Car Race Systems

Archive for the ‘Driving Tips’ Category

With the price of fuel still high compared to last year, many are discussing the topic of fuel efficiency. Is it better to drive slower or faster? Should my tyres be inflated fully? This article will answer these frequently asked questions. 

Studies show that due to the aerodynamics of a car, drag is increased at higher levels, which decreases fuel efficiency. Slower speed therefore means less drag, which will save fuel. You can reduce fuel consumption by 20% if you slow down from 70 mph to 60 mph when safe to do so.

For comparison, if you drive 10 mph faster over a 30-mile commute, you’ll only shave four minutes off the total driving time. It must be noted that the savings don’t extend exponentially, so driving very slowly on the motorway is still endangering yourself and others for no real benefit.

Another tip is to ensure tyres are fully inflated and to remove the roof rack. The roof rack again creates drag, which costs fuel, and can be easily dealt with.

It doesn’t cost anything to drive more fuel efficiently, and can save money in the long run.

Overheating is a common problem that can affect any car, regardless of its age. When a car overheats, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further damage to the motor. If extensive damage is done because of overheating, repairing motors can be very costly.

When it is first noticed that the temperature gauge is high, immediately turn on the heater in the car. While this sounds very counterintuitive, it will help to cool the engine.  This is because the heater uses the liquid that cools the engine. When the fan is set to high, the heater will use up almost all of the heat from the liquid, resulting in cooling the engine.

Drivers should never run the air conditioning in a car that is overheating.  This can cause more damage and could destroy the engine.  As soon as the car begins to overheat, pull over in a safe location, and do not drive the vehicle again until the engine has cooled.  One of the most common mistakes made by drivers in this situation is attempting to remove the radiator cap.  This can cause personal injury, so the radiator cap should never be removed while the vehicle is hot.

If the vehicle continues to overheat, get it serviced as soon as possible.  There are qualified car people available to perform the necessary repairs to keep the engine running optimally.

It is very important that the oil level in your car is correct, as an insufficient amount can cause undue stress and extensive damage to the engine. Ideally, you should check the oil every two weeks. 

To avoid injury make sure that the engine is cold before locating the dipstick under the bonnet. Ensure that the car is parked on flat ground, as a slope may interfere with the results. Your user’s manual should help you to locate the oil filler cap if you cannot find it. 

Take out the dipstick and wipe it clean of oil. This will allow you to take an accurate reading, as oil may have splashed up the stick whilst the car was in motion. Replace the stick and then remove once more. The stick should now indicate an accurate approximation of the oil level in the tank.

Your dipstick should have some kind of marking on it to show the optimum level. You will be able to see whether the oil is up to this level or not; if there is less, it means that you should add a little more through the filler cap. You may find it better to add the lubricant a little at a time, checking the level as you go, rather than adding too much at once, as you may have difficulty removing the excess.

Most people think that car accidents are more likely to happen when it is overcast or dark and visibility is poorer. However, many do not realise that sunny days can pose problems too.

Driving regulations stipulate that motorists need to be able to see ahead of them clearly for a distance of up to 20m, which is why many motorists are compelled to wear glasses when behind the wheel. However, when it is sunny, many switch to wearing sunglasses that do not have prescription lenses, thereby compromising their sight.

In fact, recent research revealed that less than a third of UK drivers own sunglasses with prescription lenses, with more than half admitting to wearing shades with conventional lenses in them whilst driving. Naturally, this puts people more at risk of causing accidents and also means that many are actually flouting their driving licence requirements.

What motorists may not realise is that inferior lenses with no UV filters can actually damage their eyes because they allow the pupils to dilate, letting in too much UV light which can burn the back of the eyeballs. Yet, many people are put off by the cost of getting prescription lenses fitted and also feel like ‘fuddy duddies’ if they have photochromic lenses – ones that darken in bright sunlight.

Perhaps some clever car people might consider teaming up with opticians to offer buyers a deal whereby they get discounted prescription sunglasses with designer frames? It may be more attractive than giving them free mats and flaps with their motor purchase and could actually help to save lives.

Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a more serious crash, getting into a car accident is something which, unfortunately, many drivers will get into at one stage or another. Car insurance should cover the cost of damage, but there are procedures which should be followed.

The first thing to do is to check passengers to see if any are injured. If possible, move your vehicle out of the way of further traffic by pulling into the shoulder or a side street and turn on hazard lights to warn other traffic. Turn off the engine as soon as possible to prevent further damage and exit the car.

In a collision situation, exchange names, address and phone numbers with the opposite party, as well as insurance company details and car registration numbers. Assess the damage done to each car and note it, as well as a detailed description of both cars. If it is possible, it is a good idea to take a photo of any damage. Write down the location of where the accident occurred and how it happened.

While police do not attend road traffic accidents where there are no obvious injuries, you should report the accident. Try to keep calm in the aftermath. Do not get into discussions with the other party as to whose fault the accident was, and never admit fault. If you do, it could create problems when you claim against your insurance.

As soon as you can, report the incident to your insurance company.

As the temperature lowers and ice begins to form your car has to work harder and harder to perform. Slippery roads and sub-zero temperatures affect the entirety of your car, from the tyres to the cooling system.

