America's Most Deadly Roads: California's Highway 138

California's Highway 138 isn't quite as dangerous as Bolivia's "Death Road" yet it has been given the nickname, "California's death-way" and "Blood Alley" due to the amounts of fatalities reported. In 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported that there were 56 fatalities and 875 injuries on the road over the past five years due to its steep and twisty two-lane road. While improvements have reduced the death toll, it's still not wise to travel "Blood Alley" at night.

Winter Car Care Tip: Getting Unstuck

With winter right around the corner, it's important to have a few winter car care tips handy in case of any weather related mishaps. Many unexpected things can happen to a vehicle while it is out on the road, including getting stuck in the snow, ice, mud, or sand. Since getting stuck makes many people panic, and feel like they are in a sticky situation, we thought we'd share a few tips on how to unstuck your vehicle from the elements.

Patience: Most peoples first reaction to getting their vehicle stuck is panic. Instead of worrying and having your mind race a-mile-a-minute, take a deep breath and try to analyze the situation.

Take your Time: You may  not be in as big of a bind as you think. If your vehicle's wheels aren't buried to the hubs, you may be able to drive out. Turn off your radio and open a window on side to listen for any form of wheel spin. With the engine idling gently apply a little power and see if you can hear the tires move.

• If it Moves: If you hear your tires spin, don't add any more power. Let the car continue as far as possible, using the throttle to avoid any wheel spin. Once your vehicles wheels are out of the hole, slowly bring your car to solid ground before speeding away.
• If it Doesn't Move: If you hear the wheels spin, try using the throttle to "rock" the car. Slowly push the throttle to the point of wheel spin and then let up on the gas the instant they spin. As your vehicle begins to roll back into the holes, press on the gas to coincide with the change in direction. Hopefully your vehicle will rock back and forth enough to regain traction. If you vehicle is automotive you will need to shift between forward and reverse, using the brakes to keep from slipped backwards.

Winter Car Care Tips: Use Winter Grade Oil

As the nights become longer and the days become shorter, it is important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the changes in weather. To make sure your vehicle is up to snuff once the temperature drops be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicles owner manual. One item that may not be on that list is the importance of using winter grade oil instead of synthetic.


Winter grade oil has a different viscosity grade then regular synthetic oil. As the temperature drops, the colder the oil in your vehicle gets the thicker it will become. Using a thinner winter oil will circulate better at star-up and cause less potential for problems.