8 Questions to Ask your Auto Mechanic

When taking your car for repairs at the mechanic, don’t just drop it and leave. Ask your mechanic a number of questions that will help you understand the service they are capable of providing.

1.     What credentials do your technicians have?

Auto repair technicians have expertise in different areas. You need to find out this information before you entrust them with your car. For instance, find out if the technicians have been trained to repair engines or provide quality car servicing.

2.     Are you familiar with my car’s make/model?

Taking your car to the dealership for repairs may be somewhat expensive and that’s why most car owners prefer to look for a private mechanic. However, it’s important to ensure that the private mechanic you have chosen is well versed with your model or make. This will prevent a lot of issues and ensure you get proper repairs done the first time.

3.     What kind of repairs do you specialize in?

Auto mechanics can focus on a number of different areas but there are others who are well versed with a single type of repair. For instance, if you want auto glass repairs, it is best to consider technicians who are experienced in this area. Find out what kind of service the technicians do best and focus on that.

4.     Can you provide free estimates?

You should be able to get a free written estimate from the mechanics before you can finally commit to having them repair your car. It gives you the opportunity to understand what you will be paying for and even negotiate for a better rate.

5.     Can you explain all the repairs needed in detail?

When your car is experiencing serious problems, you need a mechanic who can break it down to you in a way you’ll understand. Find a good mechanic who can explain issues and ways to prevent them in future. You’ll end up spending less on car repairs.

6.      Do you provide an alternative car for a client?

There are auto shops that provide their clients with a courtesy car when their car is undergoing repairs. This really works great especially if you rely on your car for day to day transportation. However, this may come at an additional cost that should be quoted in advance without any hidden costs.

7.      What guarantees do you offer?

You need to ensure that the car repairs done are of the highest quality and that the mechanic is able to stand behind their work. They will only do this if they offer reasonable guarantees. For instance, if the repairs do not work within a predefined period then they should be able to redo it for free.

8.     Do you offer warranty on parts or labor?

Most important, you need to find out if the mechanic will make use of quality auto parts and provide high standard labor. Most auto shops that provide a high standard of service will have warranties on their parts and labor so that you are rest assured that your money is well spent. 

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com

Understanding Your Vehicle's Oxygen Sensors

Every automobile on the road today is comprised of thousands of parts, large and small, working in harmony allowing us to enjoy the experience of driving down the road. When one of these parts fails, engine performance can decline and oftentimes it can have a cyclic effect on other parts of the vehicle as well. Arguably the most important part of any vehicle is the engine which creates the power needed to operate it. Today, we are going to look at the oxygen sensor and how it helps to keep the engine running efficiently, as well as its effect on the vehicle's exhaust system.

To understand the importance of the oxygen sensor and why it is needed, we first need to understand how the engine itself operates. The basic concept of combustion engines is to add a tiny amount of fuel to a small enclosed space and ignite it; there is an incredible amount of energy released in the form of expanding gasses from this combustion which is utilized to power the vehicle. There have obviously been many changes since the first vehicle was created back in the 1800's but one thing has remained constant, the four-stroke design of all combustion engines.

The four-strokes in each engine cylinder are broken down into the intake stoke, compression stroke, combustion stroke and finally the exhaust stroke. In the intake stroke, oxygen and gas enter the cylinder, the compression stroke adds pressure to this mixture, the combustion stroke ignites the mixture and during the exhaust stroke the exhaust is released out of the cylinder to eventually exit the tailpipe. Each cylinder in the engine goes through these four strokes hundreds of times in a minute, and there must be a precise mixture of gasoline and oxygen each time for maximum efficiency. This is where the oxygen sensor comes into play.

The oxygen sensor measures the exhaust from the cylinders and depending on the amount of oxygen remaining after combustion, sends a message to the engine's computer to make adjustments. The perfect ratio of oxygen to gasoline is 14.7 to 1. When there is too much oxygen entering the cylinder during the intake stroke, it can cause poor engine performance, engine damage and will release more nitrogen-oxide pollutants into the environment. On the other hand, if there is too much fuel during the intake stroke, there will be unburned gasoline left over which will create excessive pollution and can ignite in the catalytic converter, causing it to fail which leads to a significant repair bill.

