Steer Right In Chesapeake
Virtually all vehicles come with power steering so many Chesapeake drivers have never driven a car or truck without it. Power steering assists you when you turn your van steering wheel. Without it, it would be very hard to steer.
Now this power assist comes in a couple of forms. In recent years, a lot of Chesapeake vehicles have an electric motor that reduces steering effort and helps improve fuel efficiency.
The other kind of power steering is hydraulic. This is the kind most older Virginia vehicles, and a lot of newer ones, have. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a pump and is used to assist steering. Of course, Chesapeake car owners need the right amount of fluid in the system. If it’s too low your steering is affected and you could damage your van pump.
Also, power steering fluid can become corrosive over time and damage the pump, hoses and connectors; leading to leaks and repairs. Power steering service at West Service Center, Inc. in Chesapeake includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.
A word for Chesapeake motorists about power steering pumps: Some are powered by an electric motor. Others are driven by the serpentine belt. A worn serpentine belt stresses all of the van components it drives, including the power steering pump, so replace the belt at West Service Center, Inc. as advised to avoid undue repairs.
Losing your power steering while driving in Chesapeake can be unsettling – just remember that you can still steer, it’ll just be harder. Check with your honest West Service Center, Inc. service professional to see if it’s time to service your van power steering system.
In addition to power steering service, at West Service Center, Inc. we offer comprehensive automotive services including brakes, fuel system cleaning and alternator replacement.
Give us a call
West Service Center, Inc.
757-487-4420
904 Cavalier Blvd
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
Defensive Driving In Chesapeake Virginia
There was a man in Chesapeake who learned that most car accidents occur within a mile of home – so he moved. (Just Kidding!)
When we think of defensive driving, we often focus on our local Virginia highway situations. The fact of the matter is we need to be just as careful close to home in Chesapeake, because that’s where we do most of our driving. We can’t let our familiar surroundings keep us from driving defensively.
Defensive driving begins with the proper attitude. Have in mind that you won’t let anyone take your safety away from you. You’ll be aware of your surroundings, road conditions, other vehicles and hazards. And the first person to be concerned with is you: start with your own environment.
Don’t leave without securing all occupants including children and pets. Watch for loose items that can become projectiles during evasive maneuvers.
Driving too fast or too slow increases the chance of an accident.
Never drive impaired: Alcohol is a factor in half of all fatal crashes. Never drink and drive.
Other impairments include being sleepy, angry, daydreaming or talking. If you suddenly wonder how you got where you are – you’re not paying enough attention.
Keep your windows clean and uncluttered. No fuzzy dice and stickers.
Keep your car in good shape so that it handles properly: Maintain tires, lights, brakes, suspension, wheel alignment and steering.
Always use your turn signals while driving around Chesapeake Virginia. Avoid other vehicles’ blind spots.
Don’t drive faster than your headlights – if you can’t stop within the distance you can see, you’re going too fast.
Avoid driving over debris in the road. Even harmless looking items can cause damage or an accident.
Keep your wheels straight when waiting to turn at an Chesapeake Virginia intersection. That way if you’re hit from behind, your car won’t be pushed into on-coming traffic.
My daddy always said that when you drive, you’re actually driving five cars: yours, the one in front, the one behind and the ones on either side. You can’t trust that other drivers will do the right thing, so you’ve got to be aware of what they’re doing at all times.
If you see another car driving erratically, weaving, crossing lanes, etc., stay back. Take the next right turn if you’re downtown Chesapeake, or take the next exit on the Virginia highway. Notify the police if you see someone driving dangerously in our Chesapeake community.
Never follow too close. The minimum distance is the two second rule. Pick a landmark ahead, like a tree or road marker. When the car in front of you passes it, start counting: ‘one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand’. If you pass the landmark before reaching two-one-thousand, you’re following too close.
Remember that the two second rule is the minimum – it assumes you’re alert and aware. Three seconds is safer. Move out to five seconds or more if it’s foggy or rainy.
Someone will inevitably move into your forward safety zone – just drop back and keep a safe distance.
If someone follows you too closely, just move over.
Don’t play chicken by contesting your right of way or race to beat someone to a merge. Whoever loses that contest has the potential to lose big and you don’t want any part of that. So stay alert, constantly scan around your car and arrive safely.
West Service Center, Inc.
904 Cavalier Blvd
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323
757-487-4420