Tag Archives: tires

General Safety Issues

ALL MECHANICS SHOULD UNDERTAKE THESE SAFETY CHECKS (GUEST POST)

Regular servicing of a vehicle means that it remains roadworthy for longer. Not only does servicing keep the car in good condition and pick up on mechanical problems, which might cost you more in the long run, it keeps you safe. When conducting a service all mechanics should be checking the safety features as well as the engine parts. Knowing what sort of checks repairmen should be making on your behalf, therefore, is essential for any motorist. And remember that not all of these types of checks are immediately obvious ones. 

Seat belts

One thing that many car owners don’t know is that a simple seat belt check is something that ought to be carried out during a service. Seat belts should be checked for their accessibility as well as their condition. In both the front and back seats, belts should be replaced if they are no longer in top notch condition.

Steering

The steering mechanism of your car or van should also be the focus of a check. Loose or failing steering components need to be addressed and replaced, from time to time. Steering alignment is key for the good running of your vehicle and can wear down your tires quickly if it is not perfect. Seriously misaligned steering, on the other hand, is a safety issue. You could have trouble under heaving braking if problems like this are not resolved.

Suspension

The suspension system of your car should also undergo a safety inspection. Common suspension systems, such as leaf springs, can cause damage to the vehicle if they are not serviced properly. Different manufacturers use different types of leaf springs for suspension, so a qualified mechanic is needed for this sort of check. All of the U-bolts of the car’s suspension need to be checked to make sure they are fully tightened, for instance.

Brakes

Brakes are an important part of any vehicles operation and especially so if you want to remain safe whilst on the road. Common problems with the braking system are that the pads become worn. These are the parts of the system that come into contact with the wheels when you apply pressure on the brake pedal. Your brake technician should check that any wear they show is tolerable and replace ones that are overly worn. 

Tires

Like breaks, you car’s tires should also undergo an inspection to make sure they are not too worn. Of course, all tires show wear after time on the road, but tires that have become bald, where no tread is visible, are dangerous and should be replaced. Your mechanic should check the depth of tread remaining on your tires. Remember that this should include an inspection of your spare tire, as well as the four that are fitted.

Lights

The proper functioning of your vehicle’s lights is something that many motorists don’t think about, particularly drivers who rarely travel about in the night. Nevertheless, a proper check of all the lights your car uses should be made when it is serviced. Of course, the headlights should be checked for full beam and dipped functionality. Your car’s side lights should also be inspected. Indicators need to have their own separate check. At the rear, brake lights should be checked as well as your vehicle’s reversing light. Lastly, your emergency fog light should be confirmed as working properly.

Windscreen (windshield)

Your vehicle’s windscreen comes in for a lot of abuse while on the road. Chips and cracks can be common problems, particularly if you do a lot of motorway driving. Left un-dealt with, they can lead to serious problems with little or no notice. When your car is serviced, your windscreen’s seal should also be checked – something that many motorists don’t know about. 

Author Bio

UK Aftermarket Spring Specialists has been an established name in the automotive industry since 1962 and with almost 50 years of experience to draw from, we have the knowledge and expertise to help and guide you.

General Safety Issues

VAN SUSPENSION SAFETY CHECKS TO LOOK OUT FOR (GUEST POST)

If you are a long-time auto owner or you trade vehicles for a living, you know that tuning van suspension is one of the most critical parts of getting the best performance out of the vehicle. In fact, it is even possible to have a competitive business van without getting expensive upgrades by simply having a balanced set-up.  In this case, it is important that all tradesmen regularly check the suspended level of the vehicle to avoid the common safety problems: 

Van Performs Poorly on Rough Roads

This may be attributed to worn shock absorbers, which are there in the van’s system to minimise vibrations. They are also responsible for making sure that the wheels are properly in contact with the path. When the vehicle is incorrectly suspended, this does not only reduce comfort but also the driver’s safety. 

Van Appears Low

If you have just checked the vehicle and you notice that there is something wrong with its height, you may want to check the leaf springs of your vehicle. In truth, it is not the shock absorbers that handle the abuse of where you drive, but the leaf springs themselves. What happens here is that when the springs rebound hard, the shock absorbers suffer in return. In this case, you have to make sure that the van’s leaf spring is properly suspended to avoid spring fatigue. The old or worn out leaf springs can change the curb height of the van, meaning its vital to install high quality leaf springs in their place. 

Car is Noisy

If the vehicle makes popping or clunking noises whenever it is turned or meets a bump on the road, this may be an indication that it has a worn ball joint. This happens if it is overused or if it is not lubricated well. 

Tires Rapidly Deflate and Steering Becomes a Problem

The suspension system of the vehicle uses rubber bushings right at the inner trimmings of the control arms. The rubber bushings act like a cushion for the control arms whenever they are used by the vehicle. Therefore, when the bushings are tired and worn, you will find that the van has steering problems and the tires wear too easily. You can avoid this issue if the car is properly aligned. If not, the only solution is to replace the bushings. 

Why a Correctly Suspended Vehicle is a Must

Many people in the car trade use suspension customisation to modify the look of their vehicle. You may find that it looks good, but there are actually more benefits to a properly suspended vehicle than meets the eye. The most popular is the reduction of the amount of fuel used by the van. The cost of fuel is unquestionably spiralling upwards and there seems to be no way to stop it.

However, there are effective ways to combat the heavy amount of fuel used including a well-suspended vehicle. Inspect the van’s fuel efficiency and if you see that you are consuming petrol more than you should, there may be issues with its balance.

Only the right van suspension can give you lower petrol consumption and provide better control on your tires. You should only trade used vehicles that have good van suspension because this means that the car is reliable. It also gives the ideal weight, reduced emissions, enhanced comfort and better driving dynamics.

It is vital as a van owner or van trader to regularly check the vehicle’s suspension – including the shock absorbers, ball joints, rubber bushings and leaf springs. Any problems should be quickly remedied in order to retain the performance, safety and fuel efficiency of your vehicle, especially when using the van for business purposes.

Author Bio: Ian Humphries, for UK Aftermarket Springs, which has been an established name in the automotive industry since 1962 and with almost 50 years of experience to draw from, we have the knowledge and expertise to help and guide you.

 

 

 

 

 

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