Did you know that twelve percent of all motorists between the ages of 15 and 20 are involved in vehicular accidents?

All drivers know they should drive more cautiously at night, but it can be difficult to control the anxiety that sets in after the sun goes down.

To increase the safety of driving at night, it’s crucial for drivers to pay attention to their surroundings. To help get used to driving in the dark, you need to learn a few tricks.

Keep reading to find out the top tips to help you drive safer after dark.

1. Use Your Headlights

When driving after dark, you should use your headlights to see and be seen. Headlights help you see the road ahead and communicate your presence to other drivers.

Be sure to use your low-beam headlights when driving at night. High-beam headlights can blind other drivers and make it difficult for them to see the road, so you should only use them when there is no oncoming traffic. If you are approaching or being approached by another vehicle, you should dim your headlights.

Make sure your headlights are normally aligned. This will help you see the road better and make it easier for other drivers to see you. Also, keep your headlights clean because dirt and grime can dim your headlights and make them less effective.

Finally, use your headlights in conjunction with your taillights. This will help make your car more visible to other drivers and can help prevent accidents.

2. Avoid Distractions

If you’re driving after dark, be extra cautious and avoid distractions. Make sure not to use your cell phone or other electronic devices and put them out of reach before you start driving. If you will use the phone, use hands-free mode.

Avoid looking at other passengers or objects in the car. If you need to get something in the car, you must pull over to a safe area first to get it. If you’re distracted, you could miss something important or get into an accident.

To stay safe on the road, you must keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.

3. Drive Defensively at Night

Driving defensively means being aware of other drivers and their possible intentions. If someone is tailgating you or driving erratically, give them more space, and don’t hesitate to call the police if necessary.

Also, pay attention to the road and you can prepare to stop or take evasive action if necessary. If you see a driver who may be impaired by alcohol or drugs, be extra cautious and give them a wide berth.

Lastly, you must pay attention to your speed and be sure to leave plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you. It takes longer to stop or react to hazards at night, so give yourself more time and space.

4. Don’t Drive If You’re Tired

You may think you’re fine to drive, but if you’re even a little tired, you’re at a higher risk of getting into an accident. It’s also easy to become tired after a long day, which leads to drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s essential to be cautious when driving at night.

If you’re tired, it’s best to pull over and rest. If you must drive, pay attention to your surroundings and take breaks often. You can drink coffee or energy drinks can help keep you awake.

It’s not worth risking an accident just to make it to your destination a few minutes sooner.

5. Never Drink and Drive

It is a proven fact that drinking and driving is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-related crashes account for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States. That is why it is so important not to drink and drive.

Alcohol slows down your reflexes and makes it difficult to focus on the task of driving, increasing your chances of getting into an accident. If you’re going to be drinking, have a designated driver or take a cab or Uber who can get you home safely. Not only will you be keeping yourself safe, but you will also keep other innocent people on the road safe.

Pay Attention to These Safety Tips

As the days get shorter, it’s important to take extra care when driving at night. Make sure you have good headlights and taillights and that they’re clean. Also, avoid distractions, drive defensively, don’t drive if you’re tired, and never drive drunk. Following these simple tips, you can help make sure you and your loved ones arrive safe and sound.

Want more automotive tips and details? Check out our blog page to see everything we’ve shared with the public.

So you’ve decided to learn how to drive?

A car is a significant necessity in modern life. It’s often a status symbol, while it allows us the ease of travel without having to wait for transportation or rely on public buses.

There are many reasons why someone might want to learn how to drive. Maybe you’re moving to a new city where public transportation isn’t reliable, or you want the freedom to explore the open road. Whatever your reasons, learning how to drive is a fun and exciting adventure.

Luckily, we’ve created this mini guide to support your driving in the automotive journey. Read on to find out more.

1. Get a Learner’s Permit From Your Local DMV

To get your learner’s permit from your local DMV, follow the steps. You’ll need to be sure you meet the minimum age requirements for your state. In most states, you must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner’s permit.

Then gather the required documents, including your birth certificate, social security card, and proof of residency. Once you have all your documents together, take a written permit test. This will test your knowledge of traffic laws and road signs.

If you pass the written test, you’ll take a behind-the-wheel driving test. This will ensure that you know how to operate a vehicle. Once you pass both tests, you will be issued a learner’s permit.

