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Safety Tips for Teen Drivers

teen driver

Make sure your teen driver knows these tips to help keep them safe on the road (photo credit:BigStockPhoto.com)

No teenager gets behind the wheel of a car and expects to get in an accident, but on average, 8 teenagers are killed in auto accidents every day. The week of October 19th to the 24th is National Teen Driving Safety Week which provides a perfect opportunity to talk about teenagers and safe driving. The key to keeping our kids from becoming statistics is making sure they understand the dangers of driving and what they need to do to keep themselves and their passengers safe.

These safety tips can help new, inexperienced drivers benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have been driving for a long time.

  • Wear your seatbelt all the time and every time.
  • Never let someone ride with you without wearing a seatbelt.
  • Never take more passengers than you have seatbelts.
  • Make sure the head rest in the car is properly positioned in order to protect your neck in the event of a accident.
  • Follow the speed limit, excessive speed is one of the major causes of accidents where teen drivers are involved.
  • Don’t react to or engage with aggressive drivers, let them pass or reduce your speed so you are away from them as this kind of driving contributes to many accidents.
  • Wash the windshield regularly and check to make sure it is clean before you drive. Dirty windshields can cause serious visibility problems, especially when the sun is coming up or going down.
  • Be aware of where you are on the road at all times and stay in your lane.
  • When stopped at an intersection, pause when your light turns green and wait a few seconds to ensure all the cars going across your street have stopped before you pull out.
  • Never react to what you think another driver is going to do; wait and react to what they actually do. This means slowing down even if someone has their turn signal on just in case they don’t turn.
  • Always refill your gas tank when it hits the ¼ tank mark.
  • Watch for animals in the road and next to the road, especially if you drive in rural areas. If you see an animal, slow down, flash your lights, and wait for it to go on its way. Always remember that hitting a big animal like a deer isn’t just going to hurt the deer, it can also be a serious, life-threatening accident that injures you or your passengers.
  • Always, always, always check your mirror and turn to look before merging or changing lanes.
  • Be aware of the cars around you so that you can react quickly if one of them does something unexpected.
  • If there is something blocking your lane, wait to ensure there aren’t any other cars coming before pulling into the other lane to go around the obstruction. You do not have the right of way to pull into the other lane just because your lane is blocked.
  • Use your turn signal every time you turn and make sure you turn your turn signal off if it doesn’t shut off automatically.

 

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Virginia Auto Service Partnering with Brakes for Breasts to Help Find a Cure for Breast Cancer

Customers to get free brake pads during the month of October, plus Virginia Auto Service will donate 10 percent of sales to the Cleveland Clinic to further research for a cure.

(PHOENIX, AZ) September 26, 2014— Virginia Auto Service, located in Phoenix, AZ, is proud to be partnering with Brakes for Breasts! During the month October when customers schedule a brake service, they will receive their brake pads for free, plus Virginia Auto Service will donate 10 percent of that service to the Cleveland Clinic to help with research to develop a breast cancer vaccine!

Virginia Auto Service is one of over 30 Arizona auto shops participating in the event this year. In 2013 alone, independent auto repair shops raised over $65,000 through the Brakes for Breasts campaign!

Customers who are not sure if they need new brakes can schedule a free brake inspection through the month of October as well (a $50 value).

Appointments can be scheduled online at http://www.virginiaautoservice.com or by phone at 602-266-0200.

Find out more about Brakes for Breasts at http://brakesforbreasts.wordpress.com.

What: Get free brake pads with any brake service through October 31st.

When: For all brake services scheduled and performed in October, customer will receive free brake pads and 10% of costs will be donated to the Cleveland Clinic.

Where: Virginia Auto Service 386 E. Virginia Avenue Phoenix, AZ  85004

How: Call (602) 266-0200 to schedule an appointment or schedule online at https://automotiverepairphoenix.com.

Virginia Auto Service has won numerous awards including most recently Motor Age Magazine’s 10 Best Automotive Repair Shops in the nation and the Impact Business of the Year for Response to Adversity. Matt has been an advisor on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Automotive Advisory committee since 2000 and served as the Chairman in 2008 and 2009.

Owner Matt Allen co-hosts the Bumper to Bumper radio show on Saturdays from 11 am. – Noon on KTAR 92.3 FM in Phoenix. Reach Matt at 602-266-0020 or [email protected].

For more information visit www.virginiaautoservice.com.

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4 Signs Your Car has Electrical Problems

Car electrical Problems

Here are 4 signs your car may have an electrical problem (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)

Electrical problems are less common in today’s cars than other kinds of problems but they are also more difficult to diagnose than most mechanical problems. This is one area where you should rely on the expertise of your chosen repair shop to determine the problem and recommend the best solution to fix it.

