New drivers and the New Law takes effect Dec. 24th, 2011
Parents of new drivers please enforce this new law AND include No cell Phone or Texting use while driving.
There are Apps available that will disable incoming texts and phone calls while the car is in motion.
Here is a link to this app. It may save a life and get you a car insurance discount. http://www.textecution.com/
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Top Ten Tips for Holiday Travel "Are we there yet?"
Holiday Travel advice and preparation list. Keywords are in bold.
1. Have your car in for a check up to make sure all the fluids are in good condition, tires have tread and air in them and make sure they check your spare tire air and that the jack is all there and ready to go if needed.
2. If taking a long journey make sure you know your route, GPS or paper map it helps if you make a wrong turn to have something.
3. If children are going be sure to bring them something to do, a game, make up a game, it makes the time pass quick and you may not hear "Are we there yet"
4. Cell Phone and charger. Also call ahead and let someone know the time you're leaving and time you plan to arrive.
5. In case you have a breakdown bring a Flashlight, Blankets, Energy bars, Gallon of water, Road flares or flashing LED Device. You just never know when you might need this stuff. Good pair of pliers screwdrivers and some Duct tape just might save the day. a Can of Fix-A-Flat might get you to the next rest area.
6. Get plenty of rest, never drive when you are exhausted.
7. Take a break every 2 or 3 hours and get out, stretch , walk around the car and make sure the tires all look inflated, it really is a good idea. A low tire can be dealt with easier in a rest area than along a dangerous interstate highway. Always pull far off the road as you can if you are along the highway.
8. Clear visibility out the windows, I see it to often that critical views are blocked by large packages. UPS the oversized window blocking gifts, do not block your view from the center rear view mirror. Seriously.
9. Be a defensive driver, too many accidents happen because the driver is distracted. Swerving to avoid things in the road if done safely is okay but quick moves left or right might cause a car to skid, yours or theirs.
Look way down the road ahead of you, it's amazing what you might avoid.
10. I know these all seem like common sense but very few people prepare themselves ahead of time and then end up with a ruined trip. Have a safe drive everyone!
1. Have your car in for a check up to make sure all the fluids are in good condition, tires have tread and air in them and make sure they check your spare tire air and that the jack is all there and ready to go if needed.
2. If taking a long journey make sure you know your route, GPS or paper map it helps if you make a wrong turn to have something.
3. If children are going be sure to bring them something to do, a game, make up a game, it makes the time pass quick and you may not hear "Are we there yet"
4. Cell Phone and charger. Also call ahead and let someone know the time you're leaving and time you plan to arrive.
5. In case you have a breakdown bring a Flashlight, Blankets, Energy bars, Gallon of water, Road flares or flashing LED Device. You just never know when you might need this stuff. Good pair of pliers screwdrivers and some Duct tape just might save the day. a Can of Fix-A-Flat might get you to the next rest area.
6. Get plenty of rest, never drive when you are exhausted.
7. Take a break every 2 or 3 hours and get out, stretch , walk around the car and make sure the tires all look inflated, it really is a good idea. A low tire can be dealt with easier in a rest area than along a dangerous interstate highway. Always pull far off the road as you can if you are along the highway.
8. Clear visibility out the windows, I see it to often that critical views are blocked by large packages. UPS the oversized window blocking gifts, do not block your view from the center rear view mirror. Seriously.
9. Be a defensive driver, too many accidents happen because the driver is distracted. Swerving to avoid things in the road if done safely is okay but quick moves left or right might cause a car to skid, yours or theirs.
Look way down the road ahead of you, it's amazing what you might avoid.
10. I know these all seem like common sense but very few people prepare themselves ahead of time and then end up with a ruined trip. Have a safe drive everyone!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Santa Says
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Value of Knowledge: Buying Tires
Tires are like the Eraser on a pencil.
They are designed to get a grip, stop safely and cushion the ride between you and the road.
Tires are designed to wear out, that is their function.
Tires are rated and here is what to look for when buying.
On the side of every tire is a Treadwear rate usually between 300- 600
300 being the lowest rating means it wears out quicker and 600 meaning it will last the longest.
Any tire with a Treadwear rating around 420 -500 is a good buy, it will last between 30,000 miles to 40,000 miles on average. The tire below is rated at 440 and is priced at about $85.
TEMPERATURE Rating = A B or C meaning a tire with a Temperature rate of A indicates it begins getting a grip quicker when ice cold to normal within minutes of driving.
TRACTION = A B or C meaning a tire gets a grip sooner with an A or B than a C.
B is a good combo because it means the tire will last longer. I would stay away from C.
