MechanicFinders.com is more than just a directory to finding everything from a mechanic to
auto body parts. It's also your source for safety information.
One of the leading causes for accidents is drowsiness. We've all had moments when we felt exhausted, sleepy and didn't stop to freshen up because we thought that if we just keep going ten more miles we'd be home. Everyone has a technique to staying awake while driving: open up the window and let the cold air in, turn up the music as loud as it gets, eat salty snacks. We even heard of one person who slaps himself hard on the face and pinches his arms to stay awake.
Those are all bad ideas. The best thing is to pull over at the nearest rest area, freshen up, drink some coffee and eat a snack.
It's important to recognize the symptoms of drowsiness. We all have experienced them on those long drives on the Interstate. You eyes begin to close and you can't stop yawning. Your thoughts begin to wander. You can't remember having driven the last few miles. You're feeling irritable and impatient and you can't wait to get to your destination. It's a mistake to think that you'll rest when you get there. You might never get there.
On another safety issue, do you have a well-stocked emergency kit in your
car?
Next time you're at the
auto body parts store, pick up a few items to put in the trunk. You probably already have a flashlight, but do you have extra batteries? A first-aid kit is an item that should be in every
car and you can get it at the
Auto Body Parts shop. Also a must on your list are high-visibility vest or rain poncho and cones or safety flares for times that you must stop on the side of the road in the dark. It's also a good idea to use them during daylight so you are more visible to other drivers. Most drivers have jumper cables or a portable battery booster. A small fire extinguisher is a good idea and another item you can find at the
Auto Body Parts store. Some other items to include in your shopping list are a nonflammable aerosol tire sealer, a funnel in case you run out of gas and bottled fuel additives that will enable you to drive a short distance to the next gas station. Another good item to have in your trunk is some bottled water.
Always dispose of items you get at the
auto body parts shop in an environmentally safe way. We can all do our part to help keep the world green by practicing a few environmentally -friendly habits. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze or coolant, and old batteries properly. Some of the
auto body repair shops you will find on our list accept these items.
If you want to help the environment, maintain your car in a timely fashion and slow down your driving. Speeding wastes gasoline as does hard acceleration. The cruise-control function, on the other hand, helps maintain a steady pace and is thrifty on the gasoline. Shut off the engine when you're waiting for people and try to consolidate your daily errands, thus saving both gas and time. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by your owner's manual.
It's as easy as it sounds and you can find it all at your
Auto Body Parts shop.