Driving in Bad Weather

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The most predictable thing about the weather is that it is completely unpredictable.  If you have an upcoming road trip that may take you into unfamiliar parts of the country, The American Red Cross has some handy things to think about.

First, get an idea of what the weather will be like for the entire route.  Sometimes we get so excited about the weather at our destination, we forget to check the forecast for our trip.  See if there is any bad weather between your home and your destination, and try to time your departure to avoid it if possible.

Another important idea, let your friends and family know your travel plans and your travel route.  Set a couple benchmark locations during the trip to “check-in” so others know where you are.  Don't let the gas tank get too low, either

If the skies turn ugly and a storm starts during your trip, slow down, turn your headlights on, and try to exit as soon as you can.  Waiting the storm out for a short time is always a better choice than risking an accident.  The safest place is in the car with your seat-belt on.  If you are surrounded by heavy lightning, keep your hands away from metal both inside and outside of the car.

Finally, if you find yourself in a tornado, your best bet is to stay in the car with the seat-belt on.  Keep your head below the window and put a blanket over your head.  If you can safely get noticeably lower than the roadway, you should get out of the car and lie down covering your head at all times.

Keep some snacks, water, blankets, and flashlights in your car... stay safe... and then don't forget to use sunscreen when you get to your destination!

Here are some other handy tips:  http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Severe-Weather-While-Driving---How-to-Stay-Safe

Cleaning the Stuff That’s Cleaning the Exhaust

One of the most common engine problems also has one of the scariest names.  Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Failure.  Wow!  That sounds serious!

 Indeed, it’s nothing you want to happen to your car, but fortunately there’s an easy way to keep this common problem away. 

Here’s what’s going on:  Your exhaust system is trying really hard to keep pollution out of the air.  In fact, your car is actually cleaning up pollution before it ever leaves your car.  Believe it or not, there’s a little factory in your exhaust system that is trying to lower harmful pollutants.  As it is doing this, carbons start to build up and could bring this system down, and you’re out $700. 

Here’s how to stay away from that.  Every 30,000 miles or so have a professional fuel system cleaning.  It shouldn’t cost you more than $150 at most, and you will be sure to extend the life of the very thing that makes your car go.

Auto-Braking For Bicycles

Bicycles sharing the road has been a debate for cities large and small for a very long time.  Love ‘em or hate ‘em, nobody wants to hit ‘em. 

Enter Volvo.

At the Geneva Motor Show, the Swedish car company known for safety, has unveiled a new system that will keep both motorists and bicyclists safe.  In what is an enhancement of automatic braking systems already in place in many Volvo models, this new system will actually scan for bikes that are riding parallel to the car.  A spokesman for Volvo explains that “if a cyclist heading in the same direction as the car suddenly swerves out in front of the car as it approaches from behind and a collision in imminent, there is an instant warning and full braking power is applied.”

For the past few years Volvo has been equipping cars with automatic braking that will detect a pedestrian or another vehicle, with great success.  This new innovation will be welcome in dense urban areas where bike and car collisions are all too common, and it will add a measure of safety in suburban and rural areas where kids risk darting in front of vehicles.

Will the day come when cars will detect dogs, squirrels and deer?  Perhaps.  Each advancement like Volvo’s takes us one step closer to the day when we have driver-less cars. 

How much would YOU trust a car that automatically brakes?

5 Car Buying Tips for Teens

It's the time all parents dread - your teen gets the license and is now begging for a car. Before you say "No", consider some of these tips to buying. And, remember, after they buy it, they'll need a good auto mechanic!

 

1.                  Start on the used lot! 

It’s often easier to finance a used car, and you’ll likely get much more car for the same money as used.  Some manufactures are offering warranties that last as long as 10 years and 100,000 miles and you can often find a used car that is still under warranty

2.                  Safety first!

SafeCar.gov has a handy tool that will show you the crash test ratings for cars going all the way back to 1990.  Check the list before you buy.  Also, consider a device that keeps an eye on your teen’s driving habits.  Phone apps exist such as the Android based “Speedbump,” and insurance companies like Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm offer lower rates when their monitoring devices are installed.

3.                  Credit issues

It can be tough getting your first car when you haven’t established credit, however many dealerships have in-house financing that can help establish credit, and work with people in unique situations.  If this still doesn’t work, consider a cosigner.

4.                  Share the cost

Sometimes having a little “skin in the game” helps young buyers appreciate the value of a dollar.  While getting in over their heads is not advisable, perhaps come up with an agreement for them to pay the fuel or insurance costs.  Also, some insurance companies will offer a discount if kids keep their grades at a certain level.

5.                  Be realistic!

Now is the best time to learn that you don’t need the flashiest car on the lot.  Pick one that will keep them safe, hold up on the road, and get good gas mileage.  You’ll help your teen build great financial habits now that will stay with them for many years to come.

5 Noises Your Car Makes That Means It Needs Help

“The engine makes a clicking noise when I hit 40.”

“I hear whistling.”

“My brakes squeak”

We hear these phrases a lot and you may have heard these noises many times in all the years you’ve driven. Here are 5 noises we think you should be concerned with when you hear them.

1.       The “Hiss” or “Whistle – When you hear this coming from the engine, it usually means a leak in a vacuum hose. If you are hearing a whistle from near your serpentine belt, that could be an issue with the alternator.

2.       A “Whine” – If you hear a whine that just won’t go away as you drive, it could be an issue with the driveline and the gears – more than likely this is a differential problem and could be costly. There’s also a chance you just need new differential fluid!

CV Joint

3.       A “Knocking” – When your car hits 40 and you hear a sound as if someone is knocking on the tires, you more than likely have a worn CV joint.  If you are traveling at low speeds and hear this, it’s possibly a failing wheel bearing. 

4.       A “Clicking” – when this comes from the engine, it’s possibly loose valves. It’s an easy fix for older cars with synthetic motor oil.

5.       A “Squeal” – Common from the brakes when you apply them, this means the metal in the brake pad is exposed and you need new brakes.

Another piece of advice – listen very closely to where the sound is coming from and have another person sit in the car, in the back seat, to listen as well. This can help you determine where it’s coming from and that helps us figure out how to fix your problem!