How to Dog Proof Your Car

Man’s best friend makes a great travel companion, but to make the most of your travels together, it’s a good idea to dog-proof your car. Here are six easy steps to doing that:

Clean your car first

Cleaning your car thoroughly prior to dog-proofing it is key. A wet/dry vacuum can help you get all kinds of matter, from dirt and fur to dried bits of fluid that you don’t want trapped in your carpet or cloth fibers. Make sure your vacuum is strong enough to pull all the moisture out of the fibers – if not, it’s worth taking the car in and letting a professional clean it.

Get a seat cover

If you have a dog in the car, it’s going to be impossible to keep the seats and floor completely free of dog hair. Rather than giving up, look at investing in seat covers that will catch the hair and make for easier cleanup. If you don’t want to invest in fitted seat covers, you could just buy an inexpensive felt blanket to catch the hair – and take it out and shake the hair off after every visit. (Keeping a lint roller in the car’s console can also help you pick up bits of hair that end up in the car between vacuuming times.)

If your interior has leather or vinyl, you’ll want to make sure Fido’s nails don’t scratch the seats or car doors. A seat cover will help, but you can also put plastic wrap over the leather or vinyl on the doors for while you’re out and about.

Cover the windows

One of the telltale signs there’s a dog in the car are those nose prints and slobber streaks on the windows. Eliminate these by covering the window with clear plastic wrap before you hit the road with your dog. It won’t impede your vision, and when the trip is over you can simply peel it off and toss it in the trash – nose prints and all!Cover the windows

While it may look cute to fellow travelers, Rover shouldn’t stick his head out an open window while you drive. Flying debris can cause injury and, if the window is open wide enough, he could be ejected from the vehicle.

Clean any accident quickly

Even with all the necessary precautions, you’re bound to have an occasional accident. Taking care of these quickly will keep any stains from setting, and it helps to keep a spray bottle of high-quality leather or upholstery cleaner on hand to remove spots. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle’s interior to make sure you’re using the right materials.

Clean up odor

Consider using essential oils to keep your car smelling fresh; they don’t simply cover up odors, they actually eliminate them and many are anti-microbial.

The best way to protect your car’s interior is to plan ahead and prevent the damage from occurring in the first place. If you’ve already experienced some problems, make sure you clean up any unwanted odors before you start. If you just cover them up rather than eliminating them, they’re going to resurface.

Have a secure spot for your dog

Finally, giving your dog a designated space – such as a place on the back seat where he’s secured with a harness attached to the seat belt. This will keep him or her from moving around the car, which not only makes it easier to confine the area that needs to be “dog-proofed,” but is safer for both of you. Many jurisdictions require pets to be strapped in while in a moving vehicle, and crates or specially designed seat belt harnesses for dogs are readily available. Before you hit the wide-open road, check your state’s laws and see if there are any restrictions about how your dog is transported.

TIPS

Why Is My Car Shaking?

It’s never a fun feeling when your car starts to shake. It can happen when you speed up or even when you break. Often, this can be avoided with regular maintenance. Keep reading for the top reasons why your car is shaking and the ways to deal with it.

Top 5 reasons why your car is shaking

1. Wheel problems

A common cause of a shaking car is a problem with one or more wheels. The problem(s) could be any of the following:

  • Damaged tires or rims
  • Improper wheel alignment
  • Worn wheel bearing

2. Issues with your engine or transmission

If the shaking continues when your car is stopped or if there is noise when the car shakes, the issue could be with the engine and/or transmission. Specifically, the problems could be with a broken or loose engine, transition mount or radiator fan.

3. Tire problems

If the shaking is felt at certain speeds, your tires could be the problem.  The tires might need to be balanced. Another solution could be a tire rotation, if the tires are wearing unevenly. You also may need to inflate your tires to the proper pressure. If your tires are older or irregularly worn, you may need to get a new set.

4. Your brakes need to be repaired

If the shaking happens when you brake, the cause is possibly related to your car’s front braking mechanism. Over time, the parts on the front disc brakes can become warped from heavy wear and tear. They should be replaced around every 50,000 miles. A good tip is to have your mechanic check your pads and rotors when you get an oil change to find out whether they need to be replaced.

