R I G H T    L A N E

It’s summer time once again.  Along with the heat wave, ice cream and parade of beach babes, it’s also the time to stretch the legs of those cars.  Of course, being stuck in perennial everyday Manila traffic means that going back to patches of open road will entail some preparation to both man and machine.  Here are some practical tips and tricks that will keep your travel safe and trouble-free.

Prevention is the best medicine.  Proper preparation can help you avoid many problems that you may encounter while driving and will prevent you from getting stranded or worse, involved in an accident.  Before a trip, you should inspect your vehicle.  Ensure all the fluids are at proper levels; safety equipment (turn signals, mirrors, brakes, seatbelts, etc) is in working order; tool kit is complete; and the tires are in good condition, have adequate tread, and are properly inflated (you can check the details in your vehicle owner’s manual, which is best brought at all times).  Clean the windshield, windows and headlights as needed.  Also, bring a supply of water regardless of the time of year.  A good pair of gloves is indispensable as well.

Research your travel route and destination.  Remember to check your travel route, road conditions and weather forecast before you begin your trip.  Check periodicals and radio updates for road conditions and allow time to compensate for circumstances such as construction delays and heavy traffic.  Check weather forecasts and familiarize yourself with your travel route.  More importantly, become familiar with the limitations and performance of your vehicle.  For instance, a compact car handles differently from a sport utility vehicle—don’t mistake one for the other.  Anti-lock brakes or ABS perform differently with standard brakes; again it’s best to check the vehicle owner’s manual for more information.

Be careful on low-traction surfaces.  Most people associate low-traction associations with heavy rain or even snow.  However, other conditions such as gravel, mud or basically anything that comes between the tire of your vehicle and the surface of the road reduces available traction.  When low traction becomes a concern, decrease your speed to adjust to road conditions.  Do not brake or turn your vehicle suddenly.  Typically, if you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator (if your vehicle is rear-wheel drive) and steer in the direction of the skid.  Let the car slow down without braking.  Once traction is established, steer the vehicle in the desired direction and slowly apply pressure to the accelerator to establish the correct speed for the road conditions.

Hydroplaning must be treated differently from other low-traction driving conditions.  Hydroplaning occurs when a film of water causes tires to lose contact with the road surface and is not dependent on high-speeds and large amounts of water.  The correct reaction for loss of traction due to hydroplaning is different from the response to other types of traction loss.  If you experience hydroplaning, slowly decrease pressure on the accelerator, steer the vehicle in the direction of travel and let the vehicle regain traction from deceleration.  Firmly grip the steering wheel because the vehicle may swerve when it regains traction.  Once traction is regained, steer the vehicle in the desired direction.

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