Do Not buy tires based on just Price. Buying a 300-c-c- rated tire will not last, ask the question. What is this tires rating?
Sunday, December 11, 2011
AIR in your Tires $aves you money
Having the proper amount of air in your tires is important for a number of reasons.
Low tires wear out quicker and can be unsafe causing flats. Low tires waste gas.
Warm tire pressures will be 3lbs more than the recommended COLD tire setting.
If it says 33psi cold.....after you've driven it should read between 35-36psi.
Watch my video below. This was on NBC 10 newscast for tips to save gas.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Would you attend a seminar about cars?
I have been asked to do a "Ladies day at the Garage" many times and I finally think I can do it.
After the Holidays sometimes in January. Saturday 10am
A one hour program on a Saturday morning showing you how to do really basic things.
Checking motor oil, transmission fluid levels. Inflating and checking the air in your tires.
Where is the spare tire and if you must change it I could show you how, it's easy stuff.
We have a warm shop that can hold about twenty. www.hrautoservice.com
I promise we won't get greasy. Anybody interested?
Sneakers, jeans and fun. Coffee, Tea and Pastries. Questions answered.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Do you have Allergies? Take a look at this.
The Cabin Air Filter
If you suffer from allergies you can benefit from clean filtered air inside your car.
The Cabin Air Filter is part of the Heater and Air Conditioning system that filters the air coming inside of your car. Price can range from $15 to $30.
Replace in the spring and fall isn't a bad idea.
It also improves air circulation within the cars heating and air condtioning systems.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Do you own a Ford Windstar? Tracy Davidson reports
Windstar axles break and cause major half a million Van Recall.
This family had just come off of I-95, turned onto the exit ramp and the axle snapped in half before the recall was issued.
Tracy Davidson is the hardest working reporter I know. Because or her visit to my shop and our concern about injuries from the axle breaking FORD recalled the axles. The recall is still in effect. What the video.
First to report the Martin Families Nightmare from our garage. 
Watch the report. There are still older Windstars out there and if you own one or know of someone unaware of this recall please contact me, I'll put it on the lift and inspect the axle and help advise you about what you need to do at no charge.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Check Engine Light On?
Check Engine Light is on. (CEL) What does this mean?
The reasons can be many, FREE CHECK ENGINE Checks signs are everywhere and they are reading the code that is logged, not the reason that code is set.
The only way to determine exactly what it will take to fix it is proper testing with expensive equipment. Training and knowledge along with factory information systems is what it takes to get to the right answer as to why that CEL is on.
The guy at the auto parts store with a tiny hand held code reader is there to sell parts not fix cars. Guessing without testing costs consumers Millions in unnecesary repairs by replacing parts that are not needed until the problem is resolved or it comes to me to finally be tested and repaired correctly.
WE Solve CEL light problems. I've heard all the horror stories of hundreds of dollars spent elsewhere because they were guessing.
Ok, now to what the CEL means. It means your car is polluting, the car has a computer. That computer monitors many systems from the engine, transmission,and fuel tank vapors being sent into the atmosphere.
The CEL comes on when your cars emissions exceed 1 1/2 times the allowable level.
There are close to 1,000 codes that can represent many types of systems failures.
The CODE has a number that is related to the AREA that is giving the problem.
Example: a code PO171 says one side of the engine is getting to much air in the air/fuel mixture. Common mistake is a shop replacing an Oxygen sensor...Common sense to me is the Oxygen Sensor must be working if it sensed something was happening, but again....TESTING...The Oxygen sensor may have failed but sometimes it is because a small rubber hose may have fallen off....The Answer is in the testing.
Sorry for being long winded about this explanation...it's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your CEL being on.
ASK QUESTIONS: Do NOT let anyone guess with your Money! We Test not Guess.
The reasons can be many, FREE CHECK ENGINE Checks signs are everywhere and they are reading the code that is logged, not the reason that code is set.
The only way to determine exactly what it will take to fix it is proper testing with expensive equipment. Training and knowledge along with factory information systems is what it takes to get to the right answer as to why that CEL is on.
The guy at the auto parts store with a tiny hand held code reader is there to sell parts not fix cars. Guessing without testing costs consumers Millions in unnecesary repairs by replacing parts that are not needed until the problem is resolved or it comes to me to finally be tested and repaired correctly.
WE Solve CEL light problems. I've heard all the horror stories of hundreds of dollars spent elsewhere because they were guessing.
Ok, now to what the CEL means. It means your car is polluting, the car has a computer. That computer monitors many systems from the engine, transmission,and fuel tank vapors being sent into the atmosphere.
