Thursday, April 25, 2013

How To Handle An Engine Fire


 
While driving can be an extremely fun activity, there are always dangers that drivers need to be aware of. One of those dangers are car fires. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that there is a vehicle fire every 96 seconds in the United States.

The dangers of car fires are further highlighted by articles like one on Detroitnews.com that tells one man’s tale about how his truck went up in flames within three minutes. “A fire in a modern vehicle burns fast and furiously,” the writer states. “What's intact for the moment can be gone or enveloped in toxic smoke in a matter of seconds.”

All drivers need to be aware of this potential danger, especially since most fires start due to electrical problems, which can’t be seen and can be undetected. Signs of potential problems, according to Statefarm.com, are:

·      Fuses that blow repeatedly
·      Spilled oil under the hood left over from an oil change
·      Oil or other fluid leaks under the vehicle
·      Cracked or loose wiring, or wiring with exposed metal
·      Very loud sounds from the exhaust system
·      Rapid changes in fuel level, oil levels, or engine temperature
·      A missing cap from the oil filler
·      Broken or loose hoses

Should the warning signs lead to a real emergency before any problems can be fixed, remember to stay calm and do the following:

·      As highlighted in the Detroitnews.com article, if anything seems “off” in your car, pull over and get out – you’ll be able to see if anything is obviously wrong.
·      If you smell gasoline, don’t just assume it’s coming from another car – it could be a sign of trouble in yours. Pull over.
·      When you pull over, turn off your car’s ignition immediately. Exit the vehicle and do not go back for personal items.
·      If you see flames once you exit the vehicle, call 911 immediately and keep away from your car.
·      Do not open the hood of your car and attempt to fight any fire yourself; opening the hood adds extra oxygen to the blaze and makes the situation worse.

As with all accidents, you should also find ways to alert oncoming traffic to the danger your car poses, and take pictures of the damage to show to insurance agents later.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

The 10 Most Common Car Insurance Myths: An Infographic


Dealing with car insurance can be a tricky thing at best and a hassle at worse. The matter is made harder by the number of misconceptions and outright myths that exist in our minds.

Having the right facts about car insurance is very important and can make the difference between whether you’re obeying the law or committing fraud. Check out this sweet infographic and quiz yourself - what car insurance myths did you believe on this list?

Click the image to view a larger version!

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Sharing The Road With Cyclists





Did you know that about 30% of the American population owns a bicycle? That means there are a lot of potential cyclists that drivers need to watch for, especially with warmer weather approaching. In order to do this, it’s important that both drivers and cyclists understand the rules of sharing the road.

A few tricks to keep in mind:

●You look for pedestrians when you’re making a turn, right? Why not take a couple of seconds longer to look for a cyclist? The rider has the right of way if he’s going straight and you’re turning right.
●A little patience could save your life. Wait to pass that cyclist until you have a clear view ahead and are sure there’s no oncoming traffic.
●Riders are supposed to stay to the right. Drivers are supposed to stay well clear of them. By law in Maryland and several other states, drivers must stay three feet from a cyclist. Don’t expect to see cops out there with a yardstick, but if you cause a crash, you could be charged with a three-foot violation.

Read more about what drivers should know about sharing the road in this great Washington Post article: http://bit.ly/10yX1LZ

Thursday, April 4, 2013

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee



There has been a whole lot of hub-bub about the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. People seem to miss the old look and feel of the classic Jeep Cherokee XJ, but maybe it’s time to let go of a classic and try something new. After all, welcoming the new can be refreshing, surprisingly fun and ever, well... fuel efficient. This article explains the 6 reasons why the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is better than the XJ.

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