Tag Archives: First Time Driver

Tips to Become a Better Driver

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How to Improve Your Driving

So, how do you go about becoming a better driver, increasing your sense of ease without endangering yourself, those around you, or your passengers? Becoming a better driver starts with understanding your vehicle and ends with a sense of security and know-how that deeply resonates through you every time you get into the car.

Driving can be stressful if you don’t have comfortable mastery of your vehicle. Nervousness and a lack of confidence can impede your ability to operate your vehicle safely. Even worse than that, overconfident drivers are one of the leading causes of car crashes, as most car crashes take place on clear, sunny days with sober drivers.

How to Be a Better Driver

The main thing to remember when you’re working on your driving skills is that you are always going to be practicing them. In the same way that a professional athlete doesn’t stop learning their game when they sign their first contract, you will also be practicing these skills and getting better for your entire life if you do it right. But instead of increasing how many points you’ve scored or how fast you can go, you’ll be improving a much more important thing: how safe you and your passengers are.

When you’re ready to begin improving your driving skills, one of the first things you can do is learn that you aren’t a perfect driver. If you stop assuming that you are safe enough and stop relying on your confidence rather than your actual skills, you have already taken a huge step toward becoming a safer driver. This is because you’ll naturally pay more attention, which is the most important thing in becoming a safer driver.

Avoiding Overconfidence, Distraction, and Fatigue

Several mindset conditions can have significant effects on safety outcomes for drivers. Luckily, these mindsets are some of the easiest things to recognize and remediate — which can help you immediately begin improving your driving.

Aggression

aggressive driving

The number one cause of accidents, according to the NHTSA’s Fatal Accident Reporting System, is aggressive driving. In fact, aggressive driving is involved in 56% of fatal crashes and an even greater portion of all crashes. This comes out in all the little ways that you might cut corners to get places faster. Driving too close, too fast, changing lanes without checking correctly, and just about anything that you do out of a sense of anger or inconvenience when you’re driving is likely to cause an accident.

However, by practicing keeping a cool head and resisting the urge to go faster or to cut corners, you can greatly improve your safety.

Distraction

Distraction is another major cause, being involved in approximately 8% of fatal accidents, according to the NHTSA. Distracted driving includes cases where the driver is not paying attention to the road and is instead answering texts, adjusting things in the car, or rooting around for items. It is incredibly easy to believe that this time fiddling with your phone is ok, but remember that almost no one thinks, “Oh, this will probably get me into an accident” before they crash.

Distraction

By being mindful of what can cause distractions for you in your vehicle and taking your time to ensure you eliminate them, you can avoid the worst of these outcomes.

Fatigue

Driving while drunk is illegal, and society is slowly becoming more conscientious about only driving while sober. However, driving while tired is nearly as bad as driving drunk. The National Safety Council estimates that driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%.

According to the CDC, 1 in 25 adult drivers admits that they have dozed off while driving over the past thirty days. You can avoid this by tuning into your own body – if you begin to feel drowsy, the best thing to do is pull over somewhere safe. If you can, ask someone else to drive, or get out and walk around until you’re feeling better. You can also consider taking a short nap and then drinking a beverage with caffeine, but be sure to wait at least 30 minutes before returning to the road.

Useful Driving Tips for New Drivers

Now that we’ve got you in the right mindset, let’s talk about some techniques to use while you’re driving.

Steering Wheel Handling

The old advice for driving was to keep your hands at the 10 and 2 positions on a clock. However, further review has led to an update of this advice: keep your hands at 9 and 3 or even 8 and 4. This has a few benefits.

First, this more relaxed position keeps your muscles ready to respond when you need them and gives a good range of motion for making turns and evasive maneuvers. Keeping your arms straight or toward the top of your wheel can lead to them getting tired and crampy. This may mean they’re not as ready to respond, increasing your reaction time.

The other thing lowering your hand position can do is enable you to maintain the visibility of your speedometer and other indicators. That means you can monitor your speed, any car-related alerts, and other information provided by your car. You’ll also be more likely to remember to use your turn signals, a very important part of driving safely.

