Although the calendar says winter in the Northern Hemisphere doesn’t actually start until Dec. 21, the weather forecast seems to communicate otherwise. The extreme weather in parts of the United States has even made headlines recently as “colder than mars,” according to figures from Nasa.

When extreme weather is headed your way, make sure you and your family are prepared for Old Man Winter’s worst. Ready.gov gives some helpful steps about what to do 1) before snowstorms and extreme cold 2) during snowstorms and extreme cold and 3) after snowstorms and extreme cold. When you receive a weather storm alert from the National Weather service, take heed of the following:

Be Prepared for Extreme Weather

Is your car ready for winter? As winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit and car:

1. Rock salt to melt ice
2. Snow shovels
3. Emergency gear, like insulating blankets, crank flashlight, updated first-aid supplies
4. Have your mechanic check antifreeze, heater and defroster and tires. For a complete list of items to check, visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Create a family plan

1. Your family might be in different places when a storm or extreme weather hits, so know how you’ll contact one another if cell towers or internet isn’t working
2. Remember pets: bring them inside during cold weather and you should have a plan for them, as well, and even make them their own emergency kit with extra food.

Know How to Weather the Storm

Try to stay indoors and off the roads, unless it’s necessary.

1. If you do have to go out, stay on the main roads and never cross road closures or flooded roads! Let someone know when you’re leaving and expected arrival time. It’s a good idea to let them know your route, too, in case you get stuck and they need to send help.

If you’re stuck in a vehicle during a blizzard, pull off the road and turn on hazard lights.

1. This is when your prepping will come in handy. You’ll likely be relying on the contents of your emergency kit to get you through until help arrives.

Most importantly, experts say you’ll want to learn from every storm. Keep your emergency supplies up to date and stocked in your house and in the car. For ready-made emergency kits stocked with our lifesaving tools and devices, visit our prepareme kits page.

From built-in WiFi and backup cameras, to driverless cars, it seems there is no limit to tech’s stronghold in the automotive industry. The majority of high-tech advancements in the auto world typically revolve around your safety. One of the largest contributions to driver safety has been the introduction of LED lighting. While the majority of manufacturers are still using regular incandescent bulbs, pioneers in the business are pushing for LED lights to be the new standard.

Making LED Lights the New Standard

The simple answer is, they are better. LED technology breaks the mold in several different ways; the most obvious is their versatility. There are more dynamic choices for headlights, back-up lights, brake and taillights, fog lights, side markers, interior lights, underbody lights, and license plate lights to name a few. They are brighter, use less energy, last longer, and are comparable (if not cheaper) than traditional bulbs in cost due to their longevity. To top it off, LED lights are proving to be the safer choice, because they greatly improve driver visibility.

Changing Your Automotive Lighting Mindset

When it comes to safe driving, and automotive upkeep, we tend to focus on the basics. Make sure the oil is changed, get tune-ups regularly, change and rotate tires often, get a yearly smog inspection, and so on. Often your vehicle’s lights are overlooked. You only think about them when you forget to turn them off and kill the battery, another motorist lets you know you have a light out, or a police officer is tapping at your window with a “fix-it” ticket.

The lights on your vehicle are extremely important. They alert drivers behind you when you are braking, and making turns; at night they are what guide you and help you see other vehicles. So don’t make your automotive lights an afterthought when they should be a priority.

Headlight Safety Tips

1. Keep exterior car lights clean. When you wash your car, give special attention to the lights. Make sure they’re in good working order, and one isn’t dimmer than the others. Check both low beam and high beam headlights. Clean headlights allow you to see better and prevent glare.
2. Keep lighting balanced and even. If you notice you have one light out that needs to be changed, change them both. Auto bulbs are sold together for a reason; you want the quality to be the same on each side. Having one light dimmer than the other can be disconcerting to both you and other drivers.
3. Change lights annually. Even if you don’t see any real need to change your headlights, and they are all functioning properly, change them at least once a year anyway. Most people wait until one burns out; they’re already malfunctioning before this happens. Keep them balanced and at their brightest by changing them regularly. Choose a specific date each year to get all new lights.
4. Enlist an inspection buddy. If you want to forego the stranger at the stoplight telling you that your brake light is out, recruit a friend to help with inspections. Have your friend sit behind the wheel of your car and systematically turn on and off all of your lights, and pump the brakes while you inspect them. The low and high beams, daylight running lights, brake, and reverse lights should all be inspected.
5. Align your lights. There is nothing more annoying for you or oncoming drivers than misaligned headlights. Besides being annoying, they are also distracting, which makes them dangerous. Aligned headlights reduce the uncertainty of drivers that is caused by wonky lighting conditions. Be sure to you have your auto headlights aligned regularly or learn to do it yourself.
6. Get regular eye exams. Night vision is the first thing to go as you age or if you already wear corrective lenses. If you have contacts or glasses, or are over 50, it is recommended that you get annual vision screenings. Any time you feel as though your vision may be impaired, making it more difficult for you to drive, get an exam.
7. Switch to LED headlights. A recent study showed that most headlamps are woefully inadequate for night driving, some offering as low as 130 feet of vision ahead of the vehicle. The best rated vehicle was the Toyota Prius V, which uses LED headlights. It reaches 387 feet ahead, giving a car moving 70 mph enough time to stop for an obstacle in the road.

