How Long Can You Automobile Sit Without Being Driven?

The time it takes for your vehicle to be damaged by storage will vary. Factors including the location of your parked car and how well you prepared it are contributing factors. The negative effects of time on an undriven auto can be observed sooner than you may think: Fuel: Did you know that gasoline can go bad? When it’s not in an airtight container, fuel reacts with oxygen, which causes it to degrade. This process begins in about about 30 days. It only takes three-to-six months for a tank of gas to go bad. Old gasoline loses its engine-igniting abilities and develops gummy deposits as well as varnish which can damage other components of your vehicle’s fuel system. Battery: When you drive your automobile frequently, a battery should last between three and five years. When your vehicle is sitting, your battery will likely go dead in just two or three months. Why? Because when you drive your car, the vehicle's alternator continually recharges the battery to replenish the power you’re using. Not driving means no charging — and a dead battery. Rust: Rust is another byproduct of oxidation — It requires water to form. Damp conditions will often lead to rusted metal. Chemicals, like the salt used on winter roads can accelerate the process. You can expect bare metal to start forming surface rust in less than a week. The more time your vehicle is left unprotected, the deeper the rust can form. Tires: When your car sits for an extended period of time, flat spots may start to form in the tires. Tires develop a type of memory that prevents them from being completely round. This causes vibration when you drive the car after storage. Flat spots can begin to form after a month of a car sitting parked — and they’re made worse by low tire pressures. In many cases, driving a car for a while after storage can remove the flat spots. Often the damage can be permanent, requiring a new set of rubber. Belts and Hoses: As rubber ages it can start to dry out and crack. Because drivers are accustomed to replacing most vehicle parts based on mileage, many neglect to inspect their belts and hoses. When a vehicle is in storage, these parts may need to be replaced in as little as three-to-five years. Pests: For those critters in your garage, a parked vehicle may become a ready-made home. When they move in they can do major damage to a vehicle — chewing wires, plastic and insulation to build their nest. Rodents can move in overnight. The longer they’re left undisturbed, the more damage they can do.

What Are Highway Mile Markers??

The little green signs along the side of the highway help signal each mile from one end of the state to the other. Numbers may start at the state line, or at the beginning of that specific interstate. For east/west highways, mile markers begin on the western state border and increase as you travel east. For north/south, markers begin at the south state line and increase as you travel north. Usually, exit numbers correspond to the mileage markers on the interstate. Car-Lotta reminds you that if you happen to be on a road trip and need assistance, paying attention to mile markers can be helpful to finding your location and instructing the help you need.

How Would You Make Car Travel Safe During The Pandamic?

To protect yourself and slow the spread of COVID-19, whenever possible, you should avoid car trips with anyone outside your immediate household. When it can't be avoided, there are ways to reduce your potential exposure to the coronavirus. Not surprisingly, traveling by car can be risky. The confined space inside a a vehicle doesn't allow for proper social distancing, and the ventilation system is inadequate. Researchers have found that a viral load capable of infecting others can build up within a 15-minute drive and that respiratory droplets can remain for up to three hours. Roll down the windows The simplest solution is to roll down all the windows. This is not always an option in bad weather. The researchers also observed how the air moves through the cabin of a moving vehicle when various windows are open or closed and, more important, how that airflow may affect passengers’ exposure to virus-laden droplets.The best option is to open the window directly behind the driver and the front passenger's-side window. In that configuration the counterclockwise airflow separates the driver and passenger, limiting your chance for droplets to move between them. Car-Lotta reminds you to be safe!!

Do You Know What To Do If You Break Down?

The decisions you make if your vehicle breaksdown are important and can have positive or negative consequences. Fortunately, most problems are preventable. If your vehicle does break down: Pull off the road as far away from traffic as possible. Remain with your vehicle. If you get out of your vehicle, watch carefully for traffic. Never stand behind or directly in front of your vehicle. If you CANNOT pull off the road switch on safety/emergency flashers. If you could get struck from behind, do not stay in the vehicle. Make sure your car is visible to other motorists; turn on emergency flashers, raise the hood, tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or hold it in place with a closed window, place flares or warning triangles to direct cars around your vehicle. If you smell fuel or see a fuel leak, do NOT light flare and extinguish any lit cigarette. Car-Lotta reminds you to read your owner's manual to clearly understand which dash lights or signals indicate your vehicle is not operating properly and what to do in such situations. Before a road trip, arrange for a free test of your vehicle's battery, starting, and charging system. This can help determine how much life is left in your battery and if any other components need repairs.

