Car Seat Tips

How to Ride Safely
–The back seat is the best. It is the safest place to ride for all children under age 13. Not all cars allow for a car seat in every place that has a seat belt. Check your car owner manual to see where you can put a car seat.
-Be wary of toys in the car. Choose toys that are soft and will not hurt your child in a crash. Secure any loose objects in the car.
-Wear your seat belt. We know that when adults wear seat belts, kids wear seat belts. So be a good example and buckle up for every ride. Be sure everyone in the vehicle buckles up, too.
-Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute. Learn more about preventing heatstroke.
-Find a Car Seat Expert. Safe Kids hosts car seat inspection events across the country where certified car seat technicians can teach you to install and use your car seat properly. In some communities, they also serve in fixed locations called inspection stations during specific days and times. You may find an inspection station at a GM dealership, a hospital or even a fire house. Find a Safe Kids car seat checkup event near you.
-The Ultimate Car Seat Guide. For parents on the go, the Ultimate Car Seat Guide offers easy-to-understand tips on how to choose and use a car seat. You can fill in your child’s age and weight to get answers personalized for your child. Available in English or Spanish.

CARS

Tips for Buying a New Car

It’s appealing to buy a new car that looks great and is fun to drive, but it also pays to look beneath the surface for features that make your vehicle safe to drive and affordable to insure.

Car insurance costs are based, in part, on the model’s safety history, the cost of vehicle repair or replacement, and the likelihood that the car will be stolen. Many insurers offer discounts for vehicles with features that reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Here are five tips to consider when shopping for a new car:

1. Find Out the Cost of Insurance
Your insurance rates typically change when you acquire a new vehicle. Before you choose a model, the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute recommends that you ask your insurance rep how much it will cost to insure.

If you choose a sporty model that attracts buyers who enjoy driving fast, it will likely cost more to insure. If the car you pick is very expensive, it will be costly to repair or replace, and that will drive up insurance costs. A model that’s often targeted by car thieves may also cost more to insure.

2. Look for Safety Technology
One of the best things about buying a new car is all the new devices that have been developed in recent years to help drivers avoid accidents. Advanced safety features can include:

Adaptive cruise control. It detects vehicles ahead and adjusts speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Adaptive headlights. As you turn, these headlights adjust to light the road ahead.
Automatic parking. Sensors detect obstacles and adjust steering to guide vehicles safely into parking spaces.
Backup cameras. They help you see behind your car to avoid collisions.
Forward collision warning. Radar, lasers or camera sensors detect when a crash is about to occur, alerting the driver. Some systems automatically apply the brakes.

3. Consider Vehicle Design and Size
Design characteristics are important when choosing a new car. Larger and heavier vehicles typically sustain less damage in auto crashes than small cars. Some small utility vehicles and pickups are prone to rollover accidents.

In addition to considering size, look for cars that have “crashworthy” designs. These cars have strong “safety cages,” the section of the vehicle that protects the occupants. Make sure that the front and rear ends are “crush zones” that can absorb the impact of crashes.

You can look up car safety rankings by using the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s online safety rankings tool.

4. Get Pre-Approved for a Car Loan
Edmunds.com recommends that you get pre-approved for a car loan before you begin shopping for a new car. Check with several lenders to get the lowest interest rate. Once you have loan approval, you’ll know how much you can afford to spend. You’ll also have an interest rate you can use to compare with those offered by the new car dealer’s financing. In some cases, the dealer may offer the best financing deal.

Before you begin shopping for a loan, gather documents to verify your income and the balances of any debts you may have.

5. Negotiate the Best Price
A good negotiator usually can get a better deal than someone who simply agrees to pay what the dealer is asking. Dealers may price their cars higher than the amount they actually expect to receive in preparation for negotiations.

If you take time to research prices online before you visit a dealership, you’ll have a better idea of what a competitively priced car should cost. Often, the best time to buy is during end-of-the-year sales, when dealers need to make room for newer models, notes the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Negotiate the actual price of the car rather than the monthly payment. Focusing on payments makes it easy to lose sight of the full amount you’ll be paying over time, says Autotrader.4

If you can’t get the price you want, don’t be afraid to walk away. Remember there’s always another car.

CARS

Driving Tips for New Drivers

Congratulations on your new driver’s license! Your license is an exciting step toward independence and adulthood, but it’s also a big responsibility. Remember, what you do in the driver’s seat not only affects you but everyone else on the road, too.

We’ve put together some of the best tips for new drivers to help you stay safe and have fun on the road.

1. OBEY ALL TRAFFIC RULES
From road signs to right-of-way, there are rules drivers are required to understand and follow. Following the speed limit, leaving adequate space between you and the car in front of you, obeying traffic signals, and wearing your seatbelt are just a few of them. Learning and applying traffic rules will help you have a safe and relaxed time on the road — and it will help the other drivers around you be safe and relaxed, too. Plus, following traffic rules can help keep you away from traffic tickets, which are expensive and could raise your car insurance rates.

