StreetSafe Driving Academy Session 7 Inclement Weather and Emergencies
4 Keys to Smart Driving S.E.A.N. Strategic thinking Expecting other drivers to make mistakes Appropriate scanning Not getting emotional
Poor Weather Conditions Rain Fog Snow Hail Sleet Ice Extreme heat
What is Different During Poor Usually: Weather Conditions? 1. Reduced visibility 2. Reduced traction 3. Increased stopping distance required 4. Increased risk of losing control
Planning for Poor Weather What You Should Have in Your Car: ü Flares ü Reflectors ü Flashlight and batteries ü Bottled water ü Jumper cables ü Small bag of sand or kitty litter ü Small shovel ü Blanket ü Ice/snow scraper with metal edge (not plastic) ü Extra windshield wiper fluid ü Extra charged cell phone battery
Make Sure Your Car is Prepared for Bad Weather æ Keep tires properly inflated æ Check all fluids æ Have a winter car check up each fall æ Make sure you have appropriate tires for conditions snow/radial/all weather æ Always have a minimum of ¼ tank gas (1/2 tank is best) æ Clear all windows before moving vehicle æ Make sure headlights and brake lights are clean dirty headlights can reduce visibility by as much as 50%
Other Recommendations for Bad Weather Preparation æ Apply Rain X/Accuvision/Aquapel to all windows æ A University of Michigan study showed that these types of products increased visibility by 34% and improved driver reaction time by as much as 25% æ Diamond-Fusion coating repels water like other products but lasts 5+ years (must be professionally applied)
If Bad Weather if Forecasted: v Listen to news for weather updates v Consider postponing trip if weather is predicted to be severe v Do not travel alone v Know your route beforehand v Do not use cruise control (faster reaction if foot is already on gas vs. on floor)
Driving in Fog Fog is one of the most dangerous weather conditions What you will face: æ Difficulty determining speed no point of reference æ Difficulty judging distance, location of other cars æ Difficulty identifying lanes æ Difficulty reading signs æ Moisture on road increases braking distance and likelihood of skid
Driving in Fog What you should do: æ Slow down check speedometer, go slower than speed limit æ Turn on low beams, wipers and defroster æ Crack window and turn off radio listen for other car engines, horns æ Make all steering and braking movements smoothly æ Look for a safe place to pull far off road if possible until visibility improves æ Turn on emergency flashers
Driving in Rain What you will face: æ Reduced visibility æ Reduced traction æ Increased stopping distance æ Increased risk of losing control æ If rain is heavy reduced ability to hear æ Likely spray from other vehicles While driving in rain consider: æ When it rains (vs. recent weather) æ How heavily it rains
The Road and Rain æ Rain after a dry spell mixes with oil from cars making a slippery substance that reduces tire traction æ The most dangerous time to drive in rain is at the beginning of a rain fall æ After the rain has had time to wash away the oil, traction is improved but still reduced versus dry conditions æ Driving in heavy rain increases the likelihood that tires will not have sufficient traction æ Autumn season adds leaves to road surface increasing the potential for skids
Driving in Rain æ Drive more slowly than usual æ Turn on headlights (even in daytime) æ Turn on windshield wipers æ Make sure outside windows and mirrors are clear æ Don t change speed or direction quickly æ All hand and foot movements should be smooth æ Do not drive through pools of water æ Stay in middle lane on multi-lane highways water collects in outside lanes
Hydroplaning What is it? æ A thin layer of water (as little as 1/8 inch) prohibits tires from making contact with the road When does it happen? æ At low speeds (even 35 mph) any time the road is wet How to avoid it: æ Reduce speed æ Ensure all turns, acceleration and deceleration are gradual and smooth æ Ensure tires have adequate tread (penny test) and are inflated properly æ All weather tires are a good option
æ æ æ æ æ æ æ æ æ æ What to do if you begin to Hydroplane You will know instantly if your car begins to hydroplane You can feel that the car is not making contact with the road Do not panic Sudden moves will likely make you lose control of the car Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel Ease foot off accelerator Do not slam on brakes If you must stop, gently press brake to reduce speed (hard braking will result in total loss of control) Steer in the direction you want to go Hydroplaning does not usually last long so keep your focus on the road and where you want the car to go