5. Your transmission fluid is low

If the transmission fluid level gets too low, this can cause your car to start shaking. Make sure to check it often and fill it up as required. Continuing to drive with low transmission fluid can cause permanent damage.

The timing of your car vibrations can help determine the problem

Why is my car shaking when idle?

If your car shimmies when idling, it can mean that you have loose engine mounts, which are the connections between your engine and your car’s frame. The engine mounts keep your motor attached and dampen the engine vibrations, so when the connections wear down, you can feel the vibrations.

Why is my car shaking while braking?

If your car shakes when you hit the brakes, it could mean that you have warped brake rotors, worn-out brake pads or improperly lubricated guide pins. This means it’s time to take your vehicle in for maintenance.

Why is my car shaking when accelerating?

If the shaking starts when you are accelerating, there could be a few things wrong with your car:

  1. Your tires could be unbalanced.
  2. Your spark plugs could be worn out.
  3. Your lug nuts could be loose.
  4. Your inner constant velocity joint could be damaged.
  5. Your motor mount could be broken.
  6. Your axle or drive shaft could be bent.

Is it safe to drive when your car is shaking?

If you feel your car shaking when driving, it’s best for your safety and the longevity of your car to take it to a mechanic so you can sort out the problem as soon as possible.

Also, make sure you protect your car and yourself while on the road with the right auto insurance.

TIPS

Tailgating: What It Is and How to Deal with Tailgaters

If you’re on the road and you notice a driver right behind your car and way too close for comfort, this is called a tailgater. Tailgating is a factor in over 1/3 of all crashes on the road. According to a 2020 survey, 21% of responders admitted to tailgating or switching lanes quickly.

While tailgating can be annoying and dangerous behavior, there are safe ways to deal with it. Here are some tips on what to do to help prevent an accident.

What is tailgating?

Tailgating is when one car follows another too closely. It can easily lead to accidents, so it’s important to drive carefully when on the road with tailgaters. To warn the tailgater behind you that you’re slowing, tap your brake lightly a few times. If you notice a tailgater behind you, it’s best to change lanes and let them pass. 

How to deal with tailgaters

Tailgate drivers can be a very frustrating thing to experience. If you notice someone tailgating you, follow these tips on how to proceed safely:

  1. Stay calm: Keep composed to prevent emotions from getting the best of you and causing a serious accident.
  2. Keep a comfortable distance: Pay attention to the cars around you, and if one is tailgating close to you, stay far away.
  3. Let the tailgater pass: If the tailgater is behind you, switch lanes or even pull over to let them pass.
  4. Maintain your speed: Stay consistent with your speed so that other drivers can safely pass if they must. Using cruise control when conditions allow, is a way to keep your speed predictable for you and other drivers.

What is a safe distance between cars while driving?

Make sure to follow the 3-second rule when determining whether you or another car on the road are driving at a safe distance. The rule says that when a car in front of you passes any point, you should be able to count to 3 before you cross that same point. The more distance between cars, the more time to react.

TIPS

Signs of Bad Rotors

f you feel your car shaking or vibrating when you brake while driving, it could be a sign that you have a bad rotor. The rotor is part of a car’s brake system. It spins while your car moves; when you want to slow down, brake pads press against the rotors to slow your car. If your rotors aren’t in the best condition, they can cause problems.

What are brake rotors?

One of the most essential parts of your car’s braking system, the rotors’ primary purpose is to slow down your wheels using friction. Your car has four rotors, each one connected to a wheel. Without rotors, your car couldn’t stop or slow down. Rotors are made from iron, so they are durable but still require maintenance and the occasional replacement.

What causes worn brake rotors?

