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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Tie Downs: Are They Effective at Load Restraining?

Unrestrained loads are one of the biggest causes of accidents on our roads today. This is why ensuring your load is safely secured is paramount before embarking on a journey. Forget the short cuts: A thorough job –with the right equipment—is crucial if you expect to reach your destination with your cargo intact. But what can you use to secure your load? There are many options at your disposal from nets to corner plates. However, we believe straps—ratchet tie downs in particular—are extremely effective at securing loads. We’ll outline all you need to know about these units including the different types so you’re prepared for your next journey. Why Bother With Tie Downs For Effective Load Restraining? Is this a priority? Maybe the following scenarios resulting from not utilizing them will shed some light as to their importance: Accidents: It may cause trucks to overturn because of the unbalanced weight distribution of the load in question. Damage to property: This includes either damage to your vehicle as well as the cargo being transported. Loss of lives: Injuries are likely to occur when these kinds of accidents happen. In worst case scenarios, it can lead to loss of lives whether it’s yourself, other motorists or pedestrians in the vicinity. Types of Tie Downs The one you pick will depend on the gear and load you’re hauling. However, these are the five most common types. Ratchet Tie Down Straps: These are by far the most popular among most fleet owners. We suppose the fact that they’re deemed the most secure way to tie down heavy loads has something to do with it. They are known to provide the most strength and security, especially for the larger loads. Just make sure you check the load rating of the straps before you use them on something heavy. Plus they’re quite versatile as load restraints in many scenarios: You can use them either on the trailer, roof rack or bed of your truck. The downside to using this type is they’ll probably take you some time to figure out how they work. Note that given the nature of the hardware, we can’t entirely eliminate the risk of them damaging your load in transit. But for their effective performance, we think they are worth trying out. Lashing Straps: If you find the cost of the ratchet straps too steep, you can opt for the lashing straps. Not only are they less expensive options but you’ll appreciate that they’re easy to use. They’re the ideal pick for the lighter loads such as securing surfboards or plastic cargo bins. Two things you don’t have to worry about are these lashing straps crushing or damaging your cargo. Bungee Cords: One thing you’ll appreciate about this type is the versatility. You can use it to wrap cargo of all types and sizes. However, you can only use them to secure very lightweight items such as plastic items. Nylon Ropes: This is also another inexpensive option. The trick lies in mastering how to tie more than a couple of knots. You can consider learning the power hitch: The good thing about this knot is you can use it in almost every situation. Stratchits: Last but definitely not least on our list are Stratchits. These are by far the easiest tie downs to use when securing your cargo. Also, you get the best of both worlds: The strength and user-friendliness associated with lashing straps plus the versatility that comes with bungee cords. Another thing is they are adjustable: They can be adjusted from anything between 22” to 63”. Have any chairs or bicycles you want to transport? You can consider these and they’ll work just fine. What Determines the Number of Tie Downs You Use? When dealing with tie downs it’s important to note just how many to use to effectively secure your load. It’s really not about how many you can find just before embarking your trip: There are rules involved. Generally, the number will depend on the length and weight of cargo you’re transporting as stated below. When to Use One Tie Down It’s very possible to use only one tie down but only when your cargo is: Shorter than 5ft Weighs less than 1100lb When to Use Two Tie Downs Two tie downs can be used in the following scenarios: Cargo is 5ft or shorter and weighs more than 1100lb If it’s longer than 5ft but definitely not longer than 10ft When to Use Four Tie Downs You can use a minimum of four tie downs if your cargo is heavier than 10000lb. Additional tie downs can be used if your cargo is at least 10ft or longer. It’s strongly advisable to add one tie down for every additional 10ft just for reinforcement. Regardless of the number of tie downs you use, it’s in your best interests to always check the number of tie downs you need before carrying your load. Not only that but are they in a satisfactory condition? Always make sure of that for optimum performance. Final Words It’s pretty clear: Tie downs are pretty effective at securing loads. You just have to pick what matches your vehicle, load and not forgetting your budget. The most important thing is that you invest in one to avoid any unnecessary accidents. Your decisions determine whether you stay in control during your journey. Read Also: 4 Things You Need To Know About Commercial Truck Insurance Why You Need To Choose High-Quality Spare Parts For Your Truck

