Your Tire IQ? National Tire Safety Week

May 31, 2014 by

Are you an “above average driver”?  Most people say YES!  How about your proficiency with a simple car maintenance task like checking your tire pressure?  It should be a quick, simple procedure for optimizing your vehicle’s overall safety…increasing fuel economy and helping your tires last longer.  This recent national survey discovered that only about 17 percent of U.S. drivers have the “tire smarts” for checking tire pressure effectively.

The reality is…there are some very real differences between men & women… as well as between younger vs. older drivers.  Men are more likely to have a higher “tire IQ,” according to the survey.  20 percent of men vs 14 percent of women are considered  to be adequately proficient at checking tire pressure monthly and checking tires when they are cold (before driving).  But kinda like stopping to ask for directions…women are better than men at knowing where to find the correct tire pressure for their vehicle.  No, not the local service station attendant…but right on the driver side doorjamb or door…and in the owner’s manual.
But the generation gap is even greater than the gender gap.  Twenty-seven percent of drivers aged 60 and over are proficient at “properly checking tire pressure”…while only 8 percent of drivers 18 to 39 know the basic skill .

 

Here are 5 handy tips for jacking up your tire IQ:

  • Safety Risk – Under-inflated tires pose a safety risk, waste fuel and cause premature tire wear.   11 cents a gallon…at today’s gas prices is what the U.S. Department of Energy states that properly inflated tires can save consumers.
  • Pressure – Regular monthly tire pressure checks is key.  Just use your own tire gauge…then inflate to your vehicle’s manufacturer recommended pressure.
  • Alignment – Misalignment of wheels can cause uneven and rapid tread wear.
  • Rotation – Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to help you achieve more uniform wear.
  • Tread – Advanced & unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions.

National Tire Safety Week (June 1-7 for 2014) and the tire industry’s “Be Tire Smart – Play Your Part” program is a Rubber Manufacturers Association and tire manufacturer members consumer education effort…aimed at helping drivers understand the simple steps they can take to ensure that their tires are in good working condition.  Download their free handy brochure for more safety tips.

 

Read More – CarJunky

 

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The New vs Used Car Buying Dilemma

April 15, 2014 by

If you’re a commuter in the San Francisco Bay Area, the strategy of placing a used, but well taken care of Honda, Toyota or Nissan into service for the daily grind is probably familiar.  But what happens when the old grey mare finally gives out after several hundred thousand miles…can you repeat that same strategy over again?  With the increased competition jacking up used car prices and driving scarcity…it may be a bit harder the next go around.

towing gilroy morgan hill caSince the 2008 recession, commuters and car owners in general have been hanging onto their vehicles a bit longer than normal…waiting for circumstances to improve before  even considering upgrading their old beater car for a new or newer one. The new reality is that since vehicles are generally are more reliable than ever has merely increased the challenge of finding used cars with low-mileage…since many owners just drive them till they drop.

The short supply of used cars is only exacerbated by the fact that automakers have actually been leasing fewer vehicles in recent years due to credit issues in the financial markets. So the former dealership inflow of pre-owned vehicles from expired leases has all but dried up.

In fact,  the average age of “light vehicles” on the road today reached an all-time high of 11.4 years in 2013, according to Polk, a research firm that tracks the auto industry. (Light vehicles are defined as passengers cars, minivans, SUVs and light-duty pickups.) A decade ago, the average age of a vehicle on the road was 9.8 years.

What does all of this mean for car buyers?

If you want to find an old used car that’s been pretty well wrung out, then you’ll have no problem,” said Jeff Bartlett, deputy editor, Autos at Consumer Reports. “But it’s a little harder to find that three- or four-year-old, great-condition car.

One alternative is to consider looking at some new vehicles while shopping for used ones.  Since the economy has squeezed automakers too…they’ve been offering increasingly better deals on new models, some of which are very competitive with their late-model used car counterparts.

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Bicycle Safety & Sharing the Road

February 16, 2014 by

Bicyclists are legal drivers of vehicles, with laws and regulations established for their use.  But even though bicycles are an increasingly popular and legitimate form of transportation…many bicyclists feel disrespected by motorists…often fighting for their rightful place on the road.  Both motorists and cyclists need sufficient space to safely operate in roadway traffic.  Just as in any other kind of human engagement, genuine mutual respect needs to exist between both parties.  This can be promoted by public service announcements, motorist education programs…even legal measures.

Care & Courtesy — 2 Simple Requirements for Both Motorists and Bicyclists.

  • Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, including the right to ride in the traffic lane.  They can ride on all roads, except where restricted.
  • Riding against (or facing) traffic is illegal and unsafe for bicyclists to do . Bicyclists should ride on the road, and must ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • Motorists must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
  • When a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side by side, bicycles should take the travel lane, which means riding in or near the center of the lane.
  • Bicyclists must obey all traffic controls, signs and signals. It’s the law.

