Car Care Tips

Drivers, take heed! In recent years, Kansas and Missouri have cracked down on texting-while-driving laws. However, in spite of increased ticketing for this offense, it seems there is still some ambiguity about the specifics of the laws.  At Sallas Auto Repair, we are dedicated to keeping you safe and ticket-free. Because of our commitment to you, we’ve done some research and will set the record straight.

Kansas

Kansas drivers, especially those in the Prairie Village area, need to take extra caution on the road. A KMBC article reported that, “Prairie Village police wrote more texting-while-driving tickets than any other city in the metropolitan area last year.”

Kansas law states that it is illegal for drivers to text while driving ANYWHERE on the road. This law seems pretty straightforward, but there has still been some confusion. Kansas traffic officials explained that many people believe it is legal to text while stopped at a red light, when in reality, it’s illegal.

Texting at red lights is illegal, and with good reason — it’s dangerous. That’s right, it’s unsafe.  “In Prairie Village last year, 23 percent of the city’s rear-end collisions happened after all the vehicles had stopped at a red light,” said a recent report.  One official explained that these accidents most often resulted from an individual accidentally removing their foot from the brake as they reached for an electronic gadget. Needless to say, these texting-while-driving laws are in place for good reason.

Missouri

Missouri law states that all “novice drivers”, under 21 years of age, are prohibited from texting and driving.  For these drivers, the same stipulations of the Kansas texting-while-driving law are in place.  And yes, this means that texting at stoplights is still illegal.

Although it’s legal for Missouri drivers who are 21 years of age or older to text while driving, we encourage you to always drive with minimal distractions. After all, we want our customers and their cars to stay safe and ticket-free!

To learn more car-care and driving tips or to get details about our auto services, visit our site.  We look forward to serving you!

Filed under: Car Accidents, Car Safety, Texting while driving by Sallas Auto Repair
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Motorcycles are an especially-popular choice of transportation during the summer months. Warmer weather is a good time to enjoy your bike, but it is imperative that you take the proper precautions to ensure your safety. If you are not a biker yourself, always be aware and double-check for them to prevent severe accidents.

The Stats

Unfortunately motorcycles kill thousands of people each year. The Department of Transport has just released its latest findings regarding motorcycle safety. The most-recently reported data is for 2011, showing that 4,323 motorcyclists died in the U.S. during that year. Unfortunately, this is a 2% increase from 2010. Additionally, 289 people were killed on other bikes such as three wheelers and mopeds. A total of 49% of all fatal motorcycle crashes were due to the bike crashing with another vehicle. 6% of 2011 motorcycle deaths were a result of someone hitting the bike from behind.

Safety if…

You’re driving a motorcycle

1. Always wear protective gear. Long-sleeved shirts, jackets and pants made of leather are a good choice that will help prevent serious road rash if you are in an accident.

2. A helmet with eye protection will greatly increase your chances of surviving a crash and avoiding serious injury. Riding with a one will also help prevent serious brain injury in the event of an accident. The majority of states have partial or universal laws regarding helmet protection.

3. Never weave between lanes. Quickly switching lanes while speeding makes it nearly impossible for another car to see a motorcyclist, which could result in a very serious crash. Make sure it is a DOT-approved helmet.

4. Know your motorcycle. Understand that not all motorcycles are alike so controls, gears and braking can vary.

You’re driving another vehicle

1. Double check before switching lanes. Do not rely on mirrors when moving over, as motorcycles can appear seemingly out of nowhere. The same rule applies to turning and pulling into traffic.

2. Follow cyclists at a distance. Allow enough room to stop in the event the cyclist in front of you suddenly brakes for potholes, debris or other cars.

3. Share the road. Bikers should always have a full lane and plenty of space to ride.

4. Note that cyclists often slow down by rolling off the throttle or downshifting. Doing so does not activate a brake light.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation website is a good resource for finding training courses and refreshing your memory on motorcycle safety. Being a defensive driver could save your’s or someone else’s life.

Filed under: Car Safety by Sallas Auto Repair
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Car crashes typically kill between 30,000 and 40,000 people in the United States annually. The most important thing you can do to avoid injury or death in a collision is use your seat belt. Aside from that, there are other important safety devices that could prevent crashes or protect you if there is one. Some are relatively new, and others are older features that have drastically improved over the years. These top 10 car safety features could save your life.

1. Antilock Braking System (ABS)

• Antilock braking prevents your brakes from locking up and your car from skidding when you slam on the brakes. The system pumps your breaks up to 20 times per second, which allows you to stay in control of your vehicle.

2. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• This feature applies the brakes to individual wheels when skidding is detected. ECS could prevent single vehicle fatal crashes by 50%, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It is now included in all models made in 2012 or later.

