If you own a car, you probably know that regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running smoothly and reliably. You probably know when to rotate your tires and hopefully remember to get those oil changes. If you’ve forgotten to change your coolant for a while, look for these four signs. Bring your car in to flush the system before the problems get worse.
Safety Tips for First-Time School Bus Drivers
Being a school bus driver comes with a lot of responsibility. Afterall, you are charged with safely transporting young children to and from school every day. This is a lot for experienced bus drivers to handle, but it’s even more pressing for first-time drivers.
With a school-bus driver shortage, there are a lot of first-time drivers on routes this school year.
To ensure you are taking the proper precautions, it’s important to follow all safety procedures and tips– especially for first-time school bus drivers who might still be learning their new roles.
Preform Pre-trip Inspections
Before taking the bus out of the lot, ensure that it is prepped and ready for your route. This can include checking the fuel levels, inspecting the tires, and ensuring all mirrors are functioning and in the correct positions. Some operations might provide drivers with a pre-trip checklist to complete before beginning their route.
Get an Up-close Look at Your Surroundings
When on your route, never guess at what’s surrounding the bus, or how much distance is between the bus and an object. School buses are large vehicles and it can be difficult to make certain turns. Before assuming and increasing the risk of getting into an accident, take an up-close look at your surroundings – even if it means getting out of the bus to check.
Know the Equipment in the Bus
Make sure you know what all of the gages and levers are on the bus, and how to use them. It’s also important to know what the various lights and signals on the dashboard mean so you’re prepared in case the vehicle starts to malfunction.
Pay Attention to – and Follow – all Road Signs
Safety should be a driver’s top priority. He or she needs to follow all traffic and road signs. This includes following the speed limit, stopping when required, yielding as needed, and obeying all traffic laws.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Drivers need to ensure they are always focused when driving the school bus. This can be difficult when there are dozens of kids talking behind them. It’s key for drivers to be able to block out the noise and keep his or her eyes on the road. This also means cell phones and any other distractions should be avoided while operating the vehicle.
Give Yourself Plenty of Room to Stop
School buses are large, and therefore require more room to come to a complete stop than your personal vehicle. Make sure you give yourself plenty of space between other vehicles, pedestrians and other obstacles when coming to a stop. Practice driving and stopping before beginning your route to ensure you have plenty of time to get used to the tendencies required to operate the vehicle.
Make Sure all Kids Are Off the Bus
Unfortunately, occasionally kids remain on the bus after a driver’s route is completed. To ensure the safety of each child and that he or she gets home safely it’s important for bus drivers to check the bus at the end of each day to ensure all students are off the bus.
Back to School Car Maintenance Tips
With fall right around the corner, students are turning their focus on going back to school. Many of them own cars to get back and forth to campus and even a part-time job, and now is the perfect time for them to perform a few car maintenance tasks that are sure to keep their cars in tip-top shape. Whether they’re simply commuting, or find themselves driving around out-of-state, we’ve got a few tips for students to keep their semester free and clear of car problems.
Basic Maintenance
Right now is the perfect time for students to perform any basic maintenance that may be pending for their cars. Oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements should be routine and will help extend the life of the vehicle. Topping off all the fluids – brakes, coolant and transmission – will help the engine to run smoothly and avoid damage. Students should also top off the windshield wiper fluid and check the status of their wiper blades in case they need a replacement – all in the name of good visibility!
Batteries
The easiest way to avoid having battery problems is to keep in mind that batteries have a lifespan between three and five years. Students should keep track of when the battery was initially installed and replace it accordingly. There is nothing more frustrating than getting into a car and finding out it won’t start. A mechanic can routinely check the voltage of the battery with a multimeter.
Check Those Brakes
Faulty or worn down brakes can impede a driver’s ability to come to a quick stop – making an accident more likely. Students can avoid this by having a professional mechanic check the vehicle’s brakes while performing any routine maintenance.
Tread Lightly
Maintaining proper tire pressure is important for several reasons. Poor pressure affects fuel economy and can cause fewer miles per gallon, while wear and tear increases and causes owners to replace their tires sooner than normal. Tires are costly, and a great way to save money is to keep a tire gauge in the car and make it a habit to check the tire pressure once a month.
