Auto Repair Wilmington Delaware – Buckley's Auto Care – Oil Changes, Brake Repair, Check Engine Light, Tires, Belts, Hoses, NAPA Auto Care, AAA Approved Repair Center, 19805, 1604 E. Newport Pike 19804, 302.999.8285
auto repair maintenance and car care for wilmington delaware
Ah, vacation time. There’s nothing like a little time off from the daily grind. But there aren’t too many things that can be more aggravating than having your car disagree with you right in the middle of the trip. It kind of puts a damper on things, doesn’t it?
Many times, we witness folks that wait until the very last minute to have car issues addressed. Or worse, they neglect the cracked belts, worn hoses, leaking gaskets, low brake pads and low engine fluids that are currently keeping their vehicle together. They just assume that if they’re okay driving around the town now, then they should be just as good driving 100 or so miles without a problem. Well, we all know what can happen when we “assume” things.
For the 2012 travel season, all experts including the folks at AAA, are predicting that most of us will once again travel by car to reach our destinations. Airfare is expected to double in costs starting in April and for most, these increases will divert more families to use the car as their primary means of travel. Even with the higher fuel prices, travel by car will still be the best economical choice for most.
How To Prepare Your Car For The Travel Season
It’s not difficult to have your vehicle prepared for the upcoming season. A quality inspection of the fluids, brakes, tires and chassis by a professional technician will start the evaluation process and planning for repairs and maintenance that goes from immediate need to a scheduled event. One great way to see for yourself just how healthy your vehicle is, would be to ask for our Vehicle Health Check Service. It’s a complete inspection of all of your vehicle’s fluids, brakes, tires, hose, belts and safety lights and more. Top to bottom, you’ll know more about your car, light truck, mini-van or SUV than ever before. And best of all, every Vehicle Health Check performed at Buckley’s Auto Care comes with a full Oil Change and Tire Rotation at no charge.
Need Service Now?
If your desire is to have a care free vacation, call Buckley’s Auto Care today at 302-999-8285 and ask about our Vehicle Health Check Service. Prices start at $39.95 for most makes and models.
Whenever we talk about exhaust service, most people normally think about exhaust pipes and mufflers. Well, actually, exhaust service is a lot more comprehensive these days. For example, catalytic converters were mandated in 1976 and on-board emission control computers in 1990. Governmental emissions requirements have forced manufacturers to come up with much more sophisticated ways to comply with environmental regulations.
Exhaust service has really become exhaust and emissions service. High-tech computer controlled emissions devices are now a big part of exhaust service. Because it is so sophisticated, your vehicle manufacturer recommends you have your emission system checked out by a qualified Wilmington exhaust technician regularly to make sure everything is working right – usually every 6 months or 10,000 miles/16,000 kilometers.
If your Check Engine light comes on, especially if it’s flashing, get your car looked at right away. Technicians at Buckley’s Auto Care handle emission problems everyday. You might have exhaust or emissions trouble if your car is difficult to start, runs rough, is noisy or smoking. Call Buckley’s Auto Care at 302-999-8285 to schedule an appointment if you experience these problems.
Let’s review the exhaust system. We will start from the top and start with the exhaust manifold. That is the part that attaches to the engine and collects the exhaust from the cylinders and directs it into the exhaust pipe. Exhaust gaskets help seal the connection with the manifold and various other joints along the way. If the manifold is cracked or loose, or a gasket is leaking, dangerous gases could escape into the passenger compartment, where you ride. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, so it is important that your exhaust system doesn’t leak. The exhaust pipes connect the various components. They can rust or be damaged by a rock, so they need to be inspected periodically.
Next is the catalytic converter. This part looks like a muffler. It changes chemicals that are dangerous to your health and the environment into harmless carbon dioxide and water. It doesn’t require any maintenance itself. But eventually they wear out. You will find this out when your car fails an emissions inspection.
Now the muffler. Its main job is to quiet engine noises. Mufflers work by either absorbing or baffling sound. And you can actually customize your car’s sound with different mufflers – anything from whisper quiet to bad-boy rumbley. Rusted or road-damaged mufflers can leak and need to be replaced right away.
The exhaust system is attached to the car by a series of hangers and clamps. These fasteners hold the system in place. When hangers come loose or break, hot exhaust components can touch and melt wires, hoses and lines.
