Car Insurance
As drivers hold on to cars longer, small repairs now can save money, time in the future
(ARA) – Drivers are holding on to their cars longer in these tough economic times, so AutoZone, the nation’s leading auto parts retailer, is offering tips to help motorists get the most out of their investment.
“Holding off on purchasing a new vehicle can be a smart financial decision, especially if drivers properly maintain their vehicles to ensure they’re running safely and efficiently,” said Steve Stoll, Merchandising Director of AutoZone. “Maintaining and replacing key components, such as brakes and batteries, can keep vehicles on the road and help prevent costly repairs in the future.”
The average length of time consumers hold on to their vehicles is more than five years, according to a recent automotive industry study. Older cars can be safe and dependable, but need ongoing maintenance to keep them running at their best. According to the National Car Council, 80 percent of vehicles on the road are in need of service or parts.
Motorists who know the signs of impending failure and understand the impact extreme weather conditions can have on various car components, can plan ahead for repairs and replacements instead of being hit by an unexpected bill down the road, Stoll said.
“The longer car maintenance is delayed, the more costly it can be,” said Stoll.
Two key components in any vehicle are the braking system and the battery. AutoZone experts offer the following tips to ensure these vital parts are properly maintained.
Give Brakes A Winter Check-up.
Excessive build-up of road salt and brine solutions in the winter on brake components is one cause of brake failure. These solutions can create contamination of exposed brake parts and can cause brake components to deteriorate prematurely. Hazardous road conditions can also lead to increased use of Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), which can cause premature wear of all brake system components.
As temperatures warm up, motorists should check their braking systems to uncover any damage that may have occurred during the winter months.
Check Brakes Quarterly To Ensure Proper Performance.
In general, brakes are the most important safety feature on any vehicle and should be checked quarterly to ensure proper performance. Brake pads and rotors should also be checked any time the tires are removed, such as during a tire rotation. Other brake components such as brake fluid should be checked at every oil change.
Extreme Temperatures Can Mean Battery Failure.
A battery’s biggest enemy is heat. High temperatures can cause the grids inside batteries to corrode and break down. The effects of the corrosion are usually seen when winter hits, when the car requires more electrical power to start. Drivers should have batteries tested up to twice a year in normal climates, and more frequently in extremely hot or cold climates.
Retailers Such As AutoZone Offer Free Battery Testing.
Replace the battery every three to four years.
While batteries can last more than five years in ideal driving conditions, factors such as temperature, the car’s age and nature of usage can impact the life of a battery. Many motorists are unaware that under the stress of normal city driving, the average life of a vehicle battery is about three years.
According to the National Car Care Council, drivers with batteries more than three years old should consider replacing them, since batteries rarely give warning signs that they are about to fail. Drivers seeking more information about protecting their auto investments and extending the lives of their vehicles can visit www.autozone.com for car care tips, seasonal driving advice and maintenance how-to videos.
Cycling enthusiasts are calling for new insurance regulations to protect cyclists from underinsured and uninsured drivers in the event of accidents.
Bob Mionske, a well-known cycling lawyer, criticized lenient insurance regulations of some states in cases where vehicles and cyclists were involved in violent crashes.
In his blog “Road Rights”, Mionske said that while the law requires motorists to be insured, the minimum liability coverage is usually very low. For an example, he mentioned the state of Ohio where the liability coverage is just $12,500. As a result, Mionske explained, cyclists whose injuries exceed the minimum liability coverage of negligent drivers have to pay extra medical costs that are more than what the driver is insured for.
While victims may choose to file lawsuits, the outcome may not always be in their favor, especially if the negligent motorist is found “judgment proof” or unable to pay for the cyclist’s injuries.
The lawyer argues that in cases like these, the underinsured driver effectively passes on the heavy financial burden to injured cyclists.
Mionske also expressed disappointment over the rise in the figures of uninsured drivers. He added that statistically speaking, uninsured drivers are more likely to be involved in vehicular crashes and are more likely to be repeat violators or offenders.
The cycling lawyer is an advocate for the rights of cyclists and is a former US Olympic and professional cyclist during the 1988 and 1992 Olympics. He is also the author of “Bicycling and the Law”.