Category Archives: Safe Driving

Understanding All-Wheel and Four-Wheel Drive

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Dear Tracy,

Can you tell me if there is a difference is between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, or if these terms mean basically the same thing? I am also wondering if it is worth investing the extra cash to get an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle. Is the safety and performance that much better?

Andrew J.

Dear Andrew,

To answer your first question, all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are not the same. In the design of an all-wheel drive vehicle,  the drivetrain has a front, rear and center differential to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle. The drivetrain on a four-wheel drive vehicle has two differentials and a transfer case to provide power to all four wheels of a vehicle. Cars and crossover vehicles often have all-wheel drive, while trucks and truck-based sport utility vehicles typically have four-wheel drive. Both all-wheel and four-wheel drive systems can improve vehicle acceleration in slippery conditions, and may offer better handling on some types of roads or terrain.

As to whether or not these systems are worth the extra investment, the answer will depend largely on the conditions under which you normally drive and what kind of driving you do. If you live in an area that gets heavy rain or snowfall for most of the year, the investment may be worth it. Similarly, if you do a lot of off-road driving or driving on unpaved roads, all-wheel or four-wheel drive may be highly beneficial. Some other advantages to having all-wheel drive or four wheel drive include better traction with towing and often times, added resale value.

On the downside, there are other drawbacks, besides the additional cost that you noted. All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles offer lower fuel economy and require more maintenance than standard vehicles. In regard to gas consumption, it is important to note that four-wheel drive, unlike all-wheel drive,  can be turned off so you have the option to only use it, and the extra gas it requires, when you need it.

In deciding whether or not to invest in all-wheel or four-wheel drive, remember that in many cases, such as winter driving, selecting the right type of tire may be the best thing you can do to enhance safety and performance.

Look Out for Flying Turkeys & Other Travel Tips

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While some are preparing to host a Thanksgiving feast , many are planning on making a road trip so they can share the holiday with loved ones. If you are in the latter category, please make sure  you are safe and prepared. After all, depending on where you are, the Weather Channel is reporting that things could be a little dicey in some areas. Before you head out on the road this holiday, consider these tips:

Prepare your vehicle for the drive

It is a good idea to have your regular maintenance done when the seasons change, but if you haven’t done that yet, do it before you leave town. Be sure to check: battery, brakes, wipers, lights, oil, coolant, fluids, and tire pressure.

Know gas prices and plan your fuel stops

You certainly don’t want to spend all of your Black Friday shopping cash on gas. Save time and money by using a gas price app like GasBuddy to help you find good gas prices along the way.

Know where you are going and how to get there

The best way to spoil holiday fun (and possibly start a big fight with your passengers) is to get lost on the trip. Be certain that your maps are current, whether it’s updating your GPS or getting  new paper maps from AAA.

Be ready for anything on the road

Don’t let anticipation of that turkey and stuffing distract you from your scout training – be prepared! Make sure you have all of  your roadside emergency items like flares, blankets, and jumper cables – especially if you’re heading into bad weather.

Don’t let pumpkin pie become a dangerous projectile

Are you contributing to the Thanksgiving feast? You have probably decided on what you are taking, but have you thought about how? Not only do you want to avoid spills, you want to be safe. Did you know a 20 lb turkey could hit someone with 600 lbs of force if traveling in a vehicle involved in a 35 mph collision?  This blog post from cars.com has some helpful advice to make transporting food a little safer.

Whatever your plans, always be safe and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Ready For Winter?

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Be Prepared with these Five Winter Maintenance Jobs

Even if you aren’t ready for the coldest time of the year, at least make sure your car is! These five winter maintenance jobs will help get you ready for winter weather driving:

