Summer Driving Tips

Summer Driving Tips

With summer officially arriving in Pennsylvania, PennDOT reminds motorists to make sure their vehicles are working properly before hitting the road for that family vacation.
Please consider these summer driving tips to ensure safe travel.

• To help avoid over-heating, a car´s cooling system, engine hoses, drive belts and battery should be inspected by a mechanic.
• Motorists should regularly check fluid levels and tire tread depth. To quickly check the tire tread, insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln´s head upside down – if you can see the entire head, your tires are worn and should be replaced.
• For maximum fuel efficiency, tires should be properly inflated. Hot weather can cause air pressure inside the tire to expand, causing a blowout if the tire is in poor condition.
• Motorists should use extra caution while driving during a rainstorm, particularly after an extended period without rain, since extreme heat causes oils deposited from vehicles to be absorbed into the road and slick spots can result during rainstorms.
• Motorists should enhance their hot-weather preparedness with an emergency kit that should be stocked with things that would be needed in the event of a breakdown, such as water, necessary medications, first aid supplies and portable cooling devices, such as battery-powered fans.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, which can heat up quickly during hot weather.
• When traveling a long distance, try to plan your trip for early in the day or later in the evening when the weather is cooler.
• Carry a cell phone and charger in case of emergency.
• State law requires headlights to be turned on any time the wipers are in use due to rain, fog or other conditions.
• Remember to always buckle up and never drink and drive.

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Quick Check List – Car Care

10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

How to read a tire

It is important to know how to read a tire as it is the only thing between you and the road.

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Motorists Should Check Tires in Hot Weather to Improve Safety

In a consumer advisory launched today, the U.S. Department of Transportation urged all motorists to inspect their tires for proper inflation and signs of tread wear and damage before driving in hot weather. The consumer advisory coincides with National Tire Safety Week, June 5-11, and as driving increases with the kick-off of the summer travel season.

“As the weather warms up, it’s especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated,” Secretary Ray LaHood said. “For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation.”

The latest data from the Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that over the five-year period from 2005 to 2009, nearly 3,400 people died, and an estimated 116,000 were injured, in tire-related crashes.

“While it’s true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. “Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster.”

The Department urges motorists to check their tire pressure before long trips and to inspect tires periodically. Motorists should also be aware that aging tires and hot weather can be a potentially deadly combination, as older tires are more susceptible to heat stress, especially if they are not properly inflated. Motorists should check the tire sidewall to see how old their tires are, and to check with the tire manufacturer or the vehicle owner’s manual for recommendations on how often to change tires.

Properly inflated tires will also improve a vehicle’s fuel economy and help stretch the family dollar at the gas station. According to the Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov Web site, under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 PSI (pound per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires.

For example, for a vehicle with a fuel-economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and a 35 PSI tire pressure recommendation, a drop of 25 percent in tire pressure would equate to a loss of 2.6 percent in fuel economy, or a drop of 0.8 miles per gallon.

For more information on tire safety, go to NHTSA’s safety website www.safercar.gov

For more information on fuel efficiency, go to www.fueleconomy.gov

For information on National Tire Safety Week, go to www.betiresmart.org

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Study Confirms ROI of Truck Inflation, TPMS

A new study by the U.S. Department of Transportation proves that truck fleets benefit by using on-board tire inflation systems and truck-level TPMS.

A new study by the U.S. Department of Transportation confirms that truck fleets certainly benefit by using on-board tire inflation systems and truck-level TPMS.

The DOT study showed that fleets will save on fuel consumption and costs, improve tire life and reduce tire maintenance costs.

The study conclusions were revealed at the recent Technology and Maintenance Council annual meeting in Tampa, Fla. During that meeting, the S.2 – Tire & Wheel Study Group Session featured a presentation on the DOT study by Chris Flanigan of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

According to Flanigan, the study was undertaken to “assess the cost/benefit” and “determine if the systems could influence maintenance intervals in a positive way,” as well as consider their impact on “performance and safety.”

“We saw an increase in fuel economy in both fleets of 1.4%, which is a big deal,” Flanigan reported. “And based on current fuel costs (estimated by Flanigan at $4 per gallon for example purposes) and equipment costs of about $1,500 per tractor-trailer unit, the ROI comes in under one year.”

