Safe Holiday Travels

Over the Thanksgiving holiday about 40 million Americans are said to be traveling at least 50 miles. Keep in mind that the added pressure of busy roads and heavier traffic can increase your stress level during your voyage. You can only control your own actions on the road and it’s important that you don’t become an unsafe driver. That said, we encourage you to follow the new 3-second rule to allow adequate time for your brakes to stop your car. 

Calculate the distance by choosing an inanimate object (like a highway sign). When the car in front of you passes that object count, “one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand,” and if you passed the object before you get to three, you are tailgating the vehicle in front of you and driving unsafely.

It’s important to also adjust the time according to the weather and road conditions:

• 3 seconds –for speeds of 35-55mph when the weather is good and the roads are dry
• 6 seconds – when traveling at speeds over 55mph or when there is rain or heavy traffic
• 9 seconds – during heavy snow and/or ice

 
 

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True or False? Automotive Myths

Over the years, several automotive tips and tricks have evolved and been passed down through generations. However, with the ever changing technology and testing, several of those concepts have simply become nothing more than a myth. Explore the most commonly believed car "facts" that are not so true:

• The color of your car affects the cost of your insurance FALSE

• The higher the octane rating, the more power the fuel will produce FALSE

• Sugar in the gas tank destroys the engine FALSE

• A tire may explode if you exceed the "max pressure" number on the sidewall FALSE

• All-season tires offer more traction on wet roads FALSE

• All-wheel drive will help you go faster around corners FALSE

Share your feedback with us in the comments below.

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Automotive Myths & Tricks

There are several myths pertaining to the automotive world that people are still considering to be rules or suggestions to follow. However, it’s important to understand that value of these myths when considering all the advancements over the years. 

As the seasons change, it’s important to keep your eye on your vehicle’s tire pressure. However, the proper pressure is not the weight stamped on the sidewall of the tire. Manufacturers actually display the maximum inflation level for save driving during all conditions.  The inflation pressure and would be too high for everyday driving. The correct pressure can be found on a tag either in the door frame area or glove compartment lid in your vehicle because all model’s weight, load-carrying capacity, operating parameters, fuel economy and speed potential vary.

 

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DST: Fall Back

Before heading to work this Monday, keep in mind that Daylight Savings Time will end on Sunday, November 3^rd! 

 Did you know....

Almost 30% of Americans have admitted it makes them late or early.

The time change was formally implemented during WWI to minimize coal consumption.

Arizona and Hawaii don't recognize DST at all. In Antarctica, there is no daylight in the winter and months of 24-hour daylight in the summer. However, most research stations still observe Daylight Saving Time to synchronize with their supply stations.

Trains cannot leave a station before the scheduled time (when the clocks fall back one hour in October, all Amtrak trains in the U.S. stop at 2:00 a.m. and wait one hour before resuming)

In 2007, a new law was created to extend DST to the first Sunday in November to provide trick-or-treaters with more light to prevent more traffic accidents.

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