Stay on Top of your Brake Maintenance to Stop on Time | Prescott Brothers of Princeton

Vehicle brakes are vital to your safety when driving. What signs indicate that they’re wearing out?

For those who suffer a daily commute through heavy traffic, your vehicle’s braking system can bring thousands of pounds of metal, plastic and empty Starbucks cups to a stop hundreds of times before you get to work. It goes without saying that these pieces wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice they need attention until it’s too late.

Neglecting your braking system can lead to increased repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all. Fortunately, paying attention to some of the signs of brake wear can keep you on top of stopping maintenance, saving you some money and keeping your car from bouncing off of the guy in front of you.

The most obvious indicator that your vehicle’s brakes need attention is an incredibly high pitched squeal when you come to a stop. Brake pad manufacturers include a little piece of metal called an indicator on the pad itself. When the material wears down to the point where less than ¼ inch is left, the metal piece begins to touch the vehicle’s rotor, doing a pretty good impression of fingernails on a chalkboard. Depending on how hard you drive, that usually means you should replace your brake pads within the month.

Occasionally, the indicator rusts and falls off, leaving you with no irritating noise to warn of brake wear. Additionally, many aftermarket and low-cost pads don’t come with a wear indicator at all. For the more observant, there are other signs that your pads need attention. If it takes you longer to stop than it used to, or if your brake pedal travels farther than it did a few months ago, it might be a good idea to get your stoppers checked. Regular pad checks are a good idea and require little more than removing a wheel and knowing what to look for.

Rotors are a little trickier, as they can usually last through two or three sets of brake pads before needing to be replaced. If your steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop, your rotors are probably “warped,” and it’s a good idea to swap them out.

Most shops will offer to “turn” your rotors for you instead of outright replacing them. This means shaving enough metal off of the rotors to make them smooth again. Newer vehicles are equipped with thinner, lighter rotors to save on costs and increase fuel economy. If you’ve got the option, go ahead and replace them.

There are several options for replacement brake parts for your vehicle. While you can never go wrong with what your manufacturer recommends, a variety of aftermarket parts can help you cater your brake system to your driving style. If you find yourself replacing rotors often, you might consider switching to a slotted version. While initially more expensive, the slots disperse heat better than stock, though 99 percent of the time they aren’t necessary for the average driver.

Your rotors aren’t the only piece of brake hardware that can be changed for better performance. One of the most common brake pad upgrades is a switch to ceramic pads. These pads stop just as well, if not better than the stock pieces, but produce much less dust and are generally quieter. While you can also install performance brake pads on your vehicle, these usually have a shorter life span and generate more wear on your rotors.

While neglecting your brakes until your car is grinding to a halt instead of gliding is always an option, it can cost you in unnecessary rotor replacement and possible towing bills. That’s not to mention the likelihood of losing most of your stopping ability right when you need it most. Keeping up with brake maintenance, paying attention to the signs of brake wear and choosing the right equipment for your vehicle will let you slow down like you should.

Top Ten Signs of Brake Wear:

1.   High pitched squealing
2.   Vibration in the steering wheel when stopping
3.   Grinding noises when stopping
4.   Increased braking distances
5.   Longer pedal travel
6.   Feeling the car “pull” to the left or right when stopping
7.   A weak emergency brake
8.   A bad smell after coming to a hard stop
9.   Pedal “fade”
10. Not stopping

When you start experiencing any of the above listed symptoms it is time to make an appointment at Prescott Brothers of Princeton or call us at (815) 875-1180.

Source: http://www.carcare.org/2011/10/car-brakes-how-do-you-know-when-to-change-them/

Get Your Vehicle Ready for that Holiday Shopping | Prescott Brothers of Princeton

Are you ready for the upcoming holiday festivities? Before you rush to the store and face the traffic of holiday shoppers, you’ll want to be sure your car is ready to battle the elements. Follow these tips before venturing out into the winter wonderland.

