Automotive lift safety

For those do-it-yourself advocates out there, good for you! Trying to work on your car takes bravery. An awesome device that makes tinkering on your own vehicle a much simpler task is the automotive lift. Although it may not seeming daunting, the automotive lift comes with a certain amount of safety hazards that you need to be aware of.

First of all, make sure you read the directions and know how to actually properly work the device. This is heavy machinery that means business! Knowing how to properly work the equipment will reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Never work the lift with people inside of the vehicle, or if the weight of the vehicle is larger than the maximum amount of weight the lift can handle.

Be vigilant and inspect the lift before you use it make sure that nothing is broken or loose.

Good luck!!

For more information check out:
http://www.autosupportforum.com/general/automotive-lift-basic-safety-rules/

Traveling this holiday season? Make sure your car is winterized!

With the holidays comes a lot more traffic than normal, which brings more hazards on the road. In order to avoid trouble as much as possible, simply take a few precautionary actions.

Make sure that your car is clean inside and out. This is important for many reasons. First of all, cleaning the inside of your car clears any debris that could be shifted during travel and prevent things from rolling under the gas or brake pedals. Cleaning off the windows enables better vision for the drivers as well. Cleaning the outside of your car can get off any extra salt or debris that isn't any good for your car.

Check the tire pressure on your vehicle before you go anywhere. This can prevent many problems you may face on the road. Make sure that your car is in general good maintenance and able to be driven distances.

Have safe travels!

http://www.theskichannel.com/news/skinews/20101222/5-quick-fixes-to-winterize-your-car

Keep a well oiled machine

We all know that we should get our oil changed every couple of months, and a lot of us still need the reminder of the little flashing oil can light. But why do we need to change our oil? Will it REALLY not run properly if we don't? The answer is yes you need to change your oil, and yes it will REALLY REALLY not run properly if you don't maintain your car.

Think about it this way, how would you feel if you didn't have any liquids for an extended period of time. You would feel pretty terrible and parched and get yourself a bottle of water. Well your car can't exactly drive itself over to a Jiffy Lube or pop open the top of a jug of oil and drink up (well yet anyways!), so you need to stay vigilant and take care of your vehicle when it shows he warning signs of being parched.

Your vehicle is a complicated machine fun of cylinders and pistons and things that need to move around freely, but need the lubrication of oil. If there is no oil then too much friction occurs and we all know that fast moving metal on metal never ends well. In order to make sure your engine is happy and healthy, just make sure you keep some oil in it.

For more information on what happens if you don't change your oil, check out:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080204193107AApEcRz

Prevent automobile theft!

Unfortunately things aren't like the good ol' days where we could leave our car running out in the parking lot. We need to be careful. Thievery is a problem, but you can take many measures to prevent loss of property.

First of all, lock your car doors. Always. Whether it's in drive, parked at the grocery store, or parked out front of your house, lock the doors. You never know when a criminal may strike so you might was well be prepared.

Don't leave personal belongings such as Ipods, cell phones, purses, or garage door openers in your vehicle in the first place. If it is necessary to leave such an item in your vehicle, hide it or lock it in your glove compartment. No need to dangle a prize in front of a potential thief!

Make sure you know where your car keys are at all times. You don't want to set them down and have someone easily steal your car.

If your car gets broken into or stolen, file a police report right away. Make sure the law knows what's going on so they can possibly prevent further issues.

Be safe out there everyone!!

Hang up the phone and drive!

In today's world it is expected to be able to be reached 24/7. Texting, calling, and e-mailing friends, relatives, and coworkers helps us to feel connected and in the loop. With the beep of the phone everyone is tempted - even at the wheel - to answer. Studies show, however, that that is a bad move to make safety wise.

Not only is your brain power lowered because you are so distracted, you are four times more likely to get into an accident while on the phone. So why take the risk? Missing one phone call is not worth the risk of damaging your car or worse.

Teenagers need to be particularly wary because they are four times more likely than an adult to have an accident while using a mobile device.

Be safe out there everyone!

