10 Things Moms Should Keep in Mind in the Car
Compiled especially for Rochester-area moms by the folks at Ralph Honda
10 Important Tips for Car Comfort and Safety
1. Do not solely rely on motion devices when backing up.
In bigger cars, roll down your windows while backing out of the driveway or parking space so you’re able to hear what’s happening outside around the vehicle
2. Activate the power window lock switch when available
. Children can harm themselves if they play with the windows, so it's important to remove that temptation if possible. Check that heads, feet, and hands are clear from the windows before rolling them up.
3. Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open.
Vehicles heat up quickly and children’s bodies overheat easily.
(See more tips below.)
4. Not all car safety seats fit properly in all vehicles
Be sure your car seats do not move side to side or toward the front of the car. Pull the seat belt tight when installing; kneel in the seat to press it down and get out all the slack.
5. Find a gas station you can trust.
Ask if the gas is filtered at the pump and if the station has a policy about changing the filters regularly. If they give you the run-around choose a new gas station. Some stations don't have pump filters making you and your car more vulnerable to dirty gasoline. Some stations even mix the alcohol and fuel properly or even water down their product. Also, if you see the tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go a different station—the turbulence can stir up sediment, which can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.
6. Don't skimp on maintenance.
Call around for the best prices, but your car's performance and families safety depends on the care you put into your car.
7. If your child gets car sick easily...
- Advise them to take deep breaths through the mouth
- Have them stick their hand out the window, even just the finger tips
- Have some lollipops, queasy pops, or peppermints on hand
- Apply a cool cloth on their face or the back of the neck
8. Pack the car the night before a long car trip so you get behind the wheel relaxed and rested.
Packing the night before also gives you time to think about what you packed so you don’t forget anything. If you have young kids, leave early in the morning if possible, while they are still in their PJ’s and sleeping: It will make a quieter first few hours of driving.
9. Consolidate your short driving trips.
Most of the wear and tear—as well as the pollution your car generates—takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer.
10. Check online for child safety seat inspections going on around you
Ensure your family's safety by taking advantage of child safety seat inspections. The Monroe County Sheriff does them by appointment: Call 585-753-4516 to schedule one!
This article has been brought to you by Ralph Honda in Greece, NY. Nearly 80 years ago, Andy Ralph began selling cars on West Main Street in Rochester. Four years later, he became a Pontiac dealer, and the rest is history. Now in its third generation, the company includes Mike Ralph, Sr., his son Steven, his brother Tom, and his nephew Zac, making the company a true Rochester family affair.
The Ralphs believe giving back to the community is an important part of doing business. They have been long time supporters of high school sports, sponsoring Section V basketball and hockey, various youth leagues and Senior night at the Greece high schools.
Now they want to help Rochester families with monthly safety tips and hints that will make every trip enjoyable. Look for more car safety articles from them soon! For more information about Ralph Honda or to check out their special deals on maintenance or inventory, visit RalphDoneRight.com.