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Throughout the history of American transportation, cross-country migration had been based on three things, imperialism — to conquer new lands and expand the country’s boundaries; on necessity — to farm land and achieve prosperity; and on recreation and education — to see the sights and explore new vistas. Late in the 20th century, a new aspect of cross-country travel emerged: racing, not just getting there, but going faster and getting there quicker.
The Cannonball Run
Dan Gurney and Brock Yates
Known officially as the Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, the unofficial race was run five times in the 1970s and was the subject of several movies in the following decade. Car and Driver editor Steve Smith and magazine writer and racer Brock Yates devised the event as a celebration of Erwin George “Cannon Ball’ Baker’s previous record setting trips, as well as a protest against the National Maximum Speed Law being enacted in 1974 (which Yates and Smith argued was slower than the average speed of Baker’s 1933 New York City to Los Angeles trek). Yates and Smith were also inspired by various “road movies” of the late 1960s and early 1970s, specifically Monte Hellman’s Two-Lane Blacktop and Richard C. Sarafian’s Vanishing Point (both released in 1971).
Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash vehicle: a 1971 Dodge Custom Sportsman, called “Moon Trash II”
The object of the race was simple: Leave the Red Ball Garage in New York City and be the first person to reach the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach in the shortest time possible. There were no other rules.
The first race began on May 3, 1971, using a 1971 Dodge Custom Sportsman van called the “Moon Trash II.” The race was run four more times over the next few years. In the 1975 running, Jack May and Rick Cline drove a Ferrari Dino in a record time of 35 hours and 53 minutes, averaging 83 mph. The second race was won by American racing legend Dan Gurney (winner of the 1967 24 Hours of Le Mans) in a Ferrari Daytona. Dan later remarked, tongue in cheek: “At no time did we exceed 175 mph.”
After five runs, the official record for the Cannonball was 32 hours and 51 minutes (about 87 mph), set in the final run by Dave Heinz and Dave Yarborough in a Jaguar XJS in April 1979. Over 250 racers participated in the Cannonball Run races in anything from a Travco Motorhome (44:42) and a Honda 600 (DNF) to a Ferrari 308 (35:58) and a Mercedes Benz 450 SEL (32:59).
The race entered mainstream consciousness after a series of movies depicting the Cannonball Run debuted, all featuring illegal coast-to-coast races. Cannonball was directed by Paul Bartel and released in 1976, the same year as Charles Bail’s Gumball Rally, a more accurate depiction of the event. In 1981, Burt Reynolds joined an all-star cast in the movie Cannonball Run, based on the exploits of the original race. Cannonball Run was followed up in 1984 with a less-than-successful sequel. Both movies were written by Yates and directed by fellow car enthusiast and career stuntman Hal Needham. The movie uses the actual ambulance they both drove in the 1979 Cannonball Run (complete with a “doctor”). Speed Zone, considered the final installment of the Cannonball Run series of movies was released in 1989, and has a completely different cast (with the sole exception of Jamie Farr).
At Tire Rack One Lap of America, May 2014, via Tire Rack
After Car and Driver succumbed to the risks of sponsoring an illegal event, the editors chose to abandon any further attempts and started a successor race, the “Tire Rack One Lap of America.” Instead of a coast-to-coast straight shot, racers must compete various time trials on public roads and/or racetracks around the country. Started in 1984, the length of a typical race can be up to 10,000 miles. The 2015 event features 7 days of competition over 3245 miles and begins in South Bend, Indiana on Saturday, May 2nd.
Further Attempts
With the Cannonball Run as its inspiration, one of its former racers, Rick Doherty, organized the U.S. Express with similar aims. The only difference is that the U.S. Express terminated at the beach in Santa Monica, making it slightly longer than the Cannonball Run. The results of the 1983 race broke the previous record, clocking in 32 hours, 7 minutes by David Diem and Doug Turner at the wheel of a Mazda RX-7.
Alexander Roy
Though the U.S. Express record was never official nor was it documented or confirmed, it was still regarded as the record. Alexander Roy is an American rally driver and winner of the very Cannonball-esque Gumball 3000 around-the-world rally from England. A not-too-serious event, Roy regularly attends the rally in various police livery (in 2003 he was dressed as a Canadian Mounted Police driving a 2000 BMW M5). Roy meticulously prepares for rallies with the goal of avoiding police stops by using maps, GPS navigation, and spreadsheets. During the 2004 rally, he impersonated a police officer complete with mounted lights that he used to perform traffic stops against his competitors during the rally.
After hearing about the U.S. Express record from 1983, Roy set out to break its record in 2006. A practice run in December 2005 yielded a finishing time of 34 hours and 46 minutes, and the addition of a spotter plane. The following April ended in a fuel pump failure. The successful run took place over Columbus Day weekend in 2006 with co-driver David Maher (another Gumball rally driver). He traveled 2,794 miles in 31 hours and four minutes with an average speed of 90.1 miles. From New York to Santa Monica, he only encountered four traffic lights and four toll booths.
Dave Black, Ed Bolian, and Dan Huang
A three-man team led by Ed Bolian claims to have driven the 2,813.7 mile route from the Red Ball Garage in New York to the Portofino Inn in Redondo Beach on October 19-20, 2013, in 28 hours and 50 minutes, averaging 98 miles per hour, including the 15 minutes it took to get out of Manhattan. Driving a 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, and stopping only three times for fuel because the car was equipped with two specially installed 22-gallon auxiliary fuel tanks in addition to its standard 23-gallon tank, Bolian offered GPS logs as proof of his accomplishment (read more about it here: Doug DeMuro, “Meet The Guy Who Drove Across The U.S. In A Record 28 Hours 50 Minutes,” Jalopnik, 30 October 2013, Web.)