There are many things that can cause warped or worn brake rotors, including:

  1. Extreme heat: The friction that comes from the brake pads clamping down on the rotors can create extreme heat, which can cause the rotors to warp.
  2. Braking excessively hard: Stop-and-go traffic or extreme braking can cause the rotors to warp from excessive friction.
  3. Not maintaining your vehicle: If your brake system isn’t regularly cleaned and checked, this can lead to a buildup of debris.
  4. Rough roads: Obstacles in the road, such as potholes and speed bumps, can cause stress on your rotors.
  5. Rotor defects: If rotors aren’t manufactured properly, they may be more likely to warp under heat and stress.

What can indicate that you have bad rotors?

The main signs that might indicate your rotors have gone bad are feeling your car shaking or vibrating. Strange noises coming from your car, such as squeaking or grinding, might also be indicators that the rotors are the problem. If you experience these symptoms, it might be time to take your car in to get checked by a professional. Here are other signs that your car’s rotors might not be working correctly:

Loud brakes

When you brake, if you hear loud banging, this could be because your rotor is cracked. If you check the rotor and this is the case, make sure that you bring your car to a professional to replace it immediately because this could cause accidents if left cracked.

Car vibration

If your rotors are rusting or imbalanced from overheating, this can cause your car to vibrate while trying to brake. Immediately take your car to a mechanic to evaluate whether the rotors need to be repaired or replaced.

Blue tint brakes

If your brake rotors are turning blue, this can be a sign that there is something wrong with your brakes. The blue tint is a sign that the discs are hot and their structure could have changed. It’s important to take your vehicle to a professional immediately to have it repaired or replaced.

Car taking a long time to stop

One of the signs that your brake rotors are warn is if your car is taking a longer time to stop than usual. This is caused by uneven surfaces on the worn brake rotors, giving brake pads less surface to brake.

Brake pedal pulsating

When braking, if you feel the pedal pulsing, this could be due to rust on the rotors or uneven surfaces. The pulsing will most likely come from problems in the front and rear brake rotors. However, if you feel shaking in the steering wheel, there could be an issue with the front brake discs.

If you feel any shaking, loud noises, vibrating, pulsing or even if the car isn’t starting, take it to a professional. The problem is could be the car’s rotors warping, and if so, they may need to be replaced or repaired.

 

 

TIPS

WHY IS TEXTING AND DRIVING DANGEROUS?

he rise of cell phones has had some unintentional and sometimes fatal consequences on America’s highways. An unsettling number of traffic casualties are related to driving while distracted, including the use of cell phones while driving, resulting in damage and loss of life.

Nine people die, and over 1,000 are wounded daily in incidents registered as distraction-related accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

Handheld cell phone use while driving tends to be highest among 16- to 24-year-old drivers.

Texting and driving are one of the most treacherous forms of distracted driving. The average text sent or read in a car takes a motorist’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. This is more than enough time to get in a life-changing crash. With so many less experienced motorists on the road using highly distracting devices, the potential for crashes-and therefore injuries and deaths-is extremely high.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STOP TEXTING AND DRIVING ACCIDENTS?

 

Be straightforward: Make sure new motorists comprehend that they should not use cell phones while driving.

Before new motorists get their licenses, confer how taking their eyes off the highway-even for a few glances- can cause someone harm or even death.

  • Lead by example: Set restrictions on distracted driving for new motorists and yourself. Don’t text while driving-if you are driving and you need to text or talk on the phone, pull over to a secure place before doing it.
  • Be engaged: Inform family and friends about the significance of driving without distractions. Take the info to your children’s schools and ask that they communicate it with pupils and parents.

Texting is one of the most perilous types of inattentive driving because it incorporates optical, manual, and mental distractions.

When drivers get behind the wheel of a vehicle, many decide to pull out their cell phones and text, which is an action that threatens and hurts thousands daily.

 

WHAT ARE THE THREE TYPES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING?

What are the hazards of texting and driving? Distractions. Anything that takes your concentration away from being an active driver counts as a distraction. Distractions are why texting and driving are so treacherous. Distractions threaten everyone around you on the highway and in your vehicle, including yourself. Texting is not the only type of inattentive driving.

