Wintertime is not good towards a vehicle. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly, snow and ice limit traction, potholes damage wheels and tires, and salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle when the seasons change. Here are a couple of easy steps to "winterize" your vehicle.
1.Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure is especially important during the winter. Traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It is critical to have properly inflated tires, as this guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. A properly inflated tire will also help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle is driven over potholes. Read your owner's manual to find the correct tire pressures. Because of wintertime's lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop.
2.Make sure your vehicle's four-wheel-drive system is working properly. A big selling point for SUVs is that they offer 4WD, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don't use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a four-wheel-drive system requires minimal maintenance, it's still a good idea to check that it works properly before the onset of winter. Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises coming from the drivetrain when the system is in use. Check to make sure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct. If there are multiple drivers for your SUV, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system. The owner's manual or online will state at what speeds and environments the 4WD can be activated.
3.Change the engine oil and adjust the viscosity grade. This isn't nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin the oil is. Tar has a higher viscosity than orange juice, for example. Engine oils are sold with different levels of viscosity. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. And just like you, the oil inside your vehicle's engine isn't feeling too perky after sitting in the cold all night. The colder an oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn't circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn't get the proper lubrication. Also, dirty oil doesn't circulate as well as clean oil. To solve this wintertime problem, you can change your vehicle's engine oil to one that is thinner to begin with. Even when the thinner oil is cold, it is still not too thick for proper engine lubrication. Keep in mind that an engine oil can be too thin. Determining what type of oil your car should have during the winter is easy. Simply read your vehicle's owner's manual. The manual will list the manufacturer's oil recommendations for different climates. If you have a dealership or local garage perform the oil change, you can ask the manager what type and viscosity of oil they are putting into your vehicle. Pretty much all modern cars have recommended oil grades of 5W-30, 10W-30 or 10W-40.
4.Inspect the belts and hoses. The belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn't mean they don't die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose. Before winter starts, have the belts and hoses inspected on your vehicle.
5.Inspect the wind shield wipers and wiper fluid. Visibility is particularly key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, dirt and road grime buildup on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car's blades are older, replace them. Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time to run out of wiper fluid or to discover your blades aren't performing properly.
6.Check the battery. A battery gives little notice before it kicks off. And it absolutely loves to croak when you can least afford it doing so. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle's battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion.
7.Check antifreeze mixture. The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle's radiator is 50:50. If the mixture changes from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can be compromised. If you were to put pure water in your vehicle's radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won't freeze until -24 degrees Fahrenheit!
8.Carry an emergency kit inside the car. Wintertime requires you to load more stuff into the back of your vehicle. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? Things you might want to consider carrying: flashlight, flares, first-aid kit, jumper cables, tool kit, tire chains, A blanket, warm clothing, gloves, paper towels, a bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck. A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel. Extra washer fluid, food and water.
9. Consider using snow tires if you live in a area where it snows during the winter. If the tires are worn , or they are high performance tires, breaking, acceleration and handling are all negatively impacted while driving on slippery roads. Or consider buying a set of winter tires, if you have the money for it. Winter tires help improve traction on slick surfaces more than all-season tires.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Getting the right parts.
First you have OEM (Orginal Equipment Manufacturer), these are parts made by the vehicle's original manufacturer and are bought at local dealerships. These parts meet factory specifications as to fit, finish and corrosion protection as well as crash worthiness. These are the same parts that were installed on your vehicle when it was built at the factory. They also carry the vehicle's manufacturer's warranty.
Next you have A/M or aftermarket parts. These parts are not made by the vehicle's original manufacturer, meaning they do not go under the same rigorous testing. Non-OEM parts have been shown in many cases to have decreased tolerances for fit and finish, rust faster and offer lower crash resistance than factory approved components. In addition, the use of these parts may void your vehicle's warranty in areas that may be affected by their use.
Then there are Reconditioned parts. These are generally OEM parts that were previously damaged and have been repaired by an outside source. The quality of these parts depends on the quality of the repairs made to them by the recondition company.
Finally you have Used Salvaged or LKQ parts. The term LKQ stands for Like, Kind, Quality. If the LKQ part has no prior damage, and the repair shop de-trims the part for painting, then treats the part with corrosion protection, you may have a part that will restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. This all depends on if the insurance company compensates the repair facility to properly restore the part and if the facility itself thoroughly inspects and restores the parts integrity.
