7 tips to help to improve your reversing skills

  • Tip 1 – Practice in a quiet area. 

This could be a no through road or empty car park (often supermarkets shut after 4pm on Sundays, so this could be the perfect time to practice. By having no one around you will have less distractions so, therefore, be able to concentrate more on your reversing skills.

A good reversing exercise is to practice reversing in and out of the street lights in the car park, almost like a slalom, the gaps between the posts are often quite large so it will give you lots of time to get the appropriate steering done.

  • Tip 2 – Keep the car S – L – O – W.

By keeping the car moving slowly (like a snail dragging a stone or an old mans walking pace!) you will give yourself more time to think about things, such as ‘Am I getting near that kerb?’ or ‘How much room do I have behind me?’, the slow speed will also give you more time to react if you do feel like you are getting too close to something

Have a look at the clutch control page for some tips on keeping the car moving slowly.

  • Tip 3 – Look where you want the car to go.

When reversing it can be tempting to look at the steering wheel to try and work out which way to steer, however ask yourself this “When I am driving forward do I look at the wheel and do I think which way to steer?”, the answer to this question is most likely “No”.

The reason you do not need to look at the wheel when going forwards is because you are looking where you want the car to go and, with practice, your brain will automatically work out for you how much steering to do and when to steer so you get smoothly around kerbs etc., basically ‘your hands will follow your eyes’. It is the same with reversing.

If you are looking forward when reversing how will you know where you want the back of the car to go? It will be very difficult, if not impossible, almost like driving forwards while looking out of the back window.

It can also be tempting to use the interior mirror to reverse, again this can make the whole task more difficult, as what do mirrors do? They reverse images, so things can appear back to front so it will be very difficult to work out the steering.

Of course it is important to have look ahead and in the blind spots as well to make sure nothing ahead of your is going to cause you a problem, but the main bias when reversing should be out of the back window. Remember you the Highway Code allows you to take off your seatbelt for any manoeuvre involving reversing this may allow you to move more freely in your seat to have a good look out of the back window.

When looking out of the back window try pointing which way you want the back of the car to go and the way you need to steer is the same way you are pointing. You want the back of the car to go left, steer left, you want the back of the car to go right, steer right.

  • Tip 4 – Dip your side mirrors so you can see the kerbs.

All modern cars have adjustable mirrors, either electric or manual (you have to push them to move them!), use these to your advantage, angle the mirror down in a way so that you can clearly see the kerb.

An alternative is to buy some small ‘blind spot mirrors’ (Can get them from Wilko for a few pounds) and stick these on your side mirrors and then angle them down to see the kerb.

If you can see the kerb it will be a lot easier to judge if you are getting to close or too far away, and therefore you can adjust your steering accordingly.

  • Tip 5 – Straightening the wheels

Often straighten the wheels when reversing can cause issues for many learners as the amount of steering can easily be misjudged causing oversteering (i.e. steering too much). One way to help with this is the know how much steering is needed to straighten the car up. On most cars it takes about 1 and 1/2 turns from a full lock (that means steering until the wheel does not turn any more) to straighten the wheels. Practice this on your car by starting off with the wheels straight and then do a full lock either left or right and see how many turns it takes and then steer the same amount in the opposite direction and your wheels will be straight, so if you steered 1 and 1/2 turns to the right, to straighten up you would need to steer 1 and 1/2 turns to the left.

  • Tip 6 – Keep it simple 🙂

There is often a misconception that when reversing you need to steer the opposite way to going forwards, however this is incorrect. If the kerb is on your left and you want to get closer to it you would steer to the left, towards the kerb. If you were getting too close to it and want to come away from the kerb you would steer away from the kerb i.e. towards the right. I believe there is this misconception as many people will try and reverse while looking forwards, and in this case everything would be back to front.

I often find that If you over think about how much to steer and which way it more often than not leads to confusion, like mentioned on tip 3 when you drive forwards it is unlikely that you will think how much steering to do and which way, reversing is the same 🙂

  • Tip 7 – Practice, Practice and more Practice

The more you practice the more confident you will get with your reversing skills, enough said 🙂

 

TIPS

10 Crucial Things To Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain

Driving in rain, whether a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver encounters. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. No matter what part of the country you live in, it is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely in rainy conditions.

