belletire's blog

Driving Tips for Winter Road Conditions

Whether you are new to winter driving in places like Michigan or Ohio or a long-time resident, it can be helpful to review how to drive safely during the winter months.

Perhaps you drive at night? Well, it feels like it because most people head out into the dark when they leave work in the winter. Did you know that death rates for night time driving are three times higher than daytime driving, according to theNational Safety Council. 

There is always some natural risk in driving, and that increases during the dark, especially during snowy and icy road conditions. Here are some tips for driving at night and during inclement weather in the winter time.

Driving in the Dark

Remember that, even with headlights, it is extremely difficult to detect pedestrians, bicyclists and others. Use your headlights between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Don't drive if you're too tired and follow these recommended steps from the National Safety Council:

• Use the snow brush to remove any snow that hasn't come off the windshield, hood or headlights. 
• Don't drink and drive. Not only does alcohol severely impair your driving ability, it also acts as a depressant. Just one drink can induce fatigue. 
• Never text and drive. Put your mobile phone in your glove box until you reach your destination or need it for an emergency. 
• Reduce your speed and increase your following distances. 
• When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beams so you don't distract drivers ahead of you. 
• If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide. 
• If you're too tired to drive, stop and get rest. 
• Pull off the road as far as possible, if you have car trouble. Turn on flashers and the dome light.  Stay off the roadway and get passengers away from the area.

Driving in Freezing Rain

Heavy and freezing rains will cause more problems because your tires can begin to hydroplane. In this case, the key to keeping your tires in contact with the road is to simply slow down.
 
Consider buying a dedicated set of winter / snow tires for your vehicle, since they are specially made to dig down and bite into snow and ice. Winter tires are designed to do this because they are made from softer rubber compounds that retain their flexibility in cold weather and freezing conditions.

Driving in Snow and Ice 

An important winter driving skill to learn in snow and ice conditions is the controlled slide. If your vehicle begins to slide, take the following steps to regain control:

• Take your foot off the gas pedal
• If you have anti-lock (ABS) brakes, apply them firmly (Otherwise, pump them gently only if you are about to hit something)
• Steer the car into the direction of the skid to straighten out the car (Then steer in the direction you wish to go)

While you cannot control everything that other drivers do on the road, you can do your best to be prepared for any situation. Slow down and leave wider spaces between you and other drivers when you encounter bad winter weather and dark conditions.

 About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,  FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.

Keeping Your Car Maintained Is a Smart Investment

Performing routine car maintenance is a relatively simple way to correct and ensure the overall health, preservation, and value of your vehicle.  Review your vehicle's owner manual to find the maintenance recommendations that will help keep your car in top condition. 

A trusted tire store with ASE certified professional mechanics can properly service your car on the regular schedule outlined in your car's manual. They will also help identify and fix some of the most hazardous vehicle conditions including worn tires, bad brakes, malfunctioning lights and worn wiper blades. 

In addition to increasing the life of your vehicle, regular maintenance checks and updates to your vehicle will make it safer for you and your passengers. If your vehicle does break down while you're on the road, follow these simple rules:

• Park your vehicle so it can be seen for a safe distance (200 feet, if possible) in each direction.
• Move your vehicle off the road.
• Turn on your emergency flashers. 

To help avoid a potentially costly breakdown, here are some basic car care tips:

Care For Your Tires – As a good rule of thumb, have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. This can vary depending on the amount of driving you do. Check the air pressure in your tires every other time you stop to fill up at the gas station. This simple procedure can also help your car’s fuel economy. 

Check Your Belts And Hoses – Look for a belt or hose that has a crack or corrosion. These parts are usually made of rubber and will eventually wear out. If you’re still unsure, belts and hoses can be checked during an oil change or at your vehicle’s annual checkup.

Check Your Oil – Engine problems can result if the level of oil in your vehicle is too high or low. Owners of both new and older vehicles can consider using synthetic motor oil to help increase the mileage between oil changes. For example, Belle Tire offers a variety of motor oil viscosities for different makes and models.

Check Your Coolant – The ideal level of coolant should be between the low and high markings. Check your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where your coolant reservoir is. If you are checking the coolant yourself, never take the cap off if your vehicle has been recently driven. 

Learn The Dashboard Lights – Again, refer to your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with some of your dashboard warning lights. These include: Check Engine, Service Engine, Electrical Fault, Brake Warning, ABS Brake Warning, Coolant and Oil. Ignoring these warning signs for too long could result in expensive repairs.

