All posts in Auto Maintenance

Six Signs It May Be Time To Replace Your Car, Rather Than Try To Repair It

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/29 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

As an automobile owner, there will come a day when you will have to decide whether to repair your current vehicle or replace it. Many times, repairing will be the logical choice, but this may not always be the case. Here are six situations where the advantages of replacing your vehicle can’t be ignored.

Current Repair Costs

The obvious tipping point in the debate to repair versus replace is when the costs to repair are more than the vehicle is worth. Whether this is because of a single issue or the cumulative cost of multiple repairs, spending more to fix a car than it is worth doesn’t make sense. That money would likely be better spent on replacing that vehicle.

Future Repair Costs

The same can apply to future repair costs. If a repair is only a temporary fix, the issue is likely to be recurrent or a series of major services are on the horizon it may be wise to compare the costs of all of those repairs to the costs associated with a new vehicle.

New Safety Improvements

It is understood that newer vehicles are often safer than older ones. As the science of vehicle safety moves forward, so do the available features. If your car has aged to the point that it lacks many of the safety features that are considered standard today, replacing may make more than just financial sense.

Upgraded Technology

Outside of safety, other technological improvements may play into your decision. Backup cameras, parallel parking assistance, hands-free connectivity to your smartphone and in-dash navigation may provide a lot of intrinsic value to you. If a newer technology solves a need, or allows you to get through your day more easily, it may make replacing the vehicle worthwhile.

Your Needs Changed

Many changes in circumstance can make a vehicle change more attractive. If your family has recently grown or shrank, you current vehicle may not make the most sense for your new lifestyle. Even if the size of your vehicle is fine, poor gas mileage may factor in.

Emotional Wear and Tear

Even when all of the logical reasons side with repairing a vehicle, that doesn’t mean it is the right decision. If using a particular vehicle has become frustrating to the point of affecting your wellbeing, replacing it may be the right move. Sometimes you have to do what feels right just because it makes your days feel brighter.

Knowing when it’s time for a new car can save you a lot of money in the long run. Just because you may need to replace car, it doesn’t always mean you have to spend a fortune on a new one. For example, you can find great deals on both new and used cars at Quebedeaux Buick GMC. Getting a new or used car that is more reliable and in better condition is a smart move.

Five Cars from 2015 with the Best Gas Mileage

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/10 in Saving Fuel with Comments Off

Automotive technology has advanced a long way over the last two decades. The miles per gallon, or MPG, that cars can achieve today was impossible just a short time ago. And it come as no surprise the best cars in this area all hybrids or electric vehicles. Here are the five cars from 2015 with the best gas mileage from least to most efficient.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf has been around a relatively long time. It has a reputation as being a very versatile and powerful electric car on the road. It is even commonly used in business fleets. The leaf is capable of getting 126 MPG driving in the city, and 101 MPG traveling on the highway.

Fiat 500e

The Fiat 500e is a sporty car that was designed to be fun and fuel-efficient. It has a unique appearance and a stylized interior, and its distinctive sports theme comes with a hatchback for loading in oversized items. The Fiat 500e can get 122 MPG in the city and 108 MPG going long distances on the highway.

Volkswagen e-Golf

The Volkswagen e-Golf is relatively new and was designed to look and feel like the other cars in the Golf line. It has the same sleek lines, precision manufacturing, and comfortable interior. The e-Golf can achieve at least 125 MPG city driving and 106 MPG on highways.

Chevrolet Spark EV

The Chevrolet Spark EV is a minicar designed to be exceptionally safe on the roads. The steel frame can resist hard impacts from all sides, and has even won awards for safety. It handles well and has an attractive design. In the city, the car gets 128 MPG along with 109 MPG on the highway. This is the second best gas mileage of any car from 2015.

BMW i3

The most fuel-efficient car of 2015 is the BMW i3 for the second year in a row. The i3 is stylish, satisfying to drive, and safe. It reflects many of the core principles of BMW and even has a fuel extender so you can keep going on extended trips. The BMW i3 gets an amazing 137 MPG in the city and 111 MPG on highways.

Although gas mileage has gone up in recent years, auto manufacturers are not done yet. Drivers can expect to see cars that can achieve 150 to 200 MPG in a very short time. Some concept cars can already do this and are the best options if you want to save money on gas. If you’re shopping for a car make sure you check an Autobank of Kansas City to see what kind of MPG you can get with your budget.

Fine Tuning: Things to Check on Your Car Every Year

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/05 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

In addition to keeping you and your passengers safe, regular vehicle maintenance and inspections will also prevent expensive breakdowns and a drain on your wallet. Here is a look at some simple maintenance tips that will keep your car running smoothly throughout the years.

Start with the Owner’s Manual

Every driver should be familiar with their owner’s manual, and keep it in their car at all times. If you have lost your manual or one did not come with your car, this information can generally be found online. The owner’s manual will cover all of the maintenance information for that particular vehicle. This includes everything from how often the oil must be changed, to the proper tire pressure. It’s specific to the vehicle making it a valuable resource for you.

Fluids

Even if you are not comfortable changing your car’s fluids or topping them off, you should still know how to properly check them. Owners will need to read the car’s manual in order to see which fluids must be checked with the car on, and which must be checked with the car off. As a general rule, all fluids should be checked at least once a month or every few thousand miles of driving. This includes radiator coolant, oil, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.

