Car Safety Myths Debunked

For the most part, everyone on the road wants to do their best. Most people believe that they’re driving safely, after all, and that they have control of their car. However, there are plenty of driving myths out there, especially revolving around safety. Today, we’ll bust down a few of these old myths and help you figure out what you should really be doing to be your safest.

As Cars.com explains:

“Myth: Talking on a hands-free headset while driving is a safe alternative to holding a cellphone.

Truth: We're not going to debate the lesser of two evils. Here are the facts: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that one in 12 18- to 24-year-olds on the road at any given time is also on a cellphone. One-quarter of all police-reported accidents are caused by driver distraction, and cellphones play a significant role. The culprit isn't holding a cellphone or one-armed driving; it's taking your mind off the task at hand: safely piloting 3,000 pounds of steel to your intended destination. A headset does nothing to mitigate this; pull over or put it away. Enough said.

Myth: You don't have to wear a seat belt when you're sitting in the backseat.

Truth: Few people explicitly advocate this, but actions speak louder than words: Fewer than half of all rear-seat passengers wear seat belts, compared with the 80 percent average for all vehicle occupants, according to NHTSA. There are two risks that unbelted backseat passengers can incur: First, they're unable to take full advantage of the vehicle's safety features, and accidents — especially rollovers — put them at high risk. Second, they become projectiles toward others during the collision, increasing the likelihood of injury among their fellow occupants.

Myth: Keep your doors unlocked so rescuers can get you out after an accident.

Truth: This seems reasonable, right? No. Unlocked doors are more likely to open during a collision and allow occupant ejection — and ejections kill 10,000 people each year. The doors in many modern vehicles automatically unlock following airbag deployment, and even if they remain locked, rescuers can break the windows to get to passengers. This is a far better prospect than tracking down victims ejected during the impact.”

Read the original article and get more car myths here: http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=yd&subject=yd_myth&story=ydMyths

Cool Car! How to Keep Your Car from Overheating in the Summer

It’s almost summer and while that may mean road trips and beach visits for many people, it means another thing to your car: overheating. The possibility of overheating grows dramatically in the summer, especially on hotter days. And even if your car is in great shape, overheating is still a possibility. Fortunately, you can take steps to ensure that your car stays cool and driveable - and that if anything does happen, you’re ready for it. Try these five tips for overheating in the summer:

“At the first sign of overheating, shut off your air conditioner and open your windows: Doing so decreases the load on the engine and helps it cool off.

If you continue to overheat, turn on the heater and blower: Doing so transfers the heat from the engine to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. (This does wonders for your overheated engine but very little for you!)

If you’re stopped in traffic and the temperature gauge is rising, shift into Neutral or Park and rev the engine a little: Doing so makes the water pump and the fan speed up, which draws more liquid and air through the radiator. The increased air and liquid circulation helps cool things off.

Try not to ride your brakes: In stop-and-go traffic, crawl along slowly, on little more than an idle, rather than moving up and then braking repeatedly. Brake drag increases the load on the engine and makes it heat up. If traffic is crawling, move up only when the gap between you and the vehicle in front of you gets too large.

If you think that your vehicle is about to boil over, drive to the right-hand side of the road, open the hood, and sit there until things cool off. Remember, don’t open the radiator cap under these circumstances, and if your engine has boiled over, don’t add water until the engine is quite cool again.”

Read the original article here: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/what-to-do-if-your-car-overheats.html

Wax On, Wax Off: How to Wax Your Car

We talk a lot about car maintenance here, and the importance of taking care of your baby, but if you’ve just purchased a new car, you may not be sure how to take care of your car. Never fear! Today, we’ll explore how waxing a car works, why you want to do it, and offer some advice for how to make it happen.

Why wax?

You may be wondering why you even need to wax in the first place. After all, most cars are clear-coated today to help protect the paint from the elements. However, people wax their cars for the same reason they always have: It helps provide an additional layer of protection against the elements. In this case, wax also helps extend the life of the clear-coat, which in turn protects your paint. While you may not need to wax as frequently as in the past, giving your ride a good waxing a couple times a year can help extend the life of its paint.

Learn more about why you should wax your car here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a3255/do-i-really-need-to-wax-my-car-15829917/

What’s the best way to wax your car?

Of course everybody has their own preferred method of waxing, but doing it by hand is relatively easy and affordable. Here are a few tips from AutoGeek:

“Apply car wax or paint sealant in the shade. If the product dries too quickly or sits on the vehicle too long, it may be difficult to buff off.

Always apply car wax or paint sealant to a dry vehicle. Droplets of water on the paint will cause the product to streak and it will be unnecessarily tough to buff off.

Thin, thin, thin! Apply the thinnest coat you can. If you want more shine and depth, you’re not going to accomplish it in one thick coat. It just makes the wax or sealant difficult to remove and streaky. Buff one coat off before applying a second extremely thin coat. Check the label to see how long one coat has to cure before applying another (usually 12-18 hours).