It is interesting to note that Brock Yates, the original founder of the Cannonball Run doesn’t acknowledge any further attempts, claiming, “Someone was going to get killed.”
Up next: Coast to Coast. The History of Transcontinental Travel, Part 5: The Future of Car Travel
Previous: Coast to Coast. The History of Transcontinental Travel, Part 3: Better Roads, Please
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Years ago, vehicles were equipped with carburetors and required a longer cranking time to start. In many instances this longer cranking time would reveal a weak battery. You could actually hear the cranking power reduced especially in cold weather. When fuel-injected engines became the norm this was not as evident due to the fact that the vehicle starts up quicker.
A sudden change in temperature usually takes a weak battery out. That’s why the day before your vehicle may have started fine, with no warning of a problem. Then an extreme change in the weather (hot or cold) causes the weak battery to die, seemingly without a warning.
Why do batteries fail?
It’s unusual for a battery to malfunction because of a defect, driving habits are the usual cause. Using a lot of vehicle accessories and driving short distances prevents the battery from fully charging. Extended idling with heavy accessory use or driving a short distance only once a week can also reduce battery performance.
(example from General Motors)
When the battery does not have have an opportunity to charge fully, acid stratification occurs. The electrolyte (battery acid) in a stratified battery concentrates on the bottom. It is similar to the way sugar granules collect on the bottom of a cup of coffee before it is stirred. Batteries tend to stratify if kept at low charge (below 80%) and don’t get the opportunity to receive a full charge. For example, short distance driving while running windshield wipers and electric heaters contributes to acid stratification. Acid stratification reduces the overall performance and life of the battery.
How to protect the battery
Check your battery every two years and keep the connections clean. Also clean the area around the battery hold down. Usually if a battery is super corroded the terminals leads are no longer airtight. If you clean your battery terminals and cables and the corrosion returns, replace the battery. If your battery is four years old and corroded, replace the battery.
Batteries can cause all kinds of crazy problems; the vehicle’s electrical system has to be 100%. I have seen people replace parts on vehicles when the only thing wrong was a weak battery.
Just recently I checked a friend’s car and found a dead battery. I explained the battery read 12.5v but would not start the vehicle. He came back and told us the battery was okay. I asked the gentleman if he load tested it. He had not, but when he did he came back with a new battery.
Batteries can be difficult to diagnose, if your battery is more than three years old, my suggestion is to replace it. If you are seeing excessive corrosion and have had problems don’t fool around with an old battery. Have it checked out.
Battery Basics
Typical automotive batteries are made of five basic components:
Battery cutaway images courtesy of Battery Council International
Keep your vehicle running smoothly with maintenance schedules, service and repair information, Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls at: ChiltonDIY.com and ChiltonPRO.com.
The fuel filter may be part of the in-tank fuel pump.
Fuel: your automobile runs on it, obviously, but it’s not the only thing that gets into your car. Contaminants, dirt, and the odd thing make their way into your fuel, which goes all throughout the car.
If there’s no fuel getting to your engine, the vehicle won’t go. So how do you prevent this problem? Read on.
The fuel filter will collect all manner of contaminants. Remember how you get your gas from the gas station? Well that gas is also stored in giant tanks underground. These tanks corrode and get dirty‚ just like your gas tank can. Dirt, rust, and other contaminants go from the gas station;s tank to your vehicle’s, and it’s the fuel filter’s job to prevent that stuff from reaching your fuel injection system and engine.
You can tell that you may need a new fuel filter by looking for a few basic signs. When you hit the gas, your vehicle does one of the following:
When your fuel filter gets clogged, not enough gas gets to your engine, which causes a loss of power, or could even result in a vehicle stall.
In addition, your vehicle may be underperforming because the fuel filter is getting dirty or clogged without showing obvious signs of distress. For older vehicles, manufacturers may recommend changing your fuel filter every 12,000 miles, but that number may varies widely. Depending on your environment and driving habits, you may have to change your filter sooner than the recommended interval. Some are designed for extended service and there is no maintenance interval for fuel filter replacement. Check your Chilton subscription for maintenance intervals as well as tests, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and technical service bulletins.
Some fuel filters are inline, rather than integrated with the fuel pump.
You can also remove your fuel filter to see how it looks. You’ll need a few tools like wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and pliers‚ although, again, your specific needs will vary based on your vehicle. Fuel filters are attached to the fuel line in various ways. Check your Chilton subscription for instructions for your vehicle.
Filters are fairly inexpensive, starting at around $15, and some cost much more than that. Consult your owner’s manual for information about the specific fuel filter you need.
When you remove the fuel filter, you’ll see what sort of fuel spills out. Gasoline should be relatively clear, with a bluish hue. If the fuel in the filter is brown or more opaque, that’s a sure sign you should change it.
If you’re handy, changing your fuel filter is an easy, inexpensive project to do at home. It usually requires few tools and only a little time. Consult your Chilton subscription for the fuel filter maintenance interval and fuel filter replacement procedure.
Draining and refilling the coolant is one of the easier maintenance tasks you can do on most vehicles. In addition to saving money, doing your own maintenance is a way to monitor the health of your vehicle.
Coolant loses effectiveness over time, so it’s important to periodically drain and refill the cooling system. In addition, as coolant becomes dirty, and rust and particles can eventually degrade cooling system components, such as the engine and water pump.
If you drain the system and then pour coolant in, there is still air trapped within the hoses and components that hold coolant. That air must be removed. You’ll need to bleed out the air and then top off the coolant to the proper level.
Some car manufacturer refill procedures use a special tool that automatically fills the cooling system and bleeds any excess air. In most cases, if you don’t have the special tool, you can still fill the cooling system and bleed it manually. In rare cases, vehicles need to be serviced with specialized cooling system equipment, due to the complexity of the cooling system. Air will become trapped in the cooling system, and cause the engine to overheat! Check the service information before you attempt the procedure.
