All posts in On the Road

How to Prepare Your Truck for a Long Road Trip

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/24 in Trucks with Comments Off

Before heading out on the road and putting hundreds of miles on your truck during a long road trip, there are several steps to take to ensure that you prepare your truck for the distance ahead. Many people forget to inspect the truck and make minor repairs before driving for several hours, which can put excessive wear on the vehicle and cause mechanical issues. To prepare your truck and keep it in great condition, there are a few steps to take ahead of time.

Check Fluid Levels

The engine oil, washer fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant should all be checked ahead of time to ensure that the engine runs properly. Refill the fluids that are low and replace filters that have become worn over time with the help of a professional mechanic. You will want to have a complete system flush after so many thousands of miles. Doing this will help your truck drive better especially when you are ready for a long road trip. The other reason is, as the fluids age, it can be really hard on the system of your truck if you let old fluid just sit in there. You will especially want to change out your anti-freeze every so often or it will eventually freeze if it is too old.

Inspect the Tire Pressure

To increase your fuel efficiency and prevent flat tires while driving, it’s crucial to inspect your truck’s tire pressure and refill it at a local gas station. This especially needs to be checked before you leave for a long road trip. You also want to keep your tires at an even pressure or your low tire pressure warning light can go off because of the uneven pressure. You should also check the wear on the tires with a tire tread depth gauge or by placing a penny in one of the grooves. Make sure that a spare tire is available in the vehicle and that you learn how to change a tire before leaving on the trip.

Look at the Brakes

An expert should inspect the brakes before going on a road trip to ensure that they still have plenty of padding left and can function properly without grinding until you return. Make sure that the pedal doesn’t feel softer than normal in the truck or squeal, which is often a common sign of deterioration and wear that has occurred.

Conduct General Maintenance

From oil changes to replacing your air filter, it’s important to conduct general maintenance on your truck each month to ensure that each part continues to function properly (Source: 99 Truck Parts & Industrial Equipment Ltd.). With routine inspections and care for the vehicle, it will work to maintain the function of the transmission and allow everything to run smoothly.

When leaving for the open road with your truck, there are a few steps to take to prepare the vehicle to ensure that it functions well with excess use. You can preserve the truck and extend its lifespan with the right maintenance and repairs performed for a vehicle that you can continue to use for many years.

7 Ways To Upgrade Your Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/10/13 in Trucks with Comments Off

Men love their trucks. They especially love their big trucks. Usually the bigger the better. Most trucks are manufactured with great equipment. However, if you want better options, here are seven upgrades that are worth considering.

Body Lift

A body lift is an inexpensive upgrade that costs between $110 to $600. It uses urethane blocks, which are stacked on the body mount; the mount lifts the body over the frame. The vehicle does not need any modifications because the lift forms a gap between the frame and the truck’s body (Source: Tonka 4-Wheel Drive Ltd.). The average installation time for a body lift is usually six to eight hours.

Wheel Splash Guards

Most drivers purchase mud guards because they display cartoon characters to other drivers, but mud guards also protect other vehicles on the road. They block gravel, sand, rocks, or mud that flies from your tires when you drive. Splash guards cost anywhere from $20 to $200.

MP3/iPod Features

Your truck can play tunes from your iPod or MP3 player if you have the proper hardware. You will need an audio cable, a retrofit kit, or transmitters. A cable will cost around $10, but more advanced hardware could cost around $300. The first way might be cheaper, but if you want good quality sound you will want to consider getting the more advanced hardware installed. The custom system will allow you to enjoy all of your personal music with higher sound quality.

Tailgate Protector

Through the year, a tailgate withstands plenty of abuse because various objects are dragged into the bed. It gains wear and tear because boxes move back and forth when you drive on the highway. A tailgate protector protects the top of the tailgate and the load surface. The cheapest tailgate protectors cost $30, and the most expensive protectors cost around $150.

Custom Wheels

New wheels can improve the appearance of your vehicle or change the way it drives on the road. You will usually pay $75 for each wheel. However, if you want stylish wheels, you could pay as much as $500 per wheel.

