Driving through snow is hazardous due to ice and slippery conditions. You can never be too sure because dry roads can be dangerous. “Black ice” secretly builds up and it is often unnoticeable. Choosing the right kind of tires can make driving easier and safer for you and your passengers.

The first thing you should do before purchasing snow tires is to review your car’s manual. The type of tires will depend on what the car manufacturer suggests.

Weather conditions in your area are also big factors in choosing snow tires. If it seldom snows where you live, then “high performance all-season tires should do”, but if it snows frequently snow service tires are imperative. These snow tires are branded and contain a mountain/snowflake symbol. These kinds of tires are commonly used in Europe.

If you often experience snow and rough weather conditions, you need studded snow tires on your car. Unfortunately, these tires are not legal everywhere and you may be required to remove them after a certain date. In Washington for example, studded tires may only be used from November 1 to March 31. If you use these tires before or after the specified dates and you may be fined.

Lightweight studded tires are also an option. They have sufficient grip and they do not have to be removed.

If you cannot decide which tires to choose, consult a tire professional who can give you advice on the right tires which are best for your car and driving conditions. It is also best to compare prices and research on the different brands available in the market.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6731883

Image from mroach

The automotive industry has evolved for the past 125 years. Gas prices have sky rocketed, competition and global economies have put pressure on car makers. Due to these, there are increasing changes compared to the past and it is foreseen to speed up even more in the next years. Based on observations and forecasts, here are the five car trends for this year:

40MPG

The Korean manufacturer Hyundai set the bar so high when they released the new Elantra compact in 2010. It was the first ever model which offered “the same fuel mileage across all trim levels”. The 40mpg bar will be implemented with half a dozen Kia and Hyundai models for 2012. This has been the key to their successful sales –good gas mileage. It is expected that other car makers will surely follow this trend.

Improved Safety

There is a high demand for safer vehicles. Manufacturers are now offering increased traction control, improved roofs, and side curtain air bags for instances when the car meets an accident and rolls over. New improvements to be expected this year include collision avoidance systems and inflatable seat belt airbags.

Environmentally Friendly

There is an increasing demand for environment friendly products and this goes the same for cars. Consumers don’t just see cars as hybrids or electric. The materials used for these vehicles re also a big factor. The fillers for the seats, headliner used for the carpets must also be eco-friendly or made of recycled materials. The Ford Fusion Hybrid for example has seats made from reclaimed plastics.

Leasing

In the next few years, it is expected that leasing will become the new trend and not buying. Consumers are starting to realize “that some cars offer and excellent residual value three years out which means lending companies are lowering lease rates to some of the best levels”. More and more people are now driving cars they “can’t afford to buy, but can afford to rent”.

Other trends expected this year include more use of the “eight-speed transmissions, expanded hybrid and electric choices and new in-cabin navigation technologies”.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Image from: theKCB

Tailgating

How to avoid this: Make sure all decorative materials can be easily washed off, and keep drunken friends away from the interior (at least until the DD has to drive them home).

Showing team spirit is great and all, but if your car is participating in the tailgate party, be wary — it might be getting owned. From spilled beer to the messages you voluntary paint all over your vehicle, your SUV might look a little weathered after you party outside of the stadium.

Eating Fast Food

How to avoid this: Bring a snack you can eat while walking from your car to your class/event/etc. If you have to get fast food, park and eat it before driving again or wait until you reach your destination.

I don’t care if it’s 2 a.m. and all you want in the world are some chicken nuggets. Do not eat and drive, and don’t let your friends chow down on cheeseburgers in the backseat. If you do, you’re just asking for ketchup, honey mustard, and other condiment stains on your seats — not to mention the possibility of getting into an accident because you’re not paying attention.

Parking … Anywhere

How to avoid this: Try to park in an area with a cluster of empty spaces. (However, if it’s dark or the area’s dangerous, don’t compromise your safety by parking farther. Safety > a car scratch.)