Statistical information provided by:
http://www.teendriversource.org/stats/teen/detail/64

How to change your own tire

Nothing puts the damper on a road trip like a flat tire. Many of you out there have AAA or some form of roadside assistance, but what happens if your stuck on the side of the road with no cell reception? Unfortunately these scenarios don't just happen in horror flicks. But never fear, we're here to teach you a few easy steps to change your own tire.

First, pull safely off the side of the road, giving your call every sign of distress. Put your car in park, preferably with the emergency brake on and put on your hazard lights. Make it obvious you are there to give yourself the most amount of safety precautions. Next, get out all the tools and spare tire from car. If you do not have emergency tools or a spare tire, invest in that ASAP!!! The most basic tools you need are lug nut wrench and a jack. Remove the hub cap and loosen lug nuts without actually removing them. Jack up your car far enough off the ground so that the fully inflated tire can replace the old flat one.

Now comes the actual change. Remove the lug nuts and flat tire and place the spare tire in alignment with the holes with the air valve facing you. Secure the flat tire with the lug nuts and replace the hub cap. Lower the vehicle with the jack.

Now that wasn't so bad was it??

For more information go to:
http://automotive.hardwarestore.com/learning/how-to-change-a-tire.aspx

Dangerous Debris: Avoid it!

There are many dangers on the roadways, one of which is debris that does not belong on the road. Whether it fell out of a cargo truck, is left over from a previous accident, or a stray piece of garbage that somehow made it into the road, debris poses many problems for you.

Eighty to ninety fatalities per year can be attributed to crashes caused by debris in the road; unacceptable for a preventable action. You can make the first step in preventing these crashes by securing your own personal belongings to your car, and ensuring that your vehicles doors are all properly shut.

Be a vigilant driver in order to avoided hitting debris. If you see a debris along the roadway or highway, report it to make sure action is being taken to rectify the situation. When avoiding debris in the way make sure to check before moving into another lane instead of having a sort of "knee jerk" reaction. Swinging into the next lane can cause a fatal crash.

Be safe out there!

For more information on debris safety, check out:
http://www.aaaexchange.com/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=4&ContentID=313

How Technology is Helping to Defeat Drivers Falling Asleep at the Wheel

Many Americans have admitted to driving drowsy, and even falling asleep at the wheel. This raises alarms for many reasons, the first being safety on the road.

The easiest way to prevent this road hazard is to not drive while tired in the first place, but unfortunately, as life happens, sometimes sleepiness grabs hold of us while at the wheel.

New vehicle technologies are hoping to add that extra step in preventing fatal car accidents by adding alarms if the vehicle starts to drift off the road as would happen if the driver drifts off to sleep. Some vehicles will even restrain seat belts tighter at these warning signs in hopes to jerk the driver awake.

As you make your next car purchase, keep these technologies in mind as they can help ensure a bright future.

For more information check out: http://moneywatch.bnet.com/economic-news/blog/cars-money/car-safety-new-systems-could-save-drowsy-motorists/1878/

Collision Warning Technology: Too Robotic?

New burgeoning automotive technology involving radar-based safety has many wonderful benefits, but has us asking: will it lead to other dangers?

Distracted driving is a huge problem these days, and these car safety-moniters can help, but may also go a little bit too far. With the extra assurance some people may throw all caution to the wind and rely too much on their vehicle instead of actually paying attention themselves. No matter how great technology is there is always a potential for error or technological failure, so the humans behind the wheel still need to be vigilant.

Now 5 percent of vehicles in North America including these radar-based safety features and the market of sales for these vehicles is expected to grow exponentially. Automakers are still fine-tuning this technology and hopefully will be able to find a happy medium between extremely safe and not having a completely robotic car.

For more info check out: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101101/OEM06/311019987/1182

Back Seat Safety

A new study shows that back seat passengers have a higher risk of injury compared to front seat passengers in the occurrence of an automobile accident. These findings are surprising as previous tests had found that back seat passengers were at less risk than front seat passengers.

The cause for this unbalance seems to stem from the fact that during last quarter century a lot of emphasis has been placed on developing safety features for front seat passengers, making the gap between the safety of those in the front and the back far more pronounced. Improvements on airbags, seat belts, and driver ergonomics has helped to improve front seat passenger ratings.

