Expert Advice

Each year, there are some 5-7 million car accidents on American roads. From minor fender-benders to devastating crashes and pileups, car accidents pose a serious risk for drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Thankfully, the number of driver-assistance safety features has grown rapidly as new vehicle makes and models are introduced.

Between traffic and construction, roads around Washington, DC, are some of the worst in the nation – at least, according to locals. As we move from Winter into Spring, we enter the part of the year where our roads can really take a beating. The repeated pattern of freezing and thawing temperatures cause cracks and divots in the road from the weather.

Yet another trend made more apparent by the COVID-19 pandemic is the average age of cars on the road. That is, for a lot of car owners, their cars are running for longer and delaying the need for newer vehicles. Except not quite. Keep reading why you should keep an eye on the impact of older cars on the car-buying market.

We do our best to provide top-notch auto care to our DC Metro area customers. We also enjoy empowering them, as well as our blog readers, with the knowledge needed to make the best decision about their vehicles. As we look back on 2021, we thought it would be a good idea to round up all the best advice our readers found most helpful this year.

A little preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to driving during the winter months. Preparation means more than giving yourself extra time to slow down and stop. It also means preventive vehicle maintenance to keep harsh winter conditions from wearing down your vehicle.

Going home for the holidays can be heartwarming, but maybe also stressful. Having to drive a long way to get there is another thing to worry about. When should you leave to beat traffic? Should you stop at the gas station first or fuel up on the road? Did you remember to pack everything?

It’s a worse case scenario; you’re late for work and you hear the high, whining sound of a car that just won’t start. Your battery’s dead. Even if you’re not in this exact situation, a dead battery is not something any driver looks forward to handling.

The saying “You get what you pay for,” is incredibly true when it comes to auto repairs. Still, getting the bill after your car starts making a funny noise can be a bit of a shock, we know. Why exactly do mechanics cost so much? It highly depends on a few main categories: the cost of car parts, the cost of an expert auto technician, the cost of not maintaining your vehicle, and the cost of operating an auto repair shop.

A lot goes into owning a car, and taking care of it properly can be overwhelming for new car owners. One habit that our Metro Motor technicians encourage everyone to pick up is maintaining your vehicle maintenance records. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to keep them all straight.

If you have broken down on the highway and you are in a lane, stay in your car. Keep your seatbelt on and call 911 to request traffic assistance from police.

If you have not yet broken down, but are experiencing engine  trouble and believe you can make it to the next exit, turn on your emergency lights and carefully make your way off the highway and out of harm's way.