THE TOP SEVEN BENEFITS OF WEARING A SEAT BELT

Depending on when you were born, you might remember from your childhood not being required to wear a seat belt or even having to be confined to the back seat. Even though seat belts were made mandatory equipment in vehicles in the late 1960s, there were no seat belt laws that required drivers and passengers to wear them. Those laws did not come into effect until the late 1980s and 1990s.

Today, wearing your seat belt should be second nature and a natural driving habit whenever you get into your vehicle. Even still, there are still some people who do not see the benefits of wearing their seat belts. Rather, they are placing themselves in greater danger because the vehicle’s safety systems will not protect them in the event of an accident.

What are the benefits of wearing a seat belt? It:

  1. It provides safety to everyone in the vehicle and other motorists. Seat belts save lives, and this is a fact that has been proven through countless studies and research, even if you have an older model vehicle without airbags.
  2. Keeps you in place during impacts. The seat belt keeps you in your seat, not thrown through the windshield, or thrown loose in the vehicle. Most people do not realize the G-forces created during impacts place great strain on the body and result in more serious injuries when seat belts are not worn.
  3. It is designed to work with your airbags. Airbags are designed to help keep you in place, along with your seat belt. If you are not wearing it, then the airbag system is ineffective.
  4. Keeps you from receiving a fine for not wearing one. As already mentioned, there are seat belt laws and, if you are caught not wearing one, you could be issued a traffic ticket, be required to pay a fine, and end up with the violation on your driving record.
  5. Reduces the risks of serious injuries and death. There are people who have survived major accidents where their cars have been totaled, yet they survived with minor injuries because they were wearing their seat belt. If they had not, they could have been seriously injured or, worse, died.
  6. Affects auto insurance rates. If you refuse to wear your seat belt and are getting traffic tickets for it, come renewal time your auto insurance rates could skyrocket because you are considered a high-risk driver—or your policy could even be canceled.
  7. Prevents your auto insurance from declining to cover damages in an accident for not wearing a seat belt. If you are in an accident, regardless of fault, your insurance policy may have a clause that states you will not be reimbursed for any damages, both personal injury, and vehicle damage, if you were not wearing your seat belt.
TIPS

How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire

Have you ever encountered a case of a punctured tire and there is no place around to pull over and change the tire? How far can you drive on a flat tire? Fortunately, you can still drive a short distance before you cannot go any further.

Although driving with a flat tire is dangerous because it can cause damage to the wheel, there are still cases of force majeure. According to experienced car drivers, it is vital to go slowly, try to drive on flat roads, and come to a complete stop somewhere safe as soon as possible.

How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire

Never try to go more than a few miles with a puncture, even if the tire is not completely flat. You may need to go further than that to get to the tire changer. But at least, you can stay away from the dangers of the big road. Remember to slow down and pull over to a safe place as soon as possible.

  • You can change your tires almost anywhere. So, do not find a private parking spot for your car.
  • Make sure your safety before worrying about car repair.

Driving a Car with a Flat Tire

1. Drive slowly

Do not try to go faster than 15 mph to 20 mph with flat tires. Going fast can cause permanent damage to the wheels and can cause you to lose control of the wheel. Gently press the accelerator pedal and go slowly until you find a suitable place to change the tire.

  • Driving at high speeds will only damage the wheels faster because high speeds can expose the wheels to greater forces without the tires protecting them from rough patches or road debris.
  • If you are going downhill, let the vehicle go down gently by inertia with one foot ready to brake.\

    2. Choose the terrain when driving with flat tires

    Stay away from potholes, slippery slopes, or rough, cracked roads. Bad pavement can damage the rims, bending and deflecting the rims. Pay attention to wet or sandy terrain that can cause the vehicle to slip, sink or get stuck. Asphalt roads, parking lots, or highways are the best terrain options for cars with a flat tire.

    3. Going straight is best

    Do not take zigzag or winding roads when looking for a place to change tires. Instead, go slow, straight, and turn gently. Remember to find the straightest path to take.

    • Keeping the wheels running can help combat wheel traction. But do not push too hard if it could interfere with your ability to drive.
    • Fast and sharp turns can put pressure on the rims.

      4. Quickly to a safe place

      When you have the opportunity, get off the main road and head to a place with less traffic. Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Then, pull the handbrake and turn on the emergency lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is in trouble.