This means that more attention needs to be paid on the safety of the back seats of the cars to protect both children and adults.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/back-seat-car-safety-3511848.html#ixzz13abQ2MIC

Learn the Unwritten Rules of the Road

Go to http://www.icbc.com/drivesmart and check out the "unwritten rules of the road." This rule book may be lighthearted and whimsical, but there is a lot of truth to every word of it.

From tips to how to curb road rage to preventing break-ins, this guide gives us a fairytale-esque view of driving.

One of the most important lessons is to "treat your vehicle like you treat your friends." Routine check-ups help to prevent you from getting into a sticky situation on the road. No one likes a flat tire! In the long run you save money from unnecessary fix-ups and gas usage. As the book states, a vehicle that is not well maintained consumes up to 15% more gas which isn't any good for the environment or your wallet.

The main moral of the story: be aware of what driving entails, and don't hit the road unless you are willing to be a safe, conscientious, and courteous driver.

Get the Correct Tire Fitting for Safety Purposes

Avoid tire failure or poor handling performance by selecting the proper tires for your vehicle. Check your owner's manual or consult a tire technician specialist for size, weight limits and inflation rate before buying new tires.

Considerations

Choosing the right tires for your vehicle contributes to your safety while driving. Always select tires able to carry the full weight of your car or truck. Even the best tire is not safe if overloaded and unable to respond quickly in an emergency, according to TireTrack.com. Tires too large or too small for the vehicle can affect safety and performance.

Tire Size

The tire wall has letters and numbers that signify their intended use and their size. Those designed for passenger vehicles, meaning cars, sport utility vehicles, minivans and light duty pickup trucks, are marked with a "P". The numbers indicate the diameter. When fitting a new tire to a rim, be sure the wheel diameter number and tire number match.

Correct Inflation

Of equal importance is correct inflation. Check your tires to ensure the number identified by the psi--pounds per square inch--number on the tire wall matches the number on the gauge you use. Over-inflated or under-inflated tires are not safe. Too much pressure in a tire may cause it to explode. Never inflate to pressure greater than 45 psi, as cautioned by CDX Online eTextbook.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Toughens Safety Ratings for Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Transportation Tuesday unveiled a more rigorous safety-ratings system for vehicles, one that will use “female” crash dummies in tests, as well as evaluate side-pole crashing and crash-prevention technologies like electronic stability control (ESC).

The updated system will make it much harder for automakers to achieve the “Five-Star” ratings that they have in the past, but this system does seem like it will be more meaningful and accurate for consumers, especially women.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator David Strickland unveiled the “enhanced Five-Star Safety Ratings System” for new vehicles and released the safety ratings for the first model year 2011 vehicles tested under the program.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/PR/NHTSA-13-10

Safety officials stressed that for the first time, the ratings system will use female crash test dummies to simulate crash scenarios involving women, not just men. The new system will also simulate hitting a pole on the driver’s side.

“More stars equal safer cars,” LaHood said in a press release. “With our upgraded Five-Star Safety Ratings System, we’re raising the bar on safety. Through new tests, better crash data, and higher standards, we are making the safety ratings tougher and more meaningful for consumers.”

Vehicle safety ratings range from one to five stars, with one star being the lowest and five stars the highest.

“Because so many vehicles had reached the highest rating under the old rating criteria, and because the new standards are much more rigorous, not all previously rated five-star vehicles will remain at five stars,” the transportation department bluntly said in its press release.

The new Five-Star Safety Ratings System evaluates the safety of passenger cars, SUVs, vans and pickup trucks in three broad areas — frontal crash, side crash and rollover resistance.

For model year 2011, NHTSA will rate 24 passenger cars, 20 sport utility vehicles, two vans and nine pickups under the new ratings system.

“We want consumers to embrace these new safety technologies as a way to make vehicles safer,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said in the press release. “We believe electronic stability control, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning offer significant safety benefits and consumers should consider them when buying a new car.”

One biggest changes to the ratings program is the addition of an Overall Vehicle Score for each vehicle tested.

“The Overall Vehicle Score combines the results of a frontal crash test, side crash tests and rollover resistance tests and compares those results to the average risk of injury and potential for vehicle rollover of other vehicles,” the transportation department press release said.

