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/.

Proper Way to Shine Your Car’s Tires

You've just spent hours washing and waxing your car, but it doesn't look as good as the first day you brought it home. Why? Well, it just might be those dingy tires. Faded or discolored tires, caused by the effects of sun and chemicals, can significantly detract from the overall appearance of your car. But, don't be discouraged, because by taking just a few extra steps, you can have a car that will be the envy of your neighborhood and local car show. Here's how the final detail, shining your tires, can make all the difference.

Steps for Detailing Your Tires

Here are some simple steps to get a lasting, new-tire look.

• Remove road grime from the sidewalls using a brush, mild soap, and water. For best results, use cleansers specifically designed for rubber.

• For a longer-lasting shine, make sure the tires are dry before you apply tire care products.

• Apply a tire rejuvenator periodically to lay a good foundation for routine tire maintenance. These products contain black dye that will restore tires to their original dark color, so be sure to read labels before applying products to tires with white sidewalls or raised lettering. You may want to use rubber gloves to avoid getting the darkening agent on your hands.

• For the finishing touch, apply tire dressing. For optimal results, use a hand applicator to distribute the product evenly around each tire's sidewall. A single application should result in a good satin shine, but you'll need to apply a second coat, if you want more of a wet look.

If you have any questions about servicing or scheduling an appointment for your vehicle, please feel free to Contact Us. We would be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions.

Preparing for Summer Road Trips

With the kids home from school for the summer, many families decide to pack up the family vehicle and hit the open road to visit family or see America. Being confined to an enclosed space can be stressful enough, so basic preparations before the trip can help keep unexpected disasters to a minimum.

First up is checking the condition of all the tires. With gas prices of nearly $4 per gallon, an easy way to save at the pump is to make sure the tires are properly inflated. Check the sticker on the driver’s door jamb for the recommended pressures, and make sure all four tires are up to spec. Before a road trip, it’s equally important to check the pressure in the spare. While you’re at it, do a visual inspection of the tires and replace tires showing excessive or uneven wear.

Compact spares are typically inflated to between 80 and 90 psi, compared to about 30 to 35 psi for conventional tires. While checking the spare, don’t forget to take out the jack and make sure it’s working and all the parts are there. If your wheels have locking lug nuts, you wouldn’t want to get stranded with a flat tire that can’t be removed so make sure the key is in the car, as well. A first aid kit in the vehicle is always a good idea, too.

Cranky kids confined to a steamy car on a hot summer day are not conducive to a fun family outing, so if you haven’t already checked out the air conditioning, make sure it’s properly chilling the cabin air. If necessary get it recharged with refrigerant or get other repairs done.

Of course, the passengers aren’t alone in needing cooling in the summer. Make sure the engine coolant reservoir is filled to the proper level and the coolant is in good condition. It should be either a bright green color or bright orange if it uses Dex-Cool coolant. If there are any signs of brown discoloration, have the system inspected by your dealer’s service department, as it could be an indication of a leaking head gasket that’s allowing oil to mix with the coolant.

Don’t forget to check under the vehicle after it has been parked to make sure there are no leaks. If there are signs of any fluids other than water (which may just be condensation from the air conditioning compressor) get it checked and repaired as soon as possible.

If you are planning a long trip and your car is close to the mileage where it needs an oil change, take it in early to get fresh oil.

No matter how much you prepare for a trip, the unexpected can sometimes happen. Thankfully, roadside assistance services are always ready to come to your aid. Many automakers now offer complimentary roadside assistance that includes towing, tire changes, emergency fuel delivery and other services during the warranty period on new and sometimes pre-owned vehicles. Cell phone providers also frequently offer similar assistance services for just a few dollars per month added to your bill. For those that prefer the traditional approach, automobile clubs like AAA are also a great option. No matter what service you opt for, make sure you know your account number and program the phone number into your cell phone.

Speaking of cell phones, remember to bring a 12-volt charging adapter so you can keep the battery charged while driving. If you are planning to use a smartphone as a navigation device, check out your local cell phone store for a windshield mount for the phone so you don’t have to hold it in your hand.

Thanks to modern consumer electronics, kids can also stay entertained on the road––listening to whatever music they like, or using laptops or tablets to play games or watch movies––without annoying parents. The batteries in those devices have a habit of running down at inopportune times, however, so having suitable charging capabilities is important.

For devices that can charge from USB ports, if the car doesn’t have extra ports, get a couple of extra 12-volt to USB chargers and, if needed, a multi-outlet adapter. If using a laptop on the road, investing in a 400-watt power inverter will provide one or two AC outlets just like at home, so everyone can stay occupied.

Stop by the dealership today and let us make sure your car is in the right shape before you take it out on a long road trip. Some basic preparation will help minimize the chances of avoidable disasters on the road and allow everyone to come home with memories of a great trip.

This article is presented by Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.

