Author: leahysauto

7 Must Know Tips for Safe Fall Driving

Don’t brake on leaves. Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Drive slowly through them and avoid hard braking. Leaves may obscure lane lines and other road markers, so pay attention to the edge of the road and take care to stay in your lane, advises PennDOT.

Avoid sun glare. On and near the autumnal equinox (which fell on September 23 in 2015), the first 15 to 45 minutes after sunrise and before sunset can make for more difficult driving due to sun glare. The sun perfectly aligns with east/west roadways during this time. Grab a good pair of sunglasses for the daytime, keep your windshield clean and use north/south streets or streets with tree cover when possible, says the National Weather Service.

Use your rain smarts. During fall, many cities see increased rainfall. When it’s raining, be sure to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, as the wet roads may be more slippery than usual and you may be at higher risk of hydroplaning. Use your low beams or fog lights (never high beams) in fog conditions, says the Minnesota Safety Council.

Be careful on bridges. As the temperature begins to drop, morning frost can leave icy patches on bridges, overpasses and shaded spots on the road. Slow down.

Adjust your eyes. We lose 1 to 2 minutes of daylight daily after the autumnal equinox according to the National Weather Service. After leaving home or the office and before hitting the gas petal, give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, advises the Minnesota Safety Council. It takes them between 2 and 5 minutes to start adjusting.

Watch out for deer. Autumn marks the beginning of deer breeding season and they will be more active in areas near the road, says the PennDOT. Deer are most active during sunset and sunrise so be extra watchful when driving near the woods and near deer crossing signs.

Make sure your vehicle is up to the task. That means you should:

Check your tire pressure. Tires lose 1 to 2 pounds of pressure for every 10-degree temperature drop, according to the Utah Safety Council.
Replace your windshield wipers. A really clean window can help you see when there’s glare.
Adjust your headlights. If your headlights seem too dim, ask your mechanic to make sure they’re aligned properly.

Full Article at: http://www.safebee.com/travel/7-fall-driving-safety-tips

12 Easy Ways To Save On Gas

When it comes to our vehicles, it is always a plus to get the most efficiency from the gasoline purchased. Of course, the ideal situation is to understand the culprits that contribute to the quick consumption of our vehicle’s precious gasoline. Let us look at some of the things that have a negative impact on our automobile’s gas consumption.

If a vehicle is left to idle excessively, one runs the risk of also decreasing the amount of miles per gallon for a vehicle. The reason it is not wise to drive at higher rates of speed is that driving at high velocity increases the aerodynamic pull (wind resistance). When we exceed 80 miles per hour, fuel efficiency takes an even steeper dive.

Factors that can reduce fuel efficiency are colder winter weather as well as shorter and more frequent trips. An engine does not operate as efficiently as when the motor is warmed up. Allowing your vehicle to idle in order to warm up the engine actually uses more fuel.

Now that we know about gas-guzzling bad habits, here are a dozen terrific gas-saving tips, which will keep you from having to make those costly trips to the gas pump.

Original Article At: https://www.buzzfeed.com/purplefeed/12-easy-ways-to-save-on-gas-3686u

Be a prudent driver

Never be an aggressive driver. Fast acceleration, speeding, and applying your brakes heavily wastes gas by over 30 percent. Prudent driving is safer for you, your family, and others. Therefore, you would be saving much more than fuel costs.

Observing the speed limit is important

Vehicles reach optimum fuel efficiency at varying speeds, and gas mileage decreases quickly at speeds of over 50 miles per hour. Besides, observing legal speed limits is also a much safer way to drive

Use your overdrive gears

When in use, your overdrive gears help your vehicle’s engine speed decrease. This saves gas and reduces wear and tear on your engine.

Cruise control is your friend

Turning on your cruise control feature while doing highway driving, will most definitely help you save on gasoline because you are maintaining a constant rate of speed.

