Roadside Emergency Tips – What To Do if You Break Down

By admin | Published February 22, 2012

While we obviously avoid any problems we can on the road there are a number of unexpected issues that can occur. You might take extra time to prepare when going on a long distance road trip, but what about a quick drive running errands around Lansing? Fortunately there are a number of precautions that can be taken to avoid the most common dangers involved in a roadside breakdown.

  • When you first notice trouble begin to slow down gradually by taking your foot off the accelerator. Avoid slamming the breaks suddenly, if there is a vehicle behind you they are likely unaware that anything is wrong.
  • Move your vehicle safely off the road avoiding traffic.
  • If you are on a highway attempt to make it to an exit, otherwise try and pull over safely out of the flow of traffic.
  • Do not assume other drivers can see you! Most cars on the road are moving – it can take other drivers by surprise to see one that is not. Even if you are on the side of the road watch out for impatient or unaware drivers.
  • If you are safely away from traffic, wait inside the vehicle and lock the doors. Keep your seat belts buckled just in case, you are likely still very close to the traffic flow.
  • If you can not make it safely off the road have all passengers exit the vehicle when traffic clears and wait as far from the road as possible.
  • Carry a cellphone in the car with you to call for help. Some people buy a prepaid cellphone to keep in the car for emergencies.

There are also two emergency kits you should have in your car (in addition to the jack, lug wrench, and spare tire that should be standard in all vehicles) – one for car repair and one for first aid.

The car repair emergency kit should include: gloves, screwdrivers, pliers, an adjustable wrench, a utility knife, oil, coolant, water, flashlight, shovel, a fire extinguisher, and jumper cables.

The first aid emergency kit should include: bandages, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, tissues, paper towels, and blankets.

If making emergency kits seems like a lot of work, keep in mind the added safety you will provide your vehicle – and your family!

Posted in Automotive Emergencies, Car Preparation, Driving and Safety, Emergency Safety Tips, Road Safety, Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Emergencies | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Maintaining Your Vehicle in the Greater Lansing Area – Welcome to our Blog!

By admin | Published February 10, 2012

Now that we have a few initial posts under our belts, it is probably well past time to introduce and explain our new blog! No longer do people search the phone book for auto service or repair. These days it is likely that when facing car troubles you would get out a cell phone or tablet pc and search for a car repair shop online. With that in mind at University Foreign Car Repair we want to not only show the services we offer for car repair in Lansing, but also give people the ability to review common problems and possible solutions in their free time – to prepare for or avoid future repairs. This handy blog format gives us the opportunity to inform people in the Lansing area about common car maintenance and for those people (like you!) to ask questions about their own car troubles.

With the extreme weather variations in Lansing it doesn’t hurt to put in that extra effort to keep you and your family safe on the road. As you may have already seen (or are now aware of), we have already posted a number of winter driving tips that are useful for the usual winter weather around Lansing.

And of course we want to hear from you! Leave a comment below and let us know what you want to hear about on our blog, common issues you have experienced with your car in Lansing, or just to say hello! We also have a facebook page where we talk about some of the latest news around Lansing, a facebook shop page where we give car repair tips and car news from around the Lansing area, and a twitter feed that has an odd mash up of both with some other stuff thrown in.

Posted in Auto, auto safety, car care, Car Repair, care, Driving and Safety, Lansing, Maintenance, preventive, Repair, Safety, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fuel Economy and Fuel System Cleaning

By admin | Published January 24, 2012

These days most cars on the road have fuel injectors rather than a carburetor. These fuel injectors need to spray the correct amount of fuel in the correct pattern to maximize fuel efficiency in your vehicle. Over time fuel injectors can become clogged and not provide the correct amount of fuel to your engine. The fuel injectors need to be cleaned from time to time to maintain your peak fuel efficiency.

You may have seen bottles labeled as fuel systems cleaners that you can add directly to your gas tank. These fuel cleaners can help prevent buildup and maintain an already clean fuel system, however they can not fully clean out built up clogs.

Bosch Fuel Filter Image

A common Bosch fuel filter.

At University Foreign Car we recommend a full fuel system flush which will remove any build up in your fuel system and maintain the manufacturers specifications for spray amount and pattern. This will maintain your gas mileage, reduce emissions, and prevent corrosion in your fuel system (which could require a much larger repair).

