What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down

If your vehicle breaks down, the following tips can help get you through this event safely:

    • Turn on your hazard lights.

 

    • Stay calm — it can be frustrating and scary when your vehicle breaks down — take a few moments to gather your composure.

 

    • Pull over to the side of the road, if possible.

 

    • If you are unable to exit a highway, pull over to the right side of the road. Move your vehicle as far away from oncoming traffic as possible.

 

    • Shut off your vehicle.

 

    • Exit the car on the non-traffic side and raise the hood to alert other drivers that your vehicle is inoperable.

 

    • Stand away from the car when calling roadside assistance. Do not stand in front of your vehicle — if your car is sideswiped, it could move forward and cause injury.

 

    • If you have a roadside emergency kit, carefully place flares or reflective triangles in safe locations around your car to alert oncoming vehicles — do not place them too close to your vehicle or flammable debris.

 

    • If you do not have a cell phone, and it is safe, walk to a nearby public place for help while keeping your eye on traffic and remaining alert. Do not cross a freeway or highway.

 

  • Do not try to repair your vehicle on the side of the road even if you have flares or reflective warning devices.
TIPS

HOW TO CHECK BLIND SPOTS WHEN DRIVING

A blind spot is anywhere around your car where your mirror cannot pick up. Most of the time, students think that if they’re checking the mirror, there is no need for them to check the blind spot, and that’s where they go wrong. So, when you’re enrolled in a driving school some instructors will teach you how to check blind spots when driving so you to be safe when on the road.

The blind spot is very critical when you’re driving and when you’re taking your road test.

How to Check Blind Spots

Checking your blind spots involves looking in the mirror and then over your shoulder. It’s that easy. Also, check the view out the window, and ensure there are no obstructions on the road.

Do not turn all round while checking the blind spot. This is because you want your entire focus to be on the direction where your car is headed to.

It won’t be long until it becomes completely natural to include it in your everyday observation practice.

Moving Off

You should look in every direction before stepping off the road. You will learn how to do this maneuver in a clockwise direction as part of your driver’s education. However, you need to check out:

  • Over the left shoulder
  • Look in the left-wing mirror
  • The rearview mirror
  • Your right-wing mirror
  • Over the right shoulder

After an Emergency Halt

Before making a sudden stop, you won’t always have the opportunity to double-check your rearview mirror.

As a result, before you start driving again, you must ensure that your blind spots and mirrors are checked thoroughly.

Getting Back On the Road After Being Stuck In Traffic

Before going forward in traffic, you must double-check all three mirrors. In this situation, you don’t need to peek over your shoulder into your blind areas.

However, you should be aware of bicyclists or motorcyclists who could have come up beside you while you were stopped and pay attention to their presence.

At Junctions

When approaching intersections, the pillars on each side of your windscreen will obscure your view.

Therefore, you’ll need to:

  • Reduce your speed as you approach to do the necessary observational checks on time.
  • Tilt your head ever-so-slightly forward and look further ahead to see over your A-pillars and into the blind zones.
  • Make sure to look left and right at least twice since this will give any approaching cars enough time to enter your field of sight.

When in Motion

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s best to keep your head facing in front. If you turn your head too frequently, it might throw off your lane alignment.

Because of this, there are mirrors so you can maintain a general watch on what’s happening behind you with a fast glance.

However, a simple glance in the mirror isn’t always sufficient. When switching lanes or another vehicle is merging in your lane, you should check your blind spot by looking in your mirrors and over your shoulder in the direction that is relevant to the situation.

Note that:

  • Before you do anything else, look in your rearview mirror
  • Examine the mirror located on the relevant wing
  • Look over your shoulder

That should take up the whole region behind you, allowing you to switch lanes without preventing anyone from securely.

What are the Blind Spots While Driving?

Some areas your mirrors don’t quite reach, though they display most of what’s happening behind you.

Additionally, your vehicle can also obscure some portions of the road from view. These sections are the ones we call blind spots.

Every automobile has two primary blind spots, even though their dimensions change based on the automobile’s make, model, and size.

