So Wrong About Engine Oil Level

There’s no doubt that I am madly in love with cars, but who says that I know everything about them? Well, recently I experienced one of the most humiliating moments of my life — actually forgetting about one of the fundamentals of engine oil check.

That shameful incident happened as my best friend parked his precious blue BMW Alpina B7 on the roadside for a sudden oil check. I actually argued with him about the amount of oil that should be added when the engine oil is below the “full” line of the dipstick. I insisted that the level of oil should not be between the two lines of the dipstick. Well, he was adamant that I was totally wrong.

A few days after that incident, with the enlightenment of our favorite mechanic, I realized that I was, if truth be told, absolutely misguided. When adding oil, the technique is looking at the two lines on the dipstick. The level of oil should be in the middle of those two lines.

I have learned my auto mechanic lesson, and now I must remember that to be saved from further humiliation.

 

 

Safety on the Road

Road trip is most probably one of the best experiences a traveler could be proud of. The marvels on the road that await every passionate voyager are truly endless. From towering trees to magnificent rivers, the views outside the vehicle window are, needless to say, worthy of sheer adoration.

 

To make road trips truly enjoyable, you’ve got to make sure that your sedans, SUVs or trucks are always in perfect running condition. Furthermore, you have to be a cautious motorist who knows the right attitude in driving. In every road travel, it is important to bear in mind some safety principles. You need to remember a few central matters before you hit the road and while you’re actually enjoying the trip. Here are some of the wise to-dos I’ve learned in some of my exciting land adventures.

Maintain a great tire routine check.

Remember that the last thing you want to do in your leisure trip is to make your passengers wait until you finish replacing a single deflated tire. I swear you wouldn’t want that to happen. So, be a wise motorist. Do the tire routine test before you take the whole gang on an expedition.

The tires of your vehicle must always be appropriately pumped up. Check out the fuel door, door-post, door edge or glove box door for the specification of the air pressure suitable for your tires.

 

 

Take it slow.

Road trips are usually taken because of the excitement it brings. Bear in mind that you are not in a hurry for the usual corporate meeting, so it’s alright to keep it slow. The beautiful scenery outside your vehicle window can be greatly appreciated if the vehicle is not running too fast. So, watch your pace. Besides, most road trip accidents take place because of unrestrained speed.

Stay awake.

Staying wide awake on a road trip, especially if you are the driver, is really necessary. Having focus is a great weapon that shields you and your companions from the dangers of vehicular accidents.

Be extra careful at night.

The risk of driving is greater at night. The little amount of moonlight and the scanty luminosity of the street lights definitely do not suffice in guiding your navigation. In view of this, you should be extra careful. Make sure that the headlights of your vehicles are on from the time that the sun goes down until it comes up again. Moreover, cautiously notice the roadside deflectors and other signs. These warnings will greatly contribute to your safety.

The thrill of a road trip can be upheld if the entire journey is carried out with downright caution. Remembering these few travel to-dos will certainly give you an ultimate road experience.

How to Avoid Becoming Roadkill

Here are a few tips that some of you pals of mine may wish to be keen on just to be on the safe side.

Be visible at all times. While crossing the street or driving on the road. Alerting people to your whereabouts will help put the necessary safety measures in order. So if you are just on foot, drivers will see you and keep from hitting you. And if you happen to be driving, then your fellow drivers can maintain the space necessary to avoid any unwanted collisions.

How to Survive a Crash II

Still, such car paint horrors should be taken in stride since one should be quite grateful for having gone through the entire ordeal with no more than a few bruises along one’s shoulder blades and temple—having received the latter when the side of one’s head made a memorable impact with the side of the car.

How to Survive a Crash I

…with your neighbor’s one-horse open sleigh carriage.

Seriously. In this life, one has to contend with a lot of things but crashing the nose of one’s car into the side of your neighbor’s one-horse open sleigh carriage, a well-known beloved Yuletide season décor, may perhaps be one of the oddest things that could happen.

Pick-up, Glorious Pick-up

I have a pick-up. I own one. I drive one. It’s a 1995 model. Mitsubishi. Maroon. I know Toyota and Honda has got the auto market cornered but what can I say, this car has lasted me more than 10 years now. I’ve had it since 1995 and it’s now 2007. Nearly 12 years come June. Isn’t that a kick in the pants?

Nearly Roadkill II

So there I was, embracing the asphalt, my knees stinging from the impact of hitting the ground at a full-speed, no holds-barred body throw. After, there were grime and muck stains on my pant legs. But I still managed to do me poor best, hopping on home with knees the size of hefty billiard balls.

Nearly Roadkill I

Life is funny in its cycles. Something happens and then time passes, only to have the entire thing circle right back to the beginning.

I was in an accident last week. Or rather, a squirrel was in an accident last week. I WANT TO BELIEVE (in true X-Filean fashion of course) that rather by killing it, I actually helped the poor thing along with its transition to a better place. Or, for those who believe in the notion of rebirth, you can hold to the thought that I had helped it along to a higher plane of existence.

How to Avoid a Charging Squirrel

WHILE DRIVING, BE alive, ALERT, awake, enthusiastic. Or if you hold to the quick approach in these matters, be alert. Watch out for anything on the road and those from along the sides. Keep your eyes peeled for just about anything.

Why Avoid Roadkill?

I was driving home from visiting a friend in Connecticut when this kooky squirrel came out of nowhere and ran straight for my wheels. I stomped on the pedal immediately to avoid what I knew for certain could turn out to be quite an unpleasant experience. Oh! Oh! Dang. Too late.