According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 20,000 people require medical attention every year as a result of crashes involving trailers towed by passenger vehicles. These recreational outings don’t need to go sideways — nor does whatever you may be towing. Here’s a safety checklist to ensure you are towing the right way.(BPT) - The onset of warmer weather means taking to the outdoors, be it boating, camping or simply tackling big jobs in the backyard. The result is a heavy increase in traffic on the roads — and often tagging along with the extra vehicles are the trailers, boats and campers that can put motorists at risk. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 20,000 people require medical attention every year as a result of crashes involving trailers towed by passenger vehicles. These recreational outings don’t need to go sideways — nor does whatever you may be towing. Here’s a safety checklist to ensure you are towing the right way: Get hitched: A starting point to towing is knowing the pulling capacity of your vehicle, as too much weight can cause a load of problems, no matter how much power your engine has. When it comes to connecting a trailer to the towing vehicle, a critical component, of course, is the coupler — the part of the hitch system that is attached to the trailer. The coupler needs to be secured, tight and locked. On the towing vehicle, avoid using a ball mount and hitch that is rusted, cracked, corroded or poorly designed — anything that can compromise its integrity. A safe answer is applying a new hitch, like the Ultra-Tow Complete Tow Kit, which is a durable and easy solution to pull whatever you’re towing. Bottom line: Always reference the “coupling to tow vehicle” section of your vehicle manual to make sure it is done right. Feel the (tire) pressure: An often forgotten element on the trailer towing checklist is making sure the trailer’s tire pressure is at the right level. In addition, inspect tires for wear or trauma — and be sure to have a spare. Be a chain agent: Once you place and pop in the coupler over the ball mount, the next step is applying the safety chains, which need to be rigged to the tow vehicle. Avoid the common mistake of rigging the safety chains to the hitch or ball mount itself. Safety chains are federal law and will keep the trailer from drifting in the event the trailer coupling separates from the ball mount. Light it up: No matter what you’re driving, communicating with other vehicles is paramount to safety — and that means having properly working brake, tail and turn signal lights. Before departing, sync up the trailer lights with the tow vehicle and test it out so that other motorists will know your actions. Locked down and loaded: Once everything is hitched, it’s time to load up the cargo. It’s best to be balanced with weight distribution, but put heavier cargo in the front of the trailer. And of course, do not overload. This pre-departure checklist is only a start. Once on the road, remember the basic safe driving practices when towing a trailer: Drive at moderate speeds, avoid sudden stops, don’t use cruise control and allow more distance for stopping. No matter how much of a rush you are in to hit the road this summer, don’t take any shortcuts when it comes to towing safely. KEYWORDS
Summer is a time for sunshine and road trips. No matter the length of the trip, you’ll want your car safe and functional, especially with your family and friends in the passenger seats. No matter if you’re worried about safety or showing off your ride in style, there are specific steps you can take to prep your car for warmer temperatures. Prepare Your Car for Summer![]() (Family Features) Summer is a time for sunshine and road trips. No matter the length of the trip, you’ll want your car safe and functional, especially with your family and friends in the passenger seats. With summer weather approaching, it can be a great time to inspect your vehicle and make sure everything is up to par. No matter if you’re worried about safety or showing off your ride in style, there are specific steps you can take to prep your car for warmer temperatures: Inspect your brakes and tires Check your oil level Wash your ride Check your fluids Test the air conditioning Add safety essentials Install new windshield wipers Look at the coolant For more tips to prepare for summer fun, visit eLivingToday.com. ![]() 5 Tips for Summer Road TripsFor many people, summer means setting out on a road trip in search of bucket-list-worthy excitement or a relaxing vacation. Whether you’re going down the road to visit family or across the country to see a national monument, it is important to prepare your vehicle – and its tires – before you pull out of the driveway. These five safety tips can help get your family ready to hit the road this summer: 1. Check Your Tread – A tire’s tread depth can determine a vehicle’s safe stopping distance. You can check your tread depth by sticking a penny upside-down in a tread groove. If you can see President Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. 2. Ensure Proper Tire Pressure – Low tire pressure can lead to poor handling and gas mileage, excessive wear and overloading. Drivers should check their tire pressure at least once a month, and especially before any long trip. Use a dependable air gauge or stop by an automotive store like Discount Tire or America’s Tire to take advantage of complimentary air checks. 