Child Car Safety Tips
Ensuring children’s safety while in a vehicle is one of the most important responsibilities of parents and caregivers. At Auto Clinic of Franklin, we prioritize your family’s safety and are here to help you implement the best practices for child safety on the road. This comprehensive guide provides actionable tips to ensure your little ones are always protected.
1. Choose the Right Car Seat
The foundation of child safety in vehicles starts with selecting the correct car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height.
- Age and Size Appropriateness:
Follow the guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to choose the right type of car seat:- Infant Car Seats: For newborns and infants, these rear-facing seats provide critical head, neck, and spinal support.
- Convertible Seats: Designed to transition from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows, these are suitable for toddlers.
- Booster Seats: For older children, booster seats help position the seat belt properly across their chest and lap.
- Proper Installation:
Installing a car seat correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. Unfortunately, statistics show that many car seats are improperly installed.- Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly.
- Utilize resources like certified technicians at local fire stations or hospitals to ensure proper installation.
Pro Tip: Register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive updates on recalls or safety notifications.
2. Position the Car Seat for Maximum Safety
Where and how you position the car seat in your vehicle plays a critical role in its effectiveness during a collision.
- Rear-Facing is Best:
Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible, ideally until they reach the seat’s maximum height or weight limit. Rear-facing seats provide the best protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine in a crash. - The Back Seat is Safest:
Always install car seats in the back seat, away from active airbags. Airbags can cause serious injuries to children if deployed.
Pro Tip: The middle of the back seat is often the safest position, provided the car seat can be installed securely there.
3. Buckle Up Correctly Every Time
A properly secured child is a safer child. Ensure that every trip, no matter how short, begins with correctly buckling up your child.
- Harnesses and Seat Belts:
- For car seats, ensure the harness straps are snug and the chest clip is positioned at armpit level.
- For booster seats, confirm the seat belt fits securely across the child’s chest and thighs, not their neck or stomach.
- Avoid Bulky Clothing:
Winter coats or bulky clothing can create gaps between the harness and your child’s body, compromising safety. Instead, buckle your child first, then place a blanket or coat over them for warmth.
Pro Tip: Perform a pinch test on the harness straps—if you can pinch any fabric, the harness needs to be tightened.
4. Never Leave Children Unattended in a Car
Leaving children alone in a car, even for a few minutes, can have severe consequences, including heatstroke, injury, or abduction.
- Heat Risks:
Temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly, even on mild days. Heatstroke can occur in a matter of minutes. - Visual Reminders:
Place a stuffed toy or diaper bag in the front seat when your child is in the back as a visual cue to check the back seat before leaving the vehicle. - Establish Habits:
Create a routine to “look before you lock.” Always check the back seat, even if you think it’s empty.
Pro Tip: Utilize apps or car features that remind you to check the back seat when you turn off the engine.
5. Teach Kids About Car Safety
As children grow older, it’s essential to teach them about basic car safety rules to instill lifelong habits.
- Be a Role Model:
Always wear your seatbelt and emphasize the importance of staying buckled up at all times. - Set Clear Rules:
Establish rules such as keeping hands inside the car, not distracting the driver, and never unbuckling until the car is parked.
Pro Tip: Use age-appropriate language and explanations to help children understand why these rules are important.
6. Regular Vehicle Maintenance for Safety
A well-maintained vehicle is a safer vehicle. Regular checks can help prevent breakdowns or malfunctions that could jeopardize safety.
- Child Safety Locks:
Ensure child safety locks on doors and windows are engaged to prevent children from opening them accidentally. - Routine Maintenance:
Keep up with regular maintenance, including brakes, tires, lights, and engine performance. A well-functioning vehicle is critical to overall safety.
Pro Tip: Schedule regular inspections to ensure all safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts, are in proper working order.
7. Additional Safety Considerations
Beyond car seats and maintenance, there are other steps you can take to enhance child safety in vehicles.