Appreciating LED Lighting’s Stylish Side Too

Now that you are armed with the technological benefits of LED lighting, and all the ways you can use LED lights to make your vehicle safer, it’s time for the fun stuff. One of the best things about LED lighting is the design options. They are incredibly versatile; you can be as low-key cool, or limo party flashy as you want to be.

One can choose from a selection of interior lights that glow on the floor beneath your driver and passenger side seats. They come in a variety of colors, red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and orange. You can even choose multi-color, which allows you to change the colors based on your mood. Wheel well LED lights, and underbody LED lighting are other options for your car’s glam lighting. Make your life even easier by choosing kits that are Bluetooth capable, and remote or smartphone controlled. Not only will you be making the streets safer, you’ll look good while you’re at it.

What are some new automotive technologies you think will keep us safer on the road? Are there any that haven’t come out yet that you are looking forward to?

Author: Lauren Jones via www.ledunderbody.com​

Here are four of the deadliest highways in the US, as well as a few tips on how to tackle them and still make it home in one piece.

With more than 28,000 miles of land spanning from east to west, the U.S. highway system offers some of the most exciting and scenic thoroughfares in the world. To Americans, the term “road trip” brings to mind thoughts of good tunes, open air, serenity and the occasional Slim Jim. But not all road trips are relaxing and serene.

The U.S. is home to some of the most treacherous and dangerous roads known to man. Here are four of the most deadly roadways in America, as well as a few tips on how to tackle them and still make it home in one piece.

Interstate 285

Interstate 285, which circles the city of Atlanta, is not technically the most fatal highway in all the land. But when the numbers are crunched into fatalities per each 10-mile stretch, it ranks as No. 1 of the deadliest highways. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data shows Interstate 285 is one of America’s deadliest freeways. I-285 saw 26 fatal wrecks (second only to Florida’s Interstate 92) and 29 total deaths in 2013. That number may not be startling to everyone. But when considering the length of the highway, that’s 3.5 deaths for every 10 miles, with Interstate 4 reporting three fatalities for every 10 miles.

There are several theories concerning what makes I-285 so dangerous. For starters, there’s the Tom Moreland Interchange, an 18-lane freeway informally known as “Spaghetti Junction, where the I-285 merges with I-85. The confusing and jumbled stretch of highway can often overwhelm out-of-town drivers. Additionally, I-85 sees more than 2 million vehicles on its asphalt per day, many of them tractor trailers, which some believe to be a contributing factor to the high number of accidents. That’s because drivers of smaller vehicles must often change lanes to pass these slow-moving vehicles. As if those two issues were not enough, Interstate 285 is often covered in snow.

Tip:

If you are driving around Atlanta, know the lay of the (highway) land and never pass a tractor trailer on your right.

Interstate 10

One of the longest interstates in the country, Interstate 10 spans all the way from Florida to California, and crosses many routes and highways along the way. Though there are plenty of tricky and perilous parts along the way, the stretch of highway from the California border to Phoenix is perhaps most perilous. This 150-mile section runs through the desolate desert and tallied a total of 85 fatalities in one year, making the I-10 one of the deadliest highways across the US.

Tip:

If you’re traveling through the desert terrain, make sure your vehicle’s fluids are topped off. Pulling off to the side of the road, particularly at night, increases the likelihood of an accident.

Interstate 92

Officially known as the deadliest highway in the United States, the roughly 400-mile stretch of Interstate 92 running north from Miami to the Georgia border has a rate of nearly two fatalities per mile, when measured over a five-year period. At its peak, the highway had 12 open lanes of traffic, but is still overcrowded and constantly busy. Add to the mix the state of Florida’s reputation for extreme weather and a number of out-of-town drivers and you have tragedy waiting to happen.