Know the Facts

  • A bicycle is considered a “vehicle” (like cars, trucks and motorcycles) in most states.  All bike riders must obey the same laws as drivers of other vehicles.
  • “Yield to Pedestrians” is a common traffic sign at pedestrian crossings…reminding motorists that pedestrians have the right-of-way. However, motorists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks even if they’re not marked.
  • The biggest difference between motorists and bicyclists as road users is that bicyclists are less visible, quieter and don’t have a crumple zone to protect them.

Read More – AAA

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Stolen Vehicle Tracking & Recovery: Worth It?

January 19, 2014 by

A car is stolen every 43 seconds.  And while nobody wants to experience the cost and lost time dealing with insurance claims, police reports and vehicle damage repair costs caused by thieves and joyriders…protection comes with a pricetag. (See theft rates by vehicle per DOT-NHTSA). The question is: An ounce of prevention (protection in this case)…is said to be worth a pound of cure.”  Is the expense or investment in anti theft and vehicle tracking and recovery systems really worth it?   Choosing the ideal solution for protecting your vehicles can be a real dilemma for car owners.

The car theft rate has been steadily declining in recent years (theft rate for 2011 decreased significantly by 15.38 percent from the theft rate for 2010 vehicles [1.17 thefts per thousand vehicles])…according to the DOT-NHTSA.  More important, knowing that fewer cars are stolen today than a decade ago is not much consolation if yours is one of the 700,000+ vehicles reported stolen each year.

Law enforcement officials and car security experts can’t directly attribute the drop in thefts to the use of tracking technology, but most agree that it has had an effect…and that if you want to improve the chances of recovering your stolen vehicle once it’s gone missing, these systems are a necessity.

Two Types of Recovery Systems

Surprisingly, there are only two basic technologies when it comes to vehicle theft recovery systems:

  1. Factory Installed by Vehicle Maker – GPS-based technology + Cellular Communications
  2. Aftermarket – Radio Frequency based technology

Most vehicle recovery systems are GPS-based, like GM’s OnStar, Toyota Safety Connect, BMW Assist, Lexus Enform, Mercedes-Benz TeleAid and Mopar EVTS.  The vehicle’s location is ascertained via GPS and an integrated cellular communications system reports that information to an administrative center that immediately shares that information with local law enforcement. Limitations of this system include various cellular areas without coverage…and GPS’s requisite clear line of sight by three satellites to correctly identify a vehicle’s location.

Aftermarket recovery systems use a hidden FM radio transceiver that sends out a signal to police cars equipped with a receiver.   Manufacturers include: LoJack, Mobile IQ, Smart Tracker, VectorTrak, Zoombak. More identifying details are also broadcast to police to aid in visual confirmation of the stolen vehicle…like make, model, color and license tags.  For example, the LoJack tracking system has a range of three to five miles on the ground, but aircraft-based tracking equipment can locate a car up to a 40 mile radius.

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Emergency Car Kits – Just In Case

December 14, 2013 by

They’re called Roadside Emergencies for a reason…you never know when they might happen…and they’re often serious…sometimes even life threatening.  And the reality is…no one is immune. It doesn’t matter whether your car is old or new…an all electric urban subcompact, or a 3/4 ton diesel pickup…they’re all machines and machines break sometimes.  Accidents happen too.  But being prepared with a basic roadside emergency car kit can increase your safety, reduce stress, and help you get back on the road faster.  Even if you already have a roadside-assistance or auto-club membership, you usually need phone access in order to contact them and depending on time of day (rush hour?) or season of year…you may be waiting in your vehicle for an hour plus before help arrives.  So it’s only smart to always carry certain items in your vehicle, even if it’s only used for everyday, around-town driving.   A basic kit can always be supplemented with additional items for long-distance trip or for winter weather conditions.

Most of the items on this list can and should be kept together in their own container in the trunk or rear compartment of your vehicle (except for the first item – LifeHammer).  It’s also important to make periodic checks on these items ensure they’re fresh and functional —  that the spare tire is properly inflated, batteries are not discharged, first-aid supplies are current, water is fresh, and food is dry.  Also, make it a point to know how each tool or item works, from the cellular phone to the jack, before an emergency occurs.

