History of the Windshield Wipers

 

It’s raining, it’s pouring... and before you know it, you’ll need new wiper blades! As little as we think about windshield wipers up until we need them, we virtually never question their origin.

When you think about it, windshield wipers are actually an incredible invention, and critical to driver safety. They were first invented and patented in 1903 by Mary Anderson, who observed an issue with visibility after a trolley ride one year prior. Anderson was born in Alabama, but moved to Fresno, California in 1893. A handful of others had attempted a device like this, but none were successful enough to warrant a patent until Anderson’s. By 1920, her original hand-crank windshield wiper design was a standard for automobile production.

Working in the auto industry as we do at Elite Auto Repair we have a lot of respect for all the contributors throughout history who have improved the safety and functionality of cars. We carry that mantle proudly as the newest generation of experts, and do our best to ensure the continued safety and efficiency of vehicles on the road today.

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Five Crucial Guidelines for Car Seat Safety

So you have a new baby! Maybe this is your first one or perhaps you’re a seasoned parent with a few other little tots. Either way, one of your highest priorities remains keeping your child safe everywhere, including while you’re cruising down the highway.

 

The safest methods for everyday routines often change, leaving us more at risk when we fail to stay updated. Since the car seat’s inception, the injury prevention tool for youngsters has undergone upgrades in infrastructure and operation.

 

Rather than making a forcefield around your baby, simply choose, install and adjust a car seat correctly to increase the odds of your child’s safety during an accident. Take a look at five crucial guidelines for making your car seat worth the investment.  

 
  • Choose the Correct Seat for Your Child’s Height and Weight: Buying a car seat is sometimes more complicated than it needs to be. With so many choices, do your research beforehand so that when you get to the store, your search will be 100 times easier.

 

Make sure you check the car seat requirements for your state, as each one differs in its child restraint laws. Depending on your child’s age, height and weight, the type of car seat, like rear facing, forward facing or booster seat, you need will vary. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration specifies more information on which category your child may fit into and which you should buy.  

 

Try not to get a used car seat. Though it’s tempting given the amount of money you’ll have to shell out for a brand new one, getting a used car seat increases the risk that it’s outdated in terms of safety regulations or has experienced an accident before. If you absolutely must get a used one, ensure it’s not missing any parts, it’s not expired and it hasn’t been recalled.   

 
  • Install the Car Seat Correctly: Your child’s car seat doesn’t do much good if it’s not fastened properly. Though your child may be strapped into the seat, an accident could shake it around and injure him or her. Review not only the car seat manual but also your car manual.

 

Edgar Snyder and Associates advises if you’re holding the seat in place with a seat belt, make sure it’s self locking. If not, use the metal anchor attached to the seat of your car or a possible seat belt lock-off feature. After it’s installed, test the car seat. Move it around in all different directions with moderate force. If it budges any more than one inch in any direction, it’s not secure enough.

 
  • Strap Your Child in Properly: Once you’ve got the seat in place, it’s time to strap in baby. Loosening the straps so that your child doesn’t feel claustrophobic may seem okay, but it’s one mistake that could hurt your child in a crash. As a rule of thumb, you should only be able to fit one finger between the strap and your child’s collarbone. The chest clip should also rest even with the child’s armpits.  

 
  • Ensure Safe Seat Positioning: If you’re using a rear-facing car seat, the instructions will probably call to recline the seat so your baby’s head won’t fall forward. If necessary, you can stick a tightly rolled towel under the seat’s front end to get the proper angle. To make sure your baby doesn’t slouch during the movement of the ride, the Mayo Clinic News Network suggests placing tightly rolled baby blankets along his or her side. You can also nestle a rolled washcloth between your child and the crotch strap.  

 
  • Wait Until the Child Is Big or Old Enough to Upgrade: Before you turn your rear-facing tot around, make sure he or she is the correct size. The outdated guideline advised switching to a forward-facing car seat when the child reached one year old or 20 pounds. However, the new guideline urges parent to wait until the child turns two years old or outgrows the height and weight limits of the car seat.

