Description Mid-code Crisis www.autocollisionexperts.com/mechanic-speak-blog.aspx Tue, 15 May 2012 16:09:00 Tue, 15 May 2012 16:09:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/may/nhtsa-launches-new-child-safety-website.aspx The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently launched a new 'child safety' oriented website covering a wide range of safety related topics to help parents keep children safe in and around cars.  The name of the new NHTSA website is called Parents Central .  Each week beginning in May, we will highlight one section of this tremendous new safety resource. This week, we will bring your highlights and features from the Car Seat safety section.  Per the NHTSA Parent Central website, "in the United States, car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old.  The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way." Review how to make a better-informed choice when selecting and using a car seat. Car Seats & Booster Basics Car Seat Installation Tips Securing Your Child For Optimum Protection Child Seat Recalls   Source:   NHTSA Parent Central website . /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/may/nhtsa-launches-new-child-safety-website.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/may/nhtsa-launches-new-child-safety-website.aspx Tue, 15 May 2012 16:09:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/summer-driving-tips.aspx It's probably no big surprise to our own Fans but here at Auto Collision Experts (ACE), we too are BIG Fans of all things Cars and ... Car guys!   Two of our very favorite 'Car Guys' in particular can be found every Saturday morning on NPR.  We're talking about of course, 'Click and Clack' the Tappet Brothers ... THE Car Guys on the NPR radio program Car Talk.  When Tom and Ray aren't doling out car/driver relationship advice ;-), they're engrossed in providing drivers of all ages with Car related tips and tricks.  Many of these tips and tricks have to do with safe driving, something near and dear to our heart.  As the hectic Summer driving season approaches, we thought it a good idea to dole out some wonderful Seasonal driving safety wisdom, courtesy of who else?  The 'Guys' at Car Talk!  At your convenience, please take a look at the following compilation of great Summer driving tips from Click and Clack.  Whether you're planning on packing up the family/family car to drive cross-country or just across town, these great Summer driving tips from two of our favorite Car Guys will help keep you and your family safe. /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/summer-driving-tips.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/summer-driving-tips.aspx Wed, 25 April 2012 15:48:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/how-automotive-glass-works.aspx This week we've been focusing on Auto Safety as it pertains to Windshields.  While scouring the web for related content, we came upon an educational piece that provides insight surrounding " How Automotive Glass Works ".  The following topics are addressed in this revealing article. An Introduction to How Automotive Glass Works. The History of Automotive Glass. Types of Automotive Glass; Laminated, PVB, Tempered. Future Developments in Automotive Glass. Safety and Regulatory Devices, etc.   Source:  The website How Stuff Works. /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/how-automotive-glass-works.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/how-automotive-glass-works.aspx Thu, 19 April 2012 00:30:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/prom-season-and-safe-driving.aspx Before you know it, Prom season will be upon us. At  Auto Collision Experts  we encourage all parents and teens alike to take a moment and discuss the meaning of a fun and safe Prom night with classmates and friends. We invite everyone to check out the following information from our friends at Allstate. /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/prom-season-and-safe-driving.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/prom-season-and-safe-driving.aspx Wed, 11 April 2012 15:32:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/100-cars-for-good.aspx At Auto Collision Experts (ACE), we applaud the efforts of corporate citizens around the globe that strive to make our world a better place for deserving individuals, families, foundations and organizations.  That's why we chose to use our blog this week to help bring greater awareness to a wonderful cause that creates a benefit through the use of cars ... something near and dear to our heart.  We invite you this week to check out the 100 Cars For Good website.  Soon, participating organizations from across the country will ask people just like you to visit and vote for them in an effort to win the use of a brand new car or truck in order to help them continue to service their community at large.  Again, we applaud this effort and invite you to check out the 100 Cars For Good website to see if organizations from our region need your help in voting, donations, etc. /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/100-cars-for-good.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/april/100-cars-for-good.aspx Thu, 05 April 2012 12:58:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/march/what-to-do-if-your-car-catches-fire.aspx We recently came across a great article to keep you and your family safe.  Subject of the article ... precautions and necessary steps if your car catches on fire.  The article is courtesy of State Farm.  In it, the article called "What To Do If Your Car Catches Fire", provides data from the National Fire Prevention Association as well as helpful steps on how to stay safe if your car does in fact catch on fire.  Here are just a few, courtesy of State Farm and the National Safety Council. Signal, immediately move to the closest safe place to stop, whether that's a side lane or a median. Stop the car and turn off the ignition. Get every person out of the car, and don't allow anyone to go back to retrieve personal belongings.   For more steps and the remainder of the article, please check out the link here . /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/march/what-to-do-if-your-car-catches-fire.