4 Tactics for Dealing with Potholes

Tips to Protect your Vehicle

It's no surprise that the roadways in Rochester, New York are listed as some of the worst roads in the country. Our roadways are constantly filled with dangerous obstacles that demand our constant attention. The largest and one of the most dangerous obstacles is the pothole. Some potholes are small and seem innocent but these road monsters can really do a lot of damage to your vehicle.

In order to help you deal with these craters, here are a few tactics to use when traveling the roads, especially this time of the year.

1. If possible, avoid the pothole.
If you are on a road that you believe is infested with potholes be more mindful and slow down, this will help you to react to avoid the pothole, a car horn beeping at you is less expensive than a flat tire or a damaged wheel.

Watch out for puddles, what might seem to be a innocent puddle may suddenly become a rim bending pothole, it is hard to avoid every puddle in the road but being mindful does help.

2. If avoidance is not possible, reduce the damage. If you see a pothole coming at you in your lane and you are not able to avoid it, slow down as safely as possible but do not brake directly over a pothole as this may cause more harm.

3. After you hit the pothole, be wary of the symptoms.
We all have hit a pothole that causes your vehicle to lurch. If, after checking the tire and wheel for damage, there is no visible damage found you should still have your vehicle looked at by a professional. Even if immediate problems are not noticed you should get your car checked out when hitting that nasty pothole. Problems such as steering or suspension damage or causing the front end alignment to be out of specifications, can be more costly if you fail to have your vehicle inspected. Being pro-active will help you out in the long run.

4. If something is broken...You did your best to avoid the pothole but in the end you could not elude that pesky crater. What do you do now?

Don't worry, the expert technicians at Hoselton Auto Mall can help! Our technicians are factory trained and know how to pinpoint the repairs that are needed to get your car back on the road. We promise to repair your vehicle with the right parts, and at the right price. Call us today so that we may show you why so many customers use Hoselton for all there automotive needs.

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Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Winter Driving Quiz!

How Much Do You Know About Winter Driving?

Put your winter driving knowledge to the test with this short quiz!

Questions:
1. TRUE OR FALSE - The usefulness of daytime headlights has never been established as reducing the number of traffic accidents.

2. Should you under-inflate or over-inflate your tires in cold weather or leave them at the same tire pressure as in warm weather?

3. When sliding into a skid, what is the best course of action?
a. Turn in the direction of the skid
b. Turn in the opposite direction of the skid
c. Try to steer straight ahead

4. When approaching an icy or snowy hill should you…
a. Speed up to reach the top of the hill as quickly as possible
b. Come to a complete stop then accelerate to reach the top of the hill
c. Slow down before reaching the hill and make the assent slowly and steadily

5. When coming down a snowy or icy hill, should you…
a. Come to a complete stop and then make your descent
b. Shift into a lower gear and make a slow descent
c. Use only your brakes to slow you down as you descend

6. If you are ever caught in a snowstorm and have to walk in the street, should you…
a. Walk with the traffic
b. Walk against the traffic

Answers:
1. False. Every report published indicates that the use of daytime headlights reduces accidents by as much as 37%. 

2. The answer is to always keep tires inflated at the level recommended by the manufacturer. Both under and over-inflation can increase the incidence of blowouts and skidding. 

3. The correct answer is a. Turn in the direction of the skid. This is your best chance to restore some traction. 

4. The correct answer is c. Slow and steady ascent has been proven to be the best course in ascending an ice-covered or snow-covered hill. 

5. The correct answer is b. By shifting into a lower gear before descending you will gain more traction. 

6. The correct answer is b. Walk facing the oncoming traffic. By doing this you are better able to alert oncoming traffic to your location and see if any cars are veering into your path. Wearing or waving bright-colored clothing is also advisable.

How did you do?

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

'Tis the Season for Snow Tires!

Considering Snow Tires? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions & Answers!

It's that time of the year! Slushy, snowy and icy roads can create dangerous driving conditions for all vehicles. Switching to snow tires for the winter months is smart choice...especially for those living in Upstate New York! Here in Rochester we are all too familiar with these conditions. Below are a couple of frequently asked questions and answers about snow tires.

Q: Do I need 4 snow tires?
A: It is highly recommended to have 4 matching tires on your vehicle. This recommendation remains the same whether you have a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicle. Having different types of tires (ie: only 2 rear snow tires) will create a "split" personality for your vehicle. One end will react and perform differently than the other end. The change in your vehicle's handling can be so drastic that it can be unsafe. Having 4 of the same tire will help you maintain maximum control over your vehicle.

Q: Do I need all-season tires or snow tires?
A: The decision on whether to get all-season tires or snow tires will depend on the region that you live in. All-season tires are suitable for areas with little snow and moderate winter temperatures. They tend to stiffen and lose grip when the temperature drops to below freezing. 

For areas with cold winters and heavy snow (like Rochester, New York!), snow tires will be your best option. Winter treads on these tires improve traction by allowing the tire to rid itself of snow as it rolls, giving it a clear bite on the road. Snow tires today are made of new rubber compounds that make them quieter than years ago. This rubber compound also allows them to safely handle in dry, wet and slushy conditions as well.

If you have any other questions about which tires are the best for you, feel free to contact our Service and Parts Professionals at Hoselton Auto Mall. Our experienced and knowledgeable experts will be able to assist you in choosing the correct tires for your vehicle.

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Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Keeping You and Your Family Safe this Winter

Changing weather conditions can quickly alter road conditions. To ensure that you arrive at your destination safely this winter, it’s a good idea to follow some basic safety tips while behind the wheel:

1) “Know Before You Go” by checking road conditions BEFORE you travel.

2) Turn on your lights. This will increase your visibility to other motorists and snowplows. Brush snow from your car could cover your lights.

3) Slow down and drive according to the conditions. Most winter crashes are caused by driving too fast for conditions.

4) Never drive through “white-outs” or “snow fog” caused by cross winds or plowing snow. Wait until you can see a safe distance.

5) Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow fog and any sanding material being spread; snowplow operators will turn off the sander, pull over, or raise the plow for better visibility when it is safe to do so to allow traffic to pass.

6) Be patient. Allow more time to get to your destination. Remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip. Know where the plow is on multi-lane roadways.

7) Be extremely cautious when passing a snowplow. They can be moved sideways by drifts and hard snow pack. Watch for plow trucks on interstate ramps and “authorized vehicle only” cross-overs.

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com