Make Sure You Stop on Time | Hacienda Ford

Vehicle brakes are vital to your safety when driving. What signs indicate that they’re wearing out?

For those who suffer a daily commute through heavy traffic, your vehicle’s braking system can bring thousands of pounds of metal, plastic and empty Starbucks cups to a stop hundreds of times before you get to work. It goes without saying that these pieces wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice they need attention until it’s too late.

Neglecting your braking system can lead to increased repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all. Fortunately, paying attention to some of the signs of brake wear can keep you on top of stopping maintenance, saving you some money and keeping your car from bouncing off of the guy in front of you.

The most obvious indicator that your vehicle’s brakes need attention is an incredibly high pitched squeal when you come to a stop. Brake pad manufacturers include a little piece of metal called an indicator on the pad itself. When the material wears down to the point where less than ¼ inch is left, the metal piece begins to touch the vehicle’s rotor, doing a pretty good impression of fingernails on a chalkboard. Depending on how hard you drive, that usually means you should replace your brake pads within the month.

Occasionally, the indicator rusts and falls off, leaving you with no irritating noise to warn of brake wear. Additionally, many aftermarket and low-cost pads don’t come with a wear indicator at all. For the more observant, there are other signs that your pads need attention. If it takes you longer to stop than it used to, or if your brake pedal travels farther than it did a few months ago, it might be a good idea to get your stoppers checked. Regular pad checks are a good idea and require little more than removing a wheel and knowing what to look for.

Rotors are a little trickier, as they can usually last through two or three sets of brake pads before needing to be replaced. If your steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop, your rotors are probably “warped,” and it’s a good idea to swap them out.

Most shops will offer to “turn” your rotors for you instead of outright replacing them. This means shaving enough metal off of the rotors to make them smooth again. Newer vehicles are equipped with thinner, lighter rotors to save on costs and increase fuel economy. If you’ve got the option, go ahead and replace them.

There are several options for replacement brake parts for your vehicle. While you can never go wrong with what your manufacturer recommends, a variety of aftermarket parts can help you cater your brake system to your driving style. If you find yourself replacing rotors often, you might consider switching to a slotted version. While initially more expensive, the slots disperse heat better than stock, though 99 percent of the time they aren’t necessary for the average driver.

Your rotors aren’t the only piece of brake hardware that can be changed for better performance. One of the most common brake pad upgrades is a switch to ceramic pads. These pads stop just as well, if not better than the stock pieces, but produce much less dust and are generally quieter. While you can also install performance brake pads on your vehicle, these usually have a shorter life span and generate more wear on your rotors.

While neglecting your brakes until your car is grinding to a halt instead of gliding is always an option, it can cost you in unnecessary rotor replacement and possible towing bills. That’s not to mention the likelihood of losing most of your stopping ability right when you need it most. Keeping up with brake maintenance, paying attention to the signs of brake wear and choosing the right equipment for your vehicle will let you slow down like you should.

Top Ten Signs of Brake Wear:

1.   High pitched squealing
2.   Vibration in the steering wheel when stopping
3.   Grinding noises when stopping
4.   Increased braking distances
5.   Longer pedal travel
6.   Feeling the car “pull” to the left or right when stopping
7.   A weak emergency brake
8.   A bad smell after coming to a hard stop
9.   Pedal “fade”
10. Not stopping

When you start experiencing any of the above listed symptoms it is time to make an appointment at XXXXX XXXXXX XXXXXXXX or call us at (956) 219-2090.

Source: http://www.carcare.org/2011/10/car-brakes-how-do-you-know-when-to-change-them/

Travel Safely with Your Pet | Hacienda Ford

It is time to start gearing up if you plan to bring your furry friend with you this holiday season. Millions will take to the roads over the Christmas period, making it one of the busiest times of year to travel. Many of us have our families spread far and wide and will be taking a trip over the festive period to share time with our loved ones.

As dog owners we don’t want to leave our furry family member alone for Christmas, as a family celebration it wouldn’t feel right not to have him involved in the festivities. Finding someone to feed your dog whilst you’re away is extremely difficult over this period, most people are too busy celebrating and enjoying their families company to pop over and feed, water and walk the dog. For many of us the only option is to take our four legged friend with us at Christmas.

