(ARA) - Parents and students will do well to get their vehicles in shape before winter arrives, according to the pros and the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Many breakdowns can be avoided entirely by routine maintenance. The following tips from ASE should give parent and student alike a road map to fall car care.

First things first — Read your owner s manual and follow the manufacturer s recommended service schedules.

Engine Performance — Get engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Cold weather will make existing problems worse. Replace dirty filters air, fuel, PCV, etc.

Fuel — Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note, too, that a gas tank that s kept filled helps prevent moisture from forming.

Oil — Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual — more often (every 3,000 miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling System — The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) If you re doing your own work, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a certified auto technician.

Heater/Defroster — The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.

Windshield Wipers — Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent; you ll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Battery — The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.

A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles. Check your manual. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Lights — Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Exhaust System — Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

Tires — Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires cool down before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Emergencies — Carry gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight, and a cell phone. Put a few high-energy snacks in your glove box.

For more car care tips, visit www.ase.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Courtesy of ARA Content

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Whether you are buying or selling a car, there are several tips that will help the process go a lot smoother. Buyers and sellers have one big thing in common - neither wants to be taken for a ride. In order to make sure the sale of an automobile is an honest one, both the buyer and seller are responsible for various activities to help close the deal.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 1

Know the value. The actual worth of an automobile is one of the most important deciding factors in either buying or selling a vehicle. If you are the seller, you want to receive a fair price for your car. If you are the buyer, you want to pay a fair price. Kelley Blue Book, found online at kbb.com, is a popular website used to help determine a fair value for an automobile based on it’s condition, make, model, age, mileage and other features.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 2

Understand the condition and performance of the automobile. If you are the seller, you must disclose any problems or defects to the potential buyer. As a buyer, you need to have some understanding of how the automobile is supposed to run and other mechanical performances. If you aren’t certain, as either a buyer or seller, take the car to a qualified mechanic who can determine an accurate condition for the automobile.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 3

Whether buying or selling a car, search the classifieds. This is a terrific place to find a car to purchase or to find someone who may be interested in purchasing the car that you have. The classified ad section of a local newspaper is also a terrific way to find a local prospect rather than dealing with someone miles away.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 4

Be upfront about the deal. If you are selling an automobile, be sure to inform the buyer of your preferred payment method. Many sellers prefer not to accept personal checks or, at the very least, will not transfer the title until the check clears. Most sellers prefer to deal in cash or a money order if dealing directly with the buyer. Buyers should be equally upfront with the seller by informing them of whether or not they intend to purchase, how and when they will be paying for the automobile, etc.

Car Buy/Sell Tip # 5

Make sure the automobile has a clear title. In addition, the buyer should order a CarFax report, which can be found at carfax.com. For a small fee, anyone can learn about the history of an automobile, such as whether or not the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident, a flood or other incident that may affect it’s performance. This is one of the best ways for buyers to make sure they are getting an automobile with no hidden background.

Find more about Dacia Logan Steppe, Nissan Tiida and many other car models and automotive industry news on auto repair, Transmission Repair, Lee Myles Transmissions AutoCare, Lee Myles Auto Repair, Lee Myles Transmission Repair, Auto Care, Car Care, Auto Repair Shops, Automotive Services, Tranmission Services, Lee Myles, Transmissions

Every driver should always have the 5 following items in their vehicle at all times !

#1. A paper and pen to take down notes in the event of an accident.

#2. A list of all emergency phone numbers.

#3. A disposable camera to record evidence at the scene of an accident.

#4. A list of medical conditions or allergies you may have.

#5. A set of cones, warning triangles or emergency flares to alert other drivers of an accident.

(These items can be kept in the glove compartment, or in the trunk, of your vehicle).

SEVEN DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS

#1. Always wear your seat belt. (63% of people killed in accidents in 1999 were not wearing seat belts). On the average, inpatient hospital costs for an unbelted cash victim are 50% higher than those who wore belts. (In 2003 there were an estimated 6,356,000 car accidents in the United States. Plus there were 2.9 million injuries and 42,643 we killed).

It has been predicted that if Americans could reach 90 percent seat belt’s worn (by the end of 2005) we would save over 8 billion bucks.

#2. Understand the effects of drugs and alcohol on your body.

#3. Be patient. If you’re fatigued stop driving.

#4. Be courteous, not aggressive, toward other drivers.

#5. You must look both ways twice before crossing an intersection. (Don’t speed into an intersection the instant the light turns green. Another driver may be running a red light).

#6. Always check the “blind spots” before changing lanes.(Most mirrors are not adequate).

#7. Leave enough space between yourself and the motor vehicle ahead of you. (When traveling and/or even when stopped).

REPAIRING YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE PROPERTY DAMAGES

If and when you bring your motor vehicle to a repair shop, it’s important to keep in mind that different shops offer different damage appraisals. Because of this it’s always to your advantage to obtain several estimates prior to getting the damage repaired.