Because there’s such limited parking on many college campuses, a lot of the spaces are in cramped quarters. Whether you’re in a parking garage or a crowded lot, it’s possible the driver backing out next to you will scrape by your car or scratch it accidentally. Unfortunately, there’s not too much you can do but cry a single tear and move on.

Driving a Drunk Friend Home

How to avoid this (the mess, not the DDing): Don’t avoid taking your friends home if you’re sober and they’re drunk. Again, safety should always come first. But ask them to let you know if they’re about to puke all over the car so you can pull over.

Liquor stains are one thing — cleaning vomit out of the upholstery is another. This will not be a pleasant experience. Try to keep your friends from getting too drunk, and if you can’t manage that, at least tell them to have the decency to roll down the window.

Getting Towed

How to avoid this: Leave extra early for class until you get an idea of where the spots are and when.

Apparently not being able to find a parking spot in time to go to class isn’t a great reason to park in a fire lane. Getting towed wrecks your mood more than your car, but it’s still worth noting, as it definitely hurts your wallet. Some car insurance companies cover towing costs, so while you’re in college, you might want to invest in this extra.

Conclusion

College doesn’t show much mercy on your car, so if there are precautions you can take, make sure to take them. Also be prepared to do more cleaning than you’ve probably ever had to do.

Image sources: 

flickr.com

The Christmas season is always associated with horrendous traffic due to last minute shopping and parties. It is a nightmare to drive in the busy streets and get stuck in them. Here are some tips to make driving stress free.

Try your best to avoid the rush. Travel during off peak hours if you can. You will not only avoid traffic but reduce it too. Fewer motorists on the road can make a difference.

Plan your itinerary. Make a list of your destinations and think of the most efficient ways to get there. It helps to write them down.

Take an alternate route. Avoid roads that most drivers take. It may be a little farther but it will be worth it.

Check traffic updates before you leave or if you have a GPS, some actually detect traffic and give alternatives.

More tips to keep you sane when stuck in traffic include listening to Christmas songs, soothing music or anything that pleases you to while away time or extend your patience. You can also purchase a Bluetooth headset, so you can make calls safely while on the road.

Lastly, don’t drink and drive. Reduce traffic caused by accidents and keep yourself safe. Assign a designated driver or if you plan to have some booze, take a cab or other means of public transportation instead.

No one wants to be amidst holiday traffic. Following these simple tips can help you avoid or alleviate the pains of the holiday rush. Less time on the road means more time for rest or quality time celebrating with your family and friends.

Image from  Imeallach

Having a blog is not just a trend these days it is now part of one’s lifestyle. People can now share what they know, feel and see easily. There are tech blogs, food blogs, spiritual blogs and many more. They cater to different demographics and interests.

We can assume that every bloggers dream is to gain regular following and increase the number of its readers. The easiest way to do so is by joining web blog directories which promote your site and expose it to more people.

BlogSearchEngine is one of the most reliable web directories online. It is a one stop shop for people looking for information. When you subscribe, you don’t just get listed, you also get a full reviewed description of your blog and a promotional link back to your site.  You can choose from their basic to platinum packages to avail of its many benefits.

Get featured now and become a member by choosing from the four packages. For as low as $14.99, get a chance to win a Platinum Package worth $99.99!

This package includes:

• Blog Search Engine Review and Listing
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• Link on http://xfep.com/uber-blogs/ for 3 Months
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• ‘Featured Blog’ display banner for 15 days

Simply send out a tweet about this contest and include a link back to the following URL: http://bit.ly/rqPTDL. Copy and paste the full tweet you sent into the comments section on this page.

The contest goes until end of day 11/11/11 and the winner will be announced no later than 11/14/2011

Car Mileage

In almost every case, used cars have a great deal more mileage on them than new cars do. Buying new, you start at zero, but an inexpensive used car tends to have tens of thousand of miles on it before you or your teen ever touch the keys. This tends to make the car wear out far faster, which can be good or bad. Some people say that having a piece of junk for a first car is a rite of passage for most people, and your teen likely isn’t spoiled enough to expect a new car. Plus, the cost to buy used may be a quarter or less than what buying new would cost.