Every summer we are reminded of the dangers of taking or leaving a dog in a hot car however literature on travelling with a dog in the winter is a lot less common. If you’re travelling with your dog this winter remember to consider the following to ensure he is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Keeping Warm

Whilst you and I will wrap up in hats, scarves, gloves and coats dogs only have a slightly thicker coat in the winter to keep the cold out and the heat in – winter can be bone chillingly cold. You may have the heat on in the car but the boot area where you keep your dog will be cooler than the rest of the car. Invest in a dog jacket like this fleece lined one, if you have a smaller dog or a dog who is more sensitive to heat purchase a blanket for the back of your car that he can use if he needs to.
Protecting your Dog (And You)

We’ve all heard the warnings, if you don’t wear a seatbelt and you have an accident you could injure the person in front of you or go through the windshield. Whilst most of us are sensible enough to wear a seatbelt now that we fully understand the dangers and fines have been introduced, cars don’t come fitted with a doggy-belt and his safety is as paramount as yours. Ensure you purchase either a dog car cage, dog safety harness (like a seat belt) or a dog guard. These products will not only ensure your dog’s safety but will also protect you from being distracted by your dog climbing into the front of the car – or onto your lap.

Protecting your Car
Whilst your dog may be the calmest of dogs at home, a car journey can be both exciting and traumatic for your pup. Your dog could get travel sick, away from his usual surroundings he may be unable to let you know he needs the bathroom and he may get over excited and scratch and chew at the fixtures. In order to prevent this it is best to purchase a waterproof car protector for any journey’s you take with your dog. Allow your dog to spend some time in the car protector in the house before you first take him in the car, place a couple of the dogs toys or blankets in the car protector on your first journey – the smells and toys will be familiar comforting him and making the journey less traumatic for your dog.

Things to Remember

• Antifreeze is an essential to the winter and also delicious but highly dangerous for your dog. Keep dogs away from bottles or antifreeze you may usually keep in your trunk.
• Cars in the cold do the opposite of cars in the heat – instead of an oven your car becomes a refrigeration unit. If you leave a dog in the car in the winter the temperature can plummet dangerously low.
• Do not feed your dog a large meal before taking him in the car.
• If your journey is longer than two hours make sure you stop every two hours for him to stretch his legs, use the bathroom and drink some water.
• Take your dog for a long walk before an extended drive, this will tire him out and he will be more inclined to rest and possibly sleep for the journey.

Source: http://www.petguide.com/insurance/dog/tips-for-travelling-with-your-dog-over-the-christmas-holidays/

Getting Your Christmas Tree Safely Home | Hacienda Ford

Every year you envision a picture perfect Christmas tree in the corner of your living room. Here are some tips to get the tree from purchase point to home safely.

1. Be Prepared

Before you head out to the tree lot, make sure you have the following ingredients to maximize your holiday cheer, which is directly proportionate to how many pine needles stab your arms.

• Work gloves
• An old blanket or tarp
• Rachet-style tie-downs

2. The Perfect Tree (for Hauling)

Sure, that nine foot fir looks fantastic on the lot, and it may even fit inside your living room with a bit of trimming, but will it fit on the roof of your SUV? Can you lift it on your own back at home? Be sure that you’re picking out a tree that is not only free of bare spots, but will also realistically fit on top of your vehicle without extending too far past the bumper. Even if the family falls in love with a giant, they’re probably going to disappear when it’s time to strap it to the car, so make sure you can handle it.

3. The Right Roof for the Job

For hauling your evergreen a great distance, you’re going to want to have a roof rack to help anchor the tree on the top of the car. If you don’t have a roof rack, bribe a your truck-owning friend with promises of eggnog back home.

4. Keep it Under Wraps

Most Christmas trees will come netted (if you buy them from a lot, anyway; they tend not to come netted in nature), so be sure to leave them that way so that carrying it is more manageable.

5. Cover up Your Car

To avoid paint scratches, lay your tarp or blanket out on the roof of the car before mounting the tree up there. Spread it out to cover the entire top to also protect from pieces that fly off in transport. If you’re hauling in the back of your SUV or minivan, lay down a blanket or tarp to protect your interior from sap stains. Doesn’t your car look cozy?

