Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter

It’s foolish to head out in a poorly maintained vehicle in the dead of winter, of course, but even vehicle owners in temperate zones need a car care check as the days grow shorter. Here at Teton Motors we want you and your family to be as safe as possible this winter. Together with ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) we've compiled these car care tips to give you peace of mind during winter driving:

• Before you do anything else, read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules.
• Get engine performance and drive-ability problems — hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc. — corrected at a reputable repair shop. Cold weather makes existing problems worse.
• Replace dirty filters, such as air, fuel, and PCV. A poorly running engine is less efficient and burns more gasoline.
• As the temperature drops below freezing, add a bottle of fuel deicer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Keeping the gas tank filled also helps prevent moisture from forming.
• Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual — more often if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.
• The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. Do-It-Yourselfers: Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses also should be checked regularly by a professional technician.
• The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility.
• Replace old blades regularly. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent — you’ll be surprised how much you use during the winter months. And don’t forget to always carry an ice scraper.
• Have your battery checked. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. However, most motorists can perform routine care: Wear eye protection and protective rubber gloves. Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. A word of caution: Removal of cables can cause damage or loss of data/codes on some newer vehicles, so always check your owner’s manual first. Be sure to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid.
• Inspect all lights and bulbs. Replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag. Clouded lenses can be refinished by many service outlets or by using a DIY kit found in major auto parts outlets.
• Exhaust fumes inside your vehicle’s cabin can be deadly. Have the exhaust system examined for leaks and problems while the vehicle is on a lift. The trunk and floorboards should also be inspected for small holes.
• Worn tires are dangerous in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month, letting the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget to check your spare, and be sure the jack is in good working condition. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels makes your engine work harder and thus use excess gasoline.
• Have your brakes checked periodically for safety and to prevent costly repairs that can be caused by neglect.
• The transmission is often neglected until a major failure. Routine checks and fluid changes at prescribed intervals can prevent very costly repairs down the line.
• Always carry an emergency kit with you: extra gloves, boots and blankets; flares; a small shovel and sand or kitty litter; tire chains; a flashlight and extra batteries; and a cell phone and extra car charger. Put a few “high-energy” snacks in your glove box.

Our service departments are open 8am - 5pm Monday thru Friday. Please feel free to schedule any winter maintenance appointments online or give us a call today. We're here to help!

Fall Car Care Tips

Winter and summer generally call for the most attention to car maintenance given the harsh weather conditions both of those seasons experience. But as the leaves change and that nip comes to the air, it's important to take a look at some vital parts of your vehicle to ensure that they are in good health.

Fall can often mean rainy weather and even snow, so you'll want to be certain that the parts of your car that are designed to deal with that kind of weather are all in proper working in order. A little drizzle can turn into a big problem if your windshield wipers or tires are in bad shape.

Pep Boys provided us with a list of four simple car care tips for the fall season. Take a read through and then perform these checks on your car. It should only take a few minutes and can end up saving you a big by mitigating problems that the season's iffy driving conditions can cause.

1. Look at tires for signs of uneven wear or other damage

Your tires play a vital -- and generally thankless -- role in keeping you safe on the road. They are, after all, the only point of physical contact between your car and the pavement.

Uneven wear on tires can point to a couple of potential safety problems. It could mean that one or more of your tires is under-inflated, which can negatively affect your car's handling and fuel economy. It can mean that your tires are out of alignment, which can cause stress on your suspension and result in an uncomfortable ride. It can also mean that the tire is out of balance or the wheel is bent, which can result in a bumpy ride due to the wobbly tire or wheel.

Any of these issues can cause compromise the safety and comfort of your car. If you notice uneven tire wear, check into the cause of it as soon as possible.

2. Listen to and feel your brakes

Pay attention when braking to be sure they are not making scraping or grinding noises, or that the brake pedal does not feel soft or spongy when depressed. Either of these issues can make braking difficult, which is obviously something you don't want.

A soft or spongy brake pedal can point to a couple of possible problems, the most common of which is that there is too much air in the brake lines. You can fix the problem yourself by bleeding the brakes, but it's probably best to have your local mechanic take care of it for you.

If you hear your brakes making scraping sounds, it can mean that there is some kind of foreign particle stuck in them or that the wear indicator is rubbing against the rotor. If you hear a grinding sound, that means the friction material on your brakes has worn off and the only thing stopping your car is the metal backing plate. This will make stopping the car very difficult and can damage critical parts of your brakes.

3. Check your light bulbs and lenses for clarity

Give your headlight, brake, fog and hi-beam bulbs and lenses a good check for clarity. It's starting to get dark much earlier, meaning your lights are going to be even more important than usual, since you'll be using them when there is heavier traffic flow.

There are a few home remedies to fixing cloudy lights, including using an aluminum polishing compound or even toothpaste.

4. Replace your windshield wipers if they are worn, cracked or streak when in use

When it comes to driving, there's not much that is more infuriating than windshield wipers that don't work properly. Having your vision obscured by ineffective wipers that just spread the rain all over your windshield isn't only annoying, it's also dangerous.

Replacing windshield wipers is quick, easy and cheap. Simply go to your local auto parts store, get the wipers that are the right size for your car (they'll generally have a reference book there for you to use) and follow the installation instructions.  Do this while it's still warm outside, because trying to pry off wipers with cold hands is torturous.

10 Safety checks to make before buying a car

At Teton Motors customer satisfaction is our highest priority. When making an important decision like purchasing a car it is important to be informed. Our vehicles are inspected thoroughly before we even put them on the lot. Here are some safety tips to ensure that you are purchasing the best car for you. You need to consider several factors when evaluating a vehicle's overall safety. They range from how it performs in an emergency-handling situation and how it protects its occupants in a collision to how easy it is to secure a child seat. When comparing vehicles, it's important to look at all the appropriate variables, including safety-related ratings and features. Below, ConsumerReports has put together a list of 10 safety checks that are worth reviewing before you make your final buying decision.