- Window Shades:
Use sunshades to protect your child from harmful UV rays and keep the car’s interior temperature comfortable. - Emergency Kit:
Keep an emergency kit in the car with essentials such as water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and extra diapers for young children. - Distractions:
Secure loose items in the car, as they can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
Pro Tip: Invest in a rear-seat mirror to keep an eye on younger children without taking your focus off the road.
Conclusion
Ensuring the safety of children in cars requires diligence, proper equipment, and adherence to best practices. From selecting the right car seat to instilling lifelong safety habits, these measures can significantly reduce risks and provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers.
At Auto Clinic of Franklin, we’re committed to helping you keep your family safe on the road. Whether you need assistance with vehicle maintenance or advice on car safety features, our team is here to help.
Ready to make your vehicle as safe as possible for your little ones? Contact Auto Clinic of Franklin today. Fill out the form below or give us a call to schedule a service appointment. Together, we can ensure that every ride is a safe and secure experience for your family.
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Wheel Alignment Benefits
Proper wheel alignment is essential for maintaining the safety, performance, and efficiency of your vehicle. At Auto Clinic of Franklin, we prioritize keeping your car in optimal condition, and ensuring your wheels are aligned is a critical part of that. Here’s an in-depth look at why wheel alignment should never be neglected and how it affects your driving experience.
1. Enhances Fuel Efficiency
When your wheels are aligned correctly, your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your vehicle moving. Misaligned wheels increase resistance, forcing the engine to consume more fuel as it overcomes the extra friction. Proper alignment minimizes this resistance, improving fuel efficiency and reducing your trips to the gas station. Keeping your wheels aligned saves you money in the long run by optimizing your fuel consumption.
2. Improves Vehicle Handling
One of the most noticeable signs of misaligned wheels is your vehicle pulling to one side while driving. You might also feel a vibration in the steering wheel or experience difficulty steering smoothly. These issues compromise your vehicle’s handling, making it harder to control, especially at higher speeds. Proper wheel alignment resolves these problems, allowing your vehicle to respond accurately to steering inputs, resulting in a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
3. Increases Tire Lifespan
Misaligned wheels lead to uneven tire wear, which can drastically shorten the lifespan of your tires. When your tires wear unevenly, certain areas of the tire tread are used up faster than others, leading to premature tire replacement. Maintaining proper wheel alignment ensures even tire wear, allowing your tires to last longer and saving you money on replacements. This is especially important given the rising cost of quality tires.
4. Reduces Wear on Vehicle Components
Wheel misalignment doesn’t only impact your tires; it can also lead to undue stress on other parts of your vehicle, such as the brakes, suspension system, and steering components. Misaligned wheels put additional strain on these parts, leading to increased wear and the need for more frequent repairs. By keeping your wheels aligned, you help distribute the pressure evenly across your vehicle, reducing the strain on critical components and lowering the chances of costly repairs down the line.
5. Promotes Safer Driving
At the heart of maintaining proper wheel alignment is safety. A properly aligned vehicle is easier to control, especially in emergencies or adverse weather conditions. Misaligned wheels can make your vehicle more difficult to handle, increasing the risk of accidents. With proper alignment, your vehicle will drive as designed, enabling quick and safe maneuvers when needed, enhancing both your safety and the safety of others on the road.
How Often Should You Check Wheel Alignment?
To ensure your vehicle continues to operate safely and efficiently, it’s recommended to check your alignment:
- Annually as part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine.
- When purchasing new tires, ensure they wear evenly from the start.
- After hitting a curb, pothole, or any other significant road hazard.
- If you notice signs of misalignment, such as uneven tire wear, steering vibration, or your vehicle pulling to one side.
Conclusion
Wheel alignment is an integral part of vehicle maintenance that has a direct impact on your safety, driving comfort, and overall vehicle performance. Properly aligned wheels improve fuel efficiency, extend the lifespan of your tires, protect your vehicle’s components from unnecessary wear, and enhance your ability to drive safely and confidently.
