6 Simple Tips to Stay Safe on the Roads

Can you believe that we're already coming to the last long weekend of the summer? It feels like just a week ago we were all saying "I'm so happy that summer has finally arrived". Being the last long weekend of the summer, do you think that drivers become less aware of their surroundings? Are they worse drivers? What we do know is that there are A LOT of people on the roads, taking their families on road trips to the cottage, camping, and other events and attractions. We want you to be safe this Labour Day long weekend. As we look ahead and prepare for the coming school year, here are 6 tips to keep you and your loved ones safe on the roads.

1. Make sure that you're well rested.

If you're tired, DO NOT drive. Either pull over and take a quick nap, or let your significant other drive and catch some shut-eye in the passenger seat. The consequences of falling asleep while driving can be disastrous, and it's not worth the risk. Tired drivers also often make bad judgements. Consider it a form of impairment. You wouldn't drive drunk. Don't drive tired!

2. Follow all traffic signals and speed limits

Go with the flow of the traffic. Don't be that one person weaving in and out of traffic in order to "make better time", or the slow poke jamming up traffic. Both types of drivers are major causes of collisions. Keep in mind that the police will be out to ensure that everyone is obeying all speed limits and laws.

3. Stay focuses, and turn your phone off (or put it on mute)

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of collisions these days. If you absolutely must make a phone call or read or send a text message, pull over. Anything that takes your full concentration away from the road should be dealt with before continuing to drive. Also, check out some of the apps that automatically reply to text messages, telling the sender that you're driving and will reply to their text later.

4. Stay sober!

If you plan on drinking, make sure that your celebrations include a designated driver. Impaired driving of any sort is NOT tolerated. If you think that you might have had too much to drink to be able to drive, you've already answered your own question. It's not worth the risk of losing your license, or worse yet, hurting yourself, a love one, or someone else on the roads.

5. Consider all traffic and road conditions

Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you. If it's raining, extend the distance between the vehicles. Avoid hitting the gas or brakes too hard that could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Drive defensively, and be extra careful in bad weather. If the weather is bad, don't rush. Plan to leave slightly earlier and allow for some extra stops.

6. Inspect your vehicle

Before leaving on your road trip, take some extra time to check your vehicle's fluid levels, wipers, tire pressure, and tread wear. Also don't forget to bring your jumper cables, blankets, batteries, flashlight, radio, first aid kit, and some non-perishable foods like bottled water, nuts, and granola bars.

Tips On How To Care For Your Car During The Winter

The winter season brings with it heavy snow, icy roads, salted streets and freezing temperatures. Driving and taking care of a car during the winter season can be a challenge. There a few things you can do to care for your vehicle so that it will remain in excellent condition during the cold winter months.

One of the main hazards associated with driving during the winter is less daylight because the sun sets earlier. For this reason, you should do your best to ensure that the lights of your car are in good condition so that they will provide the best possible illumination. If you notice that a bulb is not working, fix it immediately. If snow is covering any light, remove it before driving to any location. If the headlights of your vehicle are yellow or foggy, you should replace them.

Another important feature to consider is the battery. It is more difficult for batteries to operate in cold weather. Therefore, a battery that is merely weak during the hot season could fail to function completely during the winter. Ideally, you should have a volt test carried out on your battery before the winter begins to ensure that it is still in good working order. If it is not working properly, make sure that you purchase a new battery so that you will not have to worry about being stranded in a vehicle that does not start.

The coolant is also vital for your vehicle during the cold season. It prevents the engine from freezing due to cold temperatures. It is essential to check the level of coolant in your automobile to ensure that it is not low. You should also ensure that there are no leaks in the engine that could cause the antifreeze to drain out.

During the winter, you should also try to keep the level of washer fluid and gasoline full. Keeping the gasoline tank full can prevent accumulated water from condensing inside the fuel pump. It can also help you remain warm in the event that you get stuck. Keeping the windshield reservoir full is also essential because road debris from snowstorms can necessitate constant windshield washing in order to see where you are going.

Installing winter tires is also essential. They will help you a lot when you are turning and breaking on the slippery road surface. Winter tires are able to stay more flexible at low temperatures. They can offer improved traction whenever you want to stop and turn on cold pavements, even if there is snow on the ground.

Keeping track of your tire pressure is also essential. As the temperature drops, the tire pressure can also drop. If you drive around with low tire pressure, the tires may wear prematurely or the tread may separate. This has the potential to cause a serious accident. Vehicles also handle less predictably when the tires are under inflated.

It is also essential to keep your vehicle clean. There are several car wash options available, including self service facilities and mobile car detailing services. If you are not interested in washing your car yourself, you can use professional car washing services. The service providers will clean the interiors and exteriors of your vehicle to leave it spotlessly clean and odor free.

Winter Driving Emergency Essential Tips

Every Winter season, we see people on the news who have been hurt or killed due to hazardous winter driving conditions. When we're out and about in our vehicles, the weather can change from minute to minute during any season, but especially during the Wintertime. If the conditions aren't good, it's always best to simply not drive, if at all possible. This is the best way to stay safe, but here are some tips for keeping safe if you absolutely must be on the road this Winter.