1. Insurance-industry crash-test ratings
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a safety-research group that conducts its own series of crash tests. In its frontal-offset crash, the IIHS runs a vehicle at 40 mph into a deformable barrier. Instead of engaging the whole width of the car's front end, the barrier covers just the 40 percent of the car in front of the driver.

Using a deformable barrier simulates a car-to-car, driver's-side-to-driver's-side collision, which is a common form of fatal crash. By focusing the crash on only a portion of the car's front, this test severely stresses the car's structural integrity and its ability to protect the area around the driver without collapsing.

The IIHS scores its frontal-crash results as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. You can find ratings for all tested vehicles on the IIHS website.

2. Government crash-test ratings
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducts two types of crash tests: full frontal and side impact. Each is scored on a five-star scale, with fewer stars indicating a greater likelihood of serious injury. You can check the scores for all crash-tested vehicles online at www.safercar.gov.

Both the NHTSA and IIHS frontal crash-test results are comparable only to vehicles within the same weight class as the tested car. If vehicle weights are very dissimilar, the results could be very different.

3. Electronic stability control (ESC)
Electronic stability control (ESC) is designed to keep the vehicle under control and on its intended path during cornering, and prevent it from sliding or skidding. If a vehicle begins to go out of control, the system selectively applies brakes to one or more wheels and cuts engine power to keep the vehicle on course. On SUVs, stability control can help prevent a rollover. The IIHS estimates that 10,000 lives per year would be saved if all cars had ESC. NHTSA required ESC as standard from the 2012 model year.

4. Rollover resistance
Taller vehicles such as SUVs and pickups have a high center of gravity, which makes them more likely to roll over than passenger cars. (According to the IIHS, SUVs have a rollover rate that is two to three times higher.)

We believe that vehicles that tip up in NHTSA's test have a potential stability problem and CR will not recommend them, regardless of their star rating. In order for an SUV or pickup to be recommended, it must either have been included in NHTSA's test and have not tipped up or, if it has not been tested, it must offer electronic stability control.

5. Antilock brake system (ABS)
CR's auto experts highly recommend getting an antilock brake system (ABS), which is available as standard or optional equipment on nearly all vehicles. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up during a hard stop, something that can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. ABS almost always provides shorter stops, but, even more importantly, the system helps keep the vehicle straight and allows the driver to maneuver during a panic stop.

6. Accident avoidance
A vehicle's ability to help you avoid an accident is just as important as its crashworthiness. Key factors to consider are braking and emergency handling, although acceleration, visibility, driving position, and even seat comfort (which affects driver fatigue) also play a role. Consumer Reportsevaluates these factors on every vehicle it tests.

7. Air bags
By law, every new passenger vehicle comes equipped with dual front air bags. But the sophistication of the systems can vary. Most upscale vehicles and many others now have some version of a "smart" air-bag system, which gauges several variables to tailor the deployment of the vehicle's front and side air bags. Side air bags are now common for front occupants, and Consumer Reports highly recommends head-protection side air bags where they're available.

8. Safety-belt features
Three-point lap-and-shoulder belts provide the most protection in a crash, and most vehicles now have them in all seating positions. A few, however, still have only a lap belt in the center-rear position, which allows the upper part of the body to move forward in a crash or panic stop. The comfort of the belts is also important, because some people won't wear them if they're uncomfortable. 

Many vehicles also include safety-belt pretensioners and force-limiters. Pretensioners automatically take up the slack in the seat belt during a frontal crash, while force-limiters relax the safety-belt tension following the initial impact to prevent chest and internal injuries caused by the belt itself.

9. Head restraints
Head restraints are vital for guarding against the whiplash neck injuries that often accompany a rear-end collision. Restraints need to be tall enough to cushion the head above the top of the spine. Many cars' head restraints adjust for height. Look for those that lock in the raised position—a legal requirement for cars made since September, 2009. Those that do not can be forced down in a crash, losing effectiveness. Many cars' rear restraints are too low to do much good, whichConsumer Reports notes in its road test reports. The IIHS website provides head-restraint or rear-crash ratings for many models.

10. Child safety
Child-safety seats save lives and should be used until a child is big enough to use the vehicle's regular safety belt. Often, incompatibilities between the car's seat and the child seat make a good, tight fit difficult and sometimes impossible to achieve.

For some years all new vehicles had a universal system called LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) that made the attachment easier and more secure. But the system doesn't work equally well in all vehicles. The key is to try out a new car seat in your existing vehicle, or try out your existing car seat in a new vehicle before you buy either.

Power-window switches: Children have accidentally activated a power window while leaning out and have been killed or injured by the window closing on them. The easiest types to inadvertently trigger are horizontal rocker and toggle switches on the door's armrest, which raise the window when pushed down or to the side. Lever-type switches, which are flush with the surrounding trim and only raise the window when pulled up, are a safer design.

9 Simple Tips for Keeping Your Car Cool This Summer

Teton Motors wants you to get the most out of your summer vacation.  Follow these nine simple tips for beating the heat, and you won’t get burned by the summer sun.  Not all drivers enjoy the smoldering intensity of the midsummer sun, especially when they have to step inside a car that has been parked in the heat for any period of time.  Let us help you deal with that smoldering Jackson heat.

1.  Use a dash cover.  A dash cover made from upholstery or fabric can go quite a ways towards making your car’s interior more comfortable.  The heat won’t feel nearly as overwhelming, especially when you touch the hot surfaces of the dash.  Covers also protect the vinyl, which are sensitive and prone to damage from the sun, which leads to cracking and fading.