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/march/what-to-do-if-your-car-catches-fire.aspx Fri, 30 March 2012 17:01:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/march/don't-be-a-road-hog-share-the-road-colorado.aspx Daytime temps are rising and before you know it, Spring will have 'Sprung' in the great state of Colorado. At ACE, we support the CDOT efforts to raise awareness of the "Don't Be a Road Hog.  Share The Road Colorado" program.  Per the CDOT ... the program was created to increase awareness of the shared responsibility for road safety among all users of roadways - specifically motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians - in your community. Check out these Tips For Sharing The Road, courtesy of the CDOT "Don't Be a Road Hog.  Share The Road Colorado" program.  For Motorists: Focus on driving. Avoid cell phones and other personal devices while driving. Keep your eye on cyclists and pedestrians.  They have a right to use all roads in Colorado unless expressly prohibited. Keep track of cyclists and pedestrians in your rear and side mirrors. Slow down.   For Pedestrians: Cross in crosswalks.  Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections. Make eye-contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you. Walk against traffic.   For Cyclists: Ride with the flow of traffic. Obey traffic laws ... you're in a vehicle too. To cross at a traffic signal that hasn't been triggered by a vehicle, go to the sidewalk and press the pedestrian push-button or bike indicator. Ride single-file whenever possible. /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/march/don't-be-a-road-hog-share-the-road-colorado.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/march/don't-be-a-road-hog-share-the-road-colorado.aspx Fri, 09 March 2012 17:04:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/cdc-winter-related-car-care-preparedness.aspx Don't let this mild stretch of weather fool you Fort Collins!  We're still in the grip of the Winter season. Savvy Coloradoans know, the moment you let your gaurd down, the cold and snow will move in faster than you can say 10-below.  We found some great information from the CDC that will help keep you safe during the remaining Winter months. The following are steps you can take now to avoid issues on the road when the snow begins to fly once again.   Have your radiator serviced and check the antifreeze level.  Add antifreeze as needed. Replace your windshield wipers fluid with a wintertime mixture. Replace worn tires and check the air pressur in the tires. Keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.   Also.  Be sure to stock up on emergency supplies (communication, food, safety, heating) in case you find yourself stranded in your car during a major Winter storm.  To see the full list of items from the CDC, check out their Winter Preparedness page . /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/cdc-winter-related-car-care-preparedness.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/cdc-winter-related-car-care-preparedness.aspx Fri, 27 January 2012 17:12:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/5-steps-to-reduce-teen-driver-crashes.aspx In our ongoing series to help Colorado parents keep their teen drivers safe behind the wheel, we offer the following ... a wealth of information from the National Safety Council - 5 Tips to Reduce Teen Driver Crashes. 1. Set a Nighttime Driving Restriction Teens drive only 15% of their miles at night, but 40% of their fatal motor vehicle crashes happen during that time period.  Even for experienced drivers, the changes of being in a crash are about three times greater at night than during daylight hours.  The National Safety Council recommends no unsupervised driving after 10:00 pm, earlier is even better. 2. Set a Passenger Restriction For teens, one passenger increases their crash risk by 48%, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.  That risk grows exponentially as more passengers are added - 258% more likely to crash with two passengers and 307% more likely with three or more.  Having several teens in a vehicle turns it into a social environment where driving behavior can be negatively affected.  The National Safety Council recommends zero passengers younger than 18 be allowed during a teen's first 12 months of driving. For the remaining tips, please see the full PDF , courtesy of the National Safety Council. /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/5-steps-to-reduce-teen-driver-crashes.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/5-steps-to-reduce-teen-driver-crashes.aspx Mon, 23 January 2012 14:24:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/top-tips-for-teen-drivers-(ice-and-snow,-take-it-slow).aspx For teens as well as experienced drivers, when it comes to safe driving top tips, there's no better resouce than our own Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).  Especially important this time of year ... top tips for driving on ice and snow.  Please take a moment to review the CDOT page dedicated to teen safe driving in our great state.   /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/top-tips-for-teen-drivers-(ice-and-snow,-take-it-slow).aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/top-tips-for-teen-drivers-(ice-and-snow,-take-it-slow).aspx Fri, 13 January 2012 16:30:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/winter-car-survival-yep-there's-an-app-for-that-too!.aspx As we've mentioned in the past ... at Auto Collison Experts (ACE), we're all about auto safety.  Especially this time of year.  We recently saw an artilce from the Associated Press entitled "Winter Driving Trouble? There's An App For That."  With life-saving alerts at the tap of a button and a new snow storm on our doorstep this weekend, we thought it would be purdent and progressive ;-) to provide you with all of the details on this great new app.   Check out the article here .  If you want to download the FREE app, you can do so on the iTunes store here .  Be careful out there Fort Collins and keep in mind ... We take pride in all we do.  We are here for you.  Auto Collision Experts.   /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/winter-car-survival-yep-there's-an-app-for-that-too!.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2012/january/winter-car-survival-yep-there's-an-app-for-that-too!.aspx Fri, 06 January 2012 13:42:00 /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2011/december/tire-tread-safety.aspx Tires can lose their footing long before they're worn out. Our tests show that tread can give up a significant amount of grip when it's still at the halfway point. That's particularly worrisome when you realize how many worn tires are on the roads. