Your Rights For Your Vehicle Repair After an Accident
By Devlin Reasy
Most state laws prohibit the operation of a vehicle that is defective or unsafe. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, you need to get it repaired to its pre-accident condition so that drive it again. If you vehicle is damaged, there are some things you need to be aware of and consider when getting it repaired. These vary according to state laws and regulations, but the following points can be used as guidelines.
Getting Estimates - Unless your insurance policy states otherwise, you do not need to get more than 1 estimate.
Choosing a Repair Shop - Unless your insurance policy states otherwise, the choice of the repair shop is totally up to you. You shouldn't feel pressured to have your vehicle repaired at any particular shop, just because the price is lower.
Getting Your Car Repaired and Back on the Road Quickly - Choose a reputable repair shop, and talk directly with the manager. Advise the shop's manager to contact your insurance company to report the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs. After leaving the car at the shop, call your insurance company and let them know the vehicle's location, as well as letting them know who will be making the repairs, and who will be contacting them. Also, unless your policy states otherwise, you should be presented with an estimate before the shop begins work on the repairs. Repairs are generally not made without the vehicle owner's knowledge and consent.
Drive-In Claim Services - Many insurance companies use a drive-in claim service. Unless your insurance policy states otherwise, it's not required to use this service unless you want to. You can also contact your insurance company and make arrangements for a claims person to come examine your car instead. Again, depending on the requirements of your policy, when using a drive-in claims service, you don't generally have to take the vehicle to its preferred shop. If you do choose to use the shop, you can ask your insurance company to implement its "elects to repair" clause. This varies among insurance companies, but could have the advantage of having your insurance company assume responsibility for things such as the quality of the repairs.
Responsibility for the Repair Bill - As the owner of the vehicle, you are responsible for the repair bill. The repair shop will expect the bill to be paid when you pick up your vehicle after the repairs are completed. You may instruct the insurance company to pay the repair shop directly, but if not, you will be paying the bill, and then your insurance company will be reimbursing you.
The Responsibilities of the Repair Shop - The repair shop is generally the one responsible for the repairs being made, not the insurance company. These include all guarantees, as well as the safety and workmanship of the repairs.
Following these guidelines can help you be confident that your vehicle is safely & quickly repaired after being damaged in an accident. Always be aware of what your insurance policy states in regards to getting repairs made. If you experience any problems with the insurance company, you can contact the state insurance commissioner's office for help.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Guidelines and Tips for Vehicle Owners
Guidelines and Tips for Vehicle Owners
By Devlin Reasy of Custom Autobody & Repair in Baudette, MN
It's important to keep your vehicle well-maintained, so that it runs efficiently and safely. Studied have shown that lack of proper auto maintenance causes about 5 percent of vehicle fatalities. By keeping up on the maintenance of your vehicle, not only will you be keeping it running safely, but you'll extend its life and reduce its negative impact on the environment.
Important Regular Maintenance
Keep your tires inflated properly:
Checking your tires once a month is one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to for good fuel efficiency, as well as safety maintenance. If all 4 of your tires are not inflated to the proper level, your fuel efficiency suffers. Remember to check the spare tire also.
Check All Fluid Levels:
Your vehicle's fluids are its "life blood", and need to be kept at proper levels in order to run efficiently and safely. Check all fluid levels on a regular basis, including your power steering, transmission, brake, antifreeze and windshield washer fluids. It's a good idea to check your oil level as well.
Get Your Oil Changed:
As a general rule, most owners' manuals suggest having your oil changed, as well as the oil filter, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Keep Your Engine Tuned:
Your fuel efficiency can be reduced by as much as 30 percent if you have fouled spark plugs, or if your fuel injector is restricted in any way.
Check Your Battery and Cables:
Battery cables and posts should be checked regularly to ensure that they are not corroded, and if they are, they should be cleaned. If your battery is not a "maintenance-free" battery, you should also be checking battery fluid and filling it as needed.
Inspect Engine Belts:
If your belts are worn, your engine performance will suffer. Inspect them on a regular basis, looking for any cracks or missing sections.
