Don't Overlook Your Tires this Winter | Prescott Brothers Ford of Rochelle

It only takes a penny to see if your tires are worn or losing tread. Examining your tires for wear and tear, along with checking tire pressure and alignment, are essential to ensuring your vehicle’s safety on the road and helping to improve gas mileage and performance. It is recommended to check tire condition and pressure regularly.

The use of a single penny allows you to check the safety of the tire tread on your vehicle. Place the penny on its side with Lincoln's head facing down and if you see Lincoln's head, it is time to bring your car into Prescott Brothers Ford of Rochelle. No one knows how to care for your Ford better than the experts at your dealership. Tires are selected to provide an exceptional driving experience with characteristics including superior handling for wet or dry traction, stability, tread life, acoustics, comfort and rolling resistance, which impacts fuel economy. These considerations, as well as load and speed ratings, determine which brands and tire types are approved for use on your vehicle.

Vehicle owners should check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, on a monthly basis and more often during colder weather. In addition, the tread should be checked for uneven or irregular wear as well as cuts or bruises along sidewalls. Tires should be inflated to recommended pressure levels, rotated every 6,000 miles to promote uniform tire wear and be replaced if worn or damaged.

If the vehicle shakes or pulls to one side, it could be a sign of an alignment issue. Because uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem, it’s a good idea to have the alignment checked at least once a year. Wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear and unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts.

You can check all of these factors yourself or let the professionals do it for you at Prescott Brothers Ford of Rochelle. Make your online appointment. or call (815) 562-2178

Brake Maintenance Makes Sure You Stop on Time | Prescott Brothers Ford of Rochelle

Vehicle brakes are vital to your safety when driving. What signs indicate that they’re wearing out?

For those who suffer a daily commute through heavy traffic, your vehicle’s braking system can bring thousands of pounds of metal, plastic and empty Starbucks cups to a stop hundreds of times before you get to work. It goes without saying that these pieces wear out, but they do so slowly, meaning you may not notice they need attention until it’s too late.

Neglecting your braking system can lead to increased repair costs, or worse, no brakes at all. Fortunately, paying attention to some of the signs of brake wear can keep you on top of stopping maintenance, saving you some money and keeping your car from bouncing off of the guy in front of you.

The most obvious indicator that your vehicle’s brakes need attention is an incredibly high pitched squeal when you come to a stop. Brake pad manufacturers include a little piece of metal called an indicator on the pad itself. When the material wears down to the point where less than ¼ inch is left, the metal piece begins to touch the vehicle’s rotor, doing a pretty good impression of fingernails on a chalkboard. Depending on how hard you drive, that usually means you should replace your brake pads within the month.

Occasionally, the indicator rusts and falls off, leaving you with no irritating noise to warn of brake wear. Additionally, many aftermarket and low-cost pads don’t come with a wear indicator at all. For the more observant, there are other signs that your pads need attention. If it takes you longer to stop than it used to, or if your brake pedal travels farther than it did a few months ago, it might be a good idea to get your stoppers checked. Regular pad checks are a good idea and require little more than removing a wheel and knowing what to look for.

Rotors are a little trickier, as they can usually last through two or three sets of brake pads before needing to be replaced. If your steering wheel wiggles in your hands when you come to a stop, your rotors are probably “warped,” and it’s a good idea to swap them out.

Most shops will offer to “turn” your rotors for you instead of outright replacing them. This means shaving enough metal off of the rotors to make them smooth again. Newer vehicles are equipped with thinner, lighter rotors to save on costs and increase fuel economy. If you’ve got the option, go ahead and replace them.

There are several options for replacement brake parts for your vehicle. While you can never go wrong with what your manufacturer recommends, a variety of aftermarket parts can help you cater your brake system to your driving style. If you find yourself replacing rotors often, you might consider switching to a slotted version. While initially more expensive, the slots disperse heat better than stock, though 99 percent of the time they aren’t necessary for the average driver.

Your rotors aren’t the only piece of brake hardware that can be changed for better performance. One of the most common brake pad upgrades is a switch to ceramic pads. These pads stop just as well, if not better than the stock pieces, but produce much less dust and are generally quieter. While you can also install performance brake pads on your vehicle, these usually have a shorter life span and generate more wear on your rotors.

While neglecting your brakes until your car is grinding to a halt instead of gliding is always an option, it can cost you in unnecessary rotor replacement and possible towing bills. That’s not to mention the likelihood of losing most of your stopping ability right when you need it most. Keeping up with brake maintenance, paying attention to the signs of brake wear and choosing the right equipment for your vehicle will let you slow down like you should.

