Cruise Control Reduces Speed, Increases Driver Drowsiness

Cruise controlMost cars these days are equipped with cruise control, which allows a driver to set the speed of the vehicle without having to maintain constant contact with the gas pedal. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that cruise control technology was first introduced 100 years ago. Cruise control is a useful tool for drivers, especially on long road trips, but new data out of France reveals that the convenience comes at a price.

A study by the Vinci Autoroutes Foundation found that cruise control or speed-limiting vehicles led to an increased risk that the driver would become drowsy, and it also significantly increased a driver’s reaction time.

For their study, the foundation divided 90 drivers into three groups based on their age. The drivers were then put through a driving simulator over a three-day period. They were asked to drive 75 miles each day, and in the simulator they encountered construction, a bus accident, a tollbooth, and radar. Drivers were hooked up to equipment to monitor eye movement and brain activity to aid in data collection. They were also asked to rate their level of vigilance every 15 minutes.

After looking at the data, researchers found:

  • All participants exhibited greater signs of drowsiness when using cruise control.
  • The average level of self-reported vigilance decreased significantly as time passed. The most common response at the beginning of the trip was that the participant was feeling “rather awake,” but that changed to “neither awake nor asleep” only 30 minutes into the drive.
  • When using cruise control, all drivers took longer to brake for the simulated encounters. By the end of the trip, drivers were breaking roughly 85 yards closer to the incident location.
  • Young drivers between the ages of 18-30 were the most affected by the fatigue of the trip.

Andre Dufour, the lead researcher of the study, said cruise control can help people avoid speeding tickets, but drivers must take extra precautions to stay alert.

“They help people to obey the speed limit,” said Dufour. “But you have to know how to use them.”

He added that even though the vehicle can help complete some functions normally reserved for the driver, “the person is still in charge and still responsible.”

Related source: ABC News

The Best Time to Buy Tires in Minnesota

CC image Kumho KL-78 AT Tire by David Resz on FlickrLast week, our mechanics passed along some tips for what to look for when buying tires. Now that you know what to look for, the next thing you want to know is when is the best time to buy tires.

Most people only think of buying tires when they have a flat or they notice their tread is gone, but you can actually save some money if you buy your tires at the right time. Below, we talk about the two times of year you can find the best bargains on tires.

September and October

That’s right, now is a great time to buy new tires as we gear up for another Minnesota winter. Snow and ice may be the last thing on your mind, but September and October are when many auto shops stock up on tires that preform well during the cold winter months. If this winter is anything like last year, we’re in store for at least five months of poor driving conditions.

Not only will you save some money by buying tires during the period when dealers have a surplus of stock, but similar to our related blogs on auto maintenance, the key to extending the life of your vehicle is to take steps to prevent problems from occurring, instead of fixing the end result. It’s always a good idea to buy your new tires a little earlier rather than later, as postponing the purchase could lead to a much bigger bill if your car can’t stop in time or keep you on the road during winter conditions.

March and April

If the best deals on tires revolve around the seasons, it should come as no surprise that March and April – the end of the winter months – are good times to purchase new tires.

Similar to when people gear up for the winter driving season in the fall, consumers use the springtime to prepare for the hot driving months June and July bring. Auto dealers once again stock up on tires during the spring, which means you’ll probably see more deals on tires as people begin to plan cross-country road trips and other getaways. If you bought a set of tires specifically for the winter, now is the time you’ll start to think about ditching them for a set that preforms better in the heat.

If you’re in the market for new tires, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (952) 933-0735. We want to keep you safe as the weather cools down, so let us help winterize your car by installing a new set of tires today!

Related source: About.com

Buying Tires in Minnesota? Look No Further than Affordable Auto

Tire TreadTires are an essential part of any vehicle. Much like shoes for a person, tires are the one thing between you and the ground, so it’s critical you buy the right type of tire for your car. After all, you wouldn’t play football in high heels or go for a run in sandals!

That said, picking out a new pair of shoes is probably an easier task than purchasing the right type of tires for your vehicle. When picking out tires, there are a few things to consider:

1. Tread Life – You’ll want to buy tires with a high tread life so you don’t need to buy new tires in a year or two. The easiest way to evaluate tread expectations is by examining a tire’s Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG). Every manufacturer is required by law to test its tires in order to establish a UTQG rating. The higher the rating, the longer the tread life and quality of the tire. Although the tests can’t account for all variables (like temperature, road conditions, or speed), the UTQG rating provides a good basis to help determine the quality of each tire.