Finally, we end at the tailpipe. This is the final outlet for the exhaust. These can be plain-Jane or pretty flashy. Also, the oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust so the engine control computer can adjust the fuel-to-air mix to keep the car running right.
Exhaust and emissions service covers plain old pipes and high-tech computers. It impacts everything from life and death safety due to exhaust leaks, to fine-tuning the sound of your ride.
This is only one good reason for having all used cars professionally inspected before you make the purchase. So many times we see disasters that could have been avoided if only someone had taken the time to bring it in FIRST.
Now that cars are lasting longer and achieving higher mileage before being traded or sold, the risk of purchasing a vehicle that has a major component problem or has hidden safety problems, are very high. You need to have a third opinion on the overall health and wellness of the vehicle prior to spending your hard earned money. And remember, once you sign, you are under contract and it’s very difficult to remove that responsibility once you put your name on the dotted line.
So, before any used car purchase, please seek out a professional and have the car evaluated the right way. You might spend a little, but you may save yourself a lot.
Buckley’s Auto Care offers a range of professional per-purchase vehicle inspections starting at $49.95. Click our appointment tab and make your appointment today.
There are a surprising number of small, inexpensive parts that can lead to expensive engine damage when they fail. It doesn’t seem right.
Fortunately a lot of those things can be taken care of in routine maintenance. They may not be easy to remember, because it is a long list, but your service center at Buckley’s Auto Care can help you know what’s scheduled to be taken care of.
Some of us in Wilmington Delaware really don’t look forward to going in for an oil change and then getting a list of the other things the manufacturer recommends.
But automotive maintenance is all about prevention, and addressing small problems before they get big. Let’s take the fuel filter for example.
You may not know this but the median age for private vehicles on our Wilmington Delaware roads is over nine years. When cars get older, five years or so, they’ve accumulated a lot of dirt and rust in their gas tanks. If that dirt gets into the engine it can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. So somewhere between that dirty gas tank and the price of a great vacation – is the lowly fuel filter: a very inexpensive part that doesn’t cost too much to replace. And your car’ll just run better too.
A clogged fuel filter can’t let enough fuel through. You might notice at first that your car is running fine around town, but struggles or sputters on the Wilmington Delaware freeway or when you accelerate. Enough fuel can’t get through to meet the demands of higher speed. If it gets bad enough your engine might just shut off or not start at all, which could be dangerous.
Some fuel filters have a bypass. When they get clogged, they allow dirty fuel to move around the filter element so dirt ends up in the engine. We’ve already talked about how expensive that can be.
The fuel filter is even very important for newer cars. The fuel is still dirty even if there isn’t rust in the tank. It’s just that the fuel filter will need to be changed more frequently as the vehicle gets older.
How often should you change your fuel filter? Check your owner’s manual. Your Wilmington Delaware service advisor at Buckley’s Auto Care can tell you as well. It’s usually around thirty thousand miles or so. Ask if it’s time for a full fuel system cleaning as well. They often go hand in hand.
It’s good to know that your Wilmington Delaware service center has your back. When you’re motivated to maintain your vehicle’s performance and to reduce operating costs, you’ll think of Buckley’s Auto Care as your ally – and maybe even your memory.
Today’s report from Buckley’s Auto Care is on car batteries, why they die and what we can do to lengthen their life. Most of us have had a dead battery at one time or another. In fact, it would be very unusual if you hadn’t. You may be surprised to learn that only 30 percent of Wilmington vehicle batteries last for 48 months. So, that means that if you purchased your battery in say, October of 2007 and it’s now the fall of 2011… You could be taking a risk and fighting the odds. I don’t know if that’s a good thing..
Now that’s an average. How long a battery lasts depends on many factors. You may not know that one of the biggest factors is the temperature where you live and drive around Wilmington. You might suppose that cold weather was harder on batteries because it takes more power to crank a cold engine, but the opposite is actually true.
For more information on your battery, please visit us: Buckley’s Auto Care 1604 E. Newport Pike Wilmington, Delaware 19804 302-999-8285
Batteries in very cold climates have a life expectancy of 51 months as opposed to 30 months in very warm climates. The reason is simple: batteries are chemically more active when they’re hot than when they’re cold.
