How to Be Extra Careful

Slippery, snowy, and other conditions unique to the winter months greatly increase the chances of finding yourself in a fender bender or worse. A defensive driving course will decrease your insurance premium in New York even if you’re never in an accident and will pay dividends if you are unlucky enough to trade paint with another car.

As for the Big Apple, there’s one tip that applies to both long-time New Yorkers and tourists alike regarding driving in the city: don’t do it. Seemingly every block in the city presents a virtual defensive driving course’s worth of challenges: speeding bikes, annoying scooters, skateboarders for some reason, pedestrians in crosswalks, pedestrians everywhere else, and endless streams of cars and trucks of every type from semis to the ubiquitous yellow cabs that are still holding the line in the age of Uber; all of them are everywhere at the same time. So, if possible, leave your car outside the city and take a train or ferry into the thick of it; you can take a subway, cab, or Uber anywhere you might want to go.

For Those Who Can’t Give Up Driving

If you insist on driving in the city, there are several tips to remember, some of which are unique to NYC.

1. Right Turns. First, unlike almost everywhere else in the United States, you can’t turn right on red in the city unless there’s an arrow or sign indicating otherwise. It’s also very common for left turns to be prohibited at many intersections for much of the day as indicated by clear signage. If you’re not familiar with the city, don’t let the fact that the city’s a giant, easy to follow grid fool you; know your route before you start driving because you won’t have time to check you phone on the way.

2. Parking. As you can imagine, parking can be a problem. If you find a coveted street spot within a half mile of your destination, jump on it unless you see an entire block with no cars parked on it. That doesn’t just happen; if there are no cars parked on a whole block, there is a reason like street cleaning that will get your car towed quickly.

3. Crosswalks. Your car needs to be completely outside all crosswalks and at least 15 feet from every fire hydrant. Parking tickets are a major source of revenue for the city and parking enforcement is out in force 24/7; expect to pick up a ticket at 2AM the same as you would for parking illegally in the middle of the day. If your car gets towed, it’s entirely possible it will end up in a different borough at a garage that is open for pickups 4 hours a day and charges $100 a day for ‘storage.’

4. GARAGE. Given all of that, it’s probably wise to head straight for a paid lot or garage. Don’t be fooled by lots with suspiciously low rates. It’s not uncommon for a parking lot or garage to have a sign that says “$5 all day” in large letters with “…for every half hour” in tiny letters underneath.

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Virginia has an old, rich history compared to many of the newer states. As one of the regions first founded by the British and first states to offer defensive driving for ticket dismissal, it’s an extremely important part of the country. Here are some interesting Virginia state facts, from the historic ages and into the modern era.

1. Virginia Colony Facts

Virginia’s Jamestown was the first of the original 13 colonies and was set up for cultivating silk. However, after silk failed as a cash crop, it was replaced by tobacco. Tobacco remains a primary cash crop of Virginia today — and one of the major contributors to the economy.

2. The Origins of Thanksgiving

Many people don’t realize that Thanksgiving is a part of Virginia history; the first Thanksgiving in North America was celebrated in Virginia in 1619. This is two years before the Plymouth Thanksgiving, which is generally known as the “first Thanksgiving.”

3. Virginia Controls the Internet

Up to 70 percent of all internet traffic is said to move through Virginia. It’s consequently considered to be the “Internet Capital” of the world as well as the East Coast Silicon Valley.

4. Shires Once Dominated

Though it may sound like something from a fantasy realm, the Virginia state map was once broken into shires — in fact, it’s the only state to have broken itself up in that way. This tradition originated from England, but later the shires were broken into (far less whimsical) counties.

5. Virginians Love Vanity Plates

Once they get out of traffic school, Virginia citizens buy vanity plates. Coming in at 16%, Virginia has the largest percentage of vanity plate vehicles on the road. It’s said that one in ten vanity plates are located in Virginia.