2. Remember the Weather – The type of tire you purchase is directly related where you live. Say, for example, you live in Arizona or Texas. You’ll want a tire that can preform and hold tread at above average temperatures. In Washington and Oregon, they look for tires that preform well during wet conditions. Since Minnesota experiences all four seasons, you’ll want to make sure you purchase a versatile tire that can keep you safe throughout the year. Ask a technician for more information if you need help determining which tire is best for your local weather conditions.

3. Stick with what works – Before you head into the shop to purchase a new set of wheels, take a look at what you currently have on your car. If they held their tread well, consider buying the same tire model this time around. You can also peruse the Internet or ask a trained service expert which types of tires are common for your vehicle. Also, for more information about tire size and speed rating, check out this helpful article.

4. Buy a Complete Set – You’ve probably had your car in the shop on at least one occasion where the mechanic says your front tires are running low on tread. You may be tempted to buy two new tires to fix the problem, but this could actually make the situation worse. See, tire tread wears out differently for a variety of reasons. Usually, the tires on the front of your car wear out faster as they are tasked with shouldering the majority of the engine’s weight. Also, unless you always ride with a friend, your front-left tire generally wears out the fastest because of the additional weight of the driver. The less tread left on the tire, the more susceptible you are to experiencing a dangerous blowout. If you end up only buying two new tires, your car’s alignment could be damaged if they aren’t the same size as your old tires. Instead, buy four tires at a time and get in the habit of regularly rotating your tires so the tread wears evenly.

These tips can help you make your decision when shopping for new tires. Also, if you’re wondering if your current tires should be changed, check out our previous blog on preparing your car for a road trip. In that blog we provide a simple test for checking if you have a safe amount of tread on your tire.

If you’re in the market for new tires, or you simply want to talk with an experienced auto technician, give us a call at (952) 933-0735.

Related source: Edmunds.com

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop

CC image Affordable Auto ServiceWhen your car needs work, two things come to mind. You want someone who will get the repair done quickly, and most importantly, someone who won’t overcharge you for the work. But how do you know which auto repair shops are honest and which ones want to take you for a ride? Below we share five tips for picking out a trusted automobile repair center.

1) Look for Experience – This may sound obvious, but just because a business has been operating for 50 years doesn’t mean the same mechanic has been doing all the work. Check out local websites, and don’t be afraid to ask how long the head mechanics have been working on vehicles. The more experienced the mechanic, the more likely he’s dealt with the exact same issue in the past.

2) Avoid certain National Chains – Some nationwide garages can offer a quick fix for your vehicle, but similar to the first point, they don’t always have the most experience. Many of the national chains have a higher rate of employee turnover than local shops. This may not seem that important, but you’ll learn why this is crucial in the next point.

3) Price Varies – The goal of any successful business is to operate in the green, and that can be hard to do if the company has a high rate of employee turnover. The more people a company hires, the more time they need to spend on training. Who usually does the training? The head mechanics. If a company can’t service as many vehicles as normal because a few of their workers quit, or because the lead mechanics are taking time out of their day to train the new hires, the company will be operating at a slimmer margin. The shop then needs to look for a way to make up the difference, and sometimes they achieve this by charging a little bit more for parts or labor.

4) Read the Reviews – The majority of people now use the Internet to find a trusted auto dealer, and many leave online reviews. Most car repair websites will have page dedicated to their customer reviews, but it’s important to remember that the company is the one controlling what is said on the site. Instead, check out the company’s Google Review. Based on a 5-point scale, you can see what customers think about the service they received.

5) Dealer vs. Local Shop – There are a few differences between a dealer garage and a regular auto body shop. If you have a complex vehicle-specific problem, like you lost the smart key to your car and you need a new one programmed and cut, you might be better off going to a dealer who focuses on one car brand (i.e. if you own a Jetta, go to a Volkswagen dealer). On the other hand, these brand specific dealers are going to charge you a lot more to do the work, because in theory, you’re dealing with someone who only works on your type of car. If you’re getting routine or even heavy-duty work done on your car, a local garage will be your best bet. They can handle major fixes like alignment, electrical issues, engine repair or windshield repair without charging you an arm and a leg.

