Peter Senese and Carolyn Vlk Provide Tools To Parents At Risk Of International Child Abduction

Found on www.prlog.org/ and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

 

Oct 28, 2011 -
Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk are child abduction prevention advocates who have spent endless resources researching issues related to international parental child abduction (IPCA). Recently, the child advocates published the historic THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN, a 330 page resource guide containing groundbreaking research and landmark findings on a diverse number of issues surrounding IPCA. At the core of the manifesto, the authors ask the questions, "How are our children being internationally abducted, and, what can we do to prevent this from happening?"

Reviewers, critics, and more importantly, the intended audience of "THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN" - targeted parents of at-risk children and professionals and advocates who actively act to prevent abduction from occurring have praised Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk's publication as a resource tool that has had a significant impact on the safety of many children.

Peter Thomas Senese commented, "THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN" is the product of years of research and study into various issues of child abduction. Both Carolyn Vlk and I volunteer our time and resources to this important issue because it is our hope to stop as many child abductions as possible from occurring. Unfortunately, too many targeted children and many family law practitioners are not fully aware of the complex issues of international child abduction. So we decided to publish this extensive resource guide and make it free for everyone who needs it, while also using our finding to push for new state and federal laws and policy that will prevent international child abduction."

Written reviews of "THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN" tell a story of two child advocates making a positive difference in the lives of many. For insight on the high-impact work of Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk, please read the following reviews:

Written By: Joel S. Walter (Esquire and Renown Child Advocate)
The World Turned Upside Down is a must read for all parents! The authors, Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk are leading advocates in the world of International Parental Child Abduction. Mr. Senese's work in this area is exemplary and impactful, and he and Ms. Vlk, author of Florida's Child Abduction Law, have both been successful 'chasing' parents, and they offer a detailed manual providing that which one needs to know if one's child is at risk ...The WORLD provides one with strategies by explaining the different laws and treaties that come into play regarding child abduction. Also, the authors provide the reader with those "risk factors" to watch for and methods to protect against a child's abduction with steps to take should the abduction actually occur.It is critical that any partner in a cross-cultural relationship pay attention to the risk factors which are detailed by the authors ...This clearly written resource guide will either help prevent an abduction or assist in the recovery of your child ... The authors have demonstrated their activism by uploading a full free copy of The World Turned Upside Down which is a HOME RUN! Kudos!

Written By:  Jill Jones-Soderman (Executive Director:'The Foundation For The Child Victims Of The Family Court')
We wish to note that Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk's THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN  is filled with accurate, usable, effective information  dealing with that which is certainly one of the most horrifying experiences of a parent's life, the abduction of their child by a co-parent.In fact, it is in the authors' clear and thoughtful research on various issues concerning international parental child abduction that new and important light is shed on critical topics that ask the questions 'How are our children internationally kidnapped?' and 'What can we do to prevent this?' In answering these questions in various ways, Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk continue to assess previously published statistics, research, and data, and analyze how this information was derived. What has become clear and certain is that the general public, the court's, lawmakers, and attorneys  know very little about international parental child abduction, and the widespread impact it has on society. Concrete material which galvanizes the strength of a stricken parent includes such material as the research report titled 'Crisis In America: International Parental Child Abduction Today' ...Truly, for the first time has there been a thorough analysis that provides the full view of abduction, while also dissecting and discarding previously inaccurate information based on faulty past studies ... Another brilliant component of THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN is a section titled 'International Parental Child Abduction and Human Trafficking In The Western Hemisphere'. Here, the authors hit pay-dirt. In asking the question, 'How are our children abducted?', the authors are led toward studying the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).  Under the WHTI, it has become clear how children are abducted. Specifically, the WHTI allows for children under the age of 16 traveling by land or by sea from the United States to present a photocopy of their citizenship papers such as a birth certificate!

As the authors point out, only the use of a passport at departure provides some control over possible abduction ... Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Ann Vlk have created a highly valuable manifesto on international parental child abduction prevention and recovery that is clearly geared toward two objectives. The first is obvious: to help other parents and children who are targets of abduction. The second objective is to create a highly informative and accurate resource for lawmakers, members of the judiciary, and child advocates alike, as the authors focus their actions toward changing, modifying, or implementing new law and policy at either a state or federal level ... THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN  is a unique, outstanding, generous contribution unknown to date for its desire to help a huge public that has suffered immeasurably for lack of information as to how to proceed and who to trust in their quest to find a missing/lost child.  THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN by is a true manifesto that every parent potentially at risk, that every family court lawyer, and every lawmaker interested in protecting our nation's children should read.

