| Keeping You and Your Vehicle Safe By: Rebekah Maple All cars are often recalled for one reason or another. A recent Toyota recall has many people thinking about the safety of their vehicle. It is important to know basic safety measures and how to keep yourself out of unfortunate situations. Because recalls on all makes and models of cars are so common, it is important to stay updated about yours. Dealer Web sites offer information about recalls, and if your car has been affected, your dealer will also send information via mail. Knowing what may possibly be wrong with your vehicle before anything happens can be a life-saving measure. There are also some common problems you should be aware of as a vehicle owner, and knowing how to handle them is important. Some of the most common are getting a flat tire, stalling or seeing the check engine light turn on. In the instance that you get a flat tire while driving, you should carefully pull over and exit your vehicle carefully to inspect the car. Mechanic and owner of his own auto body shop, Jim Meadows offers some tips on how to change a flat tire. When you know a flat tire is the problem, he says the most important thing to know is where the spare tire and tools to change it are located. If you don’t feel comfortable changing it yourself, call a friend or family member to help. The spare tire is usually located under the floor mat in the trunk, as well as the jack and tire iron. If you own an SUV, minivan or pickup, the spare tire is often mounted on the back of the tailgate or underneath the vehicle. “Don’t change a tire on a sloping surface. It's also a good idea to block the tire opposite of the flat tire using a brick or other heavy object,” Meadows says. He says to make sure the vehicle is in park and the emergency brake is set. Use the tire iron (the L-shaped bar that fits over the wheel lugs) to loosen each wheel lug. They will be secured very tightly, so you’ll need to use a lot of force. Once they are loosened, not removed, place the jack under the car. (The owner’s manual shows you where to put the jack if you don’t know). Once the tire is completely off the ground, remove the wheel lugs completely and pull off the flat tire. Then, line up the spare with the holes in the wheel and screw each of the wheel lugs back on. Lower the jack slowly and remove it from under the car. Give the lugs one last tighten and you’re ready to go. It’s important to remember not to drive on your spare tire for long, though. You should have it changed as soon as possible. A second common car problem is engine stalling. If this happens while you are driving, the car will probably sputter and feel like it’s going to shut off. You need to try to pull off to the side of the road and then put your hazard lights on. Meadows says the most common reason a well-functioning car would stall is if it runs out of gas. If this is the case, your only option is to call for help or walk to the nearest gas station. If you don’t have a gas can, you will need to purchase one at the station. Other common reasons a car may stall are: moisture in the gas tank, a bad mixture of gas and air in the fuel injector or carburetor, leaking fuel lines or a faulty alternator, which will stop your battery from charging. In any of these cases, the car will need to be towed to a trusted mechanic. If you are a member of AAA (American Automobile Association), this is the perfect time to use it. They will send a tow truck and take your vehicle where you decide. Keep your mechanic’s phone number and the numbers of a few towing companies in your car at all times. Lastly, always watch for your “check engine” light. If it turns on, stop your vehicle as soon as possible and have it checked by a mechanic. |
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