Auto Correct

We learn what inspired Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, and her love of cars.

Calls covered:

Air conditioners, fuel economy, spark plugs, timing bets, maintenance, and oil changes.

Recalls for the week: 2011 – 2017 Ford Explorer, rear suspension problems; 2013 Ford F-150 another recall concerning a software update; 2019-2020 Jaguar I-Pace, regenerative brake system fails; 2019-2020 Ram 1500, occupant restraint controller may become corrupted, disabling the vehicle’s airbags; 2019 BMW X7, driver and passenger head airbags may not have been properly aligned with the trim during installation; 2019-2020 BMW 2 Series, 4 Series, 2019 3 Series Wagon, driver and passenger knee airbag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108          2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: Infinity Q50           2014, 2015, and 2016 had complaints about tire wear.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.     https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/           https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the GM, Michelin’s plan for airless tires and the Jaguar I-Pace https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

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We heard great calls about driving near motorcycles, trucks with trailers, and semi trucks.

Defensive Driving tips:

1.Look Far Ahead

2.Getting The Big Picture

3.Have An Excape Plan

4.Maintain Proper Following Distance

5.Reduce Driving Distractions

Recalls for the week: 2017-2018 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, The electric water pump;   2019 Nissan Altima, The fuel pump lock ring may not be fully engaged;  2019 Chevrolet Silverado, Sierra 1500, 2020 HDs equipped with Rugger Liner hard tri-fold tonneau covers may not properly secure the cover to the bed;  2018-2019 Ram 1500, the rear driveshaft 

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108           2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: Volvo XC90           2016-2017 electrical problems.

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.     https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/           https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.   

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2019 Nissan Armada          https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

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The Tupelo Auto Museum sold off its vehicles for $8.6 million dollars!

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/2019/04/29/tupelo-auto-museum-collection-auction/3615036002/

Here are the recalls for the week: 2019 Honda CR-V, steering wheel 2006-2015 Honda and Acura Vehicles, airbag 2010-2016 Porsche Panamera, air-conditioner 2011-2013 Mazda6, sold north and east of us - exposure to road salt 2014-2015 Jaguar F-Type The seat belt

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108          2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: 2012 or the 2013 Kia Sportage for engine stopped working while driving.

 Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.  https://www.carcomplaints.com/   is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is _about off roading with _Jeep Gladiator, Ram Rebel, Ram Power Wagon, and Jeep Renegade  

https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/       https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

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Roadside assistance is great if you have time to wait for them or if you can't change your own flat tire. This broadcast gives you tips on changing a tire and what you need to have to do it. Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic https://www.facebook.com/theladyautomechanic78/ talked about lug wrenches, tire rotation, and tire air pressure.

Recalls for the week: 2016-2019 BMW X1; 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica; 2015-2018 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500; 2019 Toyota Sienna; 2015-17 Toyota Yaris; 2016 Volvo XC90; 2019 Hyundai Veloster

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108  2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: the 2012 and 13 models of the Ford Edge: electrical problems

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/             https://www.carcomplaints.com/ is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2019 Cadillac XT4 and the Chevy Equinox https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

These items should always be in your vehicle:

o  Jack

o  Lug wrench

o  Fully inflated spare tire  Remember to check pressure every month and before long trips or carrying extra load.

o  Vehicle owner’s manual

·      Additional items:

o  Flashlight with working batteries

o  Rain poncho

o  Small cut of 2"x6” wood to secure the jack

o  Gloves

o  Wheel wedges

HOW TO CHANGE TIRES

1. FIND A SAFE LOCATION

As soon as you realize you have a flat tire, do not abruptly brake or turn. Slowly reduce speed and scan your surroundings for a level, straight stretch of road with a wide shoulder. An empty parking lot would be an ideal place. Level ground is good because it will prevent your vehicle from rolling. Also, straight stretches of road are better than curves because oncoming traffic is more likely to see you.

Never attempt to change your tire on a narrow shoulder near oncoming traffic. Keep moving (slowly) until you find a safer spot. While driving on a flat risks ruining your rim, replacing a rim is better than being hit by an inattentive driver.

Make sure to consult your owner’s manual and review their specific steps on how to change a flat tire for your vehicle

2. TURN ON YOUR HAZARD LIGHTS

Your hazard lights or “flashers” will help other drivers see you on the side of the road. To avoid an accident, turn them on as soon as you realize you need to pull over.

3. APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE

Once stopped, always use the parking brake when preparing to replace a flat tire. This will minimize the possibility of your vehicle rolling.

4. APPLY WHEEL WEDGES

Wheel wedges go in front of or behind the tires to further ensure the vehicle doesn’t roll while you fix the flat tire. If you’re changing a rear tire, place these in front of the front tires. If your flat tire is at the front, put the wheel wedges behind the rear tires.

Bricks or large stones will work just as well as “real” wheel wedges. Just be sure they’re large enough to stop the car from rolling.

5. REMOVE THE HUBCAP OR WHEEL COVER

If your vehicle has a hubcap covering the lug nuts, it’s easier to remove the hubcap before lifting the vehicle with the jack. If your lug nuts are exposed, you can skip ahead to Step 6.

Use the flat end of your lug wrench to remove the hubcap. This will work for most vehicles, but some hubcaps need a different tool to come off. Consult your owner’s manual for proper hubcap or wheel cover removal procedures.

6. LOOSEN THE LUG NUTS

Using the lug wrench, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until you break their resistance. You may have to use force, and that’s ok. Use your foot or all of your body weight if necessary.

Loosen the lug nuts about ¼ to ½ of a turn, but don’t remove them completely yet. Save that for when it’s time to remove your tire/wheel from the vehicle.

7. PLACE THE JACK UNDER THE VEHICLE

The right place for the jack is usually beneath the vehicle frame alongside the tire that’s flat. Many vehicle frames have molded plastic on the bottom with a cleared area of exposed metal specifically for the jack. To safely lift and avoid damage to the vehicle, follow the instructions for jack placement in your vehicle owner’s manual.

8. RAISE THE VEHICLE WITH THE JACK

To prevent the jack from settling under the weight of your vehicle and coming off balance, place a small cut of 2x6” wood beneath it before attempting to raise your vehicle. This tactic is especially helpful on asphalt.

With the jack properly positioned, raise the vehicle until the flat tire is about six inches above the ground.

Never put any part of your body under the vehicle during or after raising the vehicle with the jack.

9. UNSCREW THE LUG NUTS

Now it’s time to remove the lug nuts all the way. Since you've already loosened them, you should be able to unscrew them mostly by hand.

10. REMOVE THE FLAT TIRE

Gripping the tire by the treads, pull it gently toward you until it’s completely free from the hub behind it. Set it on its side so that it doesn’t roll away.

11. MOUNT THE SPARE TIRE ON THE LUG BOLTS

Now place the spare on the hub by lining up the rim with the lug bolts. Push gently until the lug bolts show through the rim.

12. TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS BY HAND

Put the lug nuts back on the lug bolts and tighten them all the way by hand. Once they are all on, check each one again, tightening as much as possible. You will tighten them with the wrench after lowering the vehicle to the ground.

13. LOWER THE VEHICLE AND TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS AGAIN

Use the jack to lower the vehicle so that the spare tire is resting on the ground but the full weight of the vehicle isn’t fully on the tire. At this point, you should tighten the lug nuts with the wrench, turning clockwise, as much as you can. Push down on the lug wrench with the full weight of your body.

14. LOWER THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY

Bring the vehicle all the way to the ground and remove the jack. Give the lug nuts another pull with the wrench to ensure they’re as tight as possible.

15. REPLACE THE HUBCAP

If the hubcap you took from the flat tire will fit your spare, put it in place the same way you removed it initially. If it doesn’t fit, stow it away with the tire when you stow your equipment.

16. STOW ALL EQUIPMENT

You have before you a jack, a lug wrench, wheel wedges, your flat tire, and possibly a hubcap. Don’t forget to put all of them in your vehicle before driving away.

17. CHECK THE PRESSURE IN THE SPARE TIRE

You should check the tire pressure of the spare tire to make sure that it is safe to drive on. “T-Type” temporary spares, also called “mini-spares,” require 60 psi (420 kPa). If the tire needs pressure, drive (slowly) to a service station immediately.

18. TAKE YOUR FLAT TIRE TO A TECHNICIAN

Temporary spare tires aren’t made to drive long distances or at high speeds, so drive cautiously until you’re able to visit a tire technician. A professional should be able to determine whether your tire needs a repair or if it’s time to replace it.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIX A FLAT TIRE?

Aside from taking your tire to a professional, the above procedure shouldn’t take more than 15 to 30 minutes to change a tire. Just be sure you don’t leave out any steps.

