Automobile accidents cause thousands of deaths and millions of injuries every year. The best way to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road is by learning a popular defensive driving technique.

There are a large number of successful defensive driving techniques to help ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. Being alert while driving is the important defensive driving technique and is connected with all of the others. This means being fully aware of what is going on around you. All too often, drivers concentrate on other objects besides the road. Examples of such distractions are:

cell phones
car radios
applying makeup
other passengers

Some areas of the United States and other countries have already banned, or are enacting legistlation to ban, the use of cellular phones when driving. Cellular phones are often held with one hand while the remaining free hand is used for driving. Driving with one hand is not the main cause of an automobile accident, but talking on the phone that is the problem. Many individuals are unable to talk on the phone and to concentrate fully on their surroundings while driving.For instance, an approaching vehicle could swerve into the lane of a driver who is talking on a cell phone, and they would probably not have enough time to process and to react to the situation. There are many drivers on the road, with our without cell phones, who would be unable to maneuver their vehicle around an unexpected obstacle. For this reason, staying aware and alert is a the most popular defensive driving technique.

The defensive driving technique of vigilance also involves looking out for debris on the road. Although the majority of roads are safe to travel, sometimes harmful debris can end up on the roadway. A driver of large truck hauling construction equipment could have inadvertently dropped debris. If the driver was unaware that debris fell from his or her vehicle, they will likely keep on moving and the debris will be left on the road. Whether a vehicle hits an object traveling at ten miles an hour or sixty miles an hour, damage is likely to occur. A lucky situation would involve only damage to the vehicle; debris on the roadway can cause vehicles to spin out of control or even to flip over, potentially causing injury to the driver or other passengers.

Animals and people on the road or along the side of the road are often a concern for drivers. This. once again, is another reason why being aware of your surroundings is a successful defensive driving technique. Walkers or joggers alongside the road pose a potential hazard, since the slightest nudge of a vehicle can seriously injure a pedestrian. Depending on the location, many roads have crossways for domesticated or wild animals. It is not uncommon for dogs, cats, squirrels, skunks, or deer to run out in the middle of the road unexpectedly. Although it may be impossible to avoid striking a wild animal, being alert will significantly reduce the risk.

Staying alert and aware of your surroundings is a defensive driving technique that requires little effort. Staying alert is something that should be done regardless of your situation when driving. Popular defensive driving techniques are designed to keep all individuals on the road safe. In addition to preventing injury, applying a defensive driving technique is likely to save you money in the long run. Insurance rates increase with every ticket or automobile accident. Learn a defensive driving technique and see the benefits of being careful.

A Safe Defensive Driving Technique For Everyone is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

First, be sure the fuel system is drained and conditioned. The best way to do this is to get the level as low as you can, then add a fuel stabilizer additive. Then run your bike for a few miles to be sure the additive gets into and through the entire fuel system. Then, when your ready to ride, simple fill up with fresh gas and you’re ready to go.

Next be sure and clean you motorcycle thoroughly. Use a good degreasing agent to get rid of all that grime that collected over the past several months. Be sure to remember to get the brakes and suspension systems. Clean out the brake calipers with a brake cleaner and re-lubricate.

Make sure that your bike is completely dry. If you have compressed air available, use it.

Next re-lubricate the motorcycle. Be sure to cover the brakes (calipers and discs) to protect them during this process. Be sure to get all of the joints and pivots points. Regular chain lube is usually good enough for moving parts and surfaces. Finally, the use of a corrosion treatments is recommended (not for brakes).

Use a good wax to coat and polish the surfaces. Again, avoid the brakes.

Get the tires up and off of the ground. If you have a center stand, great. If not, invest in a pair of stands to get the bike up. They will pay for themselves numerous times.

Save yourself the grief of needing a new battery come spring by using a battery tender. Like getting the tires up, this investment will pay for itself over and over again.

Finally, invest in a cover for your motorcycle. Make sure it breathes so condensation won’t occur.

These are just a few ideas to keep your bike in great shape when not being ridden for an extended period. A small amount of time and investment will result in a huge time and money savings later.

Caring For Your Motorcycle When It’s Being Stored is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on fumes allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburettor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your cars electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck! Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician. Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles. Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you major in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Lets look at the insurance payments.

