Affordable Auto Service

Give Your Car Some Love This Valentineâ€™s Day

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the auto-enthusiast in your life this Valentineâ€™s Day? Give them a great and practical gift by helping them take care of their car!

We rely on our car for so many things in our daily life; Taking Billy to hockey practice, running errands on the weekend and getting to work on time, but sometimes we take the car for granted. For some people, the only time they preform regular maintenance is when something breaks down or the Check Engine light comes on. Today, weâ€™re going to share three quick and easy tips so you can keep the other love in your life running smoothly.

1) Oil Change

If youâ€™d rather have your carâ€™s oil changed by a professional, or if you donâ€™t have a space to preform the task, weâ€™d be more than happy to do the service for you, but changing the oil can be a fun teaching moment for couples or parents/children. Drain the oil into a disposable tray, and be sure to reattach the oil cap underneath your car before you pour in the new oil, otherwise youâ€™ll have a mess on your hands. Dispose of the old oil in an environmentally safe location, and viola! Youâ€™ve successfully changed the oil.

2) Car Wash

Winter grime builds up as slushy roads and tires kick dirt up onto your vehicle. We donâ€™t recommend washing your car in the driveway this time of year, so treat yourself or someone special to a car wash gift card at a nearby station. Your freshly washed car will stand out from the rest, which will look nice if youâ€™re going to be driving to a restaurant for dinner on Valentineâ€™s Day.

3) Treat Your Tires

Pothole season is almost upon us, and if your tires are already in bad shape, a nasty pothole could cause your tire to burst. Take a look at your tires and see if they should be rotated or replaced. We can have your tires rotated in no time, and this will ensure that your tires wear down evenly. By doing this, you can save money on gas and keep your suspension in top shape.

If you have any questions about other ways to keep your car running smoothly, simply scroll through some of our past blog posts.

Car-to-Car Communication Could Prevent Crashes

Regulators in the auto industry may soon require automakers to install crash-avoidance communication systems in all new vehicles, according to statements made by the Transportation Department.Â

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said the Obama administration is intent on moving forward with vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems that prevent accidents by providing location and speed data. Foxx hopes the communication systems will be mandatory within a few years.

“Our goal is to have a proposal that will be developed before the administration closes its doors,â€ Foxx said in news conference. He added that traffic data suggests that cross-car communication could prevent 70-80 percent of accident situations involving sober drivers.

Complex Systems

The raw data suggests that automobile communication systems could eliminate a large portion of crashes caused by driver error, but the technology still has a few hurdles to overcome. Researchers say some points of contention include:

Creating a large enough network for the system to function appropriately

Consumer privacy and security

Affordability

Consumer acceptance

Legal and regulatory framework

Of the above issues, automakers are primarily concerned about consumer backlash over privacy issues. Mr. Foxx said consumer security is one of their main areas of focus, and he added that vehicles wouldnâ€™t share identifying information.

Automakers are also hesitant to aggressively pursue vehicle-to-vehicle communications before liability issues are fully addressed.

How It Would Work

According to the Transportation Department, early studies have examined the proficiency of short-distance radio networks in reducing vehicle crashes and collisions.

Their current tests feature a radio network that sends signals up to 300 yards that project a vehicleâ€™s position, speed and direction. By analyzing the variables of all the other cars on the road, the communication system could provide early warning signals before they become apparent to the driver.

While the technology may not be mandatory for years, itâ€™s clear that new automobile safety measures are needed. There were 33,561 traffic deaths in 2012, up nearly 1,000 from the previous year. 2012 marked the first time in seven years that the number of traffic fatalities rose. It is believed that number declined in 2013, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is still working on the official tally.

Related source: The Wall Street Journal

How To Jump Start a Car

It seems like weâ€™re locked in a never-ending loop of polar vortexes in Minnesota, and when the weather dips below freezing it can take a toll on your carâ€™s battery. If you park your car outside during the winter, chances are youâ€™ve had to jump your car or help someone else jump their car at one time or another this winter. Since temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for the foreseeable future, we thought weâ€™d provide the correct method for jumping a vehicle in case you run into some trouble.