Every engine has a baseline set of parameters it utilizes to determine the amount of gas and oxygen to send to the cylinders but that amount fluctuates depending on a variety of factors. The air temperature, engine temperature, altitude, barometric pressure and even the load on the engine can all change how much oxygen is pulled into the engine. In order to maintain the perfect ratio of 14.7:1, the engine needs to make periodic adjustments, which it can only do if the oxygen sensors continue to send information. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, then the engine's computer has to guess how much oxygen and fuel to send to the cylinders which can cause the engine to perform poorly and dramatically decrease fuel efficiency.

Most vehicles today have a minimum of two oxygen sensors; however some modern vehicles can have up to six or more. When one of these sensors fails, the Check Engine light will generally go on, but you might notice some other symptoms as well. A faulty oxygen sensor can lead to rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, engine misfires, engine surges or bucks, poor fuel economy, unexpected catalytic converter failure or a rotten egg odor emitted from the exhaust.

Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor is a fairly inexpensive repair, however if you put it off it could end up costing you quite a bit more in the long run. If it causes damage to the catalytic converter you will be looking at repair costs in the thousands instead of just a couple hundred. A bad oxygen sensor could also cause you your gas mileage to drop up to 40% as well, which at today's gas prices is a huge chunk of change. If you suspect that your vehicle might have a faulty oxygen sensor, it is in your best interest to take it into an auto repair shop and have it checked out sooner rather than later; from the impact to your pocket book to the negative impact on the environment from excess pollution, it is well worth the price of replacement.

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive  fairclothautomotive.com

Expert Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Cars ideally depreciate in value with time due to the obvious wear and tear. However, the rate at which the vehicle dilapidates depends on how well you take care of it. If you want to avoid making costly repairs on a vehicle whose value is already dropping, you should consider the following vehicle maintenance practices that will keep your car running smooth for longer.

The tires and wheels

You should rotate your tyres at least after every 5000 miles. When washing your car clean all the grime and dirt off the brakes for your brakes to work properly. If you do a lot of off-road driving with your car, you may have to do this cleaning more often than usual. Tyre pressure checks should be done once a week because bad tyre pressure affects the fuel consumption. Bald and slick tyres are only good for the racing track but not on the road. Tyres get worn out with time and you should replace tyres with a low tread depth.

The engine

The engine may look quite complex and there are many tiny bits that you are actually not supposed to touch if you are not qualified. However, the unprofessional eye can still check the amount of wear and tear on the engine drive belts usually at the front of the engine. The accessory drive belt and timing belt are supposed to be replaced preferably after 50,000 miles.

Everyone can also check the engine oil and it is very quick and easy. Too much or too little engine oil can damage your engine. You need to park the car on a level surface, allow the engine to cool down then find the dipstick, wipe it clean and dip it again to check the level of the oil. The dipstick is usually marked with the levels that the engine oil is supposed to be. You should check the coolant level as well. The coolant reservoir is the white or translucent bottle on the side of your engine.

Use the right fuel

You need to use the right fuel as advised in the vehicle handbook. There are some myths that ‘premium’ fuel varieties or ‘high octane’ fuel gives you better mileage on the gallon. You should stick to the kind of fuel that your car’s engine was built for by the manufacturer.

Detail the exterior and interior

You can also keep your car looking showroom fresh by choosing high quality detailing supplies. Detail your vehicles interior and exterior to keep it smelling fresh and to keep the paint looking glossy. Detailing the interior is also good for the air conditioning as it reduces the amount of dust that ends up in the air conditioning.

Battery

The batter terminals also get dirty with time preventing the wiring from making good contact. You may notice the electrical components are not working properly because of this. You need to remove the terminal caps and clean the contact posts using a wire brush for better connectivity.

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com 

Automotive Repair

Automotive repair is a large industry. There are many unsuspected things that can go wrong with a car, and if you do not have a warranty, you will have to find the right repair shop to trust with your car. Another thing to consider is the amount of regular maintenance people have performed on their car each year. This would include oil changes, brake jobs, flushing of fluids, or could simply be having your tires rotated for you. This type of work is typically left to the professionals because automotive repair work takes a degree of knowledge and a lot of experience to be able to be done correctly.

One thing to watch for when you are getting your automobile repaired is to make sure you are shopping around for the best prices available on parts. If you are using a shop, feel free to check online for part prices that they claim you need. Usually your mechanic will be honest with you on part pricing, but there is the occasion that they are trying to make money of the parts you need. Another thing to look out for is that the right parts are being replaced. Getting second opinions for auto repair is a smart practice unless you use the same shop for all of your needs and they are trusted amongst your family and community.