1-Wait Until the Weather Improves if Possible

If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.

2-Double Check Your Car’s Equipment

Make sure that your car’s equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.

3- Slow Down

Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.

4-Turn On Your Headlights

Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in rain. Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your own visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.

5-Use Your Windshield Wipers

While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater.

6-Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars

Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.

7-Avoid Heavy Braking

Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.

8-Watch Out For Standing Water

Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur. Which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.

9- Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.

10- Ventilate Your Car

Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.

(https://driving-tests.org/)

TIPS

5 Important Things You Need to Know About Your Spare Tire

If you experience a flat tire, you can switch it out with a spare. However, driving on a spare tire is only a temporary solution. If you wait too long to replace your spare tire with a long-term solution, you could encounter a wide range of problems on the road.

What Should You Do If You Experience a Flat Tire?

If you hear a bumping or thumping sound coming from your car, you may be dealing with a flat tire. When this happens, remain calm, activate your car’s emergency flashers, slow down, and pull off to the side of the road. If possible, pull your vehicle into a parking lot. Or else pull onto the right shoulder as far as you can.

Remember, driving on a flat tire is dangerous, and it can cause long-term damage to your car. It also puts you and other drivers at risk of an accident or collision. So, when faced with a flat tire, exit the road until you can either replace the tire with a spare or get help from others.

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

The length of time you can drive on a spare tire depends on the tire itself. In fact, many spare tire options are available, including full-size, donut, and run-flat varieties.

Matching and non-matching full-size spare tires are the same size as the tires currently on your car. A matching full-size spare tire is exactly the same as the other tires on your car, while a non-matching spare is only the same size as your vehicle’s tires.

Comparatively, donut spare tires are narrow and compact, and they are designed to fit in the trunk of your car. Donut spare tires typically last for about 50 to 70 miles, and shouldn’t be driven at high speeds when using these tires.

Run-flat tires are commonly found on BMW and MINI cars. They are often stronger and more durable than other types of tires. If a run-flat tire gets punctured while you are driving, you can continue to drive safely for about 50 miles before your tire needs to be replaced.

5 Important Things You Need to Know About Your Spare Tire

If you experience a flat tire, you can switch it out with a spare. However, driving on a spare tire is only a temporary solution. If you wait too long to replace your spare tire with a long-term solution, you could encounter a wide range of problems on the road.

What Should You Do If You Experience a Flat Tire?

If you hear a bumping or thumping sound coming from your car, you may be dealing with a flat tire. When this happens, remain calm, activate your car’s emergency flashers, slow down, and pull off to the side of the road. If possible, pull your vehicle into a parking lot. Or else pull onto the right shoulder as far as you can.

Remember, driving on a flat tire is dangerous, and it can cause long-term damage to your car. It also puts you and other drivers at risk of an accident or collision. So, when faced with a flat tire, exit the road until you can either replace the tire with a spare or get help from others.

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

The length of time you can drive on a spare tire depends on the tire itself. In fact, many spare tire options are available, including full-size, donut, and run-flat varieties.

Matching and non-matching full-size spare tires are the same size as the tires currently on your car. A matching full-size spare tire is exactly the same as the other tires on your car, while a non-matching spare is only the same size as your vehicle’s tires.

Comparatively, donut spare tires are narrow and compact, and they are designed to fit in the trunk of your car. Donut spare tires typically last for about 50 to 70 miles, and shouldn’t be driven at high speeds when using these tires.

Run-flat tires are commonly found on BMW and MINI cars. They are often stronger and more durable than other types of tires. If a run-flat tire gets punctured while you are driving, you can continue to drive safely for about 50 miles before your tire needs to be replaced.

How Far Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Tire manufacturers often put a 50-mile rating on their spare tires, which means you can safely drive with one of these spare tires on your car for up to 50 miles. Some tire manufacturers provide spare tires that perform for up to 70 miles, too. Check your tires for the exact mileage rating.