2. Find a Safe Place to Practice

If you’re new to driving or need to brush up on your skills, finding a safe place to practice is essential. A quiet street with little traffic is a good place to start. You can also use a parking lot to practice maneuvering and parking.

When you’re ready to take on more traffic, look for a road with moderate traffic and good visibility. Avoid highways and congested areas until you’re confident in your skills.

3. Getting Comfortable Behind the Wheel

Getting comfortable behind the wheel means becoming familiar with the car and its controls. Sit in the driver’s seat and adjust the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel so that you are comfortable. Then, familiarize yourself with the pedals.

The gas pedal is on the right, the brake pedal is in the middle, and the clutch pedal is on the left. Practice pressing these pedals with your feet to get a feel for how they work. Finally, turn on the ignition and familiarize yourself with the car’s controls.

4. Practice Basic Maneuvers

Automotive learning is the process of learning how to drive and how to practice basic maneuvers. Start practicing the basics and master them before moving on to more challenging steering.

Things like starting, stopping, and turning are the bread and butter of driving, and once you’ve got those down, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a confident driver.

5. Practice Driving in Different Conditions

Practice driving under different conditions. Then you’ll become more comfortable with how your vehicle behaves in different weather and road conditions. This will help you to be a more confident and safe driver.

Practice in wet and dry conditions, on different types of roads, in traffic, and at any time of the day. By doing this, you will learn how to handle your vehicle in a variety of situations.

6. Take a Driver’s Education Course

Most aspiring drivers take a driver’s education course to earn their driver’s license. Learning how to drive is a process that requires one-on-one instruction from a qualified instructor. Taking a driver’s education course is the best way to learn the skills and knowledge needed to operate a vehicle safely.

The course will cover topics such as the traffic rules of the road, defensive driving, and how to control a car in various traffic situations. You will also learn how the engines work, like, for example, the v-eight engine or the straight-eight engine.

After completing a driver’s education course, you’ll be prepared to take your driver’s license exam and become a licensed driver.

7. Get Plenty of Practice

There’s no better way to learn how to drive than by getting plenty of practice. The more you drive, the more comfortable you’ll become behind the wheel. You’ll learn how to handle different road conditions and become more confident in your driving skills.

Learn More About These Steps for Driving

If you are ready to start learning how to drive, you must follow these steps. Get a learner’s permit, find a safe place to practice, start getting comfortable behind the wheel, practice basic maneuvers and driving in different conditions, take a driver’s education class, and get plenty of practice.

After following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed driver and driving confidently and skillfully on your own.

Did you find this automotive article helpful? Check out the rest of this section for more helpful tips and tricks.

Does your car smell like sweaty gym shoes and old fast food as a result of being used so much?

Commonly, a car shared by five or more people winds up having a less-than-desirable odor. As a result, car owners spend hundreds of dollars on air fresheners and plugins that claim to get rid of that horrendous smell.

However, there’s an easier solution to keep your car clean.

Read on to learn about tips on how to make your car smell like roses.

Deep Clean the Interior

In order to keep your car smelling nice, you would have to get the interiors deep cleaned at regular intervals. You can approach providers of car detailing services Red Deer or experts near you who can vacuum the floors and upholstery to remove any lingering dirt or dust. Car detailers can also deodorize the interior of your car by spraying a light mist of fragrance throughout the cabin, thereby making it smell nice.

Air Out of the Car

If your car smells musty, one thing you can do is air it out. This means opening the doors and windows and allowing fresh air to circulate. You can do this by cracking a window or turning on the air vents.

Park your car in a well-ventilated area, open the windows, and let it air out for five to thirty minutes. This will help to remove any stale odors that may be trapped in the car.

Avoid Smoking

If you’re a smoker, the best way to keep your car smelling nice is to avoid smoking in it. If you have to smoke, crack a window to air it out afterward.

Smoking in the car can be a major contributor to bad odors. The smoke gets into the upholstery and clings to surfaces, leaving a lingering scent. Over time, this can make the car smell musty and unpleasant.

Moreover, the smoke may leave stains on the interior of the car and will be bad for the health of other passengers, as they will categorize them as secondhand smokers.

Use Air Fresheners

Air fresheners come in many different scents and can be hung from the rearview mirror or placed in a cup holder. You can also find air fresheners that plug into the cigarette lighter.