 

Because children’s bodies are still developing and remain more susceptible to injury in some places like the spinal cord, car seat positioning stands as an important factor in ensuring your child stays as safe as possible. When it comes to moving out of a booster seat, wait until your child grows to a height of 4 feet 9 inches.    

 

 

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Eleven Ways to Keep Your Kids Busy on Road Trips

 

Are we there yet?

 

The phrase inevitably accompanies road trips where kids are in the back seat and time isn’t moving fast enough. The growing restlessness in the cabin starts to grate on your nerves, and as you see a sign for your destination’s mileage, you start to wonder if you can bear the last 50 miles with cries of unwarranted pokes and bladder complaints.

 

Even the screens have stopped working. I mean, there’s still power to operate them, but for some unthinkable reason, your kids have put them down. Have you guys really been in the car that long?

 

Before you begin to lose your marbles, try some of ours. Whip out one of our eleven tactics to keep kids calm and occupied for the last, fidgety leg of your road trip or at the very last minute before someone goes berserk.  

 
  • Pack Plenty of Good Snacks: For many travelers, snacks and food in general remain some of the most important elements of a road trip. When you’re sitting there pondering life as the road signs and trees fly by, you may get a hankering for a little snack. Your kids will too. Your first intention may be to pack healthy food, which is good. Easy-to-eat carrot sticks, apple slices, trail mix—all cool. Maybe even travel packs of green olives or some hummus and crackers if your kids are older.

 

To keep interest a little longer during chow time, introduce a ready-to-eat snack kit. Extra points if it’s organic. Seek them out at a local grocery store. It’s fun for kids if they’ve never eaten them before, and it’s cool to see what’s in each different box. Better yet, make a homemade snack box for each of your kids with their personal favorites. And don’t forget to throw in a few sugar busters. What’s living without eating gummy worms?  

 
  • Prepare for Bathroom Emergencies: Your tween might be able to hold it until the next rest stop, but little ones can get fussy when they have to potty. Plus, you don’t want to risk having an accident inside your car, prompting you to have to stop anyway and clean up the mess on top of it. Bring a portable, compact toilet for children to use if it’s an absolute emergency when the traffic jam looks like it’s not letting up.

 
  • Give Out Tiny Surprises: Need some incentives for your kids to behave in the car? Try buying some trinkets and candy from the dollar store and wrapping them up as little gifts. Make sure to bring one of each kind for each child onboard. Every so often, if the kids have been well behaved, give them one of the presents to open.

 
  • Turn the Windows into a Dry Erase Board: Grab some dry erase markers that are safe for glass and let your kids draw on the back car windows. Make sure to establish a windows-only rule for writing space and bring along wipes to clean afterward.

 
  • Break out the Family Trivia: See how much your kids know about their relatives. Then let them see how savvy you are. Try playing a family trivia game where you ask the kids different questions about family members. Make the questions a little more challenging as the kids get older.

 
  • Have a Pipe Cleaner Frenzy: Let your kids show some creativity with pipe cleaners. Even if it keeps them busy for five minutes, most kids enjoy playing with pipe cleaners, and you can bend them into almost anything over and over again.

 
  • Host a Travel Scavenger Hunt: For children with lots of energy and a constant need for business, try a travel scavenger hunt. Make a list of items for them to find, whether it’s a license plate from a certain state, a word on a billboard, an animal or an array of other possibilities. For older kids, try writing riddles for each item, making it a little more testing for them.

 
  • Make the Car Comfy: Bring comfort items for your kids, especially if you guys are going to be in the car for hours and hours. Blankets, pillows and stuffed animals may help your child to be more calm and fall asleep easier, which means less noise and more time to think about how to entertain them when they wake up.