Research the vehicle’s cooling system.
Caution
Do not work on the coolant system when the system is hot and under pressure: Coolant can cause serious burns. Do not remove the radiator cap, cylinder block drain plugs, or loosen the radiator draincock, when the engine is hot.
1. Tighten the radiator draincock.
Tighten the radiator draincock. 2010 Chevrolet HHR shown. Image: General Motors
2. Tighten the cylinder block drain plug(s).
Tighten the engine block drain plug. 2010 Chevrolet HRR shown. Image: General Motors.
3. Fill the cooling system with the manufacturer-specified antifreeze. You can find the correct specification in your Chilton DIY subscription or in your owner’s manual. Because specifications change occasionally, such as with new technology, it’s a good idea to check the technical service bulletins in your ChiltonDIY subscription too.
4. Fill the radiator to the top and install the radiator cap. Add sufficient coolant to the overflow tank to raise the level to the FULL mark. Check your Chilton DIY specifications or the owner’s manual for the coolant amount including the overflow tank.
Fill the radiator to the top and install the radiator cap. 2010 Chevrolet HHR shown. Image: General Motors.
5. Run the engine with both the radiator cap and reservoir/overflow tank cap in place. Turn on the heat with the blower on high. When the engine reaches normal operating temperature, shut the engine off and allow it to cool.
6. Top off the coolant level to the reserve/overflow tank as necessary to bring it to the FULL mark. Only add coolant when the engine is cold. The coolant level in a warm engine will be higher due to thermal expansion – that is, hot coolant expands and so the coolant level will appear to be higher.
7. Repeat the procedure and recheck the cooling system level.
By Jim Marotta
At 100 horsepower per liter, GM’s newer turbocharged 1.4L has the power of a larger engine but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions. Courtesy GM
A naturally aspirated automobile engine uses the downward stroke of a piston to create an area of low pressure in order to draw air into the cylinder through the intake valves. Because the pressure in the atmosphere is no more than 14.7 psi, there is a limit to the amount of airflow entering the combustion chamber.
A turbocharged engine uses a radial fan pump driven by the engine’s exhaust that consists of a turbine and a compressor on a shared shaft. The turbine converts exhaust gases exiting the engine into rotational force, which is used to drive a compressor which draws in ambient air and pumps it at high pressure into the intake manifold to improve the engine’s volumetric efficiency. This results in a greater mass of air entering the cylinders on each intake stroke.
There are four main components to a turbocharger: the housing, the impeller/turbine wheels, the center hub and the bypass.
The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine affect performance, response, and efficiency. Courtesy Borg-Warner
The size and shape of the housings fitted around the impeller and turbine dictate the performance characteristics of the overall turbocharger. This allows the designer of the engine system to tailor the compromises between performance, response, and efficiency to application or preference.
The impeller and turbine wheel sizes also dictate the amount of air or exhaust that can be flowed through the system. Generally, the larger the turbine and compressor wheels, the larger the flow capacity. The shape, curvature and number of blades on the wheels allow infinite variability in design to tailor a turbocharger to a given engine.
Water-cooled bearings, such as the one shown, allow engine coolant to keep the lubricating oil cooler, avoiding possible oil coking from the extreme heat found in the turbine. Courtesy Borg-Warner
The center hub connects the compressor impeller and turbine and uses a bearing lubricated by a constant supply of pressurized engine oil. While the engine oil cools some systems, the preferred method is to use engine coolant to keep the lubricating oil cooler, avoiding possible oil coking from the extreme heat found in the turbine.
Turbos use a bypass or wastegate to prevent over-pressurizing the system. At a specific boost pressure, a bypass feeds part of the exhaust gas flow around the turbine. The wastegate which opens or closes the bypass is usually operated by a spring-loaded diaphragm in response to the boost pressure.
There are several tips to maintaining and servicing turbochargers:
Planning to service or repair your vehicle? Chilton can help! Access procedures, specifications, tips, and more at http://www.ChiltonDIY.com/.
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A muscle car enthusiast and drag racer, Jim Marotta is a freelance automotive writer with more than 20 years experience in the automotive industry. |
Undoubtedly, the transcontinental record posted last year will not stand for long, as there are probably teams of people right now plotting their strategy to traverse the country in less time. They will certainly achieve this with new routes, higher speeds, and/or better luck. Throughout the history of transcontinental travel, the limitations on closing the time gap was technology and the infrastructure: Wagons, trains, motorcycles, and cars traveled across everything from the barren wastelands of the Southwest to pristine asphalt freshly laid west.
The very nature of the automobile and railroad industry may change the environment of future attempts, as technology and the imagination of engineers and scientists endeavor to create safe, faster, and better travel. Autonomous vehicles, magnetic levitating (Maglev) bullet trains, and commercial airplanes complete with auto pilot, are the future. Imagine riding in a car that is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input; what’s more, imagine being surrounded by like vehicles. Perhaps the highways of the near future will be dominated by such cars and trucks that can run at high speeds for long durations in close formations, hampered neither by traffic, speed laws, or fuel constraints.
2016 Mercedes S Class autonomous features
For example, the 2016 Mercedes S-Class has options for autonomous steering, lane maintaining functions, acceleration/braking, parking, accident avoidance, and driver fatigue detection, in both city traffic and highway speeds of up to 124 mph. With adaptive cruise control (monitors distances to adjacent vehicles in the same lane, adjusting the speed with the flow of traffic) it has the earmarks of a completely autonomous vehicle.
