(ARA) – As temperatures continue to drop, motorists should ensure their vehicles are winter-ready by performing simple maintenance checks.

Checking and replacing components such as belts and hoses, spark plugs and antifreeze at the correct time and mileage intervals for your vehicle could mean the difference between a $5 part or replacing a $3,000 engine.

Cooling system failures are the No. 1 cause of engine-related roadside breakdowns. “Nobody likes being stranded on the highway, yet so many motorists wait until their cars break down to perform needed maintenance,” said AutoZone spokesperson Sarah “Bogi” Lateiner, ASE certified Master Mechanic and owner of 180 Automotive. “The engine cooling system is one of the most important yet most neglected systems in a vehicle. Replacing antifreeze at regular intervals keeps the vehicle from overheating and provides freeze protection during colder months.”

Bad belts and hoses are the second most common cause of roadside breakdowns

“It’s easy to neglect your car’s engine, especially when there’s no visible sign of trouble,” Lateiner said. “Hoses for example, usually wear from the inside out and won’t always show signs of wear. That makes it even more important for motorists to proactively check and replace parts such as belts and hoses and spark plugs at regular intervals. These parts are readily available at automotive retailers such as AutoZone.”

Replace spark plugs to get better performance and fuel economy

“Driving around with a worn spark plug is equivalent to throwing gas money out your exhaust pipe, Lateiner said. “As spark plugs burn out, they do not burn fuel as cleanly, so it’s important to replace them as your vehicle manual specifies.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – As winter approaches, snow, ice storms and fewer daylight hours mean more drivers are at the risk of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Would you know what to do if you were driving and hit another vehicle, a pedestrian or a biker?

When a car accident happens, injuries may be severe and emotions may be high. However, important things must be taken care of, both at the scene of any accident and immediately afterward.

Here are 13 helpful tips from FindLaw.com, a leading online source of legal information, for what you should do immediately following an automobile accident:

1. Stay at the scene.

The cardinal rule for all car accidents is that you should never leave the scene until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave the scene of an accident, particularly if someone has been hurt or killed, you could face serious criminal penalties as a “hit-and-run” driver. However, if you are hit by another car in a deserted area, use caution in stopping and getting out of your vehicle. Some well-meaning motorists have been robbed or killed when they got out of their car after being bumped by another car in a deserted or unsafe area.

2. Check on all drivers and passengers.

Before assessing property damage, check to make sure that everyone else involved in the accident is OK. Get medical attention for anyone who needs it. If a person is unconscious or complains of neck or back pain, it is best not to move him or her until qualified medical personnel arrive.

3. Get back in your car.

If the accident occurred on a busy highway or freeway, be very cautious about standing or waiting outside your vehicle. If your vehicle is safe to re-enter, it may be best to wait there for further help. Standing or waiting outside your vehicle, especially at night or in poor weather conditions (icy or wet roads), could put you or your passengers at risk of further harm from passing vehicles.

4. Call the police.

Contact police, especially if the accident involves significant property damage, physical injury or death. Ask that a police report be filed in situations where law enforcement officers do arrive at the scene, and obtain the names and badge numbers of any responding officers.

5. Exchange information.

Talk to the drivers of any other vehicles involved in the accident. Get their names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers and basic insurance information. If there are passengers in any of the vehicles, obtain their names, telephone numbers and addresses as well. If a police report is filed, all this information should be available on the police report.

6. Don’t apologize.

Do not apologize for anything at the scene and do not sign anything saying you are responsible for damages involved with the accident. If you jump out of your car and blurt out, “I’m so sorry I ran that red light! Is everyone OK?” you may back yourself into a corner in terms of legal liability for what happened. Immediately after an accident, the scene is chaotic and it might not be evident who was at fault, or who was more at fault, in causing the accident. Moreover, in many states, fault does not determine which insurer will pay for any loss. So try to keep your conscience in check, at least until things get sorted out, so that you don’t admit guilt unintentionally or unnecessarily.

7. If you’ve been drinking…

If you’ve been drinking and you’re involved in an accident, cooperate with police and be truthful about how many drinks you’ve actually had. Think twice about refusing to take a test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of the accident. You may refuse to take a chemical test (blood, breath, urine), but almost every state has a so-called “implied consent” law, and under such laws, a refusal can result in suspension of your driver’s license from three months to a year. This is true even if you’re eventually found not guilty of the current drunk driving charge.

8. Talk to witnesses.

Ask every witness what he or she saw and write it down. Get their names, telephone numbers or addresses, if possible. Whether the witnesses are residents of the area, businesspeople who work nearby, or passersby who were in the vicinity, try to talk to as many people as you can.

