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Driving Tips
Seasonal Driving Tips
In Barbados there are only two essential seasons. The greater part of the year falls under the wet Season
resulting in wet driving conditions. CGI reminds you to check your tires (and the spare) at least once a month.
Before starting on your way, consider the following advice to make sure your car is ready for the trip and that you
arrive safely at your destination:
Good brakes and years of driving experience
aren’t enough to ensure that you will be able to stop quickly in wet
weather. Actually, stopping on a wet road may take up to four times the
normal distance on a dry road. During wet weather conditions, drive slowly
and keep in mind that stopping distances will be longer.
Check the pressure of your tires once a month; to
ensure that when you do need to stop, your tires can do everything they’re
supposed to do to help you. The correct inflation pressure for your tires
is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door
edge, doorpost, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the
owner’s manual. The maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire is not
the recommended pressure.
Rain water that mixes with oil or grime on the
streets can cause slippery conditions that may result in unexpected
skidding. Slow down and pay attention to the possibility of skidding.
Make sure you have the alignment and balance of
your tires checked regularly so that if you do skid, your vehicle is
properly equipped to help you stop safely.
In a sudden downpour, driving fast or driving on
worn tires can cause your tires to hydroplane - this means that your tires
“surf” along on a film of water just like a water skier.
Slow down in sudden downpours and make sure you
check the tread on your tires once per month and before every long trip.
Your tires should have at least 1/16 inch of tread depth.
The presence of potholes increases during
frequent rainfall. Hitting potholes can throw your car’s front end out of
alignment. If you feel your car “pulling” during driving, that’s often a
sign that there could be a problem. Check the tread on your tires: uneven
tread wear can be a sign of misalignment. If you hit a severe pothole,
have a tire dealer check your vehicles’ alignment and tire balance.
When you hit a pothole you can damage your tire
and/or the metal wheel of your vehicle. Keeping your tires properly
inflated will help reduce damage from potholes and other road hazards.
The impact of potholes on tires increases
dramatically with speed and can cause hidden, internal damage that could
lead to tire failure weeks, or even months, later. It’s best to avoid
potholes entirely, but if that’s not possible, don’t brake during the
pothole impact. Instead, apply brakes before hitting a pothole and release
them just prior to impact. Braking during the impact sets up the tire and
wheel assembly for a “solid hit” against the edge of the hole. Less severe
damage occurs when a tire is rolling than when it is skidding over a hole
during braking
Your Car & the Environment
How you drive and take care of your vehicle also affects its fuel
economy and emissions levels. Follow these simple driving tips to reduce the
environmental impact of your car today.
Driving as little as possible is the best way to
reduce the environmental impact of your transportation needs. Link
errands, carpool, use mass transit, bike, or walk whenever possible.
Choose a place to live that reduces your need to drive. If your family
already has one car, consider trying to meet your travel needs without
buying a second one.
High-speed driving and 'jackrabbit' starts
increase both fuel use and emissions.
Simple maintenance -- such as regular oil changes, air-filter changes, and spark plug replacements --
will lengthen the life of your car as well as improve fuel economy and
minimize emissions.
Keeping your tires properly inflated saves
fuel by reducing the amount of drag your engine must overcome.
A drop in your car's fuel economy can be a sign of engine trouble. Keeping track of your fuel
economy on a regular basis can let you know when something is
malfunctioning. You can check your gas mileage by noting the odometer
reading and number of gallons you purchase each time you fill up. Divide
the number of miles traveled between fill-ups by the number of gallons
purchased.
During start-up, your engine burns extra gasoline. However, letting your engine
idle for more than a minute burns more fuel than turning off the engine
and restarting it.
Minimize evaporation of fuel and keep your car cooler during hot weather by parking in the shade.
Practical Driving Tips
Car care is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a
properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be
safer, and will last longer - up to 50 percent longer. The following tips should
put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care.
Keep your engine tuned up.
A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel
efficiency as much as 30 percent. Follow the service schedules listed in
your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.
Keep your air conditioner in top condition and have it serviced only
by a certified technician competent to handle/recycle refrigerants.
Dispose of used motor oil, anti-freeze/coolant,
tires, and old batteries properly. Many repair facilities accept these
items.
Avoid sudden accelerations and jerky
stop-and-gos.
Remove excessive items
from the vehicle. Less weight means better
mileage. Store luggage/cargo in the trunk rather than on the roof to
reduce air drag.
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