Google’s self-driving car project
Not to be outdone by Mercedes, Audi and BMW have done extensive research on self-driving cars, but nothing like what Google has been working on. Sebastian Thrun is head of Google’s Self-Driving Car project at Google X (its experimental branch). Working on legislation passed in four states and Washington D.C. to allow driverless cars, Thrun’s team, along with Toyota, modified a Prius with driverless technology. In May 2012, it was the first such car to obtain a license for an autonomous car.
By 2020, Google plans to offer its version of a driverless car (it has no pedals nor a steering wheel) to the public. As of September 2015, Google’s fleet of experimental prototypes have traveled nearly 1.3 million miles of public roads (with only 14 minor traffic accidents).
Highways of the Future
Smart Highway by Daan Roosegaarde
Imagine a highway not dotted with road signs or streetlights, but brightly lit and well annotated. The lines on the road itself glows, and the road signs appear on a monitor inside the cabin of your car (or not at all; the car’s computer knows where it is and where it is going so you don’t have to). Sounds a little far fetched, but right now there are about three miles of Highway N329 outside of Amsterdam that use glowing green paint to mark the lanes. Developed by Daan Roosegaarde, the paint glows indefinitely, and he has big ideas to make it able to change colors depending on road conditions.
Solar Roadways
In Sandpoint, Idaho, Solar Roadways, owned by Scott and Julie Brusaw, has developed interconnected road panels to form a “smart” highway. Harnessing the power everywhere there are roads, can power lights, signs, and even electric cars using the roads themselves. In addition to the potential to power nearby homes, businesses, and electric vehicles, the panels also have heating elements for convenient snow and ice removal, as well as LEDs that can make road signage.
Take the Train
Japan’s high speed rail line
For years, countries like Japan and England/France have utilized high-speed rail in their countries. Japan’s Shinkansen line is the world’s busiest high-speed line, carrying nearly 151 million passengers a year between Tokyo and Osaka, while China’s high-speed system ferries over 370 million annually. Though they travel at approximately 150mph, this is by conventional railway trains (steel rails and a wheeled trains), but the future is Maglev train systems that travel on superconducting magnets that not only drive the train forward at incredible speeds but keep it planted on the tracks. In 2009, the Maglev Technological Practicality Evaluation Committee under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism deemed the SCMaglev system ready for commercial operation. In 2003, the Maglev train with three passenger cars (unoccupied) set the land speed record for railed vehicles at 361.0 mph. Completed systems will be online by 2027 in Japan, and at that rate, one could travel from New York to Los Angeles in 6.7 hours.
Beyond the Wheel
With cars communicating with each other along the highways, dangers ahead can be shared among the cars on the road. The speeds can increase, the distance between cars can decrease, and accidents can become nearly a thing of the past. As many automakers have shown, a computer is much quicker than any human in detecting a situation, deciding on what course of action to take, and taking that action. A deer crossing the road can be detected by a computer in pitch black darkness hundreds of feet away and a solution formatted long before the deer knows there’s a car approaching.
Production cars today are capable of sub-200 mph speeds; now imagine those speeds with the confidence of a well-engineered road and a computer at the helm, the time it would take to travel from New York to Los Angeles would be just over 12 hours.
The Transcontinental Record?
It is hard to say what the future holds, but one thing is clear: As long as there is a record on the books, someone, somewhere will try to break it. After all, when the first person set foot on this continent, negotiating a path to the other side was made impossible only by his or her own limitations.
The quickest way from the East to the West Coast was via Clipper ship around The Horn, taking about 150 days. By land, that time was nearly six months. Today, it is five hours by plane and, now, only 28 hours by car.
What will the record be in another 10 years? Twenty? And will it have been made by a human driving a car or a car driving the human? If it is the latter, will it still be a record?
Whether it’s coast to coast or just around town, count on Chilton for vital data to keep your vehicle in top shape. Access your ChiltonDIY subscription for service and repair information, troubleshooting, and full-text technical service bulletins (TSBs) and Recalls.
Most of us have experienced driving in cold weather and our share of breakdowns. Usually a breakdown is due to the neglect of our vehicle; I’m just as guilty as the next guy. We’re busy people! Things we neglect that can cause us to have problems, especially in the winter months:
• Battery
• Antifreeze
• Engine oil
• Window washer fluid
• Wiper blades
• Tires
Here are 6 simple things we can do to help save us from a winter breakdown:
1. Load test the battery. Check and clean the battery connections.
2. Check the condition, strength, and level of the antifreeze. Replace if needed.
Antifreeze concentration test.
3. Check the engine oil condition and level. Replace the engine oil and filter if needed.
Engine oil dipstick location on a Dodge truck.
Checking the level of the engine oil on the dipstick.
4. Refill the window washer bottle and check the spray operation.
Windshield washer bottle.
5. Inspect and replace the wiper blades as needed.
Check the condition of the windshield wiper blades.
6. Inspect the tires for tread wear and pressure; rotate if needed.
Check the tread of the tires for wear.
Check the tire pressure.
Refer to Chilton’s online repair manuals to help keep your vehicle in top shape. Check out ChiltonDIY for repair procedures, maintenance intervals, wiring diagrams, technical service bulletins, Recalls, and more.
For newer vehicles, particularly German makes, manufacturers are increasingly ditching the transmission dipstick in favor of electronic oil level monitoring. Others may employ a fluid level plug hole on the bottom of the pan.
2013 Ford Fusion transmission oil leveling plug hole. (Courtesy Ford Motor Co.)
In other cases, such as the 2009 Suzuki Equator, the transmission oil dipstick exists but it’s not easy to find! First, it is not a traditional dipstick, sticking out where you can see it. It is a plug with a mounting bolt — you’d never know it is there. Often the owner’s manual will show the location of the dipstick, if one exists.
