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5 Tips to Prevent Vehicle Rust

5 Tips to Prevent Vehicle Rust

If a squeaky-clean car is a dream, rust is the biggest nightmare. We’ve now entered fall, and winter is just around the corner. Colder seasons bring more rain and moisture, making vehicles more susceptible to rust. Rust doesn’t just come from trapped moisture; old age and neglect can also be the cause. If your car isn’t in a garage and is continuously exposed to the elements, pollutants in the air can create damage. Rust is entirely avoidable with the right preventative maintenance. Below are a few tips to prevent rust from taking over your vehicle.  Wash your car. You should wash your car every other week. Dirt, dust, and debris can cause rust to accumulate faster. If you have the time, also make sure you apply wax to prevent future paint damage. Anti-rust spray. If you’re already noticing a bit of rust accumulation, an ... read more

Ignoring These Vehicle Repairs May Get You Pulled Over

Ignoring These Vehicle Repairs May Get You Pulled Over

The present state of the country has left many people financially burdened. Some drivers may feel like they don’t have the resources or time to address their mechanical issues and repairs. Ignoring some car repairs may save you money in the short term, but can lead to major costly repairs and fix-it tickets in the long run. Below are common mechanical issues you should address right away to avoid an unexpected traffic ticket or repair bill: A cracked windshield If your windshield has a small chip in it, get it repaired as soon as you notice it. Small chips are relatively inexpensive to repair and saves the windshield from needing a full-on replacement. If the chip turns into a crack that obstructs your view, you could be looking at a costly replacement bill and a fix-it ticket if pulled over. Broken tail lights, headlights, or turn signals It’s essential to regularly check all lights on your vehicle to ensure that they’re all proper ... read more

C.R. Patterson – And why you should know who he is

Before the boom of Ford, there was C.R. Patterson. Many may not be familiar with his name, but he’s made significant contributions to the automotive industry. Born enslaved in 1833, Charles Richard Patterson was the first and only African American automaker who carved very substantial contributions to the automotive industry today. Patterson escaped the slave plantation and traveled to Greenfield, Ohio, to begin a new life. While in Ohio, he dedicated himself to learning blacksmithing skills and went to work for a carriage-making business. With time dedicated to the industry, he developed a professional partnership with J.P. Lowe, another local carriage manufacturer. Together, they ran a crafted horse-drawn carriage company for over 20 years. Patterson eventually bought out Lowe and was the sole proprietor, naming the business C.R. Patterson & Sons. Patterson’s carriages were top of the line, with exclusive carriages having sliding doors for their storm buggies. This innovative design ... read more

Don’t Forget to Use Your Parking Brake

The parking brake is sometimes called a handbrake or an emergency brake, depending on who you’re talking to. It’s no wonder some drivers become confused about its function and when to use it. The method of how you use it will change depending on whether you have an automatic transmission or a manual. All parking brakes are not made equal across the board. Some vehicles may have a hand brake, a switch brake, or a foot brake depending on its make and model. The parking brake has a mechanical system that bypasses the hydraulic braking system. This system stops the car in an emergency or keeps it in place when it’s parked. Knowing the proper time to use your parking brake is vital in operating your vehicle and is often overlooked. Below is a list of tips for when it may be best to use your parking brake. For everyday parking, you should use your parking brake before shifting your car into the park gear. Using the parking brake before putting the vehicle into park limits the stress placed ... read more

Vehicle Warning Signs You Can Smell

Vehicle Warning Signs You Can Smell

Paying attention to the way your car smells can help you detect when there is an issue brewing. There are certain distinct smells which can arise that can indicate there might be something wrong with a component in your vehicle. If the scent is persistence and happens every time that you drive, you may want to get your vehicle inspected as soon as you can.  Being aware of vehicle issues before they progress further can help you avoid having to deal with a car breakdown or added repairs. Some scents can indicate more serious issues, while others are repairs that are needed but not as severe. Here are some of the smells to look out for and what they can indicate:  Burnt Rubber - burnt rubber typically indicates an issue with a belt or drive pulley. This should be inspected quickly because a belt issue can quickly turn into a vehicle that won't run.    Gasoline - a smell of gasoline can point to a gas leak in the fuel system, such as a fuel injector line or the ... read more