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Synthetic Oil For Long Trips, Can You Go Back?

admin — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Choosing between synthetic and organic oil can be an important decision for any vehicle owner, one that should not be undertaken before you have a chance to educate yourself about the available options. The lower cost and more widespread use of conventional organic oils make them a more cost-effective alternative. Motorists who are interested in enjoying a superior level of engine protection may be better served by making use of a synthetic oil, one that will be able to last longer and maintain its viscosity under greater stress. Choosing the right oil is not a concern that should be left to chance.

Switching your oil may not always be an advisable solution, as engines that have been designed to make use of a synthetic could be left at greater risk should you choose to pour the wrong oil. Upgrading your oil selection to a synthetic without first replacing the seals and gaskets can find you leaking oil and unable to maintain an effective level of engine protection. Sticking with the oil that your car or truck already makes use of has far more long term benefits than any short term gain performance gain or cost-savings that switching may offer to provide.

Drive Safe or Pay the Price

admin — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In many ways, driving can bring the worst out of a person. As drivers, we are afforded a certain degree of anonymity (at least until another disgruntled driver pulls up alongside of you) and that can make a person do stupid things. Cutting people off, speeding in and around traffic, and narrowly avoiding disaster at every turn. I don’t need to point out the obvious reasons why you should be driving safe, so let’s look at the less obvious: the impact unsafe driving can have on your local car insurance rates.

Unsafe driving can get you pulled over by the police or, even worse, cause an accident and that can really do a number on what you pay in terms of your car insurance rates – aside from the obvious consequences of physical injury and/or death. Whenever a police officer cites you for speeding or any other moving violation, that’s a strike against you and it can all add up in the end to some pretty disastrous costs.

Honestly, driving safe should be its own reward, but if you need more incentive – there you go. The less you drive like a liability or disaster waiting to happen, the less you’ll have to pay when it comes to settling up with insurance.

Safety When Sleeping At Roadside Rest Stops

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

When you are traveling it may be necessary to stop at a roadside rest stop to save money on hotel costs or simply for the convenience of not having to find another location to sleep at. Whatever the reason may be, it is important that you follow some general safety guidelines in order to stay safe.
Park in a well lit area. This will decrease the likelihood of someone trying to break into your car or trying to harm you. If you are in a well lit area a potentially dangerous person may not want to risk others seeing them by your car since they could easily be identified as opposed to if it was dark. Often times rest stops will have many parking spots under street lamps.
Keep your doors locked at all times. Even if someone tries to get into your car, a door lock may deter them from getting in and harming you or stealing contents from your car. Even if you are only going to be gone for a few minutes to use the restroom or go to a vending machine it’s still a good idea to lock your car.
Remember, when sleeping at roadside rest stops your safety should be your number one priority. Even little precautions may contribute to your overall safety. These precautions can be the determining factor over whether or not you are safely able to sleep at the rest stop.The information party rocks on: Rest Stop Closures And Tim Kaine’s “Willie Horton” Are On The Lips Of Voters

Traveling With Pets, Summer Safety Travel Tips

admin — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

No one wants to leave their pet when they go on vacation. Most of us treat our pets like a family member so they deserve to go on vacation too. When we travel during the summer we have to keep in mind the safety of our pets. There are some keys to keeping our pets safe while traveling. The first tip is to make sure the animal has plenty of water. Keep a water bowl available at all times for your pet. You do not want your pet getting dehydrated. The next thing is to not leave any animal in a car. The summer sun heats up the car like a greenhouse. This can kill your pet very quickly. Another tip is to make sure your pet cannot distract the driver. Your pet should be either harnessed or riding in the back seat so they cannot interfere with the driving. The last tip is to protect your animal’s feet. When the sun heats up the ground we do not notice how hot it is due to wearing shoes. The heat can burn the pads of your animal’s feet so keep that in mind when walking them. Having your pet go on vacation with you can be really enjoyable. Follow these simple tips to make sure your pet is protected.

How To Find Reliable Automotive Service

admin — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Preparing for a long distance trip is much more serious than taking a trip to the local grocery store. Traffic accidents, engine problems, and a flat tire can happen at any time. The best insurance sometimes comes with unforeseen setbacks, which drivers should not rely on to heavily. For instance, most insurance companies offer reimbursement incentives. This is great; however, the extra money to purchase a new tire or get a hotel room while the car is being prepared may not be in the budget.This/ tag helps explain it more. The best way to eliminate the risk of getting into an accident is to practice safe driving. Here are a few tips on what to do:

The first rule is to look out for the other driver. Defensive driving is important any time you get behind the wheel of your vehicle.
Make sure you have a good spare tire. Sometimes the nearest tire station is miles away and insurance companies will charge for extended miles the insurance do not cover
Never travel alone. If possible take someone else along in the event of an accident, and for safety reasons
Take a cell phone and charger. Roadside telephones may not be available take on along so 911 and other emergency respondents can be noticed in the event of a roadside emergency.

If an emergency arises, contact the insurance company, call a tow truck and seek medical help.