  • Diagonally behind you. You can see vehicles much further back in your rear or side mirrors, but if traffic moves up in a lane beside you, they are obscured from view.
  • Diagonally at the front. Your line of sight is obscured by your vehicle’s bodywork, namely the A-pillars on each side of your windshield.

When Is the Best Time to Check Blind Spots?

When you’re behind the wheel, you should constantly be aware of what’s happening around you. In most cases, you should be able to accomplish this by focusing on the roadway in front of you and often checking your mirrors.

Nevertheless, there are certain circumstances in which it is essential to swivel your head and check if there is anything in the areas you can’t see. These include:

  • Before moving. You must confirm that you will not be going off directly into another person’s path.
  • Before making a lane change. Motorists or cyclists may have drawn up beside you when you’re trying to pass another vehicle or get into the correct lane at an intersection.

It is not enough to stare in your mirrors and hope for the best while driving on multi-lane roads such as highways since other drivers may be changing lanes behind you.

  • When other cars are entering your lane from an adjacent one. Drivers who wish to pull out from slip roads or merge into your lane in any other way require a clear distance in which to do so.

You have to make sure that you are not preventing anyone from entering the lane that you are in. If that’s the case, you need to adjust your speed or switch lanes to account for the situation.

  • Making a turn into a secondary road. Before turning off a road, you should examine your blind spot, especially if you have just passed a bike. If you do not do this, and the cyclist is following you closely, you risk colliding with them as they continue in the same direction
  • At crossroads. Your A-pillars may be hiding traffic approaching from the left or right. Before turning, you must ensure that you have performed the necessary observational checks.

 

 

(https://pierrepauldriving.com/)

TIPS

6 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Brake Pads

As a car owner, paying attention to the sounds and signals your vehicle is giving you is essential.

The brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car’s safety system; if you neglect them, they can lead to costly repairs and even accidents.

When Should You Change Brake Pads And Rotors?

On average, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles, while rotors typically should be changed anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles.

However, the exact number can differ depending on driving conditions and styles.

The good news is, you’ll likely experience minor symptoms when your brake pads are getting towards their end of life, making diagnosis and repairs easy.

What are the signs that you need to change your Brake Pads and Rotors?

1. Squeaking or Squealing Coming From Brakes

If your brake pads are near the end of their useful life, the first symptom you’ll begin to notice is a squeaking or squealing noise coming from the brakes. Squealing brake pads are typically caused by excessively worn-down pads.

Once you’ve worn down your pads enough, you’ll start to experience a grinding noise, at which time you’ll also begin to damage your rotors, making the repair cost even more expensive.

2. Grinding Sound When Braking

As we stated above, if you’re experiencing a grinding noise while you’re applying pressure to the brake pedal, your brake pads need to be replaced ASAP. Some brake pads have built-in metal wear indicators, which are designed to make a loud noise and alert you that it’s time to replace the pads.

If you leave the brake pads to continue grinding, you’re opening yourself up to a lot more damage and higher repair costs.

3. Vibration When Braking

If you feel your car shaking when you press the brake pedal, it means that there’s something wrong with the brakes. It’s probably because the rotors that help stop the car are not smooth anymore, causing the brakes to work unevenly.

You should take your car to a professional to fix it.

4. Taking Longer To Stop

Another major sign that your brakes need to be checked out is loss of performance when applying the brakes. If you’re experiencing less than ideal-stoppage times while applying your brakes, it may mean your brake pads are worn down completely or that your brake fluid is low (oftentimes due to a leak).

For a true understanding of what’s going on with your brakes, you’ll want to get to a brake mechanic as soon as possible to ensure you keep all braking abilities.

5. Brake Pad Indicator Light Comes On

Most modern vehicles come with brake warning lights that appear on your dash. One is your Antilock Braking System (ABS) light, and the other is your brake system warning light.

Your brake light won’t always come on when there is an issue — it’s also the light that appears on your dash when your parking brake is engaged.

But if you’re seeing a brake warning light and your parking brake isn’t engaged, it’s time to have a brake expert look at your system to diagnose your issues.