• Get a Tune-Up. Have your mechanic check your hoses, belts 
  and anti-freeze. A weakened hose or belt can break and leave you stranded, or a 
  weak solution of anti-freeze can ice up and damage your cooling system. 
• Check Your Battery. Make sure your car’s battery connection 
  is clean, tight and corrosion-free. The battery should be securely mounted. If 
  the battery is three years old or more, have it tested and replace it if 
  necessary.  
• Check Your Heater and Defroster. If your heater isn’t 
  working, you’ll probably know. But what about front and rear defrosters? Before 
  you’re faced with a frosty windshield, turn your front and rear defrosters on 
  and off to make sure they’re working. 
• Give Yourself a Brake. If you have the slightest concern 
  that something’s amiss with your brakes, get them inspected immediately. If you 
  have anti-lock brakes, you should avoid pumping the brakes if you begin to 
  slide.  
• Have Your Exhaust System Checked. Ask your mechanic to 
  double check the exhaust system for leaks, which can emit dangerous carbon 
  monoxide into your car. If you become stuck in the snow and want to run the 
  engine and heater, make sure your tail pipe is clear of the snow and crack open 
  a window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. 
• Fill up with Washer Fluid. Slush and mud splashed on a 
  windshield can spell danger for a winter driver. Make sure your washer fluid 
  reservoir is sufficiently full, and keep a spare jug in the trunk. 
• Consider New Wiper Blades. Even if your windshield wiper blades 
  are in good condition, you might want to upgrade to a rubber coated snow blade 
  that can handle the extra weight of wet snow. They’re not expensive, and could 
  make your winter driving a lot safer in the long run. 
• Take a Look at Your Tires. Your tires need to have adequate 
  tread with “grip” to propel you through the snow. 
• Fill Her Up! One of the best driving tips for winter is to 
  keep your tank more than half full at all times. It will help you avoid 
  freezing in your fuel lines, and will keep you safer in winter weather 
  situations.

If for any reason you are in need of assistance with any one of these safety precautions please give us a call and we will be happy to help you in any way we can. Please visit Prescott Brothers of Princeton online and schedule a service appointment today!

Driving in Darkness | Prescott Brothers Princeton

As Fall Back looms around the corner, it is time to remember safety tips for the driving in the dark.

Drive more slowly at night because you cannot see as far ahead and you will have less time to stop for a hazard. Make sure you can stop within the distance lighted by your headlights.

Use your low-beam headlights at night when it rains. Do not drive using only your parking lights.

Use your high-beam headlights whenever possible in open country or dark city streets, as long as it is not illegal. Do not blind other drivers with your high-beam headlights. Dim your lights when necessary. If another driver does not dim his or her lights:

• Do not look directly into the oncoming headlights.
• Look toward the right edge of your lane
• Watch the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye
• Do not try to "get back" at the other driver by keeping your bright lights on. If you do, both of you may be blinded.

When you drive at night, remember:

• Pedestrians and bicyclist are much harder to see at night; stay alert6 for them
• Motorcycles are also harder to see at night because most have only one taillight.
• Highway construction can take place at night. Reduce your speed in highway construction zones.
• When you leave a brightly-lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.
• Drive as fa the the right as possible, when a vehicle with one light drives toward you. It could be a bicyclist or motorcyclist, but it could also be a vehicle with a missing headlight.

October is Fall Car Care Month

With all of the leaves changing, nights getting cooler you need to be doing more than just throwing a sweatshirt on or raking up the fallen leaves. There's something you need to check and maintain, that's just as important as the gutters and other weekend projects. When was the last time you checked out what was going on under the hood of your car? Have you at least gotten an oil change in the last few months? With the Fall season in full swing, it's important to properly care for your vehicles. You rely on them so much to get you to and from all of your seasonal stops safely with no problem! You don't want to ruin a trip back from Thanksgiving at grandma's with a flat tire do you? That could be the least of your problems with the types of components that tend to require maintenance. From your wipers and brakes to your battery and defrosters there are plenty of ways to care for your car this fall season.

Where Do I Begin? What Can I Do?

When it comes to your cars there are plenty of options in front of you. For those of you who don't mind getting your hands dirty or are interested in minor car work, your weekends can turn into small DIY projects here and there to keep your car running great. Other ways for full fall car care is to drop it off at a full service garage that can make sure your car is ready for whatever the fall or winter throws at it! Even with this said, it's important to understand the areas on your car that will need attention during these frigid seasons. That way you can make sure that your car is getting what it needs, and you're not paying an arm and a leg for something completely unnecessary.

