Slippery When Wet!

The rain is back.

Back to whatever normal weather is for this time of year. The forecast that I saw shows cooler & wetter than normal for this time of year.

The weather is important to lots of commuters. With it having been so dry for so long, we have to remember that all that water on the roads causes the oils that get in the driving surfaces will start to seep out and cause the roads to be slippery. This morning when I was accelerating from a stop, even my Honda Fit spun the tires. (yes, the tread is very good on my tires.)

So, a couple things for us to remember:

• Make sure that you give yourself more room when accelerating
• Make sure that you allow for extra space between you and other vehicles when braking
• Remember to check your tires for proper inflation and tread ware. (You can use a penny to measure the tread depth. Turn the coin so that Lincoln is facing you. Insert it in the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln's hair,the remaining tread depth is 2/32nds of an inch or less, the tire is legally bald and you should replace your tires.) Something to consider-If your tires are getting close to that legal limit, there may not be enough room in the tread to evacuate the water. 

Drive defensively- other drivers may forget how slippery the roads get.

Andy is the manager @ Hockett & Olsen  Automotive & Tire. He can be reached via email-hoauto@msn.com

School is back in session

Just a reminder- the kidletts are back in school.

Watch your speed- buses are very heavy and they take longer to stop.

If you see that flashing red stop sign-STOP !!! It is on for a reason.

I think that a lot of kids get distracted easily. I know that I did. You never know when a child is going to appear from out of nowhere.

If you get a late start, get the kids to that destination a little late. Better to be late than injure a child or a pet.

All of this will be especially true when the days are shorter and it gets dark earlier. Those Winter days are coming up real soon.

Safe motoring!

Happy Fourth of July!

Have a Happy Fourth of July!

Best wishes to all. Here is hoping that you will have a great Fourth Whether you will be barbecuing at home, going out to a picnic, going out to watch one of the many public fireworks displays or just relaxing at home with your loved ones.

Updates

It's hard to believe that it has been 4 years since the building got its facelift. New siding, new front windows (insulated of course). The door into the shop is a noise dampening door and it closes tight when needed. This greatly improves our ability to hear and be heard when we are on the phone.

That last one looks kind of like a drive thru. Maybe if you were in a golf cart?

Have a fun and safe 4th of July!

Shed a little light on the subject

Sometimes we all need a reminder about different things. This for instance is about exterior illumination & automobiles. I often see people driving with headlights out, not using turn signals, or even riding the brakes.

When I taught my 2 youngest children to drive, I made sure to talk to them about lights. They are not for you the driver so much as for the other drivers on the road. You know that you are turning, but without that light to tell other drivers that you are turning, they do not know until they see that car turning.

By the same token, if your bright headlights are on, it makes it harder for other drivers. Especially in the rain. The glare can result in difficulty seeing due to that excessive shine. 

 

Good windshield wiper blades help too. 

Be courteous, be kind. And remember, we're all in this together. 

 

Andy is the service manager at Hockett & Olsen Automotive & Tire. If you have questions or comments about this blog, he can be contacted via email- hoauto@msn.com

Don't drip & drive!

Are you ready for Winter trips?

Before you take that trip to Grandma's house, here are a few things to check on your car, light truck or SUV

Check:

• All of the interior and exterior lighting
• Make sure that you wiper blades are clean and not torn-replace them if needed
• Your windshield washer fluid-add if needed
• Your antifreeze for proper level and condition. Service if needed. (If you had to add a couple of quarts you may want a service professional to check it for leaks)
• Consider having your vehicle serviced even if it is a little early. That way you can have a service professional check it out.
• Your tires, The wear should be even. Check your tire pressure (there is usually a sticker in the driver’s door jamb that will list the proper pressure. If the tread is getting low, you may want to replace the tires. Consider winter tires if you will be in a area where snow and ice is common. 
• for film on the windows. The haze can act like a reflector and cause difficulty seeing at night. Remember all of the windows, not just the front!
•  to make sure that you have a full tank of gas.

       Over the river and thru the woods

 

Create an emergency kit that includes at least:   

·        Jumper cables

·        Flares or reflective devices

·        First aid kit

·        Tire pressure gauge

·        Bottled drinking water

·        Spare change of clothes & extra hat & gloves

·        Cell phone and charger

·        Important papers (like medical cards & emergency contacts list)

·        Flashlight & spare batteries

·        Window scraper

·        Hand warmers

·        Spare bag of sand and/or rock salt

·        Energy bars

·        A copy of your auto club card

  Planning is essential when you are taking a trip. Planning ahead for emergencies will not keep you from having the occasional glitch, but it can help make it a lot less stressful for the times when something does comes up. Remember-if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!

Andy is the service manager @ Hockett & Olsen Automotive. He can be reached via email: hoauto@msn.com