The CEL comes on when your cars emissions exceed 1 1/2 times the allowable level.
There are close to 1,000 codes that can represent many types of systems failures.
The CODE has a number that is related to the AREA that is giving the problem.
Example: a code PO171 says one side of the engine is getting to much air in the air/fuel mixture. Common mistake is a shop replacing an Oxygen sensor...Common sense to me is the Oxygen Sensor must be working if it sensed something was happening, but again....TESTING...The Oxygen sensor may have failed but sometimes it is because a small rubber hose may have fallen off....The Answer is in the testing.
Sorry for being long winded about this explanation...it's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to your CEL being on.
ASK QUESTIONS: Do NOT let anyone guess with your Money! We Test not Guess.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
You've got a Ticket to Ride?
Amusement parks charge a price to ride the rides and owning a car is the same.
Everytime you hop in the car it has a cost to ride, like an amusement park.
30 days in a month averaging 3 trips per day would work out to about a dollar a trip.
Imagine sticking a dollar in a money box each time you start off.
An earlier blog had my estimate of costs to own a car at $75-$100 a month that would pay for all of a cars services and repairs. Gas not included.
If you picture your car like an amusement ride you can get off that Roller Coaster of surprises when it comes time to pay to keep your ride going.
Everytime you hop in the car it has a cost to ride, like an amusement park.
30 days in a month averaging 3 trips per day would work out to about a dollar a trip.
Imagine sticking a dollar in a money box each time you start off.
An earlier blog had my estimate of costs to own a car at $75-$100 a month that would pay for all of a cars services and repairs. Gas not included.
If you picture your car like an amusement ride you can get off that Roller Coaster of surprises when it comes time to pay to keep your ride going.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Budgeting for 150,000 miles and Beyond.
Car repairs are expensive when it all comes at once.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead if you want to have NO car payments for years after the car is paid off is actually quite easy.
I have been in this business for 36 yrs and our tracking system gives me the data of what it costs to keep a car for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Budgeting for the car is usually not considered and it is always a shock when the car needs $800 or more in repairs.
From the day a car is brand new the monthly budget should be $75.
This does not apply to the high end cars like Mercedes,BMW, or large SUV's. They need more expensive Tires,repairs.
The first 2 or 3 years you may only spend money on oil changes and minor service but that $75 should still be set aside untouched. Somewhere around 30,000 - 40,000 miles the first set of new tires and brakes will be needed and the cost will eat up most of that money that has accumulated.
The Data we have accumulated over the 100,000 mile cost of ownership says that the average car costs are about $75 a month. If you have a Budget that is the number you should use.
This includes Oil changes, tires, brakes, unexpected repairs like alternators and starters, steering parts, and normal maintenance, even timing belts.
Plan ahead and it will ease your mind.
Those expensive repairs all at once will be less stressful.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead if you want to have NO car payments for years after the car is paid off is actually quite easy.
I have been in this business for 36 yrs and our tracking system gives me the data of what it costs to keep a car for hundreds of thousands of miles.
Budgeting for the car is usually not considered and it is always a shock when the car needs $800 or more in repairs.
From the day a car is brand new the monthly budget should be $75.
This does not apply to the high end cars like Mercedes,BMW, or large SUV's. They need more expensive Tires,repairs.
The first 2 or 3 years you may only spend money on oil changes and minor service but that $75 should still be set aside untouched. Somewhere around 30,000 - 40,000 miles the first set of new tires and brakes will be needed and the cost will eat up most of that money that has accumulated.
The Data we have accumulated over the 100,000 mile cost of ownership says that the average car costs are about $75 a month. If you have a Budget that is the number you should use.
This includes Oil changes, tires, brakes, unexpected repairs like alternators and starters, steering parts, and normal maintenance, even timing belts.
Plan ahead and it will ease your mind.
Those expensive repairs all at once will be less stressful.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Are you ready for anything?
Holiday Travels can be stressful. Wishing everyone a Safe Thanksgiving.
Most people do not carry the basic things in their car that can save them stress and money.
Here is Hal's Basic List
Flashlight and extra new Batteries.
Emergency Roadside flares or better yet a blinking orange warning light. (www.solargoose.com has these called Octopus lights.)
First Aid Kit (buy the large kit) most Walgreens,CVS,Rite Aid sells them.
Wool Blanket.
Jumper Cables.
1 Gallon of Water. 1 quart of Motor Oil, Transmission Oil. Small funnel.
These are really basic items that cost little and can be worth a lot if a problem developes in your travels.
CHARGE your PHONE.
If traveling alone let someone know your route and expected time of arrival, call them when you arrive safely.