Top Ten Signs of Brake Wear:

1.   High pitched squealing
2.   Vibration in the steering wheel when stopping
3.   Grinding noises when stopping
4.   Increased braking distances
5.   Longer pedal travel
6.   Feeling the car “pull” to the left or right when stopping
7.   A weak emergency brake
8.   A bad smell after coming to a hard stop
9.   Pedal “fade”
10. Not stopping

When you start experiencing any of the above listed symptoms it is time to make an appointment at Prescott Brothers of Rochelle or call us at (815) 562-2178.

Source: http://www.carcare.org/2011/10/car-brakes-how-do-you-know-when-to-change-them/

Old Man Winter is Waiting for Us | Prescott Brothers Ford of Rochelle

Every winter, people are injured or killed because they are unprepared or overconfident on snowy, icy roads. 

Even if you are a veteran driver from a Snow Belt state and don't give venturing out in a blizzard a second thought, keeping these safety tips fresh in your mind can keep you on the road and in control.

Make sure you and your car are properly equipped

Before you set out on a snowy trip, even if it's just a short drive to the grocery store, keep the following items in mind.

• Make sure that your car has ample antifreeze, the windshield is clean and you have plenty of windshield washer fluid.
• Check to make sure the headlights are clean and in working order.
• Verify that the tires have tread and are properly inflated.
• Have your battery tested, to avoid being stranded in the cold with a car that won't start.
• Equip your car with a flashlight and extra batteries, a first aid kit, warm clothes, and a blanket.
• Remember to have sunglasses in the car, as the glare of the sun off of snow and ice can be more intense in the winter than it is in the summer.
• Perhaps the most important of all: Remember your cell phone, so you can call in case of emergency.

Slow down and drive smoothly

Driving too quickly is the main cause of accidents in winter conditions. Even if you're driving an SUV or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you cannot safely do 80 mph during a snowstorm. Regardless of your vehicle, how you drive can prevent accidents.

• Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking and unnecessary lane changes. These maneuvers can cause your vehicle to lose traction and can launch you into an uncontrollable skid, leading to a collision.
• Four-wheel-drive may help your vehicle get going in the slushy stuff, but it's of no use when you're trying to steer or safely stop on a slippery road surface.
• Be patient and accept the fact that it is going to take longer to arrive at your destination.

Do not tailgate

Tailgating often leads to accidents, especially if you are driving in stop-and-go traffic. You may think that the driver in front of you doing 35 mph on the freeway is going too slow and needs a reminder in the form of you riding their bumper, but doing so is dangerous.

• Be patient and stay well behind the driver in front of you until it's safe to pass.
• It is important to remember that it takes a much longer distance to stop your vehicle in the snow or ice due to the reduced traction, even with just a light covering on the road.
• Having to deal with a fender bender on a busy road in the snow is certainly something that you want to avoid, especially if other cars are sliding around as well.
• Many serious accident injuries come from a second impact from another car after a seemingly trivial collision.

Do not use cruise control

Driving with cruise control has become almost second nature. Sure, it prevents you from getting leg fatigue, keeps you from unwittingly speeding and is great on long trips, but driving with it on in winter conditions can be unsafe.

• If cruise control has become a staple of your driving habits, make a conscious effort to ensure that you are not using it in winter weather.
• Using cruise control in the snow, ice or even rain is dangerous because if your car hydroplanes or skids, the car can accelerate and spin the wheels, attempting to maintain a constant speed.
• If you hydroplane with cruise control on, it will be more likely that you lose control of your vehicle.

Pull over or stay home

Remember, there is no shame in making the logical decision to stay in when the conditions are bad. You may be late arriving to your destination, but arriving late in one piece is much better than the alternative.

• If you can postpone your trip, or if it is non-essential, stay in when the weather is really bad.
• If at any point during your trip you feel that the weather is too bad to continue driving, simply stay put.
• If you're out on the road, find a safe spot to pull over and wait until the weather passes or calms to the point where you feel comfortable driving again.
• If driving in bad weather conditions is fatiguing, switch drivers before you get tired.

Source: http://www.weather.com/safety/winter/news/five-winter-driving-tips-20120423

October is Car Care Month - 10 Fall Maintenance Tips

It won’t be long before the weather gets iffy, if that time hasn’t already arrived. Driving safely during the fall months requires more than just cautious driver behavior. Your car also needs some attention.

Here are 10 practical tips to help get your car ready for fall.

