5 Signs of Hybrid Battery Failure

It feels good to own a hybrid vehicle. You’re saving money on gas and leaving less of a carbon footprint. But like any vehicle, hybrids need proper care—in fact, even more care—to keep running efficiently. Hybrid batteries are built to last the life of the vehicle. However, they are still prone to malfunctions and failures just like any automotive component.

Here are some of the most common signs that your hybrid vehicle battery isn’t working right:

1. A Drop in MPG
Numerous issues can affect your vehicle’s fuel economy, but a weak hybrid battery will certainly affect your miles per gallon (MPG). If you notice a steady drop in your MPG, it could be the battery.

2. State of Charge Fluctuations
If your state of charge (SOC) is fluctuating wildly, it’s either a battery issue or a problem within the charging system.

3. Increased Use of Internal Combustion Engine
If you notice that your Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) is running more than usual, there could be a problem with your hybrid battery.

4. Decreased Battery Charge
If your battery charge goes down when the vehicle is not in operation, then there is likely some sort of issue with the battery or charging system that you will want to have looked at by a professional mechanic who understands hybrid vehicles.

5. Strange Engine Noises
The more your internal combustion engine runs, the more likely it is to experience its own issues. You may hear strange noises or the car struggles to accelerate. This is an example of a failing hybrid battery leading to overuse and damage within the ICE.

CARS

17 Ways to Save Money on Car Maintenance

Maintaining a vehicle can be expensive. There’s gas, oil changes, scheduled maintenance, new tires, and brake pads, and even the odd check engine light to take care of now and then. If you’re running to the dealership or the most expensive shop in town for every task, you’re spending too much. But you’re also asking for trouble if you’re completely ignoring car maintenance, too.

Properly maintaining your vehicle doesn’t have to be expensive, and done responsibly, you’ll save money on maintenance and ongoing care for your car. You can save on parts, labor, efficiency, and more simply by being smart about how you maintain your vehicle.

We’ve shared 17 ways you can save money on car maintenance. They include changing your own oil, keeping your car clean, inflating your tires properly, and shopping around for a mechanic and good rates on maintenance. Read on to learn how you can be maintenance savvy with these tips and more.

– Take care of car maintenance regularly: Following recommended maintenance schedules, maintaining oil changes and tire rotations, and generally taking care of your car will extend its life and cut down on potential repair bills. Vehicles aren’t designed to be built once and then run forever. They need help, and if you neglect to take care of them, there will be problems. Gunked up oil, low transmission fluid, engine or brake failure, and bald tires are just a few of the expensive messes you can run into if you don’t pay attention to car maintenance. It’s better to spend a little now than a lot later.

– Read your owner’s manual: Yes, really: you have to read the instructions. Your car’s owner’s manual, particularly the section on scheduled maintenance, is a helpful resource for taking care of your car and keeping it in good shape according to manufacturer recommendations. They are the experts in your car: listen to them.

– Do as much as you can yourself: Many maintenance tasks are easy to take care of in your own driveway. Changing out spark plugs, oil, filters, and checking on fluids are all within the skill level of the average driver. By DIYing as much maintenance, as you can, you’ll be able to save on dealership or mechanic labor fees. You may even find parts and supplies for less. Plus, you’ll be able to take the time to check on other upcoming issues for your car, like fluid levels, squeaky noises, and aging hoses or belts.

-Use online tutorials: An essential tool in the car maintenance DIYer’s belt is Google. Get connected with online guides, even YouTube videos that can walk you step by step through common maintenance tasks. You may even be able to find tutorials and videos for your particular make, model, and year, so there will be no guessing how exactly you can access a part or properly measure a fluid. If you prefer to work on cars the old fashioned way, pick up a repair manual for every model of vehicle you own.

Order parts online: Plan your maintenance tasks ahead and get your parts online, where you may be able to find discounts. Often, online parts shopping offers free shipping and better prices than the dealership or auto parts store.

