Harry's Auto Body

Contrary to popular belief, under-inflating your tires in the winter does not give you better traction. This legendary myth is far from the truth, as under-inflation of a tire takes away from performance, effectiveness and safety. For the best performance, tires should be inflated to the car's manufacturer- recommended inflation rate, which is listed on the inside of the car door. (Source: AccuWeather)

Driving on a rainy day is more dangerous than driving on a snowy one. When the rain starts to fall and pavement is wet, your likelihood of a crash is higher than during conditions like snow, sleet and ice, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Check out this
article for tips for driving safely in the rain: http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/tips-and-techniques-for-driving-in-rain.html

There are more than 1,700 fatalities and 840,000 injuries yearly due to vehicle crashes off public highways. This link provides information and resources to help you and your loved ones become safer drivers: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety

Although the weather is still warm in most parts of the region, don't forget that winter truly is right around the corner. Now is the time to get any repairs or regular service done on your vehicle. Make sure your automobile is ready to take on what is sure to be another heavy winter.

Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water. With as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. Drivers should reduce their speed to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. (Source: AAA)

Blind spots are serious risks. Adjust your side mirrors and rearview mirror to provide you with one near-seamless panoramic scene of the view behind you, but don't rely solely on them. Actually turn to look directly into the lanes beside you to avoid missing something left undetected by your mirrors. Also, consider the blind spots for other drivers around you, especially truckers, and try to minimize the amount of time you spend in them. (Source: Edmunds)

Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a consumer safety advisory to alert vehicle owners and repair professionals to the growing use of counterfeit airbags. Read this article for more information on this very important subject: http://crashrepairinfo.com/counterfeit-and-salvage-airbags

The sobering reality of drunk driving is that it is obviously a dangerous behavior, yet too often drivers get behind the wheel with alcohol in their bloodstream, impairing judgment and slowing reaction time. Alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion annually, according to government figures. If you’re out having a good time, designate a driver. Or simply don’t drink until you’re home. (Source: Consumer Reports)

Are you traveling with pets in your car this summer? This eye-opening report by the American Veterinary Medical Association provides information you need to know to keep your pets cool and safe as they ride with you: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pets-in-vehicles.aspx

By this point in the season, it's very likely you've been using your vehicle's air conditioner. But is it working as well as it used to? Have the system examined by a qualified technician before it fails on a day you really need it.

When you're involved in an accident and not seriously injured, take photos as soon as possible. Get shots of any damage you see, the other driver's license plate and even with other driver with his or her vehicle. These images could help you down the line if the collision becomes a legal matter.

Rain might be a welcome relief from the summer sun, but wet pavement can be extremely dangerous and contributes to more than 1 million car crashes annually. Be smart – slow down, use your headlights in the rain (even during the day) and allow some extra following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

Keep children safe in and around your vehicle. Make sure car seats and booster seats are properly installed and that any children riding with you are in the car seat or booster seat best suited to protect them. There are other dangers to children in and around cars that you should know. One of those dangers is heat stroke from being left unattended in a hot vehicle. Visit this link to find out more about how to keep children safe while in and around your vehicle: www.safercar.gov/parents

Drive responsibly this summer! According to AAA, 82 percent of drivers say distracted driving is a serious problem, but more than half say they talk on a cell phone while driving, and 14 percent admitted to reading or sending text messages while driving. Nearly 75 percent of drivers report speeding as a serious problem, but 20 percent say they have driven 15 miles per hour over the speed limit on the highway. (Source: Forbes)

AAA has worked for more than 75 years to help families develop their teens into safe, responsible drivers. If you are a parent, teen, educator or safety advocate, AAA’s tips, tools, information and other resources can help you, too. Here’s a look at behaviors and dangerous practices that put teen drivers and their passengers at additional risk while on the road: http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/teen-driver-safety/ #.V0HxpZMrJ-V

Looking for auto body or mechanical work? These great tips on how to communicate for better automotive service will serve you well whether you're getting an oil change or having that fender bender fixed: http://www.ase.com/News-Events/Publications/Glove-Box-Tips/How-to-Communicate-for-Better-Automotive-Service.aspx

It's a fact - Teenage drivers account for more auto accidents than any other age group. This list of Safe Driving Tips for Teenage Drivers can better protect young motorists on the road: http://www.dmv.org/insurance/safe-driving-tips-for-teenage-drivers.php

Before hitting the road on your next trip, make sure that your vehicle isn't subject to any manufacturer recalls. This VIN Lookup Tool lets you enter a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to quickly learn if a specific vehicle has not been repaired as part of a safety recall in the last 15 years: https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/

With tire pressure monitoring systems equipped in so many vehicles on the road today, it’s easier than ever for motorists to ignore worsening tires until an alarm goes off or a tire blows out. Visually inspecting your vehicle’s tires just once per month betters your odds of catching a small problem before it boils over—you just have to know what you’re looking for. Check out this handy guide to tire patterns to better identify common problems: http://blog.ny.aaa.com/how-to-recognize-problem-tire-wear-patterns/

What are “reconditioned” parts? In the collision repair world, “reconditioned” generally means parts removed from an existing vehicle that are repaired and/or refinished, such as bumper covers, wheels or lamps. Note: Damage to your vehicle or its parts caused by the failure of reconditioned parts may not be covered by your new-vehicle warranty. (CrashRepairInfo.com)

Now that spring is here, take a serious look at your car and get any weather-related dents or other damage checked as soon as possible. What looks like a minor fender bender today could lead to unexpected issues with the safety of your car tomorrow. Don't take chance – have a trained auto body professional review your vehicle today.

