Safety Tips for Car Trips with Your Dog

 

Many of us treat our pets like family. The idea of being separated from our four-legged children for more than a few hours is not an option for some. The next time you head out to run errands, take a trip, or just go for a leisure ride with your dog, keep the following safety tips in mind:

·         Never allow a dog to sit in the lap of the vehicle driver. In the event that your airbag deploys, the impact could seriously injury your dog, or worse.

·         Never allow a dog to hang outside the window. While dogs seem to enjoy this, it puts them in an unsafe situation. Roadside debris, rocks, and bugs have the potential to fly up and hit your dog in the face. Also, your dog could be sent flying out of your car if you hit a bump or pothole.

·         Bring a chew toy. Some dogs get sick during car rides. If a situation arises where you must bring your furry companion along, bring a chew toy to keep the dog distracted. It will help time go by quicker for the dog as well.

·         Never allow a dog to sit in a truck bed. Unless you are securing your dog in a special crate that is securely tied down, the bed of a truck is one of the most dangerous places for a dog to be. An auto accident or the dog’s own free will can send him tumbling out of the truck, causing injury.

·         Pack fresh water and food for your dog. Dogs normally get excited about car rides and pant heavily as a result. The panting makes them thirsty. Having fresh water available will help calm the dog down and make for a more comfortable ride for him.

·         Use a safety harness (like the one in the photo above, photo courtesy of radiousa.com). If you are going to properly secure your dog in your vehicle, use a dog safety harness rather than a regular neck collar. Using a collar as a way to restrain your dog in the car has the possibility to cause strangulation.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you take your dog for a car ride. Doing so can create a less stressful and more comfortable ride for the both of you.

Follow the Four B’s to Get Your Car Ready for Fall

 

The end of September welcomes the official start of fall. The arrival of fall brings cooler temperatures, greater chances of precipitation, and less than ideal driving conditions. Before bad weather strikes, get your car ready for fall by following the four B’s: brakes, batteries, belts, and blades.

Brakes – As we have mentioned before, the brake system is arguably the most important safety system on your vehicle. A properly functioning brake system helps you maintain control of your vehicle and keeps everyone inside the car safe. Naturally your brakes are going to wear out as they are used every time you drive. A noise when the brake pedal is pressed and the repetitive need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder are warning signs that your brakes may need replaced. Have your brakes checked and if it the brake pads that need replaced, you can follow the steps we listed in an earlier blog to help you do this at home.

Batteries – Summer heat can takes its toll on the life of your battery. Replacing a battery in fall is much more appealing than having one fail in winter. Using professional equipment is only way to accurately test your battery’s strength. Visit your mechanic to have your battery tested.

Belts – You’re almost guaranteed to be left stranded if a belt or hose on your car snaps or leaks. Check for cracks or thinning in belts. Also look for flaws on all hoses as well.

Blades – Worn windshield wiper blades can’t clear your view on rainy or foggy mornings. Avoid having limited visibility on the road by replacing wiper blades before fall weather hits.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions and how they will affect your vehicle. Remember, it’s much less costly to avoid car problems with proper maintenance than it is to replace a whole car system.

How to Change Your Brake Pads

 

Very few things on your car will be as important to you as a properly working braking system. Effective brake pads are a crucial part of this system. Once you determine that your brake pads are ready to be replaced, this process is something you can do at home with the right tools and a free weekend afternoon.

First, you have to start with removing the old brake pads. It’s a good idea to place blocks behind the wheels to help keep the car from rolling while you are working on it. You’ll want to you use car’s jack to lift it up and remove the tire and wheel so that the brake rotor and caliper are exposed. Using a wrench, loosen the bolts holding the caliper in place and lift it off the brake rotor. Do not allow the caliper to be left hanging by the brake line, as it will still be attached at this point. Use a piece of hanger wire to secure the caliper. Ensure the brake line is not pinched, kinked, or tightly wrapped in any way.

Turn the caliper over and you’ll be able to see the brake pads. Take off whatever hardware is holding the pads in place and slide them out from the caliper. Before you install the new brake pads, you will need to manually retract the caliper piston.

Using a C-clamp, place the end with the screw on it against the piston. The pressure on the piston will increase as you turn the screw. When you have enough room to do so, slip the new brake pads into place. Replace the hardware that kept the old pads in place.

Next, move the caliper back into its resting place over the rotor and tighten the bolts to keep it from moving. Give the brake pedal a few pumps to make sure everything feels right to you. Put your wheel back on, tighten the nuts, and lower the car back to the ground with your jack. It’s as simple as that.

Top Five Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Running Forever

 

You may set out to buy a car that you can drive for several years, however sometimes circumstances change and you may be seeking a new car sooner than expected. Perhaps a new model comes out that you just have to have. Or maybe an addition to your family has you in the market for a bigger vehicle. However, don’t let the reason you get rid of your current vehicle be that it has not held up well over the years. You can greatly extend the life of your car and reduce the chances of mechanical mishaps by sticking to the tips below to keep your car in tip-top shape for the long haul.

1 – Be Gentle During Start-up. If your engine has been turned off for more than five hours, all of the oil will have seeped down to the oil pan. The engine needs at least 30 seconds after start-up to get the oil pump to adequately lubricate the moving parts before you put it gear and take off. If the car has sat for more than 24 hours, give it a little more time during start-up.

2 – Follow Recommend Service Schedules. While this is common sense to a lot of us, there are still too many cars on the road that don’t receive proper and timely maintenance. The owner’s manual of your car has a vehicle maintenance schedule set forth by the manufacturer listed right inside. Follow this guide. After all, the manufacturer built the car so they know what’s best for it.

3 – Listen for Irregular Sounds. Every once in a while, opt out of your karaoke session in your car and simply listen to it. Listen for any odd noises coming from the vehicle, both while idle and while driving. Clicking, scratching, or grinding noises are not normal and could be your best indicator that a problem is at bay. Have this looked at before it becomes a bigger hassle and expense.

4 – Practice Being a Calm Driver. There’s no need to drive like a racecar champ through your suburban neighborhood, so take it easy on your car. Driving too hard and jamming on your brakes will have your car out of commission in no time. Avoid stress on the transmission by taking it easy on the gears as well. Be sure the car is at a complete stop before switching into reverse. Being a calm driver also saves you money. Having an easy-does-it attitude on the road improves fuel economy by almost 35 percent.

5 – Regularly Check Tire Pressure and Fluids. Oil is the most important engine fluid. Take about 10 minutes out of your day occasionally to check the oil reservoir level. When your engine is cool, open the hood of your car and pull of the oil dipstick. Use a rag to wipe it clean then put it back in and pull it out again to check the level. Use a pressure gauge to make sure each tire is properly inflated according to your owner’s manual or by the tire manufacturer’s specifications.

One more piece of advice is to start with a car you love. Did you know the average American spends over 18 hours per week in their car? Make sure you are spending all that time is a vehicle you love to drive. A little TLC for a car you love to begin with will undoubtedly keep you driving it longer as well.