Whether your car just came off the showroom floor or you drive a used vehicle, one of the best ways to extend its life is to practice regular maintenance.

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,   FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.

 

Check Your Tire Pressure, Cold Weather is Here

As the weather transitions in Michigan and Ohio, now is as good a time as ever to check your tire pressure. Tire pressure is set at ambient temperature, which is the temperature of the surroundings. A 10 degree drop in ambient temperature roughly drops your tire pressure 1 psi. For example, a tire that was set perfectly at 65 degrees in October would automatically be 3 psi lower at 35 degrees in December. 

Over time, a little air always escapes and with our busy lives drivers often neglect checking tire pressure. Between a drop in temperature and a month of not checking, a tire can easily be 5 psi lower than normal or more.

As a general rule of thumb, it is a good idea to check the air pressure in your tires every other time you stop to fill up at the gas station. For details on how to properly set your tire pressure visit your local tire store to have your tires checked by ASE Certified professionals. Also read Let the Air Out! Nitrogen Tire Inflation Saves Money and Improves Treadlife to learn about the benefits of filling tire with nitrogen instead of air. Belle Tire is a Michigan based tire retailer actually invented the word Nitro-Nize®. Belle Tire offers nitrogen free with new tires and top those tires off for free the rest of their treadlife.

In addition to checking your tires pressure and tire wear, here are some other tips you should not overlook when caring for your car:

Top Ten Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Early Fall is a good time to get your vehicle ready for the colder weather ahead, but it is never too late to take your car in for routine maintenance. Here are the top ten tips you can do yourself, or request one of the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified technicians at Belle Tire to perform, to get your car ready for winter:

1. Have your battery and terminal checked
2. Have your radiator checked
3. Change oil & fluids regularly
4. Check belts and hoses for cracks, leaks and bulges as well as checking to see if all clamps are secure
5. Get winter / snow tires installed
6. Run through all signal and light functions to ensure they are working properly
7. Check windshield washer fluid and wipers for wear
8. Ensure the heater and defroster are in good working condition
9. Get engine drivability problems corrected (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc.)
10. Pack a kit with gloves, boots, blankets, flares, a first aid kit, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter, tire chains, a flashlight and always have a charged cell phone.

Remember, tire pressure should be checked with a quality air gauge as the inflation pressure can't be accurately estimated through a visual inspection. Take your car to Belle Tire to have your tires inspected and since winter is near, get your vehicle ready!

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,   FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.

 

Tips to Improve your Car Repair Experience

Getting your car fixed can be a costly and frustrating experience if you are settling for mediocre auto repair. Here at Belle Tire, we understand that getting your vehicle serviced isn’t typically a fun activity but here are some tips that can help to ensure you are having the best experience possible. Whether you are in need of an alignment, brakes, struts or new tires and rims, working with a reputable company with a knowledgeable staff should translate into a smooth transaction. 

Follow these Tips to Get Exceptional Car Repair Service:

• Patronize a store that maintains a clean and professional garage and storefront.
• Find a retailer whose staff provides responsive, professional and courteous service and takes the time to answer all of your questions.
• Ask if the technicians who will be working on your vehicle are ASE Certified. These technicians have the expertise and experience to get your vehicle fixed quickly and correctly.  
• Request to receive an itemized estimate for repair work before service on your car begins. Take the time to review the estimate and have your questions or concerns addressed prior to authorizing service.
• If you’re looking at a large repair bill consider getting a second opinion.
•  Obtain a detailed invoice listing what work was done and parts supplied after the service is complete.

Keeping up on Car Maintenance is Key
In addition to seeking quality repair establishments, keeping up on regular car maintenance to avoid breakdowns or unnecessary repair costs is critical to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Many expensive and untimely repairs can be prevented with proper maintenance.  

• Consult the owner’s manual for a suggested maintenance schedule including fluid changes for oil, brake, windshield and coolant as well as your air filter.
• Keep all records of repairs and maintenance.  Some shops can email these to you as electronic files for safe keeping.
• Keep tires properly inflated for your safety and to avoid tire failure. Check at least once a month and before long car trips to make sure your tires have a little bit less than maximum pressure. 

