Road Service

Often, drivers who have a big SUV feel a false sense of security.  People feel that just because they are in a large vehicle nothing can happen to them.

Yet, the truth is that SUVs are much more likely to roll in an accident than other cars.  And approximately 35% of fatalities in car accidents occur because of rolling.  Also, it was recently discovered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that the strength of a SUVs roof is directly correlated to the risk of injury to the occupants.  In other words, if a vehicle’s roof is made stronger, it can reduce injuries.

The U.S. government currently requires cars to be able to withstand a force 1.5 times the car’s weight before it reaches 5 inches of crush.  For safety reasons, the government would like to change that to 2.5 times the weight of the vehicle.

Drivers never know if they are going to be involved in a car accident.  Drivers should protect themselves by buying a safe vehicle, having a road service program, and taking safety precautions while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that small cars aren’t as safe as big vehicles, back in 1997.  Yet, today there are more small cars than ever.  Small vehicles aren’t the only way to accomplish fuel-efficiency and reduced emissions.  There are now light construction materials that can accomplish this feat on larger vehicles.  In fact, making a vehicle lightweight will improve safety.  A car that is lightweight is more nimble than a heavy car, allowing motorists to avoid accidents and road service calls.

Many people make the assumption that weight and size of a vehicle go hand in hand.  This isn’t necessarily true.  Lightweight, strong materials, like carbon fiber tend to be expensive, however, certain high-end automakers are implementing it on roofs and hoods.

The Smart ForTwo is using plastic door panels.  The doors won’t ding or scratch, and are reinforced internally with steel bars.  This gives the best protection in the instance of a side impact, yet it is more lightweight than a conventional door.

Small vehicle sales are at an all time high in the U.S.  Currently, the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit are the top sellers.  Although consumers will have to pay more for big vehicles that are lightweight, it is worth it because of safety.  In addition, it will help motorists avoid calling for emergency auto assistance.

Many motorists have been in the situation where an object hits their windshield and a big crack shows up.  Your windshield might even end up bad enough that you have to call your road service program.  However, when do you know if it is necessary to replace the windshield or if the crack can just be fixed?

Windshield repair or replacement depends on the location, size and severity of damage.  Windshield shops can usually repair chips the size of a quarter, as well as cracks reaching three inches.  For bigger damage it is recommended that you replace your windshield.

The location of the damage is also a big factor in whether you can keep your windshield.  When a crack is at the edge of your windshield it can affect the structure of the glass.  In this case it is usually best to replace your windshield.

Many facilities won’t repair a chip if it’s in the direct line of the driver’s vision.  The repair process may result in minor glass distortions, which are unsafe for the driver. After all, you don’t want to end up calling for emergency roadside assistance.

Keep in mind, whatever the location or size of the glass damage, it is necessary to have it looked at right away.  Waiting can result in dirt getting in the damaged area, which can affect the repair job.

Cars need fuel pumps because the gas tank is on the opposite side of the car than the engine.  The purpose of the fuel pump is to bring the fuel to the engine.

Fuel pumps come in two varieties.  Vehicles that have electronic fuel injection systems use electrical fuel pumps.  Carbureted vehicles have mechanical fuel pumps.

The carburetor delivers fuel through a vacuum.  Here, the vacuum that brings the mixture of air and fuel to the engine also draws the gas along lines to the engine.  But, extra help is needed, so engines that are carbureted have a fuel pump that is mechanical.  This pump is located next to the engine of the vehicle.

Electronic fuel injection is a system of delivery in which gas is squirted into the chambers of the engine.  The fuel pump is next to, or inside of the gas tank.

Cars with electronic fuel injection typically don’t have the fuel pump fail.  However, when it does, the car will start to sputter and eventually die.  In addition, it won’t start back up.  Just in case this happens, make sure you have a road service program to assist you.  You never want to be stranded on the side of the road.

After a vehicle accident, it is as important to find the right auto body shop, as it is to find the right contractor for home repairs.  You can have your road service program tow your vehicle directly to the repair shop that you choose.

There are over 34,000 auto body shops in the nation, which makes choosing the right one confusing.

Insurance companies often make recommendations, yet drivers are ultimately responsible for choosing the auto body repair shop.  To get the best result, motorists need to find a shop that is trustworthy and does quality work.

The National Auto Body Council and the CBBB have joined to offer consumers some much needed tips on choosing the right auto body shop, finding a deal on a rental car, and settling disputes.

To find a trustworthy repair shop, first inquire about the shop’s qualifications.  You can do this by asking questions about advanced technician training.  There are national organizations that you can find this out from such as I-CAR or ASE certification.

The average car will be worked on for about two weeks, so you will need to find a rental car.  Many times the shop will make arrangements for you if you ask them, or for a few dollars a month you can have a rental covered under your insurance.

Finally, make sure to get everything in writing.  You need an estimate of the price of the repairs to be performed.  Also, reputable shops might offer a warranty on their work.

