Tag Archives: tire pressure

General Safety Issues

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING CARS (GUEST POST)

By Don Elfrink
The Importance of Understanding Cars

Whether you bought a new car or a used car, that vehicle represents a significant
investment. However, unlike other investments (stocks, bonds, time-shares, etc.),
most people don’t understand much more than the basics about their cars. You know
that it needs oil to run, that there’s antifreeze somewhere under the hood and that you
have to keep gas in the tank to stay on the road. When you consider that the average
investment in an automobile is about five years (and that’s just to pay off the loan, not to
actually get your money’s worth out of the car), it makes sense to know as much about
your vehicle as you can.

Gain an Understanding of How Things Work

The number of people who understand almost nothing about their cars is actually rather
surprising. While you’d think they’d know at least the basics, a considerable number of
drivers know nothing more than that they need to take their car to the mechanic every
few thousand miles for an oil change. This is the most basic type of maintenance, and
your automobile needs more TLC than that, especially if you want to make it actually
last you. The most basic things that you should know include the main components
under the hood, how to check oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, tire pressure and
change the air filter in your car. Each of these is simple but important for overall
automotive health.

Go Beyond The Basics

While learning the basics is vital, it’s important that you go a bit beyond the basics if
you really want to ensure that you make the most out of your investment. For instance,
you’d never buy into an investment without knowing what kind of interest rate you’d get
on your money and how that interest was calculated. The same thing applies to your
vehicle – you need to know as much about how every system works as possible. That
doesn’t mean you need to get your ASE certification, but it does mean that you need a
working knowledge of most systems and components on your car.

For instance, you need to know which radiator hoses are which (in and out, for
instance). You need to know where your oil pan is, and how to check for a leaking
gasket. You need to know how to check your brake pads and how to ensure that brake
lines aren’t leaking. If this sounds like a lot, don’t let it dissuade you from learning and
then putting your knowledge to work. There are plenty of resources where you can find
information about your car and how it works, including the following:•

How Stuff Works – This is a great website for learning how almost anything
works, including your vehicle. The automotive section is comprehensive and
easy to understand. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/•

Jiffy Lube – One of the leading “quick oil change” chains in the country, Jiffy
Lube also offers a good resource for learning more about your car. http://

Edmunds.com – Edmunds.com is one of the leading websites for anything
automotive, though it’s really geared more for buying or selling a car. However,
they do have a good bit of information about how vehicles work and getting the
most use out of them. http://www.edmunds.com/cars/•

Chilton – If you want something a bit more in-depth, then a repair manual from
Chilton might just do the trick. You’ll find a broad range of information in these
manuals, as well as their online resources. http://www.chilton.cengage.com/

Haynes – When it comes to repair and service information, few resources
compete with Haynes. You can buy a book that details pretty much every
part of your vehicle, or use their online resources. http://www.haynes.com/
repairmanuals
 
 
Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based
out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive
production site. AutoMatStore floor mats come for most makes in models with plenty of styles to choose from.
General Safety Issues

EIGHT DANGERS DRIVERS FACE IN THE SUMMER (GUEST POST)

The arrival of the summer months conjures up images of time spent on the beach, late evenings enjoying the sunset and road trips with family and friends. However, the summer months can also be filled with threats. The arrival of warm weather means much more than the end of the school year and the arrival of summer vacation. Here are 8 things that you need to be aware of if you’ll be driving in the heat. 

1. Heat Kills Batteries

While winter temperatures kill more batteries, high heat can be a serious threat, particularly if your battery is on its last legs anyway. Before summer truly sets in, take your car in for a full charging system test to make sure that your battery, starter and alternator are in good shape. 

2. Tire Condition

The tires on your car are immensely important, though they’re probably one of the last things teen drivers really think about. High heat on asphalt can lead to some serious issues, especially if you’re tooling around on “may-pops”. If your tires are looking a little worse for wear, replace them before the heat gets too high. 

3. Tire Pressure

In addition to tire condition, you need to pay close attention to your tire pressure. Hot temperatures can actually increase your tire pressure substantially. That just increases when you hit the asphalt. Too much tire pressure can cause a blowout on the road, so make sure you keep a close eye on your tire pressure all summer long. 

4. Engine Overheating

Summer heat can do a number on everything, including your car’s engine. This is particularly true if you’re running your air conditioner (using the AC heats up your engine more). Make sure to have a full cooling system check done before the heat sets in for good, and if your engine does overheat, pull over and let it cool down before you do anything. 