Another misconception is that any type of auto repair will cost an arm and a leg. Many simple things break on cars instead of catastrophic failures which make it very affordable for people to have their cars fixed, instead of spending more money on a new car. A trusted mechanic will be able to tell you what is wrong with your car and the best options for you to fix it. They will also offer maintenance to prevent catastrophic fixes in the future.

Maintaining a car properly is what will keep you away from getting many automotive repairs. Have your trusted mechanic create a schedule of maintenance for you if your car does not already have one. Minor maintenance such as an oil change will go a long way in keeping your car's engine at its full potential. Maintenance is very affordable and is spread out with months and months separating you from each scheduled visit, which also helps people on a budget. The key factor either way though is to choose a reputable local repair shop for any of your automotive needs, no matter how big or small.

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com

Checklist for Choosing an Auto Repair Shop

Realizing that your car needs repairs is not a pleasant experience, especially because this usually happens at the wrong time of the month. Dealing with auto repairs is a hassle for everyone. However, you can make things a bit easier for yourself by choosing an auto repair shop that is good for the job. Here is a list of things that you should consider when selecting auto repair professionals.

Certification and licensing

Do not give your car to an auto repair shop that hires professionals who are not certified and licensed. In order for one to be able to properly repair car problems, they need to undergo training and get licensed to provide these services. Remember, if a car is not correctly handled, it can lead to auto accidents and this is the last thing you need.

Insurance

If you are entrusting your car with someone, you need to be certain that the particular person has put in place protective measures to cover you in the event that something goes wrong. An auto repair company that is insured is a plus. Also, in matters insurance, you need to work with an auto repair shop that has an agreement with your insurance provider. Auto repairs can be expensive, and auto insurance exists so that it can make this burden bearable. It is necessary to discuss this with the auto repair shop as you talk about the charges that you will be expected to pay.

Customer service

If you call the auto repair shop and the call is answered by the machine, hang up and call the next shop. An auto repair shop that takes its customers seriously will ensure that all calls are answered promptly and arising matters are addressed swiftly. When your car breaks down, you need someone who can attend to you immediately, especially when this break down happens in the middle of nowhere, leaving you stranded.

Cleanliness

Pay a visit to the auto repair shop and look around. If the place looks like a dumping site, that’s a red flag. Just because auto repair involves messy work does not mean that there need to be spills and trash everywhere.

Friendliness and professionalism

While on your visit to the auto repair shop, pay attention to how the staff relate to each other and the customers. If there seems to be some hostility in the relations, consider what this means for you in the long run. Auto repair sometimes requires teamwork, and if the staff cannot operate as a team, then it is likely that you will not get value for your money.

Transparency

And lastly, when it comes to costs, a good auto repair shop will be completely transparent about the costs that you will be expected to meet. This way, there will be no unexplained additional costs that will crop up along the way. Ask about this, and verify anything that is not clear before you get your car to the repair shop.

Also, don’t forget to ask for references, and if possible, check the auto repair shop’s online reviews for some insight.

Posted By: Joey Faircloth   http://fairclothautomotive.com/

Getting Ready for Your First Big Car Repair

If you’re like most people, then you definitely enjoy DIY tasks. There a special kind of fulfilment that comes with fixing broken things for yourself without needing to call for professional help. Where your car is concerned, you will have to do some more preparation compared to your usual DIY tasks. This is because cars are complex and approaching your first big car repair without adequate preparation will prove a costly mistake. Here is what you should do before you embark on DIY auto repair:

Do your research

Learn everything you need to know about the repair job by getting your hands on helpful resources that contain detailed instructions on the type of repair you want. Web forums and factory service manuals from the manufacturer are good places to start if you really want to understand what the repair job entails.

Set up a workspace

Before embarking on your big repair job, ensure that you have plenty of room to allow yourself to maneuver the different car components. Position your car in a way that allows for maximum elbow room. If you are not comfortable when carrying out the repair, chances are high that you will not do a good job.

Be patient, as it will take time

Your first big car repair job will take longer than you had anticipated, usually because you have never attempted it before and do not have a real sense of the actual amount of time that goes into the repair. It is a wise move to arrange for alternative transport, as your car might be out of use for a long time.