NHTSA recommends consumers consider vehicles with crash avoidance technologies that meet the five-Star Safety Ratings minimum performance tests, not only ESC but also forward collision warning (FCW) and lane departure warning (LDW).

All of the 2011 model year vehicles currently rated have ESC as standard, except for the Nissan Versa, in which it is optional.

Technological Advances for Gas Pedals Increase Automobile Safety

When it comes to driving, it’s only a matter of a split second between successful application of brakes, and a disaster due to a delay. The importance of a car’s braking system can’t be overestimated. The automotive parts supplier might just have struck gold by developing a foot pedal that communicates with the driver to keep the occupants safe.

The consequences of car crashes need no introduction and they can range from minor bruises to fatalities, or lifelong debility. However, the startling fact is that many car accidents still occur well over a 100 years past the automobile’s invention. The US alone witnessed about 6,420,000 auto accidents in 2005, costing over US$ 230 Billion, about 3 million injuries and killing 42,000 people.

If the drivers had access to a system that could actually prompt them to release the accelerator and be prepared to brake, a lot of accidents perhaps could have been averted. This technology might not just be wishful thinking anymore as a new pedal called the Accelerator Force Feedback Pedal (AFFP) actually does make collision warning happen. The pedal, whenever it senses danger, is programed to sound a warning to the driver by vibrating and generating counter pressure, hence signaling the driver to release the gas pedal and be ready to press the brakes.

Such pedals should come in handy during most dangerous circumstances, but should be especially useful in avoiding rear-end collisions. Most of which happen because the driver in the front, brakes abruptly, while the trailing driver is caught unawares. However, the trailing driver can avoid a collision only if she is alert at that point of time. And if not, because she was distracted, it spells a catastrophe. Hence in such a situation if the accelerator pedal itself prompts the driver to take the foot off the gas pedal and push the brakes, initiating the braking system, the consequence would probably be desirable.

Buying a Car? Know the Safety Features First!

It’s important for consumers shopping for a new or used car to know what car safety features to look for in order to ensure that the vehicle is safe. There are quite a few online car safety guides for car owners and buyers to go to learn more about the safety features of a particular vehicle. Guides offer an overview of the features that effect the safety of a vehicle the most. Kelly Blue Book, located online at www.kbb.com, provides unbiased and accurate information to consumers including pricing for new, used, and trade-in vehicles. This guide to car safety outlines what consumers should consider before making a vehicle purchase. The ability to adjust and be comfortable are important features, along with handling and stability, the restraint system, front/side air bags, audible warning devices, anti-lock brakes, front and side impact protection, and traction control. Other factors to look out for are whether it’s four wheel drive, front wheel drive, or rear wheel drive.

According to CNN Money at www.money.cnn.com, cruise control is more important to some consumers than side air bags (a safety feature people need but don’t want to pay for). Many buyers overlook car safety features, and auto companies tout their crash test ratings and advanced safety features because they believe that safety sells. According to a recent survey by Consumer Reports, anti-lock brakes came in fourth in desirability after air conditioning, a radio and a CD player. More focus should be emphasized on finding out which cars have which safety features, instead of color and cruise control when shopping for a new or used vehicle. With rising gas prices, consumers also may want to keep in mind economy and gas usage in addition to the car’s safety features.

It’s a good idea to test drive a vehicle at night to check visibility of headlights, make sure the seat belts fit comfortably well, and that head restraints, roof structures, and windshield designs don’t interfere with the driver’s ability to see.

Other important car safety features that buyer should pay particular attention to are front/side air bags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, all-wheel drive, and electronic stability control (designed to assist drivers in maintaining control of their vehicles during extreme steering maneuvers). New car safety features are ever increasing, and many are included as standard equipment or available for purchase as an option. To learn more about available car safety features, visit www.auto.msn.com, www.carsdirect.com, www.kbb.com, or www.travelers.com for reliable consumer car buying information.

Roadside Safety Tips If Your Car Breaks Down

One of the most dangerous parts of having car trouble on the road is that when it happens, your attention immediately shifts from driving or traffic, to the problem, and that can lead to accidents. Thus, it’s good to keep some safety tips in mind if your car breaks down.