6. Civil War History

Museums in Virginia account for a lot of Virginia tourism, and it’s no wonder: Virginia was the site of more civil war battles than any other state. A total of 120 major battles were fought in Virginia during the Civil War, and tourists can still see some of the most popular battle fields.

7. 6.5 Million Bottles Sold

In addition to the cash crop of tobacco, Virginia also produces a lot of wine. 6.5 million bottles of wine are sold in Virginia annually, with several romantic vineyards now dotting the state.

8. In Living History

The world’s largest living history museum — Colonial Williamsburg — is situated within Virginia. If you want to see some examples of old time living, this is where you go. Authentic set pieces abound, including restored businesses, homes, and political buildings, and actors are available to educate and entertain.

9. Tough on (Traffic) Crime

Virginia has more traffic lawyers per capita than any other state — and by a significant margin. A commonly known state fact is that Virginia has some of the most stringent traffic laws within the entire country, so drivers should beware when they cross into state lines.

10. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is the longest recreational beach in the entire world; it boasts 35 miles of coast. In fact, it currently holds a Guinness World Record for that very fact.

11. The Dogwood

Virginia doesn’t have a state flower. Rather, it has a state tree that doubles as the state flower: the dogwood tree. It’s the only state to combine both.
Virginia has such an incredible and lengthy history that these are only some of the most interesting facts. Both tourists and residents in Virginia can learn a lot about the state through the plentiful network of museums and schools.

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What isn’t there to love about New York?

As a renowned world traveler, I often think back and embrace my stay in New York. Captivated by the scenic rural side to the flashing lights of the city, there were countless reasons to fall in love. Somewhere between enrolling in an online defensive driving course and my stay in a secluded countryside resort, New York stole my heart. When I was in New York…

The People

The people who roamed the land were exquisite in nature. Known to present a tough and gruff attitude, they were really quite friendly. When you’re visiting the city, you realize the only people who actually live there migrated from other parts of the country. Nobody is actually from New York City.

You’ll also encounter countless people claiming to be a DJ, investment banker, or “model slash actor.” Truly riveting. Outside of the city, you’ll find people are more attuned with the slower life accustomed to living in mid-sized cities and towns. Apparently, everyone knew someone who owned a boat, too. The people were magnificent.

The Transportation

The transportation was always a marvel of modern human engineering. Believed to be the best in the world, New York has a burly infrastructure of highways, country roads, subways, trains, and ride sharing opportunities to get you from one location to the next as quickly as humanly possible. My most beloved memory of the public transportation system was riding the subway and guessing which person would snap into lunatic rant.

It was a guessing game I’d like to play to help pass the time between boroughs in the city.

When you travel up north, you are taken on roads around beautiful landscapes, such as lakes, forests, mountains, plains, farmland, and even waterfalls. Taking I-89 will take you north, allowing you to take your time exploring the countryside.

The Nature

Speaking of the countryside, the nature and landscapes were divine to say the least. Perusing through the rural parts of the state made me wish that I was the state animal (the beaver) for it would spend all it’s time next to the serene lakes, rivers, and other waterfronts. Alas, as a renowned world traveler, you must explore the world, not one, single place.

Bear Mountain State Park was one example of the beauty you would find on New York’s land. Located on the side of the Hudson River, you would lose yourself in the forest hiking trails that would wind through the mountains. Alternatively, you could partake in a good game of river fishing off the Hudson.

The Food

The food was arguably, the most fantastic part of the entire experience. You could have anything you wanted at a moment’s notice. You could stop by the Chinese restaurant tucked between bodegas in Brooklyn, or you could stop by your favorite brewery after a long day’s hike.

The possibilities were truly endless. You could even find yourself engaging in fusion cuisines. Every small town in the state, at one point had a “Taste of [insert town name]” festival. You could try the finest cuisines of that town, but a higher-than-normal price.

