Tips for Driving on Ice and Snow

By Alana Burton

Following recent winters in which winter weather seems to have caught many people "napping" when it comes to being prepared, it is important to take a number of points into consideration such as having the right equipment in the car, the way we drive and equally as important as being vigilant as to the way other people drive.

Be Prepared

Make sure your car has adequate levels of antifreeze, ideally get it checked in October, don't wait for it to get cold!

1. Have a blanket or warm clothing in the car just in case you are stranded, this is particularly important if you are planning to travel long distances, it is even recommended that you have some food and a warm drink in your vehicle just in case.
2. Even though not compulsory, however, a sensible suggestion is to carry a set of warning triangles like they do in the continent, if you happen to break down, it is always a good idea to warn people that your stranded vehicle may be posing a hazard ahead.
3. Tow rope, this is an important bit of kit if you happen to become stranded and you need to be assisted by a third party vehicle.
4. Other suggestions are to carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and a spare set of bulbs. Many of these items are compulsory whilst driving in the continent and when you stop to think about it, it makes a lot of sense, just because it is not law, it does not mean we can't use our own initiative.
5. Having a set of jump leads in the car makes a lot of sense too, in very cold temperatures and particularly older vehicles, batteries tend to struggle, a set of jump leads will help avoid expensive call outs or having to wait for a rescue vehicle to come.

Driving on snow

Driving on snow is not rocket science, it takes a little more thought and concentration, remember that you MUST increase your braking distance as well as the distance from any car ahead of you, stopping distance can be up to TEN times longer than on dry roads.

Try and keep momentum going, especially if you are driving up hill, as soon as you lose momentum, you will find it very hard to get started again.

Remember to exercise extreme caution first thing in the morning if it's been a very cold night, snow will more than likely have turned into ice, now ice is a totally different problem and is much trickier than driving on snow.

Rule 229 of the highway Code: Before you set off, make sure that your car is clear of all snow and ice and that you have full visibility out of all windows in your vehicle, this includes your mirrors too, also, make sure that your number place is legible and that you clear any snow on the roof of your car which may come off onto other road users.

Always remember to exercise extreme caution, under extreme weather, if your journey is not strictly necessary, stay home!

Simply Driving Lessons is a leading Surrey driving school offering some of the most competitive driving lessons rates in Surrey and impressive pass rates and have fully qualified ADI driving instructors, also including female driving instructors.

Simply Driving Lessons specialise in a range of driving courses and lessons including intensive driving courses, Check Test training, Pass Plus driving lessons, driving theory test preparation, hazard perception test preparation, Show Me Tell Me preparation as well as standard driving lessons for all learner drivers, no matter what their age.

For high quality Surrey driving lessons make sure you choose a reputable driving school like the Simply Driving Lessons Driving School in Surrey.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alana_Burton

How To Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

By Kent Clarke

There is nothing worse than sitting out in Arizona heat. The record high temperatures have even reached a whopping 128 degrees so if you have A/C in your vehicle that can make driving a more enjoyable and comfortable experience. But what happens when you park your car and the merciless sun is hammering down with all its might? Your car is at the mercy of the elements and your interior gets overheated each and every time so you better keep a car sunshade close by.

Let's face it. Running A/C in extreme heat all day eats up gas and with gas prices so high it eats a huge hole into your budget. While A/C is a necessity in any humid climate, it certainly can mean life or death in the arid desert. Now a car sunshade can help your A/C in two ways. First it can increase efficiency by regulating the temperature inside your vehicle when it is stationary. That way you won't have to run the A/C as long or as high to cool off. Secondly, by extension, it enhances fuel efficiency as your A/C won't have to work as hard.

Rule number one of life in a hot climate is to park in the shade whenever you can. That alone can reduce temperatures by 10-15 degrees. If you can find a large tree, you most likely will have to battle other motorists for its shade, especially during the summer months. But what if you live in the city? What if you can't see a solitary tree for miles? Well the best substitute for a shady tree is a car sun shield.