3. Emergency Assist

• Systems like GM’s OnStar and BMW Assist can automatically call emergency personnel to the scene if you are in a collision and send the crash details to the police.

4. Advanced Frontal Airbag Systems

• Airbags have been in cars since the 70s, but advanced frontal airbags are far more sophisticated than these. The system detects the weight and size of the driver and passenger to determine the force at which the bag inflates. It is available in all cars 2006 or later.

5. Fog Lights

• Heavy fog can limit visibility to just a couple feet in front of the vehicle. Fog lights produce wider and flatter illumination, which reduces the amount of light reflected back at you.

6. Adaptive Cruise Control

• Adaptive cruise control can automatically adjust the throttle and brakes slow down if you are quickly approaching the vehicle in front of you. Once you are at a safe distance, it will automatically speed back up.

7. Rearview Camera

• Small cameras installed on the back of your vehicle transmit the image to your dashboard so you can physically see what is behind you before reversing.

8. Reverse Backup Sensors

• Cheaper than rearview cameras, these sensors alert you if there is an object behind the vehicle as you back up. This has been known to save lives of small children that can’t be seen walking or playing behind the car. It can also assist with parallel parking if you are too close to another vehicle.

9. Side View Assist

• Side view assist can alert you if you begin to change lanes when there is another car in your blind spot. However, you should make it a habit to look behind you and to the side before changing lanes rather than relying on mirrors.

10. Emergency Response

• Some vehicles are equipped with the ability to automatically respond in the event of a collision. They can switch on interior lighting, shut off the fuel, turn on hazard lights and unlock doors when airbags are deployed.

When searching for a new vehicle, safety should be one of your top priorities. Try to find a car that has as many safety features within your budget. When it comes to car crashes there are no guarantees, but these additions could save you and your passengers’ lives in an emergency situation.

Filed under: Brakes, Car Safety, Cars, Safety and Travel Tips, Vehicle Systems by Sallas Auto Repair
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Driving in the rain is inevitable. During a torrential downpour, your best and safest option is to pull into a parking lot and wait it out. If you are not in a position get off the road, follow these safety tips to ensure you arrive to your destination safely.    

Don’t…

• Turn on cruise control. This can make your car hydroplane, which means it is traveling on the water and has little to no traction with the pavement. If you do hydroplane, let off the gas and do not make any sudden movements.

• Tailgate another vehicle. A good rule to remember whether it’s raining or not is to keep at least a car’s length in front you for every 10 miles per hour you’re moving. For example, if you’re moving at 30 miles per hour, keep a distance of at least 3 cars between you and the next vehicle.

• Drive through big puddles. If you can’t see the ground through the flowing water, don’t drive through it. It is easy to underestimate the water depth, and it could easily sweep your car off the road.

Do…

• Slow down. Roads can get slick, and it is harder to see in inclement weather. You never know when you’ll have to stop abruptly to avoid another car or obstruction.

• Switch on your headlights. Even if you feel like you can see OK, many states require your headlights to be on if your windshield wipers are moving.

• Turn on the defroster. Hot air plus rain is a recipe for muggy weather that makes your windows fog up and it harder to see.

Be sure your vehicle is up to date on routine maintenance so that it’s equipped to handle inclement weather conditions. Call Sallas Auto Repair in Kansas City at 816-765-6060 or in Overland Park at 913-381-4555 for an appointment.

Filed under: Car Safety, Safety and Travel Tips by Sallas Auto Repair
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Does your car feel like it is moving in one direction more than the other? Do you feel like your car is having to work harder than it should?

You may not know it, but unaligned wheels can cause more damage other than moving your car in a direction other than straight.

Getting your wheels aligned will help you avoid gas guzzling, purchasing new tires, purchasing new parts and putting your safety in jeopardy.

Gas guzzling

Did you know that when your car is not aligned, you use more gas? You are actually putting more pressure on your car to move forward, which makes it use more gas than necessary. Getting your car aligned can help you make our world greener.

Cost of new tires

When your car is not in proper alignment, you will see that the tires go bare on one side of the tire, instead of wearing slow and even. Since the tires wear on only one side, then will wear quicker on that one spot and need to be replaced sooner. New tires cost a lot more than the cost of alignment.

Safety

If you brake abruptly and your alignment is off, you may lose control of the direction of your car and get into an accident. On wet or icy surfaces, it is harder for you to control the direction of your car.

Strain on other parts

Unaligned wheels can cause the brake shaft not to work to its fullest extent, and the steering system can become problematic when it is consistently pulled to one side or another. Your suspension also might gain problems, too, and your suspension needs to remain perfectly balanced at all times.