Today’s vehicles have longer maintenance intervals, and the emphasis is on keeping the system sealed to avoid the damage that debris, the wrong oil, and even air and moisture can wreak. In exchange, with electronic oil level monitoring, issues may arise when varnishing reduces the effectiveness of an in-sump sensor, for example.
1. Use the correct fluid – Non-recommended fluids can cause erratic shifts, slippage, abnormal wear, and eventual failure, due to fluid breakdown and sludge formation.
2. Cleanliness – Wipe the dipstick cap and fill tube clean before checking fluid level. Dirt, grease, and other foreign material on the cap and tube could fall into the tube, if not removed beforehand. Use a clean funnel when adding fluid.
3. Incorrect fluid level – A low fluid level allows the pump to take in air along with the fluid. Air in the fluid will cause fluid pressures to be low and develop slower than normal. If the transmission is overfilled, the gears churn the fluid into foam. This aerates the fluid and causes the same conditions occurring with a low level. In either case, air bubbles cause fluid overheating, oxidation, and varnish buildup which interferes with valve and clutch operation. Foaming also causes fluid expansion which can result in fluid overflow from the transmission vent or fill tube. Fluid overflow can easily be mistaken for a leak if inspection is not careful. (via Chrysler)
4. Transmission fluid additives, treatments or cleaning agents – may affect transmission operation and can result in damage to internal transmission components.
5. When to check – Your transmission is not designed to consume fluid. However, check the fluid level if the transmission is not working properly, (eg, if the transmission slips or shifts slowly) or if you notice some sign of fluid leakage.
Planning to service or repair your vehicle? Chilton can help! Access procedures, specifications, tips, and more at ChiltonDIY.com.
Modern cars are loaded with technology, and there’s no end to what’s available. For example, state-of-the-art sensors facilitate active safety features that can help make you a more attentive driver, and onboard computers deliver infotainment technology that includes everything from satellite radio to mobile Wi-Fi hot spots. Still, the one thing that always has been … Continue reading 5 Easy Ways to Extend the Life of Your Car’s Engine →
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For many people, the most important reason for buying a used car instead of a new one has to do with money. You also have to factor in a certain amount of cash for routine maintenance and repairs, whether it’s for fixing up a used car once you purchase it or for keeping your car … Continue reading Easy Used Car Maintenance Anyone Can Do →
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Hurricane Harvey has left a trail of destruction across southeast Texas and the damage is not yet done. People have lost their lives, some remain missing, and tens of thousands of Houstonians are without a home. The recovery process will be long, with insurance losses expected to top $20 billion, according to Reuters. As you … Continue reading My Car Was Flooded by Hurricane Harvey, What Should I Do? →
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A twice-annual vehicle maintenance inspection can go a long way toward helping you avoid a breakdown and the costly repairs that can come with it. While spring car care will carry you through the summer, fall car care is your best bet if you want to keep your vehicle running through the winter. The following … Continue reading Tackle These 9 Car-Care Essentials Before Winter →
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If you like to enjoy a morning cup of coffee in the car as you drive to work, start your errands or drop the kids off at school, you’re not alone. But, because we’re all human, this multitasking can sometimes lead to coffee spills on the carpets.
Don’t worry! This step-by-step guide can help you clean those stains right up. But, as Autoblog.com indicates, the method varies based on whether you drink your coffee with milk or not.
Note: Do not attempt to clean up any spills while driving. Wait until you have stopped your car to perform the steps below.
Soak up as much of the spill as possible, as soon as possible, using a towel and pressure from the palm of your hand or fist. This may help keep the spill from spreading, says Autoblog.com
If your coffee was black, or contained no milk, Autoblog.com suggests mixing a solution of 1/3 white vinegar to 2/3 water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the stain and blot again with a clean towel.
If you drink your coffee with milk, you’ll need to complete an extra step in this process. Prior to applying the vinegar mixture to the stain, you should first use a spray bottle to apply a mixture of a teaspoon of enzyme detergent and a cup of water, says Autoblog.com. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, using a towel, blot up the spot and use a light brush agitation if needed. This extra step helps to break up the protein stain from the milk, according to the site.
Let the vinegar mixture soak for a few minutes.
Lightly rinse with cold water.
Using a new towel, blot the area again until it is dry.
Originally published on July 7, 2016.
The post Quick Fix: Clean Coffee Stains Out of Your Car Mats appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
A car wash can keep your vehicle looking clean, and regular washings can also help maintain its finish, says Consumer Reports. But how do you decide what type of car wash to use?
If you’re unable or uninterested in washing your car at home, you may have options when it comes to choosing a car wash facility. Here’s a look at some of the features commonly found at different types of car washes.
If you like to wash your car by hand but can’t do so at home or like to take advantage of professional tools and supplies, a self-service car wash may be a good option.
At a self-service car wash, you typically pay a fee to use the facility’s water and brushes to clean your own car. Some places provide towels for drying the vehicle, but you can also choose to bring your own.
To help your car look its best, try to avoid washing it after it’s been running for a while or parked in direct sunlight, Consumer Reports suggests. That’s because the heat from your car may cause soap and water to quickly dry and result in spots. Washing and rinsing one section at a time may also help prevent soap from drying on your car.
If you want the attention to detail only a human being can provide, but you don’t want to do it yourself, a hand-wash service may be the right choice for you.
A hand wash car service provides employees who wash your car with soap and water by hand. Next, the vehicle is rinsed before it’s dried with towels. Some facilities also offer interior vacuuming and detailing, Angie’s List says.
An automatic car wash may be a good choice if you want your vehicle cleaned in just minutes. This type of car wash typically uses a conveyor system to take your car through a machine-run cleaning and drying process. Traditional washes use brushes to remove dirt and grime, while some facilities feature touch-free methods that clean cars using only soap, water and air. Touch-free car washes may be safer, Autoblog.com says, because there’s less risk of cosmetic damage to your car when brushes aren’t used.
