Driving Tips Archives

6 Essential Items to Keep in the Trunk of Your Car

It’s difficult to think of everything that you might want to keep in your car’s trunk, which can result in being unprepared in the event of an emergency. As a responsible motorist, you want to compile a thorough list of what you should always have on hand as a driver. These can include items not only for emergency preparedness, but also convenience and car maintenance. This is a good way to save time and money and eliminate frustration if anything goes wrong while driving. Here are 6 essential items to keep in the trunk of your car in case of emergency.

A first aid kit. If you are in any type of accident or your car suddenly breaks down, you want to have first aid supplies ready. A good first aid kit should include sterile gauze and bandages, cotton swabs and medical tape, and a cold pack to reduce swelling. You can also add items like insect repellent, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and an over-the-counter pain relief mediation.
A set of jumper cables. A dead battery is one of the most common car problems that could leave you stranded. Find a working set of jumper cables and locate your car’s battery and battery terminals. Having a set of jumper cables onboard is also nice to be able to help another motorist that becomes stranded from a dead car battery.
An adjustable lug wrench and tire jack. Tire blowouts are another common problem that can happen while driving, potentially leaving you stranded. You want to be able to take off a faulty tire and put on the spare if needed. It is a good idea to keep a lug wrench and tire jack in the trunk as well as some other basic tools like a screwdriver and a pair of pliers.
An aluminium flashlight. Having car problems while driving at night, especially during bad weather conditions, presents some added complications. Not being able to see well in the dark can prevent you from identifying and fixing car problems. Make sure that you get a high quality aluminium flashlight with LED lights. Keep new batteries on hand, stored separately in a plastic bag.
Tire pressure gauge and air compressor pump. Most modern cars come with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that will alert the driver when tire air pressure is low. But the sensors used in TPMS systems can wear out or get damaged from bad road conditions. There are a lot of inexpensive, quality tire gauges available that will allow you to check the air pressure in your tires at any time. Buying an air compressor will also come in very handy to be able to adjust the tire air pressure on your own. You only need a portable air compressor that can plug into the lighter socket inside your car.
Emergency warning triangles. You want to alert other drivers if your car is broken down on the shoulder of the road close to oncoming traffic. Emergency warning triangles are safer than road flares, and are collapsible, taking up little room in your car’s trunk. Placing these triangles in front of and behind your car, along with using your car’s emergency flashers, will make it much safer if you must make any roadside repairs.

In addition to the essential items needed for emergency preparedness and car maintenance, you can also keep some other convenient things in your car’s trunk. These can include items like a blanket, an umbrella, an all-purpose spray cleaner, paper towels, your car’s manual, and a spare change of clothes.

For all of your vehicle’s service and repair needs in Phoenix, Arizona, you can trust the ASE certified technicians at Virginia Auto Service. Our award-winning staff has been recognized for their leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Just schedule an appointment with us online or give us a call at (602) 266-0200.

Know Your Rights in Arizona When Pulled Over by the Police

At some point, just about everyone is going to get pulled over by the police. Since every situation is different, it is important that you know your rights as a driver, and the best way to handle a traffic stop. As a disclaimer, we are not attorneys, but have thoroughly researched the law in Arizona to give you the most accurate information and what to expect when stopped by the police.

what to do when you're pulled over by the police in Arizona

You have the right to safety. When you see an officer driving behind you with the car lights flashing, you are supposed to pull over right away. But you are not required to pull over on a busy highway or a dark, winding road if you think it looks unsafe. If that is the case, turn on your hazard lights, and start to slow down so the officer knows that you are trying to comply. Proceed a short distance until you can stop safely.
Officers need probable cause to pull you over. For a legal traffic stop, police need to demonstrate probable cause to take a closer look at you and your vehicle. The officer should tell you the reason you are being pulled over right away. If you are unsure about why you have been pulled over, politely ask for clarification.
An officer does have the right in Arizona to ask you and your passengers to step out of the vehicle. A failure to comply could result in additional charges.
You have the right to make a video recording of a traffic stop if for any reason you feel uncomfortable or that your rights might be infringed upon, as long as you are on public property.
An officer cannot search your vehicle without probable cause. If the officer has not identified a probable cause, you may assert that you do not consent to a search. The smell of marijuana coming from the car would count as a probable cause.
Since the state of Arizona does not require a permit to carry a concealed weapon, be sure to let an officer know right away if you have a weapon in your vehicle. The officer can take possession of your firearm but will return it once the traffic stop is complete.
You can refuse to take a roadside sobriety test. If an officer asks you to blow into a breathalyzer during a traffic stop, you have the right to refuse. However, be aware that Arizona has a statute called “implied consent”, which means that your driver’s license can be suspended for up to 6 months if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test. In addition, if the officer has probable cause, you can be taken to the police station or a nearby hospital to receive urine or blood tests.

