How to Remove Automotive Stains From Your Driveway or Garage

Whether your car sprung a leak or you spilled gasoline while filling up the lawn mower or snow blower, it can be easy for your driveway to end up with a few stains. Oil, transmission fluid and gasoline can leave behind spots that make your driveway or garage floor look greasy or discolored.

Regardless of whether a spot is new or old, follow these steps to help remove automotive stains from your paved driveway or uncoated concrete garage floor.

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How to Remove Oil Stains

Oil can leave a dark stain on pavement, but you may be able to clean even stubborn spots out of your driveway. Good Housekeeping suggests following these steps to get oil stains out of your driveway or garage floor:

1. If the spill is still wet, cover the stain with clay cat litter, sand, cornmeal, cornstarch or baking soda. This will help absorb the oil before it soaks into the cement.
2. Once the spill has dried, sweep up the absorbent material. Then, wet the stain with water. If it’s a set-in stain, start the removal process by spraying the stain with water.
3. Use a stiff brush, such as a broom, and scrub the area with a paste made of baking soda and water.
4. Use a hose to rinse the pavement clean. Let it air dry.

Some other possible solutions include:

• Covering the stain with spray lubricant and then rinsing with water, says Reader’s Digest.
• Putting a paste of powdered laundry detergent and water on the stain, says BobVila.com. After letting it sit, scrub it with a broom or brush and rinse the spot off with water.
• Scrubbing the stain with a grease-cutting dish detergent and a stiff broom, according to BobVila.com.
• Spraying the oil spot with a microbial stain remover, says The Spruce. This type of stain remover is biodegradable, and you can later clean the area with soap and water.

How to Remove Transmission Fluid Stains

Transmission fluid spills or leaks may leave a bright red stain on light-colored concrete. Here are some suggested steps for removing the stain from Reader’s Digest:

1. Spray the stain with oven cleaner and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Use a stiff brush to scrub the spot. Then, rinse with a hose at its highest pressure.
3. If the stain is still there, repeat the process.

How to Remove Gasoline Stains

Spilled gasoline not only leaves stains on your paved driveway, but it will likely leave an odor you’ll want to neutralize. BobVila.com recommends the following tips for cleaning a gasoline spill and removing the resulting stain:

• For a fresh spill:
  1. Cover spill with an absorbent material, such as cat litter. Wait a few hours for it to soak up the gasoline.
  2. Scoop up the soiled litter or absorbent material, and sweep the area. (Talk to your local fire department or local waste management about how to properly dispose of the soaked material.)
• Once you’ve cleaned the spill:
  1. Mix a moisture absorbent powder, such as cornstarch or diatomaceous earth (which can typically be found at home improvement and pool supply stores) into a liquid trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner to create a thick paste. (Be sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves while using TSP.)
  2. Spread the paste over the stain and use a stiff brush to work it into the concrete.
  3. Spread another thin layer of paste over the stain. Wait until it dries fully.
  4. Scrape off the dried paste with a putty knife, and then rinse the area with a hose.
  5. For older or stubborn stains, repeat this process.

Spills happen, but they don’t have to leave a permanent reminder on your driveway or garage floor. These simple tips may help you get most automotive stains out of your pavement or cement flooring.

Originally published on September 15, 2017.

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4 Great Stops on a Southern Road Trip

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing summer vacation along the beach or a more rugged vacation outdoors, the South offers plenty of options. From blues music to pristine beaches, it’s a region that offers entertainment for the whole family. As you start making vacation plans, consider these stops on a Southern road trip.

The Great River Road – Mississippi

Following the course of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road starts far north in Minnesota and ends at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. There are countless stop you could make along the way, including attractions in Mississippi where you’ll find yourself immersed in the history, culture and traditions of the area. Make a stop at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola to learn not just about the life and career of the renown musician, but also about the roots of the blues and how it spread throughout the nation.

You may also want to consider stopping at Vicksburg National Military Park. a significant Confederate stronghold where John C. Pemberton surrendered, giving the Union control of the Mississippi River during the Civil War. History buffs will also love the U.S.S. Cairo Museum, which displays a recovered Union gunboat from the Civil War and a number of artifacts that were on board.

Finish your journey through Mississippi at the Rosemont Plantation near Woodville. Once home to Jefferson Davis and five generations of the family, Rosemont is now open for tours.

Overseas Highway – Florida

If you’d like to spend some near the ocean this summer, consider taking the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys. Also called “The Highway That Goes to the Sea,” this southernmost stretch of U.S. Route 1 goes from Miami to Key West, says TripSavvy. You can make the trip in just a few hours, but there are a number of attractions along the way that may be worth a stop.