Poly foam wax applicators are the best for achieving a thin, even coat. They’re absorbent, durable, washable, and reusable. They’re also inexpensive, so don’t be afraid to throw them away when they get really soiled.

Buff the haze away with microfiber. A quality microfiber towel, like the Miracle Towel, will buff your paint to a stunning shine as you remove the wax residue. The static-charged, woven fibers grab wax residue so there is less dusting, if any. Microfiber does not shed lint and the tiny, manmade fibers polish the paint while you buff. Rotate your towel frequently to reveal a clean side. Keep an extra Miracle Towel lying around in case the first one becomes caked with wax..”

Read the whole article here: http://www.autogeek.net/car-wax-detailing.html

4 Summer Road Trip Tips

It’s a summer staple: Driving down the highway, windows down, radio up, wind in your hair. Road trips are classic for a reason - they’re a fun, exciting way to get somewhere, and can be more cost-effective than other means of transportation. But before you hit the road this summer, make sure you’re ready to do it safely and comfortably. Here are a few tips you should read before you fuel up:

Read Up

We know - reading is the last thing you want to do before you get in your car and go. But we promise - spending just a little time reading up on summer driving tips and what to do in an emergency can help you stay safe. The NHTSA has a great (and fun!) interactive guide to summer road trips that you can check out here.

Understand How Your Car Works in the Heat

When the sun’s up for longer and the weather is warmer, your car may drive a little differently. Understanding how to keep your car in great shape no matter the season is key to a great road trip. After all, finding out that your car is prone to overheating could mean hours on the side of the highway waiting for a tow if you’re not ready for it.

Pack Up!

You’re probably busy figuring out where your bathing suit is, but don’t forget to pack some car essentials, too. Extra coolant, some oil...these will help save your trip should things go south. Make sure you’re prepared by stocking up before you leave home (and on more than just sunscreen). If you keep an emergency kit in your car, make sure it’s all stocked up and ready to go.

Have a Plan in Place

While it’s fun to just jump in the car, knowing what to do both in an emergency and in case of surprises can help you out. If you have, for example, an itinerary for your trip, consider adding an hour or two to each drive to ensure you’re not crunched for time. This article from Independent Traveler offers excellent advice for understanding what you can plan for when it comes to your road trip.

Of course, no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing, the biggest tip is this: Have fun! Your summer road trip should be enjoyable! And when you’re ready for your trip, you’ll be able to focus on the fun (instead of worrying about an emergency).

Top Tips for Defensive Driving

Whether you’re taking a road trip or you’re just driving across town, defensive driving helps keep you and your passengers safe. According to SafeMotorist.com, defensive driving is “driving in a manner that utilizes safe driving strategies to enables motorists to address identified hazards in a predictable manner.” When you follow these strategies, you’ll reduce your driving risks by being readily able to make safe decisions.

So what exactly does defensive driving entail? RoadTripAmerica.com has identified 70 defensive driving tips that can help anybody become a much better and safer driver. Here are some snippets from a few of our favorite rules:

Pay Attention

“The next time you drive, try concentrating solely on the driving task. Think of nothing else. Then see how far you get before your mind wanders. Many drivers won't even get out of the parking lot! Seasoned drivers don't HAVE to think about driving much. It's something we do automatically, and our minds are free to wander. And our minds WANT to wander. Have you ever driven somewhere and been so lost in thought that you couldn't remember anything about the trip itself? Is this a problem?

Is this a curable problem? Paying attention can become a habit, but you have to work at it. Make conscious, persistent choices NOT to eat while driving, or whatever you do that takes your attention off where your moving vehicle is pointed. Connect your mind to your eyes and work at consciously analyzing what you see while you drive. We call this "situational awareness." Driving is the most dangerous thing most of us ever do. It deserves your full attention. Mastery of this one habit can almost make you bullet-proof. Not quite, but almost.”

Read this tip.

Yield Anyway

“Right of way rules are often misunderstood, and there are situations where the rules may not be clear to everyone. If there is uncertainty about which vehicle should have the right of way, give the other guy the road. When it comes to driving safely, it's not the principle, but the outcome, that counts.”

Read this tip.

Chill Out

“Remember these words: "It doesn't matter." When other drivers make mistakes, or are rude (even intentionally), what do you gain by letting it affect your attitude or behavior? It doesn't matter. In ten minutes, you won't even remember that it happened. Since we are all human, we can't be perfect all the time. Don't let the error the other driver commits be the reason you lose control (one way or another) and have a collision, or worse. Many collisions occur when a driver is mad, upset, stressed, or distracted in some way. Try to keep your attitude rational, calm and positive.”

Read this tip.