2.  Use a hand towel to cover the steering wheel.  I think we can all agree on the importance of holding the car’s steering wheel, right?  It’s a terrific idea to cover the steering wheel with a small towel, even when using a sunshade.  This will make driving a bit more bearable, and no longer will driving in the heat feel like you’re removing a pan from the oven without mittens.

3.  Park in a shady area.  This one may be the most obvious tip on this list.  Whenever possible, park in a shady area, even if it means having to walk a few feet further.  This is especially true when parking for a long period of time to look at cars at Teton Motors.  Parking in some shade will limit the effects of the heat, and in some cases, might make your car’s cabin seem like an igloo.

4.  Use a sunshade or window visor.  Although we’ve listed this at #4, this is one of the more important tips we can give.  This is simple, affordable, and only takes a few seconds to flip the sunshade against your windshield.  If planning to look at cars at Teton Motors (or parking for any extended period of time, for whatever reason), we highly suggest putting a sunshade on the rear window, too.

5.  Keep your previous possessions out of the sun.  Most things we love don’t share the same love for the sun.  CDs, electronics, or any other delicate items in your car should be stored away from the path of direct sunlight.  This means leave some room underneath seats, in the glove box, or in the trunk.  You might even consider throwing a blanket over the more expensive possessions.  This will not only get those items out of the sun, but will also hide them from potential thieves.

6.  Purchase a solar-powered fan.  Pairing a solar-powered fan with cracked windows is a good way to make a hot car feel quite pleasant.  These fans promote air circulation, constantly working to blow hot air out of the cabin.

7.  Park in a garage when possible.   Whenever possible, park in a garage.  A car in a warm garage is much better than one out in the sun.  Get your car out of the direct sunlight and into the shady comfort of a rooftop.

8.  Keep windows slightly cracked.  While we at Teton Motors would never suggest someone to leave their windows wide-open while away from the car, we might suggest the idea of leaving them cracked, ever-so-slightly.  Just be sure the crack is small enough to prevent any-sized arm from entering it.  Even this small crack will help keep your car cool by providing ventilation.

9.  Throw blankets over your seats.  Vinyl and leather seats can become especially toasty if held under the blistering sun.  Throwing blankets over the seats will keep them cool and pleasant.

Gas Myths Debunked

It's summer, which means it's time for road trips and running the kids to camp, sports events, play dates and more. This can be somewhat taxing on your gas tank and your wallet. It's understandable that you would do anything you can to save some dough. But don't let any of these common myths about how to save money on gas fool you!

Regular Maintenance
New air filters and regular oil changes are good for your car and wallet. Also, take a look at your tires before any road trip. The Environmental Protection Agency says even a slightly under-inflated tires can cost a car in fuel efficiency. By keeping you tires properly inflated, you can improve your vehicle's gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent, which works out to an equivalent gasoline savings of approximately $0.11 per gallon. 

Use Cruise Control
There are times when cruise control isn't appropriate, such as heavy traffic or when climbing hilly roads,
but if you're driving over relatively even terrain, cruise control can prevent unnecessary speed changes which waste gas. Cruise control can also keep drivers from creeping up in speed on long trips, saving you money on gas. 

Slow Down
Highway driving is the most efficient way to get around, but speed too much and those savings go out the tailpipe. Fueleconomy.gov estimates each 5 mph over 50 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. You don't want to drive too slowly on the highway of course, but keeping your speed around or under 70 mph can save a lot of cash on fuel, not to mention speeding tickets. 

Travel light, store right
Excessive weight can ruin fuel efficiency in any car, so it is important to prioritize when packing for a long road trip. How you stow your stuff can also have a major effect on gas bills. Hauling cargo on your roof, for example, increases aerodynamic drag and lowers fuel economy by around 2 percent to 8 percent in city driving and 10 percent to 25 percent at Interstate speeds according to fueleconomy.gov.

Click the link to read the full blog from KickingTires.com: http://aol.it/1s8ZPDd

Keep Your Car Looking Great this Summer

Your paint job needs to be maintained if you want to keep it looking shiny and new. But summer can be rough on your your car's exterior. The sun beating down on the paint can leave it looking dull and dirt from the road can cause your car's exterior to look dull. These tips from Kicking Tires will help you keep your car looking great even throughout the summer months.

1. Wash regularly
The first step to preserving your paint job is the most obvious. In the normal course of driving, your car becomes covered in dust, tar and other dirty particles from the environment. Over time, these particles can get imbedded in your paint and become difficult to remove. By washing your car every 2-4 weeks with quality soap, you will prevent stubborn particles from getting stuck in there. Using a reputable brand of soap will protect the finish and prevent streaks and water spots. 

2. Park in a garage or covered spot
The summer sun can be harmful to your vehicle's finish if your car is always parked under its punishing rays. Cars that spend their lives in the sun will age prematurely, as the paint fades and the interior becomes dry and brittle. Although we can't always park in a garage or car port, it's nice to find a shady spot when possible. Parking in the shade will also prevent the headlights from fading and yellowing. 

3. Remove bird droppings immediately
It's a fact of life: No matter where you park your car, birds are going to find a way to poop on it. If these droppings aren't removed within a few days, they can leave a mark on your finish when you do finally clean them off. When removing dry droppings, be careful not to scratch your paint by scrubbing excessively. Instead, apply some water to the affected area and then after a few minutes, wash the droppings off with a hose. In some cases, you might need to gently agitate with a wet, soapy cloth. 

4. Remove superficial scratches
Superficial scratches are a normal part of your car's day-to-day wear and tear. Luckily, these scratches can be removed with special products that you can purchase online or at your local auto parts store. There are a number of rubbing compounds and waxes designed to safely remove small scratches and revitalize your car's finish. You can read reviews about the different products online, and also get advice from the auto-supply store attendant. If you've never done this before, stick to products that are applied by hand without the use of a special polishing machine. 