-Never ignore warning lights: Good maintenance means listening to your vehicle, especially when it’s complaining. Any time you see a warning light, pay attention and investigate the cause. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, but you’ll never know until you look. Cars equipped with digital odometers make it easy to get trouble codes. Read your manual to find out how to get codes from your particular model, but most can be activated by simply turning the ignition key to the on (not start) position on and off two to three times and then watching the readout while in the on position. You can then Google these codes to learn more about your vehicle’s issue.

-Use a vehicle maintenance app: Relying on dealerships may have you come in for service too early or too late, as dealerships won’t know your car’s exact mileage and when it’s time to perform certain maintenance tasks. With a gas and maintenance tracking app, you’ll enter in your exact mileage each time, allowing the app to tell you about upcoming maintenance tasks you need to take care of right on time.

-Change the oil only when necessary: In the not too distant past, vehicles needed new oil every 3,000 miles or three months without fail. But that’s not always the case with models today. You could be wasting money if you’re changing your oil more frequently than needed. Look at your manual to find out when it’s time to change your car’s oil. You may also be able to rely on digital oil change reminders built into your vehicle’s system.

-Check fluid levels and perform a safety check every time you change your oil: While you’re changing your oil, it’s a good idea to do a quick diagnostic check. Take a look at fluid levels including your brake fluid, antifreeze, power steering fluid, wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. This is also a good time to change out your air filter, check hoses and belts for signs of wear, and take a look at the life left on your brakes and tires.

-Be aware of fair maintenance rates: Charges for maintaining your vehicle, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and scheduled maintenance can vary widely depending on the shop you visit. Make sure you’re being charged fairly by researching rates before you make it to the mechanic. Websites including RepairPal can tell you what you should expect to pay for a particular maintenance or repair task — and can even connect you with certified shops.

– Shop around for a mechanic: A good mechanic is worth thousands — and that’s not an exaggeration. Finding a mechanic with fair prices and honest practices can really pay off, especially when it’s time to make repairs. Read reviews, ask friends and neighbors, and shop around until you’ve found the right mechanic to take care of your car.

-Keep your battery clean: Your battery is a more important part than you might think. And it becomes especially important if you find yourself stuck with a car that won’t start. It’s easy to keep your car’s battery clean. Use a small brush to apply baking soda and water to terminals to clean off corrosion.

-Shop around for tires: Most of the leading tire brands are available at a variety of shops for a variety of prices. You may be surprised to find that big box stores can have the best deals and service for tires. However, some specialty tire chains may have better policies, such as helpful warranties for damage, rotation, and balancing, so consider these as well.

-Keep your tires inflated: Under-inflated tires wear down more quickly and can negatively impact gas mileage. Pay attention to tire pressure sensors, or check manually with a tire pressure gauge. Most gas stations will turn on air pumps for free when you fill up.

-Don’t neglect your air filter: Your car’s air filter can help you save on fuel consumption, as a dirty filter clogged with dirt and debris can cut your fuel mileage significantly. This is an easy fix, as it is inexpensive and usually doesn’t require tools. You should change your air filter about once every three months.

-Keep your vehicle clean: A good wash and wax does more than make your car look great. It protects your paint and prevents residue that can damage your finish and even lead to rust. Regularly wash and wax your car, especially if you park it outside or take it on extended road trips.

-Touch up paint: Like washing and waxing, using touch up paint is a protective maintenance measure that makes your car look great. Using touch up paint, you can seal chips and cracks early on before they have a chance to really become a problem like rust or paint decay.

CARS

Tips of Starting a Cold Diesel Engine

As the temperatures drop, we must start thinking about how to take care of our diesel trucks in cold weather. Here are some tips on how you can make sure your diesel engine will start and run efficiently when the weather gets cold.

