Are you an aggressive driver?

	Name	Symptoms	Remedy
1	Obsessing about slow traffic	“At this rate we’ll never get there” , “I feel like I’m going backwards” , “Now I’m stuck behind this slow driver” etc.	Leave earlier; Give up getting there on time; Distract yourself with radio or music; Admire the scenery; Practice yoga breathing
2	Feeling combative with self-righteous indignation	“This jerk just cut me off gotta give him a piece of my mind” , “I don’t deserve to be pushed around” , “Nobody gives me the finger and gets away with it” “Nobody should fool with me and get away with it”; etc.	Make funny animal sounds; Make up some possible excuses for that driver; Think about your parents and children who might do the same thing; Think about being a saint
3	Feeling excessively competitive	“Darn, that guy made the light and I didn’t” , “How come that lane is faster than this one”	Tell yourself it’s just a habit from childhood to feel anxious about not winning, or being left behind; Remind yourself it feels good to be civil and helpful
4	Being over-critical	“Look at that idiot who forgets to turn off his signal” , “I can’t stand it the way he slows down and speeds up, slows down and speeds up” , “How can he pay attention to the road if he�s babbling on the phone”	Tell yourself it’s human to make mistakes; Recall to yourself your own mistakes; Remind yourself that patience is a virtue; Try to maneuver your car away from that car
5	Love of risk taking	“I like to go fast, but I’m careful” , “I can make this light if I speed up” , “I can squeeze into that opening if I time it right” , “I can insult that driver cause I can get away fast” , etc.	Think of your loved ones and how they would feel if something happened to you; Tell yourself you prefer to be a mature and prudent person

Driving Etiquette

Here are some simple Rules of the Road to remember the next time you go out:

• When driving, pay attention to the task at hand
• Do not stay in the left lane if you are going slower than the traffic to your right
• If you are not passing another car, remain in the right lane(s)
• If a car is approaching from the rear, flashing its lights, move over as soon as you are able
• Do not tailgate, leave a “2 second” space between you and the car ahead of you
• Do not slam on your brakes if a car is tailgating you
• Do not ride your brakes
• Do not change lanes if there is a car in the lane you want to move into going faster than you
• Be courteous to others, if you can’t make a move without obstructing others on the road don’t do it
• Check around your car when changing lanes in order to do so safely
• When entering an interstate, speed up to match the speed of the oncoming traffic before trying to merge
• When leaving an interstate, slow down only when you are totally in the deceleration lane
• When moving into a turn lane, wait until you are in the lane to brake
• When driving behind someone make sure your high beams are off
• Green means GO
• Red means STOP
• Blue means MOVE TO THE RIGHT (and if it follows you, it means you’re screwed)
• Use your blinker to signal a lane change, or a turn
• Do not forget to turn off your blinker
• When encountering a funeral procession, pull over to show respect for the deceased (unless you know the SOB, that is)
• And finally for all you tourists out there in happy-go-lucky land, plan your trip before you leave home so you know where you are going

Driving Tips for New Drivers

21 Smart Driving Tips for New Drivers:

You’re biggest risk of having a bad accident is within the first two years of you passing your driving test. Follow these hints and you can reduce this risk.