      • Park the vehicle on a level surface in case that your vehicle will need to use a lift rack.
      • Do not get out of your vehicle if you are unsure of the traffic conditions on the road.
TIPS

HOW TO REMOVE CAR DECALS WITHOUT DAMAGING PAINT

s there a bumper sticker or decal on your car that you wish to remove as though it was never there? Luckily, stickers and decals don’t last forever, even if they’re placed on your car’s paint. Eventually, whether you still like the sticker or not, it starts to fade and wear down.

If you take the right steps, you can carefully remove the sticker from your car without causing damage to your car’s paint. While there are a variety of products that can remove the adhesive and make the decal vanish, not all of them will leave your car’s paint unscathed. So, follow these steps closely to make sure your paint job stays protected.

1. Clean It With Soapy Water

Dirt and debris on and around the decal can scratch your car’s paint when you start rubbing off the adhesive residue, so you’ll want to clean it beforehand. Get a cloth or a sponge and some soapy water, and wash the decal and the surrounding area. Or, you can plan to remove the decal after you run through a car wash.

2. Heat It Up

The next step is to heat up the car sticker or decal to weaken and loosen the adhesive. The best tool for the job is a hair blow dryer, as a heat gun is too powerful and could damage your paint job. Find a heavy-duty extension cord if you need to, and set the hair blow dryer to its highest heat setting. Distribute the heat evenly throughout the sticker and be sure to heat the edges of it. Give it a good two minutes of heating before you stop.

Your next best bet is to pour boiling water over the decal to heat the adhesive, but this is a little messy (and hot), and you may need to do it several times to get the job done. However, it will work if you don’t have a hair blow dryer on hand.

3. Peel It Off

You’ll want to do this step immediately after heating up the decal. Have a plastic card on hand, like a rewards card or an old debit or credit card. Whatever you use, it should be plastic, as knives and razor blades can easily scratch the paint. A plastic card is strong enough to release the decal from the paint if you’ve heated it up sufficiently. Use it around all the edges of the decal with the card to try and release it from the car. Once you’ve used the card to release the edges of the decal, you should be able to peel it off using your hand.

4. Use A Glue Removal Product Or Vinegar

Most likely, once the car sticker or decal is off, you’ll still have some adhesive residue on your car. This is perfectly fine because there are plenty of products at your disposal that can get rid of it without hurting your paint. If you have some white distilled vinegar in your kitchen, grab that and apply it to a cloth to rub off the adhesive residue. Or, use an adhesive remover product like Goo Gone, which is a little more heavy-duty. Apply the product to a cloth and rub it onto the area, or follow the instructions on the product label.

5. Wash And Dry The Area

Wash the area with soapy water to remove any residue from the adhesive remover product and to ensure the area is ready to be waxed. Before waxing, make sure the area is completely dry.

6. Wax It

Waxing the area will protect the paint now that the decal is removed and the paint is exposed. Apply a layer of car wax by following the instructions on the product label.

Car Stickers & Decals Done Easier

While it can be done without damaging your paint, there are a lot of steps involved in removing a bumper sticker or car decal. Next time you want to apply something adhesive to your car, there are some tricks you can use that will make the removal process a lot easier in the future.

First of all, if you place the sticker on your rear window instead of on the bumper, you’ll be able to get it off more easily and won’t have to worry about damaging the paint behind it. If you’d rather have the decal positioned on your bumper, you can affix it to a bumper magnet, which can then be put on your vehicle’s bumper. Instead of having to remove adhesive, you can simply remove the magnet whenever you want. If you do place a sticker or decal directly on your car’s paint, be sure to wash, dry and wax the surface before applying it, so that the paint is protected and the removal is easier.

 

(https://accuratesigns.net/)

TIPS

Tips for Driving on the Highway for the First Time

Driving on the highway for the first time can be nerve racking, which is why it’s common for new drivers to only navigate local roads until they gain enough real-world experience to venture onto the interstate. Once a new driver is ready to take on a highway, being fully prepared can help a beginner make a smooth and safe transition from local roads to the interstate.

Here are some highway driving tips that new drivers should consider before driving on the highway for the first time.

1. Pick the right time to start driving on the highway

If you’re planning your first highway drive, you want to pick the right time and place. Consider starting off on a highway that isn’t too busy, or during a time of day when less drivers are on the road. You also want to drive on a bright, clear day without any rain, snow or fog that could decrease visibility.