Click the link to read the full article at Kicking Tires: http://aol.it/1nhHVMm

Getting Your Car Ready for Summer

It's summertime! That means the kids are out of school and will be spending lots of time at the pool, going to day-camp or playing sports. You may even be taking a road trip vacation or two. Make sure your car is equipped with all the things you'll need for the summer! KickingTires has come up with this list of summer necessities for your vehicle. You don't want to find yourself stuck without them when you need them most!

Summer maintenance kit: A can of Fix-A-Flat, a jug of coolant and some protectant wipes. This magical trio will ensure that you won't be stuck on the side of the road with cranky kids and a flat; that any overheating radiators get relief; and that your car's plastic and leather surfaces look good despite the punishing heat. 

Sunscreen: Skin cancer is on the rise in young adults, and the crying of a sunburnt child is traumatizing on many levels. In addition to a bottle of sunscreen spray or lotion, you also might consider a sunscreen stick as it doesn't seem to melt in the car and makes application — especially on the face — easy and fun for kids. 

Bug spray: Nothing ruins a family outing like a swarm of mosquitoes. Keep a bottle of bug spray or packet of wipes handy to keep the little buggers at bay. 

First-aid kit: Summer is also a time of skinned knees, cuts and bug bites. A well-stocked first-aid kit ensures that a boo-boo won't bring an early end to a day at the beach. 

Towels: Whether you find yourself at the beach, the pool, a spray park in the city or in a mountain stream, keeping extra towels in the car is a must. They even come in handy for mess mitigation if it rains and the kids get all wet and muddy. 

Baby powder: An ingenious antidote to the sand that sticks to all parts of little bodies whether you're at the beach or your neighborhood sandbox. Baby powder gets rid of the sand and makes for a cleaner and more comfortable ride home. 

An umbrella: Not only for the rain, but also to shade yourself from the sun.
A blanket: For picnics, to sit on at soccer or baseball games, or just warming up during those inevitable summer rainstorms. It's all the better if it's waterproof. 

A cash stash: Instantly transform yourself into parent of the year with some extra dollar bills for impromptu ice cream purchases. Some places don't take debit cards. The kids will love it and it will give you a few blissful minutes of peace. Works like a charm every time.

Read the full article from KickingTires here: http://bit.ly/1oxVtTm

Unforgettable Road Trip Destinations

Have you planned a summer vacation yet this year? If you haven't, why not take a spur of the moment road trip? Our country has many wonderful cities that aren't usually thought of as popular vacation getaways. Visiting any one of them will make for an unforgettable vacation. 

Business Insider has compiled a list of the Top 10 Road Trip Destinations in the United States. We've listed a few of our favorites here. What city would you most like to road trip to?

Portland, Maine
Portland is the perfect road trip destination. Whether you’re looking for a quick road trip along the east coast (it’s a 5 hour drive from New York City and less than 2 hours from Boston) or planning a cross-country adventure (start at the Atlantic Ocean in Portland and head west!). 

Stretch your legs and burn some  calories on a  biking tour of  Portland’s historic lighthouses and stunning shoreline, from Bug Light overlooking the Portland Breakwater to Spring Port Lighthouse and 2 Lights State Park. You’ll have earned a lobster roll for the road, which beats a rest stop hot dog any day. 

Rumney, New Hampshire
Whether you’re headed west from Maine or just taking a short trip into New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, why not get an adrenaline rush (from something other than go over the speed  limit) with a short pit-stop for to scale a mountain? 

Head up to Rumney, one of the country’s premier destinations for rock climbing. Numerous crags dot the hillside of Rattlesnake Mountain above the sleepy New England town, offering exciting challenges for climbing novices and experts alike. 

Niagra Falls, NY
Niagara Falls is an ever-popular road trip destination, since it’s pretty impossible to get to the Falls without driving some leg of the journey. 

Once you’re there, you could check out the Falls from the shore or don a “stylish” plastic raincoat aboard the Maid of the Mist, but why not embrace a little adventure? Hop on a jet boat tour of the Niagara River, whose Class 5 rapids make for an exhilarating, and very wet, ride.   

Nashville, TN
An American road trip is incomplete without visiting some historic sites.  If you’re headed across the country, why not stop in Nashville, Tennessee?  

Not only can you take in the great sites of Music City (Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, the Hall of Fame) but you can check out the city’s Civil War past as well. In late 1864, the Confederate and Union army fought the Battle of Franklin, a bloody struggle that effectively destroyed the Army of Tennessee.  

There you can visit three Civil War era mansions: The Carter House, Lotz House and the Carnton Plantation that witnessed and withstood the battle.  

Chicago, IL
Chicago has long been a hub of American travel—road trips to or through Chicago save the pain of having to spend time in Chicago O’Hare, a notoriously busy and overwhelming airport.
If you plan a trip with Chicago on the itinerary, there is any number of things to see and do. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the Miracle Mile, Chicago boasts culture and history in spades. 

Why not soak it all up on a foodie bike tour of the city’s best bites and brews? Ride 13 miles through Chicago’s distinctive neighborhoods, taste Chicago delicacies like deep dish pizza, and wash it all down with the Lincoln Park-brewed Goose Island beer.  Try to get there in time for the world-renowned Taste of Chicago, taking place July 10-14 – you don’t want to miss this! 

Denver, CO
The Mile High City is a must-visit on many East-West road trips via I-70 or I-80. The city combines the best of the urban, with the fun-loving adventuresome spirit of the West.  

Those unaccustomed to the altitude might find biking, running or hiking a lot more exhausting than what they’re used to.  Don’t torture yourself, and instead enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty without huffing and puffing.  

Shake off the road by soaring at 50 miles per hour 200-feet in the air through Rocky Mountain pine forests on a zipline. Afterwards, unwind with a craft beer tour of Denver’s hippest breweries.

