Who decides where your car is fixed?

Who decides which type of replacement parts will be used on your car?

According to the Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Bill of Rights, you have the right to make these choices.

It pays to be aware of your rights. Here is a link to the Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Bill of Rights for Personal Automobile Insurance.

1. Accelerate with care and avoid the quick stop and go
   Being first off the line doesn’t win you any trophies in day-to-day driving. Moderately accelerate and look ahead for potential slowdowns. Jack-rabbit stops and starts waste fuel and can cause fender benders.
2. Slow down
   Simply reduce your speed. The faster you drive the worse your MPGs. Try driving the speed limit, it won’t take much longer to get to your destination and you’ll save lots of gas.
3. Check your tire pressure
   Under-inflated tires are a common cause for poor gas mileage. Tires lose air over time, so refer to your owner’s manual for the proper tire pressure and invest in good tire pressure gauge.
4. Check your air filter
   Dirty air filters restrict air flow to the engine, which harms performance and economy. You should have your air filter checked on every oil change.
5. Clean out your car
   Get rid of that extra stuff in your trunk. The more weight you carry around the more fuel it takes to get where you’re going.

Check out our main website for more auto mechanic repair and auto body repair tips and advice.

Here’s list of things to keep in mind:

• Remain calm
• Stop your vehicle. If you drive away, you could be charged with a “hit and run.”
• Contact the authorities. Try to assess the scene if anyone else is hurt. Otherwise, wait for the ambulance and/or police.
• Be courteous to all parties.
• If you suspect the other driver may be drunk, do not confront him or her. Tell the police and let them handle the situation.
• Take photos before you leave the scene.
• Avoid making statements about responsibility to the other driver, witnesses, police or anyone else. Do not state that you are at fault, even if you think you may have caused the accident.
• Contact your insurance company once you are calm and have gathered pertinent information. They will likely interview you on the spot and request photos.
• Acquire a copy of the police report.
• If you are in the Houston area, call Santa Ana Body Shop at 713-956-0524 for Free towing and all your auto body and collision repair needs.

Here is a list of things that Consumer Reports recommends that you want to keep in your vehicle at all times.

• Cell phone – Make sure you have a car charger in the glove box.
• First-aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares
• Tire gauge
• Jack and lug wrench
• Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit
• Spare fuses
• Jumper cables or a portable battery booster
• Flashlight
• Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean rags
• Auto-club card or roadside-assistance number – You can contact Texas AAA here.
• Disposable flash camera – In case of an accident this lets you record the condition of your vehicle and other vehicles involved in the accident.
• $20 is small bills and change
• Pen and pad of paper

For long trips, Consumer Reports recommends adding these items to your basic list.

• Basic tools
• Coolant hose repair kit and tape
• Extra clothes
• Water and nonperishable emergency food
• CB radio
• GPS navigation system

For more information on roadside emergency preparedness check out the Consumers Report article.
Our next post will be a detailed plan of action in case you are involved in an accident. Be sure to check back.

• Don’t wash cars in direct sunlight.
• Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Don’t use dish detergent.
• Do use a formulated car wash.
• Do fill your bucket with warm water.
• Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
• Do spray the car often with water.
• Don’t scrub the car all at once.
• Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
• Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
• Don’t neglect waxing the vehicle.
• Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.

Be sure to check back often!