Tip:

Do not drive uninsured. I-92 experiences so many traffic collisions that just this section of interstate alone has a state-designated attorney eager to find someone at fault.

Million Dollar Highway

U.S. Highway 550, also known as the Million Dollar Highway, is one of the country’s most beautiful routes, as parts of it winds through the scenic Rocky Mountains. Twelve miles of one 25-mile highway stretch were actually carved into the Rockies in the 1880s and were designed for the transportation of ore. Though those 12 miles are breathtakingly gorgeous, one wrong turn will take you right off a cliff and into a jagged ravine. From Ouray and continuing through to Uncompahgre Gorge, there are no guardrails in sight — nothing between you and the bottom of the canyon.

Tip:

In an area like this, with tight curves and a steep gradient, your vehicle had better be equipped with ultra, high-performance tires for sharpened steering response and high-speed control.

Taking a Road Trip? Be Prepared for the Deadliest Highways in the US

Though America’s highways may offer unbelievably panoramic landscapes, these scenic sights may come at a high price. Make sure you and your vehicle are ready before hitting America’s open roads to ensure you will have an exciting and safe journey.

Learn more about our emergency safety kits

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There is a car accident every 60 seconds somewhere in the world, according to data from The National Highway Traffic Administration. It’s estimated that there are at least 5.25 million car crashes around the globe on a yearly basis.

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While car accidents like fender-benders and side-swipes are inevitable, there are a few things you can do after the fact to make it better. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Take Notes About Your Car Accident

You will probably be quite shaken up after being in an accident no matter the severity of the crash. But you must do your best to take detailed notes while at the scene. If you are in need of medical care, however, seek help and assistance first. Later on these notes will help your case if you have to go to court.

Record as much as you can, such as who was driving, where they were driving to, what direction they were driving, what led up to the accident, your speed, the current road conditions, any distractions like texting and any witnesses to the accident. Also take note of information about the other driver including their name and car insurance information.

2. Document With Photos

In addition to taking notes at the scene, it is wise to document the accident with photos. This is where your smartphone comes in handy. Smartphones like the Galaxy S6 have high-resolution cameras can capture the detailed damage ranging from large dents to faint scratches.

Any photos you take strengthen your case and will help you get fair compensation after your accident. If you can safely do so, get photos of the exterior and inside damage of all of the cars involved. Be sure to include shots of all four corners of every car. Also, try to capture the positions of the cars and include any landmarks and traffic lights so people who look at the photos can have a clearer picture. It’s also advised to get photos of the license plates, skid marks, debris and car parts from the accident.

2. Keep Everything

After the accident, keep any and all documentation. This includes anything about the wreck such as bills, receipts and estimates that are related to your car accident. Additionally, it is advised to keep all documentation from rental cars or alternative transportation used because of your car accident, towing fees and all repairs. An insurance claims adjuster can effectively investigate your case and claim with proper documentation if it is provided.

4. Make a Claim

After the dust has settled and it is time to file your claim with your car insurance provider, submit all documentation, notes and photos that you took with a police report. All of the supporting materials you collected will be used in your case. After your report has been submitted and looked at, you will be contacted by an adjuster who may have more questions for you.

For more information about documenting an accident in your home state, visit DMV.org.

Authored by Social Monsters

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Everyone knows tires are an essential component of vehicles. They are the only things that come in contact with the road; hence, the working of the vehicle and the safety of the people inside rests on the tires. Monitor your tire pressure to make sure your tires are always in good condition.

The Problem of Under-Inflation

About 90% of breakdowns are caused by under-inflation. Under inflated tires are a common cause of poor tread life and early tire breakdown. Low tire pressure allows excessive heat to build up. This heat can tear down retreads, increase tread wear, and even destroy tire casings, which makes driving risky and shortens tire life.

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When tires are under inflated, excessive flexing is caused on the sidewalls. This causes additional strain, which builds up more internal heat. The U.S. National Traffic and Safety Administration found that about 1 in 3 cars or light trucks were being driven with at least one under inflated tire, thus causing hazardous conditions.