 
  • Listen to Some Old School Tunes: Is the silence getting to you after a few hours? Ask the kids if they want to ditch their earbuds for a bit and listen to some tunes from your day together. While some may decline the offer, scoffing at the fact that you’d even dream of torturing them with a half hour of disco music, others may be more receptive. Use the opportunity to teach them about music that was popular when you were growing up. If anything, make it cool, cranking up some Def Leppard or connecting the music to an artist that’s currently popular.  

 
  • Show Them Where They Are: For children who actually care about where on the globe you guys are going, try showing them where the car left, the route it’s taking and its destination. When you pass through a major city, tell them so they can find it on the map and compare it to how close you guys are to finally getting there.  

 
  • Elect an Older Child to Record Vacation Expenses: Okay, so having your kids write down how much the family spends on travel probably won’t work for most. But older kids will be more likely to be receptive to the task, and keeping track of how much everything costs gives them a better perspective of how much damage comes with taking holidays. Make sure to include expenses like gasoline, souvenirs and any other charges you make.  

 

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What To Do If You Get In A Car Accident

No one wants to think about being involved in an auto accident, but if the unthinkable happens, will you be prepared?

 

A shocking number of people aren’t familiar with the procedure following an accident. In the aftermath of the moment, what might seem like common sense might not even occur to you. This could prevent you from receiving insurance coverage you need for your car and health expenses.

 

Don’t be left in the dark. Here’s a list of steps you should take if you’ve been involved in a car accident.

 

Stay Put

 

Never leave the scene of an accident until checking with the other drivers and following standard procedure or you could face serious legal repercussions. If safe to do so, move your car to the shoulder or side of the road to avoid further damage.

 

Check for Injuries

 

Immediately after the accident, assess all drivers and passengers for injuries. If someone is unconscious, cannot move or has neck or back pain, do not attempt to move them as it could cause further damage. Call for medical help if you suspect anyone might be hurt, even if it appears minor.

 

Call Police

 

Even if the accident is a minor one, it’s a good idea to call the police and request a report filing. You may need it later if you wish to file a claim with your insurance company or if you need to pursue legal action. Be sure to get the names and badge numbers of officers involved.

 

Exchange Information

 

Get the details of all drivers and passengers involved including full names, contact information and addresses. Other pertinent information to collect includes driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance information, accident location, and the makes and models of all vehicles involved. If there are any eyewitnesses, be sure to collect their names and contact information as well.

 

Document Damage

 

Take pictures of the accident scene, damage done to all vehicles and injuries sustained. They’ll prove useful when filing a claim or if you need to pursue legal action. Some insurance companies have mobile apps that allow you to upload photos directly from your phone.

 

Report to Your Insurance

 

Inform your insurance company that you’ve been in an accident as soon as you are able. Promptness is key when dealing with accidents. Be cooperative; explain the facts and don’t try to obscure or falsify details as doing so can land you in serious legal trouble.

 

Seek Medical Attention

 

If you suspect you might be hurt, it’s imperative you go to the emergency room or visit your primary care physician as soon as possible. Injuries may not always be apparent at the time of accident, and even minor accidents can cause damage to your neck and back.

 

If you feel dazed, have problems seeing or blacked out for any length of time during the accident, seek medical attention immediately as you may have suffered a concussion.

 

Protect Yourself

 

If the accident resulted in injury, consider hiring a legal professional to help you navigate the ins and outs of the law. Refrain from disclosing information except to your insurance company and attorney. Keep all documents related to the accident in one place for easy reference.

 

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How To Protect Your Car From Spring Pollen

Winter is in the rearview, which means no fussing with frosted windshields and icy roads. However, with the rising temperature comes something even worse: pollen. There’s nothing more annoying than waking up to a thick layer of yellow and green dust coating your car. Not only is tree pollen a major nuisance, but it can also damage your car’s paint job and interior. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to protect your car and keep it tidy throughout the season.

