4 Tips for Safe Halloween Driving

1. Brakes

A vehicle’s brake system is the most critical safety item on a vehicle, but brakes wear out and eventually need replacement. Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repairs, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous and lead to more costly repairs.

2. Windshield Wipers & Fluid

A dirty windshield may look spooky but does not help to see children crossing the street. If the weather turns, cracked or torn wipers will also pose a problem to visibility.

3. Vehicle Lights

Check that all your lights are working for maximum performance and visibility on Halloween. This year, the end of Daylight Saving Time isn’t until Nov. 3, which means that children will be out at dusk trick-or-treating. Driving at dusk is difficult because although the sky is still bright, objects on the road can merge with shadows and fade into darkness.

4. Street Safety

Parents and adults should remind their little ghosts and goblins to get out of cars on the curb side and not the traffic side, to stop at all corners and to use crosswalks. Children should look left, right and left again before crossing, stay on sidewalks, avoid crossing through yards and wear bright, reflective and flame retardant clothing.

“We can all help keep young pedestrians safe on Halloween by checking our vehicle’s safety items, reminding children of basic safety rules and taking extra precautions when driving through neighborhoods,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Can Brake Fluid Go Bad?

 Can brake fluid go bad? Indeed it can, and you might not be able to tell if it has just by looking. Most cars have see-through master cylinder reservoirs for brake fluid under the hood so owners can check at a glance to make sure it’s at the proper level. That, however, tells you nothing about the condition of the fluid.
 Braking systems are hydraulic and filled with fluid. Brake fluid absorbs water over time, particularly in areas with high humidity, when moisture seeps through a car's rubber hoses and seals. Water reduces the boiling point of brake fluid, and in situations that put high demands on your brakes — such as mountain driving, towing or making repeated hard stops — the fluid can become so hot that it impairs stopping ability or causes temporary loss of braking power. Gas bubbles are introduced to the brake lines and calipers when brake fluid boils, and because gas is compressible and brake fluid shouldn't be, the brake pedal travels farther, feels spongier and braking is less effective.

Checking the Brake Fluid Level
Because of this, some manufacturers recommend changing your car's brake fluid as often as every two years to prevent contamination. Others have longer intervals, and some make no recommendation about changing brake fluid. Owners should consult their vehicle's owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends. If you’re unsure what to do, consult a repair shop and ask them to test your brake fluid.

One sign that your brake fluid is contaminated with water is that your brake pedal will have more travel than normal. That could also be a sign that your fluid level is low, the brake pads are worn or there’s air in your brake lines. Because the same symptom can suggest a variety of issues, having a trusted mechanic perform a thorough brake diagnosis is your best course of action. Seasoned mechanics can usually tell if fluid needs changing, as it will be dark and murky; if in doubt, ask your mechanic for more proof than an eyeball test.

You can check brake fluid levels yourself by locating the car's brake master cylinder reservoir. The reservoir that holds the brake fluid is typically located under the hood on the driver's side near the firewall. The reservoirs are often clear, but years and tens of thousands of miles of driving means you might have to take a rag and scrub engine grime and dirt off the reservoir to get an accurate look at the level, which should be near the full mark. Low brake fluid could mean a few things as mentioned above, including issues such as the brake pads being worn or there's a leak.

What Type of Brake Fluid to Use
There are various types of brake fluid: DOT 3, DOT 4 and DOT 5. DOT 4 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 and may be a good addition for heavy use like towing and high-performance cars (if your vehicle allows DOT 4). DOT 5 has a higher boiling point than DOT 4 but is silicone-based, which means it's less susceptible to absorbing moisture like the glycol-based DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids. You still need to check and use the fluid recommended for your vehicle because brake system damage can occur if you add DOT 5 fluid to a vehicle that specifies DOT 3 or 4.

Though some repair shops use maintenance or repair visits as an opportunity to sell additional services, that doesn’t mean you should dismiss a sales pitch for fresh fluid. In addition to affecting brake performance, contaminated brake fluid with water in the brake fluid can also cause corrosion over time. Down the road, you may need to replace rusted components in your brake system.

The bottom line: When it comes to brakes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. For more on how to keep your brakes in good shape, plus a guide to the rest of your vehicle's fluids, check out the video below.

Dangers of Driving Into Sun

Driving on a beautiful sunny day can provide stunning scenery, but it can also create a hazard if the driver’s view is compromised by a glaring sun.

Just after sunrise and before sunset the sun can shine directly into drivers’ eyes, leaving many motorists driving with a glare. This glare can make it much harder to see the road ahead and potential hazards creating an added risk to drivers. When sun glare is an issue slow down and use extra caution especially while driving through school zones.