Cracking your windows can be a great way to dissipate heat buildup inside your vehicle. When the sun shines through your windshield the glass causes it to become magnified. People who park on the street can easily crack their windows when temperatures rise outside but some are afraid of vandalism and theft. So if you have no choice but to park outdoors, the windshield shade still has two simultaneous benefits - it cools your car while stopping passers-by and would-be criminals from peering inside your vehicle. Wide enough to span the width of your vehicle, it keeps your valuables safely hidden.

Although it's ideal to park your car in a garage to keep it protected from sunlight, many people do not have and cannot afford this type of luxury so they end up parking on the street. Depending on where you live it may be the norm to park in the rough, but if you have a car sunshade your car won't be left to take the heat.

Now that you know how to keep your car cool this summer, here is a great resource on the car sun shades that everyone is talking about.
 
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Clarke

Kumho Ecsta ASX Review

By Chuck Nelson

The Kumho Ecsta ASX is part of the Kumho family of high performance tires, and it combines high-end design with innovative technology. Not only are these tires designed for all seasons, but they also respond well to dry or wet road conditions. In fact, they even work well in light snow.

The high tech silica and carbon tread compound materials give the Ecsta ASX tire excellent traction. In addition, the circumferential channels aid in preventing hydroplaning. The contact center blocks help in reducing road noise and deliver stable contact. This improves the vehicle's straight-line steadiness. Furthermore, the ultra-hard filler enhances the vehicle's handling capabilities while at the same time provides safe dependability.

Kumho Ecsta ASX tires possess the Kumho's "Dynamic Causing Shape" technology, which regulates tension through the tire. As a result, Ecsta ASX tires make the ride more comfortable for drivers. These tires absorb the bumps in the road, which makes the ride much smoother. Also, the technology helps the vehicle remain steady when it is cornering.

The twin steel belts integrated into the Ecsta ASX tire provides better handling for any type of road. These belt packages are produced using strong steel belts and nylon cap plies, which reinforce the tread without compromising on speed or stability. This is ideal for delivering a smoother ride and improving wear. These tires also have extra rim protection and a longer wearing asymmetrical tread pattern, which protects the wheel from scratches and abrasions.

Kumho Ecsta ASX tires utilize various technologies that allow them to handle exceptionally well, provide great weather traction, low noise, and overall top performance. These tires were specifically designed to function properly under the most challenging road and weather conditions.

In addition, the Ecsta ASX tire is made with superior materials that provide drivers with an enjoyable, comfortable, and exceptional driving experience. These tires typically cost anywhere from 155 to 200 dollars; and are offered in a number of different sizes. These tires have a 30,000 mile tread wear warranty.

Kumho Tires continues to grow in popularity as more and more people are discovering the advantages of this brand. Many drivers around the world regard Kumho Tire as a reliable company that produces quality tires that are safe, efficient, and affordable.

The Ecsta ASX enhances the overall driving experience by increasing braking capabilities, improving comfort, improving steering, and more. The Kumho Tire Company has been making premium tires for trucks, cars, and SUVs for many years. So, if you are looking for high end, efficient, and inexpensive tires, then you should consider using the Kumho Ecsta ASX.

Chuck Nelson is an expert and review writer for all different types of automotive supplies, including tires. For more great information visit KumhoTiresReview.com. Here you can find reviews and buying guides for tires such as the Kumho Solus Kr21, Kumho kl78, Kumho Solus Kh16, and others.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chuck_Nelson

GPS Fleet Tracking for Cost Effective Deliveries

By Antoinette Ayana

In the trucking industry, the timely transportation of goods from one location to another is critical to a successful business. And in order to insure efficient transportation, the company has to keep track of three things. They must organize themselves to keep track of the driver, the truck and the merchandise being moved from one stopping point to the next. These methods are how companies are able to estimate or even guarantee a delivery date. They are able to do this with GPS fleet tracking devices. They cannot control the weather, the condition of the roads or the addition of new roadways that alter the map of their routes through the United States and Canada. Yet, they can monitor the driving routes that are ideal for the size trucks and shortest route for the most efficient delivery with preapproved routes. The company can protect their own financial investment and assets by avoiding roadway and deadline fines. They can also use GPS fleet tracking to not only plan but they can use them to pin point the location of a truck along their route and its location anywhere in the country if they happen to ever get lost or their truck breaks down.