Note: If any problem developes contact the local police by dialing for an operator to get the state police to assist. ONLY call 911 in the case of an accident.
Now that I raised your stress level just thinking about all this.....
RELAX and have a Safe Trip.
Most people do not carry the basic things in their car that can save them stress and money.
Here is Hal's Basic List
Flashlight and extra new Batteries.
Emergency Roadside flares or better yet a blinking orange warning light. (www.solargoose.com has these called Octopus lights.)
First Aid Kit (buy the large kit) most Walgreens,CVS,Rite Aid sells them.
Wool Blanket.
Jumper Cables.
1 Gallon of Water. 1 quart of Motor Oil, Transmission Oil. Small funnel.
These are really basic items that cost little and can be worth a lot if a problem developes in your travels.
CHARGE your PHONE.
If traveling alone let someone know your route and expected time of arrival, call them when you arrive safely.
Note: If any problem developes contact the local police by dialing for an operator to get the state police to assist. ONLY call 911 in the case of an accident.
Now that I raised your stress level just thinking about all this.....
RELAX and have a Safe Trip.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Wiper Blades and Streaking
Streaking is a common problem with wiper blades. The rubber wiping surface becomes worn out from all the junk that windshields accumulate.
They wear out between a year to 2 years.
The poor wiper blade is asked to move snow,sleet and ice in the winter.
In the summer it is subjected to hot temperatures and then be cooled down quickly when those summer showers happen.
Wiper blades can be so worn they scratch your windshield costing hundreds of dollars. A blade only starts out as a thin strip of rubber.
Depending on where you live and the climate will determine when to change them.
Here in Pennsylvania I usually have to change mine once every 16 months.
Most are easy to change and we don't even charge for our time to install them.
I like the Anco Brand and have used them for as long as I can remember.
Prices can range from $6 to $14 for most sizes up to 24inches.
Bargain Wipers might be cheaper old stock that is on sale because they are old. Rubber hardens with age and they do not last as long as the Anco's.
It's Raining!
They wear out between a year to 2 years.
The poor wiper blade is asked to move snow,sleet and ice in the winter.
In the summer it is subjected to hot temperatures and then be cooled down quickly when those summer showers happen.
Wiper blades can be so worn they scratch your windshield costing hundreds of dollars. A blade only starts out as a thin strip of rubber.
Depending on where you live and the climate will determine when to change them.
Here in Pennsylvania I usually have to change mine once every 16 months.
Most are easy to change and we don't even charge for our time to install them.
I like the Anco Brand and have used them for as long as I can remember.
Prices can range from $6 to $14 for most sizes up to 24inches.
Bargain Wipers might be cheaper old stock that is on sale because they are old. Rubber hardens with age and they do not last as long as the Anco's.
It's Raining!
Don't mess with Mom.
This is my mom in 1956 with her MG
Mom has always been a no nonsense gal when it came to car repairs.
She read the owners manual, doesn't fall for sales pitches and knows her car.
She told me a funny story about her trip to a dealership for a complimentary oil service on her new 2o10 Chrysler mini van with only 5,000 miles.
They came out to the waiting area with her air filter and a sales pitch.
In Mom's words. No thanks, you think I'm stupid and can't see that air filter is still clean?
I don't need it and I ought to Smack you upside the head with it. Where's the manager?
Mom Knows Cars!
Remember ASK QUESTIONS and have them show you what they say you need.
Mom has always been a no nonsense gal when it came to car repairs.
She read the owners manual, doesn't fall for sales pitches and knows her car.
She told me a funny story about her trip to a dealership for a complimentary oil service on her new 2o10 Chrysler mini van with only 5,000 miles.
They came out to the waiting area with her air filter and a sales pitch.
In Mom's words. No thanks, you think I'm stupid and can't see that air filter is still clean?
I don't need it and I ought to Smack you upside the head with it. Where's the manager?
Mom Knows Cars!
Remember ASK QUESTIONS and have them show you what they say you need.
The Wallet Flush.Don't waste your money!
Okay, you are at the Quicky Lube for a normal oil change service and out comes the mechanic or sales manager with a sales pitch.
You need a new air filter and the transmission oil needs to be flushed. While you are here we should also flush out the engine, flush out the power steering fluid and change the antifreeze.
This can add up to hundreds of dollars and your car only has 25,000 miles on it.
Air Filters may be needed once a year if you live on a backwoods dirt road, high dust and dirt levels or inner city driving. Air filters usually last 30,000 miles. This is kind of a grey area and yes maybe you do need one. Have him shine a light through it and if you can't see light coming through you probably do need one.