3. Rotate Often – Tires should be rotated at least every 6,000 miles or earlier if irregular or uneven wear develops. 5. Don’t Overload – The combination of heat and overloading a vehicle, which can be common during summer travel, is one of the most dangerous conditions for a vehicle’s tires as overloaded tires can overheat and possibly fail. When it comes to summer driving safety, it can be imperative to check your tires early and often. Knowing the condition of your tires can keep your family safe and your vehicle in quality condition. To learn more about tire safety before a summer road trip, or to schedule an appointment for a tire safety check, visit tires.com. Photos courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:eLivingToday.com KEYWORDS
(BPT) - Temps are higher, the days are longer and road trips are planned. When it comes to getting our cars ready for the road, we habitually adjust our rear-view mirror and double-check fuel levels before putting the car in gear. We sometimes change our engine oil and refill the windshield fluid. Yet we often overlook one of the most important safety features on our vehicles — the tires. With a little preparation and the right tire maintenance know-how, major issues on the road can be largely avoided. Follow these simple tips to ensure your rubber is ready to meet the road: 1. Choose the right tires for the season. There are many different tire categories, from ultra-high performance (UHP) tires designed to ensure performance vehicles handle flawlessly at high speeds to highway tires built to provide a smooth, comfortable ride and predictable handling. It’s important to work with a professional tire technician to decide which tires are best suited for your vehicle and style of driving. “Today’s tires are available in thousands of fitments providing varying performance, comfort and safety features, making it absolutely necessary to discuss your wants and needs with a knowledgeable tire sales person to ensure you’re getting the desired results,” says Matti Morri, Nokian Tyres technical customer service manager. For example, a driver looking for balanced performance on varying surfaces — from hot and dry to cool and wet — would be happy with something like the Nokian zLine A/S UHP, designed to perform safely and precisely in variable conditions. 2. Give your tires a once-over for correct air pressure. One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tires is to regularly check them for correct air pressure. Low and uneven inflation will cause a number of problems for your vehicle, including poor handling and reduced comfort, increased fuel consumption and an overall unsafe driving experience. Tire pressure should be checked once a month and always before longer trips. You should always check tire pressure before hitting the road because driving causes tires to heat up and air pressure to increase. Consult the vehicle’s manual for proper inflation pressures. 3. Check your tread depth. Tires with inadequate tread are susceptible to poor handling, hydroplaning, reduced gas mileage and more. In fact, tires are considered legally worn out when they reach 2/32 of an inch. “To ensure your tires will perform safely, it’s crucial to monitor for worn treads,” Morri says. “Nokian Tyres’ products are equipped with Nokian’s Driving Safety Indicator (DSI), which indicates what percentage of tread depth remains, as well as a water drop stamp that disappears when tread is reduced to the point where the risk of hydroplaning is increased.” Pro tip: A penny and a match are both easy tools to check your tread depth. Stick a penny, facing you, upside down in the tread on multiple spots around the tire. If Lincoln’s head is completely visible, your tread is too worn and you should replace your tires. Similarly, if you stick the head of a match in your tread and the tip is not completely hidden, your tread is too worn. These are both signs of ultimate worn tread, and you may want to consider new tires before reaching this point. Before you hit the open road, remember that minor issues can become major roadblocks in the blink of an eye — or turn of the wheel. Take a little extra time to follow these simple tire tips and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is the wind messing up your hair. KEYWORDS:
The change of seasons is a great time to give your car some special attention to ensure you can confidently roll right through summer. Make the most of your summer on the move with these ideas for style, safety and comfort that make caring for your car a cinch.Cool Car Care for Summer![]() (Family Features) Whether you’re hitting the open road for a leisurely cruise or simply spending more time in your car keeping up with a fast-paced summer, you want your vehicle at its best when it comes to safety, style and comfort. The change of seasons is a great time to give your car some special attention to ensure you can confidently roll right through summer. Start by running through a checklist to ensure your car’s safety features are in good working order. Test headlights, tail lights and turn signals, and check fluid levels, topping off or replacing as needed. Also be sure tires are properly inflated, and inspect seat belts for any imperfections that may hinder performance. If you’re