Turn the Lights on
Failing lights impair a driver’s ability to see the road clearly and in turn makes it more difficult to be seen by other cars. By turning the lights on while the vehicle is in park, owners should walk around the car to make sure the headlights, rear lights, blinkers and hazard lights are working properly. Replacing bulbs is easy and inexpensive and should pose no challenge to a student.
Be Ready for an Emergency
In a perfect world, all of these precautions should minimize the likelihood of unexpected car trouble, but since we all know that’s impossible it’s important for everyone to keep an emergency kit in their car. The emergency kit should contain a pair of gloves, jumper cables, bottled water, a flashlight, a tire repair kit, a first aid kit, a basic tool kit, a hazard triangle, and even a small amount of cash. Many will think this is overkill, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a roadside emergency.
5 Tips for Maintaining Your Truck’s Engine Health
As a truck owner, it’s crucial to keep your vehicle in top-notch condition, especially when it comes to the engine. The engine is the heart of your truck, and maintaining its health should be a top priority. Here are five tips that will help you maintain your truck’s engine health and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
Regular Oil Changes
One of the most critical things you can do to maintain your truck’s engine health is to change the oil regularly. Engine oil is responsible for lubricating the engine’s moving parts, and over time, it can break down and become contaminated with dirt and debris. This can cause significant damage to your engine, leading to costly repairs.
To avoid this, you should change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on your truck’s make and model. Be sure to use high-quality oil and filters to ensure maximum protection for your engine.
Check Fluid Levels
In addition to changing your oil, you should also check your truck’s fluid levels regularly. This includes the coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Low levels of any of these fluids can cause significant damage to your engine and other critical components.
To check your fluid levels, consult your truck’s owner manual for guidance on how to access the various reservoirs. Once you have located the reservoir, check the fluid levels and add more if necessary.
Keep Your Engine Clean
A clean engine is a healthy engine. Dirt, debris, and oil build-up can cause significant damage to your engine and reduce its lifespan. Regularly cleaning your engine can help prevent this.
To clean your engine, first, make sure it is cool. Then, cover sensitive parts such as the alternator and distributor with plastic bags or a towel. Next, use a degreaser to break down any built-up grime, followed by a high-pressure washer to remove the debris. Finally, let the engine dry completely before starting it.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your truck’s engine in top-notch condition. This includes things like changing the air filter, spark plugs, and timing belt. Failing to maintain these critical components can cause significant damage to your engine and other parts of your truck.
Consult your truck’s owner manual for guidance on when to perform these maintenance tasks. If you’re not comfortable performing them yourself, take your truck to a professional mechanic who can do it for you.
Drive Responsibly
Finally, driving responsibly is key to maintaining your truck’s engine health. Aggressive driving, excessive idling, and carrying heavy loads can cause significant wear and tear on your engine, leading to costly repairs and reduced lifespan.
To keep your engine healthy, drive responsibly by avoiding sudden accelerations and decelerations, reducing your speed when carrying heavy loads, and avoiding excessive idling.
In conclusion, maintaining your truck’s engine health requires a combination of regular maintenance, responsible driving, and attention to detail. By following these five tips, you can help ensure that your truck’s engine stays healthy and running smoothly for years to come.
What To Do With A Flooded Vehicle
The introduction of flood-water into your vehicle is never a good thing, but if your vehicle has been in flood waters, there is a list of things you’ll need to know. The first thing is do not start the car, nor should you power the car on with the key. Get the car out of water as quickly as possible, disconnect the battery, and start the recovery process as soon as you can. The longer your car sits in water, especially muddy water or salt water, the greater potential damage to key systems.
If you’re repairing water damage yourself, try the following steps. We advise contacting your insurance company quickly in any flooding situation.
Repairing a Flooded Car, Once Outside of Water
1. Do Not Start the Car
This is key. High water that is up and over the engine compartment means that water has been introduced into the intake tract, and is likely inside any cylinder that had an open intake or exhaust valve. Attempting to start the vehicle at this point will result in hydro-lock, and a damaged engine which otherwise may be repairable.