Floods and Rushing Water Never drive through standing or rushing water: æ You do not know how deep the water is æ You do not know the strength of the current æ Obey all signs and emergency personnel æ If road-side trees, shrubs and signs look too low, slow down immediately Driving into floodwater at high speed is similar to driving into a wall - the car will stop, you will be thrown forward æ As little as 6 inches of water can carry you away æ As little as 2 feet of water can carry a car away even an SUV
Floods and Rushing Water If your car stalls in deep water: æ Immediately take off seatbelt æ Open window quickly æ Abandon car æ Seek higher ground However: æ Power windows will short circuit in water æ If you can t open window, try to open door If door won t open: æ Wait until water rises and pressure is equalized door should open æ Carry a special tool in glove compartment to break window
Winter Driving The most important thing to do to prepare for winter? Install snow/winter tires Winter tires dramatically improve a driver s ability to steer around obstacles and can cut stopping distance by as much as 50 feet A car s systems (all-wheel drive, stability control, antilock brakes) are only as good as the tire traction they have to work with Install front and rear do not mix with all season tires Ensure sufficient tread Snow chains are usually only necessary during heavy snowstorms in rural areas
Winter Driving Tips æ Keep battery terminals clean since a car s battery can be 60% less powerful in colder temperatures æ If possible, keep car under cover to protect it from elements æ Warm car up by turning on ignition (no more than 5 minutes) in open area before driving æ Never turn on ignition in a closed garage æ Use defrost to melt ice off windows before turning wipers on wipers will shred when dragged over ice æ If door lock is frozen, heat end of key with a match æ Once a year use a dose of dry graphite lock lubricant to prevent frozen locks
Winter Driving Tips æ Clear snow and ice from all windows plus roof, hood and trunk (PA law requires it) æ Clear snow and ice from headlights and brake lights æ Wash road salt off car as soon as possible corrosive to paint æ Once a year spray liquid silicone on door weather strips to prevent doors from freezing shut æ Before moving vehicle, check your boots to make sure sole is free of ice or snow chunks æ Do not drive with heater in recirculation mode increases humidity inside vehicle creates frost on interior windows faster than defroster can clear it
Winter Driving Strategies æ Drive in snow and ice only when absolutely necessary æ Increase following distance to at least 8-10 seconds æ Don t be overly confident in 4 wheel drive vehicles just because they can get through snow does not mean they can stop in it æ Always decrease speed æ Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses most freeze before roads because cold air hits the pavement from the top and bottom vs. roads which are hit with cold air only from the top æ Slow down before reaching bridges and ramps; avoid sudden changes in direction and speed while on them æ Turn on headlights æ Avoid trucks larger blind spots, longer stopping distances, snow/ rain spray and less traction
Winter Driving Strategies Avoid any fast or sharp movements: æ Accelerate gently æ Turn slowly æ Brake carefully and early æ Use strategic thinking to anticipate problems and plan ahead Anticipate: æ Curves æ Stops æ Other cars movements æ Areas likely to have less traction æ (deep snow, areas in shade, bridges, etc.)
Traction in Winter All control of vehicle depends on 4 palm sized contact patches where tires meet road Traction Grading 1=Worst and 10=Best High performance tire on dry pavement = 10 Average street tire on dry pavement = 7or 8 Street tire on snow or ice =3 or 4 Street tire on wet ice = 1 In winter driving conditions, you have less than half desired traction The key to maintaining traction is smooth initial input: Steering Acceleration Braking
Maintaining Traction in Winter Steering: Most people steer too quickly and too much Begin steering movement gently Steer just enough to follow intended path Over steering leads to counter steering Most likely you will lose control of car Accelerating: Never kick accelerator Tip it as if there is an egg between foot and pedal Apply more pressure once vehicle is rolling
Maintaining Traction in Winter Braking: Apply brake gently and early Tip it as if there is an egg between foot and brake Apply more pressure once car is slowing down Separate control input - one input at a time: Do not brake and steer Do not accelerate and steer Steer first then brake or Brake first then steer Same with accelerating
Maintaining Traction in Snow Automatic transmission: Put car in D2 and accelerate gently Shift to D once car is moving Standard transmission: Use highest gear (2nd or 3rd) with which you can move the car without stalling Accelerate gently Once you are moving in snow: Try to keep wheels moving without spinning Slower speeds are essential to do this When driving downhill, shift to a low gear to keep car in control