Take pictures, label the parts and make notes

Save yourself the trouble of remembering which part goes where by labeling everything after dismantling it. Take pictures so that you can remind yourself what the initial layout of the components was. If you do not keep track of the different fasteners, bolts, clips and washers that you will disassemble from the car, you will find yourself with a million different parts and no clue as to where you are supposed to fit them.

Make a checklist

The excitement of having repaired your car might overshadow the need to carry out an extensive final check before getting your machine on the road. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a checklist to remind yourself of what you must closely inspect before you consider the repair job well done.

When in doubt…

Usually, if you follow these steps, you will be able to repair your car successfully. The repair job will definitely not be easy, and may cut into your weekends and all your free time, but once you’ve gotten your car back on the road you will be really proud of yourself. That being said, if you get to a point where you feel like you are running around in circles and not achieving much in terms of repairs, there’s no harm in calling the auto repair professionals. Perhaps the problem was much bigger than you had thought!

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com

How to Get the Best Auto Repair Services

Whatever type of car you drive, you will at some point require repair services. When this happens, your goal is to find someone who can do the job right. There are certain things that you can do to ensure that you get the right auto repair company, without breaking a sweat.

First, it is always a good idea to read the owner’s manual that came together with your vehicle, so that you can familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s suggested service schedule. The manufacturer understands their creation best, and abiding by these suggestions will save you a lot of money and spare you many headaches.

It is a great idea to start looking for an auto repair shop before you actually need the services. This way, you will not have to do your research in a panic, and you will have plenty of time to talk to your friends and family about their experiences with numerous repair shops.

Your local consumer organizations should provide you with invaluable information on the reputation of the auto repair business. Also, if your car breaks down, it is a good idea to arrange for alternative transportation so you do not feel as if you are restricted to choosing an auto repair shop simply on the basis of location.

Once you get to the actual shop, you should check whether it is a facility that is neat and well-organized. The vehicles in the parking lot should be equal in value to your own, and the service bays should have modern equipment.

Always check to see whether the repair shop has AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, membership in the Better Business Bureau and other signs of professionalism in the customer service area.

All the policies that will be operational once you start getting your car repaired (such as labor rates, methods of payment, guarantees etc.) should be explained to you in clear terms before any work commences. You should never agree to anything unless you are 100 percent certain that you understand all the terms and conditions.

A great way to put your mind at ease is to talk to customers who have had their vehicles repaired at a certain automotive facility. Do not hesitate to ask for references from the automotive shop.

Some facilities specialize in certain types and models of vehicles, so it is a good idea to ask whether the auto repair shop can handle your vehicle make and model. Also, look for evidence of qualified technicians, such as certifications and accreditations. You don’t want to deal with an amateur as this could worsen the condition of your vehicle.

Look for the right auto repair shop which offers quality services ranging from alignments to oil changes, tune ups, and even A/C repair. Anything you want done to your car should be done at customer friendly prices. Experience in providing quality automotive services to clients matters a lot in this field. So you can rest assured that your vehicle is in good hands.

Top 3 Signs that You Need Auto Repair

For many people, it not easy to know whether their car is healthy. It is important to know when you need to take the car for maintenance as this will save you money and time in the long run. Simple problems that vehicle owners ignore for a longer time can become major headaches as well as bills. Therefore, look out for those signs that reflect problems. Here are some common ones.

1. Problems when driving

Several issues may crop up as you operate your car. If you realize that the vehicle becomes jerky or hard to steer when accelerating, chances are it has an engine issue. If you drive it in this state for long, you’ll really strain the engine and this will generate into higher repair costs. The engine is among the car’s most expensive parts and so let a professional check it out whenever you sense a problem.

Does the vehicle vibrate whenever you apply brakes? Well, this generally means that you may need to get new brake pads although it may also imply that your calipers have issues. While brake issues aren’t so costly, they’re essential for your own safety. Therefore, get them fixed before they pose a safety problem.

If the car simply can’t get straight when driving, then most likely there’s an issue with its steering alignment or system. All machines usually pull a little bit, but if you’ve a problem keeping your ride straight, it becomes a serious issue. In fact, it is risky to drive your car in that condition. Take your car for maintenance instead of endangering yourself and other road users.

2. Weird noises from the engine

You can hear strange noises when turning the vehicle on. You need to distinguish between normal noises and those that aren’t made for your vehicle. In most cases, strange sounds point to engine troubles although they could also imply issues with the engine belts or exhaust. Before taking your machine for auto repair, you should try as much as possible to identify the main location or source of sound. That will guide the mechanic to detect the source of the problem and fix it faster.