Solving the problem

It is recommended to get your wheels aligned once every 6,000 miles. And some car specialists say that since wheel alignment is so important, it would be ideal to get your tires aligned every oil change.

You will be able to tell if your wheels are out of their proper alignment by looking to see if your tires are wearing one spot only and testing to see if your car is shifting in a direction other than straight.

If you purchase your tires from Sallas Auto Repair, we offer a lifetime alignment package that includes checking the alignment once a year at no charge. You can trust us to get your car back into proper alignment. Schedule your appointment today!

Filed under: Alignment, Car Safety, Tire safety, Tires and Wheels by Sallas Auto Repair
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Would you believe us if we told you that car crashes are the number one killer of children aged 1-12 in the US? Sometimes accidents are unavoidable, but you can do the best you can to protect your children by driving attentively and properly placing them in their carseat.

Step 1: Find the proper car seat for your child.

• Choose a car seat based on his or her size and age and fits in your vehicle.

• Be familiar with the manufacturer’s height and weight requirements and replace the car seat when necessary.

Types of car seats:

• Rear-facing seat

  • Best for young children

  • Has harness and moves with child to reduce impact

• Forward-facing seat

  • Has harness and tether

  • Limits forward movement in a crash

• Booster seat

  • Best for older children

  • Seat belt fits over child’s body

• Seat belt

  • Lies across upper thighs and is snug across shoulder and chest

  • Should not rest on the stomach, across the neck or under the arm

Step 2: Install the car seat

Ways to install car seats varies depending on the type of seat you use. Check safercar.gov for guidelines and instructions on how to properly install your child’s seat.

Step 3: Check your installation

Have someone else double check to see if you have properly installed the car seat and to ensure that you haven’t missed anything. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides a list of places that will inspect your seat for free.

Step 4: Secure your child

Your child’s car seat may either have a 5 point harness or a 3 point harness. Again, please check safercar.gov for information on how to properly buckle seat belts and harnesses. Correct harness and belt placement is imperative in keeping your child safe.

A properly installed car seat will be your child’s only protection against unexpected impact. You should also always keep your car running in good condition to minimize damage in a crash. Call Sallas Auto Repair for all your car care needs.

Filed under: Car Safety, Preventative Maintenance, Safety and Travel Tips by Sallas Auto Repair
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Cars tout their safety features and reliability all the time, but windshields are usually overlooked by advertisers and salesmen. Understanding the structure and purpose windshields serve should be something all car owners are aware of.

Structure

All windshields are constructed of two layers of glass, laminated and tempered, with a sheet of vinyl placed between them. The vinyl fuses the glass together and is what keeps the windshield from shattering in the event of an accident. Aside from that, windshields are an integral part of the roofs stability.

Assessing Damage

Cracks and chips come in all shapes and sizes. And for all manner of reasons. If that dump-truck you followed to work this morning was full of gravel and some came flying into your windshield, check it out once you make it to your destination. Knowing if the windshield is chipped or cracked could save you a lot of money down the line.

Chips that are smaller than a quarter, and cracks no longer than 12 inches, can usually be taken care of in a matter of minutes. Anything larger than that could affect visibility while driving, or have already compromised the safety of your roof.

Location also helps determine how serious the damage is. Any that are along the edges have a tendency to spread much faster than those in the center. Yet, those centrally located ones are far more likely to impair vision while driving.

Since these larger damages are a more serious threat to your well-being and wallet, contacting a qualified technician to accurately assess how bad it really is, should be priority #1. Most of the time, these can’t be repaired simply by filling it with resin like the small dings, so replacement may be in your future.

You may think that that tiny chip is minor, but there’s no telling whether or not it will grow into a spidering web that takes up a good chunk of the windshield. Extremes in temperature, water freezing in the space, or even just driving could cause it to get worse.

Repairing a windshield is quick, easy and cost effective. So before you decide for yourself that it’s doomed or saved, let Sallas Auto Repair be the final judge.

Filed under: Approved Auto repair, ASE Auto Repair Technicians, ASE Certfication, ASE Technicians, Auto repair, Maintenance by Sallas Auto Repair
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Spring cleaning is a process with many aspects. Oftentimes we focus the bulk of our attention on the house, be it inside or out. We’re forever preparing beds for flowers, tilling gardens, organizing this and that, or painting the shutters. Yet, we invest just as much time and money in our vehicle(s) so why not spend a little time this season giving it a good once over too.

Our last post announced National Car Care Month. Just because April has come and gone, doesn’t mean you should stop caring!

Though winter may not feel like it’s that far behind us just yet, it is certainly spring at last. Those winter months of sudden heavy snow, ice, and wind are hard on a car. Wash and wax as you might, it will never be the same as a thorough detailing job done right.