Prevent extreme idling

Idling will consume up to a half gallon of gas per hour, depending upon the size of your engine and the use of the air conditioner while in idling mode.

Keep your engine well tuned

Repairing a vehicle that is obviously out of tune or has failed a smog inspection, will improve that car’s gas mileage. Fixing a bad oxygen sensor will increase your mileage by over 35 percent.

Use the recommended motor oil

Using your automobile manufacturer’s recommended motor oil grade, will improve your gasoline mileage by one to two percent.

Replace clogged air filters

Make sure to replace air filters at the recommended mileage intervals. If you replace a clogged air filter, it will help with acceleration.

Keep your tires properly inflate

Your car’s gas mileage improves by over three percent when your tires are kept inflated to the factory recommended tire pressure. The tire pressure for your vehicle is found on the driver’s side door.

Remove extra weight

Stay away from storing needless items in your car, especially heavy items. Even an additional 100 pounds in your car will reduce your miles per gallon by about two percent.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you will have a good chunk of money saved up

10 Simple Summer Car Care Tips

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but car care doesn’t take a vacation between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The warmer months present some challenges to personal transportation and maintenance, but this list will help us all have a summer we can enjoy. Here are our top 10 tips to keeping your car — and its passengers — in good shape this summer.

1. Coolant System

Keeping cool is paramount, not just for ourselves but also for our cars. In addition to checking the level of coolant fluid in your car, go the extra mile and inspect the state of the hoses and the coolant reservoir. Keep an eye out for leaks, especially at joints and connection points, such as where a hose connects to the engine block. Also, squeeze the hoses (when the engine is cool) every once in a while to make sure they feel firm and not excessively squishy or soft.

2. Engine Belts

There is usually a serpentine belt that runs between the alternator, the fan and several other components. It can deteriorate, become loose, start to squeal, and sometimes just break for no apparent reason. It needs to be in good condition and at the right amount of tension. If you see cracks in the belt or small pieces missing, it’s time to replace the belt.

3. Wipers

Yes, it’s summer, but it’s probably going to rain at some point. Worn wipers create nasty streaks across the windshield and can affect your vision while driving. Replacing them doesn’t cost much, but it can be a fiddly operation. If you’re in the habit of taking your car in for oil changes, ask them about the wipers, too. Sometimes a dealership will sell you the wipers and install them for free.

4. Other Essential Fluids

Check oil, brake, power-steering and windshield-washer fluids regularly. These liquids never stop being used and consumed. Speaking of brake fluid, how do the brakes on your car feel in general? Are they lacking in bite? Feeling a bit spongy? If so, new pads and a system bleed might be required. This is the kind of maintenance you should have your mechanic or dealership take care of.

5. Air-Conditioning System

Air-conditioning is a summer essential. If the system hasn’t been working properly but wasn’t really a pressing issue over the winter, now’s the time to get serious. If it’s an older system, then leaking Freon into the atmosphere is not good. There are plenty of leak-sealing products and refrigerant rechargers available from hobbyist stores and even places like Walmart. Remember, if there’s not enough refrigerant in the system, you have a leak. Have a qualified mechanic fix the leak before paying to have the air-conditioning system recharged.

6. Air Filter

The winter’s decomposing leaves may be clogging up drainage points, windshield-washer nozzles or your car’s air filter. Now might be a good time to buy a new one or take the current one out and give it a cleaning. Many modern cars also have pollen filters or cabin filtration systems, so take a look at those, too. Sometimes these cabin filters are easy to change yourself. Like everything else mentioned here: When in doubt, consult a qualified technician.

7. Tires

Tires really need to be checked regularly all year round. Pressures must be correct (consult the manual because sometimes that information is on the inside of the fuel door or the door jamb for the driver’s door), treads should be free of stones, stray nails and the like, and all four should be in good condition. Good condition means no cracks, no uneven wear (this might be caused by a suspension problem) and plenty of tread depth. Since summer is a time for road trips, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a can of Fix-A-Flat that could at least get you to a shady spot where you could change the wheel more comfortably. The spare obviously needs to be usable, too.