• Check the brakes and tires. Inclement weather and associated road conditions and other hazards require good stopping power. That means good brakes and tires. If the tires have wear bars showing, say the experts, you need to replace the tires. Most good brake and tire shops will inspect the brakes and tires at no charge. Also check the tire pressure, as tire pressure drops when the outside temperatures plummet. Keep the pressure at levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Check the lights. Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights: headlights, taillights, parking lights, brake lights and emergency flashers. Replace all broken bulbs and those that have stopped working. Make sure all lights are clean. If you own an older vehicle with sealed-beam headlamps, you might want to pony up for halogen lamps for improved visibility and safer driving.
• Replace wiper blades. The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield. Cracked or worn blades won’t do an adequate job. Check the blade’s rubber to ensure it is flexible and operate the wipers to see that the blades clear the glass. Replace worn blades.
• Make sure heater/defroster work. Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun or safe. Driving with fogged-up windows is an accident waiting to happen. Check front and rear window defrosters to ensure proper working condition. If necessary, have heater and defroster systems repaired.
• Have the battery checked. A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather. Have the battery and charging system inspected by a trained technician who can replace it if required. If you see signs of corrosion on the battery terminals or cable ends or if you spot loose connections, your battery needs attention.
• Inspect under the hood. Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing. Look for leaks, cracks or loose clamps in the cooling system and squeeze the hoses and replace any that are spongy-feeling or brittle. Inspect the underside of drive belts for fraying and replace as required. If you’ve noticed any engine noises, experienced sputtering or other engine problems, have a licensed mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine and make any necessary repairs.
• Change oil and air filter. If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil. Also check the air filter to ensure that it is clean enough to allow for proper operation. If you can’t see light through it when you hold it up to a 60-watt bulb, it’s time to replace the air filter.
• Refill cooling system. Experts such as AAA recommend checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is too low, add a 50/50 solution of water and coolant to allow proper antifreeze capability. It may be necessary to refill the cooling system.
• Check all fluid levels. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids. Make sure they are all at or above minimum safe levels and refill as necessary.
• Get a good car wash/detail. It may sound crazy, spiffing up your car with an extra-special wash or even a detail, but when your vehicle is clean, it’s easier to spot any potential problems.

Source:  http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1087781_10-practical-tips-to-get-your-car-ready-for-fall

September is Preparedness Month - Stay Safe On The Road With An Emergency Kit

There are plenty of emergency preparedness kits available on the market today, but in putting your own kit together you will be better able to meet your family's specific emergency needs.

Step 1 - Establish Need

Spend a few minutes thinking about who might be needing the kit. Do you travel as a family? Is this a commuter car? Is there more than one driver? Taking a few minutes to establish these specific parameters will go a long way in being prepared for road emergencies.

Step 2 - Determine Space

The goal in being prepared is to have ready access to the supplies you need when you need them. An emergency kit that is hard to get to can be dangerously ineffective. Space can be utilized in the trunk, under a seat, behind the seat or under the floor. Once you know where the kit will go you can plan to pack according to the available space.

Step 3 - Check Basics

Establish what you have in your car as a standard feature. Is your spare tire still usable? Pull it out to check for air pressure and the overall condition. Do you have all the associated tools ( jack and lug wrench) available and stored in their designated space?

• Test the emergency lights in your car to make sure the bulbs and fuses are in working condition.
• Test the lighter unit, which will be vital if you need to recharge a cell phone.

Step 4 - Add Tools

• Jumper Cables
• Flares
• Flash Light With Fresh and Extra Batteries
• A Tire Inflating Product or Can Sealant
• Small Tool Kit
• Duct Tape
• Pocket Knife

If you live in a mountainous area be sure to include these seasonal items:

• Chains
• Shovel With a Folding Handle
• Cat Litter or Sand
• Thermal Blanket (large enough for two)
• Gloves

Step 5 - Prepare Medical Kit

An emergency preparedness kit must include a good quality First Aid Case. Rather than piece mealing a kit, these can be purchased at a local auto supply store. In addition to what is already in the kit, you may want to include emergency numbers for doctors, family members and other important connections. Tape these numbers securely to the inside cover of the kit. If someone in your family has a specific need or medical condition such as diabetes or asthma, be sure to include this information also. If there is room to add extra insulin or other sustaining medications, now would be the time to do so.


Step 6 - Gather Provisions

Today's food preservation methods makes it convenient to carry life support food for long periods of time without needing refrigeration. Pack into your emergency preparedness kit:

• High Energy Protein bars
• Dehydrated Fruits
• Canned Nuts
• Fresh Water or Some Sort of Portable Water Purifying System

Step 7 - Additional Items

Not every situation on the road qualifies as a full scale emergency, but the following items will be good to have on board regardless of the degree of need or crises:

• Cell Phone Charger
• Toilet Paper
• Safety Matches
• Coins For Land Line Calling
• Change of Clothing
• Pen and Paper
• Bright Scarf or Flag

Source:  http://www.doityourself.com/stry/assembling-an-emergency-preparedness-kit-for-your-car#b

Beginning of School Safety Tips | Prescott Brothers Ford of Rochelle

Help Your Kids Get Back to School Safely

As summer days grow shorter, communities across America will soon be observing that timeless annual ritual: the first day of school. It’s a time when parents breathe a sigh of relief and students and teachers anticipate new beginnings and new challenges.