A car battery will actually start to discharge on its own within 24 hours in hot weather. It takes several days in cold weather. When batteries are left too long in a state of partial discharge, the discharged portion of the battery plates actually, for the lack of a better word, ‘die’. Recharging the battery will not restore the dead part of the battery plate.
One of the big problems for the way most of us driving in the Wilmington area, is that our batteries don’t always get the attention they deserve. Twice a year they should be monitored and tested for amperage, cold cranking amps and physically inspected for cracks, leaks and terminal condition. At Buckley’s Auto Care just ask for our Preventative Health Check Service. We’ll analyze your car’s charging system, change the oil and filter, rotate tires and more! It’s a great way to prevent that unexpected breakdown.
I’m sitting on my newly renovated porch eating a bowl of cereal. So what. The street is quiet, the clouds overcast and there is the early morning calm that gives me that sense of tranquility that I desire before my day is to begin. So what. My kids, now young adults are saying goodbye as they head off to their workplace. So what. It’s the first day of a new football season, major league baseball is coming down to playoff time and I’m a fan of the two local teams that are projected to win it all. So what. It isn’t the same. Can’t be, shouldn’t be. Won’t be. Never.
Ten years have gone by since that morning when just a bit of innocence left America. And left me. And left you. Innocence that long ago had left other parts of the world, leaving others scared, confused and scarred. We were only witnesses then. Ten years ago, we became victims as well.
The morning started out just the same as it did today; coffee, cereal, porch. Maybe a walk but I can’t remember that. I always think about the shop in the morning though. What’s on the schedule, who am I supposed to meet with, how’s the accounts, is every body showing up today. And of course, you always have to leave room for the unexpected. As a small business owner, you always make up the best plans, but when you turn the key to open the doors, it all changes.
As the morning started, my brother Steve and I along with our crew reviewed the day and set out the game plan. Get this car in that bay, this tech to that repair. So on and so on. It’s pretty systematic: Get the estimates. Get the approvals. Get the parts ordered. Get the jobs done. Get the heck home. It’s a typical day’s scenario. But not that day.
To “get cranking”, we always listened to a local Philadelphia rock station that filled the bays with music to work by. But just as it seemed we were on our way to a very productive day, the music stopped. The radio personality was trying to fill his audience in on a bombing of some sort in New York. Reports were sketchy, but he tried to relay what limited information he had. Curiosity gets the best of us, so naturally I tried turning the dial to get more information from news only radio. When I heard the report that the World Trade Tower had been attacked, I still thought to myself, “how bad?” As we kept listening, the news kept getting worse. This was bad.
Dad, Steve and I were trying to find any television set that could deliver the story. We had one with rabbit ears but that just failed miserably. The action in the shop stopped or at least came to a crawl. All of a sudden, we all were more focused on what was unfolding than fixing cars. No one could concentrate. I had the cell phone number of a good friend that at the time was working on Wall Street. I tried to call, but all lines were dead. Not being able to call made for more anxiety. What the hell was going on?
I remember being so consumed that after calling my wife to ask what was happening at the school were she worked and the kids attended, (she stated it was chaos with parents calling about kids and school closings) I drove home to catch live reports on television. I got in front of the tube at the moment when the one tower mentioned before was burning and the second airliner barreled into the second tower causing a massive explosion. I couldn’t believe it. I don’t think my eyes were giving my brain the right information. What did I just see? Fiction was becoming reality and this was not Hollywood. This was happening now. “Unbelievable” is all I could muster to say.
It took an hour or so of watching before I realized that the shop was still there and I had to get back to it. But it was futile. There was no way that I or the crew would be able to complete any of the scheduled services. So we started calling and asking everyone to reschedule. Everyone was very understanding and accommodating.
Our day ended short and I believe we closed somewhere in the 1PM hour to go home and digest what was taking place. The lives lost, the carnage witnessed, the survivor’s stories. We realized that just what took place would change the way we live today and forever.
Now, ten years past, our world is so different. What used to be taken for granted can no longer be. We have had to accept changes that seem invasive to our way of life. They violate our personal space and they clutter our day to day. All to ensure that our way of life, the freedoms we still enjoy, our families, our streets and even our porches where you can eat a bowl of cereal remain safe. Inconvenient? So what.
Good brakes are obviously very important. If you’ve ever had your brakes go out while you’re driving around the Wilmington area, you’ll know how terrifying it can be. Today we’ll focus on how to tell when you have a brake problem, and how to make good repair choices.
