Friday, July 30, 2010

The Latest Vehicle Safety Features;



When you are shopping for a new Ford from a Durham Ford Dealer you will want to be sure that the model features the latest in safety features. Every year, new safety features come out that have the latest technology and can prevent accidents or reduce their severity when they do happen. Models sold at Peoria VW have the latest safety features and Volkswagen usually ranks highly for safety no matter what.

Also, check out Rochester Ford Lincoln Mercury Dealers for other Ford and Lincoln models that feature the latest in safety. The Ford Explorer for 2011 features a safety feature called inflatable rear seat belts. These seat belts are designed to absorb five times more force than traditional seat belts which in turn will reduce injuries during accidents. The Explorer also has a number of other features such as lane departure warning and blind spot warning systems.

Lane departure warning systems
alert the driver when he or she begins to leave their lane. They may gave an audio warning or a visible warning. There are two types of lane departure warning systems. One type warns the driver that he or she is departing the lane as the car is moving out of the lane. The other type of system warns the driver and if no steps are taken, the system will automatically adjust the vehicle's steering so that it stays in the lane.

Clearly the more advanced system is the one that automatically adjusts the vehicle, however even having just the warning alone can potentially save accidents. In cases in which a driver falls asleep at the wheel, the lane departure warning system can serve as a wake up call.

Blind spot information systems come with a variety of different features. Some of them warn the driver with just a blinking light. Other systems give the driver a verbal warning that there is an object in the blind spot. The least expensive blind spot safety feature is a blind spot mirror which is a concave or other type of mirror that is situated inside of the driver or passenger's side mirror.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

How to Drive Safety at Night;



If you drive during the evening often or even on a semi-regular basis, it is important that you are aware of the unique differences between evening and daytime driving. There are a number of top Ford F-series models that are excellent at evening driving. However, you should be sure to know that even the best Volkswagen models can still be difficult to drive in the evening.

Also, check out Pittsburgh Acura Dealers for great deals on Acura models that have night safety features and other new additions. No matter how many safety features your vehicle has, it is important to know how to drive safely at night. During the evening, color contrast is decreased along with peripheral vision and depth perception. Even a Mercedes-Benz vehicle with the best Xenon headlights will still have trouble lighting up a full area, especially when there are no other street lights or other lights in the area.

If you decide to use your brights, be sure to turn them off when oncoming traffic approaches. Brights can be visually disturbing to oncoming traffic, especially on a two lane road. Headlights should be used until at least one hour after sunrise just to be on the safe side. In fog, low beam headlights should be used as brights will scatter through the fog.

If any of your external lights are not working you should not drive at night. The lack of external lights can cause problems at night, especially when both tail lights are out or just one. You also run the risk of getting a ticket, so be sure that all of your lights work before you head out.

Also, if the vehicles from the rear have their headlights shining into your mirror, you will want to change the angle of the mirror so that their lights are not affecting your vision. A single adjustment can make it easier for you to drive in the evening and not have to worry about other vehicles lights bothering you as you look in your rear view or side mirrors.

More Hot Weather Driving Tips;



Again, when people drive in hot weather many are unaware of the dangers that the weather presents, even with excellent Ford models that can be purchased during Ford Incentives. Hot weather not only causes problems for driver, but the vehicle also has difficulties in maintaining a normal temperature. Even those sold at a local Peoria VW dealer can have trouble if they are not adequately prepared for hot weather.

New Haven Kia Dealers sell models that are considered to do well in hot weather, but you should know how to deal with some of the circumstances that may arise while driving in this type of weather. The first and important thing to do is to check your radiator's fluid levels regularly during pitstops on long journeys when the weather is hot.

The worst thing to have to do is pull over in the middle of the heat spell and get out of your car because the radiator is empty and the engine is about to over heat. It will take several minutes for you to be able to open the radiator, and if you did not bring cold water you will be in danger of overheating yourself. If your vehicle does overheat, you might consider calling a tow truck and getting yourself and the vehicle passengers to a safe cool location depending on the severity of the heat.

