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Vol 3 Issue 17

Lubbock AvALAnche-JouRnAL710 Ave. J, Po boX 491

Lubbock, TX 79408806-762-8844

DRive.LubbockonLine.coM

Steve BeaSley PubLisheR

(806) 766-8610

Cody HutCHiSon DRive cooRDinAToR/DesigneR

(806) 766-8687

Randi MitCHell ADveRTising sALes consuLTAnT

(806) 766-8657FREE

»Follow DRIVE LUBBOCK on »Visit our mobile site m.drive.lubbockonline.com

Reaching the LaRgest automotive audience in the south PLains

DRIVE.LUBBOCKONLINE.COMV3I17 SEPTEMBER 7, 2012

Cars » Motorcycles » RVs » Boats » ATVS » Coupons

Findthe BesttaiLgating RigWith dRive

cover Design bycody hutchison

Photography byMisty setzler

Photo taken atJones AT&T stadium

Wreck ‘emTech

46

In This Issue

5 steps to avoid engine overheating

Tips for Motorcycle Beginners

3578

Camper Coaches

Mears Mazda Volvo

Damron Motorcycle Co.

Pharr RVs

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It is a common sight many an automo-

bile owner is all to familiar with: A car

is stranded on the side of the road with

the hood open and smoke billowing out

as an exasperated driver looks on shak-

ing his or her head.

An overheated engine can render a car

useless in a matter of minutes. A vehicle

is propelled by an engine that ignites

gasoline and causes controlled explo-

sions within. An engine can produce

quite a lot of heat. Compound this with

external temperatures and an overheat-

ed engine may occur. Other mechanical

factors can also cause an engine to over-

heat. These include a faulty thermostat

to regulate coolant supply to the engine

and even an inoperable radiator fan.

Experts say an average car engine is

designed to operate within 195 to 220 F.

Anything above that could cause engine

failure. Overheating can cause a lot of

damage to a car. It may damage and

burn holes in the parts. Rings, pistons

or rod bearings may become impaired,

or one can blow a head gasket. Coolant

is designed to protect an engine to a

point, but it can also become compro-

mised under high heat. Boiling coolant

may cause the radiator and hoses to

burst.

The best way to avoid engine and

vehicle trouble due to overheating is

to prevent an engine from becoming

overheated in the first place. Here are

strategies to employ.

1Ensure that coolant levels are main-

tained and there are no leaks that

would cause coolant to drip out. Be sure

the right coolant is being used for the

particular vehicle.

2Dirty, inadequate motor oil cannot

dissipate heat as well as clean oil.

Check the oil level and viscosity. Change

the oil before a long trip or if it looks

past its prime.

3 Confirm radiator hoses are in good

working order and do not look

worn out.

4 Have a mechanic check that a radia-

tor fan is working and that there is

adequate air flow through the radiator.

5 Be aware of engine temperature by

watching the gauge on the dash-

board.

If an engine seems like it’s about to

overheat, here are some steps to take.

* Slow down, and pull into the right

lane. Turn on the heat in the car and

open the windows. This may draw heat

5 steps to avoid engine overheating

out of the engine block, while maintain-

ing a slow pace can continue to draw air

over the engine.

* Pull over and open the hood to allow

the engine to cool.

* Top off the radiator with coolant. Wa-

ter can also work in a pinch.

* Take frequent breaks during long road

trips to allow the engine to cool down

for at least 15 minutes.

* Be sure to clear the radiator from

obstructions, including leaves or insects

that may have collected.

Men and women without auto main-

tenance experience should not touch

anything under the hood. Consult with

a mechanic to determine engine over-

heating causes.

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Tips for Motorcycle BeginnersMen and women who ride motorcycles

often insist there’s nothing quite like

riding.

Riding a motorcycle not only can be

exhilarating and provide a feeling

unlike any other, but it also requires

patience and discipline for beginners

and veteran riders alike.

Riding a motorcycle carries a certain

stigma of being dangerous, but that’s

only the case for inattentive riders who

forget their responsibilities while on

the road. The following are some tips

that beginners can put to use when

hitting the open road.

Gear up & stay geared up.

Beginners often don’t have a problem

gearing up, as many are understand-

ably nervous and therefore less likely

to leave necessary equipment in the

garage. Always wear a helmet, motor-

cycle jacket, riding gloves, riding boots

and motorcycle pants when riding.

Many riders fall into the trap of wearing

less gear once they become more ac-

climated to their bike. But gear should

be worn whether you have been riding

for 50 days or 50 years.

Prepare, prepare, prepare.

There’s no such thing as too much

preparation when riding a motorcycle.

Motorcycle training guides are valu-

able tools of information for beginners.

These instructional videos or read-

ing materials provide insight into all

aspects of riding a motorcycle, and no

beginner should get on a motorcycle

without first watching or reading a mo-

torcycle training guide.

Practice away from other motorists.

Don’t start riding on a freeway until

you have grown accustomed to riding

the bike at slow practice speeds you’ve

honed away from other motorists.

Empty parking lots make ideal training

grounds. Once you feel comfortable in

the parking lot, gradually move to roads

without heavy traffic, such as residen-

tial neighborhoods. Once you’re truly

comfortable on the bike, then you can

hit the highway.

Go to class.

A motorcycle safety course might be a

requirement in some areas but not re-

quired in others. Regardless of whether

or not it’s required, take the class any-

way. Such classes might cost a few hun-

dred dollars, but their value far exceeds

that cost. A safety course prepares riders

for anything they might encounter on

the road. Just be sure to enroll in a class

that teaches accident evasion.

Get the right size.

Some riders envision themselves at

the helm of a big hog, while others see

themselves tooling down the highway

on an ultra-light bike. But don’t go to

extremes in either direction, at least

not with your first motorcycle. A heavy

bike might be more stable, but it’s also

harder to control. A lighter bike might

feel easier to control, but it’s best to

wait until you have had a year or two of

experience before buying bikes often

referred to as “crotch rockets,” which are

sporty and fast.

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