Reliable car maintenance and repair with professional auto experts! If you are looking for professional and credible repair service for your car, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule an appointment with us online.

What Should be in a Car Survival Kit?

An emergency can arise anytime you are on the road. You could be in an accident, stranded on an isolated stretch because of a roadblock from a fallen tree, or stuck because of a flat tire.

For this reason, it is always important for every car owner to keep a roadside emergency kit in their vehicle, so you are prepared for any eventuality.

Although the roadside emergency kit is a critical necessity, several car owners don’t give much thought to keeping even a basic emergency kit in their cars.

If you are in an emergency, your roadside survival kit could literally be the difference between life and death.

Is a Basic Emergency Kit Enough?

A simple readymade roadside emergency kit is better than not having anything on hand. However, the smarter thing to do would be to supplement your basic emergency kit and customize it to your needs.

So, for example, if you have a medical condition or a family member has a certain medical requirement, you would want to carry medication or a piece of health equipment such as an inhaler.

Making sure your emergency kit includes that specific item is important, especially in an emergency. You also need to consider the climatic conditions in your location and the roads you drive on when putting together your roadside emergency kit.

To help you get started, here is our list of absolute essentials that should go into a roadside emergency kit. You can always expand your kit based on individual needs.

Here is a list of items to include in your Roadside Emergency Kit:

First aid kit – in addition to regular items, don’t forget to include prescribed medication for you or your family members.
Tools and items for flat tires – a spare tire, a patch kit, a lug wrench, a jack, and compressed air.
Blankets.
Food items like granola or energy bars that are nonperishable.
Bottled water.
List of emergency contacts (family, medical professionals, friends) in case of an accident.
Roadside emergency assistance information.
Pen and paper.

Tools and Equipment

Work or latex gloves.
Motor oil and coolant.
LED flares, regular flares, or reflectors.
Foldable shovel.
Duct tape.
Tire pressure gauge.
Jumper cables or portable, lithium-ion battery with jumper cables.
Tool kit – pocket knife, screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, pliers.
Hand-crank weather radio with cell phone charging.
Spray bottle with washer fluid.

Once you are done collecting all the items you require for your roadside emergency kit, it is time to store them in your car.

Stock the survival or emergency items and the tools and equipment separately. You can use normal cardboard boxes or place them in a backpack or any other kind of container unit that suits you.

Make sure you clearly mark both containers/bags and store them in a location that is easily accessible both for you and family members during an emergency.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Roadside Emergency Kit

Now that your roadside emergency kit is ready, it is time to familiarize yourself with the items in the kit.

You should know what to use and how to use the tools and equipment should you face a challenging situation. Especially if roadside assistance is not available.

There are two basic things that ideally every driver should know: first, is how to change a tire and second, how to jumpstart your car. These are two of the most common situations you might face on the road.

Although roadside assistance is a boon in today’s times, you never know what situation you could face. Which is why it is a good idea to consult with a professional car technician for some advice on basic car trouble issues and emergency action if you face some of these issues.

Last but certainly not the least – make sure you take your car for regular servicing. This action could save you a lot of car trouble and help keep your car in good condition.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

If you are looking for professional and credible car repair service for your car, give Virginia Auto Service a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online.

Safe Driving Can Help Prevent Car Accidents

Important Tips for New and Seasoned Drivers

Car accidents are nasty business. Beyond the damage to the vehicle, one must occasionally contend with loss of human life or life-threatening injuries.

