All posts in On the Road

Motorcyclists: 6 Tips For Staying Safe On The Road

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/05 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

There’s nothing like hopping on the Harley and feeling the wind in your hair, taking in the scenery, and getting that rush of freedom that can only come from riding a motorcycle. However, bikers have to play it safe in order to keep from having that freedom taken away from them by a fatal accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycle riders are more than five times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than people who ride in cars. Since motorcyclists do not have the protection of a vehicle and are likely to be thrown from their bikes, many bikers will sustain serious life-altering injuries like broken spines or traumatic brain injury. In order to prevent traumatic injuries like these here are some tips to follow to help you stay safe on the road.

Always Wear a Helmet

It’s not enough just to wear any helmet. You have to make sure your helmet fits securely so that it isn’t too tight or too loose. You also want to get one that is sturdy and hasn’t had a lot of damage. If your helmet gets dropped or damaged you should get a new one right away. It is essential to not wear that same helmet again because helmets are only made to absorb the impact of a crash once.

Wear Protective Gear

Although it can be tempting to ride in shorts and a t-shirt during the summer, you are more likely to be burned or scraped up without protective clothing. You will want to wear a leather jacket and pants if possible. You will also want to wear full-finger gloves and protective eye-wear. Make sure your eye-wear has good visibility and isn’t scratched. Also make sure that your slip-resistant boots cover your ankles.

Prepare For Inclement Weather

Always check weather conditions before you head out, especially if you’ll be driving in the desert or in congested parts of the city. Dust storms can cause very poor visibility for you and other drivers on the road, which will increase your chances of an accident. If the weather is hot, bring extra water to keep hydrated. Prepare an alternative route home in case of bad weather.

Be Visible To Other Drivers

While you might not be at fault if someone hits you, your priority is to remain alive. Use a headlight at night to make it easy for other drivers will be able to see you easily. Also, be sure to always be mindful of the blind spots of drivers on the road. It is also a good idea to honk your horn in traffic if you are in an area of poor visibility.

Avoid Areas Known For Drinking

Whenever possible, plan your route to avoid the casino areas especially at night. Your chances of getting hurt or killed on the road are much higher when you’re surrounded by vehicles in which people are likely to have just come from the bar. By avoiding those areas completely you can really help prevent a lot of potential danger.

Remain Alert

Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. Even if you aren’t over the legal limit, motorcyclists have to be more alert than other drivers on the road. It is also a good idea to take a break from driving if you’re too tired or are sick, because your reflexes will not be at their best.

There is nothing worse than getting into a motorcycle accident. Luckily there is help out there for you and your loved ones if it happens. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident it is a good idea to get professional help from someone such as a motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas, to help you handle your personal injury claim. Be sure to seek help right away so that you can be sure to get all the care you stand in need of.

Help Your Car Run Better in Hot Weather with These 4 Tune-Ups

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/17 in On the Road with Comments Off

Driving a vehicle during a heat wave can push an engine to its limit. This is why it is so important for all drivers to service their cars before the weather begins to warm up. Here is a quick look at four maintenance tasks you might want to tackle as soon as possible.

1. Recharge the AC

Many drivers have their air conditioners on nonstop throughout the warmer months of the year, and that is why it is a good idea for everyone to learn how to recharge an AC. Recharging kits can be purchased at most auto stores and are extremely simple to use. Before recharging the system, you should check the compressor for cracks or any other signs of damage.

2. Belts and Hoses

Belts, hoses, and other car parts made from softer materials tend to become damaged when the weather changes. In addition to creating loud noises, a weakened belt can snap while driving and damage the radiator fan or pulleys. Much like recharging the AC, this is another project that can be carried out in an hour or two with a few basic tools. Belts and hoses should be replaced whenever they become frayed or cracked.

3. Flush and Fill the Radiator

Most radiators must be completely flushed every two years, but you should check the fluids at least once a month while the weather is hot. Instead of using water or antifreeze, you will need a product made specifically to remove rust and grease. According to Natrad, if your radiator isn’t functioning as well as it should, this will cause your engine to overheat. Having a radiator die in the middle of a heat wave can cause an immense amount of damage to the rest of your engine.

4. Inspect and Rotate the Tires

Old and damaged tires have a very high chance of blowing out when the vehicle is at high speeds. They can also ruin your vehicle’s efficiency and handling. Every car should have a sticker on the door jam that shows exactly how much the tires should be inflated. When your tires are being rotated, the mechanic can tell you how much longer you can ride on them until they need to be replaced.

All drivers should know the basics of vehicle maintenance well before they get behind the wheel. These four projects will improve the safety of your car, increase its lifespan, and potentially prevent a catastrophic breakdown during the next major heat wave.

4 Tips For Driving Safe In Bad Weather

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/15 in On the Road with Comments Off

Most people would prefer to be safe at home during bad weather, but nearly everyone ends up driving under poor conditions at one time or another. The good news is that there are things you can do to make sure you reach your destination safely in weather conditions that are anything but friendly.

Heed the Signs

Keep your eyes open for detour signs, warning signs and special speed limit signs. Don’t try to second-guess these signs. Authorities put them up because they have assessed the entire situation and know more about the dangers than you can see from your car’s front seat. Equally important are the more subtle signs of trouble you may encounter, such as an area of standing water or an erratic driver.

Watch the Other Guy

If you notice another driver acting unusual or driving poorly, widen the distance between you and them as soon as you scan. Even huge trucks can get into accidents because of one foolhardy driver in a sub-compact car. If you Google the phrase "Atlanta Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney,” you’ll quickly realize that even professional drivers often need help dealing with the consequences of drivers who are unprepared for bad road conditions.