Often, the first indication that something’s wrong with the brakes is an unusual sound. It could be a squeal, chatter or grinding sound.
Some brake pads have a little piece of metal embedded in them that will make a squeal or chirping sound when the brake pads have been worn down to the point that they need to be replaced. It’s an early warning indicator.
Now a chattering sound is more urgent. That usually indicates that something is loose. It could be a brake pad or even the brake calipers. If one of those parts falls off, you could have some serious trouble stopping the vehicle. It would be a good idea to park it until you can get into the shop.
A grinding noise usually means that the brake pad is completely worn away and the metal parts of the brake are rubbing directly on the metal brake rotor. That means the rotor is being damaged and will need some work. More on that later.
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Another warning sign is that your brake pedal may feel soft and spongy – or it may even feel very hard to push in. Both could mean trouble. And of course, you may get a dashboard brake warning light.
Now when it comes time to replace your brake pads, you have a choice to make. You can get the same pads that came standard on your vehicle. You can expect the same performance and durability as with the pads that came on the car from the factory.
Now you can also get a budget brake pad. Sometimes drivers insist on lower cost pads. That’s OK if the budget demands it, but you need to be aware of the trade offs. Lower grade pads are usually noisier, so you’ll have to live with more noise when you apply the brakes. They also tend to generate a lot more brake dust, you know, that black dust that accumulates on your wheels. And they probably won’t last as long either. In our opinion, that’s a lot of compromise for just a few dollars in savings.
You can also choose to buy premium brakes pads. These perform at higher specifications than the factory pads. You can expect quieter operation, less brake dust and better stopping power.
Now, getting back to the rotors. The rotors are the discs that the brake pads clamp down on to stop the vehicle. If you’ve been driving with completely worn brake pads, you’ve scratched grooves into the rotors. If the grooves aren’t too deep, the rotor can be resurfaced. A thin layer of metal is cut off the surface of the rotor to make it smooth again.
Now, if the grooves are too deep or if the rotor has already be resurfaced before, there may not be enough material to resurface and still have a rotor that’s thick enough to safely stop the vehicle. In that case, the rotor will have to be replaced.
Something that’s often overlooked is the brake fluid. Your manufacturer has a recommended schedule for evacuating the old brake fluid, cleaning the system and refilling it with fresh brake fluid. This is really important to brake performance.
So here’s the bottom line: if you suspect, inspect. If you notice any of these warning signs, have your brakes inspected. Your service advisor at Buckley’s can help you make the repair decision that’s right for you.
Call us today at 302-613-0532 for your appointment or use our convenient online scheduler byclicking here.
Getting enough fuel to your engine is very important for performance, fuel economy and safety. In order to accomplish this, your fuel system needs to be clean.
Today’s production cars have fuel injectors, rather than a carburetor. The injectors need to be cleaned from time to time in order to deliver the fuel with the correct pressure, spray pattern and volume.
You can buy fuel system cleaners that you just pour into your gas tank that can help maintain an already clean fuel system, but can’t do a major cleaning. For that, you need to see Buckley’s Auto Care. They have the tools and chemicals to do the job right. Buckley’s Auto Care can remove particles, gum and varnish from your fuel system and get those injectors running cleanly and efficiently.
You’ll find Buckley’s Auto Care at 1604 E. Newport Pike in Wilmington, Delaware 19804. Or just give us a call at 302-999-8285 to schedule an appointment.
You’ll enjoy more power, better gas mileage and reduced exhaust emissions. The cleaners also help prevent rust and corrosion in your fuel system and lubricate vital engine parts.
And, as with all maintenance, it can help prevent costly repairs that can happen because you didn’t take preventative steps. Check with your service technician at Buckley’s Auto Care and see when your car is scheduled for a fuel system cleaning.
One of the things that all of us are guilty of at one time or another, is being cranky. It’s usually because we haven’t gotten our way and we’re a little miffed by that. Or, something has happened in our lives that just isn’t sitting well with us at the moment and we’re letting it affect our mood.
But, did you ever think that your crankiness can cause you to become a distracted driver? True, any emotion we carry into the car, whether it’s too glum or even to exuberant, can lead to us not paying attention while we’re behind the wheel. And we all know that a distracted driver is a dangerous one. To compound matters, we may be subject to other “inside the car” situations; screaming kids, talking adults, traffic noises, etc. Now we really have a mix of attention grabbing situations occurring all at the same time.