Written By: Rianna Pearson (Targeted Parent of at-risk children)
Undeniably, Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk's `The World Turned Upside Down' is so much more than a brilliant resource guide selflessly created by two highly respected child abduction prevention advocates who have had an immensely impactful influence on a large and growing global community seeking to find effective remedies to this abusive crime against children. And I know this first-hand because I am a parent at risk who was able to protect my three children from abduction due in no small way because of Mr. Senese and Ms. Vlk's intervention and the knowledge they directly shared with me which is also contained in `The World Turned Upside Down'. The reality is my children were not abducted to a foreign country because of the information contained in `The World Turned Upside Down' and the extraordinary knowledge and actions of Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk ... There are individuals who decide to act in the face of adversity in order to help others. In creating `The World Turned Upside Down', Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk have not only acted and acted again, but the information they share will help many others throughout the world ... `The World Turned Upside Down' is a carefully written manifesto on how to stop a growing worldwide problem. As for Peter Thomas Senese and Carolyn Vlk, what can I say? I know if it was not for them, my children would be long gone. As I shared earlier in this review, "God bless both of you, and thank you so much for all you did for me and my children." Help other customers find the most helpful reviews.

10 Most Common Car Repairs

By Jeanine Skowronski | MainStreet.com – Tue, Oct 25, 2011 3:16 PM EDT

Found on www.autos.yahoo.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

 

Anyone who’s ever had their own set of wheels knows that car repairs aren’t cheap. According to CarMD, which manufactures an automotive diagnostic tool and software for car repair and maintenance, the total average repair cost in the U.S. is $305.56, including $202.28 for parts and $103.27 for labor.

Art Jacobsen, CarMD’s vice president, says that while car manufacturers are building vehicles to last longer, cars have also become more difficult to repair.
 

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“Many built-in diagnostics systems are designed as a barrier to entry,” he says, explaining that car manufacturers are increasingly finding ways to monopolize business generated by repairs. He also points out that many of the most common repairs can easily be avoided if owners had paid attention to the preventive maintenance requirements, something this AAA survey from earlier this year showed owners didn’t always have the cash to do.

Using the numbers from CarMD, which are based on 170,000 vehicle repairs for which vehicle owners and technicians submitted details to the company’s diagnostic system compiled from 1996 to 2010, MainStreet breaks down the 10 most common car repairs and provides some insight into which can be avoided.

10. Removing Aftermarket Alarm

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 1.96%

Average Cost: $75.85

This is a repair car owners bring on themselves when they attempt to install after-market alarms (or other hands-free devices, car stereos, etc.) on their own.

“When owners add things to their vehicles, they tap into circuits for convenience,” Jacobsen explains. “But that takes power away from something else” and can potentially lead other systems to fail.

9. Replacing Intake Manifold Gaskets

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 2.05%

Average Cost: $326.74

Leaks in the intake manifold gasket, which prevent leakage of air or the mixture of air and fuel between metal engine parts, can also contribute to larger problems with a car’s fuel economy, emissions and engine performance.

8. Replacing Ignition Coils

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 2.58%

Average Cost: $213.16

Ignition coils essentially tell the spark plugs when to do their job, and ignoring a problem with them can do serious damage to your car’s entire ignition system. Determining whether or not there is problem with the ignition coil typically involves going through a diagnostic test.

7. Replacing Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

Robert Couse-Baker | Flickr

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 2.65%

Average Cost: $132.62

Problems with the engine coolant temperature sensor, a sensor that does exactly what its name suggests, was actually only the ninth most common repair when CarMD analyzed its data over a 14-year timespan.

6. Replacing Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 2.85%

Average Cost: $288.19

Problems with the exhaust gas recirculation valve, a part of the emissions system responsible for recirculating a portion of a car’s exhaust through the engine a second time, was actually the fourth leading cause of vehicle failure in a separate list compiled by CarMD.

5. Replacing Spark Plugs

makdune | Flickr

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 3.71%

Average Cost: $311.40

Another small part that can cause big problems is the spark plug, which is responsible for igniting fuel in the cylinders. According to CarMD, replacing a spark plug on your own can cost less than $10. However, because faulty spark plugs can reduce your gas mileage or melt your car’s significantly more expensive catalytic converter, having them replaced by a certified mechanic may actually be worth the added expense.