Check your tires to make sure that they are properly inflated during hot weather. You might assume that they are properly inflated, but you should always double check. Check your air conditioning to make sure that it is working properly before you set out. If you wait until you are driving before checking the A/C you might find out that it doesn't work at a point when it's too late. Continually check all vehicle lights and look out for any diagnostic problems regularly.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Hot Weather Driving Safety Tips;



When you are driving in hot weather you may not be aware of that there are several potential safety problems. Vehicles that are purchased from Peoria Volkswagen are well equipped to handle hot weather, but there are still a number of basic safety precautions you should take before driving in hot weather. During long driving periods in which models purchased from Lancaster Ford Dealers are driven, there are potential overheating problems with the vehicle.

Most Chevrolet models can be checked from overheating problems at a local Chevrolet Service, and it is highly recommended for vehicle owners to have their cars inspected for any problems before taking them out in hot weather. More important is the safety of the driver and all of his or her passengers. Therefore, it is also important that a cooler is carried with cold drinks and towels in the case that the vehicle has to be stopped for a period of time.

When driving during hot weather, be sure to monitor vehicle lights and gauges. Hot weather puts additional strain on a vehicle's temperature regulation system and the vehicle itself. Often times a vehicle will begin to overheat and a driver may not notice until smoke or steam start billowing out from the vehicle hood. This can easily be avoided with a little more than normal monitoring of the engine temperature gauge and other lights on the dashboard that may indicate low oil or other problems.

When the temperature of the vehicle overheats, the car should be pulled over as quickly and safely as possible. Vehicle owners should always carry extra antifreeze in the case that the vehicle has a coolant leak which is causing the higher temperatures. The radiator cap should never be unscrewed until the vehicle's engine has cooled down substantially.

One the radiator cap is unscrewed, more coolant can be poured into the radiator in order to help the engine remain cool. If it is another problem the vehicle may need to be towed instead of risking the vehicle overheating and causing engine damage.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Vehicle Visibility Problems;



There are few safety features more important than visibility in a vehicle. Although certain vehicles might have excellent vehicle bodies and a sleek style such as Volkswagen models sold at Peoria VW dealers, more important than the body is the visibility of a model. There are several models available that feature excellent window and mirror visibility sold at a local Greenville Chevy Dealer.

Looking out a rear view mirror, one should have a clear view of the back and many models sold at Hartford Hyundai Dealers offer this capability. But, it is truly amazing how many models offer limited visibility out of their rear view mirrors because their rear windows are too small. Often times, small rear view mirrors look like on models such as coupes or even tinted models.

Side mirrors should be adjusted to show both the side of a vehicle and also enough of the highway. Although there are many complaints about side mirror window size, many side mirrors are improperly adjusted, and a simple adjustment can make all the difference for side mirrors.

Larger head restraints can be a large source of visibility blockage. Large head rests may make it difficult to turn left to see the left blind spot. Large head rests are designed to be impact resilient. Large headrests provide more head and neck support during a collision, and several models as a result feature this option. In order to have a large headrest and be able to see your blind spot, adjust your mirror so that you can see your blind spot, or get a blind spot mirror addition to your side mirror.

Another thing to look out for is windows that are too small. The small windows offer the safety ability to keep passengers safer during rollovers. The smaller mirrors and larger pillars also improve vehicle structural integrity and safety. However, the right balance must be made between small mirrors which offer limited visibility and safety.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Defensive Driving Tips Part 4;



If you are driving your new vehicle purchased during Chevy Malibu Specials, you are going to want to know defensive driving techniques. Defensive driving can prevent a serious accident from happening to you, and you will definitely want to practice safe driving tips to prevent accidents from happening. There are numerous Arizona Volkswagen dealers that offer Volkswagen vehicles that have safety features that can prevent accidents, but nothing beats defensive driving in terms of reducing accident rates.

Also check out Chicago Chevrolet Dealers for information on the latest safety features that are included with Chevy models. One way to stay safe on the road is to share the road with trucks. Trucks require much more energy than vehicles to slow down. This means that they require more time. If you decide to cut a truck off, you might cause an accident because the truck may be unable to stop.

Similarly, you never want to follow to close to trucks either. If you are directly behind a truck, the driver will not be able to see you and may not realize you are there. You will want to maintain a following distance of around 3 to 4 seconds. Be sure that you can see the mirror of the truck. If you can see the mirror of a truck, the truck can see you.

