NHTSA Back-up Camera Ruling Explained

NHTSA Back-up Camera Ruling Explained

How many of you have a rearview camera in your car?  It’s very helpful!  So much so, that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a rule requiring all cars, SUV’s, trucks and vans under 10,000lbs to have these back-up cameras.  Under the new requirement, all these vehicles that are manufactured on or after May 2018 must have back-up cameras.

Every year 210 people die and 15,000 are injured in back-up accidents.  Many of these accidents involve our most vulnerable: kids under 5 years of age (21%) and the elderly (26%).  It is estimated that about half of these accidents could have been prevented if rearview cameras were used.  This new requirement is expected to save between 58-69 lives a year and countless injuries.

This rule has been in the works for years and the campaign to enact the new rule has mainly been lead by consumer groups and families that have been touched by back-over accidents.  Many of us have heard stories of terrible tragedies where children are accidentally backed into when the driver does not know they are there.  None of us want to ever be in that situation!

So, how does this new requirement affect you?  For starters, it will help keep you and those you love safer!  These back-up cameras are already in slightly less than half of all new vehicles sold today already, but under the ruling, the cameras must give the driver a 10-foot by 20-foot view.  This is larger than the standard of back-up cameras in vehicles today.  For vehicles that are already equipped with back-up camera technology, this means the cost would only go up by $43-45.  For those vehicles that don’t already have the technology, the cost is still only $132-142.  Will the cost of cars go up because of this?  Probably, but only slightly and well worth the cost of saving a life or preventing an accident.

We at Flag Auto Service think this is a great stride in keeping our drivers and those around their cars safe!  We love to see advances in technology that keep us safer in our cars and want to do what we can to help keep you safe.

If you need some work on your car, don’t hesitate to call us!  We have been locally owned and operated in Kennesaw, GA for over 30 years. We won’t sell you anything you don’t need and we are very careful to recommend only needed auto services or auto repairs.  Call us today!  770-428-1834.

Bring On the Spring From Auto Service Kennesaw

Bring on the Spring Weather!

We aren’t the only ones ready for spring!  Our shop dog, Scout, and his buddies are ready to bask in the sun too!  This was a tough winter for all of us and we are ready to say “Good riddance!”

The winter weather was also tough on your car so it is important that you make sure your car is in good shape for the approaching spring and summer weather.  Here are some things to do to get your car in tip-top shape for the spring driving ahead:

1.    Replace the air filter

The air filter is very important because it prevents salt, sand and road grit from getting in the engine.  When the filter gets encrusted (after not being replaced), however, it can restrict airflow.  This causes reduced performance and mileage.  If you haven’t in a while, make sure to replace your filter soon.

2.    Make sure your tires are aligned

If you have noticed that your care does not roll straight down the road and the steering wheel pulls to one side, you need an alignment.  If you experience vibration when you reach higher speeds, you need an alignment.  Getting your tires aligned will prolong the life of your tires, which saves you money.  Who wants to pay for brand new tires if you don’t have to?

3.    Have air conditioning system checked

Now is the time to get your air conditioning system checked.  You definitely don’t want to find out there is something wrong when your air won’t come on when it is 100 degrees outside!  Any system in your car, including the air conditioning system, that is not working right can drain your car’s engine and cause it to use more gas.

4.    Make sure your cooling system is in good shape

Your cooling system is in place to make sure that your car’s engine does not overheat.  The hoses of your cooling system should be checked for leaks and coolant should be flushed and replaced.  Summer heat can be tough on a car engine and having a cooling system that works well goes a long way to protect it

5.    Have your oil changed regularly

Just like we talked about in our past blog, it is very important to have your car’s oil changed regularly.  It helps to reduce your car’s fuel consumption and can extend the life of its engine. Do I really need an oil change?

Hopefully all of us can get out soon for a nice spring drive with the windows down and warm air hitting our face!  Before you do, bring your car by Flag Auto Service so we can make sure it is ready for the warmer weather ahead.  Call us now about our special: $10 off of service costing $50 or more!

Flag Auto Service

2486 South Main Street #C

Kennesaw, GA 30144

770-428-1834

http://www.flagautoservicekennesaw.com/contact/

Does My Car Really Need an Oil Change?

OIL CHANGE KENNESAW

We have all been told that it is important to get the oil in our car changed regularly, but do you really know how often you should do this or even why its important?  We, at Flag Auto Service, wanted to give you some information on why oil changes are done and how not getting it changed regularly can effect your car.