If you begin to slide in snow æ Don t slam on brakes æ Ease off accelerator æ Apply brakes gently æ Steer in direction you want to go æ Be ready to correct for a slide in the opposite direction æ Do not over correct jerk the wheel
If you get stuck in snow Don t gun the engine it will plow you in deeper Put car in park with emergency brake on do not turn car off Apply kitty litter or sand to area in front of and in back of tire Rock vehicle slightly drive and reverse Do not spin wheels (makes road surface slicker by melting snow which refreezes, creates ruts which are harder to get out of) Do not rev engine above 35mph Make sure no one is standing near car as you attempt to move it If all else fails, call a tow truck
If you get stuck in a blizzard æ æ æ æ æ æ æ æ Do not leave the car unless you are certain there is shelter within 100 yards White out conditions cause you to become disoriented and lost Call for help on cell phone Tie a bright colored cloth to the top of your antenna Start the engine, turn on interior light and heater for about 10 minutes each hour Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning keep exhaust pipe clear, open window slightly as a vent Attempt to move within car to avoid hypothermia and frostbite Use newspapers, maps and car mats for insulation
Snowplows æ Snowplows spread salt, an anti-skid mixture (fine stone/ cinders) and liquid de-icers on roads to melt snow, create more traction as well as clear snow from roads æ Snow plows have very poor visibility and wing plows that protrude to the side of the plows do not attempt to pass them on either side æ Do not get between trucks in a plow line (several trucks plowing side by side) æ Stay at least 6 car lengths away from a snow plow æ Do not park or abandon vehicle on snow emergency routes
Driving on Ice Ice is difficult to detect before you actually hit it Wet roads are most slippery when the temperature is near freezing Solid frozen ice is most dangerous Black ice is common in shaded areas, overpasses, bridges and intersections Anticipate ice on any road surface that has been wet and cold Key issue with ice = no traction spinning wheels May require up to 10 times the distance to stop versus normal road conditions SLOW DOWN
Stopping or Braking on Ice With ABS brakes: Maintain light pressure on brake Steer in the direction you want to go Do not try to stop by shifting into low gear: Rear wheels may spin car will travel sideways If you begin to slide: æ Hold steering wheel firmly æ Use very little turning to keep car on road æ Too much turning will cause car to fishtail æ Do not over apply brakes æ If you feel brakes pulse, antilock brakes are working, you are applying too much pressure Apply gas once off ice and car is straight
Extreme Heat Additional items to keep in car during summer months: æ Extra coolant æ One gallon of water Also: æ Check battery, belts and hoses æ Check oil often æ Check coolant and water levels to be sure they are at 50/50 level æ Never leave animals or children in a car even for a short time æ Even with windows down, dangerously high temperatures can be reached quickly æ Be careful of metal car parts (seat belts, etc.) that heat up and can burn skin
Stuck in Traffic in Extreme Heat An idling car in hot weather can damage: æ Gaskets æ Pistons and rings æ Engine If you are stuck in traffic: æ Monitor the engine temperature If the engine temperature approaches the danger zone and traffic is not moving at all: æ Turn car off æ Open windows æ These actions save fuel and prevent further engine damage
Stuck in Traffic in Extreme Heat If traffic is inching along: æ Frequent engine restarts are not recommended Instead: æ Shift to park or neutral when stopped æ Monitor engine temperature If temperature rises, turn off AC æ If temperature continues to rise, turn on heater and open windows æ If all else fails, pull over, shut off engine, wait for traffic to clear
Lightning Lightning can be dangerous If you are in a car during a lightening storm, do not leave the vehicle and run for cover The car s metal cage will conduct a charge into the ground and protect you If you are in an open vehicle (golf cart, convertible, motorcycle, etc.) find safe shelter
Most frequent in late winter/early spring Potholes Caused by freezing and thawing of pavement Most often in right lanes Be aware of and look for them while scanning environment Should be treated like an obstacle Hitting them can cause: æ Flat tires æ Wheels to go out of alignment æ Damage to undercarriage æ Crashes If you can go around them safely, do so If you cannot avoid them: Slow down ahead of time Brake as you go over