Check Your Air Filter:
Your air filtration system is important to the performance of your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter checked during every other oil change, replacing it if necessary.
Check Your Lights:
It is unsafe to have any of the lights on your vehicle not working properly. Check all lights frequently, including your headlights, brake and tail lights, and turn signals.
Keep Your Windshield Wiper Blades in Good Condition:
Good windshield wiper blades are important to your vision and safety while driving. They should be checked regularly to make sure there are no cracks or tears, and to ensure they are making good contact with the windshield. Replace them immediately if you spot damage or if window streaking starts to occur, and plan on always replacing them at least once a year.
Keep the Chassis Lubricated:
The moving parts of your vehicle's suspension system need to be kept lubricated in order to work properly. This step will also extend the life of your vehicle.
Important Emergency Supplies
Sometimes, even with the best of vehicle maintenance, breakdowns occur. Or, you might be involved in an accident, or stuck in bad weather. You should make sure to always be prepared by having a safety kit in your vehicle. This safety kit should include:
- Basic tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
- Jumper cables - at least 8-10 feet
- Seat belt knife
- First-aid kit
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Bottled water
By Devlin Reasy of Custom Autobody & Repair in Baudette, MN
It's important to keep your vehicle well-maintained, so that it runs efficiently and safely. Studied have shown that lack of proper auto maintenance causes about 5 percent of vehicle fatalities. By keeping up on the maintenance of your vehicle, not only will you be keeping it running safely, but you'll extend its life and reduce its negative impact on the environment.
Important Regular Maintenance
Keep your tires inflated properly:
Checking your tires once a month is one of the easiest and least expensive things you can do to for good fuel efficiency, as well as safety maintenance. If all 4 of your tires are not inflated to the proper level, your fuel efficiency suffers. Remember to check the spare tire also.
Check All Fluid Levels:
Your vehicle's fluids are its "life blood", and need to be kept at proper levels in order to run efficiently and safely. Check all fluid levels on a regular basis, including your power steering, transmission, brake, antifreeze and windshield washer fluids. It's a good idea to check your oil level as well.
Get Your Oil Changed:
As a general rule, most owners' manuals suggest having your oil changed, as well as the oil filter, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.
Keep Your Engine Tuned:
Your fuel efficiency can be reduced by as much as 30 percent if you have fouled spark plugs, or if your fuel injector is restricted in any way.
Check Your Battery and Cables:
Battery cables and posts should be checked regularly to ensure that they are not corroded, and if they are, they should be cleaned. If your battery is not a "maintenance-free" battery, you should also be checking battery fluid and filling it as needed.
Inspect Engine Belts:
If your belts are worn, your engine performance will suffer. Inspect them on a regular basis, looking for any cracks or missing sections.
Check Your Air Filter:
Your air filtration system is important to the performance of your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to have your air filter checked during every other oil change, replacing it if necessary.
Check Your Lights:
It is unsafe to have any of the lights on your vehicle not working properly. Check all lights frequently, including your headlights, brake and tail lights, and turn signals.
Keep Your Windshield Wiper Blades in Good Condition:
Good windshield wiper blades are important to your vision and safety while driving. They should be checked regularly to make sure there are no cracks or tears, and to ensure they are making good contact with the windshield. Replace them immediately if you spot damage or if window streaking starts to occur, and plan on always replacing them at least once a year.
Keep the Chassis Lubricated:
The moving parts of your vehicle's suspension system need to be kept lubricated in order to work properly. This step will also extend the life of your vehicle.
