Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving

15 October 2019

Winters can be harsh and treacherous for drivers. No matter how skilled of a driver you may be, the snow and ice from a severe storm can put your safety at risk. winter weather drivingWhether you lose control, or another driver around you do, slick roads and poor visibility increase the chances of you being in an accident if you are not prepared.

For those that live with winter weather every year, there is a schedule that needs to be followed to prep your vehicle going into and out of the season. With winter conditions being dangerous, it’s not safe to rely on your regular summer setup.

Being proactive and getting your vehicle ready for the snow can help you stay safe and keep your family and other drivers safer too. Proper vehicle outfitting can help you stay firmly on the road during those harsh winter storms. Check out the tips below for how to get your car ready for the winter season.

Winter Tires

All-season or summer tires are the most recommended for vehicles that are driven in warmer weather. However, if you live in a part of the country that has significant snowfall, you are better off to switch out your all-seasons for snow tires. They can give you better grip and security on slick roads. Never rely on summer tires to get you through the harsh weather of a northern winter. Make sure you get your tires switched late in the fall so they are ready for any early storms.

Wipers

Visibility is key when you are driving in winter conditions. With snow, sleet and vehicle splashback making it tough to see where you are going, you want to make sure that you have the best wipers in your car. In the autumn, take stock of the condition of your current wipers and if they need to be replaced, you should do it before it’s already winter.

According to this article by Fleming Attorneys flemingattorneys.com, distraction is the leading cause of car accidents. If you can’t see clearly ahead of you, accidents will surely happen. So have your wipers fixed early and be ready for any blizzard that comes your way.

Snow Brush

There is nothing more frustrating than coming out to your vehicle and seeing it buried under several inches of snow. Always have a good quality snow brush stowed in your car for these occasions. An adjustable handle snow brush can help you quickly clear off all areas of your car with ease. Make sure that one end of your brush is equipped with an ice chipper to help you get your windshield cleared of any frosty buildup.

Fluids & Oil

You may not give the inner workings of your car much thought, but the fluids in your vehicle are no different than your own life’s blood. Keep an eye on your antifreeze and oil levels throughout the season. There are several cold weather blends of oil and antifreeze that can help protect your engine from damaging frigid temperatures. You should consider keeping backup bottles in the vehicle in case you run out at the worst possible time.

First Aid Kit

No matter where you live, you should always have a vehicle first aid kit in your car. With the chances of getting stranded much higher in the winter months, a first aid kit including a thermal blanket can make all the difference in a harsh survival situation. Make sure to have bandages, fever and pain medication and even emergency snacks stowed in your kit at all times.

Safety is the number one priority during winter driving. It is important that you prep your car to avoid accidents due to bad weather.

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Dangers of texting and driving for teens