If youve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer’s return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car’s gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isnt going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These wont last long leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles travelled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

18 Simple Ways To Save Money On Your Car is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

There are two basic rules that most experts agree offer the most important advice. First, plan ahead for what you will do when a hurricane approaches. That means checking your contract with your marina to see what they require and checking with your state for any additional regulations. You should also check with your boat insurance company to see if they have regulations that may affect your coverage. Conduct a dry run during the off-season to be sure you fully understand how much time is necessary to move or prepare your boat.

Second, under no circumstances is it safe to attempt to ride out a hurricane in your boat. There is a persistent myth that being on a boat in open water is safer than being on land during a hurricane, but the facts do not bear it out. Hurricane winds and tides can carry boats far inland or even sink them. Your boat is not worth risking your life.

Moving your boat is always the best way to prevent damage if at all possible. However, this requires arranging for inland storage space well ahead of time. Also, many boat owners are not aware that drawbridges are often locked down before a hurricane to facilitate the evacuation of people from low-lying areas. This increases the importance of moving your boat as soon as a hurricane watch is issued for your area.

Some areas have flotilla plans in place in order to move the maximum number of boats in the shortest time. Your local emergency management office will issue flotilla information in advance of a hurricane. If you are planning on joining a flotilla, be sure that your boat is properly maintained and fueled.

If moving your boat is not a possibility there are some simple things you can do to minimize damage. Remove all portable items from your boat such as electronics, antennas, dinghies, sun shades, oars or any other item that may blow around and cause damage. Be sure that any remaining items are securely lashed down. Obtain rope and other supplies to secure your boat well in advance as these items may be in short supply before a storm.

Preparing Your Boat For A Hurricane is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

1. BMW KLIMA KOMFORT SUIT: This rain suit that is made of a poly fabric called Taslan is highly abrasion resistant and supple. It has large swatches of reflective material, bonded seams, high collar, storage pouch and rubber coated buttons.

2. CYCLEPORT PENTA: This comprises of two separate pieces that are sold separately. It is made of waterproof yet breathable membrane and has a main opening sealed by a three way gusset system. Its other important features are: double flaps on the outer pockets, hook-and-loop closures, corduroy lining on the neck, and built-in fanny pack inside to double up as a large storage pocket.

3. DOWCO LEGEND: This is a light rain suit and can be easily packed. It has large vents at the shoulder and inconspicuous reflective stripes . It is good for light showers but not for medium or heavy showers

4. DRY RIDER PRESS ON REGARDLESS: This rain suit is available both as two separates pieces or a single piece. Its neck is higher at the back, and can be tucked into the helmet. Similarly, the jacket is longer at the back and can be tucked under oneself. It also has a long trouser length so the legs don’t ride up.

5. FIRSTGEAR RAINMAN: It is made of polyurethane-coated nylon. The rain suit has
full liner for comfort and is easy to wear.

6. HARLEY-DAVIDSON 3/4 PACKABLE RAIN SUIT: This is one rain suit that is made for extreme weather. Its rider-friendly features include non-slip butt panel, heat-resistant inserts on the inner legs, helmet-friendly hood and large openings for booted feet.

7. NELSON-RIGG AX-1: This PVC-coated polyester raincoat has small vents under the arms and the back, jacket with only partial mesh interior and a 17-inch-long zippered gusset down the legs to let in large boots

8. TOUR MASTER ELITE: This rain suit, which is made of polyurethane-backed nylon with a mesh lining, has a corduroy lined collar with a hook and flap closing, small vents under the arms and at the back of the jacket and optional heat-resistant Nomex leg panels.

9. TRIUMPH CHEVRON OVERSUIT: This is yet another rain suit that is suited for extremes. It is made of polyurethane backed nylon, has two full length zippers, a highly reflective stripe and its own storage pack.