If you’re noticing any issues with your vehicle’s alignment or it’s time for your routine check-up, contact us at Auto Clinic of Franklin. Our experienced technicians are ready to provide professional wheel alignment services to ensure your vehicle is operating smoothly and safely.
Ready to improve your driving experience? Please fill out the form below or give us a call to schedule your wheel alignment service today. Let us keep your ride smooth and safe together!
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Safe Driving Tips Franklin
Driving in Franklin, with its bustling intersections and scenic backroads, can be a pleasure. However, like any other city, navigating the roads safely requires knowledge, preparedness, and a proactive approach to driving. At Auto Clinic of Franklin, we are committed to helping our community drive safely and efficiently. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate Franklin’s roads with confidence and ensure your safety and that of others on the road.
1. Understand the Layout of Franklin
Franklin features a mix of historic areas with narrow streets and modern roadways. Familiarize yourself with the road layout, especially if you are new to the area. Utilize GPS navigation but remain alert to real-time road conditions and traffic updates. Be mindful of one-way streets in the downtown area to avoid confusion and potential accidents.
2. Adapt to Local Weather Conditions
Franklin experiences a range of weather conditions that can impact driving safety. During heavy rain, reduce your speed to counteract slippery roads and increased stopping distances. In winter, watch for ice patches, especially on bridges and overpasses that tend to freeze first. Adjusting your driving according to weather conditions is crucial for safe navigation.
3. Respect Traffic Laws and Speed Limits
Observe all traffic laws and adhere to posted speed limits. The roads in Franklin can be winding, and speed limits are set not just for legal compliance but for your safety considering road curvature and visibility. Areas near schools and parks have reduced speed limits to protect pedestrians, particularly children, so extra caution is necessary.
4. Stay Alert at Intersections
Intersections can be hotspots for accidents, especially during peak hours. Always approach intersections with caution, use turn signals well in advance, and be prepared to stop if the traffic situation changes. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, and always check for vehicles in your blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
5. Maintain Your Vehicle
Regular vehicle maintenance isn’t just about vehicle longevity but also safety. Ensure that your brakes, lights, tires, and windshield wipers are in good working condition to handle any unexpected situations on the road. Auto Clinic of Franklin offers comprehensive check-ups and maintenance services to keep your car safe and roadworthy.
6. Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving involves being vigilant, ready to react to others’ actions. Keep a safe following distance, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and stay focused on the road. Avoid distractions like using your phone or other electronic devices while driving.
7. Know What to Do in an Accident
Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. Always carry your insurance information and a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle. If you are involved in an accident, check for injuries, move to a safe location if possible, and call emergency services. Then, document the accident scene and exchange information with the other driver.
Let Auto Clinic of Franklin Help Keep You Safe
Your safety on the road is our priority at Auto Clinic of Franklin. Whether you need routine maintenance to ensure your vehicle is in top condition or require repairs after an incident, our team of experienced technicians is here to help.
Contact Auto Clinic of Franklin today to schedule a service or to get more tips on safe driving practices in Franklin. Drive safely and confidently, knowing that you are taking the right steps to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.
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Vehicle Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for ensuring its longevity, efficiency, and safety. This blog post delves into essential tips every car owner should know to master vehicle maintenance.
Understanding Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule
Your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, typically found in the owner’s manual, is a crucial roadmap the manufacturer provides. It specifies when various maintenance tasks should be performed to keep the vehicle in optimal condition. Adhering to this schedule is essential for several reasons:
- Longevity: Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your vehicle.
- Safety: Timely checks and repairs ensure your vehicle remains safe to drive.
- Performance and Efficiency: Properly maintained vehicles run more efficiently, potentially saving fuel and reducing emissions.
- Preventing Major Repairs: Regular maintenance can help identify and fix minor issues before they become major, expensive problems.
- Resale Value: A well-maintained vehicle often retains a higher resale value.