The quality of your spare tire dictates how far you can drive on it. For instance, a donut spare tire tends to be less durable than a full-size matching or non-matching spare tire. As such, a donut spare tire is more susceptible to damage than a full-size alternative if you are driving a long distance.

How Fast Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Generally, 50 mph is the fastest you should drive on a spare tire. Although there are exceptions where the manufacturer states their tires can travel greater than 50 mph, doing so would increase the risk of a blowout, especially if the spare tire has been previously used. Thus, you should try to keep your car speed under 50 mph until you can replace your spare tire.

Spare Tires: What You Need to Know

You can experience a flat tire at any time, so it is crucial to pick up a spare tire that you can use as needed. As you search for the right spare tire for your car, here are five important things you need to know:

1. Spare Tires Must Be Maintained

Much in the way your car tires require periodic maintenance, you need to evaluate the condition of your spare tire regularly. To do so, you should check the pressure of your car’s spare tire every time you have your vehicle’s tires inspected and rotated.

2. Spare Tires Sometimes Get Recalled

Tire manufacturers sometimes recall their tires, so you need to keep an eye out for potential recalls. Recalls may be issued on all types of tires, and you can use the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association “Tire Recall Lookup” tool to track tire recalls online.

3. Spare Tires May Need to Be Replaced

A spare tire may need to be replaced, even if you have never used it. In most instances, a car’s spare tire should be replaced approximately every eight years. Your car’s manual can provide details about how frequently you should replace your vehicle’s spare tire.

4. Spare Tires May Activate Your Car’s Warning Lights 

When you place a spare tire on your car and start driving, your vehicle may activate the brake and anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning lights on your vehicle’s instrument panel. This can occur if a spare tire rotates faster than the other tires on your car. In this scenario, don’t panic. Instead, continue to drive safely, reach your destination, and replace your spare tire with a long-lasting solution.

5. Spare Tires Must Be Changed Properly

If you are unsure about how to replace a flat tire with a spare, there is no need to leave anything to chance. Because if you make a mistake when changing a flat tire and try to drive a car with an improperly installed spare, you could put yourself and others in danger.

If you are struggling to change a flat tire, reach out to a family member or friend for help. You can also contact roadside assistance if it is available via your insurance company or get in touch with a tow company for support.

A spare tire is crucial, and you should always keep one in your car. That way, if you experience a flat tire, you can use your spare to help you get where you want to go.

TIPS

What Are the 10 Common Causes of Car Overheating?

A car overheating is one of the common problems car owners and drivers face. The cooling system of your car is always under pressure and high temperature that may cause engine overheating problems over time.

 

Here are ten common causes that lead to a car engine overheating:

1. Leaks in the Cooling System

If you have a leak in the cooling system of your car, the coolant drips through the puncture, and air enters the system through the leak. This causes an airlock in the cooling system and makes it difficult for the coolant to push through the system to reach the engine, thus causing it to overheat.</p

2. Incorrect Coolant Concentration

Always use the correct type of coolant in your vehicle as well as remember to use the right mixture of coolant and distilled water.

3. Loose Coolant Hose Clamp

Having a loose clamp on your car coolant hose can also be a reason for engine overheating. The clamps tend to loosen up or even break over time, so be sure to replace them when you notice it loosening.

4. A Faulty Thermostat

If you have a faulty thermostat that remains closed, the coolant will not be able to pass through the system. This can result in your car engine overheating.

5. Clogged or Cracked Car Radiator

A car’s radiator pulls heat away from the rest of the cooling system. If it is not working correctly due to leaks and clogging, it can lead to car overheating.

6. Worn Out or Burst Hoses

Hoses that are worn out or have cracks will leave you with a leaky engine that will obstruct the coolant’s flow through the system and cause car overheating.

The primary function of a radiator fan is to pull air across the radiator to help reduce the coolant’s temperature. Therefore, if you have a faulty radiator fan, it will lead to engine overheating.

