All posts in On the Road

Teen Drivers: Everything you Need to Know about Taking Care of your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/22 in On the Road with Comments Off

When you are becoming a new driver you are probably only thinking about one thing and one thing only. Freedom. Being able to drive yourself wherever you want to go is very liberating, but what do you do when you vehicle breaks down and needs maintenance. With this freedom also comes responsibility. You have to take care of your car so it can keep giving you your much desired freedom.

As a teen driver, having your own vehicle can represent fun and freedom of motion; freedom to go out with friends and be away from the nest as you explore your community. Since many teen drivers tend to drive older vehicles that are purchased cheaply or are hand-me-downs from parents, though, you will need to learn how to take care of your car or you will likely have mechanical problems down the road. Here are the top areas to consider in taking care of your vehicle as a new teen driver.

Oil and Fluid Changes

Your car’s vital systems include engine oil, engine coolant and automatic transmission fluid that need to be changed over time. Ignoring these periodic maintenance steps can quickly lead to engine or transmission damage, so learn to change your car’s oil and fluids yourself or take it by the shop for periodic servicing. You don’t want to spend all of your money being a new driver are extensive car repairs. Make sure you are taking care of your car’s oil and fluids to make sure you are getting the most out of vehicle.

Tires: Changing and Rotation

A vehicle’s tires are its only point of contact with the road, and having a good set of tires is the most cost-effective modification you can do for safety and performance. Companies like Free Service Tire Company carry tires from Michelin, BF Goodrich, Goodyear and others, so inspect your tires with a penny to check for good tread life. If you line up Abraham Lincoln’s head with the groove in the tire and any of Lincoln’s head is obscured by the tire, your tread is worn out and it is time for a change. Your tires also need to be periodically rotated to ensure even tread life, which is also a good time for a technician to check for proper wheel alignment.

Brakes: Fix Now Or Pay Later

Any car needs a good set of brakes to ensure safety behind the wheel, but when your brake pads become worn and scored over time, you need to replace them or you will be looking at a big repair bill down the road. Brake rotors are much more expensive than the pads themselves, but you will not usually damage your rotors unless you let the pads go. Listen for a squeaking sound when you brake; this is the telltale sign that your pads are worn out and are in need of replacement.

If you would like to keep your freedom of mobility as a new teen driver, follow these steps to proper vehicle maintenance and know that no car will ever be trouble-free forever. The key is to tackle small issues as soon as they pop up to avoid big problems just down the road.

Understanding the Criminal Penalties of Drunk Driving

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/19 in On the Road with Comments Off

Operating a motor vehicle while drunk can put yourself and others on the road in serious danger not only to yourself, but to everyone else on the road around you and to anyone that may be riding in the car with you. However, if you are caught driving while intoxicated, you could face a variety of criminal penalties. These penalties could erode your financial stability, your ability to progress in your career and have an impact on personal relationships. In other words, drunk driving is a very serious crime.

You Could Face Jail Time

Even for a first-offense, you could face as little as 24 hours in jail to as much as six months in jail. While a judge may be willing to let you do community service or probation in lieu of jail time, it may be mandatory if you have previous convictions for drunk driving. You could also face many months or years in jail if you hurt or kill someone while driving drunk or have a BAC over .10 when you are pulled over. This becomes an even more serious crime if you are in a car accident with another driver. Jail time could turn into prison time especially if you have more than one offense against you. If anyone is killed in the result of your drunk driving accident, you could potentially face up to several years in jail depending on the state law.

You May Be Ordered to Pay a Fine

In addition to legal fees and increased insurance costs, you may be required to pay a fine ranging from $100 up to $1,000 or more depending on the facts in your case. While an attorney such as one from the Johnston Law Firm, LLC will attempt to keep your fine to a reasonable amount, state statutes may also dictate a mandatory minimum fine.

Your License Could be Suspended or Revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot drive any vehicle under any circumstances. In some cases, you may be granted the right to drive to work or school or drive during certain hours to pick up your children from work or school. If you refuse to take a breath test when you are pulled over, your license is automatically suspended for one-year. If your license is taken away, it will drastically limit your freedom in terms of work, school, and having a social life.

Your Car May Need an Ignition Interlock Device

An ignition interlock device stops your car from starting if your blood alcohol content is .02 percent or higher. You are responsible for buying it and paying to have it installed in your vehicle. If someone else blows into the device for you, that person could be guilty of a crime if you subsequently caught driving while intoxicated.

If you are charged with drunk driving, you should call an attorney immediately. Your financial future, your professional future and your freedom could all be on the line. If you are convicted, you may need to tell future employers when you apply for a job, which could interfere with your ability to find gainful employment.

Six Things That Can Quickly Ruin A Road Trip, And How You Can Prevent Them

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/17 in On the Road with Comments Off

Road trips are one of the best ways to enjoy the freedom of the open road and experience new places with friends and family. Whether it’s an annual family adventure or a spur-of-the-moment get-away, road trips have long been a popular choice for travelers. However, while on your way to enjoy a distant attraction, a number of unexpected predicaments can quickly ruin the fun in a road trip.

Uncertainty and getting lost

A last-minute road trip could be a recipe for disaster if you don’t follow a calculated driving route. When driving in an unfamiliar place, it’s easy to get lost. Therefore, it’s critical to have a planned destination and specified pit stops for driving breaks. Navigation and GPS technology isn’t always reliable, so it would be wise to bring a paper map and printed route directions.

Mechanical problems or a flat tire

There is nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road. It’s important to always pack a spare tire, jumper cables, emergency road kit and flares. Furthermore, you should never plan a long road trip with a car that has had a history of mechanical problems. Consider visiting a mechanic prior to a long drive to ensure that your car can handle it.