Why Texting Is Not A Good Idea When You Drive

“Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year From accidents caused by texting while driving.” - National Safety Council, USA (2018 Study) Why Texting and Driving are Dangerous: The rise of social media and the necessity of being connected 24x7 have given rise to many problems. One of the biggest of them all are the dangers associated with driving when you are texting. Youngsters and especially teenagers are the biggest risk takers when it comes to these hazards. The use of WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Instagram Chat all act as sources of distractions. According to a Study by the National Safety Council, nearly 400,000 dangerous accidents occur each year because of texting. Teenagers and Texting on Roads: The problem of texting while driving is not restricted to teenagers. However, they are affected by it the most. The fear of losing out to something interesting is so great that even though many acknowledge the dangers of driving and texting, they cannot stop. Let us look at some numbers when it comes to dangers of texting and driving for teens According to the American Automobile Association (AAA): Over 95% of teenagers are aware of the risks associated with driving and texting. However, more than 35% were arrogant enough to say that they keep on doing it. The number of teenagers involved in fatal accidents who had been using their mobile phones was over 21%. Compared with their adult counterparts, teenagers were more likely to be involved in texting and driving accidents by 4x times. If there are other occupants in the car, the probability of a texting and driving accident increase by 5x times. How Counselling by Parents can Control this Dangerous Epidemic? While teenagers are to be blamed for this reckless activity, many experts feel that their parents should impart this basic understanding of the dangers to them. It is very important for parents to set a good example for their teenage children while using an automobile. Kids often pick up the habits of their elders. This includes the use of a cell phone while driving. If you are a parent, you should avoid using cell phones while you are driving with your kids. Unless it is a very important call, or a text, or an email, you should not address it. Even if you have to, pull over to a safe side of the road, bring the car to an idle, and then engage on your cell phone. This will make your kid understand from a very young age about good habits and practices. It is also a good idea to set some ground rules for your kids when it comes to driving. Teenagers are very safe when it comes to taking their rights away. You can tell them that if they are caught using their cell phones while driving, they will not be allowed anywhere near the car for a month. The quantum of punishment can wary, but parents need to be tough, in order to protect their children. Dangers of Texting and Driving: The Final Word Due to the changed rules of society and social media, teenagers are already under a lot of stress. They have self-doubt issues, depression, and other pressures. All these play a role when it comes to their driving. It is imperative for parents to talk to their kids and tell them that answering a text after five minutes would not change a thing. The need to be always updated to social happenings is not more important than their lives. No one is invincible, and talking about statistics of the dangers will help them understand the problem better. If you are a parent, you need to start setting examples and ground rules for your children. Read Also: Best New Cars For Teenagers 7 Reasons Why Teenagers Pay Extra For Car Insurance The Effects Of Drinking And Driving Under The Legal Age Of 21

Freight Factoring is Solving Common Trucking Challenges

According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), U.S. freight volume has risen 4.2% in 2008, fuelled in no small part by a manufacturing industry rebound as well as a healthy economy. ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello says that the growth rate is expected to ease to 2.3% per year from 2019 through 2024. This growth rate, however, will offer very little relief to shippers who still struggle with a driver shortage. According to Fortune, this lack of qualified drivers many trucking companies competing for the same small pool of workers, with some companies complaining that only 1% to 2% of applicants meet the necessary requirements. This shortage is creating a noticeable ripple effect, as companies vying for workers who meet the necessary qualifications are offering much higher pay and signing bonuses. According to the ATA, the median pay for drivers in this category is $59,000, while experienced drivers working for private fleets see as much as $86,000 a year. Trucking companies are paying more than ever to secure capable drivers, and when you combine these expenses with rising fuel and maintenance costs it’s no wonder that so many owners experience frequent cash flow issues. It’s obvious why the trucking industry is considered to be a challenging one. The good news for owners is freight factoring has become an increasingly popular and mainstream financial solution to accessing immediate funding. Freight factoring is an arrangement between a factoring company and a trucking company, in which both parties benefit. A trucking company sells its unpaid invoices at a discounted rate to a factoring company in exchange for a cash advance, allowing them to meet their expenses. The factoring company charges a nominal fee while holding a percentage of the invoice amount in reserve. The factoring company, as part of its service, collects on the invoice from the original customer, and when they do, the percentage held in reserve is remitted. Click here to learn more about the ins and outs of invoice factoring and how it can help your trucking company thrive in challenging times. This straightforward arrangement solves an ever-present cash flow issue that many trucking companies face. By factoring invoices, owners have access to cash they need to pay their drivers and meet other costs, while no longer sinking valuable time into making collections and tracking down payments. Without freight factoring, trucking companies are at the mercy of slow-paying customers and will wait 30 to 60 or even 90 days to receive much-needed payment for deliveries they’ve already made. Freight factoring from a reliable company such as Accutrac Capital provides a much-needed cash flow surge to: Start-up operations High-growth companies with insufficient working capital Companies in transition Companies experiencing a tough year or experiencing a change of ownership In a world where overhead costs — such as rising driver wages — can outpace cash on hand, factoring restores the value of overdue invoices and frees trucking company owners to concentrate on growth and customer service, rather than worrying about chasing down payments. If you run a small trucking company or a nationwide fleet, freight factoring could be the cash flow solution you’ve been looking for. Read Also: Top Tips To Know For Renting Flatbed Trailer

