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Winter Driving Safety-Ten Tips for Winter Driving

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Here we are in the midst of the holidays and many of us are planning to drive to the mountains to enjoy the snow or set out across the country to visit relatives.  Whatever your plans are this winter  season we want you to drive and arrive in safety.  Even though the weather has been beautiful here in our area, we all know that it only takes a moment for it to change!   We all need to know winter driving safety tips.  To accomplish this we are sharing ten tips for winter driving from the publisher of RoadTrip America.                                                                    Winter Driving Safety

  1. Know your route and keep abreast of weather conditions. Make a list of Department of Transportation road-condition hotlines and consult them every few hours while you’re on the road.  Pay special attention to avalanche conditions along your route, because temporary road closures are common in mountain areas.  The Web is also a good source of current weather information.
  2. Drink plenty of water. When the weather is chilly, dehydration seems unlikely, but according to a study  by the Mayo Clinic, as little as a 1-2% loss of body weight can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness, which are both deadly when driving in winter conditions.  Carry five to six, 16oz. bottles of water per day.  Keep them with you in the passenger compartment, as they might freeze in the trunk.
  3. Eat enough food. Your body needs more nourishment in cold weather than it does on a balmy summer day.  Avoid candy bars and other quick-sugar-release snacks.  Sandwiches, fruit or a thermos of stew are much better choices.  Carry a day’s worth of high-energy food and water in a warm area of your car in case you are stranded for a few hours.
  4. Pack a winter travel safety kit. Include a cell phone, an ice scraper and brush, a tow rope, cat litter(as a traction aid), blankets, a good flashlight, a candle, matches, a portable weather radio and a can of lock de-icer.  Never use hot water on glass or locks- it will refreeze and create a bigger problem.
  5. Slow down. A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50% in snowy conditions.  Blasting through snowdrifts may look cool on TV, but it’s way too hard on your vehicle to be worth it.  Equally important:  Don’t go too slow.  Your car needs momentum to keep moving through snow on grades.
  6. Keep a light touch on the controls. Smooth operation is the key to keeping control in slippery situations.  Nervousness can lead to a hard clench of the steering wheel, which can result in loss of control.  Consciously loosen your grasp or stretch out your fingers from time to time to help prevent that white-knuckled grip.
  7. Know how to recover from skids. When braking on a slippery road, it’s all too easy to “lock up” your wheels by stepping on the brakes a little too hard.  If you start to skid, steer the vehicle gently in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go and don’t touch your brakes.
  8. Keep tires in good condition and properly inflated. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, so check and adjust frequently.
  9. Make frequent rest stops. Winter driving is much more tiring than summer cruising, so stop every hour or so.  Get out, stretch, it only takes  five minutes to improve your level of alertness.
  10. If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle. Stay warm and wait for assistance.  Make sure that your exhaust pipe is clear of any obstructions, including snow and ice; if you don’t, carbon monoxide gas can build up inside the vehicle.

Winter driving is a challenge but if you follow these tips you should be able to meet the challenge and win!

Distracted Driving

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This week I’m going to take the opportunity to vent about an issue that really concerns me.  Distracted driving!  I think we have all witnessed it and at some time or other we’ve been distracted ourselves while driving.  But enough is enough!  One of our employees was recently hit from behind by someone who wasn’t focused on their driving and ran right into the cars in front of them, even though they were not moving because of the heavy traffic.   Fortunately  no one was seriously injured but that person was clearly distracted from what should have been their primary focus while in their car—driving!!  Too many people today seem to be operating their cars like they would a video game. They act as if the action stops when they aren’t paying attention, but they  don’t seem to realize that when they crash and burn other people can as well.  And to be honest, I think I’ve seen people use more focus and concentration while playing a game than when they are driving.  Distracted drivers seem to have the idea that when they are in their cars whatever they are doing is nobody’s business but their own.  That is certainly not the reality.  Everything that we do in our cars, as well as in our lives has an impact on those around us.                             Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 21% of police-reported crashes involve some form of driver distraction.  Those are the reported accidents, there’s no information for all the accidents that go unreported!  In 2009, 5,474 people were killed on U.S. roadways and an estimated additional 448,000 were injured in crashes that were reported to have involved distracted driving. Drivers who use hand-held devices, (cell-phones, i-Pods, Blackberrys) are four times as likely to get into crashes serious enough to cause injury to themselves.  Here in Colorado there is a Primary law that bans the use of cell phones (hand-held or hands free) for novice drivers, which is anyone under the age of 18.  There is also a ban on texting for all drivers.