4. Replacing Mass Air Flow Sensor

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 4.36%

Average Cost: $376.69

Jacobsen says repairs to the mass air flow sensor, which measures the amount of air supplied to the engine and determines how much fuel should be delivered to it, also typically indicates a preventive maintenance issue.

“It stems from not replacing your air filters,” he says, estimating that doing so would cost around $25 compared to the $400 you’re likely to shell out for a new sensor.

3. Replacing Catalytic Converter

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 6.40%

Average Cost: $1,001.74

According to Jacobsen, the costliest repair in the top 10 should never have made the list to begin with. This is because catalytic converters, which are responsible for controlling a vehicle’s emission system, typically only fail when a smaller, related part – such as a spark plug or fuel injector – is ignored for too long.

“It’s a case where not taking care of something small leads to a big repair with a hefty price tag,” he says.

2. Loose Fuel Caps

gj_theWhite | Flickr

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 9.28%

Average Cost: 80 cents

A leading reason the pesky “check engine” light turns on, loose or missing gas caps cost very little to fix but can cause car owners tons of money if left unattended, since the problem can result in a 0.5% decrease in gas mileage.

CarMD estimates that lost, damaged or missing gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate every year.

1. Replacing Oxygen Sensor

Percent of Fixes in 2010: 9.43%

Average Cost: $238.71

According to Jacobsen, the oxygen sensor, which monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and tells the car’s computer when there is either too much or not enough gas in the tank, should really be a do-it-yourself repair.

However, he says, manufacturers have increasingly taken to strategically placing a special cover over the sensor that requires a special tool – conveniently on hand at most dealerships – to open.

“They make it much more difficult to get at,” Jacobsen says, and cost owners a few hundred dollars in the process.

DePuy ASR hip replacement recalled in U.S. five years after problems first detected in Australia

Found on www.prlog.org and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

 

Oct 20, 2011 -
Despite knowledge that the DePuy ASR hip replacement systems were failing in Australian patients, the device was not pulled from the market until three years later.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Senate testimonies held in Australia last month revealed that patient complications surrounding the DePuy ASR were reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), but nothing was done to prevent others from having the faulty device implanted. Similar to the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is Australia’s regulatory agency for medical drugs and devices.

The head of Australia’s National Joint Replacement Registry, Professor Stephen Graves, testified at the hearing that he was concerned about the amount of time it took for the TGA to take action, after they were told by the Joint Registry that there was 50 percent higher rate in repeat surgery involving the DePuy ASR. Click to read the full Sydney Morning Herald article on the DePuy ASR hip recall.

Professor Graves also went on to mention that roughly 5,000 DePuy ASR patients have had to undergo revision surgeries. It is estimated that one out of every eight Australian patients with an ASR will have to undergo a revision surgery within five years of their original hip replacement.

It is hard to determine how many U.S. DePuy ASR patients will have to undergo revision surgeries, since a national joint registry is not yet in place, although there are plans in the making for creating one. (Click for more information ZKB Law’s coverage of a national joint registry for the United States). But what is troublesome is the fact that the DePuy ASR was recalled in America nearly two years after the recall in Australia, which also means that the American recall happened nearly five years after problems were first detected in the ASR.

If you need more information on the recalled device, or you are having complications from a DePuy ASR hip replacement, contact us toll-free at 888.841.9623 or via email at Michelle@toledolaw.com.
# # #

ZOLL, KRANZ & BORGESS, LLC is an advocate for pharmaceutical drug/device safety and a recognized leader in nationwide litigation involving defective medical drugs and devices, as well as other types of Multidistrict (“MDL”) & Class Action Litigation. Call us toll-free at 888.841.9623 for more information or visit our website, www.ToledoLaw.com.

Right to Repair Coalition Surpasses 100,000 Signatures in Drive to Place Pro-Consumer Question on 2012 Ballot

Oct. 19, 2011, 11:07 a.m. EDT

Found om www.marketwatch.com and brought to you by Car Rapair Salinas

 

BOSTON, Oct 19, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Right to Repair Coalition today announced that it has collected 106,658 voter signatures after just 19 days of effort, well exceeding the 68,911 required for the pro-consumer initiative to appear on the 2012 ballot. A groundswell of support and enthusiasm from Massachusetts consumers has driven this issue forward in what could be record time for a signature gathering effort to reach 100,000-plus.

