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

How to Adjust Your Mirrors Properly to Have Clear Visibility

There is a reason driver’s education teachers hound you about checking your mirrors. Your side and rear-view mirrors are among the most important safety features on your vehicle. Without them, you would only be able to view a fraction of the roadway at a time and your odds of a collision would skyrocket. While glancing from side to side and upwards every few seconds may be a bit awkward at first, developing the habit of correctly using your mirrors is a top priority.

Before you hit the road, you must adjust your side and rearview mirrors so that you have clear visibility in each of them. Here’s how:

How to Adjust Your Mirrors Properly

– Sit in the driver’s seat. Position the seat and steering wheel so that you are comfortable and have access to the gear shifter, brake pedal, and accelerator.

-Gently maneuver the rear view mirror so that you can see directly out of the middle of your back windshield without moving your head. The goal is to be able to quickly glance from the road in front of you to the road behind you without having to move or turn your body.

-Locate the levers or buttons that adjust the side mirrors. Many newer models have a small lever or joy-stick on the driver’s side door that electronically adjusts the side mirrors. Older models often require you to manually adjust them using a lever or by pressing on the mirror itself.

-Adjust the driver’s side mirror first. Make adjustments then sit back in the driver’s seat to ensure that you can see the road behind you and a small sliver of the side of your car.

-Next, adjust the passenger side mirror. If you have to adjust it manually, you may need to move between the passenger’s and driver’s seats until it is properly adjusted.

-After all mirrors have been adjusted, sit in the driver’s seat and look in each, starting with the driver’s side mirror. You should view everything behind you in segments as you glance along.

 

 

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

 

 

TIPS

5 Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain

Rain may not seem all that dangerous to drive in, but in fact rain causes a large number of car accidents due to limited visibility, reduced roadway friction, and standing water. Follow these five tips for driving in heavy rain to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible.

1. Slow Down

The most important thing you can do to stay safe in inclement weather is to slow down. Rainy conditions create slick roads, increasing the amount of time it takes your car to come to a complete stop. Give yourself more following distance than you usually would, and adjust your speed so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop at traffic lights. Remember that the posted speed limit is for ideal driving conditions and isn’t always the right speed in the rain. If other cars are driving faster than you’re comfortable with, drive in the right lane so they can pass you safely.

2. Turn Your Lights On

It’s best practice to turn on your headlights any time you need to use your windshield wipers. In fact, it’s the law in some states! Rain makes it harder for other drivers to see your vehicle, especially if your car is a neutral color like silver or white. Turn on your headlights so that other drivers can see you and avoid a collision.

3. Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is most common during the first few minutes of rainfall as the roads develop a slick layer of water and oil. If you wait a while before heading out, the rain will wash away the oil and other substances that got stirred up and the roads will become safer to drive on. However, you can still hydroplane if you’re driving too fast or you hit standing water. If you start hydroplaning, let off the gas and gently steer in the direction you want to go. Avoid jerking the steering wheel or hitting the brakes as these can cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

4. Don’t Drive Through Standing Water

It only takes a couple of inches of standing water to make your car lose control. Driving through standing water can not only cause you to hydroplane, but it can also cause damage to the engine and electrical components if water gets pushed up into your engine. Since it’s difficult to tell how deep standing water on the road is, and it only takes about a foot of water to sweep a car away, it’s recommended to never drive through water if you can’t see the painted markings on the road.

5. When in Doubt, Stay Off the Roads

If it’s raining so heavily that you can’t see clearly or you can’t safely handle your vehicle, pull over to a safe spot and wait for the worst of the storm to pass. If there is a risk of flash flooding, move to higher ground, leave your car, and find a safe place indoors. Never drive through flood waters, and never drive in conditions you don’t feel safe in.

Many drivers underestimate the dangers of driving in rain, leading to thousands of accidents every year. Remember these tips for driving in the rain and you’ll never be caught unprepared.

TIPS

7 Warning Signs You May Need a New Car Battery

Everything electronic in your vehicle relies on a properly functioning charging system. The fluctuating weather temperatures take a toll on your car’s battery. Hot summer heats can put a strain on your battery causing failure and the cold temperatures in the winter can cause a weak battery to fail faster than normal. The last thing you want to happen when hopping into your car, trying to turn on your vehicle, and not have it start due to a dead car battery. If your battery is getting older, here are 7 warning signs that your car battery may need to be replaced.

7 Warning Signs You May Need a New Car Battery

  1. When starting your vehicle, you notice the engine cranking slower than normal.
  2. Constant need to jump startyour vehicle.
  3. Extended use of interior lights along with the radio while the engine is not running, can cause the battery to drain.
  4. Rotten egg or sulfur smell can indicate a leaking or overheated battery.
  5. White/silvery powder like material around the battery post could indicate a problem and the battery should be checked.
  6. If the battery OR check engine light comes on, it’s time to have the battery and electrical system tested.
  7. Low battery fluid levels.

