Tips for Driving in the Rain

Fall is here, and with it come the dangers of driving in heavy rainfall... something we all have to deal with. So how do we deal with hydroplaning and low view distance?

AAA offers these tips of advice.

Go slowly. Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase.

Light up. Use low-beam headlights to help others see your car and increase your visibility. Remember Maryland law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use.

Be careful of standing and running water. As little as six inches of water on a road can cause most drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Nearly half of all people who die in flash floods are in cars and have underestimated the power of flood waters or have not acted quickly enough to escape. Do not drive through moving water or flooded areas. If floodwaters arise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can safely do so. If not, do not open your car doors, stay within your vehicle and call 911.

Be a follower. Driving in the tracks of other vehicles can improve traction and help avoid hydroplaning.

Readmore: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/weather/safety/safety-tips-for-driving-in-heavy-rain#ixzz28wNQwICo

The Parent-Teen Driving Agreement

Are you the parent of a Teen Driver? Have them sign the Parent-Teen Driving Agreement! It encourages your teens to follow the rules of the road, stay focused on driving, respect laws about drunk driving as well as agree to certain restrictions and penalties set by parents. Find the agreement here.

October is Fall Car Care Month

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle operating at its best:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.

2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free.

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check to make sure that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

To help motorists follow a vehicle maintenance program, a free digital Car Care Guide can be found on the council’s website at www.carcare.org/car-care-guide. The guide is available in English and Spanish, and includes information on service interval schedules, questions to ask a technician and tips to drive smart and save money.

Article courtesy of: http://www.carcare.org/2011/09/fall-into-a-vehicle-maintenance-program/

How Much Is It To Charge Your Volt?

A huge debate in the hybrid and electric markets are if the cost of fuel outweighs the cost of electricity to charge a hybrid or electric car.

GM and OnStar is about to remove all doubt with an EcoHub app.

Detroit news writes:


General Motors Co.'s OnStar subsidiary is testing an app with Chevrolet Volt owners that can tell them how much it costs to charge the Volt's battery and compare the Volt's energy use to energy used in their home over certain time periods.

The new EcoHub app is being tested by residents living in the Pecan Street Inc. smart-grid research project in Austin, Texas' sustainable Mueller community. The area has the highest residential concentration of Chevy Volt owners. In July, OnStar said there were 55.

OnStar hopes eventually to make the app available to all Chevy Volt owners.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20121005/AUTO0103/210050395#ixzz28RgG5XmC.

One Day Only Sale!

Join us for our really big one day new and used car sale THIS Saturday, September 22 from 9am-5pm.

If you or anyone in your family is in the market for a new vehicle come in and see what great savings you can receive this Saturday between 9-5.

Please contact Gus Matthews on our Internet Hotline at 724-561-5064, or at morrowkiasales@ronlewisautomotive.com to schedule your no-obligation appointment.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,
Gus

5th Annual Apple Dumpling Festival

The 5th Annual Apple Dumpling Festival is this Saturday Sept. 15th 11am-4pm with the theme "Fall Into A Little Magic"!

Music entertainment will feature Gary Barker - Something To Believe In.

Dumplings will be made by RUMC and pre-order requests are being accepted at appledumplingfestival@yahoo.com.

To view photos from last years festival visit: http://appledumplingfestival.webs.com/apps/photos/.

Kia Racing & Donors Choose

Kia Racing’s Forte Koups return to action in California this weekend at legendary Laguna Seca. Twisting through the picturesque Monterey Peninsula hills, the Koups will be driving for charitable dollars with DonorsChoose.org, the innovative online charity, emblazoned across the hoods.

Kia recently made a $1 million donation to DonorsChoose.org and launched a “Double Your Impact” campaign to support more than 125,000 public school students nationwide in zip codes we call home. Kia is urging race fans to become “citizen philanthropists” and help support 125,000 in-need public school students across America. By matching community donations, KMA will bring more than $2 million in learning materials and experiences to schools before the end of the year.

With only two races remaining in the 2012 season, co-drivers Nic Jönsson and Andy Lally look to close the gap to first place. The No. 10 DonorsChoose.org/Infinity Audio Forte Koup is just 18 points out of the lead for the Street Tuner (ST) class driver and team title.

The green flag drops at 2:30 p.m. PT/5:30 p.m. ET. Visit the Kia Racing Facebook Page (facebook.com/kiaracing) for live updates from the track or visit http://grand-am.com for live timing and scoring.

In addition, tune into the NBC Sports broadcast of the Pirelli World Challenge season finale at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday at 12:30 PT/3:30 p.m. ET.