Going away? Top things to take with you on long car journeys.

Going away? Top things to take with you on long car journeys.

As more and more holidaymakers are choosing to remain in the UK for their holidays, the use of cars for long-distance journeys is consistently on the rise. You may have packed your suitcase and bought a new bucket and spade to play with but what about preparing for the journey itself? Long journeys can be frustrating and uncomfortable. Avoid any additional stress by using the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service guide to long journeys!

Personal Comfort
After a few hours trapped in a small space, it’s only natural to want to stretch your legs. While you may be able to avoid this discomfort with regular driving breaks, it is quite often an impractical and optimistic plan to have. Remain comfortable for longer by packing these essentials for you and your passengers.
⦁ Travel Pillows
⦁ Suntan lotion
⦁ Food & Drinks
⦁ Tissues
⦁ Window Shades
⦁ Sunglasses
⦁ Toiletries
⦁ Spare Shoes/Boots

Mobile Phone Apps
Major advancements in the development of mobile phone applications over the past decade have helped to provide drivers with more support than ever before. Many will be familiar with using Google Maps and other highly promoted apps but it is worth noting that there is a large number of apps that can help improve car journeys.
⦁ Google Maps
⦁ Spotify
⦁ Traffic Warning Apps
⦁ Just Eat
⦁ Trip Advisor

Emergency Items
While we hope every journey you embark upon is a safe and enjoyable one, this is not always the case. It is essential as the designated driver to prepare for possible emergency scenarios. The following items should already be in your car or on your person, use the list below to check you’re prepared for any situation.
⦁ First Aid Kit
⦁ Paracetamol/Pain Killers/Antihistamines
⦁ Prescribed Medication
⦁ Torch
⦁ Blanket
⦁ Swiss Army Knife
⦁ Emergency Contact Numbers
⦁ Hand Sanitiser
⦁ Mobile Phone

Technology
It doesn’t matter if you have the latest radio or a WI-FI hotspot built into your car, you may still be able to take advantage of other useful technology whilst on your journey. Do not use these items while driving unless they are correctly fixed in a legal hands-free manner.
⦁ Mobile Phone
⦁ Tablet
⦁ Portable Games-Consoles
⦁ Laptop
⦁ In-car Charger
⦁ USB/Charging cables
⦁ Hands-free phone/tablet mount
⦁ Portable Power Bank

Car Care and Maintenance
Obviously, it makes sense to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for any eventuality. It is the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team’s honest opinion that you should always store some form of emergency car maintenance kit, within your vehicle at all times. Understandably, many drivers are unable to perform basic repairs and maintenance on their vehicles. Only perform repairs and maintenance if you are confident in your abilities and the outcome, if not be sure to ring a breakdown service for assistance.
⦁ Road Side Emergency Kit
⦁ Ice Scraper
⦁ Spare Tyre
⦁ Driver’s Manual
⦁ Car Documentation
⦁ License
⦁ De-Icer

Other Items
Many holidaymakers will have their own list of essentials needed for long car journeys, a majority of which will differ from the guide we have provided. The following miscellaneous items are those which the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team would take with them on their own lengthy car journeys.
⦁ Books
⦁ Travel Mug
⦁ Dog Waste Bags
⦁ Bug Spray
⦁ Portable Cooker
⦁ Drinks Cooler
⦁ Lighter
⦁ Hats

If you can think of any additional items to add to the list, let us know in the comments and we will regularly update the article with any fresh suggestions!

January 2, 2020/by Nathan

Driving you mad! – Five ways to keep calm when driving.

Car Safety, Vans, Cars, law

Driving is perhaps one of the most enjoyable tasks on the planet. As a driver, the world is your oyster and no destination is too far. However, in some stressful scenarios driving can become much more of an irritation. As human beings fuelled with emotion, it can sometimes be difficult to control certain responses, a major one being road rage! Learn how to keep calm when driving with the help of Walsall Wood Tyre & Service’s handy little guide!

1. Regulate your breathing

A simple method of obtaining a calm and clear mind while driving is to regulate your breathing. A simple bodily function capable of soothing even the most aggressive driver, regulating your breathing will ease the stress of the situation and make it unbelievably easier to make decisions and choose the best course of action within the moment.