How Do You Take Snow And Ice Off Your Vehicle ?

Here are some tips worth remembering when it comes to getting the snow off your car: Snow and ice flying off your vehicle's roof can cause accidents and even fatalities. Do yourself and other drivers a favor and take an extra minute to completely clear off the roof. Clearing both the windshield and rear window: increases your visibility. Be sure to break up snow and ice buildup around your windshield wipers and washer fluid nozzles, too. Removing snow from the side windows and side view mirrors areas can be just as important as removing it from your windshields since this will enable you to have clear vision to traffic both from the side and rear. Uncovering your headlights and taillights will help other drivers see you—and that’s especially important in poor winter weather conditions. It’s often against the law in many states to have your license plate obstructed in any way. It literally takes just one swipe to clear it. Car-Lottta reminds you that Pennsylvania Drivers can be fined up to $1,000 when snow and ice flying off of their moving vehicle causes damage or injury to another vehicle or pedestrian.

What Are The Most Common Mistakes Of Winter Drivers??

Winter driving has its challenges. But throw an inexperienced — or inconsiderate — driver into the mix, and your daily commute can get much more difficult. It’s always aggravating when other drivers put you at risk. Getting stuck behind a driver who is spinning their tires or not paying attention isn’t just annoying… it’s dangerous. Winter driving calls for quick decision making, patience and a little bit of know-how. Below you’ll find ways to spot a rookie winter driver — and how to avoid looking like one yourself: Tailgating: Usually, drivers tailgate because they want the car in front of them to go faster. This is never OK, especially in the winter months. It takes longer to come to a stop in the winter, so you should always put more distance between you and the car ahead. Impatience on the road rarely pays off – tailgating just puts you and others at risk. Speeding: Speeding can get you into trouble quickly. Make sure you’re never driving faster than what is safe for the conditions. In snowy or icy conditions, that probably means driving below the speed limit. The faster you're going, the more likely you are to lose control or slide into another car. Expect traffic to move a little slower in the winter and allow extra time to get to your destination. Getting stuck: Driving through deep snow may sound like fun, but chances are it will leave your tires spinning. For your own safety, know when to stay off the road altogether and drive carefully to avoid losing traction in the first place. After all, getting stuck is easy – getting out isn’t. Ice on the windshield: If your car has snow or ice on the windshield, it can be tempting to save time by letting your wipers or defroster remove it as you drive. But driving without full visibility is like driving blindfolded. Use a snow brush or ice scraper to clear your windshield entirely every time you get behind the wheel. (And don’t just clear a little “window” you can see through!) Snow on the roof: If you’ve ever driven behind someone with snow on their roof, you know it can be an accident waiting to happen. If your car is covered in snow, take the time to clear your roof before you tackle the windows. You’ll keep snow from falling in your field of vision and from hitting the drivers behind you. Driving with high beams on: This can be frustrating in any condition, but some people think that high beams will increase your vision during whiteouts or heavy snowfall. In fact, fog lights and low beams will do much better. Learn what to do if you get stuck driving in a whiteout. Car-Lotta reminds you that just like other people's driving, winter weather can be unpredictable. Even the safest, most experienced driver can get into an accident.

What Questions Do You Ask YOur Auto Mechanic??

These days most auto owners aren’t properly informed about common issues. Many car owners simply assume their mechanics are able to find any problems, fix them, and prevent future issues. This kind of thinking isn’t a smart and it may cost you a lot of time and money. It’s smarter to inform yourself about the workings of your car, the costs involved in maintaining it, and common problems it may face. When you do bring your mechanic, there are a few questions you should ask in order to make sure they’re properly diagnosing your problem and can actually fix it. Here’s what you need to ask your mechanic the next time your car heads to the shop: Can You Show Me the Problem? What Happens if I Don’t Fix This? Can I Have a Written Estimate? Are the New Parts Under a Warranty? How Did You Fix It? Car-Lotta wants you to be well informed when it comes to your auto needs.