8. Loose or Broken Belts

If a belt is loose or broken, it will not maintain the correct volume of coolant flow and cause overheating.

9. A Faulty Water Pump

A water pump is often considered as the heart of your cooling system. If it’s not operating correctly, it can cause your vehicle to overheat.

10. Low Oil Level

Engine oil helps with the cooling process and avoids the buildup of excessive heat. It also keeps various parts of the engine properly lubricated, reduces friction, and overheating. So, your car can overheat if your oil levels are low.

TIPS

5 TIPS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD

Car accidents can be particularly devastating. Even minor accidents can be costly to the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The risks of car accidents are real.

The fact is that car accidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions. In this article, we have shared five tips that can help in avoiding auto accidents.

1. Remain Vigilant When Driving

When driving, you should keep your focus on the road. Avoid letting anything distract you from driving. The car is the last place that you should be multitasking. You should never use your cell phone when driving — even if it’s a hands-free model. Talking while driving will distract you from focusing on the road. So, put away the phone, and make sure that it’s turned off before driving.

2. Never Exceed the Speed Limit

The purpose of a speed limit is simple: to avoid accidents. Exceeding the speed limit increases the chances of an accident. Apart from consuming more gas, driving at a high speed can put the lives of others in danger. You will have less reaction time to avoid rollovers and collisions when driving the car at a fast speed.

3. Select a Safe Car

Apart from good driving behavior, you must select a car that has excellent safety features. A car with electronic stability control can reduce the risk of a fatal rollover by about 80 percent. Also, you should look for other safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. You will cut the risk of a serious car accident by half when you select a reliable and safe car.

4. Don’t Drink and Drive

Another advice to avoid a car accident is to never drink and drive. Majority of crashes involve drunk driving; most of which turn out to be fatal. Driving while drunk impairs the senses. This makes it highly likely that you will make mistakes when driving, resulting in a car crash. So, never drive when drunk.

5. Ignore Crazy Drivers

Some drivers tend to do crazy stuff such as cutting other drivers, breaking the signal, and speeding. You should avoid these crazy drivers when driving. If they get behind your car and honk the horn, you should let them pass. The quicker you get away from these reckless drivers, the safer you will be.

The above tips can greatly help in reducing the risk of a car accident. In case you have been injured in a car accident caused due to another person, consider contacting an experienced car accident attorney. An attorney will help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries sustained in an accident caused due to another person’s negligence

TIPS

5 Tips to Keep Your Tires Cool This Summer

Without a doubt, extreme temperatures can affect your car, including your tires. Tires expand and contract as temperatures rise and fall, and they typically can handle those variations without much problem.

Yet, those temperature extremes can also lead to tire failure, which may happen at the most inopportune time, such as when you are on the highway far from home.

Taking care of your tires will ensure that your trip goes as planned, barring any other problems that may suddenly arise. To that end, we have listed some of the more useful tips to help keep your tires cool this summer.

Tire Care Tips for Summer

1. Inflate your tires to the proper level.

What confounds not a few drivers are the inflation rates for tires. On the sidewalls themselves, there are recommended inflation levels embossed by the manufacturer.

However, the inflation rate you should use or PSI is what the car manufacturer identifies as being correct. In this case, it is information found in your owner’s manual or on a placard located on the driver’s door jamb or in the glove box.

2. Purchase a quality tire pressure gauge.

There are tire pressure gauges and then there are tire pressures gauges. Some gauges are cheaply made and may not render a correct number. Others are better constructed and will deliver the most accurate reading every time.

3. Check your tires when they are cold.

To get an accurate reading on air pressure, only check your tires when they are still cold. Drive more than a mile to a tire pump and you will get an inaccurate reading. That reading may cause you to over-inflate your tires, which can lead to premature wear.

In a worst-case scenario, it could also lead to tire failure.

4. Be consistent with your tire care.

Tires, like the rest of your car, need maintenance. You should rotate your tires about once every 6,000 miles or twice per year. The front end should be aligned if you have hit potholes and the tires may need to be balanced from time to time.