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that nearly 50 percent of the 11,500 cars, pickup trucks, vans, and sport-utility vehicles the agency checked had at least one tire with half-worn tread. Another 10 percent had at least one bald tire. Worn tires-especially bald ones-can be deadly on wet roads, where the grooves aren't deep enough to channel water out from beneath the tread. The result is hydroplaning, where the tread skims the water's surface and the vehicle no longer responds to the steering wheel. Wet-weather braking and snow traction also decrease as tires wear. Tires are considered bald when one or more of their grooves reaches 2/32 of an inch deep, compared with about 10/32 of an inch for new tires (tread wear is usually measured in 1/32-inch increments). Manufacturers have made bald tires easier to spot by placing a series of molded horizontal bars at the base of the grooves. The bars become flush with surrounding tread when wear reduces a groove's depth to 2/32 of an inch. That's also the point where tires will flunk a state safety inspection-and where tread must be worn for you to collect on a tire's tread-wear warranty. Unfortunately, 2/32 of an inch may be too late if you drive in rain or snow. Based on our tests of new and half-tread-depth tires, you may want to consider shopping for new ones on your car or truck closer to the 4/32-inch groove depth.  Source:  ConsumerReports.org /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2011/december/tire-tread-safety.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2011/december/tire-tread-safety.aspx Fri, 30 December 2011 16:44:00 Mechanic /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2011/august/title-for-this-post.aspx ACE feels it is important for drivers to know exactly what to do after a car accident.  To help, we researched and found the top 6 things to do.  Each year, thousands of people are involved in traffic accidents. If you are one of these unfortunate people, will you know what to do in the aftermath of a collision?  How you react can prevent further injuries, reduce costs and accelerate the clean-up and repair process. "These tips can make a big difference in everything from protecting yourself and your passengers to ensuring that you won't be without a car while yours is in the shop," said Dr. Ray Bruce, president of the association.  Almost one-third of accidents result in injury.  So, if you are involved in a traffic collision, try to remain calm, and follow these steps: Action Plan to Deal with Accidents. 1. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Glove Compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone, as well as pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take photos of the vehicles at the scene, and a card with information about medical allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. Also, keep a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies handy.  2. Keep Safety First. Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone's safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible. 3. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver's name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color - and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don't tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was. 4. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened. 5. File An Accident Report. Although law enforcement officers in many locations may not respond to accidents unless there are injuries, drivers should file a state vehicle accident report, which is available at police stations and often on the Department of Motor Vehicles Web site as a downloadable file. A police report often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process. 6. Know What Your Insurance Covers. The whole insurance process will be easier following your accident if you know the details of your coverage. For example, don't wait until after an accident to find out that your policy doesn't automatically cover costs for towing or a replacement rental car. Generally, for only a dollar or two extra each month, you can add coverage for rental car reimbursement, which provides a rental car for little or no money while your car is in the repair shop or if it is stolen. Check your policy for specifics. The final question in dealing with an accident is usually who will pay for the damages? If the accident was minor, you and the other drivers may decide to handle the damages yourselves without the involvement of an insurance company. But this isn't always the best idea, for several reasons. While the other driver may agree to pay for the damage to your car on the day of the accident, he may see the repair bills and decide it's too high. At this point, time has passed and your insurance company will have more difficulty piecing together the evidence if you file a claim. Also, keep in mind that you have no way of knowing whether another driver will change his mind and report the accident to his insurance company. He may even claim injuries that weren't apparent at the scene of the accident. This means that your insurance company may end up paying him a hefty settlement, or worse yet, you could be dragged into a lawsuit. So make sure that your company has your version of what happened and check your policy - if the damages paid out by your insurance company are below a certain amount, the accident may not be considered chargeable. And you will avoid the penalty of a premium hike. Auto accidents take a tremendous toll on everyone involved, both financially and emotionally. If you're one of the lucky ones who have thus far avoided a serious accident, hopefully the tips on prevention will help keep it that way. The chances are high, though, that at some point you will be involved in a minor accident. Just keep your head and make safety your primary concern. You'll have plenty of time to deal with the consequences later. Source:  Edmunds.com /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2011/august/title-for-this-post.aspx /mechanic-speak-blog/blog/2011/august/title-for-this-post.aspx Mon, 15 August 2011 14:56:00