Weather

Severe weather can easily ruin a road trip. Be sure to keep an eye on the forecast for the duration of the trip. Just in case, you should pack clothes for a variety of weather conditions, make sure your windshield wiper works, top off your windshield washer fluid and pack an ice scraper. Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to always be prepared.

Boredom

Whether you’re driving across the wide open Great Plans or through a barren desert, boredom can set in and end up making your trip miserable. Passengers should bring books, portable gaming devices and other sources of entertainment. This is especially important if you plan a road trip with young children.

Exhaustion

Driver fatigue can set in after only a couple hours of driving. Therefore, it’s important to take breaks and change drivers if possible. Many preventable crashes are caused by driver fatigue. If you’re feeling drowsy while driving, the best thing to do is to find a rest area where you can get out of the car for a while.

Car Accident

While you may be safe and alert on the road, you can’t always predict what other drivers will do. Be sure that you always wear your seatbelt on road trips, and that you keep lose items more secure when possible to prevent injury in the event of an accident. If you do get injured on the road, be sure to speak with a lawyer. For example, Ladah’s commitment to helping people injured in Clark County can help in situations like this.

Road trips can be a great way to see the country. However, it’s important to always be prepared to face the unexpected. These tips will help ensure that your road trip is a success rather than a nightmare.

Road Trip: How To Prepare Your Car For The Long Miles

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/08 in On the Road with Comments Off

While a road trip to see a baseball game or visit family may be a good time for you, it may not be as fun for your car. Therefore, you must take steps to make sure that it can handle the journey. Let’s look at a few ways to prepare your vehicle before a long road trip.

Rotate Your Tires

Your tires will be able to handle the road better when they are regularly rotated. This enables all four tires to wear evenly and last for the entirety of their useful life. If you are going on a long trip, you can get better gas mileage when your tires grip the road better.

Get Your Oil Changed

Ideally, you will get your oil changed every 5,000 miles or so. If it has been almost 5,000 miles since your last oil change, you should do it before a trip to avoid any unexpected engine issues.

Wash the Car

Dirt, grime and other residue can eat away at the car’s exterior, which could make it vulnerable to water or sun damage. Washing your car before a trip and possibly once during your trip reduces the odds that rust can form.

Have Your Car Inspected

A vehicle inspection will reveal any minor issues that the car may have prior to going on a long journey. If nothing is wrong with your vehicle, you can hit the road with confidence knowing that you and your family will reach your destination safely.

Put Together an Emergency Kit

If you are ever stranded during your trip, you will want to be able to stay in good condition until help can arrive. This means that you should have a cell phone, portable cooking units and food that will not perish. You may also want to include blankets to keep warm and books and other activities to stay occupied.

Purchase a Remote Services Package

For cars that are equipped to receive them, a remote services package can come in handy. Your vehicle may be able to call police if it is has been in an accident or keep track of its location via GPS if it is ever stolen.

Road trips are meant to be fun adventures that you will remember forever. Therefore, make it a priority to get your car ready so it can handle as many miles as you need to put on it. It’s also important to stay alert on the road to prevent drowsy driving or accidents, which can not only damage your car, it can cause injury to you. If you are injured on the road, be sure to speak with a car accident attorney in Las Vegas.

Motorcycle Storage: 4 Ways to Keep Winter from Ruining Your Bike

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/01 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles are great. There is nothing quite like getting on your motorcycle in the warm months of spring and summer and going for a ride, having the wind in your face, and just cruising down the highway. If you are an avid motorcyclist, your bike is probably one of your most prized possessions. Unfortunately, the frigid temperatures may force you to put it away until next spring. So what do you do and how to take care of it until you can pull it out again? Here are four ways to keep winter from ruining your bike.

Fill the Tank with Fresh Fuel

Before putting your motorcycle in storage, be sure to top off the gas tank. Gasoline has a tendency to gradually break down over time. Not only will the decreased octane level cause the engine to run poorly, but it may also prompt oxidation to form within the fuel tank. Your best option is to add a highly rated fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. Furthermore, expert mechanics urge motorcyclists to avoid using low-quality gasoline at all costs. With that said it might be worth spending a few extra bucks and putting in premium gasoline at your local gas station. You also want to make sure that you want to cover your bike up and put it in a garage if you can to protect it from freezing once the cold weather hits.

Maintain the Tires

According to an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney at Naqvi Law, poorly maintained tires can definitely cause a crash. Because the tires will be sitting in one position for an extended period, you need to keep the bike elevated off the ground. This will help prevent flat spots in the rubber. A motorcycle stand is a worthwhile investment. In the event that your garage or storage unit does not have any heat, the frigid temperatures may cause the tire pressure to drop. Never allow the tires to remain under-inflated for a long time.

Protect the Battery

If your motorcycle features an electric starter, the battery becomes an essential component. When not used frequently, a battery will slowly begin to lose its charge. Try to recharge the battery about once a month. You also must carefully inspect the battery for any signs of corrosion. Remember, corrosion can quietly eat away at the battery cables and terminals. Placing a tad bit of dielectric grease on the connections can prevent a lot of trouble.

Change the Oil

Even if you do not plan to ride your bike in the winter, make it a priority to change the motor oil. Used motor oil contains a certain amount of contaminants. If these impurities are allowed to just sit inside of the engine, it may cause the metal components to rust. Moisture is also a very big problem during the winter. Always completely drain the old oil from the engine.

By remembering these important tips, you can prevent the coldest season from damaging your bike. When the warmer temperatures finally arrive, you will be able to hit the road without making any unnecessary repairs.