One major reason for car accidents is negligence on the part of the driver. It could be due to breaking traffic rules or driving a damaged car or one that needs urgent repairs.

Another common reason, especially as we step into the holiday season, is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We can only hope that drivers exercise better caution and avoid driving under the influence this Christmas and New Year’s season.

Young or teen drivers, need to be cautious when behind the wheel. It is especially upsetting when you hear of a car accident involving young lives. Sadly, this seems to be happening more and more in the Phoenix area, especially when roads are wet. It does not rain here much and when it does the roads can have a slickness to them that are drivers aren’t adept at navigating.

But we cannot blame all accidents on Mother Nature and road conditions. Let’s explore some other common causes of accidents and how to prevent them…

safe driving can help prevent accidents

Why Do Car Accidents Happen? Important Factors to Consider

Although there is no way of completely avoiding car accidents, following road safety rules can and do help prevent many. Here are a few things to remember:

The Danger of Speeding

Driving fast can be an exhilarating experience, especially for young drivers. However, posted speed limits are there for a reason – they keep us safe.

Driving above the speed limit is not only a traffic offense, but at any point if you lose control over your car, it can lead to an accident.
Sticking to speed limits is one of the most effective ways of limiting traffic accidents.
If you have kids or adolescents, they need to be taught how to drive safely. Reinforcing the idea that speed limits are to be taken seriously is a big part of this.

The Lure of Connected Devices

Most cars today come with a plethora of smart and connected devices as well as other electronic devices which can make our lives easier, for sure. However, they can also be highly distracting while driving.

Texting and driving or talking on the phone while driving is not uncommon – almost everyone does it or has done it.
However, even a second’s distraction can prove to be disastrous and lead to a fatal accident.
Responsible driving requires that you avoid any of these distractions – remember, it’s not just your life, but also the life of other drivers that you are putting at risk when you are distracted.

Not Obeying Traffic Lights

If you are in a rush, the temptation to drive through a yellow or even red light can be strong to some people.

Besides the fact that this is a traffic violation, ignoring a traffic light puts you and other drivers in danger.
If you are in a rush, you may be late. Oh well! That is much better than causing an accident. (And you may be more than late if that happens…you might not make it at all!)
Plan your schedule accordingly.
Bottom line: It is better to arrive late and in one piece.

DUI Threats

There is no excuse for driving under the influence. Although this is the holiday season, and many will enjoy themselves with a few drinks, it does not mean getting behind the wheel while under influence.

Close to 30 deaths are reported each day due to drunk driving.
Driving under the influence impairs your reflexes – you tend to brake slowly, and your road and distance judgment is impacted.
You tend to drive rashly and if you are heavily drunk, you could end up losing control of your car completely.
If you are going to drink, don’t drive.
If you must travel, make sure you have a backup plan for getting back home which does not involve you getting behind the wheel (get a buddy to drive or call a taxi/or a ride sharing service).

Sleep-Deprived Driving

One of the banes of a modern lifestyle is less sleep. Unfortunately, this can lead to accidents.

Focus on better sleeping habits so you are well rested.
Think of how you can plan your day better, prioritize things better (urgent, important, and less important), and be more productive without compromising on sleep.
If you suffer from a sleep disorder or a health issue that prevents you from sleeping well, seek professional help before getting behind the wheel again.

Key Points

Accidents can be prevented by driving safely and responsibly. Follow the traffic rules, avoid distractions while driving, avoid driving if you are under the influence or sleep deprived. These rules will help keep you and your family safe as well as protect other drivers on the road.

Reliable Car Maintenance with Professional Auto Experts!

We at Virginia Auto Service support safe and responsible driving 100%. We do our bit for keeping roads safe by providing professional car care.

So, if you are in need of car repair service or even if you are looking for routine maintenance for your car, we can help. Give us a call today at 602-266-0200 or schedule a visit with us online according to your schedule.

Drive Safely with Your Dog in the Car

You love your dog and want to spend as much time with them as you can. So, you may want to bring them along with you on short drives or road trips. While this can be fun for both you and your dog, it can also be dangerous if mistakes are made.

