February 20th, 2012
There are several dangerous situations that can occur when it comes to children and vehicles New Jersey. We are going to discuss a few of the more common hazards in a 6 part series. Even if you are aware of them, I hope that when we are through you will have been reminded of some preventative measures or perhaps, even learned something new.
The first hazard we are going to discuss is that of children becoming trapped in a vehicle’s trunk. Hide and Seek is a popular game among children and wouldn’t a trunk be the perfect hiding spot? Yes, a trunk would be a good hiding spot, but a very dangerous one that can lead to heatstroke, asphyxiation and even death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the inside temperature of a vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first ten minutes. Even if the temperature outside is low, your vehicle can heat up very quickly. Younger children are also more heat sensitive and at a greater risk for heatstroke.
Due to children getting trapped in trunks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of September 1, 2001, all vehicle manufacturers were required to install a glow in the dark trunk release inside the vehicles trunk compartment. If your vehicle is older than 2001 stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall and we can help get a trunk release installed.
To prevent a child from ever becoming locked in your trunk, remember the following advice.
• Teach your child that the trunk is not something to play in and is only for storage.
• Keep an eye on your child any time they are in or around a vehicle.
• If you cannot find your child check your trunk immediately.
• When not in use, your vehicle should be locked even if stored in the garage. Any keys or remotes should be kept out of the reach of children.
• If you have rear-folding seats that lead to the trunk, be sure that they are closed and locked.
Protect your children New Jersey and be sure to keep them away from your vehicle’s trunk. Keep in mind the above information and keep your children safe. And don’t forget to stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall for all your Nissan, Kia and Suzuki needs.
February 17th, 2012
Every time I get in my vehicle and get behind the wheel, my first motion is to put on my seat belt. Although many drivers and passengers wear seat belts when out on the roads of New Jersey, there are still many that do not.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the use of seat belts saves over 13,000 lives every year. The best way to protect yourself in a crash is to wear your seat belt. A seat belt serves the purpose of keeping you safe and secure while inside your vehicle, in the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident. Do you know if you are buckling up correctly New Jersey?
When placing your seat belt on, the lap belt and shoulder belt should secure your pelvis and rib cage accordingly. These parts of your body are able to withstand forces from a crash better than other parts. The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. Your lap belt should lie across your hips and below your stomach. Your shoulder belt should always lie across your chest and never be placed behind your back or under your arm.
The way that your seat belt fits you is also important. When you are buying a car at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall, make sure that the seat belts fit you well. If the seat belt needs some adjusting, ask us about seat belt adjusters. These can improve the fit of your seat belt. If you need more room, we can contact our Nissan, Kia or Suzuki manufacturers and provide you with seat belt extenders. If your current car is a classic or older model, you can also contact the manufacturer about re-fitting the old seat belt with something that meets the current safety guidelines.
For more information on seat belt safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov or visit us at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. And the next time you get behind the wheel, don’t forget to buckle up New Jersey!
February 13th, 2012
Tire Tread
The tread of your cars tires is important to check and keep at an appropriate level New Jersey. When the tread of your tires gets too low, driving on those worn tires can become very dangerous, especially in rain and snow.
Tire tread is measured in 1/32-inch increments. A brand new tire will have a tire tread measuring at 10/32 of an inch. When one or more of the tires treads measures at 2/32 of an inch, your tire is considered bald and should be replaced. According to Goodyear Tires, you should inspect and check your tire tread every 3,000 miles. There are two tests you can perform to check the tread of your cars tires.
The Penny Test
Place a penny in between a groove on your tire. If all of Abraham Lincoln’s head is showing, then it is time to replace your tires. As long as the grooves cover part or all of his head, your tire tread is still good.
Tire Indicator Bar
Tires are now made with built in indicator bars at the base of the tread. When these bars are visible you know your tire tread has reached its 2/32-inch mark, and is considered bald.
If you live in an area with rain and snow as we do New Jersey, both Consumer Reports and Tirerack.com recommend replacing your tires at the 4/32-inch mark. This will reduce your risk for hydroplaning in rain and slipping and sliding in the snow.