Key Areas for Fall Car Care

Below, we'll go through the areas you should focus your fall car care. Each of these sections have certain vulnerabilities or weaknesses to the colder temperatures, extra moisture and other elements. Other areas that need to be focused on are those you will be relying on the most, like your heating system, defrosters, and wipers.

Heating (HVAC) System and Wipers - We'll jump right in. It's always a good place to start, as it's the most logical. Properly working heating and ventilation systems are completely necessary for safety and comfort. Can you imagine attempting to drive home with a frozen windshield and no heat? Or pouring rain and worn out wipers? Also make sure you have the filters all checked, as it's common to find clogs. Many people take the fall season to replace their filters so their car runs as efficiently as possible. As replacing your wipers should be replaced every six months, timing them around the Fall season helps as well. That way, once you are getting ready for those spring showers, it's time to replace your wipers again.

Tires and Wheels - One of the biggest concerns you should have as the weather begins to cool are your tires. For one, replacing them is never a fun process, and secondly as everything contracts in the cold, your tires will lose air pressure. Always make sure to check your tires weekly, and fill them according to their PSI requirements. With slicker surfaces, its also equally important to check the treads. You want to make sure there are no bald spots or leaks. Another warning sign to look for is uneven wear, which means it's also time for a wheel alignment.

Battery - Cold weather is brutal on all types of electronics. Your car battery is just as vulnerable to this. It's always good to check your battery and it's connections. Clean up any areas with corrosion and make sure all of the connections are clean and tight. It's also not a bad idea to have the levels checked by a shop, because you can't always tell when one is about to die. The last thing you want is to get in the car late one night, out of state, ready to drive home to realize your car battery has died. One precaution many take in their fall car care is to just replace their car battery in general. Especially if it has several years behind it.

Brakes - When it comes to car care and maintenance, tending to your brakes are always a good idea. With so much reliance behind these components it's important to make sure the linings, rotors, and pads are all working properly. Brakes can play a pivotal role in your survival on instances of slick roads, black ice, and snowfall.

Other Fall Car Care Tips

Besides confirming that these areas mentioned above are being maintained, there are other components to double check as well. I know that some of these can seem like they are more geared towards colder winter weather, but its always better to be prepared beforehand. Both the fall and winter season offer many different types of situations, from issues you can control like your car to those you can't, like the elements.

Check your fluids. People tend to overlook the fluids that are in their car. It's a rare thing to see anyone actually check their oil let alone their anti-freeze! Its always important to check your fluids, and the cooler season months are no exception. Check for leaks as well, so you can attend to those before they cause larger problems.

Keep scrapers in your car. Yes, it's fall, but that doesn't mean we're absolved of freezing temperatures until December. It's already hit the 30's. Scrapers, extra anti-freeze and lock deicer are all components you should have gathered in this point, so keep them all together (Besides the lock deicer, it kind of defeats the purpose if it's stored in your car).

Make sure all of your lights are working. Look for signs of clouding on the headlights and make sure all of your bulbs are still working. Dead bulbs only take a few minutes to replace, but always seems to be put off. Besides assuming responsibility in accidents where you've been rear-ended, wasting your time by being pulled over, and more, you are making the roads much more hazardous. Your lights and signals are the only means of communicating with other drivers. Take that out of the equation and others have no means of knowing what you intend on doing.

What Now? Start Caring For Your Car!

In the end, your car is only as valuable as the time and work you put into it. If you completely neglect it, you can't rightfully assume that it will always prove reliable. All of the fall car care tips we've mentioned above are pretty simple. Most can even be done as you are walking up to your car in the morning before work, or within ten fifteen minutes on a Saturday morning. While it may cost you a few bucks to keep your car maintained, or even a few hundred to replace a part just look at the bigger picture. You continue to keep your family safe and your vehicle running efficiently each and every time you take a moment to make sure it's running the best it could be.

Source:  http://eggzack.com/article/2013-10-31-important-fall-car-care-tips.html

Safe Driving - September is Preparedness Month

Taking steps to stay safe while driving is nothing new. We buckle our seat belts, adjust the rearview mirror and put away our phones. So, why not take a few more steps to protect yourself in case you encounter a disaster while on the road? A little knowledge and preparation can go miles in keeping you safe.