Get Weather Updates

Before you head out, it's absolutely critical that you check the latest weather updates. You'll get the most up to date weather if you check a weather app on your phone, tablet or other device. Try setting up the app to send you alerts when there are any advisories or warnings in your area. These alerts could save your life, or at least help you to avoid unnecessary problems.

You should also have a weather radio in your car, along with some extra batteries. A good weather radio will get a signal in areas where AM or FM signals may be quite weak. You'll want to have a weather radio in case your cell phone battery runs out.

Be Prepared

Some essential winter safety supplies include LED flashlights, extra water, extra food, blankets, batteries for the flashlights and candles. Here's a handy trick to keep you warm in your car if you get stuck in the snow. Keep a candle in the vehicle as well as a lighter or some matches. If you light a candle, even just a small one, it will warm up your whole car to a tolerable temperature for as long as it burns.

No matter how beautiful it may look, snow can be treacherous. You should make sure to have essentials for driving in the snow, such as chains and/or snow tires and some tools to help you dig out of the snow and scrape the snow off your vehicle if you get stuck.

Things To Watch For

Black ice is a big danger in the Wintertime. Black ice forms when water is on the ground, but then it freezes. Black ice is pretty much invisible and will cause your tires to slip. Even more hazardous is when snow gathers on top of the black ice, making it even more difficult to steer out of.

Parking Tips And Tricks To Help Ease Your Parking Problems

Cities feature complex spatial structures. The complexity increases with the city size and also is the main reason for disruptions. The transport system efficiency causes congestion in plaguing cities. Thus the main urban problem relates to the parking issue.

Parking problems happen owing to the well-known fact which is lack of space. Illegal parking is a big menace hindering businesses. In this way, customers are incapable of parking vehicles and thus results in heavy congestion. Nevertheless, parking is a serious matter, especially if you are driving your personal vehicle and this is a responsibility as you have to look for parking space.

Here are a few tips that help

· Check if all the doors of your car are locked and also do not forget to switch-off the head lights and the air conditioner. If you keep the headlights on and walk away, the battery is sure to get drained off and on your return starting your car becomes a problem.

· Look for brightly lit areas for parking so that your car is safe. Keep away from narrow lanes. in case you park under a tree, bear in mind the tree must be small and should be able to withstand storm or wind.

· Airport parking is no less than a gamble. if you have to catch a flight and if you are going in a car, all the way your mind is occupied with worry, if there will place to park and above all when you return will the belongings and the care be in the right place.

· Airport parking has everything one may ever expect for. They offer customer service amenities and thus permit any traveler to park and fly peacefully. There are nearby places adjacent to the terminals to park towards the off-site. It is referred to as MDW; you can look for this booking online when you are in a rental car or even on a flight.

· Some services offered include pre-booking online service to log on and assure a parking spot with a mouse click. Airport parking provides essential airport services such as affordable short and long-term parking, luggage assistance, secured lots offering surveillance of 24 hour, free shuttle services, discounted rates and also offers the option to leave your keys behind such that it will be picked up and upon arrival will be driven to you.

· Airport parking usually provides a "Frequent Parker Program" for people using the parking lots regularly. This program offers points to use in future visits. The systems with airport parking program just require ten points to get collected for you to enjoy a parking for free for a complete day. They allow you to bank your points and pay as a single penny for several days.

7 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Windshield Wipers and Fluid - Fog, snow and rain will cut down your visibility in winter, causing you to use your wiper blades and washer fluid much more than normal. An antifreeze solution along with winter wiper blades will help to fight ice build-up. Keeping extra windshield washer solvent on hand is helpful too!

Battery - A thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals and fluid will help to make sure your car is ready for winter. The cold weather puts more stress on your battery. Many automotive parts stores will test your battery capacity free of charge.

Inspect Your Tires - If you're not mounting winter tires on your vehicle, be sure to examine your current tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping as well as checking the sidewalls for cuts and nicks to help you to know if your tires are ready for the harsh weather. The colder weather will also reduce the pressure within your tires, causing them to perform poorly in the snow. You should frequently check your tire pressures.

Coolant - Along with regulating the engine temperature, a vehicle's coolant system is responsible for protecting your engine against corrosion. For the winter season you will want to make sure that you are using the right ratio of coolant to water in your system as well as using the right type of coolant for your car. If you are unsure, you can check the effectiveness of your coolant with a simple and inexpensive test found at any car parts store.

Ice scraper - Keep your ice scraper in your vehicle and always clean off your car completely, not just a little peephole in the windshield. You must be able to see all your surroundings, your side mirrors and through your back window. Snow on top of your car could slide down and cover your windshield while you are slowing down or fly off onto someone else's vehicle while you are driving. In some states it is the law that your vehicle is clear of snow and ice.

Survival Kit - Especially during times of slick road conditions and below freezing temperatures, you will want to keep a survival kit in the car at all times in case of emergency. Some items to consider include extra gloves, boots and blankets, flares, tire chains, a flashlight and extra batteries, car charger or portable cellphone charger, and a whistle. Also check your spare tire and make sure that your car jack is in good, working condition.