The other way to stay safe and drive defensively is to show courtesy to other drivers. I don't know how many times I have seen drivers swerve in front of each other out of road rage. That's not even the worst of it. I've seen drivers purposely brake just to irritate or scare other drivers who were tailing them, drivers racing each other out of anger, and even drivers being distracted by swearing and yelling at each other out of their windows.

You might feel obligated to curse at the driver that just cut you off, but your distraction and anger might easily lead to an accident. In the case that an accident happens, you will feel quite silly for distracting yourself with an angry outburst. Practice courtesy on the road. It is much safer than throwing a fit and causing a serious accident.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Safest Vehicle Models for Teens;



Getting a safe vehicle model is a great idea for a new drive or for a young driver. Young drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, not because they are abusing drugs or alcohol but simply due to a lack of experience. Young drivers may benefit from having a safe vehicle like Volkswagen models that are found at an Arizona Volkswagen Dealer. If you are looking for a way to finance your purchase, there are other dealers and businesses such as Coastal Pawn that offer trade ins for vehicles and other items for money or credit toward another purchase.

Birmingham Dodge Chrysler Dealers also sell some excellent and safe models that teenager drivers can benefit from. Although the insurance rates on new vehicles might be high for a teenager, there are many benefits to purchasing a new vehicle model. New models have the latest in safety features. Teen drivers are more likely to have single vehicle, run off the road accidents in which they are more likely to cause serious injuries to themselves.

Therefore, the safety feature of side airbags is very important for teenage drivers. Another important consideration is the size of the vehicle. Smaller vehicles are just more likely to lose against larger vehicles in crashes. Smaller vehicles are not as safe as a result for teenagers. However, this does not mean that SUVs are necessarily safe choices for teens. SUVs without electronic rollover stability are not good choices as they can obviously roll over in some cases.

Some of the best choices are large sedans and crossover SUVs. Some of the worst car choices for teens are sports coupes which are both fast and small, a potentially dangerous combination for a young person who is inexperienced with driving.

No model can prevent the chance of an accident, although some models have safety features that really help prevent them from happening. But, if one was to happen, the best choices would be a model that is large, new, and features top of the line safety additions.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Are Small Vehicles Safe?




With increased demand for small vehicles all throughout the world, there is always the question of how safe these models are compared to their larger sedan counterparts. The latest small Mazda vehicles can be purchased during a Mazda Sale Sarasota deal. Small vehicles are known for their excellent fuel efficiency, but there is always the question of whether safety is a trade off for that fuel efficiency. Vehicles purchased at VW Peoria dealer are many times both fuel efficient and safe as Volkswagen has some of the best safety features out of any vehicle.

There are also Toyota Wichita dealers that sell models like the Prius and Yaris that are certainly small but are some of the most popular vehicle models in the world.

There is an expectation that small vehicle models will greatly increase in their demand over the next 3 years or 4 years as more consumers are interested in models that are not as expensive as hybrids but also have the same or similar fuel efficiency. With rumors that gas prices will reach as high as 4 to 5 dollars per gallon in the future (let's hope that never happens), small vehicles might actually become in higher demand than say sedans or pickup trucks in the United States and in the rest of the world.

There are statistics that show that small vehicle deaths per million vehicles are among the highest out of all of the vehicles. Pickup trucks have the highest number of deaths per million vehicles because of their tendency to roll over. Small vehicles often do not withstand head to head collisions very well, especially when the other vehicle is much larger. Accident rates for all vehicles have decreased over the past five years, which is the good news.

Although small vehicles may not be as safe as large vehicles, if one follows safe driving tips they can really reduce the chance of accidents.

Traverse in style



The Traverse could possibly be the coolest SUV out right now and you can find it at Subaru Salinas. It is Stylish, versatile and best of all affordable! The base price for this beauty is $29,000 and worth every penny. When using the third-row seating, you can carry up to eight passengers comfortably in Chevy's first large crossover. Chevrolet has always seemed to have a tough time keeping up with their competition in the "minivan" world and yet still continues to fall short. So, Chevrolet put their thinking caps on and came up with the Traverse and ultimately decided to discontinue the production of the Uplander in 2008, in favor of a new and refreshing automobile. The new Traverse is great vehicle for mom's that carpool or families that enjoy to travel, making the commute a spacious and enjoyable one.  It is said that it can tow up to 5,200 pounds, which is simply incredible for it's size.  The fuel economy is 17/24 city/highway, which is outstanding for an eight passenger automobile. Go to FL Chevrolet Service for all your automotive needs if the Chevrolet Traverse does not meet them..

