How to Check a Car’s Engine Oil Level

January 5th, 2015|0 Comments

  Check your engine oil regularly, as driving with very low oil level can cause engine problems. Remember - taking the time to do some basic maintenance tests on your vehicle will reduce your driving costs in the long run. Here are a few handy tips on how to change a car’s engine oil: Park your vehicle on a level ground and apply the parking brake. Stop the engine and open the hood. Wait for a minute or two to let the engine oil drain into the oil pan, otherwise known as the sump. Locate and pull out the engine oil dipstick. [...]

Parents’ Driving Behaviors are Mirrored by Their Kids

December 12th, 2014|0 Comments

Research shows that 20 percent of middle school students and 28 percent of high school students who don’t drive likely won’t drive without wearing a seatbelt. “It is critically important that parents set the example they wish their children to follow. Parents should not be afraid to establish expectations for their young drivers, discuss those expectations frequently, and ensure they are being met,” said Stephen Wallace, SADD chairman. Research from Liberty Mutual and SADD shows that parents who regularly communicate with their teenaged children about expected behaviours behind the wheel make a positive influence on their children’s decision-making. Parental involvement [...]

Prepare for the Rigors of Winter Driving

November 28th, 2014|0 Comments

Regardless of the type of vehicle you drive, late fall is the perfect time to get your car tuned up for the winter months. Ambitious Drivers recommends that motorists - or their mechanics - thoroughly inspect and update the following vehicle components in preparation for winter. Following these tips will help prepare you and your vehicle to deal with the most frightful of weather: - A functional and well-maintained battery is vital in very cold weather. Make sure your battery's terminals and cables are securely attached and free from corrosion. Replace the battery at the end of the manufacturer's warranty [...]

Winter Tires Can Save Your Life

November 12th, 2014|0 Comments

Winter driving can offer virtually all the unpleasantness that a novice driver can imagine. Although you may think that brushing snow off a car parked outside in freezing weather may be the worst thing that could happen to you, it is actually the least of your troubles. The way our Canadian climate works, you will have to worry about navigating deep snow, black ice, slippery bridge decks and icy intersections among many other hazards. In regions with heavy snowfall and prolonged low temperatures, having a set of winter tires installed may be the difference between driving around safely or spinning [...]

Tips for Senior Drivers – Watch for Signs that You Should Stop Driving

October 21st, 2014|0 Comments

We all age at different rates, but decline is inevitable, and there is no question it affects our ability to drive. After the age of 65 our reaction time slows, making it harder to multi-task, which is an important requirement for driving. We're slower at retrieving and processing information and our spatial and visual-motor integration becomes challenged. Our attention (a necessity for driving) also diminishes, as does the ability to search and scan. Vision is also compromised. We're less able to see things at far distances, such as what's happening up the road, and less able to focus on near [...]

Having a Designated Driver Will Save Lives

October 7th, 2014|0 Comments

Many people misunderstand the role of the “designated driver.” A designated driver is a pre-appointed member of any group who will abstain from drinking alcohol, doing drugs, or smoking marijuana so that they can safely drive others home after an event. This eliminates the need to organize cabs or take multiple vehicles. A designated driver is not the individual who has had the least amount of alcohol to drink or the closest to feeling sober. The easiest way to ensure everyone has a safe and fun time at any event is to plan how everyone is going to get to [...]

Listening to Loud Music While Driving

September 19th, 2014|0 Comments

Music can be a stimulant, a relaxant and an attention provoker for the novice teenage driver. Studies show that the music a driver chooses to listen to can have an impact on both their physiological state and driving performance. Depending on the person and their driving capability and experience, certain types of music can induce and maintain certain moods which in turn can impact driving behavior. According to a new study from Ben-Gurion University, teenage novice drivers listening to their preferred music while driving commit a greater number of errors and miscalculations. The study also found that the decibel rate [...]

Learning Defensive Driving

September 9th, 2014|0 Comments

Planning and preparing before you begin driving is extremely important. Defensive driving begins with making sure your vehicle is in safe running order. Before going on the road, check the lights, fluids, belts and tire conditions to make sure that the vehicle is safe. On a personal level, check yourself to make sure you are not too tired or stressed to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. For example, if you haven’t had a meal in over 20 hours or if you are sleep deprived, simply do not get into the car. Risking your life is not worth it! [...]

What to Do After a Car Accident

August 19th, 2014|0 Comments

After an accident occurs, making sure no one is hurt should be first and foremost on any young driver's mind. But thinking clearly and remembering what to do after a wreck in dealing with the other driver, the police and the insurance company can make a big difference in the amount of money you might pay to repair the damage. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with accidents and how and when to put the wheels in motion with the insurance claim. - Keep documents handy. Make sure there's a current proof of insurance identification card [...]

Driving Abroad

August 6th, 2014|0 Comments

Those who are planning to take a road trip vacation should perform essential car maintenance checks, such as oil, cooling fluid and tire pressure. Drivers should also familiarize themselves with the driving rules and the road conditions of the countries they plan to visit. Below is a short guideline we have put together to help drivers who will be going on road trips this summer. Keep the tips below in mind and you will encounter an enjoyable and safe journey: - Drivers should be aware of some of the hazards that can affect driving in the summer months. High temperatures [...]