Auto Blog

Driving an Automatic Car and What Not to Do

Everyone thinks driving an automatic car is easy. And they are right! A simple press of the gas pedal gets you going, and a stomp on the brakes stops you in your tracks — no manual shifting or clutch pedal needed. But, that doesn't mean you should take your transmission and engine for granted. Driving an automatic transmission comes with its own set of rules. What Not to Do When Driving an Automatic Car No worrying about miss-shifting or stalling out when you drive a car with an automatic transmission. However, there are still a few things that you shouldn't do when driving an automatic car. Stop Coasting in Neutral — Downhill or Otherwise There is a misconception floating around that putting your car in neutral while going down a hill, coasting or at a stop light saves your engine and conserves gas. Well, that's not true. Modern cars now automatically stop the flow of gasoline when it's not needed. Thank you modern technology! Additionally, it's not a [...]

By |2018-09-06T16:05:07-06:00September 6th, 2018|Auto Care, Car Tips|0 Comments
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Safe Driving with Pets & Avoiding Animal Collisions

Today is all about animals. Ever wonder in the middle of deer season if there is an easy way to avoid collisions? Or maybe you wondered how to avoid hitting bunnies after that traumatizing incident one month after getting your license. Concerned about your dog in the back, wondering what would happen in an accident? Here are a few tips for safe driving with pets and avoiding animal collisions. 4 Tips for Safe Driving with Pets They are always there for us, so why aren't we there for them when driving around town or on road trips? 1. Buckle-Up We see the signs on all of the interstates, but we never think about buckling up our pets. Like other loose objects, your pet becomes a projectile object in the event of a crash. Which includes a very unfortunate meeting with the windshield. Properly restrain or contain your pet while driving. This could mean many different methods. Installing a dog harness which acts as a [...]

By |2018-08-30T09:28:06-06:00August 30th, 2018|Car Questions|0 Comments
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Alternative Fuel Types

More and more often you hear the words "alternative fuel." While gas still reigns king, the different alternative fuel types make it easier for drivers to make a move away from gas while still moving down the road. But, what are the different type of alternative fuel types? And what does it take to convert a gas-consuming car to handle something like biodiesels or hydrogen? Seven Different Alternative Fuel Types There isn't just one. When looking for non-gas fuels, drivers have options. Biodiesel Who knew, animal fats and vegetable oils do more than just help you cook, they get your car moving too. And it doesn't have to be their first use. Oils and fats recycled from restaurants can be used as well. So, how does it work? The same as gas cars — combustion. In fact, unmodified vehicles can use a combination of petroleum and biodiesels (after checking with your car manufacturer of course). While fully converted cars can use pure biodiesel. However, while great for the environment [...]

By |2019-06-28T16:16:37-06:00August 23rd, 2018|Car Questions|0 Comments
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Changing Your Fluids Saves Your Car (and Your Wallet)

We've heard it from our parents since the day we first started driving: "Make sure to always schedule an oil change." Which is good, because changing your fluids saves your car. But, that's not just limited to oil changes. Transmissions fluids, brake fluids and other should also be included on that list. Why? Well, we repeat: changing your fluids saves your car. The Essential Fluids While every part of your engine works together to keep you moving, these fluids are the lifeline - the blood - of your engine. Which is why changing your fluids and keeping them in shape is critical. But, which fluids are we talking about? While windshield wiper fluid sure makes seeing much easier, it's not critical. Engine Oil Engine Oil is the classic; it's what you are replacing when you go in for those regular (we hope) oil changes. What is its job? Protecting your engine's components from corrosions while also keeping your engine cool. The later which is relatively important for drivers in [...]

By |2018-08-09T11:00:13-06:00August 9th, 2018|Auto Care, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Tips for Going Green with Your Current Car

Hybrid cars and electric vehicles aren't for everyone. While great for the environment, they aren't great for everyone's lifestyles. For the farmers and ranchers, a Prius just won't cut it. Some need a car with some power to get them up steep roads and driveways. Others can't afford a fancy, new car in their garage. Whatever your reason, that's okay. Luckily, going green(er) with your current car is a possibility. Here are a few tips for going green while keeping your vehicle. How Cars Affect the Environment Before even hitting the road, vehicles require plenty of energy. During production, plants use copious amount of power running the machinery needed to turn steel, rubber, glass, plastics, and paints into a working, drivable car. Once your vehicle hits the road, fuel becomes the most significant impact on the planet. From extraction to transporting to burning, your car's need for fuel and emissions affect air quality, natural resources and more. But, that doesn't mean the solution is only to ride your [...]