Click the link to see the full list of Business Insider's Top Road trip destinations: http://read.bi/TUPZWz

Most Embarrassing Driving Moments

You might not realize it, but when you're driving you have a pretty big audience. Every other driver on the road or in the parking lot are possible witnesses of anything you do wrong. That can lead to some embarrassing moments. Kicking Tires has compiled a list of the most embarrassing moments committed by motorists. Have you ever had any of these embarrassing moments happen to you?

1. Forgot where they parked: 52 percent (men: 44 percent; women: 59 percent) 

2. Drove over a curb in a parking lot: 43 percent (men: 35 percent; women: 51 percent) 

3. Locked keys in the car: 37 percent (men: 34 percent; women: 41 percent) 

4. Gone the wrong way down a one-way street: 34 percent (men: 30 percent; women: 38 percent) 

5. Driven away with something on the roof, such as coffee or a purse: 31 percent (men: 28 percent; women: 34 percent) 

6. Tried to open a car door and realized it wasn't your car: 29 percent (men: 24 percent; women: 34 percent) 

7. Couldn't back out of a parking spot because other cars or objects were too close: 27 percent (men: 21 percent; women: 33 percent) 

8. Dropped your money or food at a drive-through window: 26 percent (men: 23 percent; women: 28 percent) 

9. Accidentally started your car's panic alarm and couldn't turn it off quickly: 22 percent (men: 18 percent; women: 26 percent) 

10. Lost toll ticket at the payment booth: 18 percent (men: 18 percent; women: 17 percent) 

11. Couldn't get out of a roundabout and kept driving in circles: 13 percent (men: 12 percent; women: 13 percent) 

12. Gotten pulled over and didn't have license, registration and/or insurance: 11 percent (men: 11 percent; women: 11 percent) 

13. Driven away from a gas pump with the nozzle still in your tank: 11 percent (men: 14 percent; women: 7 percent) 

14. Not able to work key remote to get into your car: 9 percent (men: 10 percent; women: 8 percent) 

15. Almost hit a person: 9 percent (men: 8 percent; women: 9 percent) 

16. Forgot a passenger and had to go back: 8 percent (men: 11 percent; women: 6 percent) 

17. Gotten in a car and realized it wasn't your car: 8 percent (men: 7 percent; women: 8 percent)

Click the link to read the full article from Kicking Tires: http://bit.ly/1lfIL6z

Engine Troubleshooting

Sometimes car engines don't always work properly. This can be very stressful for drivers. But it doesn't mean your car is done for if your engine is having problems. Use these tips from Lovetoknow.com to troubleshoot next time you're having engine trouble.

1. The Engine Won't Start - If your engine won't start at all, first check and make sure that you're not out of gas. You may be surprised at how often this happens. If you hear no sound when you turn the ignition key on, check your battery. You can tell if your battery is getting low if your lights are unusually dim, you can barely hear your horn, or your windshield wipers are moving slow. If it's not the battery, it could be your starter. If it is the ignition starter, you'll need to have that replaced before your engine will turn over. 

2. The Overheating Engine - An engine that constantly overheats could have a thermostat problem. The thermostat helps to regulate the engine's temperature and is an easy fix at the auto center if this is your problem. Check your engine coolant fluid as well. If it's low, this could be another reason your engine is overheating. Engine overheating is also caused by head gasket failure and drive belts that are broken, or ones that need to be tightened or replaced. 

3. The Backfire Engine - If your engine sounds like fireworks on the fourth of July, you have an engine backfiring problem. Engine backfires can be detrimental to the engine. Causes could be the camshaft or your ignition timing may need to be adjusted. It could also be the timing chain or belt, or the wiring of your spark plugs may not be correct. 

4. The Slow-Accelerating Engine - If your vehicle isn't revving up like it usually does, it cold be due to dirty air or fuel filters. There could also be water in your gas tank or your catalytic converter needs to be replaced. 

5. The No-Go Engine - If your vehicle starts but once you press on the accelerator, you go nowhere, it could be the transmission. Check your transmission fluid first and if that's not the problem, see your mechanic.

Click the link to see the full article from Lovetoknow.com: http://bit.ly/1oy6VLH

Tips for Taking Your Baby On a Road Trip

Summer is almost here! That means many Americans will be hitting the road for vacations and road trips. If you have little ones, you know that buckling them up for a long car ride isn't always something to look forward to. How can you keep a baby happy on a road trip? These tips from BabyZone will help you have a happy trip with your baby.

Car Seat Safety

Make sure your baby’s car seat is the right size and that it’s properly installed. “Only 80 percent of child safety seats are installed correctly,” says Dr. Christopher Ryder, author of Take Your Pediatrician with You. Hospitals, pediatrician’s offices, fire departments, and police stations often hold car seat installation checks to teach parents how to properly install their child’s car seat.

Over Pack!

Be prepared to keep Baby busy by packing all the food you might possibly need, an assortment of toys, books, and any other items your baby is attached to. Bring Baby’s favorite music or a CD of nursery rhymes. If you’re traveling alone with Baby, keep your bag of tricks handy so you can reach over and hand it to the baby when needed. A packing checklist will come in handy.

The Right Time to Leave

Drive when it’s most likely Baby will sleep for a duration of the trip, if possible. Crystal Drennan, a mom from Utah, says she took a five-hour road trip to Idaho with her baby. “We left at bedtime,” she says. “I bathed him, gave him a sippy cup, put him in the car, and he slept the whole way.”

Soft Toys

Bring along soft, appropriate toys. Experts say anything in a car becomes a weapon during an accident because of the high speed of travel. Do not give your child heavy objects in car rides such as clunky toy trains or toys with sharp edges. Or consider buying a toy that attaches to Baby’s car seat.

Food and Drink

Avoid feeding Baby in the car seat while on the road. All too quickly babies can choke, even when drinking a bottle or out of a sippy cup. It’s best to pull over when Baby is ready to eat or needs a drink. (And think how much cleaner your car will be!) Also, it’s always good to know infant CPR, so consider taking a class before leaving on your trip.

