Rainy driving Tips

A strong storm will bring a significant amount of rain to the Antelope Valley over the next 72 hours, according to the National Weather Service. Rain rates at times are expected to range from a half inch to one inch per hour, which could cause significant mud and debris flows.

A Flash Flood Watch could occur during the next 72 hours, local law enforcement officials warn.

The Lancaster Sheriff’s Station recommends the following safety tips for driving wet-weather conditions:

Safety starts before you drive. Your goal should be to see and be seen. Replace windshield wiper inserts that leave streaks or don’t clear the glass in a single swipe. Make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals are properly functioning so other drivers will see you during downpours. Turn on your headlights whenever you drive.

Proper tire tread depth and inflation are imperative to maintaining good traction on wet roadways. Check tread depth with a quarter inserted upside down into the tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head, start shopping for new tires. Check each tire’s pressure, including the spare, and be sure to check the pressure when the tires are cold.

Avoid cruise control. Most modern cars feature cruise control, which works great in dry conditions. However, when used in wet conditions, the chance of losing control of the vehicle can increase. To prevent loss of traction, the driver may need to reduce the car’s speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be accomplished when cruise control is engaged. When driving in wet-weather conditions, it is important to concentrate fully on every aspect of driving. Avoiding cruise control will allow the driver more options to choose from when responding to a potential loss-of-traction situation, thus maximizing safety.

Slow down and leave room. Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car’s chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water. Even with as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road. Drivers should reduce their speeds to correspond to the amount of water on the roadway. At speeds as low as 35 mph, new tires can still lose some contact with the roadway. To reduce chances of hydroplaning, drivers should slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply, drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead, and allow ample stopping distance. Also, do these things one at a time: brake, then turn, then accelerate.

For more safety tips, visit http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/hazardous-conditions.php or http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/wet-weather-driving-tips/.

Four Quick Fall Car Care Tips

Winter and summer generally call for the most attention to car maintenance given the harsh weather conditions both of those seasons experience. But as the leaves change and that nip comes to the air, it's important to take a look at some vital parts of your vehicle to ensure that they are in good health.

Fall can often mean rainy weather and even snow, so you'll want to be certain that the parts of your car that are designed to deal with that kind of weather are all in proper working in order. A little drizzle can turn into a big problem if your windshield wipers or tires are in bad shape.

1. Look at tires for signs of uneven wear or other damage

Your tires play a vital -- and generally thankless -- role in keeping you safe on the road. They are, after all, the only point of physical contact between your car and the pavement.

Uneven wear on tires can point to a couple of potential safety problems. It could mean that one or more of your tires is underinflated, which can negatively affect your car's handling and fuel economy. It can mean that your tires are out of alignment, which can cause stress on your suspension and result in an uncomfortable ride. It can also mean that the tire is out of balance or the wheel is bent, which can result in a bumpy ride due to the wobbly tire or wheel.

Any of these issues can cause compromise the safety and comfort of your car. If you notice uneven tire wear, check into the cause of it as soon as possible.

2. Listen to and feel your brakes

Pay attention when braking to be sure they are not making scraping or grinding noises, or that the brake pedal does not feel soft or spongy when depressed. Either of these issues can make braking difficult, which is obviously something you don't want.

A soft or spongy brake pedal can point to a couple of possible problems, the most common of which is that there is too much air in the brake lines. You can fix the problem yourself by bleeding the brakes, but it's probably best to have your local mechanic take care of it for you.

If you hear your brakes making scraping sounds, it can mean that there is some kind of foreign particle stuck in them or that the wear indicator is rubbing against the rotor. If you hear a grinding sound, that means the friction material on your brakes has worn off and the only thing stopping your car is the metal backing plate. This will make stopping the car very difficult and can damage critical parts of your brakes.

3. Check your light bulbs and lenses for clarity

Give your headlight, brake, fog and hi-beam bulbs and lenses a good check for clarity. It's starting to get dark much earlier, meaning your lights are going to be even more important than usual, since you'll be using them when there is heavier traffic flow.

4. Replace your windshield wipers if they are worn, cracked or streak when in use

When it comes to driving, there's not much that is more infuriating than windshield wipers that don't work properly. Having your vision obscured by ineffective wipers that just spread the rain all over your windshield isn't only annoying, it's also dangerous.

Replacing windshield wipers is quick, easy and cheap. Simply go to your local auto parts store, get the wipers that are the right size for your car (they'll generally have a reference book there for you to use) and follow the installation instructions.  Do this while it's still warm outside, because trying to pry off wipers with cold hands is torturous.

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Memorial Day Party Ideas

Memorial Day is traditionally a time for family and friend get-togethers.  Why not entertain in style with one of these neat do-it-yourself Memorial Day projects?

These are easy projects with a traditional red, white and blue theme.  Most recycle or reuse common household items.  Just click on the link below for more information.

Mason Jar Utensil Holders – Shared from A Soft Place to Land

Festive Patriotic Tablescape - Shared from Martha Stewart

DIY Patriotic Ladder Game - Shared from Mom Endeavors

Fun Clothespin wreath in Red white and blue - Shared from Holiday Crafts

Red white and blue tin can luminaries – Shared from Crafts for All Seasons

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