In short, the answer to “Does my car really need an oil change?” is YES!  This maintenance on your car is very important.  The oil in your car is there to lubricate different parts of your car, most importantly of which is the engine.  The engine demands so much from the oil for lubrication that after a while the oil breaks down and can no longer provide the needed lubrication.  When this happens, metal parts start rubbing together, which causes them to dysfunction.  When parts rub together like this, it can lead to major, costly damage and can ultimately kill your engine.

When the oil is changed in your car, it reduces the friction in your engine by lubricating it, allowing the engine to run smoothly.  Other benefits of the oil change: it will remove pollutants that shouldn’t be in your car’s system, it will improve your car’s gas mileage and improve the “life expectancy” of your car.

So, how often should you get your oil changed?  A good general rule is every 3-6 months, but it can depend on your car, so it would be good to consult your car’s manual.  Also, if you are in a climate that is extremely hot, if you’re towing a trailer or if you drive where there is a lot of sand or dust, you might need to change your oil more frequently.  If you want to know for sure if your car needs new oil before you take it in, you can check the oil levels yourself.  Here is a quick how-to:

1. Open the hood of your car and locate the dipstick.  Pull it out and wipe it with a clean rag.
2. Put the dipstick back in the pipe, than pull it back out.
3. Look at the film on the stick and see how high it reaches.  The dipstick should have a line indicator to show you at what level it should be at (like the picture below).

If you find that you need an oil change, bring your car by Flag Auto Service in Kennesaw.  We’re running a special right now for all those with a Toyota or Lexus: bring your car in for an oil change and receive $10 off!  Don’t miss out!  Call Flag today: 770-428-1834!

Flag Auto Service Kennesaw
2486 South Main Street
Kennesaw, GA 30144
770-428-1834

A Peek into the SEMA Auto Show

A Peek into the SEMA Auto Show

Every year in Las Vegas there is a huge automotive specialty products trade event called The SEMA Show.  It attracts the industry’s brightest minds and top products from all over the world.  There are some pretty cool and unique cars at this show and we at Flag Automotive wanted to share some of our favorites with you.

Image Credit: Copyright 2013 Jeff Ross / AOL

This truck, named the Thriftmaster, was based on a classic Chevrolet 3100 series pickup.  The beautiful bodywork was restored by Icon.  We loved the unique color and futuristic look to this classic.  It is sold at a cool $220,000 and only five will be made.  We can look and love, though, right?

Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2013 Drew Phillips / AOL

This amazing car is the new Viper GTS.  It is painted a new color blue and the maker, SRT, is actually holding a contest to name the new paint color.  They’ve narrowed it down from 11,000 names to 3: Competition Blue, Overtaking Blue and Viral Blue.  We like Competition Blue; what about you?

Image Credit: Live images copyright 2013 Jeffrey N. Ross / AOL

Being based in the South, we had to share the picture of this fully restored 1978 Chevy truck.  How beautiful is that?  Not only did Chevrolet make the classic style of the of this truck look beautiful, they gave it an E-rod powertrain under the hood so it now has legal and modern exhaust emissions.  Now this is a truck we would buy in a heartbeat!

Image Credit: http://www.edmunds.com

Of course, we had to include a picture of this incredible 2012 Ferrari 458, which is only one of two in existence.  It was actually shipped to the United States just a few days before the SEMA show.  Again, we can dream, right?

Image Credit: Copyright 2013 Drew Phillips / AOL

We couldn’t go without including a picture of the most bizarre auto at the show, a FedEx truck that has been lowered to the ground.  FedEx actually commissioned Mobsteel to build this crazy delivery truck!  Unfortunately, you won’t see your neighborhood deliveryman driving down the road in it.  The one-of-a-kind truck was built only for promotional purposes.  It’ll definitely get attention!

We would sure be excited if any of these amazing cars came into our shop!   Call Flag Automotive of Kennesaw 770-428-1834 today if your car needs some work.  We might not be able to give you a custom, dropped delivery truck, but we’ll be able to take care of all of your automotive needs from oil changes, brake work, to engine overhauls.

Flag Auto Service Kennesaw
2486 South Main Street Suite C
Kennesaw, GA 30144
770-428-1834

Crash Test Dummies

Crash Test Dummies

Did you know that more than 2 million people are injured in car crashes every year?  As a result, there are an average of 40,000 deaths from car crashes in the United States each year.  This is a huge number and one that we need to make sure doesn’t go up.   What are the most important ways to protect yourself in the car?  By wearing your seat belt and having functioning air bags.

Some good news is that the average seat belt use is at 88% now.  Unfortunately, there are groups that are not as great about wearing their seat belts, including teenagers, commercial drivers and people driving at night or who have had a drink.  So how important is it really to wear a seat belt?  When front passengers of a car wear their seatbelt, they reduce their risk of fatality by 45%!  Wearing your seat belt is the single most effective means of reducing risk of death in a crash.