  • Check your antifreeze
    Fresh, quality antifreeze provides your vehicle with essential winter protection. Make sure your vehicle has a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. The antifreeze amount should be kept at the full line.
  • Check Your Tires
    The pressure on all tires, including the spare, should be checked monthly, with a reliable gauge and when the tires are cold. Though it may seem logical, do not go by the pressure stamped on the sidewall of the tire. To find out the proper pressure levels for your vehicle, check the owner’s manual or the sticker that is most often located on the driver-side door jamb. Pre-winter is also a good time to check your tire tread depth. Your tires need at least 2/32″ of depth to be safe, but more is even better. Use the penny test you make sure your tread depth is okay. If you have any doubts, check with your tire dealer to be sure your tread is safe.
  • Make Sure Your Battery is Charged
    Extreme weather, including cold temperatures, can  break down car batteries internally and can accelerate the rate of corrosion on battery terminals. This can lead to insufficient electrical power and the risk of being stranded. It is a good idea to check the battery cables and ensure they are securely attached to the terminals. Clean the terminals if there are signs of corrosion.  Typically, car batteries have a three to five year service life, depending on local climate and vehicle usage patterns.
  • Check your windshield washer fluid
    We tend to use more washer fluid as salt, sludge and snow sprays continually bombard our windshields. You don’t want to be “that person” with the car that looks like it’s just been pulled from a lake. More importantly, you want to make sure you can SEE so you can drive safely. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with winter cleaning solution that contains enough antifreeze components to keep it from freezing.
  • Replace your wipers
    In order for the wiper fluid to do its job, you need wipers that are in top shape to keep your windshield clean and safe. The blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any blade that leaves streaks or misses spots. In regions where snow is common, consider installing winter wiper blades that wrap the blade frame in a rubber boot to reduce ice and snow buildup that can prevent good contact between the blade and the glass.

You can perform these maintenance steps yourself, or you can stop by your auto service shop to make sure everything looks good. Just make sure you get it done before Jack Frost gets here!

Get Ready For Winter Driving: Keep The Pressure On

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Dear Tracy,

I always dread winter driving season. Now that fall is here, I am beginning to worry about the ice and snow that is around the corner. A friend told me that if you reduce the pressure in your tires you will have better traction on snow and ice. Is that good idea?

Annie T.

Dear Annie,

Trying to improve your traction by decreasing the air pressure in your tires is definitely not a good idea. Not only does it not work, underinflated tires actually cause the engine to work harder, due to increased rolling resistance. Under inflated tires also affect your car’s steering and handling. Under inflation is the most common cause of tire failure because it promotes excessive tire stress, irregular wear, and poor handling.

It is, however, a very good idea to prepare for the winter driving season, and there are plenty of things you can do to drive safely.  The best way to avoid dangerous situations is to maintain control and remain safe on the road. Being ready for winter driving will help you do just that. Here are a few safe winter driving tips:

  • Install a set of quality snow tires, and be sure to install four of them to achieve the best handling and tracking.
  • Always drive a little slower during winter conditions.
  • Double your anticipated stopping distance when braking in bad weather because it always takes longer to stop a vehicle on ice and snow.
  • Keep in mind that a four-wheel drive SUV does not have better braking ability than a two-wheel drive car.

The changing of seasons is also a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on your required routine tire and auto maintenance. Driving a car that is equipped and ready to go is always the best way to avoid any problems on the road.

Auto Theft Prevention

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Heavy Duty Anti-Theft Tire Wheel Clamp LockDear Tracy,

As a college student who must park my car in some not-so-safe areas, I would like to invest in some kind of car security, beyond the alarm system it came with. What are the most reliable anti-theft devices that are currently on the market?

Anna F.

Dear Anna,

There are several options you can invest in to protect your car. Although there is no one device that is fail safe, any barriers that you can put between your car and thieves will help. If you choose a highly visible device, it may be enough to cause a thief to not choose your car, just to avoid a hassle. Depending on what kind of budget you have for this investment, you may want to try to do a combination of devices. Here are some of the auto theft protection options that are available:

VIN Etching

VIN etching puts your vehicle identification number onto several parts of your car, including in the windows for would be thieves to see. While this should be serve as a deterrent, it is also is helpful in recovering a stolen vehicle. VIN etching kits are available for purchase, or in some areas VIN etching services are provided. A quick online search will show you local options.

Tire and Wheel Locks

Similar in appearance to the boots used by law enforcement, these devices are instantly visible and make a car nearly impossible to move. These can be purchased online or from an automotive supply store. For those who are primarily concerned with protecting wheels, McGard offers a variety of wheel locks. These locks function like a regular lug nut, but require a special key tool for installation and removal.

Steering Wheel and Steering Column Locks

These are based on the same concept as the wheel lock boots , and offer the same visible message to would be thieves. The options range from fairly inexpensive locks that must be installed manually each time the driver leaves the car to more expensive options that can be installed permanently.