When riding in the Chevy Traverse , you will find that the ride is a pleasant one. The total dimensions of the Traverse totals out to a whopping 118 cubic feet! That alone makes it shine against its competition at Peoria VW Dealer. USB ports are also available all over in the interior of the 2010 model. The Traverse scored very high on their crash tests, making it safe and reliable. The handling is is great and the ride is pure comfort. The Traverse makes driving fun again. Chevrolet, the leading brand of General Motors, may have hit it big this time and finally found what the consumers has been looking for.


2010 Chevy Traverse Courtesy Chevrolet Phoenix AZ

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Why Cell Phones are Dangerous;




Cell phones can cause accidents when they are used while driving a vehicle such as an Escape Hybrid. There are several accidents per year due to the use of cell phones and texting, and many drivers are unaware of how potentially dangerous they are. Even models that have several safety features that are sold at Peoria VW dealers still have to be driven carefully, and using cell phones can reduce the safety of these models. Seattle Nissan Dealers also have several options for safety features on the latest Nissan models that can be found in their inventories.

There are over 1 million drivers talking on the phone at any given moment in just the United States. In the rest of the world there are many millions more. And many thousands of small to serious accidents are caused in part by drivers not being aware of the road while using their cell phones. Cell phone safety is a concern for several states in the United States including California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah, and even Washington, D.C. In these states, and in D.C. using cell phones as hand held devices while driving is illegal.

A 2005 study of Australian drivers showed that drivers while talking on cell phones were four times more likely to get into accidents that involved injury than drivers that were not talking on cell phones. And there are even more studies that shown this in the United States. The science shows that cell phone usage while driving is a very risky behavior that can often result or contribute to accidents.

However, driving while using cellphones with a headset is safer. Many municipalities as well have outlawed driving with cellphones outside of those states mentioned, but some allow headsets to be used while talking on the phone so that the hands are not tied up. Therefore, for those who are looking to talk on cell phones, they should look into investing in a headset.

Monday, July 19, 2010

How to Drive Safely in Fog



Driving safely in fog is important, especially for areas that have more fog. Fog is a common weather occurrence during the morning or evening depending on the area that you live in. There are several vehicles that perform well that can be purchased from Missouri Used Car Lots. The important thing whenever you have foggy weather is to keep your vehicle lights on and drive carefully. There are several Peoria VW Dealer businesses that offer excellent vehicles that perform well in a wide variety of weather types.

Also, check local Dodge Reading dealers for vehicles that also do well in foggy weather. The distance that there is between vehicles should be increased to at least 5 seconds longer. This way, you will have more reaction time for unexpected events and objects that you do not see. There should be caution used at all times especially when visibility is lower.

Vehicle lights may be more difficult to see during the fog, and as a result you will need more time to react to different occurrences. There will also be problems from vehicles that do not use fog lights or driving lights. The low beams are generally better for fog where high beams will bounce light all over the fog and make it difficult for other drivers to see.

Vehicle lights will not work as well on high beams. Be sure also not to drift along the middle or the sides of the road during foggy weather because there is a tendency for vehicles to wonder during bad weather.

The other thing to look out for are deer and other animals. Animals may also not see your vehicle as well during foggy weather, and you might have more difficulties seeing animals and deer as well. The fog can create far less reaction time for seeing vehicles and as a result there can be more accidents with animals during fog.

Friday, July 16, 2010

More Tips For Driving in the Snow;



Driving in the snow is not easy even if you have a Ford vehicle with excellent snow tires that was purchased at a Ford F-150 Inventory. There are many options for those who are looking for better snow and ice safety features that can be selected at a local Peoria VW Dealer. Driving through snowy and ice weather requires the utmost vigilance and awareness of surroundings.