As we say at University Foreign Car, keep up on maintenance to help avoid costly repairs. Give us a call to have your fuel system checked, it could save you in gas expense and from a future expensive repair!

Posted in Car Repair, fuel economy, fuel system, Maintenance, preventive | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Holiday Travel Safe Driving Tips

By admin | Published December 21, 2011

While it has been unseasonably warm in Lansing recently, as locals know, the weather could change unexpectedly in a matter of hours. While roads may be clear as I write this it pays to be prepared for the worst change of weather when preparing for holiday travels. I have compiled a short list of winter weather / holiday travel safe driving tips to inform or remind us of potential winter hazards around the Lansing area:

Before you leave:

  • Check weather conditions early and often! As we all know the weather can change just like that, keep up to date by searching the internet for local weather before your trip.
  • Carry emergency equipment (gas can, emergency cell phone, first aid kit, winter clothes and/or blanket).
  • Check your tire pressure often. As temperatures in Lansing fluctuate so will your tire pressure. Don’t air up early in the season and forget to make check ups, low tire pressure can cause stability problems and lower gas mileage.
  • Keep your windshield wipers fresh and refill your washer fluid. As ice condenses on your wiper blades they can warp and cause streaking on your windshield. Wiper fluid can run out quickly from repeated mud splashes.
  • Keep your car washed to increase your visibility to other drivers. Make sure that your headlights and license plate have been cleared of snow as well.
  • Clear all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving. That patch of snow on top of your roof is not blocking visibility when you are parked, when you start driving however it can blow right back over the windows.
  • Check your wheel wells for snow / ice buildup. While it likely will be knocked out when the car moves you can clear out the area around the tires and make sure there are no dangers hidden under the snow.
  • Test the road surface (making sure no one is behind you). Start the car rolling or moving slowly forward and then apply the brakes to get an idea of how slippery the roads are. (As a general guide only, road conditions can vary widely within even a few blocks!)

While on the road:

  • Slow down when you see questionable ice patches or snow drifts.
  • Areas like bridges (underpasses and overpasses) can be icy, even when roads around them are not.
  • Avoid sudden stops or turns. If you are about to miss a turn keep going and turn around at the next convenient area, a few minute delay is worth avoiding a potential accident.
  • Icy roads will not get you our of a ticket. You are responsible to account for road conditions by adjusting your speed.
  • Leave some extra room in front of you. You are likely accustomed to gauging the distance of your stops. As weather conditions change so does that distance!
  • Avoid piles of snow. Slow down, change lanes if possible. There could be potholes or downed branches hiding under that innocent looking snow drift.
  • Turn on your lights, especially when it is snowing. Even on bright days having your lights on increases your visibility. Stay safe by keeping other drivers aware that they are sharing the road.
  • Do not rely on all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive can help you avoid getting stuck or slipping, but do not rely on it. Taking additional measures keeps you safe in the case that all-wheel drive fails.
Winter Driving Safety

Tips for staying safe on the road during the holidays.

Posted in Auto, auto safety, care, Driving and Safety, Hazardous Conditions, Holiday, Maintenance, Safety, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Preventive Maintenance vs. Repair

By admin | Published December 6, 2011

Many people do not plan for major car repairs or maintenance. The non auto enthusiast probably knows to get the oil changed every 3,000 miles or so, but other than that has an ‘if its not broke, don’t fix it’ attitude. When your windshield wipers leave streaks then you know to get new ones. If your car pulls to one side you might think to check your alignment.

Some car owners do not realize that regular preventive maintenance can save you money compared to repairing your vehicle after the fact. Small problems can be pushed aside temporarily but will often lead to larger related problems. Even in the best case scenario that it is just the cost of a tow, that is money that could be saved. Worst case could be that you need to replace the whole engine, which can very easily cost more than just purchasing a new vehicle.

Other people have figured this out as well, and most car manufacturers provide lists of regularly needed maintenance items. If an item has made it to the manufacturers maintenance list it is likely a common problem at the given mileage or age. Sometimes the manufacturer does not predict all the potential problems, so it pays to check up on Technical Service Bulletins. There are also Internet forums for most vehicles where people (like you) can post their specific experiences and recommend preventive maintenance schedules.