 

 

Wash and Wax

Before your vehicle gets overrun with pollen, giving it a good wash and wax will help fight off the effects. Waxing won’t prevent buildup, but it will make your car easier to clean. Be sure to give your car a thorough wash when it starts to gather a significant amount of pollen residue. You can also dust the pollen off your vehicle with a microfiber towel, though this is not the most effective removal method.

 

 

Cover Your Car

If you don’t have the luxury of storing your car in a carport or garage, a weather car cover is the next best thing. Make sure the cover you choose is suitable for all weather. Cloth covers will absorb moisture overnight and cause pollen to clump and stick to your car.

 

 

Keep Your Wipers Clean

Prevent pollen from caking on your windshield wipers by cleaning them with a damp cloth weekly. Don’t use your wipers unless you clean them first to prevent smearing pollen on your windshield and reducing visibility.

 

 

Check Your Air Filters

Replace your interior cabin air filter when it becomes dirty to keep pollen from circulating inside your car. This is especially important if you suffer from severe allergies. Be sure to check the engine air filter as well. If it becomes clogged, it could affect your fuel economy.

 

 

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What’s a Good Down Payment for a Car Loan

Placing a Reasonable Down Payment for a Car Loan

 

Interest rates are low, the economy is improving and gasoline is cheap. Sounds like an awesome time to buy a car, even if your credit remains in the toilet. Some car dealerships cut breaks for buyers with bad credit loans. But what about the down payment?

 

Oftentimes it’s difficult to set aside money every month. If you do get to save any, you find yourself taking it right back out to pay for an unexpected surprise or a once-a-year expense that you can’t go without.

 

Though it seems like you’ll never collect enough for a car loan down payment, you may not have to save as much as you think. According to Edmunds.com, as car prices have been steadily climbing, down payment amounts have remained low.

 

Though your parents may have taken the traditional 20 percent route or have been lucky enough to pay in cash for their cars, the current day and age gives you a little more wiggle room to get away with paying a lower down payment.    

 

How Much Should I Put Down for a Car Loan?

 

Though handing over 20 percent of the car price has remained the standard mantra for down payment gurus, it’s one the new kids aren’t buying. Edmunds.com lists the 2015 average down payment at 10.4 percent, slightly higher than its 2005 average of 9.9 pecent. Car loan seekers are dishing out smaller down payments overall simply because they can’t afford to give anything more.

 

If you’re going for a used car, 10 percent stands as the average down payment. Got sub-par credit? Edmunds.com suggests the more you put down initially, the higher the chances you’ll get approved for a loan. The loan will most likely be small given your higher-risk situation, but a small loan can still give you options for a reliable pre-owned car.

 

Also, beware of long-term loans. Edmunds.com notes seven-year loans aren’t rare, but you’ll end up paying much more in interest with one of them. Looking for a zero-down initial payment? Unless you have superior credit, the chance remains slim.

 

Other Down Payment Options

 

If you’re like most others who can’t match the suggested 20 percent, Quicken recommends looking at several points that’ll help you decide how much your budget allows for a down payment. If your credit score ranks well, you may not have to put down very much. However, if your credit is bad, your car loan may require a more hefty down payment due to increased risk.

 

Don’t forget the car you currently own and wish to trade in can be a down payment as well. If you haven’t owned your current car for very long, which could create negative equity for you, Quicken assures though you may pay more on your down payment, lenders still may grant you a loan.   

 

What Does Your Down Payment Mean for Everything Else?

 

The amount of Benjamins you throw down will paint the picture for the rest of your loan terms. NerdWallet notes a higher amount for your down payment will raise the likelihood of getting an approval, getting a better interest rate, paying a lower monthly amount and being able to manage the debt more easily.

 

A down payment amount can also determine how much ownership you have in the car and help you avoid paying more than the car is worth in the end given long-term interest rates.

 

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What Does Your Car Color Say About You?

