Celebrate the Holidays Safely with Your Four Legged Friends | North County Ford

It is time to start gearing up if you plan to bring your furry friend with you this holiday.  

Millions will take to the roads over the Christmas period, making it one of the busiest times of year to travel. Many of us have our families spread far and wide and will be taking a trip over the festive period to share time with our loved ones.
As dog owners we don’t want to leave our furry family member alone for Christmas, as a family celebration it wouldn’t feel right not to have him involved in the festivities. Finding someone to feed your dog whilst you’re away is extremely difficult over this period, most people are too busy celebrating and enjoying their families company to pop over and feed, water and walk the dog. For many of us the only option is to take our four legged friend with us at Christmas.

Every summer we are reminded of the dangers of taking or leaving a dog in a hot car however literature on travelling with a dog in the winter is a lot less common. If you’re travelling with your dog this winter remember to consider the following to ensure he is as comfortable and safe as possible.

Keeping Warm

Whilst you and I will wrap up in hats, scarves, gloves and coats dogs only have a slightly thicker coat in the winter to keep the cold out and the heat in – winter can be bone chillingly cold. You may have the heat on in the car but the boot area where you keep your dog will be cooler than the rest of the car. Invest in a dog jacket like this fleece lined one, if you have a smaller dog or a dog who is more sensitive to heat purchase a blanket for the back of your car that he can use if he needs to.
Protecting your Dog (And You)

We’ve all heard the warnings, if you don’t wear a seatbelt and you have an accident you could injure the person in front of you or go through the windshield. Whilst most of us are sensible enough to wear a seatbelt now that we fully understand the dangers and fines have been introduced, cars don’t come fitted with a doggy-belt and his safety is as paramount as yours. Ensure you purchase either a dog car cage, dog safety harness (like a seat belt) or a dog guard. These products will not only ensure your dog’s safety but will also protect you from being distracted by your dog climbing into the front of the car – or onto your lap.

Protecting your Car
Whilst your dog may be the calmest of dogs at home, a car journey can be both exciting and traumatic for your pup. Your dog could get travel sick, away from his usual surroundings he may be unable to let you know he needs the bathroom and he may get over excited and scratch and chew at the fixtures. In order to prevent this it is best to purchase a waterproof car protector for any journey’s you take with your dog. Allow your dog to spend some time in the car protector in the house before you first take him in the car, place a couple of the dogs toys or blankets in the car protector on your first journey – the smells and toys will be familiar comforting him and making the journey less traumatic for your dog.

Things to Remember

• Antifreeze is an essential to the winter and also delicious but highly dangerous for your dog. Keep dogs away from bottles or antifreeze you may usually keep in your trunk.
• Cars in the cold do the opposite of cars in the heat – instead of an oven your car becomes a refrigeration unit. If you leave a dog in the car in the winter the temperature can plummet dangerously low.
• Do not feed your dog a large meal before taking him in the car.
• If your journey is longer than two hours make sure you stop every two hours for him to stretch his legs, use the bathroom and drink some water.
• Take your dog for a long walk before an extended drive, this will tire him out and he will be more inclined to rest and possibly sleep for the journey.

Source: http://www.petguide.com/insurance/dog/tips-for-travelling-with-your-dog-over-the-christmas-holidays/

Safety Tips for Winter Driving in California | North County Ford

Automobile associations, law enforcement groups and other organizations that follow cars and traffic often come out with a set of safety checks for drivers during the winter. The tips have little use for Southern California drivers, who would see a near shutdown of freeways and streets if by some strange weather quirk they had to confront snow.

But mindful that we are not weather-challenged, auto information company Edmunds.com has come out with a set of safety tips for Sun Belt drivers as we head into the rainy season.

Check your tire pressure: Tire pressure is important because traction declines in wet conditions. Also, a properly inflated tire will help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle drives over potholes. Read your owner's manual to find the correct tire pressure.

Inspect the wipers and check wiper fluid: Visibility is often compromised in the winter by rain and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car's blades are older, replace them.

Make sure your four-wheel drive system works: A big selling point for SUVs is that many offer four-wheel drive, which improves traction in snow and other slippery conditions. But many people don't use their 4WD systems very often, especially in places such as Southern California. Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises emanating from the drive-train when the system is in use. If there are multiple drivers for your vehicle, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system.


Check your defoggers: Rain and dampness put windshield defoggers to the test. Make sure they are in working order and that all the drivers of the vehicle know how to operate them.