You might be thinking that it won’t happen to you because you don’t use your phone when you’re driving.  But distraction occurs when a driver is delayed in recognizing the information needed to safely accomplish the driving task because their attention is drawn away from driving.  So anytime the focus is on something other than the road and what is happening on it, that is distracted driving.  Let’s all do our part and concentrate on our driving so that  our streets are a safer place to be.

Winterizing a Car with Household Items

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It’s that time of year again, the holidays are approaching and so are the cooler temperatures.  We don’t always have time in our busy holiday schedules to deal with minor inconveniences caused by winter weather.  So here are some suggestions for winterizing a car using household items that most of us have in our pantry.  Winterizing A Car with Household Items

Michael Calkins, manager of AAA’s Approved Auto Repair program recommends using petroleum jelly on the  battery terminal caps to stop battery corrosion.  Simply remove the terminal caps and clean any existing corrosion with a wire brush, then coat the terminals with petroleum jelly.  The jelly forms an airtight seal that wards off  salt, slush, and mud, which causes corrosion on the battery terminals.

If you are going to store a car rather than winterize and drive it, there is a possibility of rodents building nests in your engine.  To discourage the little pests from nibbling on wires and making a home in your engine, tape a peppermint tea bag to the engine, away from moving parts.  The minty scent will repel rodents and keep them away through the winter.

Winter driving here in Colorado means snow one day, slush and mud the next.  This plays havoc on our cars as well as our headlights.  To keep your headlights doing their job, clean them and then apply a nonabrasive car wax with a soft cloth.  The wax is water-repellent and leaves a barrier that keeps dirt from building up.  It’s recommended to do this once a month.

Have you ever gone out to start your car in the morning and not be able to open the door because it’s frozen shut?  There is a simple winterizing trick for this.  Coat the rubber door seals with cooking-oil spray.  It repels the water that would otherwise collect on the rubber seals and freeze, causing the doors to freeze  shut.

Another problem we have in the winter is the frost accumulating on the inside of our windows, obstructing our view and increasing our chances of having an accident.  To prevent this, dissolve 2 tsp. of salt in a gallon of water and wipe the insides of the windows and windshield with this mixture.  As the mixture dries, it leaves an invisible layer of salt–which has a low freezing temperature, and will help keep frost from forming on the windows  for a month or more! Please don’t use this mixture on the outside of the car because the salt could cause corrosion to the exposed metal.

So before you go out shopping or drive to that holiday party,  winterize your car with these common items and see if your  life seems a  little bit easier!  I’m going to try them out right now!

Car Maintenance Checklist

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Living here in Colorado, we can never tell for sure when the snow might arrive.  In order to prepare your car for winter driving, here is a recommended car maintenance checklist.

  • Check the Hoses-Visually inspect hoses for cracks, leaks or loose clamps and feel them to check for spots that might be brittle or spongy, that means they need to be replaced.  Antifreeze can’t do it’s job if the hoses that carry it through your system are damaged.
  • Flush the Cooling System-The additives contained in the engine coolant (antifreeze) that lubricate and protect engine parts from rust and corrosion are depleted over time.  It’s recommended to have the cooling system flushed and new coolant added every two to five years depending on the car manufacturer.
  • Test the Electrical System-Have your car’s battery tested and make sure that there isn’t any corrosion on the terminals or clamps.  Check all the cable connections to make sure they’re tight.
  • Adjust the Alternator Belt-The alternator is the source of electrical power when your car is running, it also charges the battery.  The alternator belt needs to be adjusted properly.  For older model cars this is done manually.  Newer cars usually have automatic tensioners.  Have the belt checked for wear and cracks which signal it’s time to have it replaced.  It’s a good idea to have a trained auto technician do these services.
  • Windshield Cleaning Tools-Make sure the windshield fluid reservoir is filled with a non-freezing solution.  Check the pump and sprayers to see if they are working properly.  If your wiper blades leave spots or streaks, they should be replaced.  You might want winter wiper blades that have a rubber boot to prevent ice and snow from building up.
  • Check the Tires-Make sure your tires have an adequate tread depth.  You should replace worn tires right away.  Putting snow tires on for the winter is a very good idea.  Check the tire pressure.  When the temperature drops the pressures in your tires will too, so check the tire pressure more often in the winter months than you do in the summer.
  • Brake Inspection and Flush-If you have any existing brake problems, they will get worse in the winter when your traction is reduced.  Have the brakes inspected to make sure they are working properly.  Brake fluid absorbs water and then collects in the system, it can cause rust, fluid leaks or damage to parts.  To prevent this from happening, most manufacturers recommend that the brake system be flushed every two to three years.  Check your owner’s manual for your car’s recommendations.

If you apply this car maintenance checklist, you can keep your car running and hopefully keep a smile on your face all through the winter months.