Before you hit the road with your dog for your next big -or small- adventure, consider these seven tips:

Restrain Your Dog Properly

When you are driving you should not allow your dog to roam about the vehicle. Allowing your dog to move about the car when you are driving can be a distraction to you on the road and result in an accident that could harm your dog and possibly yourself. You use a seat belt to harness yourself into the vehicle and help prevent injury in an accident and you should do the same for your dog. If you plan on traveling with your dog at all then you should purchase a seatbelt that is designed for dogs or put them in a crate that is secured to the seat. You will want to make sure that the seatbelt or crate is used properly to prevent injuries. Make sure you purchase the right size and fit, and that you learn how to secure the dog properly per the instructions given to you.

Keep the Dog Secured in the Back

Like small children, your dog is safer when secured in the back of the vehicle. You may enjoy your dog’s company in the front, but if an airbag should deploy it could be fatal for your dog.

Avoid Rolling Down the Windows

We shouldn’t put our limbs and our heads out of the vehicle when driving, especially at high speeds, to avoid injury from debris on the roadway; and the same goes for your dog. We know many dogs find pure joy in this, but it is not worth the risk of injury. If you must roll down the windows, only crack them enough to let in fresh air and not allow the dog to put their head out the window.

Keep Harmful Items Out of Reach

The last thing you want to have happen when you are driving with your dog is for them to get sick. Be mindful of the items you keep within their reach in the vehicle. Items commonly found in cars that can be harmful to your dog includes gum, air fresheners, cleaning products, antifreeze, and engine oil.

Be Mindful of the Temperature

As an Arizona resident you have probably heard of the dangers of leaving your dog in a hot car, but with how serious the outcome of doing so can be, it bears repeating. Your dog should never be left in the car when the weather is hot or too cold. Your dog is extremely susceptible to heatstroke or hypothermia and frostbite- which could be deadly. If you must stop somewhere, make sure you can bring your dog with you.

Don’t Put Your Dog in an Open Truck Bed

Long ago it was common for people to drive with both other humans and dogs in the bed of their truck. This is never a good idea, even if you try and secure them in the bed. Even pets that have a harness or leash of some kind can attempt to jump out of the vehicle or be jolted about which could result in life-threatening injury. Also, keeping them in the bed exposes them to harm from debris and the elements.

Remember that Traveling May Be Stressful for Them Too

While many dogs find car rides enjoyable, just as many can find the ride to be stressful. The noise and motion are not something they are used to and could induce anxiety in some. If you have them in a crate, consider covering it and keeping the interior environment as calm and peaceful as you can. Also, talk to your vet if your dog suffers from anxiety and/or motion sickness for tips on how to calm them when traveling.

To help keep you and your dog safe on the road, keep your vehicle properly maintained and performing at its best. The experts at Virginia Auto Service can handle all your automotive repair needs. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

How to Drive Safely with Nature All Around You

Arizona is a large state with a lot of natural, untouched land in and between its cities. As such, there will likely come a time when Arizona drivers find themselves on the road with nothing but nature surrounding them. While this presents us with some of the most scenic drives in the country, it can also present a problem. When you are surrounded by nothing but nature, the likelihood of encountering a deer or other animal crossing the road increases.

Here are five tips on how you can drive safely and avoid colliding with our wild animal friends and what to do if it happens:

1. Remain alert. In other words, pay attention. Seems simple enough, yet you’d be surprised how often drivers fail to do just that. Stay off your phone and avoid other distractions. Don’t let a seemingly empty highway fool you into a false sense of security. Animals can make their way onto the road in front of your vehicle at any instant. In places where tree and grasses are thicker, they may seem to appear out of thin air with no warning.

2. Make sure you can see well at night. Most animals seem to be more active at dawn, dusk, and in the nighttime- when visibility is the most compromised for motorists. Make sure your vehicle’s windshield has no cracks that obstruct your view and that it is clean. Use your high beams to help watch for the glow of animal eyes and movement. Learn more about safe night driving practices in our blog post 15 Tips for Driving Safely at Night.

3. Take it slow. After dark, don’t drive over 70 miles per hour. When you do, you are out driving your headlights, which leaves you no reaction time if there is an obstacle in the road. In both the day and night, consider driving no faster than (or maybe slightly under) the posted speed limits, especially in areas where signs warning of animal crossing activity are posted. Slowing down may cause you to reach your destinations a little later, but that is far less inconvenient than the aftermath of a high-speed crash with an animal.