The complicated nature of electrical issues generally requires the use of specialized diagnostic equipment to identify the root cause of the problem. This equipment can access the data your vehicle’s computer stores about how the different components are operating. This data can then be used to pin down the exact problem so that the technician can make the required repairs.

Unlike brakes that squeak or an engine that rattles, electrical problems don’t always announce themselves in a way that is easy to understand.   The electrical system is compromised of several components including the battery, battery cables, alternator, starter, and computer system. Problems with any of these components can cause problems with the vehicle’s operation.   To help ensure you know what to look for, here are some of the common signs there is something amiss with your car’s electrical system.

  1. Car Won’t Start

This is the most likely electrical problem you will experience in your car. If the car won’t start, there is a good chance you have a problem with the battery, the alternator, or the starter. If you turn the key and nothing happens, check to see if the interior lights came on when you opened the door. If the lights aren’t working and the car won’t start, the problem is likely a dead battery. If the lights are on but nothing happens when you turn the key, the problem is likely your alternator. If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, the problem is likely the starter. All of these problems require a visit to the auto repair shop for final diagnosis and repair.

  1. Visible Damage or Leakage from the Battery

Inspect the battery from time to time to look for corrosion stains or buildup around the terminal. Both can be signs that the battery is leaking, experiencing a problem, or nearing the end of its life. Be careful if you notice any signs of damage or leakage as the contents of the battery are corrosive and they will damage bare skin.

  1. The Lights Work, But They Dim While Driving

If you notice that the dashboard lights or the headlights seem to dim when you are driving at low speeds or when the car is idling, there may be a problem with the battery, the alternator, or the voltage regulator. If the battery is on its last legs it may be charging slower or have trouble holding a charge which can result in dimming headlights under certain conditions. Problems with the alternator or voltage regulator can also cause the lights to be dimmer under some circumstances.

  1. The Car Runs Fine But the Brake Lights Don’t Work

If you have replaced the bulbs in both brake lights to no avail, the problem may not be the bulbs at all, it may be a fuse. If some specific part of the vehicle like the brake lights or the radio isn’t working, check to make sure you don’t need to replace a fuse.

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August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month

Check your brakes this month! (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)

Check your brakes this month!

When it comes to performing routine maintenance on our cars, most of us know the importance of changing the oil and checking the tires but we often forget to inspect a component that is critical for our safety, the brakes.  August is National Brake Safety Awareness Month and Carcare.org, the campaign sponsor aims to make sure all automobile owners know understand how important it is to have routine brake inspections done.    This basic maintenance task ensures you know when your brakes need service or repair so that you will never be in danger of them failing when you need them the most.

According to the Car Care Council, the brakes on every car should be inspected at least once a year for wear, tear, and damage.  In addition to these annual inspections, car owners should know how to recognize the signs that something has gone awry with the brakes or that they are wearing down.  The Car Care Council outlines seven signs that brake problems may be present.

  1. Screeching Noise

One of the most common signs that there is a problem with the brakes is hearing the tell-tale screeching or grinding noise whenever the brake pedal is pressed.  When the brake pads get worn down enough, the screeching starts so that you know it is time to replace the pads.  Failing to heed this sign could result in damage to additional brake components.

  1. Pulling to the Side

If the car pulls to one side or the other when you use the brakes, this can indicate that there is an issue with one of the brake components.  This is similar to what happens if you drive a car that is out of alignment but the pulling only occurs when you are braking.

  1. Low Pedal Pressure

If it feels like the pedal goes almost to the floor before it does anything, you have low pedal pressure.  This is caused by a problem with the brakes and can be a pre-cursor to brake failure.

  1. Hard Pedal Pressure

This is the opposite of low pedal pressure above.  If the brake is very difficult to depress and you have to press down harder and harder to get the same result or it to get the brake to engaged, you have a hard pedal which can be indicative of brake problems.

  1. Grabbing

If your brakes seem to engage even when you touch the pedal lightly, this is called grabbing.  It can signify problems with the braking system or components.

  1. Vibrations

If you press the pedal and you can feel the brakes stutter, pulse, or vibrate in any other unusual way, this is a sign that there is a problem with the brakes.  This can indicate that the brakes are reaching the end of their life and may also be a precursor to brake failure.

  1. Brake Light Illuminated

If the light in the dashboard that relates to brakes comes on, don’t wait to take it in and have the repair tech check the brakes.   When this light comes on it can indicate problems with the anti-lock brake system, brakes that are worn out and failing, or another problem with the braking system that cannot wait.