All of the fluid change intervals are listed in the Owners Manual by mileage.
Do not fall for the "It's Preventive Maintenance" pitch.
NEVER allow your engine to be flushed as it can cause expensive problems later.
Many newer cars have Transmission fluids that last 100,000 miles. Do Not Flush it.
Power Steering fluid changes might be a good idea every 60,000 miles or whatever the owners manual says. Some Power Steering fluids last 100,000 miles.
Antifreeze flush. Bad idea as the pressure can cause leaks especially in the heater which can lead to very expensive repairs.
The Owners manual will say when it needs to be drained and replaced.
Brake fluid is dirty you are told. The only way to test brake fluid is with a moisture content tester. Brake fluid can be cloudy or discolored and still be fine.
Wallet Flushes have become a huge profit center for many Car Service shops, dealerships and independent garages.
Topping off all fluid levels using the correct fluids for you car is very important and levels should be checked monthly.
ASK QUESTIONS and do not allow the fear of a problem to overwhelm you.
Follow the owners manual, if you do not have a copy it can be downloaded in most cases from your carmakers website.
You need a new air filter and the transmission oil needs to be flushed. While you are here we should also flush out the engine, flush out the power steering fluid and change the antifreeze.
This can add up to hundreds of dollars and your car only has 25,000 miles on it.
Air Filters may be needed once a year if you live on a backwoods dirt road, high dust and dirt levels or inner city driving. Air filters usually last 30,000 miles. This is kind of a grey area and yes maybe you do need one. Have him shine a light through it and if you can't see light coming through you probably do need one.
All of the fluid change intervals are listed in the Owners Manual by mileage.
Do not fall for the "It's Preventive Maintenance" pitch.
NEVER allow your engine to be flushed as it can cause expensive problems later.
Many newer cars have Transmission fluids that last 100,000 miles. Do Not Flush it.
Power Steering fluid changes might be a good idea every 60,000 miles or whatever the owners manual says. Some Power Steering fluids last 100,000 miles.
Antifreeze flush. Bad idea as the pressure can cause leaks especially in the heater which can lead to very expensive repairs.
The Owners manual will say when it needs to be drained and replaced.
Brake fluid is dirty you are told. The only way to test brake fluid is with a moisture content tester. Brake fluid can be cloudy or discolored and still be fine.
Wallet Flushes have become a huge profit center for many Car Service shops, dealerships and independent garages.
Topping off all fluid levels using the correct fluids for you car is very important and levels should be checked monthly.
ASK QUESTIONS and do not allow the fear of a problem to overwhelm you.
Follow the owners manual, if you do not have a copy it can be downloaded in most cases from your carmakers website.
Empowering women with knowledge.
I created this blog to share my 40 years of experience in the auto repair business.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a good understanding of what it takes to feel okay about your repair experience?
Men and Women sometimes feel they are at the mercy of the repair shop. I believe it does not have to be that way.
I feel that women are my best customers. Intuitive when it comes to things going wrong, that strange noise, the vibrations when you apply the brakes, the warning lights on the dash all mean something is going wrong and it needs attention.
Cars are complex today. Keeping a car in dependable condition is the least expensive way of ownership. You want it to start everytime and get you to your destination safely.
Following the owners manual is key to saving money over the lifetime of your car.
Regular service intervals are important.
I am available to answer any questions you may have about cars.
I am new to blogging but feel this is a good way to get information out there.
Ladies, Go with your intuition when it comes to dealing with repair shops.
Is it clean and organized? Do they make you feel welcome when you walk in the door?
Do they listen and understand what you are experiencing?
Is the shop familiar with your brand of car and have access to information to perform a proper repair.
ASK QUESTIONS
Wouldn't it be nice to have a good understanding of what it takes to feel okay about your repair experience?
Men and Women sometimes feel they are at the mercy of the repair shop. I believe it does not have to be that way.
I feel that women are my best customers. Intuitive when it comes to things going wrong, that strange noise, the vibrations when you apply the brakes, the warning lights on the dash all mean something is going wrong and it needs attention.
Cars are complex today. Keeping a car in dependable condition is the least expensive way of ownership. You want it to start everytime and get you to your destination safely.
Following the owners manual is key to saving money over the lifetime of your car.
Regular service intervals are important.
I am available to answer any questions you may have about cars.
I am new to blogging but feel this is a good way to get information out there.
Ladies, Go with your intuition when it comes to dealing with repair shops.
Is it clean and organized? Do they make you feel welcome when you walk in the door?
Do they listen and understand what you are experiencing?
Is the shop familiar with your brand of car and have access to information to perform a proper repair.
ASK QUESTIONS
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