According to the Right to Repair Coalition, the Right to Repair voter initiative would, for the first time, allow consumers to access all of the non-proprietary repair information required to have their vehicles repaired where they choose, at a new car dealership or an independent shop. The proposed law would level the playing field between the big car manufacturers' dealerships and independent, neighborhood repair facilities, allowing the latter to finally be able to access the same non-proprietary automobile diagnostic and repair information that is currently only available to the manufacturers' dealers and their new car dealerships.

"It's time that car owners have the right to get our vehicles repaired wherever we choose," said Jeff McLeod of Marshfield, one of the signers of the ballot petition. "The growing support for this issue shows how important it is for consumers, especially in a difficult economy."

The proposed Right to Repair law would keep vehicle repairs affordable for consumers by ensuring competition among repair facilities. By leveling the playing field and increasing consumer choice, Right to Repair can save families an average of $300-$500 each year, according to an industry study. A recently released AAA Financial Automotive Repair Survey highlighted that many car owners can't afford to pay for their repairs, thus, often forgoing having them done. This creates a safety hazard for themselves and others on the road. Right to Repair would help alleviate their financial burden by increasing competition and allowing motorists to choose the less expensive repair.

Support for the ballot question continues to grow across the state as more car owners recognize that this law would directly benefit them by making it easier to access repair information electronically, increasing their safety and convenience in obtaining affordable repairs.

In addition to the rapid signature gathering, the Right to Repair coalition's Facebook page continues to grow daily and now has over 10,000 supporters.

The Right to Repair Coalition includes consumer advocates like AAA and more than 2,000 independent repair shops, small businesses and retailers in communities across Massachusetts.

SOURCE: Right to Repair Coalition

For Right to Repair Coalition  Art Kinsman, 781-635-6912

FALDP Releases - "Modifying Florida Child Support - Second Edition" Self-help Legal Guide

Found at www.prlog.org and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

Oct 07, 2011

 

In these uncertain economic times many parents are struggling to pay unaffordable child support payments;. It is common that child support is based on income from years past, when a parent's income was far more than it is today. And with Florida unemployment hovering around 10%, the burden of paying unaffordable child support payments is taking its toll on people who easily met their child support obligations before the economy went sour..

No one wants the children to go without. But we also must recognize that the payment must be fairly based on current financial information. Both parents must contribute to the support of their children. Florida has specific child support guidelines codified in the Florida Statutes governing how much each parent is to pay. Unfortunately, and all too often, the child support obligation is based on outdated or erroneous information which unfairly penalizes the absent/ noncustodial parent.

The Florida Association of Legal Document Preparers, (FALDP), http://www.faldp.org , exists to assist Florida consumers and Florida legal document preparers. This most recent addition to the FALDP Self-help Legal Guide Series - "Modifying Florida Child Support - Second Edition" - is designed to help Florida parents prepare their own documents to file in their local circuit court. The legal guidebook includes up to date sample Florida Supreme Court approved forms; author's comments; general form instructions;

line instructions; a helpful appendix; and a case progression checklist..

The new release is available on FALDP's site at http://www.faldp.org/how-to-guides.html . Workbook size paperback is only $31.49; and instant download ebook is only $19.99. If navigating from the home page of www.faldp.org choose the Navigation Button - Pro Se Guides. Or any of the titles may be ordered directly from www.lulu.com. Visit the author's spotlight for more informationhttp://www.lulu.com/spotlight/FALDP.

Other titles in the FALDP Self-help Guide Series are:
Florida Family Adoptions - Second Edition
Child Support Petition Answer Book
Answer to Civil Complaint & Summons
Simplified Dissolution of Marriage (Second Edition - Coming Soon)
Fundamentals of Florida Legal Document Preparation
FALDP Benefit Calendar - 2012

# # #

We are a growing group of legal document preparers concerned about citizen’s access to the legal system. We share legal information and seek to support consumer rights by helping to provide easy access to information and the legal system.

Car Tampering Scheme Targeting Women, Repair Shop Owners Say

Found on www.firstcoastnews.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

11:12 AM, Oct 15, 2011

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Recently, Jessica Wright was leaving the grocery store and ran into car trouble.