The CDC says that inattentive driving falls into three classifications:

  1. Cognitive distraction: This type of distraction happens when a driver stops thinking about driving. For instance, drivers who concentrate on a discussion with a passenger have cognitive preoccupation. Your mind is on something other than driving. The effects of this influence response time to changing surroundings. Daydreaming is another kind of cognitive distraction, for instance.
  2. Manual distraction: Any time you take your hands off the wheel. Motorists who withdraw their hands from the steering wheel are manually preoccupied. For example, drivers who reach for something in the back seat of their vehicle have manual preoccupation.
  3. Visual distraction: This kind of distraction happens when drivers withdraw their eyes from the road. Drivers, for instance, who look at a cell phone to get directions are visually preoccupied.

Texting while driving involves all three distractions. Staring at a phone means at least one hand is not on the wheel. Looking at a phone means not being vigilant and attentive to surroundings. When thoughts are distracted by the content on a device, thoughts are elsewhere, while the primary attention should be on the job of driving. The risks of texting and driving result from the distractions cell phones bring to a car.

Texting and driving is one of the most treacherous types of distracted driving because it incorporates cognitive, manual, and visual distractions.

WHY DO INDIVIDUALS STILL TEXT AND DRIVE DESPITE THE DANGERS?

Even though many individuals recognize that texting and driving endanger others, many continue to do it anyway. In a study funded by AT&T, over 90 percent of the participating drivers reported they understood texting and driving was unsafe, but they did it anyway. One of the primary reasons for this conduct was thinking that they can successfully multitask.

WHY CELL PHONES BEHIND THE WHEEL ARE SO UNSAFE?

Today’s phones do much more than just make calls. They are used for texting, taking photos, amusement, navigation, and anything else. Texting on your phone is one of the most treacherous types of inattentive driving merely because it requires so much concentration. You look at your phone, considering what to type, and take your hands off the steering wheel to do it.

Some drivers believe that because cell phones are a significant part of their lives, they can text and drive. The fact is that humans cannot multitask to that extent. No one is an expert at texting and driving simultaneously, and individuals pay for these conclusions with their lives.

Looking at your phone to read or reply to a text message takes five seconds. When you’re going at 55 miles per hour, you can cross the length of a football field-all without glancing at the road. It doesn’t matter if you look up often during that time or if you’ve stopped at a red light; it takes about three seconds for your senses to concentrate again after checking your phone. There isn’t enough time to text and drive.

RISKS OF TEXTING AND DRIVING

How dangerous is texting while driving?

Other staggering statistics of the risks of texting while driving include:

  • One in five people involved in inattentive driving fatalities was not in a vehicle. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, or other circumstances outside of a car.
  • Roughly 9.7 percent of drivers use devices at any daylight moment.
  • 15 percent of injury crashes resulted from inattentive driving
  • There is a 400 percent increase in time spent with eyes off the road while texting.
  • The chance of a wreck or near-crash jumps by 95 percent when reaching for or dialing a phone.
  • AAA discovered that 12 percent of crashes involved phones

  • OTHER DANGERS TO TEXTING ON THE HIGHWAY

    Deadly results or possibly hurting someone are the most significant risks of texting and driving, but not the only ones.

    Here are some other risk factors to consider before picking up your phone behind the wheel.

    1. You are likely breaking the law: Texting and driving is illegal in most states. You can get a ticket.
    1. Your insurance can go up: If you get a ticket for distracted driving, count on skyrocketing insurance rates.
    2. You can damage your vehicle: Even if you don’t harm someone if you cause an accident while texting, you can harshly damage your car. A totaled vehicle won’t be inexpensive to fix or replace.

    It is lawful to text and drive in very few states. All other states have some form of law against it.

    In 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is not legal for any driver to text and drive. All but five of these states and territories have primary enforcement laws restricting texting while driving. That means police do not need an extra reason to pull you over and give you a ticket.

TIPS

How to Clean Your Car’s Engine

A clean engine is a happy engine. Just like any other part of your car, your engine needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it running smoothly. Though professional engine cleaning is an option, it’s not always necessary. You can save money by learning how to wash a car engine yourself. You should be glad you found us! Here you will find out how to clean your car’s engine the right way.

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a clean engine in no time.

