While most drivers are concerned about how fast they can go, it would be wise to also check how well they can stop. Running out of gas and finding ways to conserve to get to places is one thing but if for some reason you overlook your brakes, you may find yourself on the way to the hospital if you are not careful.
Most people are often told that driving a car also includes maintaining it. Sure you will only be concerned on how well your car may run but at times, you need the usual car maintenance practices as well. This includes tune-ups, oil changes, and brake or clutch lining checks.
Normally, male drivers know this as they are more inclined to make sure that the car they are driving are safe. In fact, a good reason here is how men are enthusiastic about having their own car. This goes as far as making sure that they have the best car to drive so that they will get noticed.
Brakes normally have a longer time to be serviced. But this would depend on how frequent you use your car. While others may not care as long as they function properly, it would be best to have them checked and avoid them from malfunctioning especially if you are in high speed or on the road. That inconvenience may lead as far as claiming lives, a fact that many have already experienced and continue to regret for driving carelessly.
Nobody plans to have an accident but it is also prudent to be ready when the unexpected happens.
- Aside from your drivers license and car registration, your insurance policy book will comein handy. Make sure you have it in your car. Having extra copies of these docs will save you from overcharging photocopying services when these docs are needed.
- If and when you got involve in a “minor” accident, remain calm and focused.
- Look for a policeman or traffic officer to sketch the position. A camera phone will come in handy too.
- You will need a police report for the incident for insurance claim, thus, you and the other involved party must drive to the nearest police traffic bureau, to give your individual statements.
- The process of getting a police report consumes a lot of time. Immediateatly advise all stakeholders about the incident and your whereabouts. Be prepared to cancel all planned activities for the day.
- The process of getting a police report is also costly as you will pay not only for the cost of the report but also for the photographs and photocopies. Prices is beyond the standard price.
- Get in touch with your insurance provider, they can extend some assistance depending on the service they offer.
- Depending on the damage of your car, be prepared for car less days ahead as your car go to the process of repair.
The context of these pointers is minor vehicle to vehicle accident and may not apply if human injury is present.
In a recent post, I wrote about how defensive driving can really help you out. But what exactly is defensive driving? Here are some practical tips that you can bear in mind while on the road. These are REAL defensive driving techniques that can keep you in one piece as you travel from point A to point B.
Go with the flow
Say you are on a road with a speed limit of 65 mph. The people in the slow lane are driving at 63 mph, and the people in the fast lane are moving at 70 mph. What should you do? Let’s say that your preferred speed is 65 mph – the limit. Technically, you really should not go beyond the speed limit, so the best choice would be to slow down and go on the slow lane. Your other option would be to speed up and break the law. What you shouldn’t do, really, is stay in the fast lane and hold up traffic by going at 65 mph. This will just frustrate everyone else there and you might even cause an accident.
Anticipate
This is perhaps the most used item in the defensive driver’s arsenal. Anticipate the needs and moves of other drivers in your immediate vicinity. If the car in front of you suddenly brakes, then you can adjust accordingly. If you see a car behind coming up quickly wanting to pass, then you can act accordingly as well.
Know the road
If you are traveling to a new destination, make sure that you have an idea of the road conditions. You can easily do this these days by searching for information on the Internet. It is not that hard to do. Knowing what to expect will help you drive better and safer.
One of the most common phrases that you see in driving web sites and hand books is “defensive driving.” They normally say that defensive driving is the way to go if you really want to be safe on the roads. After all, you can be the best driver in the world but you can never control how other people drive around you. So, the best way to keep yourself safe from the dangers that other people pose is to practice defensive driving.
But does it, really? It seems that I am not the only one who has thought about this idea. As a matter of fact, I just read an article on the same topic over at Auto-Mobi. The article expresses the same sentiments as I do:
Actually, for some, defensive driving is more of practicing safety or paranoid measures when driving. Safety practices are implemented significantly. Thus, there is no denying the fact that indeed, defensive driving really helps drivers get on and survive the intricacies and complexities of driving in the modern turbulent highway.
The author, Mike Pontic, also wrote some practical advantages of defensive driving. These are the points that I think are really important:
• Safer and accident free driving procedures and techniques are instituted. Not only would the highways and roads be made a better place for driving and mobility. There would be less damages and less incidence of accidents and occurrences that often claim lives.
• Protection techniques towards road rage and the practice of speed driving are instituted. In the end, less accidents on the road are observed.
• Responsible and safe highway driving, extreme weather driving and night driving are observed. This means that the skills and safety measures practiced on the road are extended and widened further.
Makes sense, doesn’t it? So why don’t you learn more about defensive driving techniques?
Here’s the simplest definition of auto title loans: car title = $5,000 cash loan.
That’s right. You can get instant cash loan having only the car title as collateral. So you can literally drive your car away right after getting instant cash. At least, that’s how advertisers make it seem. But do auto title loans really give you easy and fast cash?
Here’s the usual process of applying for auto title loans:
1. Apply. Inform the creditor about your intention to borrow some money. Submit the required documents for auto title loans like the original title, vehicle, driver’s license, proof of income, proof of residence, and proof of insurance.
2. Assess. The submitted requirements will be assessed to determine the maximum amount that you can borrow. Mostly, it’s 50% of the vehicle’s market value, though other deals can go higher. Monthly income, credit record, and asked amount are also considered on the deal. Just keep in mind that the higher the asked amount, the more difficult it can be approved.
3. Approve. Auto title loans are 99.9% approved as long as you have a clean car title. The catch is that auto title loans are notorious for giving high interest rates (36 to 650%), which is common in fast-easy-cash loans. The interest depends on your monthly income and credit record. Typically, the riskier you are, the higher will be the interest rate.