8. Dashboard Sunshade

For those times when you’re not driving, but the car is still out in the sun, a cover that goes in the windshield will protect the dashboard against ultraviolet rays and help the cabin stay a little cooler. Some even have solar panels to keep the battery charged. Consider shades for the rear side windows, too, as they’ll provide some protection for the kids. This also helps prevent areas such as the rear seats and dashboard from fading over time.

9. Clean the Car

Those long, balmy evenings when the sun is a huge, orange orb hanging low in a pinky-blue sky sound blissful. But they can also be a hazard, especially when your car’s windshield is dirty. Even from the inside, that haze will diffuse the light and make things hard to see. That grime has a tendency to build up over a long period, so we don’t really notice it. Things look much sharper after your car has had a good wash, though. Keeping the exterior clean also protects the paintwork from the sun’s rays, as well as any damage caused by birds and insects. Finish off the cleaning with a good-quality wax. Car care makes financial sense in the long run.

10. Driver and Passengers

It’s hot out there. Make sure everyone’s hydrated. It’s better to make a few more bathroom breaks and stretch your legs than to end up cranky and fatigued. Plan road trips as if you were a general marching against an opposing army. Make a list of everything you’re going to need. For example: sunglasses, hats, travel mugs, games for the kids, snacks, chargers for the phones and tablets, route planner, weather forecasts, emergency triangle, flashlight and a small tool kit. If a scheduled service is coming up, think about getting it done before a long drive. It’s also wise to make sure your insurance and driving license are up to date. Have a great summer, enjoy the roads, and take care of yourself and your car.

Article originally appeared at https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/10-simple-summer-car-care-tips-240454

You can still unlock your car even with a dead key fob.

If you’ve just found yourself locked out of your car with a dead key fob, we may be able to get you going.

Remote key fobs are great until they fail. When they do, you may not be able to enter the car. Then, if you get inside, getting the car started can be foiled by a dead START button. We’ve got loads of solutions here, so find the one that most closely fits your scenario:

Swap the Battery

If your remote key fob has given up the ghost in the parking lot of a shopping center, you may be in luck. The battery may have failed, and getting it to work again might be as easy as replacing it.

To access the battery, you’ll have to open the fob. Typically, you have to use a coin or a small screwdriver to pry the battery cover open. The battery will look like a silver button. Look for the numbers on the battery and match those to a replacement battery.

Unlock the Door Remotely

Many manufacturers have remote door unlock services that can get you inside the car if your key fob is disabled, or if you’ve locked your keys inside. If your car doesn’t have an advanced remote unlocking system, roadside assistance can still get you inside. All of these services require that you have set them up ahead of time, and generally require a PIN. Here’s how to access those services:

Audi

Using the Audi MMI connect App, Audi owners can utilize remote unlocking services if the key fob is dead, or if the key is inside the car. You can learn more about the app and sign up at Audi’s website.

Acura

Vehicles equipped with AcuraLink can receive a remote unlock signal to get into the car if the key fob is dead. The service is available through the app, or via PC. Learn more at Acura’s website.

Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, RAM

FCA vehicles equipped with Uconnect are eligible for remote unlocking services if you’re currently a Uconnect subscriber. For more information on the program, visit the Uconnect website.

BMW

BMW offers remote unlocking services via its Connected Drive program. For more information on BMW, visit the Connected Drive website.

Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC

Since the 2014 model year, the General Motors brands have made OnStar RemoteLink Mobile App services standard for five years, even if you’ve declined to pay for other OnStar services beyond the trial period. If your key fob is dead and you haven’t downloaded the OnStar app, go ahead and do it and get in touch with an OnStar operator to see if they can unlock your door remotely. You can also contact OnStar on the phone at (888) 466-7827.