It’s beneficial practice changing a tire in your garage or driveway to ensure you’re ready to handle this situation if it ever happens to you.

A FEW MORE TIPS ON CHANGING TIRES

Knowing how to fix a flat tire is great, but regular tire maintenance is even more important. In addition to reviewing this guide regularly, remember to do the following:

·      Keep your tires properly inflated

·      Rotate your tires according to the manufacturer’s guidelines

·      Monitor for tread wear

All of these precautions will extend the life of your tires and reduce the likelihood of a flat. While there’s no way to prevent flat tires completely, proper care can improve performance and ensure your tires last as long as possible.

https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tread-and-trend/drivers-ed/how-to-change-a-flat-tire

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Keeping your kid or grandkid safe in the car. 

Our guest today is Dr. Morgan McLeod, host of Southern Remedy's Kids and Teens. She reminds us about car seats (back seat backwards!) and about hot cars (20 degree increase in 20 minutes).

https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/AAP-Updates-Recommendations-on-Car-Seats-for-Children.aspx

Recalls for the week: 2018-2019 Audi Q5, SQ5: The brake master cylinder casting may be too short, which can cause a sudden loss of brakes, increasing the risk of crash.

2017-2018 Lotus Evora 400: The toe board in the passenger footwell lacks stiffness, allowing the knee of an unbelted occupant to contact the rigid structure of the car in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

2013-16 Ford Fusion: The bushing that attaches the shifter cable may degrade and detach from the transmission, allowing the transmission to be in a gear state different from the shift position selected by the driver.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108          2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: 2015 TLX Acura  - transmission problems. Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.  https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/     http://carcomplaints.com is another resource for unreliable car lists.          

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2019 Ram 3500   http://wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, will participate in Southlife Car Show July 27th, 2019; Autocross competitions will be held in Grenada June 8th and 9th, 2019 and in Columbus June 22nd and 23rd NOTE: Air Force base approval needed for spectators and participants.  https://www.instagram.com/the_lady_auto_mechanic/

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Your paint on your car is important!

Keeping your car clean protects your car's look. It's also fun to drive a nice shiny clean car. 

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If you lose your key or your key fob a locksmith can come to you to cut you a new key or program a new fob.

We talk about keys and take auto repair questions on this broadcast.

Guest Wade Jones  http://abclockandkeyms.com/  769-257-2280 from ABC Lock and Key and expert Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic https://www.facebook.com/theladyautomechanic78/

Recalls for the week:   

94,000 2018-2019 Acura, Honda Vehicles: The timing belt teeth may separate from the belt. Teeth separating from the timing belt could result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

2019 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade: Incorrect software may cause the occupant restraint controller module to disable certain passive safety features, which can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

 2018-2019 Honda Odyssey: Loose battery terminal connections or a degraded battery may cause the transmission control unit to unexpectedly reboot. The TCU may shift the transmission to Park upon rebooting, possibly damaging the parking rod and allowing the vehicle to roll when parked, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Subaru Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX: The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine and increasing the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the airbag also may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

2015-17 Toyota Yaris: Wire harnesses connecting side airbag sensors in the front doors to the airbag control unit could corrode over time, which could cause the airbag warning light to come on. Additionally, the front-seat side airbags and curtain shield airbags could be deactivated or not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

2019 Toyota Sienna: During the manufacturing process of the passenger-side front doors, it’s possible that a component may not have been welded properly, which could affect an airbag system sensor and prevent deployment or cause inadvertent deployment of the passenger-side front seat and curtain shield airbags, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

 2019 Nissan Altima: The brake switch bracket may be in the incorrect location, which may cause the brake switch to remain on. If the brake switch remains in the on position, the brakelights will remain illuminated when the brakes are not being pressed, which could confuse other drivers. Additionally, the transmission shift lever may be moved out of the Park position without the brake pedal being pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls  and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108 2007-17 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about:  the Volvo XC90 due to its electrical problems  2016-2017 

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/    http://carcomplaints.com is another resource for unreliable car lists.          

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2019 VW Beetle Bows For Its Final Edition and  2019 GMC Sierra http://https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

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We asked and y'all called in!