Stay in Control

Keep both hands on the wheel at all times, and maintain a good grip on it. If you run into a patch of ice, a deep rut, or a heavy gust of wind, a firm grip on your steering wheel can keep you from losing control. Sudden braking, quick acceleration, and overeager turns can turn deadly in a heartbeat when conditions are bad. Making smooth, steady changes in speed or direction will help you maintain control over your vehicle. Allow plenty of time to safely manage stops, lane changes, turns, or twists in the road.

Beware of Black Ice

Black ice isn’t really black, and it doesn’t look like ice. It looks like a normal, clear road. It may even look dry. If the temperature is below freezing keep your eyes peeled for signs of invisible ice, such as ice crystals anywhere on your car’s exterior or a wet-looking road that doesn’t generate spray from passing cars. Bridges and overpasses are often the worst culprits. If you have to drive on one, play it safe and behave as though invisible ice is lurking somewhere on the surface. Don’t expect your fellow drivers to do the same, though, so watch for out-of-control vehicles as you cross.

Bad weather is inevitable, but accidents can usually be prevented. Adjust your driving to compensate for road conditions and help ensure you make it safely to your destination.

Five Motorcycle Maintenance Tips You Don’t Want to Skip

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/06/20 in Motorcycles, Uncategorized with Comments Off

The freedom of operating a motorcycle on the open road is one of the most pleasurable experiences of owning a bike. Your motorcycle is like your own little world sometimes, and to keep it upright, bike owners should know the importance of regular maintenance tips to keep their machine operating efficiently.

Tires And Oil Changes

Proper inflation of the tires will provide a smooth ride. Tires with low air pressure on the rear of the bike can cause extra stress on the shaft drive and chain. It will cause more heat to generate as well which can lead to the chain needing adjusting because of loosening. Low air pressure can also cause the tires to wear out prematurely. Riders should always keep a check on the tires to make sure they are at the correct pressure. Tire replacement should be a priority when the tread depth is at 1-2 mm.

The oil level should be checked on a regular basis. Oil and filters should be changed at every 3,000 miles of operation. The conditions that the motorcycle is operated under can play a role in how dirty the oil becomes in the engine. Changing the oil regularly increases the life of the engine.

Engine Tune-ups

The spark plugs should be replaced each spring before the riding season begins. One fouled spark plug can be a disaster when traveling hundreds of miles from home. Always gap the plugs according to engine specifications. Never tighten the plugs over torque recommendations because it can damage the engine.

This is also the time to replace air filters and the fuel filter too. Make sure the bike fuel tank is completely empty before refueling. Moisture or water left from winter storage can affect the engine performance of the motorcycle.

Battery, Electrical System and Brakes

Always check the power in the battery with a voltmeter or similar device every year. A dead cell in the battery over the winter months is the leading cause of battery failure. The taillights and headlight should be checked each season and bike riders should check all electrical wiring on the motorcycle to make sure no loose connections are visible. Brake pads should be inspected and replaced when the pads are worn significantly. Brake fluid levels are another important part of the braking system that should be checked up on often.

Rider Safety On the Road

All motorcycle owners should carry motorcycle insurance and always practice safety during operation on the road. Scherline And Associates say each motorcycle rider should know the importance of being aware of the other drivers on the road since many accidents happen because other automobile drivers fail to see someone motorcycle riders.

Motorcycle rides are one of the best parts of owning a bike. Just be sure you know the proper maintenance and safety checks to take before going out each season.

Interested in the Classics? 4 Cars for Avid Collectors

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/05/25 in On the Road with Comments Off

If you are a car collector, you probably have a love and a passion for the awesome power and majestic beauty of a fine piece of mobile, fast machinery, and there is an excellent chance you are gathering vehicles for an opportunity to become a unique investor.

Classic cars are entering the investment arena, and they are quickly gaining attention. They are perhaps even overshadowing the popular investment niche of real estate. Vehicles and real estate are both considered property and taxed as such after all, and all financial advisors say to diversify investment portfolios, so buying classic cars and maybe engaging in restoration can be viewed as a chance to grow your net worth with a hobby. So, if you want vehicles worth investing in for monetary and aesthetic value, then the following four vehicles should be added to your collection as soon as possible.

Limited Edition HMMWV H1 Soft Top

The H1 Humvee is a line of vehicles that are part of American history. They are military grade vehicles capable of accomplishing an assortment of maneuvers, and you have the opportunity to add one or more of these to your fleet of collectibles. A special edition is being released with standard military strength and a ton of custom options. Visit HUMV4U for more information on this future investment vehicle.

1960s and 1970s DB4, DB5 and DB6 Aston Martins

All of these Aston Martins are highly valued by collectors personally and financially. The greatness of the DB4, DB5 and DB6 spanned nearly 20 years, and the models dominated the auto scene in the 1960s and 1970s. These Aston Martins are dominating the fleets of serious collectors now.

The 1965 to 1973 Porsche 911

Any Porsche 911 made between 1965 and 1973 is a coveted addition to any collection. It is hard to imagine that it used to be the cheapest car to buy if someone wanted to quickly enter certain racing circuits, especially club-level racing.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

This is considered a modern classic. It is the last aspirated V8 of its time period, and its body and shape make it a timeless beauty. Along with timeless beauty, it brings quality dynamics, especially rear-drive, which should make it an instant and long-term classic among collectors.
The value of cars manufactured in the country you reside in are increasing in value. Cars falling under the blue-chip category are doing especially well, and they are the most likely to have a better rate of value increase than housing. Consider making an effort to collect and invest in cars, especially the four cars listed above. They will undoubtedly make great additions to your portfolio.