Recent Puerto Rico Shipping News

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Safety first
Right of the way
Final word
 

Safety first

When it comes to safety as you stop at a four-way intersection in Puerto Rico, there are important similarities and differences between a four-way intersection and a typical intersection. When you are coming to a stop, you should do so the same way as you would at any other stop sign. Come to the stop gradually, stop exactly at the stop sign rather than before or after it, and make a full stop by feeling your car rock back and then counting three seconds. Once you do make your complete stop, you should then check in all directions for both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. If the coast is clear, you can continue on.

However, at a four-way intersection, you will need to check right, left and forward (forward for turning vehicles). Due to the fact that you will need to check in several directions, you will need to re-check as you continue forward because in the time you checked in the other two directions, it is possible that another car has pulled up to or even run the first stop sign that you checked. When you are initially checking each direction and you see other vehicles at one or more of the other stop signs, you will need to navigate the “right of way” to determine who gets to go through the intersection first.
 

Right of the way

The “right of way” is a very precise way of determining the order of which certain cars get to continue through an intersection. Unfortunately, many people do not follow it which is why continued caution and alertness are always critical when you start through an intersection.

In a perfect world where everyone followed the “right of way” correctly all the time, it would work like the following. Whichever car arrived at their particular stop sign first, gets to continue through the intersection first after completing their stop. This would trickle down in order, so the second car to their stop sign would go second etc. The only exceptions are emergency vehicles with their emergency lights engaged or if a car has pedestrians crossing in front of it. If you and another car arrive at your particular stop signs at exactly the same time, wait and let them go. If they remain, try waving them on or flashing your brights. If you attempt to go first without being waved on yourself, you can easily end up in an accident.
 

Final word

Four-way intersections in Puerto Rico can be treacherous. You need to be able to check all three other directions and maintain a safe stopping technique at the same time. Using the “right of way” technique will go a long way to keeping you safe at a four-way intersection. However, not everyone will abide by that. So, always stay alert and use extreme caution at all four-way intersections.

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When U-turns are and are not legal
Making a U-turn safely
Conclusion
 

When U-turns are and are not legal

There are various reasons that you might need to make a U turn in Puerto Rico. Maybe you missed your turn or maybe it will help you cut down on travel time. Regardless of why you are making a U turn, you need to know that doing so is sometimes legal and other times it is illegal.

You can typically make a legal U turn where regular turns are permitted unless otherwise posted. This means that sometimes there will be a sign stipulating “No U turns”. Furthermore, you may never make a U turn legally in a school zone because it can be too difficult to see children crossing the street while you are turning. You also may never make a U turn by crossing a double yellow line. In fact, a turn across any solid double yellow line is never legal. You also may not make a U turn against a red light or without properly signaling.
 

Making a U-turn safely

A U turn can be a potentially dangerous maneuver if you do not take the proper precautions. You could end up striking a pedestrian, colliding with another car head-on or getting t-boned. Whenever you make a U-turn, take your time and do so as safely as possible.

Before you even stop to start your U-turn, you first need to signal in the direction that your U-turn will begin. Keep your signal on throughout the turn. You should also look all ways to check for any oncoming traffic or hazards before you start your turn. Finally, always merge into the closest lane when you are completing your U-turn. So, if you are starting a U-turn from the left lane on one side of the road, be sure that you end up in the left most lane on the other side of the road as you complete your U-turn.
 

Conclusion

Making a U-turn can be quite a useful tool when you are driving. It can literally get you headed in the right direction. However, it can also be a very dangerous maneuver. Many times, it is also not legal either. So, when you are making a U-turn in Puerto Rico, you must be sure that it is legal. Then, be sure you signal, check all directions and turn with extreme caution. If you need your car moved to Puerto Rico, contact us at any time throughout the year by calling (904) 322-7644!

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What types of oversized vehicles can you ship to Puerto Rico
What’s different about shipping an oversized vehicle
Wrapping up
 

 

What types of oversized vehicles can you ship to Puerto Rico

A lot of people are not aware of the fact that they can ship vehicles other than cars to or from Puerto Rico. You can also ship vans, trailers, recreational vehicles and even heavy equipment such as a tractor or combine. You can even ship what could be considered “undersized” vehicles as well such as motorcycles and mopeds. However, if you are shipping an oversized vehicle to Puerto Rico, you should be aware that the process will be a bit different.
 

What’s different about shipping an oversized vehicle

There will be several things that are different about shipping an oversized vehicle when compared to traditional car shipping. First, the preparation will be pretty different. Let’s say that you are shipping a recreational vehicle. One of the steps in preparing for any vehicle shipment will be to wash the outside of the vehicle. With an RV you cannot bring it to a car wash. So, you will likely have to spend the time and energy to wash it yourself.