Kill Switches

A kill switch is a hidden switch that must be flipped in order to start the car. The effectiveness of this approach depends on how well the switch is hidden from the thieves, who probably know most places to look for them. If you opt for a kill switch, make sure installation will not affect your car’s warranty.

For more ideas for preventing auto theft, check out these suggestions from the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Protection Authority.

Back-to-School Safe Driving

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The week following Labor Day weekend is traditionally recognized as back to school time. Even if you do not have kids in school, you can’t miss the myriad of school supply promotions, sales, and advertising. Another unmistakable indicator is the increased presence of those big yellow monsters on the road.  Though sharing the road with school buses can be somewhat of a nuisance, they do play an essential role in the safe transportation of children, so it is important to support them by knowing and obeying school bus traffic laws.

According to the National Safety Council, school buses are one of the safest forms of transportation for students. They warn, however, that more children are hurt or killed outside of the bus when they fail to watch where they are going, or when a motorist does not pay attention and illegally passes a stopped school bus.

The council offers the following points to remind drivers of school traffic safety laws and procedures:

  • In all 50 states it is illegal to pass a school bus that has stopped to pick up or drop off children.
  • In all 50 states traffic in both directions is required to stop on undivided roadways when students are being picked up and dropped off.
  • State laws vary on divided roadway requirements, however in all cases, vehicles driving behind the bus, and moving in the same direction must stop when the bus does.
  • Flashing yellow lights on a school bus indicate the bus driver is preparing to stop to load or unload passengers. Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign arm signals that the bus has stopped and children are exiting or entering the bus.
  • A required distance of 10 feet around a school bus must be observed to allow sufficient space for children getting on or off the bus.
  • Be on the lookout for children who may run or fail to observe safety rules when moving to and from the bus stop.
  • Drivers should never block crosswalks when waiting to turn or stopped for a red light.
  • In school zones be alert for warning flashers, and while you are in an active zone, be sure to yield the right-of-way to students crossing in the marked crosswalk.

If you know your morning route includes an area with school bus stops, be sure to leave a little early so you won’t have to stress about delays. Take a few extra sips of coffee, and listen to another song or two. The most important thing is to make sure EVERYONE gets to their destination safely!

Blowouts – Keeping Calm is Key

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Dear Tracy,

Do you have any advice for handling a tire blowout? I recently saw an auto accident on the highway that was caused by a tire blowout and it really got me wondering if I would know what to do if that happened to me. It seems like my instinct would be to hit the brakes and swerve off of the road. Would that be the right thing to do? Also, I know there is not a lot a driver do about road debris, but are there things I can do to help prevent a blowout?

-Lucas Z.

Dear Lucas,

Experiencing a blowout at highway speeds is a scary situation. Even seasoned drivers may panic and handle the vehicle in a way that makes a bad situation even worse.
If you experience a tire blowout try to remain calm. Maintaining control and balance of the vehicle is critical in getting off the road safely. While your instincts may tell you to hit the brakes or abruptly take your foot of the accelerator, you should not do either of these as it will diminish your vehicle stability and control.

In order to safely maneuver through a tire blowout  your must first slowly release the accelerator. As you gradually reduce speed, you will be able to correct your steering and maneuver the vehicle off the road.

Be aware that front and rear tire blowouts do not feel the same. A front blowout is felt in the steering of the vehicle, and a rear blowout is felt in the vehicle’s body. No matter which tire is effected, a tire blow out should always be handled in the same manner.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has some information and videos that explain what to do and what not to do in the event of a blow out.

Lucas, you are wise to think about steps you can take to avoid a tire blow out. Making sure your tread depth is adequate and keeping your tires properly inflated will help decrease your chances of trouble.

Through Hail and Back

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This summer we have seen a lot of crazy weather including rain, storms, and often times hail. Though hail storms are typically brief, major damage can result from those punishing pellets of ice. Vehicles are at particular risk if they happen to be exposed at the time of a hail storm.

Hail is known to dent the roofs and hoods of vehicle bodies, and may even shatter windshields, headlights and side view mirrors. Hail is such a serious issue that an inventor in Texas has developed a hail protection system that has been featured on History Channel’s Invention USA and other programs.