1. Safely Flag Down Another Motorist â€“ Odds are youâ€™ll on parked on the street or in a parking lot when you realize you need a jump, but itâ€™s important to stay safe when trying to flag down someone to help. Try to get someoneâ€™s attention while on the sidewalk, or head to a neighborâ€™s house to ask for assistance.

2. Turn Off Both Vehicles â€“ Although itâ€™s not absolutely necessary to turn off the good carâ€™s engine, doing so is the safest way to prevent accidental damage or injury. Once the vehicles are parked near one another, turn off the engine and pop the hoods.

3. Locate the Terminals â€“ Before you start hooking the batteries together, locate the terminals on both batteries. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) signs on each battery. If you donâ€™t see a sign, the terminals should be designated by color. Red symbolizes the positive terminal, while Black represents the negative terminal.

4. Positive First â€“ Now youâ€™re going to complete the process of creating the circuit. Begin by placing the red jumper cable on the positive terminal of the dead battery*. Once that is placed on the dead terminal, clamp the other end of the red cable the to positive terminal on the good battery.

* Note â€“ Not all jumper cables are Red and Black. It doesnâ€™t matter which color you hook up to the terminals, SO LONG AS YOU REMAIN CONSISTANT. For instance, if your cables are Yellow and Green, designate one color to be positive and the other negative. If you designate Yellow as positive, make sure you only hook up the Yellow cable to the positive terminals, and vice versa. Attaching them incorrectly can seriously damage both vehicles.

5. Negative Next â€“ Once the positive terminals are taken care of, move onto the negative terminals. Take the Black cable and attach it to the negative terminal of the good battery. The cables are now live, so be careful not to touch the exposed metal on the opposing clamp.

6. Ground The Last Clamp â€“ Attach the other Black clamp to a metal section of the bad carâ€™s engine block away from any moving parts. Usually there is a block or a metal bracket that you can use. This is called â€œgrounding,â€ and it will prevent any potential sparking that could occur if you hooked up the final clamp to the negative terminal on the dead battery**.

** If you canâ€™t safely clamp the opposite end of the Black cable to a metal section of your engine block, you can clamp it to the negative terminal of the dead battery. Remember, youâ€™re holding live cables, so attaching it to the negative terminal of the dead battery will likely cause a few minor sparks. These few sparks are rarely an issue, but problems can occur if there is a gas or fluid leak under the hood.

7. Start the Good Car â€“ Once everyone is away from the vehicles, start the good car. Let the good car run for a minute or two so electricity can flow through the batteries.

8. Start the Bad Car â€“ Try to start the car with the bad battery. It may take more than one try, and it can help to lightly press the gas pedal while turning the key. If your car sounds the exact same as it did before you tried to jump it, one of your cables may not be touching the terminal. Turn off both cars and make sure they are clamped on tightly.

Once your car starts, remove the cables in the same order you placed them on, using caution as you go. If you canâ€™t get your car to start, call a local auto shop or AAA for help.

Two things to take away from this article are:

Always attach the same colored cables to the same terminals; and

Remember the hook up order. Bad (+), Good (+), Good (-), Bad (-).

If you have any questions, or if youâ€™re in need of a new battery, give Affordable Auto Service a call today!

New Car Technologies Will Cut Commute Time, Keep Drivers Safe

As we mentioned in a recent post, self-driving cars are expected to become the norm over the next 20 years. While the technology is still in its early stage of development, researchers believe self-driving vehicles will keep people safe and cut down on carbon emissions.

Self-driving cars may be the way of the future, but emerging technologies are already cutting down on commute times, protecting the environment, and keeping drivers safe. Below, we share some of the coolest innovations that are getting you to your destination quicker, and in one piece.