Emergencies What is important in an emergency? Early awareness of emergency Reaction time Attitude: Controlling emotions Controlling your response
Types of Emergencies Ø Skids Ø Stuck accelerator Ø Brake failure Ø Tire blowout Ø Stalled engine Ø Headlight failure Ø Off shoulder Ø Breakdown Ø Other drivers mistakes
Skids Skids occur when: æ brakes are applied so hard that one or more wheels lock æ traveling too fast around a curve æ encountering a slippery surface How to avoid skids: æ Plan for lane changes, turns, curves ahead of time æ Slow down early æ Making smooth, precise steering movements æ The key to handling a skid? æ Don t panic
Skids æ When tires have no traction to control speed or direction Types of skids: æ Rear wheel æ Front wheel æ Four wheel
Handling a Rear Wheel Skid Take foot off accelerator De-clutch a manual transmission Look and steer in the direction you want to go As rear wheels stop skidding to right or left, counter steer until car goes in intended direction If you overcorrect the first time, be prepared for a rear wheel skid in the opposite direction Gentle, not abrupt movement will prevent a counter skid Once vehicle is straight, shift to drive or release clutch, accelerate gently to safe speed
Handling a Front Wheel Skid æ Usually caused by hard braking or acceleration æ When front wheels lose traction, you cannot steer æ Take foot off brake or accelerator æ De-clutch a manual transmission æ Don t move steering wheel æ Wait for front wheels to grip road again æ When traction is regained, steer in the direction you want to go æ Once vehicle is straight, shift to drive or release clutch, accelerate gently to safe speed æ Counter skid is not likely to occur
Handling a Four Wheel Skid Usually the result of speed too fast for conditions Ease foot of accelerator or take foot off brake If you can do it quickly: De-clutch a manual transmission Look and steer in direction you want car to go Wait for wheels to grip road again Once traction is regained, car will go in direction wheel is turned Shift to drive or release clutch Accelerate to a safe speed
General Rules for Handling Skids If you remember nothing else: Do not brake (makes skid worse wheels lock, lose all control) Steer in the direction you want to go If you can remember a little more: If rear tires are skidding to left, steer left If rear tires are skidding to right, steer right Do not overcorrect You may need to correct several times to regain control
Stuck Accelerator æ Don t panic æ Shift to neutral of lower gear depending on speed, this will cause engine to race æ Activate hazard signal æ Pull off of road and turn vehicle off If above does not work: æ Try pulling it up with toe of shoe æ Do not reach down and pull it up yourself æ Keep eyes on road æ Apply brakes hard æ Guide car off road æ Do not turn key to off until car is safely off road æ If you turn off ignition: Steering wheel can lock Power steering can be lost Much more difficult to steer and brake
Brake Failure æ Complete bake failure is unlikely in newer cars due to split braking system æ You will likely have braking in 2 of 4 wheels æ In the rare event that all brakes fail: æ If you have ABS, maintain steady, hard pressure on brake (pulsing is normal do not release brake) æ Never pump ABS brakes æ If that doesn t work: æ Pull up parking brake smoothly æ (if you yank it, you could cause a spin) æ Shift to lower gear æ Guide car to safe place off road æ Turn ignition off
Tire Blowout What causes them? æ Most often, driving with under-inflated or overloaded tires æ Causes sidewall to flex excessively æ Generates excessive heat æ Heat deteriorates tire s rubber æ Types of blowouts: Tread separation outer layer of tire (with tread) separates from steel belted body of tire Sidewall blowout side of tire ruptures æ A blowout is different than a flat æ In a blowout, tire loses all air immediately æ A flat is usually a puncture; causes air to escape more gradually
Tire Blowout A blowout is much more dangerous than a flat æ Without air, tire is incapable of providing any steering or braking How can you tell a blowout vs. a flat? æ A flat usually gives warning thumping noise, feel the car tilt/pull/drag æ Allows car to be gradually pulled to the side æ Use your brakes carefully to slow the car and stop in a safe place A blowout, in contrast, is sudden and violent: æ Rarely preceded by a thumping noise æ If front tire blows, car will pull hard to side of blowout æ If rear tire blows, back of car will weave back and forth æ Steering wheel shakes in either case