Road rules

Learning more about the kind of disasters that can happen in your community is always a good first step. In preparing to stay safe while on the road, it’s especially important to learn about disasters that can happen with little warning and are likely to catch you off guard. Such disasters can include tornadoes, flash floods, landslides and earthquakes. It’s also a good idea to learn about your community’s evacuation routes and designated shelters. In fact, a good tip is to keep a list of designated shelters in your car as well as maps that clearly note safe evacuation routes.

Here’s a few specific tips for staying safe if you find yourself behind the wheel when a disaster hits:

• Tornadoes: Tornadoes can hit with very little warning. If you’re in a car,make sure your seat belt is fastened and drive to the nearest shelter. If you see flying debris, pull over, park and lower your head below window level. Do not park under a bridge or overpass.

• Floods: Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most passenger cars and can cause you to lose control or your car to stall. Two feet of fast-moving water can carry away most vehicles, including trucks and SUVs. If floodwaters start to rise around your car, do not hesitate to leave your vehicle and walk to higher ground. Do not attempt to drive in flooded areas.

• Landslides: A landslide is a mass of rock, earth and other debris moving down a slope. When driving in an area prone to landslides, be on the alert for cracked pavement, fallen rocks and other signs of a landslide. If you see a landslide happening, drive out of its path immediately.

• Earthquakes: If you’re in a car when an earthquake hits, drive out of traffic and park; avoid parking under bridges or overpasses. Do your best to park out of range of trees, utility posts and other falling hazards.

• Wildfires: Though it’s dangerous and should only be done in an emergency, you can survive a wildfire by staying in your car. Roll up your windows, close the air vents and drive very slowly with the headlights on. Do not attempt to drive through heavy smoke. If you have to stop, park away from trees and brush, leave the headlights on, turn off your ignition, get on the floor of your car and cover yourself with a blanket until the main fire passes.

• Blizzards: If you find yourself trapped in your car in a blizzard, pull off the road, turn on the hazard lights and, if you’re able, hang a distress flag or piece of cloth from the car’s antennae or window. Run the heater and car engine about 10 minutes each hour to stay warm. When the engine is on, crack the window very slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not attempt to leave your car and go on foot unless you absolutely know where you can take shelter.

If you resume driving after a disaster, be careful to avoid downed power lines, cracks in the road and any other road hazards. Remember: It may be difficult to abandon your car, but it’s important that you don’t hesitate if the situation calls for it.

Stockpiles on the go

There are a few emergency items you should have in your car at all times. Your vehicle’s emergency kit should include jumper cables, up-to-date maps, emergency flares, a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra blankets, a spare tire, batteries, a battery-operated radio, a manual can opener and a cellphone charger. It’s also important that you have bottled water and non-perishable foods.

You can purchase specially packaged food and water that will last for long periods of time in your car. However, you can also prepare a portable kit of food and water to store in your home; just make sure it’s easily accessible so you can grab it in a hurry in case of evacuation. Make sure every car in your household, including your teenage son’s or daughter’s car, is prepared for an emergency. Depending on where you live, you might add special items as well, such as an ice scraper or a bag of sand to gettraction in the snow.

If you know a disaster is headed your way, such as a hurricane, keep a full tank of gas in the car so you’ll be ready to go. And have some cash on hand, in case ATMs or credit card machines are down.

Finally, don’t forget about your vehicle’s maintenance — it can be critical if you encounter disaster or heavy weather. For example, check the tire pressure, make sure your windshield wipers work well, and inspect the antifreeze and coolant levels.

Source:  http://www.getreadyforflu.org/DrivingDisasters.htm 

Beginning of School Safety Tips | Prescott Brothers of Princeton Ford

School Days, Good Old Golden Rule Days...Time to Keep Safety Rules in Mind. Follow the Rules To Save a Life

August is here and Back to School specials are filling up the email and mailboxes. That means little ones will once again be making the daily trek to and from school. Crosswalks, flashing lights, stop signs and crossing guards can only do so much when it comes to protecting school children. When it comes to school zone safety, motorists need to study up on these safe-driving tips from experts in school zone safety:

Expect the unexpected: "Children run and play. They can come from anywhere," says James Solomon of the National Safety Council.
Stop properly at stop signs and crosswalks: It's illegal to pass through either a stationary stop sign or one held by a crossing guard or other safety representative. 

