Month: December 2013

5 Tips for Driving in the Snow and Ice

Snow drivingLet’s face it. Just because we get plenty of opportunities to drive in snowy conditions doesn’t mean we’re all experts. Driving takes skill even in perfect conditions, so it’s especially important to practice safe driving habits when the weather is less than ideal. Below, we share five driving tips to remember as the winter weather continues.

1. Check Your Tires – Tire tread helps you grip the road, and you’ll need all the tread you can get during a snowstorm. Consider investing in a new set of tires, or swap your current wheels out for a set of winter tires until the roads thaw. If you’re not sure if your current set of tires has enough tread left to keep you safe during the winter, check out our post on “Prepping your car for a road trip” to learn about the Penny Test.

2. Windshield Prep – Make sure your windshield is in top shape to protect against falling snow and slush from other drivers. First, make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order. Before getting in your car, remove any ice that may be stuck to your wipers, and check to ensure they aren’t frozen to the glass. While you’re checking your wipers, if needed, give all your windows a thorough scraping. It’s very unsafe to drive if you can’t see out all your windows. Lastly, make sure you have plenty of windshield wiper fluid. Wiper fluid can help clean off your windshield in the event that a trucker sends slush flying your way.

3. Take It Slow – Give yourself plenty of time to get from one place to another so you can travel at a safe pace. Wake up an extra 15 minutes early during the winter months so you can account for slower traffic on the way to work. You might be able to go 70 miles an hour on US 94 during the summer, but it’s a death wish in Minnesota in the winter. If you’re running late, call someone from a hands-free device to let them know when they can expect to see you. Driving fast to make up a few minutes can cost you time and money if you get in an accident.

4. Know Your Roads – Similar to the above tip, it’s important to concentrate on the road in front of you. Not just the next 100 yards; the next ¼ mile. If you know a sharp turn or a stop sign if coming up, ease off the gas. You may be able to get away with hitting your breaks late in the summer, but you won’t have that luxury during an icy winter. Practice active driving habits like staying focused, keeping your eyes on the road, and minimizing distracting activities like eating or finding the perfect song on your iPod.

5. Prepare For The Worst – In the event that you end up in a ditch, make sure you have the necessary supplies to keep you safe until help arrives. Pack a blanket or a jacket to help keep you warm, and turn on your flashers so you are visible to other drivers. Keep your cell phone and AAA card handy on long trips, and it doesn’t hurt to keep a bag of sand in your trunk if you have extra room. The extra weight will give you more stability during your drive, and the sand can help your tires grip the earth if you get stuck on some ice.

Lastly, a final point of advice is to exercise good judgment. If the weather is really bad, stay home. Missing a day of work or a night out with friends isn’t the end of the world. Stay safe this winter.

McLaren Replacing Windshield Wipers With Sound Waves

McLarenAhh, the sound of innovation.

The McLaren automobile company recently announced that they are developing a new windshield void of windshield wipers that clears dirt and debris with the help of high frequency sound waves.

McLaren chief designer Frank Stephenson said the company got the idea by studying the use of high frequency sound waves on fighter planes. A typical fighter jet uses sound waves to keep insects and other obstructions off the windshield.

Stephenson noted that the removal of the wipers would improve the car’s fuel economy by eliminating the weight of the wiper motors. It would also make the car more aerodynamic.

According to one expert, the cars would be fitted with a small transducer that would send 30 kHz sound waves across the glass. The expert said the device could cost as little as $15, less than the cost of one replacement wiper in today’s market.

110 Years Old

The first windshield wipers appeared in 1903, and believe it or not they needed to be manually operated by the driver. Each car was fitted with a hand-crank that moved the wipers back and forth.

As technology advanced, automobile companies soon added motors to make it safer for drivers to clear their windshield. Today, windshield wipers are treated with a special formula to repel water, but they could be going the way of the dinosaurs in the not-so-distant future.

Although the cars aren’t yet on the market, it’s a good idea to start saving your money now if you’re interested in purchasing one of the vehicles. McLaren’s current line of vehicles is priced between $230,000 and $1.15 million, although they have stated that they are working on a bargain vehicle for the mere price of $125,000.