The first thing is to notice that something has gone wrong; your engine might be overheating, you’ve run out of oil, or maybe you have a flat tire. Whatever it is, accept the fact that something bad is happening so that you can get your car out of traffic as quickly and safely as you possibly can. Then, don’t panic, do your best to move in a safe manner to the lane that is closest to the shoulder, then ease onto the shoulder. If you can’t get the vehicle out of traffic, wait until no cars are coming and then try to get away from the car, because if it gets hit, you don’t want to be in it. Also, be aware of the other passengers in your car, do whatever you can to help them get out of the car and away from traffic as well.

If you are able to pull your car off the road, do so as far as is humanly possible from the road; many cars and people are struck alongside roadways because other drivers fail to see them in time. Next, get yourself and your passengers out of the car. Get the passengers to all exit the vehicle on the side that is the farthest from traffic, so that won’t be getting out next to speeding vehicles. Then, get all your passengers to get even farther off the road if possible. Being anywhere near a broken down vehicle on a roadway is a very dangerous place to be.

Then, call for help; whether it’s AAA, a local garage or whatever. Call the police if you have too. Call someone to come tow your vehicle to wherever it will be repaired. If it’s a flat, only change it next to the roadway if there is a lot of room between the car and the road. And if its possible, you might want to try turning the car around so that the flat tire is facing away from traffic so you won’t be working so close to the road.

If you have flares, use them. Better is if you have some red flags on a pole that you can put near your vehicle so that cars coming can see your car sooner. Also, put on your blinkers. In short, do whatever you can to alert other drivers to the fact that your car is broken down on the side of the road.

And then, just wait for someone to come help you.

Back To School Safety Tips

As parents or caregivers, it is important that you take time to sit down with your children and make sure they know how to stay safe.

Summer is nearly over and everyone has headed back to school. Just like teachers, books, and homework go hand in hand with the school year, so should safety. The following tips were provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

Tips for those riding the bus:

While waiting for the bus, take five giant steps back from the curb until the bus has stopped completely.

- Inside the bus, stay seated at all times.

- Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never throw anything out of the bus window.

- Always hold on to the bus handrails when you are getting on or off the bus so you don’t fall.

- Be careful that clothing, book bags, and key rings don’t get caught in the handrails or doors

- When getting off the bus, go to the closest sidewalk or side of the road and take five giant steps away from the bus.

- If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. If you bend over to pick it up, the bus driver may not be able to see you.

Walking to school safely:

- Children under age 10 should never cross a street without a grown-up.

- Choose a safe route to school. Look for the most direct route with the fewest street crossings.

- When crossing the street, stop at the curb or edge of the road.

- Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before crossing.

- Keep looking left and right until you are safely across the street – and remember to walk, not run.

- Follow all traffic signals and markings.

- Don’t enter the street from between parked cars or from behind bushes or shrubs. Drivers might not be able to see you.

If you will be riding a bicycle to school:

- If you are old enough to ride alone, plan a safe route to school and have a grown-up ride with you the first few times.

- Children under 10 shouldn’t ride on the road without a grown-up.

- Be sure that your helmet fits. It should sit even on top of the head – not rocking in any direction and always fasten the safety strap.

- Learn the proper hand signals and use them when you turn or stop.

- Walk, do not ride your bike across the street.

- Come to a complete stop before entering driveways, paths or sidewalks, then look left, right and left again for bikes, cars or pedestrians heading your way.

- Do not ride at night.

And last, but not least, if you are riding in a car to school the safest place to be if you are 12 years old or younger is in the back seat buckled up safely. Remember, you should be in a booster seat until you are eight years old and weigh 80 pounds.

Automobile crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for children 14 and under with almost 2,000 deaths in 2005. Inappropriately restrained children are nearly three and a half times more likely to be seriously injured in motor vehicle-related crashes. In 2007, more than 178,000 children ages 14 and under were injured occupants in a motor vehicle crash.

Riding in a motor vehicle:

- Children ages 12 and under should ride buckled up in the back seat in a child safety seat, booster seat or safety belt.