2. Avoid unnecessary risks

Avoiding stressful scenarios as a whole is a good way to prevent excessive or otherwise preventable stress. As a driver, you may not be in control of the entire driving population but you are in control of your vehicle. Refrain from speeding or driving erratically in order to promote a positive, relaxing driving experience.

3. Plan your journey beforehand

Avoid longer journey durations and traffic jams by always planning your route before setting out. Use local news and mobile phone apps to stay on top of any incidents in your area, allowing you to plan your trip efficiently while avoiding any factors which may increase stress levels.

4. Be aware of other drivers

As mentioned earlier, a driver is only in charge of their vehicle. The actions of other road users may cause emotional discomfort when driving, always be aware of those around you. A simple, honest mistake may infuriate you and may make you question the other driver’s ability but keep it to yourself or report them to the correct authorities. DO NOT in any way attempt to confront or antagonise other drivers, it is not your place to nor is it beneficial in any sense.

If you are confronted by another driver, attempt to defuse the situation and keep your distance at all times. If the situation does not resolve quickly and amicably, contact the police immediately. If the driver continues to pursue you, locate your nearest police station and drive straight there.

5. Practice

A lot of driving stress stems from a driver’s
lack of confidence in performing certain maneuvers. As with anything in life,
practice ALWAYS makes perfect. If possible, identify any flaws in your driving
capabilities and strive to improve them. This is something drivers should
always aspire to do, even if you’re a Formula 1 driver, you can still
improve…

With these five tips, you’ll go from driving demon to automobile angel in next to no time! Do you have any secret methods of remaining calm when driving? Get in touch and let the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service Team know, we’re always looking for useful tips to pass on to our clients.

December 27, 2019/by Nathan

Stop! – Five things which can affect your stopping distance

Car Safety, Tyres, Vans, Cars, law, Brakes

The stopping distance in a moving vehicle is something that should always be kept in the mind of any capable driver. Stopping distance is the distance it takes the vehicle to come to a complete stop once the breaks have been applied. It goes without saying that knowing this value could save a person’s life, or at least provide the driver with the ability to prevent future accidents.

While it is possible to know the stopping distance with perfect parameters, many other factors can impact the stopping distance and should always be taken into consideration. The list below provides five of these possible factors and how to avoid their influence when driving.

Speed
Speed is an extremely influential parameter when considering stopping distances. The faster the vehicle is travelling the longer it will take for the vehicle to stop, simple. In a majority of collisions on UK roads, driver fault and the use of excessive speed have been to blame. Always regulate your speed and drive within the legal speed limit.

Weather conditions
The weather can be unpredictable but your stopping distance doesn’t have to be! Poor weather conditions heavily influence the manner in which a vehicle behaves and this is something which competent drivers should always be prepared for. Switching tyres dependant on the seasons and allowing for a much higher stopping distance when braking in wet weather will help to avoid any issues caused by poor weather conditions.

Tyres
The condition of your tyres will always impact the stopping distance of your vehicle. The main factors which influence the condition of your tyres are:

⦁ Tyre tread – The tread on a tyre influences how well the tyre can grip to the road beneath it.
⦁ Tyre Pressure – The pressure of the tyre will affect how much surface area is in contact with the road, dictating how efficiently the tread can perform.
⦁ Tyre damage – The age and condition of the tyre will not only impact the handling of the vehicle but will also have a negative influence on its ability to stop quickly and efficiently.
⦁ Tyre choice – There are specific tyre choices for a reason. Using the wrong tyres will cause issues but it is worth mentioning that the choice to switch tyres depending on weather conditions is an extremely good choice to make.

In order to have fully functioning tyres which do not compromise the stopping distance of the vehicle, be sure to check the manufacturer’s guidelines or ask your local garage for advice!

Brakes
Brakes are commonly known as one of the most influential factors upon stopping distances. When applying the brakes in a car, the brake pads push against the brake disc causing the vehicle to stop. Over time these brake pads can become worn and damaged from the friction applied to them. Regularly check your brake pads not only as a means of addressing safety concerns but in order to comply with UK law.

Tiredness and poor concentration
One issue which is rarely addressed when considering stopping distances is the actual ability and response time of the driver. While the average driver is not expected to have the reactions of Lewis Hamilton when cruising in their Ford KA, they are expected to behave responsibly and take precautions when driving.
Tiredness is a major issue for long-distance or late-night drivers. Always remain alert and focused when behind the wheel. Take regular breaks if necessary and never endanger the lives of your passengers or the road users around you.