Mirrors, Tint, and Blind Spot Monitoring

Before you take your car out of park, make sure to check your mirror alignment. While most people keep their mirrors in place, over time, the vibrations of your vehicle on the road can cause them to move. Your side view mirrors should just barely show the sides of your car, and you should have a clear view through the rear. This helps to minimize your blind spots.

check your mirror alignment

DIY window tint improves a driver’s ability to see the road by shielding the eyes from the sun’s glare. This enables you to more easily avoid potential hazards. As you are driving, you should check your blind spots periodically, even if you don’t intend to change lanes or make another maneuver right away. That way, if something occurs that you need to react to quickly, you have some idea of what’s going on around you and can escape safely.

Parking

Once you have your mirrors and visibility handled and you’re using your steering wheel correctly, parking becomes much smoother. Still, it is important to ensure that you are using your turn signals to let everyone know what you’re doing. This can help you avoid getting sideswiped by someone changing lanes or rear-ended by someone who is unaware you’ve stopped to navigate into a parking space.

It’s also worth thinking about whether you might want to park on a less busy street. While slightly less convenient, you may save time and trouble in the long run.

Eliminating Distractions

It’s also important to make sure you aren’t distracted behind the wheel while driving. Here are a few ways to eliminate distracted driving.

First, make sure to set your phone up before getting on the road. Before you turn on the car, choose your music playlist, enter your destination into your GPS, and take a moment to answer any texts or emails that you need to before you get underway.

Second, it’s best to put your phone into driving or ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode to avoid temptation. If something comes up and you do find you need to talk on the phone, send an email, or even locate something in your car, pull safely into a parking lot, rest stop, or exit. In less than a few minutes, you can usually find a safe place to park, deal with whatever comes up, and then get back underway.

Third, if you have passengers, let them take care of the music and navigation while you’re driving. Tell your co-pilot that they are in charge and leave the tasks for them. Just be careful other passengers in the vehicle don’t become a distraction themselves.

Monitor Speed

As you go faster, your car becomes more lethal, and you also have less time to make corrections in the event of an emergency. By continuously watching your speed and ensuring you leave enough space between your car and the car in front of you, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents.

To appropriately gauge whether you are going too fast or following too closely, consider the following:

  • How far do you need to stop completely at this speed? Many state laws require you to leave one car length for every ten mph of speed.
  • What if an animal or person runs across the road or the weather changes? Will you be able to maneuver safely to avoid it without striking other cars?
  • If the speed limit seems too low, what hidden problems exist on this road that I haven’t seen yet?
  • Are weather, road conditions, construction, or car conditions impacting your ability to stop and maneuver normally?

After considering these factors, you will be able to think more deeply about the posted speed limit and the adjustments you might need to make depending on the conditions. After all, going five mph faster will only save you a minute or two over the course of an hour, but a crash will delay you by hours and hours and risk your life.

Defensive Driving Courses: Teaching Better Driver Techniques

Defensive Driving Course

A defensive driving course is an excellent option for anyone looking to improve their driving skills. Defensive driving courses cover many of the most common reasons people experience accidents and give you space to practice avoiding them.

In addition to making you a better driver, there are a few other benefits to having a defensive driving course on your record:

  • Reduces Insurance Rates – Having a documented defensive driving course that your state accepts on hand can get you a reduction in your insurance rates.
  • New Work Possibilities – Certain jobs require defensive driving training before they will allow you to use a vehicle as part of your job. This is in addition to any other certifications required for a particular vehicle.
  • Removing Points From Your License – If you have gotten tickets in the past and have points on your license, a defensive driving course can help you eliminate points on your license.

The Importance of Being a Better Driver

If you practice and maintain good driving habits, you’ll keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safer on the road.