1. After passing your test it will be strange to find an empty front passenger seat. The first time you drive take someone with you for support. Think seriously about displaying a `P’ plate.
2. When you do have to drive completely alone, begin on roads that you know but remember to keep a road atlas in the car in case you get lost.
3. When you get your confidence, drive like you own the car, not the road!
4. You’ve learnt to drive and passed your test by sticking to the rules. Stay this way and you’ll stay alive ! So will your passengers and others on the road.
5. Your quick reactions won’t always stop you having an accident. Spotting and responding to problems ahead in plenty of time will.
6. Drive in a way that suits your ability and the traffic conditions. It doesn’t impress anybody if you drive fast in the wrong places and you could end up in a lot of trouble.
7. Have plenty of sleep, especially before making a big journey and take plenty of rest breaks to restore your alertness. Listen to the radio for traffic reports and make sure you’ve enough fuel.
8. Fiddling with the radio or a cassette when your driving can be distracting, so can playing your sound system so loud that you can’t hear the sirens of an emergency vehicle.
9. Give your mates a lift, but remember you’re the driver so you’re in control. Don’t succumb to peer pressure. If they give you hassle, drop them off at a bus stop!
10. Keep your eyes moving but don’t scare your passengers by turning your head away from the road ahead when talking to any of them!
11. Take motorway tuition and seriously think about advanced driver training. Research shows that it makes better drivers.
12. Driving a four wheel drive motor doesn’t suspend the laws of physics. You can still lose control if you ask too much of it.
13. Don’t leave valuables in your car where they can be seen because this invites a break in.
14. Keep space from aggressive drivers. Don’t get involved in trouble.
15. Be seen. Whenever you need to turn your windscreen wipers on switch your lights as well.
16. If you’re driving on a slippery or loose surface use the foot controls very gently.
17. Taking drugs and driving, like drinking alcohol before driving is a definite `No’..
18. Before driving abroad you need professional advice.
19. Keep some tools in your car !
20. If you’re driving alone, particularly if you’re a woman you should:
    a. Plan your journey properly and let somebody know your route.
    b. Carry a pen, paper, maps, first aid kit, torch, small change, warm clothing/blanket and a fire extinguisher.
    c. Carry a mobile phone (only for emergencies).
    d. Carry a personal attack alarm.
    e. Be sure that your car is in good order and join a recovery organization
21. If your vehicle breaks down, don’t panic. There are far more friendly people on the roads than those who would wish to harm you.
    * If you can, pull up where there are houses, street lighting and a telephone.
    * If you are somewhere remote you are at less risk if you stay inside your car. Use your mobile phone. If you have to walk take your personal attack alarm with you.
    * If a stranger does offers assistance, note their car number, keep your doors locked, speak to them through a closed window and send them to get help.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is perhaps one of the most terrifying things that can take place to any driver short of being engaged in a major collision. There you are, cruising along at fifty or sixty miles per hour in the rain, and all of a sudden your car is out of control. Several drivers don’t have a clue as to why their car abruptly ceased to respond to their turning of the steering wheel the application of the brakes. Frequently, drivers who are questioned after a crash caused by hydroplaning will state, “I don’t know what occurred, but I couldn’t control the vehicle.”

The one thing all hydroplaning problems have in common is the presence of water on the roadway. Here is what occurs when a hydroplaning vehicle is out of control: As the tires roll over the surface of a road that is wet after or during a heavy rain or when water has accumulated because of poor drainage, a wedge of water builds up just in front of the tire where it meets the road. If your tires are in good shape, they will flush away the wedge of water at lower speeds and allow the tire tread to grip the road for steering and braking. But when tires are worn or bald, the wedge of water does no get flushed away and the tires actually climb up on top of the wedge, losing contact with the road. Once the tires are floating on the water, the car is hydroplaning. The deeper the water, the more likely a hydroplane will occur. At slow speed, the tire simply squeezes the water away. At higher speeds, it is harder to flush away the water. Tires with deep tire treads and tires specifically designed as “rain tires” work best. But even the best tires may hydroplane at higher speeds. And worn tires may start to hydroplane at speeds as low as 30 mph. The best advice for any driver encountering water on the roadway is to slow down. It is nearly impossible to know the depth of water on a roadway. Aside from hydroplaning, driving fast into water may cause a splash that could momentarily blind you or a nearby driver. Hitting water at high speeds may also cause water to splash up under the hood and cause the engine to die out. That could leave you dangerously stranded on a busy lane where following cars have minimal control.

Again the most important thing to remember – no mater how good your tires are, no matter if you have antilock brakes, four-wheel drive or traction control – is to slow down!