3. Trouble when starting the car

Do you find it hard to turn your vehicle on? That’s obviously an issue that needs your immediate attention.  Before seeking an auto repair service, ensure that the problem doesn’t go away with a simple jump. Usually, dead batteries can cause this issue and if a jump won’t solve the problem, then it could be alternator issue. This will call for a skillful mechanic hence you should repair your vehicle sooner rather than later.

You will realize that handling problems early enough will give you peace of mind. If you come across one of the above mentioned signs or discover anything abnormal, you should take the vehicle to an auto repair service provider without delay. If you delay for a longer time, the problem may worsen and cost more to fix.

Auto Repair Basics Every Car Owner Needs to Know

The best way to avoid spending a fortune on auto repairs is by being well prepared. Take time to learn your vehicle. Know how it works and when something is certainly not right. The faster you can identify common problems, the more you’ll be able to avoid auto repair rip-offs. So if you own a car and you really want to enhance its reliability, the following information is very important for you.

Identify a reliable mechanic

As a car owner, this is the first step you take to take care of your vehicle. You can either go for an auto repair shop or look for a single technician you trust. Your mechanic should have the experience and certification to offer car maintenance and repair services. Find out what the technician is skilled at. There are cases where you may need to take your car to a specific technician depending on the type of problem it has. For instance, if you need windshield replacement, your local auto shop may not be able to offer a quality service. Since windshield replacement is a very crucial auto repair, you must identify a qualified expert for the job. A poorly installed windshield may endanger your life and that of other passengers.

Know how much auto repairs cost

Before you get anyone to work on your car, make sure you find out the cost of the repair. Most car owners only realize that they are paying too much after the work has been done. Ask the auto shop to give you a written estimate of the work that is to be done. Make sure the anticipated labor is also included in the estimate. The auto shop should contact you for approval before they begin any repairs.

Understand the parts being replaced

Auto repair parts are usually classified into three. There are new, remanufactured and salvage parts. New parts are generally the most expensive and may have been made by the original manufacturer or an independent company that is licensed to manufacture auto replacement parts. It is important for you to be informed by the auto shop if they will be using non original replacement parts. Often the non-original parts are cheaper.

The rebuilt or remanufactured parts are the ones that have been restored to proper working condition after having undergone some form of damage or wear and tear. These remanufactured parts are usually in sound working condition and that’s why the auto shop may offer a warranty when using them. The last option is to consider the salvage parts which are taken from another vehicle without alterations. Since salvage parts have not been restored they may not be very reliable.

Seek preventative maintenance

Remember that your car needs routine maintenance to prevent costly issues that may come along the way because an issue was not resolved fast. Ask your auto technician to explain to you how often you should consider car maintenance and follow that schedule strictly. Frequent servicing can prevent a host of problems.

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com

How to Maintain your New Car- What Every First Time Driver Should Know

Getting a new car is exciting. But you must be prepared to do all it takes to extend the life of your new car. You’ll have to keep up with some servicing and repairs if you don’t want your car to breakdown when you least expect it. We are going to look at the most common types of maintenance services required to keep your car in top notch shape.

Regular oil changes

You’ll need to change your oil regularly in order to make sure it adequately protects your engine and other moving parts from heat and friction. With time, the oil in your car is going to age causing the engine to breakdown. Most mechanics recommend an oil change after every 3,000 miles. With time the car will require more frequent oil changes as it ages.

Air pressure checks

No matter how expensive or durable your tires are, they are likely to lose air pressure over time. Making sure the tires are properly inflated is not just for enhancing their service life but also for your own safety. Under or over inflated tires can cause serious accidents especially when you are driving in high speeds.

Check your car battery

Your car battery is designed to last for up to 5 years but most times they never get to serve for that long. Issues like harsh temperatures and extreme driving habits can make the car batteries die quickly. What you can do is to have a mechanic perform a battery charge test on a regular basis especially if your tire has reached 3 years old. This test will alert you when the battery is about to die so that you can get a replacement.

Check the air filters

Every car has an air filtration system that is used to get rid of contaminants and debris from getting into the engine as it runs. Because these air filters block all manner of contaminants, they are likely to get clogged overtime. Clogged filters can undermine the performance of your car engine. This is because when the filters get clogged they are unable to reduce airflow making the car’s engine to work twice as hard. As the contaminants build up, they can easily make their way to the engine and wear down the metal parts. This compromises on the service life of your engine and exposes your car to more frequent repairs. The best you can do is to have the air filters checked on a regular basis and get a replacement after an oil change.