Each vehicle has a unique maintenance schedule, considering factors like mileage and age. Typical maintenance items include oil changes, tire rotation, brake checks, and fluid level inspections. Following these guidelines keeps your vehicle running smoothly and gives you peace of mind.
Vehicle Maintenance Tips: Follow Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule
Usually found in the owner’s manual, this schedule guides when various maintenance tasks, like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, should be done. Following it ensures your vehicle runs efficiently and safely, extends its lifespan, and helps avoid costly repairs. It’s a proactive approach to vehicle care, ensuring that your car remains reliable and performs at its best while potentially preserving its resale value. Regular maintenance is critical to a well-functioning vehicle.
Regular Oil Changes
Oil is the lifeblood of an engine, lubricating and protecting it from wear and heat. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective. Regular changes ensure your engine runs with fresh, clean oil, preventing premature engine wear and maintaining efficiency. The frequency of oil changes varies by vehicle and usage but generally ranges from every 3,000 to 7,500 miles. Staying on top of this simple maintenance task can significantly extend the life and performance of your vehicle’s engine.
Tire Care
Proper tire maintenance includes regular tire pressure and tread depth checks to ensure optimal grip and fuel efficiency. Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear, reduced traction, and increased risk of tire failure. Rotating tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendation helps achieve uniform wear, extending their life. It’s also essential to have tires aligned and balanced to prevent vibration and uneven wear. Maintaining your tires enhances your vehicle’s handling and safety and saves money by prolonging tire life.
Brake Maintenance
Regular inspections are crucial to ensuring safety. This involves checking brake pads for wear, ensuring brake fluid is at the correct level, and monitoring for any unusual noises or feelings when braking. Well-maintained brakes are crucial for effective stopping and safe driving, particularly in emergencies. Regular brake maintenance ensures your safety and helps avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Battery Maintenance
“Battery Maintenance” involves ensuring your car battery functions appropriately and efficiently. This includes checking the battery for corrosion, ensuring it’s securely mounted, and regularly testing its charge level. A healthy battery is essential for starting your car and powering electrical components. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected battery failures and extend its life. It’s also necessary to replace the battery before it fails, typically every 3-5 years, depending on usage and climate.
Check Fluid Levels
“Check Fluid Levels” emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring the levels of various fluids in your vehicle. This includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. Keeping these fluids at the correct levels is crucial for the smooth operation of your vehicle. It ensures efficient performance, prevents overheating, and reduces the risk of mechanical failures. Neglecting fluid levels can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. Regular checks and timely top-ups or changes can help maintain your vehicle’s health and performance.
Replace Filters
“Replace Filters” focuses on the importance of regularly changing your vehicle’s air and cabin filters. These filters are crucial for maintaining good air quality inside your car and ensuring efficient engine operation. A clean air filter improves engine performance and fuel efficiency, while a fresh cabin filter keeps the interior air-free from pollutants and allergens. Over time, filters become clogged with dirt and debris, diminishing their effectiveness. As per the manufacturer’s guidelines, regular replacement is a simple yet essential aspect of vehicle maintenance that contributes to the overall health and comfort of your driving experience.
Dashboard Indicators
“Dashboard Indicators” covers understanding the various warning lights and symbols that may appear on your vehicle’s dashboard. These indicators alert you to aspects of your vehicle’s status or issues, ranging from low fuel to engine problems. Familiarizing yourself with these symbols is crucial for maintaining your vehicle’s health and addressing any issues promptly. Ignoring these indicators can lead to more severe problems or vehicle damage. This section should encourage drivers to consult their vehicle’s manual for specific meanings and recommended actions when certain lights appear.
Seasonal Maintenance
“Seasonal Maintenance” highlights the importance of adjusting your vehicle’s maintenance routine to the changing seasons. Weather conditions can affect your vehicle’s various aspects, from the engine to the tires. For example, winter demands special attention to antifreeze levels, battery performance, and tire traction, while summer focuses on air conditioning efficiency and preventing overheating. This section would emphasize proactive steps for each season to ensure your vehicle performs reliably and safely year-round. Regular seasonal checks and adjustments can prevent weather-related damages and provide a comfortable driving experience in any condition.