Automatic car washes often offer options at a range of prices, which may include upgrades such as undercarriage cleaning, tire and wheel cleaning and spray-on wax.
Keep an eye out for any warning signs posted at the car wash entrance — they often suggest removing exterior items, such as antennae, to help avoid damage. If you have a pickup truck with an exposed bed, make sure the bed is empty before entering the car wash.
Some automatic washes have employees who towel-dry the cars. Angie’s List suggests that you consider letting your car air dry instead, to help avoid potential scratches from towels that have been used on multiple vehicles.
If you’re still not sure what type of car wash is right for you, consider asking your mechanic or neighbors for suggestions. You can also check the Better Business Bureau’s rating of local car wash facilities.
Regular car washes may help prevent rust and corrosion, Angie’s List says. Once you’ve chosen the type of car wash that fits your needs, you can hit the road knowing that you’ve taken steps to help protect your vehicle and make it look its best.
Originally published on June 10, 2014.
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Whether you’re driving across town or the country, a flat tire can bring your travel plans to a sudden halt. You may be able to help prevent flat or blown out tires with some preventative maintenance and precautionary steps. Here’s a look at some ways to keep your tires inflated.
It’s important to make sure your car’s tires are properly inflated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggests using a tire pressure gauge to check each tire, including the spare, at least monthly. Look for the label on the doorjamb or edge of the door on the driver’s side, or consult your car’s manual, to find the recommended tire pressure. Do this when your car hasn’t been driven for a few hours, as tire pressure readings can fluctuate when tires are warm.
If your car has a tire pressure monitoring system, don’t wait for the warning light to come on before adding air to your tires, the NHTSA says, because that generally happens when a tire is already significantly underinflated. Don’t rely on visual inspections, either, says the National Safety Council. Tires have typically lost half of their air before they begin to look flat.
In addition to helping prevent your tires from going flat, proper tire pressure may also play a role in your car’s fuel efficiency and extend your tires’ lifespan, the NHTSA says.
Having your tires rotated regularly may help avoid uneven wear patterns and prolong the life of your tires, the NHTSA says. Check your owner’s manual to see how often your tires should be rotated. Recommendations often range from every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, according to Edmunds.
Whether you rotate your own tires or go to a mechanic, this is also a good opportunity to inspect the treads and sidewalls for damage and ensure each tire is properly inflated, says U.S. News and World Report.
Though sometimes it’s unavoidable, try to take alternate routes if you know you’ll be driving near active construction zones or roads that are not well maintained. Sharp rocks, nails, metal shards, glass and potholes can all cause punctures and flat tires. Hitting a pothole may result in a damage to your tires, wheels and other parts of the car, the Insurance Information Institute says.
If you notice a tire has cracks or bulges, they may be the result of hitting things like potholes or debris on the road, Popular Mechanics says. Tires may be more susceptible to damage if they are underinflated when the impact occurs. Tires with bulges or cracks should be replaced.
Take another look at the label that lists your tire’s recommended tire pressure. It also indicates the maximum weight your vehicle should carry. Keep this number in mind when filling your vehicle, Popular Mechanics suggests, because an overloaded vehicle may ruin your tires.
If you’re transporting a heavy load, you may want to increase your tire pressure to help ensure your vehicle can support the weight of your car, Popular Mechanics says. Look at the sides of your tires to learn how much weight your tires can carry if the tires are inflated to the maximum pressure, which is also marked on each tire.
Tires may also pose potential hazards due to circumstances beyond your control. It’s a good idea to be aware of any manufacturer recalls related to your vehicle and tires.
The NHTSA provides a tool for checking whether there are recalls for the brand and model of your tires. You can also register to receive emails about recalls involving your vehicle.
While there is no guarantee you won’t encounter a flat tire at some point, there are some steps you can take to help prevent one. By remembering some basic tire maintenance, you can hit the road with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve taken steps to help avoid an unexpected flat.
Originally published on June 11, 2011.
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If your vehicle’s windshield gets chipped or cracked, should you repair or replace it? Regardless of where you live, your windshield may take a beating. There could be pea gravel falling from uncovered construction trucks, sanitation vehicles laying down salt and sand when the weather calls for it and the occasional chunk of unknown debris kicked up by cars passing by.
I once had a pigeon fatally misjudge the 18-wheeler I was following under an overpass and fall onto my windshield. I thought my whole windshield was going to come down on me. It’s amazing that windshields survive as long as they do.
No matter the cause, it’s important to repair or replace your windshield after it has been damaged to help ensure it doesn’t get worse. Whether you need to fix a small ding or replace the whole windshield, here’s what you need to know about a damaged windshield
The good news is that smaller chips and cracks can usually be repaired by a professional for a reasonable fee, according to Edmunds. If the chip or crack can be covered by a dollar bill, Safelite Auto Glass says it’s typically safe to repair.
However, if the chip is directly in the driver’s line of sight, there are more than three cracks or chips on the glass, the damage is at the edge of the windshield or the windshield is old and covered with tiny divots, it should be replaced rather than repaired, says Safelite. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the windshield serves as an important structural part in many vehicles that contributes to the overall strength of the car — this is why it’s important to repair cracks before they grow and your windshield must be completely replaced.
The repair process works by injecting a special resin into the chipped area. For cracks, holes may be drilled at the ends of the crack to help prevent it from spreading. Windshields are made of three layers: A layer of resin or polymer is sandwiched between two layers of glass, says Popular Mechanics. Drilling to, but not through, the plastic takes an experienced hand.