Teens and Accidents

Teens can drive safely and responsibly, but “can” and “do” are so rarely in the same place at the same time. This happens a lot more when your teen starts driving with their friends in tow. They want to look good, so they take more risks. Unfortunately, this is both scientifically proven and extremely dangerous, since teens lack the experience necessary to know when “taking a calculated risk” turns into “becoming an organ donor.” Since new cars tend to be better prepared for the inevitable accidents, the advantage here is in buying new.

General Wear and Tear

Typically, the kind of car a teen drives and a cash-strapped parent can afford is used. But different parts of the car can be worn without as much danger as other parts would cause and won’t leave you looking for cash loan for emergency repairs. Some parents impose a rule that they will only pay for good tires, seat belts and brakes, since those are the parts that are responsible for keeping your teen alive when and if they get into a collision. If the engine fails, oh well. A broken engine doesn’t hurt anyone. Here, the definite advantage is buying used and upgrading only what desperately needs it.

Buying new and buying used are very controversial issues for any parent. But it just comes down to what you’re willing to pay and how likely your teen is to total the car before it dies gracefully at a ripe old age.

One way to reduce the risk of an unexpected car repair is to maintain your vehicle properly so it is less likely to break down. Yes, it costs money to do routine car maintenance, but not near as much (or as unexpectedly) as the price of rebuilding a transmission or replacing a cracked head. Here are a few suggestions to help reduce the cost of owning your car and keeping it cruising down the road.

Check Your Fluids Regularly

You should check your oil and other fluids every few hundred miles. Even a brand new car can develop a leak that could cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. Make sure your antifreeze level is right and that you aren’t losing brake, steering, or transmission fluid. Check your owner’s manual to learn when you should change the fluids.

Change Your Oil Often

Keeping your oil clean is the best way to keep your engine running smoothly. If you really want to save money, learn to do this chore yourself.

Pay Attention to Your Tires

Check your tire pressure frequently. By maintaining the proper pressure, you make your tires last longer. A bonus benefit is that your fuel efficiency will be better.

Another way to increase the life of your tires is to rotate them. Ideally, you should have the tires rotated each time you have the oil changed. If you live in a region that gets regular snowfalls, rotate the tires in the fall and the spring.

Take Time for Tune-ups

Yes, tune-ups are expensive, and yes, they really are necessary. This is another task you can learn to do yourself, but it’s a good investment to have a pro do the job. While he’s performing the task, he can check for worn belts or hoses and other visible parts.

Don’t Wait on Brakes

If your car shows any symptoms of brake troubles, don’t wait to have them checked out. What would probably be a minor repair now can blossom into a major expense if you wait too long.

Use Certified Mechanics

Don’t put your car’s maintenance in just anyone’s hands. Although a backyard mechanic may offer you a great deal to do a job, you’re better off using a certified mechanic. Check with friends and family for references and find a mechanic you feel comfortable working with.

It’s so easy, and so tempting, to put off routine car maintenance, but it just isn’t smart. Taking care of your car is as easy as sending an email service to contact your insurance company or mechanic. You may save a few dollars now, but in the end, it will cost you much more money and a big bunch of frustration.

How to Reduce Car Maintenance Costs

You Have a Nervous Disorder

If your health would be under actual threat from sitting in the passenger’s seat while your teen drives, don’t teach them yourself. This is one of the things in life that is not worth having a nervous breakdown or a stroke over. It’s just driving.

You Yell Over Little Things

If your teen can’t do something as simple as taking out the garbage without having you yell at them about it, trust a professional to teach them to drive instead of doing it yourself. This usually means you have some serious trust issues, so it’s time to let go a little and trust that things can happen correctly without your direct input.

You Don’t Trust Them with Basic Chores

If you have to supervise your teen while they do something as simple as mowing the lawn, you shouldn’t be teaching them how to drive. Your teen doesn’t need you doing everything but wrestling the wheel away from them when they’re trying to learn.

You’re the Only Person who EVER Drives your Car

If your connection to your car is strong enough that you’d normally only watch someone else drive it if you were in chains, don’t try to teach your teen how to drive.

