Safe on the Road: Four Tips for the Experienced Motorist

by Carsurfer Admin on 2017/01/04 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Safe on the Road: Four Tips for the Experienced Motorist

While experienced drivers tend to get into fewer accidents, it is still important to be as safe as possible whenever you get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Here are four tips that every motorist should think about before they get back on the road.

Don’t Rely on Your Experience

One of the most common mistakes that older drivers make is relying on their experience and intuition while on the road. Unfortunately, anyone who becomes too comfortable while driving will inevitably allow their mind to wander. As soon as you get into the driver’s seat, you should treat the situation as if it is your first time driving. That includes checking your mirrors, adjusting your seat, putting away your electronics, and taking a moment to focus on the task at hand.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

These courses have become extremely popular in recent years for a few different reasons. Unlike basic driving courses, they will teach you advanced skills such as what to do when the road is icy and how to avoid accidents in heavy traffic. Professionals, like those at Clearfield and Kofsky, know that in addition to improving your driving skills, these courses might also save you some money on repairs and healthcare costs. Many insurance providers now offer discounts to drivers who take defensive courses every few years.

Skip the Electronic Distractions

Even though using a phone while driving is now restricted or completely illegal in most states, others gadgets can distract a driver just as easily. This is especially common among tech-savvy drivers who like to use smartwatches and onboard software to control their music, find directions, or make calls. As a general rule, all of these devices should not be touched until you have pulled off the road and parked your vehicle.

Plan Ahead

Another mistake that many experienced drivers make is assuming that their regular routes will always be the same. Just because you have driven on the same roads for decades does not mean that other drivers know those streets as well you. Spending a few minutes every week looking at new road conditions, construction warnings, and the weather will prepare you for anything that takes place while you are driving.

Even if you do everything in your power to become a safer driver, accidents can still happen at any time. If you are in an accident that involves injuries or any serious property damage, then you should consider contacting an attorney to explore your legal options.

3 Things to Do if You are in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/30 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on 3 Things to Do if You are in an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist

There is nothing more frustrating than dealing with an accident you did not cause. The one thing worse than dealing with a wreck on the roadside is finding out the other motorist has no insurance. Here are three primary steps below to take if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver at fault.

Step 1: Exchange Information with the Other Motorist and All Witnesses

Calling the police to arrive at the scene is protocol, and the police will get the other driver’s information, but you need to have it too. This is the when you will learn that you have just been hit by an uninsured driver. Get as much information about the driver as you can, and write down everything about the other vehicle as the plate number, notes about damages to their vehicle and take a few pictures.

Most importantly at this stage, if there are witnesses, get their info too because it will officially be a criminal case. Driving without financial responsibility is a crime and it can get you into serious trouble. It will also depend on the severity of the accident that you have been involved in as well.

Step 2: Contact and Inform Your Insurer You Had an Accident With an Uninsured Driver

Your insurance company will not be happy to hear about the situation, but depending on your personal circumstances, there are things they will have to do for you. Hopefully, you have an uninsured protection plan for property damage and personal injury because you have paid for your insurance company’s protection no matter the circumstances. In the event you do not have this as part of your personal, then your agent will have to guide you through the next steps.

The other driver will have a difficult time. The court will likely force them to obtain special insurance to clear their license, and they will have to file for SR-22 insurance through the state or find a credible insurance company that offers SR-22 like the Great Northern Insurance Agency.

Step 3: Meet With Your Insurer and Get Your Car Taken Care Of

You are going to need to sit down face to face with your agent and get into the details about repairing your vehicle. The uninsured motorist protection plan should take care of most or all of the repairs as if the other driver had insurance and was fully covered. If you do not have this extensive protection, you will not have the coverage needed to fix your vehicle, and hopefully, the damage would be mostly cosmetic leaving a running vehicle for you. If not, then there is only one other avenue to recuperate your losses. You have to go to court.