How to Extend the Life of Your Vehicle

CC image Wikipedia.orgWe’re here to help fix your car if something goes wrong, but the best way to extend the life of your vehicle is by practicing good driving and maintenance habits. Below, we discuss some simple things you can do to squeeze every mile possible out of your car.

On The Road – Certain driving habits can help extend the life of your car, and they can also help boost your fuel economy. This is especially important for new cars without many miles on them. Avoid flooring the gas pedal or slamming on the breaks when possible. It might be tempting to see if your flashy new car can hit 90 mph on the highway, but pushing your car’s engine to the limit is a recipe for disaster.

By giving yourself plenty of time to accelerate and to brake, you’ll avoid placing unneeded stress on your vehicle. The less stress, the better.

At The Pump – If you read our post on gasoline, you already know the best time of day to buy gasoline. Although the density of your fuel doesn’t necessarily equate to extending the life of your vehicle, there is another situation when you’ll want to avoid the pump.

If you notice a gas tanker is emptying its tank at the gas station, you’ll want to drive to another location to fill up. Sediments and other particles in the underground reserve can be stirred up when the tanker deposits its fuel. If those particles make their way into your fuel line, it can cause problems in your tank and filter.

At Home – Another way to care for your car is by doing minor maintenance on your own. Although you might not know how to fix a busted intake valve, odds are you can read the owner’s manual. Inside the manual you can learn about certain recommendations, like how much air you should put inside your tires and how to maintain proper fluid levels. With the help of an air hose and funnel, you can make sure some of the controllable aspects of your car are in optimal shape.

At The Shop – Doing minor maintenances on your own can keep your car running smooth, but it’s also important to have it regularly looked at by professionals. Mechanics know the best way to replace integral components like timing belts or batteries, and they can spot other issues that may be overlooked by the untrained eye.

Some common maintenance habits that can easily be preformed by your local mechanic include:

  • Tire rotation
  • Filter changes
  • Diagnostics testing
  • Alignment checks 

Check back each week for more tips on how to properly care for your car.

Related source: Reader’s Digest

How Often Should I Check My Car’s Fluid Levels?

Car FluidsOther than gasoline, most drivers don’t give their car’s fluid levels a second thought on a daily basis. As we’ve said before, the key to extending the life of your vehicle is to prevent breakdowns from occurring, as opposed to fixing the problem after it happens. While some fluids aren’t as integral to maintaining peak performance, it’s a good practice to routinely inspect your fluid levels to keep them in an optimal state. Below, we explain how often you should check and change your fluid levels.

Regular Fluid Checks

Oil – You can check your oil level and color with the help of a dipstick. Insert a clean dipstick into the oil tube and slowly remove it. Most dipsticks will have an indicator to determine if you’re above or below the recommended amount of oil. If you’re below the minimum amount, or if the oil is black, you’ll want to have it changed.

Final verdict: Change every 5,000-7,000 miles.

Windshield Wiper Fluid – Motorists use a significant amount of windshield wiper fluid during the spring months as melting snow is constantly being sprayed up onto the windshield. Windshield wiper fluid isn’t integral to maintain peak performance, but you won’t want to be out of fluid if a passing vehicle sprays your car with mud.

Final verdict: Pop your car’s hood every month to give your windshield wiper fluid container a quick check. If it’s less than ¼ full, top it off.

Moderate Checks

Brake Fluid – A dipstick is also handy for checking your brake fluid level. Reference your owner’s manual to determine the procedure for checking your brake fluid to ensure it is at the proper level.

Final verdict: You probably only need to check your brake fluid levels once a year, and most mechanics recommend changing it every 30,000 miles or three years.

Coolant – Coolant helps make sure your engine doesn’t overheat while driving. You can easily check your coolant levels by checking under your hood and referencing your owner’s manual.

Final verdict: Coolant should be changed every 30,000 miles or every three years, whichever comes first.

Transmission Fluid – You can use your dipstick to check your transmission fluid levels, and you’ll want to have service done immediately if you realize you are running low. You’ll also want to make sure the fluid is the right color. Transmission fluid is clear pink, so if you notice any darkness in the liquid you’ll want to get it changed.

Final verdict: You should check your transmission fluid once a year, and most mechanics recommend you change it every 30,000-50,000 miles.

Longer Checks

Battery Fluid – Most batteries have a pretty good shelf life, but you should still keep an eye on the color of your battery’s fluid so you know it’s still in good shape. Most batteries have a condition indicator on the top of the battery that changes color based on the fluid quality:

  • Blue/Green: Good
  • Red: Add distilled water
  • White: Needs to be changes

Final verdict: Change your battery every 3-5 years.