You Love to Micro-Manage Every Aspect of Life

Micro-managing may sound like it would make the process easier, but often giving instructions is harder than you’d think it would be. The result is endless frustration for both you and your teen and at the end of the day you’ll be so upset you’ll be considering for an emergency loan for last-minute lessons so your kid doesn’t fail his driving exam anyway. Besides, you won’t be able to give your child constant instruction when they’re actually on the road.

There are times when teaching your teen how to drive would be great on every count, and times when it would be traumatic for everyone involved. When you know it would be the latter, it’s time to outsource the lessons to a professional.

Remove as Much Snow as Possible from the Car and from You

It’s important that you thoroughly clean the snow from your car. Make sure you have both the windshield and the rear window cleared of snow and ice before you start driving. Don’t forget to clear the hood and the roof as well. If a huge block of snow flies up against the windshield it will not only startle you, it can block your view and cause you to lose control of the car.

You need to get as much ice and snow as possible off your shoes and clothing before you enter the car. Melting puddles can cause condensation in the vehicle and fog up your windows.

Use Your Lights

When you’re cleaning off your car, don’t forget to make sure you headlights and taillights are free from dirt and snow. You need to be as noticeable as possible when visibility is low. Day or night, if it’s snowing or foggy, drive with your lights on.

Know How to Use Your Brakes

When you need to stop on icy roads, it’s important to know whether you have standard brakes or antilock brakes. If your car is equipped with standard brakes, pump your brakes when you are trying to stop. If your vehicle has an antilock brake system, use slow, continuous pressure to bring the car to a halt.

Check Your Tires

Tires need to get traction to be safe on winter roads. Before winter arrives, check to make sure your tires have plenty of tread left. If you live in a region that gets frequent heavy snows, you may want to invest in snow tires. Check the air pressure in your tires routinely throughout the season. Not only will properly inflated tires keep you safer, you’ll get better gas mileage as well.

Be Prepared

Despite your best efforts, problems can and do arise while driving in inclement weather. Be prepared for the worst. Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your car, including warm blankets, a shovel, extra gloves, socks, and stocking caps, flashlights and candles, kitty litter, sand, or other materials to put beneath your wheels for traction if you are stuck. You’ll also want to include food and drink, flares, jumper cables, and a towrope. Make sure you have a cell phone with you, too.

Winter is a beautiful season, but it is also dangerous. Remember these five safe winter driving tips, and you’ll cruise through with flying colors.

Cell phone. If you’re like me, then it can be very easy to run out of the house, when you’re in a hurry, and leave your cell phone behind. This is especially common for me when I’m just running across the road for milk, or a block down the road to the gym. It’s no big deal, I think, because I’ll be right back . . . or I won’t be using my phone anyway. Not a smart idea – given the fact that a great majority of car accidents happen just within a few miles from home.

Fix a Flat. This awesome product, which can be found in chain retailers like Walmart, auto part stores, and even convenience stores, is like a miracle in a can. I’ve used Fix a Flat on several occasions to get my car from point A to point B after discovering a flat (or deflating) tire at the most inconvenient of times. There is always a can of Fix a Flat in my glove compartment.

Umbrella. Don’t get stuck in your car, scared of running out into the pummeling rain to get into an appointment, like I did. Keep an umbrella under your seat or in the glove compartment and avoid being late (or getting drenched) due to an unforeseen rain storm.

Jumper cables. These will really come in handy at some point in your driving career, I can guarantee you. Don’t ever think that you’ll never forget to turn off your driving lights, or that you won’t ever accidentally leave the dome light on. It happens, I know.

Flashlight. Don’t get stranded at night without one, plain and simple.

You don’t have to think of driving as dangerous or scary, but you do need to consider the possibility that, sometimes, it will be. Prepare for when those bad things happen with this list of five things you, as a driver, should always have with you.

About Guest Blogger:

Tyrell Romar is a huge advocate of driver education and preparedness. He is also a medical specialist and enjoys looking at sites like Soliant healthcare for tips and potential job opportunities.