There are several safe GMC models that perform well in the snow that can be purchased at a GMC Oklahoma City dealership. The worst case scenario is having to have a car towed out of a snow bank because it got stuck, or getting into an accident when the weather is not so great outside.

Be sure to drive slowly when there is both snow or ice on the road. Although snow tires might help with traction, and should be used if possible, slow driving it and of itself will increase traction and help you maintain crucial control while you're getting through snowed out areas.

Icy areas are also hard to spot while driving, which means that you should have even more incentive to slow down and be aware of icy spots. "Black ice" is ice that is not visible because it is a thin sheet that sit over asphalt, and it is this type of ice that can be very dangerous.

Because you can never really be sure of the location of invisible ice, you must be careful to keep your speed at least no more than the speed limit and probably a lot less. Since everyone else will likely be driving slowly, it shouldn't be much of a hindrance.

Another technique is to brake before you corner. Braking ahead of time gives your vehicle plenty of time, and be sure to ease into the braking. Slamming the brakes down will cause skidding may cause you to slide instead of turn.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

More Defensive Driving Tips;



Defensive driving can save lives and lower accident rates all throughout the nation. Toyota Los Angeles dealers and others recommend safe driving to keep a vehicle properly maintained throughout its life and to reduce damage that results from accidents. If you just purchased a vehicle with KSMO used car loans, you might consider reviewing some of the following defensive driving strategies to stay safe while on the road.

Safety features such as braking assistance and blind spot detection that are found on BMW and VW models purchased through VW Deals are very helpful for safe driving. On top of this, avoiding distractions, using headlights, and driving safely during bad weather can help you avoid accidents.

Distractions are certainly one of the leading causes of automobile accidents. There are several types of distractions and all of them should be reduced or eliminated as much as possible while driving. Texting or talking on a cellphone with a handheld device instead of a hands free device are two of the major distractions that have caused increased accidents over the past year. These can simply be eliminated by just not texting while driving. If you have to make a call, there are several inexpensive hands free handsets that are available that can allow you to call and receive calls without touching your cell phone.

Be sure that your headlights are on during the recommended times that they should be used. This includes during foggy weather, dusk and dawn hours, during the night, on dusty roads, and when it is raining or snowing. Headlights can reduce accidents by improving visibility. When driving on highways during the evening, it is even more important to use headlights, because if you are driving at 60 miles per hour you only have approximately 300 feet to react to whatever is ahead of you. This amount includes braking distances.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

What does Auto Saftey Mean to You?



Automobile safety should be one of the highest concerns for any driver, but many of us neglect some of the most basic safety tips. Even if the model is a new Volkswagen purchased at a local Volkswagen Dealer with all of the best safety features, there are still several benefits to having an awareness of fundamental auto safety. The latest Ford models also provide several excellent standard safety features such as multiple airbags and other features and can be found at a Ford Knoxville dealership.

Other domestic automakers like Chrysler have several new models that can be found at a High Point Dodge Dealer that are designed to compete with Ford and other automakers in both cost, safety, fuel efficiency, and other features. Auto safety for some people is not a major concern, but it should be. There were 6,420,000 accidents in the United States in 2005 with a cost of around 230 billion dollars. Vehicle accidents claimed 42,636 people and also caused several thousands more of injuries.

Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you are aware of basic auto safety in order to ensure that you avoid at-fault accidents. A large part of auto safety is defensive driving, which we have previously covered a little. Now, with the availability of numerous other models that are excellent and safe, defensive driving is even easier. There are features such as blind spot sensors, backup cameras, collision warning systems, and traffic detection systems. Many of these systems assist with braking during traffic, emergency braking, and other driving maneuvers.

Even the most experienced driver can benefit from car safety features, and with the wide availability of many features on new models, it makes sense to at least look into the cost of adding safety features to a vehicle. On your next visit to the dealership to purchase a new or pre-owned model, ask your dealer about the latest safety features and in the meantime be sure to read this blog for more defensive and safe driving tips.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Auto Safety Maintenace Tips;



If you are driving a new vehicle purchased at a Nissan Boston dealer, you will want to make sure that you properly maintain the vehicle for all safety requirements. Vehicle safety is of the utmost concern for any new VW or other vehicle model, regardless of the quality of the vehicle. There are several models that can be found at a Chevrolet Hartford dealership that might be built with the top safety features and quality, but to ensure that the vehicle functions properly for the long-term, you should follow regular recommended maintenance.

