Night Driving

Did you know that the most dangerous time to drive is at night? It's harder to see, your depth perception may be off a little due to less light, animals may be out more, fatigue increases, and poor weather conditions seem to get worse as the sun goes down (especially at this time of year).

Since roads don't just shut down once it's dark outside, and that's not even realistic in the slightest (who wants to be stuck somewhere all night?), there are some precautions you can take to stay safe in the dark.

1. Make sure your headlights are properly aligned and are clean.
2. Clean the inside of your windshield to eliminate streaks and glares.
3. Although we don't see as much fog in Utah as other places, turn fog lights or low beams on when driving through fog or to give you better visibility.
4. Slow down to compensate for limited visibility.
5. Don't out-drive your headlight beams.  Meaning, make sure you can stop within the beam of your headlights.
6. Leave a larger stopping gap between you and other vehicles.
7. Don't focus on the headlights of oncoming traffic.  Focus on the right side of the road.
8. Make frequent stops and walk around to avoid fatigue.
9. Don't smoke, smoke clouds can affect visibility.
10. Watch for deer, and remember they travel in packs.
11. If you have to pull over, pull far off the road and turn on lights.
12. Have your eyes checked regularly.

Winter Driving Series: Driving in a Snowstorm

Until recently, we had not received very much snow. Waking up to a white Christmas made everything magical.  Although, driving in the snow, isn't quite as magical as it was Christmas Day.  We have a few tips to help keep you safe as you drive on those not-so-magical snow packed streets!

First, be sure to clear off your car.  When clearing off your windshield use a brush, (you can damage your windshield wipers if the snow is too wet and heavy if you try using the wipers).  Make sure to get the other windows, mirrors, headlights, and brake lights.  You'll want to make sure that you can see others and the area around you, and that they can see you!

Remember to slow down, even if your vehicle has 4 wheel drive.  Everybody seems to be running late and in a hurry once the roads are covered in snow.  Commutes get longer, and even your short drives seem to double in time. Leave early and be patient with the other drivers on the road.  Also, remember to increase distances between you and the vehicle in front of you.  It takes longer to stop when the roads are snow packed. Which also means, you should start stopping sooner, in case you slide.

Drive in already established tire tracks, and change lanes only when necessary.  Watch for black ice.  You'll want to drive on the inside lanes, as snow tends to build up along curbs and shoulders.

As always, be prepared for an emergency.  Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with jumper cables, flashlight, ice scraper, flare, blanket, snacks, and water.  Keep your gas tank at least half full.

When you come home at night, check your city ordinances before parking on the street.  Draper City ordinances do not allow people to park on the street from November 15-April 15 between the hours of 1:00 am and 6:00 am.  Other surrounding cities have similar ordinances, so it is important to check with the city you live in.  Snow plows often come around at night, and we all want to have clear roads, so keep your streets clear .

Snow brings with it a whole array of winter sports, just make sure your driving isn't one of them!

Winter Driving Series: Keep Your Car Running This Winter

We know that the last thing you want to worry about this holiday season is a broken down vehicle.  We don't blame you.  You want to be able to focus on Christmas shopping, parties, and spending time with those you care about.  We've put together a list of a few things you can check out yourself to keep your vehicle up and running.

• Check your wiper blades and consider putting winter wiper blades on your vehicle.  You want a good set of wiper blades that will clear away the rain and snow and keep your windshield clean and improve visibility.
• Check exterior lights.  Be sure that your parking lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and your license plate light are all working.  Check your headlights and fog lights (if your vehicle has them).  A burnt out headlight will significantly cut down your visibility.
• Check the condition of your tires.  Look for uneven tread wear or sidewall fatigue.  Check the tire pressure, and review your owner's manual for the proper tire pressure.
• Clean windows inside and out. This will continue to improve visibility, and could prevent you from seeing obstacles in the road.
• Check fluid levels.  Check oil, windshield wiper fluid, and antifreeze. Use your owner's manual to help you know what type of fluid to refill low reservoirs or overflow bottles.
• Lube door hinges with spray lube.  This will help prevents squeaky doors.
• Check your emergency kit.  Make sure it's been restocked. Keep a blanket, flashlight, snacks, and water, among other things in an emergency kit.
• Get your battery checked. Winters can be rough on a battery, and a battery doesn't always show signs of fatigue before it stops working.

Keep in mind, there are a lot of things you can check on your vehicle yourself, especially if you review your owner's manual.  However, don't get in over your head.  Give us a call and let us look at your vehicle if you have any questions or concerns. or especially if you are unsure of how to check something. This can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running great through the winter months.

Winterization Special $89

• Lube oil and filter (up to 5 quarts of conventional oil) or upgrade to synthetic
• Windshield washer fluid and check freeze point
• 2 new wiper blades (or upgrade to the Rain-X Latitude for $10 per blade)
• Check engine coolant level, condition, and freeze point
• Check transmission fluid
• Check power steering fluid
• Check transfer case fluid (if applicable)
• Check front and rear differential fluid and condition (where applicable)
• Check air filter
• Check cabin air filter
• Check tire wear
• Check tire pressure and fill to proper psi rating
• Check for proper defroster operation
• Check heater output temperature
• Check battery starting and charging systems
• 4 wheel brake inspection
• Check brake fluid level
• Check all exterior lights and signals
• Check belts and hoses

Expires 12/31/16

Winter Driving Series: Snow Tires

As the weather cools off, you may be asking yourself, "Are snow tires really necessary?" or "What is the big deal with snow tires?"

In the climate we live in, rain and snow can be replaced with sunshine in a matter of 5 minutes. Even though the precipitation may change, the winter months generally have some pretty cold temperatures.  This is where snow tires or winter tires (as they are also called) are helpful.

Winter tires are just that, for the winter.  They are made of softer rubber that is better able to grip the road and be more flexible.  The tread patterns are made to dig down deep into the snow and ice.  They also get better traction on cold, wet roads.

Winter tires provide better traction, stability, and breaking. Tires are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle, so wouldn't you want the safest tire for the conditions out there?

Your next question might be, "Can I just purchase 2 or do I really need 4 winter tires?"  Since winter tires are unique in the type of rubber and design used, they will function differently than an all season or other tire.  Because of this, having 4 winter tires on your vehicle will be safer.

Finally, when do you install winter tires, and when is the time to take them off?  For most average Utah winters, you will want to have your winter tires put on around Thanksgiving.  The time to take them off is usually around tax time, as the roads begin warming up.

Stay safe this winter and ensure your tires are in good condition!