Fall Car Care Month Checklist: Winter is on the Way

October is Fall Car Care Month, and the Car Care Council reminds motorists that checking their vehicles before the temperatures drop is a sensible way to avoid being stranded out in the cold and the unexpected expense of emergency repairs.

“The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. Winter magnifies existing problems like hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Whether you perform the check or maintenance yourself or go to the repair shop, it’s a small investment of time and money to ensure peace of mind, and help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during severe weather.”

The Car Care Council recommends the following Fall Car Care Month checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready for cold winter weather ahead.

Heating, Wipers & Lights

• Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
• Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
• Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

Tires & Brakes

• Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.
• During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
• Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

Gas, Oil & Filters

• Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.
• Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.
• Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust

• Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.
• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
• Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

Pack the Essentials

• Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.
• Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.

Source:  www.carcare.org

September is National Preparedness Month

For commuting or traveling any great distance by car, packing an emergency kit may make the difference between getting back on the road soon, or being stuck where you are for some time.

Such protection is something that every vehicle should have (along with a well-equipped first-aid kit). Yet most people carry only a few of the basic items they need to help them get back on the road quickly and safely if the run into a problem.

Above all, always carry the necessary equipment for changing a tire―a working jack, an inflated spare tire, a lug nut wrench or tire iron, and pipe for leverage. These items should always be stored in their designated place in your car's trunk or hatchback.

Recommended Items to Pack

Your emergency kit should include:

· Roadside flares
· A first-aid kit
· Work gloves or latex gloves
· Two quarts of oil
· Jumper cables
· One gallon of antifreeze
· Brake fluid
· Extra fuses
· A blanket
· A flashlight with fresh batteries
· A Phillips head screwdriver
· A flat head screwdriver
· Vise grips
· An adjustable wrench
· A pair of pliers
· A tire inflator
· A tire pressure gauge
· Some rags and a funnel
· A roll of duct tape
· A roll of paper towels
· A spray bottle with washer fluid
· An ice scraper
· An AAA or roadside emergency card
· Triangle reflectors and flares.
· A pocketknife
· Bottled water
· Granola or energy bars

You can use a cardboard box or large plastic container (such as a milk carton) for storage, so that it doesn't roll around in the trunk and you can quickly find what you need in an emergency. If space in your car is at a premium, you can use a basic version of the emergency kit, with a small first-aid kit; two roadside flares; a quart of oil; extra fuses; a flashlight; a multipurpose tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, a saw, a bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl; a tire inflator, some rags, a pocket knife, and a help sign.

Several companies and organizations offer pre-assembled emergency roadside kits that contain essential items in a small, convenient carrier. You may also want to add a few of the items listed above to suit your needs.

Some definitely optional items to consider for your emergency kit include a Swiss Army knife, a good book, a pillow, a bathing suit, some tasty snacks, and a beach chair.

If you live in an area with freezing temperatures during the winter, you should also keep a collapsible shovel in your car in case you have to dig your way out of ice or snow.

Your Dress Rehearsal

Before you actually find yourself in an emergency situation, take time to become familiar with the items you've collected and how to use them correctly, because simply having in them in your possession is not enough. After all, it is easy to become flustered when the unexpected happens, and many of us (both male and female) are not too mechanically inclined.

Finally, having an emergency road kit may mean the difference between sitting on the side of the highway waiting for a tow truck or being able to make your way to your destination or suffering an injury of some sort.

Remember that the most important item at your disposal is your own good judgment.(For example, stopping to change a tire in the high-speed lane on the interstate is an invitation to disaster.)

Some Other Precautions

In addition to preparing your emergency kit and knowing how to use every item in it, consider the following common-sense guidelines to protect yourself and your family when you are on the road.
· Try to move your car completely off the road before taking any emergency measures.
· Do not stand near the edge of the highway while you are checking your vehicle.
· At night, turn on your flashers to signal that you need help.
· In daylight, raise the hood and tie a white cloth on the antenna or door handle of your car.
· Set out flares if you have them.
· If you have to repair your car at night, wear a fluorescent safety vest.
· While waiting for help to arrive, stay inside your car with the windows up and the doors locked.
· Do not accept a ride to any destination from a passing motorist.

Source: DMV.org

Back to School Means Sharing the Road | Subaru El Cajon

Slow Down!

Things get a little crazy on the roads during the school year: Buses are everywhere, kids on

 
bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work.

It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.

If You're Dropping Off

Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. Make sure you know them for the safety of all kids. More children are hit by cars near schools than at any other location, according to the National Safe Routes to School program. The following apply to all school zones:

• Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles
• Don't load or unload children across the street from the school
• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school

Sharing the Road with Young Pedestrians

According to research by the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:

• Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn,
  
  forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
• In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign
• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas
• Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
• Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

Sharing the Road with School Buses

If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road
  
  – if it is stopped to load or unload children
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
• Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.

• When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist
• When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass
• If you're turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals
• Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this
• Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods
• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars
• Check side mirrors before opening your door

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.