In particular, harsh weather can wear very much on a vehicle. When very cold or hot weather seasons hit in your local area, you should be prepared by getting your vehicle ready for these seasons. If you are not sure of the antifreeze's 50/50 ratio, you should also have that ratio tested at a mechanic or oil change facility. Not only is it important to have antifreeze in the vehicle, but if the improper ratio of antifreeze is present then the radiator will not work properly. Vehicles that experience cold weather should be filled with antifreeze before cold seasons.

Wipers should be replaced on a regular basis. It is recommended that wipers are replaced at least once every six months and maybe more often depending on the area in which you live. If you get plenty of rain and snowfall, wipers will wear down faster, and you will need to replace them on a more regular basis. Higher quality wipers last longer as well, so with higher quality wipers you may not need to get new ones as often.

The washer fluid on windshields should be checked regularly. If there is any type of stain on a windshield that needs to be washed off during driving, washer fluid must be present in order to use the vehicle's window washing feature.

Be sure to follow these safety guidelines in order to maintain a vehicle and keep it safe in the long run.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Defensive Driving Tips Part 3;



Driving defensively is proven to prevent accidents and save lives. However, many of us are unaware of how to drive defensively in the proper way. Whether you are driving a new model or one purchased at a Kansas City Used cars dealership, defensive driving can prolong the life of your vehicle and keep it out of accidents. There are numerous models with the latest safety features that created by manufacturers such as Volkswagen whose models can be found at a discount during VW Deals. Domestic automakers have also begun to incorporate several advanced safety features, and these models can be purchased at a Denver Ford dealership as well.

Although buying a model with excellent safety features is important, you will also want to follow basic safe driving tips like: not driving when you are angry or emotional, not driving uncontrollably or unpredictably, being aware of your surroundings, and driving according to the rules of the road for your state and area.

If you drive when you are angry or emotional, there is more of a chance that you are going to make a mistake. Emotional driving means impulsive driving. Sometimes the best idea is not to jump in the car after an argument because your mind may not be able to focus on what's going on with the road. Many accidents have happened not because of drivers being tired or drunk, but because they were so upset they weren't even paying attention to the signs on the road! Calm down before you jump into the vehicle to prevent this from happening.

Another driving safety tip that goes along with this is to ways drive predictably. The more unpredictable your driving is, the more difficulty that other drivings will have spotting out your vehicle. You will want to drive with a sense of awareness and caution of others around you, and you should never switch changes, or speed up and slow down too quickly. Give plenty of time and space for lane changes. Don't floor it or brake too quickly unless you are in an emergency situation.

Friday, July 9, 2010

How to Keep Your Vehicle Safe From Theft;



With vehicles being stolen almost every 30 seconds in the United States, there is a good chance that your vehicle might be spotted by a thief at some point during the time that you own it. Vehicles like Ford models and others that are purchased during Ford Specials are often stolen, chopped up, and resold piece by piece. Even those purchased during Volkswagen Deals are affected by theft.

Vehicles do not have to be actually stolen and driven away for a thief to be interested. In many cases thieves will attempt to steal items inside of a car or take pieces of equipment from the vehicle. Before you buy a new vehicle from Boston Nissan Dealers, know how to protect it from theft.

Cars with greater theft rates are more likely to have higher insurance rates as well. Talk to your insurance company to find out how often your particular make and model is stolen. Although you should always be vigilant of car theft no matter what type of vehicle you own, there is even more reason to be aware of car thieves when you own a vehicle that is stolen more often.

The most simple way to keep thieves out is to always lock your doors. It seems like this would be common sense, but you would be surprised how many times vehicles are broken into just because the owners forgot to lock one or more doors. Locking doors makes it that much more difficult for a thief to break in, although not impossible. A thief is less likely to attempt to break into a locked car as well because of the noise and attention it might draw if they broke a window or used another method.