2. Start off driving in the right lane

When you’re driving on the highway for the first time, you should only drive in the right lane. Young drivers really have no business heading into the left lane, which is intended for passing. “Staying in the right lane will help them interact with traffic coming onto the freeway, and they’ll maintain their speed easier there,” says Maria A. Wojtczak, who owns and operates DrivingMBA, a driver’s-ed business in Arizona.

3. Leave enough space to change lanes

Establishing proper speed and distance remains key to managing a lane change on an interstate. Drivers should leave four to six seconds-worth of space between their car and the vehicle in front of them as they maneuver. You should also routinely check the rear-view, side-view mirror and blind spot before switching over. More space means you have more time to avoid a collision or react to debris on the highway.

4. Use turn signals when merging and changing lanes

Young drivers must get in the habit of using their blinkers constantly, even if they believe their intentions are obvious. “Blinkers are the only way we have to communicate with other drivers,” says Chris Duquin, owner of Stevens Driving School, which has several locations in the state of New York. “It’s amazing how often drivers cause problems by not using them on highways.”

5. Keep a wide viewpoint

Newer drivers tend to stare at what’s right in front of them. But highway speeds and unpredictability demand a wider viewpoint. “They need to look closely in front of their vehicle, but also farther down the road and into the rear-view,” Duquin says. “Good drivers continuously adjust their observation points.”

6. Keep your cool while driving

Learning to drive on the highway is about more than proper driving—it’s also about making sure a young driver’s maturity level is up to the task. “They must understand never to take anything personally, especially on a highway,” says Michael Soubirous, a retired California Highway Patrol lieutenant who now writes a local newspaper column in Riverside, Calif., called “On the Road.” “If someone cuts you off, let it go. You never know the mental state of the other party and maybe they simply made a mistake. Drivers are not perfect, after all.”

7. Stay focused on the road

According to the CDC, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. That’s why it’s crucial to stay focused on the highway. Don’t text on your phone, try to change music or be distracted by talking to friends while driving on the highway.

TIPS

What to do if your accelerator sticks

It doesn’t happen often, but when a gas pedal sticks or malfunctions, the situation is frightening and extremely dangerous. In an instant, the vehicle can accelerate to full speed and become unresponsive to braking efforts.

Mechanical malfunctions — such as a faulty throttle, external interferences, a floor mat that wedges under the pedal — can contribute to this type of unintended acceleration.

What to do if your accelerator sticks

Below are some ways that may correct the stuck accelerator and help you to remain safe.

  1. Stay calm and try not to panic.
  2. Push the brake firmly with both feet and hold it down. Don’t pump the brake pedal or release it because you will lose all your vacuum power assist, causing your brakes to become stiff and very hard.
  3. Shift the car into neutral. If the car has a manual transmission, remember to depress the clutch to shift gears.
  4. Steadily hold the brake and look for an escape route, like a hard shoulder on the highway. Avoid quick lane changes, which could cause you to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. If possible, steer in a straight line.
  5. Do not turn off the engine unless shifting into neutral is unsuccessful. Turning off the engine will turn off the power-assist brake functions, making it harder to maneuver the car.
  6. When you have come to a controlled stop out of the way of traffic, turn the engine off (if you have not already done so). If you use a key, keep it in the ignition when you turn off the engine so the steering wheel doesn’t lock.
  7. If your vehicle has a start on/off button, hold the button down for at least three seconds to disable the vehicle. Do not tap repeatedly.
  8. Call for assistance. Do not drive the vehicle until it has been professionally serviced.
TIPS

Common Car Dashboard Symbols

Today’s cars have many different dashboard lights designed to alert drivers to possible problems and to make sure you can take care of those problems quickly.

Here’s a quick guide to common car dashboard icons and what they mean.

1. Check engine light

In newer cars, the lit icon will look like an engine. It means the vehicle’s computer has triggered a diagnostic trouble code indicating there’s an issue. If it occasionally turns on and off, it’s an intermittent problem and you’ll just want to have it checked next time you take it in for maintenance.

However, if it stays on, it means there’s an ongoing problem – though it could be as simple as the gas cap not being closed tightly. If the problem continues, get the engine checked out. If the light flashes rapidly, the problem may be serious and you should get to a repair shop immediately.

2. Tire pressure warning light

This dashboard light looks like a tire with an exclamation point in it and means that the tire pressure in at least one of your tires is low and underinflated. You’ll want to check your tire’s air pressure immediately. You still should check your tire pressure once a month.