To keep your tires performing at their best and to reduce your risk when driving in inclement weather New Jersey, remember to check your tire tread. If you need any assistance please come on by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. We will be happy to check your tread, or set you up with a new set of tires, whatever your need may be.
February 9th, 2012
As I was driving to work the other morning in my New Jersey neighborhood, I noticed a woman putting on makeup as she was driving down the road. I was shocked that she had the coordination to do this. And then I wondered, what other distracting habits do we as drivers do when we are driving?
1.Talking on the Phone
The most distracting thing you can do in the car when you are driving is to talk on the phone, hands free or otherwise. According to the AAA Foundation,
Using a cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of crashing.
2. Daydreaming
Although it’s hard, keeping your thoughts strictly on the road will reduce your risk of an accident.
3. Texting and using social media
We see commercials about this all the time; texting is deadly. Wait until you are stopped to deliver your message.
4. Watching roadside diversions
Accidents, billboards, people and scenery are all distractions we watch, but keeping your eyes on the road will be safer.
5. Tinkering with Electronics
Whether it’s the radio, CD player, IPod or GPS, our vehicles are filled with electronics. Many electronics in vehicles today are being made so they can only be used when the vehicle is parked. If this is not the case for you, pull over and fix your electronics.
6. Driving while drowsy
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 41% of drivers report falling asleep at the wheel. If you are too tired to drive, pull over and sleep or call someone to pick you up. Wherever you need to be, the most important thing is that you get there safely!
7. Tending to children
Children can be a very big distraction in the backseat of your vehicle. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety,
Passengers are one of the most frequently reported causes of distraction, with young children being four times more distracting than adults and infants being eight times more distracting.
Whatever the screaming is about, it can wait until you are safely stopped or on the side of the road.
8. Tending to pets
This is similar to having children in you vehicle. The best remedy for this distraction is to restrain your pet within the vehicle, either in a crate or animal safety belt. This will keep them out of the way so you can focus on the road.
9. Grooming yourself
Applying makeup, brushing your hair, or whatever it is you didn’t have time for during your morning routine, often becomes part of your morning commute. Wait until you reach your destination to finish grooming. You’ll be safer for it.
10. Eating and drinking
Eating and drinking while driving can create many dangerous distractions. Be safe and eat before or after you drive down the road.
The next time you get behind the wheel, try to limit your distractions and focus on the road. And don’t forget to stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall for your new or used car today!
January 16th, 2012
As many of us have, I helped a friend of mine move this past weekend. For any one who owns a truck you’ve probably been asked to help someone with a move, or you have used your truck for hauling your own load. Well, as we were going back for a second load with some empty boxes in the bed of the truck, one happened to fly out onto the street. It occurred to me at this time, what is the correct way to load a truck?
Depending on the type of load you are hauling, you can use either cargo netting or a tarp to cover your load. Cargo netting should be used for light loads, such as cardboard boxes or lawn trash. Heavier loads should be secured down with a tarp. Both types of covers can be sized to fit your truck bed. You will need to attach both covers with hooks, anchors or bungee cords and fasten them securely to the sides. It is also important to tie your load down from at least two sides of the truck. You can make an X across your load, and if possible secure your straps or ropes to the load itself.
When loading the bed of the truck be sure to place the heaviest items at the back of the bed and the lightest towards the tailgate. This will stabilize the truck and prevent the front from being too light. This can cause you to have trouble steering. Be sure to travel the smoothest path to your destination by avoiding bumps, swerves and turns.
Most importantly, check the load capacity of your truck and do not exceed this. This is for your safety, as the trucks tires and suspension can only handle the stated amount.
So, the next time you need to help a friend move or haul a load in your truck, remember these steps. If you need any accessories for your truck, or want to check out our great selection of cars and trucks, stop on by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. Happy moving New Jersey!
January 6th, 2012
We all drive through New Jersey everyday; whether it’s back and forth from work and home, driving kids around to all their activities or taking a family road trip. We hop in our car and go, not thinking about or worrying if we end up in an accident. It’s not something any of use likes to think about, but it is a risk we take every time we sit in that drivers seat. I hope that no one is ever involved in a car accident but, if it unfortunately happens, try to remain calm and remember to follow these tips.
