For Seniors, The Age of Your Car is as Important as the Mileage

 

Many seniors may only put a few thousand miles per year on their cars, some even less.  Low mileage on your car can give you a false sense of security, when it comes to preventive vehicle maintenance. The fact is that time is equally important as the mileage is when determining needed maintenance.

Good mechanics will factor in both time and mileage and will recommend services based more on time than mileage in some circumstances.  For instance, under normal conditions the antifreeze may have a factory recommended interval service of 50,000 miles.  However, if you are driving a 2002 Toyota with 20,000 miles on the odometer, your mechanic may recommend flushing and replacing the antifreeze, more because of time than mileage.

Other items of concern due to time are tires, belts, hoses, filters, and other fluids.  Other components, such as the brake system can also be affected when a vehicle is not used often.  To insure your safety and the safety of others on the road, speak to you service professional about preventive maintenance. Remember, it’s not always the mileage, time is also a factor.

Seniors: Winter Driving and Safety Information

Drivers of All Ages Need to be Prepared for Winter Driving Conditions

While Older Driver Safety Awareness Week just wrapped up, it's still important to think about the concerns of seniors behind the wheel, especially as driving conditions become more treacherous for all drivers as winter sets in.

Today’s seniors are not much different than any other age group when it comes to their cars. Winter weather may be an inconvenience but everyone needs their car to get around. Your car is more than a luxury, it’s a necessity. More and more seniors are remaining active and consider their car an important part of lifestyle. Yet, no matter how active and healthy you stay your driving skills will change as you age.  However, this doesn’t need to stand in the way of safe, enjoyable winter driving.

Senior drivers should follow vehicle safety practices, and take some extra precautions designed to compensate for their changing driving abilities. Also, vehicle maintenance is even more important in the winter, when frigid temperatures could turn a break down into a life-threatening situation.   Plan and prepare before you head out during the winter.

Winter driving experts agree; don’t drive in bad weather if you can avoid it. But if driving in bad weather is absolutely necessary, make sure you plan, notify friends and family where you are going, ensure your tires and car is in top shape, take your cell phone, a blanket, bottled water, a flashlight and an emergency kit. These items should be kept in your car at all times.  You should always have emergency contact numbers with you and a road side assistance plan.  If possible, take a friend along with you.