The Cities and Culture

The cities and culture were unique, in that, I’ve never seen anything like it. In the city, you would find a melting pot of background, hobbies, entertainment, and what people felt passionate about. Outside of the city, you would be an outcast if you couldn’t choose an alliance between Giants or the Jets.

Everything revolved around the sportsmanship of your local town or city. The passion that was built around sports formed groups and established a community and culture. The only mascot I chose to root for were the Beavers. As in, the New York state animal.

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The Hardship License only gives them access to drive as long as they are in route to school or to assist with necessary household errands and emergencies. Answer the questions below then click “Check Eligibility” to see if you or a family member is eligible.

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Driving Force – Newton’s Three Laws Of Motion

newton’s three laws of motionSir Isaac Newton was born on January 4, 1643 in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire. When he was eighteen, he attended Cambridge University and studied physics, astronomy, mathematics, and optics. He moved away from the university when it closed due to the Great Plague, but continued his studies and published many works when he returned to school two years later. In 1667 he was appointed as a professor of mathematics and in 1672 was made a fellow of the Royal Society because of his invention of the reflecting telescope. He began his work on the composition of light in the mid-1660s and published “The Opticks” in 1704, which discussed his findings on color and light. In 1687 he published his most famous work, the “Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica,” (or “Mathematical Principals of Natural Philosophy”) which discussed gravity and the three laws of motion.

Newton’s First Law Of Motion

Newton’s first law of motion is sometimes referred to as the law of inertia, because inertia is the resistance of an object to change its state of rest or motion. The first law states:

An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

In other words, an object will continue to do whatever it is doing unless disturbed by a driving force. Force is defined as any pull or push on an object that is the result of an interaction with another object. An example of this would be a ball rolling across the floor-it will keep going until it bumps into something or until someone picks it up. Without interruption, an object tends to continue moving in a straight line indefinitely. This is known as a uniform motion. Another example would be how an object in space will continue moving until it encounters gravity. On the opposite end of the spectrum, something that is sitting still will continue to stay still until someone or something moves it.

Newton’s Second Law Of Motion

The second of Newtons three laws of motion states:

The acceleration of an object as produced by a net force is directly proportional to the magnitude of the net force, in the same direction as the net force, and inversely proportional to the mass of the object.

This means that the amount of force needed to move an object is dependent on the mass of the object-in other words, heavier objects require more force to be moved, and fast objects require more force to be stopped. Placing a driving force on an object will cause it to accelerate and its velocity will change depending on the direction of the force. This acceleration would be proportional to the driving force, so if you push something very hard, it will accelerate quicker. The acceleration is also proportional to the mass, which means that something with a larger mass will not accelerate as quickly as an object with a smaller mass.

Newton’s Third Law Of Motion

The final law of the three laws of motion states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. This means that forces happen in pairs-for every interaction there is an object that causes the force and an object that is affected by it. Returning to the earlier example of a ball rolling, the pairs at work are the ball and the person who rolled the ball across the floor. The direction of the force on the ball is opposite of the direction of the force used by the person. Another example would be a car driving on the road. The tires push against the road and the road helps to propel the car forward. Even sitting on a chair is an example of a pair of forces, because you push down on the seat of the chair while the chair pushes upward against you. Friction is necessary for the two objects to react this way against each other.

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Get it? A Pointless Decision. HA-HA-HA!!!!! It’s a pun, a joke, and that’s just what you can expect if you enroll in a comedy traffic school. While comedy, school, and traffic may sound like terms in contradiction, they don’t have to be. Comedy traffic schools, like IMPROV Traffic School, employ a special breed of instructors, best classified as teacher/stand-up comedian hybrids, who take what could be, in other hands, a boring tedious must-get-through curriculum, and turn it into several hours of laugh-while-you-learn driver remediation. “What’s the point?” you ask. There is no point!!!! That’s one of the benefits of enrolling!

But seriously, folks, there is more to enrolling in a comedy traffic school course than just erasing points from your driving record.

