Safe Driving Tip #10: Don't Give Up!

A professional driver explains why you should never give up in an emergency situation. These tips are from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management

Safe Driving Tip #9: Vehicle Dynamics!

A professional driver explains why you need to adjust your driving style to the type of vehicle you drive. These tips are from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.

When to Have Auto Repair or Service Done

Having auto repair or maintenance services done in a timely manner are important tasks. Ignoring these car ownership responsibilities can lead to big problems down the road. Motorists may get caught up in their everyday lives, procrastinate or just not want to spend the money but if they know what's good for their vehicle, they will take care of it like the valuable possession that it is. Here are some of the most crucial times to have service performed:

- When the owner's manual calls for it: The owner's manual of a vehicle has a detailed schedule of services that are mandated in order to keep it running in a tiptop manner. If the car is under warranty, it is imperative to stick to the manual's schedule and to document everything. Documentation can be in the form of receipts or signatures from the servicing mechanic. If this isn't adhered to, a major breakdown may not be covered by the warranty. What a nightmare that would be! Every vehicle is different and these manuals specify exactly what needs to be done and when for your automobile.

When you think you can't afford it: Let's face it; nobody wants to spend money on repairs. When payday rolls around, many motorists would rather buy items that are more appealing such as vacations, meals out or just staying current on the household bills. But putting off oil changes, brake jobs, tire rotations, tune ups or belt replacements can lead to bigger bills down the road. A missed oil change can mean a thrown rod and blown up engine; faulty brakes can cause an accident; tires wear out more quickly and need replacing without regular rotations; gas mileage goes down without tune ups; and a belt breakage can happen at an extremely inopportune time. Don't be penny smart and dollar foolish.

- When warning lights go on: Warning lights are supposed to do exactly that, warn the motorist!

Flashing red lights are not appearing on the dashboard to dance to the radio; they are telling the driver that something is amiss. It could be something that needs to be repaired so as not to put the vehicle or passengers in danger. Listen up!

- Before a big road trip: Ah, the adventure of a road trip! It is the heady stuff that movies are made about. There's nothing quite like traveling down the freeway with wind in your hair, new sights out your window, an exciting destination lying ahead marked by the X on your map. Chances are you've been waiting for this vacation and don't want to risk ruining it by having your car break down. Before a lengthy drive, it's wise to have the tires, brakes, oil and overall well-being of the sedan, van or SUV inspected. Any issues should be tended to before the trip. If an oil change is coming up anyway, might as well get it done before the journey.

It's important to always take care of the family vehicle. That auto gets every member of the clan to work, school, social events, doctor appointments and more. Some of the most crucial times to pay attention to auto repair and maintenance is when the owner's manual calls for it, when you think you can't afford it, when warning lights are flashing or before a big trip.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5890643

Safe Driving Tip #8:Look where you want to go!

A professional driver explains why it's important to look where you want to go, not at an obstacle, when you're driving. These tips are from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.

Safe Driving Tip #7:Driver Distraction!

A professional driver talks about the importance of keeping your eyes on the road when you're driving. It's from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.

Drive Safely In The Rain

Rain can be wonderful, but it can also make travel more hazardous. During a dry spell, cars leave grease and engine oil on the road. Once these substances mix with rainfall, roads become more slippery. Driving in these conditions, especially during the first hours of a rain, is the most hazardous. While it is avoidable to drive during winter, rain comes unexpectedly and therefore can come unpredictably. It is important to keep extreme caution while driving in the rain. Below are some tips that can guarantee you a safe drive under the rain.

1. Before driving to your destination, make it a habit to check your tires. If it looks like they need more air, drive up to the nearest car shop and have the pressures checked while adding more air.

2. When drizzling starts, test your wipers to make sure it works properly. You wouldn't want to experience a heavy downpour and blur your sight of the road. When this happens, stop for a while in a safe parking spot and let the rain settle down until you can have a clear vision of the road again.

