Blog

When it comes to your continued safety, there's no more important car component than your braking system. While it would be nice if your brakes always functioned the way they should, this isn't the reality. Car braking systems can experience problems that may put you at risk. To make sure you have consistent stopping power, it's important to learn some of the red flags that indicate your brakes need professional attention. Here are some of the warning signs that your brakes need to be checked and advice for protecting yourself and your vehicle. Pulling to One Side One of the most noticeable warning signs your brakes need attention is your vehicle drifting to one side or the other when you press on the brake pedal. Whether your vehicle veers right or left while braking, pulling to one side can be a big problem with several possible causes. more In most cases, your car pulling sideways is a result of your brake pads wearing unevenly, although it may also be caused by a brake hose that's collapsed or a jammed brake caliper. Since a vehicle drifting when braking can easily cause an accident, you should visit your local dealership as soon as possible if you're experiencing this issue. Noises From Your Brakes Hearing odd noises when you brake your car is another big warning sign that you need to schedule an inspection right away. Squealing is one of the most common sounds you'll hear when pressing your brake pedal. If you hear this noise, it means your brake pads are almost completely worn and need to be replaced. Grinding is an even more serious sound that shouldn't be ignored. When you brake your car and hear grinding, it means metal braking system parts are contacting each other, usually your rotors and calipers. This can cause serious damage in your braking system and needs professional attention immediately to protect your vehicle. Brake Pedal Vibrations and Other Problems Your brake pedal can sometimes let you know that you need to schedule a service appointment for your system. For instance, if you feel the pedal vibrating, this may mean that your brake rotors have become warped or have worn unevenly. If this has occurred, the effectiveness of your braking system will be limited. Another issue to watch out for is if pressing your brake pedal is too easy. When pressing your pedal, there should be some resistance. If the pedal easily goes all the way to the floor, it means there's an issue with your system. If the brake pedal is too easy to press, it could mean that your car is leaking braking fluid. This problem may also be a result of a faulty hydraulic system or completely worn brake pads. When you press your brake pedal, you want to know that your vehicle will stop quickly and effectively. Fortunately, as long as you watch out for these common warning signs and schedule service from your local dealership, you should easily be able to maintain your car's stopping power.   Check out our service and parts specials at Davis-Moore CDJRF! Photo by Bien Stephenson | Licensed under cc by 2.0

Fewer things are more frustrating or stressful than driving in high traffic areas. To make things worse, one in every four car accidents happen during rush hour traffic. Whether it be because of the volume of vehicles on the road all rushing to get to or from work, or because traffic moves slower causing drivers to become distracted, rush hour is dangerous. Whether you like it or not, most people have to spend time in traffic. Here are five tips to safe, alert, and calm in heavy traffic. Slow Down Traffic slows down automatically when there is a higher volume of cars on the road. Frustration due to slow traffic tempts drivers to either drive faster to avoid a delay or to zigzag between lanes. Weaving between lanes is dangerous as other drivers can't predict what you will do, so they may also change lanes as you approach. Neither of these options will save you much time.  A better option is to drive safely by slowing down, staying in your lane, and proceeding with caution. more Keep a Safe Following Distance Never tailgate the car in front of you. Maintaining at least a three-second buffer between your car and the car in front of you means that you may have enough time to react if the cars in front of you suddenly brake. Unfortunately, you have no control of the cars behind you, but keeping a front buffer will give you a couple of extra seconds to react in case of the unexpected. Indicate Use your indicator or lights to communicate your driving intentions to other drivers. Letting other drivers know what you are doing helps them to prepare what they will do. it also benefits you because drivers will often give you the gap that you need to change lanes. Stay Alert Driving in slow-moving traffic can be very boring, but this is not the time to check your phone. Just because you are moving slower does not make it safer. To text you need to take your eyes off the road for about five seconds; these few seconds are enough to cause a crash. If you need to make a call or text, first pull off the road. Always stay alert, maintaining a general awareness of traffic in front of you and behind you. Check blind spots and watch other drivers. Keep a lookout for road signs, construction works, or weather conditions to prepare yourself for any surprises along the way. Keep Cool It is very hard not to get impatient and angry in traffic. However, losing your cool on the road puts everyone in danger, and it leads to irresponsible and aggressive driving. Remember that anger has dangerous health consequences, such as stress and high blood pressure. Keep calm by taking deep breaths and listening to soothing music or audiobooks. Use these five tips to stay calm and drive safely. Remember that most drivers in high traffic areas face the same feelings of frustration and stress. Photo by pasa47 | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