Listen to the driving pet peeves of our audience so you can commiserate (and learn what sets other drivers off so you aren't discourteous). There were some auto repair questions for Allison Walker, the Lady Auto Mechanic to answer too.  https://twitter.com/TheLadyAutoMech

• police speeding without blue lights
• no turn signal
• passing on the right
• pulling over to soon after passing 
• being passed on the right while you're waiting for enough room to pull to the right after passing
• overly tinted windows
• texting while driving
• not maintaining a steady speed - speeding up when being passed then slowing down after passing
• not watching out for motorcycles
• tailgating
• high beam lights: in front and behind

Recalls for the week: 2019 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Charger – there’s a problem with the instrument cluster lighting. 184,500 BMW 3 Series, 5 Series and Z4 – the positive crankcase heater could start a fire. 2013-2016 Dodge Dart – the shifting cable bushing may fail.     You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108          2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: Jeep Wrangler – 2008 and 2012 electrical problems           Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.   https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/     http://carcomplaints.com is another resource for unreliable car lists.    

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the _ 2019 Subaru Forester    https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

What’s in the news this week:  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expanded an investigation into failing airbags across six different automakers after linking at least five deaths to faulty electronics.  https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/nhtsas-new-airbag-investigation-covers-123-million-vehicles/

Photo by Hunter Newton on Unsplash

Use your turn signal! Don't tailgate!

 https://www.facebook.com/events/southlife/southlife-car-show/2010514345905468/

Allison Walker will be at the Southlife Car Show: Saturday, May 11th, 2019 9:30am - 2pm Trustmark Park, 1 Braves Blvd. Pearl MS  

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This was an all engine show.

Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic, explains engines to host, Liz Gill. 

• Horesepower
• 3,4, 5, 6, 8 cylinders
• Inline, horizontal, slant, V
• Fuel injected
• GDI
• Turbo
• Atkinson

Recalls: http://nhtsa.gov/recalls

Consumer Reports has a list of 108          2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: Pontiac G6           model years 2006 and 2008 the complaint – power steering

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports.  https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/         http://carcomplaints.com is another resource for unreliable car lists.       

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt  which only comes in green and black – there was a Steve McQueen movie Bullitt where he drove a mustang  https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/

The New York International Auto Show https://www.autoshowny.com/ April 19th - 28th, 2019

 https://www.facebook.com/events/southlife/southlife-car-show/2010514345905468/

Southlife Car Show: Saturday, May 11th, 2019 9:30am - 2pm Trustmark Park, 1 Braves Blvd. Pearl MS  

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Wipers? Check. Tires? Check. Brake Lights? Check.

What do you need to check before driving in the rain and other tips are covered on today's show  with Allison Walker, The Lady Auto Mechanic. https://twitter.com/TheLadyAutoMech

Recalls for the week: 2014-2019 Acura MDX, MDX Sport Hybrid problem with the tailgate lid lights accumulating moisture; 2019 Jeep Wranglers, Ram 1500s steering wheel can pop off; 2010-2013 Suzuki Kizashi, 2006-2013 Grand Vitara problem with the front passenger seat leather; 2018-2019 Volvo S90, XC60 problems with the front seats.   You can find out if your car has a past recall by going to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s website:http://https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and inputting your VIN number.

Consumer Reports has a list of 108 2007-16 models that have a record of much-worse-than-average overall reliability based on subscriber responses to their Annual Auto Survey. Today, we’re going to caution you about: GMC Yukon and XL model years 2007-2008, 2014-2016    WORST GMC YUKON PROBLEMS   #1:Excessive Oil Consumption2007 Yukon #2:Taillight Not Working Properly2015 Yukon #3:A/C Doesn't Work2015 Yukon

Please consider reading up on the reliability of this car before purchasing it as a used car, suggests Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/used-cars/used-cars-to-avoid-buying/       .http://carcomplaints.com is another resource for unreliable car lists.

If you’re interested in reviews of new cars Casey Williams is the automotive correspondent for WFYI, a public radio station in Indianapolis. He has reviewed cars and covered the auto industry for 25 years. His review this week is on the 2019 Jeep Wrangler     https://www.wfyi.org/news/authors/casey-williams

In the News: 'Buyer beware' at http://ee.usatoday.com/Olive/ODN/USATSample/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=USA%2F2019%2F04%2F11&entity=Ar00103&sk=23595237&mode=text

Tips for Driving in the Rain

Wait Until the Weather Improves if Possible

Double Check Your Car’s Equipment

Slow Down

Turn On Your Headlights

Use Your Windshield Wipers

Maintain a Safe Distance Between Cars

Avoid Heavy Braking

Watch Out For Standing Water

Let Off The Gas When Hydroplaning

Ventilate Your Car

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