TIPS FOR WARMING UP YOUR CAR IN THE WINTER

Winter is here, and so is the need to warm up your car! Here are some essential tips to ensure a cozy and safe start in the chilly mornings:

1. RUN FOR 30 SECONDS

Even in the cold, modern cars run safely after about 30 seconds. If your car was made in the last 20-30 years, it uses fuel injection to push an air/fuel mixture into the engine and is ready to drive within about 30 seconds. A fuel injection system has sensors for atmospheric conditions like air pressure, temperature, and humidity and automatically adjust the air/fuel mixture. The newer the car, the more effective and numerous the sensors are. Because of this, it is a good idea to treat your fuel system with a fuel additive from your local AutoZone. Older vehicles used a carburetor to control the mixture going into the engine, with a manual or electric choke making the mixture rich. In cold temps, even electric choked carburetors needed a few minutes to warm up in order to prevent the engine from stalling.

2. DRIVE NORMAL FOR 5 MINUTES

Normal driving for 5-10 minutes warms your car up faster than idling. Your car runs most efficiently at normal operating temperatures. Driving your car normally will warm it up much faster than idling in the driveway. Long idle times waste fuel and cause increased wear and tear on components.

3. MODERN OIL AND LOW TEMPERATURES

While modern, high-quality oil flows better at low temperatures than oil of the past, there is still cause for concern about engine oiling in extreme cold during start-up. Synthetic Oils were originally designed for the very premise of extreme cold temperatures and holding their viscosity better. Once oil gets below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, it very rapidly loses its ability to hold viscosity and becomes thicker and thicker. This makes the original start-up in extreme cold more difficult on the engine, as it is trying to circulate thick, cold oil. The tell-tale sign of this in extreme cold is the ticking and clacking of lifters and engine components during the first 5 to 30 seconds of the engine firing up. Quickly though, as the engine rises in temperature, the oil will begin to flow well. The first number in oil weight, the one with a w, indicates the oil’s ability to perform in low temperatures (w stands for winter). The lower the w number, the better the oil maintains viscosity in cold temperatures

4. RESTRICTED VIEWS ARE DANGEROUS

Make sure your windshield is clear of ice, snow, and debris before driving. Keeping the inside of the windshield clean and clear of moisture will help with fog, before you ever have to use the defroster. If your windshield or windows are foggy, you may want to wait a minute for the defroster to heat up before driving off. Keeping a good ice scraper and snow brush handy can help get your windows clear quickly.

5. USE A BLOCK HEATER AND BATTERY PAD

If you live in or have traveled to the Upper Midwest, Canada or Alaska, you’ve probably seen a vehicle with an electrical power cord sticking out of the front bumper. These cords serve as a quick hook-up to AC power for electrical engine heaters, which are a must-have in extreme cold climates, especially for diesel engines. Engine heaters come in a variety of forms – from oil heaters for the dipstick, heating pads, or magnetic heaters that stick on the oil pan, to coolant heaters that go into the flow of antifreeze on the engine, or battery heating pads to keep your battery warm. If overnight temperatures are 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, you may consider an engine block heater and battery pad heater or battery thermal wrap. Both items attach to your car and then plug into an electrical outlet. Some engine block heaters come with timers so you can plan when your engine is ready to drive in the morning. For areas that get constant temperatures in the winter sub-zero, a permanent heater is generally a good practice. For areas that only see several days in sub-zero, using a magnetic heater that attaches to the oil pan overnight is often a good choice. For your battery, trying to hold a charge in very low temps can be draining and potentially harm your alternator. Starting a cold car with a cold battery the defroster, radio, seat warmers, or more puts a heavy strain on the electrical system. Help your battery and reduce this strain with a battery pad heater.

6. USE A FUEL ADDITIVE

Water in the fuel system can be an awful issue to deal with in extreme cold. What’s worse, is diesel fuel is prone to “gelling” in extreme cold temperatures as well. Using a fuel additive such as Heat in a gasoline engine, or Diesel 911 in diesel engines can help insure your fuel is protected.

 

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COLD WEATHER CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

As winter settles in, your vehicle may encounter unique challenges that could impact its performance if you’re not adequately prepared. Proactive maintenance tailored to cold weather conditions can ensure that your car remains resilient, providing a more seamless and confident driving experience throughout the winter months.