3. TPMS light

This dashboard light stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System and when it comes on, there’s a problem with the monitoring system – probably a failed sensor in one of the wheels. Some people mistakenly believe this means the air pressure is low in the tires, but the TPMS is responsible for keeping track of air pressure in the tires; when it notices a tire is low, it triggers the low tire pressure light. If the TPMS light remains on, have the sensors checked during regular maintenance – and never rely solely on warning signals.

4. Oil pressure warning light

If you see a dashboard light that looks like an oil can, you need to pull over at the nearest gas station. This light signals the loss of oil pressure, and you need to check to make sure you aren’t losing oil.

5. Engine temperature warning light

A warning dashboard light that looks like a thermometer means the engine’s temperature is beyond the normal limits, and it should be checked immediately to keep your car from overheating. You’ll want to check the coolant level and make sure the radiator cap is properly sealed as well as look for coolant leaks. Always allow time for the engine to cool down before checking the coolant level, however, to avoid getting burned.

6. Battery charge warning light

When the dashboard light that looks like a battery comes on, your voltage level is below normal. It means the vehicle’s charging system isn’t functioning properly, so you need to have the battery terminals and alternator checked. If it’s an older battery, you may need to replace it. Learn more about when to change your car battery.

7. Brake system warning light

The dashboard light that looks like a circle inside a set of parenthesis with an exclamation point in the middle represents your brake system – and if it comes on while driving, you need to pay immediate attention to it. It could be triggered by driving with the parking brake on, but it can also mean you’re losing brake fluid.

If it comes on and off intermittently, and you don’t notice a change in braking ability, you should get it to a repair shop as soon as possible. But if it stays on there’s a problem that needs to be taken care of immediately, and you should have it towed to a repair shop.

TIPS

What to do if you have a tire blowout

If you hear a loud boom coming from your tire while driving, you may have experienced a blowout. A tire blowout will immediately cause your car to begin to slow down as well as pull to the left or right.

This can cause your vehicle to lose control, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If you experience a blowout, the following steps  can help you keep control of your vehicle:

  1. First, stay calm.
  2. Don’t step on the brake. This will cause your wheels to lock up and will lead to a total loss of control.
  3. Accelerate slightly and steer as straight as possible.
  4. Begin to slow down by gently removing your foot from the accelerator.
  5. Turn on your emergency lights.
  6. Steer towards the right-hand lane and pull over when it’s safe.
  7. Change the tire If you know how to and have room to do so safely. Call a towing company if you have any doubts.

 

TIPS

How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe from Thieves

How common are car thefts? There were 873,080 motor vehicle thefts in 2020 in the U.S., according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.1 And when citizens are targeted in the most potentially dangerous of these crimes – carjacking – the attacker succeeds in roughly half of all attempts, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

To find out how to prevent carjacking and car theft read on.

1. Don’t leave valuables in your car

You don’t display your cash, financial statements, and jewelry in your home’s windows, do you? So why would you do the same in your car? Hide those valuables, including purses, computer bags, and the ignition key. You’d be surprised how often people don’t. Two out of five people fail to hide valuables, according to a joint survey from LoJack and the National Insurance Crime Bureau.1 One-quarter leave a purse or wallet inside, and one-third have left bank statements – all of which are appealing to car thieves. One-third say they’ve kept their vehicle running while unoccupied.

2. Park in a well-lit area

Not everyone has a garage. But many have the option of parking on a well-lit street – another deterrent for crooks. Also, etch the vehicle identification number on windows to discourage thieves from stealing the vehicle and selling it to a chop shop.

3. Lock your vehicle doors

The minute you step into an automobile, you’re vulnerable. So lock up right away, before starting the ignition or setting up your music, GPS, etc. (Buckling up is the second “to do.”)

4. Don’t leave your keys in the car

“It’ll just be for a second, I’m only running into the store for a couple things.”

Unfortunately, “a second” is all a thief will need if you leave the keys in the car for them. No matter where you are, or how briefly you’ll be out of your vehicle, always take your keys with you. It sounds obvious, but this is one of the most important ways you can prevent car theft.

5. Stay alert

Staying alert is the best example of how to prevent carjacking. When stopped or slowing down, you increase an opportunity for a carjacker. So at traffic lights, exercise caution. “When stopped in traffic, leave enough space to move forward,” says Brent O’Bryan, vice president of learning and development for AlliedBarton Security Services, a physical security firm.4

6. Know where you’re going

Just as you want to stay in well-lit areas while parking, you don’t want to “hide” in the darkness while driving. “Don’t head into remote or unfamiliar areas,” O’Bryan says. “If you feel like you’re being followed, don’t drive home. Don’t park next to a vehicle such as a van which could be hiding a suspect.”4

7. Install an anti-theft system

If someone does try to break into your car, you’ll want to make it as obvious as possible to anyone in earshot that this has occurred. Anti-theft systems emit loud alarms when they detect some kind of forced entry into your vehicle, alerting anyone nearby and potentially scaring the would-be thief from sticking around. You can also install a GPS tracking system that will show the location of your vehicle if the thief successfully makes off with it.