If you do not have the cash to procure a hail protection system, here are some tips you can follow during hail season:

  • Be alert for the weather conditions that lead to hailstorms. When a hailstorm is predicted, pull cars and other vehicles into a garage or covered area. If you must leave vehicles exposed, cover the hood, roof and trunk with thick blankets for protection against possible hail.
  • If hail begins to fall while you are driving, try to find a safe area, like underneath an overpass, where you can wait the storm out. Otherwise pull completely off the highway to the side of the road, remain in the car, and turn away from windows.
  • After the storm has passed check your car for dents and broken or cracked glass and headlights.Remove any broken glass from the car interior to prevent injury to passengers or damage to leather and upholstery.
  • If you do experience hail damage to your vehicle, your vehicle insurance policy should cover hail damage if you have comprehensive coverage. Check with your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report the damage and discuss the repair process.
  • Discuss the repair options with your body shop. While hail damage to sheet metal often needs to be hammered and painted, sometimes paintless dent removal (PDR) may be an option. This involves the use of specially-molded metal tools on the underside of a damaged area that will not disturb the factory finish.

Lastly, for your own safety, remember to stay indoors or under cover once a hail storm begins to avoid harm or injury.

Help Your Car Keep Its Cool

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Dear Tracy,

As the temperatures rise, I am worried about my car overheating. This summer I have a delivery job that will require me to be on the road most of the day. What should I be doing to make sure my car does not get overheated?

Kris B.

Dear Kris,

You are smart to be thinking ahead about the possibility of your car overheating. That is a very bad situation which can leave you stranded and with a very big auto service bill. Depending on age and condition of your car, you may want to have your car’s cooling system inspected before the temperatures get too intense.

Here are the basic parts of your cooling system, which you will want to have checked out in order to avoid a meltdown:

Radiator – Make sure that your radiator is in good condition, and that the radiator core has not been damaged by salt corrosion. Another problem to check for is a plugged radiator core, which can happen when coolant flushes are neglected.

Coolant – Anti-freeze and coolant are critical to your car’s heating and cooling system. Having the coolant flushes performed per your owner’s manual recommendation is critical in assuring your engine runs cooler and cleaner.

Thermostat – If you have an older car, you may need to have the thermostat replaced when you have cooling system service performed. A failing thermostat is a common cause of engine overheating.

Cooling Fans – Overheating can result from cooling fan failure. Often problems with the air conditioning system can be a sign that you have a cooling fan issue. Have cooling fans inspected so you and your car don’t have to take the heat.

Belts and Hoses – Check the condition of the belts and hoses in your cooling system. Make sure they are tight and in good condition, and free from cracks or rubber deterioration.

Water Pump – An experienced repair technician is usually able to spot a water pump that is about to fail. A break in the water pump will often cause a coolant leak, so if you notice the coolant level dropping at a faster rate, you may have a water pump problem.

National Tire Safety Week

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June 2-8, 2013 is National Tire Safety Week. In honor of this week, Bridgestone is sharing some helpful tips for safe tires and safe travel:

“This spring and summer, many families will take to the roads to enjoy time away from school and work,” said Gregg Trosper, Manager, Consumer Education, Bridgestone Americas. ” Our tires are the only parts of the car that touch the road, so checking tread and proper inflation is critical to help ensure safe road travel.”

Bridgestone has a helpful way to remember the essentials of good tire maintenance: Inflate, Rotate, Evaluate. In following these simple steps, drivers will be able to drive safely and confidently, on vacation and day to day.

  • Inflate: Proper tire inflation is a critical aspect of tire maintenance. Tires may lose up to one psi per month under normal conditions. Three out of four drivers wash their cars monthly, but one out of seven checks tire pressure correctly.
  • Rotate: Scheduled tire rotations also help prevent irregular and premature tire wear. An estimated 40% of drivers do not rotate tires within the recommended interval, which is at least 5,000 miles.
  • Evaluate: Make it a habit to look for signs of tread wear or damage. The “penny test” is an easy way to check tread wear. Remember, if Lincoln’s head is visible when you place the penny in the treads, the tires are too worn and need to be replaced.

If you just can’t remember to check tire pressure, Bridgestone can help. Visit www.tiresafety.com to sign up for a free monthly email to remind you to check your air pressure. You will also find a wealth of information and advice, as well as an Interactive Tire Pressure Demo.