Traffic School vs. Points

Some states will allow you to spend a prescribed number of hours attending traffic school in lieu of having a traffic violation point(s) appear on your driving record. What you do have to do, however is pay the full cost of the fine. Other states will allow you to erase a specific number of already existing infractions (points) if you take traffic school classes. If you live in one of these states it makes sense to spend a few hours in class since insurance companies will look at your driving record when they establish rates. Any points will signal that it’s time to raise the premium on an existing policy, and should you be looking to change companies, other carriers may outright decline to take you on with too many points.

A few states, however, will only agree to forgive the traffic fine, while still recording the violation, but at least you’ll save a bit of money while learning information that can help you change your driving habits so you don’ incur any more tickets down the road.

Can Shtick Make Learning Stick?

Psychologists have spent years studying whether shtick (defined as a gimmick, comedy routine, style of performance) can be used as an effective teaching tool. Evidence has long pointed in that direction. A cover story, titled How Laughter Leads to Learning, appearing in a 2006 edition of Monitor on Psychology, the journal of the American Psychological Association, stated that research found positive evidence that humor produces psychological and physiological benefits that enhance students ability to learn. The paper goes on to quote a Sam Houston State University Psychology professor as saying “well-planned appropriate contextual humor can help students ingrain information…”; and that is exactly what comedy traffic school instructors endeavor to do.

In classes, you will review universal rules and procedures of the road, as well as any that may be unique to your state, just as you would in more traditional traffic classes. Drivers in New Jersey may be reminded why a jug-handle turn is required at certain intersections, just as Michigan drivers may review what exactly a Michigan left turn is, and Californians learn how emphatic their state is when it declares that pedestrians have the right of way. The difference is the comedy traffic school instructors will find a way to use noteworthy humor. To make the point stick next time you find yourself approaching a traffic situation. (Get it? Noteworthy – as in taking notes, ha-ha!; another pun.)

Close up, and On Screen

Another advantage of comedy traffic school is that it’s offered online. This means you can take it all in one sitting, or watch as your schedule permits. If your state accepts online instruction as a way to satisfy class requirements, you can take the course, submit proof of completion to the court, and have your driving slate wiped clean, all for one reasonable fee.

That APA article quoted a Canisius College interpersonal communications researcher as saying “Students don’t necessarily want Jerry Seinfeld as their instructor. They want appropriate humor that is relevant, lightens the mood, and makes the information memorable.” Taking a comedy traffic school course will give you all that; but sorry folks, you still won’t get Jerry Seinfeld.

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Every state has some crazy laws, from not allowing you to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket to not flicking boogers into the wind. Many of these crazy laws are extremely old and made sense in their own time, but some are new. Some are a matter of poor wording… and some are just downright strange.

Every state in the country has some crazy laws, from not allowing you to carry an ice cream cone in your back pocket to not flicking boogers into the wind. Some of the goofiest laws have to do with driving, possibly because the automobile, when it was first invented, was so completely different than anything that came before. Many of these crazy laws are extremely old and made sense in their own time, but have somehow been forgotten and never stricken from the books. Some are new. Some, like the law against not driving in reverse, are a matter of poor wording. And some are just downright strange. Here are a few of the silliest laws about cars, roads, and driving that are still on the books.

You know you can get a ticket for speeding, but some states and municipalities take it a bit too far. In Lowell, Ohio, it’s illegal to run a horse faster than five miles per hour, while California says that a car without a driver can’t exceed 60 mph. No wonder Ohio isn’t famous for horse racing. And since driverless cars aren’t yet available to the public, we’re not sure what inspired the California law, but…it’s a good rule of thumb to have a driver behind the wheel if your car is moving.

Connecticut takes an even dimmer view of speeders: not only are you banned from riding your bike over 65 mph, in New Britain it’s illegal for fire trucks to go faster than 25—even if they’re on their way to a fire. Let’s just hope you have a very big water hose.