4. When the inevitable occurs. Regardless of how well prepared you are, there may come a time when you simply cannot avoid hitting the animal. If you find yourself in this situation, remain in your lane and, with a firm grip on your steering wheel, push down firmly on your brake pedal. Thankfully, most modern vehicles come with anti-lock brakes which will help you to stop quickly and help you maintain steering control. If you have the time, lay on your horn. Many animals find themselves in a headlight induced trance (you’ve heard the term “a deer in headlights”). Blasting your horn may break the trance in enough time to allow the animal to run out of harm’s way. Do not swerve to avoid the animal. Doing so could result in a more dangerous collision with another vehicle, a rock wall, or even a ditch or cliff of some sort- and could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. No one wants to hit an animal, but your safety and the safety of your passengers and other motorists must come first.

5. After the collision. For smaller animals like skunk, rabbits, or possibly fox or coyote, your vehicle will likely be fine with no problems other than shaken nerves. However, striking large animals like deer and elk may cause some severe vehicle damage and possible injury to occupants of the vehicle. If you collide with an animal and it is injured but not dead, it can become dangerous. Stay in your vehicle away from the animal and call the authorities for assistance. They will help take care of the animal in the safest and most humane way possible, as well as help you with any needs you may have. They will also file an incident report that you will need for insurance purposes.

A little preparedness and caution will help you get where you are going safely while protecting the lives of the creatures who call the Arizona wilderness home.

For your automotive repair and maintenance needs, call on the experts at Virginia Auto Service. We have been Phoenix, Arizona’s go to shop for quality, reliable automotive care for over 20 years. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

How Do Potholes Harm Your Vehicle?

Potholes are pesky little road hazards that can result in anything from a simple jolt to a blown tire. The pothole is the sworn enemy of your tires, and unfortunately, they won’t be going away anytime soon. If you’ve driven a vehicle, chances are you’ve encountered one at one point or another. Most of the time, once you see the pothole, it is too late to avoid it.

Potholes are holes of various shapes and sizes that appear in the roadway. Potholes are formed by the expansion and contraction of ground water under the pavement. If the groundwater has a chance to swell or freeze, it will expand taking up more room under the pavement. As such, the pavement will expand and possibly crack, weakening it. Then once the water recedes, the pavement will contract, and gaps/voids will be made on the surface underneath the pavement. Each time this happens the pavement becomes weaker. As the heavy weight of vehicles passes over these weak spots in the road they break down and the pavement becomes displaced creating a pothole.

There are many potential forms of damage that a pothole can cause to your vehicle, including:
• Tire damage, puncture or wear
• Damaged wheel rims
• Early wear on shocks and struts
• Damage to the suspension
• Misalignment of the steering system
• Damage to the exhaust system
• Engine damage

Four tips to avoid serious damage to your vehicle on a pothole:

Pay attention. The best way to protect your vehicle from pothole damage is simply to pay attention to the road before you. If you can spot them early enough you have a better chance of avoiding them. Try and avoid hitting them by swerving around them if its safe to do so. This way you can avoid all potential damage. You should leave enough space between you and the vehicles in front of you on the road so that you are better able to see the road ahead and give yourself more time to avoid them.

Be aware of water-filled potholes. It is especially important to watch for potholes that are filled with water. Water-filled potholes can be exceptionally dangerous because you have no way of knowing their depth. If you are driving on a road that is worn and damaged, you need to drive slower to minimize the damage to your vehicle when you hit a pothole.

Don’t slam on the brakes. At some point, no matter how careful you are, you will likely hit a pothole. When you do, it is important that you don’t slam on your brakes. When you hit the brakes your vehicle tilts forward putting more stress on the front suspension- the first part of the vehicle that hits the pothole. Slamming on your brakes will cause more damage to the vehicle because of the extra force.

