American Automobile Association Benefits

As soon as automobiles hit America’s roads, people began to organize automotive clubs.  By 1902, there were approximately 23,000 cars in operation.  Even with this small number, over 50 motor clubs had been formed across the country.  Nine of those clubs joined together to create a national motoring organization called the American Automobile Association, or the AAA.  Over the past 100 years, the AAA has supported American drivers by promoting safe, efficient highways and a multi-modal transportation system that is accessible and affordable to everyone.

Improving Roads

At the turn of the century, existing roads had been designed for the horse and buggy. Traveling on those dirt paths was often risky.  AAA’s earliest goal was to lead a fight for improvements in the nation’s roads.  They wanted roads that could better accommodate automobile traffic.  By 1916, AAA saw their goal begin to be realized when the idea of federal aid to highways was initiated.  Since then, this organization’s affiliated clubs have covered a wide range of issues and interests.  One campaign is focused on getting the government to spend more of existing funds to improve on the nation’s highways, bridges, and air traffic control systems.  Another initiative was designed to provide consumers with information and insight into current transportation issues.

Roadside Assistance

Auto breakdowns are not fun for any car owner.  AAA was the first to provide a service for stranded motorists.  This aspect is one of the most valued features of a AAA membership.  They have almost 13,000 roadside assistance contract facilities and take in about 29 million calls annually.  AAA Members can get roadside assistance by calling an 800 number, visiting AAA’s website, or by using their smart phone app.  Their call centers handle incoming calls, answer questions about travel related subjects, and advise on AAA approved auto repair facilities.  This association annually publishes a manual on correct towing procedures and updates vehicle-buying research online.  To help make sure it’s members find reliable and quality mechanics, AAA developed its Approved Auto Repair program.  They have identified 8,000 automotive repair facilities that meet their criteria in customer satisfaction, equipment requirements, and competency for repairing automobiles.  

Travel and Safety

AAA has supplied its members with all available data on roads, hotels, service facilities, and motor vehicle laws for over 100 years.  They produced the first auto-oriented maps, road logs, and eventually a series of tour book guides and camping directories.  AAA clubs were the first to inspect and recommend lodging and restaurants.  They also became linked with a network in which information on highway conditions could be exchanged up to the minute.  As early as 1927, they even developed a foreign travel department to handle steamship tickets and shipment of cars overseas.  Gradually AAA initiated additional services and is now one of the largest travel organizations in the world.  They offer complete domestic and foreign travel services, including issuing International Driving Permits.  Increasing numbers of cars on the road have led to a similar increase in accidents.  AAA has done many things to help make our roads safer.  They sponsored school safety patrol programs and introduced traffic safety education into elementary and junior high schools.  AAA wrote the first driver education book widely used in high schools.  AAA also understands the dangers of driving under the influence.  They have a program that educates communities on alcohol and its effect on a person’s driving ability.  

The Alternator and Your Car

Your car’s electrical charging system is generally made up of three major components: the battery, voltage regulator, and alternator. The battery and alternator work together to generate power for the electrical components of a vehicle.  Alternators are generally found near the front of the engine.  They are driven by the crankshaft which converts the up and down motion of the pistons into a circular movement.  When this movement turns the components of the alternator it produces AC power through electromagnetism.  

History of Your Alternator

An alternator gets its name from the term alternating current (AC).  Thomas Edison is known for inventing the first light bulb and many other electrical mechanisms.  It was actually Nikola Tesla that developed the first AC induction motor in the late 1800s.  While Edison was out to promote direct current or DC power, it was Tesla who proved that AC power was superior.  AC power can produce higher voltage much more efficiently and that is very helpful to run a car’s electrical system.

Alternator Components

Alternators are usually small and lightweight.  Most alternators found in passenger cars and small trucks are constructed using an aluminum outer housing since lightweight metal does not magnetize.  Aluminum also dissipates the tremendous heat generated by producing the electrical power.  If you look closely at an alternator, you will also see vents on the front and back also for relieving heat.  A pulley is attached to the rotor shaft on the front of the alternator.  When the engine is running, the crankshaft turns the drive belt, which spins the pulley to turn the rotor shaft.  The alternator transfers this mechanical energy from the engine into electrical power for the car.  