In Glendale, Arizona, simply leaving your driveway may be a problem—cars, for some reason, may not be driven in reverse. At least you can go car shopping on Sunday, though; in Pennsylvania, it’s illegal to sell a car—or any other motorized vehicle—on Sunday.

Pennsylvania isn’t the only killjoy on the list, though. In Florida, skateboarding is illegal unless you have a permit, and Baldwin, California bans riding a bicycle in a swimming pool. Another cherished childhood dream crushed by bureaucracy.

California wasn’t always the bastion of animal-rights groups that it is now. It’s not legal to herd a flock of more than 2,000 sheep down Hollywood boulevard at the same time, nor are you allowed to lead your camel along Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs — at least between 4 and 6 in the evening. We’re assuming it’s ok during the rest of the day. On the bright side, horse manure can’t be piled more than six feet high on the street corners of San Francisco. What a relief!

Colorado takes drunk driving seriously. Not only will you get a ticket for driving your car under the influence, you’ll get one for driving your horse drunk too. Remember–friends don’t let friends ride drunk, and always have a designated rider. Alabama is much more laid back; although you are prohibited from driving while blindfolded, you can drive the wrong way down a one-way street… provided you have a lantern affixed to the front of your auto.

While crazy laws like this may still be on the books, testing them probably isn’t a good idea. If you drive the wrong way down a one-way, not only are you likely to cause an accident, you’re probably going to get a ticket—lantern or no lantern. While citing these old laws probably won’t help if you do get a ticket, a defensive driving course may. If you’ve received a traffic ticket, your traffic court may dismiss the citation and avoid adding points to your license if you complete a defensive driving course. And if you haven’t had a ticket but enroll voluntarily, your insurance company may reward you with a safe driver discount.

One last word of warning: if you’re ever stopped in New Jersey, slap a smile on your face. It’s illegal to “frown” at a police officer there. When frowning can get you a ticket, who knows what an actual scowl might do?

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Get ready to sport some of the coolest gadgets, perfect for upping the ante in your automobile or for showing your love for all things vehicle-related. These contraptions push the limits of technology to bring you innovative and over-the-top tools for making your day a little easier, or at least more fun. Check these out and consider adding these to your car thingamajig collection.

Spill-proof Cup Holder

Take those turns like a bat out of its cave thanks to the innovation a 100 percent spill-proof cup holder. This attachment works for every single make or model on the road, just as long as your car already has a conventional cup holder. Slam on your brakes, swerve into traffic or climb the highest grade hill—all without spilling a single drop of your tall latte with this magic gadget.

Engine-inspired Watch with Pumping Piston

For those who have a penchant for car themed jewelry, the Timeburner by Miki Eleta takes telling time to a faster pace. Watch the watch in action as the piston pumps with the time. Unlike any watch on the market this unconventional timepiece screams for the attention of any car enthusiast. Truly a conversational piece, the Timeburner takes telling time to a whole new gear.

VW Beetle Toiletry Case

Peace, love and… toiletries? That seems to be the case with the VW Beetle themed toiletry case in bold orange. Featuring a soft fabric exterior and a zippered top hatch, you can store your bathroom essentials in this hip little Volkswagen Beetle shaped case. Fully detailed with windows, head lamps and tinted shading, this convertible top Beetle brings a hippie’s lifestyle full circle. Bring back your 1960’s while keeping hygienically responsible. Thanks to a fully lined interior your car will outlast your latest makeup trend. Additionally, several interior pockets help you keep your necessities in place for your next road trip adventure.

Bike Helmets to Warn About Drivers Too Close

As more and more cities take the green light from Amsterdam and Seattle by installing bike lanes, drivers are becoming more at risk of hitting their two-wheeled passersby. Soon this will not be an issue thanks to the innovation of a bike helmet that communicates with bicyclists and car drivers. Developed by Volvo this helmet will only communicate with Volvo owners in the beginning. This will occur via the cloud, which will send messages through the car’s notification system that there is a bicyclist oncoming. Expect this technology to expand rapidly across other automobile makers.

