Universal Service Center

11/11/2022

Avoiding the Driving Dangers of Daylight Saving Time

As daylight saving time comes to an end and winter brings even fewer hours of daylight, drivers are going to spend more time in the dark. Even though the practice of “falling back” gives us all an extra hour of sleep on that one day, the extra rest can’t offset some of the dangers accompanying the end of daylight saving time.

After Daylight Savings Time, learning how to battle drowsiness and stay alert behind the wheel can be crucial in reaching your destination safely.

11/04/2022

Heed The Warning of Windshield Chips, Cracks | Car Care Articles | Sensible Driver

Your vehicle’s windshield has been subjected to an onslaught of opponents all summer--gravel chips, flying debris, summer hailstorms, overhanging limbs.

Those small chips and cracks can turn into big problems if left unattended. Sometimes, window chips and cracks can be repaired instead of replacing the entire windshield.

Your vehicle’s windshield has been subjected to an onslaught of opponents all summer--gravel chips, flying debris, summer hailstorms, overhanging limbs. Those small chips and cracks can turn into big problems if left unattended. Sometimes, window ...

10/28/2022

Halloween Safety Tips | NHTSA

Each year, Halloween is traditionally celebrated with trick-or-treating and parties — and candy and drinks. Unfortunately, the night often includes drunk drivers on the streets. Here are some tips to keep Halloween safe.

Halloween is traditionally celebrated with trick-or-treating and parties — and candy and drinks. Here are some tips to keep Halloween safe.

10/07/2022

12 Ways To Keep Your Vehicle Ready For Autumn Travel | Car Care Articles | Sensible Driver

You’ve stowed the camping equipment, racked the canoe and already set your sights on winter sports gear. What about taking stock of your vehicle?

You’ve stowed the camping equipment, racked the canoe and already set your sights on winter sports gear. What about taking stock of your vehicle? “In late August we already had snow showers,” said Joshua Lewis of the Colorado State Troopers...

09/30/2022

Ways to Nurture & Encourage Your Child's Love of Cars - The News Wheel

Every child is obsessed with some subject when they’re young. Whether it’s dinosaurs, superheroes, trains, or Santa Claus, this infatuation can consume their conversations and playtime. They’ll practically eat, breathe, and dream it.

If your child loves cars, nurture that interest in them and find ways to encourage your child’s love of cars. They’re never too young to love motorized vehicles, even a decade before they earn their driver’s license.

Encourage your child's love of cars by sharing activities like attending car shows, building models, and racing go-karts. Read more...

09/23/2022

Driving In Fall Weather - Safe Driving Tips For Teens & Parents

Ahh, the fall weather. Things cool off, the holiday season is here, fireplaces are burning, and, well, the roads are becoming more dangerous!

Driving in fall weather is no joke with the unique and temporary hazards it provides. For example, wet leaves on the pavement can act just the same as ice, and as soon as those wet leaves are gone, it will be replaced with actual ice!

Driving in fall weather provides some unique roadway hazards that most people don't prepare for. These safe driving tips will help you.

09/16/2022

Autumn Prep Guide: 11 Steps To A Clean, Healthy Ride | Car Care Articles | Sensible Driver

Oil, dirt, sand, sap, chemicals, tar, radiator fluid–summer travels accumulate a lot of contaminants. Come the first rains for autumn, those chemicals slosh against your vehicle, damaging its finish as well as coating wheels and windows with grime.

Oil, dirt, sand, sap, chemicals, tar, radiator fluid–summer travels accumulate a lot of contaminants. Come the first rains for autumn, those chemicals slosh against your vehicle, damaging its finish as well as coating wheels and windows with ...

09/09/2022

How to Navigate Common Fall Driving Challenges - The News Wheel

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There’s so much much more to fall than just pumpkin spice lattes and potted chrysanthemums. It’s a wonderful time to hit the road in your car and explore the beauty of the season at your local nature parks. But driving in the autumn isn’t always easy and can sometimes be quite unsafe. The following are just a few challenges you may face while driving in the fall and some tips on how to overcome them.

There’s so much much more to fall than just pumpkin spice lattes and potted chrysanthemums. It’s a wonderful time to hit the road in your car and explore the beauty of the season at your local nature parks. But driving in the autumn isn’t always easy and can sometimes be quite unsafe. The foll...

09/02/2022

10 Things to Know About Car Maintenance

Understanding a few basic concepts about vehicle maintenance, learn some basic skills, and commit to employing them regularly, will prolong the life of your vehicle and save you lots of money and headaches.