9. Inform your insurance company.

As soon as possible, tell your insurance company that you have been involved in an accident. Cooperate with your insurance company and tell them the truth about what happened and the extent of your injuries. If the insurance company finds out that you have lied to them about anything, you can get into serious trouble, not the least of which may be the denial of any coverage for the accident. Build support for your case when discussing the matter with your insurance company. Be able to explain to them the facts of the case in a clear manner.

10. Keep track of your medical treatment.

Note any doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors or other medical professionals that you receive treatment from, and each medical provider that referred you to other caregivers. Having a written diary of this information will help you itemize your medical expenses and treatment for your insurer, your attorney and the court.

11. Take pictures.

Take photographs of any damage to your vehicle as soon as possible after the accident. Having photographic proof will help your insurance adjuster determine how much you should be compensated for the damages to your car, and may also assist your case in court, if needed. If you have pictures of your car from before the accident, these pictures will offer a great “compare and contrast” to show the true extent of the damage sustained in the accident.

12. Get a property damage valuation.

Obtain a valuation for damages to your car from your insurance company. If you are not satisfied with the manner in which your insurance company has valued your vehicle, do not give up. Get two estimates for the repair of your car on your own, or have two dealers provide a quote for the cost of replacing your vehicle if there was a total loss.

13. Use caution in discussing the incident.

Do not talk to anyone about the accident other than your attorney, your insurance company and the police. Do not talk to a representative of another insurance company under any circumstances, without the knowledge of your attorney or your insurance company. If representatives from other insurance companies should call you, be polite, but ask them to call your attorney or insurance company to arrange for an interview. Also, get the representative’s name and number, and tell your insurance company or attorney that someone seeking information about your accident contacted you. For more information about what to do in the event of a motor vehicle accident, visit FindLaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(NAPSI)-Providing some extra protection for your car during the colder months can help it perform its best and prevent a possible breakdown.
“The thought of a breakdown, an engine not starting or otherwise being stranded is stressful as it is, but those things happening in freezing weather adds another level of threat,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked can help avoid the cost and stress of a breakdown during harsh weather.”

Battery—Very cold temperatures will reduce a vehicle’s battery power, so it’s important to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion free. Unfortunately, batteries don’t always give warning signs before they fail completely. If your vehicle’s battery is more than three years old, it’s wise to replace it. When choosing a replacement, make sure the new one has adequate capacity for your exact make and model.

Antifreeze—While the owner’s manual will have usage specifications for antifreeze, the mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle’s radiator is typically 50:50. When properly mixed, antifreeze and water provide excellent anti-boil, anti-freeze and anti-corrosive properties. As a reminder, don’t add 100 percent antifreeze. Coolant should be flushed and refilled at least every two years in most vehicles.

Oil—The Car Care Council recommends changing to low-viscosity oil as it will flow more easily between moving parts when cold. Drivers in subzero driving temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.

Some other quick tips:

• Keep the gas tank at least half full, decreasing the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

• Tire pressure should also be checked, as tires will lose pressure when temperatures drop—consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.

• If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.

• Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold-weather driving when windows are closed.

• Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing to let the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm.

• If you live in a place with especially harsh winter conditions, consider using cold-weather washer fluid and special winter windshield blades.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

For a free copy of the council’s “Car Care Guide” or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

(ARA) – Baby, it may be cold outside, but inside your car’s engine it’s hot as blazes. Even when temperatures dip, your vehicle’s coolant system works hard to keep the engine cool and running smoothly. It’s important to take care of your cooling system, whatever the weather.

Antifreeze helps keep a car engine running smoothly, despite the temperature outside. When a car engine starts, coolant is pumped around the engine to either warm it up or cool it down. In addition to keeping the car at the ideal temperature, many antifreeze products on the market today, such as PEAK Long Life Antifreeze and Coolant, also have extra additives to help prevent corrosion and expensive engine breakdowns.

Because it’s an important part of keeping your engine running smoothly, it’s essential to take care of your antifreeze. It’s not too difficult a task and you can even save a few bucks by doing it yourself. Here are 10 easy steps to change your own antifreeze:

* Clean the radiator. As you drive, the cooling system of your car sucks in air, bugs, dirt, leaves and other debris along with it. It’s important to clean it so air can easily pass through the radiator.

* Place a drip pan under the car. Antifreeze is not meant for ingestion, either by humans or animals. Using a drip pan will allow for easy disposal and keep the process safe.