Far from exhaustive…and not necessarily in order of importance…an emergency car kit should aid you in getting help, signaling your car’s presence to other motorists, and tackling simple challenges

  • LifeHammer – If you haven’t heard of these devices, then you may not know of the amazing life-saving power of these tools. A LifeHammer is a device which has a sharp cutting edge on one side and a hammer on the other. It is designed to allow you to quickly escape a bad situation if you get in one. The hammer to break a window to escape the wreckage of a car and the blade to cut your seatbelt easily and quickly. If you just have one emergency tool in your vehicle, this should probably be it. Keep this one within reach of the driver at all times.
  • Duct tape – made infamous by Tim Allen on ToolTime… its uses stretch wide and far, from repairing items to providing a means to easily hack together a makeshift shelter. It never hurts to have a roll tucked away.
  • Cellular phone – Of course NOT for while driving, but in an emergency, this can be the single most valuable part of your emergency kit.  Include a car charger too.  Emergency tip: If you need to dial 911, remember that your location and phone number aren’t always available to an emergency operator when calling from a cell phone. So first, give the operator your cell number and any location information. Ignore any “no service” messages on the phone and try the call anyway. If you have trouble connecting to 911 from inside a car, get out if possible and call from the side of the road. That may help you get a better signal.
  • First-aid kit – Choose wisely.  A kit caters to treating a range of problems…from small cuts or burns to ones that require major bandaging…is best.  Take time to get familiar with how to use the kit before you need to.
  • Fire extinguisher – Car fire can start from something as simple as a wiring short circuit or leaking oil. You should get away from a vehicle that’s on fire as quickly as possible. Still, for extra security it’s good to keep a fire extinguisher in the car that can be used in any emergency or to quickly dose a small flame that’s just begun. The quicker a fire can be put out, the less damage it will cause. Multipurpose dry-chemical fire extinguishers are available in a variety of sizes. We recommend carrying a compact unit that’s labeled 1A10BC or 2A10BC.
  • Warning light, hazard triangle, or flares – If your vehicle is stuck on the side of the road, it’s vital that you give other motorists as much warning of its presence as possible, especially at night. Look for a battery-powered warning light that can be placed far from the vehicle. Reflective hazard triangles and flares are also effective and don’t need batteries.
  • Tire gauge – Use the guage on a monthly basis to check the inflation pressure in all four tires and the spare tire. Because ambient temperature affects tire pressure, it’s also advisable to check the pressure after a significant change in temperature.
  • Jack and lug wrench – Almost all vehicles come with these items for changing a tire. Refer to your owner’s manual on where they’re located in the vehicle and how to use them. Models that come with run-flat tires do not have a spare tire. Run-flat tires can be driven a limited number of miles with little or no air in them. They have very stiff sidewalls, which provide support when the tire is deflated. Learn more about the warning signs of imminent tire failure.
  • Foam tire sealant or a portable compressor and plug kit – For minor punctures, a foam tire sealant can get your vehicle back on the road quickly. Only use it in an emergency, however, as many tire shops will refuse to repair the tire because of the sticky residue these sealants leave inside it. Be sure to choose a sealant that’s labeled as non-flammable, and don’t consider this a permanent fix. A portable DC-powered air compressor can also be used to inflate a tire–and is especially handy for one that suffers from a slow leak. To fix a puncture, however, you need to have it professionally repaired.
  • Jumper cables or a portable battery booster – Jumper cables are easy to use as long as you have a second car available to provide a jump. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions. A portable battery booster eliminates the need for a second car.
  • Flashlight – This can be critical at night. Choose one that is bright and weatherproof. In addition, a flashlight with a magnet, flexible mounting system, or a stand will free up your hands for other tasks. Also, have extra batteries and a bulb available.
  • Gloves, hand cleaner, and clean rags – Even the simplest jobs can get your hands dirty. Having these on hand will help keep that dirt from getting on your clothes or your vehicle’s interior.
  • $20 in small bills and change – Keep this available for miscellaneous use. And resist dipping into it for a spontaneous ice cream cone on a hot day.

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Winterize Your Car for Safety

October 14, 2013 by

Winter weather can be your car’s worst enemy.  The obvious wet and slippery conditions produced by rain, sleet and snow make the roadways more treacherous…especially at night.  But colder temperatures also make it challenging for your vehicle’s engine to run normally.  Potholes take their toll on tires, wheels and suspension systems.  Salt and gravel grind away at your car’s body and paint.  Two particular aspects of your vehicle that are especially vulnerable to Winter are its battery and antifreeze.  If your battery is anywhere between middle aged and senior citizen status, its worth ten extra minutes at your local gas station or oil change center to have it checked out.  The reason for checking your antifreeze is a bit more obvious. Engines don’t like frozen radiator fluid…and the slushy results can be highly damaging and costly.

As always, there are preventive measures you can take to help your vehicle combat Winter stress.  In addition to battery and antifreeze, here are a few more important points to look at when giving your car a Winter checkup:

  1. Tires & Tire Pressure – if you live in a moderate to heavy snow geography…Winter tires aren’t magical, but their added traction offers safety that can’t be ignored
  2. Belts, Hoses, Wipers & Fluid – they lead longer lives in newer cars, but belts & hoses aren’t immortal. Also, mix de-icer into your fluid reservoir.
  3. Emergency Car Kit – if you’re a DIYer, contents should include the obvious like a first-aid kit, flashlight & flares.  But many convenient pre-made kits can be easily purchased too.