2. SLOW DOWN!
According to CDC.gov, “Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next).” The higher your speed, the less time you have to stop your car, and the worse any impact and subsequent injuries will likely be. Braking distance increases exponentially at speeds over 45 MPH.

3. KEEP YOUR CAR IN GOOD RUNNING SHAPE
Taking care of your car can help you avoid breakdowns and other potential accidents. Car care includes regular oil changes and tune-ups, checking tire pressure (don’t forget the spare!), regular tire rotation, checking brake fluid and coolant levels, and filling up the gas tank before it hovers too close to “E.” For your car to take care of you, you need to take care of it. As a new driver, don’t add to the variables of being behind the wheel by letting your car maintenance slide.

4. WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT
Always. And make sure your passengers wear theirs, too. “Among teen drivers and passengers 16–19 years of age who died in car crashes in 2018, almost half were unrestrained at the time of the crash (when restraint use was known),” reports CDC.gov.

5. AVOID DISTRACTIONS
Distracted driving claimed 2,841 lives in 2018 alone, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. So keep your eyes on the road. That means no texting, no calling, no eating, no channel surfing on the radio, and no turning around to talk with friends in the backseat. Accidents can happen in a split second, but if you’re paying attention, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding one.

One of the best tips for new drivers is to take the time to set yourself up for your drive while you’re still in your driveway. Choose your music, set your GPS, put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and make sure any important communication is completed or paused before your drive.

6. ADJUST YOUR ACCESSORIES
No, not your bling. We’re talking about making sure your seat is in a comfortable spot and checking all mirrors to make sure they give you visibility of your car’s blind spots. How to check? A vehicle overtaking from behind you should start to appear in the side mirror just as it’s disappearing from the center rear view mirror. As a tip for new drivers, especially, do this before you start your drive, not when your vehicle is moving.

7. DON’T TAILGATE
Following too closely is a leading cause of rear-end accidents. Just remember the 3-second rule: Pick an object on the road ahead (like a sign, tree, or overpass), and when the vehicle in front of you passes the object slowly count “one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand.” If you reach the object before completing the count, you’re following too closely.

Remember: if the car in front of you slams on their brakes and you rear-end them, it could mean a ticket for you, a lawsuit from the other driver, and an expensive bill from your insurer.

8. BE PREPARED
In case of accidents, breakdowns, or other emergencies, your car should always contain critical driving documents and an emergency kit with everything you’d need for an extended time in your vehicle. Ensure you have things like your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and driver’s license handy. A good emergency kit also includes water, non-perishable snacks, an emergency blanket, flashlights, road hazard cones and possibly flares, jumper cables, essential tools, and a small amount of the oil and coolant your car requires.

9. WATCH THE WEATHER
Rain, wind, and snow can all make driving more difficult and dangerous. If it’s wet out, make sure your headlights are on, slow down, and increase your following distance. Braking takes longer when roads are slick — sometimes as much as ten times the braking distance as on a dry roadway. Most importantly, if the conditions are too treacherous, it’s better to stay off the roads until you’ve mastered the art of winter driving.

10. DON’T DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Driving under the influence includes being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or lack of sleep. Nobody should have to tell you how severe the consequences can be. Just don’t do it. Request a rideshare or call a friend or loved one to take you where you need to be.

Now get out there and drive! Practice makes perfect.

CARS

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR THE COLD WEATHER

Wintry weather can take its toll on cars and difficult driving conditions can catch you by surprise.

But with a bit of planning, you can ensure your car is ready for the winter weather.

Below we provide a run-down of essential maintenance tips.

1. CHECK YOUR OIL LEVELS AND DON’T GAMBLE WITH YOUR FUEL LIGHT
Check your oil level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car’s dipstick. The RAC says one in three vehicles its patrols attend are dangerously low on oil[1], which can lead to a breakdown or engine damage. You should check the oil level once your car is fully warmed up. A cold car will look low on oil. Remember, too much oil can be as bad as too little.

You should check you have plenty of fuel in your tank, too. Don’t try and eek out the last few miles if your fuel light comes on. It might be nice and warm in your car, but it’s better to go out into the cold at a petrol station rather than end up stranded on the side of the road.

2. KEEP YOUR LIGHTS CLEAN
Cars get extremely dirty in winter months, not least because of all the salt on the roads. So it’s particularly important to keep your lights clean – you can just wipe them over with a cloth if your car doesn’t have headlamp washers.

You can lose an estimated 40% of luminosity in about 20 miles on a damp, gritted motorway, according to road safety charity IAM RoadSmart[2].

Wipe down your number plate too. You could face a fine if you drive around with an unreadable registration plate. Also, have someone stand outside the car and check all the lights work properly.

3. TEST YOUR BATTERY
A flat or faulty battery is the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns, according to both the RAC[3] and Green Flag[4], and the risk of battery failure is greater in cold, wet and icy weather.

