORIES, APPLE, car seats, GOOGLE, NHTSA, RECALLS, SaferCar app, tires

Getting Back on Track: Fleets Prep for Redeployment after Quarantine

May 23, 2020 by Oswaldo (Ozzie) Flores Leave a Comment

Special to Auto Trends Magazine.


America’s trucking fleet is getting back on the road.

With much of America’s trucking operations being grounded for the past several months during the COVID-19 outbreak, fleet managers (as well as the rest of the nation) are chomping at the bit to get back to work. But what does that look like in a world where trucks have been sitting idle for 90 days or more?

A trucking fleet is designed to be used, and the fleet management software systems that have been installed to ensure efficiency, compliance, maintenance and safety are built to mainly monitor a fleet that is in motion – not one that’s been grounded. As we break out of our forced economic slowdown, fleets need to move forward with a fresh outlook and new set of compliance standards.

This re-deployment of a stale fleet cannot be figured out “on the fly.” Too much can go wrong on the road – that is, if the trucks even get that far. If vehicles are down for even a little longer than usual, mechanical issues can seep in.

Just like having wear and tear from the road, trucks can have wear and tear from sitting in a lot. With that in mind, here are three key strategies to getting your fleet back on track:

How to Bring Your Fleet Online

After sitting dormant for an extended period, each truck will be prone to a host of mechanical problems.

Before deployment, schedule a mobile or in-house mechanic to approve the vehicles, leaving enough time to properly inspect for road readiness. If you are unable to have a technician do so, plan to have vehicles scheduled for inspection by your regular shop to review the following:

1. Tires: Gauge the pressure of all tires before deployment. Air can leak out while trucks sit because the pressure builds at fixed points on the tire. Keep portable air compressors handy in the vehicle yard.

2. Batteries: Test the condition of each one and their respective charge capacities. Make sure to have readily available jump-starters on hand.

3. Fuel: Check fuel levels and, if possible, the condition of the fuel. After several months, it’s easy to lose track of who topped off and who didn’t.

4. Brakes: Make sure all brakes are fully functioning before going back on the road. Even if they haven’t been used, brake pads can deteriorate over time and brake calipers can freeze up from non-use.

5. Suspension: Closely inspect all steering components to ensure the vehicle is handling properly. Short test drives are recommended for evaluation prior to heading out on a long haul.

6. Fluids: Check all fluid levels, including radiator, brake, steering and washer fluids. Excessive leaks should be apparent from vehicle-sitting and may be a leading indicator of more serious troubles.

7. Third-party devices: If equipped with aftermarket mechanical (PTO, cranes, lifts, etc.) or electronic devices (cameras, GPS, etc.) these need to be checked for proper operation as well.

Without knowing where the problems lay within each vehicle, it is critical to conduct a thorough evaluation on every truck. This way, the failures can be addressed before it’s too late. Unfortunately, trucks can break down or cause a serious accident if they are not proactively maintained, and many of these mechanical issues are avoidable if detected ahead of time.

How to Remain Compliant in the “New Normal”

Once you determine your fleet is ready to go from a mechanical perspective, there are a series of regulations – including many that have been updated on account of the coronavirus pandemic – fleet managers need to understand. Being well-informed of the latest rules, as well as their exemptions and exceptions, is crucial to operating safely and efficiently – beyond avoiding compliance-related fines or violations.

Lawmakers, government agencies, and industry associations have issued guidance about everything from where to find food in a quarantine zone and how to remain socially distant with roadside assistance to sanitizing the cab and wearing protective gear.

Here are 10 key resources for understanding the compliance landscape in our new era of COVID-19 and perhaps beyond.

1. North American emergency declarations (exemptions and exceptions) broken down by federal and state governing bodies: https://www.cvsaemergencydeclarations.org/?country=USA&state=ALL&agency=ALL

2. Hours of service waivers and extensions as issued by the FMCSA: https://www.trucking.org/COVID19/federal-declarations#HOS

3. If licensing has been disrupted by COVID-19, drivers may secure waivers for their CDL and medical cards:
https://www.trucking.org/COVID19/federal-declarations#CDL

4. The latest guidance on preventing occupational illness and injury from OSHA:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trucking_industry/

5. CDC guidance on New York City and other hotspots:
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0326-nyc-truck-driver-guidance.html

6. Certain states are not required to train third parties in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out if this waiver applies to your team:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/waiver-knowledge-test-training-certain-third-party-cdl-test-examiners-response-covid-19

7. Some disqualifying events may not be applied to drivers’ records during the emergency period:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2020-04/FMCSA%20Notice%20Enf%20Disc%20on%20SDLA%20DQs-Convictions%20Uploads%20-%20Apr%2017%202020.pdf

8. The bill providing workers with paid sick leave, tax credits, and free COVID-19 testing; expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits; and increasing Medicaid funding:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201

9. New out-of-service criteria for North American truckers issued by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance:

CVSA’s New 2020 North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria is Now in Effect

10. Emergency waivers and extensions for trucker drivers with learner permits, who are pursuing licensing:
https://files.constantcontact.com/dbfea8d5301/c981bed6-226c-40d3-91e7-25dc0db6d2a1.pdf

Staying informed about policies is important during this time of change. Many of the waivers are temporary, though, and will need to be renewed in June or the rules will revert to their pre-pandemic state. Make sure to keep checking back regularly with these resources as compliance codes are changing often on a federal level and varying within individual states.