Be Proactive with your New Car Battery

When you have yournew car battery installed, be sure to:

  • Keep track of the batteries age. The average life of a car battery is 3-6 years.
  • Test your car battery periodically. As part of our complimentary Visual Vehicle Check, your car battery will be checked when you have your vehicle serviced at Sullivan Tire and Auto Service.
Maintenance

7 Common Car Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Your car is one of the most–if not the most–expensive possession that you have. As such, it is important to take proper care of it, in order to help it to have the longest life possible. Car maintenance can often sound confusing to those who do not know a lot about cars, and it can be a real pain to pay out all of the money that many things cost. However, neglecting proper maintenance, or carrying out the wrong kind of maintenance can actually end up costing you far more in the long run, and even shorten the life of your vehicle. Here are some of the most common, and most costly, car maintenance mistakes to avoid.

1. NOT CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE

Tire pressure is not just about avoiding flat tires–although that should be reason enough to check regularly–it is also about fuel economy. If your tires are under-inflated, it could be causing your car to eat far more gas than it should. Check every few months with a fuel gauge, and make sure that your tires are what they should be according to your owner’s manual. Another common problem is neglecting other tire maintenance, such as regular tire rotation–something that will make them last longer.

2. NEGLECTING OIL CHANGES

It is true that with newer cars there is less of a need for oil changes. But while they may not require an oil change every 3,000 miles, they do still need regular oil changes. If you have a newer car, and do not have an oil light, don’t leave it longer than every 8,000-10,000 miles before you have an oil change. Bad oil will damage your engine.

3. FAILING TO INSPECT/CHANGE BRAKES

Getting your brake pads changed can be expensive, but if you leave it too long, your brakes can wear down completely, and start to work away at the rotators, which will cost you much more money. When you first start to hear that tell-tale squeaking noise, make sure that you get your brakes checked out–often mechanics will check for free.

4. NOT KNOWING THE BASICS

A knowledge of basic car maintenance can really help you out of a tight spot. Many unnecessary problems are borne out of simple things such as not knowing how to correctly jumpstart a car or change a flat tire. To save yourself a little money and a lot of hassle, study up on the basics of car maintenance.

5. OLD WIPERS

Windshield wipers are an incredibly cheap and easy thing to replace, and yet plenty of people are still driving in adverse weather conditions, unable to see properly as a result of having old ones. Look for streaks on the windshield and cracks in the blades, and if in doubt, change them every six months or so. It is also worth splashing out on the better quality wiper blades.

6. OLD AIR FILTERS

Air and fuel filters are also inexpensive to replace, but failing to do so can cause you big problems. It is something that you can do yourself, but often mechanics will throw it in with another repair at no extra cost.

7. IGNORING FLUID CHECKS

Just as you need to change your oil regularly, other fluids are equally important in making sure that your engine runs smoothly. Coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and more are all essential, and costly if you ignore them.

(defensivedriving.com)

TIPS

10 Ways To Keep Your Parked Car Cool When It’s Hot

The heat of summer can make this otherwise beautiful season downright unpleasant. For drivers who don’t enjoy intense heat, getting into a car that has been parked in hot weather can feel like being roasted alive. Stay cool and get more out of your summer by using these tips to keep your car cooler when parked.

1. Use a sunshade or window visor. This tried-and-true method of keeping your car cool should be your go-to option to counteract hot interior temps throughout the summer. Put up a sunshade or window visor every time you exit your car for more than a few minutes. Keep it even cooler for long periods by putting a sunshade in your rear window as well.

2. Use a dash cover. A fabric or upholstered dash cover can go a long way towards making your car’s interior more comfortable. You won’t feel as overwhelmed by the heat if you don’t have to touch hot vinyl surfaces. Dash covers also protect sensitive vinyl from sun damage that can cause cracking and fading.

3. Cover your steering wheel with a hand towel. Even if you use a sunshade, it’s a good idea to cover your steering wheel with a small towel. This will help to keep the contact temperature of your steering wheel down.

4. Park in a shady area. Whenever possible, park in a shady area. If you’re going to be somewhere for an extended period of time, it’s worth it to walk a bit farther in order to park in the shade. You’ll be happy to enter a not-so-hot car when you return from your day out.

5. Keep your precious possessions out of the sun. Any tapes, CDs or delicate items that you keep in your car should be stored out of the path of direct sunlight. Try storing your tape and CD cases underneath the seat. You can also throw a blanket over your precious possessions. If you can’t find a place in your car that will conceal heat-sensitive goods, consider placing them in the trunk.

6. Park in a garage when possible. Whenever possible, park in a garage. Your car will be out of direct sunlight and will have the benefit of near-constant shade. Even a warm garage beats being parked in the sun all day.

7. Keep windows slightly cracked. While it’s not a good idea to leave your windows all the way open, it is a good idea to leave them slightly cracked. Check to be sure that you can’t fit your arm through the crack in your window. Even a small crack will promote ventilation and help to keep your car cool.

8. Purchase a solar-powered fan. Paired with cracked windows, a solar-powered fan can make your car feel downright pleasant during even the hottest summer days. These simple fans work  to expel hot air from your car. By creating constant air circulation, they lower your car’s overall temperature.

