27 Nov 10 In Winter Driving Conditions Caution Is The Key To Vehicle Safety

Nov 25, 2010 – 8:10:18 PM
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In Winter Driving Conditions Caution Is The Key To Vehicle Safety

Whether in the city or the suburbs, in winter driving conditions caution is the key to vehicle safety. Your winter tires and the air pressure levels are a most important safety factor.

(NC)—No-one can predict what Mother Nature has in store for us this winter, but one thing is clear: by remembering a few simple tips from the Michelin experts, you can take the bite out of winter and its roads, whether you live in the city or the suburbs and whether it rains, hails, or snows.

Town Mice: Avoid Nasty Surprises

If you live in town, you are probably surrounded by high snow banks and roads that are often infrequently or inadequately cleared. How to cope? Think ahead.

Avoid nasty surprises by respecting municipal parking signs. If your vehicle is stuck in a snow bank, use a shovel to remove the snow from around the tires and under the vehicle and create a forward and backward rocking motion with the car.

In town, traffic signals often force us to make frequent stops. It’s important to keep in mind that the condensation formed by the heat of cars in contact with the cold road surface creates ice – often hidden under snow. Another good reason to slow down and keep your distance – especially when stopping at intersections.

Finally, be aware that leaving your car in an underground parking lot during the day and then exposing it to the winter cold at night may cause your tire pressure to fluctuate widely. It is thus vital to frequently check and adjust your tire pressure to avoid rapid tire wear, save gas, and, above all, ensure your own safety and that of other drivers.

Country Mice: Keep Your Distance

If you live in the suburbs and must travel long distances to and from work each day, don’t panic.

When driving on the highway, keep an even longer distance than usual between you and the vehicle in front to help you maintain control of your car in case of a sudden stop. And, above all, be doubly cautious and slow down when approaching bridges, curves, and exits, which are often icier than usual.

Finally, many of today’s cars come with up to three different electronic control systems to assist the driver in maintaining traction and control. However, it is important to remember that these systems cannot compensate for tires of poor quality.

Everything you need to know about winter driving with a single click

More valuable tips about winter driving are available online at Michelin’s Winter Driving Academy, www.michelinwintercentre.com. This entertaining website, created by Canadian experts for Canadian drivers, offers videos, tips, and hints to help you keep control of your vehicle under the most difficult winter driving conditions.

Learn all you can about winter tires and winter driving condtions at Michelin WInter Centre where Canadian experts help to keep you and yours safe.

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Tags: Caution, Conditions, Driving, Safety, Vehicle, Winter
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06 Aug 10 Vehicle Maintenance and Car-pooling Go Hand In Hand

Aug 3, 2010 – 10:32:14 PM
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Vehicle Maintenance and Car-pooling Go Hand In Hand

Vehicle maintenance and car-pooling go hand in hand, so be sure to complete your car maintenance so your car-pooling is as safe as can be. Take a look at these car care tips and check Fram and Prestone websites.

(NC)—For many parents, car-pooling to school is the perfect blend of financial and environmental responsibility. But given that you will be toting around other people’s loved ones as well as your own, the importance of a well-maintained, reliable vehicle is multiplied.

Here are some things you should do to prepare your car for its carpooling duties:

Check Your Fluids.

Make it a habit to check your fluid levels once per month – particularly the level and condition of your antifreeze/coolant. It’s not hard to “top off”; just use as recommended – Prestone Long Life Premixed Antifreeze/coolant is for all makes and models of cars and light duty trucks. Your preventative maintenance could help you avoid an overheated engine.

Visit your trusted mechanic for a vehicle inspection. They can alert you to any potential problems, and fix those that are necessary.

Get An Oil Change.

With carpooling schedules, the miles on your car will likely increase. If you have an older car with many miles, consider using the Fram High Mileage oil filter. It has a special time released gel additive that helps reduce engine wear by maintaining oil viscosity, neutralizing acids and keeping engine components cleaner.

Be Prepared.

As the weather gets colder, make sure your vehicle is stocked with ice-fighting products like Prestone Deicer Windshield Washer Fluid with dirt blocker. The night before a frost or snow, spray your windshield with Prestone Ice and Frost Shield Vehicle GlassTreatment to reduce the need for scraping.

Play It Safe.

Always keep an emergency kit and cell phone in your car in case of emergencies. As the weather gets colder, have extra blankets and warm clothes on hand, along with bottled water and snacks. If needed, these items can help keep you and your passengers safe until help arrives.

More information on this topic can be found online at www.fram.com and www.prestone.com.

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Tags: Carpooling, Hand, Maintenance, Vehicle
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13 Jul 10 Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

Jul 12, 2010 – 2:45:38 PM
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Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

Stop vehicle problems before they stop you. No one likes to be inconvienenced by car problems during a road trip or on your daily commute. Keep your vehicle on the maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer.

(NAPSI)-Whether you’re taking a road trip or just commuting to work, the likelihood of your vehicle leaving you stranded is greater than you think.