Next, the amount of time it will take to ship will likely be a bit longer. If shipping a vehicle from your area to Puerto Rico typically takes two weeks, expect shipping an oversized vehicle from your area to take about three weeks. The shipment will likely also require a special type of vehicle carrier such as a flatbed truck. This can end up costing a little bit more than traditional car shipping does.

Finally, there could be custom requirements depending on what you are shipping. For example, if you are shipping a very large piece of agricultural equipment you might have to remove the wheels depending on the size of the equipment. You can always discuss this with your car shipping representative when you are booking your shipment.
 

Wrapping up

Shipping an oversized vehicle to or from Puerto Rico is always an option that you will have. It will differ from regular car shipping in that there will be some different preparation, there could be slightly different requirements depending on the type of vehicle, it will take a bit longer in transit, and it can cost slightly more. These shipments also require the availability of special car carriers such as flatbed trucks so make sure you book your shipment at least a month in advanced if not two months in advanced. If you have any questions about the oversized vehicle process or are ready to book your shipment give us a call at (904) 322-7644.

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How mileage affects your vehicle
How to limit the mileage on your car
Conclusion
 

How mileage affects your vehicle

Mileage affects your car in two related ways: it accounts for wear and tear on the car and its parts, and it is an indicator that helps determine the value of a car. The more miles a car has on it, the more wear and tear there will be which in turn leads to a steady depreciation of value. You should use your car as you need to and as you see fit but you should also always be careful to not rack up too many miles on it too quickly.

If you do put a lot of miles on your car quickly, it will end up costing you more in maintenance fees. Now, if you do take care of your car and keep up on maintenance, you will be increasing the re-sale value, but you will never be able to fully recoup the value of putting too many miles on it. That is why you should do everything in your power to limit the amount of mileage you put on your car in Puerto Rico or anywhere else.
 

How to limit the mileage on your car

Obviously, the sum total of limiting the mileage you put on your car is by driving it less but having success in doing so is more complex than that. You will need to do specific things to keep the mileage that you put on your car low. One such thing usually is not taking super long road trips. However, because of the small size of Puerto Rico, you will not be able to rack up thousands of miles in one trip. Technically you could possibly do so in Puerto Rico, but you would have to drive the length of the island several times just to break one thousand.

Putting less mileage on your car will come down to using the car less. You can do this easily in areas like San Juan by choose to walk or bike somewhere. You can also choose to use public transportation. You can also choose to carpool to work with friends and/or coworkers. Finally, you can choose to use cabs or ride-share services occasionally.
 

Conclusion

The mileage that goes on your car simultaneously increases wear and tear as well as decrease the vehicle’s value. That is why you should do your best to limit the number of total miles you put on your car. You should not get crazy and try to avoid driving altogether but you should try things like carpooling to work or, if the trip is close enough, biking or walking instead.

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When and where you could encounter fog in Puerto Rico
How to drive safely in the fog
Conclusion
 

When and where you could encounter fog in Puerto Rico

Fog forms when warm and wet air is over a cooler ground. This is why you typically see fog in the morning. The ground temperature cooled overnight, then the air which is warming up before the ground does because of the rising sun and rising overall temperature is passing over it while moist and conditions are present.

It typically is not cold enough in Puerto Rico for too much fog, but it certainly is possible. Fog has a higher possibility of forming in Puerto Rico in higher elevations and during the cooler months when humidity is still fairly high. No matter what, you should always be prepared to safely drive through foggy conditions.
 

How to drive safely in the fog

Driving safely in the fog is not an easy task at all. However, it should always be your top priority. When fog is dense or present with other weather conditions such as wind and/or rain, it can be even more treacherous than it would typically be. Thankfully, there are some simple actions you can take to be as safe as possible when you are driving in the fog.

Always give yourself extra time to reach your destination when you are driving in the fog. This will reduce any urge to drive too fast which would obviously be a terrible idea. If you have fog lights use them, if you frequently experience fog in the areas where you drive it would be a good idea to get fog lights. Also, if you do not have fog lights and are driving in the fog, resist the urge to use your high beams as they can reflect off the fog and lower visibility as well as lower visibility for other drivers as well.

You should always keep distractions at an absolute minimum if not eliminate them completely, but it is even more critical that you do this in the fog. You can also use your windshield wipers and defrosters to limit the amount of moisture and fog directly on your windshield. Finally, if you think the fog is too dense and/or difficult to drive in you can always pull over and wait it out. Just make sure that you get as far over on the side of the road as possible and that you leave your caution lights on so other drivers can see you.
 

Conclusion

You likely will not see fog in Puerto Rico too often, but you will see it occasionally. This is dependent on the temperature and the elevation of the area you are in. Regardless, you should always be prepared to drive cautiously as well as safely in the fog. Always check the forecast and give yourself extra time in order to reach your destination if there is any possibility of fog in your area.