1. Allow Time to Warm Up the Engine

In order to start a diesel engine and keep it running in cold weather, you must make sure you allow plenty of time for your engine to warm up. If you do not let your engine warm up before driving, you will make it work harder than necessary, which will lead to problems later on. The length of time your diesel engine will need to warm up depends on how low the temperatures are outside. As a general rule of thumb, if it is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, you should allow your engine up to seven minutes to warm up. If the temperature is between zero and fifty degrees, the warm-up period should be three to five minutes. Over fifty degrees will only require one or two minutes to warm up. This warm up time is necessary to increase the temperature of the combustion chamber. A diesel truck will not fully reach operating temperature until after you have started driving.

2. Consider Diesel Engine Heating Options

When temperatures drop, your engine may need additional help to warm up in order to start and run at the necessary operating temperature. Most diesel trucks come with built-in block heaters to keep the engine warm overnight. Because this puts the engine at a higher temperature, it will be easier to start and will require less time to warm up before driving. Block heaters are simple to use, too. All you need to do is plug the heater cord into an appropriately sized extension cord, then plug the extension cord into a three-pronged electrical socket that can handle the voltage of the heater. Another heating option is a diesel fired coolant heater, which adds supplementary heating to the engine, fluids, and other key parts. These heaters do not use electricity, so they can be used just about anywhere. Glow plugs are heating devices that can be useful when trying to start cold diesel engines by helping to ignite cold fuel.

If your engine is still having trouble starting in cold temperatures even with the use of the above heating options, your battery may be the issue. Batteries tend to lose about 35% of their power at freezing temperatures and can lose up to 60% when temperatures reach zero degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your battery warm can be an easy remedy, and you can do this using either a hot plate-style warmer or a blanket warmer. The hot plate-style warmer sits underneath the battery and warms it from below. The blanket warmer wraps around the battery to keep it warm from all sides.

3. Deal with Frozen Fuel

In cold temperatures, diesel fuel can freeze or congeal together. In the event this happens, you must warm the fuel and change out the fuel filter before attempting to start the engine. You can use a winter fuel additive to reduce the risk of your fuel freezing when temperatures drop. If these steps are not taken, frozen fuel can block the flow to the injector pump and can result in engine damage.

4. Store Your Diesel Engine in a Warm Area

Whenever possible, it is best to keep your diesel engine in a warm area when it is not running. Try to store it in a place where it will also not be exposed to snow or ice in order to avoid possible damage. If you can keep your diesel engine out of the elements and at a warmer temperature, it will start much easier and will need less time to warm up.

5. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full

When a fuel tank is not full, condensation can form on the inside of the tank when temperatures drop. As the air becomes even colder at night, this condensation will then freeze. Frozen condensation in a fuel tank can cause the same problems as frozen or gelled-up fuel in your tank. By keeping your fuel tank full, you minimize the amount of space in which condensation can form. Winter fuel additives can also help control this problem.

TRUCKS

Top Tips to Take Care of Your Car If You Don’t Drive Often

From cutting out a commute to putting a car in storage for the season, there are plenty of reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t let it sit collecting dust — follow these steps to maintain your car and keep it ready to hit the road:

Keep your car covered
If your home has a garage or a carport, consider parking your car inside to protect it from the elements and inclement weather. If your home doesn’t have a garage or carport and you have to park outside, consider buying a weatherproof and UV resistant car cover to protect your vehicle’s paint from accidental scrapes and protect its interior from UV damage.

Take your car for a spin twice a month.
On average, a car can sit unused for up to a month without the battery draining. To avoid finding a dead battery when it’s finally time to hit the road, take it for a 20- to 30-minute drive at least twice a month. This will also allow fluids and oil to circulate and keep your car’s critical systems lubricated.

Keep the gas tank full
While it may seem like a waste to buy gas for a car you aren’t driving regularly, you’ll be glad you filled your tank, as moisture can build up in an empty gas tank as the weather changes, which can lead to damage.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change schedule
If you’re planning on keeping your vehicle off the road for more than three months at a time, change the oil before putting it in long-term storage. If you’re still driving your vehicle occasionally but you aren’t driving it enough to hit the mileage interval for an oil change, check your owner’s manual to see how long you can wait before getting an oil change.