2. Disconnect the Battery
Disconnect the battery as quickly as possible. In fact, disconnecting the battery BEFORE a flood in anticipation that flooding could happen (like a hurricane) is a good practice. Many electrical items in your vehicle have “constant power” being run to them. Water mixed with electrical current will cause a failure in these components, where otherwise, simply cleaning and drying them can save them.
3. Roll Down The Windows
If possible, roll the windows down. If the windows are electric, open the doors.
4. Look For a High-Water Mark
This will give you an idea of the level of damage. It will usually be clear, especially on the interior. If the water mark is at a low level, below the dash, and water is just in the floor boards, this is the best-case scenario. If the water is up over the dash, then all the electrical components within the dash, and the engine itself have all been penetrated with water.
5. Get Any Residual Water Out Of The Car
If the water level was low enough to not penetrate the dash area, then the car is probably not a total loss. Start by getting the residual water out of the floorboards with a submersible pump and/or shop vac. You can flush these areas with fresh water and vacuum out. Along the buttom of your doors, some vehicles have plastic plugs that can be removed, and several also have these in the floor boards. Remove these plugs to let water out. If the doors have these, remove the door panels and flush the bottom of the doors out with a hose. Once all the water has been removed, you will need to put fans on the vehicle to dry out the interior quickly, or mold will develop.
6. Drain The Engine / Transmission Oil / Change
Regardless if the water level was lower than the engine, it’s best to completely drain and refill the engine oil, transmission oil, and differential fluid as all of these may have water in them.
7. Remove Spark Plugs On High-Water Vehicle
If the vehicle has been in a high-water situation where it’s suspect that the engine’s intake tract was exposed to water, you’re going to want to remove each spark plug.
The vehicle can then be either hand-spun, or cranked to check if any water is present coming out of the spark plug holes. If none is present, then water probably did not make it into the engine. Remove all the piping from the intake tract, and inspect for any mud or dirt indicating flood-water. Rinse the entire intake tract clean.
8. Check fuel system
Siphon out some gas and look for water. Water weighs more than gas, so make sure your siphon is at the bottom of the fuel tank. If you find water mixed with the gas, your tank will need to be dropped and cleaned.
9. Check Other Fluids
Brake, clutch, power steering, coolant reservoirs are sealed on most newer vehicles, but water can seep in.
10. Check Electrical Systems
If key electrical systems are below the water line, they will likely need to be replaced, although some can be flushed, cleaned and left to dry. Checking and troubleshooting flooded electrical will often be the most labor-intensive of all the checks on the vehicle.
Safety Tips for Truck Drivers On The Road
Driving safely is easier said than done. Every driver who has been trucking for any length of time knows the basic rules of the road for safety, but, every now and then, either a reminder or a few trucking safety tips can help. Staying safe on the road, particularly during winter weather can be hard, and while roadside assistance is just a phone call away if something goes wrong, no trucker wants to make that call.
Here are 9 safety tips for commercial truck drivers:
How to Drive in a Tornado
Do:
- Go to the nearest solid shelter if you see a tornado in the distance. The more walls between you and a tornado, the better.
- Drive at a 90-degree angle away from the tornado’s path.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If the tornado is close and there is no shelter nearby, look around to see if you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway. Next, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.
- If the tornado is close and there is no shelter or low-lying areas nearby, stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket if possible.
Don’t:
- Try out-running a tornado that is close by. Tornados can travel at high speeds and don’t necessarily follow the road.
- Use unpaved roads. The strong rains that often accompany tornados can quickly make dirt or gravel roads impassable.
- Take shelter under an overpass or a bridge as winds can accelerate and cause injury or death from flying debris.
- Take shelter in a culvert. You can easily become trapped and risk drowning if it becomes clogged with water or debris.
- Take shelter under your vehicle. Vehicles can easily be rolled over or even carried long distances in a tornado.
Tips For Night Driving In The Rain
Driving in heavy rain at night can be treacherous. The darkness and the weather can combine to create extremely dangerous conditions. However, you can stay safe on the road with a few simple safe driving tips.
In this blog post will discuss some tips for driving in heavy rain at night.
Tip 01: Check everything before heading out.
Before you even turn on your car, it’s important to check a few things. Make sure your car’s windshield wipers are in good working condition and that you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid.