AC Redirector in Shape of Plush Pals

No one likes to sit in the backseat of an older model car on a long drive. After all, the A/C or heat only blow so far. Well, thanks to this new A/C redirector called a Noggle that is modeled to look like a plush python, polka dots or camo covered tubing, your backseat riders can keep their cool. Notably in a kid-friendly shape look for this impressive gadget to be successful enough that backseat riders of all ages will be interested in purchasing. The Noggle comes in 50 feet stretches for automobiles, but you can also purchase 100 foot long Noggles to be utilized in your RV, van or SUV. The Noggle can be connected easily to other Noggles to increase your range of cooling. Fingers crossed that the Noggle will come in adult-friendly patterns soon for those backseat riders over the age of 10.

When it comes to cool car gadgets these implements only take you so far. If you are interested in improving your driving capabilities, traffic school is the best tool for your needs. Additionally, if you want to make your driving experience safer opt for defensive driving courses as a way to earn an auto insurance discount. You can enroll in traffic schools or defensive driving courses whether or not you have been charged with a moving traffic violation. Consider adding “Enrollment in defensive driving course” to your wish list for car themed gifts from your loved ones.

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While the actual base fines for a traffic ticket in California have not gone up much in the last 20 years, the amount of fees and additional penalties added by county and local governments are starting to add up. What may have started out as a $35 ticket can end up costing a driver more than $200.

Where Are the Fees Coming From?

It can be hard to imagine having to pay six times more than the original fine for a simple offense like an improper stop at a stop sign or speeding a few miles over the speed limit. Where do all these extra fees come from? For starters, the State of California automatically imposes a 20% surcharge on all traffic tickets.

Now your $35 traffic ticket is $42. Add to that a series of penalties added to pay for various agencies and programs. There are added state and county assessments, along with fees to cover funding for emergency medical services, the DNA Identification Fund, and for Court Facilities. These all add up to about another $116; most are based on a certain dollar amount for every $10 of the original base fine. For example, the assessment for Court Facilities is $5 for every $10 of the base fine, or $20 on your $35 ticket–which now totals $158.

The additions are not yet complete. Depending on which county you receive the ticket, there can be added fees for Night Court, Court Operations, and a variety of local assessments to fund construction and improvement projects. When you put it all together, you are now well over $200.

Fines or Fundraising?

Many frustrated drivers in California are wondering whether the piling on of all these fees is there to motivate drivers to operate their vehicles more safely or if much of it exists just to raise money. When lawmakers are looking for ways to fund a program, it can be easy to turn to traffic violations as people can avoid having to make the payment by avoiding the behavior in the first place.

On the other hand, everybody makes mistakes and hefty fines are not always appropriate. While most people will not argue that drunk driving is a dangerous offence and the consequences should be serious, driving a few miles an hour over the speed limit is something that most of us have done once or twice.

Expensive for Everyone

In addition to soaring fines for drivers, the way that tickets are calculated in California make it difficult for police officers, court personnel, judges, and even citizens to figure out how much a ticket will cost. Plus, the additional assessments seem to be constantly changing, so officials must have access to the latest information to accurately assess new offenders while keeping a record of all the past changes for working on older cases.

Then, once these fines are collected, they must be separated and redistributed to the various state, county, and local agencies that are all waiting for their piece of the pie. Currently, a task force has been assigned to find ways to simplify and improve the way that court-ordered fines and fees are assessed, collected, and redistributed. In the meantime, however, California drivers should be cautious.