How to Bring Your Personnel Online

Since the machinery is only as good as the people controlling them, we’ll also need to “reboot” the staff – drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, etc. – to ensure they are refreshed and up to date on the latest operating procedures. This re-onboarding takes time and should be planned for long before redeployment.

Take time to retrain drivers on policies and procedures, providing them with a quick, but mandatory, refresher on high-level items that are critical to your business.

With COVID-19, it is strongly advised that each company implement new safe practices for touchless delivery, if possible, to protect both your employees and your customers.

Conduct a quick audit for all documents. Items that need to be in the vehicle(s) at all times may include the following:

  • Fuel card associated to proper vehicle(s)
  • Accident kit
  • Insurance documentation
  • Registration paperwork
  • Employee handbook
  • Vehicle operations manual
  • User manuals for third-party devices installed in the vehicle (ELD etc.)
  • Masks and gloves
  • Disinfectant wipes and spray

Administrative staff should also refresh themselves on company policies and procedures when it comes to requirements due to accidents, vehicle tow away procedures, missing fuel cards, maintenance requirements, etc.

As a fleet manager, your personnel is your most precious cargo, and ensuring the team’s safety and education is the most valuable form of compliance you can practice. Remember that they are working under extraordinary circumstances and be mindful of those pressures. Take the time to thank everyone for their continued effort, hard work, and patience during these unprecedented times. Words of encouragement and thanks go a long way towards providing a great experience for the customer and employee.

Having a fleet management software provider you trust as your partner is crucial during such an unprecedented time. With all the mechanical inspections, compliance monitoring, and staff education that needs to take place in preparation for redeployment, automation and recording technologies can be incredibly useful. For instance, a digitized maintenance process, portal and schedule to determine which vehicles had required immediate attention prior to the shutdown is more likely to be accurate and easy to reference than a paper trail which has to be tracked down among a fleet team that’s been sitting around for months.

Now more than ever, the condition of the fleet and its team needs to be ready to roll. Not only is the economy depending on all the logistics services these trucks provide, but the safety component and new risks from being idle cannot be overstated.

The key to executing this very delicate and high-stakes re-entry is having systems and processes that are current and keep up with the ever-changing compliance requirements of this new normal. Only an experienced fleet management software provider, who understands these compliance requirements as well as other critical business needs and best practices, can make jump-starting a trucking fleet as easy as possible, while maintaining efficiency and safety.

To ensure your fleet is in good hands, managers must continually review their software vendors and determine if they are providing the best services and features as they relate to maintenance, compliance, safety, and personnel. With all the disruption this year, are you confident that your provider can steer your fleet back on track?


Image by fkevin from Pixabay


Filed Under: Fleet Tagged With: BATTERIES, COVID-19, fleet, Oswaldo Flores, service, tires, TRUCKS

Your Tires: Air Pressure & Care Tips

August 26, 2019 by admin 2 Comments


If you’re heading out on the road for an extended trip, you will need to ensure that your car is road-ready. Adequate fluids; working headlamps, functioning taillights and turn signals; an emergency kit, and a fully inflated spare tire are among the checklist items for your car. Your tires need to be checked too, but even a cursory check may not reveal a serious problem, one that could result in a blowout leading to dangerous consequences.

What should you check with inspecting your tires? Several things including the following:

1. Adequate pressure

Placarding found inside the driver’s door or located on the inside of your glove box, explains the precise tire pressure needed for all four of your tires. This figure may be different from what the tire manufacturer recommends on the tire’s sidewall. Follow the car manufacturer’s guidelines as these numbers consider your car’s gross vehicle weight and load factors.

2. Visible wear

Tire wear patterns are a good indication of something is wrong with your tires. If your tires are wearing on one side, then your wheels are out of alignment. Tires with cupped dips appearing around the edge of the tread on one side or the other reveal possible problems with suspension parts. Feathering occurs when the edge of each tread rib offers a somewhat rounded border on one side and a sharp border on the other. Again, this problem is indicative of your suspension system needing to be examined. Under inflation and over-inflation can also impact tire wear.

3. Tire age

You bought tires that have tread life of 65,000 miles and with 20,000 miles to go, you should be in good shape, right? Not always. The age of your tires may be just as important because as tires age, they will dry out. Dried out tires are subject to failure, which can lead to dangerous consequences.

How old is too old? Some say six years regardless of miles. You can find out how old your tires are by looking at the sidewall. All tires manufactured from 2000 on have a tire identification number, usually eight numbers and letters. The last four figures are numbers with the last two identifying the year and the two numbers preceding the year identifying the week that the tire was made. For example, if you find the code XRGR1513 on your tires, that means your tires were made during the 15th week of 2013 which is about April 15, 2013. As of publication, your tires are more than six years old and should be replaced.

4. Tire rotation

You can rotate your tires yourself or take your car back to the place you last purchased your tires and have it done for you. Most tire retailers offer lifetime tire rotation and inspection for free when you buy replacement tires from them. Your car manufacturer – check your owner’s manual – offers instructions on how often your tires should be rotated. Typically, this is every 5-10,000 miles. If you have a full-size spare, consider including that tire in with the rotation.

