A lot of drivers wonder if it makes sense to use snow tires during the winter months, and to be honest, it’s really a matter of personal preference. In Indiana, winter weather can vary greatly. Some years we seem to get walloped (in other words, shoveling becomes a daily pastime). Other years, we don’t get…
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your windshield wiper blades – until they quit doing their job, that is! It’s a good idea to replace your wiper blades twice a year – or anytime they become cracked or torn. If your blades are leaving big streaks, squeaking their way through…
It’s no surprise that most of us want to keep our cars in tip-top shape. Follow these six smart tips, and you’ll be well on your way to extending the life of your vehicle. When you turn on your car, avoid the temptation to rev your engine. Increase your speed gradually; don’t gun it. Don’t…
A straw can break a camel’s back (or so we’re told), but can it damage your car, too? Sure enough, if you pile too much on your car’s roof or haul too much in the trunk, you just might do some significant damage. To be sure you’re not overdoing it, check your owner’s manual for recommended…
Are you guilty of carrying a clunky key ring? Be careful: that bulky bunch of keys could cause damage to your ignition switch. Heavy keys that bounce around when you drive can cause the tumblers in your ignition to wear out. To save your ignition switch, consider keeping your car keys on a separate key…
Texting and driving is not the only form of distracted driving that affects our roadways. In fact, if we’re all honest, most of us have probably engaged in one or more of the following activities (list compiled by www.distraction.gov) while driving: · Using a cell phone · Eating and drinking · Talking to passengers ·…
True story: Someone we know (let’s just call her a loyal friend of Don Ayres) recently returned home after a long day and made the unfortunate mistake of leaving an empty cash box between the front seats of her car. “No problem,” she thought. “The cash box is empty, I’m parked in my own driveway,…
It can happen to anyone: that dreaded thump-thump-thump that means you have a flat tire. If you’re driving when it happens, here’s what you need to know: Slow down, and carefully work your way to the right shoulder of the highway or road. Turn on your flashers. If it’s night time, make sure you leave…
You know it’s summer in Indiana when orange construction barrels pop up all over the area’s most-traveled roadways. So, how can you avoid headaches as you make your daily commute? For starters, follow these tips for staying safe — and sane! — in a construction zone: Plan ahead If you know one of the main…
Does your company reimburse you for business-related travel? Do you submit mileage expenses when you file your income tax returns? For most people, the hardest part of the process is recording those trips. Here’s what you need to do: For starters, stash a notebook and a pen in your car. The glove box is a…
