• Constant short trips of fewer than 10 miles will kill a battery.

• Correct tire pressure aids in increased gas mileage.

• Tires and brakes are your first line of defense – maintain them.

• A windshield is a structural part of your vehicle – a cracked one is a serious hazard.

• Never pour hot water on an iced windshield.

• Hitting curbs and pot holes can cause your car to go out of alignment and tire damage.

• Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for performance and safety.

• Make sure your car is clean when you take it in for service.  They will take better care of your vehicle.

• Don’t refuel when a tanker truck is unloading at the station.  It stirs up debris that will get in your tank.

• Make sure you have rental coverage on your car insurance.  It is VERY inexpensive and will pay for itself.

• Fuel your can when the weather is cool.  You will get more fuel for your money.

• Driving at a constant, even speed will aid in better gas mileage.

• In case of emergency, pull as far off the road as you can, engage your hazard lights and extinguish your running lights.

Use these guidelines to guard against getting ripped off by an auto repair shop:

• Find a mechanic you feel good about before your car needs major repairs.

• Take your car to a new shop for small service first, and evaluate the overall service they give you.

• Bring a checklist of what your car needs whenever you drop it off, and avoid telling them to “do whatever it needs”.

• Talk to the mechanic who will be working on your car and go for a test-drive beforehand to clearly explain and point out the problem.

• Request a written estimate.

• Get a second opinion if you feel uncomfortable with any diagnosis.

• Ask about warranty for parts AND labor on any repair, and get it in writing.

• Before work is begun, ask that old parts be saved for you.

• Go for a test drive before paying the bill to insure work was done to your satisfaction.

• Read the bill carefully before paying, and ask for clarification if you need it.

• Pay with a credit card, if possible, as this could protect you against consumer fraud.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

GAIL DUNN, President, Women’s Automotive Connection
770-722-5211
www.womensautomotiveconnection.com
autohelpgail@gmail.com

SHERRY RICHARDSON, Owner, Alan Cox Automotive
678-905-1718
`    www.alancoxautomotive.com
sherry@alancoxautomotive.com

As the weather gets colder, I am reminded of things that can happen to your car in frigid temperatures.

One is the outer fuel door on your vehicle.  Most of them are secured with a plastic bracket, and when it gets very cold, they become brittle.  Many, many times in the body shop, folks came in because while fueling, they hit the door and it broke off.  The cost for replacing and painting a new fuel door is about $200.  Just being aware that this can occur will save you money.  Don’t go banging the fuel nozzle around when it is very cold outside.