Some air fresheners last for several weeks, while others need to be replaced more frequently.

Prohibit the Pets Inside

Prohibiting the pets from inside the vehicle will help to reduce the amount of pet hair and dander that can accumulate and cause odors. Some suggest leaving a dryer sheet on the front seat. This will help to absorb any foul odors and will also keep the pet hair from sticking to the seat.

You can also try using a pet odor eliminator in the car. This will help to remove any pet odors from the car and will make it smell much better.

Empty the Trash Regularly

A lot of times, the garbage is what causes the car to smell bad. If you have fast food wrappers or other trash lying around, it will start to stink.

So, be sure to keep the garbage out of the car and it will smell much better.

Don’t Store Smelly Items

If you’re looking to keep your car smelling nice, avoid storing smelly items in it. This means no food wrappers or containers, no dirty clothes, and no shoes.

If you must store something smelly, like sports gear, put it in a well-sealed bag.

Use Essential Oils

One way to freshen up your car is to put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and place it in the ventilation system of your car. This will allow the aroma of the essential oil to fill up your car as you drive. Since they come in many different varieties, you can use these oils to help your car smell the way you want.

Another way to use essential oils in your car is to add a few drops to a cleaner that you can use to wipe down the surfaces in your car. This will help to freshen up the inside of your car and make it smell nice.

Change the Ventilation Filter

A clogged or dirty filter can circulate musty air through the car, making it smell old and stale. Replacing the filter is usually a quick and easy process that can make a big difference in the smell of your car.

In addition to changing the filter, you can also try to clean the vents to remove any built-up dirt and debris.

Make Your Car Smell Nice

If you’re looking to make your car smell nice, avoid smoking inside the car. You can try using air fresheners and essential oils to help eliminate bad smells. Also, sweep the interior of the car, prohibit pets from entering inside the vehicle, air out the car, empty the trash regularly, change the ventilation filter, and don’t store smelly items inside.

By following this guide, you can ensure that your car will smell great than before.

Want more information about automotive? Check out the rest of our blog for more info.

Changing a tire is relatively simple in theory, but it takes a bit of practice to master. Fortunately, the process is incredibly simple: you roll the old tire out of the way and slide the new one into place. If your car is equipped with an electric lug wrench, you can attach the wrench to the lug nuts, loosen them, and slide the old tire out of the way.

But, if you want to do things the old-fashioned way, you’ll first need to remove the bad tire. Don’t know how to do it? Read on to learn more.

Here Are 10 Tips on How to Change a Tire:

• Find a safe place to pull over. Changing a tire on the side of the road can be dangerous, especially if there are no guardrails or a hard shoulder to use. Even if there are no hazards, you don’t want to drive out on the road with a flat tire simply because you will be at a higher risk of being sideswiped by another car. It would be best to find a safe, well-lit area to pull off of the road. A driveway, parking lot, or curb is ideal. Make sure there is nothing around the car that could injure you, like low-hanging branches, no debris, or poles.
• Use your hazard lights and parking brake. If you don’t have a spare tire, then leave your car where it is and turn on your hazard lights. This will help alert other drivers and pedestrians that your car is on the side of the road. Ensure the car is in the park and your parking brake is on, as this will help to ensure it remains in the same place.
• Check for materials or tools that you need. Tire technology has improved dramatically over the years, making tires much safer and easier to replace. The main things that you’ll need to change a tire are tools, such as a tire gauge, a 1⁄4-inch or 3/8-inch socket, a ratchet, and a jack.
• Loosen the lug nuts. You will probably need to have appropriate tools because different vehicles require different nuts. A tool suitable for removing bigger bolts may be required if you need to replace tractor tires, for example. Once you remove the lug nuts, remove the tire, then the wheel from the car. Next, insert the lug wrench into the wheel hub, loosen the bolts, and slide the wheel off the car. Now you’re ready to swap out the tire.
• Lift your vehicle off the ground by using jacks. You need to raise your vehicle up. The easiest way is to pull your car up using lifts. If you don’t have one, you can use jack stands. Place one jack stand on each side of your vehicle and one in front. Next, place one jack under each wheel, and lift the vehicle up.
• Remove the lug nuts and the tires. When changing a tire, you need to know a couple of things: you need to remove both tires from the rim, and then you need to remove the lug nuts from the tires. Removing the lug nuts is no small task, but the entire process is relatively simple.
• Place the spare tire on the car. When you change a flat, the spare is useless unless you know how to fix it. What you do need to know, though, is how to switch out a tire if needed. Some basic tools can make the job much easier, and if you don’t have them, you can buy them at your local auto parts store. It’s best to learn to change a tire before you need to use one since it’s easy to get distracted while changing a flat, and you don’t want to end up stuck in the middle of the road.
• Replace the lug nuts. Remove all the lug nuts on the tire you want to change. Then, turn your wheels, so the flat side is facing up. Using one of your hands, place the lug nut on the flat side of the wheel. Use your other hand to hold the lug nut in place. Tighten the lug nut until your wheel is secure. Repeat the step with your other wheel.
• Lower your car and begin tightening. When changing a tire, the first thing to do is lower your car. This stops the car from rolling away and rips you away from the accident scene. If you don’t have a jack, or your car doesn’t have a jack point, then use some bricks and stones from the pavement.
• Lower your car completely and finish tightening. This is the last step of repairing. Once your tire has been completely tightened, gently lower the car, and remove all the equipment that may be in your path.