Match, Not Mix

Each of your tires should match and our recommendation is that when your tires need to be replaced, you replace all four. However, you can replace just two, with the new tires going on the rear axle regardless of whether your vehicle is front-, rear- or all-wheel drive.

If you are not sure your tires are road-ready, take your car to a tire retailer for inspection. If the salesperson insists you need new tires, understand the reasons for his or her recommendation. Importantly, insist that the tires installed on your vehicle are new as some retailers are selling “new” tires that were manufactured at least a year earlier, effectively diminishing the lifespan of your tires.


Related Reading

Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer

Flat Answers: Run-flat Tires vs. Repair Kit vs. Spare

The Skinny on Summer Tires

Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them


Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: car care, MAINTENANCE, TIRE CARE, TIRE PRESSURE, tires

Hot Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer

August 21, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Without a doubt, extreme temperatures can affect your car, including your tires. Tires expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall, and they typically can handle those variations without much problem. Yet, those temperature extremes can also lead to tire failure, which may happen at the most inopportune time, such as when you are on the highway far from home.



Taking care of your tires will ensure that your trip goes as planned, barring any other problems that may suddenly arise. To that end, we have listed some of the more useful tips to help keep your tires cool this summer.

1. Inflate your tires to the proper level. What confounds not a few drivers are the inflation rates for tires. On the sidewalls themselves, there are recommended inflation levels embossed by the manufacturer. However, the inflation rate you should use or PSI is what the car manufacturer identifies as being correct. In this case, it is information found in your owner’s manual or on a placard located on the driver’s door jamb or in the glove box.

2. Purchase a quality tire pressure gauge. There are tire pressure gauges and then there are tire pressures gauges. Some gauges are cheaply made and may not render a correct number. Others are better constructed and will deliver the most accurate reading every time. In any case, spending $10 on a tire gauge will be one of the best investments you have ever made.

3. Check your tires when they are cold. To get an accurate reading on air pressure, only check your tires when they are still cold. Drive more than a mile to a tire pump and you will get an inaccurate reading. That reading may cause you to over-inflate your tires, which can lead to premature wear. In a worst-case scenario, it could also lead to tire failure.

4. Be consistent with your tire care. Tires, like the rest of your car, need maintenance. You should rotate your tires about once every 6,000 miles or twice per year. The front end should be aligned if you have hit potholes and the tires may need to be balanced from time to time. In between, you should inspect the tires and check inflation levels. A monthly check is typically sufficient, but do this more often if you drive a lot.

5. Be mindful of hard-to-find punctures. If one tire is constantly losing air, that’s a sure sign that it has a puncture and may eventually fail. On closer inspection, you may find that the tire has a nail, hidden away within the grooves or otherwise out of sight. Remove the nail and seal the puncture. You can do this yourself or take it to a garage for work.

Inspect Your Tires

Hot weather can fool you into thinking that your tires are fine, especially as your cabin keeps you cool. But pavement temperatures and rubber can become quite hot, putting your tires at risk of failure. Therefore, before you take that big trip this summer, inspect your tires carefully and have all maintenance performed before you hit the road.

And if you have an auto club membership, ensure that it is up to date and offers the coverage that you need. Bring with you the proper emergency phone number or download the related app to contact roadside assistance, if needed.

Finally, if you are in need of new tires, talk with your service center about the options available for your car. If you replace two tires, those should be placed on the back of your vehicle. If you replace four tires, you should receive a discount, perhaps receiving one tire for free.


See Also — Flat Answers: Run-flat Tires vs. Repair Kit vs. Spare

Photo credit: MikesPhotos

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: car care, TIRE CARE, tire gauge, TIRE PRESSURE, TIRE ROTATION, tires

Flat Answers:
Run-flat Tires vs. Repair Kit vs. Spare

August 16, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

If you are the observant type, then you are aware of the type of tire aid kit you have stashed away in your trunk or sitting in some other alcove within your SUV, truck, or minivan. It wasn’t too long ago that a full-size spare served as the fifth tire in almost all vehicles, but today you may find a “donut” spare, a repair kit or no spare at all thanks to run-flat tires. We’ll take a look at each flat tire aid option and what this could mean for you during an emergency.

The Traditional Spare Tire

For decades, manufacturers provided consumers with a full-size spare tire wrapped within a wheel. Such spares matched the other four tires and were usually included in tire rotation patterns, ensuring even wear amongst all five.

First-time drivers learned how to change spares, finding a lug wrench and a scissor jack next to the spare. Practicing how to change a tire was a teen rite of passage, at least for those who anxiously awaited their driver’s license and perhaps purchased their first car.

The benefit of a full-size spare is that you can drive it at a normal speed and keep the spare on the wheel for as long as you want. Just remember to fix the flat before making it your new spare! On the other hand, changing a tire isn’t easy — they’re heavy and if you have to change it on the side of the road, you might put yourself and others in danger.

Are Spare Tires Smaller?

It was sometime in the late 1980s or early 1990s, when Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) began substituting full size spares for smaller tires, typically known as compact or “donut” spares. Although smaller than conventional tires, compact spares are a sufficient, but a temporary replacement for your other tires.

