Driving is an important part of life for many Americans, and staying safe on the road is paramount. With all the distractions like texting, checking emails, and adjusting the radio, it’s very easy to become unsafe behind the wheel. Here are some tips for being a safe driver to ensure that you and your loved ones remain safe on the roads.
Keep Distractions to a Minimum
Cell phones have become incredibly distracting when driving, with people checking their phones every few minutes when traffic isn’t too heavy. Before heading out on a trip, turn off any notifications and keep calls or texts to a minimum while driving.
If there is an emergency where you need to make a call or send a text while driving, pull over and park to do so before continuing on your journey. When listening to music or podcasts in the car, be sure not to adjust the volume up instead of down if trying to concentrate more on your driving environment.
Obey Traffic Signs
Traffic signs exist for a good reason; they help keep drivers informed about their surroundings so they can navigate traffic safely. Obeying stop signs and other traffic signals will help reduce accidents by keeping drivers aware of who has priority in certain situations.
Also, obeying speed limits is equally important; speeding can lead to higher chances of an accident due to less reaction time available for emergencies arising during travel.
Give Yourself Time
When leaving from one destination to another, give yourself plenty of time, so you are not rushed throughout your drive. Rushing through turns at intersections or speeding can lead to dangerous situations due to lack of concentration or missed signals/obstructions such as potholes or cyclists/pedestrians crossing streets unnoticed until it’s too late (since these obstructions are hard to see while going fast).
Giving yourself extra time will allow you more room for error if something does go wrong during your travels, with less additional stress involved at the same time.
Get Regular Maintenance Checks
Regular maintenance checks on your vehicle help guarantee that all its mechanisms are functioning properly, ultimately leading to a safer ride overall.
Most maintenance checks include inspecting brakes regularly and tire rotations, which both provide heightened safety features during rides since brakes must work well to prevent possible accidents.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Boston Motor Werks can help you be a better and safer driver by ensuring your vehicle is functioning properly. By being mindful of your driving habits and taking the necessary precautions, you can stay safe and enjoy a carefree, happy ride wherever you go.
Putting off buying new tires is a common car owner habit. They can be expensive, and finding the best tires for your needs is often a hassle. Avoiding the research and cost of new tires results in some big problems. You could have a blowout or get a flat tire. These issues can be as simple as an annoyance or as severe as dangerous.
Consider replacing your vehicle’s tires when you notice these signs you need new tires.
Tire Tread is Poor and Traction is an Issue
Tire tread is an essential part of safety on the road. With good tread, you will have excellent traction. When you drive in the rain, slipping is a possibility with low tread. To check the tread on your tires, try the penny test.
The penny test is a simple trick used to test the tread by placing the coin with Lincoln’s head down into the groove of your tire. If the top of his head is visible, you need new tires. If the tread is not deep enough for this level of coverage, you could face unnecessary dangers.
Dash Light for Tire Pressure is On
Modern vehicles come with helpful lights in the dash to assist you in remaining safe. When your tire pressure light comes on, it is time to check your tires. While the extreme cold could lower your tire pressure, it is also a possibility that you have a leak.
In some cases, you can plug a leak without the need to purchase a new tire. However, there are many instances where a mechanic cannot repair the tire, and new tires are necessary. If you have to replace one tire, it is best to replace all to ensure there is adequate balance and tread across the board.
It’s Been 10 Years
Old tires can become hazardous, especially if they have consistently been outside in the elements. While many manufacturers claim that tires will last for ten years, it is crucial to have your tires checked regularly. If you’ve gone ten years on your current tires, it is time for a replacement – even if they have not traveled the total guaranteed mileage.
Something is Shaking While Driving
Shaking while driving is a common tire problem. While your vehicle may be out of alignment, it is also possible that the metal belts within the tires have slipped. If this is the case, replacement is necessary.
Bulging or Cracks on the Sidewalls
When your tires have bulging spots or cracks, it is time to replace them. These problems often result in a blowout, which can be scary and dangerous for you and others on the road. Check your tires for bulges or cracks on the sidewalls to ensure that the safety of the tires is intact.