Top 10 Signs You Might Need Auto Repair Services

Is your car having difficulty starting up? Is it chugging and blowing out smoke? Which kind of problem can you do yourself and which ones should alert you it's time to visit a mechanic ship? Knowing when to get your car checked by auto repair services can make it cheaper for you. After all, if you put it off, the damage might take a turn for the worse and make you spend more. Take note that automotive repair costs United States drivers $50 billion a year, so if you want to save as much money as possible, you need to care for your car properly. Here are ten signs your car needs a tune-up: 1. Check Engine Light is On: A check engine light isn't a cause for concern when it's lit--a flashing one is a major indicator of a problem. It could mean that there's something wrong within any components and systems monitored by your car's computer. However, as long as the light is on, you must have the engine checked sometime soon. If you want to know more about scheduled Subaru maintenance, you can read more here. Otherwise, when an engine-like symbol glows in your dash, you need to get the engine checked as soon as possible. It might be an issue with the emissions system, which can give serious damage to your catalytic converter. 2. Smoke Out of the Hood: Vehicles must never have any type of smoke coming out from under their hood. If you see this, it's a sure sign of overheating. This can give serious damage to your car's engine if you continue driving without addressing the issue. Look at the dash and make sure to check the temperature gauge on a regular basis. Make sure that it isn't giving way for whatever reason. It's important that you pull over when you're driving since it allows you to let it cool down and call an automotive repair service for assistance. Another reason is that you're leaking coolant liquids from the radiator, hose, or gasket. This is especially true when the white smoke comes from the car's engine compartment. 3. Transmission Issues: When you're driving, take note of the way your car operates in a normal situation. Ask yourself these questions: Is it difficult for the car to achieve speed? Does it surge or give off odd sounds when operating? If you answer yes to these questions, you need to get car repair services. Without professional service repairs, you could get into an accident while on the road. This creates a dangerous situation for you and your kids. There might be a recurring transmission problem with your vehicle. Taking it to an automotive repair shop fixes the problem with the use of the latest technologies available. It's necessary for you to do this as soon as you can to avoid spending more in the future. 4. Excessive Smoke and Noise from Exhaust: Pay attention to the sounds your car makes when you're driving. The type of noise you hear will dictate the kind of possible problem. For example, if you hear hissing sounds from the exhaust, it's possible that its manifold or pipe has a crack. Chugging noises can mean that the exhaust system has a blockage. Meanwhile, rattling sounds underneath your car can mean that the exhaust system is suffering from misalignment. These sounds are good indicators that it’s time to change the exhaust system you can visit goblackops.com.au as they provide high-performance systems at reliable prices. As for excessive smoke, one possible reason is that you have an oil leak, especially when a burning smell accompanies it. In cold winter months, you might notice that there's more white smoke when you first start your car. This isn't a cause for alarm because it's only water vapor coming out of the exhaust system--they'll disappear once the temperature of the engine increases. But when you're driving and see too much smoke from the exhaust, it's best to go to a repair shop first. The same is true if you check your car's bumper area and notice a black residue near the area of the exhaust pipe. 5. Gas Mileage Decreases: If your car experiences a sudden drop in its gas mileage, you need to schedule routine maintenance as soon as you can. This could mean that you'll need to fill up its gas tank more often. The reason why this is urgent is due to the fact that you want to save as much money as possible for the gas, especially now that a barrel of oil is at $70. One of the main reasons behind this might be a bad fuel injector or a dirty fuel filter. It might also mean that there's a problem with the spark plugs. Either way, it requires your utmost attention and the help of professionals. 