Park your car in a well-ventilated area and let the engine cool. You don’t want to be working with a hot engine, as you could risk getting burned.

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

Before you start cleaning, you will need to gather some simple materials. You will need a water hose, a pressure washer is better but not required, a bucket, soap or degreaser, a scrub brush, and rags. If the engine was recently used, make sure it has cooled down before starting to wash it.

Step 2: Wet the Engine

Attach the hose to the faucet and wet the entire engine with cool water. If you are using a pressure washer, be careful not to get too close to sensitive areas such as electrical wiring.

Step 3: Apply Soap or Degreaser

Apply a generous amount of soap or degreaser to the wet engine and let it sit for a few minutes so that it can break down the dirt and grime. You can either use a commercial degreaser or make your own by mixing dish soap and water.

Step 4: Scrub the Engine

Let the degreaser sit for at least five minutes to break down the grime and build-up on the engine. Use the scrub brush to scrub the entire engine. Pay special attention to areas that are particularly dirty.

Step 5: Rinse the Engine

Rinse the soap or degreaser off of the engine with cool water. Make sure that all of the soap is removed before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Dry the Engine

Use a microfiber cloth or old rag to dry the engine, and wipe down the engine until it is completely dry. Once the engine is dry, you can apply a protectant if desired.

TIPS

How to Replace a Brake Light

Have you ever had a brake light go out and were not sure what to do next? It can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can replace that brake light in no time. Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on changing your brake light, including step-by-step instructions, the tools you’ll need and replacement tips.

TIPS

5 EASY WAYS TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR SPRING

Preparing your car for spring can save you a lot of headaches later in the year. It can even save you money! Spring auto maintenance will get you ready for a summer filled with long drives and vacations. Whether you’re heading to the beach or your child’s ball game, you’ll be glad you took the time to prepare your car for spring.

Visit a Car Wash

Spring cleaning isn’t only for your house. The winter especially can be tough on cars. Freezing temperatures and salt from the road can do real damage to your paint job, so make sure to start the season with a car wash. If you go to a carwash, spring for premium, because you won’t want to miss any nooks or crannies. If you do it yourself, make sure to add baking soda to the wash water if your car has a strong salt buildup. This will help neutralize the salt and save your paint job.

Check Your Tires

Did you know you can save money on gas by making sure your tires are filled up to the manufacturer recommended air pressure? Just by keeping the pressure regulated, your car is better able to distribute and conserve gasoline. The cold air and ice can be rough on the air pressure in your tires, so the Spring is a great time to check those tires. Make sure your tires are rotated regularly and don’t wait until you have a visible flat to fill them up. Check your tires for worn tread and make sure to replace your tires when the treading becomes too worn.

Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids

Snow can damage and wear on your windshield wipers. If your wipers are streaking, replace them. New wiper blades are inexpensive and simple to replace, so you won’t even need to pay someone to do it for you. You should also make sure to top off your windshield wiper fluid and reapply any needed windshield treatments to repel water and rain.

Check Your Battery

At the end of a long winter, you’ll want to be sure to evaluate your car’s electrical system. Many parts shops have free battery checks where you can find out just how strong your battery is.  If your battery is getting weak, you can prevent future problems by replacing it before it stops working. That way, you won’t be left stranded with a dead battery.

Change Your Oil

Regular oil changes can make all the difference in making sure your car has a long, healthy life. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for oil change intervals and oil viscosity, and make sure to change the oil filter as well. Some car shops offer fluid top offs, tire checks, battery checks, and even tire rotation included their oil change prices, so you can take care of almost all of your spring maintenance in just one stop.

TIPS

What to do When Your Brakes Fail While Driving

For better or worse, driving a car is a hypnotic activity for many people. We’ve become so used to commanding our fast, two-ton, metal vehicles every day on the way to and from work, errands, etc. that we often forget just how dangerous it can be. But nothing snaps you back into cold, hard reality like pressing your brake pedal only to find that it doesn’t work. Here we’ll go over what to do when brakes fail and you’re in a moving vehicle.

Keep in Mind What NOT to do

Safely stopping a car without working brakes requires staying calm pressure in order to maintain full control over the vehicle. Keep in mind the following factors.