In many particularly snowy places it is vital to change summer tyres to winter tyres as the colder months creep in. Winter tyres can deal with snow, slush and ice, on which the lighter summer tyres will slip. Even if you don’t feel it is necessary to change your tyres, or have ‘all season’ tyres, make sure that the tyre tread hasn’t worn down. If there’s any hint of ice, you’ll want to have a good grip.

It may seem strange, as the temperature plummets, to worry about your car’s cooling system, but remember that, no matter how cold it is outside, the engine temperature will be soaring. Don’t forget the antifreeze additive and make sure to check its endurance and freeze point. Antifreeze should be replaced once every two years.

If, during the winter months, your battery dies, you could be left standing in the cold waiting for a tow. Car batteries should be changed every three to four years, and if you’re nearing that time, have it checked out by a technician to make sure it will last the season. Be certain that the battery terminals are cleaned and tight, and clean them with an old toothbrush and a mixture of water and baking soda.

Car fuel costs at the pump have hit all time highs recently and ongoing problems in many of the world’s oil-producing countries are having an effect on prices.  Unfortunately, some of this is passed on to the driver at the pump, and with the current recession this can be painful on your pocket.  However, there are a number ways you can reduce the costs of buying fuel.

The first thing to remember is that fuel prices will not be uniform at each petrol station.  This is influenced by a number of factors you should be aware of.  Motorway stations tend to add a mark-up to fuel prices as they get large volumes of traffic coming through on a daily basis, thus maximising their profits.  This is why it may be more cost effective to fill up at a cheaper local station before setting out on a long journey.

You should also consider adding your petrol costs to your weekly shopping bill.  Many large supermarkets give money saving coupons for fuel with in-store purchases and these amounts can certainly save you in the long run.  Some also run reward schemes in which points can be exchanged for fuel.  If you are not already a member then you may wish to look into these schemes.  You can also look online, there are numerous websites monitoring the cost of fuel at petrol stations throughout the UK which can help lighten your spending.

As with your home, your car needs to be cleaned regularly, not only for presentation, but also because the mechanics of the car need to be kept in good condition to run effectively. 

There are a few options available to keep your car clean, you can either go through an automatic car cleaning system that is often available at petrol stations or independent cleaning facilities or you can pay for a manual valet car service which involves a person or several people cleaning the car for you.  Or you can always clean the car yourself. 

A basic clean will involve having the external areas washed, rinsed and dried and a more extensive clean will involve both the basic clean and an interior clean too.  An interior clean will usually involve having the interiors wiped down, the carpets hovered and any remaining debris removed.  There will sometimes also be an option to have the interior dashboard, steering wheel and pedals polished, if this is something you think you would like for your car

 A personal clean can sometimes be a little more expensive, but the benefits include being able to specify exactly what you would like done to your car.  A slightly more personal touch also means you can specify what type of products you’d like used and what scent you’d like the car freshened with.  Whatever you decide, always make sure you go to a reputable business, ideally recommended to you by someone else.

Driving conditions during the winter can be extremely difficult, even for experienced drivers.  All motors need to be adequately prepared to face winter weather and there are a number of items that you can bring to ensure you can face anything winter has to throw at you.

A number of items will help in case of break down or emergency.  Keep a set of warm clothes, coats, jackets and blankets to ensure that you can stay warm if you need to wait for help.  Non-perishable food and water will help sustain you if you and your family are stuck.

As the days grow shorter during winter, there will be less hours of sunlight.  This is why it is important to keep sources of light on board at all times.  A torch is crucial in addition to matches and candles.  You can also keep an old tin in the car to light a candle in which can be used for quickly melting snow.  Tyre chains and a shovel can come in useful to clear ice or snow.  A set of jump leads can be used in case of roadside breakdowns.

You should check under the bonnet as there are a number of problems that can arise in the winter.  You should check that your battery is not low or flat from frequent short journeys.  Check your battery connections are secure and corrosion free.  You should also ensure that in icy weather that you have topped up the engine with antifreeze.  A common cause of vehicle breakdown can be low temperatures.

Whilst everyone may have a differing view as to what constitutes essentials for travelling, there are a few things that everyone should try and ensure are contained in their car. 

Firstly, a camera is incredibly useful for insurance purposes if you find yourself in an accident, no matter how small.  As many phones now come equipped with an in-built camera, this is not an unrealistic aim.  Keeping a bottle of water on board is also a good idea, just in case you breakdown and end up having to wait a while without being in easy reach of a shop or garage.  A blanket is also useful, if you can’t get your car started and you get stuck somewhere out in the cold, this will keep you warm.  A charger for your mobile phone is a wise choice to keep in your car and if your phone is ever low on battery then it’s a good idea to charge it, just in case you break down and don’t have enough charge to call for help. 

A list of essential information such as your breakdown telephone number and registration details ensure that if you do breakdown, you’ll be able to save time by having all the details to hand.  Lastly, a map is an onboard essential just in case you get lost or your Satellite Navigation System loses signal.  When travelling any kind of distance, consider the things you will definitely need to cover possible eventualities and keep a stock in your car so that you’re never caught short.