Important Emergency Supplies
Sometimes, even with the best of vehicle maintenance, breakdowns occur. Or, you might be involved in an accident, or stuck in bad weather. You should make sure to always be prepared by having a safety kit in your vehicle. This safety kit should include:
- Basic tools, such as screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
- Jumper cables - at least 8-10 feet
- Seat belt knife
- First-aid kit
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Bottled water
Driving in a Winter Wonderland
Driving in a Winter Wonderland
Source: Advance Auto Parts
The holiday season is upon us and the last thing on your mind is getting your vehicle ready for the winter to come. You have a long list of people to shop for, food to prepare and decorations to hang. But in order to accomplish most of these tasks you rely on our vehicle, which is a necessity especially during the holiday season. Even if you are not traveling, your friends and family most likely are, so we would like to offer some tips for winterizing your vehicle in order to maximize safety on the road and give you some tips on how to avoid or be able handle unsafe weather conditions. We all prepare for winter by getting out our winter coats, gloves, scarves and hats. Preparing your vehicle for driving in harsh winter weather isn't much harder. So, keep in mind that you will want to complete this checklist at least before the first snow fall.
1. Inspect your antifreeze while your engine is cold by using a tester to check the mixture for its freeze point. A 50/50 ratio means 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, which is sufficient in most climates, except in extreme cold.
2. Have your charging system checked - cold weather starts make the vehicle battery work much harder and getting stranded in the cold is no fun!
3. Change your oil and oil filter. Clean, high quality engine oil goes a long way in protecting the motor in cold start situations. Use the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
4. Visually inspect all lights; marker bulbs, tail lights, third level brake lights, especially headlights and driving lights. Daylight savings time requires bulbs to work longer hours.
5. Tire Tread condition; check it yourself, or have it checked. Winter driving requires good traction in snow and ice. Quality tire tread sheds the snow, ice and road grime more quickly, providing better traction for improved safety. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially in colder temperatures. Follow the recommended PSI found on the driver's side door post for maximum traction.
6. Visibility is key to your safety; make sure that your wiper blades are in top condition, to fully clear your windshield, and back window if the vehicle is equipped. Road salt and slush can jeopardize visibility. Use washer fluid containing de-icer and Rain-X Treatment on windows to avoid the chiseling of ice early in the morning.
7. Inspect your engine's belts and hoses. Cracked, frayed or worn out rubber won't stand up to temperature extremes. Don't get stranded on your next trip because of a $10.00 belt or hose!
8. Replace the Cabin Air Filter if the vehicle is equipped. Outside contaminants from Fall and Summer driving are stranded in the cabin air filter and running the heater on "high" in the extreme cold only sends the micro-particles deeper into the vehicle.
9. Protect your vehicle's paint. Rain, snow and salt are extremely tough on paint. A tough coating of quality car wax will add another barrier in-between road grime and your vehicle's paint.
10. Prepare a roadside emergency kit including a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, food bars, water bottles, cell phone, jumper cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, HELP Sign, and a first aid kit.
When driving in the snow and ice, abrupt movements of any kind are extremely dangerous and can cause severe accidents. Be sure to travel at a safe and cautious speed, which creates as much possible down force on the tires. Leave extra space between you and other vehicles, both in front of you and behind you, and drive with your headlights on, during both day and night, for better visibility. Again, visibility is key, especially during inclement weather; make sure to defrost and remove ice from all windows before driving.
Source: Advance Auto Parts
The holiday season is upon us and the last thing on your mind is getting your vehicle ready for the winter to come. You have a long list of people to shop for, food to prepare and decorations to hang. But in order to accomplish most of these tasks you rely on our vehicle, which is a necessity especially during the holiday season. Even if you are not traveling, your friends and family most likely are, so we would like to offer some tips for winterizing your vehicle in order to maximize safety on the road and give you some tips on how to avoid or be able handle unsafe weather conditions. We all prepare for winter by getting out our winter coats, gloves, scarves and hats. Preparing your vehicle for driving in harsh winter weather isn't much harder. So, keep in mind that you will want to complete this checklist at least before the first snow fall.
1. Inspect your antifreeze while your engine is cold by using a tester to check the mixture for its freeze point. A 50/50 ratio means 50% distilled water and 50% antifreeze, which is sufficient in most climates, except in extreme cold.
2. Have your charging system checked - cold weather starts make the vehicle battery work much harder and getting stranded in the cold is no fun!