There you have it! Learning how to change a tire should be a rite of passage and is something that you should know how to do before stepping foot in a vehicle. Now, it is as easy as ever to change a tire but be sure to enlist the help of a professional if you are unsure at any point.

Driving is an important skill, but it can be better developed over time like anything else. There are many different ways to improve your driving skills, but moderation is the key to making driving easier and safer no matter what you are focused on. If you become too aggressive, you gain nothing because other drivers may risk driving themselves aggressively to avoid a collision.

Driving can be scary, even if you’re an experienced driver. No matter how many times you’ve been behind the wheel, you’re bound to make a mistake at some point. Sometimes, these mistakes are minor, like running a red light; sometimes, they can be dangerous, like hitting a pedestrian. Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for years, it’s a good idea to take some time every day to review your driving behavior. Being a responsible driver is about more than just knowing the rules of the road. Parents, teens, and new drivers alike can use advice like the following to improve their driving skills and stay safe on the roadway.

Here Are Tips to Become a Better Driver

Give yourself more time to get where you are going.

Driving can be scary; in a split second, you can accidentally find yourself in an accident. With all of the distractions that entrap you while you’re behind the wheel, making a split-second decision isn’t your best move. So, how do you become a better driver? By preparing yourself and taking your time. It can be frightening. You have 75 miles of concrete and metal on a highway between you and the next sign, rest stop, exit, or exit ramp. Even in a parking lot, you have acres of concrete between you and the next exit before you even start backing out of the spot. Let alone when you have to park in an unfamiliar place.

Anticipate traffic conditions.

Whether stopping for a red light or changing lanes, anticipating traffic conditions will keep you safe while driving. Changing lanes safely allows you to avoid accidents, and anticipating traffic conditions allows you to move at optimal speeds. In today’s congested cities, it’s easy to become distracted by your drive and your surroundings. As a driver, you need to be aware of what’s happening around you and anticipate what may happen next.

Pull off on the shoulder if necessary.

We all encounter road hazards at some point in our lives, whether that’s debris, potholes, or animals on the road. Unfortunately, while most know how to handle these situations, many of us still don’t know how to drive well. When we’re driving, it’s best to turn on the blinker, move over when safe, and slow down when approaching a hazard. But we also need to worry about our own actions. If necessary, pull off on the shoulder, and if you see another car making a lane change, stay back and let them a signal.

Keep your eyes on the road.

Today’s drivers face many different distractions on the road. It’s hard enough to focus on the road when you’re driving, but it’s made more difficult when you have kids in the car, a music phone, friends in the vehicle, passengers eating snacks, and any number of other distractions. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to stay focused on the road while driving, but it’s also important to be considerate of other drivers on the road.

Don’t use your cell phone while driving.

Safety on the road is everyone’s responsibility, but inattention at the wheel has become one of the biggest causes of crashes and fatalities on our roadways. While the hazards of driving distracted are known, many motorists still fail to abide by basic rules of the road, such as not using cell phones while driving. Distraction can result in fatal car crashes, injuries, and property damage.