Inspect your vehicle if you experience a considerable jolt. If you hit a pothole that is particularly jarring, you shouldn’t hesitate to immediately check for a flat tire. If your vehicle is still drivable, by all means, get on your way. However, you should pay close attention to your vehicle as all problems don’t present themselves right away. At some point, you should recheck your tires for bulges, uneven wear and other sorts of visible damage. These are usually the first signs of damage caused by a pothole. You should also pay attention to any new vibrations or the car pulling strongly in either direction. This is a sign that the pothole threw your vehicle out of alignment or damaged your steering system. If you continue to drive with such problems they could wind up causing further damage and become even more expensive to repair, so have your vehicle taken care of as soon as you notice any sign of trouble.

If you have hit a pothole you can bring your vehicle to Virginia Auto Service and we will assess the damage and get it back on the road in no time. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

Do You Know What to do if You are Involved in an Accident?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that, in any part of the world, there is a motor vehicle accident every 60 seconds. Which pretty much means there are nearly five and a quarter million vehicle accidents each year. When you go by these statistics, it is highly likely that there will be a time when you are involved in an accident. When it is your first auto accident, you may be unsure of just exactly what it is you are supposed to do.

The weeks, and sometimes months, following an auto accident may be very stressful. The following advice will hopefully ease some of the pressure.

Stay Calm

The first thing you need to try and do is remain calm. It is easier said than done but take a deep breath or two then proceed with the steps below.

Move to a Safe Area, If You Can

If neither you nor your passengers are seriously injured, and you are able to do so, you should move your vehicle out of the middle of the road. Try to move as far to the side of the road as you possibly can. If you are unable to move your vehicle make sure your hazard lights are on so that other motorists will know that your vehicle will not be moving. Remember, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident, so don’t leave.

Shut Off Your Vehicle and Get Out

Put your vehicle in park and shut it off. Glance at your surroundings and make sure that it is safe to get out of your vehicle. If the road is clear, get out of the vehicle. Set out flares or safety cones if you have them.

Check Everyone Involved for Injuries

If anyone involved in the accident appears to be injured call 911 right away. Often, pain and injuries do not become evident to a person involved in an accident for hours or even days after an accident once the adrenaline has worn off. So, even mild injuries and symptoms should be looked over by a healthcare professional.

Ask for Police to Come to the Accident Scene

Even in a minor accident, it is a good idea to have a police report for your records. These reports are helpful when dealing with insurance companies and other motorists. Fully cooperate with the officers but watch your language around them and avoid taking blame or blaming others. If they ask you if you are injured say that you are “not sure” rather than no. Let the officers determine the events of the crash objectively based on the evidence in front of them.

Gather Information for Your Records

After an accident, you will want to have as much information as you can. You will want to collect the following information:

• Insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident
• Name, address and phone numbers of every person involved in the accident
• Make, model, and year of all vehicles involved in the accident
• License plate numbers of all vehicles involved in the accident
• Contact information and names of any eyewitnesses
• Location of the accident
• The name and badge number of the responding police officers
• Police report number and a copy of the report

Take Photos at the Scene

Photos are very useful in the insurance claim process. If you have a camera or phone with picture taking abilities don’t hesitate to take photos at the scene. Take pictures of any visible injuries to yourself and/or your passengers, the damage to your vehicle, the accident location, and other people involved in the accident. Be sure to stay out of the way of any police investigation while you take your photographs.

Get Medical Attention

Often, injuries from an accident are not immediately evident. Many people won’t notice pain for a few days. Unless you are 100 percent positive you weren’t injured you should get medical attention either by your family doctor or at an urgent care.

File an Insurance Claim

Call your insurance company and start the claims process. Make sure you have all the information you gathered on hand.

Hold on to All of Your Records

You should hold onto all the following information in a file for your records. The information could come in handy when dealing with insurance companies, and if lawyers become involved. You should keep all the following information:

• All the above information that you gathered at the scene
• All medical reports
• Your claim number
• The name of the person handling your claim
• Any rental car receipts
• Any receipts or records of expenses that you incurred because of the accident

Contact a Lawyer (Optional)

Sometimes dealing with the process of an accident on your own isn’t so bad, others you may want to get help from a lawyer who specializes in this sort of thing. An attorney can protect your rights throughout the process and can help guarantee that no evidence with any value is destroyed. Insurance companies will often want to take a statement immediately after an accident, however, an attorney would advise you to wait until you have received legal advice. Having an attorney help you through the accident aftermath will help to make sure you are paid in full for any damages or injuries you sustained.