Ford, Lincoln, Ford Trucks

Vehicles equipped with Sync Connect — 2016 model year forward — can remotely unlock their vehicles using the Sync Connect app. Owners need to enable SYNC Connect through a two-step authentication process to protect personal information, confirming setup on the vehicle touch screen and on the mobile application. Information on the service is available at Ford’s website.

Honda

Honda doesn’t have a satellite-based unlocking service, but its roadside assistance program will send a technician out if your key is lost, locked inside or broken. For more information, visit Honda’s roadside assistance program website.

Hyundai

Hyundai’s BlueLink services include a remote unlocking feature if your key fob is dead. You can access services from the app, a PC or by phone. For more info, visit Hyundai BlueLink.

Nissan, Infiniti

Nissan Connect allows owners to unlock their cars remotely via the app or the web portal. For more information, visit Nissan Connect. Infiniti vehicles have a similar service through Infiniti InTouch. Find out more at the Infiniti InTouch website.

Jaguar, Land Rover

Jaguar’s InControl Remote & Protect services include remote unlocking if the key fob is lost or damaged. Visit Jaguar’s website to learn more.

Land Rover offers the same program. Visit the Land Rover website for more information.

Kia

Kia vehicles equipped with the UVO system have remote unlocking services as part of the program. You can learn more about how to access the services at the MyUVO website.

Lexus

The Lexus Enform telematics system features remote unlocking services. You can learn more about the program at Lexus Enform’s website.

Mazda

Mazda doesn’t offer remote unlocking services on all its vehicles, or even all of its vehicles within a certain model. Mazda Mobile Start (which, as the name implies, also allows you to start the car remotely) can unlock the doors on 2016 and forward Mazda6 and Mazda CX-5 models with an automatic transmission. It does require installation, though, so unless you bought the option, it won’t help you in an emergency. The rest of you should contact Mazda’s Roadside Assistance program for lockout services.

Mercedes-Benz

Vehicles equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s mbrace service can request unlock services via the mbrace app, computer or by calling the mbrace Response Center. Information on how to execute an unlock is contained in this .pdf at Mercedes-Benz’s website.

MINI

Mini doesn’t have remote unlocking services, but if your remote is dead, you can still get inside the car through the roadside assistance program. You can also hail Roadside Assistance using the app.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi doesn’t offer remote unlocking, but its lengthy free roadside assistance program can get you into a car with a dead fob. Learn more at the Mitsubishi Roadside Assistance program.

Porsche

Porsche owners can unlock their vehicles with a bad key fob using the Porsche Car Connect program, at $119 per year. For more info, visit the Porsche Car Connect website.

Subaru

Subaru owners with a malfunctioning key fob may be able to unlock the car remotely if they’ve subscribed to StarLink. For more information on the program, visit the StarLink website.

Toyota

At the moment, Toyota vehicles don’t have satellite-based remote unlocking services, but within the period of Toyota’s roadside assistance program, you can get inside with the help of an actual human. Visit ToyotaCare for more information.

Volvo

Volvo On Call provides remote unlocking services when the keys are lost, inside the car or the fob is damaged. Visit the Volvo On Call website for more information.

Volkswagen

Vehicles equipped with Volkswagen’s Car-Net service can have their VW unlocked remotely, as long as they’re signed up and a have a cell signal. More information is available at VW’s Car-Net website.

If you don’t have one of the services described above, you can still try calling Roadside Assistance. The number is typically posted on the side windows, and in the owner’s manual.

Unlock the Door Manually

Barring that, try holding your dead fob up against the driver’s door handle and pulling. Sometimes there’s just enough juice in the battery to unlock it at a close distance.

If that fails, look closely at the fob. If it has a leather jacket on it, remove it. Almost all automakers hide a small mechanical key inside the fob. There is usually a small catch that allows the spare key to pop out. If you can expose the little mechanical key, you can then insert it into the lock opening in the driver’s door, and you’re in.

