Car Ownership from New to 120,000 Miles

December 28, 2015 by admin

Have you ever asked your mechanic if your car is worth a certain repair? Here, we’ll cover repair economics from new to 120,000 miles, and next time, we’ll cover how to get the most out of your car after 120,000 miles.

Generally, today’s vehicles are very reliable through the first 100,000 miles, with most needing very few repairs. All vehicles, however, will need routine maintenance, like oil changes, filter replacements, and tire maintenance. Also, anyone who would like to keep their vehicle rust-free should wash it on a regular basis. The best way to prevent rust is to wash the underbody, especially after driving on chemically treated roads, such as after winter storms. It’s all about prevention, which means you must start when the vehicle is new, and continue for the life of the vehicle.

The next significant phase in the life of a vehicle is between 90,000 and 120,000 miles. This is the time to replace long-life iridium spark plugs, the timing belt, water pump, and shocks and struts. You should also get an antifreeze flush, as well as differential and transmission services. These are all routine maintenance services that you can plan and budget for, even before you purchase the vehicle.

We often hear the question: “Is all of this expense worth it?” Yes, it’s worth it for the vehicle, and yes, it’s worth it for you, as long as you plan to keep it for years to come. Your vehicle definitely needs these scheduled services, but if you plan to sell it in the near future, you may also choose to wait and let the new owner pay for them.

Next time, we’ll talk about repair options for vehicles with 120,000+ miles, and how to make the best repair decisions based on your ownership plans for a vehicle.

How to Prepare for Winter Driving

December 28, 2015 by admin

According to the Federal Highway Administration, 23 percent of highway crashes are weather-related. Although it’s easy to blame the weather, failing to properly maintain vehicles for cold weather driving also contributes to this statistic.

Fleet managers and drivers should follow these five suggestions to prepare their vehicles for winter driving.

Check Your Tires Now and Throughout the Season

Tires have one primary function—to keep you on the road. Keeping tires properly inflated and in good condition will help prevent accidents. Check for uneven or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least onesixth of an inch or greater.

Remember, in the wintertime, tire pressure drops when the vehicle isn’t driven. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times.

Schedule a Tune-Up

A simple fix could help drivers avoid becoming stranded this winter. A preseason tune-up can identify any problems with the vehicle’s battery, brakes, cooling system, lights, hoses, and belts. If a problem is detected, now is the time to replace or repair parts.

Resolve Visibility Issues

Poor visibility leads to accidents, so make sure windshield wipers work and replace worn wipers if necessary. If you are driving in snowy regions, replace standard wipers with heavy duty winter wipers. Also check to make sure the front and rear defrosters are working and remember to stock up on windshield wiper fluid.

Don’t Let Floor Mats Trip You Up

Incorrectly or improperly installed floor mats may interfere with pedal operation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing floor mats. Clean the snow and ice from mats often, and verify that the mats have been reinstalled correctly after cleaning.

Talk Winter Driver Safety

Get your drivers together for a safety meeting. Remind them about completing a driver vehicle inspection after each trip and discuss how best to respond to emergency situations.

You can’t control the weather, but with proper maintenance and driver training, you can control how your vehicle performs.

Source: EMC Insurance, Insights, October 1, 2015

What You Need to Know About Automobile Recalls

November 3, 2015 by admin

How do I know if my car is subject to a recall?

Last year was a record-setting year for the auto industry—and not in a good way. In 2014, automakers issued more than 800 recalls, affecting nearly 64 million vehicles. Many recalls are related to known safety issues, so please take recall notices seriously and take your car in for the necessary service. A minor fix could make a major difference in your vehicle’s safety or performance.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a current database of auto recalls. To learn if your vehicle has been recalled, simply enter the vehicle’s year, make, and model in the selection boxes at http://wwwodi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues to view the search results.

You can also search using your 17-digit Vehicle Information Number. VIN plates are attached to the dashboard on the driver’s side of the vehicle and visible through the windshield. The VIN is also printed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or doorframe.

What to do if you receive a recall notice

In the event of a recall, vehicle owners will receive a notice in the mail from the vehicle manufacturer or the dealer where the vehicle was purchased. Oftentimes, the official notice comes a few weeks or months after the recall was issued, so that the manufacturer has time to notify its dealers of recall procedures and ensure the availability of repair parts. The notice will provide you with recall specifics and instructions to schedule your vehicle for service. Typically, you will need to take your car to a dealership and there is no charge for the recall service.

Save repair receipts

If you have a possible defect repaired, but your vehicle hasn’t been recalled, be sure to save your receipt and other service documents. If the vehicle is later recalled for that specific problem, you may be eligible for a reimbursement for repair expenses from the automaker.

Learn more about recalls

For more information about the recall process and your rights and responsibilities as a vehicle owner, refer to the NHTSA publication Motor Vehicle Defects and Safety Recalls: What Every Vehicle Owner Should Know. You can find a copy online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/documents/MVDefectsandRecalls.pdf.

Remember, if your vehicle is recalled, you should have the necessary repairs performed as quickly as possible, as failure to act can leave you and others unnecessarily vulnerable to a known safety risk.

James Starkweather: Allstate Insurance

Build Trust With Your Mechanic

November 3, 2015 by admin

Trust in your auto repair shop

Do you look forward to visits with your auto mechanic? Do they make you feel valued and respected? If you’re thinking, “not so much,” then I recommend you ask yourself whether you really trust your shop. Let’s face it—auto repairs can be very expensive, and unfortunately, sometimes some shops can be less than honest.

As a business owner, family man, and mechanic, I have found that trust is the key to customer satisfaction when it comes to auto repairs—not cheap prices, fast service, or fancy facilities.

Wherever you go for auto repair services, ask for these trust-building basics:

All of the information you need to make a fully-informed decision. Your shop should fully inform you of each issue, its severity, and your repair options. This is often a two-way conversation, and when done well, you will feel comfortable making the repair decisions that are right for you.
The unembellished truth about any safety concerns on your vehicle. Listen to your gut—it will tell you if safety is just a card being played to make a sale. If there is a safety concern, your shop should provide a description of the problem, an explanation of how it’s a safety issue, and different repair options. On the flip side, because safety IS important, most every visit to your shop should include an inspection.
Up-front pricing. Your shop should give you pricing up-front for all work, and get your approval before beginning the work. Sometimes this means agreeing to a diagnostic approach and then additional repair approval before continuing.
Certified technicians. Most shops have certified technicians, and you’ll want to make sure yours does, too. However, don’t assume that this alone means your shop is trustworthy. It takes integrity at every level of an organization to deserve your trust.

Using a trustworthy shop is the best way to minimize the stress and costs involved in auto repairs. Try these tips with your current shop, or stop in to Willard Garage to see these principles in action.

www.willardgarage.com