 

Believe It or Not, the Color of Your Car Says Something About You

 

Picture your dream car.  Close your eyes if you have to, but take a good minute to really think about the car you’d like to be seen driving around town in.  Eyes open again?  Among all of the other design features and options that your dream car could have, you most certainly imagined a certain color for your dream car.

 

And the truth is, this auto paint color that you’ve pictured says something about you and your character or how you want the outside world to perceive your character.  The fact is, most, if not all, of the decisions we make have some subconscious level of thought that can be dissected psychologically.

 

Yes, psychology can even be applied to car paint colors.  So, what does your car color say about you?

 

 

Black

A black car exudes a sense of power while staying classic and maintaining elegance.  It is the ultimate power color, according to color consultant Leatrice Eiseman.  

 

People who choose a black car also probably have a lot of black in their wardrobe, as they truly understand the color psychology behind this timeless shade—empowerment.

 

 

Grey

A person who chooses a grey car is pragmatic and dignified.  This car, like black, is traditional, and it’s also straightforward.  With the driver of a grey car, what you see is what you get.  

 

 

White

While traditionally a color of purity, contemporary owners of white cars want to exude a sense of being fresh and young.  With white car paint, you can’t hide any blemishes or dirt - everything is honest and open, so drivers of this car color strive to be very direct.

 

 

Metallics: Silver, Gold, Pearl

Drivers of metallic cars know the difference between white and pearl, silver and grey.  Adding metallics to a the auto paint in these three traditional finishes understand that they’re taking the traits from grey and white and adding a little flair.

 

Metallic finishes for silver, gold, and pearl draw forth thoughts of modernity and worth.  Owners of cars with these colors are chic and glamorous but still remain sophisticated.

 

 

Red

Owners of red cars want to be seen.  Whether a bright, candy apple finish or a deeper blue-red, the driver of this car is going to gain the attention of passersby.  And hey, who doesn’t want a little attention every now and then?  It’s definitely not a bad thing.

 

Owners of red cars tend to share a zest for life and an extroverted demeanor.  According to a professor of color theory, Marcie Cooperman, someone who chooses to drive a red car has “something impressive to show you.”

 

 

Orange/Yellow

If you’re driving on the same street as an orange or yellow car, it’s quite unlikely that you’re going to miss it.  Like owners of red cars, owners of yellow and orange cars don’t mind attention one bit.  They tend to be more artistic and creative than owners of other cars, driving around in their own bit of sunshine and warmth.

 

 

Green

Conventionally, the color green evokes the sense of being down to earth and in touch with nature.  However, when this color is examined in terms of auto paint color trends, this color’s meaning changes.  

 

For cars, the color green reached its peak in the 1990s and early 2000s.  So drivers who pick green colors are definitely down to earth but also like a sense of tradition.  They don’t tend to pay mind to trends as much as drivers of cars of other colors.

 

 

Blue

Whether it's dark or light, the color blue exudes a sense of compassion and confidence.  When it comes to cars, blue does not equate with a feeling of sadness.  On the contrary, drivers of blue cars tend to be more optimistic.

 

 

Brown/Beige

Like green, natural tones like brown and beige conventionally evoke a sense of being down to earth.  However, a driver of a brown car is more similar to a driver of a black car.  Those who choose brown cars are complex—like chocolate or a good coffee.  They like the sense of power and style that the color black evokes, but they prefer a warmer and more unique feel.

 

 

Seven Ways You're Unintentionally Ruining Your Car

Taking care of your car is more than just avoiding accidents and major damage. Minor bad habits can lead to devastating results if repeated often enough over a long period of time. If you want to extend the life of your car and its components, here are some things you should try to avoid.

 
  • Using the Wrong Oil: Every car has a manufacturer recommendation regarding oil. This isn’t merely a suggestion; the engine is designed to function with a particular viscosity and will not perform well otherwise.