Professional Inspections
“Professional Inspections” underscores the importance of regularly having your vehicle inspected by certified professionals. These inspections are more thorough than routine check-ups and can identify underlying issues that might not be obvious to the average car owner. A professional mechanic can comprehensively evaluate your vehicle’s health, including the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension systems. Regular professional inspections help ensure your vehicle operates safely and efficiently and can prevent costly repairs in the long run by catching issues early. They are an essential part of responsible vehicle ownership and maintenance.
In conclusion, regular maintenance not only extends the lifespan of your vehicle but also ensures a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Record all maintenance activities for future reference and peace of mind. Remember, a well-maintained car is a reliable companion on the road.
Vehicle Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Vehicle Running Smoothly
Your car deserves the best care. Don’t wait for a breakdown to think about maintenance. Schedule a professional inspection with us today and ensure your vehicle is in top condition for every journey. Our team of certified experts is dedicated to providing the highest quality service, ensuring your safety and peace of mind on the road. Book your appointment now and take the first step towards hassle-free, reliable driving. Let’s keep your car running smoothly together!
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Certainly, we would all agree that our vehicle is vital to our everyday living. Whether we use our vehicles for work or leisure, there isn’t a day that passes where we do not find ourselves behind the wheel of our car and heading out on the road. Most vehicle owners have a difficult time understanding sudden noises that occur while driving. The team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to take this time to help our clients understand and identify noises specific to a wheel balancing problem or that of a wheel alignment problem. In addition, we want to share with all of you the ideal solutions to both of these automotive issues.
Problem Signs Specific to Wheel Balancing
Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our team of highly skilled and certified automotive mechanics and technicians is steadfast in meeting the individual needs of all our valued clients. We take tremendous pride in our superior customer service and customer satisfaction ratings, which have earned us a spot on the marketplace charts as one of the best all round automotive facilities here in Franklin and the surrounding towns.
Often times we notice unsuspecting sounds and noises coming from our vehicles. These sounds can be attributed to a variety of automotive issues. Today we want to focus on problem sounds and signs that are directly linked to wheel balancing and wheel alignment issues. For starters, tires and wheels spend endless hours on the roads and highways each day. During your travels the tires and wheels can become damaged, dented, or end up with slivers of any sort embedded within them. Each of these scenarios can most assuredly throw off the balance of your wheels. If a piece of your tire or its rim become damaged or are missing, the remainder of the tire begins to cause wobbles and vibrations when you are driving. This is because with the existing damaged pieces the undamaged portion of the tire, typically the top portion, becomes heavier. When the top of a tire weighs in at a heavier weight than the bottom, uneven rotation or the uneven weight of a left wheel to a right wheel can occur. This will definitely cause a very noticeable change in the comfort and smoothness of your drive. When this occurs, don’t hesitate but rather make your way on over to our trusted automotive facility here at Auto Clinic of Franklin.
Our team of experts is on hand to provide the perfect solution. The imperfections that result need to be repaired and resolved as soon as possible. You certainly do not want to have to replace your wheel or tire as a result of damage that has occurred. Instead, our skilled automotive mechanics can install weights that can serve to counterbalance those spots within the tire that are heavy. With this thought in mind, if you hear your tires making a loud bumpy type noise or if you feel the drastic change in your steering wheel, then head on over to Auto Clinic of Franklin without delay.
Problem Signs Specific to Wheel Alignments
Good drivers are always aware of their surroundings. With that said, roads and highways are famous for huge potholes, unsuspecting curbs, all types of debris and typical wear and tear. Each of these can definitely throw off your vehicle’s wheel alignment over a period of time. When any one wheel of your vehicle has become impacted by any of these culprits, its position can be altered and the wheel then becomes misaligned. A misaligned wheel is extremely dangerous because it forces your vehicle to stray in one specific direction. It can also damage
other parts of the vehicle and contribute to fuel efficiency issues. Many times, your steering wheel will actually look crooked when you are in need of a wheel alignment. Again, should this problem arise, head on over to our trusted facility.
Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our mechanics are equipped with all the precision tools and protocols needed to straighten out the angles of your wheels. Our superior services for the alignment of wheels ensures that your wheels are all parallel to one another while perpendicular to the highway or road surface. When a wheel alignment is performed, your tires are then able to grip the road surface easily and provide you with a smooth riding experience as well as efficient driving time.
Not Aligned or Balanced? Trust Our Pros!
Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our team stands ready to serve you. Whether you are in need of a routine oil change, transmission checkup, tire rotation, wheel balancing, wheel alignment or any other automotive repairs or services, we are the team for you. Simply give a shout out to one of our staff and schedule your service appointment today!
There is never a day that goes by where each and every one of us drives and needs our cars. We would all agree that a vehicle is a necessary component of life. With that said, the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to help our clients understand the importance of proper car care and maintenance and the role it plays in the overall operation and lifespan of your vehicle.
Quality Car Care
Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our team of highly skilled and certified automotive techs provides the highest quality automotive services to all our valued clients. From brake repairs, tire rotations, and AC repairs to diagnostic testing, transmission services and battery replacements, our team has got you covered.
Our team is dedicated to using state of the art equipment coupled with the most innovative technologies and software. Having earned ourselves a spot on the marketplace charts as one of the best all round automotive service facilities in the region, our team is steadfast in maintaining that very position by continuing to provide superior yet affordable automotive services. Our high customer satisfaction and customer services ratings are a true testament to our commitment and dedication. Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our clients are our number one priority. We strive to deliver products and services that will simply not be matched by any of our competitors.
Routine Maintenance is a Must
Most people fail to understand the significance of performing routine maintenance to their vehicles and providing adequate car care all year round. It is easy to overlook simple maintenance services as a result of hectic schedules and simply not having enough hours in a day to complete that daily list of tasks. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, battery charges and system checks, just to name a few, all contribute to the overall functionality and integrity of your vehicle.
There are a variety of car maintenance services that should be performed routinely in your efforts to keep your car on the road and always running smoothly. Our team of skilled techs is on board to help you with all your vehicle needs. Whether you are in need of new brake pads, a headlight replacement, routine oil change, radiator repairs or transmission services, rest assured we are the team for you. Our team monitors and tracks all services performed on your vehicle and notifies you when you have upcoming car care or maintenance service needs.
Bottom Line
We all need our cars in the course of everyday whether for leisure, travel or work. Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, we want to be sure our clients understand the importance of routine
maintenance and car care and stand ready to provide their every automotive needs. If you are in the market for a top-rated automotive facility in the Franklin area, then look no further than the pros here at Auto Clinic of Franklin. To learn more about our high-quality services and our team, or to schedule a service appointment, take time out to contact one of our staff today. We look forward to serving you and to providing you with the highest quality automotive parts and services this side of Franklin.
Proper routine car care and maintenance is definitely a good habit to get into and our team is the perfect solution for all your automotive needs. Spring is here and the hot summer months are right around the corner, so don’t delay in getting your car ready for all those summer travels and those fun-filled family vacations.
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Gas prices have risen a great deal over the last couple of years. With that said, understanding how to improve your gas mileage can certainly help you save money and enjoy driving more. Surely, driving less will help you to reduce your gasoline costs, but that is not a truly practical solution. We all need to drive, whether for work or personal life, every day, and purchasing gasoline is necessary to get us where we need to go.
Improve Your Gas Mileage
There are a number of options to help you increase the mileage you get with a gallon of gas. The team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to share some helpful insight on how you can do just that.
