Quattro too.....

[Jim Griffin <JGriff@pobox.com>]

One thing they forgot.... they should recommend buying/driving a quattro!!

Oh well, it is good advice nonetheless.

   LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 1996--As a major rainstorm  
splashes through the Southland this week, motorists can anticipate 
that decreased visibility and slippery roads will make driving 
hazardous even at moderate speeds, according to the Automobile Club 
of Southern California. 
   "Wet weather driving requires added care and attention," said Steve  
Mazor, principal automotive engineer for the Auto Club.  "Reduced 
visibility and slick surfaces means that motorists will need to 
modify their normal dry weather driving habits." 
   The Auto Club offers the following tips to assist motorists with wet  
weather driving: 

   -- Allow extra following distance between cars.  A car needs two to  
three times more stopping distance on wet pavement, so it is 
important to drive slowly and allow extra following distance.  It is 
a dangerous and frightening experience to go into a skid and lose 
control of a car.  If this situation happens, do not slam on the 
brakes.  Instead, apply the brakes with a steady, light but firm 
pressure.  When traction is regained, steering control will return. 
If a car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system, the opposite 
advice applies.  With anti-lock brakes, a driver should apply heavy 
steady pressure to the brakes which will allow the braking system to 
function properly. 

   -- Use the center lanes.  When driving during heavy rain, use  
center lanes of the road (without straddling the yellow line).  Avoid 
outside lanes where water collects at curbside. 

   -- Drive slowly and steadily through a puddle.  Any sudden changes  
in speed may push or splash water into the engine and stop it. 

   -- Check brakes periodically.  Driving through puddles may get the  
brakes wet.  At the most opportune time after exiting a puddle and 
when it is safe to do so, check the brakes by tapping them a few 
times. 

   -- Use headlights and windshield defroster.  Visibility is a serious  
problem when driving in the rain.  The Auto Club recommends that 
motorists turn on the vehicle's headlights so they can see and be 
seen, and run the defroster to keep the inside of the windshield 
clear of moisture. 

   -- Check that tires are in good condition and are at the recommended  
inflation level.  Driving with smooth tires on a slippery road 
surface is a major factor in skidding.  Tires should have at least 
1/32nd of an inch tread depth at any two adjacent grooves, the 
minimum allowable by law.  Driving on tires that are overinflated or 
underinflated is also extremely dangerous on wet pavement. 

   -- Make sure the windshield wipers are in good condition.  Streaks  
or skipping on the vehicle's windshield are telltale signs of worn 
wiper blades.  Inspect the car's wipers once a month and check that 
the washer solvent reservoir is full. 

   -- Stay informed.  Tune into radio and television weather reports to  
know where flood warning areas or traffic congestion might be 
located.  If possible, avoid these areas. 

   The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of  
the American Automobile Association, has been serving members since 
1900.  Today, the Auto Club's 4.3 million members benefit by the 
organization's emergency road service, public safety programs, travel 
planning, highway and transportation safety programs, automotive 
testing and analysis, automobile and homeowners insurance and 
legislative advocacy. 
--	 
                             Jim Griffin
                      JGriff@pobox.com
                        Maryland, USA
"Perception is often stronger than reality!"
                               '92 100S
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~OOOO~~~~~~~~~~~~~~