10. BELSTAFF TSUNAMI: This is made of high-quality nylon coated with polyurethane, mesh liner to prevent sticking and aid air circulation, three pockets and an adjustable crotch strap

10 Rain Suits For Bikers is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

This one survey may not answer all the questions but it will be a good start. It was funny because as I was creating the survey I was trying to figure out which I prefer and I could not do it. I think it is because I like combinations of both. I was watching the Barrett Jackson classic car auction this winter and there was a car I would love to have had. It was an old muscle car, a 1970 Cuda or Challenger I believe, and it had a modern day Dodge Viper power plant.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both generations, at least in my opinion. I love the styling of the older cars, without a doubt. I like the fact that the older cars are bigger and more comfortable in many ways. Take a 1969 Chevy Camaro for example. You compare it to a 2002 Camaro and there is clearly much more room in the 69 model. There is more room in the car and there is a TON more room under the hood. Ever try working on one of those fourth generation f-bodies? They are brutal.

I also like the quality. The older GMs are much higher quality. That is back when GM was at the top of its game and they actually cared about making cars. Now GMs biggest business is their mortgage division, GMAC.

One thing that definitely has the newer cars leading over the older cars is the handling and the braking. I have driven my friends 67 Barracuda, his fathers 70 Roadrunner, 3 of my own 87 turbo Buicks, my 95 Z28, and a 2004 Nissan 350Z. One thing is clear, as time progressed the handling and braking got better. Although the turbo Buicks handling and braking were not very good at all. The 1970 Roadrunner had no power steering or power brakes and it had a 383 for an engine. So, it had plenty of get up and go but I found myself praying it found its way to my destination because I was not confident I could navigate it.

At the other end of the spectrum is the 350Z. I took one of those for a ride. It did not possess that same kind of throw you back in the seat power and torque of the American cars, regardless of generation, but it handled like it was stuck to the road. I took a sharp turn by my house at 70 MPH and it felt like I was doing 20 MPH.

Different people like different things. In my survey I put a place for age because while I think most of the older generation will favor the muscle cars of the 60s and 70s I do not think that is a given. I see a lot of older guys driving the new cars like a 350Z or Honda S2000. I have heard about the Honda S2000 and how impressive it is but I test drove one of those cars when I was looking to get rid of my last Buick Grand National. I was not impressed by the Honda at all. I have no idea what all the hype is about regarding that car.

One thing that I will find very interesting is the responses from Corvette owners. Corvette has been around for decades and has seen many changes. The majority of the time I see a Corvette on the road it is an older guy driving it. I am curious as to what percentage prefer the 50s and 60s Vettes over the newer models of the last 10 years or so.

The new Corvette Z06 is supposed to be extremely impressive with stock horsepower being rated at 505 hp. I personally like the styling of the newer Vette as well, although I could see why the real enthusiasts might not given its European styling.

One thing is clear, there are a wide variety of factors that go into why someone prefers one car or one generation of cars over the next. But, I hope to answer some of the questions with my current survey. If you are interested in this as well could you please take about 5 minutes, if that, and complete the survey below. Depending on the results I get from the survey I may do some follow up questions as well but this will be a good start at answering the age old debate of which is better, the old generation of muscle cars or the new generation of hi-performance cars.

A Quest For Answers is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

We must be certain that it will not keep us hanging whenever we need it. It can turn out to be our last feasible resort no second chances because what we can be battling in the situation is our loved ones life or our very life.

Every part of the brakes must be carefully examined so as to prevent troublesome incidents in the future. We also have to consider the brakes good wear characteristics, kind whether OEM or that of an aftermarket motorcycle parts, its price and of course its function and performance.

According to the expert, the best motorcycle brake is that of an OEM. That is true. However, there are aftermarket motorcycle brakes that are equal to the OEMs quality but of lesser price. When you know you have a better option, why will you settle for less? Why not grab the chance to own the best?

The common motorcycle brake pad design depends upon the disparaging process of dragging the pad against the disc to create the heat or friction in order for the bike to stop. For the braking fluid not to boil or denigrate, heat must be dissipated. Thus, the pad has to have a lot of fill material for heat dissipation and the friction portion of the pad chemistry must be very severe. This will reduce the amount of actual friction-producing material. Nonetheless, this may lead to short rotor life, noise, brake “dusting” degradation, and reduced effectiveness of the pad itself.

There are other manufacturers that undertake on a totally different principle in creating bikes friction. The brake pad material is adequately heated to embed into the brake disk. This material transfer from brake pad to disk continues as long as the pad is in use. Cushioning effect will become apparent as the embedded material gets thicker with use. This effect dampens the tendency for the friction material to seize the rotor. This system is called the carbon brake system.