Drawbacks of Under- Inflation

• Impact on Mileage – Tread wear decreases by 5% for a continuous 10% of over-inflation. If your tire is constantly under- inflated by 20%, you will witness a tire life reduction of 30% and, for every 10 PSI under inflation, your fuel consumption will increase by 0.5%. So, you can imagine the amount you would be spending to make up for the damage caused by under-inflated tires. However, with proper pressure levels for your tires, mileage is bound to improve.
• Reduces Fuel Efficiency – Due to rolling resistance, under-inflated tires consume greater amounts of fuel. A study by the American Department of Transportation showed that by keeping tires in good condition, the U.S. could save more than 4.2 gallons of fuel per day. Imagine that!
• Incurs Heavy Maintenance Costs – You should regularly check tire pressure because about 36% of your vehicle’s maintenance cost rests on its tires. Everyone tries to side-step this time consuming procedure, but this can be dangerous. Sometimes, assuming that if some tires are good, all are, the under inflated tires end up being skipped. It really makes no sense to ignore the direct cost consequence of poorly maintained tires.

Tire Pressure Tips to Remember

• To ensure the greatest tire life, keep tires properly inflated. Tires of small vehicles should be checked a minimum of once a month, while larger vehicles should be checked more often. Don’t guess or thump; measure with a quality tire gauge.
• Vehicles with dual tires have a hidden tire, which is difficult to reach and easier to neglect. If the inside tire is flat, it can rupture or over heat. Hence, checking its pressure is necessary.
• For multi-tire motor vehicles, use a wireless sensor to monitor each individual tire. Externally mounted tire sensors are easier to install and remove.
• Check tire pressure when tires are cold and, preferably, change them every 3-5 years.
• Change all tires (or at least two) at the same time.

Monitoring your tire pressure and temperature in this manner will help increase tire life and fuel efficiency, which will ultimately lead to your safety.

Author: Ron Burg writes for actiongatortire.com

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We all hope that we will never have to deal with a mechanical malfunction while behind the wheel of a vehicle, but every driver should know what to do during an emergency such as when the brakes fail. While these situations might be rare, taking a little extra time to learn how to properly control a vehicle with no brakes will help you avoid a catastrophic accident.

Do Not Panic When the Brakes Fail

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The situation might seem frightening at first, but you must stay focused, alert, and calm. Panicking will only increase your risk of making a mistake that could result in serious injuries. You can begin by simply taking your foot off the gas and glancing in all directions for nearby cars or pedestrians. If you have cruise control on, then you should calmly switch it off before doing anything else.

Check for Brake Pedal Blockage

In some situations, drivers are not able to press the brake because there is an object under the pedal. When brake pads or brake lines are damaged, the brake pedal generally feels soft or mushy. A stiff brake pedal is not typically the result of a mechanical problem. You should try to feel for any obstructions under the brake with your feet instead of taking your eyes off the road to look down. At no point should you lean down or look down to see if there is an object under the pedal.

Downshift Into Lower Gears

Downshifting can be done with automatic transmissions as well as manual transmissions. For an automatic vehicle, a driver should start by slowly shifting into the third or second gear. Once your vehicle has begun to lose momentum, you can then move to the first gear. By doing this, your engine’s transmission will actually become a brake. The exact same process can be done with manuals by slowly lowering gears until the vehicle comes to a stop. When doing this, you should remember that putting the vehicle in the lowest gear right away could compromise your control so make sure to downshift in stages.

Pump the Brakes

Many modern vehicles have anti-lock brakes that essentially “pump” the brake lines automatically. For those who have a vehicle without anti-lock brakes, gently pumping the brakes could build up enough pressure to stop the vehicle. Three or four pumps should create enough pressure in the line for the brakes to begin working. If the vehicle does not slow down after three or four pumps, then you should move on to using the parking brake.

Use the Parking Brake

The parking brake is designed to keep a vehicle from rolling down a hill after it is parked, but it can also be used when your brakes fail. Applying the parking brake must be done slowly and methodically as well. Those who pull on the handle as hard as they can, risk losing control of the vehicle. Parking brakes are typically nothing more than a second brake pad that applies pressure to one or more wheels. They can usually stop a vehicle if the brakes fail, although bear in mind that it will take longer than usual to come to a stop because they only stop the rear wheels.

Work Your Way Out of Traffic

Now that the vehicle has begun to slow down, you must try to work your way out of traffic. The best way to do this is to turn on your emergency lights to show the other drivers that you do not have complete control over your vehicle. When you are making your way toward an exit or off of the road, you should use your lights and horns to alert the other drivers. If the situation calls for it, then you might need to use guardrails, grass, or soft sand to slow down your vehicle with friction.