Source: http://www.nsc.org/learn/safety-knowledge/Pages/back-to-school-safety-tips-for-drivers.aspx

Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time;
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving;
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.

Regular Car Checks Recommended During High Summer Temperatures

Staying on top of your car's systems during the height of summer can help ensure a comfortable and safe ride.

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery.

To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car's battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it's important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner's manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle's tires.

"It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The council reminds motorists that the vehicle's exterior also can be damaged by sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution. To protect the paint and finish, vehicles should be washed weekly and waxed every six months.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visithttp://www.carcare.org/.

Source: Car Care Council

Take your 4-Legged Friend Along | Subaru El Cajon

When you just can't leave them behind find adventures you can share.

Dedicated dog owners know the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with each departure, be it for a day or for a week. It's a pang of guilt brought on by big sad eyes and a tilted head, asking why you're leaving.

Click here to see All The Great Vacations for You and Your Dog

Unless you're one of the few who has found a quality boarding center or an all-star pet sitter, you worry about how they're doing each day you're gone. It doesn't feel right to leave a family member home from a trip. This summer bring your pup along on an adventure tailor-made just for him.

It may seem like traveling with your dog is a bit out of the norm, especially if he's big, but that's only because travelers are hesitant to bring their pups on planes. From the TSA rules and regulations to the sedation medication they'll need to stay calm, many travelers prefer to drive with their pets instead.

When you include travelers who decided to drive, in the last three years, 29.1 million people took their pets on trips at least 50 miles from home, according to Ark Animals. Unsurprisingly, dogs were the most frequently traveled with pet, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all pet travel.

The trend is growing and pet accommodations are better than ever, but there are a few things you should remember before you take your dog globetrotting.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs:

• Have your dog checked out by the vet before you leave for your trip. You should also research vet offices around your destination in case of emergency.
• Remember to bring a crate, all tags and vaccination information and a picture of your pooch. Airlines and hotels often require proof of vaccination and a crate. The picture will help should you lose your dog in a foreign place.
• It's a good idea to request a room on the first floor, near an exit, so you can easily leave to walk your dog.

Whether you and your dog are into hiking, swimming or even surfing, there's a great vacation out there for both of you. Take a look at these great summer vacations for you and your dog.

Resource: http://www.theactivetimes.com/10-great-summer-vacations-you-and-your-dog?utm_source=huffington%2Bpost&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=petfriendly

Get ready for your next Summer Road Trip | Subaru El Cajon

8 tips for making the most of your summer road trip

If you do them right, road trips can be a fun way to explore the country while going from point A to point B. If you do them wrong, they can be incredibly boring and frustrating. Make the most of your road trip this summer with some tips we’ve amassed over the years (and across the miles). 

1. Plan out extra time: Road trips work best when you plan yourself plenty of extra time for pit stops and excursions along the way. You’ll likely be traveling through areas you may otherwise have no reason to pass through, which can make for some pretty cool excursions along the way.

2. Do your research: Do some scouting in advance, making a rough itinerary for your travels. It’s good to know which cities you plan on sleeping in, whether you’re making hotel reservations or camping. See which cities you’ll pass through along the way, and see what piques your interest. Are there cute, locally owned diners along your route? What about funky tourist attractions or ghost towns that are right off the roadside? There are also lots of road trip-centric apps you can download to help you while you’re on the road. 

3. Enjoy nature: After all that driving, it’s always nice to be able to get out and stretch your legs for a bit and take in the scenery. A nice walk or some time spent outside in the sunshine can do wonders for your mood (and your body). 

4. Pump up the jams: We’re big fans of mixed CDs for long road trips, carefully curated for the scenery you’ll be traveling. Play some Emmylou Harris as you make your way through the South, or have some Beach Boys albums ready for your trip up the Pacific Coast Highway.

5. Perfect podcasts: Smartphones make listening to podcasts in your car an easy prospect, and the miles fly by when you’re engrossed in a great story or interview. Some of our favorites include “This American Life,” “The TED Radio Hour,” Grantland’s “The Lowe Post,” “The Canon” and “Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History.” 

6. Play games: When we were growing up, the license plate game was one of our favorite ways to pass time out on the road. (That, and annoying our folks with “100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.”) Print out a map of the country to take along, so you can mark them off as you go. 

7. Pack wisely: Aside from your clothes and toiletries, it’s important to bring along a phone charger, cash, snacks, a cooler and a map (they can be fun to have along, even if we rely on our phones a lot these days). (And don’t pack too heavily: You want to have room for the souvenirs and knick-knacks you pick up along the way.)

8. Prep your car: Make sure your car is in good shape before you set off on your trip. Getting stranded on the side of the road is the worst. (On that note, always start off with a full tank of gas.) If you car's not in the best shape, it may be a good idea to look into a rental for your travels.

Resource: http://www.timesreporter.com/article/ZZ/20150603/NEWS/150609953