6. Difficulty Starting Vehicle: When getting into trips, do you find it difficult to make your vehicle startup? If your answer is yes, then it might be a good time for you to visit a repair shop for a tune-up. You need to do this as soon as possible especially when you're having a difficult time turning over right when you're trying to make it start. Another possible reason is that you're trying to start it while the engine is hot from the outside weather. It's related to the car's fuel, especially since a hot engine makes it harder for fuel to circulate because of the blocking vapor. In a worst-case scenario, the car won't even start. Remember, even after you shut the engine, it will still get hot for a short while. During this time, water vapor will spread around, obstructing the engine from circulating fuel. 7. Excessive Leaks: Noises and leaks are two of the most common problems for 2017 car models. You need to take your car to the nearest mechanic if it has major leaks underneath. If you're checking for leaks, the most common location is toward the car's front, where you might see different-colored liquids. If the liquid is bright green, it's the coolant leaking. Otherwise, dark red or brown liquids can either be transmission oil, brake fluid, or engine oil. But if it's only plain water, don't worry--it's the normal result of the air conditioner running during warm summer months. 8. Signs of Rust: When you see rust on your car, you need to remove it fast regardless of whether you do it on your own or let professionals help you. When left alone, a single rust spot can grow fast and cause a structural problem if it reaches a certain size. Deal with it fast since most states will never pass inspections if they have rust holes in the body. It's especially needed if you bought a secondhand car. It doesn't matter if the spot is small or it's located in an unimportant part of the car body. You need to eliminate it as soon as you see it. To do this in an effective manner, you need to understand the most problematic areas in your car as well as the methods you need to address the problem. 9. Vehicle Shakes or Jumps : When you experience this, it's a sign of a performance issue. It might be a good time for you to take your car for a tune-up. Take it for a test drive on a shop or make an appointment so you don't end up stalling in a place you'd rather not be in. Always remember that a driving experience should be free from shaking or jumping. After all, the probable cause of this problem is within the car's engine. It might be due to clogged fuel lines or filters, as well as bad spark plugs. Again, you need to fix this problem as soon as possible since it hinders your vehicle's acceleration most of the time. It might even give out in the most unpleasant situations, like merging onto a highway while fast-going vehicles are behind you. You can prevent it by changing the oil regularly as well as replacing the belts at certain intervals. 10. Squealing When Turning: Experiencing this while driving is another good reason to visit an auto shop and get a tune-up for your car. It's possible that some of the important fluids your car needs are approaching dangerously low levels that need urgent refills. Another reason for the squeals is that the car might have a leak, meaning that replacing the liquids isn't a definite way to fix your problem. Aside from squealing, your vehicle might emit a jerking feeling when you're shifting. It's especially noticeable when you're shifting into drive. If this happens, you might need to get a new transmission filter and liquid to fix this problem. Failing to do this early, you might need to spend more money on a new transmission system. Discover More Auto Repair Tips Today: With these auto repair tips, you'll know when you have to bring your car in for a checkup. It's always safer to hire professionals when getting a tune-up or when it's time to replace old car parts. But don't stop here. There are more great car service tips for you to discover. Visit us today and read some of our other guides to ensure you drive safely, like this post about the safety of self-driving cars. Read Also : 5 Signs Your Car Needs A Tune-Up There Is A Pothole Problem In America – How To Protect Your Car From Damage? 5 Ways To Avoid The Rip Off While Buying A Used Car

Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving

Winter Tires

Wipers

Snow Brush

Fluids & Oil

First Aid Kit

Effect of Australia’s New Inland Rail on the Trucking Industry

Knowing Your Vehicle: 5 Maintenance Tips for Porsche Owners

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Why Texting Is Not A Good Idea When You Drive

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Top 10 Signs You Might Need Auto Repair Services

Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving

Winter Tires

Wipers

Snow Brush

Fluids & Oil

First Aid Kit

Share this Article

Effect of Australia’s New Inland Rail on the Trucking Industry

Knowing Your Vehicle: 5 Maintenance Tips for Porsche Owners

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

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