The news is full of stories about soaring airfares, checked bag fess and extended wait times in airport security lines. When you consider the time and cost of flying, it becomes clear that travel by car is the way to go, says the non-profit Car Care Council.
“Standing in line for hours in order to board an overcrowded plane after paying extra to check bags has made air travel a real headache, ” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “With no relief in sight, more and more travelers are realizing the benefits of driving to their destinations. Since a family of four can travel 1,000 miles round-trip by car for about the cost of one airline ticket, driving is clearly the sensible option.”
In addition to direct cost savings, travel by car offers a number of practical advantages over flying and lets you better enjoy the ride:
Leave when you want, from where you want.
Pack whatever and as much as you want.
No waiting in long ticket counter and security lines.
No weather delays.
No baggage, meal or headset fees.
More and better meal options.
No airport parking, rental car or taxi expenses.
More legroom and overall comfort.
Stop and stretch any time.
No strangers sitting next to you.
Convenience and ease of taking your pet with you.
Before you hit the road, the Car Care Council recommends that you get your vehicle inspected, restock your emergency kit and order a free copy of the Car Care Council’s popular Car Care Guide for the glove box at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a free copy of the council’s 80-page Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.
Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/2016/06/soaring-wait-times-airfares-baggage-fees-make-driving-way-go/
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Soaring Wait Times, Airfares, Baggage Fees Make Driving the Way to Go
Monday, June 6, 2016
Buying and Selling a Michigan Vehicle
In Michigan, when there is a change of ownership of a car, a
title transfer must take place. This includes ownership changes caused by the
purchase and sale of a vehicle.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Top distraction for teen drivers in crashes may surprise you
Startling new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals the disturbing behaviors behind distracted driving among young drivers.
Usually, AAA refers to the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the "summer driving season," but now, it's giving it a much more ominous name - the "100 Deadliest Days."
During the summer months, more teenagers are on the road and the number of deaths from crashes involving teen drivers soars to an average of 10 every day -- 16 percent higher than the rest of the year.
Working with the University of Iowa, AAA studied teen drivers over the past eight years, using dashboard cameras and documenting more than 2,200 moderate to severe collisions. Over that time, they saw a disturbing change in behavior.
"They're more likely to interact with their phones via texting or social media, which is particularly scary because they're actually then looking down, taking their eyes off the road," said Jennifer Ryan of AAA.
According to the study, 60 percent of teen crashes today are caused by distracted driving. But perhaps surprisingly, the study found that cell phones are not the number one problem.
The top distraction for teens is other passengers, accounting for 15 percent of teen driver accidents, compared to 12 percent caused by distracted by texting or talking on a cell phone.
"What we know about teens is that when they add a passenger, they're more likely to be distracted, they're more likely to engage in risky behavior," Ryan said.
Stacy Robinson lost two daughters in a crash in Texas in March. A teenage friend who was driving was looking at her phone moments before hitting an 18-wheeler head on.
"I will miss both of my daughters very much," Robinson said, sobbing.
Now, Toron Woolridge, the brother of the two girls, spreads the word about the dangers of distracted driving.
"The best way that I can honor my sisters, the best way I know possible is to talk to youth and talk to parents and help them to understand what could happen," Woolridge said.
AAA recommends complete bans on wireless devices for drivers under age 18, which is now the law in 30 states.
Read more at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/aaa-foundation-behind-distracted-driving-among-teens-and-the-100-deadliest-days/
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Summer Driving Tips
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends taking five minutes every month and before every long drive to check your tires, including the spare. Through its Be Tire Smart – Play Your PART campaign, RMA offers consumer-friendly tips that demonstrate the correct way to check tire pressure and tread wear, and information about driving factors that can affect tire pressure, alignment and rotation. For many Americans, the summer season is driving season. These tire safety tips are designed to help drivers make sure that they’re ready for safe, enjoyable road trips this summer.
Tire Pressure
Make sure you check your tire pressure regularly – at least once per month and before every long trip — including the spare and keep it at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
The correct cold inflation pressure for your tires is listed on the vehicle label on the door post, fuel door, glove box or in the owners’ manual. “Cold inflation pressure” refers to the pressure in a tire that has not been driven for at least three hours. As tires warm during driving, it is normal for pressure to build up. Never “bleed” or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.