INSPECT YOUR BATTERY

Cold temperatures can be especially taxing on car batteries. Verify the charge and connections of your battery; if it’s several years old, consider having it tested or replaced before the onset of intense cold.

CHECK YOUR TIRES

Regularly monitor your tire pressure, as it tends to decrease in colder climates. Additionally, assess the tread depth to confirm it meets safety standards.

TOP UP FLUIDS

Maintain recommended levels of essential fluids such as antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, and oil. Antifreeze is particularly critical for engine protection in extremely cold weather.

EXAMINE THE LIGHTS

With shorter daylight hours in winter, it’s essential to inspect all your lights—headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace any dim or burnt-out bulbs.

PROTECT YOUR WIPERS

Visibility is paramount during winter driving. Check your windshield wipers for signs of wear and tear, replacing them if needed. Consider using winter-grade wiper fluid to prevent freezing.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KIT

Anticipate unforeseen circumstances by keeping an emergency kit in your car, equipped with essentials like a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, a shovel, and non-perishable snacks.

MAINTAIN A FULL FUEL TANK

Running your car on a nearly empty tank in cold weather can lead to moisture in the fuel lines, potentially causing issues. Keep your tank at least half full to minimize the risk of fuel line freeze-ups.

Investing time in cold weather car maintenance can significantly impact your vehicle’s winter performance. Adhering to these straightforward tips can mitigate common winter-related problems, ensuring a safer and more dependable driving experience as the temperature drops. Stay proactive, stay safe, and confidently navigate the winter roads.

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5 SAFE DRIVING TIPS FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Keep these tips in mind as you make your Thanksgiving holiday travel plans:

  1. Be flexible in your travel plans. If you can, try to avoid leaving during peak traffic hours. Leave a bit earlier than you originally planned in order to beat some of the rush.
  2. Perform a maintenance check on your vehicle. Before you hit the road, perform a check of your vehicle’s engine, fluids, headlights, windshield wipers, brakes, turn signal, and tires. Make any necessary repairs in order to reduce the chance of an accident caused by a maintenance failure.
  3. Take rest breaks. If you will be traveling a long distance, make sure that you pull over and take regular rest breaks to eat a snack, stretch your legs, and get some fresh air. Taking breaks is an effective way to ensure that you stay alert and fresh and avoid becoming impatient and fatigued while driving.
  4. Be patient. For even the most patient drivers, heavy traffic can be frustrating. However, it is important that you not let your frustration affect your driving. Avoid the temptation to speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes or passes.
  5. Designate a driver. If your Thanksgiving get-together will involve alcohol, be sure to designate a driver if you need transportation. Drunk driving accidents tend to spike during the holidays – don’t allow yourself or your family members to become part of the statistics.
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10 Tips To Help Keep The Interior Of Your Car Clean

Keeping your Car’s interior clean is important for keeping its appearance, hygiene, and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you keep the interior of your car looking spotless:

1) Your Car isn’t a Trash Can

Make it a habit to remove trash from your car daily. Try to avoid throwing trash and saying you’ll clean it up later because this will become a bad habit. To help with this, use a small trash bag or container to dispose of the garbage to make it easier to clean up.

2) Vacuum Regularly

Crumbs and dirt can be a tough thing to get out of your car. That dust can also seep into your seat covers and cracks in the car. It’s important to regularly vacuum the Car’s interior to keep it clean. Pay attention to the carpets, seats/seat covers, floor mats, and difficult to reach places.

3) Wipe Surfaces Frequently

While vacuuming is a helpful tool, wipes can be even more helpful when it comes to smaller areas or areas that need more detailed cleaning. This includes the dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles. You can use a damp cloth or a cleaning solution to wipe these spots down.

4) Not All Seat Covers Are Ugly

Seat covers can help protect your car’s seats from spills and stains. Not every seat cover is ugly, you can find pretty, affordable ones right on amazon. This is a great way to maintain your vehicle from wear and tear. Make sure to clean these covers regularly as well or else you’re just creating more of a dirty mess.

5) Clean Upholstery and Carpets

Whenever you find stains on the upholstery or carpets, treat them with a suitable cleaner or stain remover as soon as possible. Follow the instructions on the product and use a clean brush or tool to scrub the dirty area.

