Kim Danger – a consumer savings expert, mother of two and author of “Instant Bargains” – has collaborated with automotive expert Ricardo Rodriguez-Long and Uniroyal Tire in creating a new e-book to help moms become empowered owners when it comes to their cars and tires.
Featuring tips on automotive maintenance, car safety and emergencies on the road, the tome can be downloaded for free at the tire maker’s website.
In a recent study, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) found more than half of all drivers ignore adequate inflation for their tires and 85 percent fail to properly check tire pressure.
“When driving, your tires are the only thing between you and the road,” Danger advises.
Here are some other tips from Danger:
• It’s often overlooked, but keeping the right tire pressure is a key component in tire longevity and safety.
• Always take a moment to inspect your tires for cuts, slashes and irregularities. It could save you from a potential blowout or changing a tire on the roadside.
• Be sure to rotate your tires at every other oil change (about every 6,000 miles) to help balance treadwear.
“Busy moms often become the taxi driver for their families,” Danger points out. “Making sure the cargo inside is safely and securely fastened in is top priority.”
For younger children, be smart about the type of car seat your child is sitting in:
• If you are in the market for a car seat, buy it new. Avoid buying a seat without knowing its history.
• Have your car seat inspected by a Child Passenger Safety Technician.
• Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rating for your car seat.
“With more vehicles on the road than ever before, it is crucial to be prepared for emergencies. Having the knowledge to act quickly and correctly can help keep your family safe.”
Here are some rules to know:
• Keep an updated emergency kit in your vehicle at all times.
• During a tire blowout, don’t panic. Slightly increase your speed and keep steering stably to keep the vehicle’s forward motion intact. Then, slow down and move to the emergency lane when possible.
• If you have power locks, keep an escape hammer in your car in case you are involved in a water-related accident and your vehicle becomes submerged.
For more information, visit www.uniroyaltires.com.
