Underinflated, damage or worn tires are the major causes of tire blowouts. Providing routine inspections helps prevent the problem, which could lead to a serious disaster while driving down the road. Start by checking the inflation of cool tires monthly. The appropriate pressure is generally listed on the sidewall. Evaluate the tread of each tire by inserting an upside-down penny between the tread. You should not be able to see most of Lincoln's head. Also look to see if the tires are wearing evenly.

Regardless of the type of car you drive, keeping a few items on hand can help you deal with a flat tire, dead battery, or other small issues so that you can keep rolling at get back to safety. At Subaru of Clear Lake, we can help you create a customized emergency kit that's right for your driving needs.

A basic kit should always contain a set of jumper cables. Batteries can be discharged due to lights being left on, a faulty alternator, or a variety of other reasons. Cables are an easy way to get back on the…

Take the time to go through this safety checklist for towing a vehicle and you will be less likely to experience trouble on the roads.

• Even after you adjust the mirrors to be able to see around the towed vehicle, it couldn't hurt to buy the stick-on wide view mirrors to apply to your existing mirrors for a wider range of vision.
• Be sure that the weight in the back is adequately distributed so nothing happens around turns.

You are sitting on the side of the highway frustrated and irritable as other cars zoom by. No, your car hasn't broken down or gotten a flat tire; it simply started raining and you found out the hard way that your windshield wipers were barely functional.

Windshield wipers take an enormous amount of abuse. 

Maintaining your vehicle’s belts and hoses is an essential part of safety and car ownership. Keeping them in good working condition will extend the longevity of your car, save you an inconvenience and possibly help you avoid costly damage to your vehicle.

Your hoses carry all the fluids in your car, like gasoline, hydraulic fluid and crucial engine coolant. 

As cars age, they have some common issues. One of those is with gaskets. The gasket is responsible for sealing the engine block and cylinder. The gasket is a small sheet of metal with holes bored into the center that go around the pistons. Once the seal is made, air can be compressed successfully by your engine's combustion chamber. 

The amount of air pressure in you tires is important. In fact, it's so important that newer vehicles now come with a system that monitors the pressure in your tires and alerts you on your dashboard when the pressure is too high or too low. But do you know what happens when your tires are over-inflated or under-inflated?

When your tires are over-inflated, you are at increased risk of having a blowout. 

If you are driving along the road and suddenly you notice that there is something going on with your vehicle's tires, you may have a flat. It is important for you to know how to change out that flat.

If you have a flat tire, you first need to find a safe place to park your vehicle. Get it off the roadway as much as you safely can. You need to refer to the vehicle's owner's manual to find the tools that you will need for the job, and you can also use that manual to know…

Hydroplaning occurs when your car slides on the road because of wet conditions. If your tires are worn or not inflated to proper levels, hydroplaning is more likely to occur. When the road is getting soaked with rain, it's important to drive more carefully to avoid hydroplaning.

Your car displaces water as you are driving down the road. Following the tracks of the car ahead of you can make it easier for your car to avoid hydroplaning. In addition, drive more slowly so that your tires get a better grip on the road. If your car is damaged by…

Regardless of when, where or how it happens, a roadside emergency is going to be inconvenient and possibly costly. However, being prepared can make it easier to get through. We at Subaru of Clear Lake can offer tips on what to do in emergency situations. We also carry many roadside emergency supplies in our shop.

If you find yourself in an emergency while out and about, the important thing is to get your vehicle as far on the side of the road as possible. Stay locked inside your vehicle until law enforcement or someone you know comes to help. Do…