Click here to read the full article and get more tips from BabyZone: http://bit.ly/1jyt9xk

7 Ways to Know You Need New Tires

Unfortunately tires don't last forever. But how do you when your tires need to be replaced? LoveToKnow: Cars has come up with a list of seven ways to tell if you need new tires. What do you most typically look for as a sign that you need new tire?

Your Tires Are Old
According to TireRack, there is no set calendar age that indicates it's time to replace your tires. Environmental conditions like road salt and salt air, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight exposure, can cause your tire to wear out more quickly, no matter how old they are. In general, if your tires that are more than six years old, you may need to replace them. If they are over 10 years old, there's an even higher likelihood that the rubber has degraded. 

You Have Driven More Than the Recommended Amount
When you buy new tires, you'll see that they are rated for a certain number of miles. This varies, depending on the brand. If you don't have long wear tires or those that are approved for an extended period, Autos.com reports that you'll mostly likely need to replace them around 40,000 miles. 

Your Car Doesn't Handle As Well
If your car isn't handling as well as it used to, this change may indicate that your tires need to be replaced. Trouble driving on wet pavement and difficulty maintaining traction around curves can be signs of tire wear. 

Your Tire's Sidewall is Bulging or Cracked
A bulge or raised area in the sidewall, or vertical edge, of your tire can indicate a weak spot, according to Consumer Reports. In time, this spot could lead to a tire blow-out, so it's very important to have it checked out right away. Cracked areas can also signal weakness. 

Your Car Vibrates While Driving
Poor alignment can cause your car to vibrate, but unevenly worn tires can be another culprit. In addition, an internal problem in the tire can cause this type of behavior, so it's important to have your tires inspected and possibly replaced if this is happening. 

You Don't Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Many newer cars have tire pressure monitoring systems to alert you that one or more tires is under inflated. If your car doesn't have this feature, it's important that you routinely check tire pressure on your own. Keep tires inflated to the psi recommended by the manufacturer. If you regularly drive with one or more tires under inflated, you may need to get new tires sooner than later. When your tires are under inflated, it places undue stress on the sidewalls of the tires, causing them to wear out sooner. 

Your Tire Tread Is Insufficient
Your tire's tread must be a certain depth to provide proper traction for your car. If the tread depth is too low, your car won't handle well on the road. According to a commentary published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, most states require a tread depth of 1/16 of an inch. However, there is a significant drop in traction if the tread depth is less than 1/8 inch. Most tires include wear bars that are exposed when your tread is less than 1/16 of an inch.

Click here to learn get more info about changing your tires: http://bit.ly/1nMZOl8

Tips for Defensive Driving

Taking defensive driving measures is one of the best ways you can stay safe on the road. You never know what other drivers might do. By anticipating what other driving mistakes other people might make, you will always be prepared for them. Use these tips to be sure you stay alert as a defensive driver and are always anticipating the next move of the guy driving beside you.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
As you head out on the road, it pays to be especially observant. Watch what is happening on all sides of your vehicle, not just in front. A great defensive driver is always aware about what is happening on all sides of the car. You can make this awareness a habit in the following ways:
• Each time you stop at a light, quiz yourself about the color of the car behind you. Check your guess by looking in the rearview mirror.
• Think about what you see in your peripheral vision as you drive. This will include cars on your left or right, as well as the shoulder of the road.
• Scan ahead for hazards, including deer, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Don't just focus on the car ahead of you.
• Be aware of the road surface, including whether it is slippery or dry. 

Stay Focused and Alert
While everyone knows that driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and illegal, many people are not aware of how dramatically their level of alertness can affect their safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is the cause of more than 100,000 accidents each year. Fortunately, you can take steps to stay alert when you drive:
• Avoid driving near or after the time you usually go to bed. Your body is used to sleeping at this time, so you will not be as alert.
• If you're sleep-deprived for any reason, stay off the road if at all possible.
• When you find yourself feeling sleepy behind the wheel, pull over and take a short nap or a brisk walk to wake yourself up.
• If you need to get focused, drink a hot beverage to increase your body temperature. According a 2002 study, an increased body temperature helped subject perform better even when they were tired. 

Leave Plenty of Space
Leaving enough space between cars is essential for being a defensive driver. Think of this extra space as a safety buffer around your vehicle. If something happens ahead of you, you will have that safety buffer to react to the event. According to theCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles, you'll need a minimum of three seconds between the car ahead of you and your vehicle. This means that you should leave as much space as it takes you to count three seconds. If you're driving at high speeds or in adverse conditions, you should lengthen this distance. 

Look Left Twice
It's common practice to look both ways before you pull out into traffic. However, in some situations, this may not be sufficient. For instance, if are making a left turn, you'll look left first and see that the lane is clear. Then you'll look right to check for cars, and you may need to wait a moment for that lane to be clear. In the time you were waiting, a car may have come around a curve or over a hill from the left. If you pull out after only looking left once, you'll get in an accident. 

It's best to get into the habit of looking left, then right, then left again before pulling out. Simply make this part of your regular driving routine every time you turn left or cross an intersection.

Click here to read the full article and get more defensive driving tips from lovetoknow.com: http://bit.ly/1puDmiu

A Dirty Car Interior Can Make You Sick

Just because your car is spotless and shiny on the outside doesn't necessarily mean it's clean. A dirty car interior can harbor bacteria and allergens that could possibly make you sick! This article from AOL Autos explains the dangers of a dirty car interior and how you can take steps to keep your vehicle's interior clean:

Germs 

A study conducted several years ago by researchers at Queen Mary University in London showed that, on average, 700 different kinds of bacteria can be found inside cars. Only 60 types are found in the average public toilet. Keeping hand sanitizer in the car can help cut down on cross infection and bacterial build-up. The surfaces in your car that are regularly touched should be cleaned often with an anti-bacterial solution. 