6) Pay Attention to Glass and Mirrors

Clean the interior glass and mirrors regularly to guarantee good visibility. Use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to remove smudges and fingerprints. Also keep the glass above your console and radio clean to help with visibility.

7) Organize Storage Compartments

Use organizers or storage bins to keep your belongings neatly in order. Find a good spot in the trunk or even the back seat where these bins can be stored. This will prevent messes and make it easier to keep your car clean.

8) Avoid Eating in the Car

Don’t eat or drink in your car, although this is a hard challenge for everyone, it will help in the long run. Eating in the car can lead to spills and crumbs, which can be challenging to clean.

9) Be Cautious With Liquids

When transporting liquids in your car, make sure they are secure and sealed to avoid spills. If a spill does occur, immediately clean it up to prevent stains or odors.

10) Regularly Maintain the Air Conditioning System

Clean or replace the cabin air filter as much as your Car’s manufacturer recommends. This will keep your car’s air fresh and reduce dust messes.

Remember that prevention and consistency is key to maintaining a clean car interior. By establishing good habits and planning out in advance, you can keep your car looking and smelling fresh for a very long time.

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6 TIPS TO MAKE YOUR CAR TRAVEL READY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Here are a few easy ways you can prepare your car for a road trip:

  1. Check Tire Pressure – This step is essential because you can get better gas mileage when you drive on properly aired tires. Not only will you be able to save some money in doing this, but you’ll decrease your risk of a dangerous blowout as well.

  2. Have Any Warning Lights Diagnosed – If you have some warning lights on your dashboard that you’ve been ignoring up until now, you’ll want to have them diagnosed before a long-distance trip. .

  3. Look at Your Fluids – The fluids in your engine enable it to run correctly, so you don’t want to be without them! You’ll want to check your oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washing fluid.

  4. Replace Old Windshield Wipers – Putting up with inefficient windshield wipers gets old after a while. Replace old ones before a trip, so you don’t end up frustrated, or unable to see, in the rain.

  5. Notice Unusual Brake Noises – If your brakes have been making a whining or grinding noise recently, it’s probably time to take your car in for brake service.

  6. Check Your Lights – If your headlights aren’t working, visibility while driving at night can be an issue. If your brake lights or turn lights are burnt out, you pose a danger to both yourself and other drivers. Have a spotter assist you in checking your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn lights.

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8 Signs of Auto Transmission Failure

While an auto transmission failure isn’t a death sentence for your car, it can definitely be a major repair. It usually means a lot of downtime and a huge bill. Your transmission is an amazing work or art. Ok, you might not want to mount it over your fireplace, but you have to admit that it is rather fascinating how all these gears and bearings and interestingly shaped parts are put together to create a system that actually propels your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Some people say that the transmission is the second most important part of the car, next to the engine. But, I respectfully disagree. It’s really a team effort – you can’t have one without the other. While, I guess you can, but they are rather useless independently. They are like the heart and the brain of your car. They work together. So, a problem with your transmission can affect the operation of the engine. And if you don’t fix it, you could have even bigger issues to deal with.

But, contrary to popular belief, an auto transmission failure doesn’t always have to be scary (are you breathing a sigh of relief now?) While it can be a costly adventure, in a lot of cases, the problem is actually quite minor. And, as with anything mechanical, if you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to avoid more serious issues. But, you can’t always count on mechanics to offer you the easy way out. After all, they are in the business to make money. So, when they see a woman walk through their doors, they get dollar signs in their eyes.

Transmissions are complex and complicated systems so fixing them usually requires a professional. But, that doesn’t mean that you have to accept whatever diagnosis you are handed. If in doubt, get a second opinion. Or, better yet, learn how to recognize the most common signs of auto transmission failure and how to rule out simple fixes before you authorize an expensive auto transmission repair. Replacing or rebuilding may be necessary, but it is important to check out other possibilities first. You never know, some basic knowledge could save you thousands of dollars.