Your Area Has Extreme Cold or Hot Weather
Extreme weather can reduce the life of tires. The pressure changes when exposed to exceptionally low or high temperatures. Cold weather lowers tire pressure. Hot weather increases tire pressure. Although your tire pressure management system will notify drivers of low pressure, high pressure is not included in the warnings. Be wary of extreme temperatures!
Contact Boston Motor Werks
If you are a luxury car owner in need of upkeep or repair, contact Boston Motor Werks today! We provide tire services, from wheel alignments to road force balancing. For more information, give us a call.
When your vehicle has all-season tires that are a few months old, you may wonder if you should switch to winter tires. Snow tires are different from tires that you want to use year-round. With the hassle of changing tires between seasons, consider this question: Are winter tires worth it?
How are Winter Tires Different?
What is the big difference between all-season and winter tires? There are a few significant points worth considering when you’re gearing up for snow. Snow or winter tires are far better than all-season tires in snow, ice, and rain.
What is your biggest fear in traveling in the winter? For many people, there is a fear of being unable to stop. Others fear sliding in turns or losing traction, in general. No matter which fear assaults your mind, snow tires are the answer to driving in wintery conditions.
Benefits of Winter Tires
The benefits of winter tires outweigh those of other tires in the cold months. Safety experts recommend winter tires if you live in an area where snow is possible.
- Rubber
The rubber makeup in winter tires is far better than that of all-season. The technology used for winter tires adds silica to the rubber, creating a more flexible tire. Adding silica also creates a squeegee effect, pushing water away from the road.
- Tread
The tread design is imperative in remaining slip-resistant. Snow tires include more tread than all-season tires because it increases the effectiveness of accelerating and stopping. A saw-tooth design in winter tires aids in cutting through the snow.
What Do Winter or Snow Tires Cost?
The cost of winter tires is dependent on a few factors. The area you live in is one factor to consider. Other considerations include a charge for installation and balancing and a possible charge for extra sensors.
Ultimately, you’re likely looking at $600 or more for a set of snow tires – possibly more. The plus side is that winter tires are only used in the winter. While you could leave them on your vehicle year-round, winter tires are more costly than all-season tires. Making the switch when the weather improves is more cost-effective.
Using snow tires only during winter can be cost-effective because they will last for several years. Most winter tires will last for five winters when removed during warmer seasons. Consider using snow tires only in the cold months to get the most bang for your buck.
Where to Get Winter Tire Help
Choosing the right tires for your luxury vehicle this winter is an essential task for safety. Boston Motor Werks is available to assist in ensuring the best fit for your needs. Boston Motor Werks is a professional and knowledgeable luxury car expert willing to aid you by getting the right tires on your vehicle. Contact our team today for more information.
You can hear strange noises when your engine is idle as the autumn weather becomes chilly. Your car may become haunted by those strange knocking or rapping noises. But don’t worry! Your engine makes those noises for various reasons, none of which have anything to do with ghosts.
As there are several engine sounds that your car engine could make, one should be aware of what causes your engine to make knocking and breaking noises and what problems they could mean. The following are some of the main reasons and kinds of noises that your engine would be making:
Low Coolant
Your engine will start to run hot, knock, and ping if the coolant begins to run low. Low coolant is the consequence of either an internal leak from a head gasket or intake gasket, an internal leak from a faulty radiator, or an external leak from a hose. The coolant in the engine will seriously harm the bearings by polluting and diluting the engine’s lubricating oil.
Additionally, your coolant will freeze in freezing temperatures due to an improper coolant/antifreeze mix. The block or cylinder heads may shatter due to frozen coolant because of water expansion.
Low Oil Level
Checking your oil level should be one of your first steps if your engine is noisy. Damage to parts and bearings are only two issues that might arise from low oil levels. Additionally, it can result in hydraulic lifters and tensioners collapsing and clicking, preventing the valves from opening or maintaining the correct tension on the timing chains. Further, using the wrong oil can lead to issues. The oil must have a suitable viscosity to achieve efficient flow.