Keep in mind each of these items will be inspected when you bring your vehicle in for regularly scheduled maintenance. You can schedule an appointment today online. 

Carry an emergency kit: In earthquake-prone Southern California, this is a good idea for winter and the rest of the year. You can purchase a pre-assembled kit or do it yourself. Be sure to include:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit.
• Jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains.
• A blanket, warm clothes, hat and gloves.
• Paper towels.
• A bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck.
• Extra washer fluid.
• Extra food and water.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/10/winter-driving-tips-warm-weather-states.html

Driving at Night | North County Ford

As Fall Back looms around the corner, it is time to remember safety tips for the driving in the dark.

Drive more slowly at night because you cannot see as far ahead and you will have less time to stop for a hazard. Make sure you can stop within the distance lighted by your headlights.

Use your low-beam headlights at night when it rains. Do not drive using only your parking lights.

Use your high-beam headlights whenever possible in open country or dark city streets, as long as it is not illegal. Do not blind other drivers with your high-beam headlights. Dim your lights when necessary. If another driver does not dim his or her lights:

• Do not look directly into the oncoming headlights.
• Look toward the right edge of your lane
• Watch the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye
• Do not try to "get back" at the other driver by keeping your bright lights on. If you do, both of you may be blinded.

When you drive at night, remember:

• Pedestrians and bicyclist are much harder to see at night; stay alert6 for them
• Motorcycles are also harder to see at night because most have only one taillight.
• Highway construction can take place at night. Reduce your speed in highway construction zones.
• When you leave a brightly-lit place, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness.
• Drive as fa the the right as possible, when a vehicle with one light drives toward you. It could be a bicyclist or motorcyclist, but it could also be a vehicle with a missing headlight.

Here are Fun Facts to Think of the Next Time You are in for Vehicle Maintenance | North County Ford

Five Fun Facts About Vehicle Maintenance

Even if you're serious about maintaining your automobile, you'll enjoy these five fun facts about car maintenance.While there are many things you need to do to keep your car running smoothly, these are a few of the tasks associated with basic automobile maintenance:

• Changing the oil and replacing the oil filter
• Rotating and replacing tires
• Checking and replacing wiper blades
• Checking fluid levels
• Checking and replacing brake pads and rotors

While many of these tasks don't seem very exciting, you might be surprised by the following little-known facts about them.

Almost 900 Million Oil Changes Each Year

In 2007, drivers in the United States registered over 254 million passenger vehicles. On average, Americans drive their passenger cars and trucks just over 10,000 miles per year, and they get an oil change every 3,000 miles. That translates to nearly 900 million oil changes!

Different models of cars and trucks take different amounts of oil, but most engines require 5 to 7 quarts. That means that in one year, Americans use at least 1.1 billion gallons of oil in their vehicles. Much of this oil is reused and recycled.

The First Auto Tires Were Like Bike Tires

Decades ago, drivers had to replace their tires far more frequently than we do today. These days, it's not uncommon to get 50,000 miles or more on a single set of auto tires, but this longevity is due to the advanced technology and materials used to produce modern tires. Radial belts, synthetic and natural rubber components, and body plies, or layers, give today's tires a long lifespan.When inventor Philip Strauss designed the first tire in 1911, the structure of tires was very different. These tires were closer in design to bicycle tires, featuring an inner tube that was inflated to provide a firm base for the outer rubber shell.

Windshield Wipers Were Invented by a Woman

Next time you're driving in a rainstorm, you can thank Mary Anderson, who invented windshield wipers in 1903. Anderson was visiting New York City and noticed that the streetcar driver had to keep his window open in a sleet storm in order to reach his arm out of the car and manually clean his windshield with a squeegee. Anderson received a patent for the windshield wiper, but she couldn't sell the invention to the auto companies, who claimed that the device did not have commercial value. After Anderson's patent ran out in 1920, windshield wipers eventually became a standard feature on automobiles.Today, changing windshield wipers is an important part of automotive maintenance. Wiper blades come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and some are even heated to help keep your windshield clean in icy conditions.

Your Car Uses Six Primary Fluids

Think you can get away with just changing your oil? Think again! Believe it or not, you car actually uses six different fluids:

• Motor oil
• Coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Transmission fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

It's important to replenish and change these fluids according to the car's maintenance schedule, and it's also imperative that you properly dispose of the old fluids. Many of these substances are hazardous to people and animals.

