411 Pain's Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Your tires can be the cause of roadway accidents or they can prevent
them. Far too many motorists
take tires for granted. 411 Pain reminds all motorists,  just like the
engine under the hood needs maintenance and attention so do your tires.

A Tire safety  cites under inflation as the leading cause of tire
failure.  Not only are under inflated tires more prone to damage, 
the website finds they can also cause a
drive up the price of gas. Estimates range anywhere between 3 to 5¢
per gallon.

Maintaining your tires isn't very expensive, but ignoring them can
prove costly and possibly deadly.  At least once a month 411 Pain
recommends performing a few simple checks.

1.  Look at your tires for signs of puncture wounds.  Tires pick up
all kinds of debris on the road like nails, pieces of metal, and small
rocks. If you spot anything impaled in your tires take it immediately
into a tire store. You may not need a brand new tire, but a simple
patch or minor repair. But 411Pain says that call should only be made
by a professional.

2. Check the tread on all of your tires for signs of wear and tear
like cracks or bulges.  If you don't get your tires rotated regularly,
the tread may be uneven, leaving you vulnerable to accidents or
injury.  You can measure the tire tread depth with a quarter. Simply
slide the coin in between the grooves and if  you can see all of
President George Washington's  head it's time to replace the tire.

3. 411 Pain recommends you get your tires rotated every 5000 miles,
but double check your vehicle's owner's manual. How far you drive and
how often you drive may affect the frequency and pattern of tire
rotation.

4. If you find your car is pulling to one side or the other or if your
steering wheel is shaking an alignment may be in order.  Striking
curbs and speed bumps can knock your tires off balance which in turn
affects your alignment.

In 2003 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finds flat
tires and or blowouts were factors in nearly 79,400 crashes.  414
people lost their lives and another 10,275 suffered non-fatal injuries
all of which could have been avoided with proper tire maintenance.


411 Pain reminds us without tires, we can go nowhere fast.  Give them
their due diligence or you may find yourself traveling on the path to
danger.

411 Pain ROLLING WITH MY ROAD DOG

More and more these days, man's best friend is also becoming man's traveling companion.
According to the American Pet Product Manufacturers' Association, 84% of pet owners
admit to bringing furry friends along for the ride when they drive.
Traveling with your four legged friend can cost you the price of a second seat or more
via commercial modes of transportation and pets aren't always welcome.
So, for those who can't bear not to be with their pets there's the family car.

Dogs are usually the companion of choice when taking a road trip.
But it's a bad idea to assume your pet can just ride along problem free.
First consider if your pet is up for the ride. Just as he had to adapt to living in your
home and becoming part of your family, he has to do the same in the car.
Dogs like people can suffer from motion sickness and all that comes with it.
So before taking pets on long trips, start out small with
car rides through the neighborhood and build from there.

411 pain - EXERCISING PROPER RESTRAINT

Allowing your pet to roam free in a moving vehicle can be a hazard to his health
and yours. In a crash situation, animals just like any other loose
items in the car, become flying projectiles. Their body weight, coupled with the speed of travel and
strength of impact can turn fido into a giant torpedo.
Nowadays there are car seats and harnesses to keep your pet, who may be like your child
just as safe. To encourage motorists who insist on driving with their pets safe,
California has outlawed the practice of driving while holding a animals in your lap.
As for cats, their curious nature makes them highly likely to squirm into dangerous
places while a vehicle is in motion. Some place like under your feet as you try to
control the gas and brake pedals. Feline friends should always ride in a, contained in a crate or cage.
It's also a good idea to position your pets far away from airbags.  Like children, the impact of the airbag deploying
can have lethal consequences.

PET STOPS

Once on the road it is strongly recommended that you bring plenty of water, food
and dish for your pet to eat and drink from.  The places along your route
may not be equipped to accommodate your pet. And leaving  pets alone in a car
is never the way to go. Plan to stop frequently to allow your pet to relieve himself along the way.
Keep your pet on a leash at all times and it's a good idea to make sure he's wearing a collar
with your updated contact information should you two get separated.

While it seems ingrained in them, dogs should never be allowed to stick their heads out of the window of a moving car.
Like many of us tell our children, they risk being injured by another vehicle coming too close to yours or being hit by flying
debris that damage cars everyday. Pick up truck beds are another no-no.  You never know when
your dog may spot something he decides is worth chasing.

Consider protecting your vehicle's seats with a tarp or any kind of protective cover.  It will
keep the ride clean and comfortable for both of you.

After 911, Call 411 Pain