Running Boards

A running board is a simple device that can help you get out of your truck easier. Some boards have advanced algorithms, so they function whenever a truck door opens and closes. This especially comes in handy when you truck has a body lift on it, especially for those who are short enough that they have trouble getting in your truck.

Truck Racks

A truck rack is very helpful during the summer because it can hold all of your beach accessories. The rack add compartments to your truck bed; the compartments will help you store more items efficiently. A truck rack can also transport lumber to project sites and a kayak for vacation purposes.

How To Maintain Your Truck After You Buy Your Upgrades

A plan of attack must be established, so design a schedule so that you can maintain your oil, brakes, fluids, interiors, windows, and tires. The emission control systems, however, will require professional services periodically.

Overall, upgrading your truck is a smart idea because most accessories will improve how your vehicle operates.

Motorcycle Hazards: How to Minimize Your Risk

by Anica Oaks on 2014/10/03 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles, by their very nature, are risky. If you ride, the hazards range from motorists not seeing you to changing weather. Fortunately there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. If you are a motorist, understanding the risks a motorcyclist takes will help avoid hazards, both to you and to the motorcyclist. In order to decrease the risks, all who travel the roads must use common sense precautions and alertness when driving.

Wear a Helmet

Despite the extreme physical dangers of riding a motorcycle, certain US states still don’t require that bikers wear helmets. Even if you don’t have to legally wear a helmet, a quick glance at the stats should be enough to convince you to. According to NHTSA.gov, the leading cause of death for motorcyclists is head trauma, a death risk reduced by an astounding 40% when the rider used a helmet.

Motorist: Do Not Tailgate

Motorists should never tailgate a motorcycle, because this is risky for both you and the cyclist. If the cyclist experiences a mechanical malfunction, odds are good they will be suddenly thrown from the motorcycle. If you tailgate, the possibility of running over the thrown cyclists is high. During the police investigation, the authorities may state you were negligent by following too close. Allow enough room for an escape route when driving behind a motorcycle.

Motorcyclist: Pre-Trip Inspection

If you are a motorcyclist, a pre-trip inspection minimizes your risk by discovering potential hazards. For example, imagine that during the inspection you find a frayed brake cable. If your brake fails, you lose a lot of stopping power when you need it. The solution, then, is to replace the cable before riding. Some areas of the pre-trip inspection should include checking the fluid levels, checking the cabling, and checking the tires. Another often overlooked routine is making sure all bolts are tightened to specifications. Bolts loosen up over time, and can lead to disaster if, say, the front wheel bolts loosen up.

Motorcyclist: Check the Weather Forecast

The weather may be nice, but a storm front may be moving in without you knowing about it. Any cyclist will tell you riding in a storm is miserable. Plan ahead, and plan for storms that are moving in. Tailor your riding time so bad weather is avoided. If you have to ride in the rain, pack weatherproof clothing accordingly. And if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in Denver or elsewhere in the US due to a driver’s negligence, consider contacting an injury attorney.

Motorcyclist: Look Far Ahead

As a cyclist, you should always look far ahead in the road, since road hazards can be encountered quickly before you have time to react to them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hazards such as oil slicks and debris all lead to accidents. For example, you are riding behind a truck. Some debris falls off the truck, causing you to lose control. To prevent this, allow enough room between you and the vehicle in front of you. Look far enough ahead, and plan for bad road conditions accordingly.

When you ride, it’s imperative to arrive at your destination, instead of an emergency room. Some elements you can’t control, but others you can. Take all the precautions necessary to ride safely, since it all boils down to being alert when riding and maintaining your motorcycle properly.

7 Tips to be followed while Driving a Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/09/26 in Trucks with Comments Off

Overview As a driver, it is true that in your entire driving experience, the biggest automobile you always come across is that huge moving truck. Most small car drivers are often terrified of moving trucks since most of them appear bigger and like they own the road. Nevertheless, accidents caused by moving trucks continue being recorded some of which could be avoided if the right measures are taken or followed.

Here are tips to follow while driving a track.