Traffic Light Information Systems

Audi has developed a Traffic Light Information System in some of its higher-end vehicles that tells the driver how long before the upcoming traffic light changes. Think of all the ways this could benefit a driver! Knowing how much time left on a light can allow a driver to speed up a bit to make a light, or slow down to stay in a constant â€œgreen wave.â€ Also, if youâ€™re stuck at a red light, you know when it will turn green, so you can take a few seconds to enjoy the scenery or look back at your children without fearing that youâ€™ll miss the light turn green.

Smart GPS

Global Positioning Systems help drivers get from one place to another with ease, and although they can give you alternate routes in the event of construction or accidents, they arenâ€™t the best at sensing delays in real-time. Newer GPS models are looking to do just that â€“ provide real-time information so drivers can take a different route before they get into the traffic jam. This technology would sure come in handy the next time some driver causes an accident on the 394/94 interchange because he merged past the double white lines.

In-Car Connectivity

It seems that cars today are being fitted with new gadgets almost daily. Some of the newest models are equipped with Wi-Fi and the latest mobile apps. Instead of checking stocks or your Facebook feed on your phone while in a traffic jam, your car can display this information right on the console. You should always keep your eyes on the road, but queuing up the latest information while keeping your hands on the wheel can help keep you sane and safe during a traffic jam.

Smart Brakes

Mercedes Benz is working on a smart braking system that momentarily keeps your car still while you switch your foot from the brakes to the gas. If youâ€™re stuck in traffic while going uphill, that extra second can be the difference between moving along smoothly and rolling backwards into the car behind you. They are also working on a similar system for flat surfaces. Instead of keeping the brakes engaged the whole time while you wait for the light to change, the new Mercedes Benz will maintain brake pressure without needing to have the pedal depressed. Once the light turns green, simply hit the gas and youâ€™re off and running.

Related source: New York Daily News

Minnesota Among Cheapest States For Car Repairs

A review of national automotive data revealed that Minnesotans paid less than the average consumer to have work done on their car in 2011.

According to the data, Minnesotans paid an average of $323.51 for â€œcheck engineâ€ related repairs, $10 less than the national average of $333.93. As you can see by the lists below, the most costly states for car repair are out west, while the cheapest states are located in the northeast and Midwest.

Five Most Expensive States For Car Repair

Wyoming ($389.18)
Utah ($378.54)
California ($367.86)
Montana ($364.29)
Arizona ($362.65)

Five Least Expensive States For Car Repair

Indiana ($283.95)
Maine ($289.56)
Wisconsin ($289.90)
Iowa ($289.91)
New Hampshire ($292.91)

The data breaks down the two main components of auto repair â€“ Parts and Labor- to get a grand total. The average American spent $215.32 on parts and $118.61 on labor for check engine related repairs in 2011. Minnesota came in south of both of those numbers, as the average cost for parts was $211.68, and the average cost of labor was $111.63.

The most common repair associated with a check engine light was for an oxygen sensor replacement. While some people suggest drivers ignore oxygen sensor issues because vehicle performance will feel the same, oxygen sensor problems can reduce fuel economy by up to 40 percent. At that rate, a driver will quickly shell out more money with increased pit stops for gas than if they would have had the problem fixed when the check engine light first lit up.

Mechanics also noted that ignoring your oxygen sensor can lead to failure of the vehicleâ€™s catalytic converter, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix.

Simply put, if your check engine light comes on, donâ€™t make it worse by ignoring the issue. It can cost you a lot more money down the road.

Related source: CarMD.com

Self-Driving Car Sales To Balloon Over Next 20 Years

Self Driving Cars Sales of self-driving cars are expected to grow from 230,000 in 2025 to nearly 12 million by 2035, a new study suggests.

Self-driving cars are currently few and far between, but researchers believe sales will exponentially increase as technology continues to improve. By 2035, researchers believe the cumulative sales of self-driving cars will top 54 million.