"My car was running fine the day before; I went to St. Augustine and it was running fine. I get back in my car, I was in there 20-25 minutes and my car wouldn't start," said Wright.

Wright said she was approached by a persistent good Samaritan who offered to repair her vehicle for a fee. But really, she was being targeted by a scam artist.

"This guy came up to me three times and kept trying to push himself on me, 'I'll help you, I'll help you'. I said 'no, my husband is a mechanic', " she said.

ON YOUR SIDE

Wright said when her husband inspected her car he discovered wires to the fuel system were disconnected. "I was like, 'there's no way it could have come apart?' He said, 'no, it snaps in there; someone had to undone it'," said Wright.

Mark Fleming, who runs BLC Automotive, said several of his customers were targets of the good Samaritan scheme; all were women. "In the last three weeks, there have been three customers that come in with the same complaint," he said.

Fleming said the incidents reported to him that all happened in public parking lots around the 103rd Street, Blanding Boulevard area.

The car tampering scheme works like this: The person slides under the vehicle, while the owner is in a store, and disables it, said Fleming.

"They just reach up and disconnect the fuel pump and your car is not going to start. They come back and talk to the customer; they obviously know what the problem is," he said.

Fleming said while they're knowledgeable and helpful, the goal of the car tampering scheme is to get you to pay them to fix a problem they created.

The message to consumers?

"Beware of anybody that approaches you if your car won't start and you haven't been having any problems," said Fleming.

"Get a license number if you can a good description and please call the police immediately."

Fleming encouraged his customers to file police reports, they have not.

There are good Samaritans, but if someone is trying to make unexpected repairs to your vehicle, that is a red flag that you may be the target of this car tampering scheme and it is time to call someone you trust.

 

 

Jail guide prison Listings makes world wide inmate search easier

Found on www.prlog.org/ and brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

 

Oct 07, 2011 - JailGuide.com announced today that they have successfully added well over 1100 worldwide prison listings. This comes after many requests for additional information to include inmate services found at most prison facilities.

Peter Maxwell of http://www.JailGuide.com describes the prison data collection process is very tedious and includes hundreds of hours of searching and cataloging from various web sites but also in the translation of that information into English.

Mr. Maxwell goes on to say "There is nothing more important than knowing where your family members are being held; and there is nothing more alarming than not knowing the basic contact information for that prison or jail. There are prisons in the world which do not provide (or barely provide) for their inmates; so the idea that an incarcerated family member may be in dire need of hygiene products, food care packs or even bedding and the "not knowing" how or where to send these items is of the utmost importance. Keeping hope alive is one of the best ways to help a person manage their time and you must keep them grounded to the community and the family they belong to."

That's what JailGuide.com does - they provide the information most people need when trying to contact a prisoner in a foreign or domestic prison. Jailguide.com received so many requests for additional countries it only made sense to go back into the database and start building new contacts. An obligation was born to help people connect with those in overseas prisons.

JailGuide.com and their sister site http://www.PrisonListing.com include over 5000 prisons world wide and more prison listings come in daily. The collected information is verified and then entered into the ever growing database.

Prison information includes the prison address, phone number, fax number, web site address (if applicable), visiting information, inmate count and information about the prison. JailGuide.com has their own researchers but also counts on family members of those incarcerated, former prisoners, guards and other prison staff to help continue to build a list of the world largest prison database so that no person is lost in the prison industrial complex.

The prisons included in this months upload include: Mexico prisons, Russia prisons, Hungary prisons, and several European countries. The JailGuide.com invite anyone to donate information about any prison which may not be in their database. They also invite prison officials the opportunity to correct any data that may need updating.

For more information or to find an inmate, visit the website at http://www.JailGuide.com

Jail guide prison Listings makes world wide inmate search easier

Found on www.prlog.org/ and broght to you by Lawyer Salinas

 

AAA Texas reminds motorists that cars need seasonal checkups to maintain safety and maximize operational efficiency. Regular maintenance can also help prevent unexpected repair costs in the future.

“No one wants to be stranded by a vehicle breakdown,” said AAA Texas Automotive Services Operations Manager, Cliff Upchurch. “Following the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual will greatly decrease the chances of your vehicle letting you down.”

AAA recommends that motorists use a simple checklist to determine their vehicle’s fall and winter maintenance needs. Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician.