REPAIRING YOUR PERSONAL INJURY DAMAGES

Your personal injury may not be apparent at the scene or perhaps it only becomes a reality to you at a later date. After you were involved in an accident you must visit a physician. The physician may be able to identify injuries you’ve not yet noticed.

To insure your safety, no matter what others may say, be sure to visit your physician after ANY motor vehicle accident you may have been involved in !

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article, “CAR ACCIDENT FACTS” is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, nor HotLib.com make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired, it is THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book, AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at auto repair, Transmission Repair, Lee Myles Transmissions AutoCare, Lee Myles Auto Repair, Lee Myles Transmission Repair, Auto Care, Car Care, Auto Repair Shops, Automotive Services, Tranmission Services, Lee Myles, Transmissions

Right off the bat, let’s clear one thing up. You will not profit from buying a car unless you intend to, or are already in the business of buying and selling cars. Depreciation will decrease the value of your car the longer you use it, no matter what. It isn’t an investment, so no matter how you carefully treat it, you can never make the money you bought your car with back, much more make a profit off it.

Now with that out of the way, here are some tips to guide you in your car buying expedition, particularly if you do not intend to keep the car for life. These are tips to maintain the substantial resale value of your new car. Think of it as accepting the fate that your first car buying experience will have to end in a break-up.

- Stick with classic colors and options. A neon green car may strike your fancy, even if no one really understands why, but buying a car fit for resale entails sticking to the basics.

- Remember that setting up the car’s engines, audio and detail accessories will not necessarily boost the resale value of your car. Why juice it up anyway if you know you want a more expensive car for keeps down the financially stable road?

- There are some detailing jobs that will remain classic resale boosts: a nice stereo, sun roofs and leather seats.

- Buying a car that is easily maintained helps, too. Readily available parts and a familiar engine will keep maintenance hassles to a minimum. Polish it, have regular check ups and get multi-point inspections done.

- Think about safety when buying a car. Check if the latest technologies in car safety are present in the car. A safe car is a more resalable car than muscle-packed, speed mobiles. Check for airbags, anti-lock breaks, traction control, electronic stability and side airbags.

- Look for technological adaptability when buying cars. Take heed from future-minded car manufacturers that make simple cars that can house future technological advances.

- Take a look at the prospect ten years later when buying cars. Think if it fits the baseline profile of its type: compact, sports, luxury, SUV etc. In short, know what buyers expect from these types of cars.

- Don’t go wild with it. A souped up vinyl tattered car is a hard sell. Think about this before buying a car that costs more and you plan to turn into a customized bullet.

- Keep your region in mind. Certain features and styles are expected in certain regions dependent on the terrain and lifestyle. Why settle for buying a compact car in a mountain filled county?

- Despite the rising costs of fuel world wide, it is still a safe bet to decide on buying a car that has a bigger engine. The logic of which still escapes some.

- Beware of monthly payments for navigation systems and in car communications systems when buying cars.

Finally, learn to buy a car that you’ll enjoy. Financial advice is wise, but worthless if you ride a vehicle you didn’t want to be caught dead in when you were still fantasizing about buying your car.

About the Author

John G. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about car buying, please go to: auto repair, Transmission Repair, Lee Myles Transmissions AutoCare, Lee Myles Auto Repair, Lee Myles Transmission Repair, Auto Care, Car Care, Auto Repair Shops, Automotive Services, Tranmission Services, Lee Myles, Transmissions

Finding information about past, current, and future car offerings used to be a task that involved wading through countless glossy magazines, perusing bulky sales brochures, shifting through inky newspapers, and skimming through a host of other print material of varying sizes and depths. How many of us have subscribed to 2, 4, or even 5 or more publications just to get the latest information about our favorite cars? Today, thanks to the internet, there are a host of sites available to learn more about your classic and to take a look at concept cars. I will list some of my favorites here; I hope that you will enjoy scrutinizing them as much as I have.

The Detroit News - I doubt that there is a single newspaper in the USA that matches the depth and breadth of coverage that The Detroit News provides on a daily basis about the automobile industry. It certainly makes sense that they are the leader, given that the Detroit area has long been the bastion of American automotive might. Visit www.detnews.com for more information.

Car and Driver - One of my favorite print magazines shares a lot of useful information right online. My favorite feature is their break down by make and model of every single car on the market. C&D even gives visitors full access to some really great road tests they have performed on a whole host of vehicles. Very informative: www.edmunds.com

Car Survey - Similar to the Auto Blog, Car Survey allows users to blog in information about their vehicle. If you own a ‘74 Monte Carlo, an ‘83 Fairmount, or a ‘95 Intrepid, then comments about your make/model are featured by owners who have the same car as you. A good place to trace the history of specific models, foreign and domestic too: Power Stop rotors, EBC brake pads, or Power Slot rotors, please stop over today!

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