Your best safeguard against a potentially out-of-control hydroplaning experience is to slow down to below 30 mph when the roadway is covered with water and to avoid any puddles of accumulated water on the roadway.

MINIMIZE YOUR RISK OF HYDROPLANING BY TAKING A FEW PRECAUTIONS:

*Make sure that all four of the tires on your car are in good condition. That means they must have a good amount of tread left that will allow water to be flushed out of the path of the tire as it meets the road. Ask your service dealer to measure the tire tread depth and advise you if it is adequate to keep you safe.

*In rainy weather, slow down to a safe speed. If need be, pull off the road in a dangerous downpour with limited visibility and a high risk of hydroplaning.

This content is provided to you by All Makes Automotive Services.

All-Makes is the place to go for all your auto repair needs in Rio Rancho, NM.

Ten Ways to Save on Gas

1) Keep starts and stops smooth.
Nailing the pedal to the floor in “jackrabbit starts” wastes gas. Abrupt stops also waste fuel—and cause extra wear and tear.

2) Perform routine car care.
Dirty air filters and oil filters, worn spark plugs, neglected oil changes and problems with the emission-control system can reduce fuel economy. Change your oil and check the filters every 3000 miles for peak performance.

3) Maintain tires and keep wheels aligned.
Low tire air pressure is dangerous—and costly. It creates a drag on the engine, prematurely wears out tires and burns more gas. Misaligned wheels, worn wheel bearings or dragging brakes also can reduce fuel economy by 10%.

4) Buy the right octane.
Most cars work fine on regular gas (unless you hear an engine knock). But you should use the octane the manufacturer specifies.

5) Use your air conditioner wisely.
Running your air conditioner greatly increases gas consumption. Don’t use it if fresh air will cool the vehicle sufficiently. On hot days, park in the shade and open the windows for a few minutes when you get in to let hot air escape.

6) Lighten the load.
Don’t use your trunk to store stuff—extra tires, beach chairs, a case of motor oil. Added weight lowers fuel economy. A rooftop luggage rack also creates a drag that will reduce mileage.

7) Stay out of traffic.
Stop-and-go traffic takes a drastic toll on fuel usage. If at all possible, plan your trips to avoid periods of peak traffic congestion. Also try to avoid unnecessary idling, which burns more gas than turning off and restarting the engine.

Drive smart.
First, keep your speed down: Going 65 mph uses about 15% more fuel than going 55mph, and going 70 to 75 mph may consume 25% more. Second, keep a constant speed—use cruise control if you can. Finally, use overdrive if you have it(most vehicles with automatic transmissions do). That way, the car will shift into gas-saving mode at about 50 mph.

9) Plan your errands.
Taking frequent short trips will guzzle gas. Instead, try to combine errands with your daily commute: Pick up your dry cleaning on the way home from work, for example.

10) Fill up in the morning.
You’ll get slightly more fuel for your dollar if you fill up when it’s cooler outside. (Cooler gasoline is more compact.) Over time, the savings can add up!

This content is provided to you by All Makes Automotive Services.

All-Makes is the place to go for all your auto repair needs in Rio Rancho, NM.

Driving Tips for Mom’s-to-Be

With all of the excitement surrounding moms-to-be, transportation is the least of the worries, however driving while pregnant can be a very uncomfortable situation. Here are tips to new and expectant mothers for safe and comfortable car rides.

Many pregnant women may find driving to be less than comfortable, worrying if their belly is too close to the steering wheel, not quite sure how to deal with the seat belt, and the thought of airbags protecting their unborn child.

Although sometimes unpleasant, you should always wear a seat belt. The proper way to wear a seat belt while pregnant is no different from any other time. Make sure that the lap belt is low and tight across your hips, not across your stomach. The shoulder belt should go across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. Many vehicles allow for adjustment of the belt at the car’s “B” pillar (the middle post over your shoulder).