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Bumper to Bumper Radio Listener Offer

FREE GIFT for Bumper to Bumper Radio Listeners!!Matt Allen, Owner of Virginia Auto Service

I want to personally thank you for tuning in to Bumper to Bumper Radio on News Talk 92.3 FM, KTAR! Every Saturday morning Dave Riccio and I share insiders’ advice on how to take care of your car.

Because you’re a listener of Bumper to Bumper Radio, I have a special gift just for you when you bring your car in to Virginia Auto Service for any service or repair.

Simply use this handy form to schedule your appointment online, and make sure you mention “Bumper to Bumper Radio Special Gift” in the comments.  Or call us at 602-266-0200 and mention “Bumper to Bumper Radio Special Gift” when you schedule your appointment!  It’s just my way of saying “thank you” for choosing Virginia Auto Service!

First Name*

Last Name *

Phone

Email *

Check box if you are a current customer of Virginia Auto Service
YesNo

If not current customer, tell us how did you hear about us?

Year, Make & Model of Vehicle *

Services Required *

Date & Time *

Brake Safety Awareness Week Begins August 21

Brake Safety Awareness Week Begins August 21 

PHOENIX, Ariz.- August 11, 2010 – Brake Safety Awareness Week will be held August 21-29, 2010, and Virginia Auto Service is providing free brake inspections for all consumers who wish to make an appointment.

“For very obvious reasons, it’s important to make sure your brakes are in good condition,” said Matt Allen, owner of Virginia Auto Service in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Many vehicles require service that the average person wouldn’t be able to detect from daily driving, making it even more critical to perform periodic safety inspections. Plus, it’s important to be aware of the condition of your brakes as they periodically wear out.”

The annual Brake Safety Awareness Week is being sponsored by the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP).

During Brake Safety Awareness Week, more than 8,000 MAP Participating Facilities will offer inspections, educatevehicle owners regarding key undercar systems, provide complimentary automotive troubleshooting materials andanswer consumers’ preventative maintenance questions. Consumers can look for a repair facility prominently displayingits “Motorist Assurance Program” decal near its entrance or customer waiting area, or they can find participating storesin a particular area by visiting the MAP website at www.motorist.org.

About Virginia Auto Service:

AZ Central’s Reader’s Choice Best Auto Repair Shop Winner 2010, Virginia Auto Service has provided Central Phoenix with top-quality auto repair and service since 1995.    Specializing in Japanese and European Imports, Domestic Cars, Light Trucks & SUV’s.

All of their technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).  Virginia Auto Service is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and a member of the NAPA Auto Care Center, and NARPRO (Neighborhood Auto Professionals).

For more information contact Matt Allen at 602-266-0020

Phoenix Auto Repair Shop Owner Earns Accredited Automotive Manager Designation

Phoenix Auto Repair Shop Owner Earns Accredited Automotive Manager Designation

Matt Allen one of less than 100 people to earn prestigious AAM designation this year. 

(PHOENIX, Ariz.)- October 15, 2012 – Matt Allen, owner of Phoenix auto repair shop, Virginia Auto Service was awarded the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation during the Automotive Management Institute (AMI) graduation ceremony held during the Automotive Repair and Service Week (ASRW) Industry Awards, held on Friday, Oct. 12 at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The annual awards event provides a platform in which a variety of mechanical and collision repair groups may acknowledge the achievements of some of their outstanding members, customers and industry partners.

Students earn the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation after completing 120 credits of Automotive Management Institute (AMI) education and a requisite self-study course. Over the years, 1,646 individuals have earned the prestigious AAM designation, with approximately 100 new graduates each year.  Allen is also an ASA Certified Master Technician.

Matt Allen believes that in order to compete in today’s ever-changing and complex automotive industry technicians not only need to have the hands-on skills of auto repair, but they need to have the education and knowledge as well.  For that reason, Allen invests in training not only for himself but for his technicians too.  All of the technicians at Virginia Auto Service are required to be certified or going through the educational classes necessary for certification.

“It’s quite a commitment to earn these certifications, and it really makes a difference in our ability to fix today’s cars with their complicated systems.  You really need to know what’s going on,” says Allen.

About Virginia Auto Service:

Virginia Auto Service owned by Matt Allen, has provided Central Phoenix with top-quality auto repair and service since 1995.    They specialize in service and repair of Japanese and European Imports, Domestic Cars, Light Trucks & SUV’s including Mercedes repair, BMW repair, Toyota, Honda, and Audi.

All of their technicians are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).  Virginia Auto Service is A+ rated and accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and is a NAPA Auto Care Center.  Matt Allen is a host of Bumper to Bumper Radio heard every Saturday morning from 11 am to noon on Phoenix’s Top Talk Station, 92.3 FM, KTAR.

For more information contact Matt Allen at 602-266-0020; https://automotiverepairphoenix.com.