Related source: The Sunday Times, Fox News

Top 3 Car Problems Caused By Winter Weather

8641997_sWinter weather is here to stay, and colder temperatures usually lead to a spike in car problems. Whether your car won’t start, or you can’t keep it on the road, we’ve seen all sorts of automobile issues during the cold months. Below, we discuss the top three car problems that occur during the winter.

#1 Fender Benders

All it takes is a small patch of ice to cause a multi vehicle crash and shut down a highway. Don’t believe us? Check out this video that was taken in Wisconsin earlier this month.

It all began when one driver went a little to faster over a slick patch of road, and everything snowballed from there. Usually winter accidents aren’t this massive, but they tend to occur in the same manner. One driver can’t stop in time, and front bumper meets back bumper. Even if it’s no fault of your own, we can handle any body issues that might arise this winter.

#2 Battery Issues

Cold temperatures can affect your car’s battery, which in turn can lead to issues when starting your car. We receive plenty of calls during the cold months from people who can’t get their car to start.

To combat this issue, make sure your battery is in good shape before the cold arrives. Hopefully you’ve been doing the regular fluid level checks that we documented in a previous blog, as you can determine your battery’s health by giving it a quick look. A new battery is a quick and easy way to help make sure your car starts even in really cold temperatures.

#3 New Tires

This one isn’t so much of an issue, but it can cause an accident if you aren’t careful. Many people swing on into our garage in need of new tires for the winter months. Whether you’re looking for winter tires, or you simply want all-season tires with new tread, we’ve got you covered.

New tires hold the road significantly better than bald or worn tires. A fresh pair of wheels can make the difference between stopping in time or getting into a fender bender. Many people make the wise decision this time of year to stock up on a new set of wheels.

If you run into any of the above issues this winter, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here rain, shine, or snow!

Should I Warm Up My Car When It’s Cold Out?

Snow covered carsThe temperatures are slated to drop significantly over the next few days, but that doesn’t mean everyone can just curl up with a blanket until spring returns. People still have to get to work or the grocery store, and many times they’ll start their car and let it run for a few minutes before driving off. Today, we’ll explain if it’s really a good idea to let your car warm up when it’s cold out.

Start Your Engines

Before we answer the question, let’s begin by examining how a modern engine works. Many of today’s engines use an electronic fuel injection system, which helps regulate how much fuel gets into the engine depending on a variety of factors, one of which is temperature.

When the temperature is cold, the fuel injectors stay open longer to allow more fuel into the engine. This helps the engine run while it’s cold, which in turn leads to a warmer engine. Based on that alone, it might seem like a good idea to let your car run for 10 minutes before you drive off so the engine can get up to optimal temperature, but that’s not the case for a couple of reasons.

First, keeping your car in idle is the slowest way to bring your engine up to normal operating temperature. Your car will get to its optimal operating temperature faster if you let it idle for a minute or two, then ease into a drive. Don’t go from 0 to 55 mph if you can avoid it.

Secondly, letting your car sit in the idle position can actually do more harm than good. Your exhaust system operates by burning off unburned hydrocarbon emissions. A cold car gives off a higher percentage of unburned hydrocarbons than a warm engine, and even at the optimal temperature your catalytic converter can’t burn off all the unburned emissions. If your engine takes a long time to warm up because you only let it idle, you can end up with a plugged catalytic converter, which can lead to a slew of related problems, like decreased gas mileage, dirtier exhaust, and costly repair bills.

The Answer

So what’s the best method for starting your car? There are two basic rules of thumb to follow, depending on the temperature.

If the temperature is above freezing: This is the most common case people face throughout the winter. If the temperature is above freezing, your best bet it to let your car warm up for 60-90 seconds before driving off. In the first few minutes on the road, take it easy while accelerating. Using this method, you’ll warm your engine up quicker, which helps keep your catalytic converter running smoothly, and you’ll waste less gas by not sitting idly.

If the temperature is below freezing: If temps are in the negative, or if you heading out to work in the early morning after a particularly cold night, let your car warm up a little longer. Give it 3-5 minutes to warm up, and then drive off slowly.

Related source: Mother Earth News