Also make sure to roll up all of your windows all the way. There should be no space in between the window and the top of the car door.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

More Tips for Driving in Snow;



Earlier, we discussed how to stay safe while driving through snowy conditions. Snow is one of the more difficult types of weather to drive in. With a model that has several safety features that was purchased at a Washington Nissan dealer, there are still many things to look out for. A local Volkswagen Dealer will sell models that are designed to be resilient to snowy weather conditions. Although driving in bad weather like snow or while it is snowing is not a good idea, if you absolutely must you can avoid many problems by following some basic safety guidelines

Also Ford has several SUV models that have 4 wheel drive which is better for snow, and those models can be test driven at a local Ford Birmingham dealer. Slowing down is probably the best way to maintain control and avoid accidents while driving through snow. You should also wait until snow plows have cleared the roads of snow if at all possible. This will make driving much easier. You might practice driving in the snow if you don't have much experience in a low traffic area before going out into higher traffic areas. Get some confidence in your driving abilities before taking the leap.

If you are driving on icy roads, you will definitely need to slow down so that you have more space and time to brake. Do not slam on your brakes but very gently brake when you need to slow down. Braking gently will reduce the amount of skidding. If your vehicle has a four-wheel drive mode, be sure to turn the mode on if it is has to be turned on. Four-wheel-drive is far better for traction in snow. However, even four-wheel drive has limitations, so you should know what your vehicle is really capable of doing. Test your vehicle in several circumstances, but do not test it when there are other cars around. Get a feel for what it is capable of doing.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

How to Drive Safely in Rain;



Auto safety is never to be overlooked even if you are driving the latest St. Louis Volkswagen model with the latest safety features that can be found at a local VW Dealer. There are many safe models that can be found at Bradenton Used Cars dealers, but you should be aware of the potential hazards that different weather circumstances like rain have on an automobile.

Rain is a common occurrence on highways and roads throughout the world. Driving in rain is quite a bit different than driving on dry roads in clear weather. There are many accidents that happen during rainy weather which could be prevented with a few safe driving tips.

Wet roads are more slippery due to a thin amount of water that causes tires to lose traction. Therefore, you should be sure to drive no faster than the speed limit when it is rainy. Most people at least follow this rule when it is rainy, but you would be surprised what happens in this weather.

The other thing to note is that it is much harder to see through rain than clear weather. Obstacles in the front and behind, blind spots, headlights, other vehicles, signs, and traffic lights are all more difficult to see. Driving more slowly will help you see more objects and lights since you will have more time to focus on an object.

Many vehicles do not have proper windshield wipers. It is important that high quality windshield wipers are working on the automobile, and that they are replaced at soon as they are no longer effective at wiping the full length of the blade. If the wiper mechanism is not working or the wiper is not removing all of the water that the blade touches, the vehicle is simply not safe to drive in rain.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Defensive Driving Tips Part 2;



As mentioned in the previous article, regardless of whether you are driving a safe vehicle that was repaired at a Jersey City Saturn Service or other car service, you will want to drive defensive. With the large number of accidents that occur each year even with safe vehicles purchased at a local VW Peoria dealer, it makes sense to drive as safely as possible. KIA is a Korean automaker whose latest models featuring the latest in safety can be found at a Reading Kia dealer.

You should always yield the right of way if you are not sure who should have it. And you should always drive the speed limit to avoid the problems of inaccuracy that go with speeding. However, there is more to defensive driving than just this.

Modern vehicles feature safety devices that help prevent accidents. Many of these devices such as back-up sensors and rear view cameras are coming standard on large vehicles like vans, SUVs, and trucks. However, if your vehicle does not have safety features such as these, it might be a good idea to look into purchasing them in order make your driving that much safer.

Beyond just back-up sensors cameras, there are now vehicles that come standard with numerous other safety features including: emergency braking assistance, blind spot detection and warning systems, traffic acceleration and braking assistance, collision warning systems, impact preparation systems, and many more.