What to do when a blowout occurs æ Hold steering wheel tightly at 9:00 and 3:00 æ Take foot off gas æ Concentrate on staying in lane æ Do not over react and therefore over-steer can cause a skid and lead to a rollover æ Do not slam on brakes will cause a skid and loss of control æ Allow car to slow down gradually æ Apply brakes gently only after car has slowed significantly on its own and you are off main road
Stalled Engine æ Hold steering wheel tightly æ Shift to neutral æ Guide vehicle to shoulder æ Brake firmly to stop æ Do not turn off ignition as steering will likely lock
Over Heated Engine æ Pull of road to a safe place æ Turn off ignition æ Let car cool, at least 30 minutes æ Lift hood æ Remove radiator cap with a rag (will be extremely hot) æ Do not look directly over radiator while opening cap æ Check coolant level æ If coolant is too low, add water while engine is running æ Do not poor cold water into an overheated engine æ Check for leaks
Problems with Car s Hood Fire Under Hood Pull over as quickly as possible Turn off ignition Get everyone out of and as far away from car as possible Hood Latch Failure: æ Slow down immediately æ Try to see through opening between hood and dashboard æ If not possible, lean out window to guide car to shoulder æ Turn off ignition
Headlight Failure æ Flick headlight control a few times æ Try to flash high beams If that doesn t work, turn on: æ Emergency flashers Or æ Parking lights æ Pull off road as quickly as possible æ Leave emergency flashers on
Off Road Recovery Also known as drop off or drift What is it? æ One or more tires leaves hard pavement and drops down to the soft shoulder What causes a drop off? æ Driving too close to the road edge æ Driving too fast around a curve æ When roads are being resurfaced and there are different levels of asphalt æ Do not steer sharply æ Do not brake suddenly æ Spin out and or overcorrecting are likely
Off Road Recovery How to recover from a drop off: æ Ease of gas pedal æ Ensure wheels on same side of vehicle are on same surface (i.e. both right wheels on shoulder) æ Car should straddle road and shoulder æ Keep firm grip on steering wheel æ Soft or wet shoulder will pull car toward it æ Continue to slow gradually until car is traveling between 10 and 25 mph
Off Road Recovery (continued) æ Scan shoulder area ahead to ensure it is clear æ If not, slow vehicle to a stop to avoid hitting obstacles on shoulder æ Once vehicle is under control and assuming shoulder is clear, check for approaching traffic in mirrors and over shoulder æ Signal intention to move back into traffic æ Once road is clear: Steer gently back onto road surface until all wheels are secure Straighten out carefully Accelerate to speed of traffic
In any emergency situation æ After you have the car safely off the road: Turn on emergency flashers Light flares to warn other drivers of your presence Get everyone out of and away from car Call for help Do not attempt to drive the car to a service station Regain emotional control
General Breakdowns æ Recognizing the start of a breakdown is important æ The instrument panel provides critical information Watch lights and gauges that indicate: High temperature Low fluids (fuel, oil, water) Brake problems Engine trouble Review lights/gauges/symbols in the owner s manual so you are not caught guessing what is wrong
General Breakdowns Indications that something is wrong: Change in car s performance: æ Not responding normally æ Does not accelerate/decelerate/brake/steer like it should Vibrations could mean: æ Engine is misfiring æ Transmission is beginning to fail æ Tire is failing æ Axle is coming apart Strange noises could mean: æ Failing fuel pump æ Bad wheel bearing
General Breakdowns (continued) Indications that something is wrong: Strange smells could mean: æ Temperatures are too high æ Circulation of normal systems is obstructed Smoke could mean: æ Temperatures are too high æ Pending engine failure Leaks could mean: æ Punctured tank æ Valve is disconnected æ Water from AC is normal (up to a pint) while car is parked æ Any coolant or oil under car is a sign of a problem
General Breakdowns æ Sometimes there are no warning signs at all æ Car sputters and dies æ Always err on side of caution æ If there is any change is vehicle s steering, braking, acceleration or stability, pull over as far off roadway as possible æ If the problem seems less severe (change in a gauge, faint noise or slight smell) attempt to make it to closest service station æ Do not ignore a problem æ Any indication that something is wrong can cause damage to vehicle if left unchecked as well as create a dangerous driving situation
General Breakdowns If it is not safe to continue or car dies, you should: æ Reduce distractions inside car æ Turn off stereo æ Ask passengers to be quiet æ Gradually reduce speed æ Check shoulder conditions æ Look for a safe place to pull over æ A parking lot or side road is best æ If you are in the left lane and cannot make it to right shoulder, pull over to the most visible spot you can find on left