Another great way to protect yourself in a crash is to have working air bags in your car.  Most modern cars now have front, side torso and side curtain airbags and some have rear seat airbags.  Front air bags actually reduce driver fatalities by 29% and fatalities of front seat passengers by 32%.    It is important to remember that because of the speed at which an airbag is released, you need to be wearing your seatbelt or they can cause harm.

Here is a video showing the difference of a car crash without a seatbelt or airbag and one with both.  You will be amazed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7iYZPp2zYY

Before you get on the road this fall and winter, call Flag Auto services the Kennesaw and surrounding areas.  We would be happy to check your car out to make sure that everything is working the way that it should so you can stay safe in your car!

Flag Auto Service Kennesaw

2486 South Main Street Suite C, Kennesaw, GA 30144

770-428-1834

Suggested Fall Drives from Kennesaw & Atlanta

Fall Suggested Drives from Kennesaw & Atlanta from your Auto Repair Kennesaw friends, Flag Automotive. 

There is something so peaceful and relaxing about a drive through beautiful, fall colors.

See, you just relaxed a little, didn’t you?

We wanted to give you some great ideas of where you can drive in north Georgia so you can relax and enjoy this beautiful time of year. These are short day trips from the Kennesaw, GA and Atlanta, GA areas.

Georgia Mountain Parkway
This scenic drive takes you up the Appalachian Mountains where you can enjoy beautiful mountain views and see amazing fall colors. You’ll drive through six counties: Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Blairsville, Young Harris and Hiawassee. As you drive, there are some great activities to do along the way too. There are many festivals that happen at this time of year, including the Georgia Apple Festival. There are great hiking trails in Hiawasee, GA with amazing waterfalls. All you have to do to make this drive is take I-575 until it becomes Highway 515 and take it directly into the North Georgia mountains. It will not disappoint!

Chattahoochee National Forest
This beautiful forest sprawls through 18 Georgia counties and over 700,000 acres. If you make this drive by way of Russell Brasstown Scenic Byway Driving Tour, you will be guided through the unique town of Helen and up to Georgia’s highest natural point, Brasstown Bald. What better drive to make in the fall than through a forest?

Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway Driving Tour
This 54-mile tour takes you straight through the breathtaking Cohutta Mountains. While making this amazing drive, you can stop at the historical The Prater’s Mill, The Scenic Overlook or the Cohutta Fish Hatchery.

Before you make your peaceful, relaxing drive, come by and see us to make sure your car is ready for the drive. Flag Automotive, your auto repair shop in Kennesaw,  is located just at the corner of Main Street and McCollum Parkway.

Come in soon and we’ve even got a great special for you: $10 off of $50 or more!

We hope you enjoy you fall drives, don’t let this season pass by you before it’s too late.

Taste of Kennesaw-Local Fun For the Whole Family

It’s that time of year again! Is your appetite ready to go on an adventure through the local cuisine of Kennesaw? Choo Choo hop aboard the Kennesaw Express and enjoy an exciting day filled with fun, flavors, and festivities!

We at Flag Auto Repair of Kennesaw would like to share some of the highlights of this year’s Taste of Kennesaw on September 7, 2013 from 11am to 8pm in downtown Kennesaw!

LOCATION: Downtown Kennesaw, in front of the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

2829 Cherokee Street Northwest Kennesaw, GA 30144

First Stop Kids Play!

There is always plenty to do for the little ones. This year’s adventures include a rock wall for climbing, slides and inflatables, a trackless train, and much more!

Second Stop Rock On!

There will be two stages featured, The Main Street Stage and The Depot Stage. Both Stages will be featuring live music and entertainment throughout the day!

Last Stop Let’s Eat!

With over 40 different local restaurants to choose from, we hope you come hungry. You can sample different bites from some of Kennesaw’s Best! With Food Samples ranging from $1 to $4 dollars you can try a little bit of everything!

The great thing about The Taste of Kennesaw is that it helps benefit four local charities that include MUST Ministries, Kennesaw Mountain High School, North Cobb High School, and the Jerry Worthan Community Christmas Fund!

Another perk is that the event itself is FREE! All you have to do is pay for the eats!  For more information on The Taste of Kennesaw go to:

http://www.kennesaw.com/taste-of-kennesaw/

So there you have it! The Taste of Kennesaw is just another reason why we are proud to be a local Kennesaw business. As always we at Flag Auto of Kennesaw are always here to help with all of your automobile needs!

