All posts in On the Road

Motorcycle Safety: Tips To Help You Stay Safe On The Road And Avoid Disaster

by Anita Ginsburg on 2014/07/25 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

When you are on the road riding a motorcycle, you are at a disadvantage against other motorized vehicles such as cars and trucks. Safety should be your number one priority when driving your motorcycle to avoid accidents that could potentially be fatal. With these few motorcycle safety tips, you can be a step ahead when it comes to safety.

Buy The Proper Motorcycle Clothing

When riding a motorcycle, it is essential to have all the proper gear. A motorcycle offers no protection during a crash, so flip flops and shorts are not proper attire to be riding a motorcycle. Leather clothing can help protect motorcycle drivers in the case that their bike were to lay down and slide. Leather is a strong material that can help protect riders from road rash, bugs, cigarette butts and even small rocks.

Wear The Proper Shoes

The proper shoes for riding a motorcycle are sturdy shoes. To change gears on a motorcycle, the driver must pull up on the lever, which requires closed toe shoes. Soles on shoes should not be smooth because it makes it very easy to slip off the pegs on the motorcycle or to slip when coming to a stop and stabilizing the bike. The shoes should also be weather-proof in case you get stuck in a rainstorm.

Avoid Unnecessary Distractions

Any type of distracted driving is bad, but on a motorcycle it can be fatal. It is important to stay very aware of all of your surroundings when riding a motorcycle. Since motorcycles are difficult for some drivers of bigger vehicles to see, you must proactively be aware of these vehicles and stay out of their way to stay safe. While driving a motorcycle, your hands must also always stay on the handlebars to ensure proper balance and maneuvering.

Be Weather Aware

Motorcycles are a bit more unstable than a car in generally dry conditions, and wet weather can greatly increase the instability of the motorcycle. You should stay weather aware and avoid riding in heavy rain, ice or snow.

Get Advanced Motorcycle Training

Getting more advanced motorcycle training can help protect yourself and others from accidents on the roadway. A driving school can help everyone from beginners to advanced riders improve their techniques and skills while on their motorcycle, say the experts at Valley Driving School. Driving schools are able to train and assess a driver’s skills to ensure proper knowledge before getting on the road.

Always Wear A Helmet

Helmets protect motorcycle driver’s heads in any type of accident. Head injuries are the leading cause of death when it comes to motorcycle accidents, so it is that much more important to wear the proper motorcycle helmet anytime you are riding your motorcycle. The helmet should not fit too tightly or too loosely, and it should never obstruct your vision.

Motorcycle safety is easy when tips such as these are taken into consideration each and every time you ride your motorcycle. Any time you are on your motorcycle, you should strive to always put safety first.

5 Useful Additions to Your 4×4

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/07/14 in Trucks with Comments Off

Owning a four wheel drive is a matter of great pride for fans of this type of vehicles. Back in the old days, people used to have horses they were strongly connected to, and today it is all about horsepower and robust bodies of their good old SUV’s.

However, whether you as a 4×4 owner would like to admit it or not, the basic configuration of your vehicle leaves a lot of room for improvement. Fortunately, the market is full of useful additions which can both make your life comfortable and improve your vehicles safety and stability. The process of making your 4×4 sturdier and generally better is a fun and rewarding one, so read on to discover some of the most popular and common additions.

Navigate

Let us first go through the things which exist to make your driving experience a more pleasant one. Among available 4×4 accessories which you can find online or in your local shops, probably the most popular one is the navigation device. And this is for a reason, too, because the importance of good navigation only becomes completely obvious when you start using your 4×4 for what it is meant to be used – off road trips to wilderness and visiting remote destinations where you cannot count on your ability to properly orientate in space.

Make yourself comfortable

For better trip experience, also consider purchasing an mp3 player, especially if you are planning to go to solitary trips. You would not believe how much a little bit of music at the right time can help you deal with solitude.