Stop Your Vehicle
After an accident occurs when you are in your New Jersey vehicle, stop your vehicle and assess the situation. In the case of a minor accident with no injuries, try to move the cars out of the way of traffic and off to the side, until further assistance arrives. If the cars are too damaged to move, put on your hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. In the case of injury call for an ambulance and let the injured person remain where they are unless they are in danger of getting hit or further injured.
Get Help
Notify the police to report your accident and call paramedics if there are injuries.
Exchange Information
Each driver needs to provide their name, driver’s license number, license plate number, phone number and insurance information.
Report the Accident
File a report with the New Jersey state police department and with your insurance company. If there is a police officer present and they are filing a report, be sure and get a copy for your insurance company and insurance report. This will help your insurance company with its claims process and hopefully, help make the whole process a little faster.
If an accident happens to you, try to remember the tips above to help the process go a bit more smoothly. We wish you safe driving from your New Jersey car dealer, Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. Stop by anytime to view our newest Nissans, Suzukis and Kias.
January 6th, 2012
Old man winter is definitely upon us! As the weather temperature drops for us outside New Jersey, it’s time to take out the winter coats, gloves and hats. Just as the cold weather is shocking to our system and requires us to keep warm, the same is true of your favorite Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall car’s battery.
The optimum temperature for your car’s battery is 80° F; at this temperature your battery is operating at 100 percent capacity. By the time it reaches 0° F your battery is only operating at about 50 percent capacity. The winter weather certainly affects your batteries power, and you wouldn’t want to end up with a dead battery in the middle of winter. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to prevent this.
The best prevention for keeping your car battery operating as effectively as it can during the winter months is your garage. Keeping your car out of the elements is always the most effective way of stopping damage to your car. If however, this is not a possibility, you can invest in a battery heater to take you and your New Jersey car battery through the winter months.
The purpose of a battery heater is as it sounds: to keep your car’s battery warm and cozy throughout the long winter nights. A battery heater can keep your car operating better during the winter, prolong the life of your car battery and make it easier to start your engine come morning. There are several choices available when it comes to purchasing one, so check them out and see which one suits you and your automobile best.
Remember also, to have your battery checked by a professional to prevent and correct any wear and tear that may occur. Stop by and see your friendly parts and service departments at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. We can check out your battery and assist you with anything you may need. We will be happy to help you and your battery stay warm this winter!
December 26th, 2011
So it seems as though the winter weather is still alluding us, but the mornings are still freezing cold. Mix that with rain and you will have slippery road conditions that are always precarious to drive on. One thing that can help you out though is changing your tires out for winter tires. Yes, there is the the 'con' of the cost of having to buy a new set of tires, but the question is, are they worth it. Here are some reasons why you should consider some winter tires which can be bought at your local New Jersey car dealer, Sansone Jr's 66 Automall.
First, winter tires are specifically designed to excel in cold weather such as snow, slush and ice. This is because the tread designs and tread compounds are engineered to master these frigid conditions. Whereas summer tires are designed for just the opposite conditions.
If you have ABS, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or even four-wheel drive, having winter tires on your wheels will only enhance and improve your safety on the road New Jersey. Although there have been advancements in electronic driver aids, such as ABS and traction control, they don't quite provide the traction that an actual winter can. With winter tires you get more control from a better gripping tire.
Some folks think that just replacing two of their tires with winter tires help, but actually it is not recommended. It's best for you to have a complete set of winter tires. Only having winter tires on your drive tires can prove to be more dangerous during winter driving conditions as the non-winter tires won't be able to handle what your winter tires can.
Though all-season tires are good, they are not just good enough. All-season tires are made for multiple conditions and therefore don't really excel in one condition. I think that the winter driving conditions are unpredictable enough to warrant a full set of winter tires.
Your New Jersey car dealer wants to know why you think winter tires are worth the money! Post your comments below and be sure to come tell us at Sansone Jr's 66 Automall today!
December 23rd, 2011
I know that it has been unseasonably warm this winter, which is why I think that any day now Mother Nature is going to unleash all her fury, or a least a snow storm, sooner than later. And I'm hoping this will happen, oh let's say, right when you're planning a trip to visit your family. With that being said, I would like to brush up on some tips on how to drive in the snow. It's been awhile since the last big snow, and drivers can get a little rusty over time. Below are some great tips from your New Jersey car dealer to read up on before the snow hits.