6. Your Brake Pads Appear To Be Thin

One way to easily check on your brake pads is to inspect them visually for wear. To do this, look between the spokes of your wheels and locate your brake pad.

If it appears to be less than a ¼ inch or 6.4 mm thick, you’re probably due for a set of new brake pads.

TIPS

10 Things You Should Never Do While Pumping Gas

Whether you fill up your gas tank just once a month or several times a week, safety should be top of mind when you’re at the gas pump. While static electricity-related incidents at the gas pump are uncommon, there are some things you can do to stay safe when filling up. Here are 10 things to keep in mind when pumping gas.

Don’t Leave the Engine Running

Make sure you put your vehicle in park and turn the engine off before pumping gas. You should also switch off any auxiliary 12-volt power sources such as phone chargers and cigarette lighters because, while rare, they can be a potential igniter of a fuel fire.

Don’t Get Back in Your Vehicle

Don’t get back in your vehicle when re-fueling. A small amount of static electricity can build up and cause a spark when you touch the metal, which could be dangerous when mixed with gasoline vapors.

Don’t Use Your Cellphone

Gas stations are busy places. While you probably won’t cause an electrical spark when using your cellphone around a gas tank, you should avoid using your phone so you stay more alert and focused on what you are doing.

Don’t Overfill

Stay alert and be sure not to overfill your gas tank. Most fuel tanks shut off automatically when the tank is full, so trust the tank so you don’t end up spilling gasoline everywhere.

Keep Gas Off Skin, Eyes

If you do get gasoline on your skin, wash the affected area in lukewarm water and soap. If you get gas in your eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic, you should flush them with tap water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Keep Children in the Car

While you should stay outside the vehicle when pumping gas, children should be left inside the car. Not only will this help them stay away from toxic fumes, but it will help you keep your attention focused on what you’re doing.

Of course, never leave children alone in the car if you have to walk away from the pump.

Don’t Smoke

Never smoke around the gas pump. And this should be obvious, but never ignite lighters or light matches anywhere near a gas pump.

In Case of Fire

If you do experience a fire when refueling, back away from the vehicle. Leave the nozzle in place and notify a gas station employee right away.

Use the Right Container

If you are filling a container with gas, make sure it is an approved portable container. Leave it on the ground when filling and then place it in the vehicle. Make sure the cap is tightly closed and remove the container from your car as soon as you reach your destination.

Transport Gas Safely

If you are transporting gasoline in a portable container, make sure it is secure in the vehicle so it doesn’t tip over and spill. You should also never leave gasoline in sunlight or in the trunk of a vehicle.

TIPS

WHAT CAN CAUSE HEAVY STEERING?

Heavy steering can be an irritation. But not only can it require more strength to turn your wheel, the causes behind heavy steering mean it could be impacting the safety and performance of your vehicle, too. Learn what can cause heavy steering and solutions to avoid it from our detailed guide.

What is heavy steering?

Heavy steering refers to when the steering wheel of your vehicle becomes stiff, making it difficult to turn. This can be caused by a number of things, such as tyre pressure, lack of fluid oil and tyre alignment. Heavy steering means that it is more difficult to steer your vehicle, and the performance of the car can be compromised by a stiff, unreactive steering wheel.

Steering wheel hard to turn? Learn why

So, what causes heavy steering? Some of the most common reasons behind why your steering feels heavy can include:

  • Tyre pressure – often, if your tyres are not pumped up to the recommended air pressure, this can cause heavy steering. This is especially common in underinflated tyres, as it can mean the grip between the tyre and the road surface is compromised due to incorrect tyre pressure, and steering becomes more difficult.
  • Wheel alignment – if your wheels are not aligned properly, this can also affect steering. If the front-end alignment is out of place, this can lead to uneven tyre wear on the front tyres – making the vehicle pull to the side, which can create heavy steering.
  • Lack of fluid oil – lack of fluid oil in your vehicle, or a fluid leakage, can lead to heavy steering. If there is a lack of fluid oil, or a leak, this can reduce the pressure in the system, meaning the steering wheel does not receive enough supply of fluid to perform freely.
  • Thick fluid oil – on the other hand, thick fluid oil can lead to problems, too. Powering steering fluid can collect debris and dirt over time, which can mean it becomes too thick to flow freely and lubricate all parts of the system. This is a common cause for heavy steering at low speeds.
  • Irregular servicing – when was the last time you booked in for a car service? Without having your vehicle regularly serviced, it means important checks, like the above, will get missed, and you’ll be unaware that you have a problem.

