Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-10-19, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2017. Tips to lessen stress, dama e caused by breakdowns Keeping safe on the roadside Few driving experiences can be as stressful as a vehicular breakdown mid -trip. Aside from immediately being waylaid from their destination, drivers can also find themselves on the roadside facing high velocity traffic and having nowhere to turn for help until a mechanic or tow service arrives. Some tips and tricks can alleviate the stress and danger faced during a an automotive breakdown including using hazard lights, popping the hood and trunk to make the vehicle more visible and road flares. (MS photo) MS — Knowing what to do when a car breaks down can make such unfortunate situations much less stressful for drivers. Smartphones and WIFI networks may make it less stressful to cope with broken down vehicles. However, WIFI networks are not always accessible in remote locations, so drivers would be wise to revisit these tips for handling broken down vehicles, courtesy of Esurance, in advance of their next road trip. • Turn on hazard lights. Hazard lights inform other drivers that something is wrong with your vehicle and the sight of hazard lights typically compels fellow motorists to give drivers a wide berth and facilitate their moving off of the roadway. • Attempt to get off the highway. After turning on their hazard lights, drivers who know or suspect something is wrong with their vehicles should try to get off the highway. Move into the right-hand lane as soon as possible, ultimately trying to get onto the shoulder. Avoid the left-hand shoulder if possible, as the left lane is a passing lane and motorists likely won't be expecting vehicles in this area of the highway. • Turn the steering wheel away from the road. Broken down vehicles are unpredictable, and drivers may not have the luxury of pulling over onto flat road surfaces. Turning the steering wheel away Plan for off-roading MS — Off-road driving is a fun hobby for many drivers. Such driving requires more than turning the wheel and seeking adventure. Knowledge of how to traverse unpaved roadways and having the proper equipment can help off- roading enthusiasts avoid pitfalls. Anyone new to off-roading should know the basics, but even experienced off-roading enthusiasts can benefit from brushing up on their skills. EQUIPMENT A vehicle equipped to traverse unpaved roads is a necessity. Although many SUVs and trucks are promoted for outdoor living, many need some modifications to handle the rigor of off-roading. While aftermarket experts can help motorists prepare their vehicles for off-road excursions, drivers should know that the wheelbase and clearance of their vehicles may need to be adjusted. Modifying traction control, choosing the right tires (and possibly lowering the air pressure for more grip) and determining if axle strength is sufficient are additional considerations. Engines might need to be tuned for slower speeds. In addition, Continued on page 15 CUSTOM EXHAUST SYSTEMS & GENERAL REPAIRS • Auto, light truck & agricultural maintenance & repairs • Custom bent exhaust systems made with precision & pride • Aluminized & stainless tubing • Bending up to 3" • Expanding up to 4" • Diesel 4" & 5" systems Bob Jamieson - Class A Mechanic 519 -482 -pipe (7473) 41477 Winthrop Rd. Londesboro, ON • . Warta) fLOWMASTER MAGNAFLOW from the road prevents it from rolling into traffic if drivers are forced to pull over on an incline. • Be especially careful before exiting the vehicle. Exiting a broken down vehicle can be very dangerous, especially when drivers are forced to pull over on busy highways. Drivers who have pulled over into the right shoulder should wait to exit the car until there is ample time for them to get out and safely make it to the shoulder. If necessary, crawl across the front seat and exit using the passenger -side door. All passengers should exit the vehicle on the passenger -side if the car has been pulled onto the right shoulder. • Call for help. Only after they have safely gotten their vehicles off the highway should drivers call for help. Passengers may want to avoid calling until the car is off the road as well, as it can make for faster relief if callers wait until they know their exact location to call for help. • Set up flares or triangles behind the vehicle. If it's safe to do so, set up flares or triangles behind the vehicle. If the flares or triangles are buried in the trunk, drivers can ask a passenger to serve as lookout and warn them if they need to get away from the vehicle. • Pop the hood. An opened hood is another indicator that a vehicle is broken down and can be especially valuable to drivers who do not have flares or triangles. • Wait for help. Do not attempt to fix the vehicle on the side of the highway. Doing so leaves drivers vulnerable to oncoming motorists. CARQUESTRADAR Imo® AUTO PARTS AUTO PARTS "You will find it at CARQUEST" 235 Turnberry St., BRUSSELS 519-887-9661 Also at: 3878 Wellington St., MITCHELL 519-348-8485 and 20 King St., CLINTON 519-482-3445 Get your car or truck ready for the cold weather •• book your Fall & Winter tune-up • General Repairs & Maintenance • Brakes •Tune -Ups • Repairs to all makes and models of cars & trucks McClinchey South End Auto Wayne McClinchey 82991 London Road, South of Blyth 519-523-4424 TOWNSMD Get up to $100 on a prepaid Mastercard when you buy a new set of 4 qualifying tires. See our website for complete details www.townsendtire.ca Call now to book your appointment! 40356 Londesboro Rd., Londesborough Check us out on 519-523-4742 CDOPERTIRES` raj