Learn a few basic concepts about car maintenance and commit to employing them regularly.

08/19/2022

7 Causes of Noise When Turning the Steering Wheel

Some of the most frustrating of all vehicle-related issues are those pertaining to mysterious noises, which often tend to get louder as time passes.

Some of the most frustrating of all vehicle-related issues are those pertaining to mysterious noises, which often tend to get louder as time passes. Issues of this type can be maddening, as motorists search eagerly

08/12/2022

Back-to-School Safety for Drivers - National Safety Council

School days bring congestion: School buses are picking up their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.

Back-to-school mean sharing the road. It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.

08/05/2022

The Benefits of Buckling Up: Seat Belts Save Lives - UAB Magazine - Magazine | UAB

In February of 1997, 25-year-old Wendy Nolan Moss ran off a rural north Georgia road one mile from her home, hitting a tree and dying instantly of a massive head injury. For reasons no one understands, she was not wearing a seat belt.

Experts explain what happens when you don't wear a seat belt and why seat belt laws save lives.

07/29/2022

Why is My Check Engine Light On? - Kelley Blue Book

Why is My Check Engine Light On?

Seeing a car’s check engine light illuminated on the dashboard can cast a feeling of dread for drivers who equate the symbol with costly repairs. The warning light indicates a malfunction with one of the vehicle’s systems, but even minor problems can trigger an alert.

Do not ignore your car's check engine light. The warning indicates possibly serious problems but not every alert means steep repair bills.

07/22/2022

How to Save Money at the Gas Pump | Fuel Prices

At $4.52 for a gallon, the national average price for regular gasoline has climbed $1.35 per gallon from a year ago, according to AAA.
Prices at the pump vary by region, trending higher in the West and Northeast, and lower in the Midwest and Southeast. (The price peaked at $5.02 last month.)

Consumer Reports has the details on how to save money at the gas pump as fuel prices climb.

07/15/2022

What to Keep in Your Car: 20 Things That Will Come in Handy

Whether you’re commuting to work or taking a long road trip, it’s best to prepare for when plans go awry. That’s why you need to keep several things in your car in case something goes wrong during your travels. Seasonal weather is also a factor concerning what to keep in your vehicle, so as summer fades into fall, revisit the items you carry with you and re-stock as is necessary.

Whether you’re commuting to work or taking a long road trip, it’s best to prepare for when plans go awry. That’s why you need to keep several things in your car in case something goes wrong during your travels.

07/01/2022

Freedom from Distracted Driving: Top 10 Safe Driving Tips for the 4th of July Weekend |

The first week of July is typically one of the busiest American travel periods of the year, as many people utilize the holiday for extended vacation trips. It is also one of the deadliest.

The first week of July is typically one of the busiest American travel periods of the year, as many people utilize the holiday for extended vacation trips. It is also one of the deadliest. Fourth of July images inspire fireworks, parades, picnics and barbecues, red/white/and blue, concerts, and base...

06/24/2022

Summer Heat: Always Check the Back Seat - Great Kids, Inc.

It is that time of year for cookouts, baseball games, swimming, and many more activities that are fueled by the summer sun. This time of year is certainly preferred by many individuals as it lacks the bitter winds of winter and gloomy skies. Children especially appreciate this season as they can enjoy the warm weather and embrace the adventures that await them outside. Though summer is a fun time for many families, the season can be dangerous for children.

It is that time of year for cookouts, baseball games, swimming, and many more activities that are fueled by the summer sun. This time of year is certainly preferred by many individuals as it lacks the bitter winds of winter and gloomy skies. Children especially appreciate this season as they can enj...

06/17/2022

Staying Safe at the Pump

Static electricity-related incidents at retail gasoline outlets are extremely unusual, but the potential for them to happen appears to be the highest during cool or cold and dry climate conditions. In rare circumstances, these static related incidents have resulted in a brief flash fire occurring at the fill point. Consumers can take steps to minimize these and other potential fueling hazards by following safe refueling procedures all year long.

Static electricity-related incidents at retail gasoline outlets are extremely unusual, but the potential for them to happen appears to be the highest during cool or cold and dry climate conditions.

06/10/2022

2022 Car-Care and Restyling Market Trends

For builders, car-care and restyling products are essential tools for customization and maintenance. They can provide upgrades to OE paint, glass and chrome. They can dress up an interior or refine an exterior, often at a reasonable cost. And they’re available in a wide range of parts, applications, and price points, offering useful products and services to nearly any enthusiast.