Check your tire pressure before driving
Your car’s tires can slowly lose pressure, especially if it sits for an extended period. Before driving your car again, check each tire’s air pressure and — if it’s lower than the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure level, which is measured in pounds per square inch — inflate each tire to the correct level.

Regularly check for pests
A sitting vehicle is the perfect home for pests like rodents and insects. To prevent these unwanted tenants from moving into your vehicle, regularly inspect inside your car’s trunk and cabin for unwanted visitors. While inspecting your vehicle, also be sure to check under the hood, as wasps and bees can squeeze in and start building a hive.

Keep your car insured
Cancelling your car insurance policy may seem like an easy way to save money if you’re not driving your vehicle often, but it’s illegal to drive your car at all without coverage — and if you’re involved in an accident, you’ll have to pay for expensive repairs out of pocket. Luckily, you can update your car insurance coverage to reflect the fact that you’re not driving as much as you used to, which could result in a lower premium.

CARS

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. Find out ways to prevent teen distracted driving.

CARS

7 Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life

Car batteries are an essential part of an automobile. From getting your car started to charging your phone on-the-go, batteries provide the zap your vehicle needs to keep rolling. That’s why it’s so important to know when to start considering a car battery change, as well as what you can do to extend its lifespan.

On average, car batteries last between 3 and 5 years. One of the most important factors that affects how long a car battery will last is the weather. A running engine under the hood is already producing high levels of heat. Throw in a scorching hot day and you have a severe drain on your car battery, which can lead to an increased chance of a dead battery if you don’t take proper summer driving precautions.

Warm weather can cause fluid in car batteries to evaporate, damaging the internal structure of the battery. That’s why average battery life is shorter in warmer climates. So when estimating how long your car battery life will last, consider the climate you will do most of your driving in.

Regardless of the temperature you drive in, properly taking care of your car battery can help keep it running. Check out the seven tips below on extending the life of your car battery:

1. Limit Short Rides
Quick car rides prevent your car’s battery from fully charging. Maintain your car’s battery power by driving it frequently and for extended periods. If you don’t use your car often, consider investing in a portable car battery charger. These portable chargers can jump start your battery without another vehicle in case you’re ever stranded.

2. Keep Your Battery Tightly Fastened
A battery that’s not securely fastened could vibrate, potentially resulting in internal damage and short circuits. Have your battery terminal checked regularly – especially if you frequently drive on bumpy roads – to ensure it is tightly and properly positioned in the mounting bracket.

3. Turn Off All the Lights When You Exit
Accidentally keeping your headlights and car door lights on can put a heavy toll on your vehicle’s battery. To keep yourself from forgetting, post a note on your dashboard, attach a sticker reminder on your car remote or park in a direction where you must walk past your headlights to get to your destination.

4. Control the Corrosion
Battery terminals corrode over time but keeping them clean from buildup is a great way to extend the life of your car battery. Scrub the terminals with a toothbrush dipped in a baking soda and water mixture. Then, using a spray bottle with cold water, rinse the mixture off and follow up with a thorough drying with a clean cloth.

5. Test Your Battery Often
Knowing the condition of your car battery matters when you want to maximize its life. Test your battery’s output voltage level with a car battery tester to keep track of how well you’re maintaining it and if you’re due for a new one.


6. Don’t Use Electronics While Idling
Turn off functions like the radio or air conditioner when your engine isn’t running to put less wear and tear on your battery power. Extended periods of idling also can wear a battery down.

7. Care for Your Whole Car
Your car is comprised of many parts working together. Making sure you are taking your car in for routine tune ups, as well as properly storing your vehicle are also simple ways to ensure your battery’s lifespan can reach its full capacity. The battery is just one component of a well-running car, so make sure to properly maintain all parts of your car to extend its life and the life of your battery.