Avoid disaster in a packed parking lot! It's important to be on alert when you're driving in the parking lot. Children can be very difficult to see in a busy parking lot, especially at night. An excited child can dart out from between cars and in front of you in an instant. A car with a backup camera will give you a look at the space behind the car that would otherwise be unseen. (Source: Consumer Reports)

If you have had your vehicle repaired, never be afraid to ask the shop questions about anything that feels strange once you get the car on the road, whether it's uneven tire wear a few months later or a door that doesn't open as easily as it once did. A reputable shop will always guarantee its work and take the time to address any concerns you have.

AAA’s Senior Defensive Driving Program is an online defensive driving course designed to positively affect driving behavior and help you learn about and adjust to age-related physical changes. It can be taken online in the comfort of your home or wherever you have an Internet connection. Go to this link for more information: http://seniordriving.aaa.com/maintain-mobility-independence/safe-driving-courses-seniors/take-online-defensive-driving-course

Want better control of the steering wheel? The automotive resource website Edmunds.com recommends that you move your seat close enough to the steering wheel so that your wrist can rest on the top of the wheel with your arm outstretched and your back against the seat. This not only ensures your arms won't easily fatigue, but they'll be in the optimum position for some last-minute evasive maneuvers.

The easiest way to avoid spending huge amounts of money on automotive repair and service in the future is to spend some money NOW! Make sure you are up to date on your regular maintenance, and get any collision damage – however small – repaired before you add new risks and dangers to the road.

If you hear grinding or a clicking sound upon ignition, or your vehicle cranks slowly when attempting to start, it could be a sign that your car battery is failing. Also, if your headlights dim when idling but brighten when the engine is revved, it might be time to consider getting a new battery. (Source: AAA)

Want to be the safest you can be on the road? One of the first things you should do is take a look at the calendar. Check out this link for the 10 Worst Days for Driving: https://www.yahoo.com/autos/10-worst-days-for-driving-118807974462.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2015/12/26/auto-insurance-car-crash-repair-estimates/77888980/

Why you shouldn't take cash at the scene of a car crash Even if the damage looks minimal settling on the spot is not a good idea.

Don't let your wipers do ALL of the work this winter! Starting your snow- and ice-covered car with the wipers on could burn out their motor, making them useless. Get as much ice and snow off your windshield as possible before turning your wipers on.

Know your blind zones! The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that almost 300 individuals are killed and 18,000 injured annually in backover crashes, with most victims being children and the elderly. This video from Consumer Reports offers critical information on how to make sure your vehicle has the right rear visibility: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/03/the-danger-of-blind-zones/index.htm

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has recently revised its booster seat ratings, removing two products that were originally awarded its BEST BET designation. Check out this link for the details: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/iihs-corrects-booster-ratings-2-best-bets-awarded-in-error

In keeping your car safe, it's often the little things that matter most. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises drivers to check that their mats are the correct size and fit for their vehicle and don't interfere with the full operation of the foot controls (accelerator, brake and clutch pedals). Whenever the interior of the vehicle is cleaned or the mats have been removed for any reason, drivers should verify that the mat on their side has been reinstalled correctly.

With another heavy winter on the way, don't ignore any ongoing problems you're having with your vehicle. From minor dents to older batteries, issues become even greater once the bad weather hits and the chances for added dangers on the road increase. Now is the time to make sure your car is ready to handle the tough road conditions ahead.

Do you know what your auto insurance policy says about rental cars? Some vehicle repairs can take longer than expected, and this could have an effect on what your insurer is willing to cover. It is always a good idea to review exactly what you policy states and make adjustments if necessary. The best way to choose your insurance policy is to plan to use it.

Parents looking for a safe, affordable vehicle for their teen driver have many more options than just a year ago. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHSS) has updated its recommendations for used vehicles for young motorists. Check out this link to see their findings: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/sr/statusreport/article/50/8/1

Keep you and your family better protected this winter by reviewing your current auto insurance policy. Make sure that your deductible is an amount that you can afford in the event of a collision, and that you are aware of any other limitations in your policy that could leave you responsible for covering certain costs.

Never wait until you have an accident to learn about your rights during the auto body process. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your responsibilities (or your insurer's obligations after a collision), or if you would like any information about our training and ability to bring your vehicle back to pre-accident condition.

Attention parents! Use this video to teach your kids how to stay safe on and around school buses as they head back to school this fall. These tips are brought to you by First Student, North America's largest provider of student transportation, and the National Safety Council: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5dvODzKn_A

Have you seen those crash test videos with dummies behind the wheel? You'll be amazed to see the amount of work that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does to make those tests possible. Check out this video for an intriguing inside look: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHhSizn8hMM