Owning a vehicle is an investment and should be protected accordingly. Finding an auto service provider that you can trust for quality service at the lowest prices is paramount in protecting this investment for years to come. When you need car repair service, get out the door with more from a tire store who hopes that even if you didn’t come into the store with a smile, you will leave with one.

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,   FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.

 

Give Your Car the Edge with These Great Winter Tires

When shopping for a new car Americans love the excitement of test driving and experiencing new high-tech features. However, shopping for new tires for a new or used vehicle often does not hold the same thrill.

However, tire manufactures have made great advancements with tire technology that drivers can get excited about. Here are some great tips for shopping for snow tires to put on your new vehicle this winter.

If you live in Midwestern states like Michigan or Ohio, and receive a good amount of snow and ice, then take a look at the Michelin X-Ice Xi2. This tire does it all – whether driving in snow or ice, drivers can experience increased performance or traction in even the most severe winter conditions. Designed as a performance winter tire, the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 is developed to tackle the coldest winter driving conditions around the world. The X-Ice Xi2 has a wide tread contact patch that helps generate acceleration and braking power, as well as cornering traction, for outstanding winter maneuvering.

Another great selection is the Mastercraft Glacier Grip II. The Glacier grip II is a premium studdable winter tire. It is designed for drivers looking for excellent traction on snow and ice without sacrificing performance in dry or all weather conditions.

Also check out the Blizzak WS-70, Bridgestone's most versatile winter tire yet. It is built for peak performance on more than just snow and ice; this tire gives added traction and control on both wet and dry surfaces as well, creating an ideal tire for all winter weather.

Finally, if you're looking for great value, take a look at the Firestone WINTERFORCE. This Firestone tire is a popular winter tires designed to deliver a quiet and comfortable ride to get you to your destination. The Firestone Winterforce is "siped and studdable" for good winter performance. Its directional, computer-modeled tread design helps to deliver confident snow, wet and ice traction. Some states have restrictions on studdable tires like Michigan and Ohio. Be sure to know the laws where you live before installing a set of studdable tires on your vehicle.

When you're looking for Bridgestone, Goodyear, Mastercraft or Firestone tire dealers to find top-rated winter tires at a great price, look no further than Belle Tire. No matter what brand you decide on, install winter tires in sets of four only to get the most out of them. 

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,   FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.

 

A Time for Winter Tire and Wheel Packages

A Time for Winter Tire and Wheel Packages 

There is a season - turn, turn, turn. Whether you like it or not, fall is here and winter is waiting to blast us with sleet and snow.  A common question many drivers ask this time a year is, "Do I really need winter tires?"

A full set of winter tires is the only way for drivers to guarantee maximum performance, traction and control in the winter months. 

Winter tires (a.k.a. snow tires) are able to effectively deal with snow and ice because aggressive tread patterns and specially designed rubber compounds help them remain more flexible in cold weather. Even all-season tires don’t get the kind of traction on snowy covered roads that winter tires do.  Winter tires deliver 25-50% more traction in snow and ice than all-season tires.

But for a car or truck to get the most out of winter tires, they need to be installed at the right time of year. Putting the tires on too early in the season will often diminish their effectiveness and can cause them to wear very quickly. The softer rubber that makes the tires more effective on icy roads makes them wear faster in warmer weather.

A great indicator of when to install winter tires on your car is the temperature outside. The general rule for winter tires is to install them when the temperature is consistently around or under 45 degrees Fahrenheit (or 7 degrees Celsius). All-season tires are less effective when the temperature dips below that mark and vehicle owners can properly gain the benefits of winter tires specially engineered tread designs. For most car owners, that will mean installing the tires in late fall towards the end of October or early November.

Remember these other important tips when you install winter tires:

Install Your Winter Tires in Sets of Four

Mixing tires with different tread patterns, internal construction and traction capabilities can create an unstable vehicle. If a car has two winter tires in back with All Season tires in front and hits a patch of ice, the car won’t maintain its balance.

Install Your Winter Tires on a Dedicated Set of Winter Wheels

This will prolong the looks of your summer wheels by saving them from harsh road salts and sand and will also save you the costs associated with mounting and balancing the tires each season. This is a great way to ensure that both your winter and summer tires don't endure the added fatigue of being mounted or dismounted every season too. Your local tire store should have you covered with an optional off season storage service, to clean and store the off-season tires and wheels in a secure, climate controlled distribution environment.