Various other factors can negatively influence the stopping distance of a vehicle but the five issues discussed within this article are ones that can be easily fixed or avoided with the use of common sense. Always be sure to regularly check your vehicle as a preemptive strike on any issues will save money and lives in the long term.

December 24, 2019/by Nathan

What seems to be the problem, Officer? – Unusual driving laws you may not have heard of!

Vans, Cars, law, police, Car Safety

After completing your test and becoming road legal, you are expected to understand and adhere to the laws of the road. Many are in place to protect yourself and the other road users around you. These laws are regularly checked and updated over time. However, there are a few unusual driving laws you may not have heard of. Check out the list below, did you know about these?

Driving slowly
Over the years, millions of pounds have been spent on highlighting the risks involved in speeding. Although this is a well-needed campaign to educate road users on the risks surrounding irresponsible driving, minimal campaigns are focusing on slow drivers. Driving excessively below the speed limit is not only dangerous, but it is also ILLEGAL.

Swearing at other drivers
This one may not come as a surprise to many, though it doesn’t stop drivers from engaging in the act, all forms of anti-social behaviour and aggression towards other drivers are illegal.
This can range from swearing to offensive gestures and other unsavoury interactions. Many drivers would be ashamed of their behaviour were it not behind the wheel of a car. Remember to keep your emotions in check and treat other road users with respect.

Purposely splashing pedestrians
As funny as you may find the act of intentionally ruining someone’s day by soaking them in wet weather conditions, it is still a form of assault. Many individuals are ignorant of this fact and proceed to bully pedestrians as they pass by. Under the road traffic act of 1988, this is a form of careless and irresponsible driving, which will be punished with a fine and points on your license.

Inappropriately using your horn
As entertaining as it may be to make your friends jump on a carpark, it’s illegal to use a horn for any purpose other than alerting traffic of your presence. You’re also not allowed to use your horn while stationary, despite many drivers ignoring this law.

Parking on the pavement
While many roads in the UK make it nearly impossible to park without parking over the surrounding pavement, it is illegal and should be avoided. No driver in their right mind would drive on the pavement, so why would you park there?

Allowing your dog to hang out of windows
Your puppy may look adorable hanging out of the back window as you go about your journey but should they be there? All animals should be secured correctly when in a moving vehicle. This is not only for their safety but for the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road. Sorry, Fido!

These are only a few of the more unusual or less discussed UK driving laws and although you may not like them, you must follow them! Avoid any unnecessary legal proceedings by regularly checking changes to the UK Road Laws and adhering to them religiously!

December 23, 2019/by Nathan

Feeling Tyred? How to recognise ageing tyres.

Car Safety, Tyres, Cars

Just as the older Gentleman wrinkles with age, the tyres on a car also age in a similar fashion. While a tyre cannot tell you how it’s not as young as it used to be, it can provide you with subtle reminders of its age.

General wear and tear should be expected over time, although some tyres may boast impressive usage durations, there is not a single tyre on the market which will last forever. The Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team have compiled a list of tell-tale signs that your tyre is too old and needs replacing, check it out below!

1. Cracks

One immediately noticeable characteristic of ageing tyres is cracking across the tyre. Just as a human develops wrinkles over time, a tyre will crack, damaging the function and reliability of the tyre. This is due to the rubber of the tyre reacting with UV light, causing the rubber to oxidise and allowing cracks to form.

2. Manufacture date

A more obvious indication of the age of a tyre, the manufacture date will be present on any tyre you purchase. This may not act as a guideline on when to replace your ageing tyre but it will give you a precise value on how old the tyre itself is.

3. Worn tread

Acting as the means to grip the road, the tread on tyres can get worn down incredibly quickly. A driver using their vehicle regularly or for longer distances than the average driver will find no comfort in knowing that their tyres will need to be replaced more often. That said, new tyres will no doubt improve the handling of the car as a whole as the worn tread of the old tyres becomes inefficient and redundant.

4. Strange noises

If your tyre starts making strange noises when in use, chances are its time for it to re-tyre!

Make sure to check your tyres regularly for any signs of ageing. If you are unsure about the reliability of your tyres or their age, feel free to pop into the Walsall Wood branch for advice!