Buckle Up

Some of the truck drivers on the road seem to stick to an old myth which suggested that good drivers do not actually need to wear seat-belts. Well, this incorrect ancient belief cannot have a place in today’s modern society. As a matter of fact, track drivers ought to buckle up hard since their chances of being thrown from their vehicle during a crash and consequently dying are higher (almost 25times). Safety belts therefore are of great significance to track drivers, thus ought to be adhered to as such.

Comprehend Your Blind Spot

Unlike other cars, trucks bear a large blind spot which deters the driver from looking over his shoulder. This hence restricts the track driver to solely rely on his side mirrors when changing lanes or making turns.

Look Down the Road Paying

Good attention to the road ahead significantly helps in avoiding hazardous and abrupt braking which could lead into an accident. This gives the driver room to slow down the truck confidently and effectively in time without panic.

Be On the Lookout for Curbs

Due to the wider turns that trucks have to make, it is therefore important for the truck driver to ensure that there is adequate space for turning so as to avoid damaging the tires at the point of contact with the curbs. Also important to note is that truck drivers should go slower than normal so as to enhance smooth and complete turns.

Keep Safe Distance

The mechanism and the weight of a truck does not allow for its immediate stop. This therefore makes it dangerous if you have to make a sudden stop since the truck just won’t be able to Maintaining a safe distance hence allows for easier and safe braking when a need arises without subjecting other following or vehicles ahead to any sort of danger.

Know the Height of Your Truck

This is important as it helps to avoid inconveniences that occur when trying to pass under bridges or garage ceilings. Knowing how high is your truck thereby enables you to make proper judgments before going under.

Understand All the Truck’s Controls

Based on the truck’s technology, this may differ from others. You therefore have to get familiar with each control be it wiper settings, indicators or whatever it is this should be mandatory before setting off.
Summary Trucks are of importance in aiding transportation of heavy goods from one destination to another. Due to their inbuilt mechanism and size, it is then of vital importance for the truck drivers to be extra careful on the road. Careful truck drivers contribute greatly to road safety. In order to acquire a good experience in this, book driving test today.

Author Bio:
Amelia Amy lives in Wales, UK and is an avid blogger and reader. Since her early years she’s had a passion for writing. Her articles have been published in leading UK newspapers. Her areas of interest are Travel, Fashion, Lifestyle, Technology, Food, Lifestyle, Reviews (Book/Movie), Health and Fitness.

Teen Drama: How to Keep Your Kid Safe behind the Wheel

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/09/17 in On the Road with Comments Off

Your child won’t be young for long. Before you realize it, they will be out the door and on the road, driving a car, and spending time with friends instead of family. There are some easy things you can do as a parent that will help keep your child safe while driving.

Set Time Limits

Post a limit on the refrigerator door or on a wall for everyone to see about how often the car can be driven and what times it should be home. Most states limit the hours that teenagers can drive anyway, so this shouldn’t be much of a surprise to them. Nine or ten in the evening is a good curfew to have, even on the weekends.

Passengers in the Car

Until your child has some driving experience, there should not be any passengers in the car, unless it is another adult. Teens should not have siblings or friends for at least the first six months of driving alone. You can monitor this by talking with your child’s friends so that they know not to ask for rides. After the probation period is over, you can evaluate your child’s driving skills to determine if you feel like it’s safe to have other passengers.

No Phones

Some states now have laws that limit the use of cell phones while driving. Regardless of any laws, make it clear that there is to be no texting while driving, and no talking on the cell phone while driving unless it’s an emergency. If there is an emergency, your child needs to find a parking lot, or safe location that is well lit to make the call so that there is no danger of being distracted. The no phone rule should also apply to hands-free devices.

Driving Lessons

This is something that is often taught in high school before your teen gets a learner’s permit. Valley driving school suggests you find other driving courses that will give more experience behind the wheel until you are both comfortable on the road. Instructions at Delta driving schools will be given on how to properly make driving maneuvers like three-point turns and parallel parking. Teens will also learn how to use turn signals and how to pass on the highway.

Driving is a big responsibility for teenagers. They need to feel comfortable behind the wheel, and feel safe and in control. Set limits on the time your child can be in the car, and how many people can be with your child while driving to have a good starting point.