Bear in mind that an excellent motorcycle brake has a good bite, dissipates heat well, and is durable. These qualities must be your basis in choosing your brakes. This is the neutral ground where we decide what brakes to use.

Breaking the Habit is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

“The most critical areas to check after the harsh winter months are engine fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires and brakes,” says Pat Goss, host of PBS’ “MotorWeek” and Washington Post automotive columnist. “Adequately preparing these key areas of the car before the weather warms up will not only keep you safe while driving, they’ll help prevent costly repairs.”

After battling months of snow, sleet and icy roads, your vehicle is undoubtedly in need of some serious care. To make your spring trouble-free, follow this 10-point checklist for safety, dependability and fuel economy.

1. Remove your winter tires and rotate all-season radials-If you have winter tires, it’s time to store them away. If you don’t have winter tires, it’s equally important to have all-season tires rotated or switched out for new ones.

2. Brake check-After a blistering winter, be sure to check your brakes. Warning signs include excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter.

3. Wiper blades check-Wipers work hard over the winter months, wiping away dirt and debris on your windshield. Replace them in the spring before a shower makes it difficult to see.

4. Clean the underbody-In addition to washing the exterior, be sure to spray the underbody of your vehicle and underneath the rear and front bumpers to rinse away any salt build-up, which can lead to erosion and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for best results.

5. Apply a protectant-Any vinyl surface, such as the seats and the steering wheel, is susceptible to cracking, sun damage, and fading-so be sure to apply a protectant at the beginning of the season and touch-up regularly.

6. Change your oil-Give some thought to the kind of motor oil you have in your engine. Fully synthetic oils, such as Mobil 1, are specifically designed to protect your engine in hot weather, while optimizing your engine’s efficiency and reducing oil consumption. (For more information about Mobil 1, go to www.mobiloil.com.)

7. Check all fluids-In the winter months, fluids are easily depleted as your engine works harder in the colder weather. Make sure to check, top off or replace all fluids, including brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid.

8. Pressure test-Assess the pressure of the cooling system, and examine belts and hoses for wear or deterioration.

9. Interior clean-up-Vacuum and be sure to throw away any unwanted garbage that has hibernated under your seats over the winter. Now is also the time to store your winter car mats in the garage.

10. Wash your car-All vehicles regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require regular washing throughout the year. To preserve your car’s shine and protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has dried completely.

“The warm weather is here-so be sure to follow these simple tips to ensure vehicle dependability in the warm months ahead,” says Goss. “By taking care of your vehicle, it will more likely take care of you. And it will do it for a lot less money.”

10 Tips For Getting Your Car Ready For Warm Weather Driving is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

A fishing boat can be anything between a canoe where you dangle basic bait over the side in a river or stream to a powerful cabin cruiser or yacht. Basically, all you need to get out onto the water is a vessel that is seaworthy. There are a large variety of fishing boats available on today’s market. You can buy them at boat shows, fishing shows or dealerships. Let’s look at some different types of fishing boats.

Freshwater Fishing Boats
If you enjoy fishing in freshwater rivers, lakes and streams, leave the big, powerful boats for someone else. Choose a fiberglass or aluminum boat that is lightweight and easy to transport. A bowrider, runabout, walleye boat or a boat with a small or dual console will meet all of your freshwater fishing needs. These boats are perfect for family outings.

Bass Boats
Bass boats ride low in the water and are usually very colorful and extremely fast. They can be aluminum or fiberglass and most often they are equipped with platforms in both the bow and stern for easy casting. If you’ve always dreamed of owning the perfect bass boat, be sure to buy one that has a trolling motor mounted on the bow. These boats are mainly used for sport fishing and tournament fishing.

Offshore Saltwater Boats
If you enjoy heading out on the open sea for a day of saltwater fishing that includes huge fish and heavy tackle, you will need a heavy boat that is dependable and can be relied on in all situations and weather. Anything less than a cuddy cabin or center console that’s equipped with either twin or single outboard motors will not fit the bill. The high end of an offshore saltwater boat is a bluewater or convertible that comes complete with luxury quarters and elaborate salons. These boats should be equipped with inboard diesel engines that have maximum power.