Unfortunately most people will not find out until after they file a claim, that they agreed to the use of alternative parts when they bought their insurance policy. Most insurance companies these days have it written into their policies that you must accept the use of these alternative parts or pay the difference. Of course many insurance policies offer OE riders or added stipulations to the policy, for which you may pay a premium, that allow the use of OEM parts.
So in the end are all parts created equally? Not really. Is it ever hood to use anything but OEM parts? Well that's a maybe. In some cases to save money it may be perfectly acceptable to use certain parts that are properly inspected and restored. In certain cases where safety and long term durability are of concern why risk either at any cost.
Of coarse the final decision is up to you, the consumer and it will be up to the repair facility to inspect the part for quality fit finish and safety and to back the repairs that use installation of alternative parts and receive your authorization.
One last consideration for those of you with leased vehicles, please check your lease agreement. Some leases may require you to make sure you are using only Genuine OEM parts. In the event that dealer finds non-OEM parts installed on a car that technically is still owned by the manufacture you may be charged to replace those parts with original OEM parts.
Next you have A/M or aftermarket parts. These parts are not made by the vehicle's original manufacturer, meaning they do not go under the same rigorous testing. Non-OEM parts have been shown in many cases to have decreased tolerances for fit and finish, rust faster and offer lower crash resistance than factory approved components. In addition, the use of these parts may void your vehicle's warranty in areas that may be affected by their use.
Then there are Reconditioned parts. These are generally OEM parts that were previously damaged and have been repaired by an outside source. The quality of these parts depends on the quality of the repairs made to them by the recondition company.
Finally you have Used Salvaged or LKQ parts. The term LKQ stands for Like, Kind, Quality. If the LKQ part has no prior damage, and the repair shop de-trims the part for painting, then treats the part with corrosion protection, you may have a part that will restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. This all depends on if the insurance company compensates the repair facility to properly restore the part and if the facility itself thoroughly inspects and restores the parts integrity.
Unfortunately most people will not find out until after they file a claim, that they agreed to the use of alternative parts when they bought their insurance policy. Most insurance companies these days have it written into their policies that you must accept the use of these alternative parts or pay the difference. Of course many insurance policies offer OE riders or added stipulations to the policy, for which you may pay a premium, that allow the use of OEM parts.
So in the end are all parts created equally? Not really. Is it ever hood to use anything but OEM parts? Well that's a maybe. In some cases to save money it may be perfectly acceptable to use certain parts that are properly inspected and restored. In certain cases where safety and long term durability are of concern why risk either at any cost.
Of coarse the final decision is up to you, the consumer and it will be up to the repair facility to inspect the part for quality fit finish and safety and to back the repairs that use installation of alternative parts and receive your authorization.
One last consideration for those of you with leased vehicles, please check your lease agreement. Some leases may require you to make sure you are using only Genuine OEM parts. In the event that dealer finds non-OEM parts installed on a car that technically is still owned by the manufacture you may be charged to replace those parts with original OEM parts.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The Rain is Coming!
Though Chico doesn't get massive blizzards that other parts of the country do during the winter, there are still plenty of hazards to watch out for this winter season: thick fog, heavy thunderstorms, and the like. So whether you're planning a holiday trip or just doing your usual commute, it's important to make sure your car is ready for the upcoming weather. Here's a list of things you should check out:
1. Windshield wipers: It doesn't rain much during most of the year, so wiper blades are often overlooked-until you need them! During the spring and summer with the hot weather the rubber on the blades can dry out and make them less effective from wiping the water spots
2. Tires: With rain comes wet surfaces...and hydroplaning! Without Popper tread depth to channel away water, your tires won't have enough contact with the read for proper grip. You should also ensure that the tires are properly inflated.
3. Brakes: Compared to dry pavement, braking distances can increase by up to 50% during and after a storm! If you haven't had your brakes serviced in a while, now would be a good time.