It’s also wise to check your tires. In heavy rain, your tires can make the difference between staying on the road and hydroplaning. On slippery roads, balding tires may significantly diminish traction resulting in hydroplaning.
Lastly, check your air conditioning. Rain can cause the temperature outside to decrease, which increases the likelihood that your windows will fog up. Your A/C should be capable of keeping the temperature inside your car at the same level as the outside to prevent fogging.
Tip 02: Drive slow and stay below speed limits.
Although it may seem apparent, this point has to be made again. Driving too fast in heavy rain is a recipe for disaster. Not only will you have a hard time seeing, but you’re also more likely to lose control of your car. Avoid driving completely in severe weather if you can. However, if you must go outside, make careful to move slowly.
Tip 03: Keep hazard lights turned off and headlights on.
When your automobile is stopped on the side of the road, your hazard lights should be on. They convey to other drivers the need for caution. However, they may also be a distraction, so it’s better to leave them off when driving in a lot of rain. As for headlights, make sure they’re on so you can see and be seen by other drivers.
Tip 04: Avoid standing water.
Standing water is one of the biggest dangers of driving in heavy rain. Finding another route is best if you can’t see the ground through the water. Failure to remain safe on wet roads can result in hydroplaning.
It happens when your car’s tires begin to contact standing water rather than the road’s surface. Drivers start to hydroplane, which causes them to lose control of their cars. The driver may experience significant stress from feeling out of control.
Be sure to keep your calm at all times if you find yourself hydroplaning. Put your foot off the gas slowly and turn your automobile in the desired direction. Finally, avoid making any sharp bends or braking your car.
Tip 05: Don’t drive if you’re not comfortable.
If you don’t feel comfortable driving in certain weather conditions, don’t do it. Driving in heavy rain at night can be dangerous and stressful, not to mention the risk of hydroplaning, so only attempt it if you’re confident in your abilities. If not, wait until the weather clears up or find another way to get to your destination.
Always keep road safety as your first concern when driving in heavy rain at night. Following these safe driving tips can help ensure a safe and smooth journey.
What Is an Ignition Coil?
An ignition coil, as its name suggests, plays a vital role in igniting the engine. This small yet potent device delivers up to 60,000 volts of power to the spark plugs to ensure your vehicle’s smooth operation. You can find the ignition coil nestled within the engine compartment. The heart of your vehicle’s performance lies in its ignition system, with the ignition coil playing a starring role. Keeping it maintained will help to have a smooth, efficient drive.
What does an ignition coil do?
The ignition coil functions as a power transformer. It takes the 12-volt charge from your car battery and transforms it into something much more potent. This converted voltage, which can reach up to 60,000 volts, is what your spark plugs need to ignite the fuel-and-air mixture within the engine’s combustion chambers. Without a functioning ignition coil, the spark plug would not receive the necessary voltage to create the spark needed to ignite the fuel-air mix.
Where is it? The location of your ignition coil depends on the make and model of your vehicle. One common location is attached to the spark plugs on top of the engine block.
Types of ignition coils
Understanding the different types of ignition coils can be incredibly helpful, especially when it comes to maintaining your vehicle or diagnosing potential problems.
Canister-style coils
Conventional ignition coils, often referred to as canister-style coils, were very common in older vehicles. The design of these coils is quite simple: A metal canister houses the primary and secondary windings. They typically sit outside the engine and are wired to a distributor, which then takes on the responsibility of distributing the high voltage from the coil to the spark plugs. Despite their simplicity, conventional ignition coils are known for their durability and reliability.
Distributor less ignition system (DIS) coils
As technology advanced, so did ignition coils. Enter the distributor less ignition system (DIS) coils. These coils represent a significant step forward in ignition technology. Instead of relying on a distributor, DIS coils are usually mounted directly on or near the spark plugs. Each coil is tasked with supplying high voltage to a specific spark plug. This design allows for more precise timing of spark production for each cylinder, thanks to the use of sensors. The result is improved ignition performance and efficiency over conventional coils.
Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coils
Taking the concept of DIS coils a notch higher, we have the coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coils. In a COP system, each cylinder gets its own personal ignition coil, which is mounted directly on the spark plug. This setup eliminates the need for spark plug wires, allowing for even more precise and efficient ignition. COP ignition coils provide enhanced spark energy and better control over combustion. The outcomes are improved engine performance and reduced emissions.
Signs of a bad ignition coil
How can you tell if your ignition coil is failing and needs attention? Here are some common signs:
- The check engine light is on: If it illuminates, it could be indicating a problem with your ignition coil.
- The engine misfires: Should your ignition coil begin to fail, it might fail to supply adequate voltage to the spark plugs, resulting in misfires.
- Starts are difficult: When spark plugs aren’t receiving enough power to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine, your vehicle will have a hard time starting.
- Fuel economy decreases: A failing ignition coil can disrupt the balance of fuel consumption and power generation, leading to less-than-optimal fuel economy.
- Power begins to lag: A bad ignition coil might not supply enough power to the spark plugs, resulting in reduced engine performance.
- The engine backfires: This might indicate a faulty ignition coil failing to ignite the fuel in the combustion chamber adequately.
How long do ignition coils last?
On average, a well-maintained ignition coil should last around 100,000 miles. However, this can vary depending on factors like your driving habits, vehicle make and model, and even the climate you live in. It’s important to remember that preventive maintenance is always better than reactive repairs. Regular check-ups can assist in identifying potential issues before they develop into more severe (and expensive) complications. So, if your check engine light has been flickering or your engine is misfiring, it’s best to schedule a visit to your mechanic sooner rather than later.
Understanding your vehicle, including the vital role of the ignition coil, ensures smooth and efficient driving. However, even with impeccable maintenance, unforeseen issues can arise. Having the right auto insurance is key to protecting your car from unexpected repair costs and other road-related incidents. It not only gives you peace of mind but also helps to ensure that you get back on the road without worrying about financial implications.
What Are The Best Car Colors To Buy?
The color of a car isn’t always an essential deciding factor when you’re making a purchase decision. Nevertheless, it is still quite important to most buyers.
Factors That Can Influence Your Car Color Choice
Choosing the right color can be challenging, though. Aside from aesthetics, other factors like maintenance, resale value, and cost all influence what car color you choose.
Let’s examine some of these factors to find out the best car colors
Personal Taste
When selecting a car color, the buyer’s personal choice is likely the single most important factor.
Color preferences often reflect a person’s personality. Individuals who wish to stand out tend to prefer bright, bold colors that attract attention, such as yellow, red, or green. Colors such as white, silver, gray, and black may appeal to those seeking simplicity.
Choosing a color that you admire will improve your ownership experience and the satisfaction you derive from your car. You’ll feel more satisfied with your car if it comes in a shade that suits you well.
Maintenance
Maintaining the color of your car might be difficult. Aside from pearl hues, other colors, such as black and red, need cautious maintenance since scratches, grime, and dirt are easy to spot.
White, gray, and silver are the most straightforward colors to keep clean. Lighter hues, in contrast to most dark colors, barely show dirt. Darker colors need more effort to look attractive. The deeper the color, the more scratches you’ll notice and the longer you’ll have to spend polishing body panels.
Dark metallic hues are also more prone to wear and require more care. However, these hues are the most eye-catching when they are properly maintained.
Heat Absorption
Metal is a great conductor of heat. A car coated in a dark hue will have higher heat-absorbing tendencies. Studies have shown that darker colors absorb more heat than lighter ones. Dark-colored cars absorb more heat, making the car hotter. On the other hand, lighter colors reflect heat well.
Cost
Some car manufacturers offer models in specific colors at an additional cost. For instance, Toyota’s Pearl White color is frequently more expensive than other regular colors. Mazda’s flagship Soul Red Crystal and Machine Gray hues are likewise more costly. Getting such branded car colors costs extra money.
Resale Value
The color of a car can have an effect on its resale value. Many buyers choose to buy white, black, gray, or silver cars because they retain their value better. If your car is a flashier color, you may have difficulty selling it.
There is a common misconception that brighter hues like red increase insurance premiums. This is, however, not the case. The color of a car has no impact on its insurance. The only thing insurance companies care about is the make and model of your vehicle and how much it costs to repair and replace it, among other things.