Avoiding Costly Penalties

If you have received a moving traffic violation, there are traffic schools and defensive driving courses that are available to you. In addition to the possibility of a reduced fine, participating in these classes can also earn you a discount on your car insurance. In some cases, the local court may offer driving classes instead of a fine, and once you complete the course, your citation will be dismissed and points will not be added to your driving record. Even if you have not received a traffic ticket, voluntary enrollment in a traffic school can earn you a safe driver discount from your insurance company.

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Vehicles are a huge part of anyone’s life. They drive us to our jobs, drive the kids to all of their activities, and are essential for running errands. Without a vehicle, it would be impossible to do everything we need to do with any time left over for things we enjoy. After the worst of days, it feels great to get in the car and head home for some much-needed relaxation.

We in the U.S. especially rely on our vehicles. In 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau shows that about 7 million workers drive an hour or more on their commutes to and from work. When you add in errands, vacations, and fun trips, it’s a lot of time spent behind the wheel every single day.

Out of need, Americans have become good at keeping their vehicles in good running shape, and that doesn’t just apply to those who collect and maintain older vehicles. Everyone is looking to keep their vehicles in the best shape they can to avoid the added costs of repairs or even having to buy a new vehicle. When driving, you’ll see cars from the 90s still going strong, and you may even see some that look almost just as good as the day they were bought. According to Polk, in 2013, the average age of every car on the roads was about 11 years. This is evidence that we in the U.S. really try to keep our cars in good condition.

In this day and age, there are so many resources that inform drivers about how to keep their vehicles in great shape so they run as long as possible. The secret is regular maintenance — a lot of it. Check out some of the age-old maintenance necessities below.

1. Change your oil and oil filter often. Kelley Blue Book indicates that the single best thing you can do to extend the life of your engine is to get regular oil changes. Not doing so can cause a lot of problems with the engine over time. Though any garage that changes your oil can also change the filter, you need to ensure that it gets taken care of one way or another. Make sure you take down the date and mileage after each oil change so you know when your vehicle is due for another one. Often times, the place you last got your oil change will attach a windshield sticker or email you for a reminder.
2. Replace your transmission fluid and differential oil. It’s not often that this needs to be done, but if you’re concerned, check your vehicle’s manual for the suggested timeframes for changing them.
3. Add new coolant. Every once in awhile, you’ll have to flush out your coolant and add some fresh coolant. Again, your car’s manual will have the suggested intervals.
4. Maintain your wheel bearings. Wheel bearings are important because they ensure the smooth running of the tires. When checking in for your next car check-up, make sure to ask for a wheel inspection to see if your bearings are in OK condition. Usually, this only involves adding some grease to the bearings to get them moving smoothly again.
5. Change your brake fluid. This helps fend off moisture, leaving your brakes free of rust and corrosion.
6. Keep your exterior clean. It’s recommended that you wax and wash your car four times per year at a minimum. For those who aren’t sure how to wax their car, just run it through your local car wash.
7. Keep the interior out of heavy sunlight. Your interior can take a real beating with the sun pounding on it day after day, especially in warm climates. It’s recommended that you park in the shade whenever possible or use a sunshade to keep your interior fresh and looking new.
8. Wipe off debris. If you drive in a cold climate, you may be aware of the salt that sticks to the bottom of your vehicle. Make sure you eliminate all of that and any other debris before you wash it, otherwise, you may get paint damage.

To keep your vehicle in great shape, it only takes a bit of initiative in the form of having your car taken in for maintenance every once in a while. You may benefit from printing this list out and having it around so you can refer to it every once in a while. Any weird sounds or unusual car problems should prompt you to seek the help of a mechanic as soon as possible. Another pretty obvious tip for keeping your car in good shape is to avoid accidents at all costs. If you are worried about driving safely, there are defensive driving courses that you can take through a traffic school to sharpen your skills. You can even use these courses to have a minor ticket dropped and erased from your driving record. In a defensive driving course, you’ll also learn some more about properly maintaining your car to extend its life. Check out the website of your local DMV to get further details on registering for a defensive driving course.

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