Uncategorized

7 reasons you can be ticketed for your license plate in NJ

Who knew license plate laws could be so complicated? Ever since you put your license plates on your vehicle, you probably haven’t thought much about them.

Well, somebody with a state job at the MVC certainly has given them some thought.

New Jersey has a host of rules that you must follow pertaining to your license plate, mostly put in place to ensure that police, cameras, and plate readers can easily read your license plate, according to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
I’m betting there are even a few license plate rules you weren’t aware of.

Here are seven reasons you can be ticketed for your license plates in New Jersey:
You Must Have Two License Plates
In New Jersey, all motor vehicles are required to have a license plate on the front and the back of the vehicle. This goes for all types of motor vehicles, except for motorcycles, which are only required to have a license plate on the back.

Your Plates Must Be Secured
This may come as a surprise, but you can’t simply put your plates in the front and back windows of your car. If you do so without firmly fastening the plates so that they can’t slip or slide around, you may be ticketed.
What’s more, even if you manage to properly secure your license plates in the windows of your car, you may still be ticketed. This is because, in New Jersey, it is against the law to drive with anything blocking any area of your front or back window.

Distance From the Ground
In New Jersey, your license plates must be affixed to your vehicle, such that it is no more than 48 inches above the ground and no less than 12 inches from the ground. This one was news to me. Do police actually get out and measure? They just might.

Inadequate Illumination
Your plates must be adequately illuminated at night. This is why vehicles are constructed with small lights around the area where your license plates should be attached. Make sure that these lights are in working order, or you may be ticketed.

Snow And Ice
You must also be sure to remove any snow and ice from your license plates that might prevent them from being read. If any letters or numbers on the plate are unable to be read, you may be ticketed. You will see many people breaking this rule every time it snows.

No glass or Plastic Covers
New Jersey forbids the use of any plastic or glass license plate covers, or any other covering or coating that may distort or obscure your license plate, such that it cannot be properly read or photographed. I am not breaking this rule, but that’s completely by chance. I had no idea about this one.

Parked Or Driving
You can be ticketed for a license plate violation, whether your vehicle is parked or being driven. If the violation was noticed while you were parked on a public road or highway (as opposed to being parked in your own driveway or garage), the violation will result in a parking ticket.

If the violation was noticed by law enforcement while you were operating the vehicle, it will result in a moving violation.

Uncategorized

The Right Type Of Gas For Your Car

You might think about it every time you pull up to the gas pump. What grade fuel should I use? Can I just go for the 87-octane the lowest price option? Is there really a difference in gas grade? Here’s what you need to know.

Is a Higher-Octane Gas Really the Best Gas for Your Car?
When it comes to gas for your car, it’s not about which octane is the best but which octane your car requires. If your car’s owner’s manual doesn’t say you need a higher octane than 87, there’s no reason to pay extra for premium gas. A higher-octane gas will not offer you higher performance.

On the other hand, if your car’s owner’s manual says that your minimum octane for your car is 91 to 93, don’t cheap out — it could end up costing you more in the long run. Go ahead and use the premium. The general rule is you should be putting the minimum acceptable octane gasoline in your car as per the owner’s manual.

Why Do Some Cars Require Higher Octane?
Before knowing why some cars need higher octane, it’s important to understand what exactly octane is. When you activate the ignition, this creates a spark that ignites the compressed air and fuel mixing in your engine, which is what allows the gas to power your car. Sometimes this mixture can ignite prematurely, a phenomenon known as preignition, which is signaled by a knocking sound coming from the engine. Modern cars usually have knock sensors that prevent this.

The octane of your gasoline has nothing to do with how much energy is in the fuel. It is a measure of how easily your air-fuel mixture ignites. Higher octane means the gasoline you are using has a greater resistance to preignition. That is to say, it requires greater agitation to ignite it. That is all that the octane level indicates.

Many premium cars generate greater power by using a higher fuel-air compression ratio in the engine. Because the mixture is more compressed, it generates more heat and thereby is more likely to ignite early. Higher octane gasoline is more resistant to this problem.

