Part of parenting is dispensing driving advice. For example, in icy weather young drivers may be told, “Take it slow. Don’t drive any faster than the speed at which you’re willing to hit a brick wall.” Thanks Mom. Thanks Dad.

Driving slowly and cautiously is good advice, but the Car Care Council reminds motorists of other cold weather tips. The first and most important is to be proactive. That means making sure you’re car is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy. Read the rest of this entry »

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There are standards today for just about everything in our society.   But, believe it or not, there are no standards when you replace your automobile brakes.

Given that the brake system is the most critical element of car safety, it’s hard to imagine that 50 million cars on the road today have brakes with potential for accident-causing failures.

Over half of the complaints registered by the NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration) concern brake systems and brake related accidents.  Total costs for these mishaps are almost $3 billion a year. Read the rest of this entry »

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Year after year, more vehicles fail inspections in National Car Care Month check lanes because of low or dirty engine oil than any other discrepancy. “This is because motorists seldom check under the hood at the gas pumps or, for that matter, any other time,” says Car Care Council President Donna Wagner.  “Most of us are guilty of just gassing up and getting back on the road, planning to check oil, belts and fluids some other time, if at all.”

The Council is promoting improved maintenance habits, not only checking but also changing oil when that service is due. It could save money and inconvenience in the long run. Read the rest of this entry »

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Are Leading Drivers To Consider Hands-Free Cell Phone Systems
Provided by Old World Industries

Question:  When is talking dangerous?
Answer #1:  When the bull is charging right at you!
Answer #2 When talking on a cell phone interferes with safe driving.

Unfortunately, both of these answers can have very much the same impact for drivers who are distracted by talking on a cell phone, and anyone else unlucky enough to be on the road with them.  It seems like the number of driving “near misses” is on the rise, and many “what were they thinking” driving maneuvers are the result of a driver who is trying to drive with one hand, while talking on a cell phone with the other.   Read the rest of this entry »

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A car’s CV joint and the joints in your body work in much the same way. They all do tough duty, and when they stop performing their tasks, it’s serious business. Interestingly,  when they’re failing, they often make a similar sound. For example, on a front wheel drive vehicle one tell-tale sign of a worn CV joint includes a clicking noise when making turn. That should sound familiar to former athletes. Other noises that indicate worn CV joints include a clunking when accelerating after coasting, or a vibration when accelerating from a stop. Read the rest of this entry »

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“Vehicle maintenance deserves a lot more attention than it gets in most driver education curricula,” claims Rich Davis, VP of Marketing for the Car Care Council. He should know. Being responsible for statistical feedback from National Car Care Month check lanes, as well as information accumulated from the Council’s Certified Inspection program, Davis finds an alarming number of vehicles that need maintenance and repair.

“Worn or improperly adjusted drive belts are found on one out of four vehicles inspected in National Car Care Month check lanes and in our Certified Inspection results,” he says. “Equally high on the failure list are cooling system hoses which, of course, are made of rubber. Read the rest of this entry »

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You probably didn’t notice the difference when manufacturers began putting fluoride in your toothpaste or flame retardant in your kids’ pajamas. Still, those were great ideas. Gas-electric hybrid (GEH) cars are another great idea, but chances are you won’t notice the difference between them and a conventional vehicle unless you’re in the driver’s seat or paying the fuel bill.

How Does It Work?
Basically, gas-electric hybrids use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for propulsion, according to the Car Care Council. However, the electric motor is more for support, like solar panels on a house. It is designed to assist the gas engine, decreasing the amount of fuel that’s needed. Read the rest of this entry »

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A person can learn a lot from kids, and it doesn’t always have to do with video games or top 40 music. In fact, it’s more likely to pertain to romance or money. Money was the topic recently at a lunch table when the conversation turned to purchasing a car.

“My mom says that used car lots used to have good deals,” sighed Heather, “but the one I visited yesterday didn’t have, like, a single vehicle in my price range. Even with my trade in y’know.”

“Let me ask you a question,” said Karen, the savvy auto tech student. “What’s wrong with the car you’re driving now?” Read the rest of this entry »

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A TV commercial shows Dad and kids, all smiles, having fun washing the family car. An employer offers free car washes as an added recruitment benefit and car washes are among the most popular student fund raising events.

Car washing, in the driveway or in a drive-through, conjures positive thoughts.

“It’s what spring is all about,” says Donna Wagner, President of the Car Care Council. “Before buckling down to the less enchanting chores of window cleaning and lawn work, the first warm weekend invites us to run to the car wash or get out the bucket and hose.” Read the rest of this entry »

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With America’s energy policy being batted around like a political tennis ball, questions concerning the validity of alternative fueled and hybrid vehicles are becoming more prevalent. The problem, says the Car Care Council, is not with the fuels or the vehicles, but with public perception.

“Americans seem to have a stereotype of energy efficient vehicles that are not powered by fossil fuels,” says Donna Wagner, president of the Council. “They think these cars have a top speed of 30 mph and an extension cords. That’s not how it works in the new millennium.” Read the rest of this entry »

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