The earliest compact spares were stored deflated, with a can of compressed carbon dioxide included for quick inflation. Later, manufacturers developed already inflated compact spares requiring no inflation prior to mounting. Compact spares are designed for short drives and operated at speeds below 50 mph.

Manufacturers like them because they fit in small or tight spaces, freeing up room for other storage. They also cost less. From the consumer’s perspective, they’re easier to lift and install than conventional spare tires.

There are several disadvantages too, including compact spares simply do not have the same level of grip as conventional tires. This can affect braking and handling, making it more difficult to stop and control the vehicle. An installed compact spare might also affect cars equipped with a rear differential, putting stress on this component. Clearly, only use a compact spare tire briefly before fixing your flat and mounting it back on the wheel.


A stashed air compressor can replenish lost air quickly.

Your No Spare Option: A Tire Repair Kit

In place of spare tires, some manufacturers aren’t using them at all. Instead, you’ll find a tire repair kit comprised of a flat fixer sealant and a compressor.

Such kits are useful, but only if your tire absorbs the nail. If the tire is cut, split or blows out, then you’ll have to call for help.

A Better Way: Run-Flat Tires

Yet another option for car owners are run-flat tires. They’re more commonly found on new cars, especially luxury models. The following FAQs may help you decide if they’re right for you.

Q. Are Run-Flat Tires Good?

A. Yes. Who needs a spare tire when your tires cannot go flat? So-called run-flat tires are designed just as the name implies: if you run over a nail or glass, your tires aren’t likely to go flat. Instead, self-sealing properties within the tread close up around the object.

Q. Are Run-flat Tires Repairable?

A. Not always. Run-flat tires can’t handle every tire issue. Indeed, if you have a blowout, the tire is no good — the same can be said for any tire, however. Without a spare, you’ll have to call for help.

Q. Are Run-flat Tires Safer?

A. Run-flat tires may be the safest choice for car owners. Instead of finding yourself stuck by the side of the road, you can keep driving — up to 100 miles. In this case, you don’t have to worry about getting involved in an accident if you pull off to the side of the road. There are some drawbacks — run-flat tires wear out faster and are more expensive to replace.


Roadside assistance is one way to ensure you’re never stranded.

Are Spare Tires Required by Law?

Spare tires are not required by law and that’s one reason why manufacturers are eliminating them or providing other options.

Concerning your personal options, the best-laid plans for the prepared car owner will sometimes fail. A backup plan is necessary and may involve roadside assistance.

If you own a new car, the plan may be included with your warranty. For everyone else, joining a roadside assistance club may supply the assurance you need to avoid becoming stranded for hours on the side of a dangerous road.


Sources

Popular Mechanics: How Long Can You Really Use Your Spare Tire? — http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3254/how-long-can-you-really-use-your-spare-tire-7710515/

National Motorist Association Blog: What Ever Happened To The Full-Size Spare Tire? — https://www.motorists.org/blog/full-size-spare-tire-abandonment/

TireRack.com: Tire Tech — Flat Tire Repairs – After Driving on Flat Run-Flat Tires — https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=226

CarTalk: Today: Does Fix-A-Flat Really Work? — https://www.cartalk.com/blogs/dear-car-talk/today-does-fix-flat-really-work

ABC News: ‘GMA’ Investigates: New Cars Being Sold Without Spare Tires — http://abcnews.go.com/US/gma-investigates-cars-sold-spare-tires/story?id=36435661

Edmunds.com: The Pros and Cons of Run-Flat Tires — https://www.edmunds.com/driving-tips/run-flat-tires-a-primer.html


Related Reading

The Skinny on Summer Tires

Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them

Michelin, GM Collaborate on Airless Tires

How to Buy New Tires for Your Car


Photo attribution: First photo: Auto Trends Magazine. Second and third photos: Pixabay.com.

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, RUN FLAT TIRES, SPARE TIRE, TIRE CARE, tire repair kit, tires

How to Prepare Your Car for a
Long, Hot Summer

July 22, 2019 by admin 1 Comment

Extreme weather can take its toll on your car, making it difficult to get it started on cold mornings and overheating on the hottest days. Summer throws heat, dust, and traffic tie-ups your way, increasing the likelihood that you will face a breakdown. The following preventive maintenance tips can keep your car running smoothly throughout the next heatwave.


Excess corrosion can adversely impact the battery.

Check the Battery

An old battery may not survive the summer. If your car’s battery is near the end of its useful life, then replace it. Older batteries simply cannot provide a full charge and won’t be able to handle the heavy electric demands placed on it by your climate control system, navigation, audio system, and lights. Newer batteries can also fail if there is a build-up of corrosion. You can safely remove battery corrosion yourself, a job best handled with baking soda, a few hand tools, and petroleum jelly.

Change Your Fluids

Most drivers will change their oil twice annually or at least as often as the intervals outlined in their owner’s manual. Timing your oil changes to take place before extreme temperatures kick in is a sensible approach to preventive maintenance. Your owner’s manual will list the right oil grade for your car. You will notice some differences in viscosity between winter and summer oils, the latter permitting a slightly thicker oil. Where 5W30 oil may be needed in the winter, 10W30 oil may be ideal for the summer. Change your oil fluids at this time and do the same for your brake, power steering, and transmission fluids.

