Berts Repair & Towing News

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Busy Women

A lot of women are living at a hectic pace these days. Many work full time. They take their kids to day care and after-school activities. And a lot of women have the additional responsibility of being the household "car care manager." While car care typically has been considered "men's work," research by the Car Care Council shows that women represent 60 percent of automotive service customers in North America , and women spend more than $300 billion annually on vehicle maintenance, repairs and used vehicles, according to American Woman Road and Travel (AWRT).

During April, which is Car Care Month, GM Goodwrench is reminding women of the importance of vehicle inspections and regular maintenance to help keep them and their families safe on the road.

The fact is, women are busier than ever. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics:

In 2002, nearly four in every five mothers of school-aged children were in the paid workforce.
In 2003, there were 3.7 million female multiple jobholders.
The number of working women has grown from 18.4 million in 1950 to nearly 65 million in 2003.

In addition, the American Federation of Labor - Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), reports that 63 percent of women work 40 or more hours per week.

Maintenance inspections can point out items needing service that can help a vehicle run better, last longer, retain its value and provide optimal safety and security.

Here are safety and maintenance tips that will help your vehicle run at its best heading into the spring and summer travel seasons.

Tire Tips Blowouts: If your tire sustains a blowout while you are driving, do not slam on your brakes. Doing so can cause the vehicle to swerve in the direction of the blowout. Instead, gently apply the brakes to regain control and slowly guide the vehicle to a safe area away from the road.

Air pressure: To help avoid under-inflation, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends checking your tires' air pressure at least once a month and before every long trip. Tires must be checked when they are cold - that is, before they have been run no more than one mile (1.6 km). Under-inflation is the leading cause of tire failures/blowouts. Tires lose air through a process called permeation. Changes in outdoor temperature can affect the rate at which a tire loses air. Typically, a tire loses one pound to two pounds of pressure per month, and even more in warm weather.

Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. It is normal for pressures to build up as a result of driving.

Tread wear/When to buy a new tire: Any mechanic should be able to use a tool indicator and visual inspection to let you know if your tires are worn

Did You Know? According to the RMA, every time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the air pressure in your tires goes down one pound to two pounds per square inch. In addition to tires, these key items need to be inspected:

Batteries: A weak battery can leave you stranded - possibly at the worst time and place.

Brakes: An expert inspection can determine whether your brakes are functioning properly with full braking capability.

Windshield wipers: Old or worn windshield wipers can lead to poor visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Headlamps: Properly aimed headlamps are a must for optimizing your visibility - both your seeing and your being seen.

Oil: Change your oil and filter at intervals recommended in your owner's manual to minimize engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal damage.

Fluid levels: Improper fluid levels - including coolant, oil, power steering, transmission, brake fluid and even washer solvent - can negatively affect vehicle durability, performance and safety.

Belts and hoses: A broken belt or ruptured hose can cause costly engine damage and travel delays.

Veteran car salespeople have a saying: "The feel of the wheel will seal the deal." This means that, if they can convince you to test-drive the car — to feel the steering wheel — you will become so excited that you will want to buy the car.

While the salespeople want to excite you about the car (so you will "buy today"), you'll want to make sure you choose a car that fits in your budget and serves your needs for the coming years. Clearly, the stakes are high.

So, what is the best way to test-drive a car, to determine if this is the right car for you?

First of all, you need to do some research before you even get near the car lot. New car smell is a powerful intoxicant, not fully understood by even our top medical researchers. Your only antidote to this strange power is to be armed with cold hard facts. Read up on the cars that interest you on Edmunds.com. Next, ask yourself if the car really fills your needs.

Considering your needs is probably the best way to approach car shopping. Think of what you need to do with the car and you will quickly build a list of qualities you must have in your new car. This list should be labeled "must-haves."

Next, you might consider what things you would like to have on your new car. Think of your top color choice, second choice and then the colors you don't want. Other extras should be considered if the price allows. These features will be part of your "wish list." But while shopping, keep in mind that the things on your wish list are not "deal breakers" — you can live without them.

Finally, take a good hard look at the price. Can you really afford the car you are pricing out? Check incentives and rebates. And of course, always check the Edmunds.com True Market Value Prices (TMV^®). Take a look at the long-range economic impact of your decision by reviewing Edmunds.com True Cost to Own (TCO) figures. And remember, you will have to pay sales tax and DMV fees, then insurance, gas and regular maintenance costs.

Now, and only now, it's time to feel the wheel. You are going to see if the car you have chosen "on paper" is the car that you want in reality.

A large part of test-driving a car is done before you even turn the key. You should sit in the car and ask yourself: is it a good fit? Yes, a good fit. Trying on a car is a little like trying on clothes. People are different, so they will have different sizes and shapes. And different tastes in what they want.

Once you get settled, here are a few questions to help you define your feelings about the car you are considering:

Is it easy to get in and out of the car without stooping or banging your noggin?
Is there enough head-, hip- and legroom? Remember to check the backseat, too.
Is the driving position comfortable? Do you feel too low or too high in the car? Can you tilt or telescope the steering wheel for a better fit?
Is the seat comfortable? Is it easily adjustable? Is there a lumbar support adjustment?
Are the controls easy to read and use?
How is the visibility? Check the rearview mirror and the side mirrors.
Are the pedals situated to match your body type? If not, are they adjustable?

Sometimes the salesperson will drive the car off the lot and then turn the wheel over to you later. While he is driving, you can evaluate the car from the passenger's standpoint. Pay attention to the noise and visibility. Once you are behind the wheel, the salesperson may want you to drive along a predetermined route using a series of right-hand turns to lead back to the dealership. Such a test-drive is convenient for the dealership, but it's not the best way for you to evaluate the car.

Read the remainder of this article at

http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/the-feel-of-the-wheel-how-to-test-drive-a-car.html

Here is a great page with a virtual tour of all the different parts and componets to your vehicles! Learn about your car so you are an informed automotive owner!

Click on the Image

The Feel of the Wheel

How to Test

Drive a Car