Keep Your Gas Tank Above Half - If you get stuck or stranded, the car's engine will be your only source of heat and you will want to be sure you have enough fuel to keep you warm. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove snow from behind the tailpipe and keep it unobstructed to prevent lethal gas from accumulating in the vehicle.

Protect Your Car and Pickup Truck in Summer

For nine long months we wait for summer and when finally it is here, it is not always the Summer of our dreams. Long sunny days are a great boon but with Global Warming in full swing, it is just too much of a good thing for our cars and pickup trucks.

Our cars are not just our mode of transportation but also a refuge from the brutal heat when Sun really cranks up its engine. When the car is sitting outside in the sweltering heat the inside temperature keeps rising until it is dangerously hot. The trapped sunlight inside the car can bake the car to 120 degree in 80 degree temperature.

And yes it is true air conditioning breaks more often in Summer just when you need it most. Cars naturally overheat a lot in these months but not just because of the Sun beating down hard. For many it is the radiator that acts up while others suffer when coolant reservoir runs out of antifreeze.

Here are some other tips on keeping your car cool during Summer:

(1) Park in a shady spot and place sunshade

A necessary precaution is the choice of parking spot. Whenever possible, choose a shadier spot to park even if it means walking a few blocks. Your body and your car will thank you when you return to a cooler car. If you cannot find a shady spot then place sunshades in front and rear windows and if the heat is intense then place window visors on the side as well. Crack open the windows slightly to allow cross ventilation.

(2) Install a tint

If you live in a warm country then getting your windows tinted is a great idea. It protects you not only from heat but also from prying eyes. Find out tinting regulations in your country as most countries restrict tinting to a certain percentage. In most countries including the United States the maximum allowed tinting is 30%.

(3) Check and change the coolant

Coolant system is generally the first casualty of the summer so we cannot risk its breakdown due to overheating. Manufacturers recommend that drivers should flush the coolant from the reservoir every two years. Mechanics recommend that antifreeze should be mixed with water half and half. Make sure you check and refurbish the coolant system at the onset of the summer.

(4) Change the oil regularly

Mechanics recommend that oil should be changed every 3000 to 5000 miles. If you are living in a country with dirty fuel, oil and filters should be changed more often. Make it is a habit of checking the oil volume every few weeks. Make sure that the engine has a chance to cool off before you check the oil.

(5) Have A/C serviced regularly

Get your Air Condition serviced before the onset of summer. Most owner's manual list air condition service schedule and this schedule should be followed.

Top Vehicle Brands on Roads, an Intensive Insight

The best vehicles of 2017 means it should be the one that performs very well, excels at the crash tests with respect to safety, and earns owner satisfaction and acts reliably. This is anticipated as per the consumer reports at top vehicle brands on roads.

Among the vehicles in the top spots were the Toyota models and the Chevrolet. The vehicles that have qualified for the ranking of 2017 at the consumer reports test facility include Audi, Porsche, Subaru, Lexus and BMW.

Audi, Porsche, Lexus and BMW are the top performing brands in the annual rankings of Consumer Reports', but even the lower-priced options are not lagging much behind.

Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Buick and Kia also have made to the top vehicle brands in the roads this year in 2017. Though, Tesla was ranked as the U.S. based brand, it held the number eight position.

The brand rankings present a combination scores from Consumer Reports' road tests, reliability and satisfaction ratings based on owner surveys. However, safety is a factor. Here the vehicles doing poorly in the crash tests of the government lose points, while are awarded points in extras on having forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking as their standard equipment.

This year, automakers have lost points if their automatic transmission shifter was hard to operate or when the engine is shut, it fails to return to park. The shifter designs are unusual, including the rotary buttons and knobs that are gaining more popularity as it offers in the front seat more space, but may be dangerous.

From all performance crossovers expected soon such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio to the Volkswagen Atlas that is a family SUV with seven-seat, it also includes a few off-road trucks and sports cars in between, thereby making a robust market of all the new cars heading in lots this year to dealer. For the new concept vehicles, the 2017 Ford Fusion is found to meet the required standards. However, several other top vehicle brands found on the roads include the Chrysler 300, Lexus CT 200h and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but because of the shifters, they are not much recommended.

Consumer Reports' rankings are now on close vigilance as buyers are making decisions depending on its picks. The consumer reports now recommended the vehicles that were tested 100 percent and they were BMW, Porsche and Mazda. These vehicles are the few top brands found on the roads.

Consumer Reports recommends vehicle individual models by category. Among small cars, the Chevrolet Cruze was the top pick, while the Kia Optima belongs to the range of midsize car and on the top large car size was the Chevrolet Impala. The Toyota Prius was a performing hybrid and the Mazda MX-5 was the appropriate sports car.

The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester are the top midsize and small SUVs. The Audi Q7 is the top vehicle luxury SUV, while the Honda Ridgeline was the best small pickup performing vehicle.