Guide line For Teen and First-Time Drivers

Learning to drive for the first time can be incredibly exciting for a teen, and pretty terrifying for a parent. To help new drivers reign in the excitement and stay safe behind the wheel. This is a significant step in the life of every teenager, and we want to make the transition as safe and headache-free for as possible.
Here are best conditions for driving practice.
Who to practice with
While most states only require the passenger to be 21 years-old, this option is not always the safest for a first-time driver. Driving practice with an older sibling or friend may be more fun than driving with a parent or guardian, but it can be dangerous (especially in the beginning).
For the first few months after obtaining your learner’s permit, make a commitment to drive only with someone who has at least 10 years’ experience. This is your time to learn how to operate a vehicle, how to handle an emergency or sudden situation and how to become comfortable behind the wheel. Make sure you choose a teacher who can cover all the bases and who fully understands the serious privilege of driving a car.
What to practice
Once you’ve learned a few basic operations, it’s important to practice over and over those you will be using daily. Only through repeated practice will you learn to take your car into a smooth stop and accelerating without jerking. For the first dozen times you’re in control, drive around a large, empty parking lot.
Practice coming to a complete stop and accelerating to a constant speed. Pull in and out of parking spots at different angles and under different conditions. Once you have a good handle on staying within the two lines, practice with two cars on either side (preferably those of a close friend or family member).
The goal is to get the hang of things in a safe space before practicing around other cars.
When to practice
To become an independent driver, it’s important to practice driving under all possible circumstances. In the beginning, driving only in the sunlight is a good way to learn basic operations and get a feel for the vehicle. As you become more advanced and better able to control the car, you must learn to handle all kinds of weather and lighting.
When it’s raining, practice driving. When there’s snow on the ground, practice driving. When there’s ice, practice driving (best to go back to the empty parking lot for this one). Unfortunately, you will not only have to drive when it’s sunny and 75 outside. Easily handling a skid, safely accelerating over a pile of snow and stopping on a plate of ice will help you stay safe when driving alone.
Where to practice
Once you’ve advanced beyond the empty parking lot, practice in an industrial area at night. When the traffic has died down, industrial locations will give you a great feel for as many traffic situations as possible. These areas have gravel roads, railroad tracks, traffic signals, 4-way stops and other features you will face daily. Get a good feel for each situation.
As you gain more experience, move on to residential areas. Begin during a clear day when you can plainly see any neighbors outside. Form the habit of looking under and around parked cars for any children or small animals who may dart out in front of the car.
Next, have an adult drive you out to a location familiar to them, but foreign to you. Practice reading a map and a GPS and learn to direct yourself back home. It’s important to become comfortable enough with direction that you don’t have to depend on a GPS while driving alone.
Finally, once you’ve developed skill in low-traffic areas, begin to practice on highways. Start in the right lane and get a feel for merging from and exiting to the service road. Slowly work your way up to lane changes and maintaining a speed consistent with cars around you. Always remember – you do not have to break the speed limit to accommodate impatient drivers.
How to practice
Finally, practice driving with safe distractions. Once you know how to pay attention to sounds and events outside the car, develop a habit of listening to traffic above other noises. Invite siblings, pets and grandparents into the car to maintain focus despite external distractions. Make sure you are able to focus on the road and drive safely with only one passenger before bringing in other, safe distractions.

How to Improve Your Car’s Gas Mileage

Here are some of the things you can do to ensure improved gas mileage for your car:
Driving Habits

• Keep your car clean. Mud on the undercarriage can weigh a significant amount and slow you down.
• Consolidate your daily trips and errands. This will also save you the cost of restarting your engine, which uses a lot of gas.
• Avoid air conditioning when possible. However, when driving at higher speeds, having your windows open also creates drag.
• Don’t throttle the gas or brake pedal! Sudden starts or stops use more gas than gradual changes in speed.
• Don’t idle for too long. Turn off the engine if you anticipate a lengthy wait.
• Limit car warm-ups in winter.
• Clear out the trunk. More weight equals more drag.
• Avoid high speeds. We know this is almost impossible to resist but you can improve your gas mileage by up to 15 percent driving at 55 mph rather than 65 mph.
• Use overdrive. If your car is equipped with overdrive gearing use it as soon as your speed is high enough.
• Use cruise control. Maintaining a constant speed is ideal for improving your gas mileage.

Servicing Your Vehicle

• Replace the spark plugs in your engine regularly. This way, the air and fuel mixture will burn cleaner and more efficiently.
• Improve the intake/output system. By allowing gas to get in and exhaust out of your vehicle you will improve the vehicle’s overall performance and gas mileage.
• Reduce friction. Use high-quality or synthetic motor oil.
• Check your oil! Low oil makes your engine work harder.
• Change your filters. Dirty filters can sometimes increase the amount of fuel your vehicle uses by as much as 10 percent.
• Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. Check regularly to ensure your wheels are fully inflated and your alignment is good.
• Get regular engine tune-ups and car maintenance checks. A lot can go wrong with a car. Damaged spark plugs or transmission problems can also contribute to poor gas mileage.

