Tips to Help Keep Your Car in Good Running Order

 

At least once a month or before you take a trip, you should check the following.  They may seem like a nuisance, but taking the time can help make your travels safer and a lot less tiring.  Read your owner’s manual and have a technician service your vehicle on schedule.   

Oil:
The old adage about changing your oil every 3,000 miles may no longer apply.  Under normal driving conditions, the oil-change schedule can be extended to 7,500 miles.  The trick to determining the best oil-change schedule for your vehicle is understanding what kind of driving you do. Severe conditions may require you to change oil more frequently. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's definition of different types of driving conditions and the recommended schedule and type of oil for each condition. 

Air Filter:
Not only does the air filter make sure that your engine runs at the proper air/fuel ratio, but it plays an important part in keeping the pollution coming out of the tailpipe at acceptable limits.   

Fuel System Cleaner:
The fuel additive makers may promise the moon, but their products do the job of absorbing the water that gets into the fuel tank and flushing out the carbon buildup that forms in carburetor passages or on the tips of fuel injectors.

Tires:
Tire pressure and tire wear can lead to premature tire failure.  Tire inspection can show if the tires have been operated at an incorrect pressure or if the tires are out of balance.  Make the necessary repairs.  Also rotate your tires about every 7,500 miles or as often as you change your oil.  Rotating the tires provides an excellent opportunity to carefully inspect your brakes and repair if needed.

Belts and Hoses:
Inspect all hoses and belts.  The failure of these could strand you at the most inopportune time.

Antifreeze:
As antifreeze nears the end of its life, wear and corrosion begin.  Sediment builds up in the cooling system, causing a loss of cooling ability.  Flushing maybe required for proper operation.  Many new cars come with antifreeze designed to last four or five years, but the ordinary product found in most auto parts stores is good for only two years.  It is important to know what type of antifreeze you have.

Windshield Wipers and Windshield Washers:
A dirty windshield can reduce your visibility, reducing the time for you to react to an emergency situation.  Replace your windshield wipers every fall and add new fluid as needed.  Also, if you are traveling to areas that the temperature will dip below 32^o, add a fluid that is formulated not to freeze at freezing temperatures.

Heater and Defroster:
Check your heater and defroster.  They will keep you comforting and will keep your windshield free of ice and condensation.

Battery:
Check your battery and all connections to make sure that you have ample power for cold winter starts.

Emergency Supplies:
As a minimum, you should carry the following:

• A first aid kit
• A large flashlight with good batteries
• Roadside flaresExpert
•  A first aid kit
• Blankets or sleeping bags for each passenger
• Jumper cables
• Water
• Snacks
• Cell phone and a charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter.

On longer trips or trips out of the way places you might consider adding:
For each passenger:

• Jackets
• Knit caps
• Gloves (mittens)
• Thick socks
• Boots

For the car:

• Matches/lighter
• Candles
• Additional food (freeze dried food or soup packet)
• Beverages (coffee, tea or cocoa)
• Small Stove
• Additional water

If you are traveling to areas where there will be snow and ice, you might consider adding:

• Tire chains
• Snow shovel
• Bag of sand
• Candles
• Additional food (freeze dried food or soup packet)
• Beverages (coffee

By all means, carry a small supply of all medications that each of the passengers will need for the duration of the trip.

Planning your route:
Plan your route with alternate routes in case your primary route is closed.  Allow plenty of time (check weather reports and leave early if necessary), be familiar with maps or directions, and let others know your route and planned arrival time.  If it will take more than one day to reach your destination, make reservations at a hotel or motel well in advance of your trip. 

Driver Fatigue:
Holiday/vacation driving often means spending several hours behind the wheel.  Long journeys can be tiring and fatigue can be fatal behind the wheel.  There are some simple ways to avoid fatigue and improve your alertness:

• plenty of sleep before your journey, and try to drive at times of the day when you are normally awake;
• Plan for rest breaks every couple of hours.  Get out of your vehicle and take a short walk or do some other exercise to get your blood flowing and improve alertness. If you feel tired, take a short nap (less than 40 minutes);
• If possible, share driving
• Don’t drink and drive and don’t speed.  Many fatigue-related crashes also involve speeding.
• Crack a window open to allow some fresh air into the car.

Share the road:
Traffic volumes increase significantly during the holidays.  You will have to share the road with other cars, as well as heavy trucks, buses, RV’s and vehicles towing boats or trailers.  Keep the following points in mind:

• Keep a safe following distance between yourself and the vehicle in front.  This gives you a safe stopping distance should the vehicle in front of you stop suddenly.
• Be patient.  Trucks and towing vehicles have lower speed limits.  If you are traveling behind a slower vehicle, wait for a passing lane or until you can see clear road ahead of you and enough space to overtake safely.  Return to the right lane after it is safe.

During your drive:
You have already done a big part of planning for your trip, but there are a few things to remember as you drive:

•  Always wear your seat belt - This is one of the most beneficial steps you can do to prevent yourself from being seriously injured in a crash.
• Give yourself an out – As you drive, always be aware of an “escape route” should another driver unexpectedly come into your lane or pull out in front of you.
• Keep your eyes moving – continually scanning the open road will allow you to see that drive about to hit you.  If you can spot this danger early enough, you may have the time to avoid the collision altogether.
• Check your mirrors every few seconds – constantly know what is on each side of you and also behind you.
• Get the big picture – look as far down the road as possible.  This will allow you more time to react should the need arise.
• Be aware of your speed and conditions – It goes without saying that you should obey the posted speed limit.  It was put in place for a reason. It was put in place for a reason.  However, there are times that reducing your speed below that which is posted is wise.  An example of these would be during times of rain, snow, or nighttime conditions.  All of these may require you to slow down and allow more time to stop or negotiate turns.
• Eliminate distractions - Radios, cell phones, eating or drinking and kids can all be distractions to you as a driver.  Don't let these distractions overwhelm you.  If it gets to be too much, turn off the radio, hang up the cell phone and refocus on your primary task of driving.
• Don't Drink and Drive - Approximately 45% of fatalities involve an impaired driver.  If you do drink, don't drive.  Also be aware of any medications that you may be taking.  They can slow you reaction time significantly which greatly increasing your chances of being in a crash.