Thom's Four Wheel Drive

More and more newer-model vehicles are coming equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like blind-spot detection and lane-keeping assist, but a new study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that many drivers don't understand the limitations of the safety technologies and rely too heavily on them — and increasing instead of decreasing the risk of crashes. Researchers say the findings high ... read more

With forest fires continuing to burn throughout the West, the non-profit Car Care Council reminds car owners to have their cabin air filters inspected and changed regularly. This simple, yet important, service will help ensure vehicle longevity as well as clean air inside the car. “With the amount of smoke and debris caused by forest fires, it is very likely that cabin air filters in the vicinity have been severely affected,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Cabin air filters are the first line of defense against contaminants that reduce vehicle cabin ... read more

Many drivers may feel that they don’t have the time or money to address vehicle repairs immediately, but beware that ignoring some repairs can get you pulled over and even ticketed, says the Car Care Council. “Ignoring certain vehicle repairs may seem to save money in the short term but can lead to extra costs, such as fines or ‘fix-it’ tickets, if these problems are not taken care of when they arise,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “In some jurisdictions, car owners may even lose their license for certain violations. A few dollars s ... read more

A properly operating brake system is critical to safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions. Brake Safety Awareness Month is the ideal time to stop and make sure your brakes are working properly before the new school year and colder temperatures arrive. “When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Motorists can put a stop to any potential brake system problems by recognizing the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.” Brak ... read more

With school out for the summer, many families are planning driving vacations. Adding pre-trip auto care to road trip plans lessens the chance of a roadside breakdown for all motorists and is even more important for those driving older vehicles, says the Car Care Council. According to AAA roadside data, “vehicles 10 years and older are twice as likely to be stranded at the roadside, and four times more likely to require a tow.” The findings also show that the top reasons for requiring a tow are battery and electrical systems issues (23 percent), engine cooling system failures (11 p ... read more