How to avoid heavy steering wheels

However, heavy steering is preventable in some cases. A few of the ways to avoid issues with your steering can include:

  • Checking your tyre pressure
  • Identifying any tyre damage that could be affecting steering
  • Checking wheel alignment
  • Checking the fluid level of your vehicle
  • Booking in for your car service
TIPS

THE TOP SEVEN BENEFITS OF WEARING A SEAT BELT

Depending on when you were born, you might remember from your childhood not being required to wear a seat belt or even having to be confined to the back seat. Even though seat belts were made mandatory equipment in vehicles in the late 1960s, there were no seat belt laws that required drivers and passengers to wear them. Those laws did not come into effect until the late 1980s and 1990s.

Today, wearing your seat belt should be second nature and a natural driving habit whenever you get into your vehicle. Even still, there are still some people who do not see the benefits of wearing their seat belts. Rather, they are placing themselves in greater danger because the vehicle’s safety systems will not protect them in the event of an accident.

What are the benefits of wearing a seat belt? It:

  1. It provides safety to everyone in the vehicle and other motorists. Seat belts save lives, and this is a fact that has been proven through countless studies and research, even if you have an older model vehicle without airbags.
  2. Keeps you in place during impacts. The seat belt keeps you in your seat, not thrown through the windshield, or thrown loose in the vehicle. Most people do not realize the G-forces created during impacts place great strain on the body and result in more serious injuries when seat belts are not worn.
  3. It is designed to work with your airbags. Airbags are designed to help keep you in place, along with your seat belt. If you are not wearing it, then the airbag system is ineffective.
  4. Keeps you from receiving a fine for not wearing one. As already mentioned, there are seat belt laws and, if you are caught not wearing one, you could be issued a traffic ticket, be required to pay a fine, and end up with the violation on your driving record.
  5. Reduces the risks of serious injuries and death. There are people who have survived major accidents where their cars have been totaled, yet they survived with minor injuries because they were wearing their seat belt. If they had not, they could have been seriously injured or, worse, died.
  6. Affects auto insurance rates. If you refuse to wear your seat belt and are getting traffic tickets for it, come renewal time your auto insurance rates could skyrocket because you are considered a high-risk driver—or your policy could even be canceled.
  7. Prevents your auto insurance from declining to cover damages in an accident for not wearing a seat belt. If you are in an accident, regardless of fault, your insurance policy may have a clause that states you will not be reimbursed for any damages, both personal injury, and vehicle damage, if you were not wearing your seat belt.
TIPS

How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire

Have you ever encountered a case of a punctured tire and there is no place around to pull over and change the tire? How far can you drive on a flat tire? Fortunately, you can still drive a short distance before you cannot go any further.

Although driving with a flat tire is dangerous because it can cause damage to the wheel, there are still cases of force majeure. According to experienced car drivers, it is vital to go slowly, try to drive on flat roads, and come to a complete stop somewhere safe as soon as possible.

How Far Can You Drive on a Flat Tire

Never try to go more than a few miles with a puncture, even if the tire is not completely flat. You may need to go further than that to get to the tire changer. But at least, you can stay away from the dangers of the big road. Remember to slow down and pull over to a safe place as soon as possible.

  • You can change your tires almost anywhere. So, do not find a private parking spot for your car.
  • Make sure your safety before worrying about car repair.

Driving a Car with a Flat Tire

1. Drive slowly

Do not try to go faster than 15 mph to 20 mph with flat tires. Going fast can cause permanent damage to the wheels and can cause you to lose control of the wheel. Gently press the accelerator pedal and go slowly until you find a suitable place to change the tire.