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Avoiding distractions
Maximizing alertness
Wrapping up
 

Avoiding distractions

Maximizing your reaction time as you drive should always be a top priority because of its critical importance in terms of overall safety. Your reaction time when driving will be comprised of two main parts, your focus and your alertness. Your focus on the road will begin and end with completely avoiding any and all distractions while you drive.

Avoiding any distractions as you drive will primarily mean avoiding cell phone use of any kind including both calls and texts. Consider putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode or turning it off altogether and putting it in your pocket as you drive. However, distractions can also include eating or drinking, changing the radio, looking at something on the side of the road, unruly children in the car and more. Avoid the distractions that you have control over. The distractions that you necessarily do not have control over, such as kids, can be managed with the help of a trusted adult passenger.
 

Maximizing alertness

Alertness will sometimes be easier to manage than external distractions while driving and sometimes it will be more difficult. Regardless, it is just as important that you maximize your alertness as you drive. Being alert while driving means your ability to avoid internal detractions from your attention to the road.

These potential internal detractions from your attention to the road can include drowsiness, sleepiness, mental distractions and more. Keeping your alertness maximized will start with the obvious things like never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs as well as you making sure you always get enough sleep prior to driving. You should also never drive in times of high mental and/or emotional stress because that can easily detract from your attention. Finally, never try to drive as you attempt to mentally rehearse something or plan something. For example, if you are on your way to a job interview, avoid going over potential interview questions mentally as you drive there.
 

Wrapping up

Keeping your reaction time at its absolute highest as you drive must always be a main concern for anyone who drives. Your reaction time will consist of maintaining both high focus and alertness. Keeping both of those at a maximum will mean avoiding different types of distractions and detractions. In order to do both, avoid any type of cell phone use when driving, always keep your eyes on the road, never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and always get enough sleep the night before you drive anywhere. If you want to ship any type of vehicle to Puerto Rico, call (904) 322-7644 anytime for a free and instant quote!

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Why shipping takes the amount of time that it does
Delivery and pickup windows
Wrapping up
 

Why shipping takes the amount of time that it does

Shipping your car between the United States and Puerto Rico can take between a week and three weeks depending on several things. The most important factor will be the overall distance. Shipping between the United States and Puerto Rico will take a bit longer than shipments between continental US locations because your car will need to be shipped on a boat at some point. Typically, if all other conditions are optimal, it will take a week to ship your car to Puerto Rico from Miami and three weeks to ship your car to Puerto Rico from Seattle. Keep in mind, these are just estimates and these time frames can vary based on all the other variables.

Those variables include what time of year you choose to ship your vehicle, weather and how much notice you gave for your shipment. The time of year that you ship your vehicle affects the transit time because certain times of the year are busier vehicle shipping times than others, such as the summer. Bad weather can obviously slow down and or temporarily delay a shipment. Finally, if you booked your shipment with less than two weeks’ notice, your car will likely be placed on a full carrier which will be spending a maximum amount of time picking up other cars.
 

Delivery and pickup windows

There are also the pickup and delivery “windows” which you must understand. The way these short windows work is pretty simple. Vehicle shipping pickup and delivery windows are typically two-to-three-day periods where your car will be picked up and or delivered at any time. In the case of shipping to Puerto Rico, your delivery window will be a few days period where you will be notified to pickup your car from the port. You will typically be notified by your auto transport driver within an hour or two of their arrival in order to pick up your car. During these windows, you or someone you trust must be available to give over or receive the vehicle.
 

Wrapping up

Transit times when you ship your car to or from Puerto Rico or anywhere else can be a bit complex because of multiple factors that affect the shipping duration simultaneously. These factors include the distance of the shipment, the time of the year, weather and how much notice that you gave for your shipment. There are also the car shipping “windows” to be aware of. These are usually separate two or three day windows in which your car will be picked up and delivered. If you are shipping to Puerto Rico, you will need to pick your car up at the port upon delivery.

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What are shock absorbers?
The benefit of having good shock absorbers
Wrapping up
 

What are shock absorbers?

Shock absorbers on a vehicle are a specific type of hydraulic pump that minimize the movement in your car’s suspension as you drive. What that essentially means is that your shock absorbers reduce the number and extent of jarring jumps and jolts that can occur as you drive. Shock absorbers do this by pumping oil in an appropriate fashion within themselves in order to create piston movement to counter overt suspension movement.

There are three primary types of shock absorbers: telescopic, strut and seat. Telescopic shock absorbers are the most typical kind of shock absorber. They are on both the front and rear of many car suspensions. Strut shock absorbers are actually incorporated into part of the suspension system and can handle bigger forces than telescopic shocks. Seat shock absorbers combine facets of both telescopic and strut shocks but cannot handle the bigger forces that strut shocks can.
 