Unfortunately, the beginning of school is also a time when children are at increased risk of transportation related injuries from pedestrian, bicycle, school bus, and motor vehicle crashes because there are many more children on the road each morning and afternoon and many drivers’ patterns change. Shorter daylight hours make it especially difficult to see young pedestrians and bicyclists. So as schools open their doors, it’s time for everyone – motorists, parents, educators, and students – to improve their traffic safety practices. The following tips can help make this a safe and happy school year for the whole community.

Tips for Motorists

• When a school bus or children are present slow down and proceed with caution, obeying all traffic laws and speed limits.
• Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers. Red
  
  flashing lights and an extended stop arm tell you the school bus is stopped to load or unload children. Under certain conditions State Law requires you to stop.
• If you are on a two-lane roadway, you must stop.
• If you are on a roadway that has two or more travel lanes traveling in each direction and you are traveling the same direction as the bus, you must stop.
• If you are on a roadway that has at least two or more travel lanes traveling in each direction and you are approaching, meeting the bus, you do not have to stop, merely proceed with caution.
• Be alert and ready to stop. Watch for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops. Watch for children arriving late for the bus, who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.
• When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.

Tips for Parents

• Help your children learn and practice the safety rules for walking, bicycling, or riding ina passenger car, school bus or transit bus.
• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the school bus stop.
• Be a good role model, especially when you are with your kids. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules.

Tips for Students

• Always buckle up when you’re riding in a car.
  
• Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.
• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.
• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus.
• If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. Always cross at cross walks, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and safety patrol instructions.
• Be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and practice the safety rules.

Tips for those times you are traveling at Night | Prescott Brothers Ford

Take Extra Precautions when traveling in the Dark 

Driving after dark brings extra dangers. When you can’t see far ahead, you have less time to react to an obstacle in the road, whether that’s another car, a person, or an animal. But reduced visibility isn’t the only concern.

Even though there’s much less traffic at night, almost a third of traffic fatalities occur between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. The worst times to be on the road are weekend nights, when a lot of people are partying.

In 2012, more than half of the drivers who were fatally injured between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. were legally intoxicated at the time. This suggests that you have a good chance of sharing the road with drunk drivers at some point. Even if they are a small percentage of your fellow travelers, it’s another good reason to take sensible precautions, like leaving a wide berth between your car and the other guy.

Fight glare. A lot of people are sensitive to nighttime glare, from wet roadways and other cars’ headlights. Glare sensitivity gets worse with age. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a 55-year-old takes eight times longer to recover from glare than a 16-year-old. Ask your eye doctor for advice if you find nighttime driving getting harder for you.


Don’t be afraid of your high beams. High beams usually throw light much farther down the road than low beams do, giving you more time to react to hazards. But most people don’t use their high beams as much as they should. Thankfully, more and more new cars have automatic high beams that dip themselves to low-beam when they sense oncoming traffic or tail lights ahead. They work well, and spare you the inconvenience of turning the high beams on and off manually. 

Clean glass(es). To minimize glare, wash your windshield inside and out regularly. If you wear glasses, keep them clean as well. When you get new glasses, consider an anti-reflective coating.

Avert your gaze. To keep from being dazzled by oncoming headlights, switch your gaze to the lower right, toward the lane marker or road shoulder.

Adjust mirrors. AAA recommends the following trick for adjusting the outside mirrors to minimize both glare and blind zones: Move your head to the left-side window and adjust the left mirror so you can just see your car’s rear corner. Then move your head to the center of the vehicle and adjust the right-hand mirror so you can just see the right rear corner.

Inside mirror. Many inside mirrors automatically adjust for nighttime conditions. Others have little lever you flick for the night setting. Get used to using it if you don’t already. It really helps keep you from being dazzled by the cars behind you.

Headlight aim. If your headlights are mis-aimed or misaligned, that not only affects how well you can see, but they can also pose a real problem for other drivers.As a quick after-dark check, position your car 25 feet from your garage door or another convenient target at the same level as your car, and turn on your low beams. The two beams should be at about the same level and no higher than they are immediately in front of the car. You can use a yardstick or tape measure to find the distance from the ground to the middle of your headlight reflectors.

If the headlights don’t seem right, ask a local mechanic or franchised dealer if they have the right equipment for correctly adjusting your car’s headlights.

Resource: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/03/5-steps-to-keep-you-safe-on-the-road/index.htm