Signs Of Auto Transmission Failure

  • Slippage. This is when your motor is revving but your car isn’t responding. It’s similar to the way your vehicle would react if your tires were slipping on ice or stuck in the snow. You are pushing the gas pedal and you can hear the engine roaring, but you don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Slippage affects your transmission’s ability to propel the car forward and if it gets really bad, eventually you may not move at all.
  • Leaks. Check under your car on a regular basis to make sure there aren’t any leaks. In most automatic transmissions the fluid is red, so if you notice a colored puddle on the ground, you should probably have your car checked out. In fact, if you notice any puddle at all (except for the ones made from your AC) you should investigate further.
  • Smells. If your fluid level is low, your transmission can overheat. When your transmission or transmission fluid gets too hot, you may notice a burning odor. Check your fluid level and add if necessary. You may also want to find out why the level was low in the first place.
  • Sounds. Knocking, whining, humming, buzzing, clunking, and grating can all be signs of transmission problems. These sounds can be a result of wear and tear, but they also can mean a low fluid level.
  • Delayed Engagement/Lack of Response. Sometimes your transmission doesn’t want to do what you ask when you ask. Just like your kids, right? But, unlike your children, there are times when motherly negotiations (aka bribing) will not convince your vehicle to behave properly. There are varying degrees of delayed engagement, and sometimes we are in danger of letting things for too long.
  • Rough Shifting. Again, your car should transition between gears smoothly. If you notice shaking, jarring, bumping, clunking, or abrupt/hard shifting, this may be a sign of transmission problems.
  • Fluid Color. Transmission fluid is red, clear, and has a slightly sweet odor. Look at a sample of new, clean fluid so you know the correct color and smell. If the fluid in your vehicle is murky, dark, or dirty, this could be an indication of problems. Sometimes changing the oil or doing a transmission flush will fix the issue. In some cases, more serious repairs may be necessary.
  • Check Engine Light. Sensors in your car can pick up small vibrations or other problems even before you notice them. The check engine light could be a warning of transmission problems, especially if you are also experiencing any of the above signs.
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Tips for driving at night

Driving a car at night doesn’t have to be intimidating. Follow these tips to reduce the risk and drive with greater confidence after the sun has gone down.

1. Avoid driving while tired

The less rested you are, the less attentive you’ll be while driving. If you feel your eyelids growing heavy and your attention span waning, it’s time to take action. Caffeine, listening to music, or getting some fresh air by opening a window can all help increase alertness. But if nothing is working, it’s important to be honest with yourself. Instead of taking a risk to push through the fatigue, find somewhere safe to stop and rest. Whether it’s just a couple of hours to recharge or a full night’s sleep, don’t be afraid to give yourself the time you need.

2. Try to steer clear of two-lane highways

You’re driving down a two-lane highway at night, not another car in sight, you go around a turn, and suddenly you’re being blinded by a pair of high beams. That’s the risk that comes with driving on two-lane highways at night. Try to avoid the glare from oncoming headlights by sticking to roads with multiple lanes, if possible. You can minimize that blinding effect by simply moving over to the rightmost lane.

3. Clean your windshield and mirrors

Visibility is a huge part of safety when driving at night. The better you can see, the safer you’ll be. This means ensuring your windshield and mirrors are all clean and clear. A dirty windshield scatters light and worsens the effects of glare, so don’t be afraid to hit the windshield cleaner as often as you need.

4. Modify interior car lights

Light sources inside your car can create a distraction as your eyes move between the road outside and the dashboard. To counteract this, keep unnecessary interior lights off and dim the brightness of your display lights. You should still be able to see important features like your speedometer without risking distraction from excessive light.

5. Adjust your headlights

Your headlights are the star of the show when driving at night, so be sure they’re ready to perform. The protective plastic on them should be kept clean and the bulbs within should be bright enough to do their job. The angle your headlights are facing also matters. Too low and you won’t be able to see what’s ahead, but too high and you risk impairing the vision of oncoming traffic. If you aren’t able to adjust your headlights on your own, a dealership or auto shop can help.

6. Use high beams when appropriate

Properly functioning high beams dramatically improve visibility and can create much safer driving conditions, especially in poorly lit areas like back roads. But the power of these brighter lights can easily blind other drivers coming in the opposite direction, so switch to low beams when you spot oncoming traffic.

7. Slow down when driving at night

When you consider the reduced visibility and increased likelihood of encountering drivers who aren’t giving the road their fullest attention, it’s easy to understand why you should drive slower at night. Driving slower is the best way to ensure you have as much time as possible to react to anything unexpected, whether that’s a deer in the road or you’re approaching a stop sign.