Antilock Brakes Were Invented Over 50 Years Ago

Even though they are a fairly recent safety feature on most passenger cars, antilock brakes have actually been around for half a century. The British company, Road Research Laboratories, created an anti-skid braking system in 1958. The system, called "Maxaret," was used in production in 1966 on the Jensen FF Sports Sedan.

Initially, Maxaret and other antilock braking systems were simply too expensive for automakers, but advances in computerized braking now make it possible to get antilock brakes on almost any new car.
Final Words

While auto maintenance may not be the most scintillating topic of conversation for most people, it's something all vehicle owners have to perform. Next time you're in the waiting room of the car garage, you can entertain the other auto owners with these fun facts about car maintenance.

Source: http://cars.lovetoknow.com/Fun_Facts_About_Car_Maintenance

Time To Check Your Roadside Emergency Kit | North County Ford

September is National Preparedness Month, it is time to think about your car. From a flat tire to an accident, are you prepared for a roadside emergency?  

When it comes to commuting or traveling any lengthy distance, a roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road or being stuck for a long period of time. A roadside emergency kit is the one item that every vehicle should have; yet most of us never carry any of the basic items to help you get back on the road quickly and safely.

A fully stocked roadside emergency kit could include:

• 12-foot Jumper Cables
• Four 15-minute Roadside Flares or Triangle Reflector
• Two Quarts of Oil
• Gallon of Antifreeze
• First Aid Kit (including an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antiseptic cream, instant ice and heat compresses, scissors and aspirin)
• Blanket
• Extra Fuses
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries
• Flat Head Screwdrivers
• Phillips Head Screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Vise Grips
• Adjustable Wrench
• Tire Inflator (such as a Fix-A-Flat)
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Rags
• Roll of Paper Towels
• Roll of Duct Tape
• Spray Bottle with Washer Fluid
• Pocketknife
• Ice Scraper
• Pen and Paper
• Help Sign
• Granola or Energy Bars
• Bottled Water
• Heavy-Duty Nylon Bag (to carry it all in)

A basic version can take up a minimal amount of truck space:

• Two Roadside Flares or Triangle Reflector 
• Quart of Oil
• Small First Aid Kit
• Extra Fuses
• Flashlight
• Multipurpose (tool commonly containing pliers, wire cutters, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files and an awl)
• Tire Inflator
• Rags
• Pocket Knife
• Pen and Paper
• Help Sign 

Before you actually use your kit in an emergency situation, take some time to familiarize yourself with the items you've collected and how to use them properly. Also remember that the most important item is your own good judgment - stopping to change a tire in the high-speed lane is only an accident waiting to happen.

Unfortunately, there isn't "one tool for all roadside emergency needs." But with a little planning and a smidgen of trunk space, an emergency roadside kit can often save the day.

Source: http://www.edmunds.com/how-to/how-to-create-your-own-roadside-emergency-kit.html

School Zone Safety Tips | North County Ford

Keeping Children Safe

Parents and caregivers who drive on campus and in neighborhoods near school can plan an important role in enhancing safety near schools by following safe driving practices. At arrival and dismissal times, drivers are often in a hurry and distracted which can lead to unsafe conditions for students and others walking, bicycling and driving in the area.

Drivers should always:

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits, both in school zones and in
  
  neighborhoods surrounding the school. 
• Comply with local school drop-off and pick-up procedures for the safety of all children accessing the school. 
• Avoid double parking or stopping on crosswalks to let children out of the car. Double parking will block visibility for other children and other motorists. Visibility is further reduced during the rain and fog seasons when condensation forms on car windows. 
• Avoid loading or unloading children at locations across the street from the school. This forces youngsters to unnecessarily cross busy streets—often mid-block rather than at a crosswalk. 
• Prepare to stop for a school bus when overhead yellow lights are flashing. Drive with
  
  
  caution when you see yellow hazard warning lights are flashing on a moving or stopped bus. 
• Stop for a school bus with its red overhead lights flashing, regardless of the
  
  direction from which the driver is approaching. Drivers must not proceed until the school bus resumes motion and the red lights stop flashing, or until signaled by the school bus driver to proceed. 
• Watch for children walking or bicycling (both on the road and the sidewalk) in areas near a school. 
• Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. 
• Watch for children walking or biking to school when backing up (out of a driveway or leaving a garage).

Source: http://apps.saferoutesinfo.org/lawenforcement/resources/driving_tips.cfm

Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time;
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving;
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.