If your windshield can be repaired, do it immediately. A small chip can spread across the windshield if you hit a big pothole, drive on a bumpy road or make an aggressive turn, says Glass.com. And, most states make it illegal to drive a car with a cracked windshield, says the Insurance Information Institute. If you’re on the road away from home, a repair company can typically come to you.
If you’re comfortable doing so, you can attempt to repair the chip or crack yourself. There are many do-it-yourself repair kits available at auto parts stores, and they often replicate the resin injection technique of the professionals. The difference, of course, is the quality of the tools and materials as well as the training and expertise of the person administering the repair. Because these kits may not perfectly replicate a professional repair, you might want to consider using them on chips that are located in an inconspicuous area, like the bottom right corner of the passenger side.
Remember, a key function of the repair is to help prevent the crack or chip from expanding or spreading, and also to help restore some of the structural integrity of the glass. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the DIY repair process, consider hiring a professional.
The takeaway: Repair if possible and logical. Replace if you must. And consider using a professional for best results.
Originally published on May 29, 2016.
The post Chips and Cracks: When to Repair or Replace a Damaged Windshield appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
When autumn begins, it’s important to remember that deer become more active as they get ready for mating season — which can mean a greater risk of deer-related accidents while driving. It’s important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings to help you avoid this risk. Here are a few safe driving tips to keep in mind while on the road.
According to the University of Illinois Extension (U of I Extension), the majority of vehicle accidents involving a deer occur from October through December, when deer activity is at its peak. It’s important to pay close attention to what’s around you — including deer crossing signs, as they can help you identify areas known to have a high deer population. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommends slowing down and increasing distance between your vehicle and other cars when you see those signs. The extra room may give you more time to react if a deer crosses the road in front of you.
Deer typically travel in groups, says the Insurance Information Institute (III), so if you cross paths with one deer, keep your eyes open for others. The U of I Extension advises that you should not swerve to avoid hitting a deer, even though it can be a common instinct, as it could cause you to lose control of your car and result in a more serious accident.
According to DeerCrash.org, deer tend to be most active at dawn and dusk. Since visibility is lower during these times, reduce your speed at night and use high-beam headlights for a better view — but make sure to tone them down when oncoming traffic approaches so you don’t reduce the visibility of other drivers. The brighter light can also help a deer’s eyes stand out, says the III, helping you spot a deer from further away. This may give you more time to slow down and safely pass the deer.
When deer are on the move, being able to see them from as far away as possible is important. To help ensure clear visibility, DeerCrash.org recommends keeping your windshield clean. You may also want to check your headlights regularly to be sure they are clean and in good working condition. While you’re at it, make sure your tail lights are clean and working as well — the U of I Extension states that if you see a deer on the road, tapping your brakes can help alert other drivers behind you of its presence.
Like all animals, deer can be unpredictable. While you can take many steps to improve your safety, sometimes accidents happen. If you do hit a deer, DeerCrash.org recommends coming to a stop on the side of the road and turning on your hazard lights. Once you’ve come to a stop, remain in your vehicle and report the accident to the local police department. The III states that you should not attempt to touch the animal, as a scared or wounded deer could cause further harm to itself — or even you.
Though deer season peaks from October through December, remember that a deer could run on or near roadways at any time of the year. Practice safe driving at all times and remember these few extra precautions to help get you through this time of year accident-free.
Originally published on November 17, 2011.
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Does your car still smell like that fast food you picked up a few days ago? Is the aroma of your kid’s hockey gear still lingering after being carted around all season? Unwanted odors can turn any car trip into an unpleasant experience, but there may be easy ways to get rid of them. Try these three quick fixes to freshen up your ride.
Baking soda can help to neutralize odors, according to Consumer Reports:
Step 1: Pour baking soda into a mason jar.
Step 2: Put the open jar into one of your car’s cupholders. Let it sit overnight or as long as it takes to remove odors. To help prevent spilling, be sure to remove the jar from your car or put the lid on before driving.
Coffee beans can also help absorb unpleasant smell. Thrillist recommends this approach:
Step 1: Gather a clean sock you no longer wear, some whole coffee beans, a piece of twine or string and a funnel.
Step 2: Pour the coffee beans through the funnel into the sock.
Step 3: Once the sock is full, tie the end closed.
Step 4: Place under your passenger seat until the odor is gone. Be sure it’s not blocking an air vent, speaker, heating element, motor or any other object.
Here’s how to transform a simple clothespin into an air freshener, as suggested by Simple Life Mom:
Step 1: Gather a wooden clothespin and a small bottle of essential oil, in whatever scent you prefer.
Step 2: Apply 5 to 10 drops of the essential oil to the clothespin.
Step 3: Clip the clothespin into an air vent in your car. Depending on the essential oil, how often you drive your car and how much air is blowing, the scent may last a few days or longer. You can add a few more drops of essential oil to the clothespin when the scent has faded.
The post Quick Fix: 3 DIY Car Air Fresheners appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
As the temperatures drop, you know winter is on its way — or maybe it has already arrived. While cold temperatures, ice, snow and slush often come along with this chilly season, it doesn’t mean your car has to be in the deep freeze until the spring thaw. Consider these tips for helping prepare your vehicle for the cold and handling the inclement weather once it hits.
No matter the weather, regular vehicle maintenance is always a good idea. But extreme temperature changes can affect your car, so it’s especially important to make sure your car is in working order before winter arrives. From basic tasks to those that you may want a mechanic to handle, these are a few maintenance items to address before winter.
Start by popping the hood to check the wiper fluid level. Car Talk recommends keeping the level on on your windshield washer reservoir full during the cold months. A full reservoir means you can keep your windshield clear, even on the snowiest day. If you live in an area where temperatures get extremely low, you may need deicer or concentrate for your windshield wiper fluid, Car Talk says.
