Archive

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

How to Combat Black Ice

February 10th, 2011 Comments off

Black IceWhen it comes to black ice, even the most experienced drivers can have all kinds of issues on the road. Black ice, also known as glare ice, is the transparent hazard that may look like a puddle of water but actually is a sheet of ice that can be detrimental to you and other drivers on the road.

Black ice, often times, is the melted snow or refrozen ice that deceptively appears as a dry road. If you are driving in below-freezing temperatures, it’s best to keep an eye out for black ice and to make your travel as safe as possible.

Our Grapevine TX automotive experts want to provide a few driving safety tips to help you combat black ice:

  • When it comes to your brakes, do not slam them. This will cause your car to lose control. Be sure to gently tap your brakes. If your car does slide, take your foot off the gas pedal.
  • If you have a truck or SUV with 4-wheel drive, be extremely cautious on the road. Larger automobiles traditionally are more vulnerable to have accidents in icy conditions, as 4-wheel drive automobiles have no advantage in driving on ice.
  • If your car skids on the ice, turn your steering wheel toward the direction of the skid. This will help your car steer back properly.
  • Take extra precaution when driving on overpasses and bridges. This is where black ice is most prevalent and can be most dangerous.
  • Make sure there is ample space between your car and the car in front of you. Many accidents during icy conditions occur when a car rear-ends another.

Our Denton TX car care specialists hope that you are safe on these icy roads. For additional tips, do not hesitate to either call our Denton TX auto company, or visit us online today.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Car Maintenance in Fall Weather

October 8th, 2010 No comments
car-maintenance-fall-weatherFall is in effect!

With the changing of the leaves you don’t necessarily have to change your tires, but according to the experts like Jim MacPherson the “car doctor,”the Fall “…gives us time to repair the wear and tear and allows us to prepare for those colder days ahead. Following a simple maintenance checklist will save drivers time and money by extending the life of their vehicle and ensuring safer operation.”

In general, as the temperature starts to drop, there are three major areas that need to be, and should be addressed with your car. Follow these guidelines to help keep you driving smoothly through the season:

Check System and Fluid Levels

For those who haven’t had their yearly recommended tune-up, this is the best time before the weather takes a more severe turn. Your annual tune-up will help remedy engine problems (and its best to correct engine-related problems in temperate rather than inclement weather). A tune-up at this time will also assure that any low fluid levels are properly adjusted.

However, one popular misperception is that the engine cooling system (radiator) can be neglected during colder months. Not true. The coolant needs to be kept at recommended levels (as indicated in your vehicle’s user manual) with a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and distilled water to
moderate the engine temperature and prevent it from over heating or freezing over.

Consider Synthetic Oil

Many experts recommend using sythetic motor oil to protect engines that undergo radical temperature change (as many Texans have experienced). The benefits of synthetic motor oil include easier and faster flow to engine parts especially during cold start-ups helping the
engine run smoother, reduces engine wear-and-tear and keeps the engine cleaner.

Tire Pressure & Tread Check

Winter tires are not an absolute necessity given our relatively mild Texas winters, however, it is crucial that you check tire pressure monthly and make sure that the recommended PSI (pounds-per-square-inch) rating is met. The PSI rating can be found in your owner’s manual, driver-
side door manual, and on the tires themselves.

It’s also a good idea to check the tread of your tires around every 3,000 miles for excessive wear. The penny test is a quick way to evaluate tread wear. If you stick a penny at various points along the tire groove with Lincoln’s head upside down, any part of his head that is covered means the tread depth is greater than 2/32″. However, if none of his head is covered, this means the tread depth is most likely less than 2/32″.

Texas car inspection laws require that tread depth be at least 3/32″ or a vehicle will not pass inspection.

If you’re in doubt about the tread depth of your tires or in need of a tune-up, just call us at 817-488-5520 to schedule an appointment.

Categories: Brakes, Tires, Uncategorized Tags: , , ,