Signs You Need a Brake Inspection

Did you know that if you were traveling over 60 miles per hour and suddenly needed to stop, it would take your car about the length of a football field (100 yards) to come to a complete stop? Your brakes are the most important part of your vehicle, which is why you should keep them well maintained. They may not be as attractive as your leather seats, but they are crucial when it comes to your safety. This is why it’s so important that you are able to identify the warning signs indicating a need for brake service.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, call San Jose Auto Repair for a brake inspection today.
1. Worn Pads
Having worn brake pads can be very dangerous because they are less effective in stopping your car. In order to know if your brake pads are worn, you must first know how they work. Every time you press on your brakes, a set of padded clamps or “brake pads” squeeze together onto a disc known as the rotor. This creates friction and stops the car. Over time, the brake pads wear thin. If you’ve never had your brake pads replaced, bring your car into San Jose Auto technicians will examine your brake pads to see if they are in good condition.
2. Odd Sounds
Vehicles are actually equipped with a small indicator located in your braking system that senses when your brake pads are worn. This indicator releases a high-pitched sound to signify they need replacing. In addition to this squealing sound from the sensor, you might also hear a grinding sound. This is not good! The grinding sound indicates your brake pads might be worn down. Worn pads can damage your rotors and increase the cost of your repair. Damaged rotors are expensive, so it’s important to avoid this by getting routinely scheduled maintenance and brake service.
3. Pulling
Have you ever noticed your car pulling one direction or the other while you are driving or braking? This could be an alignment issue, but it could also be a sign that there is a problem with your brake system. The reason your car is pulling to one side could be because of uneven brake pads applying different amounts of pressure. So if this happens to you, call San Jose Auto Repair today and we would be happy to inspect your vehicle to find the source of the problem.
4. Vibrations
With an anti-lock brake system, it’s normal to feel pulsing vibrations on sudden stops. However, if you feel these vibrations when braking under normal conditions, you may have an issue. Vibrating brakes indicate the surface of your rotors may be distorted. What you are feeling is the feedback of the uneven surfaces hitting against the brake pads. If your brakes aren’t stopping unless you push them all the way to floor or even if they brake at the slightest touch, these are signs something is wrong. If you notice the ABS light come on and remain lit, then bring your vehicle in for a brake inspection right away.
It’s extremely hazardous to drive with damaged brakes. If you start experiencing any of these issues, San Jose Auto Repair would be happy to do Inspection on your vehicle to find the source of the issue and repair it completely. Keep an eye (or an ear) out for these signs. Stay safe on the road by maintaining your brake pads and rotors on a regular basis. Call San Jose Auto Repair today to schedule a brake inspection!

Read road safety tips for driving at night

5 Benefits Of Regular Oil Changes

Getting regular oil changes is the absolute easiest thing you can do to extend the life of your car and save yourself from the inconvenience of breakdowns and repairs. As part of routine maintenance, oil changes are essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

Whether you’ve got a brand new ride or yours is still going strong after 200k miles, an oil change on a regular basis will have benefits that both you and your vehicle can appreciate:

1. Better engine performance: Oil changes help keep the internal moving parts of your engine clean and lubricated, allowing for a smoother, quieter ride.
2. Keeps dirt and debris from building up: Old oil will have a certain amount of debris and junk in it, which can damage parts of your engine, especially if your drive in dirty or dusty conditions. Changing the oil and the filters will help to keep these nasty little particles out of your engine, and protect your engine’s vital components from their harm. The higher the quality of oil, the cleaner your engine will be.
3. Better MPG: Who would say no to better gas mileage? By improving lubrication, new, clean oil reduces friction that can slow down your engine and have you visiting the pump more often. Get an oil change and your wallet will thank you!
4. Less harmful emissions: Older cars and trucks sometimes burn old, dirty oil, causing an excess of noxious engine emissions. Fresh oil is less likely to burn and better able to absorb particles, making your vehicle pollute much less.
5. Extended engine life: Your vehicle will last much longer on the road if you get the oil changed regularly. Keeping the oil clean and fresh is the best way to lubricate and protect your engine, keeping critical parts free from harmful debris, boosting performance and guarding against the most common causes for engine wear and breakdown. To save you time, money and headaches, regular oil changes are a great investment for the entire life of your ride.

If your vehicle is overdue for an oil change, stop into San Jose Auto Repair today and see us. Just be sure to bring a coupon with you!

Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter

Regular, routine maintenance can help improve your gasoline mileage, reduce pollution, and catch minor problems before they become big headaches.  San Jose Auto Repair offers these car care tips to give you peace of mind during fall and winter driving:

• Before you do anything else, read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.
• Get engine performance and drive ability problems — hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc. — corrected at a reputable repair shop. Cold weather makes existing problems worse.
• Replace dirty filters, such as air, fuel, and PCV. A poorly running engine is less efficient and burns more gasoline.
• As the temperature drops below freezing, add a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Keeping the gas tank filled also helps prevent moisture from forming.
• Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual — more often if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.  Auto Technicians revealed that regular oil and filter changes is one of the most frequently neglected services, yet one that is essential to protect your engine.
• The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. Do-It-Yourselfers: Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses also should be checked regularly by a professional technician.
• The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
• Replace old blades regularly. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent — you’ll be surprised how much you use during the winter months. And don’t forget to always carry an ice scraper.
• Have your battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. However, most motorists can perform routine care: Wear eye protection and protective rubber gloves. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles, so always check your owner’s manual first. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs. Replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag. Clouded lenses can be refinished by many service outlets or by using a DIY kit found in major auto parts outlets.
• Exhaust fumes inside your vehicle’s cabin can be deadly. Have the exhaust system examined for leaks and problems while the vehicle is on a lift. The trunk and floorboards should also be inspected for small holes.
• Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month, letting the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels makes your engine work harder and thus use excess gasoline.
• Have your brakes checked periodically for safety and to prevent costly repairs that can be caused by neglect.
• The transmission is often neglected until a major failure. Routine checks and fluid changes at prescribed intervals can prevent very costly repairs down the line.
• Always carry an emergency kit with you: extra gloves, boots and blankets; flares; a small shovel and sand or kitty litter; tire chains; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a cell phone and extra car charger. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

Read some vehicle maintenance tips

Car Care Tips for Winter Driving

Read automatic transmission problems troubleshooting

How to extend the life of your auto transmission ?