GPS fleet tracking is cost effective business management. The GPS component helps to guide the drivers. Each device costs less than four hundred dollars depending upon its type, size of display screen and any bells and whistles that the company chooses to invest in for their truckers and their trucks. The equipment can offer automated voice response, 2D/3D screen display, touch screen activation and easy mobility from one truck to another. They utilize access to external satellite information about the changing roadways and their names in order to offer increasingly accurate routes of decreased traveling time. This information combined with local weather and up to the minute traffic updates eases the transportation process. It helps to reduce fuel costs as well because clearer routes lead to less time on the road figuring out where they are going. And every driver knows that the heavier your vehicle is the more fuel the vehicle will burn.

GPS fleet tracking is good for the truckers because they don't have stress about figuring out how to make it to their destination based on a paper map, direction printouts or stories from other drivers about good routes, like the other drivers on the road who don't have the benefit of GPS directing and tracking. GPS fleet tracking makes good business sense and good travel sense. The company should know where their clients' products are and where their equipment and employees are at all times even when they are all, all the way across the country.

With GPS fleet tracking technology you can improve your safety and efficiency. Give you company a leg up by going to http://www.tracknetonline.com.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Antoinette_Ayana

Dodge Dakota Transmission Control Module (TCM)

By Denise Beresford

The Sioux language name of Dakota is translated into "Friend" or "Ally". This is a suitable comparison with the Dodge Dakota vehicle; which was designed as a mid-sized pickup truck, with the purpose of providing an easily handled and economic fuel version of a compact vehicle. This was enhanced, by the Dakota having a cargo capacity, near that of a full-sized pickup. To offer a competitive investment, various components were shared with existing Chrysler models. A transmission control module (TCM) has been a feature of vehicles manufactured by Chrysler. The first generation model of the Dakota was produced during 1987 to 1996, with straight-4 and V6 engines, with the choice of a manual five-speed gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The automatic transmission, also termed an automatic gearbox, or "Straight-shift" is a type of TCM, with the capacity for automatically changing the gear ratios while the vehicle is in motion. This removed the responsibility from the driver, from having to change manually the gear. Most of these transmission types are designed with a specified range of gearing, usually with a parking facility, to lock the output shaft of the transmission. Various control factors are regulated electronically, including actions such as, shift points, torque converter lock-up and the overdrive activation.

The TCM provides a variety of monitoring functions, which includes those, related to fluid pressure, performance related engine coolant temperatures and more. The TCM and its related control of performance influences, such as, fuel to air ratios, ignition timing, when compared to the need for manual adjustments of the past, has transformed the driving of any vehicle including the Dodge Dakota. It combines functions with various other electronic influences to give a driver the advantages of a controlled, efficient and fuel economically balanced driving experience.

The Dodge Dakota TCM offers a control module in the reliable traditions of the Chrysler Motor Corporation. The TCM factor has related to automatic transmissions in a variety of aspects, or types. Besides the automatic transmission system, other versions of automation are; continuous variable transmissions (CVT) and semi-automatic transmissions. They are designed for the transmission computer to change gear as, and when driving conditions dictate.

Although there are certain similarities to various other transmissions,those operated by a TCM show significant differences, regarding the internal functioning and the responses of the driver. A torque converter is utilised by an automatic version instead of a clutch, to direct the connection relative to the transmission gearing and the engine. Conversely, a CVT make use of a belt or other torque facility, for the allowance of a variety of gear ratios, instead of a determined number.

The first recorded incidence related to an electronic TCM is generally acknowledged as originating from the Chrysler Corporation during the nineteen-eighties. Transmission systems produced by this corporation, have been widely regarded and proven in various operating conditions. This factor has contributed to their vehicle production models, being recognized in many ways for their uniqueness. This relates to overall operation in general and adverse motoring conditions.
 
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Beresford