For builders, car-care and restyling products are an essential tool for customization and maintenance. They can provide upgrades to OE paint, glass and chrome. They can dress up an interior or refine an exterior, often at a reasonable cost. And they’re available in a wide range of parts, applicati...

06/03/2022

‘Cone Zone’ Season Can Be Tough On Vehicles - Be Car Care Aware

Summer is the main season for “cone zones,” road construction where you will likely hit a bump or two, or come across loose stones and other hazards. These rough road conditions can be tough on a vehicle’s steering and suspension system and can throw out the alignment, while loose stones have the potential to damage the vehicle’s exterior or windshield, according to the non-profit Car Care Council.

Summer is the main season for “cone zones,” road construction where you will likely hit a bump or two, or come across loose stones and other hazards. These rough road conditions can be tough on a vehicle’s steering and suspension system and can throw out the alignment, while loose stones have ...

05/27/2022

NSC Encourages Safe Driving This Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner. Every year, millions of Americans travel on this holiday and this year is no different. AAA estimates that nearly 39.2 million people will travel more than 50 miles from their homes.

Memorial Day Weekend is just around the corner. Every year, millions of Americans travel on this holiday and this year is no different. AAA estimates that nearly 39.2 million people will travel more than 50 miles from their homes. As people pack their bags and start their journeys, there's one aspec...

05/20/2022

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Automotive service technicians and mechanics, often called service technicians or service techs, inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.

05/13/2022

Making the Most of Memorial Day? Ready Your Car Before Your Road Trip with These Tips - SafeStreets

Although Memorial Day was originally intended to honor fallen soldiers, it has become the unofficial kickoff to summer in the U.S. and tens of millions of Americans hit the road to get away.

If you’ll be one of those millions, make sure your car is ready for the road (and not for a wreck) with this quick checklist of seven tips:

Although Memorial Day was originally intended to honor fallen soldiers, it has become the unofficial kickoff to summer in the U.S. and tens of millions of Americans hit the road to get away. If you’ll...

05/06/2022

An Automotive Gift for Mother's Day? You Bet! | Car Care News Service

It's time to be seriously thinking about Mother's Day. A great place to look for useful ideas is her driver's seat, especially if Mom spends a lot of time behind the wheel.

04/29/2022

What Are the Most Important Car Fluids to Check?

Under every car’s hood, you’ll find a veritable nest of hoses and reservoirs filled with fluids, every one of them engineered to fulfill a specific role. And a part of being a responsible car owner is checking the fluid levels and replenishing them when necessary

Under every car’s hood, you’ll find a veritable nest of hoses and reservoirs filled with fluids, every one of them engineered to fulfill a specific role. And a part of being a responsible car owner is checking the fluid levels and replenishing them when necessary.

04/22/2022

April 22nd is Earth Day, but You Can Celebrate All Year with These "Green" Auto Tips | Car Care News Service

By changing a few habits, you can do their part in helping the environment, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two easy-to-implement strategies.

By changing a few habits, you can do their part in helping the environment, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE recommends regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits as two easy-to-implement strategies. What’s more, improved automotive ...

04/15/2022

How Do I Know If My Spark Plugs Need Replacing? - Kelley Blue Book

If your gas-powered vehicle’s acceleration has gone from “zoom, zoom” to “putt, putt,” there’s probably a spark plug problem.

Poor fuel economy is another indication the plugs or spark plug wires likely need replacing. Although modern spark plugs last considerably longer than those produced 30 years ago, they don’t last forever and need to be replaced at regular intervals. It’s best to check the owner’s manual.

Find out what spark plugs do, the types you can purchase, and what signs to look for that signal when they need to be replaced.

04/08/2022

Signs that your air filter needs a replacement

The air filter is an important part of the engine because it helps the engine to breathe clean air, and clean air is important because it helps the engine to run efficiently and properly. Usually, air filters are replaced on every service. Still, sometimes if the car is being heavily used under dusty conditions like construction sites or heavy traffic areas, then the air filter can get clogged up much faster. Because of this, you would have to replace the air filter sooner than usual.

The air filter is an integral part of the engine as it helps it to breathe. Today we list down signs that your air filter might not be in proper condition.

04/04/2022

Safety and Service Checklist for Spring | Car Care Articles | Sensible Driver

All vehicles suffer from the vagaries of winter weather no matter where you live or travel. And that is especially true for drivers who live in regions hit by February ice storms–midwest, south through Texas and northeast.