These safety features have been standard on luxury models but are now become more standard on regular models as their cost decreases. A vehicle can never have enough safety features, and your choice of a new vehicle should have as many as you can afford to include. You might save some money going with fewer safety features, however if those features save you from a collision they are well worth it!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Defensive Driving Tips;



Automobile brands like GM's Chevy brand are becoming safer to drive, as they use high quality Florida Chevrolet Parts in their manufacturing process and their latest models feature the latest safety measures and features. However, with the large number of accidents on roadways throughout the nation, defensive driving is important to ensure that accidents do not happen, and if they do happen their severity is limited. Even if you drive a safe model like a Volkswagen Peoria model or a Philadelphia Nissan model, you should know how to drive defensively.

For instance, if you are not sure if you have the right of way, just assume that the other driver has the right of way. This way if you are wrong and you really did not have the right of way you will avoid taking away the other driver's right of way. If an accident were to happen, you could not claim to insurance that you did not know that you should not have had the right of way.

Another major way to defensively drive is to not speed. Speeding is proven to increase the likelihood of an accident for many reasons, among them being a shorter amount of time to react to unexpected events and a higher amount of steering inaccuracy. Driving the speed limit also saves you on gas, so it makes perfect sense to drive the speed limit and avoid the problem of shorter reaction times.

Also, if you were speeding and an accident was to happen, it is very likely that you would be at fault for the accident. It is just not worth saving the few minutes that speeding saves to risk an at fault accident.

Finally, the worst thing to do is to drive after you have had a few drinks. Even if you are not sure, the best option is to have a designated driver no matter what. Have a responsible person with you whenever you go out or call a taxi or use other forms of public transportation when you go out for drinks.

Friday, July 2, 2010

How to Drive Safety on Ice and Snow



If you are a driver who fears driving on ice or snow, it is understandable. Brands like Volkswagen and Jeep are known to be excellent at driving in harsh weather conditions. Volkswagen models can be test driven at a Volkswagen Peoria dealer and Jeep models can be driven at a New Haven Jeep dealer. Other pre-owned weather resilient car models can be browsed at a Bradenton used cars dealer.

Ice can be a dangerous road condition if one is not prepared and experienced to drive on it. Snow is also potentially dangerous, especially because heavy snow can cause view obstruction and traction problems. However, if you know a few save driving tips, you don't have to worry about the next time that you drive in the snow or ice.

In most cases, it is best to not drive at all while there is ice and snow on the roads. If you absolutely must drive you should be extremely cautious of your speed. One of the most dangerous things to do is to drive quickly while it is snowing or there is ice on the road, because the snow reduces the amount of reaction time that drivers have. Ice is also a problem at high speeds to do lose of control while steering, and delayed stopping.

You vehicle should be equipped with snow tires if you live in a region that snows often. Most vehicles are not actually equipped with real snow tires. Snow tires must have at least 6/32 inch deep tread. Official snow tread tires usually have a snowflake symbol somewhere on the tire indicating that the tire is the industry standard for snow tires.

Be sure that lights and wipers are operating at full strength. If snow can not be wiped off due to ineffective wipers, visually impairment can lead to accidents. The snow makes visibility difficult enough as it is, and having bad wipers creates a very dangerous situation. Lights should also be operating at full capacity and not covered in any way by the snow.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

How to Handle an Automoble Accident



If you are involved in a car accident, it is a stressful and difficult situation. Volkswagen has some excellent safety features on most of their vehicles which can be seen at a Peoria VW dealer. But, even the best safety features on cars from a Bradenton Used Cars dealer, or a Minneapolis Ford dealer can not prevent the inevitable problem of human error. If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe.

The first thing to do is call 911 if necessary. If there is even a slight doubt that someone might be hurt, paramedics should be called to the scene. If the accident is light and no one is hurt, the police may be called instead. You should never leave the scene of the accident or turn your car back on to move it unless the car is in danger of being hit at the time.

Make sure that all passengers are not hurt. Do not move anyone who has back pain. Do not leave your vehicle and apologize, as this can come back to haunt you when the fault for the accident is determined. Even if you are sure the accident is your fault, do not apologize and allow insurance to determine who is at fault.

The other person's insurance company may contact you for information. You should only speak to your own insurance company and not the other person's. They may ask you incriminating or other information that can be used against you while the fault of the accident is being determined. Similarly, it is foolish to admit fault to the police.

You should be honest with the officers who are getting details about the accident when they ask questions, but do not say anything outside of what they are asking. We will continue these tips in the next article on how to handle auto accidents.