Aim to change your car’s battery every three years if possible, or sooner if it’s causing you problems in the cold weather.

Green Flag says warning signs of battery failure include the engine turning over more slowly than usual when you start it. Also, the red battery light in the instrument display may flicker when you’re driving or take longer than usual to go out after you’ve started the engine.

4. PAY ATTENTION TO DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS
Many people don’t know what the warning lights on their dashboard mean – as we demonstrated in a street survey.

So with winter closing in, now would be a good time to get to know what all of these lights mean. And if one appears on your dashboard, get it checked out as soon as possible.

How well do you know the warning lights in your car? Test you knowledge with our quiz.

5. ASSESS YOUR TYRES
Worn tyres are dangerous at any time, but especially as stopping distances increase in icy, snowy or wet conditions.

Tyres need a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm by law, but experts recommend you change tyres at 3mm to maintain safe stopping distances[5]. Don’t forget to check you have a roadworthy spare too.

If you drive on rural or uneven roads, consider investing in some snow chains/socks or winter tyres.

6. CHECK WIPER BLADES AND TOP UP ON WINDSCREEN WASH
Check your wipers are in good condition, with no tears or holes, and can clean your windscreen properly. You can give them a wipe with a clean cloth every now and then. But, as Auto Windscreens warns, don’t pull wiper blades off frozen glass or turn them on if the screen is iced over, as the rubber may tear.

You’ll need plenty of washer fluid too – it’s surprising how often you need to do this in the winter when wet, muddy or salty roads increase the amount of spray hitting your windscreen. Not only is it dangerous to not have fluid in a vehicle’s screen washer bottle, it’s illegal too.

7. TOP UP ANTIFREEZE
Antifreeze stops the water in the engine’s cooling system from freezing, so make sure yours is topped up.

Coolant should be changed every 2 – 5 years, depending on the car and the type of coolant required.

8. CHECK IF YOUR CAR IS DUE A SERVICE
Like many of the tips above, this is important all year-round, but winter just makes it that bit more urgent.

A service is usually recommended every 12,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes sooner. But every car is different, so check your owner’s handbook for the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. In some areas, it can take a couple of weeks for the garage to fit you in for a service, plan ahead and make sure you’re booked in in good time.

9. CHECK YOUR BRAKES
Your brakes need to be in tip-top condition, especially in winter.

If they squeal, make other noises or generate unusual sensations, get them checked. If you’re taking your car out after a few days left unused in the cold, set off gently in case the discs, calipers or handbrake have frozen up.

10. CARRY THE RIGHT GEAR
Ensure you have the items below in your car, just in case:
– Ice scraper and de-icer
– Warning triangle
– Warm clothing and a blanket, rug or -sleeping bag
– Practical footwear like wellies
– Torch and batteries
– Mobile phone and charger

CARS

Most Important Car Maintenance Tips

Basic vehicle maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and can prevent breakdowns and even accidents. Some of these tasks you can do yourself, while others require taking your vehicle to a mechanic for annual car maintenance. Your manufacturers’ handbook will let you know how often regular maintenance is needed and the frequency that your car will need to be serviced. Follow these car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in good working order:

Tip 1: Take Care of Your Tires
Keeping your tires in good condition isn’t just important for vehicle maintenance. Tires in poor condition pose a dangerous threat to the safety of you and your loved ones. Here are a few tire care items to be mindful of:

Tire pressure – Check your tires’ pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires affect your fuel efficiency and cost you money.
Tire rotation – Rotate the tires every 5,000-8,000 miles.
Tire condition – Inspect your tires regularly – at the same time you’re checking the tread – for any signs of bulges or bald spots. If you spot any of these danger signs, have the tire replaced as soon as possible.
Uneven wear – Uneven wear on a tire indicates wheel alignment problems. Have the wheels aligned properly as soon as possible.
Spare tire – It’s easy to forget that spare tire stuck in the back of your car. Check it at least once a month to ensure it’s usable if you find yourself having to replace a flat.

Tip 2: Check Fluids
At least every 5,000 miles, check and refill your fluids. These include:

Changing the oil
Checking brake, coolant and/or antifreeze, transmission, washer and power steering fluids.

Tip 3: Check the Battery
When your battery goes dead, you’re stuck. Checking the battery regularly can help you avoid this uncomfortable situation.

You can have your mechanic check the battery or do it yourself via a car battery tester.

Tip 4: Check the Lights
Check your exterior and interior lights regularly.

Besides the headlights, make sure your indicators, brake lights and fog lights are in good working order.

Tip 5: Get an Annual Inspection
At least once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, take your car in for servicing. Your mechanic will check the fuel filters, brake pads and spark plugs and replace them if needed.

The mechanic will also flush the radiator to get rid of the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Other annual maintenance includes checking the ABS sensor, timing belt and fuel pressure regulator.

Maintenance