Motorists can identify reliable, high-quality repair facilities with certified technicians by looking for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. These facilities must meet and maintain high professional standards for customer service, technician training, tools, equipment, warranties and cleanliness. Nearby shops can be located at AAA.com/repair.

Car Care Checklist

Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can also test and replace weak batteries.

Battery Cables and Terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion, and the connections are tight.

Drive Belts – Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.

Engine Hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or excessively spongy feeling.

Tire Type and Tread –Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.

Tire Pressure – Check tire inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, check the spare.

Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.

Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.

Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.

Wiper Blades – The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots.

Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing during cold temperatures.

Brakes – If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.

Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.

AAA Texas also recommends motorists keep a stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. When motorists take their vehicles in for a check-up it’s a good time to double check the emergency kit for any expired items or needed replacement items.

The kit should include these items:

Flashlight with extra batteries

Window washer solvent

Cloth or roll of paper towels

Jumper cables

Extra clothing

Blankets

Warning devices (flares or triangles)

Drinking water

Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers

First-aid kit

Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

Mobile phone and car charger pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services

Android and iPhone users can download AAA Roadside, a mobile smartphone app that lets motorists in roadside rescue situations to request help without making a phone call. The user simply enters the details of their situation and clicks an onscreen button. AAA Roadside then transmits the information, and the user’s location as established by the phone’s GPS technology, directly to AAA Roadside Assistance. The app also displays nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair locations so members can easily choose where to have their vehicle towed, if necessary.

AAA Membership is not required to download and use AAA apps, but is needed to take advantage of the associated member benefits such as roadside assistance and Show Your Card & Save discounts. For more information on AAA apps, visit AAA.com/Mobile.

 

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AAA Texas: October is AAA Car Care Month

Found on www.yourhoutonnews.com/ and brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

Posted: Friday, October 7, 2011 10:35 am

 

 

AAA Texas reminds motorists that cars need seasonal checkups to maintain safety and maximize operational efficiency. Regular maintenance can also help prevent unexpected repair costs in the future.

“No one wants to be stranded by a vehicle breakdown,” said AAA Texas Automotive Services Operations Manager, Cliff Upchurch. “Following the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual will greatly decrease the chances of your vehicle letting you down.”

AAA recommends that motorists use a simple checklist to determine their vehicle’s fall and winter maintenance needs. Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician.

Motorists can identify reliable, high-quality repair facilities with certified technicians by looking for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. These facilities must meet and maintain high professional standards for customer service, technician training, tools, equipment, warranties and cleanliness. Nearby shops can be located at AAA.com/repair.

Car Care Checklist

Battery and Charging System – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA Mobile Battery Service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities can also test and replace weak batteries.

Battery Cables and Terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion, and the connections are tight.

Drive Belts – Inspect the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying. Many newer multi-rib “serpentine” belts are made of materials that do not show obvious signs of wear; replace these belts at 60,000-mile intervals.

Engine Hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or excessively spongy feeling.

Tire Type and Tread –Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.

Tire Pressure – Check tire inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, check the spare.

Air Filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked by most of the filter, replace it.

Coolant Levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.

Lights – Check the operation of all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.

Wiper Blades – The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots.

Washer Fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing during cold temperatures.

Brakes – If there is any indication of a brake problem, have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure all components are in good working order.

Transmission, Brake and Power Steering Fluids – Check all fluids to ensure they are at or above the minimum safe levels.

AAA Texas also recommends motorists keep a stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. When motorists take their vehicles in for a check-up it’s a good time to double check the emergency kit for any expired items or needed replacement items.

The kit should include these items:

Flashlight with extra batteries

Window washer solvent

Cloth or roll of paper towels

Jumper cables

Extra clothing

Blankets

Warning devices (flares or triangles)

Drinking water

Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers

First-aid kit

Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

Mobile phone and car charger pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services

Android and iPhone users can download AAA Roadside, a mobile smartphone app that lets motorists in roadside rescue situations to request help without making a phone call. The user simply enters the details of their situation and clicks an onscreen button. AAA Roadside then transmits the information, and the user’s location as established by the phone’s GPS technology, directly to AAA Roadside Assistance. The app also displays nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair locations so members can easily choose where to have their vehicle towed, if necessary.

AAA Membership is not required to download and use AAA apps, but is needed to take advantage of the associated member benefits such as roadside assistance and Show Your Card & Save discounts. For more information on AAA apps, visit AAA.com/Mobile.

 

Sha