Read More – Edmunds

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Staying Safe While Driving Alone: 7 Tips

September 15, 2013 by

It’s Fall and while many students have taken long drives back to college, many people in the San Francisco Bay Area perform daily commutes that span hours each way.  As we’ve all heard, It’s far more dangerous to hop in your car for a daily commute than hopping on a plane to fly across the country.  And while only “8% of workers in the USA have commutes of an hour or longer…nearly 600,000 full-time workers endure “megacommutes” of at least an hour-and-a-half and 50 miles”…maybe the worst part is that 76% commute alone. (USA Today).

It’s true that no one is immune to vulnerability, but for women…the freeways and expressways are a different environment.  When you’re out of your element and neighborhood, there’ s no one to help notice that someone may look suspicious or out of place because the roadways are inherently a transient environment.  Here are several tips for EVERYONE…young or old…male or female…for responsibly minimizing potential dangers while on the road.  Increasing your personal safety can be as simple as planning ahead.

  • Tune Ups – keep your car well and regularly maintained…especially your tires and a full gas tank..
  • Roadside Assistance – if you purchased a car without it, take the initiative to get your own.
  • Map out your route and destination…especially if it’s not familiar to you. An old fashioned paper map, as well as setting and testing your navigation system. Going to a hotel?…make an advanced reservation & plan to arrive before dark.
  • Doors Locked ALWAYS…whether you’re in the car or out.
  • Cellphone & Car Charger – always take them with you, but don’t even talk hands-free…it’s a distraction to what’s going on around you.

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Travel Safety for Road Trips – AAA

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Texting While Driving: Your Reason to Stop

August 13, 2013 by

From One Second to the Next is a 35-minute short film that emotionally recounts how lives have been forever changed by drivers who were texting while driving.  Every year, 100,000 car crashes involve texting drivers and the film explores the inherent dangers.

The documentary by legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog tells the stories of both victims and perpetrators and is in essence a public-service announcement.  It’s available for viewing at ItCanWait.com (and Youtube)…and is being distributed by AT&T to more than 40,000 high schools, as well as hundreds of safety organizations and government agencies.

Says Herzog, who has spoken out about the intrusion of marketing in creative mediums…”This has nothing to do with consumerism or being part of advertising products. This whole campaign is rather dissuading you from excessive use of a product… We’re not trying to sell a mobile phone to you. We’re trying to raise awareness.”

Online: www.ItCanWait.com

Read More – AOL Autos

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Roadside Assistance Preparedness

June 24, 2013 by

It happens when you least expect it. You’re driving to the airport to pick up a family member when…BAM…the steering wheel suddenly jerks your hands hard to the left. You swerve, narrowly avoiding a car in the next lane…but manage to slow down and maneuver onto the shoulder of the freeway and stop the car. Your hands shake uncontrollably, but after 2-3 minutes you eventually catch your breath and start to think semi-rationally about what to do next. But what DO you do next? This hasn’t happened to you since you were back in college. After poking your head out the window, your see that your left front tire is the culprit…definitely flat.

Immediately you wonder, “Should I try to change the flat tire myself?…or just call a tow truck and have them do it?”. But you’re not exactly in the proper attire for a tire changing occasion, and quickly decide you’d probably hurt yourself or ruin your suit or dress. So tow truck it is! But did Roadside Assistance come with your Car Insurance Policy?…that’s right, it was about $5 a month extra. Did I actually buy that feature though? Nothing seems clear at the moment, so you say to yourself, “Crap, I’ll just call customer service at my insurance company and ask.” OR…”Crap, I’ll just Google it on my smart phone and see if it’s possible to get a towing company that can get here and help me fast enough to still get to the airport on time and pick up my brother.”

From that point on, it all boils down to three basic ideas:

  1. Having Your Information (insurance/roadside assistance membership) handy
  2. Describing Your Location
  3. Assessing Your Problem so the tow truck driver can know what to expect

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Towing & Roadside Assistance - Gilroy, CA

 

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Safest Car Choices for Teen Drivers

May 31, 2013 by

Honda Accord - 2008

Tis the season for high school graduation ceremonies and the most coveted teenage new grad gift: a new car.  Though teens and parents often have different motivations for vehicle model choice, whoever is doling out the cash usually has the larger say.   For parents, safety and protection of their kids are naturally top priorities…another reason why money is a crucial factor in the car budgeting process.  Newer cars tend to be more crashworthy and have other key safety features like side airbags.  And the sad fact is that teen drivers ultimately have more fatal car crashes than do adults, so it’s difficult to over exaggerate the safety angle (Safercar.org).  Beginning with vehicle size and weight, here are three (3) key factors to consider in choosing the safest cars for teen drivers.

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