Replacement of Spark Plugs is Needed
Your spark plugs could start to misfire if they’re unclean or worn out. Since the plugs aren’t sparking correctly and aren’t heating the fuel during each cycle, these misfires can result in unburned fuel in certain cylinders. This can resemble an engine knock.
Carbon Deposits Buildup
A buildup of greasy carbon deposits within the combustion chamber frequently causes engine banging. This can be brought by incomplete burning via misfires or burning oil, which leaves residue on your engine’s pistons, cylinder heads, and other components. It could be time to get the cylinder heads on your older vehicle evaluated in case they need to be replaced or rebuilt.
Using Wrong Fuel
The incorrect type of gasoline is another frequent cause of engine knocking. Inadvertently filling your tank with 87-octane gas when your vehicle needs 94 might occasionally delay the air and fuel mixture from entirely burning because premium gasoline has a higher octane number than ordinary gasoline. It will sound as though your engine is pinging or knocking due to pressure building up in some cylinders that aren’t getting sufficient oxygen.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Sounds and noises that your engine makes can have many meanings and reasons. Being aware of these sounds and noises can help you get your car inspected and repaired in time to avoid any road inconvenience or danger. If you require professional and technical assistance for the same reason, contact Boston Motor Werks for the most reliable services in town.
A sleek aerodynamic design’s glossy curve and the deep aroma of new leather have an allure all their own. Not to forget, a precisely tuned engine’s scream forces you to think, Should I purchase a luxury vehicle?
It’s no secret that luxury cars provide comfort, style, and an excellent driving experience, from safety features to improved performance. Of course, all those advantages have a cost, and often those costs take time to become apparent. For your better understanding, here are some pros and cons that expensive cars provide for those who are thinking about purchasing one:
Pros
The following are some of the most significant pros of owning a luxury vehicle:
Greater Resale Value
All new vehicles lose value over time, although luxury vehicles typically sell for more money than less expensive models. Luxury models made up more than half of the vehicles with the highest resale value. Naturally, because a car is a luxury brand does not guarantee that devaluation won’t affect your ability to sell it. However, you might lose less cash than you would if you were to drive a cheaper car.
Efficient Driving Performance
There is simply no getting around the fact that most luxury vehicles perform better. So what’s going on inside? High-end automobile brands are renowned for packing a punch, from the newest technology to the most horsepower. Most provide a V8 or at least a V6 engine. More power is now available when you both want it. Even if a premium vehicle has a more modest engine, it will probably be a high-octane model that nevertheless provides excellent performance.
Top-Class Safety Features
Improved performance also means improved safety. Better safety measures are unquestionably an advantage among the benefits and drawbacks of pricier cars. With the majority of premium vehicles now available, you should anticipate discovering the following pros and safety options:
- Anti-lock braking system
- Excellent ratings on crash-worthiness tests
- Cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- A complete complement of airbags
- Traction control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Anti-theft features
Cons
While there are fewer cons to owning a luxury vehicle, they still exist. The below-mentioned are some of the significant cons that you should consider before buying a luxury vehicle:
Repair and Fuel Expenses
Most luxury vehicles require special maintenance, including premium fuel or repairs done by a specialist. Since these cars have different requirements, most owners resort to dealer service centers and spend more money. At Boston Motor Werks, we invested a lot in special tools for luxury vehicles, and our specialists will help repair or maintain your car at a more affordable price.
Greater Sales Price
This possible drawback doesn’t require any justification. Luxury vehicles frequently start more expensive. Of course, you have to consider the potential benefits, such as improved performance, safety, premium amenities, and the prestige of a luxury car. There is no way to try and hide the fact that luxury cars are more expensive.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Owning a luxury car offers you an equal number of pros and cons, so it totally depends on a person’s personal preference and the choice of whether they should own a luxury vehicle. However, contacting a professional car maintenance company can help you overcome the cons. Contact Boston Motor Werks to receive the best services in town if you need professional and skilled services regarding maintaining a luxury car.