Related sources: Yahoo, NapaOnline.com

What Should I Keep In My Trunk In Case of an Emergency?

CC image Icon Drawing Cartoon First Aid Kit Emergency by geralt on PixabayNobody wants to be stranded on the side of the road, but a minor delay can turn into a major problem if you are unprepared for an emergency. These days, nearly everyone has a cell phone, so trouble usually isn’t more than a call away, but you should still prepare an emergency roadside kit in case you get stranded far from home or in an area with no cell reception. Below, we discuss some thing you should store in your trunk so you’ll be prepared in the event of a roadside emergency.

Flashlight – A flashlight is an essential part of a roadside kit if you’re planning on traveling during the wee hours of the night. A flashlight or lantern can help you look under the hood for any problems, or it can simplify the process of changing a flat tire. Don’t forget to pack appropriate batteries as well.

Jumper Cables – Although you’ll need the assistance of another car, jumper cables are a great tool to store in your car’s trunk. Jumper cables can get your car working if you accidentally leave the headlights or dome light on overnight. If instructions aren’t included in the cable packaging, make sure you write down the instructions for properly hooking up the cables.

Roadside Flashers – You’ll want to pack a device that alerts other motorists of your presence so they give you enough room on the side of the highway. This can be achieved with reflecting caution cones, a roadside triangle, or flares. If you are going to pack road flares, make sure they are off to the side of the road so they aren’t a danger to the other drivers, and never use a flare as a light source for checking anything on your vehicle.

Miscellaneous Tools – If you’re handy enough to fix a flat on your own, you’ll want to pack the right tools to get the job done. Keep items like a car jack, a jack handle or crank, and a lug wrench in your trunk to assist you in the process. Also, our auto mechanics recommend storing a bungee cable in your car in the event that your hood or trunk latches break.

Age-Appropriate Materials – If you routinely travel with children or elderly individuals, it’s safe to assume they might be with you during the emergency. Pack essential age-appropriate materials, like:

  • Infants: Diapers, food supplies, blankets
  • Children: Stress-relieving toys, extra clothes, blankets
  • Elderly: Vitamins, water, medical testing supplies

First Aid Kit – Sometimes a passenger may suffer an injury that requires medical attention. Always keep a first aid kit in your car in case of a medical emergency. Some items to include in the first aid kit are bandages, Band-Aids, gauze, sterilization wipes, over-the-counter pain medication, eye-wash, and a CPR mask.

What is my Timing Belt & When Should I Replace it?

CC image Wikipedia.orgEveryone knows the simple fixes to keep your car in top shape, like getting routine oil changes, regularly changing your filters and fluids, and maintaining your tires, but some of the most important maintenance habits are the least well known. One such service is making sure you take care of your timing belt.

What is a Timing Belt?

A timing belt, also referred to as a timing chain or cam belt, is an integral part of the internal combustion engine. Its job is to synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft so that the engine’s valves open and close at the correct time during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust pump. In certain engines, the belt is also designed to prevent the piston from hitting the valves.

As its name implies, the timing belt needs to be perfectly calibrated to keep everything in proper order. If the belt gets out of alignment, or if it breaks altogether, you could severely damage or destroy the engine, which means your car could soon be hauled off to the junkyard if the damage is too great.

If your belt breaks, you’ll know it right away. Once the belt snaps, your engine will cease to run, and you won’t be able to get it started again. You’ll need to call a tow truck to haul you into a friendly automotive technician to assess the damage.

When to change the belt

Replacing your timing belt isn’t the cheapest service in the book, but it sure beats having to buy a new car if the break totals your car. Although the exact mileage varies on the type of vehicle and what type of driving you commonly do, our service technicians recommend that you replace your timing belt every 60,000-80,000 miles.

Timing belts are built to last up to 100,000 miles before requiring change, but that doesn’t mean you should call a service technician when your odometer hits 99,999. Because of the damage that can be caused when the belt breaks, it is never recommended to exceed 80,000 miles on the same belt. They say hindsight is 20-20, and the same rule can be applied to timing belts – replacing the belt before it becomes and issue will save you a major headache down the road.