Examine Belts and Hoses

A broken belt or a cracked hose can leave you stranded. Most of the time you can prevent such breakdowns by examining belts and hoses periodically. Visible signs of cracking, fraying, and bulging are among the warnings telling you that something needs to be replaced. Other signs are not so apparent and require a more thorough examination. For belts, you can check for tightness when the engine is turned off. Simply press down on each belt with your thumb and if you observe that it gives more than one-quarter of an inch, it should be replaced.


Belts and hoses are subject to wear and tear.

For hoses, particularly the vacuum hose, you will want to examine it when the car is running. Lift and secure the hood, and listen for a hissing noise. Avoid any moving parts by carefully moving your hand across the surface of the hose to discover its leak. Your fingers will be pulled against the hose if a leak is apparent and the car’s idle may change as you cover the hole. Replace as needed.

Check Climate and Coolant Systems

Your climate control system cools your car’s cabin. Your coolant system keeps your engine running smoothly, sending cooling fluids through the engine block to prevent overheating. Both systems should be examined prior to your next summer road trip. If you had your coolant replaced within the past year, you can top off a cooled down radiator with a 50:50 mixture of coolant and water. Otherwise, replace coolant that has been in place for at least a year.

You can purchase a radiator flush kit and do the job yourself or let your mechanic handle it. Either way, it isn’t a job you want to put off as a blown engine gasket may be the price you will have to pay for your neglect. Your climate control system contains refrigerant and this fluid can leak, forcing your compressor to work harder. That puts a strain on your engine and, like the coolant system, it is a key contributor to summer breakdowns. Your mechanic can pressure test the system, diagnose problems and replenish the refrigerant.

Take Note of the Rubber

Excessive heat causes the rubber to lose its elasticity, wearing out your wiper blades faster. You want a good pair of blades in place for your summer drive and replacing them with silicone rubber provides improved visibility and durability. Your tires are also made from rubber and are subject to aging as well as wear and tear.

Excessive heat can magnify tire problems causing tires to flex more. Cracks, rot or other problems can quickly lead to tire failure. Keep your tires inflated to the proper level, rotate them every 6,000 miles, and replace your worn-out rubber.

As summer’s heat settles in, your car should be ready to handle the worst weather conditions. Ensure that your headlights, turn signal lights, and tail lights are in working order too, replacing burnt-out bulbs as needed.


See Also — 6 Points About Buying a Used Car

Filed Under: Ownership Experience Tagged With: belts, car care, climate control, fluids, flush kit, hoses, summer, tires

Replacement Tires: Where to Buy Them

June 16, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

When it comes time to replacing tires, you have several places to consider for new ones. Ideally, you’ll swap out the original employment manufacturer (OEM) with the same set, but keep in mind that you have choices, depending on the brand, tire tread, and warranty miles. The following are five places to consider when shopping for new tires.


tire
Pictured: Continental ContiSport Contact 225/45 R 18 Y XL tire.

1. Automotive Dealership

Purchasing tires from a new car dealership is typically the most expensive option. When you go to the dealership you can get high-quality OEM tires. Further, going to the dealership affords flexibility when it comes to scheduling your service.

For instance, there are usually multiple tire technicians working during the day and some dealerships keep their service department open well into the evening. Additionally, most dealerships provide a shuttle service so that you can get to work while your car is being maintained. Moreover, some dealers provide loaner cars you can use while your car is out of commission. However, these special benefits come with a price. In some cases, you can expect to pay significantly more than at other tire retailers.

2. National Tire Chain Retailer

Most cities have numerous national tire chains. When visiting a shop, the service manager will obtain your information. Next, this individual will supply you with a few tire choices. Importantly, they will work within your budget.

Some national tire chains have branded credit cards that you can apply for on the spot. You can then use the card to pay for the work, including the tires, taxes, installation costs, and warranty. You may even find a discount by using this card and in some cases receive rewards each time you use it.

In most cases, you will wait to have your tires installed but generally, you can make an appointment for a time that fits your schedule.


When it comes to replacing tires, the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM)
choice is always a safe bet. Pictured: 2019 Chevrolet Equinox.

3. Locally-Owned Tire Shop

Locally owned tire shops probably won’t have instant credit available. However, they usually accept major credit cards. A local tire shop may have a supply of used tires on hand for purchase. Used tires usually cost much less than new tires.

If financial issues are a concern, you should let them know — a local shop may be willing to work with you, especially if you’re a regular customer. A local shop can order new tires if they don’t have your size tire in stock. You will need to wait for your tires to be installed.

4. Discount Tire Retailer

If you concerned about the cost of new tires, you can use a discount tire retailer. In many cases, you’ll find deep discounts from wholesale distributors. If you have one in your area you, then stop by to learn if the business has your tire size and which brand choices are available.

Typically, you can purchase tires and bring them to a garage to have them mounted and balanced for a separate fee. If they have a contract with a local tire store, they may offer you a discount to take the tires there.


Retread tires were once an option for consumers looking for low-cost replacement tires. As discount chains proliferated, the practice eventually faded. This shop in West Virginia once supplied retread tires. Photo credit: West Virginia Collection within the Carol M. Highsmith Archive,
Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division.

5. Online Tire Retailer

You can also purchase tires from a wholesale distributor online with the tires shipped directly to your home. You’ll need to find a local garage to have them installed.