Dust mites 

Dust mites make themselves comfortable in upholstered fabric and are often found in cars as well as homes. People with allergies need to regularly clean their homes to combat the tiny bug, according to the Mayo Clinic, but the car is often overlooked in the battle to reduce allergic reactions. Regularly vacuuming the floor mats and the seats in your car can reduce dust mite numbers. 

Pollen 

Pollen can build up inside of cars in the spring, as well. After this harsh winter, many experts are expecting a worse-than-usual allergy season, as plants will begin blooming along with grasses, according to ABC News. Using a disinfectant wipe to clear dust and germs from the dash and consoles can help cut down on allergy attacks behind the wheel. If you are particularly sensitive to pollen consider regularly cleaning the heating and cooling ducts, too.

Read the full article here: http://aol.it/1lcc3TT

How to Maintain Your Car's Value

Did you know the value of a new car depreciates the minute you drive it off the dealership lot? However there are some steps you can take to help maintain the value of your vehicle. That way you'll get back as much as possible when you're ready to buy a new one. This article from AOL Autos gives you can use to keep your car's depreciation to a minimum:

1. Keep your service records
Service records are the best way for you to show a potential buyer you've taken care of the car's mechanical components. Without service records, it's difficult to prove that you've changed the oil on time and that you've met factory service requirements. Most sellers will claim they cared for a vehicle properly, but actual records can give you an advantage. Records can be computerized or they can be put into a booklet in the car's glove box. If your dealer or mechanic uses a computerized system, make sure to get printouts of all maintenance performed. 

2. Avoid dents and scratches
Dents and scratches can happen when you're parking, when you open your door or even when you place an object on your car. Cosmetic imperfections are expensive to repair, and can be a huge turn-off to potential buyers. Luckily, by washing your car regularly and taking extra care to avoid contact with other objects, you can keep your car looking like the day it left the factory. 

3. Keep the interior clean
The appearance and smell of the interior can also impact the attractiveness of your car to a potential buyer. Most people wouldn't want to buy a car with foul odors or food stains. To keep your interior fresh, avoid smoking, eating and drinking in your car. If you do eat or drink, throw away the empty food and beverage containers immediately, and clean spills with the proper cleaning solutions. 

4. Don't curb your wheels
Parallel parking can be a risky proposition if your car has alloy wheels. If you get too close to the curb, the edges of the wheels can get scratched or bent. Many buyers of higher-end vehicles pay close attention to the condition of the wheels, and will walk away if damage is readily visible. While it's best to avoid damaging your wheels in the first place, professional wheel repair shops can refinish damaged wheels for much less than the replacement cost. 

5. Polish faded headlights
After years of sun exposure, your car's plastic headlight lenses will fade and turn yellow. While the rest of your car might look terrific, the yellow headlights will reveal the vehicle's true age. Luckily, faded headlights can be polished by most auto detailers. Polishing the headlight lenses doesn't take long, and shouldn't be very expensive. Buyers will appreciate the difference when they compare your car to other cars of the same age.

Click the link to read the full article from AOL Autos: http://aol.it/1kLKqB0

Sharing the Road Safely with Bicyclists

 Crashes that involve bicyclists and vehicles often end in fatalities or serious injuries. Many of these accidents can be avoided if proper safety precautions are taken by drivers. This article from Edmunds.com lists a number of steps drivers can take in order to maintain safety while sharing the road with bicyclists.

1. Appreciate Bicyclist Vulnerability: A car weighs 2 tons or so, while the average bike is a mere 20 pounds, says Tim Blumenthal, president of People for Bikes, an advocacy group.
"In any collision, any physical interaction between car and bike, the bike always loses," he says. "I've never seen a collision where the bike rider came out less injured," he says. 

Gary Brustin, a bicycle accident attorney in Santa Monica and San Jose, California, says he has seen the severity of the injuries to cyclists increase in recent years. Among the factors driving the increase, he suspects, are older riders, including baby boomers, whose bones may be more fragile than those of younger riders. An increase in high-speed roads with bike lanes also contributes to the rise, he says. 

2. Know Bicyclists' Rights: Drivers sometimes have little idea of the traffic laws that apply to bicyclists. A recent visitor to a message board discussing cyclists and motorists wanted to know why cyclists can't just use the sidewalks. 

In fact, bicycles in the roadway are considered vehicles. NHTSA says cyclists 10 years and older should behave as though they were vehicles on the street, riding in the same direction as other traffic that's going their way and following the same traffic rules. 

The cyclists, then, are on the same level as motorists. Information on the California Department of Motor Vehicles Web site spells out the law in the Golden State: "Bicycle riders on public roads have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and are subject to the same rules and regulations." 

The site encourages drivers to ''look carefully for bicyclists before turning left or right, merging into bicycle lanes and opening doors next to moving traffic. Respect the right-of-way of bicyclists because they are entitled to share the road with you." 

Nearly every state has similar language covering bicyclists, says Andy Clarke, president of theLeague of American Bicyclists. 

3. Adjust That Attitude: Motorists tend to think of cyclists as ''in their way," Clarke says. Rather, they should think of them as equals, just as entitled to the roadway as drivers are, says Clarke and other experts in the cycling community. 

Drivers who get impatient with bicyclists might want to stop for a moment and think about the human being on that bike, says Bob Mionske, a Portland cycling attorney and cyclist: What if that rider was my friend, a friend of a friend, or a neighbor? Somehow, seeing bicyclists that way makes people a little more patient, he says. When drivers don't humanize cyclists this way, he finds, they often perceive riders as mere objects 

If you can pinpoint the moment when a bicyclist is starting to irritate you — because you can't see where he is going or because he's moving slowly and is making you late — picture him as a family member or friend. That might calm you down, Mionske says. 