We hope you find the above advice helpful should you find yourself needing it. However, we hope even more, that you never do! You can’t control everything that happens on the road around you, but there is one thing that you can control to help keep you and other motorists safe on the road and that is performing regular auto maintenance. Having regular maintenance performed on your vehicle prevents drivability issues, reducing the chances of an accident related to a vehicle malfunction. To keep your vehicle running optimally, bring your vehicle into the experts at Virginia Auto Service. Call us at 602-266-0200 or schedule your next appointment online.

Do You Use Your Hazard Lights Properly?

The lights on your vehicle are one of the only forms of communication you have with other drivers on the road. The turn signal lets other motorists know what your next move may be. Are you turning right or left? Do you need to change lanes? The brake lights let other motorists know that you are slowing or stopping and they can plan accordingly. The hazard lights are there to let others know when there is a problem, and there is a right and a wrong way to use them.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts of hazard light usage to help you stay both legal and safe when you are on the road.

Don’t use your vehicle’s hazard lights when:

You are driving in inclement weather. When there is precipitation blurring road visibility and you turn on your hazard lights, other motorists may have a hard time determining which lane you are in or if you are changing lanes. Your headlights and taillights will suffice in bad weather. If you are worried, you should pull off the road and stop until weather conditions have improved. Remember, if you are in a dust storm to pull off to the side of the road and park your car, removing your foot from the brake and turning off all lights to avoid being hit by another vehicle.
You are in heavy traffic. It is true that hazard lights make you more visible, but heavy traffic alone is not an excuse to use them. In some vehicle’s, when your hazard lights are engaged, your turn signals are disabled, which would make it difficult for other motorists to anticipate what it is you are doing.
You are parked illegally. Contrary to popular belief, if you turn on the hazard lights on while parked illegally, it doesn’t make it legal. You need to find an appropriate place to park and avoid blocking traffic.
You can use a turn signal instead. If you have slowed to exit the road due to a car problem, don’t immediately reach for the hazards. As was stated above, turn signals are often disabled when the hazards are on and other motorists may find it difficult to know what you are doing- which could result in a crash. Wait until you are safe on the shoulder and out of traffic to engage the hazards.

Do use your vehicle’s hazard lights when:

You are being pulled over. When law enforcement has signaled for you to pull over, you can turn on your hazard lights to let them know that you got their signal and are following their request. Slow your speed, engage your hazard lights and pull over in a safe location.
You are changing a tire on the roadside. You should use your hazard lights when your vehicle has become a potential hazard for other motorists. If you are on the side of the road changing a tire, your hazards allow for you to be seen and help keep everyone safe.
You are broken down waiting for a tow. If this is the case your vehicle is a temporary hazard. Use your hazards to warn other motorists of your presence, especially if you cannot get your vehicle out of the line of traffic.
You are part of a funeral procession. Vehicles involved in funeral processions customarily drive with the hazard lights on, even when otherwise prohibited. Funeral processions are the one exception to most hazard light rules.

It is also important that you are aware of any hazard light laws that your state may have. Here in Arizona, hazard light use is not permitted while driving except in an emergency. For a list of other hazard light laws by state, click here.

At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We hope that you find these tips for proper hazard light use helpful. Remember, if your vehicle needs service, we are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Do You Know the Proper Way to Tow a Trailer?

One of our favorite things about living in Arizona is the fact that no matter the time of year, there is always somewhere you can camp! In the spring and summer months, Valley residents can head up North to the Mogollon Rim, Flagstaff, Show Low, or the Grand Canyon- to name just a few places. In the fall and winter, the Superstition Mountain desert area and places like Kartchner Caverns near Tucson make great camping destinations.

When traveling to the numerous camping destinations, you may be towing a travel trailer, camper, or even a fishing boat if you will be near one of the lakes. If you are going to be towing a trailer anytime soon, you may want to make sure you are up to snuff on your towing know-how. When you tow improperly, you run the risk of damaging your alignment, brakes, suspension, tires, and transmission. For this reason, we have put together the following towing tips.