In addition, you may be pleasantly rewarded with other improved outcomes on the road, including the following:

  • Avoiding Tickets and Fines – Improving your driving skills and being mindful of your speed can help you avoid traffic violations and their associated fines
  • Better Insurance Rates – Your insurance rates may fall and remain lower as you continue to show a clean driving record.
  • Improved Car Durability – Making fewer extreme driving decisions and evasive maneuvers can result in less overall wear and tear on your car, saving you money on repairs and helping your car last longer.
  • Improved Safety – Of course, you can drastically reduce the risk of serious injury or death by driving safer. This can save you not only pain and heartbreak but also a great deal of money.

Stay Safe in Your New Ride

Stay Safe in Your New Ride

If you are just getting started with your car ownership journey, getting informed about all things auto is crucial. From DIY car maintenance and driving more safely, to fun car enthusiast topics and car history, follow the Red Mountain blog for updates. Additionally, shop our online store for car t-shirts, tote bags, hats, stickers, and more.

Do You Really Know How To Take Care Of Your Car?

Do You Really Know How To Take Care Of Your Car?

Every vehicle owner should know basic car maintenance to keep vehicles looking and performing great for as long as possible. April is Car Care Month, so take a moment to read through the following simple car care tips and devote some energy to making sure your vehicle is performing at its best this month.

31 Basic Car Care Tips For Every Driver

Too many drivers know how to drive but do not know how to properly care for their vehicles. The following list of basic tips are a great starting point for even novice drivers who want to keep their vehicles performing at their best for as long as possible. Consider these tips and develop a personalized checklist for your vehicle’s maintenance.

1: Know The Signs Of A Car In Trouble

Pay close attention for strange noises, especially knocking, loud buzzing, or screeching coming from under your hood. You may be able to diagnose the source of the sound on your own, but see a mechanic if you are unsure what to do about it.

2: Don’t Forget The Wax

Many vehicle owners overlook waxing as an unnecessary cosmetic option, but the reality is that waxing can protect your car’s exterior and preserve your paint job for much longer than it would last unwaxed.

3: Take Care Of Your Lights

Headlights can become cloudy and ineffective over time. You could invest in a headlight repair kit to sand away residue and restore the shine to your headlights, but you can also visit a mechanic for professional assistance with your headlights.

4: Be Wary Of Handwashing

Handwashing may seem like the gentler method to wash your car, but be sure to use an appropriate cleaning agent and a brush, pad, or washcloth that won’t scratch your paint.

5: Travel Light

More weight inside your vehicle means more stress overall on the vehicle’s frame and the wheels. Excessive weight can even cause the vehicle body to drop enough to interfere with wheel function.

6: Know How to Check Your Air Filter

Your vehicle’s air filter removes dirt and debris from the air that passes through your engine and enables the combustion of your fuel. Make sure to check it regularly and clean or replace it when dirty.

7: Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Check your tire pressure when your tires are cold, before driving. The heat from friction on the road surface can affect the accuracy of a tire pressure rating, so a cold reading gives the most accurate results.

8: Keep Your Windshield Clean

Your windshield wiper fluid may do a good job removing minor bits of dust and debris, but you should take time to regularly clean your wipers and visit the car wash if you need to get lots of grime off your windshield.

9: Plan Regular Tire Rotations

Rotating your tires helps preserve their treads and keep them balanced and operational for longer. Ideally, you should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

10: Carry Emergency Tools And Supplies

It’s always wise to keep an emergency kit in your car. You can find reasonably priced auto repair toolkits at most parts shops.

11: Protect Your Interior

Cleaning and moisturizing your vehicle’s interior will help it repel dust and keep it looking great longer.

12: Recirculate Vehicle Air For More Efficient Cooling

Recirculating air-conditioned air in your vehicle is more efficient than leaving the windows open while the air conditioner runs.

13: Inspect Your Belts

Check the serpentine belts in your engine block if possible or ask your mechanic during your next service visit.

14: Check Your Brakes Regularly

Pay close attention to any dashboard indicators for your brakes and replace worn brake pads as soon as possible.

15: Learn How To Check Your Oil

Your vehicle’s manual should include instructions for checking your oil and replacing the oil, but ask your mechanic about an oil change if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.