The first company that can perfect the science will be able to capitalize on the lion’s share of the market, so it’s no surprise that virtually all the major automakers are putting their best technicians on the case.Â One of the biggest reasons companies are pursuingÂ self-driving cars is because they hope to eliminate driver error, which accounts for the majority of all traffic accidents. Egil Juliussen, principalÂ analyst for autonomous driver assisted systems at IHS Automotive and co-author of the study, said self-driving cars have many benefits aside from just reducing accidents.

“As the market share of self-driving cars on the highway grows, overall accident rates will decline steadily,” said Juliussen. “Traffic congestion and air pollution per car should also decline because self-driving cars can be programmed to be more efficient in their driving patterns.”

The IHS believes roughly 30 percent of self-driving cars will be sold in the United States.

Companies will continue to perfect new and innovative technologies to keep drivers safe, but some of their devices are already in use in many cars on the roads today. Innovations like active lane-assist and automated braking help drivers avoid accidents, but bigger ideas are already in the works. Automotive companies are currently working on an autopilot-like feature, similar to that used in airplanes, which can take over the operating system on some major highways. By the 2020’s more sophisticated systems are expected to hit the market.

Not Cheap

Similar to other stories we’ve posted on radical new automotive technology, don’t expect self-driving cars to come with a cheap sticker price. Analysts expect that cars with a self-driving option will add $7,000-$10,000 to a car’s retail price when reliable models hit the market in 2025. That price should drop as more self-driving cars hit the market, as the upcharge is expected to be $5,000 in 2030, and about $3,000 in 2035.

Related source: NBC News

3 Car-Related New Yearâ€™s Resolutions You Should Keep

Happy 2014! Now that we’ve flipped the calendar to January, it’s time to look at your resolutions for the new year. Many people want to eat better or work out more, but others are more creative when it comes to New Year’s resolutions. We like to think we’re a creative bunch, so we’ve come up with three resolutions that incorporate your car. Enjoy!

1. Plan a Roadtrip

Roadtrips can be a great bonding experience, whether you’re hitting the highways with your family or friends. This year, make a resolution to take at least one long road trip. Take the family out to Washington D.C., or spend a weekend visiting your favorite major league baseball stadium. Round up some friends to bring along, and don’t forget to prep your car before you go!

2. Keep Your Vehicle in Top Shape

Although it’s not as exciting as planning a cross country road trip, make a resolution to keep your car in top shape in 2014. Get timely oil changes, and look for other proper maintenance habits you may have been ignoring. Check your fluids and keep your tires in good working order by rotating them every other oil change. Ask your friendly mechanic to preform a diagnostics test the next time you bring your car in. He can provide you with some tips to keep your car running like the day you drove it off the lot.

3. Focus on One Driving Habit, and Improve It

As much as we’d like to think that we’re the best driver on the road, odds are that’s not the case. Take a second to think about a few driving habits you could improve in 2014. Some possible habits include:

Making sure you use your blinker at every turn and during every lane change.
Talking less on the phone while driving, or adding a hands-free device for safer driving.
Taking a deep breath every time another driver angers you, instead or cussing up a storm or laying on the horn.
Driving with your headlights onÂ at all times.
Coming to a full stop at every stop sign.

Practicing good driving habits is great for a multitude of reasons. Not only will you be less likely to get in an accident, but you’ll also save money by avoiding costly tickets. Add these resolutions to your list in 2014 and your car will thank you!

5 Tips for Driving in the Snow and Ice

Snow driving Letâ€™s face it. Just because we get plenty of opportunities to drive in snowy conditions doesnâ€™t mean weâ€™re all experts. Driving takes skill even in perfect conditions, so itâ€™s especially important to practice safe driving habits when the weather is less than ideal. Below, we share five driving tips to remember as the winter weather continues.

