Don't Lose Your Cool: Merging Etiquette 101

 

Merging can be one of the more stressful driving situations people face on the road. With constant horns blaring, indecent hand gestures, and swear words flying it is important to learn the proper way to merge into a lane. Follow these simple steps in order to merge safely and without incident.

1. Accelerate to the same speed as highway traffic.

The first step of merging safely is to make sure you're going the same speed as the traffic on the highway. Use the acceleration lane - the entrance ramp or place where you're entering the highway - to quickly gain speed.

2. Put on your turn signal. 

Do it early, so other drivers know what you intend to do. This gives them time to make any necessary adjustments. However, keep in mind that as the person merging, you don't have the right of way. Other drivers are not expected to move out of the way; rather, they'll keep going at the same speed, and it's up to you to make sure you adjust your speed and merge safely.

3. Look for a gap in traffic.

If traffic on the highway is heavy, you'll have to find a gap before you merge. Keep your eyes on the road, but check your mirrors and look behind you to figure out when it's safe to go. At the same time, maintain an appropriate speed to allow you to merge safely into the flow of traffic.

All-Time Favorite Summer Songs

Whether the cool summer air blowing through your car or the ice-cold A/C is blasting, you need some good summer hits to help you along the way. Check out a list of our timeless favorites. Do any of them play in your car?

1. "Surfin' Safari" by the Beach Boys

2. "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama 

3. "School's Out" by Alice Cooper

4. "Summer" by Calvin Harris

5. "Under the Boardwalk" by the Drifters

Keeping Your Car "Cool" This Summer

It is that time of year again. The weather is heating up and summer is finally here. We want you to think twice if you are a person who often parks their car outside. If you are, make sure to find a shady spot or park your car in undercover parking to avoid you paint being hit by the suns dangerous UV rays which wear down the paint. So, do the cool thing and find some shade to keep your car looking fresh!

Click it or Ticket.

In addition to it being illegal in most states driving or riding without a seat belt is just a bad idea. Not convinced? Here are some facts that might sway you.

• Young adults aged 18 to 24 are more likely to be involved in and sustain injuries from an automobile wreck than any other adult group.
• Seat belts reduce the occurrence of injuries or death by 50 percent.
• Males are less likely to wear their seat belts than females
• Lap belts are less effective than three point belts, but nevertheless provide significant levels of protection, reducing fatal injuries by 32%.
• Child restraint systems are often used incorrectly. One study found that 72% of nearly 3,500 observed car and booster seats were misused in a way that could be expected to increase a child’s risk of injury during a crash.
  
  Please drive responsibly.

Pump It Up

Ever drive up to the gas pump and see all kinds of names of on the pumps and not know the difference? Here is the beginners guide to the most popular ways to power your car.

Gasoline- Gasoline is the most common automobile fuel and is used all over the world to power cars, motorcycles, scooters, boats, lawnmowers, and other machinery. Most vehicles function just fine on the lowest and cheapest gasoline option. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see which grade is recommended for your car.

Diesel- A resurgence of diesel powered vehicles has taken place in the past few years because of the rising price of all fuels, including gasoline and diesel. Diesel powered cars typically get better gas mileage than gasoline powered vehicles and some drivers feel that they get a better value for their money even if diesel is more expensive.

Biodiesel- Diesel fuel that is created using vegetable oils or animal fats is called biodiesel. Some inventive drivers have found ways to recycle used cooking oils into biodiesel that powers altered car engines.

Trying to stay cool this summer? Here’s what NOT to do.

Is your car working hard or working smart? There is such a thing as doing too much! AVOID doing these two things and watch your summer get a whole lot cooler.

NEVER turn your car off without switching the AC off first! Powering off your vehicle while the air is still running creates a small shock in the air conditioning system that can have damaging side effects over time. Ideally, you should switch off the AC a few blocks from your destination. It’s fine to keep the fan running.

NEVER crank your AC from 0 to full blast! We understand that it’s hot outside, but forcing your car to blast all of that energy at once doesn’t make the air cool faster. Start your AC on the lowest setting and work your way towards the smaller temps.

Who has the most annoying driving habits? Survey says it could be you.

Maybe you’ve got a newly-licensed teen learning how to drive. Maybe it’s that carpool buddy of yours with the lead foot. Hey, maybe it’s even your sweet old mother-in-law that only comes to visit twice a year.  One thing is for sure: nobody is as skilled a driver as you!
…At least that’s how it seems, right? As it turns out, YOU could be the annoying one! A recent survey by Insure.Com revealed the true story.
Who is the most annoying driver?

1. My spouse: 36 percent
2. A friend: 22 percent
3. My mother: 16 percent
4. My father: 9 percent
5. Other: 8 percent
6. My teen son: 5 percent
7. My teen daughter: 4 percent

So, who really grinds your gears? Join the conversation on Twitter and Facebook—we want to know what you think.