Having an anti-theft device in your vehicle may earn you a discount on your car insurance.

8. Stay cool during a crisis

Even if you do all the right things, you could still get involved in a carjacking. If so, the safety of you and your passengers remains the top priority. Stay calm – if you panic, it’s more likely a criminal will too. “Never argue; give up your car,” O’Bryan says. “Get away from the area as quickly as possible. Note the suspect’s appearance, and immediately report it to the police.”

TIPS

8 Items to Include in an Emergency Car Kit

Some of a driver’s worst fears are a dead battery or alternator, a blown gasket, your car running out of gas and any number of other car troubles that leave you stranded on an empty stretch of road.

For winter drivers, there’s also the possibility of sliding off an icy road into a snowbank. A quick call to a tow truck or roadside assistance service will usually get you to safety within a couple of hours, but technology can fail, and there are still parts of the country that aren’t covered by cellular service.

In such scenarios, having a car safety kit with the right components can make the difference in keeping you and your passengers safe until help arrives. 58% of people have some emergency supplies in their cars, but only 30% are confident that what they have is sufficient if bad weather strikes.

Depending on the problem, having the proper tools can also get you back on the road as quickly as possible. While some items should be found in every trunk, not every roadside emergency kit is built the same. You should tailor your kit to the type and condition of your vehicle, as well as the weather in which you’re typically driving. With the unpredictability of winter weather, even drivers in traditional warm-weather states may want to consider adding safety items for snow and ice. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution and include certain items just in case.

Here is the essential emergency car kit list:

1. Flares and lighting

The first and most important safety items to include in your auto emergency kit are flares or reflective triangles, which warn other drivers of the roadside hazard, especially in low visibility conditions. In case of a breakdown, they should be spaced out evenly along the roadside behind your vehicle. For a reusable, longer-lasting option, invest in battery-operated LED flares. A flashlight is also a necessity, especially a multi-use version that flashes.

2. Jumper cables

Jumper cables are another essential to include in the car emergency kit. Batteries can die or lose their juice at the least opportune moment, and jumper cables, with a jump start from another vehicle, can at least get you to the next service station. You should also consider carrying a separate battery pack for starting your car when no one else is around to help.

3. First aid kit

A first aid kit is a must-have item to include in any emergency road kit, indispensable for addressing smaller everyday injuries and more serious wounds from an accident. You can purchase them prepacked with all the essentials or assemble one customized to your needs. Families with small children should include medications that are age appropriate. Be sure to know what medications are needed for your passengers and pack enough to last for a reasonable time.

4. Spare tire, tire iron and car jack

A spare tire and tire-changing equipment should be included in your car emergency kit. You should familiarize yourself with how to change a tire just in case help is unavailable and you have to do it yourself. Check your kit every 6 months and make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated.

5. Mobile phone and charger

Another essential for your safety when driving is a working mobile phone and charger in case of a low or dead phone battery. It’s important that you can call for help if you’ve been seriously injured from a car accident or something is wrong with the car.

6. Water

Along with keeping warm, staying hydrated is an essential element of survival. Keep clean drinking water in smaller plastic containers, which will thaw faster with a little body heat in the winter than large gallon jugs. If driving in a remote area, you should be sure to bring plenty of water – one website recommends at least one gallon per person per day for three days if possible.

7. Nonperishable food

Packing food in your kit will help keep you fed in an emergency. Nonperishable food such as granola bars, soup, nuts, jerky, peanut butter and dried fruit are great options to pack in your kit.

8. Car fluids and tools

Flat tires are one of the most common causes of roadside trouble, but it’s not always possible to change a tire. Including a can of tire inflator and sealant in your kit can get you back on the road at least until the next stop. Other items that may help avert a roadside crisis and keep you going:

  • 1 quart or more of motor oil (make sure it’s the right formula for your car)
  • 1 gallon of coolant
  • A toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
  • 1 set of windshield wiper blades

Good wiper blades are also crucial to have handy, as they can clear a windshield in less than three swipes without leaving streaks. Keep a set of new blades in your vehicle so you can replace worn blades quickly and on the go.

