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Every driver gets involved in a rear-end collision at some time or the other. You can avoid these accidents of rear-end of vehicles if you follow these tips for driving safely.

Keep Your Distance

It does not matter where you are driving, on a highway, a work zone, or a rural road, the first step to take to avoid rear-end collisions, is to maintain a safe distance from the car or vehicle that is in front of you. Once you do this, then you have enough time to react and use your brakes safely.

In normal road driving conditions, use the “3-second rule”:

Pick any stationary object that is near the road, like an overpass, a sign or tree.
After the rear end of the vehicle you are behind, passes that object, count from one thousand one to one thousand three. If the object you have picked out is passed before you have finished your count, it means that you are too close to the vehicle in front.
When the driving situations you are in are more dangerous, adjust the distance of following to 4 seconds. When will this be necessary?

Slippery roads. Slick pavements on which you can slip are caused by fallen leaves, snow, ice or rain.
Poor visibility. The sun’s glare, flying dust or fog in addition to rain or snow can make it troublesome to see.
If you are behind a large vehicle. When you are behind a big semi that has an oversized load, you need to keep still further back, so that you are not in its blind spot, and you have more room to see.
Behind a motorcycle. Motorcycles can stop much faster than you, so give them the extra room, when you are behind them.
Vehicles that have frequent stops. Postal vehicles, garbage trucks, and school buses have frequent stops and may also stop at railroad crossings. So best follow the 4-second rule when you are behind them.

Be Ready For the Unexpected

Always be alert to unexpected hazards like large potholes, stalled cars, or debris, so that you have the time to avoid them without the need to slam on the brakes, or having to make an abrupt turn into another lane.

Never be in another driver’s blind spot, as they may not be able to see you when they are switching lanes.

Check mirrors frequently when you are driving, especially before you turn, change or merge lanes.

Your Driving Must Be Predictable

Never leave drivers following you from having to guess whether you are changing lanes, stopping or turning.

Slow down gradually, and never slam on the brakes.

Make sure that your headlights and brake lights are always functional.

Your turn signal must be activated much before you are intending to turn so that the driver behind you is alerted.

Never squeeze in front of other drivers when you change lanes, but give them sufficient notice by signaling.

Posted speed limits must be strictly followed, especially in work and school zones.

Never be distracted while driving, like texting.

Drugs and alcohol can slow down your time of reaction, so never drive after you are under their influence.

If you do end up finding yourself needing a professional auto repair shop we are just a call us away.

Waking up and discovering your car is missing is one of the worst feelings. The recent figures from the FBI show that over 770,000 vehicles are stolen in the U.S every year. The good thing is there are some ways you can use to keep yours safe and not end up being a statistic.

Car Theft Tactics
OEM security systems have improved, but the methods and tactics used by thieves have improved too. The base strategies of car thieves are still the same age-old approaches. The first being taking advantage of any immediate opportunity they come across, while the second involves some careful planning, preparing, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The first tactic is mostly used by car thieves, but before they can do it, they ensure there is no chance of getting caught. The second one is common and involves less risk because the plan has been carefully thought out. Just like any other type of thief, car thieves will always choose the path of least resistance.

Discouraging car thieves
No tactic is 100% foolproof when it comes to theft-deterrence, but using the methods below will help in discouraging car thieves from stealing your car;

Turning off your engine
Are you the type of person who leaves their car running when they enter a local store or let it warm on the driveway? When you leave your car running while unoccupied, it makes it easier for the thieves because they wait in the shadows and wait for people to make this mistake.

Doors locked and windows up
This is especially important if you are stuck in stop-and-go traffic. It is important to keep the windows rolled up tight and ensuring the doors are locked to keep carjackers out.

Wisely choosing your parking spots
Criminal like it when they are in the shadows. When choosing a place to park, you should stay away from dimly lit and isolated areas.

Not leaving valuables in your vehicle
When you leave your valuables inside the car, it attracts car thieves. There is also the risk of a “smash-and-grab” burglars. When a thief breaks into the car after seeing your wallet or purse lying inside, they can just decide to steal the car so it can be worth their while.

Hiding your documents
Many drivers usually have their car registration, driver’s license, and poof insurance inside. If a thief steals a car then a police offer pulls them over, they can easily show the insurance and registration cards and be let go. You should lock these documents inside the glovebox, but the best option can be carrying them any time you leave the car.

Scanning your surroundings
You need situational awareness to scan the surroundings and look out for any suspicious activity. When you do this, it will help in heightening your senses and helping you remember precautions to take, especially if the area is unfamiliar.

Installing an alarm
If the area you live in has high-crime or if the car make and model you have is frequently targeted, consider getting a good alarm system. Having such alarms can help in deterring criminals. You can get this done at Leahy’s auto in the meantime call us to get a quote.

The Right Way to Jump Start a Car Battery

Choose the Right Jumper Cables

To jump a car battery, there is no need for many tools. To start with, you have to find a car that is functioning so that you can use it for the jump start. Both the car owners must be comfortable while identifying the battery and its terminals, after opening the hood. The most popular tools for jump-starting cars are jumper cables that do not cost a lot and can be easily stored.

Safety First

Before you try to repair your car or perform any basic maintenance on it, you need to be aware of the safety risks. Start with sending all small children to safe areas, that must be nowhere near the car that you are finding out how to jump-start after its battery has given up the ghost. Find time to read the manual of your car.

Jumping the Car Battery

Preparation

Step 1: Both vehicles should be parked adjacent to each other

The car that is functioning should be parked 18 inches apart from the car that needs to be jump-started, while they face each other. Manual transmission cars should be set to neutral, while cars with automatic transmission should have the vehicle set to park. Parking brakes of both cars should be set so that neither of them can move.

Step 2: Both the vehicles with parking brakes set should be turned off.

Once you have switched off the cars, remove their keys. Set the jumper cables on the ground, while ensuring that the clamps are not touching each other.

Start attaching the jumper cables:
Open the hoods of both the cars, and locate their batteries. Identify the positive and negative terminals of both the batteries. Battery terminals that are dirty must be wiped off with a wire brush or rag.

Step 3: One of the red clamps must be attached to the dead battery’s positive terminal.

Attach the red clamp of one end of the jumper, to the battery terminal that has been identified as positive. The connection to the terminal must be solid and this may require you to wiggle the clamp on the terminal.

Step 4: Attach the other red clamp of the jumper cable to the positive terminal on the battery that is working.

Step 5: The red clamp will have a partner black clamp and this must be attached to the working battery’s negative terminal.

Step 6: Attach this partnered black clamp to any clean bolt or nut on the block of the engine.

Step 7: The vehicle that is working should then be started and allowed to run for a few seconds.

Step 8: The dead vehicle should be started. It will turn on.

Step 9: If the dead vehicle does not start, try revving the working vehicle engine.

Step 10: Now disconnect the jumper cables, the black cables first, and the red cable after that.

Step 11: Take your previously dead vehicle for a drive so that its battery can get recharged.

A professional auto repair shop can help to jump start your vehicle.Call us today we will take care of all your vehicle repairs.