Michelle Craner, a licensed message therapist trained in Orthopedic, Neuromuscular, Deep Tissue and Reflexology therapy, states that a really goodnight’s sleep can rid you of that crankiness and allow you to become a more confident, controlled driver behind the wheel. Below, Michelle offers some great tips for you;
Maintain a regular sleep/wake cycle… Remember when your parents said it was time for bed?
Get at least 30 Min of daylight daily by being outside or in front of an open window
Exercise moderately on a regular basis but do not exercise aerobically 4 hours before bedtime.
Reduce stimulant intake substantially and ingest not stimulants 10 hours prior to bed
Concentrate protein food intake 6 hours before going to meal before going to bed. Do not go to bed hungry. Eat a small snack of complex carbohydrates without sugar with some dairy product, such as yogurt, 30 minutes before bed.
Stretch gently 1 hour before retiring. A slow rhythmic pattern is best.
Get into the dark or soft lighting 1 hour before bedtime
Develop a bedtime ritual that you follow consistently. Your body will begin to recognize the pattern as time to slow down and fall into sleep
When drowsiness occurs immediately relax into sleep. The drowsiness pattern last about 15min after that your body begins a new cycle which lasts about 90 min
If you miss the sleep window, continue with calm activities until a sense of drowsiness again occurs
Get up at the same time regardless of when you went to bed
Avoid long naps, stick to 15-30 min for midday fatigue
So remember, not only does it take a well maintained vehicle to keep you safe while driving, it takes a healthy and focused driver to make everything go just right.
Need Automotive Service? Just call us at 302-999-8285 for your next appointment. Or for your convenience, you can confirm your appointment by clicking here.
This is something really amazing: For every gallon of gas your Wilmington car burns, it uses 12,000 gallons of air. All of that air has to be filtered to keep your engine clean.
That’s like a hundred gallons of air every block! The engine air filter is just another example of a very inexpensive part that has to do a tremendous amount of work. And when it works, everything goes well. But, when it doesn’t, well, it can lead to costly problems. Of course, your manufacturer recommends intervals for changing your air filter. But like most service intervals, where and how you drive your car affects when your filter needs to be changed.
Dusty conditions in and around Wilmington or polluted city driving means you’ll need to change your filter more often. Your Buckley’s Auto Care technician can check your filter for you. In fact, it’s often a routine part of an oil change.
When you think about it, a clogged air filter won’t allow as much air through as a clean filter. Your car needs this air to efficiently burn its fuel, giving you better fuel economy and performance.
Dirtier filters don’t work as well as clean ones. A filter can only hold so much, after that, it allows dirt to pass right into your engine. Air filters come in all shapes and sizes. They also come in different grades. There are high performance air filters available for most cars. These high performance filters cost a little more, but they increase horsepower and may improve fuel economy to boot.
So have your air filter checked. If it needs replacing, it doesn’t cost very much and it should easily pay for itself in better fuel economy before your next oil change.
Stop by Buckley’s Auto Care at 1604 E. Newport Pike, Wilmington, Delaware 19804, and we’ll take a look at your air filter for you. Feel free to give us a call at 302-999-8285 to make an appointment.
Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest problems. In 2008, 37,261 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Out of that number 11,773 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. Much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be
prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:
Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin;
Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys;
If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely;
Use your community’s Sober Ride program if it has one.
And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement;
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. The consequences are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses. Don’t let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Designate your sober driver before the parties begin.
Today we want to talk about timing belts. They’re something that many Wilmington drivers don’t know much about and yet your vehicle won’t run if it’s broken – and it could cause many thousands of dollars damage if it does break. A broken timing belt is usually a tale of woe. Even though timing belt replacement is scheduled in the owner’s manual, it’s not the kind of thing that most Wilmington car owners remember because it’s not well understood.
Let’s review what a timing belt does. As you know, the engine’s power is generated in the cylinders. A piston rides up and down in the cylinder. During the first down stroke, an intake valve at the top of the cylinder opens and air and fuel is drawn into the cylinder. Then the piston returns to the top, compressing the fuel and air mix. At the top, the spark plug fires, igniting the fuel pushing the piston down in the power stroke. As the piston once again returns up in the final stroke of the cycle, an exhaust valve opens at the top of the cylinder and the exhaust is pushed out. The timing belt is what coordinates the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. It’s called a timing belt because the valves have to open and close at just the right time.
