Thom's Four Wheel Drive

The best way to survive a skid on a snowy road is to avoid getting in one. Most of this article will be about how to remain in control when you're driving on snow- and ice-plagued highways. That's because teaching drivers to successfully deal with a sliding car can't be done with words. Developing those skills demands many hours behind the wheel. If you don't (or can't) avoid a skid and your car starts sliding or spinning, and you're not already a near expert, nothing I can say will help. Humans do not rise to the occasion. Rather, we fall to our level of training and ... read more

With winter weather popping up in many parts of the country, it's time to start taking steps to make sure that your car is prepared for colder temperatures. Getting stranded or having an accident in cold, wintry weather can be dangerous for everyone involved, so here are five key ways to minimize your chances of a breakdown or an accident this winter. Air up your tires to the maximum recommended pressure. One of the most common breakdowns, particularly in early winter, i ... read more

The holiday spirit hangs in the air this time of year, filling shoppers with feelings of good will and generosity—when they’re not busy fighting for bargains. It also brings out a spike in crime, as bad guys prey on distracted shoppers who make their work all too easy. “We see a definite rise in crime around the holidays,” says Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Williams of the New Jersey State Police. “People leave packages in vehicles, and criminals know it’s that time of year. They’re just looking for something they can grab.” By taking a few simple prec ... read more

The last thing any driver needs is to break down in cold, harsh winter weather. A vehicle check now before winter arrives is a sensible way to be car care aware and avoid the inconvenience of being stranded out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs, says the Car Care Council. “Winterizing your vehicle before the temperatures drop is a wise idea,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “An investment of an hour or two to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle of car trouble ... read more

The weather’s cooling and bears are heading for their comfy hibernation caves. But not us; we’re gearing up for the busiest travel days of the year: Thanksgiving weekend. And that means it’s time to get your car ready for colder weather and more miles on the odometer.Whether you’re headed south for the sun or through the back roads to grandma’s house, there are a few things you can do before you pack up the car to keep your focus on the journey ahead. A little preparation now can save you lots of time and money later, keep you off the side of the road and help you ... read more