6. Stump Forward

As This Old House points out, you’ll want to have the stump facing the front of the vehicle to help avoid damage to the branches. The best way to transport a tree is to cover it completely to keep the wind from drying it out, so if you have a second tarp handy, roll the tree up in it before hauling it onto the roof.

7. Tie it Down

If your tree is indeed going on the roof, The Globe and Mail recommends against bungee cords, instead recommending ratchet-style tie-downs. Before you leave the lot, make sure to give the tree a firm tug to ensure that it’s not going anywhere. Tie a piece of orange ribbon on the end of the tree if it is hanging out past the bumper.

8. Take it Slow

Once you get driving, take it slow and put on your hazard lights. Highways are not your friend when you have a potential eight feet of flying, piney, green death on top of your vehicle. Back at home, wrap the tree in the tarp laid on the roof to keep needles from getting all over the house. From there, we’ll leave you with some tips on caring for your Christmas tree through the season.

http://thenewswheel.com/tips-transport-christmas-tree-holiday-season/

Driving at Night | Hacienda Ford

As Fall Back looms around the corner, it is time to remember safety tips for the driving in the dark.

Drive more slowly at night because you cannot see as far ahead and you will have less time to stop for a hazard. Make sure you can stop within the distance lighted by your headlights.

Use your low-beam headlights at night when it rains. Do not drive using only your parking lights.

Use your high-beam headlights whenever possible in open country or dark city streets, as long as it is not illegal. Do not blind other drivers with your high-beam headlights. Dim your lights when necessary. If another driver does not dim his or her lights:

• Do not look directly into the oncoming headlights.
• Look toward the right edge of your lane
• Watch the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye
• Do not try to "get back" at the other driver by keeping your bright lights on. If you do, both of you may be blinded.

When you drive at night, remember:

• Pedestrians and bicyclist are much harder to see at night; stay alert6 for them
• Motorcycles are also harder to see at night because most have only one taillight.
• Highway construction can take place at night. Reduce your speed in highway construction zones.
• When you leave a brightly-lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.
• Drive as fa the the right as possible, when a vehicle with one light drives toward you. It could be a bicyclist or motorcyclist, but it could also be a vehicle with a missing headlight.

Planning a Trip with Your 4-Legged Friend | Hacienda Ford

For some pet parents, a trip’s no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off-especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip: 

• Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip. 
• Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop. 
• Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle-even if it is a long drive. 
• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 
• What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. 
• Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please. 
• Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle. 
• Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side. 
• When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet. 
• If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers. 

Resource: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/10_tips_for_safe_car_travel_with_your_pet

5 Tips to Save on Gas | Edinburg, TX New & Used Car Dealer

 

1. Fill Up Middle of the Week
It is a well known fact that gas prices are at their highest on the weekends. This is common sense really…when do most people have time to go get gas? When do families head out for trips and gas up the family car? Rather than paying top dollar on the weekend for convenience, stop on a Wednesday instead and enjoy the savings.

2. Never Ride on Empty
Many people think this is an old wives tale but it is based in fact. Running a car on less gas than is optimal means the car has to work harder. This means that the car is not efficiently using the gasoline and pulling more than is needed to operate the car. (There is also that added inconvenience of potentially running out of gas) Rather than doing this to your car, fill up when you hit the half empty line. This will keep your car running optimally and your gas prices down.

3. Stick to Regular Fuel Unless You Own a High Performance Sports Car
Buying a high grade of gasoline is going to do very little for your family sedan. The old station wagon is not going to perform better or last longer by using high grade premium gasoline. What you will accomplish is paying way too much for your gas each week. This costs people a ton of money every single week and the truth is…it is money down the drain.

4. Do Trip Combos
This means sitting down and planning out your day beforehand. Each evening, sit down and figure out where you need to go and what you need the car for. Consider where everything is and how you can combine trips. Nothing stinks worse than to pass right by someplace and then get home and realize you needed to stop there. Plan ahead and work out trip combos to use less gas and save money.

5. Use an Online Gas Finder
These little websites are awesome! Simply put in your address and it will spit out the lowest prices and where they are located. There are also phone apps that can do the same thing if you are on the go. Find one you trust and that consistently gives you the right information and stick with it.