* Remove the radiator pressure cap. When the engine has cooled, place a rag on the radiator cap and twist off. You’ll need to press down firmly with the heel of your hand, and perform two quarter turns to the left, one to unlock it, and another to remove the cap.

* Inspect the pressure cap and hoses. The radiator cap helps keep the coolant properly pressurized. If it is rusting or dried out, replace it with a new one. Also look at the radiator hoses and check for leaks, cracks or soft and mushy conditions. Replace if necessary.

* Drain the radiator. On the bottom of radiator, release the valve and let the fluid spill into the pre-placed drip pan. Pour the drained antifreeze into a container that meets disposal regulations for your area.

* Flush the radiator and cooling system. This may be the easiest and most fun step of the process. Simply take out the garden hose and flush out the system. For the first “flush,” collect the rinse and dispose of it with the used antifreeze. Continue rinsing until the drained water is clear.

* Add the coolant and water mixture. The ideal mix is 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent distilled water. You can either mix them by filling the radiator half way with one and topping it off with the other, or pre-mix the two together in a separate container.

* Bleed the system. Replacing the coolant often creates air pockets in the fluids that should be removed before going out for a drive. To even out the levels, run the engine for about 15 minutes. At the same time, turn the heat on high to help circulate the coolant. Upon completion, carefully check the coolant levels and top them off if needed.

* Replace the pressure cap. Line up the tabs on the cap with the cutouts of the fill spout and press down firmly. Twist the cap to the right to secure it.

* Clean up. Coolant is essentially a toxic chemical, so it is important to clean up appropriately.  Use a hose to dilute any spills and dispose of the old antifreeze according to your area’s EPA guidelines.

When all is said and done, changing your own antifreeze should take a couple hours and could save you up to $50. For more details about which antifreeze is best for your car visit www.peakauto.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(NAPS)—Keeping your car safely on the road when the weather gets chilly could depend on four things: your tires.

It’s a good idea to replace the all-season tires you may have with winter-season tires before the mercury drops below 45 degrees. All-season tires are not really designed for severe cold weather. Snow and ice can collect in treads, and tires lose their flexibility in temperatures below 45° F. All this affects traction.

Fortunately, today’s winter-season tires are much more technologically advanced and safer than “snow” tires of the past. They are engineered with chemical compounds made to maintain their flexibility, which keeps more rubber connected to the road. Winter tires also have special tread designs that “bite” into the road to deliver 25 to 50 percent more traction than all-season tires.

The more traction and control you have, the better you’re able to brake without skidding. The braking distance of a winter tire can be as much as 10 percent shorter—about two car lengths—than that of all-season tires.

The experts at the largest independent tire and wheel retailer in the U.S., Discount Tire Company, say it’s best not to mix winter and all-season tires, especially on wet or icy roads. Different tires can create a traction mismatch and difficult handling. Rather, they recommend you install four winter-season tires for optimum safety and handling.

As with all tires, winter tires perform best when properly inflated. The level should be listed in your owner’s manual. A 10-degree drop in temperature causes tires to lose a pound of air pressure, so in addition to once-monthly checks, test your air pressure after frosts. Check the tires prior to driving for accurate readings.

Tire tips

More steps you can take to drive down your risk of tire trouble include:
• Make sure your tires are properly balanced and rotated. This should be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or as recommended by the tire manufacturer.
• Make sure the wheels are properly aligned.
• Tires should have a minimum tread depth of 1/16. Put a penny in the tread upside down. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.
• Drive at the speed limit. High speeds cause higher tire temperature and extra tire wear.
• When possible, start and stop your vehicle slowly and decelerate around corners.

Learn More

More tips and facts are at www.tires.com.

(ARA) – A few minutes in the garage before the bitter cold hits could help prevent a more time-consuming and unpleasant experience during the winter. Cold weather will only make existing problems worse, according to the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It’s a good idea to read the owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.

Here are a few more winter car tips that are easy and simple to do:

* Tires – Worn tires can be extremely dangerous in rain, snow and on ice. Examine tires for remaining tread life and uneven wearing. Be sure to check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks as well. All-season radials or winter tires are a wise investment for those who must drive in inclement weather regularly. Check tire pressure and rotate the tires as recommended. Don’t forget to check your spare and be sure the jack functions properly.

* Cooling system – Regularly check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. Check hoses for cracks and leaks.

* Windshield wipers – Check wiper blades and replace them if needed. Rubber-clad blades can fight ice buildup. Stock up on windshield washer solvent. If you don’t have an ice scraper, get one before you need it.