Best Tires For Colorado Winters

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It’s that time of year again!  The air is colder, the leaves are falling and we need to prepare ourselves and our cars for winter!  One of the ways to prepare our car is to find the best winter tires for them.  Summer tires are designed to enhance traction in mostly dry and warm conditions, not winter conditions.  Wintertime has the most challenging driving conditions that we face all year.  We have less daylight and colder temperatures as well as snow, slush and ice.  We need the best winter tires on our car to get us where we need to go safely.

Tire experts, including Tire Rack say only dedicated snow tires will actually improve your vehicle’s grip in winter conditions.  All-season tires are suppose to provide traction in a variety of weather conditions but fall short in their performance on ice and snow.  An inexpensive winter tire performs better in ice and snow tests than all-season tires.

Best Winter Tires

Narrow winter tires are better for driving on ice and in snow, they are better at cutting a path through snow and slush.  It’s always best to use the tire size specified for your car.  You can find that information in your owner’s manual or by looking on the sidewalls of the tires that are already on your car.

Do you need a studded winter tire? Is that the best choice  for your car?  If you drive on icy roads regularly, the studded winter tire might be your best choice, just be sure that they aren’t banned or limited in your area.  If you are curious about which brands are rated  the best winter tire, talk to your service technician or visit consumersearch.com/snow-tire/reviews. Once you have decided on the best winter tire for you, you’ll want to have them installed before the weather turns.  It’s also important that you get four matching tires.  It may be tempting to buy only two tires, but experts don’t recommend it.  Different tires react differently, and unmatched tires can handle unpredictably.  Another small tip is winter tires wear faster than regular tires, so remove them as soon as the winter weather is gone and spring arrives!

When To Replace Tires

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The condition of the tires on your car greatly affects your safety while driving.  Here are some tips to help you determine when to replace your tires.

  1. Look at the tread pattern. Most tires are manufactured with “tread wear indicator bars” built right into the tire itself.  They usually look like small bridges in between the tread.  When these indicator bars become flush with the tire’s tread that is a sign it’s time to replace the tires.       When To Replace Tires
  2. Check the tread depth. The “penny test” has been a popular method for a while, this is how it works.  Take a penny and place it upside down with the picture of the head facing you in the center of the thickest part of the tire tread.
  • If you can see the very top of the head, or the copper above it, replace the tires as soon as possible.
  • If the hair on the top of the head is somewhat visible, this mean you should begin looking for replacement tires.
  • If you can’t see the hair on the top of the head, then this means your tires don’t need to be replaced yet.

This is a simple method that works well if you are driving mainly on dry roads.  If you drive on wet, slushy and snow-covered road you should maintain a deeper tread depth on your  tires and replace them at the second bullet above.  You need enough tread depth (4/32″) to allow the water or slush to escape through the tire’s grooves.  If the water can’t escape fast enough your car’s tires will hydroplane or float on top of the water causing a loss of control and possibly an accident.  Test all of your tires at the same time and once you’ve decided when to replace the tires make sure they are all replaced at the same time.  Mismatched tires won’t give you the adequate safety or performance levels that a matched pair of tires will.  If you see wires on your tread or notice wear on the sidewalls of the tire, don’t waste time with a penny, replace the tires!  If any of this checklist gives you a headache just thinking about it.  Have your auto repair shop do the work for you, that’s their job!

What Is Antifreeze?

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Antifreeze is the colored fluid, usually red or green, found in your radiator.  It can also be referred to as coolant and serves a few purposes.     What Is Antifreeze? The main purpose for placing antifreeze/coolant in your radiator is to keep the water that is in the engine from freezing in cold temperatures and boiling over in hot temperatures.  The engine of a car produces high levels of heat when it is running, the fluids flowing through the radiator system help to draw some of the heat away from the engine so it doesn’t overheat.  Antifreeze/coolant also has corrosion inhibiting chemicals that prevent rust build up that can take place in the engine of a car.  Radiators are usually filled with a 50/50 mix of water and coolant, since antifreeze/coolant doesn’t evaporate like water does it keeps the levels of evaporation to a minimum.   An added purpose of antifreeze is lubrication, it lubricates the moving parts it comes in contact with, like the water pump.

By properly servicing your car’s cooling system, (which includes changing the antifreeze at recommended intervals), you will help to avoid major engine problems.  If you wait too long to change the antifreeze/coolant, the used coolant can harm cooling system components because the corrosion inhibiting chemicals have been used up and are no longer able to do their job.  The idea is to change the coolant before the corrosion inhibitors reach dangerously low levels.

For regular antifreeze the vehicle manufacturers generally recommend coolant changes every 30,000 miles or every two to three years.  There are also “extended life” coolants that are designed to last 100,000 miles or five years.  But be aware that these “extended life” coolants only provide extended life when used in a clean system mixed with water.  If they are mixed with regular antifreeze or old antifreeze in a system, the corrosion protection is reduced to that of regular antifreeze.

