Tyres are an integral part of your overall safety on the road. Worn out tyres slip a lot more easily on wet roads and reduce handling and stopping power. With that in mind, it’s important to inspect your tyres at least once a week for signs of damage or wear.
Gas will evaporate from your car’s gas tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten that gas cap each time you fuel up your car.
NEVER drive with the oil light on or flashing, quickly pull over and turn off the engine. Checking the oil level will tell you whether you have a low oil situation or an internal oil pressure problem.
Have your car-care expert perform preventive maintenance services on a regular basis, such as topping off fluid levels, inspecting belts and hoses, checking tire pressure and the engine oil, and making sure all lights are working properly.
Never ignore strange noises. If you drive the car most of the time, and you hear a noise that was not there the last time you drove the car, and it does not sound like it is going away any time soon, contact your dealer immediately for an inspection. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Ensure your vehicle emergency kit is restocked. If you don’t have one, create one with items such as bottled water, a flashlight, flares, duct tape, an extra cell phone, energy bars, a blanket, phone number for roadside assistance and a can of Fix-a-Flat.
If you find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This procedure, known as “steering into the skid,” will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you “steer into the skid.”
Never drive through moving water if you can’t see the ground through it. Stop the car before entering the flooded area and check the water level ahead. If the water is deeper than the bottom of your doors or the bottom third of your wheels, do not attempt driving through it. Seek a detour instead.
Turn on your lights when driving in heavy rain even in the daytime. Headlights are a good way to let other drivers know where you are whenever visibility is poor. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
Replace the windshield wipers on your vehicle at least once a year, especially before the rainy season. Wiper blades in bad weather conditions do not clear water from the windshield very well and may distort your view.
ATL Automotive 