Too Drowsy to Drive? Here Are the Warning Signs

Getting behind the wheel when you’re tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk.  In fact, over 11% of all fatal car accidents happen as a result of sleepy motorists – so it’s important to pay attention to the red flags before you start your drive.  Here are the surefire signs you need to hand the keys to someone else:

-Yawning
-Hitting a rumble strip
-Not being able to recall the past couple of miles
-Blinking more than usual
-Trouble keeping eyes open or focusing them on the road in front of you

If you are displaying any one of these behaviors for a duration of time, especially if you are experiencing more than one at a time, you shouldn’t be driving.  Ask yourself if the trip is worth putting your life or the lives of others at risk.  And then hand the keys over.

Check Engine Light: What to Remember and What to Do

It’s one of the most common occurrences on the road, but how do you handle it?  If the “check engine” light comes on while you’re out and about, do you know what to do?  Here’s a hint: don’t panic!  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The first thing you should do is pay attention to the sound and feel of your car. Is there smoke coming out of the tailpipe? Any odd mechanical rattling? You should stop and call for help if you notice anything abnormal about the way your vehicle is running.

If that’s not the case, think about where you were before the light came on. Did you just buy gas?  If so, the “check engine” light might be on to alert you that the gas cap is loose. Pull over, tighten the cap, and continue driving. If that was the source of the problem, the light will turn off by itself.

If you’re not fresh from fueling up and everything is still running normally (no smokey/electrical smells, mechanical noises, etc.) call our Service Department and make an appointment or schedule a visit with us online. We want to make sure you’re safe on the road—let us diagnose and repair the problem for you.

5 Things You Need to Do Before Your Summer Road Trip

Road trip season is here again!  There’s no doubt about it: one of the best parts of summer is hitting the road on an adventure.  But before you start your car and set out for unfamiliar horizons, make sure you have these things checked off your to-do list.

1. Top off coolant.  Seems pretty obvious, but many forget this one!  Make sure you stay cool out on the road and remember to be proactive about air conditioning care to prevent future problems.

2. Refill windshield washer fluid.  You’re bound to gather a few hitchhikers like bugs and dust on your journey.  Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off so you can deal with these obstructions on-the-go.

3. Inspect your belts. As your car ages, belts become dry and brittle. This is made worse by heat and the last thing you want is to deal with a broken belt in the middle of your trip.

4. Check your tires. This is a good idea to do regardless of season, definitely not just a summer must. The easiest at-home method for this is performing the penny test.

5. Get your brakes checked out. Bring your car into our service department and let us take one final look before you head out! Even though you hope this summer never stops, you want your car to, eventually.

Who Has the Most Annoying Driving Habits? Survey Says it Could Be You

Maybe you’ve got a newly-licensed teen learning how to drive. Maybe it’s that carpool buddy of yours with the lead foot. Hey, maybe it’s even your sweet old mother-in-law that only comes to visit twice a year.  One thing is for sure: nobody is as skilled a driver as you!

…at least that’s how it seems, right? As it turns out, YOU could be the annoying one! A recent survey by Insure.Com revealed the true story.

Who is the most annoying driver?

1. My spouse: 36 percent
2. A friend: 22 percent
3. My mother: 16 percent
4. My father: 9 percent
5. Other: 8 percent
6. My teen son: 5 percent
7. My teen daughter: 4 percent

So, who really grinds your gears? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

How Long is BRB in Dog Years?

Maybe your to-do list is just a few errands.  Five minutes at the post office, maybe ten at the bank.  No big deal, right?

Depending on your copilot, it could be!  Keep in mind that “just a few errands” is different in dog years!  This infographic is helpful when preparing your canine for the road ahead:

Maintenance Questions You're Afraid to Ask

We've all been there-- you have a question about something basic...but you don't ask it.  Chances are, someone else has been where you are and had the same confusion!  Here are some frequently asked questions (with answers!) about maintaining your car.

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle? 
There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Why Texting and Driving Isn’t As Harmless As You Think

We all know not to text and drive, but still it’s tempting to send that quick text while at a red light. Here are the reasons you should refrain:

 

• As the number of texting induced accidents rise, some states are passing laws making it illegal for you to be on your phone while you drive and it comes with a hefty fine.
• If you think your insurance premiums are high now, wait until your insurance company hears that you caused the accident by texting. You should notice an immediate rise in your premiums and in some cases you may be dropped completely.
• Consider other people before you pick up your phone, not only do you endanger the people around you but you put the people in the car with you at extreme risk.
• The driver puts bikers and walkers at extreme risk when they aren’t even looking at the road.
• Hands free technology is widely available nowadays and not outrageously expensive. If you simply must reply to someone at that moment, do it without touching your phone.
  
  Please drive responsibly.