Go Green & Save Green With These Gas-Saving Tips

Gas prices may have been dropping for the past few months, but saving gas is something that can help both the environment and your wallet. After all, even $2 a gallon is still hard-earned money going into your car. And when you can take simple actions to reduce the amount of gas you use, why wouldn’t you? Try these simple tips to cut back on the amount of fuel you’re using:

Keep an eye on your car

Your fuel emissions, fuel economy, and emissions system can all clue you in that something’s going wrong with your fuel usage long before you might notice it yourself. Keeping a watchful eye on your car’s gas consumption can help you identify and diagnose problems earlier on, helping you save money. It also helps you protect your investment - when you catch problems earlier, you  may be more able to take action to fix them.

Pay attention to your oil

Many of us are guilty of not getting oil changes as often as manufacturers suggest, but this can wind up costing you. When you change your oil and replace the oil filter, you help your car run more efficiently, helping you to save on gas. If you’re not sure how often to change your oil, check out your owner’s manual for guidelines.

Go for a tune up

When your car is in good shape, it’s also more likely to function well, helping extend your fuel. A clean, well-maintained car is a pleasure to drive, too! Visit your local service department or mechanic to get regular tune ups to ensure that your car is running as well as it can be.

Inflate your tires

Of course, there’s one super simple thing you can do that will help you get better fuel economy in your car. When you inflate your tires to the manufacturer-recommended pressure standard, you’ll ensure that your car is running as intended. Some cars may lose up to a pound of pressure per month! That can put a lot of strain on your car’s fuel economy over time.

Your car is an investment you enjoy driving - so keep driving it longer by taking care of it! You’ll not only help your car, but the environment (and your wallet), too!

Lookin’ Good! Caring for Your Car’s Paint

There’s nothing like buying a new car. Smooth handling, that new car scent, the look of beautiful, unscuffed fresh paint - it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience. So it only makes sense that you’d want to keep your brand new car looking and feeling, well, new.

A huge part of what makes your car look great is its paint job. Scuffed, scratched and faded paint is what makes your car look old (and can take away from its value). Protecting your investment means investing some time and money of your own, but it’s well worth it to keep your baby lookin’ good.

Here are a few tips from Cars.com to help ensure your car looks as good as it drives:

UV ProtectionCoatings that resist the dulling, chalking effects of sunlight have come a long way. Ultraviolet light still will oxidize a car's finish, but unless you are parking in a barren lot in the desert, the paint on recent models is going to last many years. Of course, you can buy one of those canvas booties that encase a car, but don't look at us when you're fighting the wind to put it on.
CleaningThe best advice is the simplest. Wash or at least rinse off dirt of any kind on your car ASAP. The longer it's on, the more likely that it will penetrate the paint. Cool your car in the shade on a shallow incline; the angle will help channel water drops to points where they fall off the car and onto the ground.
Rinse before you wash because the mildest of car soaps and freshest of sponges — both of which you should use — won't help if there's sand between the sponge and the paint.
Rather than dish detergent, use car soap, some of which is made to remove stuff like wax. When it comes to tools, you don't have to buy a sponge directly from the Mediterranean, but you definitely shouldn't use old underwear (too hard, no snap and … just don't).
Wash and rinse one section at a time so you don't have water drying on the body. Don't scrub that strong-yet-delicate surface. Use long, light strokes that run along the length of your car. Scratches created with circular wiping leave marks that are more noticeable than straight ones. Rinse your chamois or sponge before dipping it back into the bucket to prevent grit from being reapplied to the car.
Dry by blotting rather than wiping. Ignore memories of your dad or granddad who looked oddly happy to be driving away "to dry the car." They likely were sneaking off to a tavern, a game or to anyplace quieter than home. You'd probably have to drive at unsafe speeds to blow the water off a wet car — all the while accumulating new dirt.
There's a class of cleaning product designed to be used after your car has dried and before you wax. Obviously, this is above-and-beyond detailing. Maybe it's even obsessive. But if you've got the money and ego to buy a jaw-dropping paint job, it makes sense to do everything possible to maintain the sheen.
Wax On, Wax OffYou shouldn't rush the rinse-wash-rinse-rewash process, but you're shooting yourself in the foot if you take shortcuts with the wax. This is the thin, invisible layer of material that not only deepens the beauty of good paint, but also is like diaper cream in that it keeps the bad stuff (including a significant portion of UV rays) from ever touching your baby.
The gold standard is carnauba wax. It's expensive, but you'd be hard-pressed to find anything that brings out paint's richness better. Wipe it on and immediately wipe it off.
You have to be careful, though. A lot of wax-makers say theirs is carnauba, but manufacturers can seemingly mix essence of carnauba in their waxes and claim it's the real thing. You want at least 20 percent carnauba in the can, preferably without any petroleum products mixed in. You'll get better results with natural oils.
Polymer-based waxes are great, too, and worth their price, but they still can't equal the show that carnauba puts on.

Read the whole article here: http://bit.ly/1JN4lMt