Blog

Drive safe for the Holidays Holidays are the most fun time of the year! You may already be buying gifts for your friends and family or making plans for a long road trip. While you are busy with shopping, we suggest you take a moment to think of ways you could make the drive safe. The weather would remain a matter of concern because it is going to snow. In such fluctuating weather conditions, there are various precautions one must take to enjoy the driving stress-free. A little hands-on planning before the season would ensure the safety of everyone in the car. 6 tips for a smooth drive: Put your car for servicing - Your vehicle is going to be used a lot while on the road. We suggest you get your car serviced if you have not already. Check if the tires are roadworthy, whether the taillights are working fine and if your engine needs fuel renewal for an uninterrupted drive to the destination. Do not drive in haste - Your safety is important more than anything. High driving speed makes one impaired and unable to judge the traffic around you. There will be more people out on the road than the usual days; watch out for someone trying to pass you. A driver might come in handy - Driving for long hours could be exhausting if you are not used to regular driving. It would be better to have a dedicated driver to drive you safely to your destination. Look for reviews before selecting a driver. You might want to select a reputed driver before deciding to put your family’s safety under a stranger’s mercy. Preparing for possible thefts - Always ensure you are parking your vehicle at a safe spot. You might have to leave your car alone when you stop for lunch or going to the restroom. In such cases, your car is prone to theft. We suggest you keep your expensive belongings in a bag or under the trunk. Also, avoid keeping your wallets on the dashboard. Keep your hands free - Mobile phones are essential these days. You may have to use the phone to track the ongoing route and to remain intact to the road heading towards your destination. Let someone be seated on your right side to track the route. Do not let the messages and calls distract you while you are driving. Drive when you are sober - Drinking is inevitable when you are celebrating a special day. However, we are certainly aware of the accidents that happen solely because of drunk driving. While you may not be able to avoid alcohol when welcoming the New Year, you could surely allow someone else to drive instead. It is not a bad idea to postpone your return for the next day. This year has been tragic, and with the holiday season around the corner, all of us are looking forward to some fun and celebration. As you prepare for the holiday season, consider following the above-mentioned guidelines so that you remain safe and sound. A little pre-planning and getting your vehicle checked for being roadworthy is sure to provide you a sense of security. You could remain certain that the holiday only brings joy and no hassle.

The winter season can create quite challenging circumstances for your vehicle. Chilled weather, dirt, and street salt buildup can all create problems. Nonetheless, some straightforward checks and maintenance tips will help you keep your vehicle in top condition. Getting good vision is Imperative: If you find a few streaks of water on your windshield left by the wipers, or if the wiper-edge rubber gives any indications of stiffness or cracking, change them immediately. A brush and a scrubber are useful for eliminating ice and snow from the windshield and does a better job than your wipers. Remember, a substantial heap of snow can over-burden the engine. If you have parked your vehicle outside, make sure you have raised the wipers off the glass before a short-term/overnight snow to shield them from getting frozen to the windshield. Finally, check every light of the vehicle to see if they are working appropriately and have no ice and snow left or dumped on them. Therefore, you'll have an ideal vision around evening time, and other drivers would be able to see you easily. Think about a Change to Winter Tires: If you drive mostly on wet/slippery roads, think about replacing all-season or summer tires with of specialized winter tires. These tires have tread patterns and rubber compounds designed specially to get an ideal footing on slippery streets. The life of winter tires is shorter and produces more street clamor than the all-season tires, yet the additional security they give is the justification to use them. For conditions such as extreme snowy weather, studded snow tires, or even tire chains might be justified. However, check if they're legalized in your area before deciding to bring them because these tires can severely affect the roads. A few states want snow chains on specific streets. Your vehicle Battery should be fit as a fiddle: If you have conventional batteries, take the plastic covers off from the top of the battery and check the fluid (see your owner’s manual). If the fluid level is low, some distilled water should be added. On batteries such as the maintenance-free ones, see whether the battery indicator shows fully charged (check in your owner’s manual). If that isn’t the case, take the battery to a service station, automobile parts store, or mechanics shop for checking. Maybe, charging them fully is what’s required. However, if it's faulty, it's ideal for changing it before it’s totally dead. Ensure You Utilize the Correct Engine Oil: When it's cold, the engine oil thickens; therefore, it becomes very tough to start the engine. A few car manufacturers will suggest specific grades of oil for specific ranges of temperature. Go through your owner’s manual and schedule the oil changes accordingly to ensure that your engine has the appropriate oil grade for the season. Check Your Cooling Framework: When the temperature is too cold, the rubber parts can become weak and fall flat. When your engine turns cold, check whether there are any cracks in your radiator or heater hoses, spilling, or defilement from grease or oil. The hoses ought to be firm yet malleable while you squeeze them. If they feel fragile or excessively delicate, replace them soon. Prevent Freeze-ups: If water gets into the trunk locks or in the door, it can freeze; therefore, your car door won’t open. To prevent this, grease up/lubricate the locks with some door lock oil or a silicone spray. If they're solidified already, utilize a lock antifreeze item to defrost them. Ensure you are using these tips to keep your vehicle off and running during this winter.