Car News Articles 
 Alternative Fuel Vehicles
 Automotive Articles
 Car Buying Tips
 Car Insurance Articles
 Car Maintenance
 Car News
 Car Racing
 Car Repair
 Car Safety (236)
  Car Recalls (5)
 
 Driving Economically
 Environmental Issues
 Exterior Car Care
 Garage Know How
 
 How Car Stuff Works
 Motorcycle Articles
 Road Trips
 Traveling with Kids
 Younger - Older Drivers
 
 Amsoil Synthetic Oil
 Article Archives




spacer
spacer
Car Safety

Spring Ahead with Driving Safety Tips

(ARA) – When cold weather begins to warm, motorists may think their driving cares have melted away with the winter ice and snow. Not so.

“Spring brings its own set of challenges for safety conscious drivers,” says Jim Sinclair, vice president of service for Subaru of America, Inc. “Many drivers underestimate the need for control that all-wheel drive provides in slick rainy conditions – after the snow and ice have melted.”

Just as you winterized your car with an eye to safety last fall, it’s time to begin work on your spring automotive safety check list. Here are some hints for ensuring your car is in top condition for safe spring motoring:

* Rain is a common spring driving hazard. While most people think of ice or snow when cautioned about slippery roads, the truth is wet roads can be just as slick. Tires can hydroplane on a layer of water, losing contact with the road and causing the vehicle to skid. Rain lifts oil and other slippery fluids, dripped by passing autos, creating a slick layer on the blacktop. Flooded roads can flood out engines. Slow down on wet roads. Consider buying a vehicle with features like all wheel drive and electronic stability control.

* Start out with a safe car. Studies show that all wheel drive and electronic stability control significantly reduce the risk of being involved in a crash. Automakers are beginning to offer the technologies on more models. Subaru offers both as standard equipment on models like its B9 Tribeca that has earned the top safety ratings from industry watchdogs such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.safecar.gov) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

* Replace worn tires. Your tires are what keep the car on the road. Worn out treads provide less traction and greater chance to slide. Likewise, make sure tires are inflated properly according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

* Spring showers bring May flowers, but let this be a reminder to also check and replace worn wiper blades. Poorly maintained windshield wipers can hamper visibility in poor weather. After a long winter of salt and other road residue on the windows, wiper effectiveness is greatly enhanced by cleaning the glass with a strong glass cleaner that can remove the oily film. And don't forget the inside of the glass. Removing the film on the inside can help the defroster clear faster and reduce moisture build-up.

As part of its National Car Care month in April, the Car Care Council recommends checking tire treads and windshield wiper quality in preparation for spring driving conditions.

“In our research of vehicles brought in for their April check-up, close to one-fifth of vehicles (17 percent) had front windshield wiper failures and 12 percent of vehicles needed service on their rear wipers and/or washers,” says Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council.

* Spring rain can also dampen visibility so it is important to check all vehicle lighting including headlights, taillights, back-up lights, turn signals, parking lights and break lights. These lights are important not only because they help you to see, but also serve as a way to help you communicate clearly with other motorists.

* Take advantage of safety resources. Throughout National Car Care month, many dealerships offer free safety screenings to motorists who drive the brand of car sold at the dealership. For example, starting in April and continuing through spring, participating Subaru dealers will conduct free professional diagnostics on all Subaru models. The inspection includes a check up of all major operating systems and drivers receive a written report of the vehicle’s condition. Visit www.subaru.com to find a dealer in your area.







Related Articles:
Discover A Better Ride On Wet Roads
Green Your Vehicle Routine
Choose “The Right Seat” For Children In Cars
Sleep Better Drive Safer
Are You In A Fog About Headlight Safety?
Top 10 Car Safety Tips
What To Do In The Event Of An Accident
Who Is Behind The Wheel-You Or Your Cell Phone?
Don't Tread Lightly On Winter Tire Safety
Staying Safe On The Roads
Sending A Message About Texting While Driving
Winter Warriors Make Roadways Safer And Keep Us Moving
Keeping Families Safe Behind The Wheel
Valve And Sensing Technology: Performance From The Inside Out
Smooth Sailing With Proper Tire Safety

spacer
sdg
make image
model image
zip code


Stay Updated!


Car Safety
Related Articles
Confidence Is Key When Driving
Must-have Gear To Help You
The Best Way to See
Taking The Scare Out Of
Safe Driving Starts With Clear
Discover A Better Ride On
Green Your Vehicle Routine
Choose “The Right Seat” For
Sleep Better Drive Safer
Are You In A Fog
Top 10 Car Safety Tips
What To Do In The
Who Is Behind The Wheel-You
Don't Tread Lightly On Winter
Staying Safe On The Roads
Sending A Message About Texting
Winter Warriors Make Roadways Safer
Keeping Families Safe Behind The
Valve And Sensing Technology: Performance
Smooth Sailing With Proper Tire
spacer

Feed Button



Car Insurance Info | Newsletter | Car Classifieds | Online Car Rentals
Auto Pictures | Link To Carjunky.com



Complete List of Article RSS News Feeds


Copyright © 1999 - . CarJunky® All Rights Reserved.