4. Lights: Not just the headlights, but your turn indicators and tail lights! You might want to get another person to help you activate all the lights as you take a quick trip around the car. In July 2005 a law passed in California; During daylight hours, if the windshield wipers of your vehicle are in use while you're driving the vehicle, the headlamps of the vehicle must be on. So, if it's raining at anytime of the day you need to have your lights on. This is important in all weather conditions though, mainly the turn indicators and making sure the break lights work.
Some other issues brought by rain that may not be a safety problem, but may be a headache:
1. A leaky sunroof: If you find that the front carpets or headliner are damp or dripping, you may want to open up your sunroof and examine the front corners, there is usually a drain hole located in each corner that empty our in the front wheel wells; if they become clogged or otherwise damaged, water can get backed up and seep into the passenger compartment!
2. Being late: When the rain comes everyone who use to walk or ride bikes to commute are now piling up in their vehicles to get to there destinations. Because of this there are a lot more vehicles on the rode, which in turn creates a longer commuting time. When you see that it is raining, add an extra 10-15min onto your commute time. It will get you to your destination without any extra frustration or accidents.
1. Windshield wipers: It doesn't rain much during most of the year, so wiper blades are often overlooked-until you need them! During the spring and summer with the hot weather the rubber on the blades can dry out and make them less effective from wiping the water spots
2. Tires: With rain comes wet surfaces...and hydroplaning! Without Popper tread depth to channel away water, your tires won't have enough contact with the read for proper grip. You should also ensure that the tires are properly inflated.
3. Brakes: Compared to dry pavement, braking distances can increase by up to 50% during and after a storm! If you haven't had your brakes serviced in a while, now would be a good time.
4. Lights: Not just the headlights, but your turn indicators and tail lights! You might want to get another person to help you activate all the lights as you take a quick trip around the car. In July 2005 a law passed in California; During daylight hours, if the windshield wipers of your vehicle are in use while you're driving the vehicle, the headlamps of the vehicle must be on. So, if it's raining at anytime of the day you need to have your lights on. This is important in all weather conditions though, mainly the turn indicators and making sure the break lights work.
Some other issues brought by rain that may not be a safety problem, but may be a headache:
1. A leaky sunroof: If you find that the front carpets or headliner are damp or dripping, you may want to open up your sunroof and examine the front corners, there is usually a drain hole located in each corner that empty our in the front wheel wells; if they become clogged or otherwise damaged, water can get backed up and seep into the passenger compartment!
2. Being late: When the rain comes everyone who use to walk or ride bikes to commute are now piling up in their vehicles to get to there destinations. Because of this there are a lot more vehicles on the rode, which in turn creates a longer commuting time. When you see that it is raining, add an extra 10-15min onto your commute time. It will get you to your destination without any extra frustration or accidents.
Friday, October 1, 2010
SELECT SERVICE SHOPS
We have just been currently enrolled as a Select Service Shop through the insurance companies. This entitles us to receive a monthly report card on the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of our shop, which fall under the categories of Labor, Parts, and Materials. To me one of the biggest KPI's, if not #1 is teamwork, if a shop is lacking teamwork then its lacking in every other aspect. Teamwork, to me is a team that doesn't need to be asked to be a team, they look out for one another and support each other to get the job done right the first time.
Part of being in this program I will be receiving a monthly report card to evaluate our performance. This report card isn't really up my alley, I think it is wrong to have someone reporting about how bad your business doing, it's negative re-enforcement, when it should be positive.
I do believe however, that this could help improve a shops performance by making them more accountable for there productivity and services, maybe even make them take a second look on things that they could improve on.
On this note insurance companies will recommend one of the shops they have on there list from this rating system. However, it is customers rights to have a choice on where they would like to have there vehicle repaired or serviced.
If you have any questions or like a free estimate feel free to stop on buy or give me a call at 530.893.2222
Part of being in this program I will be receiving a monthly report card to evaluate our performance. This report card isn't really up my alley, I think it is wrong to have someone reporting about how bad your business doing, it's negative re-enforcement, when it should be positive.
I do believe however, that this could help improve a shops performance by making them more accountable for there productivity and services, maybe even make them take a second look on things that they could improve on.
On this note insurance companies will recommend one of the shops they have on there list from this rating system. However, it is customers rights to have a choice on where they would like to have there vehicle repaired or serviced.
If you have any questions or like a free estimate feel free to stop on buy or give me a call at 530.893.2222
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