What’s the Difference?

While washing and waxing will leave your car looking clean, it won’t leave it looking like new. Detailing deep cleans the inside, even the trunk, and outside of your vehicle certain using tricks of the trade, like clay barring. This is done in the last stages of detailing, but is what helps leave cars looking shiny and new.

How It’s Done

Once the outer layer of grim has been washed off, during step one of the process, technicians then use a clay bar to remove any embedded dirt or debris that has decided to latch itself onto the paint. Vehicles are always exposed to these elements, even when stationary. The harsh winter weather in combination with the speed gained while sludge was flying off your and others’ tires is sure to make it even worse. If these tiny particles aren’t cleaned off on a regular basis they begin to penetrate through the clear coat causing further damage.

To test if you need a good detail, wash your car and then run a hand over high exposure areas–like the hood, trunk, bumpers or roof–to feel for rough spots. If you notice any bumpiness or roughness, that’s contamination.

With a good, annual detail you can save money on paint jobs and other costly body repairs. Check our specials for monthly offers and promotions, call us today at 816-765-6060, or sign up for coupons via email.

Filed under: ASE Technicians, Auto Enthusiasts, Car Care Clinics, Car Cleaning, Car Wash, Cars, General Auto Care, Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, Seasonal Car Care, Washing off Salt by Sallas Auto Repair
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April is National Car Care Month and the Car Care Council reminds motorists to spring into action and follow 10 basic maintenance procedures to make sure their vehicles are running at peak performance for the summer driving season.

1.      Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

2.      Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3.      Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4.      Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5.      Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6.      Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7.      Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8.      Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9.      Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10.  Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

“Whether you visit a professional service technician or do it yourself, a thorough vehicle inspection this spring can help keep your car safe and dependable and help you avoid much higher costs down the road in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

In October and April, we offer car care clinics. These clinics will help you  understand the main vehicle components of your car and how they work, you’ll learn why vehicle maintenance is so important, what you should do when you get in an accident and a personalized inspection on your own vehicle, as well as many other important details about your vehicle.  National Car Care Month is the perfect time to think about proper vehicle maintenance. We’re big fans of regular and preventative maintenance here at Sallas Auto Repair. This is especially true because of  Kansas City’s extreme climate changes from hot, blistering summers to freezing, snowy winters.  Protect yourself, your family and your vehicle by celebrating Car Care Month with us.   As always, we offer monthly specials on our website. Many of these deals will help you celebrate National Car Care Month while saving you some money! To learn more about car care, email us or call 816-765-6060 today!

We are hosting a Spring Car Care Inspection Event
Saturday May 4
9am-Noon
Overland Park Location
9220 W.87th Street
Call 913-381-4555 for more details or to schedule a inspection

The inspection is free to all! Send family and friends in, too! It’s quick and you will find out if your vehicle needs any attention.

We will have coffee, OJ, bagels and more!

Filed under: Sallas Auto News by Sallas Auto Repair
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If you were to look out the window to see our late March snow on the ground you might not be thinking about spring but it is definitely on its way. And soon enough, summer will be here and time to put the top down and have some fun.

But before you start planning your summer road trip there are a few things you should do to revive your winter-weary automobile in preparation for warm weather.

The smartest thing you can do is take your car to an ASE certified repair service (hint: Sallas Auto Repair) for a check up. They can catch those little problems before they become more costly repairs.

• Check out the battery. Winter is hard on them and they can become drained.
• Look over belts, clamps and hoses for signs of wear, cracking or fraying.

• Check the brakes. They can become corroded by cold winter conditions and salt on the road.
• How was your AC working last summer? If you remember it was a hot one so get that AC inspected before you need it.
• Flush and refill your cooling system and check for leaks.
• Inspect your tires for wear. The old stand-by still works: insert a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32″ of tread depth remaining. According to most states’ laws, tires are legally worn out when they have worn down to 2/32″ or less of remaining tread depth.
• The stop and go traffic of summer can be hard on your engine so have hard starts, rough idles or stalling corrected before then.
• If you’re nearing time for an oil and oil filter change go ahead and include in your check up.
• Replace filters like the air, fuel, or PCV.
• Check your oxygen sensor. The sensor helps set the fuel mix going into your engine so it’s important for good gas mileage. A faulty one can cause too much gas to be used and reduce your mileage by up to 40%.

Sallas Auto Repair is here for all your automotive maintenance and repair needs. We’re more than ready for summer so bring your car in today and let us help you get ready for road trips, picnics and sunny drives to work. You can set up your appointment for either of our locations online so come in and see us! And don’t forget to sign up for our e-coupon club.

Filed under: Oil Change, Safety and Travel Tips, Seasonal Car Care, Tire safety by Sallas Auto Repair
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