This option has become increasingly popular as shipment costs are a reasonable expense. Be certain you understand the retailer’s return policy before you make a purchase.

Let’s Make a Deal

Finding places to purchase tires gives you much to consider. That said, once you decide on a retail option you prefer, you’ll be glad you shopped around. Keep in mind that installation costs, taxes, and an extended warranty will cost you extra.


See Also — Tire Sidewall Code Deciphering 101

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine, except for the Bluefield Retread photo secured from the Library of Congress via Wikimedia. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Maintenance & Repairs Tagged With: CAR DEALER, OEM, online retailer, retailers, retread tires, tire shop, TIRE WARRANTY, tires

5 Tools To Help Safer Driving In Winter Weather

February 7, 2019 by admin

The early months of the year (in the northern hemisphere), are notorious for bringing the worst of what mother nature has to offer. Driving in such conditions unprepared can be dangerous! So, we’ve compiled a list of five useful items and some tips to help keep yourself and others safer on the road.

A Snow Shovel

Source: Pixabay

Whether you’re clearing snow from your driveway or the roof of your car, a snow shovel is likely to be your tool of choice. It’s the kind of item that will sit untouched in the trunk of your vehicle 360 days of the year, but when you do need to use it, it come in handy.  

Prices range from $10-50 depending on the size and quality of the shovel you buy. Alternatively, you can pick one up a second-hand one for as little as a couple of bucks.

Top tip: Always clear your car vehicle roof of any snow before driving. If you don’t do so, you can be fined for endangering other road users and will be liable in the event of an accident.

Antifreeze & Engine Coolant

Source: Flickr

The last thing you want during a cold snap is for the water in your engine’s cooling system to freeze. Such an event can cause damage to components, such as the radiator. They cost a small fortune to fix.

Thankfully, there’s a solution at hand: engine coolant. This magical liquid, which can be purchased at any gas station for around five bucks, can lower the freezing point of water to around -37°C.  Add it to your radiator reservoir after your engine has had time to cool down. (First check to see if it needs to be mixed with water).

Top tip: Tap water can contain suspended particles or minerals that are harmful to engine components. Therefore, it’s best to mix your coolant with water that has been distilled.  

Ice Scraper

Source: Pixabay

There’s nothing worse than being late for work and having to wait for your car’s central heating system to defrost your windscreen.  

One solution to speeding up this process comes in the form of an ice scraper. They can cost as little as a couple of bucks from convenience stores. They help you to clear your screen in a matter of minutes.

Top tip: Don’t use an old CD case or any other D.I.Y contraption to help clear your windscreen of ice. These can break and cause harm to you or damage your car.

New Wiper Blades

Source: Gumtree

Snow, hail, rain, you name it, winter brings it. There’s nothing worse than driving in these difficult conditions than with worn out wipers, that leave behind a smeared mess.

New wiper blade pairs or rubbers can be picked up from a local automotive center or online for $10-20. Some auto centers will even fit these onto your vehicle for a small fee.  

Top tip: Using your wipers to clear ice from your windscreen will damage the rubbers. Make sure your screen is thoroughly defrosted before attempting to do so.

All-Season Tyres

Source: Pixabay

The popularity of all-season tires is increasing thanks to their improving performance in both warm and cold conditions. They can improve your car’s grip in icy conditions, making it easier to pull away and to avoid heart-stopping skids.

Winter weather tires, are still the better option if you live in a part of the world where snowfall is a common occurrence throughout the colder months.

Top tip: Can’t afford to invest in a set of winter tires? Try out snow socks instead. They are easy to fit and carry around, making them perfect for climates where a covering of snow is a rare occurrence.

Other useful items to keep with you:

  • A torch
  • Warm clothing
  • A portable power bank to charge your cell phone
  • Food and drink

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: ANTIFREEZE, engine coolant, ice scraper, snow shovel, tires, tyres, wiper blades

5 Fuel Savings Tips for Savvy Drivers

September 12, 2017 by admin 1 Comment

Saving money at the pump.

High fuel prices can drain your wallet, making it difficult for you to make ends meet. You cannot do anything about pump prices, but you can put some distance between your visits to the service station, by employing several fuel saving tips immediately.

1. Use Cruise Control

fuel saving tipsMost cars come with cruise control, a device that keeps your vehicle at a constant speed. Cruise control is ideal for the open highway when long traveling distances mean consuming much fuel.

Set your cruise control at highway speed and you may be able to find fuel savings averaging 7 percent according to Edmunds.com.

2. Keep Your Engine Tuned

Tune ups are a thing of the past, but your car’s engine still needs to run optimally. Many cars can go as far as 100,000 miles before replacing spark plugs becomes necessary. Even so, there are other parts that may need replacing sooner such as the PCV valve, fuel filters, ignition components and air filters.

By following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance intervals as outlined in your owner’s manual you can save about 4 percent on fuel, perhaps much more if your oxygen sensor is faulty.

3. Keep Tires Inflated at the Proper Level

Under inflation can lead to tire failure putting yourself at risk of an accident. Tires that are regularly under inflated can see tread life reduced by up to 25 percent notes TireRack.com.

Improperly inflated tires can have a negative affect on your fuel economy too, coming in as much as 3 percent lower when tire pressure is 10 psi below the car manufacturer’s recommended level.

