All In A Days Work

When winter hits, so does a lot of difficult driving dilemmas –  from heavy snow and ice to below-zero temperatures.  According to the National Weather Service, icy roads can lead to an increase in traffic accidents. To help stay safe on the roads, brush up on your winter car driving know-how with these safety tips.

This post is sponsored by East Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

1. Build a Winter Car Emergency Kit
It’s always good to be prepared for emergencies while you are on the road. Keep a winter emergency kit in your car with necessities such as a snow shovel, a brush, warning flares, reflective triangles, a bag of kitty litter (or sand), extra clothes, gloves, hand warmers, hats, thermal blankets, snacks, water, and an emergency battery for your cell phone. Also make sure you have a first-aid kit (that’s been updated). Put it in plastic container and keep it in your trunk!

When roads get icy, road salt or ice melt can help make driving conditions safer. But that salt and ice melt can reek havoc and make a disastrous mess when it’s tracked in your car.  Thankfully, there’s an easy way to remove salt stains and ice melt from your car mats.

This post is sponsored by Central Avenue Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Stir together 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water in a bucket, AutoFocus recommends. Pour into a spray bottle using a funnel.

Step 2: Test the Mixture
Before you try this cleaning method, test it in an inconspicuous portion of your car mat to help ensure it doesn’t stain or damage it. Allow the test spot to dry completely before using the mixture on the rest of your mats.

Step 3: Spray the Mats
Remove the mats from your vehicle and spray them with the mixture.

Step 4: Scrub Away
Use a scrub brush to remove the stains, Cars.com says.

Step 5: Dry the Mats
Blot the mats using a clean, dry towel.

Step 6: Repeat as Necessary
If stains remain, repeat the process.

Step 7: Allow Mats to Dry
Let the mats air dry, then return them to your vehicle. You can also try this method to remove salt or ice melt stains from the carpet inside your car, too.

This post is sponsored by Marburger Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Many consumers (like myself) prefer to purchase used cars versus new. Since buying a used car is sometimes a sensible option, you still need to be smart about your choices.

Sometimes used cars are sold with hidden damages that can be a very costly problem – to avoid purchasing a “lemon” , here’s a checklist to help check the condition and value before buying a used car.

MECHANICS

Here are some steps to take when inspecting a used car for mechanical issues:

• Look carefully at the car’s exterior and interior.
• Go for a test drive.
• Perform a leak test.
• Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle.

The Car’s Exterior and Interior

The exterior and interior condition of a vehicle can play a significant role in the value of the vehicle. You need to check over it carefully, checking for rips, rust and for any repairs that might need made. Open the hood, get a good look at the engine and parts – dirty and rusted parts can be a sign of trouble down the road.

Take it for a Test Drive

ALWAYS ALWAYS take your car on a test drive – on local roads and highways. You need to see how the car responds and performs. On local roads you can feel how the car shifts and responds to sharp turns. You can also get the condition of the breaks with stop and go conditions. On the highway you can see if the engine runs smoothly. Keep your eyes and ears open – listen for unusual engine or break noise – and check to see how the electronics are working.

Perform a Leak Test

Any car with leaks is generally a RED FLAG. During your test drive, take a moment to park in a clean area and let the car run for a few minutes. Then move the car and do a visible inspection for leaks. Black fluid can be leaking oil, green fluid anti-freeze and pink fluid , transmission.

Take it to a Trusted Mechanic

A lot of people won’t take the time to have a mechanic inspect their car before purchase – and you may wish you would have in the future. Having your trusted mechanic take a look, or even paying a mechanic for an inspection, can be worth every penny. They can help find hidden problems that you might not be able to see, and help you get an idea if it’s worth what they are asking. If there were – or may be – any major problems especially with the engine or transmission, they can let you know.

RESEARCH CHECKLIST

Once you feel the car is in good condition, consider these steps to further research the vehicle:

• Read reviews on the make and model.
• Figure out a fair purchase price.
• Make sure to decode the VIN.
• Review the vehicle history report. (make sure it doesn’t have a salvage title)
• Consider looking at certified pre-owned vehicles.
• Take your time to help avoid buyer’s remorse.

Following these simple steps should help assure that you have gotten a good deal and aren’t stuck with a lemon!

As we in the Midwest have learned over the past few days, is that winter weather can create some inconvenient, unexpected issues. But by taking a few precautions you can prepare yourself to get through with these winter road hacks.

                      This post is sponsored by Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram.

1. De-Ice Your Locks with Hand Sanitizer

If you don’t have a garage and you park on the street (like me) it can get really icy – especially your locks! If you don’t have a commercial lock de-icer, hand sanitizer can do the trick! Since it contains alcohol – an ingredient that helps melt ice – it makes it the perfect de-icer! To help melt the ice, cover the end of your key with hand sanitizer and insert into the key hole, aiming to get as much product in the lock as possible. This should help melt the ice and help you get your car on the road.  A good idea to make sure that you always have some with you, is to purchase a key ring that holds the sanitizer, so its hooked to your keys.

2. Get Your Vehicle Out of Snow with Kitty Litter

Sometimes there is a lot of snow and sleet and it’s hard to get traction with your car – so use kitty litter! If you spread litter directly in front of the tires that are stuck, it can help your tires grip. Kitty litter is super cheap, so its a good idea to keep a bag in your trunk throughout the winter months.

3. Prevent Windshield Wipers From Freezing with Old Socks

Before I go to bed at night, and I know its going to snow or ice, I put socks over my windshield wiper blades. It helps keep them from freezing and sticking to the windshield. You can also lift the blades completely off the windshield as an extra precaution.

4. Cover Your Side Mirrors with Plastic Bags to Prevent Frost Buildup

If you are like me, you keep all your plastic grocery bags you know just in case (they are handy for several reasons). You should keep a few of those in your glove compartment to help your side mirrors from freezing. If you have freezing temps (especially if it comes with rain or snow) cover each mirror with a bag to help keep the elements from icing over your mirrors. This can help you save TONS of time when it comes to getting ready to leave!

These few hacks can help you with some of the  challenges we have to face during the winter season