4. Consider the Benefits of Bicycling — for Drivers: "One cyclist on the road is one less car," Mionske says. Cyclists don't wear out the road, he adds (which means fewer potholes for you). "We lessen traffic congestion," he says. "We can't pollute." 

So if you're idling in your car behind a cyclist who you wish would go faster, think of it this way, Mionske says: "Well, he might be in my way temporarily. At least he is not in a vehicle and in my way the whole commute." 

5. Spare Them the Right Hook: Intersections are venues for serious car-cycle collisions. Drivers making right turns, especially, should watch out for cyclists. A cyclist may be a little behind and to the right of you, and may be planning to ride straight ahead. If you don't signal your right turn, you could wind up hitting each other, with the point of contact somewhere on your car's right side. If you are trying to figure out if a nearby cyclist is planning to turn right, look for his raised left hand in a squared position, or an extended right hand. 

6. Beware the Left Turn: A driver trying to make a left turn sees an oncoming bicyclist, but the driver figures he has plenty of time to complete the turn. Sometimes, that's not true. Brustin says it's a common scenario: After a collision, a driver often says he didn't realize the cyclist was going that fast. 

A bike can easily get to 15- or 20-mile-per-hour speeds, Brustin says. "If in doubt, yield," he says. Exercise the same caution as you would for an approaching vehicle. 

7. Give Cyclists 3 Feet of Clearance: Twenty states have now passed laws requiring motorists to give bicycles on the roadway about 3 feet of space, Blumenthal says. "Bike riders really appreciate that," he says. The 3-foot rule helps drivers by giving them a concrete frame of reference, he says. 

And thanks to Joe Mizereck of Tallahassee, Florida, that figure is becoming a standard reference. Mizereck took up cycling five years ago and is an avid participant. He says he was so unnerved by a few close calls that he founded the "Three Feet Please" campaign. He sells cycling jerseys emblazoned with the motto. "Everyone who has bought one of these jerseys says, 'It works,''' he says. 

On his site, Joe writes: "Please understand, our campaign is not about painting the motorist as the bad guy. Unfortunately, we have scofflaws on both sides and the key is to lay down the rules for all parties to follow, make sure the parties know the rules and then enforce them." Everyone needs to be held accountable, he says, "including cyclists." A list of the states that have passed the 3-feet law is here. 

Besides giving cyclists that breathing room, Blumenthal says it's best for drivers to pass them slowly and smoothly. The motorist's tendency is to speed up and get by the cyclists as quickly as possible, he says. "It's pretty unnerving when you are on a bike and a car accelerates." You can also spare cyclists' nerves by honking sparingly, he says. 

8. Look Around — but Not at Your Phone: Brustin, who has been handling bicycle injury lawsuits for 20 years, says that drivers who have hit cyclists almost always say the same frightening, sobering thing: "I never saw him before I hit him." 

If drivers only expect other cars on the road, they're setting themselves up for dangerous interactions. A model of greater awareness can be seen in the European-style ''roundabout," with traffic coming from all directions and merging into a traffic circle. Roundabouts require every participant's attention, as does the more comprehensive "shared space" concept of traffic design, which uses minimal road signs, crosswalks, lights and barriers and integrates pedestrians, cars and bicycles in the same terrain. The need for heightened interaction, paradoxically, makes everyone safer, traffic-design experts say.
"Start looking out for everybody," Brustin suggests, including other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

Click the link to read the full article and get more tips for sharing the road: http://edmu.in/1eqchpQ

What Type of Car Insurance is Right for You?

If you are going to own a car in the United States, you are required to get auto insurance. However getting auto insurance isn’t as clear cut as having it or not. There are a variety of options provided by insurance companies. It can be difficult to decide which type of coverage is the best for you.

There are many factors that need to be considered when buying auto insurance, such as your car, your driving habits, and your budget. To help you decide which type of insurance best suits you, we have put together a list of some of the more common types of insurance and what they cover. 

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance  is a part of minimum insurance covered required by most states. If you are in a car accident that is deemed to be your fault, liability insurance will cover the costs of any damage to cars and other property, as well as resulting medical bills of others involved in the accident. The insurance company will only pay the amount of your coverage’s upper limit. If any of the damage and medical expenses exceed the limit of your coverage, you will be responsible for paying out of pocket. This is why it is generally a good a idea to buy more liability insurance than just the minimum requirement.

Comprehensive Insurance

While liability insurance covers car accidents specifically, comprehensive insurance covers many other damages your car may face, such as a cracked windshield, animal collisions, vandalism or theft. If you only have the minimum liability coverage your insurance will not cover any of these damages. Comprehensive insurance is not required by law, but it is still extremely beneficial to have because the prices of unpredictable damage to your car won’t have to come directly from your own pocket.

Collision Insurance

Collision insurance, like liability insurance, is covers you in the event of a car accident. But unlike liability insurance, collision insurance is specifically for your covered vehicle and is not required by law. This type of coverage will pay for any damages sustained to your vehicle if it is hit by another car or object. Collision insurance will also cover the value of your car if it is totaled. Coverage ensures that you will have enough money to repair your own vehicle if it is damaged in an accident. 

Gap Insurance

Gap insurance is very beneficial if you are still making payments on your vehicle. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident gap insurance will cover the cost of your remaining payments. This option is great if you owe more on your car than you would be able to quickly pay off. By covering the remaining cost of the totaled car,you will be left room to buy a new vehicle to replace the one you lost.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection is a type of insurance you can add to your plan that will cover any medical bills you may have from an accident, no matter who is at fault. This coverage can give you peace of mind knowing that you would not have to pay for a huge hospital bill if you ever were to get into an accident. If you have good health insurance this type of coverage is not necessary, but for others without or with very little health coverage, personal injury protection can help you breathe a little easier.