Vehicle maintenance is a year-round habit. You could always take measures and precautions to keep your car in excellent shape, no matter the season. Additionally, you must be aware of the seasons because they affect the demands made on your vehicle. To extend the life span of your car and reduce performance fluctuations, you should undertake regular maintenance, whether it’s summer, fall, winter, fall, or spring.
You shouldn’t have to do it by yourself! No matter the season, an auto repair expert can help figure out maintenance tips for you. We’ve put together this list of a few preventative car maintenance guidelines you should think about to help keep your car maintained and safe as the seasons change.
- Check Your Car’s Fluids and Oil
One of the essential car maintenance practices is fluid and oil checking. Fluids lubricate, cool, and carry out other critical tasks to keep your vehicle running.
Regular oil changes keep the motor well-lubricated and the engine’s interior clean. Spend a few minutes checking and inspecting the fluids beneath the hood, such as the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil.
- Do Regular Tire Care and Maintenance
Tires are crucial because they impact your car’s safety, performance, and control. Furthermore, your tires need regular care and maintenance. Because tires fluctuate with the seasons, they are an essential component of seasonal maintenance. You’ll need assistance shifting forth and back and ensuring that everything is aligned for safe and comfortable driving, whether you want to drive in all seasons until the ice and snow hit or alternate between a pair of winter and summer tires depending on the weather.
- Check Your Vehicle’s Brake Regularly
Your vehicle’s brakes are unquestionably its most basic and crucial safety element. The brake pads, caliper, drum, and rotor will all be examined by your auto repair expert to make sure everything is in working order. Because of this, it makes financial sense to provide this system with extra care with seasonal or yearly maintenance.
Summer brings heated roads that call for solid braking strength. It’s essential to have an auto repair expert check your brake system to make sure the rotors or drums have enough firmness.
Your brake system’s performance can be impaired by snow and ice. When the snow melts, your brakes and brake fluid may become more moist and damp. However, scheduling regular brake repairs or brake inspections can avoid these undesirable effects.
- Check Your Air Conditioning and Heating System
Without a doubt, both your air conditioning and heating are important. Therefore, seasonal changes are the ideal time to check your air conditioning and heating system, whether transitioning from the blistering summer heat into the warm spring months or from the freezing winter wind into the cool fall days. You’ll need a car that can maintain a comfortable temperature as the weather changes.
Some situations are scarier than getting into a hot car and turning on the air conditioning. To avoid this, have your auto repair expert thoroughly inspect your vehicle as part of your summer car maintenance. Winter car maintenance should include heaters, fans, and inspection of front and rear windshield defoggers. Furthermore, scheduling these checks before a temperature drop is recommended.
- Pay Attention to Any Undone Maintenance
Do you recall the owner’s manual locked up in your glove box? After cleaning it quickly, visit the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule section. The automaker’s recommended intervals for regular maintenance are listed here.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Over the years, Boston Motor Werks has done its utmost to ensure you get the best maintenance tips for your luxury vehicle as the seasons change. By employing the maintenance tips above and scheduling routine checkups with Boston Motor Werks, you are 100% sure that your car is in safe hands. Contact us today!
After a while, your car engine will inevitably decline in its performance. A proper tune-up is the only way to keep the car engine working at an optimal level. But, this is only achieved when the tune-up is done correctly.
All car engines, irrespective of their manufacturer and model, require a proper tune-up every once in a while. A thorough engine inspection will reveal parts that need repair or replacement.
Here are some benefits of a proper tune-up.
Fuel economy
A proper tune-up will include services such as an oil change, replacement of the spark plugs, brake services, and others, depending on the findings from the general inspection.
Over time, your car may slowly become a fuel guzzler, burning up more gallons than it is known to. A proper tune-up will help to keep the engine in good working condition and ensure more efficient fuel consumption.
Reduced smoke emission
A poor engine condition inadvertently leads to poor fuel efficiency and increased smoke emissions. Aside from causing air pollution, poor fuel combustion decreases your engine’s lifespan. This is one of the reasons why you should get a proper tune-up, as this will improve fuel combustion and reduce smoke emissions.
