Teen Driving New Law takes effect in Pennsylvania

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/

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!

Santa Says

I wish you all a safe Christmas!



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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.

The 3 Ts are a government rating. TREADWEAR - TEMPERATURE - TRACTION.

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?

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8b91jy9uPI

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.

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.

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeBVuYj5zj0

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.