Lifespan of the Alternator and Replacement

If your alternator is not functioning, the electrical components of your vehicle will quickly drain your battery.  Since today’s automobiles cannot properly function without the electrical system, this can be a big problem.  Alternators have moving parts, get dirty, and are subject to stress from the drastic temperature changes.  All of these causes can make the internal parts gradually wear out.  The most common is bearing failure.  The needle bearings allow the rotor to spin freely to produce electricity.  When these fail, the alternator will not work efficiently and can completely seize up.  This failure will normally cause a loud grinding noise.  If you suspect this problem, quickly consult one of our mechanics to prevent a breakdown.  Older vehicles with generators tend to require much more maintenance than newer models, but there's no standard rule for how long an alternator will last.  Generally, alternators are less expensive to replace than many other parts of the car.  Some people still may search for an alternative to purchasing a new replacement alternator.  Some new alternators can be around $230 but if you are willing to use a remanufactured one, it might only cost $160.  Many times remanufactured alternators are easy to access and simple to replace.  More often today, cars are running out of room under the hood.  This has caused some manufactures to place the alternator in a less accessible spot.  If this is the case, you may want to let an experienced mechanic do the job.  They can save you a headache and get the job done much quicker than most people.

Which Headlights are Best for Me?

Headlights are lamps that are installed in the front of the car to help you see in the dark while driving. They are so important that you can receive a citation or have to pay a fine if you are pulled over for nonworking headlights or for forgetting to turn them on when you get in your car. The technology has progressed from a simple light kit enclosed behind a covering to the more energy-efficient advanced models of recent years that are being installed in cars. Some car manufacturers have created headlights that will automatically illuminate when the car is put into gear, such as daytime running lights. With all of the advances made, it may be daunting to determine which ones you should use for driving during the winter months. If you are thinking about replacing your headlights, you should know some things about them first.

Types of Headlights Available

There are several types of headlights that are available on the market today. The most basic light is the incandescent lights. These lights are similar to the average household light bulb except they are bigger and will not fit in a household socket. Inside the bulb is a tungsten filament that is heated to produce light. Halogen lights are filled with halogen gas that caused the tungsten from the filament to redeposit. This makes the filament last longer. Xenon lights are similar to halogen bulbs except that they are filled with xenon gas rather than halogen. Xenon burns brighter than halogen and it is less taxing on the car battery. Many newer model cars include either xenon or halogen headlights as standard equipment. Fog lights are smaller and they focus the light beam so that it does not reflect off the fog, snow, or rain, making driving in those conditions a bit safer. Some cars have these as standard equipment as well. Pencil beams are lights that have the longest visibility range, but they burn so brightly that they are illegal in some jurisdictions. Pencil beams are usually reserved for off-road driving. 

Replace or Repair?

If you have older or incandescent light bulbs, you may be thinking about replacing them. In the interest of safety and saving money, replacement may be a good choice. If you already have xenon or halogen bulbs but you noticed that they do not burn as brightly, then you may need to clean or replace the covers. Cleaning headlight covers can be difficult and there are several cleaning kits available on the market; however, this is a job that is best performed by your mechanic. The mechanic would have special cleansers that are specifically formulated to remove the road salt, grime, and dirt that accumulates on the surfaces. If they cannot be cleaned, then they may need to be replaced. The mechanic can replace them for you since removing, reinstalling the cover can be difficult, and replacing the bulb inside can be just as difficult. 

Which One to Choose?

Before you decide if you should replace or repair your headlights, you need to know which type of headlights you already have installed. You can consult your owner’s manual for this information. The make, model, and year of your car will guide you toward the kind of headlights you can use for replacement. For the best advice, you should always talk with a qualified mechanic to help you choose and they can install them for you. 

The Pros and Cons of the European Car Model

The European car model is highly regarded in the automotive industry, with its selection of luxury sedans, sports utility vehicles, and sports cars. Many people who reside in areas that experience severe winters have reported that they have had good experiences with their cars and some drivers are completely loyal to their European cars. These cars have many benefits and drawbacks to them. You should research them thoroughly to be sure that you choose the right car for you. 

The Pros are Always Good

One thing that European car owners boast about is the reliability and dependability. These cars tend to be mechanically sound and with the proper general car maintenance, you will get years of operation out of them. Owners often report that they also get good fuel efficiency from these cars and they require very little customization right off the showroom floor. They usually come with a plethora of desirable standard equipment that includes navigation, self-inflating tires, internet connectivity, and other features that would be considered options on other cars. These cars consistently receive high safety ratings and come equipped with air bags, antilock brakes, and a roll bar. The designs tend to be classy and conservative, which makes them good choices for business and professional people. Although these cars are expensive, the price gives these cars a certain prestige; therefore, European car models are often called a status symbol. 