How To Start a Car With a Dead Key Fob

Once you’re inside, getting the car started is actually pretty easy. Automakers know that your keyless ignition may need to work if the fob dies, and the system has been designed to work even with a non-functioning remote. Some cars are equipped with a means of starting the car manually, and some have a backup built into the key fob that work without a key.

Even if your car has keyless entry, you may not have noticed that there’s actually a key slot somewhere on the steering column. Mazda vehicles, for example, are equipped this way. The “switch” you turn is actually a plastic cap that pops off, revealing a key slot underneath.

Here’s an example on the Ford Focus:

If your keyless entry works with a START button and there’s no mechanical key slot, there’s still a way to start the car. Use the key fob to push the START button. Some manufacturers have a backup system that allows this method to work if the key fob battery is dead.

Article Originally Appeared at: http://bestride.com/news/technology/how-to-unlock-and-start-your-car-when-the-key-fob-is-dead

Whats Covered in PA State Inspection

Part	Check & Fix	Average Costs
Check Engine Light	Let’s start with an easy one. If this light is on or not operating at all you will fail inspection. The check engine light illuminates because the car is burning fuel inefficiently. Either using too much gas or dumping too much pollutants out the exhaust.	Varies greatly based on reason for light.
Wipers	Must be operating and not torn. Replace.	Less than $50.
Mirrors	Must have two of the following three mirrors and they cannot be cracked – Rearview, Passenger sideview, Driver sideview. Replace with new or used mirrors.	Mirror with cool electrical effects like turn signals and defrost cost more money to replace. Normally $150 or less.
Horn	Horn must work.	Price depends on issue. May require diagnostics.
Windows	Windows must go up and down. If one of them doesn’t, something electrical or mechanic that allows the window to go up and down is broken. Doesn’t require a lot of diag. Normally a window motor or window regulator must be replaced.	Usually less than $200 per window
Seatbelt	Must operate. May be jammed or extremely frayed.	Varies based on why its not operating
Windshield	Cracked windshield on the driver’s side or that is too large to be safe must be replaced.	Less than $300-400 depending on car
Headlights, taillights, turn signal, and all other exterior lights	All exterior lights must be operating.	Depends on if bulb is blown or there is a deeper electrical issue that requires diag. If a blown taillight expect to pay $10 or less. If is a blown headlight they vary from $20-$200 depending on your car.
Light assembly	Headlight or taillight assembly’s (plastic housing the light is encased) cannot have damage or cracks larger than a quarter. Entire assembly must be replaced. Placing red duct tape over the plastic is clever but will not pass inspection!	Can get one used which will be cheaper. $150.
Engine Mounts	Hold engine in place under the hood so it doesn’t bounce around and vibrate while drive. New mounts must be installed.	Varies based on how many mounts need to be replace (most engine have 3 or less) and the location of mount. These can range from $150 – $700.
Exhaust	Exhaust leaks (will make a loud noise). Repair or replace exhaust.	Varies but normally less than $500
Exhaust	Power steering fluid and engine oil leaking onto exhaust (because flammable). Must find leak and fix. Repair or replace any damaged exhaust.	Varies based on where the leak is occurring.
Tires	Tire tread needs to be 2/32” or thicker to pass. Replace.	$100-200 per tire.
Brakes	Brake pad thickness must be 2/32” or thicker to pass. Rotors may also need to be replaced.	Look to spend $150 per axle to replace just pads, $300-400 to replace pads and rotors.
Brake lines	Brakes lines will fail if they are leaking or excessively corrosive and will need to be replaced.	Varies depending on length that needs to be replaced. Very labor intensive so look to spend at least $350 and up.
Steering and Suspension	Any excessive looseness of wheel or hub bearings, tie rod ends, ball joints, links and rods. Rubber/plastic bushings cracked, crazed, falling off or missing. Parts will need to be replaced.	Varies but look to spend at LEAST $200 and up to $800
Struts and Shocks	Leak and wear from use over time. Parts must be replaced.	Look to spend about $300 per strut and up.
Axles	Steering axle boots making excessive noise or leaking. Axle must be replaced	Look to spend about $300 per axle and up.
Car Body	No excessive body damage – safety issue and will need to be taken to an auto body shop.	I hope you have insurance!
Car Frame	No excessive rust on frame – safety issue.	Send car to it’s funeral!