In addition to the money you would save with maintenance versus a repair, there is also the safety factor. With preventive maintenance you can help prevent accidents and keep yourself and your family safe on the road. In some cases a small problem might not be life threatening, such as slight streaking from your windshield wipers, but what if that streaking causes a larger blind spot when the rain picks up? Or an unprepared relative uses the car in an emergency? There are bigger, and less recognizable, issues as well – skipping a recommended timing service could go unnoticed – until a belt broke leaving you stranded and faced with a number of bills for tow, repair, rental…

With these things in mind, it pays to know your vehicle. Always get a list of recommended maintenance’s when purchasing a new car and check for forums created for/by other people who share the love for your same year, make, and model.

Posted in auto safety, car care, Car Repair, Driving and Safety, Maintenance, Repair, Safety | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Preparing for Winter Driving – How to Maintain Your Car Through a Michigan Winter

By admin | Published November 18, 2011

Those familiar with winter in Lansing can attest to the increased stress of driving. Even if you are comfortable with driving in winter conditions, chances are someone on the road near you is not. Students at Michigan State University come from different climates across the country and the world to study, but I have not seen a winter driving class in the schedule books. With all this in mind, even if you are a ‘serious’ winter driver, it never hurts to look at some winter driving tips just to keep them fresh in your mind.

Preparing Your Car For Winter

First of all, a few things to have checked out: your battery, thermostat, heater, defroster, and antifreeze level. These are some core components involved in keeping your engine running properly in the colder condition and maintaining the climate inside your vehicle.

Check to make sure that your tires have adequate tread. With black ice, or snow drifts in the road, or combinations thereof, your tires ability to stop your car is important. If your tire treads are getting low it reduces their traction, or ability to stop, especially in already severe weather conditions.

Make sure all your lights are working properly. If you have not visually inspected your lights now is a good time to do so. In winter weather conditions your lights might be necessary even during the day. Also, make sure that your less used lights are working, such as hazard lights, which might get more use during the winter.

It is a good idea to change your windshield wiper blades during winter months. Maybe in delicate conditions wiper blades could survive longer, but around Lansing the fluctuating Michigan weather wears them out quickly. As soon as you notice streaking, where the wipers ‘miss’ a section of the windshield, you should look into new wiper blades.

Check windshield washer fluid. Most windshield washer solvents these days should not freeze, but if you have ever topped off your washer fluid or used anything other than specifically branded washer solvent then yours could. Also, sometimes the washer fluid nozzles will get frozen over. Make sure you check them before you start driving – you will appreciate a clear windshield on the road!

Road salt is another issue in Michigan. It can damage your cars paint and cause serious rusting. Regular washes in the winter months will help keep the salt off your car. Waxing will also help by adding the extra barrier that the road salt must penetrate.

Packing Your Car For Winter Trips

  • Keep your gas tank full. I regularly ride on fumes these days, looking for the cheapest price or hoping that the gas price will drop if I just scrape by till tomorrow. In the winter you  should keep at least a 1/4 or 1/2 tank for emergency situations – you might need to keep your heater running while you wait for a tow.
  • Get a cell phone for your car. Some people buy an extra prepaid disposable phone, others get an extra battery or a car charger. If your cell phone regularly runs out of batteries try and have a back up method for calling in roadside emergencies.
  • A standard first aid kit should be in your vehicle already, but make sure that yours has things like a blanket for cold weather. Also, get a windshield / ice scraper. If your defroster starts to fail it could help you get home or to your mechanics shop.

Finally, make sure you clean your car off as much as possible before you start driving. Many people leave snow buildup on the roof or trunk lid of their car. As soon as you start driving the wind will likely blow all that snow across your newly cleaned windshield. Another often missed area is over your headlights or taillights. You might not think about it depending on how light it is outside, but conditions can change quickly and the more visible you are the safer you are on the road.

Posted in Auto, Driving and Safety, Hazardous Conditions | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Speeding up your diagnosis.

By admin | Published November 14, 2011

Car trouble is, of course, unexpected. With that in mind you want to minimize the time it takes to get your car safely back on the road. Here are some questions you can keep in mind when talking to your mechanic. Answers to these questions can help them speed their diagnosis and get started on your specific repair!

1. Is the problem constant, intermittent, or occasional?

2. Does the problem increase or decrease as you accelerate?

3. Has work recently been done to the vehicle?

4. Does the problem affect the whole vehicle or just specific areas?

5. Did the problem recently develop, or has it gradually become worse?

Posted in Auto, Diagnosis, Repair | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
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