You may also need to switch to a winter-grade oil, according to Popular Mechanics. That’s because oil’s viscosity is affected by cold temperatures. Your engine’s oil becomes thinner as the temperature rises, so in warmer climates, a thicker, higher-viscosity oil will help keep your engine properly lubricated. For the same reason, heavier oils aren’t as effective in cold, blustery conditions. Check the owner’s manual to be sure you’re choosing the right kind. If you have questions or are not comfortable tackling this yourself, talk to your mechanic.
While you’re checking your fluids, it doesn’t hurt to inspect some other odds and ends under the hood that may fail in extreme conditions. For example, seasonal changes are a good time for you or a mechanic to make sure your cooling system is in working order, ensure your battery is charged and to look at your vehicle’s hoses to make sure that the rubber is in good shape, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
As the temperature falls, so does the air pressure in your tires. Tires can lose pressure at a rate of about one pound per 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature, according to Car Talk. Low tire pressure can dangerously affect your car’s handling, so it’s important to keep your tires properly inflated.
If you’re in an area with particularly severe winter weather, Car Talk recommends considering a set of snow tires, which are made specifically for snowy and icy surfaces.
Check the outside of your car to ensure headlights are in working order: Car Talk recommends cleaning the lenses of your exterior lights and replacing any burnt-out bulbs.
You’ll also want to make sure the windshield wipers are in working condition, says the NHTSA. Windshield wipers are constantly subjected to the elements, so it’s important to replace worn or dried-out wiper blades regularly to maintain visibility, especially if a snowstorm is headed your way.
If there’s a chance the car doors may freeze in your climate, you can help prevent that from happening that with some cooking spray. This can be helpful if you need to keep your car outdoors for an extended time, a storm is coming or if temperatures frequently go below freezing in your area.
In addition to the emergency road kit you should already have in your car, consider having a special winter emergency kit or adding items that can be helpful in cold or snowy weather. Some of the winter items you may want to consider having in your kit include a shovel, gloves, boots, an ice scraper and sand or kitty litter (for traction on slippery roads).
Winter weather may present some different driving hazards, and the cold can also affect your vehicle. With some preparation and preventive maintenance, though, you and your vehicle can be ready to handle the colder months.
The post How to Prepare Your Car for Winter Weather appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
When winter hits, so do a variety of weather challenges — from heavy snow and ice to below-zero temperatures. What do these conditions mean for your daily drive? According to the National Weather Service, icy roads can lead to an increase in traffic accidents. To help stay safe on the roads, brush up on your winter car driving know-how with these safety tips.
It’s always better to be prepared for a roadside situation, just in case. Keep a winter emergency kit in your car that contains necessities such as a snow shovel and brush, warning flares and reflective triangles, a bag of kitty litter or sand for traction, extra clothes, gloves, hand warmers, hats and thermal blankets, says the Colorado Department of Transportation. According to U.S. News and World Report, you’ll also want to be sure it’s well stocked with first-aid essentials and nonperishable high-energy food items, like jerky, nuts, energy bars and water. Put it all in a plastic container and stash it in your trunk.
As temperatures drop, so does the pressure in your tires, says the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Your tires are your main connection to the road, so you want to be sure they are inflated properly and often (check your pressure at least once a month), adds the NHSTA. Look for your vehicle’s correct tire pressure on the tag within the driver’s-side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual. Depending on the conditions in your area, you may want to swap into winter tires. If not, ensure you have a safe tread depth for road conditions.
To see if it’s about time for new tires, take the “penny test.” Simply, hold it between your thumb and forefinger so that Lincoln’s head is showing. Place the top of Lincoln’s head pointing down into one of the grooves of the tire’s tread. If any part of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tread, you have a safe amount of tread, according to Bridgestone Tire. If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace your tire because the tread is no longer deep enough.
Slick surfaces typically require a longer stopping distance, so keep a greater-than-usual distance between your car and other vehicles when roads are snowy and icy, according to the NHTSA. Having this distance may give you ample time to respond to road and weather hazards. Practice gentle acceleration and braking to maintain consistent traction. If your wheels begin to spin, release the accelerator until traction returns. If you find yourself in a skid, Edmunds advises letting up on the gas and steering in the direction you want the front of your car to go. Experts warn that you should not hit the gas or the brake until you have control of your car again. And, remember to breathe and stay as calm as possible.
Your engine’s oil thickens as temperatures drop. The thicker the oil, the more power your car battery requires, according to NHTSA. This can be particularly challenging for batteries three years old or older, says Angie’s List. If you know your battery is older than three years, you may want to replace it. If you don’t remember the year it was purchased, you can check your battery’s age by looking at its case. Some brands use a numeric date, while others use a code with a letter for the month and a number for the year. So “A6” would mean “January 2016” while “H5” would mean “August 2015.” Peek under the hood to be sure your battery is ready for the challenge of winter.
Looking to get a new car before winter? You may want to consider some with the latest safety features. Most automakers offer electronic traction and stability control systems that work along with the car’s anti-lock braking system to help assist drivers in icy road conditions. These safety systems help a driver maintain control in curves and turns — especially in snowy or slippery conditions — by detecting when the vehicle begins to slip and reducing the throttle and applying the brakes to individual wheels to help correct the vehicle’s orientation, according to Edmunds.
When Jack Frost blows into town, snow and ice are inevitable, but being prepared for treacherous roads can help you to know what to anticipate. Keep these tips in your mental glove box to help make the most of a snowy, slippery situation.
Allstate Motor Club’s Car Buying Service is a free program designed to help you save time and money when purchasing your next vehicle.
Originally published on November 3, 2016.
The post Driving Safely All Winter Long appeared first on The Allstate Blog.
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