3. Change your oil and oil filter. Clean, high quality engine oil goes a long way in protecting the motor in cold start situations. Use the oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
4. Visually inspect all lights; marker bulbs, tail lights, third level brake lights, especially headlights and driving lights. Daylight savings time requires bulbs to work longer hours.
5. Tire Tread condition; check it yourself, or have it checked. Winter driving requires good traction in snow and ice. Quality tire tread sheds the snow, ice and road grime more quickly, providing better traction for improved safety. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially in colder temperatures. Follow the recommended PSI found on the driver's side door post for maximum traction.
6. Visibility is key to your safety; make sure that your wiper blades are in top condition, to fully clear your windshield, and back window if the vehicle is equipped. Road salt and slush can jeopardize visibility. Use washer fluid containing de-icer and Rain-X Treatment on windows to avoid the chiseling of ice early in the morning.
7. Inspect your engine's belts and hoses. Cracked, frayed or worn out rubber won't stand up to temperature extremes. Don't get stranded on your next trip because of a $10.00 belt or hose!
8. Replace the Cabin Air Filter if the vehicle is equipped. Outside contaminants from Fall and Summer driving are stranded in the cabin air filter and running the heater on "high" in the extreme cold only sends the micro-particles deeper into the vehicle.
9. Protect your vehicle's paint. Rain, snow and salt are extremely tough on paint. A tough coating of quality car wax will add another barrier in-between road grime and your vehicle's paint.
10. Prepare a roadside emergency kit including a flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, food bars, water bottles, cell phone, jumper cables, flares, Fix-a-Flat, HELP Sign, and a first aid kit.
When driving in the snow and ice, abrupt movements of any kind are extremely dangerous and can cause severe accidents. Be sure to travel at a safe and cautious speed, which creates as much possible down force on the tires. Leave extra space between you and other vehicles, both in front of you and behind you, and drive with your headlights on, during both day and night, for better visibility. Again, visibility is key, especially during inclement weather; make sure to defrost and remove ice from all windows before driving.
Top 10 Tire Care Tips
Top 10 Tire Care Tips
Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association
1. Don’t wait until its too late - Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once per month and before every long trip. Under inflated tires causes excess heat build-up that can damage tires and lead to a failure.
2. Know your pressure point - The correct tire pressure is found on a sticker on the driver’s door, doorpost or owner’s manual NOT on the tire sidewall that’s the maximum pressure for the tire.
3. Keep your cool - To accurately measure your tire pressure, check tires when they are cold. Wait at least three hours after driving.
4. Take care of your spare - Check your spare tire each month and keep it properly inflated so it’s ready to go when you need it most.
5. Penny for your thoughts - A penny can tell you if your tire is bald. Place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it¹s time for a new tire.
6. Keep yourself in line - Be aware of potholes that can not only damage your tire but can also jar your car’s alignment.
7. Pick a date and rotate - Make sure you rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to promote uniform wear and longer tire life.
8. Don’t take a spin without a cap - Driving without your tire valve cap allows for a slow leak of air from the tire and eventual underinflation.
9. Don’t lose your balance - It is important to have your tire balance checked periodically to avoid irregular wear.
10. Be a weight-watcher - Overloading your vehicle stresses your tires and can lead to damage.
Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association
1. Don’t wait until its too late - Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once per month and before every long trip. Under inflated tires causes excess heat build-up that can damage tires and lead to a failure.
2. Know your pressure point - The correct tire pressure is found on a sticker on the driver’s door, doorpost or owner’s manual NOT on the tire sidewall that’s the maximum pressure for the tire.
3. Keep your cool - To accurately measure your tire pressure, check tires when they are cold. Wait at least three hours after driving.
4. Take care of your spare - Check your spare tire each month and keep it properly inflated so it’s ready to go when you need it most.
5. Penny for your thoughts - A penny can tell you if your tire is bald. Place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it¹s time for a new tire.
6. Keep yourself in line - Be aware of potholes that can not only damage your tire but can also jar your car’s alignment.
7. Pick a date and rotate - Make sure you rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to promote uniform wear and longer tire life.