* Battery – If your battery is beyond its recommended service life, replace it. Top any low battery cells with distilled water. Clean and tighten battery terminals to ensure electricity gets to the starter on chilly mornings. If there’s corrosion, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water and put on a set of battery washers to keep corrosion from coming back. Make sure the battery terminals and hold-downs are tight. Clean and lubricate hinges and the hood latch.

* Fuel – It’s important to keep gas lines from freezing in cold weather. A full gas tank will help keep moisture and ice from forming. Particularly cold weather may warrant a fuel deicer. A block heater is another option that is fairly inexpensive and easy to use.

* Motor oil – The easiest way to protect and improve the performance of your car is to upgrade to a high-performance synthetic motor oil and change the oil regularly. Synthetic motor oils have better low-temperature fluidity and a lower coefficient of friction than mineral-based motor oils. This helps ensure easier start-ups on cold weather days. Some motor oils, such as Royal Purple, are actually formulated with molecules that chemically bond with engine components for continuous engine protection. Additionally, Royal Purple motor oil has been shown to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and increase horsepower and torque.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(NAPS)—Deer that suddenly appear out of nowhere can often put drivers someplace they don’t want to be.

With the deer population increasing across the country and living space for wildlife habitat on the decline, the number of incidents involving a deer jumping into the path of a car has been on the rise in the past few years.

Activity is greatest during October through December, when male deer activity dramatically increases, resulting in a number of vehicular collisions.

Often, a deer colliding with a car can result in significant property damage and even life-threatening situations. According to the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), on average, deer-vehicle collisions cost $2,800 per insurance claim, and the cost increases to $10,000 if there is an injury involved.

In order to stay safe, consider the following:
•    Watch the clock. Deer are most active from sunset to midnight and during the hours just before and after sunrise, which are feeding times.
•    Watch your speed. It’s not just the speed of the animal that plays a factor—it’s the speed of the vehicle as well.
•    Be vigilant. Deer don’t run alone. If you see one, there are likely others nearby.
•    Don’t swerve. If a deer is suddenly in front of you, sound your horn to frighten it away. Break firmly but stay in your lane. Crashes happen when drivers swerve to avoid a deer, only to hit other vehicles or lose control of their cars.
•    Wear your seatbelt. Most people injured in deer/car crashes were unbuckled at the time.

“Deer are bigger and heavier than people may think,” said Mike Convery, vice president and chief claim officer of MetLife Auto & Home. “However, by staying alert and reacting appropriately, it’s possible to avoid many collisions.”

(ARA) – In economic times like these, everyone needs to make the most of their investments, and your personal vehicle is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make.

Danny Lawrence, the assistant chief engine builder and trackside engine department manager for Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines and the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet, has more than a little experience working with car engines, both in the shop and at home. He notes that by taking extra steps to help keep your car’s engine performing at its best, you can help extend the life of your vehicle.

“Because of my role in building engines at work, it’s embarrassing if something is wrong with one of my cars at home,” says Lawrence. “I probably have way more cars than I should, but I regularly maintain all of them. The key is the engine. I have a Chevy S-10 truck, a four cylinder vehicle with 223,000 miles on it, and it’s still running strong because I take the time to maintain the engine.”

Lawrence points out that many drivers at home lose track of regular maintenance activities, and he recommends keeping a log on your computer, phone, or with notes in your car.

“Transmission maintenance, a lot of people will forget. Most people won’t maintain the belts and fuses on their engines properly,” he says. “Antifreeze, oil changes, changing the air filter—these are all things that make a huge difference. Keeping track of what you are doing for your engine helps you keep on top of maintaining your vehicle.”

By following the instructions in the user’s guide provided by car manufacturers, says Lawrence, drivers can make sure they are doing everything they need to keep their vehicles in top shape.

Using the right motor oil is another key to maintaining an engine.

“Oil is like the lifeblood of the engine,” says Lawrence. “It’s not only used for lubrication. It cools engine parts, dampens valve springs, cools pistons—it serves many purposes. Have you ever put a glove on when you’re hitting a baseball to take the shock away? Oil does that to valve springs.”

He adds that although many people don’t draw the connection, using a high-quality fuel can pay big dividends for a vehicle’s engine.

In particular, using a gasoline that contains a cleaning system to help remove gunky build-up on critical engine parts, such as Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasolines, can make a big difference. The patented Nitrogen Enriched Cleaning System has an active cleaning molecule engineered to seek and destroy performance-robbing carbon deposits, more commonly known as “gunk,” that can be left by lower-quality gasolines. Having gunk build up on critical engine parts, specifically intake valves and fuel injectors, can cause the inefficient mixing of air and fuel necessary for proper combustion. This can rob your engine of performance.