Each year, AAA rescues 29 million stranded motorists. In 2010, the motor club expects it will jump-start or replace nearly 5 million auto batteries with its AAA Mobile Battery Service, and estimates it will change more than 3.5 million flat tires. And while AAA’s well-trained roadside technicians will be able to get three out of five motorists back on the go, more than 11 million drivers will have problems that require their vehicles to be towed-many of which could be avoided with proper maintenance.

Taking care of your vehicle now can cost far less than a major repair later on. AAA recommends two fundamental things you can do to find and fix problems before they happen.

1. Identify a quality repair shop and use that facility for all your vehicle repairs and maintenance so you develop a good working relationship with them and they get to know your car.

One way to find quality auto repair facilities that meet and maintain high professional standards for training, equipment, cleanliness and customer service is to look for the AAA Approved Auto Repair sign. You can also search online at www.AAA.com/Repair.

2. Have your car serviced regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. While some maintenance and repair tasks are best left to certified automotive technicians, there are a few basics you can easily check yourself:

• Engine Air Filter

Check the air filter every six months or 7,500 miles by holding it up to a 100-watt lightbulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it’s still clean enough to work.

• Battery

Check the battery cables to ensure they are securely attached to the terminals. Clean the terminals if there are any signs of corrosion.

• Tire Pressure

Check and adjust tire pressures at least once a month when the tires are cold- including the spare. The manufacturer’s recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver’s doorjamb.

• Tire Tread

Check the tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into a tire groove with Washington’s head facing outward. The tread should cover part of Washington’s head.

• Windshield Washer Fluid

Check the windshield washer fluid reservoir monthly and test the washer spray nozzles for proper operation and aim.

• Windshield Wiper Blades

Check the blades at every oil change or whenever they fail to wipe the glass clean in a single swipe. The rubber inserts usually last six to 12 months.

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Tags: Before, Problems, Stop, They, Vehicle
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13 Jun 10 Preparing Your Vehicle For Towing

Jun 1, 2010 – 10:23:26 PM
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Preparing Your Vehicle For Towing

Preparing your vehicle for towing. The long hauls that come with summer and family road trips with the camper, trailer or boat. Get your Royal Purple car products ready so your car will be ready for your summer driving and towing.

(ARA) – Warm sunny days mean vacations or weekend getaways, and many families take to the road with a camper in tow. Whether you are towing a camper, trailer or boat – regardless of the size – it means you will want to take steps to make sure the vehicle you are using for towing is ready for the haul.

Modifications And Towing Packages

If you are willing to make some modifications to your tow vehicle, you can protect it from the stresses of towing, reduce engine wear and possibly see more engine power. If your tow vehicle is still under warranty, making modifications could void your manufacturer’s warranty. Be sure to check your warranty and with your dealer before you make any modifications. Another point to consider is that adding performance components may give you more engine power, but should not exceed your vehicle’s factory towing capacity. Modifications may increase your vehicle’s margin of safety, but not its capabilities.

If you are purchasing a new vehicle specifically for towing, consider adding the optional “Towing” or “Camping” packages that are offered. These options are installed by the automaker and will be covered under the factory warranty. If your towing will be primarily on pavement, it is recommended to buy a two-wheel drive model instead of a four-wheel drive that is heavier and has a lower towing capability than a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Springs And Shocks

Heavy-duty springs are considered an aftermarket improvement, but are worth the investment if you do a lot of towing. Find a reputable spring and suspension shop to have the heavy-duty springs installed for rear or front suspensions.

It’s also a good idea to outfit your vehicle with the best shock absorbers available for towing. Good shocks will keep your vehicle stable and reduce sway should you encounter potholes or rough pavement.

Upgrade Your Lubricants

Towing can cause increased stress on your vehicle and force the engine to run hotter as a result. Anything you can do to keep those temperatures down will extend the life of your tow vehicle. One simple and inexpensive way to prepare your tow vehicle is to change and upgrade your fluids and lubricants.

High performance synthetic lubrication company Royal Purple offers several products that will alleviate stress and extend the intervals of maintenance. Royal Purple’s Radiator Coolant Additive is a perfect product for your tow vehicle. This synthetic, radiator coolant additive reduces engine heat by reducing the surface tension of the radiator fluids for improved heat transfer. It also provides additional protection against rust, corrosion and erosion, and can be used in diesel and gas engines. Royal Purple also offers oil filters, motor oil, gear oil and transmission fluid for manual and automatic transmissions.

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Tags: Preparing, Towing, Vehicle
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27 Nov 10 In Winter Driving Conditions Caution Is The Key To Vehicle Safety

In Winter Driving Conditions Caution Is The Key To Vehicle Safety

06 Aug 10 Vehicle Maintenance and Car-pooling Go Hand In Hand

Vehicle Maintenance and Car-pooling Go Hand In Hand

13 Jul 10 Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

Stop Vehicle Problems Before They Stop You

13 Jun 10 Preparing Your Vehicle For Towing

Preparing Your Vehicle For Towing

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