    1. Do not panic. The next few moments are crucial to your safety and the safety of those around you, so breathe deeply and try to stay clear-headed.
    2. Don’t downshift too quickly. While you will want to downshift, you shouldn’t go from 4th gear to 1st in an instant. This could cause you to skid out of control.
    3. Do not turn off the car. Again, this could cause skidding. It also disables power steering or locks the steering wheel entirely, giving you less control over the situation.
    4. Do not apply the emergency brake too quickly. You will want to apply the emergency brake, but not before downshifting and pumping the brake pedal. Aggressively pulling the emergency brake could cause you to skid and lose control of the vehicle.

      What to do When Brakes Fail

      1. Take your foot off the gas.
      2. Turn on hazard lights (if you have time). If the roadway is relatively clear and you’re still in full control of the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and honk your horn to warn others around you. Even if they don’t fully understand your predicament, they will be aware to steer clear of you.
      3. Downshift SLOWLY. Turn off cruise control (if applicable) and slowly downshift to decrease momentum.
      4. Pump the brake pedal hard and fast. Most modern vehicles have dual braking systems that independently control the front and back brakes. Pumping the brakes aggressively may be enough to engage half of the brakes to slow you to a halt. This will not work if both halves of the dual system fail.
      5. Cautiously apply emergency brake. The emergency brake system won’t bring you to a halt, but it will slow you down significantly. Be sure to engage it carefully to ensure you stay in full control.
      6. (Optional) Use guard rails. If your brakes fail while moving at highway speeds toward unavoidable obstacles, it may be necessary to use the divider or guard rail to scrape the side of your car in order to slow down. When it comes down to it, your life is more important than your car.
      7. Steer yourself to safety. As the car begins to slow, steer yourself to the side of the road. Coming to a complete stop will be a relief, but you’re putting yourself and others in danger if it’s in the middle of the highway.

       

TIPS

How to Make Your Tires Last Longer

After making the big purchase of new tires, you may be interested in knowing how you can make them last as long as possible. Here are our top 8 tips to help make your tires last:

1. Maintain and monitor pressure

If the pressure is wrong in your tires, it can lead to increased stopping distance, increased wear and tear, and increased risk of a blowout. This is why it’s important to check your tire pressure every month, especially during the winter and summer when colder and warmer temperatures can lower and increase the air pressure.

2. Align tires

If you’re noticing your car drifting or pulling to one side while you’re driving, this could mean it’s time to get your tires aligned. This means correcting the subtle tilt in your car’s chamber. It’s recommended to take your car to a professional so they can use specialized equipment to adjust the alignment, often to fractions of an inch.

3. Be cautious while driving

When you’re on the road, make sure to watch out for potholes as they might have sharp rims that can damage your tires. Try also to avoid skidding or peeling out. Speeding up or slowing down very quickly can damage the tread in your tires. Lastly, avoid driving on gravel roads because the sharpness of the gravel can damage your tires.

4. Balance tires

Tires can become unbalanced from typical wear and tear and when driving on uneven roads. If you notice your steering wheel vibrating or shaking when your car gets up to 60 or 70 mph, you may need to take your car in and have your tire balance checked.

5. Rotate tires

It’s recommended to rotate your tires about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles,  depending on your car, to increase their lifespan. Cars wear tires unevenly over time based on numerous factors. You can combat that uneven wearing by rotating the tires as recommended by the manufacturer.

6. Check the tire tread

Unsure of when to replace your tires? Here’s a tip: Stick a penny (Lincoln’s head side down) into the tread groove of the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to take your car in and replace the tires. It’s recommended to check this at least once every 2 months.

7. Park the car with care

Scraping the sides of your tires on a curb while parking shortens their life drastically. If you continually bump into curbs while driving or parking, this can wear the sidewalls and shoulders of your tire quickly.

8. Protect and clean tires properly

Cleaning your tires helps prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can cause the finish of your wheels to peel or even make the rims more porous. Try and clean your tires twice a month to keep them lasting for years to come.

TIPS