3. When traveling under the rain, drive slowly especially when the rain just poured down. Remember that the roads get more slippery for the first few hours from the first rain fall.

4. Allow a fair distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. In this way, when the car fronting you makes a sudden stop, you would still have time to break slowly, avoiding any possible collisions.

5. Apply on the breaks slowly. Stepping on the breaks hastily might cause tires to slide along the slick roads. It can also cause possible collisions if the one driving behind your back does not keep a few distances away.

6. When it is raining really hard, try to stay at the center of the road, most especially when you're on the free way. The roads are designed to drain water towards the side of the roads and it will be more risky if you were driving against the current.

7. Be watchful of the bumps and puddles along the way. Keep away from deep puddles for it may cause engine troubles once your engine becomes wet. Once water enters the engine, you're sure to get stuck. Hitting deep puddles can also result in your tire bearings to break. With that happening, you either drive away in an unbalanced tire system, or one tire drives away ahead of you.

8. When the rain has brought out dark clouds making mornings seem like evenings, turn your head lights on. This helps other approaching vehicles recognize another car running towards them.

So the next time it rains, enjoy it, and be extra careful on the road.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6583192

Safe Driving Tip #6:Two wheels off the pavement!

A professional driver explains what to do when two wheels of your vehicle go off the pavement. It's from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed 

Safe Driving Tip #5: Tire Pressure!

A professional driver explains why proper tire pressure is so important -- and how it can save you money at the gas pump. It's from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.

Bumper Repair - Why It's the Most Common Repair

There are so many cars on the road today and so many that are not up to par with safety standards. Many cars are in need of repair or replacements. However there is one repair that far outweighs that of other repairs. It is bumper repair. The most common repair that needs to be or is performed is bumper repair whether it be to the front or rear bumper. It is also an important repair that should not be put off for safety reasons. Check out why bumper repairs are so common!

There are many reasons why bumper repair is one of the most common repairs that are performed right now. Think about it, your bumper whether front or rear is what protects your engine and you. So, your if involved in any sort of accident it would make sense that your bumper would need repairing. However a few statistics will help you understand more about this problem.

The amount of cars on the road has been growing steadily at approximately 5% per year. That means there are a lot of cars on the road, which means more chance for accidents to occur.

Could you believe that 30% of drivers feel it's OK to "love tap" your bumper when parallel parking? I know I do not feel it is ok to tap my car's bumper at all and I surely don't want anyone else "love tapping" my car in the process either. This is one thing to leads to bumper repair.

Also, 79% of consumers claim their damage occurred in a parking garage. Usually this is bumper damage since 80% of bumper damage occurs during parking. This can be a result of misjudging a parking spot or backing into another car. It could be your fault or someone else's either way your bumper is affected.

Just looking at this statistic what part of your car do you think is affected most? Every 17 seconds a reported rear end collision occurs, and every 8.5 seconds an unreported rear end collision occurs. The most frequent accident on the road is the rear end collision, at almost 29.7%, and 75% of these accidents occur at less than 10 mph. You guessed it, YOUR BUMPER!

So, as you can see bumper repair is so common because many people today are careless drivers. Most of the repairs needed to bumpers are not because of major or even mild car accidents. They happen because there are many careless people who do not pay attention while parking, talk on their cell phones, or simply think its ok to tap your car with theirs.

To reduce this problem we all need to start drive with care and caution, especially in parking lots and garages. If we all do this there will be fewer accidents and less money out of your pocket for bumper repair. If you however find yourself in a situation where you need bumper repair, find a qualified professional to help you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1481045

Consumer Reports' 2012 Top Pick Cars

Consumer Reports names its top choices in 10 categories, including small cars, family sedans, SUVs, and trucks. The top picks are chosen from more than 270 vehicles recently tested.

Safe Driving Tip #4: Skid Recovery!

A professional driver gives some important tips on how to recover from a skid from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program. It is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.