Inshore Saltwater Boats
If you’re planning to fish for tarpin, bonefish, trout and snook or redfish on tropical flats, a light boat will take you a long way. This type of boat should always be less than a 25-footer and powered by a single outboard motor. The best type of vessel for inshore saltwater fishing is a basic bay boat or flat boat. Both types of boats offer a spacious deck for casting and float well in shallow water.

Float Tubes
Float tubes are devices that allow fly anglers who don’t own a boat easy access to get out onto the water. They are excellent for fishing ponds, lakes and mountain streams. Essentially a float tube is a floatation device that is equipped with a seat. The angler sits in the seat while wearing fins and kicks his way around while partially submerged. Fly fishing from float tubes can be difficult, especially for those who are using them for the first time. It definitely takes time to hone your fly casting skills from a float tube.

There are two basic types of float tubes – traditional and pontoon. Traditional float tubes are usually round and have an opening in the front or middle. Basically, these are an inner tube with built-in features for fly fishing. These float tubes can take a lot of time to maneuver because they are round in shape and cause a lot of water resistance.

The newer pontoon float tubes are much easier to use. These are equipped with two pontoons, or air chambers, one on each side of the fisherman. Pontoon float tubes have less water resistance and offer far less drag than traditional ones because the pontoons are V-shaped and move through the water almost effortlessly.

If you are thinking of purchasing a fishing boat, shop around, talk to anglers who own their own boats and do your research to help you decide which type of boat you’d like to have. If you still can’t make a choice, talk to a boat fishing guide or the owner of a fishing charter service. They will be glad to give you tips on how to choose the perfect boat for you.

Picking Out The Ultimate Fishing Boat is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips

(2) “Can the color of my car affect my insurance rate?” No!
What do influence your rate are your vehicle’s year, make, model, body type, engine size, credit history and driving record.

(3)”If I lend my car to a friend and that friend is in an accident, his or her insurance company will pay for the damagesright?” Wrong!

Your car is your responsibility! And guess what, even though you weren’t present at the time of the accident, you still will receive a mark on your insurance record and your insurance premium could possibly go up.

(4) “Is my insurance rate is set by the government?” No!
The government has nothing to do with your car insurance rate. Where you live, your credit score, marital status and your driving record is what actually affects your premium.

(5) “I recently paid my insurance premium. Is my new car I just purchased is covered?”

Not necessarily. Most automobile policies require that the policyholder notify the insurance company or agent within a specified number of days, if indeed coverage is desired for the newly purchased vehicle.

(6) “Is it a fact that male driver under the age of 25 pay more for auto insurance?” Yes! Male driver under 25 years old can potentially pay more for car insurance than female drivers. However, across the board, teenagers and mature adults pay more for auto insurance, due in large part because these age groups are typically involved in more automobile accidents.

(7) “Can my credit score have any affect on my insurance rate?” Your credit score really does matter! Many Insurance companies take your credit score into consideration when deciding to increase or renew your auto insurance coverage.

(8) “Even without comprehensive coverage, am I still covered for theft, windstorms, and hail and deer accidents?” Many drivers believe that if they only purchase collision insurance, which covers accidents involving objects, that they will also be covered for incidents that involve vandalism, hail, animal accidents and fires. That simply is not true. You need to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage in order to fully protect your vehicle from all of these situations.

(9) “Can my personal auto insurance cover both my personal and business use of my car?”

If you occasionally use your personal car for business purposes such as transporting clients, going to and from meetings or hauling business equipment, then you will more than likely need to extend your personal car insurance to cover your business use as well. Plus, if your employees use their car while working for you, you will want to also obtain a separate non-owned car insurance policy.

(10) “I’ve never had nor been involved in a car accident, do I still need automobile insurance?” Yes!

Some drivers are lucky enough never to have been or to be involved in an accident. However, if by chance you do have an accident; your risk of losing everything is great. Car insurance is the best protection you can have in the event an automobile accident occurs. It’s also a legal issue – you are required, by law, to have some basic form of auto insurance, and failing to do so carries some fairly strict punishments.

10 Auto Insurance Myths You Should Know About is a post from: Cathers Retreat Car Tips