TIPS

The Right Type Of Gas For Your Car

You might think about it every time you pull up to the gas pump. What grade fuel should I use? Can I just go for the 87-octane the lowest price option? Is there really a difference in gas grade? Here’s what you need to know.

Is a Higher-Octane Gas Really the Best Gas for Your Car?
When it comes to gas for your car, it’s not about which octane is the best but which octane your car requires. If your car’s owner’s manual doesn’t say you need a higher octane than 87, there’s no reason to pay extra for premium gas. A higher-octane gas will not offer you higher performance.

On the other hand, if your car’s owner’s manual says that your minimum octane for your car is 91 to 93, don’t cheap out — it could end up costing you more in the long run. Go ahead and use the premium. The general rule is you should be putting the minimum acceptable octane gasoline in your car as per the owner’s manual.

Why Do Some Cars Require Higher Octane?
Before knowing why some cars need higher octane, it’s important to understand what exactly octane is. When you activate the ignition, this creates a spark that ignites the compressed air and fuel mixing in your engine, which is what allows the gas to power your car. Sometimes this mixture can ignite prematurely, a phenomenon known as preignition, which is signaled by a knocking sound coming from the engine. Modern cars usually have knock sensors that prevent this.

The octane of your gasoline has nothing to do with how much energy is in the fuel. It is a measure of how easily your air-fuel mixture ignites. Higher octane means the gasoline you are using has a greater resistance to preignition. That is to say, it requires greater agitation to ignite it. That is all that the octane level indicates.

Many premium cars generate greater power by using a higher fuel-air compression ratio in the engine. Because the mixture is more compressed, it generates more heat and thereby is more likely to ignite early. Higher octane gasoline is more resistant to this problem.

What Happens if You Don’t Use the Best Gas for Your Car?
Your gas cap or instructions near the gas cap should indicate if your car requires premium fuel. You can also check the owner’s manual for specific information on what kind of octane fuels are appropriate for your car.

If your car requires premium gas and you use a lower octane like 87, you can expect knocking, preignition and engine damage particularly if you have an older model vehicle. If you have a modern car, your knock sensor will kick in to prevent preignition, but this will reduce your engine power and diminish fuel economy, so you will lose more money than you save by using the cheaper gas. It’s also conceivable that your knock sensor could be faulty or slow, which could still result in engine damage over time.

Should I Always Use Premium Gas When It Is Indicated and Never When It Is Not?
Some cars may indicate something like “premium fuel recommended.” What this means is that your car is safe to run on regular 87-octane gas, but there can be benefits from using a higher octane. If this is the case, you may want to just go with the cheaper gas, or experiment and see if the amount you make up in fuel economy and the difference in power is appreciable enough to justify the higher cost of the premium fuel.

What about the other way? Does higher octane gas ever help a car not designed for it? If there is no premium recommendation for your car, putting in higher octane gas will not improve fuel economy, and you are just throwing away money.

If your vehicle calls for diesel fuel, you have a diesel engine, which is an entirely different system. There is no negotiating fuel if you have a diesel engine. You need to fill it with diesel fuel and nothing else. If you put regular or premium unleaded gasoline in a diesel engine, not only will the vehicle not run, you can do catastrophic damage to the engine.

Other Things to Know About Octane
If you are driving through very high-altitude places, you may see gas stations offering lower-octane gasoline than you expect. For example, you may see 85-octane gas advertised. If you are used to always just getting the least expensive gas at the station, you may be tempted to use lower octane gas than you are used to. Here’s why you should resist that temptation.

Older cars were able to operate with lower than normal octanes at high altitudes because of the thinner air, but this does not hold with modern fuel-injection engines. Therefore, if you usually use 87-octane gas, going for the cheapest option if it is lower than 87 is not recommended. It is better for your car to use 87, 88 or even 91-octane gas than to go too low. If you have a luxury car that needs premium gas, try to fill up before driving to a high-altitude location in case you cannot find a gas station that provides the octane you need.

Foreign cars that are designed for sale in the U.S. should have standard octane ratings, but those purchased or intended for purchase outside the U.S. may call for a RON, or research octane number. The RON number and the U.S. octane number do not match up exactly. If your European car calls for RON 95, for example, it requires regular or 87-octane gas. If it asks for RON 98, use premium 93-octane fuel.

TIPS