What Happens if You Don’t Use the Best Gas for Your Car?
Your gas cap or instructions near the gas cap should indicate if your car requires premium fuel. You can also check the owner’s manual for specific information on what kind of octane fuels are appropriate for your car.

If your car requires premium gas and you use a lower octane like 87, you can expect knocking, preignition and engine damage particularly if you have an older model vehicle. If you have a modern car, your knock sensor will kick in to prevent preignition, but this will reduce your engine power and diminish fuel economy, so you will lose more money than you save by using the cheaper gas. It’s also conceivable that your knock sensor could be faulty or slow, which could still result in engine damage over time.

Should I Always Use Premium Gas When It Is Indicated and Never When It Is Not?
Some cars may indicate something like “premium fuel recommended.” What this means is that your car is safe to run on regular 87-octane gas, but there can be benefits from using a higher octane. If this is the case, you may want to just go with the cheaper gas, or experiment and see if the amount you make up in fuel economy and the difference in power is appreciable enough to justify the higher cost of the premium fuel.

What about the other way? Does higher octane gas ever help a car not designed for it? If there is no premium recommendation for your car, putting in higher octane gas will not improve fuel economy, and you are just throwing away money.

If your vehicle calls for diesel fuel, you have a diesel engine, which is an entirely different system. There is no negotiating fuel if you have a diesel engine. You need to fill it with diesel fuel and nothing else. If you put regular or premium unleaded gasoline in a diesel engine, not only will the vehicle not run, you can do catastrophic damage to the engine.

Other Things to Know About Octane
If you are driving through very high-altitude places, you may see gas stations offering lower-octane gasoline than you expect. For example, you may see 85-octane gas advertised. If you are used to always just getting the least expensive gas at the station, you may be tempted to use lower octane gas than you are used to. Here’s why you should resist that temptation.

Older cars were able to operate with lower than normal octanes at high altitudes because of the thinner air, but this does not hold with modern fuel-injection engines. Therefore, if you usually use 87-octane gas, going for the cheapest option if it is lower than 87 is not recommended. It is better for your car to use 87, 88 or even 91-octane gas than to go too low. If you have a luxury car that needs premium gas, try to fill up before driving to a high-altitude location in case you cannot find a gas station that provides the octane you need.

Foreign cars that are designed for sale in the U.S. should have standard octane ratings, but those purchased or intended for purchase outside the U.S. may call for a RON, or research octane number. The RON number and the U.S. octane number do not match up exactly. If your European car calls for RON 95, for example, it requires regular or 87-octane gas. If it asks for RON 98, use premium 93-octane fuel.