8. Don’t take a spin without a cap - Driving without your tire valve cap allows for a slow leak of air from the tire and eventual underinflation.
9. Don’t lose your balance - It is important to have your tire balance checked periodically to avoid irregular wear.
10. Be a weight-watcher - Overloading your vehicle stresses your tires and can lead to damage.
Monday, January 17, 2011
How To Perform Basic Maintenance on Your Car
Fixing your own car can be a challenging and rewarding undertaking. Even performing simple maintenance tasks are a good learning experience and valuable to know.
Here is what you need to know
Every time you fill up your gas tank:
Check the engine oil level and add more if needed. Consult the owner's manual for the proper viscosity. If your car appears to be losing an abnormal amount of oil (or if you spot leaks on your garage or driveway floor), you may have an engine leak.
Check the coolant level in the coolant surge tank and add the proper coolant if necessary. The coolant surge tank is typically located on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Replace the coolant if it is dirty or has a rusty appearance.
Check the other fluid levels. The reservoirs for all of these fluids should be filled to the top:
Windshield washer fluid.
Brake fluid.
Power steering fluid.
Every week:
Inspect your tires. Check your car's tires for damage, adequate inflation, and wear. Check the tire tread by inserting a penny in the tire grooves (with Lincoln's head facing the tread) - if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then the tread is worn and the tires should be replaced. If the tires need air, inflate them to the required pressure per the car owner's manual. If you don't have your owner's manual, look for the manufacturer's information label inside of the car-- it can often be found inside the driver's side door or printed inside the glove box. If your tires show damage or wear, replace or rotate them as necessary. Don't forget to check the "Space Saver" spare tire in your car's trunk for proper inflation as well (and if you don't already have a spare tire, be sure to get one). Remember, properly inflated tires are a necessity for safe driving and they can also help your car achieve better gas mileage. I bet that got your attention!
At least every month:
Check that all of your interior and exterior lights are working. These include the license plate light, side marker lights, headlights (including the high beams), parking lights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signal lights, reverse lights, instrument panel lights, and hazard warning flasher. If any of these lights are not working, replace the bulbs right away. Defective lights, especially faulty turn signal and brake lights, can be hazardous - and can also result in you getting ticketed.
Every 3000 miles:
Change your oil. Car manufacturers generally recommend that you change your engine oil and filter every 3,000 miles. To change your own oil, you will need the following tools: socket wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, 4 quarts of oil (5W30 or 10W30, depending on your car type), oil filter, and a drain plug gasket. You will also need car ramps to raise your car up so that you can get underneath it. Once your car is jacked up, you should remove the drain plug using your socket wrench and drain out the old oil into the drain pan. When all of the oil is drained out, remove the old gasket from the drain plug and replace it with a new gasket before screwing in the plug. Next you'll remove the old oil filter using your oil filter wrench. Be aware that some residual oil will drain out into your drain pan. Lube the rubber O-ring on your new oil filter and tighten it hand tight - don't use the wrench because you may over-tighten the filter. Use a rag to wipe up any spilled oil, collect all of your tools along with the used oil, and clear out from under the car. The last step is to add your new oil by removing the oil fill cap in the top of the engine and pouring in 4 quarts of fresh oil.Rotate your tires. At this time it is also a good idea to rotate your tires. While you have the wheels removed, you should check the brake systems for the following:
Lines and hoses for proper installation, binding, leaks, cracks, and chafing.
Disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface wear.
Drum brake linings for wear and cracks.
Parking brake adjuster for the need to tighten the cable.
Check transaxle fluid. At this time you should also check your transaxle fluid level (manual and automatic). The transaxle fluid dipstick is usually found near the rear of the engine compartment. Check the levels and add the proper fluid as needed (the dipstick usually has indentations that indicate where the fluid level should be). Be aware that fluid loss may indicate a problem, so check the system and repair as necessary.
At lease twice a year:
Check all window wipers. Check the wipers both on the front windshield and also on the back window. If you notice any deterioration in the rubber, replace all of the blades at the same time.