Drive Sober.

You may think that you haven’t had that much to drink, that you’re okay to drive, and you very well may be. But, driving under the influence of alcohol is always a risk, and depending on how much you’ve had, illegal. One of the most common reasons drivers are arrested is a DUI charge, and to fight such a charge you need a good attorney on your side. Those who have had the misfortune of being charged could try this law firm and fight the conviction. However, it is generally best practice to avoid drunk driving altogether.

Maintain a safe following distance.

Keep at least three or four car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, try to maintain a consistent speed, rather than speeding. Driving comes with risks, and one of the biggest of them is getting into an accident. But you can reduce the risk of an accident by practicing safe driving habits. Maintain a safe following distance; stop in time; remain vigilant, and don’t multitask.

Driving a car comes with many responsibilities. You need to keep the car serviced and be aware of any mechanical issues, you need to pay attention and obey the other drivers, and you need to make sure you’re a good driver. But, with all of those responsibilities, it’s also important to pay attention to your own responsibilities as a driver. Since you probably spend the majority of your time driving, it’s important that you’re safe while you’re behind the wheel.

As a new driver, you are probably learning a great deal about controlling a motor vehicle. Perhaps you have a parent or driving instructor assisting with your lessons. But, as you gain experience, you may begin to drive more often. This, however, leads to more responsibility. As you drive more often, you will inevitably learn more about driving.

Sure, it’s fun to take a road trip with your friends in a nice car or take a quick trip to the grocery store, but learning to drive is much more than that. You’re also learning how to drive safely and avoid accidents.

Apparently, driving is a privilege, not a right, and learning how to drive is the first step toward becoming a responsible driver. In fact, learning how to drive can make your life much simpler, as you can do your work on your own without waiting for an uber or someone to drop you somewhere. And, if you work, driving can greatly expand your career opportunities as you can easily drive yourself to work.

Here’s The Value of Learning How to Drive:

• Pocket-friendly

Most teens dream of learning how to drive, but very few actually bother to follow through with it. But learning to drive can provide you with so many benefits, no matter whether you want to get behind the wheel after graduation or you’re still in high school. The first benefit is it can save you a lot of money as you can avoid expensive Uber rides. So, what are you waiting for? Learn how to drive today! 

• Boosts Self-dependency

Being without a vehicle is often inconvenient and costly as people have to rely on public transportation or cabs to get around. But getting behind the wheel of a personal car can help people be more independent, boost self-esteem, and become more confident. Besides, if you are a parent, you can drop your kids to school, go shopping, or run errands without having to rely on others. Needless to say, taking the time to learn how to drive is a worthwhile investment and can help you in many ways, including boosting your self-confidence.

• Increases Safety 

Learning to drive comes with two significant benefits, and that is safety and opportunity. By learning how to drive, you can commute on your own, be it from college or from a late-night party, providing the utmost safety. Besides, when you learn to drive, you also learn new skills that can increase your awareness of your surroundings, in a way improving your safety while driving.

Apparently, learning to drive can be one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking experiences a young person has. It can open up so many doors for them, whether that door is to a part-time job, college, or social life. But, it is also a responsibility, and young drivers must be cautious about when, where, and how they drive. 

• Saves Time

It’s no secret that learning to drive takes a lot of your time. But once you have mastered the skill, it can help save you a lot of time. However, while a bus seat might be free, owning a car can actually wind up costing you a pretty penny. Taking the bus, train, or carpool requires buying just the pass, whereas owning a car requires paying for gas (and repairs, if needed), insurance fees, emission tests (and repairs), and parking tickets. 

Nevertheless, learning to drive is an essential life skill. It not only increases your independence, but it can improve your prospects of finding and maintaining steady employment. It can also save you a lot of time since you won’t have to rely on others to drive you places, and you can push yourself around.

Whether you’re new to driving or are simply looking to brush up on your driving skills, driving school is a great way to learn this skill. Being able to drive not only allows you the freedom to travel but also gives you confidence. Plus, the more you drive, the less likely you are to have an accident. Learning how to drive just makes sense, which is why, as a learner, you’ll likely have to take driving lessons, and as a driver, you should regularly practice your skills.

Learning how to drive is a big accomplishment and let’s face it: being able to self-motivate and take responsibility for your own safety on the road is no small feat.