In between, you should inspect the tires and check inflation levels. A monthly check is typically sufficient, but do this more often if you drive a lot.

5. Be mindful of hard-to-find punctures.

If one tire is constantly losing air, that’s a sure sign that it has a puncture and may eventually fail. On closer inspection, you may find that the tire has a nail, hidden away within the grooves or otherwise out of sight. Remove the nail and seal the puncture. You can do this yourself or take it to a garage for work.

TIPS

How To Know If Your Car Is Leaking Gas

Is your car leaking gas? If so, it’s important to find out where the leak is coming from and how to fix it. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

In this article, we’ll show you how to identify and fix a gas leak in a car. A gas leak in a car is when fuel escapes from the system through a hole or crack.

Can You Drive A Car With A Gas Leak?

It’s not safe to drive a car with a gas leak. If the leak is bad enough, you could run out of gas and be stranded on the side of the road. Even if the leak is not that bad, you are still wasting gas (and money) every time you drive. It can lead to several problems, including:

1.     Reduced gas mileage

When your car leaks gas, it is not running as efficiently as it could be. This leads to reduced gas mileage and increased emissions.

2.     Engine damage

If the gas leak comes from the engine, it could cause severe damage.

3.     Fire hazard

A gas leak is a fire hazard. If there is a spark, the gas could ignite and cause an explosion. So, if you think your car is leaking gas, getting it fixed as soon as possible is important.

What Can Cause A Gas Leak In A Car?

A gas leak in your car can be a serious problem, and it is important to know what can cause it. Here are some of the most common causes of gas discharge in cars:

1. Faulty Fuel Tank

A faulty fuel tank can often cause gas discharge. If your fuel tank is damaged, it can cause gasoline to leak out.

2. Loose Fuel Cap

Another common cause of gas discharge is a loose fuel cap. If your fuel cap is not tight, it can allow gasoline to escape from the tank.

3. Leaking Fuel Line

Gasoline can also leak from a damaged or leaking fuel line. Fuel lines can become damaged over time, and if they are not properly maintained, they can develop leaks.

4. Damaged Carburetor

A damaged carburetor can also cause a gas leak. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and gasoline to create the fuel mixture that powers your engine. If it is damaged, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

5. Faulty Intake Manifold

The intake manifold is another part of the car that can cause a gas leak. The intake manifold draws air into the engine and also mixes it with gasoline. If the intake manifold is damaged, gasoline can leak into the engine.

A damaged carburetor can also cause a gas leak. The carburetor is responsible for mixing air and gasoline to create the fuel mixture that powers your engine. If it is damaged, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

6. Cracked Exhaust Manifold

A gas leak can also be caused by a cracked exhaust manifold. The exhaust manifold collects the exhaust gases from the engine and directs them out of the car. If the manifold is cracked, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

7. Damaged Fuel Injectors

Gasoline can also leak from damaged fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are responsible for injecting gasoline into the engine. If they are damaged, they can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

8. Leaking Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is what pumps gasoline from the tank to the engine. When the fuel pump is leaking, it can allow gasoline to leak into the engine.

9. Faulty Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. If the sensor is damaged, gasoline can leak into the engine.

10. Damaged Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is responsible for converting the toxic gases in the exhaust into less harmful gases. If the converter is damaged, gasoline can leak into the engine.

These are just some of the most common causes of car gas leaking. If you think you have a gas discharge, it is essential to have it checked out by a mechanic immediately. Gas leaking can be hazardous and can cause serious damage to your car.

How To Fix A Gas Leak In A Car

If you have a gas leak in your car, it’s important to take care of it right away. A gas leak can be dangerous and can cause your car to catch on fire. Here are some tips on how to fix a gas leak in your car.

1.     Find the source of the leak

If you see gasoline leaking from your car, it’s important to find the source of the leak. The most common place for a gas leak is at the fuel line. Check the fuel line to see if there are any cracks or leaks.

2.     Replace the damaged part

If you find a crack in the fuel line, you will need to replace the damaged part. You can buy a new fuel line at your local auto parts store.

