All In A Days Work

Most people think a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a random list of numbers and letters assigned to a vehicle – but it’s much more than that.
The VIN offers an abundance of information for drivers, car insurers, and anyone else who might need or want to know the vehicles history. The VIN can help the police prevent theft and fraud, and it can also help you avoid buying a lemon, or wrecked vehicle!

Your vehicle’s VIN is a mix of 17 letters and numbers that are displayed on the drivers side dash, under the windshield, and on the drivers door inside where it connects with the rest of your vehicle (like when you open the car door). The VIN is a unique marker for your vehicle and make identification much easier.

This post is sponsored by Winner Hyundai.

CAR HISTORY
Many companies store, share and sell information using the VIN number. The biggest source of VIN information is the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Repair shops also keep track for routine maintenance, accidents and flood damage. Local law enforcement and fire departments may have a list of them as well in their database for accident and thefts.
Insurance companies and car dealerships (think CARFAX) and junk and salvage companies also access and share info gathered on vehicles through their VIN number.

CHARACTER 1-3
The first three characters of a VIN number are called the “World Manufacturer Identifier” The first letter corresponds to reveal where in the world your car was made. For example, 1,4, and 5 usually mean the U.S. 2 means Canada, J for Japan, and W for Germany.

CHARACTERS 4-8
While the standards vary between manufacturers and countries, these figures relay info about your car’s safety features, engine type, transmission, body, etc. It’s also a reference for mechanics and anyone who may service and work on your car.

CHARACTER 9
The 9th character of a VIN is a ‘check digit’. It verifies that the VIN is legitimate and its not fraudulent.
The U.S Department of Transportation established a complex mathematical equation that multiplies and divides the numbers and letters of your VIN to arrive at the check digit – if it doesn’t match, something fishy is going on.
You can actually go online and use some tools to check to see if your digit is correct.

CHARACTER 10
The 10th character will actually tell you what YEAR the vehicle is.
Cars from 1908 – 2000 typically carry a letter A-Y (for example A is for 1980, B is 1981, etc). Cars built between 2001- 2009 use the numbers 0-9 in order, and in 2010 many companies reset the lettering system.

CHARACTER 11
Character 11 is the specific manufacturing plant for the specific company that made the vehicle.

CHARACTERS 12-17
This is identifying marks for your car specifically. Pretty much the last few digits tell us when your car came off the assembly line. These last 6 digits are unique and will never be the same as any other vehicle.

While pets can be adorable riding on your lap , they can be as big of a distraction as checking your phone, or changing the radio station. As cute as they are (trust me I know, my pup likes to ride on my shoulders and wrap herself around me like a mink wrap!) there are a few things you can do to make sure that you keep yourself, others on the road, and your precious pup safe while you are driving.

This post is sponsored by East Hills Subaru.

The National Highway Safety Administration says it only takes 2 seconds of distracted driving to increase your chances of having an accident. A survey done by AAA a few years back concluded that:

• 65 percent of dog-owning drivers admit petting or holding down their dog, reaching back, taking photos, and other distracting behaviors
• A 10-pound dog that’s not restrained can generate 500 pounds of force in a 50-mph crash
• An 80-pound dog can generate 2,400 pounds of force in a 30 mph crash

State Laws: Laws vary by state, however, a lot of states require that your pup be kenneled or restrained while you are driving, and it can pack some pretty hefty fines if you are caught disregarding the law. So check with your local state lawmakers to find out the laws for your pets in your state.

KEEP THEM RESTRAINED
They are like your babies – so treat them like one. Get a dog seat belt or dog booster seat to keep them restrained and safe. Both are easy to use and usually work in tandem with your cars seat belt. Be sure you buy the proper size, because just like with your infant/toddler, size of seat belts and booster seats do matter. A travel kennel would work as well.

FEED THEM BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Again just like with your kids, feed them before you leave! It can keep them from getting car sick, and if you feed them just about 3 hours or so before you leave, that will prevent you from having to make an emergency ‘potty’ stop.

DON’T LEAVE THEM IN PARKED CARS ALONE
As we know parked cars get super hot in the summer – like a greenhouse. If you have to park and leave them alone, park in the shade, and roll down the windows a bit so they have a breeze, and make sure they have something to drink.