Benefits With Riding A Single Speed Bike in the City

Are you tired of trying to find a parking spot in the city? Well, single-speed bikes are becoming a popular means of transportation in big cities. Single speeds are ideal for leisure biking enthusiasts and more advanced racing cyclists. Would you like to know about the benefits associated with riding one of these bicycles in the city? Here Is A list of the Most Prominent Advantages Single-speed bicycles are easier to use than gears. Needs very little maintenance. Are less expensive than other bikes. Provide easy uphill traveling. Are lightweight and highly durable. Make for a smooth ride, including coasting along roadways. Single Speed Bikes VS Mountain Bikes Deciding on a single-speed or multiple-gear bike depends on one's personal intentions. And is a choice that is further compounded by the various options which fall under each category. Bicycles are becoming a popular method of transportation in today's world. Helping people to stay physically fit and eliminates the frustration of commuter congestion. Multi-Gear Bicycles: For those who enjoy riding through forests and along nature trails. A mountain bicycle is set with lower gears that are perfect for rough terrain. These gears allow riders an option to choose what ratio of Pedal-power propels the bicycle forward. Through the use of adjusting chains, allowing one to travel over various kinds of terrain. Multi-gear Mountain bikes have what it takes for moving across undulating landscapes. And their low-gear setting provides a smooth uphill climb. As the bicycle travels downhill the higher gears allow it to pick up speed. Giving it the ability to cover more ground. Most multi-gear mountain bikes range from three, thirty, and higher. Due to the need to handle both hilly surfaces and distance; they have a greater amount of gears. Single Speed Bicycles: For someone looking to commute around the city; a single-speed bike works the best. As its name suggests, a single-gear bicycle only has one gear. In other words, the rider utilizes that one single gear by itself! There is a braking mechanism, but single-speed bikes don't have the added gears for an uphill climb. Thus, working the best on flat terrains and surfaces. Making them a favorite bike for city riding. The Pros & Cons Of Single Speed Bikes Before you go out and buy a single-speed commuter bike, it's best to first weigh the pros and cons. Such as the various price ranges; starting out at $150 up to $2,000. Even if you're a newbie to single-speed bikes, this guide will give you a better understanding. The Pros Of Single Speed Bicycles Simplicity: Practical bike riders prefer something affordable that's capable of getting them from point A to point B. Single-speed bicycles allow you to travel through the city with ease. Without worrying about shifting gears. The simplicity of these bikes also means a smoother ride. Single Speed Bicycles Are Excellent For City Riding: Have you ever attempted to maneuver a mountain bike down a narrow city street? The many backbreaking potholes. But, a single-speed bike makes your riding experience more pleasant. Great Leg Shapers: Do you want a hardcore leg workout and an improvement in health? A single-speed bike is exactly what you're looking for! They are ideal for long-distance traveling. Thus, helping to improve your muscle tone while riding. The Cons Of Single Speed Bikes Don't Climb Hills Well: The one major disadvantage with a speed bike is uphill climbing! Though traveling Downhill can also be challenging. For instance, you will have to keep pedaling even while going downhill. Single Speed Bike Features: Features may vary depending on the bike. Below are some of the more popular ones. Bullhorn Handlebars Pro-Max Brakes A Protek Crank Horizontal Dropouts KMC Chain Hand-Built Steel Frame Frequently Asked Questions: What is a fixed gear bike? Fixed gear uses a special track or fixed cog. Which are located on the back hub? Thus, because there's no freewheel, your legs are in control! Why don't single-speed bikes have any gears? Putting gears on the bike would complicate its performance quality! Is it easy to mount and dismount a single-speed bike? Single-speed bicycles can be mounted just like a regular bike! Final Verdict: As you can see, single-speed bikes are a great concept for city riding. Plus, they also will help to save you time and money in the long run! Read Also: Is Capital Goods A Good Career Path In 2021? Best Paying Jobs In Energy