For instance, the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center in Tavernier is home to more than 40 different species of birds that have been rescued and rehabilitated. Walk along the center’s boardwalk to admire the wild life and great view of the bay. If you want an even better view of the ocean, consider going to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. There, you can see Florida’s coral reef during a glass-bottom boat tour, or you can get a close-up view of the sea life by snorkeling or scuba diving.

You may also want to visit the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key where you can spend a day with the center’s family of dolphins, sea lions and tropical birds. Watch educational presentations, let the kids run through the sprayground or experience one of the center’s “hands-on” sessions.

James River along Route 5 – Virginia

As the state capital of Virginia, Richmond shares a deep connection with our nation’s roots. The Virginia Tourism Corporation notes the city’s early days as a small colonial town and that Richmond was where Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give Me Liberty” speech at St. John’s Church.

Next, hop on U.S. Route 5 and follow it along the James River to discover attractions such as the Virginia State Capitol, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson, and the Tuckahoe Plantation, Jefferson’s childhood home. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, enjoy some time and the views on the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail that runs along the Route 5 corridor between Richmond and Williamsburg.

Central Texas Getaway – Texas

From the beauty of rolling hills covered in wildflowers to the hustle and bustle of Austin, Central Texas has a lot to offer. Start your trip in Hill Country, where TravelTexas.com says you can view more than 5,000 different kinds of wildflowers. Or head to San Marcos, where you can explore Spring Lake by glass-bottom boat, kayak or stand-up paddle board or hike the trails at Spring Lake Natural Area. Or, you can take a walking tour of Fredricksburg’s historic district, which showcases the rich history of the town originally founded in 1846 by German settlers. Don’t forget to head over the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin one evening, where on summer nights you can see the world’s largest urban bat colony. And, while you’re making your way around Texas, make sure you stop to get a taste of some famous Texas-style barbecue.

Whether one of these regions is your destination or you’re just passing through, Southern states offer a number attractions you can visit during a road trip. From learning more about the nation’s history to having some fun in the sun, a few stops along the way may make your summer vacation even more memorable.

Originally posted on May 3, 2011.

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How to Survive a Winter Night in Your Car

Winter storms can be unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous — especially if you’re driving. Before you hit the road this winter, here are a few tips on how to prepare for inclement weather and what to do if you need to survive a night in your car.

Know the Risk

In general, it’s best to stay off the road when severe winter weather is predicted. It may sound harrowing, but about 70 percent of winter weather-related injuries occur in an automobile, and about 25 percent of injuries happen to people caught out in a storm, National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) reports. According to Ready.gov, the cold of a winter storm can increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Combating the rain, snow, wind and ice could lead to overexertion from shoveling snow and car accidents due to dangerous driving conditions.

In addition to paying attention to weather reports on TV, radio and the internet, Ready.gov suggests making sure your cellphone is set up to receive wireless emergency alerts. Weather alerts, which are part of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, are similar to text messages and notify you of serious weather conditions and recommended actions. You can also tune into your local NOAA Weather Radio station for continuous weather broadcasts, official watches, warnings and more.

Be Prepared

It’s generally a good idea to winterize your car every year before winter weather rolls around. A tune up, properly inflated tires, new windshield wiper blades and topped-off fluids may help prepare your car for the lower temperatures and help it better handle inclement weather. And it’s a good idea to keep a fully stocked winter emergency kit in your car, just in case. Some items to include are:

• First aid kit
• Essential medications
• Flares or reflectors to signal for help and warn other drivers
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Cellphone and portable charger
• Jumper cables
• Snow and ice scraper
• Snow brush
• Survival blanket or sleeping bag
• Tire chains and/or tow straps
• Extra set of winter clothes
• Snow shovel
• Non-clumping kitty litter or sand for traction

However, an emergency kit and winterizing your vehicle don’t guarantee safety in a storm. If your area is under a winter storm warning, it is best to stay off the road. If you’re already on the road, seek shelter right away if inclement weather is approaching and driving conditions are expected to be hazardous. You may also want to share information about your trip before you leave. Tell a friend or family member your destination, your planned route and when you expect to arrive, recommends the American Red Cross. That way, if your vehicle gets stuck, they will know where to tell the authorities to send help.

If You Become Stranded

If you’re stuck in your car and immobile, you’ll typically have a better chance of being found if you remain with your car — which may also provide the best shelter from the elements. Here are some important tips to help you survive the night.

Call for Help

Even if you’re unsure if the situation is a true emergency, 911.gov recommends dialing 911.

Stay in Your Vehicle

After you’ve called for help, stay in your vehicle and wait, says the Red Cross. Do not leave the car, as blowing snow may cause you to become disoriented and lost.

Make Your Car as Visible as Possible

While you wait for help or wait out the storm, the American Red Cross suggests signaling that you need help. For example, raise the hood after the snow stops falling or, if you have a radio antenna, add a piece of colored fabric, preferably red, to it. Weather.com recommends turning on your hazard lights, and you may also want to set out reflectors from your emergency kit.

