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- TIRE PRESSURE
- The correct tire pressure is very important and is
often overlooked. It affects gas mileage, handling and longevity of
tires. Most car manufacturers will place an information sticker on the
door jam or in the glove box which will state the correct pressure for both
front and rear tires. Two quick notes: If there is too much air
pressure in your tires, they will wear out prematurely usually in the center
of the tires. If there is too little air in the tires, they will wear
out prematurely on both the inside and outside treads of the
tires.
- NOTE: Remember that your vehicle's tires are
the last common link between you and the road so tire pressure is very
important and therefore should never be overlooked.
- If you have any additional questions about tire
pressure, please contact CarConsultants via Info
Request.
- ANTILOCK BRAKES
- Antilock brakes are becoming a standard on most of
today's vehicles, and still some customers do not know how they work.
Simply put, antilock brakes are designed to help prevent brake lock up,
assisting the driver to maintain control of the vehicle through a
skid. The assistance of the anti-lock brakes occurs when its
individual wheel sensors sense lock up, and at that instant, the antilock
brake system is activated.
- NOTE: There are many different types of
antilock brake systems.
- For a detailed explanation about the antilock
brakes on your vehicle, please contact CarConsultants via Info
Request.
- ALIGNMENT / WHEEL BALANCING
- As everyone knows, the alignment of your vehicle is
very important especially when it comes to tire wear. But more
importantly, if your vehicle is out of alignment, it will effect the overall
handling and tracking of the vehicle.
- There is nothing more annoying than cruising on the
highway and the steering wheel is shaking. This shaking is usually
caused by out of balance wheels (not to be confused with
alignment). An out of balance wheel will be felt most commonly
at 60 mph. Balancing your wheels is usually an inexpensive service, but
when performed properly will make you very happy.
- Any additional questions
you may have about alignments and wheel balancing, please contact
CarConsultants via Info Request.
- FACTORY MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES
- Studies have shown that if you properly maintain and
care for your vehicle, it will prevent costly repair bills that nobody
wants. Also, note that most major car manufacturers will void the
warranty if the vehicle maintenance is not performed. Make sure to
keep all documentation of any work that has been performed on your
vehicle. Whether you choose to use the dealership or an independent
repair shop, the factory maintenance schedule should be followed.
- If
you have any questions about your specific vehicle maintenance schedule,
please contact CarConsultants via Info Request.
- TRAVEL TIPS / EMERGENCY KITS
- It is a sound practice to have your vehicle checked
over before a long trip. This check should include basic fluid and component
checks, as well as tire pressure and condition. Do not overlook the cooling
system or suspension components on vehicles with high mileage. Having your
vehicle checked over before a long trip will certainly give you (and your
passengers) a sound piece of mind.
- When planning your route, you should always have a
current road atlas. There are many Internet sites that offer detailed door
to door directions. It is sound practice to have an emergency kit available.
This kit should contain at a minimum:
- NOTE: A cellular phone is the best piece of
emergency equipment you can have onboard. Please pull over before
using it so as not to endanger yourself and your fellow drivers.
- If you have any questions regarding travel and/or
emergency kits, please contact CarConsultants via Info Request.
- RUSTPROOFING / UNDERCOATING
- The application of additional rustproofing and
undercoating can enhance the durability of your vehicle for the long term.
Rustproofing should be done before the vehicle is delivered to the customer,
because the vehicle is at its cleanest point. Most companies require
periodic inspections that must be done to service the rustproofing contract.
In most cases, the rustproof warranty will be voided if you fail to adhere
to the guidelines. Undercoating, in addition to adding a moisture barrier to
the underside of your vehicle, supplies an additional benefit as a noise
reduction agent, insulating the vehicle from road noise.
- NOTE: Most car manufacturers coat the vehicle with a
moderate amount of rustproofing. In our experience, we feel the amount
of protection is insufficient in certain geographical areas, and additional
rustproofing should be considered as well.
- If you have any questions
regarding rustproofing and undercoating,
please contact CarConsultants via Info Request.
- DIRECT REPAIR PROGRAM (DRP)
RELATIONSHIPS
- A DRP relationship can best be described as an
agreement in which an auto body shop represents an insurance company for a
collision repair. The auto body shop is entrusted to write an
estimate eliminating the need to appoint an adjustor, shortening the
repair process for all concerned. The consumer must determine if
they are fairly represented at this type of repair facility, as the repair
facility is attempting to secure the best results for both parties.
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If you have any questions about the direct repair program,
please contact CarConsultants via Info Request.
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