How to Check If Your Car Tires Are Good

Around this time every year, car owners start to think about their tires. Should you change your tires now or wait until spring? Even if you’re ready to make that decision, how can you tell if your tires are in good condition? Many factors contribute to the condition of your wheels. Do you frequently drive into potholes? Have you considered the climate? For instance, winter tires wear faster than regular ones. Even if you hardly drive your car, how do you store the tires? Elements like age and heat can damage your tires regardless of usage. They technically start wearing out the second you drive out of the tire shop. Leaving your tires until next season can weaken their function. Avoid waiting until they burst in traffic before taking the necessary steps. Instead, get new tires as replacements when you notice the old ones start to deteriorate. Find out how to check if your car tires are good with these guidelines. Check the Tread Depth Just as your workout shoes wear out after several runs, your tires also take a beating after each drive. Regular car tires have different patterns marked on the surface. They also have deep ridges that help drivers grip the road while in motion. The tread depth measures the vertical length from the tire surface to the bottom of each tread. New tires have a tread depth of 10/32 inches. The longer you drive, the shallower the depth. The standard for used tires is 6/32 inches. Do your tire patterns feel smoother than usual? The tread depth is an easy DIY method to determine if you still have good tires. You can calculate the measurement in two ways using the tread depth gauge or silver coin. For the second test, insert a dollar coin into one of the grooves with the icon’s head facing down. If you can spot the entire part of the head, consider replacing your tires. However, the gauge is the most efficient method since it provides accurate measurements. A value lower than 5/32 indicates that you no longer have good tires. Similar Reads: Surprising Luxurious Car Designs How Old Are The Tires? Many drivers hold a sentimental value to tires that come with their cars. So they hold on to them longer than they should. Even if you don’t drive frequently, your tires have a fixed lifespan of five years. Rubber starts to decompose after a few years, regardless of the condition. Storing your tires through the winter could further damage them. You can determine the tire’s age by observing the four numbers imprinted on it called the DOT number. They contain relevant information like the week and year of manufacture. The first two numbers represent the week, while the last two indicate the year. A recent manufacture date aging not up to five years means you still have good tires. Tire Inflation Tires deflate slowly after each drive, as they lose up to one pound per square inch (psi) on average. Proper tire pressure keeps them inflated and lowers your fuel usage. Is your car consuming more fuel than usual? You might need to check if there’s adequate air in your tires. Since different cars have designated inflation pressure values of about 32 - 35 psi, you’ll need a pressure gauge. You can also find this measurement on the sticker behind your driver’s seat. Leave your car to rest for at least three hours and insert the gauge into the valve stem. If you get a higher number, let out the air until you get the correct value. For lower pressure, consult your mechanic to find out if you need new tires. Similar Reads: Major Car Maintenance Tips Evaluate The Motor Oil Have you noticed multiple signs of wear and tear on other vehicle parts? There’s a chance your engine oil needs replacement. The motor oil lubricates the engine parts and helps you have a smoother drive. Dirty oil impedes the engine’s functions and strains the wheel while driving. The more you struggle to steer, the worse the damage to your tires. Physical Condition As mentioned earlier, rubber decomposes after its set lifespan. Another way to determine the car’s tire quality is to inspect its physical condition. Do you feel bumps and scrapes on the tread wall? Even if you don’t find blisters, lookout for signs of rot like cracks and discoloration. The cuts resemble veins and make your tires look brittle. Avoid driving with decomposed tires since they lose air pressure. Wheel Balance Unless you’re driving over endless potholes, your car shouldn’t vibrate in traffic. Maybe you have a deep tread in your tires. But that doesn’t explain why you keep losing control of the steering wheel. Occurrences like this mean you possibly have damaged tires. To determine if you still have good tires, have your mechanic check out the wheel balance. Read Also: Rochester Buick GMC Buying Tips When Wanting A New Car The Decline of Cars Sales Has Led to an Increase of Motorcycles in the UK How To Choose The Best Wheels And Tires For Your Vehicle 2022 Car Models Drivers Crave – What’s on Your Radar?

Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving

Winter Tires

Wipers

Snow Brush

Fluids & Oil

First Aid Kit

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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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Tie Downs: Are They Effective at Load Restraining?

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Prepping Your Vehicle For Winter Weather Driving

Winter Tires

Wipers

Snow Brush

Fluids & Oil

First Aid Kit

Share this Article

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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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