- Accelerating and Braking – There is probably nothing that wastes more gas in your vehicle than constantly stepping on the brakes and then accelerating. It is important to avoid sudden accelerations. If you slow down your speed and travel at a consistent lower speed, you will be able to brake the vehicle easier and only when necessary. Travelling slower allows you to gradually apply your brakes rather than abruptly applying them and using a good deal of gas.
- Minimize run time – Another way to increase gas mileage is to minimize the amount of time that your vehicle sits and runs when warming it up or cooling it down. Even though your vehicle may be cold during the cold weather months or extremely hot during the scorching summer months, you can save on gas by turning the air conditioner or heat on when you begin your drive. Don’t leave it running in advance because this wastes gas.
- Lighten the load – Lightening the load your vehicle is carrying will absolutely contribute to lower gas consumption and help to increase your savings. Often times, people put heavy objects in the trunk of their cars, especially during the winter months to help with traction, and fail to remove them during the warmer weather. Be sure to remove any heavy objects and lighten the load in your trunk in your efforts to save on gasoline and increase mileage.
- Proper tire pressure – When the tires on your vehicle do not have adequate tire pressure, they can produce more of a drag against the road surface. When this happens the amount of gas used is increased. With that said, make certain your tires always have appropriate tire pressures. You should also have routine tune ups, change out filters regularly and have your wheels properly aligned. All will help to increase gas mileage and help you to save money.
- Wind resistance – We all love driving around with the windows down and the sunroof open but the truth is that the wind resistance increases the amount of gasoline you are using. If saving on gas is your goal, then this simple approach can help you do just that.
Bottom Line
The team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin is steadfast in meeting the individual needs of all our clients. We want our clients to understand that simple routine maintenance goes a long way not only for saving gas and money, but for extending the lifespan of your vehicle. Sharing this information with you will help you to save on the cost of gas while increasing your gas mileage. For all your automotive needs, put your trust into the hands of some of the absolute best in the industry. Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, we take tremendous pride in our high-quality products and services, our affordable prices and in helping our clients ensure the overall integrity and safety of their vehicles. We look forward to serving you and to keeping your vehicle up and running all year round.
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The last thing any driver wants to see is that horrifying check engine light appear on the dashboard of their car. Not only is it scary but every bit mysterious as can be. This very frightful light is designed specifically to alert a driver when there is some type of issue with the proper operation of their vehicle. With that said, the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to take this time to share some insight on just what to do when this mysterious, scary light comes on.
What Does It Mean?
The check engine light can mean a number of things from a serious repair that should be performed immediately to something as simple as a loose gas cap. Whatever the source may be, and right out of the gate, the source is unknown, you want to be sure not to guess at what the issue is and put the safety of your vehicle, yourself and any passengers in jeopardy. Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our clients are always our number one priority which is why we want to share this important information with you so you have some awareness as to what your next step should be when that mysterious light suddenly appears.
What To Do
First and foremost, never ever disregard the light when it appears. Many people panic when they see the light go on and their immediate thoughts are about how to figure out what the problem is followed by thoughts of costly vehicle repair bills. If you fail to give attention to the check engine light when it comes on you may find yourself faced with far more serious problems down the road. Further, neglecting this dashboard light can be extremely dangerous and unsafe for both the vehicle and its passengers.
When the light first comes on, we suggest you start by checking out the simple potential sources such as your gas cap. If you have recently pumped gas and the cap is not tightened, this can sometimes trigger the light to go on. Hopefully, this will be the source of your problem and simply tightening the gap will solve the issue at hand.
If after tightening the gas cap the light remains on, then there are a few additional steps you can take. If you happen to own a code and error reader, insert the device into the port and let it identify the error code for you. This would be the ideal and easy way of analyzing and identifying the source of the dashboard light. If, however, you do not own a code reader, then we first want you to understand that a check engine light often times indicates a problem with a specific circuit in your vehicle and not always represents a malfunction of a vehicle component. In order to determine the root source of the dashboard light, we highly recommend you bring your vehicle down to our trusted automotive facility and let our team of experts perform an analysis, assessment and diagnostic testing of your vehicle to determine the cause of the dashboard light.