5. Wildlife

Summer means more cars on the road, but it also means an increased chance of having an animal encounter. Deer are perhaps the most obvious animals you might encounter when driving, but there are many others depending on where you live. Be observant at all times because animals are much more active during the warmer months and an encounter with one can be fatal (for you and the animal). 

6. Summer Storms

Summer thunderstorms are a reality in most places. Drivers should be extremely wary of driving during severe weather. The chances of hydroplaning, driving in high winds, combatting hail and no visibility due to very heavy rain all make summer driving more dangerous. 

7. Beware the Interior

As the sun climbs the sky, temperatures rise higher and higher. While you might be well aware of the dangers of being unprotected outdoors in the high heat, it’s important to understand that your car’s interior is an even more dangerous place, especially for younger siblings and pets. Never, ever leave a pet or a sibling in the car during the summer, not even with the windows cracked. 

8. A False Sense of Security

“The lazy days of summer” should be just that – days filled with relaxation and enjoyment. However, that can lead to a false sense of security when on the road. Do not let the “summer feel” lull you into being unobservant or overconfident. Always pay full attention to what you’re doing. 

Following these simple tips will help ensure that you stay safe while on the road this summer, and avoid potentially deadly situations behind the wheel.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of a automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.  Again, thanks, Don, for the great information you sent us! pb

 

General Safety Issues

TIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR SUMMER ROAD TRIPS (Guest Post)

1 Comment

Tire Safety Tips for your Summer Road Trip

By Jack Payton

Jack Payton is a car nut in the purest form. He loves to write about everything gear related, and rebuilt his first engine at 15. He works as the online publisher for the online tire retailer http://www.tires-easy.com/.  In his spare time he enjoys cruising, attending car shows, and collecting vinyl.

            My favorite part of summer is traveling. Now, I don’t mean anything fancy there is no call for lavish trips to Europe or the Bahamas; often I find the best trips are found a little closer to home. Road tripping is the unsung epic of the new American west, and from the week long trips as a child in the old family van to my day drives into the mountains on the weekends, I have many fond memories of road hopping from point A to point Basking in the sun on some beach somewhere. But before you hit the road this summer, don’t forget the importance of safety. I’m going to give you the same advice your grandmother would give you, only I don’t have to put my teeth in first to deliver: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure. When it comes to tire safety, here are some tips to keep you and yours square on the road.

            Check tire pressure: This should be performed at least once a month, but absolutely before you leave on any distance drive. It is typical for tires to deflate 1 psi per month, as well as 1 psi per 8-degree loss in ambient temperature. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on tire-related crashes, the leading cause of tire failure is under inflation. Inadequate inflation will also lead to a drop in gas mileage and an increase in tire wear, costing you more money in the long run.

            Rotate your tires: “Don’t they rotate every time I drive?” Ignore my daughter’s sarcasm there. Tire rotation is a very important practice to be performed at your local auto and tire tech. Rotation is essential to ensure even tread wear. Excessive loss of tread can cause the vehicle to lose its balance of grip on the road, and can become a major problem waiting to happen.

            Adjust the alignment regularly: Misalignment of the steering and suspension, can adversely affect the steering feel and stability of a vehicle, as well as cause rapid and uneven tire wear. If you feel the steering pulling in one direction or another when traveling straight ahead on a flat road with no crosswind, or if you notice uneven wear on the front tires, you should have the alignment checked and adjusted as soon as possible.

            Replace tires in pairs or complete sets: Installing different tires on the right and left side of the vehicle can tendentiously affect its balance and handling. For this reason, it is imperative that tires are replaced in front or rear pairs, or in a complete set—never one at a time. Regardless if the vehicle is rear, front, or all wheel drive, the new pair of tires should always go on the back, as maximum rear traction will ensure stability of the entire vehicle. By no means should you ever put tires of differing construction—such as radial or bias ply—on opposite ends or sides, because handling will be adversely affected.

            Select the right tires for the right driving environment: Most drivers are comfortable with all-season tires; so that most new vehicles now come equipped with them. However, more specialized tires for performance, rain, snow, off-road and touring have made the idea of matching your environment much easier, and this certainly has its advantages. Just consider that excellent qualities are most likely achieved at the expense of others. Determine what your crucial needs are, and narrow your choices accordingly. Then, if possible, drive a similar vehicle equipped with the tires you are considering.

            This summer, get the most out of your vacation and your tires. Avoid the short cuts that can cost you more in the long run, and remember to take a little extra time to play it safe. Memories of the good times will be your reward at the end of the road.

Thanks, Jack, for this very entertaining and informative article. pb