In order to increase your comfort level, you will also need to find accessories which will help you organize your available inside space better. Cargo area is a weak spot of every car – we always need to put a few things more, which in the end usually results in the complete chaos in the back of your vehicle. The solution to this problem is compartmentalization, which you can easily achieve by installing drawers into your storage area. A car fridge will help you both store and preserve your drinks and food, and cup holders will hold your drinks safely to avoid possible spillages.

Improving your vehicle

Two main concerns when it comes to keeping your 4×4 fully functional in extreme conditions are engine cooling and physical damage protection. The best way to cool your engine is to install airflow snorkels, which will ensure your engine always gets fresh supplies of cool air. The damage protectors are available for both the front and the back of your car (for the sides too) and, apart from having the obvious effect of increasing the general safety and looks of your vehicle, they also tend to look cool and add a level of robustness to the general look of your 4×4.

Some other performance improving accessories worth giving a chance to are mud tires and diff locks, both of which are a must have in off road conditions because they improve directional stability and traction of your vehicle. These can be real life and time savers when the need arises.

Drive A Motorcycle? 5 Things You’ll Want To Remember Before You Saddle Up

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/27 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Some people simply cannot resist the sheer thrill of riding a motorcycle. However, a motorcycle is a powerful machine that must be respected at all times. If you do not take the necessary precautions, you are at risk of being seriously injured. Here are four things you’ll want to remember before saddling up.

Never assume that a motorist sees you

Never make the mistake of assuming that a driver sees your bike. Even if you keep your headlights on and use the proper hand signals, there is no guarantee that the other motorists will notice the presence of your bike. The small stature of a motorcycle can easily become camouflaged in a driver’s blind-spot. Before attempting to pass a vehicle on the road, always look twice to check your surroundings.

Practice makes perfect

While confidence is always a good trait to have, being overconfident on a motorcycle could cause you to lose your life. It is always a good idea to take a training course prior to purchasing a motorcycle. These training courses are taught by experts who have years of motorcycle riding experience. Even if you have experience in riding dirt bikes, riding a motorcycle on the road is a totally different ball game. The best part is that the training program provides all of the essentials including the bike, helmet, and riding gear.

Find a good motorcycle accident attorney

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, it is always best to err on the side of caution. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a collision, you may need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies are often difficult to deal with, it certainly helps to have a knowledgeable motorcycle attorney in your corner. A motorcycle attorney’s primary goal is to make sure that you are fairly compensated.

All motorcycles are not created the same

Aside from obtaining the proper training, choosing a motorcycle is the most important aspect of motorcycling. The size and performance of a motorcycle can vary greatly from one model to the next. A high-powered sport bike is definitely not appropriate for a newbie. If you are a first-timer, you may want to consider the purchase of a used bike. Ideally, you should select a bike that suits your body type.

Choose the right gear

All too often you hear about someone being killed on a motorcycle because they weren’t wearing a helmet. Some type of helmet is better than no helmet, but there is definitely a difference between a helmet you spend 20 dollars on, and one you spend 100 dollars on. Read the reviews, talk to someone who knows motorcycle gear well, and make sure you’re prepared for the worst. Some motorcyclists choose to wear protective jackets, pants etc… There are lots of things out there that can make your new hobby more enjoyable.

Owning a motorcycle can be a very gratifying experience if you put your safety first. Save the high-speed maneuvers and dangerous stunts for the professionals.

Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? 3 Things to Do Before You Hit the Road

by Lizzie Weakley on 2014/06/19 in On the Road with Comments Off

Are you planning a road trip this summer? You’ve picked your destination and the places you want to stop along the way. You’ve booked a hotel, packed your comfiest clothes, and bought a new pair of sunglasses—you are ready to hit the road. But is your car?

Make sure to do these three things before you head out.

1. Stock up on Supplies

If you encounter an emergency while you are far from home, you won’t be able to call a neighbor or family member to come to the rescue. Hopefully everything goes smoothly, but you should have the following things on hand in case bad weather leaves you stranded or your car breaks down in the middle of a desert.