Know Your Towing Capacity

Before you hitch up and hit the road, you should consult your vehicle owner’s manual to learn your towing capacity. The towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can pull without causing damage or impacting safe handling capabilities. Have you ever strained your back when lifting an object that is just a bit too heavy? Something similar happens to your vehicle when you overload it. When your vehicle is pulling too much weight or something that it isn’t meant to tow, the axles, brakes, engine, transmission, and/or wheel bearings could be damaged.

Use the Proper Equipment

When towing, you will usually depend on four major pieces of equipment: the hitch, hitch receiver, a hitch ball, and a drawbar. These components work together to keep your trailer safely connected to your vehicle. You need to make sure that your gear matches the size and weight of the load you are carrying.

Hitch- This is the piece that is attached directly to the vehicle. It is the connection between your vehicle and the trailer. There are over 10 different types of hitches. The type of hitch you will need to use depends on the type of vehicle you drive and its towing capacity. This information can be found in the owner’s manual.
Hitch receiver- This is the base for all the components and is rated for different sized loads.
Drawbar- This is a small tube that strings through the hitch receiver and attaches to the hitch ball. They come in different heights so that the trailer will follow at a level plane. Instead of dealing with the hassle of finding the right drawbar for each hitch, you can purchase one that is adjustable.
Hitch ball- These come in different sizes and can carry growing amounts of weight.

Remember, all towing gear is not created equally. The equipment you used to tow a moving trailer may not be the right size for towing your camper or boat. Refer to the manufacturer of the gear’s guide and your vehicles owner’s manual to help you choose and assemble the proper equipment.

Take Appropriate Safety Precautions

Once the trailer is connected to your vehicle with the appropriate equipment, perform these final safety measures before you hit the road.

Use chains under the hitch for extra support. When you double-cross a set of chains under the trailer hitch side to side forming an “x” it provides more support and can prevent your trailer from bouncing into a guardrail or swerving into another vehicle should something come loose in the hitch.
Don’t forget the lights. When you tow a trailer your taillights and brake lights won’t be visible to other drivers. For this reason, trailers come with trailer signal wiring. When you connect the wires from the trailer to your vehicle they will mimic your regular taillights. Test the lights before you head out on your journey to make sure they are set up properly. Turn signals and brake lights that function properly are vital to your safety and the safety of other motorists.
Make sure the item(s) you are towing are secure. Remember, especially if you are towing an open trailer, that you will be traveling at fast speeds and things will move around and possibly fly out if not properly secured. Fasten a tarp over your load to help prevent flyaways, and to protect your stuff from the elements. Also, use bungee cords to tightly secure items that may bang around and brake inside of the trailer.
Pay close attention to your driving. When you drive with a trailer it isn’t the same as your everyday driving. When towing a trailer, you will need to accelerate, brake, turn, change lanes, and turn corners at about half the speed you usually do. Also, be prepared to stop for gas more frequently as the extra weight you are towing will decrease your fuel economy.
Know the laws. Make sure that you know the laws of towing a trailer wherever you may be traveling. At a minimum, most states require you to have working taillights and brake lights. Others, including Arizona, will require your trailer to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Care for ALL your tires. Make sure you are not only maintaining the tires of your vehicle, but those of the trailer, and your spare(s). A blowout is always potentially dangerous, but even more so when you are towing. All tires should be inflated to their recommended psi and closely monitored throughout your trip. When your tires are over or underinflated, it reduces the effectiveness of your brakes, and the trailer could sway.
Make sure your vehicle can handle the trip. Before you head out on your adventure, make sure your vehicle is up to the task of towing your boat, camper, or trailer. Worn tires, transmission problems, improper wheel alignment and existing brake problems can be dangerous on the road. The added weight of the item being towed will make it even more so. Make sure your vehicle is road trip safe before you leave.

At Virginia Auto Service, we like to help people with their vehicles and road safety in any way that we can. We hope these tips help you stay safe the next time you tow a trailer. If you need help making sure your vehicle is up to the task, we are your go-to in Phoenix, AZ for reliable, high-quality auto repair services. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.