Tires

Old or damaged tires are extremely dangerous and must be replaced immediately. Car owners should speak with experts like the Free Service Tire Company about how long their tires will last, but most will need to be replaced every one or two years. When inspecting tires, owners should look for any visible signs of damage such as rot. It is also important to inspect the amount of tread that is left on each tire. In order to increase the longevity of tires, drivers should have them rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

Brakes

Brakes are slightly more difficult to check, and most owners will want to have this done by a professional. Luckily, there are some safety features implemented in brakes and brake pads that could give you a hint that they are ready to be replaced. Many brake pads will begin to squeak when they have become worn. Depending on your driving style, and the type of brake pads that you have purchased, they can last for anywhere from just a few months to a year or longer.

Properly maintaining your vehicle should be seen as an investment in your safety. All drivers should consult their owner’s manual before getting behind the wheel in order to understand the unique maintenance steps that must be taken for their own vehicle.

Bad Accident? 5 Ways to Avoid Pesky Legal Issues

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/27 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

Unfortunately, accidents are never planned hence why they are called an accident. Therefore, when they happen numerous things need to be done very quickly. Otherwise, a simple legal situation may become very complex. To keep this from happening, there are five things that accident victims can do to protect themselves and in order to follow the law.

Take Detailed Notes

If a person is involved in an accident, it pays to take detailed notes if possible while still at the scene. Writing down the date, time, names of people involved, what led up to the accident, and more can play a pivotal role if the case goes to court. However, copies of these notes should not be given to police officers at the scene or any insurance company personnel. Instead contact a law firm such as Hammett, Bellin & Oswald LLC and turn the notes over to them for use as potential evidence in the case. With these notes, try and take photos if you can and keep them with the notes that you have already taken.

Call the Police

If an accident involves injuries to others or significant property damage, the police should be contacted as soon as possible. In fact, if more than $1,000 in damages is done to personal property or $200 damage to government property, the law requires that police be called to the scene. The police will then take statement from any and all parties involved in the accident to get an accurate report of what actually happened. This report can be accessed by all parties should any legal or insurance issues arise. Make sure that you do not leave the scene of the accident until you are dismissed by the police officer.

Photos and Videos

Thanks to cell phones, photos and videos can be taken instantaneously at virtually any accident scene. If a case goes to court or is questioned by an insurance company, these key pieces of evidence can turn the case around in a hurry. If possible, take pictures of the damage done to the vehicles, the accident scene itself, and anything else that may be relevant to the case.

Make Sure the Scene is Safe

To ensure no other damage is done or people injured, make the scene as safe as possible. If able, get vehicles moved out of the way of traffic and use flares, blinkers, or other lights to alert others to the accident scene.

Contact an Attorney

In addition to the previous steps, contacting an attorney experienced in accidents and personal injury can be crucial to getting any compensation you may deserve. Accident cases, especially auto accidents, are very complex and usually require an attorney with many years of experience in this area.

By taking these steps when involved in an accident, it may be possible to avoid many legal pitfalls later on. However, it may not be possible if any other party involved decides to pursue legal action. While it’s never guaranteed how any accident will play out in court or with insurance companies, being as prepared as possible will put the odds greatly in your favor.

Preventing Collisions: Tips For Safer Driving Habits

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/18 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

In some states, motor vehicle fatalities have increased this year. Various factors may be to blame, including driving under the influence, poor road conditions, and texting while driving. While you can’t be sure what other drivers will do, the average person behind the wheel can do several things to help prevent collisions.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Anything

We all know this is a very bad idea, but some do it anyway. If you’re drinking, taking medicine that makes you sleepy, or feeling very ill, don’t drive anywhere. Wait for a ride or call a taxi. A substantial number of road accidents happen because of driving when people aren’t able to manage a vehicle.

Don’t Get Distracted While Driving

Texting, using a mobile phone, playing with the vehicle’s radio or CD player, and trying to quiet screaming toddlers or arguing adults takes your attention off the road where it should be. Although some distractions can’t be avoided, for example, taking your little ones to preschool, you may want to pull over and calm your child before resuming the drive. Other distractions can and should be minimized.

Don’t Play Games While Driving

This means not to challenge other drivers to race you on the highway or accept a dare from one of your vehicle’s passengers, like outdistance an approaching train. Taking chances and behaving foolishly has led to many serious and some fatal collisions.

Obey Traffic Laws

This seems obvious, but for many it is optional. Traffic laws are implemented to protect drivers and passengers. When rules are broken, accidents are more likely to occur, and it is at that time that contacting a professional like Attorney Trevor M. Quirk is the right move to do. Negligence on your part can lead to costly repair fees and potential jail time. Don’t be the one on the road that others are worried to be around.

Avoid High-traffic Roads or Times

Again, this may not be possible all the time, especially if you drive to and from work at rush hour. But some drivers leave a little early to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns, especially in bad weather. Try to find a less-congested route to your destination if it doesn’t require significantly more time or gas.

Schedule Your Vehicle for Routine Checkups and Maintenance

Most late-model vehicles have indicators to show the oil life remaining. Some indicators will let drivers know air pressure is low. Do not ignore warning lights. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle checked at least once or twice a year to ensure important parts are working properly, including headlights, brakes, and belts.

Tips like these can mean the difference between life and death. Pay attention, drive safely, and keep your vehicle in good working condition.