The DOT conducted the tests between April 2008 and December 2010 using two fleets regional fleets. Through the test period, the two fleets accumulated more than 7 million road miles, used 1.15 million gallons of diesel, and replaced 440 tires due to wear. Another 115 tires were replaced due to damage.

Despite the different service conditions, Flanigan noted, both fleets showed an equal reduction in fuel consumption at 1.4%. Steer tire treadwear for the fuel hauling/delivery fleet improved by 5/32nds of an inch per million miles, while trailer axle treadwear improved 2/32nds.

Treadwear on the drive tires for that fleet, however, soared almost 30/32nds of an inch, Flanigan reported.

Source on information – Tire Review 

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Volvo, Michelin offer Good Advice

Volvo and Michelin advises that you can make a drastic cut in your energy consumption by employing tire pressure monitors on your trucks and trailers. As yet another study has shown, a few simple actions like this can save you big money at the pump and deliver significant improvements in your vehicle’s fuel economy.

That’s especially true for drivers of trucks and big rigs.

The right wheel alignment and tire pressure can cut a truck’s fuel consumption by as much as 3% and reduce its carbon emissions by nearly 15 percent, according to research from Volvo Trucks and Michelin. In doing so, those changes can also save a truck-driver as much as $10,356 per vehicle per year.

“There is still some lack of awareness in the transport industry about the importance of keeping tires properly inflated on both the truck and the trailer,” said a manager for Volvo Trucks’ Aftermarket Department, adding that haulage companies could make a big difference by checking trucks for tire problems and correcting them. “If everyone did this, it would have a significant impact on carbon dioxide emissions.”

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Winter Driving Tips

Information you need to know

Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather. For more information on winter driving, the association offers the How to Go on Ice and Snow brochure, available through most AAA offices. Contact your local AAA representative for more information.

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.

Car Safety – Tip of the Week

By Stephanie Rogers

Driving a car becomes so automatic after a while, it’s easy to let safety fall through the cracks. But even if you’ve never been in an accident before, you shouldn’t lull yourself into a false sense of security, failing to perform basic safety precautions that could save your own life, or those of your passengers, in a collision. These car safety tips can reduce your risk of getting into an accident and help you manage small emergencies like a flat tire.

1. Wear your seat belt properly.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 15,000 lives are saved every year because drivers and passengers are wearing seat belts when they get into an accident. Seat belts keep the vehicle’s occupants inside the car during a collision, restrain the strongest parts of the body, spread out force from the collision, protect the brain and spinal cord and help the body slow down after impact, reducing injuries. In order for a seat belt to be effective, however, it must be worn properly. Ensure that the shoulder belt rests across your chest and shoulders — never across your neck. Don’t place the seat belt under your arms or behind your back. The lap belt should fit snugly over the hips. Seat belt extenders can be purchased for larger-sized drivers and passengers that maintain safety while increasing comfort.

2. Ensure that car seats and boosters are properly installed.Children and babies need special protection in the car to prevent serious injuries and fatalities in an auto collision. The N.H.T.S.A. recommends that children be securely buckled into a car seat that is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. From birth to 12 months, babies should always ride in a rear-facing car seat; children aged 1-3 years should remain rear-facing until they reach the top height or weight limit allowed by car seat manufacturers. From ages 4-7 years, children should be strapped into a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they outgrow it, and then move up to a booster seat until they are grown enough to safely use an adult seat belt. Keep children in the backseat at least through age 12. Always refer to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions to install a car seat, or better yet, have it properly installed at your local fire station. You can find additional child car seat inspection stations at the N.H.T.S.A. website.

Driving News – Tip of the Week

Tip of the Week

With temperatures dropping and school back in full swing, now is the time to get your car ready for cooler weather. Here’s why the fall and winter can be so demanding on your tires, and how to stay safe throughout the seasons:

- Recover from summer: Following the busy summer driving season and numerous road trips, your tires may be a little tired. A study conducted by Hankook Tire America Corp found that 70 percent of Americans planned to take a road trip this past summer, with the average American logging approximately 725 miles on their vehicle. With increased wear and tear on your tires as a result of summer trips, the tread depth may not be what it used to be. Tires with unsatisfactory tread depth decrease the tire’s traction in various road conditions and can potentially put you and your passengers at risk. Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. You can easily check your tires’ tread once a month by using the quarter test – place a quarter, head down into the tread of the tire. If George Washington’s entire head is showing, your tread is too low.