The benefit of having good shock absorbers

There are multiple benefits to having good shock absorbers in your vehicle. However, there is one thing that shock absorbers do not do that many people erroneously believe they do, support the weight of the car. That is actually the job of the vehicle suspension alone. Regardless, the two main benefits of good shock absorbers are that they absolutely minimize jolting and potentially dangerous movement from the vehicle suspension as well as they keep the car’s tires in contact with the ground.

Keeping the tires on the ground is a huge benefit because when the tires are lifted from the ground, even for a moment, you will have no control over steering and braking for that time. It is easy to see how dangerous that can potentially be. Always make sure that your shocks get checked any time you take your car into the mechanic.
 

Wrapping up

Your vehicle’s shock absorbers are crucial for the success of the suspension, the smoothest ride possible, maximum control over the car as you drive and for overall safety. Although there are several types of shock absorbers for cars, they all essentially serve the same general purposes. These purposes are minimizing extreme and damaging movement in the suspension and keeping the tires in contact with the pavement for a maximum amount of time. Regardless of what kind of shocks your car has, you can always ship it to or from Puerto Rico stress free with Puerto Rico Car Transport by calling (904) 322-7644!

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Driving Straight
Other things your alignment does
Wrapping up
 

Driving Straight

Your car’s alignment is how your vehicle’s suspension system angles your wheels so that they are perfectly straight when the steering wheel is not turned at all. Having a proper alignment for your car will allow you to drive with ease without you constantly manipulating the steering wheel to ensure you are driving on a straight path. With the right alignment, you should be able to drive straight without your car listing to one side or the other while your hands are not on the steering wheel. That’s just theoretical though because you should always drive with both hands on the steering wheel. In reality, always ask your mechanic to check your alignment for you if you feel it is off.

You should also know when your alignment may be commonly thrown off. Your tires could become misaligned after a year or more since you last had them aligned, if you hit a bump in the road or curb particularly hard or right after you get one or more new tires. If you ever notice your steering is pulling to one side or the other, your alignment is off, and it is time to take your car into the mechanic. If you do need to get your car’s alignment repaired, it will cost about seventy-five dollars for two tires or about a hundred and fifty for four tires.
 

Other things your alignment does

Your alignment will offer several benefits other than just making driving straight completely easy. A correct alignment will also extend the life of your tires by decreasing drag and friction on them. This will directly translate into another benefit of a proper alignment, a much smoother overall ride. It will also help increase the gas mileage you will get because tires that drag more cause your engine to work harder thus it will use more fuel than necessary.
 

Wrapping up

Your vehicle’s alignment is very important. It will allow you to keep your car straight as you drive with the most amount of ease. It will also help you make your tires last longer, have a smoother ride and use less gas overall. If you feel like your steering wheel is pulling towards one side of the other and keeping your car going perfectly straight is difficult, it is likely time to get a new alignment. Thankfully it will not be too expensive to do so. Always try to avoid hitting road debris, curbs or large bumps in the road at higher speeds as doing so can throw your alignment off.

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Adjusting your seat for safety
Adjusting your seat for comfort
Wrapping up
 

Adjusting your seat for safety

When you are driving it is important that you are as comfortable as possible and that is definitely a reason to adjust your seat prior to starting your car. However, the ability to operate your car properly and optimal safety in a crash are even more important reasons to make sure that your seat is properly adjusted before you start driving.

You need to make sure that your seat is close enough to the pedals and steering wheel so that you can reach and operate them with ease. However, be sure that you are not so close that you are in unsafe proximity to the airbag in the case of an accident. As a typical rule of thumb, be sure that your chest is at least ten inches away from the steering wheel. If you cannot reach the pedals as a result of this, you can have pedal extensions installed in your vehicle.
 

Adjusting your seat for comfort

You also should adjust your seat in your car for comfort as well. If you do not, you will not only obviously need to deal with discomfort, but you will also possibly have to deal with resulting chronic physical issues such as back pain. When you are adjusting your seat to maximize comfort, do so to avoid any sort of poor posture like slumping down in your seat. Also, be sure that you are not too far away from the steering wheel or pedals to the point that you are overreaching to operate them. These things can be especially problematic if you will be driving for long periods of time.
 

Wrapping up

Adjusting your seat before you start driving is much more important than many people think. It can allow you to operate your car properly as well as prevent injury for the air bag in the case of a collision. Adjusting your seat will also prevent you from being uncomfortable as you drive. If you consistently drive with discomfort, it could lead to a chronic physical issue with your back or legs. If you are considering transporting a car to Puerto Rico at any time throughout the year, give us a call any time with any questions or for a free estimate at (904) 322-7644!