As a compact crossover SUV, the Jeep Compass is the perfect compromise for drivers who want a slightly smaller vehicle without sacrificing legitimate off-road capability. Here are some of the features that make the 2018 Jeep Compass your ticket to adventure. Five Different Trims Personalize your 2018 Jeep Compass by selecting one of the five available trims. The base Sport model starts at an MSRP of $21,095 and comes with a rear backup camera and 5-inch touchscreen. Next is the Latitude, which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and stylized body sculpting for $24,395. The third trim is the Altitude, which costs $27,090 and sports 18-inch black aluminum wheels and a glossy black roof. more There's also the Trailhawk, the premier off-road model, which starts at an MSRP of $28,795. Finally comes the Limited model, which costs $27,695 and distinguishes itself from the pack with heated leather-trimmed seats and an available panoramic sunroof. Check out our current stock of Compass models to begin selecting your favorite. Comfortable Interior You're going to want to get comfortable for your next adventure, whether it takes place on the highway or on the back-country trails. Fortunately, the 2018 Jeep Compass has got you covered. The SUV's interior is crafted with premium materials, including available heated leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats. Additional stylish options are available with different trims, such as the flashy black-and-red interior stitching in the Trailhawk model. And with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto entertainment systems, you'll have more than enough interactive features to keep the whole family happy on a long road trip. Trail Rated Performance It wouldn't be an adventure without a little off-roading. The 2018 Jeep Compass comes with the manufacturer's coveted Trail Rated badge, which means that the SUV has achieved impressive benchmarks in traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. These features allow the Compass to handle virtually any type of terrain. At the core of the vehicle's performance is its 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Paired with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission, this gives you the power you need to head off-road with total confidence. Another great perk of the engine is that it actually delivers the best highway fuel economy in its class. Safety Features Have fun on your next adventure while knowing that the safety features of the 2018 Jeep Compass are working overtime to keep you and your passengers safe. The SUV is constructed with high-strength steel and a complex air bag system. These passive safety features are augmented by advanced technologies designed to help you avoid an accident in the first place. The Compass comes with lane departure warning software, a forward collision warning system, and active braking technology. Add in the available rear backup camera, and you'll be driving safer than ever before. Get ready for your next exciting adventure by packing up your gear in the new 2018 Jeep Compass. Wherever the road takes you, this robust crossover SUV will be more than capable of getting you there. Photo from Jeep.com

Windshield wipers are something that you might take for granted, but they're an indispensable part of your car's daily operation. We've put together this short list of ways you can keep your windshield wipers in top working order. Look for Wear and Tear Inspect your windshield wipers regularly for signs of excess wear. This might include a broken frame or corroded joint, as well as cracks and tears in the rubber squeegee part of the blade. Run your finger along the edge of the rubber to determine if parts of it have become rounded or chipped, which can have an effect on the wiper's ability to maintain contact with the windshield. If you discover significant damage to the wipers, consider replacing them right away. more Replace Wipers Regularly Even if there's no visible wear on your windshield wipers, you should still replace them regularly. Your personal maintenance schedule might depend on how much you drive or the climate in which you live, but you can still follow general replacement guidelines. Most experts suggest you replace your windshield wipers twice per year: once at the end of summer and again at the end of winter. This allows your wipers to stay in their best condition during the winter when your car might be subject to the stresses of snow, ice, and road salt. Perform Basic Maintenance Keeping your windshield wipers in good condition isn't just about replacing them when they wear out. You should also be maintaining them regularly. Luckily, this is easy to do. Inspect your blades periodically and wipe them with a clean cloth to remove accumulated debris. You can also use a damp cloth with vinegar to make sure they are clean. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, consider applying a rubber-protecting solution to your windshield wipers. This will help to prevent them from becoming damaged in the first place. Use the Right Windshield Washer Fluid You may have come across recipes online for homemade windshield washer fluid. Some drivers in climates that don't experience freezing temperatures are even able to use plain water to keep their windshields clean. But a properly formulated windshield washer fluid contains cleaning solvents designed specifically to remove bugs, dirt, bird droppings, and other accumulated debris. Windshield washer fluid is also much more effective on ice, and using a cheap or homemade substitute can cause your wiper blades to smear your windshield. We recommend using a tried-and-true commercial formula. Use the Right Blades You've probably noticed that windshield wipers are inexpensive, but sometimes saving even a few extra dollars can be tempting. Before opting for off-brand wipers, however, you should make sure that you are choosing a product that's compatible with your car. If your wiper blades aren't exactly the right size, they may be unable to keep the windshield clean. There's more to the topic of windshield wipers than just flicking a switch when you need to use them. By following these simple tips, you can always keep your blades in good condition. Photo by Mr ATM | Licensed under cc BY 2.0