Early detection of car engine problems
Being stranded on the road is never fun, as this tends to occur in the most unexpected moment and places where it is difficult to get help. The best way to avoid being in such a position is by keeping the engine condition optimal through regular tune-up service.
Some engine problems are slow in manifestation. They may only be discovered after significant damage has been done. However, a proper tune-up will increase the chances of early discovery and prompt action. This will prevent further damage to other car parts.
During a proper tune-up, the mechanic inspects several aspects of the car, including the engine vacuum, ignition timing, battery performance, and the car’s computer system.
Increase vehicle resale value
One of the reasons you should get a proper tune which is hardly mentioned, is the car’s resale value. Individuals planning to resell their vehicle in the future will get a better deal with receipts of regular vehicle maintenance. The buyer is less likely to suffer from sudden, unexplained engine breakdowns.
Increase the lifespan of the vehicle
A regular proper tune-up will extend the vehicle’s lifespan and ensure you make the most of it. During this time, the car is driven with peace of mind, without fear of a sudden breakdown. Proper tune-up extends the vehicle’s lifespan through early detection of defects, prompting early repair or replacement.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
At Boston Motor Werks, your car is subjected to a thorough inspection, revealing parts that require repair or replacement. Boston Motor Werks offers proper tune-up services that keep your engine in excellent working condition and prolong the vehicle’s lifespan, not to mention the resale value.
Always use the right tires to get the best performance out of your car so it stays in good condition. The right tires for your car depend on several factors, including the climate where you live.
If you live in a place where summers are mostly dry and hot, you should probably use summer tires on your car instead of all-season tires. Switching tires in the winter and summer can be a hassle, but getting the best performance out of your car is worth it.
Types Of Tires
When it comes to tires for the cars that most people drive daily, there are three common types:
- Performance Tires or Summer Tires
Performance or summer tires are designed to be driven in high temperatures on hot pavement. Performance tires are treated with a special compound that helps protect the rubber from the hot temperatures in the air and on the pavement. They have shallow grooves and continuous ribs, allowing them to grip the road better than other tires. That extra grip makes the cars easier to handle, improves their performance when cornering, and prevents hydroplaning during summer rain storms. Summer tires may not last as long as all-season tires, but they perform better in summer weather conditions and hot, dry climates.
- Winter Tires
Winter tires are durable and safe when driving on snow and ice. Snow or winter tires have jagged grooves and deep treads so that snow doesn’t get packed onto the tire. You can tell if a tire is a winter tire by the tread and by the snowflake symbol on the side of the tire. Winter tires shouldn’t be used unless the temperature is below 40 degrees. If you live in an area where the winters are cold and snowy after the first snowfall, you should have winter tires on your vehicle.
- All-Season Tires
All-season tires can be used in any climate, but they aren’t the best choice for most cars. It can be easier for a car owner to put all-season tires on their vehicle so that they don’t have to switch between summer and winter tires, but all-season tires can’t prevent hydroplaning that performance tires have. If you live in a warmer climate where it doesn’t snow, all-season tires are a good choice for budget-conscious drivers willing to trade upgraded performance for affordability.
Who Needs Summer Tires
Are summer tires necessary? Summer tires are not required for most drivers, but drivers who have luxury or high-end cars and want to get the best performance possible out of their vehicles should invest in summer tires.
Professional Tire Installation
Talk to one of the tire experts at Boston Motor Werks today to find out what the best tires are for your car and your lifestyle and to get those tires professionally installed.
You already know that oil changes are necessary to keep your vehicle working properly, but did you know that your car needs periodic transmission flushes too? Most automakers recommend getting a transmission flush every 3-5 years or every 50,000 miles to eliminate any sludge, debris, or built up in the transmission. You may need a transmission flush if you see any of these signs:
Difficulty Changing Gears
If you notice that your vehicle is suddenly tough to shift gears, it’s time for a transmission flush. Getting rid of the build-up and replacing the transmission pan should make it easy for the vehicle to shift into gear again. This can happen with both automatic and manual transmissions, so if you’re driving an automatic car, you still need to get regular transmission flushes.