The Cons are Always Bad

Since these cars are foreign imports, they will be more expensive than domestic cars. This is because imports are saddled with tariffs and other taxes that raise the price. These taxes were meant to steer buyers toward domestic models. It is also harder to find parts for these cars if you need any repairs. Auto repair for these cars can reach exorbitant prices because they sometimes need to be ordered from the manufacturer, which usually means that you will not be able to sit and wait while your car is being repaired. These cars are also often the targets of auto thefts and auto insurance for them is pricier than for a domestic car. Unfortunately, some mechanics will take advantage of the fact that the car is an import and attach a premium to the services that they perform on it.

How to Decide

The first things you should consider are your lifestyle and your finances. Does your wallet allow you to own an import or are you just interested in owning a status symbol? Can you afford the insurance, gas, maintenance, and any repairs that may need to be performed? If you have a large family or you have a job that requires you to transport large items, then you may need to consider another car since most imports are not as roomy inside as the domestic ones. When you purchase a European car model, you should make sure that you establish and stick to a general car maintenance schedule and be sure to schedule a vehicle safety inspection regularly. These measures will help you keep your car on the road longer. 

WHAT WOULD MAKE MY VEHICLE’S WHEELS COME OUT OF ALIGNMENT?

Hitting a large rut or pot hole in the roadway with one wheel is the typical reason that a vehicle will come out of alignment. When this happens, the careful calibration and measurement that are needed to keep your vehicle aligned may be altered resulting in steering difficulties.  

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FRONT-END ALIGNMENT AND FOUR-WHEEL ALIGNMENT?

An alignment on most vehicles involves only the front end of the vehicle.  However, it is possible to also have rear wheel adjustments.  This would be referred to as a four-wheel alignment rather than the usual front-end alignment.  Most often, the only adjustment that will be made is to the toe setting.  However, it is possible for caster and camber adjustments to be made.  However, this is usually a more difficult service to perform and is less likely to be needed. With modern diagnostic equipment, it is possible to get very precise measurements for a front-end alignment.  The actual work, however, is still only as good as the person using the equipment, interpreting what the data says, and then applying that information to your vehicle. A front-end alignment will be done routinely every 10,000 to 15,000 miles.  But, if you suspect an issue, do not wait for the regularly scheduled maintenance. Likewise if you hit a particularly large pot hole or bumped a curb much harder than normal, an early check would be in order. 

WHAT WILL I OBSERVE IF MY VEHICLE ALIGNMENT NEEDS TO BE CHECKED?

Pulling to one side or the other is the telltale sign that your vehicle needs to be aligned.  You might notice this when on a flat stretch of highway if you release some of your grip on the wheel.  It might be so obvious that you actually feel like you are “fighting” to keep the steering wheel where you want it to be.  In this case, you may have to physically steer away from the pull to keep the vehicle moving straight in your lane.    Over time, driving a vehicle out of alignment will result in irregular tire wear. This could manifest as one tire wearing more than another or as uneven wear across the tread of one tire. If you have had to have any adjustments done to your suspension system or if you have installed new suspension parts such as shocks or springs, it is advisable to also have our technicians check your alignment at that time. 

IS WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND TIRE BALANCING THE SAME THING? 

Tire balancing and wheel alignment are not the same thing even though they may be related.  Tire balancing will always be done when you purchase new tires, but a wheel alignment is not necessarily needed at that time. Our mechanics may often recommend an alignment check within 3,000 miles of purchasing new tires. Tire balancing will often manifest as vibrations, which is different than the common signs of a misalignment. Occasionally a piece of dried mud, ice, or a rock will become lodged in or around a wheel. This can cause steering or driving difficulties.   Our mechanics will often spot this during an inspection and remove it first to see if removing the obstruction will eliminate the driving issue you have experienced. 

What are Tune-ups and When are They Needed?

The tune-up has been a very important component of regular car maintenance for a good reason. This procedure is vital to making sure that you have sufficient power to your engine. During the winter, you should make sure that your car is in its best running condition to avoid being stranded in inclement weather. It can be done in conjunction with other services such as oil changes, tire rotation, tire pressure checks, and fluid checks. If you are unsure about the process, you should make sure that you gain some basic knowledge and have a discussion with your mechanic so that you can make the best choices when it comes to your car. 