Our automotive specialists will perform a vehicle inspection and utilize our computer analysis and assessment programs to diagnose your vehicle and identify the problem. We will take every step necessary to identify the exact source of the problem and provide you with the best possible and most affordable fix for the existing problem. Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, we pride ourselves on our competitive yet affordable prices, our high-quality automotive parts and
services as well as our very attractive turnaround times. We understand full well how important it is for our clients to not be without their vehicles and strive to deliver our superior services in timelines that accommodate our customers’ needs. Our team is steadfast in their commitment to meet the individual needs of all our clients and to ensure the overall safety of their vehicles and passengers.
Bottom Line
If your check engine light comes on, then don’t delay. Reach out to the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin to get your problem assessed, identified and fixed and your vehicle back out on the road again. For more information about our high-quality services or to schedule an appointment, give a shout out to one of our friendly automotive techs today!
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With winter sneaking up on us, it’s time to think about winterizing your car. How many times have you set out in the cold winter mornings only to find yourself faced with a dead battery? Cold weather car battery care is something we all need to understand and practice. With that said, the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin wants to share some simple but important tips on how to keep your battery alive and operating during the frigid winter months.
Simple Car Battery Tips
At Auto Clinic of Franklin our clients are always our number one priority. We understand full well how frustrating it can be when your car battery dies and you are left with no means to travel. We all know that batteries and cold weather don’t really get along well. The reason being that the electricity generated by the battery is done so through a chemical reaction. When the temperatures outside are cold this reaction slows down greatly and generates minimized power. However, taking proper care of your battery will allow you to get the very most out of it all winter long. Here are a few simple tips on how you can do just that.
- Covered car parking – When your car is parked in a covered structure, such as your garage, the heat from your home makes its way somewhat into the garage and keeps your vehicle a whole lot warmer than it would be parked outdoors. Even covered parking areas that are not attached to your home will contribute to the overall care of your battery. The heat that is trapped by way of the over top covering during the daytime will actually shelter your battery somewhat from the frigid cold.
- Make sure to turn off all the accessories – When it is cold outside, your battery power is reduced a great deal, which means that the vehicle needs more power in order to start up. You may find that your engine has a more difficult time turning over in the morning hours during the cold weather. If such is the case, be sure to turn off accessories such as the wiper blades, headlights, and heater, which will draw power away from the engine as it tries to power up.
- Be sure not to let your car sit too long – Many cars can sit in sub zero temperatures for a night or two without any major issues. However, if you let your car sit for days and days during the frigid winter weather, you are sure to find yourself faced with problems. Your car battery may become depleted and the battery case may even become cracked and connections damaged. So be sure not to let your maintained car sit in sub-zero temperatures without operating for any length of time.
- Check the battery for corrosion – Battery clamps and cables tend to corrode over time. If they are corroded, the electricity flow from your battery will be obstructed. With that said, if there is any corrosion, be sure to clean the battery, clamps and cables to ensure a properly functioning battery in the cold temperatures.
- Invest in a cold weather car battery – If your battery is older than 4 years, we highly suggest you replace it before the winter weather sets in. There are cold weather batteries available that are sure to outperform typical batteries in the frigid temperatures. Investing in such a battery is sure to minimize the amount of care your battery will need in the upcoming winter months and minimize your frustration and challenges.
To Sum It Up
If you follow all these precautions and tips, but still find yourself faced with a problematic battery, it may very well be time to replace it. If you replace the battery and are still having issues, then be sure to come on down to our facility and let our technicians identify the source of the problem and provide an effective solution. For more information on car battery care, to replace your battery, troubleshoot the issue, or for any other automotive repairs and services, put your trust in the team here at Auto Clinic of Franklin. With the holidays now nearing, we want to send along wishes from our family to yours for a very happy and safe holiday season!