- Infants should ride in a rear-facing infant seat until they are at least one-year old and weigh at least 20 pounds.

- Use a convertible or forward-facing safety seat until the child outgrows it – up to about four and when the child weighs 40 pounds.

- All children who have outgrown child safety seats should be properly restrained in booster seats until they are at least eight years old, unless they are 4-feet 9 inches tall.

Adult safety belts alone do not sufficiently protect children weighing less than 80 pounds from injury in a crash. Children can’t ride comfortably and remain properly restrained until they are tall enough for the knees to bend over the edge of the seat when their backs are resting firmly against the back seat.

If the shoulder portion of the lap-shoulder belt comes across the neck, rather than the chest, they should be in a

How Secure Is Towing A Camper

There's nothing better than a family vacation, than hitting the road with a caravan in tow. During this option, you can enjoy some of the greatest freedoms can never offer him a price. The towing of a camper requires a special touch and certainly a lot of attention to detail.

Before you head out, there are things about driving a camper you need know. To avoid solving your camper and your vacation dreams go up in smoke, you should follow these steps:Suggestions:

Ensure that the correct vehicle for the job? Towing a trailer behind a two-seater sports giant can not be the best idea. Make sure you know the towing capacity of the car you plan on driving the weight of the camper. Could it be that it is necessary to reduce a vehicle to tow handle, or even rent the plans for the camper. In both cases, it is safe to play and the pull of mathematics.

Make sure you have the hook right? Not all joints are equal. You mustto know what kind of clutch is for your camper and / or a trailer and have installed is recommended. RV Sales Center can usually help on this front.

Keep in mind the weight if the package? It 's too attractive to be a camper at the edge of the pack before going on vacation. Although this may seem like a good idea, can cause problems. Keep weight in mind and try to form the load will certainly not be exceeded. Also make sure to distribute the weight inside the camper with about 60Percent front and 40 percent in the rear. Better yet, pack only the essentials for maintaining the appropriate weight campers.

Safe products carefully? All items are subject packaged in a mobile home before moving trawlers and even decreasing. Attention, are properly fastened to face roughness of the road.

Consider carefully brake systems? Make sure that the brakes of the towing vehicle to the task. It 's a good idea to have visited before going on tour. It can also berecommends that the braking system have even installed a separate trailer. Some states require.

Make sure the lamps? Every state in America requires followers have driven signaling systems. This means, stop lights and direction indicators. If these are not installed, make sure you understand. Test before leaving on a regular basis and if they are on the road.

take extra precautions? During a hitch, Barra do is usually the task, additional safety chainsnot a bad idea. This is simply a second connection between the trailer and towing vehicle.

Get the complete motor vehicle inspected? Beyond the braking system is very wise idea to ensure that the towing vehicle to travel. This means that fluids and filters checked and also check the tire pressure correct and performance.

Drive carefully? Towing a caravan is a lot of work for the car or truck in question. Drive carefully and be sure to leave enough spacebetween you and vehicles ahead of you. Stay within speed limits and never forget that a car or truck is a motor home towing much more than it seems.

family vacations, which include motor homes give you the freedom to go where you really want. Do not take the time to get everything set up with security in mind before you pull. Some precautions can help, a journey that is safe, solid and enjoyable.

Tire Inflation Lamp Confounds U.S. Drivers

Talk about your idiot lights.

A recent study by TPMS-maker Schrader showed that 33% of drivers have no idea what the low tire pressure warning lamp on their dashboards means.

The TPMS icon, which now shows up on all consumer vehicles sold in the U.S., illuminates when the inflation pressure of one or more of a vehicle’s tires falls to 25% below the vehicle maker’s recommended inflation pressure.

Schrader's study, however, showed that driver familiarity with the new “idiot light” is wanting. And NHTSA’s designed and mandated icon is not helping.

Schrader’s survey also found that 46% of drivers had no idea that the icon was supposed to represent a tire, and 14% thought it was a warning lamp for another vehicle system.

The study also showed that while 96% of drivers agree that driving on underinflated tires is a safety issue, 44% claim to rarely check their tire pressures.

Have You Checked Your Tires Lately?