Replace the wiper bladesWiper blades deteriorate fast due to several reasons. For a start, they are usually made of rubber that is affected by extreme temperatures like heat. Salt and ice are also likely to affect wiper blades and make then wear down fast. If you notice the blades are not cleaning up rain or snow properly, it could be time to have them replaced. This is a quick and easy fix that must be done by a mechanic.

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com

Is Your Vehicle Ready for Winter?

With Christmas now out of the way... you may realize that winter is here, right? You go out to your car get in and then it doesn't start. It just kind of makes a clicking sound or it does nothing at all. The lights may come on but are usually dim when this happens. So, you may have figured out that your car's battery is the likely culprit.

I was an ASE certified automotive technician for about 12 years... while it has been some time since I was in the field I do know a few things about automotive maintenance... here are some tips that could prevent some costly repairs and may make your life a little more enjoyable (by not having to deal with the issues in sub-freezing temperatures)!

When winter comes along there are some things that you should check or should have checked to be sure your vehicle is ready for the colder temperatures:

You should have your battery load tested to ensure it doesn't leave you "out in the cold" literally.

I know Autozone will test any battery for free... if you don't have an Autozone around make some calls... many places will likely check them to try to gain your business. I recommend if they only marginally pass if you know the warranty of the battery and it is within that warranty period... have it replaced with the same battery, if you don't know and it has been a while err on the side of comfort and replace the battery.

One thing most people neglect is their vehicles cooling system. (Now if you own an electric car or an air cooled car these may not apply... check with your auto manufacturer.)

Have the coolant/antifreeze tested and depending on where you live be sure it is safe well below what you would normally expect the lowest temperatures to be in your area... if you are traveling find out what the expected lows will likely be and be sure your coolant/antifreeze is good to well below the lowest temperature expected. If you haven't had your coolant tested it may freeze and the results could be disastrous. If your does freeze it could actually crack the block (worst case scenario), if you are lucky it will just push out the freeze plugs but when it thaws you won't have enough coolant left in the engine and if you try to drive it you would likely over heat it resulting in further damage. You should also have the hoses and drive belts inspected for wear. I don't know of any place that will do these services for free but call around again shops want your business and even if it may mean they only sell you a fan belt it may be worth it to gain a new customer.

Tires and Tire gas pressure

Check your tires... tread wear especially in winter is important as if the tread is worn you will have less traction when you may need it the most. Be sure the pressure is at the recommend level as well... colder temperatures will affect the gas pressure in the tires. I say gas rather than air as some tires now have nitrogen gas in them rather than air. Be sure of the gas(air or nitrogen) that is in your tire and have it filled with the appropriate gas.

Windshield wiper blades and washer fluid

Inspect your windshield wiper blade and make sure they are in good condition... if you don't know how old they are replace them... its cheap insurance against not being able to see well during rain and/or snow. Also, be sure your washer fluid is safe in freezing temperatures... most are good below zero but there are some that are only good down to 32 degree...

Another frequently overlooked item... lights!

If you haven't replaced your headlights in I would say 5 years... they are likely on "borrowed time"... yes I know they are expensive some are very expensive... however, would you rather be driving down the road at night in a snow storm and have one or worse both go out? Again, play it safe and replace them before you need to. I know you are probably saying they won't both burn out... the chances are small but I have seen it happen and unless you have the bulb with you and are ready to replace it in sub-freezing temps... replace them both! It would hurt to replace tail/brake light bulbs either.

A few more things I strongly recommend...

Pack an emergency kit and keep in in the passenger compartment if at all possible. Blankets, candy bars and or snacks, first aid kit, water, a communication source (cell phone), a transistor radio for weather reports, emergency flares, check your spare tire for wear and pressure, I usually carry tools and a spare fan belt, kitty litter (may help provide traction if needed), a tow strap, jumper cables and/or a jump box.

If you find this useful or informative please be sure and share it with others you may help prevent a problem that could have been prevented! I hope you have safe travels, and a happy and prosperous new year!

Live Life Large and Dream Larger!

Robert L (Larry) McSween

Share this article with anyone you know that may be traveling this winter... preferably before they start out. I welcome any input or suggestions feel free leave comments.

Posted By: Faircloth Automotive http://fairclothautomotive.com