Finally, always be sure to keep engine oils, coolant, all other fluids and other car maintenance supplies tightly sealed and out of reach of small children and animals. Be sure to wipe up all spills and dispose of used materials properly.
How To Perform Basic Maintenance on Your Car
Here is what you need to know
Every time you fill up your gas tank:
Check the engine oil level and add more if needed. Consult the owner's manual for the proper viscosity. If your car appears to be losing an abnormal amount of oil (or if you spot leaks on your garage or driveway floor), you may have an engine leak.
Check the coolant level in the coolant surge tank and add the proper coolant if necessary. The coolant surge tank is typically located on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Replace the coolant if it is dirty or has a rusty appearance.
Check the other fluid levels. The reservoirs for all of these fluids should be filled to the top:
Windshield washer fluid.
Brake fluid.
Power steering fluid.
Every week:
Inspect your tires. Check your car's tires for damage, adequate inflation, and wear. Check the tire tread by inserting a penny in the tire grooves (with Lincoln's head facing the tread) - if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then the tread is worn and the tires should be replaced. If the tires need air, inflate them to the required pressure per the car owner's manual. If you don't have your owner's manual, look for the manufacturer's information label inside of the car-- it can often be found inside the driver's side door or printed inside the glove box. If your tires show damage or wear, replace or rotate them as necessary. Don't forget to check the "Space Saver" spare tire in your car's trunk for proper inflation as well (and if you don't already have a spare tire, be sure to get one). Remember, properly inflated tires are a necessity for safe driving and they can also help your car achieve better gas mileage. I bet that got your attention!
At least every month:
Check that all of your interior and exterior lights are working. These include the license plate light, side marker lights, headlights (including the high beams), parking lights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signal lights, reverse lights, instrument panel lights, and hazard warning flasher. If any of these lights are not working, replace the bulbs right away. Defective lights, especially faulty turn signal and brake lights, can be hazardous - and can also result in you getting ticketed.
Every 3000 miles:
Change your oil. Car manufacturers generally recommend that you change your engine oil and filter every 3,000 miles. To change your own oil, you will need the following tools: socket wrench, oil filter wrench, drain pan, 4 quarts of oil (5W30 or 10W30, depending on your car type), oil filter, and a drain plug gasket. You will also need car ramps to raise your car up so that you can get underneath it. Once your car is jacked up, you should remove the drain plug using your socket wrench and drain out the old oil into the drain pan. When all of the oil is drained out, remove the old gasket from the drain plug and replace it with a new gasket before screwing in the plug. Next you'll remove the old oil filter using your oil filter wrench. Be aware that some residual oil will drain out into your drain pan. Lube the rubber O-ring on your new oil filter and tighten it hand tight - don't use the wrench because you may over-tighten the filter. Use a rag to wipe up any spilled oil, collect all of your tools along with the used oil, and clear out from under the car. The last step is to add your new oil by removing the oil fill cap in the top of the engine and pouring in 4 quarts of fresh oil.Rotate your tires. At this time it is also a good idea to rotate your tires. While you have the wheels removed, you should check the brake systems for the following:
Lines and hoses for proper installation, binding, leaks, cracks, and chafing.
Disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface wear.
Drum brake linings for wear and cracks.
Parking brake adjuster for the need to tighten the cable.
Check transaxle fluid. At this time you should also check your transaxle fluid level (manual and automatic). The transaxle fluid dipstick is usually found near the rear of the engine compartment. Check the levels and add the proper fluid as needed (the dipstick usually has indentations that indicate where the fluid level should be). Be aware that fluid loss may indicate a problem, so check the system and repair as necessary.
At lease twice a year:
Check all window wipers. Check the wipers both on the front windshield and also on the back window. If you notice any deterioration in the rubber, replace all of the blades at the same time.
Finally, always be sure to keep engine oils, coolant, all other fluids and other car maintenance supplies tightly sealed and out of reach of small children and animals. Be sure to wipe up all spills and dispose of used materials properly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)