As fun as it is to see them so excited to go on a ride and want to have their hair blowing in the wind, just remember its safest for them (and everyone) if you keep them restrained and calm is the key to a safe, relaxing car ride.

We always hear about the driving safety tips for winter, or rain, but we don’t really talk about the hazards that can come with driving during the summer. Believe it or statistics show that driving during the summer can actually be a more dangerous time to be on the road, in fact the highest number of fatal accidents occur in August. Summer can be the prettiest time to drive, but you also have to remember not to throw caution to the wind.

This post is sponsored by Buhler Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram

CONSTRUCTION
Not only is there more drivers on the road, but there’s more construction as well.  There are nearly 700 fatalities every year  in construction zones so stay alert, heed warning signs and SLOW DOWN.

BE CAUTIOUS AND WATCH FOR BIKES AND MOTORCYCLES
People like to take advantage of warm weather, dusting their bikes off and getting out on the open road. You need to be cautious sharing the road with them, and being sure to give cyclist and bikers plenty of space and room when driving.

VACATIONING DRIVERS
We all love summer road trips, but with congested roads, traffic jams, people from out of town unfamiliar with roads driving too slow, or stopping suddenly, erratic drivers, road ragers, and sleepy drivers, it can definitely be more dangerous than you think. You have to not only keep your eyes on the road, but your mind too.

DON’T FORGET YOUR SHADES
You also have to be cautious about heavy traffic times and sun light. Usually the rush hour traffic is right at sun down and can cause your vision to be impaired.

Even if you are good with cars, there are a lot of potential problems you can run into on the road (especially if you travel a lot). Knowing there is always a number you can call and get help in case of an emergency can really give you peace of mind. So here are some of the tops reasons you may want to consider a roadside assistance membership.

                                          This post is sponsored by Central Avenue Hyundai.

FLAT TIRE

If you know how to change a tire – and you can do it safely – go for it! If you don’t know how to , then a roadside assistance program may be right for you. Also there are sometimes problems you can run into when changing your own tire, if a lug nut gets stuck, you are in an unsafe area, or maybe your your spare is flat! Another great reason to have a roadside membership just in case. 

YOU NEED A TOW

If you break down, or God forbid get in a car accident, chances are you are going to need a tow. Let me tell you from experience, you do NOT want to be broken down on the side of the road trying to find a tow company not only that is reputable, but that can get to you in a timely fashion. A roadside program can be great for this – if you DON’T have one, you can probably contact your insurance company and get reimbursed for your tow, but you must have the money up front to pay for the tow (another plus – you already have paid, so most likely using your membership won’t cost you anything extra at your time of need!)

DEAD BATTERY

Though you may have jumper cables in your emergency kit, you 1. need another vehicle to be able to jump you and 2. know how to use them safely. A jump from a reputable company (which is what you will get with your roadside membership) will be safe.

LOCK OUT

Gone are the days of using a wire hanger to open your door when you accidentally lock yourself out of your car. Besides even a lock out, sometimes key fob batteries can die and you won’t be able to get in your vehicle that way as well. If you are able to have someone bring you a new battery, (or your extra set of keys) great! But that isn’t always the case. Sometimes you need professional help.

RUNNING OUT OF GAS

I know you probably think it couldn’t happen to you – but have you ever had your gas gauge stop working? Even the smartest of people can be off , and you could easily run out of gas. The great thing about roadside assistance is they will bring you gas! You don’t have to be stuck, or walk to a gas station. (Hey if you have family to bring you gas great, but in my experience there are times that everyone is busy when I have an urgent need!)

Whether you have roadside assistance or not, be SAFE ALWAYS!

• Pull your car over to the side of the road or shoulder as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Turn on your car’s hazard lights and put out your emergency reflector triangles, if you have them, to help alert other drivers.
• Don’t attempt to repair your vehicle on a busy highway.
• If you’re able to safely walk to another location, leave a note on the windshield of your car with your phone number, lock your car and call for assistance once you’re in a safe location.
• If you cannot walk to a safe location, stay in your car with the doors locked and your seat belt fastened. Call for assistance and wait for them to arrive.

Roadside Assistance Memberships may not be as expensive as you think – but you do need to know what you are getting. Be sure you have a plan that will give you the coverage you need.