When snow hits, winter tires will allow car and truck owners to drive with confidence and keep them safe throughout the cold winter months. For more insight, take a look at the frequently asked questions about winter tires and take a look at building a Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and also join our online communities: YOUTUBE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER

 

Tire Shopping? Get More Service, Protection and Value

Tire retailers know that customers come into their stores needing tires but that, most customers don’t want to have to buy new tires. It’s a purchase that is mostly born out of necessity. Many drivers would agree that buying tires isn't fun, especially after running over a dreaded pothole or road debris that just shredded their tires.

To make the shopping experience as painless as possible tire retailers, such as Belle Tire make it better – they will beat any competitors’ price. The tire company’s ASE certified representatives will gladly check prices with customers, right at the counter.  If another tire retailer is offering a lower price, Belle Tire will beat it.

Don't Settle for the Usual Tire Shopping Experience

Providing the best possible price isn't where Belle Tire stops going the extra mile for their customers.  They take the stress out of tire shopping with installation packages that offer more value and service.

Customers deserve a better tire shopping experience, one that gets them the best possible service and protection to go along with those unbeatable prices. 

With a new tire installation, here is a list of what tire shoppers should expect:

• FREE Lifetime Alignment Checks
• FREE Nitrogen Tire Inflation
• FREE Lifetime Tire Rotation
• FREE Lifetime Spin Balancing
• FREE Lifetime Flat Repairs
• A 36-Month Pro-Rated Road Hazard Warranty

With the lifetime alignment check, customers can bring their vehicle in any time to get their alignment checked at no additional cost. Regular alignments can maximize the life of tires, decreases the cost of maintenance in the long run and allow the vehicle they are installed on to run properly.

In combination with free tire rotations and alignment checks, installation package benefits such as these can keep tires from wearing unevenly or too quickly.

The free flat repairs along with the pro-rated road warranty give drivers peace of mind that the money they spent on a new set of tires won’t go to waste. Road hazard warranty covers a prorated portion of the cost to replace a damaged tire on a vehicle when something happens that’s beyond a repair due to a road hazard.

Look for a tire store who hopes that even if you didn’t come into the store with a smile you will leave with one, by getting out the door with more.

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,   FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.

 

Is A Full Set Of Winter Tires Is The Way To Go?

Winter tires give drivers the extra traction, braking and handling they need to confidently drive on snow and ice. With specialized rubber compounds and tread designs, winter tires are better able to handle adverse weather conditions.

The tread of a winter tire remains flexible to prevent snow buildup and help with traction on ice. However, is installing two snow tires versus a full set of four a good idea? This answer is no and here are some reasons why a set of four snow tires is the only way to go. 

Don’t Mix and Match Snow Tires 

The technology tire manufactures are using on their winter tires is as advanced as ever, but no amount of technology will overcome a car owner’s decision to install two winter tires instead of four. 

Regardless of advanced safety features that a vehicle may have, traction comes from tires gripping the road. If a car or truck has two different types of tires then the vehicle won’t react the same way when braking. Snow and ice will only make the problem worse by causing the vehicle to become unbalanced, which greatly increases the risk for spinning out. 

Even cars with all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control or even a combination of these features can’t overcome these tendencies. 

It is also important to know that ABS brakes and traction control don’t improve traction. The ABS feature prevents brakes from locking up and simply limits your cars braking to the traction level of your tires. Both anti-lock brakes and traction control only help prevent drivers from over braking or overpowering the available traction of their tires.  

A study conducted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport showed that winter tires improve braking up to 25 percent over all-season tires and improves collision avoidance by 38 percent. Installing a set of four matched winter tires on a vehicle is the only way to ensure that a vehicle gets these benefits. 

Don't Guess What Tires are Right for your Vehicle 

When replacing tires, always consult the owner's manual from the vehicle manufacturer to determine the best tires for your car. It is also important to note, always match tires and never mix with different performance or speed ratings. Different tire brands and/or sizes will have different traction levels and impact cornering capabilities and other safety attributes. 

Automobile manufacturers such as Ford, Chrysler, GM, Toyota and BMW also include a placard label with the vehicle's tire information, which is normally located on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box or fuel door.  

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and also join our online communities: YOUTUBE   FACEBOOK   TWITTER

 

Winter Reminders for Drivers

Every year before Halloween, when we change the dial on our car's radio and come across a station playing Christmas music, we know winter is on its way.