1. Check Your Tires â€“ Tire tread helps you grip the road, and youâ€™ll need all the tread you can get during a snowstorm. Consider investing in a new set of tires, or swap your current wheels out for a set of winter tires until the roads thaw. If youâ€™re not sure if your current set of tires has enough tread left to keep you safe during the winter, check out our post on â€œPrepping your car for a road tripâ€ to learn about the Penny Test.

2. Windshield Prep â€“ Make sure your windshield is in top shape to protect against falling snow and slush from other drivers. First, make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. Before getting in your car, remove any ice that may be stuck to your wipers, and check to ensure they arenâ€™t frozen to the glass. While youâ€™re checking your wipers, if needed, give all your windows a thorough scraping. Itâ€™s very unsafe to drive if you canâ€™t see out all your windows. Lastly, make sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid. Wiper fluid can help clean off your windshield in the event that a trucker sends slush flying your way.

3. Take It Slow â€“ Give yourself plenty of time to get from one place to another so you can travel at a safe pace. Wake up an extra 15 minutes early during the winter months so you can account for slower traffic on the way to work. You might be able to go 70 miles an hour on US 94 during the summer, but itâ€™s a death wish in Minnesota in the winter. If youâ€™re running late, call someone from a hands-free device to let them know when they can expect to see you. Driving fast to make up a few minutes can cost you time and money if you get in an accident.

4. Know Your Roads â€“ Similar to the above tip, itâ€™s important to concentrate on the road in front of you. Not just the next 100 yards; the next Â¼ mile. If you know a sharp turn or a stop sign if coming up, ease off the gas. You may be able to get away with hitting your breaks late in the summer, but you wonâ€™t have that luxury during an icy winter. Practice active driving habits like staying focused, keeping your eyes on the road, and minimizing distracting activities like eating or finding the perfect song on your iPod.

5. Prepare For The Worst â€“ In the event that you end up in a ditch, make sure you have the necessary supplies to keep you safe until help arrives. Pack a blanket or a jacket to help keep you warm, and turn on your flashers so you are visible to other drivers. Keep your cell phone and AAA card handy on long trips, and it doesnâ€™t hurt to keep a bag of sand in your trunk if you have extra room. The extra weight will give you more stability during your drive, and the sand can help your tires grip the earth if you get stuck on some ice.

Lastly, a final point of advice is to exercise good judgment. If the weather is really bad, stay home. Missing a day of work or a night out with friends isnâ€™t the end of the world. Stay safe this winter.

McLaren Replacing Windshield Wipers With Sound Waves

Ahh, the sound of innovation.

The McLaren automobile company recently announced that they are developing a new windshield void of windshield wipers that clears dirt and debris with the help of high frequency sound waves.

McLaren chief designer Frank Stephenson said the company got the idea by studying the use of high frequency sound waves on fighter planes. A typical fighter jet uses sound waves to keep insects and other obstructions off the windshield.

Stephenson noted that the removal of the wipers would improve the carâ€™s fuel economy by eliminating the weight of the wiper motors. It would also make the car more aerodynamic.

According to one expert, the cars would be fitted with a small transducer that would send 30 kHz sound waves across the glass. The expert said the device could cost as little as $15, less than the cost of one replacement wiper in todayâ€™s market.

110 Years Old

The first windshield wipers appeared in 1903, and believe it or not they needed to be manually operated by the driver. Each car was fitted with a hand-crank that moved the wipers back and forth.

As technology advanced, automobile companies soon added motors to make it safer for drivers to clear their windshield. Today, windshield wipers are treated with a special formula to repel water, but they could be going the way of the dinosaurs in the not-so-distant future.

Although the cars arenâ€™t yet on the market, itâ€™s a good idea to start saving your money now if youâ€™re interested in purchasing one of the vehicles. McLarenâ€™s current line of vehicles is priced between $230,000 and $1.15 million, although they have stated that they are working on a bargain vehicle for the mere price of $125,000.

Related source: The Sunday Times, Fox News