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6 HABITS OF RESPONSIBLE CAR OWNERS
American Pride Automotive • October 29, 2014
At American Pride Automotive, we believe that owning a well-maintained vehicle is more than handling the technical stuff like regular service and repairs. It is also about encouraging smart driving practices. These 6 habits of responsible car owners go far for keeping your vehicle running smoothy and your family safe.
1. PAY ATTENTION TO TIRE CONDITION
You should check your tires for wear once a month and before and after road trips. In addition to a basic visual inspection, try the penny test on each tire to ensure that the tread is deep enough. What’s the penny test, you ask? Stick a penny in the tread of each tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see all of his head, it’s time to get new tires.
It is also important to examine each tire for nails or other punctures and to check tire pressure once a month when the tires are cold. Never drive on over inflated or under inflated tires. Taking these steps will help ensure safe driving with no blow outs, flat tires or other avoidable issues.
2. DRIVE CAREFULLY.
Accelerating and braking slowly, going the speed limit, and using one’s turn signals contribute to keeping a vehicle in good condition by putting less stress on mechanical components and reducing the risk of accidents.
3. AVOID EMOTIONAL DRIVING.
Along the same lines, remember that driving when upset or tired is never a good idea. Pull over, ask someone else to drive, or just stay put until you feel 100%. Tired drivers tend to have slower response times and emotional drivers are apt to road rage and aggression. Both of these can cause traffic accidents.
4. FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR YOUR VEHICLE.
Check the owner’s manual or the internet for the recommended service schedule for your make and model. Manufacturers generally specify certain mileage checkpoints for important service procedures that will keep your car running smoothly for the long term.
5. ALWAYS GET THE CAR CHECKED BY A PROFESSIONAL BEFORE HEADING OUT ON A LONG ROAD TRIP.
We mentioned the need to examine tires before and after a long trip, but it’s also smart to give the whole vehicle a once over before hitting the road. Make sure all fluids are full, the battery charged, and the brakes aren’t worn down. It’s best to get a automotive service professional to do a road trip check because they are well-equipped to pinpoint hidden issues that might leave you stranded on the interstate. If you have any doubts about the condition of your vehicle, repair any possible problems or rent a car. (More on this next week)
6. MODEL GOOD DRIVING HABITS.
Driving safely and taking care of your vehicle is the best way to set your children on the path to responsible car ownership. If you refrain from distracted driving and service your vehicles regularly, your kids are likely to emulate you.
We at American Pride Automotive put your family first, just like you do. Let us be your automotive repair and service shop. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
We want to say thank you to all of our healthcare and first responders. Please accept this specialized offer.
You’re driving home at night and it is raining cats and dogs. You can’t see but 20 feet in front of your car, but you’ve slowed down and are being extra cautious, so what could go wrong? Then you feel it. A sinking Cl-clunk. Maybe that “puddle” you saw ahead of you was deeper than just a puddle. Before you know it, your car is stalling in the high water in the middle of the road. Now what? First off, don’t panic. Turn on your hazards and crank the ignition once. If the car starts, make it dry land and pull over to assess the damage. If it does not start the first time, do not try to start it again. Doing so can result in a hydro locked engine and will likely necessitate the rebuilding or replacement of the engine. Unfortunately, if you find yourself stalling in water at all, your vehicle will probably need costly repairs. The best way to avoid water damage is to practice safe and smart driving in wet weather, which brings us to Part 2 of the Everything Auto “Blame it on the Rain” series (Find Part 1 here). Take heed of these severe weather driving tips: 1. TAKE NO CHANCES ON PUDDLES Even if the standing water ahead of you looks shallow enough to drive through, think twice. If the water is “rushing” or if other drivers are making a point to avoid it, don’t assume that your vehicle is the exception. Additionally, you never know the hazards that lay at the bottom of a puddle. Hidden potholes or debris can pierce your tires and jostle your alignment and suspension system. 2. IF YOU MUST TAKE A CHANCE, TAKE IT SLOW AND STEADY When you deem it necessary and safe to drive through water of questionable depth, go slowly. Speeding through a puddle, even a shallow one, can splash water into your vehicle’s intake and critically harm the engine. Like we mentioned last week, after driving through standing water, lightly tap your brakes to make sure they aren’t saturated and to dry them off. 3. KEEP A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT HANDY Sometimes, no matter how careful you are on the road, accidents and vehicle malfunctions happen, especially in wet severe weather. That’s why it is extremely important to keep emergency supplies ready in the trunk for the worst case scenario. You can buy a preassembled one, but it is cheaper (and more rewarding) to assemble your own. What should you include? Edmunds.com provides an excellent comprehensive list of items, a few of which include: 12-foot jumper cables Four 15 minute road flares Two quarts of oil A gallon of antifreeze A first-aid kit. Find the rest of the list here We hope that this series has given you helpful safety insights and tips for driving in the rain! Remember that American Pride Automotive is always here to help and ready to answer any and all of your auto repair and maintenance questions! Call or contact us today.
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