As you think ahead to the upcoming school year, you can't help but think of driving all over town to various activities. Being part of a carpool can save you gas, time, and energy.

To make a carpool successful, consistency is key. Have parents pick set days or time periods that they'll be in charge of the driving. 

As smartphones become ubiquitous, distracted driving has also become an increasingly prominent concern and danger on the roadway. A number of car crashes are caused each year due to drivers who have a hard time focusing on the road. We know you want to stay safe, and keeping some tips in mind can help you avoid distracted driving.

Have you ever thought about using a car cover but then wondered if it was really worth it? We're all busy people, and that's why it's tempting to skip the cover. At DCH Subaru of Riverside, we want you to have all of the knowledge possible to protect your vehicle according to your lifestyle. That's why we're telling you about all of the benefits of a car cover.

The entire team here at DCH Subaru of Riverside wanted to share these tips for helping you save money by restoring the headlights on your vehicle with everyday common household items.

First, grab some toothpaste and place a dab on each of the headlight lenses. Next, moisten a clean cloth and rub the toothpaste gently into the lens using circular motions. Once the fog begins to clear, you'll need to use a clean cloth to remove all the excess toothpaste from the headlights.

So, like many in Riverside, you’re an experienced, skilled driver. But, the roads and highways have become tedious and/or crowded and you can’t enjoy the open space and power of your vehicle anymore. Off-roading sounds like a fun way to test your driving skill and enjoy the beauty of nature while you’re at it, right? This is true, but beginners too often make the mistake of assuming their sedan is fitted to go off road and go wild. This, like many assumptions about off-roading, can cost lives.

Modern car washes are effective in making your vehicle look its best, but they just aren’t equipped to deep-clean your tires and wheels. If you want them to look and perform their best, then you need to use a special tire brush and wheel-safe cleaner. Both tools are inexpensive and can last many driving seasons.

The process for using these new tools is easy. After spraying your tires with water, apply the tire cleaner to all wheel and tire surfaces. 

It's spring, and you know what that means: it's time for car maintenance. Refer to your owner's manual to determine exactly how frequently you need to visit your local mechanic for oil changes and maintenance checks on your vehicle.

Regular maintenance checks are an essential part of keeping your car running smoothly. Not only should you have your oil changed at regular intervals, but you should have your tires, brakes, and air filter checked regularly, too. 

There are many reasons why your car battery may not be working properly. For instance, if the terminals are corroded, it may not be possible to get a quality connection. If the cables that attach to the battery are broken or not connected properly, that could also be why the battery doesn't seem to be working right.

Being proactive in an emergency situation starts with taking care of a few things today while you're safe at home.

• Pack an empty gas can in the trunk so you can get fuel quickly in case you run out.
• Keep plenty of flashlights and batteries in the car in case you have to do any type of repairs during the night.

When a brake pedal isn't firm, the process of implementing braking procedures on the road will be very challenging. In order to ensure total safety on risky roads, you must understand the common brake maintenance signs so that a professional can service your braking system during important situations in a timely manner.