Transmission Grinding
When you shift in or out of gear does your vehicle make a grinding or clinking noise? If your transmission is making any noises at all when you shift that’s a red flag. Take your car to an experienced repair facility and get the transmission flushed so that your vehicle can shift properly again. If you don’t, you may need to replace the transmission eventually.
Transmission Slipping
Sometimes drivers won’t hear a grinding noise from the transmission, but they will notice that the car seems to be slipping in and out of gear or easier to shift. That slipping isn’t a good thing, even if it seems like it should be. That means your transmission isn’t functioning correctly. A transmission flush should get your transmission working properly again.
Surging
Surging, when your car lurches forward unexpectedly, can be scary or downright dangerous. If you drive a manual transmission car, you may notice a little surge when you first turn the car on and put it in gear. But if you’re noticing big surges or your car is an automatic transmission and surges when you change gears, you need to get your car looked at by a professional. A transmission flush may solve the problem and make your car safer to drive.
Stalling
Some vehicles won’t surge when the transmission needs flushing, but they will stall for a couple of seconds during shift changes instead. If you’re putting your car in or out of gear and the car idles and delays for a couple of seconds before completing the gear shift, that’s a strong indication the transmission needs flushing.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Contact Boston Motor Werks today to set up an appointment to get your transmission flushed and keep your car running safely.
Audis are, without a doubt, among the most remarkable automobiles on the road. This high-end vehicle’s strong reputation is due to many factors, including its dependability, safety, outstanding design, and the use of top-grade materials in its construction.
According to statistics, Audis have a very low failure rate regarding mechanical issues. On the other hand, like other kinds of automobiles, regardless of how luxurious they are, each one is subject to wear and tear, which lowers the quality.
If you own an Audi, the following are some issues that are rather prevalent with that particular model that you could experience.
Ignition Coil Failure
The spark plugs require the voltage output to start the engine, and the ignition coils convert the battery’s voltage into the voltage the coils need. The early failure of the ignition coil is a problem that affects a significant number of Audi engines.
If you do not have at least one ignition coil working properly, you will almost certainly encounter engine misfires in the cylinder. On the other hand, if numerous coils have failed, the engine may be difficult to start, or it may not start at all.
The high engine temperatures that ignition coils are subjected to are the primary factor in the regular wear and tear that eventually causes them to fail. When an engine is changed, they tend to be damaged, which is another primary cause.
The ignition coils and spark plugs must be adjusted to a cooler temperature for a changed engine to handle the additional power. Spark plugs typically last 30,000 miles, whereas ignition coils typically last 60,000.
Electrical Component Complications
The electrical components in Audi vehicles are subject to faults and issues, notwithstanding their high quality. Many Audi owners have difficulties with their tail lamps not working or their lights flickering.
The silver lining is that you can replace these components with the originals. To ensure that you don’t have to empty your cash for a specific item, Audi gives guarantees on certain parts.
Oil Problems In Audis
Oil leaks are not uncommon in Audi engines. Oil leaks may result in potentially disastrous circumstances, such as the destruction of expensive equipment or the start of a fire; thus, every owner needs to be aware of this problem.
If you fail to discover the oil leakage in your vehicle for an extended time, it might result in an alarmingly high rate of oil loss for your car. There will be a direct correlation between how much oil escapes and the resulting costs and damage. So, keep an eye out for any problems with your Audi and have them rectified as soon as possible.
Discreet Sounds
If you detect a strange noise from your Audi’s axle CV boot, there may be an issue. If this is the case, insufficient grease is present in the axle joint of the vehicle.
It’s not inexpensive to replace the whole axle assembly. It’s much less expensive than repairing or replacing the entire axle assembly. Therefore, if you want to save money, you should swap out the CV boot as soon as it starts to tear.
Contact Boston Motor Werks
Regarding Audis, Boston Motor Werks has a great deal of expertise. Our highly-trained technicians have restored many Audis and returned them to peak performance. Do you have any concerns or queries about your Audi? Give us a call today!