TIPS

Crucial Things To Know Before You Start Driving In The Rain

Driving in rain, whether a sprinkle or a heavy downpour, can be one of the most difficult driving situations a driver encounters. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. No matter what part of the country you live in, it is almost certain that you will be required to drive your vehicle in the rain at some point. Knowing how wet roads and reduced visibility affects the way your vehicle handles will help you drive safely in rainy conditions.
Tips for Driving in the Rain
1 Wait Until the Weather Improves if Possible
If you feel uncomfortable driving in the rain and can postpone your trip or commute, wait until the weather improves before driving. There is no reason to put yourself in danger if driving in wet conditions is not necessary.
2 Double Check Your Car’s Equipment
Make sure that your car’s equipment is in working order before encountering rainy weather. Check your headlights, tail lights, and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed. Also check the tread of your vehicle’s tires. Balding tires can severely reduce traction on wet roadways.
3 Slow Down
Not only should you adhere to the posted speed limit when driving in wet weather conditions, you should drive considerably slower than you normally would. Wet roads are very dangerous. Your vehicle’s reaction time is much slower when it is raining. Reduced speed is imperative in rainy weather.
4 Turn On Your Headlights
Most states require drivers to turn on their vehicles’ lights while driving in rain. Even if it is only misting, turning on your vehicle’s headlights will increase both your own visibility and other drivers’ ability to see your car on the road.
5 Use Your Windshield Wipers
While this may seem like common sense, some people forget to turn on their windshield wipers in light rain. Most cars’ windshield wiper speed is adjustable to clear moisture from the glass in a light mist or in a heavy downpour. There are also several products available that can be sprayed or wiped onto the glass and claim to defer the collection of rainwater.
6 Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars
Keep a greater distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between your car and other vehicles.
7 Avoid Heavy Braking
Try to slow your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would in preparation to slow down or stop. Don’t use cruise control so your attention on using both the gas and brake are in tune.
8 Watch Out For Standing Water
Driving through standing water can cause hydroplaning to occur. Which is when you lose traction and skid across the surface of the road. To avoid hydroplaning, drive around places where water has collected by changing lanes or safely steering around such areas.
10 Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes. 10 Ventilate Your Car
Rain causes humidity levels to increase. You may find that your vehicle’s windows become foggy when you operate your vehicle while it is raining. Most cars’ ventilation systems include a function that will work to reduce this type of fog that develops on the interior of your windows and windshield. It may be necessary to pull over if you are no longer able to see through your windows.
Staying safe while driving in the rain is simple if you make a conscious effort to employ these safety precautions. Remember that reducing your speed and turning on your lights are two of the simplest and most effective ways of reducing the chances of an accident caused by wet weather.

Uncategorized

Top Tips For Tyre Maintenance

Do you maintain your car well? Most of us would answer this question in affirmation because as soon as the word ‘maintenance’ hits our ears, we directly relate it to services like regular oil change, the functioning of brakes, fuel efficiency, engine servicing and performance etc. But we overlook to maintain or take proper care of the tyres of our vehicle/car, which are the real beasts of ‘our’ burden.

In today’s hectic urban life, our care is mostly restricted to the outer look of the car, whilst the other crucial components of the car, like tyres, go for a toss. So let’s quickly learn some tyre maintenance tips that will prove helpful in upholding the health of this essential unit of your car.

1. Changing tyres at the right time
The experts suggest that the right time to discard the old tyre and go for a new tyre is between 6-10 years. Here, 6 years is suggested ideal, however, 10 years is the extreme limit, that too, when you find every bit of the tyre good. The wear and tear of the tyres also depend upon several factors like driving style, the total number of kilometers driven, weather conditions in the region etc.

During the manufacturing process, car tyres are fed with an anti-oxidizing chemical compound in order to furnish them with longevity. Here the chemical actually decelerates the usual ageing process of the untreated rubber. But the tyres still deteriorate with age, though gradually, and invite the danger of tyre malfunction. Nevertheless, there are ample ways by which you can spot the wearing of the tyres such as cracking or bulging marks on the side walls of the tyre, deformation of tyre tread grooves and distortion in the overall carcass of the tyre. Furthermore, every tyre carries a the tread wear indicator, which can be of great help when you are pondering over ‘to-change’ or ‘not-to-change’ the tyre with a brand new one. The tyre tread wear indicator for a four-wheeled vehicle is placed within the grooves at 1.6 mm height. And tyres worn beyond these limits are suggested unsafe to drive.

Another important thing to look for can be the tyre manufacturing date inscribed on the side walls of the tyre, which can also play a decisive role in the replacement of tyre.

2. Size of the wheel bolts
Generally, the wheel bolts are provided by the vehicle manufacturer; just assure that the bolts used aren’t too short or too long. In both the cases, they can turn foes. If they are short, there are chances of the wheel popping out, or else, if they are too long, they might injure the suspension of the car. Examine them and get them replaced with the ideal size ones.

3. Tyre rotation is important
Tyre rotation is recommended after every 5000 kilometres or if you find any uneven wear of the tyre positions. While rotating tyres make sure that all the tyres get equal chances of road exposure. Tyre rotation at regular intervals ensures all the tyres wear evenly and no tyre is under or over-worked.