You will be angry having to deal with all of this, but it is good to know there are options. Having special insurance is the best preemptive route, but you may have to aggressively recuperate funds by suing. Hopefully, they have something worthwhile to get to improve your situation. Just remember the steps above in the event of you collide with a financially irresponsible driver.

All You Need to Know About Auto Carpet Mats

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/28 in Auto Care with Comments Off on All You Need to Know About Auto Carpet Mats

Adding an auto carpet to your vehicle will go a long way in protecting it and preventing inadvertent damages because of rough footwear, dirt or carelessness of your passengers. Apart from being functional, well-chosen carpeting in your vehicle can transform its interiors and make it look luxurious, even if your car is a basic model.

With lots of functionality benefits, the many colors in which these carpets come just add to the reasons why you should consider them. After all, with the many types open to you to choose from, you will certainly not be left wanting.

Types of Auto Carpets

  • Molded carpets:
    These carpets are usually molded so that the contours of the floor pan fit exactly. There is padding included in places, and there are heel pads as well. These carpets may also come with kick panels, door panels, tail gate pieces and wheel wells. They add sound control as well as heat to the car, and are easy to install.
  • Cut and sewn carpets:
    These carpets are cut using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and they are controlled using CNC equipment to get the correct fit for your car. These have surge or vinyl bound edges and padding and heel pads. Available in ultra plush variants as well as cut pile, these auto carpets give the interior of your car a very posh look. On the other hand, there are heavy duty vinyl alternatives for taxis, cabs, SUVs, jeeps and utility vehicles.

Maintaining Your Auto Carpets

Your auto carpets can last you for a long time if you maintain them well. When carpets get threadbare or worn out, you need to replace them. Carpet replacement may seem easy but it is a lot of work. Whatever is on the carpet, such as seats, seat belt anchors, center consoles, kick plates, sill plates, rear seats, side panels as well as electrical connectors are to be removed. Next, rust or corrosion at the floor pan is to be repaired or painted so that the rust is stopped before a new auto carpet is laid.

All auto carpets are susceptible to stains. Rather than just discarding your carpet because of stubborn stains, use these tips to get rid of them.

  1. Coffee spills should be diluted immediately with cold water and should be blotted with paper towels or a clean cloth. If the stain still remains, it should be sprayed with glass cleaner and then blotted.
  2. Grease stains are removed by rubbing paint thinner on them with a cotton cloth. The stain should then be covered with salt so that the grease is absorbed, and it should then be vacuumed. An alternative is to cover it with cornmeal overnight and then vacuum it in the morning.
  3. Hairspray is used to remove pen ink stains. Salt, too, can be used to remove stains from your auto carpets.
  4. Carsickness stains should be diluted with a mixture of water and baking soda or with diluted club soda.
  5. Blood stains are easy to remove with dry laundry starch and cold water. Dry the area and brush it off.
  6. For general stains, a gallon of hot water and generous amounts of dish detergent should be used, along with a cup of white wine vinegar. Next, a bristle brush should be used to work this into the carpet fibers. It should be left for 30 minutes and then blotted with rags or dry towels.

While an auto carpet can make your vehicle look way more luxurious and classy, you need to take the right care of your carpets so that you get good value for your money. Choose the carpet that suits your needs and get it installed by a professional, and maintenance will be all that you need to worry about.

Image credit: Lexis carpet on Flickr

Car Maintenance: How To Make It As Cheap As Possible

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/26 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off on Car Maintenance: How To Make It As Cheap As Possible

One of the most important details you can cultivate on to keep your car in good condition while still saving money is familiarizing yourself with your owner’s manual. This is where you find information on the most appropriate size for the wiper blades, fluid levels, and tire sizes, among others. Maintaining your car trickles down to far less finances that could have otherwise been hefty on repairs. So, how should you make your car maintenance as cheap as possible?

