Relief at the Pump

These habits can save you trips to the pump, which means more money in your wallet.

Ease up on the gas pedal. Fuel mileage decreases when you exceed 50 mph. Accelerate gently and brake softly so you don’t wear out your brakes and tires.

Lighten your load. Using your trunk or backseat as storage weighs you down, which slows you down and burns more fuel. For daily use, limit what’s in your trunk to an emergency kit and tools for roadside repairs.

Cut down on wind resistance. Bulky rooftop carriers make your engine work harder than it should. When going on trips, try to pack as much in your car as possible.

Cruise-control: Activate! Maintaining your speed with this handy feature keeps you from using additional fuel for frequent acceleration.

Always Be Prepared: What to Do in an Auto Accident

We hope you’re never involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, they do happen. In addition to practicing safe driving, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Keep the following in mind if you ever get in a fender bender:

Stay calm. You don’t want to say or do anything that may worsen an already troubling situation.

Stay at the scene. Make sure you are in a safe place either in or near your vehicle. If you or the other driver(s) need medical attention, call 911 immediately.

Report it. No matter how minor the accident may be, failure to report it to law enforcement is against the law. You also need to exchange insurance information. 

Take photos. Use your cell-phone camera, or better yet, have a disposable camera on hand for these situations. Take photos of both vehicles and the area in which the accident occurred.

Take notes. Text yourself or keep a notebook handy so you can jot down notes about what you were doing before the crash, which direction you were headed, when the other driver came into the scene, etc.

Stay on top of it. Keep in constant contact with your insurance company and the repair shop to make sure everything is happening in a timely manner so you can get on with your life.

Keep Your Battery in Tip-Top Shape

Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Tips for New Drivers!

Whether you're 16 and about to get your license or just new to the task entirely, we have some great tips for new drivers! Getting on the road can be a nerve-racking experience, but there are some ways that help make the process enjoyable and easy.

1) Always wear your seat belt! In fact, it is perfectly to refrain from starting the car until all passengers are buckled up. 

2) Put the phone down. Keep your phone in your purse or in your pocket until you exit the vehicle. Remember, it can wait!

3) Obey the speed limit. Speeding causes about 40% of all fatal teen accidents. That's especially true when driving on roads with lots of traffic or you're not familiar with.

4)  Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you, and have possible escape routes in mind. 

5) If possible, drive a safe car with the latest safety equipment (such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and air bags), and one with an excellent crash safety record. 

Always wear your seat belt, and refuse to move the car until all your passengers have buckled up. - See more at: http://www.askpatty.com/page/10_tips_for_new_drivers_askpattycom#sthash.5xpbeBv4.dpuf

Always wear your seat belt, and refuse to move the car until all your passengers have buckled up. - See more at: http://www.askpatty.com/page/10_tips_for_new_drivers_askpattycom#sthash.5xpbeBv4.dpuf

Always wear your seat belt, and refuse to move the car until all your passengers have buckled up. - See more at: http://www.askpatty.com/page/10_tips_for_new_drivers_askpattycom#sthash.5xpbeBv4.dpuf