4. Be smooth while driving
Knowingly or unknowingly (or say, ignoring-ly), many-a-times you drive harsh or at high speed, and after spotting a hazard on the road, try to stop the car immediately by applying emergency brakes. Though the car stops but the entire wrath is endured by the tyres. Rough braking takes a direct toll on the life of your car tyres, which leads to premature wear of the tyres. Hence, it is always advised to drive at a neutral speed that will eventually prevent you from applying brakes frequently. Rash driving and regular stoppages (at high speeds) also invite tyre skidding, which not only asks for a mishap but also pushes the tyre to lose tread much quicker than expected.

5. Beware of monsoon hydroplaning
Rainy season brings numerous challenges to the urbanites, especially to the car owners/drivers. In this weather condition, the tyres are more exposed and prone to premature wear and tear. During rains, it is difficult to drive through a heavily waterlogged road or street and, it becomes a nightmare with the company of worn out tyres, as the risk of hydroplaning is always involved. However, preventative driving and good treads can lessen the threat.

According to the experts, one of the best weapons to shun hydroplaning is new tyres. The approach is simple, compared to limited tyre grooves, the new tread will allow more water to channel through the grooves of the tyre, resulting in more grip of the surface and hence keeping hydroplaning at bay.

6. Need to be cautious with the jack
At the time of swapping the tyre, a hydraulic car jack should be used, which is safe and easy to work with, alongside is also termed reliable for the person replacing the tyre. If hydraulic car jack is not available, the regular jack provided by the car maker will also solve the purpose. Always remember that the area/base where the punctured tyre is being swapped should be even and rigid.

7. Check air pressure
A regular check on tyre pressure will not only keep tyres away from frequent punctures but will also play a vital role in achieving better fuel efficiency. In order to upkeep and ensure maximum tyre lifespan, safety, cornering at speeds, general performance and handling it is vital to maintaining tyre pressures at certain levels as suggested by the manufacturer.

Overinflated or underinflated tyres, both will adversely affect your vehicle’s day-to-day performance. Overinflated tyres have less amount of contact with the road surface; also the side wall decreases flexibility and affects road-adhesion ensuing limited control of the vehicle. Moreover, the underinflated tyres reduce overall tyre diameter and increase sidewall flexion leading to difficulty in handling the vehicle at different stages.

8. Store tyres at a safe place
In order to store the tyres, you should first clean the tyres and choose the position (lying or standing) of the tyre. Always store tyres in a cool and dry place that is away from chemical and substances like grease and petroleum products. Furthermore, the storage area of the tyres should not have any supply of sunlight or heat, and should also be kept away from hot pipes and electric motors. Stagnant water is another enemy of tyres, hence you need to ensure that there are no chances of water collecting inside the tyres. Continuous exposure to the aforementioned elements can lead to inner weakening and early deterioration of the tyres that are subjected to abrupt breakdown.

9. No playing mix and match
Nowadays, nearly all the passenger vehicle tyres are radial tyres. Experts suggest using the same size and same type of tyre on all four wheel positions until and unless the vehicle manufacturer defines different sizes to be used for the front and rear. This can be checked with the manual of the vehicle. If for instance, two radial tyres are fixed with two non-radials, the radial tyres are to be mounted on the rear. If you come across different types of tyres mixed on a vehicle in any configuration, avoid using them for a longer period of time and always keep speed in check. Mix and match of tyres on the 4×4, all wheel drive and 4-wheel drive vehicles require special care. Here, look for vehicle maker’s handbook for their suggestions and recommendations.

10. Wheel alignment is vital
A wheel alignment is nothing but an essential aspect of regular vehicle/car maintenance, wherein the angles of the wheels are adjusted as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. The point of these adjustments is to get maximum life out of a tyre, ensure even wear of all four tyres and check for the vehicle-travel that is upright and accurate when it is driven along a straight and level road. Wheel alignment is a must after every 5,000 kilometers or whenever you find any lopsided wear on the tyre.

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