going to arrive safely, why not go in style, too? Keeping your car sparkling clean not only protects finishes inside and out, it’s the easiest way to make your ride look great. Let your personality show with subtle touches like seat covers or license plate wraps bearing your favorite sports team or college. And don’t forget comfort. Have visors ready to block harsh sun rays, and be sure your air conditioner is ready to deliver a refreshing blast of cool air. Add an air freshener with a subtle summery scent, and don’t forget to throw a light blanket in the trunk so you’re ready when a cool evening breeze kicks up. Make the most of your summer on the move with these ideas that make caring for your car a cinch. Freshen up your ride Allergens are everywhere. In fact, the air in your car could be up to six times dirtier than the air outside. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your car’s cabin air filter, pick up a FRAM Fresh Breeze cabin air filter and do some quick and easy DIY — in as little as 15 minutes — to protect your family from breathing dirt, dust and allergens. Visit FRAMFreshBreeze.com for simple instructions and to find the right cabin air filter for your family’s vehicle. Style that shines Road trip ready A road trip is a fun way to enjoy a summer getaway, while providing ultimate flexibility to keep your own schedule and pace. Protect your vehicle and your own safety by following these recommendations from the Car Care Council and complete a thorough pre-trip checklist before hitting the road:
Easy ways to accessorize your ride Simple accessories can add fun and function to your daily commute or a summertime trek across the state. Keep these auto additions in mind and you’ll be stocked up for wherever the road takes you.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (family in car) SOURCE:FRAM Fresh Breeze Barrett-Jackson KEYWORDS
Taking proper care of your vehicle is important all year, but summer heat brings a unique set of challenges to your car’s air conditioning system, tires, brakes, battery and more. To ensure your vehicle is prepared to safely handle the summer elements and to help avoid breakdowns, preventative maintenance is necessary and these essential tips that can help keep your car performing safely, comfortably and cool all summer long.
5 Steps to Keep Your Car Prepared for Summer Heat![]() (Family Features) Taking proper care of your vehicle is important all year, but summer heat brings a unique set of challenges to your car’s air conditioning system, tires, brakes, battery and more. To ensure your vehicle is prepared to safely handle the summer elements and to help avoid breakdowns, preventative maintenance is necessary. The car care experts at Goodyear Auto Service offer these essential tips that can help keep your car performing safely, comfortably and cool – all summer long:
To learn more about car care maintenance and to set up an appointment to get your air conditioning system serviced at the Summer Car Care event, visit GoodyearAutoService.com. SOURCE:Goodyear Auto Service
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There are few better times for a road trip than during the summer months when the sun is bright and the kids are out of school. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or a jam-packed car, take these steps before hitting the open road.Hit the Road Safely![]() (Family Features) There are few better times for a road trip than during the summer months when the sun is bright and the kids are out of school. Despite the expected rise in gas prices, AAA reports 79 percent of families are planning to hit the road this year, 10 percent more than in 2016. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or a jam-packed car, the experts at Interstate Batteries recommend taking these steps before hitting the open road:
There can be a lot of planning and research put into the perfect road trip. Follow these tips to make sure you’re able to go wherever the road takes you. Find more information at InterstateBatteries.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Interstate Batteries While taking your car to an auto service professional is a great way to ensure its performance, there are few simple vehicle checks that you can easily learn and do yourself to save a little money and help keep your vehicle running efficiently all summer long.DIY Car Care Everyone Can Do![]() (Family Features) While taking your car to an auto service professional is a great way to ensure its performance, the Car Care Council reminds vehicle owners there are few simple vehicle checks that they can easily learn and do themselves to save a little money and help keep their vehicles running efficiently all summer long.
To learn more about how to care for you vehicle, and for a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit www.carcare.org. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Car Care Council As temperatures start to rise, checking your tires’ air pressure can help protect them from the heat when hitting the road this summer. Whether you’re trekking cross-country or simply to and from work, the more heat your tires are exposed to could mean potential trouble on the road. To help stay safe on the road this summer, know your numbers and follow these easy T.I.R.E. tips.
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