When Your Brakes Take a Break

Are you heading back to school soon? Well, before you do, we want to remind you of some important car care tips you should perform before you hit the time road. These tips will allow you to be safe on the road, and hopefully, avoid any service interruptions while you’re at school! Need maintenance or repairs before you go? No problem, just schedule a service appointment online with us today or stop into Fiore Volkswagen Top off all the fluids Regular oil changes are a must, but that isn’t the only fluid you should be keeping an eye on in your vehicle. Keep an eye out for transmission, brakes, coolants, and more. Clean fluids help your engine run smoothly, while dirty fluids can cause damage. Take a peek at your lights. Headlight or taillight out? Lights out on your vehicle are very dangerous. A burned-out headlight can impair your ability to see the road clearly, increasing the risk of a flat tire or accident. While a burnt-out taillight can make it hard to see you. Simply turn your lights on while the car is in park, and walk around the entire vehicle to make sure your headlights, rear lights, blinkers, and hazards are functioning properly. Not only will this keep you safe, but it will keep you from getting a pulled over/ a ticket. If you need replacement, just schedule a service appointment today. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated Improper tire pressure can cause you to get fewer miles per gallon? It can also increase wear and tear, resulting in a need to replace the tires sooner than normal, and becoming very costly. To keep your tires in tip-top shape, keep a tire gauge in your car and check the pressure monthly. Check for wear and tear by utilizing the “penny test” by inserting an upside-down penny in the tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get new tires. Don’t forget your wipers You don’t want to be driving down the highway, and go to use your wipers and have no washer fluid! Your windshield wiper fluid needs to be topped off to ensure you have good visibility in poor weather. Wiper blades need regular replacement too, usually every six to twelve months. CH-CH-CHARGE IT UP Don’t find yourself getting out of a class only to find your battery has died. If your car is sluggish to start or if the dashboard lights or radio are giving you trouble, it may be a sign you need a new battery. Batteries only last three to five years, so if you’ve had yours a long time, it’s probably time for a new one. If you find you need a replacement, your mechanic can test your battery during routine maintenance and oil changes. Check your seatbelts—and wear them. Buckle up and stay safe this school year. Simply wearing a properly fitted seat belt saves thousands of lives each year. It’s one of the most effective ways to avoid serious injury in an accident. Airbags alone are not enough to protect you. Make sure your seatbelt is secured tightly across the pelvis and rib cage. Take a break and get your brakes checked It’s no secret that your brakes are a crucial part of your drive. Worn brakes can make it hard to stop quickly and can cause your car to travel farther before coming to a halt — making it more likely you’ll find yourself in an accident. To avoid that, a professional mechanic should check your vehicle’s brakes regularly, preferably as part of a routine maintenance check performed during regular oil changes. Pack an emergency kit just in case It’s never a bad idea to be prepared! Items you’ll want to keep in your car in case of trouble include a flashlight, tire repair kit, first aid items, a basic tool kit (lug wrench, screwdriver, hammer), jumper cables, hazard triangle, a blanket, and even a small amount of cash.

As the eagerly anticipated total solar eclipse approaches on Monday, April 8th, many across Mexico and North America are gearing up for a celestial spectacle. NASA projects that approximately 31.6 million individuals reside within the eclipse's path, with millions more within a two-hour drive. In 2017, an estimated 5 million people flocked to witness the event, resulting in extensive traffic congestion along certain routes. To aid in your eclipse-viewing plans, NASA has unveiled an Eclipse Explorer Map delineating the eclipse's predicted trajectory. Whether you're embarking on a journey to catch the eclipse's grandeur or concerned about potential traffic jams, Fiore Volkswagen is here with some safety pointers for navigating the roads. Prepare For Traffic: Anticipate significant traffic congestion, especially if you're heading toward major cities within the eclipse's path. With this rare celestial event occurring once every two decades, roads are expected to be packed. Ensure your vehicle is fueled up, pack essential supplies like water and snacks, and brace yourself for potential delays. Watch Out For Onlookers: Be mindful of individuals seeking the optimal viewing spot, which might include precarious roadside positions or even obstructing traffic lanes. Children and distracted drivers may pose additional risks. Stay vigilant and focused on the road to avoid accidents. Focus On Driving: If you find yourself behind the wheel during the eclipse and unable to pull over safely to observe, resist the temptation to divide your attention between driving and sky-gazing. Your safety and that of others take precedence. Remember, NASA will provide stunning images of the eclipse for viewing later. Protect Your Eyes: Ensure you have proper eye protection if you plan to observe the eclipse directly. While driving, regular sunglasses suffice as long as you don't plan to stare directly at the sun. The eclipse is expected to grace Pennsylvania between 2:00 pm and around 4:30 pm. The Fiore Volkswagen team hopes these tips assist you in preparing for Monday's celestial event. Stay safe on the roads and savor this extraordinary phenomenon with loved ones!

Is your vacation FINALLY here? If you’re getting ready to hit the road with the family, but you’re a little bummed out because your pup keeps staring out you wondering where you’re going and you're sad because you have to leave them behind...just me? I’m sure it isn’t just me, and that’s why this week we have some helpful tips that will upgrade your family vacation by being able to bring your furry best friend along for the ride! Yup, with just a few adjustments and some planning ahead, bring your pup along for the ride doesn’t have to be a nightmare! So if you’re interested in learning how to bring your pet along, check out our tips below! Before you leave to make sure to pack: Lead, Collar, Leash, and ID tag: The last thing you want to happen is your dog to get away in a place he doesn’t know, but be prepared for the worst. Make sure you have everything you’ll need to keep your dog from escaping, and everything you’ll need in case they do. Food, water, bowls: Bring more than you think! The last thing you want to do on vacation is run to the grocery store to find dog food. Tell yourself the same thing you did when you overpacked clothes...YOU MIGHT NEED IT! Blankets and baggies: Bring blankets for bedding, and warmth. Bring waste disposable bags for parking lot rest-stops (You wouldn’t want to accidentally step in that, would you?). Old washcloths: For those pups that get down in the dirt, don’t stress about your car seats, just bring washcloths to clean off messy paws Crates and restraints: Some dogs love the car! They jump right in, stick their head out the window, and let their ears fly! But unfortunately, that’s not a good idea. Even if your dog is usually a happy traveler, it isn’t safe for them to roam freely throughout the car, in the case of an accident. Break time is important: You might down to take on a long drive little to no breaks but your dog isn’t. Plan on taking frequent stops like you would if you were traveling with a small child. Letting your dog out for potty breaks and to run around will burn off some pent-up energy, making you and your dogs ride my easier! Check with the vet: If this is your dogs first trip you might want to talk to your vet and see if there is any medication that can help with motion sickness and anxiety.