2016 Jaguar XF
Avoid idling to reduce fuel consumption.

4. Avoid Prolonged Idling

Among the newest features found in many cars built today is stop-start technology. These technologies cut engine spark and fuel when idle, such as at a stop light, automatically reactivating same when you take your foot off of the brake.

Car manufacturers have been rolling out start-stop technology as an important way to enhance fuel savings. Even if your car is not equipped with the technology, you can save fuel when your idle times last for more than one minute. Double-digit fuel savings are possible when you shut down your idled vehicle.

5. Lighten Your Load

Do you use your trunk to store sporting gear? Do you drive around in your pickup truck with excess weight in the truck bed? If so, that added weight can make your engine work harder and run less efficiently.

For every 100 extra pounds that you have in your vehicle, your fuel savings can drop by up to 1 percent according to the EPA. Whenever possible lighten up to conserve fuel.

2016 Ford Focus RS
Always ensure tires are properly inflated. Check the spare while you are at it.

Take it Easy

You can realized additional savings if you ease up on the gas pedal by avoiding both jackrabbit starts and harsh braking.

Add it all up and your fuel savings can top 25 percent. This means if you currently spend $60 per week on fuel, you may be able to save as much as $15 a week or $780 per year.


See Also — 8 Steps to Buying a Used Car

Jaguar and Ford photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Car Tips Tagged With: CRUISE CONTROL, EDMUNDS, ENGINE, idling, JAGUAR XF, save gas, TireRack.com, tires, weight

Higher Education: Winter Driving School

February 13, 2017 by admin 6 Comments

Getting schooled at the Bridgestone Winter Driving School.

Bridgestone Winter Driving School
The Tacoma was present, but not available for our drive.

Ah, winter — the least favorite season for many of us as cold temperatures, snow, and ice often prevail, especially throughout snow country. I grew up in New Jersey and now live in the “sunny South,” but we have our share of wintry storms, usually delivering more ice, than snow. That makes for treacherous driving conditions, something I’ve learned to avoid by waiting for the roads to clear before heading out.

I’ve written extensively about tires, including the importance of checking air pressure regularly (at least monthly), rotating tires, and replacing them once tread levels fall to 2/32 of an inch. Tires are the only thing that separates thousands of pounds of vehicular mass from the road — if they’re not in optimum condition, the risk of a flat or a blowout increase, what may lead to a serious accident.

Winter tires are a “must” in certain areas of the country, but are often avoided and usually for two reasons:

1) Winter tires are an added cost and must be swapped out with your regular tires before the season arrives and changed again in the spring. Storing tires can prove challenging, especially for anyone who rents their home. Fortunately, some tire dealers will store your extra set of tires if you do not have space.

2) All-season tires are enough, right? Drivers may be under the impression that all-season tires are sufficient. After all, all-season means four seasons, but that’s not entirely accurate. Although all-season tires can be driven throughout the year, they do not provide the extra amount of grip needed for snow-covered roads.

Bridgestone Winter Driving School
Bridgestone Blizzak tires manage snow better than all-season tires.

So, let’s cut to the chase here: winter tires are necessary if snow conditions are a regular part of your driving experience wherever you live. In my area of central North Carolina, they’re not necessary. But in mountainous regions such as Boone or Asheville, drivers should use them and not just on the axle that drives the car — but on all four corners.

The Bridgestone Corporation is the largest tire company in the world; in addition to its eponymous tire brand, the company also owns Firestone. Visit any Firestone retail dealer and you’ll find both brands on display. The company claims to spend at least $1 billion annually on research and development. Moreover, Bridgestone has a strong presence in sports sponsorships, including the Olympics (the company is one of 13 global sponsors of the games).

The company also manages the Bridgestone Winter Driving School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, a program I was invited to attend. Along with seven other media professionals, we participated in an intensive one-day hands-on class. A higher level and more intensive two-day option is also available and routinely enjoyed by enthusiasts.

Fittingly, it was on Groundhog Day when we took our class when a certain fat Phil in Pennsylvania indicated we still had six weeks of winter remaining. Meanwhile, at an elevation nearing 7,000 feet in northern Colorado, the season is just getting started — several feet of the white stuff were on the ground and a brewing mid-day storm was to add another five inches.

Bridgestone Winter Driving School
Classroom instruction time involved multiple slides along with instructor input.

Before heading to the track, a Bridgestone instructor provides an hour of classroom instruction, outlining what’s ahead for the day. Winter tire basics were covered, including pointing out the superior stopping power of these specially designed tires.

Indeed, if you were to place similar cars side by side and outfitted one with all-season tires and the other with a set of winter tires, the latter provides a 33-percent shorter stopping distance. That’s not just a helpful advantage, but it supplies the assurance you need when roads are snow packed.

Winter tires are important for several other reasons, including having the capability to cover the vehicle’s weight and load, to transmit acceleration and cornering forces, and to cushion road irregularities. Potholes, anyone?

Bridgestone offers two lines of its branded Blizzak winter tires — WS80 and DM-V2. The studless Blizzak line rolled out in the late 1980s, building on a pair of earlier ice and multi-cell tire technologies. The changes through the years have yielded modifications to channel installation, including chain and mega bubbled compounds. In more recent years we’ve seen the introduction of so-called hydrophillically augmented tires for improved grip.