Concentrate on Keeping Warm

Inside the car, do light exercises — such as moving your arms and legs, and clapping your hands — to maintain circulation. If another person is in the car with you, huddle for warmth. Use extra layers, such as removable floor mats or even a paper map, to help trap more body heat, the American Red Cross advises.

You can also run the engine for about 10 minutes every house to keep warm, says the Red Cross. Only run the engine for short amounts of time and ensure that the exhaust pipe is clear of snow to help reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

This will help you avoid dehydration, which makes you more susceptible to the potential health hazards of cold weather, according to the American Red Cross. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends keeping a gallon of water in your vehicle.

Hopefully you stay safe and warm during a winter storm, but it’s always a good idea to be ready, just in case. With these tips, you can better prepare for handling a winter storm and surviving a cold night in your car.

Originally published on November 3, 2016.

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Don’t Let Road Gators Bite: Tips for Avoiding Tire Debris

Blown-out tire treads lying on the road are known in the trucking industry as “road gators.” When you’re driving down the highway, the textured rubber of a tire tread lying flat in your lane can almost look like the ridges and scales on the back of an alligator lying in wait. Road gators can happen at any time, especially on interstates where the speed limit is 70 or 75 mph. Most motorists notice road gators safely sunning themselves on highway shoulders but sometimes, they end up in the travel lane, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out so you can avoid them.

A road gator’s bite may surpass that of a its namesake, slicing open oil pans, ripping off steering components, smashing through windshields and causing panicked drivers to lose control of their vehicles, attempting to avoid the beasts.

Here’s some information on why road gators occur and what steps to take if a vehicle loses its tire tread in front of you on the highway.

Don’t Be a Gator Creator

Low tire pressure causes a majority of tire failures, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Another cause is damage from smacking curbs, potholes and road hazards. To help avoid creating baby road gators, the NHTSA suggests that drivers check tire pressure with a quality tire gauge before every trip, never exceed the weight limit of the vehicle or its tires, avoid road hazards and regularly inspect tires for cuts or other damage.

Driving any distance on a flat or severely underinflated tire may severely damage the tire. For vehicles with tires in pairs — heavy trucks, recreational vehicles, dually pickups — continuing to drive with one flat tire may cause damage to its mate: Tires are paired to help expand load-carry capability, not for extended mobility.

Summer is known as prime road gator season because heat can be one of a tire’s biggest enemies. Underinflation, high speeds and uneven highways can combine to increase heat in a tire. Overheating breaks down the tire’s internal components — both fabric and the bonds between different layers and types of rubber. Soon, another road gator will be born.

Gator-Dodging Techniques

Here’s what passenger vehicle drivers can do to help avoid road gators.

• Keep Your Distance on the Road: To help increase your reaction time while on the road, stay 3 to 5 seconds behind the driver or truck in front of you, and never tailgate, according to the National Safety Council. Scan the roadways for debris so that you have time to react. Look far ahead and notice what you see. Increasingly larger bits of rubber laying on the freeway may mean a truck tire just shed its tread and a road gator may be in your lane. A big rig sitting alongside the road a half-mile ahead is an extra hint.
• Look for Brake Lights and Swerving: If you notice a rash of brake lights and swerving cars ahead, slow down.
• Reduce Your Speed: If you find a road gator in your lane, reduce your speed before attempting an evasive maneuver. Swerving at highway speeds to avoid road debris is too dangerous and should be avoided when possible.
• Stay Calm: Hitting a road gator may spoil your day, but panicked, aggressive steering can be a lot worse. Keeping control of your car is key.
• Respect Big Rigs: Never cruise alongside a big rig as it may not be safe due to their large blind spots, longer stopping distances and limited maneuverability, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is especially true if you hear the early cries of a road gator. An uneven howl or continuous “whap-whap-whap” may mean a tire is soon to shed its tread, in which case you’ll want to safely move away from the large truck.
• The Shoulder May Be Your Friend: If you need to swerve around a road gator, the shoulders of many interstates offer adequate traction if — and this is a big “IF” — you can keep two tires in the traffic lane. If you spot a road gator, keep calm and smoothly drive toward the shoulder. The shoulder may be dirty and slippery — and it’s where old road gators live — so make a slow, smooth turn back onto the freeway. Also — you don’t need to miss a road gator by 3 feet; 3 inches are plenty, so don’t swerve more than you need to. A little cautious steering goes a long way at highway speeds.

Seeing road gators is part of highway driving these days, but remember that they can be dangerous if they are in your driving path. If you can spot them early and learn how to safely maneuver around them, you may help prevent an accident or vehicle damage. Remember these tips to help avoid road gators so that you get to your destination safely.

Originally published on June 19, 2014.

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