16: Keep Your Exterior Clean

Dirt and debris on your vehicle collects more dirt and bacteria that will eventually eat away at your paint job.

17: Don’t Let Waste Accumulate In Your Vehicle

Keep a small trashcan or trash bag in your vehicle to collect waste.

18: Check Your Sparkplugs

If you don’t feel comfortable checking or removing your sparkplugs, schedule a visit with your mechanic.

19: Check Your Battery

You should know how to find your vehicle’s battery, jump it if necessary, and know how to clean any chalky white residue that accumulates on the battery’s connections.

20: Replace Old Wipers

If you notice your windshield wipers streaking it is probably time to invest in a new set. Try to purchase the same type that came with your vehicle or invests in high-quality wiper blades that fit your windshield.

21: Flush Your Coolant

While you can do this yourself, if you do not feel comfortable you should definitely leave it up to your mechanic. This helps ensure your engine won’t overheat and continue to perform reliably.

22: Replace Your Fuel Filter

Dirty fuel lines can impede engine performance and cause catastrophic failures in some cases. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles.

23: Know How To Identify Fluid Leaks

Different vehicle fluids leaking can cause serious problems. Make sure you know how to identify coolant, oil, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid so you can address leaks quickly.

24: Fix Cracked Glass ASAP

A small crack in a window or windshield may not seem like a big deal, but it compromises the safety of the whole piece of glass. Repair any cracked glass as soon as possible.

25: Invest In High-Quality Wiper Fluid And Windshield Wipers

Wiper fluid is relatively inexpensive, so consider spending a few dollars more in higher-quality wiper fluid that will not freeze in low temperatures or streak your windshield.

26: Consider Exterior Engine Cleaning

The outside of your engine can easily accumulate dust and debris, and regularly cleaning the outside of your engine block helps ensure proper airflow and cleaner overall operation.

27: Check Indicators ASAP

If one of your dashboard lights indicates a problem, visit your mechanic as soon as possible. Fixing a small issue now is better than paying for a bigger problem later.

28: Find The Right Mechanic For Your Car

If you drive an import, it is best to find a mechanic who specializes in your brand of import. The same goes for large trucks, diesel vehicles, or recreational vehicles.

29: Invest In A Car Cover

Car covers are not just for trophy cars and classics; a car cover can protect your vehicle from rain and sun damage, bird droppings, tree sap, and damage from dirt blown by the wind.

30: Be Cautious With DIY Repairs

Thoroughly research any vehicle repair before you attempt it. If you do not feel comfortable working on your car, schedule an appointment with a mechanic so you do not risk causing a bigger problem.

31: Drive Safely

Safe driving helps prevent accidents, which in turn prevents you from needing to pay for expensive repairs. Safe and responsible driving is also easier on your vehicle’s engine and will keep it going for longer.

Keep these tips in mind during Car Care Month and consider setting up an appointment with your mechanic for a tune-up and specific advice about your vehicle.

6 Basic Maintenance Skills To Acquire As A Car Owner

6 Basic Maintenance Skills To Acquire As A Car Owner

It is every owner’s duty to properly maintain his or her vehicle. Lack of proper maintenance, resulting in a collision (e.g., from bad brakes or a tire blowout), could lead to owner liability for damages. One of the best ways to save money and avoid legal trouble is to learn a few basic maintenance skills.

Checking Tire Pressure

The correct tire inflation is crucial to maintaining control of a vehicle. Tires that are too flat or overinflated could expose the driver to hazards such as blowouts or increased wear and tear. Your vehicle owner’s manual will tell you the correct tire pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). If you replace your new vehicle’s tires with aftermarket ones, ask the maintenance shop the proper PSI rating or look it up on Google.

Visually check your tires before every drive. They should sit correctly on the ground, without appearing too deflated. Test tire pressure manually at most gas stations and any auto parts store. You may also purchase a portable tire pressure gauge to check on the go. If your tires are too low, fill them to the proper PSI with air pumps at gas stations.