Now, not all New Castle and Newport vehicles have timing belts. Some have timing chains. Like the name implies, they use a chain rather than a belt to perform the function. It used to be that most engines used timing chains, which are extremely durable. Manufacturers started using belts rather than chains to save money in the manufacturing process. So now we’re left with a component that can break. They sort of shifted the problem to us. There are two broad categories of engine design: interference and non-interference. If the timing belt on a non-interference engine breaks, the engine simply stops running. That could be very dangerous depending on where you are at the time, but it causes no internal engine damage.
Interference engines, on the other hand, will get real messed up when the timing belt breaks, because the valves will actually fall down into the path of the pistons. Things get chewed up when that happens and it’ll cost thousands to repair the engine.
So, what are the warning signs? Unfortunately, there really aren’t any. There aren’t tell-tale sounds. In some vehicles, a technician from Buckley’s Auto Care may be able to see part of the belt for a visual inspection, but many have a cover that’s in the way. The reality is that if the belt slips even one notch, it might as well be broken for all the damage it’ll cause. There’s no middle ground.
So how can we avoid these problems? Simply replace the timing belt when your owner’s manual calls for it. It can be 60,000 miles; it might be 90,000 or 100,000 miles. The point is, if you have 60,000 or more miles, ask your Buckley’s Auto Care service advisor right away if your manufacturer requires a timing belt replacement.
Contact Buckley’s Auto Care to learn more about your car’s Timing Belt
You can find us at:
1604 E. Newport Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
Or call us at 302-999-8285
Sometimes you can go quite a while without a failure, but we’ve seen them happen within a couple of oil changes of being due. It’s not worth the risk.
What does it cost to replace a timing belt in Newport or Hockessin? Well, that really depends on what kind of car you have. I can tell you that it’s usually not very easy to get to the timing belt – you often have to remove some accessories to get at it. It isn’t a cheap procedure, but it’s a fraction of what it could cost to repair the damage caused by a failure.
At Buckley’s Auto Care we’re all about trying to prevent costly repairs, keeping you and your passengers safe and increasing your driving enjoyment. Thanks to AutoNetTV for their great auto video tips.
In the above video, Amos Johnson tells of the last moments he shared with his daughter Ashley before she drove away. Hours later, he would be notified that Ashley would not be returning. A sad reminder how cell phones and other distractions cause such a loss of life.
On July 6, 2010, Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed into law a bill banning the use of hand held cell phones, pagers, PDAs, blackberrys, laptops, games or portable computers while driving. Under the new law, which goes into effect January 2, 2011, drivers are not allowed to talk without using a hands-free device, read, write or send text messages, email or use the Internet while operating a motor vehicle. After January 2nd drivers caught using a hand-held device will be fined $50, with subsequent penalties reaching $200.
Delaware becomes the 30th State in the nation to have a texting ban, and the 8th to also bans the use of hand held cell phones. No State completely bans the use of cell phones altogether.
This law is a direct result of the increasing number of crashes and fatalities cause by cell phone and electronic device distractions. According to the Delaware State Police, in 2009, 230 crashes involved the use of a cell phone as a distraction. National research shows that drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to cause injury.
The Office of Highway Safety is in the process of developing a public awareness campaign to assist with public compliance with the new law, and ultimately to reduce the numbers of cell phone-related crashes and fatalities on Delaware roadways.
Current prohibitions:
Drivers with learner’s permits prohibited from using cell phones.
School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
Text messaging prohibited for all drivers (takes effect Jan. 3).
Handheld cell phone use and use of Web prohibited for all drivers — hands-free devices OK (takes effect Jan. 3).
The Office of Highway Safety is in the process of developing a public awareness campaign to assist with public compliance with the new law, and ultimately to reduce the numbers of cell phone-related crashes and fatalities on Delaware roadways.
Delaware’s Distracted Driving campaign involves two waves:
a public information and awareness campaign that will educate drivers on the details of the new law that becomes effective in January 2, 2011 and
a campaign explaining that the law is in effect, and that it will be enforcement by State and local police agencies.