General Breakdowns If it is not safe to continue or car dies, you should: æ Avoid soft shoulders, hills, uneven areas, curves and areas where other drivers may not see you æ Use signal to indicate your intention æ Flashers do not work at same time as signals æ When it is clear, move one lane at a time to shoulder æ Pull as far off road as possible æ After you have stopped, put on emergency flashers
General Breakdowns Now What? æ Tie a bright colored cloth to antennae or door æ Put reflectors behind your car to warn other drivers æ 1st reflector/flare at least 300 feet (about 100 to 120 paces) æ This distance gives drivers going 60 mph just 3-4 seconds of warning æ 2nd reflector/flare about 100 feet behind your vehicle (30-35 paces) æ 3rd reflector/flare about 10 feet behind
Flares versus Reflectors Flares: æ Are brighter æ Burn out after 15 45 minutes æ Can be a fire hazard near dry grass or forests Reflectors: æ Are not as easy to see æ Don t burnout æ Are not a fire hazard æ Can be used repeatedly æ Need a weighted base to prevent them from blowing over æ Best choice have both in car æ Make choice based on circumstance or use both
General Breakdowns After making yourself visible æ If your car is not in a safe place or there is: Smoke Possibility of ventilation problems Threat of an engine or electrical fire æ Do not return to it æ Stay far away from it and call police, AAA or car s roadside assistance
General Breakdowns If your car is in a safe place: æ Return to car æ Lock doors æ Keep seat belt on in case you are hit by another car æ Call for help æ If cell phone dies, put a Call Police sign in window æ When describing location to police, pay attention to mile markers, nearby exits, landmarks and always know street or highway name and direction æ If a stranger approaches, do not unlock doors or go with them æ Ask them to call police if your cell phone is dead
What Can I Repair Myself? Cars are heavily dependent on technology to work so most repairs are beyond your capability æ It is best to wait for assistance æ If there is very little chance of help arriving, you may attempt to walk to the nearest call box æ Some repairs may be attempted if there is no chance of getting help In any repair attempt æ Use extreme caution æ Make sure you are well off the road
Changing a Tire æ Make sure car is on solid, level ground æ Make sure parking brake is applied æ If car has standard transmission, put gear in first or reverse æ Retrieve spare, jack and lug wrench æ Remove hub cap with lug wrench æ Loosen each lug nut one turn counterclockwise while car is on ground æ Put jack under reinforced section of car body (refer to owner s manual for location)
Changing a Tire (continued) æ Jack up car until flat tire is several inches off ground æ Never place hands or feet under tire or car while raised æ Remove lug nuts and wheel æ Put spare tire on axle and align holes æ Replace lug nuts and tighten each lightly æ Lower car and remove jack æ Use wrench to tighten each lug nut æ Place tire in trunk æ Drive to nearest service station æ Do not drive more than 50 miles on a donut
Jumpstarting a Battery æ Position vehicles so jumper cables can reach, but cars are not touching æ NEVER allow jumper cables ends to touch æ Connect one end of RED cable to POSITIVE terminal of dead battery æ Connect other end of RED cable to POSITIVE terminal of good battery æ Connect one end of BLACK cable to NEGATIVE terminal of good battery æ Connect other end of BLACK cable to engine bolt head or other piece of metal in car with dead battery æ Make sure jumper cables are away from moving engine parts æ Start engine with good battery æ Run at moderate speed æ Start engine of vehicle with dead battery
Jumpstarting a Battery æ Remove jumper cables in reverse order æ Remove BLACK cable from engine bolt head or metal connection on car with that was jumpstarted æ Engine must run for at least 30 minutes to start a recharged battery including driving time æ Drive to a service station where a technician should test battery and charging system Always remember that: æ POSITIVE POSITIVE æ NEGATIVE GROUND (DEAD CAR) æ Never jump start a battery that is damaged, leaking, frozen or discharging smoke æ Never smoke or have open flame near a battery æ Batteries can explode and spray acid
Take home lesson for all of the above ü Maintenance is essential ü Don t increase the risk of something going wrong by skipping regular maintenance ü It s a lot easier to prevent a problem than to fix it later Each time you get in the car remember to check: ü Tires for proper inflation ü Leaks/liquids under car ü Gauges and warning lights on instrument panel ü If there is a problem, have car serviced ü It s not worth the hassle or risk!!