Emergency Auto Assistance

Lately, news has been all about the domestic carmakers losing billions of dollars each month, yet for the first time in 70 years Toyota just announced that it lost money.  Toyota’s operating loss was $1.7 billion, which is a significant amount, however it doesn’t even come close to the amount that Ford, Chrysler, and GM have lost in the last few years.

It does signify, however, that the global auto market is in dire shape and companies that are typically strong will be struggling.  An analyst that the New York Times recently quoted claims that all carmakers will see similar results in time.  Toyota has predicted that they will have even more losses through next summer.

Apparently, Toyota has taken extreme measures to cut costs at its Japan headquarters, such as unplugging the electric hand dryers in its bathrooms.

Unfortunately, until the economy improves and people start buying new cars again the auto companies will suffer.  For now, people are hanging onto their current cars and signing up for emergency auto assistance programs in case of an emergency.

Most cars today come equipped with antilock brakes, or ABS.  Chances are you have heard about ABS, but you may not know what they actually are.  This is a safety feature that is able to detect if a wheel is about to lock up on your vehicle.  When this happens the hydraulic pressure of the wheel is controlled, like when you manually pump the brake.  This allows you to maintain control of the car.

If you have never used ABS before you might notice that they feel a little different.  For example, you may feel that the brake pedal feels harder when ABS is activated, which is normal.  Also, it is common to feel pulsating under your foot and a noise similar to a motorboat.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming you can stop on a dime just because you have antilock brakes because you will end up having to call for emergency roadside assistance.  You still need to leave ample room between you and the car in front of you.  Also, you shouldn’t pump the brake, but apply a firm, strong pressure.

Driving with ABS is easy if you follow these simple tips.  Also, you will have an added feeling of security while driving.  It is also a good idea to have a road service program for your safety and protection.

In the last few years drivers over 70 years old have managed to lower the number of fatal car crashes they were occupied in.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that from 1997-2006 there was a 21% decline in accidents that proved fatal for this age group.  This is a complete reversal of what seemed to be a trend moving steadily upward.

This occurred despite the fact that the amount of elderly people in the country is increasing by 10% in this time period.  Their significant decline in accidents that are fatal outpaced their younger counterparts, even though they added 2 million more drivers and greatly increased the number of miles they traveled.

IIHS suspected that the exact opposite would happen.  Past accidents and fatalities that elderly drivers were responsible for were growing, which made it necessary for there to be laws allowing elderly impairments to be monitored.

There have been several justifications have been given for this new trend, including elderly people keeping themselves more fit and cars that are being made safer.

Unfortunately, you never know when you will be involved in an accident, so it is important to protect yourself by purchasing cars that are rated high for safety and signing up for an emergency roadside assistance program.

Never buy a used car without having it scrutinized by an independent mechanic.  You never know the true state of a used vehicle until a professional has examined it.  Failure to do this could have you calling for emergency roadside assistance.

A dealer shouldn’t object to you having a private inspection if you leave a photo I.D.  If they tell you an inspection has already been done, insist that you would like the car looked at by a shop of your choice.

The mechanic should put the car on a lift to inspect the undercarriage.  The cost of a thorough diagnostic should run you about $100, but ask in advance.  You can request a written report that will give you details of the vehicle’s condition.  The negotiation may come in handy when you negotiate with the seller.

If you are unsure of a good repair shop, try to find a referral from someone you trust.  You could also go to your local auto-parts store to ask for a good mechanic.  Try not to just pick a name out of a phone book; it’s better to use someone you are familiar with.

Buying a used car is a great way to save money, however, you want to make sure you aren’t getting a lemon.  Putting in the extra time to take the car to a mechanic may save you numerous road service calls down the road.

Fuel prices went down in October, however Americans continued to drive fewer miles than ever.  In fact, motorists drove 9 billion fewer miles than October of 2007.

The driving decline is due to a fundamental change in motorists’ habits that started during the high gas prices this summer.  Starting November of 2007, American motorists have driven 100 billion fewer miles than the exact time span the year before, which marks the largest decline continuously ever recorded in driving history.

The Federal Highway Administration gathered the data, which includes this additional information.  Nationwide, public transportation has increased in record numbers, including Amtrak, which made the most money in this fiscal year than in 37 years of business.  Vehicle accident fatalities have also seen a decline of 10% in 2008.

American drivers are trying to protect their wallets by driving fewer miles.  Other things that motorists can do to protect themselves is to sign up for emergency roadside assistance programs, purchase an extended auto warranty and perform regular maintenance.

Apparently, car thieves aren’t all that concerned about steeling vehicles that are fuel-efficient.