December 19, 2019/by Nathan

Taking Care of Your Tyres – Top Tyre Care Tips

Car Safety, Tyres, Vans, Cars

Replacing tyres can be a pretty daunting and expensive task even for the more experienced or well-funded driver. The best way to avoid spending too much on tyres too often is to properly maintain your existing tyres.

Many drivers are guilty of ignorance when it comes to tyre maintenance, something which is unacceptable in 2019. Follow our top tips for taking care of your tyres to maximise the lifetime expectancy of your tyres.

1. Regular checks

A cost-efficient way of taking care of your tyres is to check them on a consistent basis. Obviously, this will not act as a means of damage prevention but more as a process of damage limitation. Spotting an issue with a tyre early on will not only help in terms of vehicle performance but will also save you money! It’s better to replace one tyre earlier on rather than an entire set at a later date!

2. Avoid unnecessary tyre spinning

Quite often when a vehicle is stuck, the driver will attempt to resolve the situation by excessively spinning the tyres, hoping that the motion will release the vehicle. This can cause irreversible damage to the tyre which could have easily been avoided.

3. Adhere to manufacturer guidelines

Guidelines are provided for a reason. They provide information relevant to the vehicle and give the customer a safe and reliable checklist on the do’s and don’t’s of car ownership. Although these guidelines can be pushed slightly and do have a small amount of wiggle room, they are worth following religiously.

4. Cleaning and removing debris

Although tyres are resilient enough to withstand general wear and tear, they currently lack the ability to prevent bits of debris and mud clogging up the treads on them. While completing regular checks it is advisable to remove any of theses items which may be trapped, allowing the tyre to function at full efficiency for a lot longer.

5. Avoid overloading your vehicle

Overloading a vehicle can cause a multitude of performance-related issues but will also add unnecessary stress to the tyres. This stress can cause poor handling and even increase the likelihood of an accident happening. Always consult the manufacturer guidelines when loading a vehicle.

6. Suspension and alignment

Imbalanced wheel alignment or damaged suspension parts on a vehicle can cause tyre issues in the long term. The faulty suspension and incorrect wheel alignment causes vibrations, which over time wears down the tyres. This is an issue that can easily be prevented or resolved at a local garage for minimum cost.

7. Correct tyre repair

In instances where you have your tyres repaired or replaced, always strive to use a professional business to avoid any potential issues that may arise by completing the task personally. This may be a way to save some money in the short term but it could end up costing you thousands!

These are only a few ways in which drivers can efficiently take care of their tyres. If you think we should add any other tips to the list, feel free to get in touch with the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team!

December 18, 2019/by Nathan

Don’t Talk Wet! Top tips for driving in wet weather conditions

Car Safety, Tyres, Cars, Brakes

Whether you have a wealth of driving experience or are new to the road, you must be aware of the implications of various weather conditions and how they influence the handling of your vehicle. Wet weather conditions can be hazardous if not approached with caution. Remember these top tips compiled by the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team the next time you’re out in the rain!

1. Be aware of increased stopping distances

Wet roads reduce a vehicle’s ability to grip the road efficiently. This decrease in traction increases the chances of accidents, as the handling of the car becomes more difficult. Always exercise caution when driving in wet weather conditions by allowing extra room in which to brake.

2. Maintain visibility

A major factor in road collisions, during wet weather conditions, has to be the driver’s lack of visibility. This can be caused by foggy windows, water on the windscreen and the weather conditions the vehicle is currently exposed to. Be aware of these potentially dangerous issues at all times. Keep windows defogged, use window wipers when necessary and always, always, remain vigilant to the weather around you.

3. Check your vehicle before driving

Conscientious drivers will already check their vehicles regularly to keep on top of any potential issues they may face. In wet weather conditions, these potential issues could become life-threatening. Be sure to check the quality of your tyres before driving anywhere in the rain.

4. Avoid heavily flooded routes

In extremely poor weather conditions, an increasing amount of areas in the UK are experiencing potentially life-threatening floods. Act responsibly and avoid any emergency scenarios by avoiding heavily flooded routes and finding alternative routes.

5. Pull over in extreme conditions

It may seem a great idea to attempt maneuvering through extremely hazardous conditions, in reality, it is incredibly dangerous and should be avoided when possible. If weather conditions are affecting your visibility or your handling of the vehicle in such a detrimental way, pull over and stop. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

December 17, 2019/by Nathan

Tread Carefully! – How to check the tyres on your car for safety

Car Safety, Tyres