Related source: Yahoo

 

3 Common Car Problems After Hitting a Pothole

CC image Wikipedia.orgMinnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes, but during the springtime it can look like the land of 10,000 potholes. These holes can prove dangerous, especially if you drive over a deep pothole. Below, we’ll discuss why potholes form, and what kind of damage they typically cause.

Pothole Problems

Ever wonder why potholes seem to sprout up everywhere as winter begins to thaw? That’s because as the snow melts, water seeps into the cracks in the road. As the temperature drops at night, the water in the cracks freezes. If you’ve ever taken 6th grade science, you know that water expands as it freezes. The frozen water puts pressure on the area, and that pressure can rupture if it becomes too great or if a car drives over the spot.

People often try to avoid potholes, which is the preferred method as long as you don’t leave your driving lane. Others think that if they slow down, they’ll put less damage on their car than if they hit it at high speeds. Unfortunately, this is a misconception, and slowing down can cause increased damage to your vehicle.

To illustrate why slowing down is problematic, consider this example. Imagine you are on a golf course, and you’re putting on the 18th hole. If you hit your ball perfectly, it will fall into the cup near the end of its roll. If you hit the ball too hard, but right on line, your ball may hit the far edge of the cup and ricochet away. The ball didn’t go in the hole because it was going too fast and didn’t have enough time to drop. The same rules apply for hitting a pothole. The faster you hit the pothole, the less time your wheel will have to drop into the hole. The slower you hit a pothole, the further your wheel will sink into the hole before hitting the other side. That said, hitting a pothole at excessive speeds an be dangerous if it causes you to lose control of the vehicle.

Common Issues

Three common issues cause by potholes include:

Tire Damage – Hitting a pothole can flat out pop your tire, but it can also take a chunk out of your tire. A damaged tire can make you more susceptible to blowout on the road, which can be dangerous at high speeds.

Alignment – If you hit a significant pothole, or just a collection of potholes over time, your car can get out of alignment. This can cause your car to pull to the left or right, which aside from being dangerous, can lead to further damage if left untreated.

Bearings – Bearings are what help your car turn from side to side. If you hear a grinding noise when turning, you may have damaged your bearing. No need to explain the danger associated with the inability to get your car to turn in the proper direction.

If you think your car has sustained pothole damage, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free quote.

Related source: Yahoo, MDoT

5 Ways to Increase Gas Mileage

CC image Wikipedia.orgWith gas prices on the rise, motorists are once again looking for ways to stretch their dollars and increase their gas mileage. To aid in their search, we compiled a list of five ways you can increase your car’s gas mileage.

Drive the speed limit – Although you may not get to your destination as fast as you would if you put the pedal to the metal, driving at appropriate speeds will increase your gas mileage. Traveling at 55 mph can increase your gas mileage by up to 21% compared to driving at 65 or 70 mph. Also, traffic lights are designed to keep traffic flowing. Peeling out after a light turns green may be fun, but chances are you’ll have to hit the breaks at the next light. Normal acceleration, combined with obeying the speed limit, will give you the best chance to hit a bunch of green lights in a row.

Know when to buy – You can get more for your money by purchasing gasoline at the optimal time on the optimal day. Studies have shown that gas prices are statistically lowest on Tuesday, as the price often fluctuates a little based on supply and demand. As for the time of day, you’ll want to fill up before it gets hot out. When the temperature rises, the gas at the pump becomes less dense. By filling up early in the morning or late at night, you’ll be getting a denser version of gasoline, which will help your car go farther.

Keep your windows up – You might think rolling down the windows instead of blasting the air conditioning will increase your gas mileage, but open windows still create a large amount of drag. Air conditioners can reduce your fuel economy by 10-20%, but traveling with your windows down on the highway can also reduce your gas mileage by 10%. Open windows are better than air conditioning, but for best results, keep your windows up and the AC off.

Properly inflate your tires – As we documented in a previous post, overinflated or underinflated tires can be detrimental to your car’s fuel economy. Over inflated tires leave you more susceptible to blowouts, while underinflated tires lose their tread more quickly. Properly inflated tires can extend your car’s gas mileage by 3%, which is roughly 12 cents a gallon.

Park smart – When possible, park so that you can put your car in drive the next time you start your car. Shifting from forward to reverse or vice versa requires more gasoline, so plan ahead. Consider pulling through into the next parking spot at the grocery store or parking just before a driveway to ensure no car will be blocking your path forward the next time you get in your vehicle.

Related sources: HowToAdvice.com, Yahoo