Auto title loans are payable within 36 months. So even with high interest, paying auto title loans will be a breeze.
Buying a car is not a one time expense – everybody knows that. In fact, it could very well cost you a lot of money years down the road. In these times of financial instability, you need all the help that you can to save money. Here are my top 3 tips to help you do just that!
Buy diesel
Before you get all riled up, hear me out. I know that there are people who do not like diesel. Some hate it for environmental reasons, and I respect that. In this day and age, we need to do all we can to save the environment. But the thinking that diesel is bad for the environment is so outdated. Technology has made progress in this respect, and there are countless “clean diesel” engines available in the market today. Even better, with diesel, you get better mileage at lower costs.
Drive a stick
Do you know how to drive a stick shift? If you do, then you’re better off than a huge number of Americans today. Automatic cars are all the rave but the fact is that these cars consume more fuel. They also cost more as well. So learn how to drive a manual.
Buy hybrid
Even better than diesel, hybrid cars will save you more money down the road. The initial cost may be a bit higher than “normal” cars but the long term savings are worth it. Another thing, I foresee cheaper hybrids in the near future as this seems to be the trend. So really, there will soon be no excuse for not buying hybrid.
Photo via smemon87
Have you ever considered counting the number of dents and scratches you have on your car? Apparently you can use these marks as features in determining just how good of a driver you really are. Of course, scratches and dents can be accidents caused when your car is parked but for sure, you will know which ones were done by you due to your driving.
This is not to say that the perfect driver is free from such minor accidents. The fact remains that to measure how well defensive and well-schooled drivers are can be seen from the vehicle that they drive. Some dents occur from reckless driving such as backing or parking in tight situations while others occur when you are on the road when you are driving too close for comfort.
In reality, no driver wants to be seen in a car full of dents and scratches. But these are marks that will haunt you, regardless if you are driving a brand new car or not. The number of times you have to bring your car to the shop will likewise vary as normally, these would become a habit if you don’t do something to improve your driving skills.
A good driver is a disciplined driver. He or she knows how to avoid even the minor accidents. If dents and scratches can be fixed then the same goes for bad driving skills. If a driver is willing, he can really improve on it if he chooses to do so.
At times when you are on the road, you are bound to see police cars, ambulances or VIPs flashing blinkers and sirens meaning they are in a hurry. Well, they are always in a hurry to reach their point of destination and as a sign of courtesy, private and public vehicles know for a fact that they have to give way or clear the road to let them pass.
That is a common practice that is done anywhere in the world today and for sure, no one wants to get into trouble or be ticketed as an obstruction for refusing to give way. As a rational driver, emergency or not it would be wise to allow them to pass since you never know what could happen and may be held accountable in the end if the emergencies fail to reach their actual point of destination.
As far as having blinkers and sirens is concerned, there are some people who install them without licenses or permits. By doing so, you are placing yourself in a lot of trouble. In most countries, unless you are licensed or authorized to have such things installed on your car, it would be best to keep that thought clear.
These gadgets are normally restricted to the proper people commissioned to do them. It goes in hand with their work. Some use them for status symbol while others just want to feel powerful. They are used for a purpose. Do not install one unless you have the right to have them.
Valentines Day may be over but it does not mean that we should stop spreading some love, so to speak. After all, we are still in the month of February, and it is widely acknowledged that this month is the “Love Month,” right? So what exactly do I mean by spreading some love through driving?
I was actually trying to point out techniques that will contribute to the wellbeing of the environment. You may think that your contribution may be so small and not really have an effect but that’s not true. Every little bit helps! Here are some tips by which you can use less fuel and have less emissions – and thus help the environment.
Drive with the windows UP as much as possible.
Sometimes, you just can’t help but put the windows down so that you can enjoy the feel of the cool air rushing all around you. That’s understandable – especially when you’re on a nice mountain road with an awesome view, right? However, if you really want to help and you can resist the call of the wind, I suggest that you put your windows up – this will minimize drag and make your fuel consumption go down.
Watch your speed.
Here is a little known fact: If you drive below 15 mph, your car creates the highest amount of pollution that it can create. Going up to about 60 mph will lessen your pollution emission to the minimum. And going beyond 60 mph increases the emissions again.
Don’t rev when you don’t need to.
Now this is more common knowledge. Revving and idling will cost you more in fuel and increase pollution as well. Avoid doing so and save yourself some money while you’re at it.
Driving is not that hard of a task but it can be made quite difficult – and dangerous – by various factors. Low light or driving at night is one of those things that can make driving a little bit more difficult than usual. Not only do some people have problems with low light but having the oncoming traffic flash their high beams on you aggravates the situation even more.
So how is your night vision? Do you think it can use some helping? Well here are some tips that could help you improve it.
Turn off your dome lights or other strong sources of light.
You might think that that does not make sense. However, if you already have low ambient light and you have other strong light sources, you might find it even harder to see the road. That is why you should not focus on bright light sources that will not aid you in seeing the road ahead. Same thing goes with looking at the lights of oncoming cars.
Take your time.
That is, let your eyes adjust to the night light. If you are in no particular hurry, don’t go rushing into the road. Instead, wait for it to become dark and let your eyes get used to the dark before driving off.
Keep one eye used to the dark.
That sounds funny, eh? What I mean is that if you go to a well lit place while on the road, try to keep your night vision for the other eye. You can do so by closing one eye while in the well lit place. You might look freaky but hey, it can help you a lot when you go back to the road.