Why Oil Changes are Important

Maintain Lubrication of Engine
An engine has lots of parts, like pistons and valves that are moving at high speed. As these parts move they create heat which wear down your engine without being properly lubricated
Keeps engine parts cool
Moving parts create friction which creates heat. Sufficient amounts of clean oil helps reduce friction and thus reducing heat.
Improve Gas Mileage
An engine that is poorly lubricated with lead to increased fuel consumption. It is important for your engine to have clean oil which can help improve your gas mileage by 2%. Overtime this can lead to gallons of gas saved.
Maintains the longevity of your vehicle
For many people their vehicle will be their second largest investment. Protecting that investment means keeping the oil clean, full and regularly changed.

Protect Your Car and Your Wallet from Thieves

If you’ve needed any car repairs recently, you’re all too familiar with the rising price of car parts.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau says those expensive parts are leading to more and more car thefts. Those numbers went up four percent in 2017.

The NICB is warning people, saying thieves are stealing cars and trucks to strip them and sell those parts on the black market. If you’re not careful, you could become a victim and be out thousands of dollars.

“It’s a very lucrative business for the car thieves. The parts are worth more than the car in total,” said Roger Morris, Chief Communications Officer at the NICB.

If thieves get a hold of your expensive car parts, replacing them can put a big dent in your wallet. Air bags and tailgates can run more than a thousand dollars, while doors cost at least $500 each.

“The airbags, the headlights, bumpers, doors, catalytic converters are all within minutes you can have them off the car and be gone with them,” said Jerry Leahy, Leahys Auto Body co-owner.

In NICB’s latest report, the 2016 Toyota Camry is the most stolen 2016 model and has 15 commonly replaced components valued at thousands of dollars.

“A thief can steal that vehicle very quickly and get $11,000 worth of parts very easy. That doesn’t even include the engine and the transmission,” said Morris.

There are several ways to not fall victim to thieves. The first one is simple and you’ve heard it, lock your car.

“Try to obviously put it in a garage if you have a garage or park it in some safe, well-lit space and don’t leave items in the car in the open so that people think, ‘Well at least I can break in and grab a few things,’ a laptop or a cell phone. That’s just an open invitation for a theft,” said Morris.

The NICB also recommends taking a second look at your auto insurance. Keep in mind, if you drop comprehensive coverage you’ll be fronting the costs of replacement parts out of pocket. Also, do your homework if and when you need an auto body shop.

“If it’s too good to be true maybe check the source where the part came from. Most shops, including us, would require the VIN number that the part came off of and that can be tracked to see if the car has been stolen,” said Leahy.

This increase in car thefts is really costing all drivers, because the more insurance companies are spending for these theft claims, the higher deductibles and premiums will climb.

Article originally appeared on CBS21 News

Checking For Airbag Recalls

HARRISBURG, Pa. — It is one of the largest car recalls in American history and includes millions of popular vehicles on the road.

The United States Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration announced Tuesday the numbers of cars that have already been recalled in the country have doubled.

Takata, the world’s largest air bag manufacturer, agreed to declare 34,000,000 of its airbags defective.

“Takata still has not identified the root cause of the defect, but we can let that delay our actions,” Anthony Foxx, the US Transportation Secretary, said.

The nationwide recall covers certain drivers and passenger side air bag inflators. The airbags could explode with so much force it could send shrapnel through the vehicle. It’s linked to six deaths and more than 100 injuries.

“Takata has a really huge liability with 34,000,000 cars, possibly more than that,” Jerry Leahy of Leahy’s Auto Body in New Cumberland said.