9. Throw blankets over your seats. If your car features vinyl or leather seats, you know just how hot these materials can become when exposed to sunlight and high temperatures. To keep car seats cool, throw blankets over them. When you return to the car, you can place the blankets on the floorboards or toss them in the trunk. Keeping your seats cool will make your car more pleasant on hot summer days.

10. Leave your doors open before getting in. Before jumping into your hot car, leave the doors open for a few minutes. This will help the hot air exit and the cool air enter.

(cbsnews.com)

TIPS

Five Tips for Keeping Your Memorial Day Travel Fun and Safe

For anyone who will be traveling this busy holiday weekend, safety should be the number one priority. From driving safely to choosing the most effective and safest routes, drivers should plan ahead. Here are a few tips to keep your holiday weekend safe and fun.

Be Prepared for a Safe Drive

Prevent a breakdown by making sure your car is in top working order. Check your tire pressure and fill your tank before you head out on the highway.

Watch Out for the Other Driver

Defensive driving is all about situational awareness. Pay attention to everything on the road. If you see another driver make a mistake, be ready to get out of the way and prevent an accident.

Choose a Safer Road

Toll Roads are among the safest roads in America. Toll authorities know their customers expect a higher maintenance standard and tolls give them the funds to deliver on that promise. Toll Roads have safety cameras and teams that constantly monitor the roadway to respond quickly to an accident.

Choose the More Direct, Less Congested Route

Today’s electronic toll collection systems allow you to pay for your ride without slowing down or waiting in line. With All Electronic Toll collection (AET), stopping at a toll booth is a thing of the past – it’s now go, go, go.

Know the Upcoming Weather Forecast

With so much severe weather developing across the country, know the expected weather in the locations you are traveling this holiday weekend so you can be better prepared for the best and safest routes.

TIPS

How to Check Tire Pressure With a Tire Pressure Gauge

Maintaining proper tire inflation is relatively simple and essential to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tire will provide longer life, quicker steering response, better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride than an improperly inflated tire. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause headaches like premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis.

Knowing how to use a tire pressure gauge is very simple. Here’s how to check tire pressure and refill your tires.

Items You Need When Checking Tire Pressure

Tire pressure gauge

Air compressor

Pen and paper

Your tire pressure gauge can be digital or standard. Auto parts stores typically carry both. Many auto parts stores sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or 12v power port. Alternatively, you can use the air compressor found at most gas stations. They usually cost $0.50 or $1.00 to use.

HOW TO CHECK TIRE PRESURE

1. START WITH COLD TIRES IF POSSIBLE

Vehicle manufacturers specify PSI – literally “pounds per square inch” of pressure – assuming tires are cold. Tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed. PSI is the unit your pressure gauge uses to provide readings.

2. CHECK THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED PSI

Look on the driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual to find the recommended cold tire PSI for your front and rear tires.  If you cannot find it, you should consult your vehicle dealer, manufacturer, or a qualified tire professional.

3. WRITE DOWN THE PSI FOR EACH TIRE

If your front and rear tires require different pressure levels, write down the correct PSI for each to avoid getting confused as you move around your vehicle checking tire pressure.

4. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE WITH YOUR GAUGE

Remove the valve cap from one of your tires. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. A digital gauge will show you the reading on a screen.

Write down the reading and repeat this process for all four tires.

5. FILL TO THE RECOMMENDED PSI

Use an air compressor to refill any tires with low pressure. Many air compressors are different, so read directions carefully to be sure you’re using it correctly.

If you’re using the air compressor at a gas station, be sure to park so that the hose will reach all four tires. Insert change into the machine until you hear the motor running. Fill each tire by placing the end of the hose over the valve stem and pressing on the lever.

Using a gas station air compressor means your tires might be “hot.”  If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when tires are “hot”, set their pressure to 4 psi (14 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold.

After filling your tires, use the gauge to check pressure again. At this point, it’s ok if you overfilled the tires because you can always let some air back out. Never drive on overinflated tires. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and decreased impact absorption.

6. REPEAT: CHECK TIRE PRESSURE MONTHLY

Make the above procedure a monthly ritual. Regularly checking your tire pressure is the best way to ensure your tires never dip far below the optimal PSI.

 

TIPS

4 Facts you might not know about Bumper & Accent Colors

What if we told you that your bumper color is different from the body color? Or your trim pieces are different from the body color? You might think that sounds absurd, right? How is it possible for the bumper and trim to be a different color from the body color? Well we at Central Texas Collision Services are here to clarify this for you. See our 4 Facts you might not know about Bumper & Accent Colors listed below.

 

  1. Colors vary based on the substrate on which it is painted. For example, the bumper and trim can be plastic, but the body can be metal. Having these 2 different substrates, but using the same color paint can cause a slight variation due to the evaporation rate for the paint. A longer evaporation rate gives a spec pigment additional time to “float” and can darken the color. This can happen with both older and new cars.
  2. Depending on the angle and lighting available on the curved and flat surfaces, you may notice a slight color change.
  3. During the mixing process, adjustments made can create a lighter or darker color, or causing the metallic or mica elements to lay down differently.
  4. Another scenario can be that the body was painted at one factory, while other parts, such as the bumper and trim, were painted at another factory using a different paint method.

 

(bodyshopsaustintx)

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