 
  • Forgetting About Maintenance: How long has it been since your last oil change? When was the last time you checked your fluid levels? Had your tires aligned and rotated? If it’s been longer than a year, consider it well overdue. Low fluid levels and old oil don’t do the internal mechanisms of your engine any good. Poorly lubed parts will grind and wear, and improper alignment can lead to a damaged suspension later in your car’s life. Taking your car to the shop might be a colossal pain, but it’s important to keep all the pieces running smoothly.

 
  • Not Giving It Time To Warm Up: We all have places to be, but if you don’t give your car enough time to warm up the oil before jetting off, you’re causing undue stress on the engine. Fifty percent of engine wear occurs within the first few minutes of starting the car. Let it idle for a few minutes before driving off, and drive it gently for at least five minutes. It’ll save you money on upkeep by extending the life of your oil.  

 
  • Not Slowing Down Enough for Bumps: Barrelling over speed bumps and other road hazards will do a number on your shocks and suspension, cutting their lives drastically. Plus, you run the risk of scraping up the car’s undercarriage.

 
  • Accelerating Too Quickly and Stopping Abruptly: Stomping on the gas pedal or brake does more than prematurely wear down your brakes—it damages drivetrain components. Over time, this can lead to transmission damage.

 
  • Shifting Into Drive or Reverse While Rolling: If you don’t come to a complete stop before shifting into drive or reverse, you’re doing massive damage to your transmission. Rolling, even slightly, will strip the gears and bands you need to make the shift. Eventually, you won’t be able to shift because these parts will be too deteriorated to function.

 
  • Driving Until Your Tank Runs Out: You might think it’s better on your wallet to stretch your tank for as long as possible, but it could have negative effects on your vehicle. If you’re one of those people who likes to live life dangerously, spare your gas tank the trouble.

 

Sediment at the bottom of the tank can clog the fuel pump, filter or injectors, which could lead to costly repairs. The fuel in your tank also helps to cool down your car’s fuel pump.

 

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Get a Bad Credit Car Loan With Poor or No Credit

Five Ways to Get a Car Loan with Bad Credit

 

You have terrible credit.

 

Regardless of what happened in your past to make your credit score plummet, it’s in the pits, and that’s that. However, life doesn’t stop. You’re still going to work, keeping up your home and taking care of the kids, so you need a car.

 

But you’re stuck in a catch-22. You have to be paying loans off to build up credit, but no matter hard you try, nobody will give you a loan.

 

But you’re not at a dead end. You can still grab a loan with bad credit. Check out five ways to get bad credit car loans to start driving the ride you deserve.

 
  • Shop Around for Quotes: Don’t just assume paying through a dealership with an unbelievably high interest rate is the only way to go when you have bad credit, recommends U.S. News. If banks aren’t giving you any leverage, try a credit union, which tends to be a more local institution with more flexibility. Ensure you know what you’re getting with your loan too.

 

Bankrate warns of yo-yo scams, which involve a conditional agreement rather than a final one. A period of time later, the dealer from which you financed could raise your interest rate or monthly payment, which could render you unable to continue to pay for the car given your financial ability.

 
  • Look at Loan Terms, Not Monthly Payments: Bankrate suggests trying to get the lowest APR over the shortest amount of time. It’s tempting to just consider the amount you'll have to pay every month, but if it's going to take you a long time to pay off your car, you should probably hold off to save.

 
  • Team Up with Someone You Trust: Oftentimes, it’s easier to go through the car-buying process when you’ve got a buddy. Let them tag along on your loan search too. They’ll be able to give a second opinion on the loan terms and may raise a red flag on something you didn’t catch the first time.

 

You’re car-buying partner could also help your bad credit situation by cosigning for you. Pair up with someone who shares mutual trust to help you get a loan, and make sure both of you are in full understanding of what each of you expect from the other throughout the monthly payment process.

 
  • Catch a First-Time Buyer Deal: If you don’t have any credit, try looking into getting a discount from a dealer who eases up on people buying a car for the first time. It will, of course, probably be a pre-owned car, but it’s possible to find a used car you like as well as one that’s of high quality.