Be extra mindful of your speed if road conditions are wet or icy. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends reducing your speed by one-third during rainy weather and one-half for snow.2 You should also watch your speed while approaching a vehicle going slower than you.

There should be about a three-second difference between you and any car in front of you. That means if the car in front passes a telephone pole, three seconds should elapse before you pass it. This rule applies at all times of the day, but it’s particularly important at night.

While it’s clear that driving a car at night poses increased safety risks, knowing what to watch out for and being proactive will help keep you safe. Plan your route, make smart decisions, and follow the tips in this article to make the driving experience a safer one for you and everyone else on the road.

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How to Overcome the Fear of Driving

As exciting it can be for someone to be getting a driver’s license, the thought of actually getting out on the road can be pretty terrifying for some people, especially new drivers. With this system, drivers are not allowed to be driving without another fully licensed driver in the vehicle for a certain period of time. This gives them the chance to get used to driving and know that they have an experienced driver with them if anything were to happen.

6 Steps You Can Take to Overcome the Fear of Driving 

1 Have Someone with You

If you find that you are nervous when you are driving, it may not be that you are nervous about the actual driving, but that you are nervous about driving when you are alone. For the first few weeks, or even months, after you are fully licensed, if you are still afraid of driving, try to take short trips with someone else in the vehicle with you. This person does not necessarily have to be another licensed driver, just someone to help keep you relaxed. Once you are more used to driving, you can start taking short trips by yourself, and in no time at all, you will have gotten over your fears, and you will not need to have someone with you whenever you go anywhere.

2 Take a Driver’s Training Course

One of the main reasons why people are afraid to drive is because they are new drivers, and they are unsure of their driving skills. This is a really good reason to take a driver’s training course. Some schools use virtual reality glasses to build confidence These courses teach people most of the things they need to know to be good drivers, and students get actual driving time, so they can get some experience being behind the wheel, while backed up by a professional instructor sitting beside them. Once you have had driver’s training, you will find that you do not have the same fears that you once did, because you know how to be prepared for every situation that can pop up when you are on the roads.

4 Get Right Back on That Horse

You have probably heard the old saying about how if you fall off a horse, you should get right back on that horse. There is a really good reason for this saying, and it is one that holds true for pretty much everything we do in life, including driving automobiles. Many people find that after having an automobile accident, they are terrified to get back in the car and drive anywhere by themselves ever again. This is not a good way to be. It is always good to make sure that you have an up-to-date driver’s license, and that you stay in practice, because you never know when you are going to have to drive somewhere in an emergency. If you are in an accident, don’t hesitate to get back in your vehicle and start driving right away, or at least as soon as your vehicle is drivable again. The longer you wait, the harder it is going to be for you to lose your fears. If you get right back at it, you will find that in no time at all, you will not have any fears, and you will enjoy driving once again.

5 Learn To Love Highway Driving

Many people find that even if they are not afraid of driving on local roads, they are absolutely terrified to drive on highways, especially multiple lane highways. Yes, this can be pretty scary, especially if you are a new driver, but this is a fear that every driver must eventually overcome. It is best to start out by driving on lesser used highways, and those that are not multi-lane. Choose smaller highways at less busy time of the day Once you are used to the quieter highways, then you can start to venture out onto the busier ones. After a while, driving on highways will seem old-hand, and you will have no worries at all.

6 Listen To Music

When you were taking your driver’s training classes, you were probably told that music is a big distraction, and that you should not bother having the stereo on when you are driving. This is not exactly true. Yes, music can be a huge distraction, but only if you are letting the music distract you, and you are listening to it at high volumes. If you are listening to relaxing music at a low volume, it will help to keep you relaxed while you are driving. It really is true; music really does soothe the savage beast. If you have a fear of driving, it is something that you will need to work hard to overcome. For some people, it is simply a matter of getting more experience behind the wheel. For others, the fear can be so bad that they need to get counseling to figure out why they are so afraid and learn how to deal with it. Driving should be something that you enjoy doing, and not something to fear. You can overcome your fear of driving easily by trying any of the above tips. You can also speak with driving instructors to see if they have any tips to offer you.

 

 

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10 Ways to Care for Your Automatic Transmission

Avoid costly transmission repairs. Here are 10 tips for keeping a car with an automatic transmission in good condition

Depending on the type of vehicle you drive and its age, transmission repairs can be costly. Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid having a transmission repair specialist service your vehicle particularly if you’re subjected to a total breakdown.