If you are unsure as to whether or not the antifreeze/coolant needs to be changed you can have your service center test it to determine its condition.

Transmission Trouble

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Has your car lost its get up and go?  Here are five things to look for if you think your car might have transmission trouble.

  1. Lack of Response- Your car shouldn’t hesitate when shifting or refuse to go into gear.  If the engine speeds up when you step on the gas pedal but the car doesn’t, or if the car’s passing gear won’t engage, those could be signs of trouble.
  2. Whining, Clunking or Humming- Your car should shift quietly when it’s running correctly.  The sounds can vary but you should have your car checked if you notice new noises that can begin irregularly then grow in frequency.  If caught early you can avoid costly repairs.
  3. Grinding or Shaking- Your car should shift smoothly from gear to gear.  If you are experiencing any jarring or shimmying when your car shifts you might have transmission trouble.
  4. Check Engine Light- Newer cars have sensors that pick-up small irregularities in the engine and notify the computer that something is wrong.  These sensors can detect vibrations and early problems that you can’t even feel or see.  The check engine light can  also alert you to other issues that might be going on with your car.
  5. Leaking Fluid- Transmission fluid is vital to your car’s shifting ability and should be checked regularly.  The transmission fluid should be bright red, clear and smell sweet if parts are working correctly.  The fluid shouldn’t be dark in color or have a burnt smell.  Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid isn’t burned up so if the fluid level is low it is very possible you could have a leak.  The transmission fluid runs through a filter to help keep it clean.  This  filter should  be replaced according to your manufacturers recommendations so it doesn’t become clogged.   

Just being aware of the signs of possible transmission trouble and looking out for them can help you keep your car on the road and running smoothly.

Do You Need New Brake Pads?

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Brakes are one of, if not the most important safety devices on your car!  They should be maintained and inspected regularly to insure your safety and the safety of your passengers.  There is a simple way to determine if you need new brake pads.  Just stop, look and listen!  If your car doesn’t stop when you press on the brake pedal, that is a sign you might  need new brake pads!   If your car pulls to one side or the other when braking, or if the brakes grab or vibrate, those are also signs you might  need new brake pads.   Look at the brake pads. In order to really see the condition of the brake pads the wheels on the car need to be removed.  If the pad depth is less than 1/4 inch, they need to be replaced soon.  If you don’t trust your own judgment have them inspected by a professional. When the safety of your family is riding on your decision, don’t take chances.   Listen for a high pitched squeal.  Manufacturers have built a soft-metal wear indicator into the brakes to alert the driver when the brake pads need changing.  Unfortunately, if you hear a grinding sound that means the brake pad replacement is long overdue and the worn brake pads may have damaged the brake rotors.  Replacing your rotors can be a very costly job; so don’t let your brake pads get to this point!

We are quickly approaching the time of year when snow is a good possibility and no one wants to be driving in the snow with brakes that might not work!  So have your brake pads checked and replaced if needed.  You’ll be glad you did!

Finding a Good Auto Repair Shop

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None of us want to be looking for an auto repair shop when our car is in need of major repairs, but finding a good repair shop can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming!  Here are some tips to help you find a good auto repair shop. 

  1. Ask trusted friends, family and co-workers if they know a reputable repair shop.  Word of mouth is usually the best form of advertisement.  Ask them if the service they received was done on time and at the quoted price.  Following the advice of people you trust is always wise.
  2. Check consumer reports online. The internet is a good source of information and you can find other opinions regarding certain auto repair shops, whether the experience was good or bad.
  3. Check with the Better Business Bureau.  Once you find a shop you are interested in trying, they can tell you if there have been any reports filed against them.  Simply log onto www.betterbusinessbureau.com for information free of charge.
  4. Ask about the mechanics training and credentials. Most mechanics will have a general certification and some mechanics have gone on to specialize in certain fields.
  5. Compare rates.  There can be significant price differences between auto repair shops when it comes to parts and labor.  Make sure you know and are comfortable with what you will be charged for their services.
  6. On your first visit to your chosen repair shop, look for a clean well-organized work area and office. This will give you an idea as to how they run their business.   Do you expect to get good and dependable service if the place is a mess?

Once you find a good auto repair shop and are pleased with your  decision, let them know!  We so often complain about the things we don’t like but fail to mention the things we do!  Tell your repair shop when you’re happy with them and don’t forget to say a simple thank you when you pick up your car.  A few kind words can change a “good” auto repair shop into a “Great” one!

Brakes Service

Oil Change

Suspension

Transmision Service

Engine Service

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