Tire maintenance is something that many drivers overlook. Unless air pressure is drastically reducing, you can’t tell that it’s time to change your tires from behind the wheel of your car. But, neglecting to do so can cause damage to the suspension system of your vehicle, and it can increase your gas consumption if the car needs more power to run because of low air pressure or poor traction. There are also safety concerns, of course. Neglecting to change your tires when it’s needed can increase the odds of a collision, especially when the roads are slick with water and ice.

Here are a few things you should know about replacing your tires:

Check tires for wear regularly – the wear on your tires depends on how much you drive on a weekly basis. It’s important to inspect the wear on your tire treads on a regular basis and determine if the tires are wearing down consistently all over. If so,, it could be an indication you need new tires. If only certain spots are wearing out, you may not need new tires, just a wheel alignment, a change in air pressure or a tire rotation. For Dummies has some great diagrams depicting the different types of tire wear. Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, but there are easy ways to check your tires yourself as well. (For more detail on tire rotation, check Edmunds.com )
Look for tread wear indicators – did you know that allowing your tires to wear down too much can land you a large ticket? The law in most states requires that you replace your tires when the tread falls below 1/16th of an inch. To gauge this, you don’t necessarily need to get out your tape measure. Most tires have rubber bands that are only visible when it’s time to replace your tires.
Check your mileage – it’s usually necessary to change your tires every 50,000 to 75,000 miles. This can vary depending upon the type of driving you do. When your odometer falls into this range, pay close attention to the tread depth of your tires. If you’re not certain whether or not you need to replace your tires, ask your Carhelp mechanic to take a look at them during your next oil change.
The buzz in the car servicing industry is that drivers who have purchased new vehicles with tires from the dealer are more likely to need a tire change sooner. When you replace your tires, look for manufacturers that guarantee a certain amount of mileage before they should require replacing to save money in the long run!

Driver Education Battles Texting Obsession

Never before have inattentive drivers had a distraction like this.

Texting while behind the wheel has made our roads less safe, especially when you consider that inexperienced teenage drivers are doing most of the clicking. So, driver safety instructors are stepping up efforts to combat the trend.

"It's a big problem," said Prince Boparai, who operates United Driving School on Calhoun Road in Brookfield. The school draws many of its students from the Elm Grove and Brookfield area.

"It's gotten to the point where we've started an exercise where we have the kids doing simple things, like trying to walk in a straight line, while they're texting. They'll realize it's not so easy. If that's the case, how can you be texting while driving a car?

"We're also going to get a new driving game that simulates what it's like to operate a car while texting. We've got to get the point across," he said.

Message getting stronger
Elm Grove's Gabbi Zierath, a 16-year-old enrolled in the class, said the exercises have been eye-openers.

"They showed us how hard it is to multitask," she said. "Our instructor would send us a text message while we were doing a math problem or riding on a bike, and we'd have to answer. I didn't think it would be that hard; actually, it really was."

Instructors aren't the only ones laying down the law. The state is bringing down the hammer, too, making texting while driving illegal starting Dec. 1.

Wisconsin is the 25th state to pass such legislation, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Penalties for sending text messages while driving will range from $20 to $400 - the same as for inattentive driving.

Beyond a ticket, Boparai hopes these alarming facts about the risks of texting will help get kids' attention:

• Eighty percent of all accidents are the result of being distracted.

• Texting raises the likelihood of getting into an accident by 23 times.

• A car travels 100 feet per second at 60 mph, so if a driver glances away to text for just five seconds while driving at that speed, he or she has just traveled 500 feet with their eyes off the road.

Some will take the risk
Even more convincing, Zierath said, were the graphic photos of texting-related crashes shown to her class.

"They were very scary," she said. "People die because of this."

As a result, Zierath said, texting while driving will be something she'll avoid, but she adds that not all her peers are convinced.

"No, I won't do that," she said, "but I think it's split. Some won't do it, but others will take the risk."

Meanwhile, Boparai is not only fighting the idea of texting on the road, but in his classroom - it happens even when the topic is inattentive driving.

"Yeah, it happens," he said. "The kids just can't seem to do without their text messages.

Kia of Vero Beach - We Need Your Trade - TV :30 (6/2010)

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