So check out the links above to learn all about the law and know the acceptable options for two-way communication while operating a motor vehicle.
Please use and share all of our information here at Buckley’s Auto Care. Our goal is to inform our clients about not only the importance of auto repair and maintenance, but how they can be better motorist and drivers here in Wilmington or wherever they may be. it’s all part of our Drive Safe. Drive Smart. initiative. Thank you.
2010 legislation:
House Substitute 1 for HB 229: Bans text messaging while driving, handheld cell phone use and Internet activities. Primary enforcement. Fines $50 (first offense)/$100/$200. Cleared the House public safety committee on March 17. Approved by the full House on May 13 in a 33-5 vote. Approved by the Senate on June 15 by a 18-3 vote. Approved again by the House (and finalized) on June 22 in a 34-6 vote. Latest action: Signed by Gov. Jack Markell on July 6. Enforcement begins Jan. 3, 2010. (Scott, Miro)
HB 298: Would prohibit the use of handheld cell phones by a driver while the vehicle is in motion. Fines $50/$100. (Miro)
2010 legislation notes:
Several amendments were added to House Substitute 1 for HB 229 before it was approved May 13 in the House. One allows drivers to use their hands to enter numbers for a phone call or to engage hands-free accessories. The other exempts farm tractors and trucks from the ban on handheld electronics.
Rep. Darryl M. Scott, Dover, introduced the substitute for his HB 229 (of 2009) that watered down its proposed ban on all cell phone use by drivers to allow for hands-free operation. “I basically found I did not have support for a complete ban on cell phones,” he said Feb. 8. An ally amended HB 229 to make it a “handheld cell phone” ban.
2009 legislation: HB 40 Substitute (HS1): Would ban text messaging while driving. Primary enforcement. $50 fine. Tabled by sponsor on May 12, 2009, due to House opposition and problems with wording. Reintroduced as a text-messaging bill, HS1 for HB 40. That bill (without handheld cell phone provisions) was approved by the Delaware House on May 14 and sent to the Senate. Out of Public Safety Committee “on its merits” on June 18. (Miro)
HB 229: Would have prohibited all cell phone use by drivers. Amended to allow for hands-free operation of a cell phone by drivers in January 2010. (Scott)
Legislation notes:
The new bill, HS1 for HB 40, calls for a maximum $50 fine and violations will be treated as a primary offense, meaning police can pull over drivers they believe to be text messaging. It also seeks to overrule all local and regional legislation.
The original HB 40 was presented by Rep. Joseph E. Miro, R-Pike Creek Valley. “I am very disappointed we are not passing the entire bill,” Miro told the News Journal. “I will come back with the other half that is missing from this legislation sometime in the future, but for now, this is the best we can do.”
As a cell phone and texting bill, HB 40 had been a magnet for amendments concerning exceptions such as use of ham-radio communications and work-related walkie-talkies.
While still a handheld cell phone ban, HB 40 required only that drivers have a hands-free device in order to drive and use a cell phone. It did not require drivers to use the attachment. It also allowed for the reading of text messages, another problem fixed by amendments.
Wilmington, the largest city in Delaware, has approved a ban on the use of handheld cell phones and text messaging devices while driving. These activities would be considered primary offenses, meaning police could pull over drivers for that reason alone. Fines under the plan, presented by Michael Brown Sr., would run $50. “Whatever Dover does or doesn’t do, we need to take steps here to try to save lives when we can,” Brown said. The ban takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.
Rep. Miro combined two bills that failed in the 2008 session to forge the 2009 legislation HB 40. “I brought this back because it is very close to my heart and I really think we need to address the issue,” Miro said.
Miro’s efforts to limit cell phone use by drivers date back to 2001.
When a Miro bill (HB78) seeking to require hands-free devices for drivers was defeated in May 2007, it brought the following reaction:
“Why do we need this legislation?” said Rep. Dennis P. Williams, D-Wilmington, a retired lawman.
“What about a cup of coffee (being a distraction)? What about a CD player or a radio?”
Delaware State Police report that cell phones were a factor in 252 traffic accidents in 2008.
If you ever wonder how a 13 year old young lady can be an inspiration to so many, than you really have to meet Pearce Quesenberry. It was really by happenstance that I recently had the pleasure of having Pearce, her Mom Debbie and two nieces over to the shop as part of Buckley’s support of Andrew B. McDonough, B+ Foundation.