  • Driving at high speeds will only damage the wheels faster because high speeds can expose the wheels to greater forces without the tires protecting them from rough patches or road debris.
  • If you are going downhill, let the vehicle go down gently by inertia with one foot ready to brake.\

    2. Choose the terrain when driving with flat tires

    Stay away from potholes, slippery slopes, or rough, cracked roads. Bad pavement can damage the rims, bending and deflecting the rims. Pay attention to wet or sandy terrain that can cause the vehicle to slip, sink or get stuck. Asphalt roads, parking lots, or highways are the best terrain options for cars with a flat tire.

    3. Going straight is best

    Do not take zigzag or winding roads when looking for a place to change tires. Instead, go slow, straight, and turn gently. Remember to find the straightest path to take.

    • Keeping the wheels running can help combat wheel traction. But do not push too hard if it could interfere with your ability to drive.
    • Fast and sharp turns can put pressure on the rims.

      4. Quickly to a safe place

      When you have the opportunity, get off the main road and head to a place with less traffic. Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Then, pull the handbrake and turn on the emergency lights to alert other drivers that your vehicle is in trouble.

      • Park the vehicle on a level surface in case that your vehicle will need to use a lift rack.
      • Do not get out of your vehicle if you are unsure of the traffic conditions on the road.
TIPS

Tips for Driving on the Highway for the First Time

Driving on the highway for the first time can be nerve racking, which is why it’s common for new drivers to only navigate local roads until they gain enough real-world experience to venture onto the interstate. Once a new driver is ready to take on a highway, being fully prepared can help a beginner make a smooth and safe transition from local roads to the interstate.

Here are some highway driving tips that new drivers should consider before driving on the highway for the first time.

1. Pick the right time to start driving on the highway

If you’re planning your first highway drive, you want to pick the right time and place. Consider starting off on a highway that isn’t too busy, or during a time of day when less drivers are on the road. You also want to drive on a bright, clear day without any rain, snow or fog that could decrease visibility.

2. Start off driving in the right lane

When you’re driving on the highway for the first time, you should only drive in the right lane. Young drivers really have no business heading into the left lane, which is intended for passing. “Staying in the right lane will help them interact with traffic coming onto the freeway, and they’ll maintain their speed easier there,” says Maria A. Wojtczak, who owns and operates DrivingMBA, a driver’s-ed business in Arizona.

3. Leave enough space to change lanes

Establishing proper speed and distance remains key to managing a lane change on an interstate. Drivers should leave four to six seconds-worth of space between their car and the vehicle in front of them as they maneuver. You should also routinely check the rear-view, side-view mirror and blind spot before switching over. More space means you have more time to avoid a collision or react to debris on the highway.

4. Use turn signals when merging and changing lanes

Young drivers must get in the habit of using their blinkers constantly, even if they believe their intentions are obvious. “Blinkers are the only way we have to communicate with other drivers,” says Chris Duquin, owner of Stevens Driving School, which has several locations in the state of New York. “It’s amazing how often drivers cause problems by not using them on highways.”

5. Keep a wide viewpoint

Newer drivers tend to stare at what’s right in front of them. But highway speeds and unpredictability demand a wider viewpoint. “They need to look closely in front of their vehicle, but also farther down the road and into the rear-view,” Duquin says. “Good drivers continuously adjust their observation points.”

6. Keep your cool while driving

Learning to drive on the highway is about more than proper driving—it’s also about making sure a young driver’s maturity level is up to the task. “They must understand never to take anything personally, especially on a highway,” says Michael Soubirous, a retired California Highway Patrol lieutenant who now writes a local newspaper column in Riverside, Calif., called “On the Road.” “If someone cuts you off, let it go. You never know the mental state of the other party and maybe they simply made a mistake. Drivers are not perfect, after all.”

7. Stay focused on the road

According to the CDC, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest proportion of distraction-related fatal crashes. That’s why it’s crucial to stay focused on the highway. Don’t text on your phone, try to change music or be distracted by talking to friends while driving on the highway.

TIPS

What to do if your accelerator sticks

It doesn’t happen often, but when a gas pedal sticks or malfunctions, the situation is frightening and extremely dangerous. In an instant, the vehicle can accelerate to full speed and become unresponsive to braking efforts.

