Three Driving Myths You've Believed Your Whole Life

Top 5 ways to get pulled over We’ve all been there: you’re driving along and all of a sudden you see red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror. The pang of fear and frustration that comes with that sight can be avoided if you drive carefully. Check out the top 5 most common reasons people get pulled over! more Read More: How can I make the time pass on my commute? Speeding. This one is a no-brainer. The faster you are driving, the longer it takes you and your vehicle to react when necessary. For example, speed limits are lower in residential areas, because there are a number of risks involved with driving on residential roads. A kid could run out into the road, a stray pet could try crossing the street, and if you are speeding, you are less likely to be able to stop in time to avoid hitting them! Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so that you don’t feel the need to speed. Cell Phone Use. This reason is becoming more and more prevalent. Many states have a ban on cell phone use while driving, and for good reason – looking away from the road for even a split second could be the difference between avoiding a collision or not. Distracted or Hazardous Driving. Similar to the risks associated with cell phone use, putting on makeup, changing clothes, or even eating food can all be major distractions that cause accidents. Hazardous driving like making illegal U-turns, stop sign and stoplight violations, failure to yield and more are all also reasons for traffic stops. Equipment Violations. Expired plates, burnt-out or broken headlights or taillights, certain vehicle modifications like loud exhaust and deeply-tinted windows are some of the most common equipment violations cops pull folks over for. Tailgating or Improper Lane Changes. These reckless movements are typically closely watched for by cops. Driving too closely can impact your ability to stop in time, causing a fender-bender, and improperly changing lanes (i.e. cutting someone off, not checking blind spots) can also put other drivers at risk if they have to brake sharply or swerve to avoid hitting you as you make the move. The biggest takeaway here is to drive safely. Follow all posted signs and be alert and aware of other vehicles and potential hazards on the road. If your vehicle is in need of service, you can schedule a service appointment online or come to Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine to get your vehicle checked out today!

Tips to improve your driving commute If you are a commuter, you probably spend a lot of time in your car, which can be daunting some days when you just want to reach your location. But with all of the technology advancements in new vehicles these days, you have plenty of ways to make your commute more bearable! Check out these tips to help your commute! more Read More: What is Electronic Stability Control? Keep your car clean: This will help you feel better about sitting in your car for long periods of time. Wipe down surfaces regularly to keep germs from building up and you can even keep a garbage bag in your car to help keep the clutter at bay. Listen to podcasts or audiobooks: Connecting your smartphone to your vehicle's infotainment system, you can use your car speakers to broadcast a podcast you love or an audiobook. Whether you choose personal development content or a gripping fiction novel, getting out of your head can help the time pass. Give yourself plenty of time: Nothing makes a commute or traffic more frustrating than running late. Leave with plenty of time to account for backups or potential detours. Relax or meditate: With the stress of the workday, taking some time to do breathing exercises or walk through a guided meditation practice while you are stuck in traffic can help you start or end your day on a positive note. We hope these tips help you get through your daily commute with ease! If your vehicle is in need of service, you can schedule a service appointment online before you come to see us at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine!

Tips to improve fuel economy in the summer Summer means that more people will be taking road trips and traveling on the road. Whether you have a family cabin that you frequent in the summer months or you just like to plan a few long road trips when the weather is nice, you can help yourself save some money in fuel costs by following these tips to help increase your fuel economy! more Read More: Navigate construction zones safely this summer! How to increase fuel economy in the summer Use your air conditioner wisely. Running the AC in your car increases fuel consumption and can bring down your overall efficiency, so try to roll the windows down instead when you are driving around town. However, on the highway, open windows reduce your car's aerodynamic flow which can also reduce efficiency, in which case the AC is the lesser of two evils. Roll your windows down when you first start driving. Doing this can help let some of that hot air out of your vehicle so that you don't need the AC on at full blast. You can also roll down your windows while idling, and parking in the shade helps your vehicle stay cooler to begin with! Watch your speed. Fuel economy ratings tend to decrease when you drive over 55 miles per hour, and even more so when you stop and accelerate sharply. Opt for gradual, consistent flow when speeding up and slowing down, and try not to speed too much. Keep up with vehicle maintenance. One of the best ways to make sure you are getting the most out of your vehicle is to properly maintain it. Get regular oil and filter changes, check your tire pressure regularly and make sure your tires are properly aligned. These small things add up to help you get the most efficiency out of your vehicle. We hope these tips help you drive efficiently this summer. You can schedule a service appointment online if you need to get your vehicle checked out before your next trip! We hope to see you soon at Palmen Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM of Racine.