The Lowdown On Tyre Pressures
Posted on December 25, 2011 | Automotive Repair.
The air that’s in each of your vehicle’s tyres is what makes up your tyre pressures. You may be surprised but the air pressure and whether it is at the correct PSI can make an astonishing difference to your car in many key areas. Fuel economy, tyre wear, superior handling, reduced braking distances, reduced CO2 emissions and reduced chance of aquaplaning are all elements that are affected by what pressure your tyres are.
All this is of great importance to most drivers, so how do you know that your tyres are at the correct pressure that they should be? This information is generally found in either the vehicle owner’s manual and printed on the ledge inside the driver’s door. Some manufacturers also print tyre pressures on the inside of the vehicle’s petrol cap. Once you have found this information there will generally be an option of normal driving (two passengers) or alternatively driving with a heavy load (a full car of passengers) If you are setting off on holiday and will have all your family in the car and a boot full of luggage it is highly advisable that you check your car tyres are not under-inflated.
The next stage is to check and adjust the tyre pressures accordingly. This is an easy yet essential part of your vehicle’s maintenance. If you have a pump this can be done at home or at most petrol stations. Simply remove the dust cap and fix the pressure gauge on to the valve. The gauge will show numbers as to what the current air pressure is in the tyre and tell you if the tyre is at the correct pressure or if it is under or over inflated. If the tyre requires more pressure simply inflate to the correct pressure, as detailed in your handbook. If the tyre is over-inflated press the valve down to release this a little air and reduce the pressure.
The dangers and implications of not doing this simple check can be huge. Tyre blow outs can be caused by a vehicle whose tyres are not correctly inflated. This happens when the tyre does not have enough air to hold the weight of the vehicle. The sidewalls are therefore compressed which leads them to flex over the normal limits. This causes additional heat which can lead to a tyre blowing out. This can happen whether you are driving on a set of budget tyres or premium tyres and as a driver it is your responsibility to check the pressure of your car tyres on a regular basis. If not you could potentially be putting yourself and other drivers at risk of an accident.
Windshield Repair Service Tips
Posted on December 24, 2011 | Automotive Repair.
Windshields are an often important overlooked safety feature of vehicles. The glass is created to withstand high winds, rain, and may deflect some solid items without being damaged. Sometimes there are accidents where the integrity of the glass is compromised. Most people have problems with minor windshield problems, which affect their ability to drive.
Damage to business or personal vehicles always happens unexpectedly. Cracks, chips, and holes can occur from rocks, items falling from other vehicles, or vandalism. Waiting an extended period of time to fix the damage can have further negative consequences. The content of the car may be seen as valuable to potential thieves.
Car alarms may not work properly when the window is not intact. Vehicles parked in high traffic areas may lose their DVD players, screens, movies, gps, cash, or other valuable items within the car. Most car owners immediately seek out ways to repair their windshields.
Cracked windshields in some cases are still stable. The crack or small hole may appear to not be moving. Temporary solutions such as tape or cardboard can cause dangerous accidents on severely damaged windshields. Not addressing a small crack in a timely manner, may result in having to replace the entire windshield.
Many insurance companies will pay for some or all of the windshield repair work. Some policies may require an out of pocket fee, and will reimburse the expense by check through the mail. Many auto insurance policies are accessible online. Online chat support or telephone customer service agents should be able to answer specific questions regarding reimbursement.
Windshields that have been busted or are unsafe to drive will need auto windshield replacement. Replacement services are the best option for staying safe while the car is in motion. Never attempt to drive a vehicle that has glass that is unstable.
Windshield chip repair can usually be fixed quickly. There is no need to be without a vehicle for an extended period of time. Contact a windshield repair expert to ask questions and to book an appointment.
Professionals can use their experience to confirm if it is safe to drive out to their location. Some companies will come to a home or business location within the city. Callers that are outside of their service area may incur additional fees for travel expenses.
Traveling by car has become more popular, due to high airline ticket prices. Rental cars may be damaged from thieves that are attempting to steal them. Staying out late nights at clubs or bars may not always be safe areas. Unattended parking lots are often the place where vandalism occurs. Most rental car companies will pay for the windshield repair services, via reimbursement. Always call their customer service team for confirmation on what to do next.
When windshields are damaged, take action quickly. Take pictures for insurance reimbursements and in cases of vandalism. Always make a police report regarding vandalism on business or personal property. Use these tips when seeking out windshield repair or auto windshield replacement.