All vehicles suffer from the vagaries of winter weather no matter where you live or travel. And that is especially true for drivers who live in regions hit by February ice storms–midwest, south through Texas and northeast. Don’t let those winter ...

03/25/2022

How much petrol does your car's heating and air conditioning use?

Heating and air conditioning in petrol cars have completely different functions. However, everything changes if we're talking about electric cars. We’ll calculate your out-of-pocket expenses.

How much petrol does heating and air conditioning use in a combustion engine? And how much electricity does it use in an electric car?

02/25/2022

How Often to Change an Engine Oil Filter

With the exception of electric vehicles, all other cars (including your hybrid) have an oil filter. Regarding routine maintenance, the engine oil and oil filter are items that need to be replaced more often than anything else on the vehicle. Yes, even your tires. There has always been a debate as to how often this is necessary, and there always will be a debate because, well, it depends.

There has always been a debate as to how often an oil filter change is necessary, and there always will be a debate because, well, it depends. A general rule of thumb is 5,000 miles between oil changes but this will vary based on vehicle age, usage, and manufacturer requirements.

02/11/2022

Dashboard Warning Lights Explained

Your ride is perfectly happy to tell you when something's wrong. But you have to listen. Understanding what warning lights do and don't mean will help you help your vehicle.

02/04/2022

Gas Mileage Tips - Vehicle Maintenance

Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.

Find out how you can save fuel by keeping your car in shape!

01/28/2022

Fuel Economy – AAA Exchange

Thousands of vehicles by comparing their Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings with actual owner-reported gas mileage as listed on the EPA’s website. Interestingly, 81.8 percent of drivers reported getting better fuel economy than the EPA estimates, although 16 percent of motorists reported their fuel economy was lower than the EPA ratings.

AAA recently evaluated thousands of vehicles by comparing their Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy ratings with actual owner-reported gas mileage as listed on the EPA’s website. Interestingly, 81.8 percent of drivers reported getting better fuel economy than the EPA estimates, although ...

01/21/2022

7 Tips for Safe and Confident Driving in Construction Zones

Increased fines, stalled traffic, and bumpy driving surfaces make work zones an annoyance for motorists. While U.S. drivers are fortunate to live in a country that maintains its roadways and displays to its citizens their tax dollars at work, it seems that at least one section of our normal route is under construction at all times.

Construction zones are annoying and one of the leading causes of slow traffic. Here is what to expect and how to act when encounter the work zone.

01/14/2022

Potholes and Vehicle Damage – AAA Exchange

What do you get when you mix water, traffic and a cracked section of asphalt? A pothole. What do you get when you mix a pothole and a car? Trouble.

Pothole encounters can wreak havoc on car tires, wheels and suspensions. Most pothole-related repairs cost less than $250, but in some cases the bill can exceed $1,000; the average repair cost is $306. Even worse, hitting a pothole – or taking the wrong measures to avoid one – could cause a crash and personal injuries.

What do you get when you mix water, traffic and a cracked section of asphalt? A pothole. What do you get when you mix a pothole and a car? Trouble.

01/07/2022

Car Maintenance Guide: Everything You Need to Know | Kelley Blue Book

Car maintenance is a crucial part of vehicle ownership. Taking care of your car by performing preventative maintenance helps to ensure you have safe and reliable transportation.

Use this guide to learn about common automotive maintenance issues. It’ll help you protect your investment and keep your car in top-running condition.

Find out about maintaining your vehicle and what service needs to be performed and when. Use our guide to keep your car well-maintained.

12/30/2021

All Drivers Need to Know These 5 Defensive Driving Tips

When you are first learning how to drive, one of the things that you are going to hear over and over again is that you need to drive defensively. This doesn’t mean that you should always be tensed up and just waiting for an accident to happen. What it does mean is that you have to keep an eye on what the other drivers around you are doing, and try to anticipate what they are going to do. If you are able to do this, you will be able to avoid a lot of fender benders, which, of course ...

Keep yourself and other drivers safe by practicing defensive driving. We've compiled 5 must-know defensive driving tips you can work on today.

12/23/2021

Top 10 Cars You Couldn't Get Enough Of in 2021

There were lots of exciting developments in the automotive industry in 2021. We were there to cover it all.

The Ford Bronco hit the scene, the Toyota Tundra finally got a redesign, and EVs arrived in a big way. These are the cars, trucks, and SUVs that our readers clicked on most in the past year.