An accident leaves drivers stunned and shocked, and often people aren’t sure what to do first Auto accidents are always surprising and seem to happen when you least expect them.  What steps should you take right after an accident, when your adrenaline is pumping?  Read on.

Obviously, the first thing to do in the case of an accident is make sure everyone is OK.  A 911 call should be placed immediately if help is needed.  In addition, call the police regardless of if any one is injured.  Also, place a call to your road service program.

The next thing to do is to call your insurance agent.  They will give you advice about exchanging information with the other motorist and making a survey of the scene.  Be careful not to admit fault at the accident, it is up to the insurance companies to decide who is at fault.

Also, you should take notes of details at the scene of the accident that you might forget later.  It can help to take pictures of the scene.  Many cell phones these days are picture phones, which make it convenient to snap a few quick pictures.

Read your insurance policy to file your claim within any time limits.  Many times if damage exceeds $750 you have to file a SR1 form, which you can find on your state DMV website.

Of course nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, but it happens to all of us.  Knowing what to do is essential.  Make sure you have the numbers of your insurance company and emergency roadside assistance program on hand so you aren’t searching for information at the scene of the accident.  This will alleviate some unnecessary stress.

The upcoming Chevrolet Volt, which is an electric plug-in hybrid, is quite impressive.  This four-door hatchback appears very different from the concept car in the 2007 Detroit Auto Show.  GM claims that the production Volt had to be more aerodynamic to provide the efficiency that GM was aiming for.

Just like GM announced previously, the Volt will be able to travel 40 miles on an electric charge.  After that, a gas/E85 capable engine will come on in order to recharge the battery. So, not to worry, you won’t be calling for road service after the electric charge runs out. All the power that goes to the drive system is electric, so the fuel engine acts like a generator.

General Motors recently revealed some specifications.  The electric motor will be able to attain the equivalent of 150 hp and be able to reach a speed of 100 mph.  Also, there is going to be 220 lithium-ion battery cells that will power the unit.

Unfortunately, GM said that the Volt’s future hinges on help by the government for emerging technology.  Hopefully, if all goes as planned the Chevrolet Volt will make it to showrooms.  Consumers can feel peace of mind with new technology like electric plug-ins by having an emergency roadside assistance program.

Starting with model year 2010, new car window stickers will have a safety rating combining front, side, as well as rollover tests.  Also, the federal government will upgrade the tests used to compile the ratings.  In addition, female crash dummies will now be used and a new test with a side pole will simulate a car hitting a tree.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration test results, using its New Car Assessment Program, will have a supplement rating indicating if there are advanced safety technologies, such as forward collision warning systems, lane departure warning systems, and ESC.  However, the effectiveness of the individual devices used on each vehicle will not be rated by the government agency.  And, with new technology, such as these safety technologies, roadside assistance calls will be cut down.

The efforts by the NHTSA to upgrade its car safety program are commendable.  And the car industry is now addressing the safety standards that are becoming increasingly stringent.  The consumers will benefit in the end because they will have a clear presentation of standard safety equipment and crash-test results that are more detailed. In addition, drivers can rest-assured that they wouldn’t have to call their road service programs often.

Here’s why people need to be concerned about the state of the environment: Because a situation that is bad is costly-namely in money and lives.

California State University recently performed a study, finding that the two regions in California that are the most populated have air pollution that killed more people than car accidents.  This is saying a lot considering the amount of vehicular accidents and emergency roadside assistance calls in California.  There were 2,521 deaths due to vehicles in 2006, however, 3,182 deaths were caused by respiratory illnesses as a result of particle pollution.

Ozone released from cars that are gasoline powered and particulate matter that comes out of tailpipes of diesels has been known to cause various coronary and respiratory problems, such as chronic bronchitis and asthma.

It’s very hard to estimate how much the severe air pollution in California costs, however, this study reveals that by bringing the air conditions into compliance with federal particulate and ozone standards could mean a savings of $28 billion a year.

Every year there are more than 10,000 vehicle accidents in the nation and approximately 450 people die as a result of the collision.  Many of these accidents can be avoided by having routine maintenance performed on your car, not to mention numerous road service calls.

The vehicle is by far the most popular means of transportation in the U.S.  In fact, 91% of adults in our country own, or have owned a car.

Before you hit the road again, check the following parts of your car to make sure that they are operating properly.

First, take a look at your tires.  Many people neglect to check their tires and end up with blowouts.  Make sure that your air levels are good.  You can reference your owner’s manual to find out what the right level should be.  Also, you want to make sure that there aren’t any leaks, low treads, or worn spots.  Just doing this simple task can save you from an accident or emergency roadside assistance calls.

Next, change your windshield wipers about twice in a year.  Your windshield is actually one of the most important parts of your car because if you can’t see the road well you are in trouble.

Brakes should be monitored to make sure they are working correctly.  If your brake pedal is moving all the way down to the floor when you step on it, have your brakes looked at by a professional.  More recent cars have a warning system to let you know if your brakes aren’t operating correctly.