First, as a driver you need to know your limits. This means that if you are not comfortable driving in the snow, then just wait for it to clear out. If you need to get out then you should call someone who is comfortable driving in the snow and preferably has four-wheel drive to help ease your mind being on the road.
If your car is what keeping you from trusting yourself driving then you should come by Sansone Jr's 66 Automall and check out our great selection of four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles. Not only are they good for winter, but they are also great for camping during the summer as it can take you places that some vehicles can't go.
Now if you feel comfortable driving in snowy here are the three major things you should pay attention to New Jersey:
- Avoid sudden actions. This goes for both slamming on brakes as well as fast accelerations and jerking the wheel. Sudden movements can lead to loss of control over your vehicle. Also, if you find that you've hit some ice, try to ride it out without hitting the brakes or moving the steering wheel. You'll be surprise how fast one tire will soon gain some traction.
- Try to foresee any problems before you are too close to make any adjustments. As mentioned above you don't want to make any sudden moves as it can lead to loss of control. You'll want to reduce your speeds a lot sooner than you normally would. for example, brake before you enter a turn of corner, not in the middle of it.
- Keep your momentum going. This is especially true if you are on a grade, in which case do not brake. If you do, you may most likely be the one who just clogged up the road and will have some not very happy drivers behind you.
It is also a great idea to keep at least a half of tank of gas at the minimum at all times. As well as keep a winter emergency kit in your car in case you find yourself stuck. Hopefully we will get some snow soon and until then come check out some great four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles at your New Jersey car dealer, Sansone Jr's 66 Automall.
December 19th, 2011
It’s confession time from your New Jersey car dealer! One of the things that I fear is locking my keys in my car. Sure this is definitely near the bottom on of the list of fears, but is still on there nonetheless. Maybe it’s more than just locking my keys in my car, but something deeper like how would I ever get those keys back without doing some major damage. Or what if I lock them in my Nissan and it is really bad weather outside. In efforts to reduce my fear, I have done a bit of research and came up with a list of tips on what to do should you ever lock your keys in your car. Now hopefully this won’t happen to you, but just in case you should check out the tips below.
Don’t panic. Panicking is not going to help you make a clear decision on what to do. So take a few deep breaths and relax so that you can formulate a plan. If you are having some sort of emergency, then dial 911 as safety is of the utmost importance.
Call your roadside assistance. If your car is under warranty and has roadside assistance call them. Hopefully you’ve programed the number into your phone seeing as tho the number that is listed on your owners manual inside your locked car with the keys inside won’t help. You should also check the decals on the windows to see if there is a number listed there. If you don’t have the number call the dealership where you got your car, Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. Or if you pay for roadside assistance then call them up.
Call your New Jersey car dealer, Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall and they may be able to help you with a key that can only open your door locks. You’ll need information and proof like the Vehicle Identification Number that the car is truly yours.
Prevent lock-outs by purchasing a car with benefits. This can be anything from keyless entry where you can input your code on the key pad and it will then unlock the doors. Or you can purchase a vehicle that only locks if certain steps are taken as a precaution to help prevent lockouts.
Keep a spare key around. You can keep a spare key with you such as in your purse or wallet. Another place to keep a spare key is in a special hide-a-key box that has a heavy duty magnate that you place somewhere very hidden on your vehicle. You never want to leave any type of identifier with the key to your vehicle in the chance that the key does come dislodged from its hiding place.
Call a tow truck. Tow truck companies are usually equipped to handle lock-out services.
Call a locksmith. I would only do this if it is your last option as this is probably the most expensive route to take. And only do this too if you have pretty much lost your keys and cannot find them.
Create a routine of where you place your keys. We all get in a hurry and occasionally place our keys in random, but convenient places, but this can lead to you locking yourself out of your car. Create a routine where you always put your keys in the same place when they are not being used in the ignition.
We hope that you don’t find yourself in a lockout position, but if you do hopefully you can recall the tips below. Or better yet shop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall today for a car than help you from locking yourself out of your own car!
|
|
Follow Car Chat with Paul
|
Top Posts