What captivates you immediately about Pearce is the confidence that she protrudes and a sense of “can do”, or should I say, “will do” attitude that is part of her make up. Pearce has certainly earned that attitude by battling her struggles with Medulloblastoma - a form of cancer that creates tumors in the brain and spinal cord.
Pearce’s story is one of many that tells the tale of innocent children that come down with the type of diseases that can usually mean a lifetime of treatments, spells of tremendous sickness and procedures and in some cases, an outcome that can take a life. It’s because of situations like this that Pearce has dedicated herself to making sure that each child that contracts cancers has a fighting chance to live a life they were expected to. With the help of her family (and those close friends and supporters) and the shear desire, Pearce now has her very own foundation. The Pearce Q. Foundation (PDQ) was started by close supporters and now continues with a much broader mission of helping all kids fighting cancer to maintain HOPE, while telling others through awareness campaigns.
It has to be said that without the assistance of Joe McDonough and the B+ Positive Foundation, this introduction couldn’t have been possible. In fact, I’m not even sure if I would have even known about this remarkable young lady and her family. It just goes to show that you never know what comes your way, or who will make you take a different perspective on things, but one thing is for sure; Pearce is one of those people.
Buckley’s Auto Care is joining with the Andrew McDonough B+ Positive Foundation’s mission of bringing awareness to childhood cancer. We’re offering car care support to Pearce and her family as she mends from her disease. We know that this is just a small part and we hope that all of our clients will help us, help them. As Pearce would say, “cause kids get cancer too.”
I’ll be the first to admit it. I Love To Tailgate! I know, you think that the game is the most important reason you purchased the ticket right? Yeah, there’s a bit of truth in that especially since you paid good money to see your favorite team play. But, the purchase of that ticket also gave you the right…er…privilege to hangout with other like minded individuals who are just as rabid a fan as you. It’s sort of like belonging to a different type of Sorority or Fraternity and your ticket is your pledge. I don’t think there’s anything like it before or after the game.
There also is the uniqueness of the people you are pledged to that make the tailgate an environment of ingenuity to be admired at. Now, coming from the auto repair field, I’m always amazed at what others can do when man meets machine meets tailgate. Take for instance Louis in 1994 full size Bronco. He actually uses his battery and 12 Volt charging system to make his very own blend of hot apple cider. Talk about maxing out vehicle potential! Louis is proud of his achievement and I have to give him big props for devising a way to keep the spirits warm on a chilly day. I’d like to see what he could do with a 10 ounce filet!
He of course isn’t the only one that represent man’s tailgating finest when you look out over the terrain. You can see the endless rows of campers, pick ups, cars and suv’s that are brimming with all of the delights associated with tailgating; food, drink, grills, tents and the most important element, comradery. And you have to admit, having that emotional bond to the other thousands of “pledged” members that we encounter over the course of the next few hours or so, feels really comforting. Like we’re part of this bigger body where all other differences have been laid aside with the exception of one thing. Our team WINS and their team LOSES.
So, the next time you buy that ticket to the hottest game in town, remember just what that purchase has allowed you to enjoy. Friendship.
Buckley's Auto Care
1604 E. Newport Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
(302) 613-0532 Convenient Service Hours!
Monday - Friday 7AM - 6PM
WE FIX EVERYTHING!
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Enjoy the service, the customer service is great, they make sure you do not overpaid for things that is not needed. I had a diagnostic testing to be done because they hit a major problem they called to asked if i wanted to continue with the testing it saved me money. They always watch out for the customers […]
I recently moved to the area and was looking for a place that I could start taking my car for regular maintenance. I was very happy with the service and price. Everyone was very professional and courtious. The location is great and the waiting area is very clean. […]
These guys were amazing, friendly and quick. I emailed them explaining all my problems in detail, they confirmed my appointment and I came in the next morning. Some car places make you feel like you've been taken advantage of... NOT THE CASE HERE! Greg showed me what was wrong and was concerned 1st about safety. I brought bagels for everyone and they al […]
Ah, vacation time. There’s nothing like a little time off from the daily grind. But there aren’t too many things that can be more aggravating than having your car disagree with you right in the middle of the trip. It kind of puts a damper on things, doesn’t it?
OK (takes effect Jan. 3).
