Mission Viejo Auto Collision’s Winter Tips to Keep You and Your Car in Top Condition
In Southern California, we’re blessed with being able to drive to the season we want. If you want heat, visit Palm Springs. If you want snow, you can drive to Big Bear. But often in late fall and winter, weather can occur when you least expect it and not when you want it. Daylight savings time additionally means you’ll be driving more often at night. Fortunately, Mission Viejo Auto Collision is here to provide you with this season’s tips for driving after sundown, during storms, and even when there’s holiday stress.
Preparation and Action Tips for Driving at Night
Fall back means the days get shorter and the nights get longer. It also means that you’re more likely to drive when it’s dark out when you have lower visibility. But, there are some tips you can use to make your commute brighter.
Before you Drive
• Before even starting the ignition, make sure your visibility is at its highest. Clean your windshield, mirrors, and passenger windows inside and out to make sure smudges and dirt don’t cloud your vision.
• Have a friend stand outside your car while you test your headlights, high beams, and signaling lights are in good working order.
• Have your eyes checked for day and night vision. Did you know you can have a different prescription depending on light? Ask your local optometrist if this could be a factor to your sight at night. If you’re wearing glasses, request the anti-reflective coating. It not only lets other people see your beautiful eyes but also lets you see the road more clearly.
When in the Driving Seat
• Slow down and keep your distance. Slowing down will give you the extra, needed time to assess distance and speed of other cars. An easy way to keep a good distance is to count 3 seconds between you and your closest vehicle in front of you.
• Your headlights have the ability to make the roads more visible for you and less visible for other cars on the road. Make the road safer for others by dimming your high beams when you’re within sight of other vehicles. If other cars don’t follow this rule, try focusing on the white line to the right edge of the road. This way, you can stay focused.
• Don’t drive if you’re sleepy. Being on time and keeping to your daily schedule come second to your safety. If you’re tired and the caffeine isn’t doing the trick, there’s an easy second option. Pull over and take a quick 20 minute nap. A little shut eye can mean the difference between a dangerous and safe ride home and you can always blame the traffic for the added time.
Preparation and Action Tips for Driving during Rain
Rain is an important and an unpredictable factor to consider when driving anywhere in Southern California. Use the tips below to keep you driving safe before and during when water falls from the sky.
Before you Drive
• Be sure to keep your windshield wiper fluids filled. To check the fluid levels, pop the hood to find the windshield wiper fluid reservoir. It’s a plastic jug filled with blue windshield washer fluid. It has a hose leading toward the windshield. Note that the coolant reservoir looks similar but its hose connects to the radiator.
• While the sun is still shining, check your wiper blades to make sure they’re not damaged or brittle. Replacing blades is a cheap way to keep your vision clear in a downpour.
• Check your tire pressure. Tire pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) and can be read by using the notches on a tire air pressure gauge. You can check your owners manual or the sticker on the inside of your door, to find the proper PSI for your car.
• If your tires need air, stop by your gas station and use their air hose. After you place the air hose on the tire stem, you’ll notice it’s fit correctly when the air stops leaking after you hit the pin. Keep your gauge handy and check the pressure at intervals as you fill the tires up. Slow it down when you get close to avoid over-inflated tires.
When in the Driving Seat
• You’re driving along a highway and suddenly you see a slight drizzle on your windshield. Be aware that the roads are the most dangerous when they first get wet. This is because dry roads accumulate excess engine oil and grease that builds up over time. What can you do to make sure you stay safe? Go slow, keep a safe distance, and brake earlier and with less exertion. Braking earlier means you’ll have more room and time to safely brake with less risk of hydroplaning. If you use less force it also gives the driver behind you more notice as well.
• Use the car ahead of you as a guide for the road ahead. By watching if the car ahead of you maneuvers away from a puddle, you’ll have a better idea of what to do when you cross that stretch of road. Did you know that when water splashes up it could damage your car’s internal electrical systems? Why not take it slow and avoid the potholes of puddles if you can.
• Find out if you have anti-lock brakes or standard brakes in case of hydroplaning. If you end up slipping on the road due to hydroplaning, remain calm and don’t make any sudden movements. Instead, release the gas pedal slowly and steer straight ahead until your vehicle gains traction. If you have standard brakes then you can tap the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes then you can keep your foot on the pedal as you hold down the brakes.
Preparation and Action Tips for Driving under Stress
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, so often does the stress with added relatives, preparing special meals, and finding the right presents, not to mention traffic. That stress can show up on the road which can lead to more accidents. Below are some tips for making your life more Zen for less yen.
Before you Drive
• If you know you’ll be bringing the kids along for the ride to your relative’s house, consider fun ways to keep your children occupied and reduce your distraction. If you don’t have a fancy entertainment system, you can always bring coloring and activity books along in a ready-to-go bag. Buy an inexpensive lap desk that can serve a dual purpose as your laptop desk at home when you‘re on the couch.
• If you’re stressed before you even put the keys in your car, take a moment to center yourself. Breath deeply for a few minutes and visualize your favorite spot to relax. After a few minutes of focusing on your body, try to figure out the real cause. Are you hungry? Eat a healthy snack like fruit or trail mix before your drive.
• Realize that you can’t always make up time in the car. If you have to get somewhere in a hurry, understand that your car cannot magically get there on time. Often times there is weather and traffic that is simply out of your hands. Add in extra time to your travels, or decide to let go of being a minute early. If you’re stuck in traffic, you can even use the time to make a plan for when you arrive at your destination.
When in the Driving Seat
• One way to decrease your chance of other cars closely following you or getting upset by a car that’s driving slower than you would like is to make sure you’re in the appropriate lane. If you want to drive slower, stay in the right lane, giving other cars ample ways to pass you. If you want to drive at the speed limit, go over to the left lanes and signal as you do. By practicing courtesy you’ll be making the roads less stressed and more safe.
• Learn to forgive the car in front of you. If the car in front of you doesn’t signal when changing lanes, speeds up, or stops too suddenly, maneuver appropriately and let it go. Forgive other drivers and forget their minor mistakes. There will always be another issue ahead and by forgiving easily, you can focus on staying alert instead of being angry at the last mistake.
• Be aware of what music you’re playing. Are you playing rock or listening to aggressive lyrics? Music has a definite affect on your mood, so make it a better one with relaxing choices. Better yet, listen to an audio book and take a mental break from the tension of the day.
At Mission Viejo Auto Collision we’re committed to repairing your car and returning it in optimal condition. The favorite part of our mechanic’s day is when we reveal your car in top, working form and place the keys in your hand. So, to keep you and your car happy, follow our tips. As an active member of the community, we want your drive to be as safe as possible. Whenever you’re driving this season, have a safe trip with the peace of mind that we’re here for you when the unexpected happens.
