Summer 2012

Happy Summer!!! I love summer, because for me it is the time to go on lots of trips. Besides taking my daughter out to various restaurants, we tend to go farther when the weather is warmer, like to the Jersey shore, outlet shopping, or to visit family in New York City on the weekends.

What I have noticed a lot of, are an abundance of cars on the side of the road or stalled in lane and creating traffic, regardless of whether it is the weekend or during the week (boy is this inconvenient when it happens during rush hour and it's never really in a great spot that people break down; in fact you can be sure I'm cursing when it inconveniences me!)

 I'm not sure if it's because there are just more people out on the roads who normally would not travel at all or maybe that with the change of weather also means that people should look over their cars for certain things or both; I am betting some of these breakdowns could have been avoided (like some of those flat tires). I did notice that one or more of my tires appeared a little low in pressure. Also when I started the air conditioner for the first time, the driver's side was lukewarm instead of cool and the passenger side was blowing warm air. Since air was blowing, I was sure that my car (not a new car) had probably needed a recharge in freon rather than a compressor problem (some older cars have either a slow leak or if it happened for the first time in many, many years maybe the freon was simply used up). A can of freon is fairly inexpensive though. It's worth checking your car briefly before starting the ride and/or even better when the weather gets warmer to check water levels and tire pressure.

I have also noticed a whole lot more motorcycles too! I really enjoy seeing the variety of different types (have you seen the reverse trikes? - I've seen more and more these days) Make sure to check your mirrors and blind spots to spot any motorcyclists, especially before lane switches and turns. We probably all have someone in our family somewhere or know someone who occasionally rides, rides in the warm weather, rides to save on gas money or rides through all weather and often rides with a passenger on the back. Even though some of them switch lanes or weave in and out, be mindful that they could be someone you know. Keep an extra safe following distance and keep an eye out for them. There isn't anything between the rider and the road (except for their helmet or any other riding gear). I know a lot of people who ride either as the driver or the passenger; myself included.

Wishing you happy and safe motoring this summer!!