The tire pressure listed on your sidewalls is the maximum pressure and is not intended to serve as notification of the correct pressure.
Under inflation creates excessive stresses and heat and may lead to tire failure. It is also important to guard against overinflation, which can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems.
Vehicle Loading and Overloading
Before you fill the trunk and the roof rack with your stuff, check out the vehicle manufacturers recommendations for loading your vehicle. You may not realize it, but you and your passengers count towards the total recommended vehicle weight.
The vehicle manufacturers loading recommendation can be found on the vehicle information placard on the door post or in the vehicle owners’ manual.
Overloading your vehicle creates excessive heat inside your tires. Excessive heat can cause tire failure that could result in vehicle damage and/or serious injury or even death.
And don’t forget, if you’re going to be driving long distances with a loaded vehicle or you haven’t had your car checked in a while, have the alignment and rotation checked. Tires and wheels that are out of balance or misaligned can cause uneven wear or vehicle problems. Have your car checked by an automotive service professional before you leave.
Tread
Check the tread grooves of your tires to make sure that they’re free of foreign objects. This makes it easier for your tires to grip the road and increases your ability to safely maneuver your car.
Also check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Built-in treadwear indicators, or “wear bars,” which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch. When you see these “wear bars,” the tire is worn out and should be replaced.
Read more at: https://rma.org/tire-safety/seasonal-driving-tips/
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Today, June 1st, marks start of summer gasoline rules in Michigan
Rules mean higher gas prices at the pump:
You can expect to see a jump at the pump starting Wednesday.
June 1 marks the beginning of summer gasoline rules in Michigan -- which means gas stations in Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties must only sell or dispense a "summer gas blend" that does not exceed 7.0 pounds per square inch (psi) vapor pressure.
“Summer-formula gasoline increases fuel efficiency and helps smog-causing compounds from being released into the atmosphere,” said Craig VanBuren, acting laboratory division director for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “MDARD inspectors will conduct on-site testing during the summer gas season, which runs from June 1 to September 15.”
The current statewide average price for regular unleaded is around $2.50 a gallon. That's up 19 cents compared to a month ago, but still lower than the $2.73 average we were paying a year ago.
How to file a gas quality complaint
If you suspect that you have purchased substandard fuel (mislabeled octane, water in gas, etc) or that you have received a short/incorrect measure, contact MDARD on our Complaints page. Questions about gas gouging should be directed to the Michigan Attorney General’s office at 877-765-8388.
Tips for energy efficient driving
1. Combine trips for shopping and errands.
2. Avoid unnecessary trips. Use the telephone or e-mail to communicate.
3. For short trips, walk or ride a bike.
4. Join a carpool or use public transit to and from work or school.
5. Don’t idle the car for more than one minute.
6. Drive the speed limit, or below, for better mileage.
7. Overdrive gears improve the fuel economy of your car during highway driving.
8. Avoid sudden bursts of speed, tailgating and pumping the accelerator pedal. Gradual starts and stops result in less fuel use and less wear and tear.
9. Out on the open highway, keep windows rolled up to reduce drag.
10. Using a vehicle’s air conditioner on a hot summer day can decrease mileage. If it’s cool enough, use the flow-through ventilation on your car instead of the air conditioner.
11. Travel during off-peak hours when possible.
12. Take the shortest route with the best roads.
13. Use the cruise control -- it can save fuel by maintaining a steady speed.
14. Keep tires at the recommended air pressure.
15. Keep your car engine properly tuned.
16. Remove bicycle and ski racks when not in use.
17. Excess weight uses more fuel. Remove unnecessary items from inside the vehicle, trunk or truck bed.
18. Use the lowest octane gasoline recommended by the manufacturer.
19. When buying a new car, make fuel efficiency a priority.
20. Don’t buy a bigger engine than you need.
Read more at: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/june-1st-marks-the-start-of-summer-gasoline-rules-in-michigan