By |2018-07-26T12:27:55-06:00July 26th, 2018|Car Questions, Car Tips|0 Comments
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Wheel Alignment & How to Tell Your Out of Alignment

Your vehicle is a well-oiled machine — literally. With so many moving parts in such a small space, you quickly realize when something is off or not working correctly. Wheel alignment included. But, what is tire alignment? What causes your car to fall out of alignment? And how can you tell is your wheel alignment is off? What is Tire or Wheel Alignment? When speaking of alignment, we are referring to your vehicle's suspension, not the actual tires or wheels. Your suspension connects the body of your car to the four wheels and helps protect the frame from massive hits, like potholes or bumps. When you visit your local auto shop, and they realign your wheels, they are adjusting the angles of your tires to make the best contact with the road. Unaligned tires cannot grip the road as well and could potentially damage your suspension system if left unchecked for too long. The Angles of Tire Alignments When checking the alignment, mechanics and auto shops take note of three [...]

By |2019-02-19T10:35:30-06:00July 19th, 2018|Auto Care, Car Questions, Car Service & Maintenance|0 Comments
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Safe Driving with Kids – 5 Tips & Tricks

Distracted driving. We see the billboards and PSAs warning drivers to put down their phones, stop changing the music, and stop chatting with friends. But, what about kids in the car? Studies show new moms are three times as likely to crash than the average driver, and with such precious cargo in the car that is a terrifying statistic. But, driving with kids doesn't have to be scary or stressful. Here are our tips and tricks to staying safe while driving with kids in the car. 5 Tips & Tricks for Driving with Kids Safely From screaming toddlers to agitated teens to improper use of child seats, driving with kids can be difficult. But, don't let the stress get to you. By keeping your cool and planning ahead, it's just another drive around the block. Tip 1 - Learn How to Install a Child Seat Before the Baby Comes Perfect practice makes perfect. Don't just assume you know how to use your child's car seat. After all, you [...]

By |2018-07-12T12:36:31-06:00July 12th, 2018|Car Tips|0 Comments
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Car Transmission 101 & Common Issues

You can have the world's most powerful engine, but without a working transmission, you and your car would not be moving anytime soon. A part of your vehicle's powertrain the transmission moves the power from the engine to your wheels. With all that responsibility, it's no wonder folks get nervous when they suspect car transmission problems. What Does a Car Transmission Do? Your car's transmission has a lot going on. Using different mechanical components, it transfers the power created in your engine to your drive axle (or axles depending on your vehicle) to propel you forward or backward. Controlling Power and Speed Gear ratios determined automatically or manually dictate the amount of power transferred as well as the speed. Lower gears transfer more power, but less speed. With higher gears, less energy is transferred as the vehicle is already traveling at a higher rate. The higher the gear, the lower the gear ratio. Automatic Versus Manual Transmission The difference in automatic and manual transmissions comes down to how that gear ratio is dictated [...]

By |2018-06-28T14:47:03-06:00June 28th, 2018|Car Questions|0 Comments
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Two-Wheel Versus Four-Wheel Drive Vehicles

Ah, the classic debate: two-wheel versus four-wheel drive cars. When Googling, the number of questions that went like these shocked us... How do you drive a car with only two wheels? Is it safe to drive cars with only two wheels that work? Is your vehicle totaled when it has two wheel drive? Having a two-wheel drive car doesn't mean only two wheels exist. It all comes down to a difference in power. Two-Wheel Versus Four-Wheel Drive The difference is not the number of wheels, but the number of wheels that are actively driving the car forward or backward. With two-wheel drive models, either the front or rear set of wheels is in charge of power and movement. With four-wheel drive, all four wheels are actively propelling the car in it's given direction. It's fairly evident that a two-wheel drive vehicle doesn't have as much "get up and go" compared with a four-wheel drive car with a comparable engine. It's up to half of the wheels to get it going while the other two follow [...]

By |2018-06-21T11:39:19-06:00June 21st, 2018|Car Questions|1 Comment
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Fuel Efficiency Going Down? Here’s Why It’s Dropping.

We all know that sudden acceleration when the light turns green doesn't do your fuel efficiency any favors. In fact, many everyday driving habits affect your car's fuel economy. But, let's say your driving habits haven't changed. You aren't taking turns like a Nascar driver, and you haven't been revving your engine. So, why is your fuel efficiency decreasing? But, Doesn't Fuel Efficiency Normally Change Over Time? Yes. As car's age, fuel economy declines. No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, it's engine efficiency and power are never as good as when you drive it off the lot. However, while a product of the miles you've driven, this decrease in efficiency is most likely due to faulty or worn engine components. It's also true your gas mileage changes over the period of the day as well. Colder mornings mean lower fuel economies. In fact, at 20-degrees your fuel economy is 12% lower than at 77-degrees. But, what about on a typical, warm day? With a car that isn't incredibly old. Why do [...]

By |2018-06-14T15:54:31-06:00June 14th, 2018|Car Questions|0 Comments
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