Warning All Drivers - Pedals Get Stuck Under All Weather Car Mats

Even the most conscientious drivers could find that they are in danger as a result of something that should be protecting their car. All weather car mats are great for keeping dirt off of the carpets and they should still be used, a simple measure can ensure that you remain safe while your carpets remain clean.

Floor mats are a great addition to any car. A one off payment for some good quality tailored car mats will extend the lifetime of your carpets, which cannot be easily replaced. As the weather deteriorates you may think it is a good idea to invest in some all weather tailored mats, and you would be right. It is unavoidable that mud and rain will get into your vehicle; any preventative methods such as changing your shoes before you get in the car are fussy and impractical.

But there have been several cases where pedals have become stuck underneath rubber, all weather car mats. Toyota infamously had to recall their vehicles for their pedals becoming trapped under mats. More recently, Ford recalled some of their 2010 model after receiving similar complaints.

After tests, Ford discovered that it was not a result of faulty design. The cars which had reported sticky pedals had in fact simply been trapped underneath all weather floor mats which were stacked on top of their tailored carpet mats. The advice is that if you intend to use rubber car mats you must first remove the carpet mats, as stacking them can obstruct the pedals. This advice is relevant to any make and model of vehicle.

Pedal entrapment may also occur if the mats are not correctly fitted. Universal mats are prone to slipping and sliding and gathering which is a serious hazard. It is always advisable to buy tailored car mats from a reputable manufacturer who can precisely cut the mats into the right shape for the model of your car.

It is still advisable to buy car mats, but just ensure that they are correctly and safely fitted.

Happy driving.

The Driver's Simple Guide To Tire Rotation

As you know, the treads on your tires wear down with time. Most people are aware it happens, but wait too long before having their tires replaced; the treads eventually wear down to the point they become a safety risk. There's a simple method for prolonging their useful life, and postponing buying a new set: rotate them on a regular basis.

Most automakers recommend rotating the entire set every 10,000 miles. With some makes and models, they'll suggest doing so every 5,000 miles. You'll find the recommended service interval listed in your owner's manual.

A lot of people take their vehicles to their mechanics in order to have the rotation done for them. However, you can easily do the job yourself without spending much time. The key is knowing how to rotate your tires (simply crisscrossing them is not enough) to maximize their life. You'll learn how to do so below.

How To Rotate Your Tires: Step By Step

First, if your wheels have hubcaps or rims, remove them before starting the rotation. Otherwise, they'll get in the way.

Second, prior to raising your vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on each wheel. Don't take them off completely; simply loosen them.

Third, lift your vehicle on sturdy jacks. The jack located in the trunk of your car can be used, but is unsafe. If possible, use a hydraulic model. The best way to position the jacks is to place one at each corner of your vehicle (four in total). If you only have two available, place them on the front and rear axles.

Fourth, with your car raised, remove the lug nuts. Place them in a small container to avoid losing them.

When you rotate your tires, you'll put the front ones in the rear, and the rear ones in the front. However, there is a particular way to rotate them based on your car's drivetrain. For a rear-wheel drive vehicle, the left-rear tire should be placed on the left-front position. The right-rear goes in the right-front. The left-front tire goes in the right-rear position while the right-front goes in the left-rear.

On a front-wheel drive car, the opposite should be done. The left-rear goes on the right-front, and the right-rear goes in the left-front. The two front tires should be placed on their respective sides on their rear positions. The left-front goes on the left-rear, and right-front on the right-rear.

Once the set has been properly mounted, replace the lug nuts on each wheel, and tighten them by hand (don't tighten them completely). Then, lower your vehicle.

With your car planted firmly on the ground, use your wrench to tighten the lug nuts on each wheel. Use a star pattern to ensure the tires are firmly tightened. Lastly, replace the hubs or rims.

Reasons Behind The Rotation

Your treads can wear down for many reasons. Besides the wear that normally occurs over thousands of miles, the alignment of your front wheels (on a front-wheel drive vehicle) can cause those in front to wear prematurely. For example, if you notice a feathered pattern, it often means toe is misaligned. If you notice wear on only one side of a particular tire, the problem may be a camber misalignment.

Other factors that can contribute to premature wear include loose or damaged ball joints in your suspension, loose tie rod ends, or a problem with the steering column. It may also be caused by a bent axle from a past accident.

Because wear occurs for different reasons, your treads will seldom wear down evenly. This is why their rotation should follow the patterns described earlier. If the left-front tire becomes worn on its outside edge (on a front-wheel drive car), placing it in the right-rear position reduces pressure on that edge.

You should be examining your tires for premature wear every few weeks. Take note of the wear patterns you observe, and have the underlying problems (i.e. misalignment, suspension issues, etc.) resolved.

Every Driver's Must-Have Winter Driving Accessories

I know summer is right around the corner and most people are putting their winter driving accessories away. But, if there's anything you need to stock up on or replace for the next snowy season, now's the time to do so. Stores are clearing room on their shelves for all the tailgate accessories and sun shades, so you can find your winter driving accessories for a fraction of their regular cost. Plus, there's nothing worse than waking up on a snowy day and knowing that your car isn't ready to take on the frost. Avoid last-minute snow-gear shopping by stocking up today. Here's a list of must-have winter driving accessories.

Snow Tires/ Snow Chains
If you live in an area that snows a lot, you'll definitely want to invest in a good set of snow tires. Snow tires have tread patterns that are designed to dig into the snow and ice, therefore keeping a better grip on snowy and icy surfaces. This grip is critical to make sure your car can stop and steer safely. If you only drive in the snow periodically, tire chains ought to do the trick. Snow chains give you the traction you need to avoid slipping and sliding all over the road.

Rubber Car Mats
Rubber car mats are an absolute must for anyone who has to drive in the snow. While floor mats don't do anything to improve your driving capabilities in the snow, they do a whole lot to protect your interior from anything your boots can drag in. With snow often comes slush and mud, and if you don't have rubber car mats in place, that slush and mud get tracked in all over your carpets. Rubber car mats also provide good all-year protection, guarding against spilled coffees, dirt and debris.

Windshield Washer Heater
Ditch your old snow scrapper and step up to a windshield water heater. Windshield washer heaters heat your washer fluid to 125-135 degrees before spraying. That way you can easily remove frost, ice, snow and other debris from your windshield without having to stand out in the cold with a crummy scrapper. And, since it's powered from your vehicle's electrical system, it uses minimal energy.

Windshield Covers
Keep your windshield from freezing over in the first place by using a windshield cover. Windshield covers are made to withstand sleet, snow, ice and wind, and they cut down on the defrost time. That means you can set your alarm for 10 minutes later in the morning since you won't have to worry about scraping or defrosting your windshield.