In fact, SUVs and large pickup trucks are the majority on the top-10 most stolen vehicles list, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute, which is affiliated with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Number one on the list is the Cadillac Escalade ESV, probably because it is a highly desirable and high profile vehicle.  Big time athletes and celebrities drive the Escalade, making it a status symbol.  Also, people who drive this vehicle often include options and add-ons that are expensive, such as fancy rims and top-notch stereo equipment.  There are 11.3 stolen vehicle claims for the Escalade for every 1,000 vehicles.  The average claim is approximately $14,657 loss payment, whereas it is typically $9,396 average for all cars.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, a vehicle is stolen approximately every 24 seconds in America.  Just make sure you protect yourself with an emergency roadside assistance program so you don’t find yourself stranded with no ride.

Modern vehicles are made with sophistication and elegance.  The dashboard of recent vehicles feature innovative technology that will have drivers in awe.  This technology is a benefit to us all, as long as we know how to use it.  Yet, how many drivers actually know the functions and operations of all of these controls and switches?

When a motorist slips into the driver’s seat, he should become one with his vehicle.  People tend to oversimplify the task of driving.  Sometimes we think the driver only has to perform elementary movements.  However, there is a lot more involved in driving. A defensive driver will make himself aware of the instruments and their operations before he ever puts his car in drive.

It is risky to look for a button or dial while driving because that means that the driver’s eyes aren’t on the road. Unfortunately, playing with gadgets leave people calling for emergency roadside assistance. A safe driver will go through a list of operations before taking off.  For instance, they will flick switches and turn knobs in a set sequence.  Also, they will check the gauges for the ammeter and oil pressure once the engine is running.

Enjoy the modern technology that your car has to offer, but learn about the functions off the road, not on.  Educating yourself in advance can save you from dangerous accidents and road service calls.

Two laws that have been in place since 1988 in all 50 states are receiving new acclaim for lessening fatalities due to drunken-driving.

A recent study in Accident Analysis and Prevention in July has recognized that the drinking age increase to age 21 has reduced the ratio of deaths due to drunken-driving by at least 11%.  Also, making fake ID possession illegal and suspending the person’s driver’s license has lessened fatalities by an additional 7%.

While in all 50 states it’s illegal for people to use a fake ID to buy alcohol, a driver’s-license sanction isn’t always the punishment.  This study suggests that if a law such as this were to be national and linked to highway funds, which are done with the designated drinking age being 21, deaths would decline even more.

Occasionally, there has been talk of making the legal drinking age 18, because soldiers have fought in the Iraq war, but can’t drink a beer.  However, according to the AAP study, making the drinking age 21 has reduced drunken driving deaths drastically.

According to the AAP study, making the drinking age 21 has been a crucial step in reducing accidents and emergency roadside assistance calls due to drunk drivers.  Also apparent is that national driver’s license sanctions would lower deaths even more.

It is very important to maintain a correct tire pressure for the safety of your vehicle, especially when cold weather can cause the air pressure in tires to decrease.

It is estimated that 650 people are killed and 32,000 are injured as a result of car crashes related to problems with tires.  However, a recent survey revealed that 84 percent of motorists don’t check the pressure of their tires.

Another issue is that poorly maintained tires can be dangerous, and even leave you on the side of the road. Although you can always call for emergency roadside assistance, there are a few safety tips that drivers should keep in mind to avoid this:

Make sure you don’t overload your tires because overheating can occur.  The result of this could be a blowout or a car accident.  Your owner’s manual will give you proper loading instructions.

Tires that are under inflated also pose a risk.  This occurs naturally and cold weather accelerates the process.  In fact, frigid temperatures can cause tires to lose up to two pounds of air in one month.  Under inflated tires are actually resistant to rolling.  It can feel like you are driving with the parking brake on.

Finally, don’t over inflate tires because it can cause the tread to wear in the center.

Checking your tire pressure regularly can save you from many problems with your vehicle.  Of course, you never know when you might get a flat, so just in case, make sure you have a road service program that can assist you in case of an emergency.

Probably at one time or another you have been told that you need new shocks and (or) struts.  After being quoted a large price, you might find yourself thinking, “Can I get away without replacing them?

Your shocks and struts serve two functions in your car.  Some vehicles only have struts, and some only have shocks.  Their purpose is to dampen the oscillation of springs and assist in ride control.

If your shocks and/or struts are worn, your suspension parts and tires will wear out sooner.  This is why it is important to take your vehicle in for preventative checkups.  It is a good idea to have your mechanic look at them every time you get an oil change.

There are several warning signs that might tell you it is time to replace your shocks/struts.  First, you might notice leaks on the housing or dents on the strut body.  Also, you might see high and low worn spots on your tires and pitted piston rods.  Finally, you may have rubber bumpers that are crushed from bottoming out.

Make sure you don’t cut corners when dealing with your shocks/struts.  It is essential that these parts function correctly for handling and cornering, otherwise you might find yourself calling for emergency roadside assistance.