 

Other than pre-owned lots and used car sections of brand-name dealerships, try buying from a rental car company that’s trying to retire some models of its fleet. They’re generally well maintained and, overall, aren’t outrageous on the mileage.  

 
  • Pay with Cash or Use Alternative Transportation: Dishing out the dough you’ve saved for months, or maybe years, can be difficult, but if you’re able to get a car for cash, go for it. It’ll save you the higher interest payments imposed on you because of your bad credit. And, by eliminating the risk of repossession, you’ll sleep better. If paying in cash isn’t an option, try alternative transportation. Walking or taking the bus or train, depending on where you live, can actually be a quality choice.     

 

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4 Tips for Your High-Mileage Vehicle

Buying a used car can be a smart investment if you’re looking to save money, but it might require more of a commitment to care for than you’re accustomed to. According to a survey by AutoMD, 68% of car owners plan on driving their primary vehicle well beyond 150,000 miles, problems permitting. High-mileage vehicles require a special kind of care to ensure they keep running for thousands of miles to come. Here are a few tips to keep older vehicles running like new.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

We all know how important regular service is for vehicle maintenance, but it’s easy to forget to rotate your tires and get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. Being lax about care with a lower-mileage car might not yield any detrimental effects, but after surpassing the 100,000-mile mark, regular maintenance becomes more crucial for optimal performance.


What you should do: Review your maintenance records and refer to your owner’s manual for recommended services. Then, schedule a service appointment with a trusted auto shop.

Switch to High-Mileage Oil

As the odometer on your car ticks upward, oil changes become essential to prevent wear and tear on your engine. Changing out your oil at regular intervals helps to clean out contaminants that might be gunking up your engine. But oil that is perfectly fine for a low-mileage car might not perform as well on your aging parts. Older engines struggle to move oil until it’s been warmed up, making it harder to start and restricting oil circulation.


What you should do: Switch to an oil made specifically for high-mileage vehicles. Specialty oils contain additives that help prevent or stop leaks and de-sludge the engine.

Replace Your Timing Belt

Rubber doesn’t last forever; when exposed to heat and constant use, timing belts will stretch, crack and even break. A damaged timing belt can affect your engine in more ways than one, leaving you stranded if it ultimately breaks. Unfortunately, timing belts are often an expensive replacement, but they’re even more costly to repair.


What you should do: Timing belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or so to prevent issues related to stretching and wear.

Keep An Eye On Your Tires

Rotating your tires, ensuring adequate inflation and inspecting them for uneven wear isn’t just about making them last longer. Poor alignment and imbalance can pull at your suspension and cause damage to other components over time, leading to costly repairs later down the road.


What you should do: Inspect your tires frequently for proper air pressure and wear. Use the penny test to ensure proper tread. Get them rotated every time you get your oil changed.

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Even the best-maintained vehicles don't live forever. If it's time for a change, Elite Auto's knowledgeable staff is ready to assist. Stop by the lot and find your new vehicle today!

Elite Tax Pros in Shreveport

File Your Taxes, Get a New Car

 

At Elite Tax Pros, we file your taxes and put you in a new car. Our process remains simple. You bring in your W-2, along with any additional paperwork, and we give you $100 in advance.

 

On the same day of your tax filing, we let you know the amount of your tax refund. We also give you a voucher to use at Elite Auto. While most people wait weeks to get their tax refund checks, you get instant cash to use on any Elite Auto sales, like putting a down payment on a car.

 

Elite Tax Pros remains IRS certified and offers e-filing. Allow our two IRS-certified tax specialists to help you get your tax refund quickly. We print all checks from Elite Tax Pros.

 

Were you pleased with your service at Elite Tax Pros? Tell your family and friends. Every time you refer someone to Elite Tax Pros, you get a $25 cash referral with no limit. Come See us at Elite Tax Pros 318-220-4051