Pull Over to a Safe Spot

The vehicle should not be turned off until you are at a complete stop. Attempting to turn off your vehicle before you are at a stop could affect the power steering and make it difficult to turn. Drivers should avoid parking their vehicles around corners or blind spots if possible. Even if the brakes begin working again, you must not attempt to drive your vehicle. The entire brake system must be thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic before getting back on the road.

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The single best way to avoid a dangerous situation where your brakes fail is to have your car inspected and serviced as often as possible. As a general rule, drivers should have their brake pads inspected every time they change their oil. Depending on how often you drive, this maintenance might be necessary every 3,000 miles. Drivers should also be wary of any warning signs that their brakes might be damaged or worn. This includes a “soft” brake pedal, squealing sounds, and shuddering when the brakes are applied.

Author: David Moss is an automotive writer from Detroit

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Would you be prepared if something went wrong while you were driving? We call it “car prepping” and luckily, just a few items can make you far more prepared should you encounter trouble on the road. So check out the 10 things you should always have in your car to guarantee you’ll be ready for anything!

Source: Driving Test VIC : Driving Test VIC is an online resource to assist people preparing for all three Victorian licensing tests. The site’s resources were designed to inform and motivate – giving you the best chance to pass on your first attempt!

Car prepping 101: The basics

Jumper leads

Why?
Whether it’s to get you started after your battery goes flat or to help out another driver in need, jumper leads are a must have in all cars.
Where?
Boot/Trunk

Spare tire (with tools)

Why?
A flat tire could leave you stranded. Making sure you have an inflated spare and tools to change a flat could save you hours of time and a lot hassle. This is a basic of car prepping.
Where?
Boot

Phone charger

Why?
Your phone is your most valuable lifeline in an emergency. A charger could be the difference between a minor inconvenience that’s sorted in minutes and a major hassle that lasts for hours.
Where?
Glove box or console

First-aid kit

check out our prepareme emergency kits

Why?
The simple items in a first-aid kit could help a first-responder save a life in an emergency situation. Outside of that, it’s always handy to have some medical supplies nearby. Um, car prepping 101.

Where?
Glove box or back seat

Water and non-perishable food

Why?
Depending on where you breakdown, help could be a while away. Being fed and hydrated during a long wait for help will make that stretch of time a lot more comfortable.
Where?
Boot

Cash for emergencies

Why?
Money is universal and will never be declined at the most inconvenient time. Whether it’s fuel, food or a phone call for help – emergency cash can save you in a pinch.
Where?
Glove box or console

Torch (Flashlight) and spare batteries

Why?
If you need to stop at night, you’ll want to be able to see. A torch is better than your phone’s flash and phone battery is best saved for other emergencies.
Where?
Glove box or console

Blankets and spare clothes

Why?
Blankets come in handy during a wintery night in your broken down car. After changing a tire in wet weather, the spare clothes will keep you warm and dry.
Where?
Boot

Pen, paper and disposable camera

Why?
These items will allow you to collect all the details and evidence you need for insurance after an accident. They’re essentially a backup in case your phone isn’t working.
Where?
Glove box or console

Map

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Remember, real preppers know how to read a map without GPS.

Why?
Although less and less common, physical maps and street directories never lose signal or run out of battery. Keep a good old-fashioned map of your state just in case.
Where?
Side door compartment

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Gif of a guy playing flute while in traffic

As you drive to and from work, running errands and shuttling the kids to school, you’ve probably seen your fair share of drivers doing really dumb things while driving. From women trying to put on mascara while doing 70 mph on the freeway, to men changing into T-shirts and shorts while behind the wheel, there is no shortage of doofus driver decisions.

Many of the dangerous decisions people make while driving share one thing in common: a smartphone. For instance, check out the following four unsafe tasks drivers will attempt with their phones while driving:

Texting while driving

There’s a reason why those gruesome commercials starring distracted and texting teens hurtling through windshields are on the air so often. Despite the warnings, people continue to text and drive. As Driving Tests notes, while you might be tempted to read or send a quick text while on the road, there are many good reasons not to take part in this risky behavior.

In addition to probably being illegal, your insurance rates will go through the roof if you get a ticket for texting and driving. And if you won’t consider your own safety, think about your passengers. Your kids, friends, spouse and co-workers are far more important than any text you could read or send on the road. To avoid temptation, it’s best to keep your smartphone in your pocket, purse, or plain out of sight.

Facebooking while driving

As a study conducted by AT&T notes, 4 in 10 smartphone users confessed to using social media while driving. Of these sites, Facebook is No. 1 in popularity, with more than a quarter of respondents admitting to using the app while behind the wheel. Similarly, around 1 in 7 drivers are tweeting on the road.