What To Do When You Get A Flat Tire

admin — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

The potential of getting a flat tire is always there. With nearly endless roads and millions of cars, each with 4 or more air filled tires eventually something is going to work its way through that tough rubber and ruin your day.

So you have a flat tire, now what? First, make sure you have the right tools in the car before this even happens. Even if you have road side service it’s best to be prepared. You’ll need a spare tire (of course) a jack and a lug wrench.

Always be safe. Roads are lanes of speeding tons of metal; you don’t want to get in the way. Make sure your car is parked a safe distance from the road, far on the shoulder or if possible in a parking lot.

Changing a tire is no fun, but it’s not difficult. First loosen the lug nuts and jack up the car. If you have the manual use it to find the right position for the jack, if not place it in a secure spot under the frame. Remove the lug nuts and then the flat. Position the spare over the bolts and push until it is secure. Replace the lug nuts, tighten them and lower the car back to the ground. It’s that simple.

The thing about any roadside activity is to be safe, always have that in mind.

Cross Country Driving Safety And Maintenance

admin — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Driving cross country can be a very exiliarting experience. Before embarking on this journey, there are certain precautions that one must take. When planning a trip like this, it is essential to be prepared for anything that could occur during the trip. There are quite a few tips for cross country driving safety and maintenance.

Prior to leaving for this journey, you should take the vehicle to a trustworthy and reliable mechanic. You should ask the mechanic to check all fluids and levels, check the hoses, and check the tires. There should also be a spare tire and jack in the car. If you do not know how to change a tire, it is essential to learn prior to leaving.

There should also be an emergency kit. This kit should include items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, extra oil, emergency phone numbers, flares, and electrical tape. You should also be sure to keep plenty of water in the trunk of the car just in case of overheating. If you haven’t done so already, you should join a auto club with roadside assistance. This is very important because you could get help wherever you are. It is also imprtant to take a cell phone and car charger in case of emergencies.

What To Check Before Leaving On A Car Trip

admin — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Getting ready for a road trip? Before you pack for your next car trip there are some important things to check on your car that may save the disappointment of a breakdown.
First pull out your service record and see how long it has been since you changed the oil and filter. Most manufacturers recommend an oil service at around 3,000 to 5,000 mile intervals. If the mileage is close or you can’t remember how long it has been, then it is time to get this most important service done.
If the oil is recently changed it is still important to check the level. With the engine off, pull out the dipstick (most will have a yellow trim) and wipe the end clean with a paper towel or rag. Reinsert slowly all the way down and pull out once more to check the level. Be sure to top off any needed oil.
While the hood is open, look at the coolant bottle and check that the level is up to the maximum line.
You should glance at your drive belts and look for any obvious wear or tears. If you are getting an oil change be sure that the technician inspects these items.
Close the hood and be sure to check your tire pressure, noting the correct levels as written on the drivers door jamb or in the owners manual.
If all is well you are ready to fill up the gas tank and hit the road.

Weekend And Holiday Travel Driving Tips

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Many people choose to take car trips during long weekends and holidays. When doing so, there are several things to keep in mind to ensure that you have a safe trip. The first is to make sure that your car is in good working order, make sure that the tires are not bald and that any tune ups and oil changes have been completed.

Once you are sure that the car is all set, you’ll want to make sure that you have a spare tire in case something should happen during the trip, along with a flashlight and batteries. If you are going to a place you are not familiar with, it may be a good idea to print out maps or download them, just in case you have issues with GPS so that you do not end up lost.

Finally, make sure that you take a cell phone charger with you that can be charged from the cigarette lighter in the car. This ensures that if something unexpected occurs you do not have to worry about running out of battery power on your cell phone.

By following a few basic tips, you can be sure all your road trips and safe.

5 Steps To Preparing Your Car For Winter

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Winter can be very hard on your car. Unpredictable cold temperatures and the possibility of slick ice or snow covered surfaces can make driving a challenge.
To prepare your car there are some basic things you can do.
Keep the fuel level up in the gas tank. This will prevent freezing of the moisture that forms when the gas is at too low a level. You should also regularly add a gas dryer an inexpensive liquid that you pour in the tank at fill up time. This alcohol based product will evaporate moisture and keep the gas line from freezing.
Check your anti-freeze. The coolant should contain a mix of anti-freeze and water based on the low temperatures you might experience where you live. Check the anti-freeze bottle for the specified amount to maintain. You can get a relatively cheap eye dropper tool to pull out a bit of your coolant and test it for the safe temperature range. This is a good way to be sure you have the right mixture.
Keep your tires at the correct air pressure. Too little or too much air can create problems on slick roads.
Check that the tire tread is still in good shape, have local tire shop check the tread depth.
Install snow tires, studded tires, or even chains if the weather where you drive demands it. These will make your vehicle travel much safer.
Keep a good up to date emergency kit in the car. At the least you should carry extra anti-freeze, duct tape, a flashlight, plastic orange hazard signs for breakdown protection, and heavy gloves.