Then, once the freezing rain, sleet and snow actually starts to fall, we are quickly reminded how to drive during winter all over again. Even so, there are some drivers on these winter weather road conditions who drive like it is still summer.

To help you stay safe behind the wheel and make this winter season as safe as possible, these are the things everyone truly needs to remember:

• A full set of winter tires is the way to go. Winter tires give drivers the extra traction, braking and handling on snow and ice.  A more flexible winter tire tread surface equals more traction and control.
• When cold weather is here, check your tire pressure. Over time, a little air always escapes and with our busy lives drivers often neglect checking tire pressure.
• Tread depth matters. Winter grip slips on worn tires. Check your tire tread depth and pressure.
• Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Don't tailgate.
• Remain calm and stay safe on icy and snowy roads.

To shop for a set of winter / snow tires for this winter season, shop by vehicle, tire brand or size to find the right tire options, that works best for your car. 

Here is a list of great winter / snow tires to give your truck or SUV an edge this winter.

Mastercraft Courser MSR is a premium winter SUV and light truck tire designed for drivers seeking excellent traction on snow or ice.

Toyo Observe Open Country G-02 PLUS is one of Toyo's top winter tires designed with an aggressive unidirectional tread pattern for superior performance in extreme snow and ice conditions. This tire is perfect to handle Michigan, Ohio and Ontario Canada's most cruel winters and harsh snowy and icy road conditions.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 stands out from other winter tires due to its versatility. This tire is more flexible to changes in conditions thanks to Bridgestone's new Tube Multi-Cell and NanoPro-Tech rubber compound help improve snow, ice, wet and dry performance. 

The above are some of Belle Tire's winter reminders and sample of winter tires. Get more driving safety, tire and car repair tips and information by visiting our Belle Tire blog and visit a local tire store to speak to an ASE Certified technician to get the right snow tires for your vehicle this winter.

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,   FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.

 

Tired? Don't Drive Drowsy

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving drowsy causes more than 100,000 crashes per year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 fatalities. Additionally, accidents caused by tired drivers will result in $12.5 billion in damages.

 

Drowsy driving is a major problem throughout the United States and that is why there is a public awareness campaign on November 6-12, 2011 designed to educate everyone on the road, especially young drivers. 

 

Facts about Driving When Tired 

According to National Sleep Foundation surveys, half of American adults admit to operating a vehicle while drowsy, and 20% say they have fallen asleep at the wheel within the past year. This means, at any given time on the road, there could be a driver in the lanes around you who may be too tired to drive. 

Drivers who are overly tired typically experience diminished judgment and slower reaction times, similar to those who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or are texting and driving. In fact, sleepiness or fatigue causes the following:

 

• Impaired vision, reaction time and judgment
• Trouble with short-term memory and information processing
• Reduced performance, attention and motivation
• Greater chances of moodiness and aggressive behaviors

 

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week is a great way to educate drivers about sleep safety but eliminating the causes of the problem is something we all must focus on all year. Here are a few tips from DrowsyDriving.org:

 

Before “hitting the road”

• Get enough sleep (most adults need 7-9 hours to maintain proper alertness)
• Take breaks, especially on long road trips (about every 100 miles or 2 hours during long trips)
• Pull off the road, finding a safe spot to nap if you’re sleepy
• Take a buddy (someone to talk with and share the driving, especially if you get too tired to drive)
• Avoid using your mobile phone, alcohol and sedating medications (check your labels or ask your doctor)
• Consider a caffeinated beverage (The equivalent of 2 cups of coffee can keep you alert for several hours)
• Don’t rely on the radio or the wind from an open window to keep you awake
• Don’t drive at times you’d normally be sleeping
• Always, wear your seat belt

(Click here to get more facts about drowsy driving.)

About Belle Tire

Belle Tire is an industry leader in the tire and auto service business.  Belle Tire is driven to provide customers with a quality product at competitive price, professionally installed by ASE Certified Auto Repair Professionals. At Belle Tire, you’ll always get out the door with more value, services and protection with the purchase of every tire installation than the competition can offer, at any price! For the Lowest Tire Price, Period and great low prices on Custom Wheels, Alignments, Brakes, Batteries, Oil and Lube, Shocks & Struts, Windshield Repair and Replacement, and more. Visit http://www.belletire.com and join our online communities: YOUTUBE: BelleTire,   FACEBOOK: BelleTireDistributors,   TWITTER: @belletire.