Mechanical malfunctions — such as a faulty throttle, external interferences, a floor mat that wedges under the pedal — can contribute to this type of unintended acceleration.

What to do if your accelerator sticks

Below are some ways that may correct the stuck accelerator and help you to remain safe.

  1. Stay calm and try not to panic.
  2. Push the brake firmly with both feet and hold it down. Don’t pump the brake pedal or release it because you will lose all your vacuum power assist, causing your brakes to become stiff and very hard.
  3. Shift the car into neutral. If the car has a manual transmission, remember to depress the clutch to shift gears.
  4. Steadily hold the brake and look for an escape route, like a hard shoulder on the highway. Avoid quick lane changes, which could cause you to swerve and lose control of the vehicle. If possible, steer in a straight line.
  5. Do not turn off the engine unless shifting into neutral is unsuccessful. Turning off the engine will turn off the power-assist brake functions, making it harder to maneuver the car.
  6. When you have come to a controlled stop out of the way of traffic, turn the engine off (if you have not already done so). If you use a key, keep it in the ignition when you turn off the engine so the steering wheel doesn’t lock.
  7. If your vehicle has a start on/off button, hold the button down for at least three seconds to disable the vehicle. Do not tap repeatedly.
  8. Call for assistance. Do not drive the vehicle until it has been professionally serviced.
TIPS

Common Car Dashboard Symbols

Today’s cars have many different dashboard lights designed to alert drivers to possible problems and to make sure you can take care of those problems quickly.

Here’s a quick guide to common car dashboard icons and what they mean.

1. Check engine light

In newer cars, the lit icon will look like an engine. It means the vehicle’s computer has triggered a diagnostic trouble code indicating there’s an issue. If it occasionally turns on and off, it’s an intermittent problem and you’ll just want to have it checked next time you take it in for maintenance.

However, if it stays on, it means there’s an ongoing problem – though it could be as simple as the gas cap not being closed tightly. If the problem continues, get the engine checked out. If the light flashes rapidly, the problem may be serious and you should get to a repair shop immediately.

2. Tire pressure warning light

This dashboard light looks like a tire with an exclamation point in it and means that the tire pressure in at least one of your tires is low and underinflated. You’ll want to check your tire’s air pressure immediately. You still should check your tire pressure once a month.

3. TPMS light

This dashboard light stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System and when it comes on, there’s a problem with the monitoring system – probably a failed sensor in one of the wheels. Some people mistakenly believe this means the air pressure is low in the tires, but the TPMS is responsible for keeping track of air pressure in the tires; when it notices a tire is low, it triggers the low tire pressure light. If the TPMS light remains on, have the sensors checked during regular maintenance – and never rely solely on warning signals.

4. Oil pressure warning light

If you see a dashboard light that looks like an oil can, you need to pull over at the nearest gas station. This light signals the loss of oil pressure, and you need to check to make sure you aren’t losing oil.

5. Engine temperature warning light

A warning dashboard light that looks like a thermometer means the engine’s temperature is beyond the normal limits, and it should be checked immediately to keep your car from overheating. You’ll want to check the coolant level and make sure the radiator cap is properly sealed as well as look for coolant leaks. Always allow time for the engine to cool down before checking the coolant level, however, to avoid getting burned.

6. Battery charge warning light

When the dashboard light that looks like a battery comes on, your voltage level is below normal. It means the vehicle’s charging system isn’t functioning properly, so you need to have the battery terminals and alternator checked. If it’s an older battery, you may need to replace it. Learn more about when to change your car battery.

7. Brake system warning light

The dashboard light that looks like a circle inside a set of parenthesis with an exclamation point in the middle represents your brake system – and if it comes on while driving, you need to pay immediate attention to it. It could be triggered by driving with the parking brake on, but it can also mean you’re losing brake fluid.

If it comes on and off intermittently, and you don’t notice a change in braking ability, you should get it to a repair shop as soon as possible. But if it stays on there’s a problem that needs to be taken care of immediately, and you should have it towed to a repair shop.

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