What is a Tune-up?

Once used to describe the process of making adjustments to improve performance, the term “tune-up” has been coined to describe the process of changing the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and air filter. This process is usually included when performing winter safety inspections and in general maintenance. Technology has increased capacity and durability of spark plugs so that a tune-up may only be required every 100,000 miles or two years. It should be done regularly so that performance and fuel economy do not suffer. Your mechanic can give you a complete explanation of the procedure and can show you what each part looks like and what significance it has to the total performance of your car. 

Why Are They Needed?

You will know when you need a tune-up when you notice a decrease in performance from the engine. You will experience a loss in power, especially during acceleration. An engine needing a tune-up will use more gas because the engine is working harder to keep the sparks firing. As a result, your gas mileage will decrease. This extra work done by the engine will mean that the engine needs more gas to keep the car running. The engine will also run roughly and knock when accelerating. This knocking will continue even after the engine has been shut off. If the spark plugs are damaged or worn enough, they can cause your car to stall and shut off when you idle at a stop light or train crossing. This occurs because the engine is using more gas, but the spark plugs are not able to keep the firing process going in order to produce the tiny explosions that are needed to power the car.

When Are They Needed?

Before the extensive use of computers in cars, it was recommended that a tune-up should be performed regularly in specific time intervals. However, the computer system in newer cars monitors the condition of the spark plugs, filters, and sensors. If the computer detects a problem, the alert system will notify you. You can now go for a very long time between tune-ups due to the advanced spark plugs and computer systems. The length of time between tune-ups would also depend upon the make and model of the car, your driving habits, and weather conditions. Your ASE master technicians can check your spark plugs, wires, and filters during your winter safety inspection. This inspection can include general car maintenance tasks such as oil changes, brake inspections, and windshield wiper replacement; and it can include bumper-to-bumper inspections that will cover every system on your car for maximum security while driving during the winter months. 

Improving Fuel Efficiency from Your Car

If you live in a state that experience cold, snowy winters, you may have noticed that the gas
stations switch to a specially blended fuel mixture every winter for driving in the cold
weather. The sluggish economy has caused many people to reevaluate their driving patterns
and to search for ways to improve fuel efficiency. After you have slashed the excessive
usage of fuel in your home, you now turn to your car and wonder what you can do in the
winter that will help you save some money this season. If you alter your driving habits,
maintain your car, and make other minor changes to your routine, you will see instant
savings in your fuel costs.

Driving Habits Needs to Change

If you alter your driving habits, you may find that you use a lot less gas. Cut out all of the
extraneous trips to places that you can easily get to on foot. If you must drive your car
everywhere, drive at slower speeds. The snowy and icy road conditions will slow you down
automatically, but slower speeds on dry pavement will ensure that you use less gas. Use the
freeway as much as possible to boost your gas mileage. You will burn less gas because you
will not have to stop and start repeatedly. The freeway offers you passages to your
destinations that are free from stop signs, stoplights, and railroad crossings. Late model cars
are able to operate without warming up. You should make an effort to limit the amount of
time you spend idling.

General Car Maintenance Needs to Happen

You can save a lot of money on not only fuel costs but also car repair costs just by
maintaining your car. Make sure that you adhere to a regular general car maintenance
schedule that is recommended by the car manufacturer. Regular maintenance should include
a tire inspection, oil change, and fluid checks. A tire inspection will make sure that your
tires are inflated at the proper air pressure level. If you do not know what pressure you
should be using, you can find it on a sticker that is posted on the doorjam of the driver’s
side door or in the owner’s manual. When you perform your oil changes, you should make
sure that you are using the correct grade of engine oil. Your owner’s manual should list the
grade and weight of oil you should be using. Remember to change the oil and air filters
when you change your oil. Dirty filters will keep air from freely flowing through the engine
and cause you to burn more fuel. A tune-up will improve your car’s fuel economy and
should be regularly performed.

Other Things That Needs to Happen

Keep the cargo load as light as possible because a heavier car consumes more fuel. You
should keep items, especially bulkier items, off your roof rack if possible. The wind
resistance will cause you to use more fuel to propel the car forward through the air. If you
have more than one place to go, combine your trips and plan them so that you can complete
all of your stops in a complete circuit rather than crisscrossing the city several times.