For more information about how the Shell Nitrogen Enriched gasolines work, visit www.passionate-experts.shell.com.

Making sure that you are properly maintaining your engine can help your car last longer, says Lawrence. “Nowadays all cars are made well – how long your vehicle lasts comes down to how you maintain and take care of it.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(NAPS)—While your vehicle might have cruised through warmer weather, cold weather can set in before you realize the leaves have fallen. It’s important to remember that vehicles need seasonal adjusting—if you don’t want to get caught out in the cold.

“Autumn is a great time for automotive maintenance and repair,” says Jim MacPherson, car care expert and automotive radio host for WTIC-AM in Connecticut. “It gives us time to repair the wear and tear and allows us to prepare for those colder days ahead. Following a simple maintenance checklist will save drivers time and money by extending the life of their vehicle and ensuring safer operation.”

To keep your car in top shape and running smoothly as we transition into cooler months, here are four big tips to keep in mind:

Tires: Good pressure, little wear and rotation

Tires lose pressure every month, and more when the temperatures drop. To maintain proper pressure, check your tires monthly and make sure they’re filled up to their recommended psi rating (which can be found on the driver’s side door paneling, in the owner’s manual or sometimes on the tires themselves).

Drivers should also check the tread on the tires regularly for wear; replace excessively worn tires. If it has been over 5,000 miles since your tires have last been rotated, it is important to do so because there’s a risk of having one tire wear more significantly than the others.

Finally, if you live in a region where the temperature consistently rests around freezing during the winter months, it’s a good time to start looking around for winter tires.

Oil: Switch to synthetic

Lower temperatures can add stress on your engine. To prevent engine wear, change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. A switch to synthetic oil, if you’re not using it already, will help your car operate more efficiently.

Synthetic motor oils, such as Mobil 1, are specifically designed to protect your engine in wide temperature ranges. For example, Mobil 1’s synthetic 5W-30 flows rapidly to critical engine parts during cold start-ups, provides outstanding wear protection and keeps engines clean and running smoothly.

Cooling system: Flush and refill

The cooling system (radiator) should be checked for leaks and low levels. Additionally, it should be flushed and refilled as recommended in the owner’s manual. When checking, remember to never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.

While coolant may mostly be associated with warmer weather, a vehicle’s coolant (or antifreeze) is equally important in the colder months to make sure the vehicle can withstand the temperatures. A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and distilled water is the usual recommendation.

Full engine tune-up: Systems and fluid levels

If you haven’t had your yearly-recommended basic tune-up, now’s the time to have that done. Cooler weather will only make existing problems worse. A tune-up will correct engine problems such as stalling and diminished power, and will also ensure that fluid levels (for brakes, transmission, windshield washer, etc.) are topped off or replaced if needed.

Following a simple maintenance checklist can help extend the life of your car.

(NewsUSA) – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) reminds motorists that just as a collision can cause hidden structural damage to a vehicle, it can also cause invisible structural damage to car seats—making them less able to protect your child in the event of another crash.

ASA encourages readers to learn more about the guidelines for replacing child safety seats after a crash by visiting www.nhtsa.gov. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlines the following:

If an auto accident is moderate to severe, the car seat needs to be replaced. However, car seats do not need to be replaced if the damage to the vehicle is minimal. But how can you tell a minor accident from a moderate one? Child safety seats probably do not need to be replaced if all of these conditions are met:

1. The vehicle was able to be driven away from the scene of the accident.
2. The door nearest the safety seat was undamaged.
3. No vehicle occupant was injured in the accident.
4. The airbags did not deploy.
5. There is no visible damage to the safety seat.

When in doubt, ask your auto technician about the extent of the damage to your vehicle to better assess whether or not it means your child safety seat needs replacement. You should be able to trust your technician, so look for someone with high qualifications. Automotive service businesses that belong to ASA must agree to follow a strict code of ethics. To find an ASA shop near you, visit the ASA Web site at www.ASAshop.org or call (800) ASA-SHOP.

To keep your child safe, you need to use your child safety seat correctly. Infants under 20 pounds should face the rear of the car. Never put a child safety seat in the front passenger seat. If the airbag deploys, it could cause serious injury to a young child. Infant seats should stay at a 45-degree angle.

You should check that the belts are routed correctly, using either the vehicle owner’s manual or stickers on the seat. The seat belt should not give or move when the seat is pulled or rocked.

More information about child safety seat requirements is available at the NHTSA website, www.nhtsa.gov. Additional tips for motorists are available at www.ASAshop.org.