Watch Fluid Levels

Your car has a unique maintenance schedule. The schedule impacts the safety and performance of your car. The easiest and cheapest way to maintain your car is by checking your fluid levels regularly. Ensure that there are correct oil levels, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brakes fluid, wiper fluid, and transmission fluid. You do not need a mechanic to ascertain this. If you wait to see the light on your dash, it might be too late and you may use tons of money on repairs.

Change Your Oil

Did you know that engines have significantly changed in the last few decades? Well, as the changes keep coming, the shorter the time required to change the oil. Normally, the average intervals of oil change should fall between three to five thousand miles. There are elements which can help in determining when the oil should be changed. For instance, conventional oil is known to have a shorter lifespan than the synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is said to reduce the consumption of fuel and carbon emissions.

Examine Your Air Filter

You don’t need mechanical knowledge to replace your air filter. Check if there is any debris or dirt in the filter. The presence of dirt and debris not only leads to high fuel consumption but also results in the dropping of your mileage by more than 10 percent. The filter is designed to prevent dust and debris from penetrating the engine cylinders.

When the filter is not replaced as indicated, there may be severe damage in the engine. A visual inspection should either reveal a darkened air filter or one filled with debris. Most manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every 12000 to 15000 miles no matter the condition of the filter. Closely examine your manual to get guidelines on how to change the filter and also get the right numbers for it.

There are many factors to consider to make maintenance as cheap as possible. You can even look into places like U Pull & Pay for help with maintenance and finding parts. By doing that you can save a lot of money and a lot of time. This is especially useful if you feel confident in your mechanic abilities. Just make sure that you are always taking the time to find the best possible and cheap ways to take care of your car.

Best Ways to Learn Defensive Driving as a New Driver

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/12/23 in On the Road with Comments Off on Best Ways to Learn Defensive Driving as a New Driver

As a newly licensed teen, you are probably ecstatic about your accomplishment. You passed your road test, but you still need to learn defensive driving skills. An experienced driver is always mindful of irresponsible and careless drivers and these skills take time. To learn them, ask your parents, teachers, and other drivers you know what defensive skills you should have.

Be Mindful of Tailgaters

If someone is following your car too closely, try to put twice as much space between your car and the other vehicle. The extra space will decrease the chances of you being in a collision. Do not press your brakes too hard and check your surroundings. When you have an opening, move to another lane. Be aware of how close you follow other cars as well. Being too close can increase your own risk of getting in an accident.

Use Your Turn Signals

Always use the turn signals. The turn signals should be used whenever you are making a left or a right turn. You should also use the turn signal whenever you are changing lanes. Other drivers will anticipate your actions and respond accordingly. This is an important part of your road test, but don’t neglect it later on when you have your license.

Keep a Consistent Speed

Whenever you drive, other drivers will watch your actions so they can stay safe. Your actions need to be predictable. Look for obstructions. You need to anticipate slow traffic, erratic drivers, and construction. You should always look far ahead and keep your mind on the road. 

Yield and Stop at Red Lights

According to a Memphis car accident attorney, if you and another driver cannot decide who has the right of way, you should always yield. If you do not yield, the other driver might hit your car. If another driver hits your car you might be liable. You should always stop at red lights and changing yellow lights as well. Sometimes, you might not notice a red light at an intersection. If you lower your speed when approaching an intersection, you will notice a yellow or red traffic light more easily.

Drive Slower in Rainy and Snowy Weather

Drive slower in rainy weather and make sure there is ample space between your car and other vehicles. You should also drive slower in snowy weather. Turn off cruise control when the road is wet or icy, and keep your eyes peeled as you go along.

Control Your Temper

It is only natural that you might get angry at other drivers, but you have to control your temper. If you drive aggressively, you might hurt yourself or other drivers. If another driver is driving recklessly, you should get away from the car and contact the local police.

Practice your defensive driving skills every day. These skills will be second nature after a few weeks of driving on crowded city streets and you will recognize hazardous road conditions from afar. Hopefully with these tips in your toolbelt, you can respond appropriately when another driver does something dangerous.

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