An underinflated tire could decrease the life of a tire, leading to a risk of a blowout. It also decreases the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. If you overinflate the tire, it will become stiff and rigid. This will prevent it from properly gripping the road, and could increase the risk of losing control of the vehicle. It could also put you at risk of the tire exploding.

Refilling Fluids

A vehicle’s engine fluids are critical to safe and efficient operation. Engine oil, radiator fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and others should always remain clean and at the correct levels for optimal engine operation. Owners should get into the habit of checking the following fluids themselves at least once per month, or more often for frequent drivers:

  • Engine oil
  • Transmission fluid
  • Coolant
  • Brake fluid
  • Power steering fluid
  • Windshield wiper fluid

Most car fluid reservoirs have symbols depicting where they are under the hood. Open the reservoir and check the dipstick for fluid levels. Never try to open a radiator cap when the vehicle is hot. This could spray hot fluids in your face. Check your owner’s manual for the correct way to check and refill fluids.
 

 

Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades

Your windshield wipers allow you to see the road if there’s rain, snow, sleet, or hail. They also enable you to clean your windshield of bugs, dirt, grime, and debris. Most windshield wipers will not fail abruptly. Instead, they will begin to show signs of wear over time. They may not clean your windshield as they should. This is a sign that it’s time for wiper blade replacement. Doing this maintenance task yourself can save money.

Purchase replacement blades at the nearest auto parts store. Lift the existing wiper arm away from the windshield, and press the small tab that allows you to pull the blade off. Put the new wiper blade on the arm and push until the tab clicks. If you need assistance, most auto part store employees are willing to help for no charge.

Testing The Battery

Your vehicle’s battery has a lifespan – usually three to five years. At the end of its life, it will not hold a charge as long, and may die completely. If you make a mistake such as leaving one of your interior lights on overnight, this could also drain the battery – either to the point of recharge or replacement. One way to avoid getting stranded in a parking lot with a dead battery is learning how to test the charge yourself.

Purchase a multimeter to test your battery. Follow the tool’s instructions for checking the charge, with your ignition off. You will typically have to remove your battery’s terminal covers, connect the multimeter’s leads to the correct terminals, and then read the voltage. Batteries with full charges should read at or above 12.66. Anything less may need recharging or replacement. You can purchase a battery charger yourself, or go to a mechanic’s shop or AutoZone for assistance.

Jumpstarting A Battery

If your battery does die, learn how to handle a quick jumpstart. Jumpstarting your vehicle involves using another car’s working battery to charge yours enough to start your car. You will need to purchase jumper cables and keep them in your vehicle. If your battery dies, find someone willing to help you with a jump. Position the vehicles with the hoods close together. Note that you cannot jumpstart an electronic vehicle or one that uses alternative fuel.

Put both vehicles in park and shut off both ignitions. Attach one of the red clips of your jumper cables to the positive terminal of your car’s battery. The positive terminal will say “POS” or “+.” Attach the other red clip to the positive terminal of the other person’s battery. Attach one black clip to the negative terminal on the other person’s battery. Then, attach the last black clip on an unpainted metal service on your vehicle (not near the battery). Start up the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes. Then, start your vehicle.

Changing A Flat Tire

Flat tires can come at the worst time – like in the middle of your commute. Knowing how to change a flat tire yourself could save you time, stress, and money. Keep a spare tire in or on your vehicle at all times. If you pop your tire on the go, pull over at a safe location, such as the shoulder of the road as far from traffic as possible. Limit how much you drive on a flat tire, as this can damage your rims. Turn on your emergency lights and set the parking brake.

Remove your hubcap from the flat tire. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts. Then, position the car jack beneath the vehicle, near the pinch flange. Use the jack to carefully raise the wheel. Take off the flat tire, replace it with the spare, and tighten the lug nuts loosely by hand. Use the jack to lower the tire to the ground, then the wrench to finish tightening the bolts. Replace the hubcap, store your flat tire, and get back on the road.