Celebrating Earth Day

Observe this environmental holiday by cleaning up the world around you

Earth Day has been celebrated annually on April 22 since 1970. The day is designated as a way to acknowledge the environment and consider ways to make the earth a healthier place to live. People of any age and nationality can participate in this one-day event. The more people who participate in Earth Day, the more impact the holiday will have on the overall environment.

Clean up the environment

Head outdoors and do what you can to clean up the environment in your own neighborhood. Pick up trash along roads, sidewalks and hiking trails. Recycle items that are recyclable and dispose of other items in proper trash receptacles. Clean up sticks and other natural debris that are blocking walking and bike paths and take them to a composting area. Trim trees and shrubs along walking paths, making them more accessible for walkers.

Plant trees or vegetables

Because plant-life increases the quality of the air around you, consider planting on Earth Day. Plant a tree in memory of a friend or loved one. Get a head start on the summer growing season by planting vegetable seeds indoors. Plant flowers in your yard, if possible. Make a pine cone bird feeder to attract and feed birds in your outdoor space.

Start an ongoing program

While focusing on the environment for one day is a positive move, an ongoing effort for environmental preservation is even better. Consider using Earth Day as an opportunity to launch an environmental program in your community. Start a recycling program. Develop a group of local citizens interested in volunteering in your local parks. Organize a community garden.

Enjoy nature

Even if you do not actively participate in Earth Day with a personal project, take the time to get outdoors and enjoy the nature in your community. Visit a park you have never visited. Take a hike in a state park. Enjoy a picnic near a local nature preserve. Visit a local farm.

Make every day Earth Day

Although Earth Day is celebrated in spring of each year, you can make every day an Earth Day in your household. Make a commitment to become more environmentally conscious and reduce your environmental footprint. Conserve utility resources by turning down your thermostat when you are not home, reducing water usage and opening your windows instead of using air-conditioning. Purchase food from local farmers and independently operated businesses, or grow some of your own fruits and vegetables.

Start a composting bin, in order to recycle vegetable and yard waste and use the compost for landscaping or gardening. Make your own cleaning products, instead of using toxic commercial products. Recycle whenever possible and find new uses for items before you discard them. Most important, get away from the computer and the television set and get outdoors. Walk and bike when weather allows and enjoy your natural surroundings.

This article is presented by Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln Mazda in Lancaster, California.

10 Tips for Driving in the Rain

Looks like we will be having some rain for the next few days. It is best to make sure that you are prepared before you hit those slippery roads. Here are some tips we found most helpful in this situation.

In stormy conditions, it is more difficult to see other vehicles, road signs and the road itself. It is critical to make sure you can see and be seen.

1. First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
2. Replace old or brittle wipers.
3. Check your tires on a regular basis. Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. When your tires run over water, the water is displaced and it needs somewhere to go quickly. The best place is between the treads of your tires. If your tires are bald, the water has no place to go and you end up riding on a layer of water, like a boat.
4. Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
5. Stay at least 2 car lengths behind the vehicle driving ahead of you. The roads are more slippery while wet. If you have to make a sudden stop, you will have a less chance of bumping into the back of the cars in front of you.
6. Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
7. When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
8. Avoid splashing pedestrians.
9. Rain or high humidity can quickly cause windows to mist up inside the car. In a car equipped with air conditioning, turn up the heat and direct the airflow to your defrosters with the AC switch engaged
10. Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.

Please keep these tips in mind and drive safely!

If you have any questions about servicing or scheduling an appointment for your vehicle, please feel free to Contact Us. We would be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions.

12 Days of Christmas Service Specials

Anti Theft Tips

#1: Never park in a dark or secluded area, especially if you plan on leaving your vehicle for a long period of time.  Car thieves look for vehicles that appear to be in disuse so either park your car in an attended area or remove the battery to disable it and prevent a quick getaway.

#2: Vehicles that do not have an activated or visible alarm system are easy targets.  Many cars come with anti-theft systems but their owners do not have it activated.  Simply make sure that you activate your alarm system and thieves will steer clear.

#3: Keep all of your valuables hidden from sight in your vehicle.  If you have something of importance in your car such as electronics then either stash them in your trunk or hide them from plain view.  They’re easy to steal and easy to wipe clean and sell so just don’t take the risk.  Even leaving charging cables can indicate to thieves that you may have something of greater value in your vehicle so hide everything!

If you keep these anti-theft tips in mind next time you’re leaving your car somewhere then you can prevent the theft of your vehicle.  So stay aware and be smart about it!

Dads and Grads Special Event!

This weekend!

Wow Super Savings!

Happening at Antelope Valley Ford Lincoln and Antelope Valley Quick Lane! When you buy an oil and filter change, you get an oil and filter change free! Hurry in! This is only for a limited time!

Antelope Valley Quick Lane Commercial

The team at Quick Lane Tire & Auto Service, got together and filmed this commercial! Keep your eye out for it on television! But just in case you can't wait to see it, here it is!