Seasonal Driving – Fall Driving Advice

The overcast and rainy days of fall can increase stopping distance by up to four times on wet roads. Low tread can cause your vehicle to hydroplane — surf — on a film of water, reducing traction. Be sure your wheels are aligned and tires rotated (at least every 6,000 miles or as stated in your vehicle owner’s manual or by the tire manufacturer). Your tire service dealer can help you with this.

• Don’t overload your car beyond the rated tire load capacity — you and your luggage add to the overall vehicle weight. Check the door placard or owner’s manual for recommended weight.

• Check the alignment and have your wheels rotated. Unbalanced tires or misalignment can cause uneven wear, serious vibrations on the highway, or vehicle stability problems.

• Check tire pressure,including the spare, before a long trip and monthly. Always check tire pressure when the tires are “cold” — they have not been driven for three hours or more.

Both overinflation and underinflation are bad for your tires — inflate cold tires to the recommended pressures found on the tire sidwall or driver door placard.

Before a trip, check the tread on your tires to make sure they have plenty of tread.

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Heat changes tire pressure

Q. I put air in my tires yesterday and had all the tires at the same pressure. My question is that if the tires are in direct sunlight, will that increase tire pressure? I have two tires that were in the shade and two tires in the sun. The tires that were in the shade were the same pressure that I had filled them up with. The two tires in the shade were 1½ pounds heavier. Is that because of the sun hitting the tires?

A. Temperature has a big affect on the air pressure in tires, so what happened to you makes sense. The sun heated up the tires on that side of the car and the tire pressure went up. When you check the tire pressure you always want to set it first thing in the morning to the cold tire pressure, as the day warms up the tire pressure will go up.

Tires have to be checked periodically, especially when we go through a change of season, which we’ll be doing soon. As colder weather sets in, you could see the tire pressure drop by as much as 5 pounds per square inch.

Don’t forget, low tire pressure is a big drag on fuel economy, so it’s good that you are keeping them set properly.

Heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency standards unveiled

Transportation Industry News     August 9, 2011

Heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency standards unveiled

The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the standards in close coordination with the companies that met with President Obama as well as other stakeholders, following requests from companies to develop the new national fuel efficiency program.

Under the comprehensive new program, Trucks and Buses built in 2014 through 2018 will reduce consumption by a projected 530 million barrels and greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution by approximately 270 million metric tons.

This program — which relies heavily on off-the-shelf technologies — was developed in coordination with truck and engine manufacturers, fleet owners, the State of California, environmental groups and other stakeholders.

The joint U.S. DOT/EPA program will include a range of targets, which are specific to the diverse vehicle types and purposes. Vehicles are divided into three major categories: combination tractors (semi-trucks), heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans, and vocational vehicles (like transit buses and refuse trucks). Within each of those categories, even more specific targets are laid out based on the design and purpose of the vehicle. This flexible structure allows serious but achievable fuel efficiency improvement goals charted for each year and for each vehicle category and type.

New Release – Cornell University

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) market  is expected to be some 160 million units by 2014.

R&D News

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Tire Safety

Bridgestone is pleased to present TireSafety.com in the interest of public safety.

Proper tire maintenance is an important safety function often neglected.  The importance of properly maintaining your tires cannot be overemphasized.  Remember, tires are the only contact between your vehicle and the road.

Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. Using the interactive tire pressure demo you can easily see
how a tire can be as much as 50% under inflated before it is visibly noticeable.  Not only are under inflated tires more prone to damage and failure, but they can lead to higher fuel costs by as much as 3 to 5¢ per gallon.

Be sure to sign up for free monthly email reminders to check your air pressure, if you haven’t already.  As you make your way through the site you’ll find a wealth of information on tire construction, sizes, classifications, replacement, driving tips and most importantly, proper tire maintenance.

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry

Tire Rolling Resistance

Tire Rolling Resistance

An average truck travels 125,000 miles per year. At diesel prices of $3.50 per gallon, and an optimistic average of 6 miles per gallon, it costs $72,915.00 to fuel that truck each year. A 1.0% loss is $729.00 wasted due to the increased rolling resistance of under-inflated tires.   Source: Air Chex Corp

Now you can monitor your tires for loss of pressure 24/7 using state of the art technology. The Tire Sentry advanced wireless tire pressure monitoring systems, (TPMS) has been honored with many industry awards, and is a product designed and built in the USA. - Tire Sentry