Fully-stocked first aid kit: Remember to include bandages, antibiotic ointment, scissors and tweezers, cold/heat pack, and pain killers
Extra water and non-perishable food
Flashlight
Jumper Cables
Supplies to handle a flat or blown out tire: Bring a jack, tire iron, spare tire, and a puncture repair kit
Basic tools: Pack some screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, and duct tape.
Extra engine coolant
Blanket
Map of the area
Cell phone and charger

2. Make a Plan

You can’t always prevent your car from breaking down, so make sure you have a plan for emergencies. If your car leaves you stranded on the open road, do the following:

If possible, move your car to the side of the road. If possible, coast along the shoulder until you are away from curves in the road so that other drivers will have a clear view of your stopped vehicle.
For your safety, and the safety of others, alert other drivers to the fact that you are stopped by turning on your hazard lights, hanging something out of your window or popping your hood. You should also turn on your hazard lights if you are moving very slowly while looking for a safe place to pull over.
Call for help. If you have roadside assistance they should be able to come get you and your car. If you don’t have roadside assistance, write down the numbers tow truck companies in the area you will be visiting before you leave on your trip. If you are unable to call for help, wait patiently until a highway patrol officer drives through the area. Make sure family and friends know where you are headed, so they can alert authorities if you don’t check in with them at an expected time.

3. Check the Basics

The best way to prevent car trouble is to check your car before you leave. Be sure to check and change your oil as well as check your breaks, and suspension.

After you have a professional check for the major problems, do your own inspection. Does your air filter need to be replaced? Do you have enough windshield washer fluid? Are your tires inflated to the pressure recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual? Do the tires have enough tread left?

Once you’ve checked your car for problems, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the vehicle. If you usually use your car for commuting to and from work, it is possible you’ve never needed to turn on the high-beams, fog lights, or cruise control. Make sure you know where everything is now and can easily turn things on as needed.

Do these three things before you head out on your road trip so you can enjoy the scenery worry-free.

My name is Lizzie Weakley and I am a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. I went to college at The Ohio State University where I studied communications. I enjoy the outdoors and long walks in the park with my 3-year-old husky Snowball.

Lizzie was inspired to write this article by Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

First Time Renters? 5 Things not to do When Renting a Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/12 in On the Road with Comments Off

If you plan on traveling at any point in your life, you will have to master the skill of renting a car. People tend to think that it’s an easy experience but those people are most certainly not getting the best deal they possibly can. Here are a few things not to do when you rent cars – it is expensive enough without making mistakes.

Do not rent from the first company that you call.

Automobile rentals are getting more expensive by the year. However, you may be able to leverage a better car for less money if you are willing to call around before you actually have to make the trip. This type of shopping around can end up saving you tons of money.

Do not rent your car at the airport when you land.

Airports have the highest prices on cars. They know that when you land, you have very little choice about your transportation situation. There are too many options for renting cars online – make sure that you avail yourself of these resources so that you do not end up paying the convenience premium at airline hubs charge.

Do not rent the most expensive thing that you find.

If you have a certain budget for automobile rentals, do not pop it out on the base price of your vehicle. You will most certainly need extra money for the maintenance of the car as well as possible insurance, depending on where you are traveling. Also, let’s not forget gas money! The larger car you get, the worse gas mileage you will receive. You never know if you’re going to be stuck in traffic or lose your way around town. Give yourself a money buffer.

Do not ever choose the option to let the automobile company refill the tank.

Automobile companies makes quite a bit on consumers who allow them to fill the tank upon returning the vehicle. They will sometimes charge 2 to 3 times the amount per gallon that gas costs on the marketplace. Always refill the tank yourself before you take the car back in.

Do not buy insurance if you already have rental car insurance coverage from your own auto insurance company.

Make sure you know if you have coverage for rental cars on your own automobile insurance policy. If you do, then you do not need the overpriced insurance that rental car companies try to sell you at every turn. Policies that you may already have available will often cover you even if upgrade to a “better” or more expensive car than the one you are currently covering.

Renting a car can be quite expensive ordeal; however, it does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Follow the tips above for the best experience in renting a car, and be safe on the road while you are driving.

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. Meghan recommends renting a vehicle from Jamieson Car and Truck Rental to make your renting experience exceptionally easier.