Monthly Archives: March 2023

Don’t Rely on Luck! Prepare for Safe Driving

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today is the day for all things Irish, including the luck of the Irish. But there are some things you should not trust only to luck. Your safety on the road is one one them. 

Don't Rely on Luck - Prepare for Safe Driving

Generally speaking, there are good habits we can develop as drivers to keep safe on the road. These top safety tips from Nationwide insurance are a good place to start:

  • Ignore distractions while driving and maintain focus on the road. Don’t multitask, resist the temptation to use electronic devices, and maintain a safe (and legal) speed..
  • Drive defensively, using accident-preventing techniques such as paying attention to other drivers around you, expecting dangers that may occur, and slowing down to make sure you have time to react to anything that might happen.
  • Prepare for trips by planning adequate time for travel (and stops), making necessary adjustments before leaving, setting the GPS before leaving your parked position, and securing all cargo that might move while you are driving.

Make Sure Your Tires Are Safe

Of course, I would not be Tracy Treadmore if I did not mention tires. Tires are incredibly important to safety, they require special and frequent attention. Many drivers don’t realize just how serious a problem bad tires can be. A special study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board found that “each year, about 33,000 passenger vehicle tire-related crashes occur, resulting in about 19,000 Injuries.” They also found that most tire-related crashes are preventable and actions can be taken to reduce tire failure-related injuries and deaths.

Watch Your Tire Tread

It is important to monitor the condition of your tire tread as it plays a significant role in tire performance. Neglecting to check the tread regularly may lead to tire damage. Often, drivers only inspect their tire tread when they suspect a puncture or when they hit an object on the road. Frequent inspections will help you identify any wear trends and prevent excessive damage.Visually examine the tread or run your hand over it to detect issues such as distortion, feathering, or cupping. Early detection of improper wear patterns allows for corrective measures to be taken and extends the lifespan of your tires.

Check Your Tire Inflation

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is an essential aspect of tire maintenance that can significantly extend tire lifespan. If the pressure falls below the recommended level, the tire’s shoulders experience increased weight, leading to premature wear. Furthermore, low air pressure creates heat buildup, increasing rolling resistance, and reducing fuel efficiency. Therefore, keeping the tires inflated to the correct pressure is crucial for their longevity and optimal performance.

Keep Up On Tire Service

It is crucial to regularly maintain your vehicle’s wheel alignment as it directly impacts the condition of your tires. One of the common causes of unusual tread wear is improper alignment, which causes accelerated wear on certain areas of the tire. To avoid alignment-related issues, such as uneven and premature tread wear, it is recommended to consistently schedule alignment services. Tire rotation is also another maintenance service that should be done regularly and documented to promote even tread wear and extend the lifespan of your tires.

Don’t push your luck when it comes to safe driving, give it a hand! Keep your driving skills sharp and your tires ship-shape! 

“May the Road Rise Up to Meet You…”

Cold Weather Vehicle Problems You Can Easily Prevent

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Spring is on the way, but those of us who live in areas with colder winters know that March comes in like a lion, before it goes out like a lamb. Before you let your guard down to the perils of winter driving, give some thought to some common cold weather vehicle problems and how you can prevent them.   

winter road conditions

 

Cold temperatures are pretty rough on your vehicle, so it could use some extra care to prevent winter-related weather vehicle problems. Here are some of those problems and how you can resolve or prevent them.

Check and Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

It is not uncommon for pressure to drop with the temperature, leaving you with underinflated tires. Tires typically lose 1 pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees that the  temperature falls. This can affect your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency, and even cause tire damage. To avoid this problem, make sure to check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level. 

Get Your Vehicle’s Battery Tested

Did you know that extremely low temperatures strain your car battery? This is because lower temperatures can reduce the battery’s capacity, making it harder for it to start the engine. If your battery is already old or weak, it might not even start at all. To avoid this problem, it’s a good idea to have your battery tested before the winter season starts. Also, make sure to keep your battery terminals clean and tight, as corrosion can also weaken the battery.

Prevent Thickened Fluids Problems

Freezing temperatures cause thickening of fluids your car needs to run properly, including transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, oil, and coolant. It is much harder for cold fluids to flow properly, which increases the likelihood of damage to your engine, transmission, and other parts of your vehicle. Make sure to use the recommended fluids for your vehicle and have them changed regularly. Between changes, check your fluid levels frequently, and have them topped off if necessary.

Wash Your Vehicle to Prevent Road Salt Corrosion

Road salt exposure throughout the winter season has a punishing effect on the metal components of your vehicle. Most auto designs have an exposed underbody, which means the majority of salt damage occurs underneath the car, where it goes visually undetected. Fortunately, corrosion and rust do not happen quickly. This means that you have time to undo salt damage potential with regular car washes.

Protect Your Vehicle from Frozen Fuel Lines

When the temperature drops below freezing, the water in your fuel lines can freeze and prevent your vehicle from starting. A good way to avoid this problem is to make sure to keep your gas tank at least half full and use a fuel additive that can prevent water from freezing.

Clear Away Excessive Ice and Snow Before Using Your Wipers

Snow and ice can damage your wiper blades, making them less effective at clearing your windshield. To avoid this problem, make sure to use winter wiper blades, which are designed to perform better in cold weather conditions. Clear any snow or ice from your windshield  to avoid putting excessive strain on your wipers.

Even after taking these preventive measures, always be prepared for a road emergency. During the winter months, travel with items in your trunk such as a roadside emergency kit, blankets, gloves, boots, packaged hand warmers, and a folding shovel. Stay warm, stay safe, and be prepared!