When asked why they would rather see their friends’ inane posts about what they ate for breakfast that morning instead of focusing on driving, 22 percent of drivers said they were addicted to social media. Needless to say, this is an addiction that should definitely be broken. Like texting, browsing on Facebook takes your eyes off the road and can easily result in a tragic and even fatal accident.

Snapping selfies while driving

Another common smartphone-while-driving activity is taking selfies.

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The same AT&T poll found that 17 percent of people say they have done this at least once. In addition to requiring drivers to fiddle with their smartphones to set up the camera, it also means they are looking at the camera and not the road while making their best duck face, ever. Chances are good that once this unsafe selfie is taken, the driver will go one step further and post it on social media, meaning he or she is distracted from driving for even longer.

Talking on Skype and FaceTime while driving

Many states have banned using a smartphone to talk while driving unless you are using a hands-free Bluetooth device. But this does not seem to be stopping some drivers from engaging in video chat while on the road. As Digital Trends notes, 10 percent say they have used Skype or FaceTime while driving. Many people use these tools to see loved ones during their conversations, but when driving, chances are they aren’t looking at the road, which is a recipe for disaster.

Source: Social Monsters

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In today’s bustling, white-collar economy, professionals (whether male or female drivers) are often at the mercy of the auto mechanic. The same can go for elderly drivers and even teen drivers. Empower yourself with the following five ways to spot a car repair scam.

If you were to pay a repair garage $2,000 to have your transmission replaced, would you really know if they replaced it with an old unit salvaged from the junkyard for $200? If you went in to have a blown headlamp changed and they found that you were overdue for an oil change, would you wonder if you really needed it? If they told you that they changed your air filter and showed you the dirty one that they took out, could you be sure it wasn’t just a prop?

Car repair scams are particularly easy to pull off because cars are complex, require specialized knowledge, and we’re generally strapped for time. You would even have a hard time ensuring fair treatment as a male driver and the mechanic assumed that you knew something about cars. If you’re a female driver you are at a further disadvantage, because mechanics tend to assume mechanical incompetence in women. You could lose thousands over a lifetime. You need to take action, and make sure that you get a fair shake.

Knowledge is power for female drivers

When it comes to finding fair treatment at an auto repair shop, an on-board diagnostics scanner can be your best friend. An OBD scanner is a device that you plug into the scanner port under the hood to be able to tap into the car’s internal computer, and every scrap of information that it has about possible areas of malfunction. When female drivers know what’s wrong with their car, it can be hard for the mechanic to try to trick them.

Get a quote first

When you see a repair garage make an unnecessarily high quote upfront, you know right away that there’s something wrong there. Use a quote search tool such as whocanfixmycar.com to request quotes from garages all over the country for the work that you have in mind. Whoever makes the most reasonable quote should go on your shortlist.

Check out a review website

Review sites such as Yelp UK attract the users of various services who want to review the way they’ve been treated. If a service center on your shortlist seems to get uniformly good reviews, it would be a great idea to give them your business.

Tell them you want your parts back

To make sure that a garage isn’t recommending unnecessary work, you want to make sure that you tell them to clear all repairs with you first. You also need to ask to be given whatever parts they replace.

Find a second opinion

An opinion from another good mechanic can be a great way to ensure that you aren’t being ripped off. At the very least, you could ask around on the Internet. That’s what the forums are there for.

It’s important to understand that mechanics do not usually possess the technical skills that they claim to have. A Which? survey, for instance, found that 98% of mechanics missed simple but vital points on cars through routine service visits, such as brake fluid level problems. Rather than be fearful of your lack of competence, then, you have every reason to be fully skeptical when you go in for a visit. You need to do what it takes to protect yourself — read up, use apps and other methods to ensure that you are treated fairly.

Author: Patrick Fox has extensive knowledge working in the second hand car trade. Recently semi-retired, he is enjoying filling up some of his spare time by writing auto based articles.

Motorcycle Safety Guide for Beginners – What You Need To Know, Wear and Do as a New Motorcycle Driver

Courtesy of the experts at: http://www.injury-solicitors.ie/
Motorcycle Safety Guide for Beginners – What You Need To Know, Wear and Do as a New Motorcycle Driver – Infographic acts as a cheat sheet to tell you, at a glance, what you need to know and remember as a new motorcycle driver. Use this sheet to check safety tips, what helmet, gear, gloves, the best footwear and even what hand signals to use!

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