3.     Check for leaks in other areas

Once you have replaced the fuel line, it’s important to check for leaks in other areas of your car. Check the hoses and fittings to make sure they are tight. Also, check the gas tank to see if there are any leaks.

4.     Fix any other leaks

If you find any other leaks, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. Leaks in the exhaust system can be dangerous and can cause your car to catch on fire.

5.     Check for leaks regularly

It’s important to check for leaks regularly. Gas discharge can be dangerous and can cause your car to catch on fire. So, it’s important to check for leaks often and to fix them as soon as possible.

6.     Be safe

If you have a gas leak, it is important to protect yourself. Gasoline is flammable and can cause your car to catch on fire. So, it’s important to be careful when handling gasoline. If you see gasoline leaking from your car, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call a tow truck or a mechanic to help you.

Signs Of A Gas Leak In A Car

When you’re driving, the last thing you want to think about is your car leaking gas. But, if you smell gasoline while you’re on the road, it’s important to take action immediately. Here are some signs of a gas leak in a car so you can be prepared:

1.     The smell of gasoline

This is the most obvious sign that there may be a gas leak in your car. If you notice a strong gasoline smell, pull over and investigate immediately.

2.     Lower fuel efficiency

If your car is leaking gas, it will have to refuel more often. Keep track of your mileage and how much gas you’re using to see if there’s a drop in fuel efficiency.

3.     Higher engine temperature

A gas leak can cause your engine to run hotter than usual. If you notice the temperature gauge on your dashboard climbing, pull over and check for a leak.

4.     Engine misfires

Another symptom of a gas leak is engine misfires. If your car starts to sputter or stall, it could be because there’s not enough gas reaching the engine.

5.     Visual leaks

If you can see gasoline dripping from your car, that’s a sure sign of a leak. Check under the hood and around the fuel tank for any signs of a leak.

5.     Visual leaks

If you can see gasoline dripping from your car, that’s a sure sign of a leak. Check under the hood and around the fuel tank for any signs of a leak.

TIPS

5 Tips & Tricks to Keep Your Car’s Transmission Healthy

Automatic transmission issues can take place in numerous forms. Each symptom can have a number of probable causes, some involving extensive repairs and some only needing an alteration or minimal service. Here are some simple precautions you can take to keep your transmission in tip-top shape.

1. Schedule Routine Maintenance.

This is vital to the long-term performance of your vehicle. Change your transmission fluid every 15,000 miles or once a year.

2. Keep Up With Transmission Flushes.

Changing your fluids is essential! Low fluids mean future difficulties. Be sure to address low transmission fluid as quickly as possible and avoid driving your vehicle when fluid is below the recommended level. A simple seal replacement could fix the issue and save you money on repairs in the future.

3. Stop Completely Before Shifting From Reverse To Drive.

When backing out of a parking spot, or anytime you’re in reverse, be sure to stop completely before shifting into drive. We all become fearful when we hear that frightful “engine drop.” Attempting to come to a complete stop between gears will prevent that unwarranted strain.

4. Don’t Ride The Brake.

When driving with your foot on the brake pedal, your transmission has to work harder. Also, utilize your emergency brake when parking on an incline to reduce stress on the parking linkage.

5. Keep Your Engine Accurately Tuned.

An issue with engine functionality can, at times, show symptoms comparable to a transmission problem as well as strain the transmission itself. A well running engine works hand in hand with a well running transmission.

Investing in the maintenance of your automatic transmission as well as receiving thorough inspections from your professional technician will only benefit you and the life span of your vehicle. When in doubt, always ask technical advice to ensure your transmission is serviced and repaired both correctly and economically.

TIPS

How to Stay Safe Driving Home From Fourth of July Festivities

Ah, the Fourth of July. Full of picnics, parties, swimming, boating, and fireworks. The perfect day.

Then comes the drive home.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year when it comes to vehicle crashes. Why? Four reasons.

