(BPT) - Every new year brings a flurry of resolutions, and Hankook Tire checked out the road-related improvements Americans resolve to make happen in 2017. Whether you're looking to save money or are determined to make that cross-country road trip a reality, the Hankook Tire Gauge Index found Americans are looking to take the well-oiled wheel of 2017 with better car care. Under pressure According to the Hankook Tire Gauge Index, over half (57 percent) of Americans are determined to keep their car cleaner in 2017. Additionally, 35 percent resolve to check the air in their tires more frequently, and doing so can have a significant effect on overall driver safety. Did you know it is recommended to check the air in your tires once a month? Be sure to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure for your car, truck or SUV. Resolve to rotate When the snow just won't stop falling and the trees look a little too bare, sometimes it's all too easy to daydream about escaping to a tropical island for a while. Most Americans agree, as 84 percent would rather drive to a sunny beach than to a ski resort in the winter months. For those who can't escape the elements, it is more important than ever to make sure your tires are rotated as you navigate the winter roads. A good tip is to rotate your tires when you check your oil - and since nearly a quarter of drivers (22 percent) resolve to change the oil more frequently in 2017, it looks like America is already on the road to good car maintenance. Keep on commuting We might all begrudge our daily commute, but considering 61 percent of Americans drive every day, it doesn't look like many of us are resolving to change it. However, there better be light on the roads during the daily drive. Whether drivers are scared of the dark or not, 48 percent of Americans adjust their commute to avoid driving once the sun sets. New year, new tires Nearly one in four Americans (24 percent) will resolve to get new tires in 2017. While shopping for those, 73 percent note they look for tires with good traction or grip. An all-season, high performance tire like the Ventus s1 noble 2 from Hankook offers solid handling throughout the year. Whether you're already hunting for new tires for the new year, it might be a good idea to do "the penny test" and check your tread. Take a penny and insert it between the tread of the tire, with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. After all, you don't want to end up stuck by side of the road, but if you do, there's a good chance someone will pull over and help you. More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed said they have helped someone who was pulled over with car trouble. That's definitely one way to get some good karma heading into the new year. Better Bus Safety(Family Features) For millions of school-age children, each day begins and ends with a bus ride. While parents entrust their children’s safety to the capable hands of bus drivers, these tips from the National Association for Pupil Transportation provide some measures parents can take and lessons they can teach to increase safety going to and from the bus, and even during the ride. Before the Bus Arrives
![]() On the Bus Ride
Leaving the Bus
Another Safety Solution ![]() Safety School buses powered by propane offer numerous safety advantages, including being quieter than diesel buses when operating, making it easier for drivers to hear both inside and outside the bus. This can have a direct impact on student behavior, and many districts have reported fewer disciplinary issues as a result. An interactive audio quiz detailing the difference can be found at QuieterSchoolBuses.com. “As a former teacher, I know that parents often overlook how the ride to and from school can impact a child’s performance in the classroom,” Hager said. “A child’s attitude or behavior before they arrive at school can set the tone for the whole day.” In addition, these buses meet rigorous U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and each is equipped with an automatic shut-off feature that prevents fuel flow to the engine when not running. Another safety consideration is the health impact of older diesel buses. The shorter height of younger students can put them face-to-face with a black cloud of diesel smoke every school day. With propane buses, however, students aren’t exposed to the harmful particulate matter in diesel exhaust, which is known to aggravate asthma and has been identified by the World Health Organization as a carcinogen. Savings Speak Up Propane Education & Research Council (BPT) - In the popular Christmas carol, the best way to reach grandmother's house is to travel by sleigh over the river and through the woods. However, these days, most people find their personal vehicles a far more reliable option. The holidays are the busiest travel time of the year, and according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 91 percent of all long-distance travelers will rely on their personal vehicle to get them to grandmother's house, or wherever they may be headed. Unfortunately, the winter season is also the most dangerous time of year for road conditions. Keep that in mind before you head over the river or through the woods this season, and make sure to apply these five winter driving tips from Michelin. * Brake, don't panic. In slippery road conditions, your wheels may lock and slide when you apply the brake. If this happens to you, don't panic. Release your foot from the brake to slow the skid's momentum and recover traction, then slowly apply the brake again. * Outfit your vehicle with the right tires. If you frequently encounter snow or ice, and the temperature consistently approaches freezing (32F), you need the extra grip of winter tires, even if you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle. Winter tires are designed to perform better in a wide range of winter conditions by improving your vehicle's grip and shortening braking distances. Include switching to winter tires on your seasonal projects list to keep you safer on the road. * Turn cautiously. In slippery conditions, turns present the greatest potential for an accident, so as you approach a turn, be sure to slow your speed and maintain that speed throughout the turn. Do not accelerate; a sudden change in speed could cause you to lose control. You should also avoid braking during a turn to reduce your skid risk. Brake in the straightaway before the turn and move through the turn at a slower, controlled speed. * Love the lane you're in. Changing lanes can increase your chances of a spin out. If the roads are icy or covered in slush, these conditions are apt to be worse on the shoulders and in less traveled lanes, so avoid them if you can. Find the lane that works best for you and stay there as long as possible. * Get defensive. You've long heard about the importance of defensive driving and this practice is invaluable during the winter months. Just as you are struggling with the road conditions, so are the drivers around you - particularly if they were not driving respective to the weather in the first place. So slow down, allow that car in front of you some extra room and don't cut off any other motorists. The more you prepare for your own safety, the easier it will be for others to do the same. Celebrating the drive home The drive home is an iconic holiday tradition for many Americans and to celebrate it this year, Michelin will once again sponsor the America's Car Museum (ACM) and North American International Auto Show's Drive Home. This year's event, called the Heritage Run, starts on Dec. 27 in Boston and ends on Jan. 7 in Detroit. The 12-day, 10-state, 2,150-mile jaunt will be traveled by three iconic American cars from the ACM, the 1957 Chevrolet Nomad, the 1961 Chrysler 300G and the 1966 Ford Mustang all fitted with modern winter tires for added safety. You can learn more about the Drive Home and how to follow it yourself by visiting Americascarmuseum.org. Winter is approaching, bringing cold temperatures, salty roads, wet conditions and other challenges for drivers. To ensure your vehicle is at its best, follow these six simple tips to get your vehicle winter-ready. Whether it’s packing an emergency kit and jumper cables or preventative maintenance like getting a car wash to defend against ice, salt, sand and slush; preparation is key to keeping your vehicle going strong throughout the winter months.
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