After a thorough safety briefing, media folk was sent to the BWDS driving campus for a vehicle orientation. Here, Toyota partnered with Bridgestone, supplying an assortment of models, including the midsize Camry sedan, 4Runner SUV, and the compact RAV4 crossover. A Tacoma pickup truck and a small fleet of 86s was also present. Alas, the latter group of vehicles was not made available to us.

Bridgestone Winter Driving School
Off to the races we go.

The track introduction was hands-on — a BWDS instructor took us out in pairs, drove the track, and explained what the color-coordinated cones along the route meant, as well as the numbered “lollipops” representing each turn in the course. Once the introduction was over, each student took turns navigating the course.

If you think for a moment your winter driving skills are impeccable, BWDS will challenge you in ways you might never have imagined. Yours truly prides himself in not just being a safe driver, but as one who knows how to handle a variety of emergency situations.

I got schooled quickly as one of the instructors, John — a race car driver from Colombia — pointed out a few of my shortcomings.

For one, I tend to take both hands off the wheels at various times while driving, a habit I never noticed before. Also, I usually grip the steering wheel at a 10 and 2 position — where the grips are located — instead of the recommended 9 and 3. That is, when I have both hands on the steering wheel — yes, I drive with one hand from time to time or may rest one hand on the bottom of the wheel.

What you may get away with in normal conditions can prove dangerous when roads are slippery and you must react fast as I was reminded.

The drive around the course is about a mile long, marked by 11 sharp turns and a fair share of ascending and descending legs. Immediately, we learned that turn No. 4 was the most treacherous one of all, offering a 180-degree turn, exacerbated by uneven road. In dry conditions, the road would be hazardous enough. In wet conditions — in this case, packed snow and ice — the risk level only worsens. Then again, that’s the reason for driving on winter tires — you need every bit of grip possible to navigate — even if your speed is something like 3 mph.

Bridgestone Winter Driving School
Place winter tires on all four corners.

If you’re considering winter tires, you’ll want to place them on both axles, not just on the one that turns the wheels. Back in the day when I learned how to drive, we placed “snow tires” on the rear axle only — unless you were one of the very few people who owned a front-wheel drive model, then the tires were placed up front.

No one thought about a set of four, but the full set makes sense, especially since we drive many more miles these days than we did a few decades back. A set of the same tires on your car ensures even handling — it can be a bear to steer a car that has winter tires on one axle and radial tires on the other axle — especially at highway speeds.

Now back to the driving school — BWDS isn’t meant to humiliate anyone. Instead, it serves as a reminder of how to handle wintry conditions. Indeed, even though I know in my mind to turn into a skid, there was one incident when I didn’t. That led to our 4Runner slamming into an embankment, but fortunately without damaging the SUV. How embarrassing it was for this driver who hasn’t done much winter driving over the past 12 years.

To give students a comparison between winter tires and all-season tires, we finished our day with Toyota vehicles outfitted with the latter. Above freezing temperatures made it more difficult to distinguish between the two tire types, but I did notice the reduced grip with the all-seasons. Had the ambient temperatures remained below freezing, the differences would certainly have been magnified.

Bridgestone Winter Driving School
The Toyota 4 Runner was our preferred test vehicle.

Speaking of all-season tires, a Bridgestone executive agreed with my assessment that all-seasons are more like three-season tires — yes, you can drive on them in the winter, but if wintry conditions prevail, the best grip is offered with the winter tires.

As for summer tires, they’re truly performance tires and are usually outfitted on cars destined for the track. Regardless, you don’t want to drive on summer tires below 40 degrees Fahrenheit — the tread compound used works best in warm and hot weather. In cold weather you’ll hear the unmistakable clomp, clomp, clomp of the tires as you drive, with a real risk of compound cracking, effectively destroying the tire.

Addendum: Bonnie Blair Holds Court

Bridgestone Winter Driving School
Olympic medalist Bonnie Blair graciously shared her bronze medal with the media. I gave it back!

One of the surprises served up by Bridgestone at a welcome reception held the night we arrived was a visit by Olympic speed skater medalist, Bonnie Blair. It took me a few moments to make the connection, but when I did I realized that this petite lady medaled at three Olympics from 1988 to 1994 — garnering five gold and one bronze medals.

Blair may have been on hand serving in her capacity as brand ambassador for Bridgestone, but she didn’t talk about the tire company. Instead, she shared details about her experience on the ice, how the sport has changed — blades now partially separate from the boots when taking turns — and offered details about her own family, including her teenagers.

Blair spoke effusively about the Olympics, sharing the importance of representing one’s country and racing against the world’s finest athletes. In that regard, she certainly embodies what Bridgestone is all about — it is the world’s largest tire manufacturer with a truly global outlook.

Disclaimer: Bridgestone hosted yours truly and a pool of automotive and lifestyle talent for two nights in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The tire manufacturer covered airfare, our hotel stay, and meals. Swag items included a hat, scarf, and a video.

Bridgestone Winter Driving School

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: Special Tagged With: Blizzak, Blizzak DM-V2, Blizzak WS80, Bonnie Blair, Bridgestone, Bridgestone Winter Driving School, Colorado, Firestone, snow tires, Steamboat Springs, tires, winter tires

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