  1. More vehicles are on the road.
  2. More drivers are driving in areas beyond their regular commute.
  3. More people are using their cell phones while driving.
  4. More people have been drinking throughout the day.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that one-third of all automobile accidents are due to impaired drivers. Even if they don’t hit anyone directly, they cause wrecks. They drive erratically, speeding up and slowing down, swerving, weaving, and crossing into other lanes. Their times are diminished. Usually they’re drowsy from too much alcohol and often fall asleep at the wheel.

That’s why it’s so important to be especially defensive when driving home from your Fourth of July holiday. Here are the top 10 tips to help you do so:

  1. Stay Where You Are
    If possible, don’t drive at all. If it’s a three-day weekend and you’re spending it out of town, stay overnight at a motel or campground and drive home the following morning.
  2. Don’t Ride Your Motorcycle
    Leave your bike at home and drive your car instead. Motorcyclists are at particular risk on the Fourth of July since it’s the middle of summer. Even if you wear a regulation helmet and protective clothing, you’re still far more vulnerable to being involved in a wreck than if you were in a car.
  3. Drive Home Early
    The earlier you drive on the Fourth of July, the better. The later you leave for home, the likelier you will encounter impaired drivers.
  4. Always Wear Your Seat Belt
    This one’s a no-brainer, but people tend to relax their driving habits during the summer and don’t always buckle up.
  5. Never Text or Use Your Cell Phone While Driving
    Taking your hands off the steering wheel and taking your eyes off the road to text is very dangerous. Talking on your cell phone while driving also is dangerous, even though many people have the misconception that a hands-free device is safe to use. It isn’t. While certainly better than holding your cell, having phone conversations while driving distracts you from concentrating on what’s ahead, behind, and to the sides of you.
  6. Maintain Safe Following Distances
    If possible, stay several car lengths behind the vehicle(s) in front of you. That way you’ll have a much better chance of seeing erratic driving and avoiding its consequences.
  7. Be Extra Careful When Approaching Intersections
    Impaired drivers are not known for obeying traffic signals and signs. Be particularly vigilant when coming to an intersection. Be aware of vehicles coming from cross streets or roads. Don’t assume they’re going to stop, even if they appear to be slowing down.
  8. Cooperate at Checkpoints
    Many states and municipalities set up police checkpoints on holidays. Don’t be irritated if you come to one. The officers are foregoing their own holiday to protect you. Be courteous to them and produce your driver’s license and insurance card when asked.
  9. Be the Designated Driver
    Volunteer to be the designated driver at parties or establishments where alcohol is being served. Then stick to it and don’t drink. Even a couple of beers can impair your driving ability. Besides, it’s hard to keep track once you’ve started.
  10. Don’t Drink and Drive
    You’ve heard it all your life, so listen. If you’ve had anything to drink and don’t have a designated driver to get you home, call a cab, Uber, or Lyft. It’s well worth the price.

By following these 10 tips, your safe arrival home will be the perfect ending to your perfect Fourth of July.

TIPS

5 tips for avoiding distracted driving

Distracted driving can pull your attention from the road and put others in danger. Knowing how to avoid distractions is vital for keeping employees safe on the road. Our tips can help.

1 Recognize the risks

Using an electronic device, drowsiness, eating and drinking, and focusing on other passengers in the vehicle are among the riskiest driving distractions.

2 Turn off the phone

Power off cell phones and other mobile electronic devices until you reach your destination or pull over in a safe and legal place if you cannot wait to talk or text. Cell phone blocking technology can help by preventing calling, texting, or using the Internet when driving.

3 Keep calm

Stay calm in stressful driving situations and don’t respond in kind to another driver’s erratic or aggressive driving. Keep your distance and let the driver go first if they are determined to do so.

4 Prepare for your trip

Preprogram music and navigation systems, and familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s safety features before setting out. Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary or loose objects.

5 Identify distracted drivers

Look out for motorists who are drifting from their lanes, driving at inconsistent speeds, or are preoccupied by other distracted behaviors. If you think the distracted driver is a danger to others, pull over in a safe place and call 3-1-1.

TIPS