Hot August in Kennesaw by Flag Auto Service

We are entering August the hottest of month of the year! We at Flag Auto of Kennesaw would like to offer a few simple tips to help your car stay cool during the Hotlanta Summer Finale!

Flag Auto Service Shop in Kennesaw, GA

Tip#1 Park in the shade! By taking the time to find some shade you can keep your car from getting too hot! Shade is a coveted commodity during the summer time heat, but well worth it when you can find it! Even if you have to walk a few extra steps, it is well worth it when you can come back to your car and it doesn’t feel like a sauna in the Sahara!

Tip#2 Keep your windows cracked! This can help the hot air to escape and actually keep the car somewhat cooler! All you have to do is crack them about a half an inch or so that way in case it rains your car’s interior will not be endangered of getting wet!

Tip#3 Investing in widow car shades can dramatically help reduce heat inside your vehicle by 15 degrees or so! This is an easy way to help your car stay cooler! There are even reflective car shades that can cool even more because they reflect the heat instead of absorbing it!

Tip#4 Have some towels in your car to cover metal buckles.  There is nothing worse than buckling up and burning yourself on the hot seatbelt buckle! Also if you have leather interior this can help when you sit down to not burn your legs on those hot leather seats!

So there you have it a few simple tips to help your car to stay cooler in the Summer Time Heat! As always we at Flag Auto Service of Kennesaw are here to help with all of your automobile needs!

770-428-1834

Kennesaw Summer Family Fun From Flag Auto Service Kennesaw

Looking for some local adventures in Kennesaw this summer that won’t break the bank? We at Flag Auto Service of Kennesaw would like to share a few of our favorite local places to enjoy summer fun!

#1 Swift Cantrell Park. This park is loaded with 42 acres of fun! It’s no surprise that this is Kennesaw’s largest community park! This mega park is equipped with 2 play grounds, a dog park, skate board ramp, picnic pavilions, trails, restrooms and drinking fountains! With so much to do it easy to spend the whole day having fun at the park!

#2 Downtown Kennesaw. Have fun walking around and enjoying some great shopping! Also check out Traders 22 for a cup of coffee and used book! Traders 22 usually has an open mic on Friday night, so this summer may be your time to shine with your Bruno Mars cover song on your recorder!  You can’t forget to stop off at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. The Museum is one of Atlanta’s top tourist destinations. They have recently added the Jolley Educational Center inside the museum featuring interactive displays!

#3 The Kennesaw Public Library. Don’t forget to stay caught up on summer reading.  At the Kennesaw Public Library they have different summer reading programs and other fun activities to keep you busy this summer! For more information on the library go to:

http://www.cobbcat.org/BranchKennesaw.html

#4 Kennesaw Mountain. It wouldn’t be a Kennesaw summer if you didn’t take a hike up Kennesaw Mountain! Pack a lunch and head to the mountain that is not only a great place to connect with the family, it is also a great place to connect with civil war history. For more information on times and events go to: http://www.kennesaw.com/attractions/kennesaw-mountain/

For more information on local events around Kennesaw go to:

http://kennesaw.patch.com/

So there you have it, a few of our local Kennesaw favorites. As always we at Flag Auto of Kennesaw are here to help with all of your auto repair needs!

 

Road Trip Traveling with a Dog

It is that time of year again; now that the weather is getting warmer many people will be heading out of town with their families to go on vacation! We know that some of you will be traveling with your loyal, furry friend! So Scout at Flag Auto Service would like to everyone out there to remember a few simple tips to help keep your dog safe during travel!

Tip#1

Think about your journey and the stops that you will be making. Is there someone who will be able to watch the dog while you go into the bathroom? Just by running into McDonalds for 10 minutes could put your dog at risk for a heat stroke.  Your loyal friend has a warm coat on and combined with the inside temperatures of a car that can reach up to well over 150 degrees even on a day when the outside air is only 78 degrees, you can’t take a chance and leave your animal unattended. If you think your dog may be having a heat stroke or are concerned take your dog to a vet immediately!

Tip#2

Bring a water bowl and drinking water. Make sure your animal stays well hydrated!

Tip#3

Keep your animal well groomed for the hotter months. This can help them stay cooler by trimming their coat!

Tip#4

The best tip we have is to leave your dog at home. We know how much you love your dog but travel on animals can be hard and unless it is absolutely vital to the trip, your dog will probably be more comfortable left behind. Sometimes getting someone to walk your dog and leave them in the home can be cheaper than a kennel.

We hope these tips will help. For more travel safety tips with animals go here.

As always we at Flag Auto Service of Kennesaw are here for all of your automotive needs! Enjoy safe and happy travels with or without your furry friend!