Ask Pete

[#1]

Like many of you, I had the—ahem—pleasure of driving in the torrential rains that soaked Central Florida last week. As a cold front moved through the state, motorists were plagued with dodging debris on the road, flooding in some areas, and high winds that turned the shortest drive into a white-knuckle event.

As I traveled west on I-4, I couldn’t help but notice at least a half-dozen vehicles that were off in the weeds—and usually facing the wrong direction. It appeared that the drivers lost control of their vehicles and spun off the road. Thank goodness that medical attention was not necessary for these folks, but the drivers were clearly shaken up. A couple of the vehicles were damaged and needed to be towed from the scene.

I have to wonder what caused these drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Was it inexperience? Were they driving too fast for the conditions? Were they driving on worn tires and lost contact with the road? I would bet that any of these—or a combination of them—could have been behind the carnage I observed.

As we approach the rainy season throughout the South, do yourself (and those around you) a favor and make sure your vehicle is ready for the wet roads. Your tires are your only point of contact with the roads, and even then, only an area slightly larger than the palm of your hand per tire touches the road at any given moment. It’s in your best interest (and, again, those around you) to make sure there is as much rubber on the road as possible.

If at all possible, stay off the roads when heavy weather is moving through. But if you must travel, consider the following:

-        Slow down and stay alert!

-        Increase your following distance and use your lights and wipers.

-        Even though most vehicles have anti-lock braking systems, avoid abrupt, heavy braking if you can.

-        Be as visible as possible. Do this by making sure that all of your exterior lighting is on, including and especially your brake lights.

Remember, AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities offer members a FREE 24-Point Maintenance Inspection. This inspection includes your tires, lights and wipers—items you want at their best if you have to be on the road in bad weather. 

Stay safe out there!

[#2]

Good article, and thanks for the reminder about the free 24 point inspection.. from personal experience check your tires weekly for proper inflation, too.  You can pick up a nail or other hazard any time, especially once the construction crews start appearing!

[#3]

Doesn't proper tire inflation also help with gas efficiency, too?

[#4]

It sure does! Depending on which publication you read it can save between 7% and 15% in efficiency. With gas prices going in the direction they are, I'll take any savings at the pump!  

[#5]

I know this doesn't have anything to do with this article but, my 1995 Cadillac Eldorado ETC seems to be vibrating unusually. I can feel it through the gas pedal, under my feet and through the steering wheel. It just started a couple of days ago. The oil life is currently @ 28% before another oil change. I am not sure when the last tune up was done on the car. It vibrates very little at idle, and starts to vibrate harder at high speeds ( above 50mph ). Maybe the tires? Spark plugs ? Air Filter ? Fuel injection ?

[#6]

Any of what you named could certainly cause a vibration but there are many types of vibrations. And without additional information it is tough to guess what the possible causes could be. It could be a rolling vibration that may be tire or wheel related or if it is a harmonic vibration related to engine RPM it could be something engine related such as harmonic balancer or flywheel. The best way to know for sure is to have a qualified technician formally inspect and diagnose your vehicle.