One reason that dealership car repair can be more expensive is the insistence on using OEM parts. What are OEM parts and why would it matter if they were used?  Does it really change anything to use off-brand or rebuilt parts?  We’ll look at the pros and cons, helping you weigh what’s most important to you. What are OEM Parts? The acronym OEM is shorthand for the words original equipment manufacturer.  It means that the parts are made to factory specifications.  Generally the parts are made by the same suppliers that supplied the original factory build. This ensures that materials are the same as they were initially. That should mean that the part will operate the same. Off-brand parts are made by studying the existing part and creating a duplicate.  As with many things, the duplicate may not be quite as good. The materials may not be as durable. OEM parts have a second advantage. They have been tested, when originally on the vehicle, and have been found to work. Non-OEM … [Read More...]

Driving under the influence or DUI is a severe offense in the US. Yet, many people die every year due to alcohol-related vehicle crashes. Besides physical harm, drunk driving can cause potential property damage as well. The scenario is the same in every state, including Rio Rancho. Law enforcement bodies levy huge penalties against people convicted of DUI offenses, including fines, jail, probation, license suspension, and many more. So, if you find yourself charged in a DUI case, no matter for the first time, talk to a Rio Rancho criminal defense lawyer without any delay. This can save you from many harmful consequences and help you. What to expect if you are charged with your first DUI? Generally speaking, a first-time offender gets their license suspended or has to drive with an ignition interlock device, and it lasts for six months to a year. The person has to pay some fine and face a jail term of less than a month. It would be best to remember that every case is different and … [Read More...]

It is estimated that 7.4 million people commute less than 20km to work. That is approximately 73% of the employed population! Of course, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Commutes are not just about distance. The amount of traffic is a huge factor in commute time. For example, a 5km commute in a city can take as long as an hour and a half while a 20km rural commute can take twenty minutes or less. Research suggests the average commute is just 16 minutes. But, your perception of reasonable driving time will be influenced by several factors: Your Commuting Experience If you have always drove for an hour then you are likely to feel that an hour commute is reasonable. You may even be prepared to commute for slightly longer. Of course, if your average commute has always been ten minutes then the idea of commuting for thirty minutes will probably seem like a nightmare. Where You Live If you live in the city you are probably used to having traffic and taking a long time … [Read More...]

The sun is shining, your favorite jam is on the radio, the windows are down, you’ve got an ice-cold beverage, and you’re cruising down the road (hopefully at the speed limit). By all accounts, it’s a perfect afternoon.  And then… BAM! Somebody runs the red light and a crash is inevitable. Time slows and the 2-seconds before you’re hit feel like minutes as you drop your drink, put both hands on the wheel and try to slam on your brakes. But it’s too late. The airbags deploy, punching you in the face and you feel your chest constrict as the seatbelt absorbs the impact. Thankfully, you’re okay. Just a few bruises and some cracked ribs.  However, upon getting out of the car, you find out the other driver (who’s clearly at fault) doesn’t have auto insurance! Things just went from bad to worse. In this post, we’re going to give you a quick overview of exactly what to do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver.  What To Do If You’re Hit By An Uninsured Driver According to some of the … [Read More...]

If there’s one thing that hasn’t changed over the past decade, it’s that car accidents remain one of the leading causes of death in the country. That doesn’t mean that new car safety technologies aren’t making a difference. In fact, car upgrades and technology such as Tesla’s Autopilot have saved countless lives already. With these advancements in technology being implemented in consumer-grade cars, you’d think that the road would be much safer by now, so why isn’t it? The simple answer is that there is a variance in the types of cars motorists drive. Even when most modern cars come equipped with an array of safety features, we have to consider the fact that not everyone is able or willing to buy these models. This is especially true considering the economic downturn we currently find ourselves in. As it stands, the matter of safety cannot be overlooked. Here are some car upgrades that can help make your car significantly safer. Reverse Camera It’s surprising that reverse … [Read More...]