But there are things you can do to extend the life of your automatic transmission and prevent transmission failure. Read our checklist of top 10 transmission maintenance tips:

1. Check your transmission fluid periodically. On many cars, light trucks, and SUVs, checking the transmission fluid is as easy as checking the oil: with the engine idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it off, insert it again, wait, then pull it out to get an accurate reading. If the fluid level is low, you may have a leak. The fluid itself should be a bright red color, clear, and it should smell sweet. If it’s murky, dark coloured, or smells like rotting fish take it to a transmission repair specialist to look things over.

2. Use the right type of transmission fluid. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of transmission fluid you should use. If after doing so you’re still not sure, pop in to a Mister Transmission and ask a professional.

3. Have your engine’s cooling system serviced. Your vehicle’s cooling system helps prevent the engine from overheating. But did you know it also ensures the transmission fluid pumping through the gearbox is cooled too? It’s more likely you’ll need a transmission repair before your engine completely overheats. Make sure your cooling system is in optimal condition.

4. Get your transmission flushed regularly. Changing the transmission fluid in your car is best left to a professional. Consult your car’s owner’s manual, but in general, get your vehicle’s transmission flushed once a year. How long the transmission fluid in your car will last depends on the vehicle’s operating temperature and how much driving you do.

5. Don’t change gears while your car is moving. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before changing gears from ‘drive’ to ‘reverse’ or vice-versa. Failing to do so simply puts strain on your transmission and after awhile it can lead to a serious problem.

6. Let your car warm up before you drive. Who among us has hopped into the driver’s seat, started the engine, put the car in drive and motored away? (Full disclosure: I’m as guilty as you are) Always allow your engine a few minutes to warm up before you begin to drive, especially during the winter months.

7. Don’t drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time. Mismatched tire sizes, or driving with a small spare tire over a long period of time is a no-no. Not only will it do damage to other parts of your vehicle such as ruin the wheel alignment, after a while it puts unnecessary strain on the transmission.

8. Regularly change the transmission filter. That’s right: your car’s automatic transmission may have a filter, and it needs to be changed from time to time. Whether or not you’re driving a car that has a transmission filter depends entirely on the make and model. Most newer vehicles don’t have a transmission filter but those that do should be changed each time you get your transmission flushed.

9. Avoid using your vehicle for towing. Using your car to tow heavy loads, particularly in hot temperatures, can cause the transmission fluid to oxidize or burn, and in turn, do a lot of damage to the transmission.

10. Have your transmission inspected annually. Having a certified transmission repair specialist conduct a diagnostic check of your transmission for leaks and other abnormalities at least once a year, as well as checking the transmission fluid’s level, color, and smell periodically is smart preventative maintenance.

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How to Wear a Seatbelt When Pregnant

Remember, wearing a seatbelt is the best way to stay safe while riding in a car. And pregnant or not, the right way to buckle up is the same—with the lap belt low and flat over your hips and the shoulder belt snug across your chest and shoulder.

But pregnancy does change your body—and your comfort level in the car. These tips can help make sure you and your growing belly are comfortable and secure on the journey.

1. Lift your belly and position the lap belt snugly across the tops of your thighs and hip bones.

Never place the lap belt over or on top of your belly. A seat belt over your vulnerable belly could harm your baby or the placenta in the event of a crash.

2. Position the shoulder belt between your breasts and off to the side of your belly.

This protects your head and chest and keeps the lap belt from sliding up over your belly.

3. Tilt the steering wheel upward. Your growing belly needs extra room in the car.

Tilt the steering wheel up and away from your belly.

4. Slide your seat as far away from the steering wheel as possible.

Sit as far back as you can comfortably to protect your belly from the airbag in a crash.

5. Adjust your seat to a comfortable upright position.

Reclining your seat too far increases the gap between your shoulder and the seat belt and puts extra pressure on the uterus.

If your growing belly prevents you from driving comfortably while wearing your seatbelt properly, maybe it’s time to take a break from driving. Consider letting someone else play chauffeur until after delivery. And remember to move your seat as far back as you can, even as a passenger. Airbags can save lives, but they can also be dangerous if you’re too close during deployment.

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