Airbags are proven to save lives—if they are used with seat-belts and if the passenger is seated properly and the right distance from the airbags. Expectant mothers should be sure to sit up straight and keep at least 12 inches of clearance between the front airbags and their belly. Pillows or other cushions should not be used to change seating position, simply use the adjusters that are built into the vehicle.

Below are answers to other common questions for choosing the best cars for new moms.

- Pregnant women and new mom’s are already dealing with all the gear they have to carry – what vehicle can hold it all and which are the easiest autos to load and unload?
Look for low vehicles that are safe such as Crossover or Sport utility vehicles. Also consider minivans and station wagons. The secret is to haul all the gear without putting more stress on your back.


- What auto will put the least pressure on your back?
Lower vehicles, but not too low like CUV’s, are best as you can get car seats in and out and are not too high so you don’t strain your back. This is personal based on height and body structure.

- Which vehicles are the easiest to install a car seat?
Minivans are easiest so you can sit in the vehicle if needed and buckle in the belt. Please always follow the owner’s manual and the car seat directions for the correct way to install the seat.

- As the kids grow – will this vehicle grow with it?
Kids love to look out the window at any age. Look for adjustable seats and never use a pillow or blanket to raise a car seat.

- What can you add to a car to protect children from the sun?
Static window tint and shades are available to protect your child from the sun or bright light that may upset a child or baby.

- What are the safest vehicles to protect your children?
Always look for a five- star crash test rating for the front driver and passenger as well as both sides for side impact protection. Children travel safest when they wear their seat-belts, you should set a good example, but the safest vehicles have air bags in the front and side. Car seats are the safest way for small children to travel as long as they’re properly attached to the car.

This content is provided to you by All Makes Automotive Services.

All-Makes is the place to go for all your auto repair needs in Rio Rancho, NM.

Safe Winter Driving

Here are a few driving tips to prepare drivers for the winter weather conditions on the road ahead.

As winter sets in, the roads can become a treacherous place for a vehicle. Heavy rain, snow, sleet, and ice can create a whole new world on the road than what most are used to driving on. Don’t be caught off guard when the weather turns frightful, and review these tips before taking to the streets come the first sign of winter.

1) ADJUST YOUR SPEED TO THE CURRENT CONDITIONS.
When driving in challenging conditions, slow down. Decreasing speed will allow more time to respond when a difficult situation occurs.

2) ANTICIPATE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS.
Many studies have shown that 80% of all accidents could be prevented with only one more second to react. This one second can be gained by looking far enough ahead of to identify problems before becoming a part of them.

3) USE GRIP EFFECTIVELY.
When roads are slippery, always brake in a straight line before the curve in the road. Taking your foot off the brake before steering into the corner allows you to use the entire grip available for steering. Don’t accelerate until the steering wheel is straight.

4) DRIVE WITH YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON.
Whenever daytime visibility is less than clear be sure to turn on head lights as to be seen by other drivers. Remember this rule of thumb: wipers on, lights on. When traveling in snowy weather remember to regularly clear tail lights, turn signal lights, and headlamps.

5) ANTI-LOCK BRAKES CAN’T PERFORM MIRACLES.
Although ABS braking systems offer the ability to brake and steer, they are still limited by the grip available on the road and the type of tires on your vehicle. If you’re driving too fast into a corner and try to brake, even ABS won’t keep you on the road.

6) DRIVING AT NIGHT.
Leave headlamps on low beam when driving in snow or fog. This will minimize the reflection and glare, improve visibility, and will help reduce eye fatigue.

7) WEAR QUALITY SUNGLASSES.
Good-quality sunglasses help highlight changes in the terrain and road surface even in low visibility conditions. Polarized lenses are your best choice.

Start the winter off right by reviewing and following these simple guidelines to prepare for the slippery conditions that lie ahead.

This content is provided to you by All Makes Automotive Services.

All-Makes is the place to go for all your auto repair needs in Rio Rancho, NM.