Free Automotive Repair Advice by Certified ASE Technicians
Car Safety Tips Car safety is something we all can learn
from. Many times injuries and accidents can
be avoided by simply following a few simple
rules.
Warning Lights
Always keep an eye on your gauges, identifying a problem early can mean the
difference in a simple repair and a costly one. Check all brake lights, Day time
running lights (DRL) and head lights regularly.
Vital Fluids
a. Oil - Always make sure your oil is changed regularly and is at the full mark.
The oil pressure gauge needs to be in the normal range at all times or have it
checked immediately.
b. Coolant Level - NEVER REMOVE THE RADIATOR
CAP WHEN THE CAR IS HOT! Always check your radiator when the car is cold. The
reservoir has a cold and hot mark for the coolant level there should be coolant
in their at all times. Water temperature is very important. A leaking radiator
hose can drain the radiator surprisingly fast. If you are driving your car
without water in the radiator, your temperature gauge will show you how hot the
water temperature is. Never operate your car if it is in the red area of the
gauge. Most cars operating temperature is between 190-210 degrees Fahrenheit.
c. Automatic Transmission Fluid-When
checking the transmission fluid the car needs to be running and in PARK.
d. Windshield wiper fluid-Refill only with
windshield wiper fluid. The level is very easy to check
e. Brake Fluid-check by looking at the
master cylinder and comparing the full line with the fluid level.
Tires
a. Tire Pressure - Always maintain the
manufacturers recommended tire pressure, never over inflate your tires. When you
are traveling long distances or going thru the dessert, your tires build up
extra tire pressure. Never drive with under inflated tires either. Your tires
need the proper tire pressure in order to provide the needed stability in the
side wall to keep your car driving safely.
b. Tire wear - cracks, bulges, or puncher
marks can be a sign that your tires need to be replaced. Check your tires wear
bars to gauge tread wear.
Seat Belts
a. Always use your seat belts every time you get in the car. As the driver
it is your responsibility that everyone in
your car is fastened securely. Always use
the shoulder belts in conjunction with the
lap belt, they were designed to work
together.
b. Make sure all safety belts are working
properly, they need to stay fastened after
clicking in and also need to release
flawlessly when you push the button. I case
of an emergency you want your safety belts
to be in perfect working order.
Air Bags
Make sure the air bag light is not on while driving, if your air bag light
is on this means your air bag is non
operational.
Main Drive Belt
Look for a glazed or cracked drive belt, without this belt your car will not
operate. Also check the drive belt tensioner, this device hold tension against
the drive belt to assure proper operation.
Distractions
Drivers of today are faced with more distractions than ever before. Cell
phones, pagers, walkie talkies, passengers
and drive thru food make driving the second
priority. Try to minimize these and many
other obvious distractions so your next
drive will be a safe one.
Emergency Road Kits
a. All vehicles should be equipped with some basic supplies. Medical-
Bandages, band aids, gauze wrap, Neosporin
anti-biotic cream, medical tape, cold packs,
and ace bandages.
b. Automotive - Road Flares, a can of tire
flat stop leak (will temporarily fixes and
inflates your tire), reflectors, water
bottles (for you and your radiator), small
blanket, dried food (in case you get
stranded), Tools-adjustable wrench, screw
drivers, duct tape, disposable gloves and
safety glasses.
Sun Reflections / Glare
Every sunrise and sunset present unique problems for drivers. Morning frost
and glare can make windshields difficult to
see thru. Make sure to thoroughly defrost
all your windows before driving. Dirty
windshields pose a similar dilemma. Make it
a rule to have your windshield cleaned every
time you get gas. Small squeegees and a
small amount of soap make great tools for
cleaning windows.Ask Your Own
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