In all 50 states, when a stop sign is displayed, motorists must stop for it, Solomon says. Drivers should stop completely at the stop sign, before the crosswalk area. Blocking a crosswalk could force kids to go around your vehicle, putting them in danger. And wait a bit before driving through after the crossing guard clears the intersection, warns Solomon. "There are always one or two children lagging behind that are now going to run through the crosswalk to catch up with the rest of the group."

Obey the speed limit: "The faster you are going, the more likely you are to injure a pedestrian and to injure them more seriously," says Nancy Pullen-Seufert of the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

Most school zones have speed limits of 20 mph or less. Studies have found that 5 percent of pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 20 mph suffer a fatality. The fatality number increases to 45 percent when hit by a vehicle going 30 mph, and to 80 percent for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph. And because of their smaller size, children fare even worse. Faster driving means longer stopping distances. At 20 mph, it takes an average vehicle 69 feet to come to a total stop, and nearly double that distance, to 123 feet, at just 30 mph, according to NHTSA.

Put away electronic devices: A few states, have made it illegal to use a cell phone while driving in a school zone, and for good reason.

Talking on your cell phone has been shown to reduce reaction time. Looking away for just 2 seconds doubles your chance of crashing. Texting while driving has been shown to be as dangerous as driving drunk.

"The ability to multitask is a myth. If you are going to drive your child to school, drive your child to school. Leave the cell phone in a place where you aren't going to be distracted," says Kate Carr of Safe Kids Worldwide.

Solomon agrees. "You want to navigate the school zone 100 percent prepared to handle a situation," he says.

Make eye contact with pedestrians: "If you haven't made eye contact with them, assume that they haven't seen you and that they are just going to keep on going," says Carr.

Wait your turn near school buses: It's illegal in all 50 states to pass a bus on undivided

roadways if the vehicle is stopped to load and unload children. State laws vary regarding passing a school bus on a divided roadway when the bus is traveling in the opposite direction, but all vehicles behind a bus must stop. Make sure you know the rules in your state, and regardless of whatever they are, never pass a school bus on the right. It's a sure recipe for disaster.

According to the National Safety Council, most children who die in bus-related crashes are pedestrians ages 4-7 who are hit by the bus or by motorists illegally passing the school bus.

Pay attention to bus warning lights: A yellow flashing light means the bus is preparing to stop to let kids on or off. A red light means kids are getting on or off the bus.

Give buses ample space to load and unload: Children are in the most danger of being hit 

by a vehicle within the 10 feet around a school bus. And just in case you're tempted to violate any of the bus-related rules, many school buses are now equipped with rear cameras to catch motorists who illegally pass them.

Follow the school's drop-off rules: "Oftentimes parents get very tempted to drop their child off across the street from the school and tell their child to just run across the street. And we really, really don't want drivers to do that," says Pullen-Seufert. "Any time any pedestrian of any age is crossing the road, they are at a greater risk."

Choose a different route: If you are a daily commuter and not a parent picking up or dropping off their child, avoid a school zone if you can.

Be more careful in the fall: More children are injured by cars in September than any other month. "Kids are going back to school and drivers have to adjust again after a summer season," says Carr.

What to do if there's a near miss: Never reprimand or approach the child directly. The child is likely to be nervous or frightened when confronted by a stranger, Solomon says. Do let an adult know what happened, though. You might be alerting authorities to a potentially dangerous area within the school zone.

You need to find whoever is in charge, if it's a crossing guard, a law enforcement agent or school staff," Solomon says. "You need to safely park the vehicle and explain what happened. Sooner or later, enough near-misses mean someone gets hit."

Treat every kid as your own: It's not always some unwary motorist who is responsible for school zone traffic accidents. Whether they're dropping off or picking up their children, parents also often break school zone road rules, say safety experts.

If you're a parent, keep in mind that even if your children are safely in school or in your vehicle, you still have to watch out for their classmates. You'd want other parents to do the same for your kids.

Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time; 
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving; 
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.