Hello drivers!

We’re starting Summer, and an often-overlooked, but very serious part of learning how to drive is what to do if your car overheats! Not only is it costly to repair, but it’s also dangerous! Summer is the time of year when teenagers are on the road the most, and you can’t always avoid driving in the heat.

The most effective way to prevent your car from overheating is to ensure your cooling system is functioning properly. Ask your parents the last time your coolant was changed! Depending on the type of coolant in your vehicle, it generally needs to be replaced every 2-5 years. If you’re unsure which one you have, the green one typically lasts about 2-3 years, whereas the orange and red colors can last longer. If you can’t remember the last time it was changed, you might want to check soon as the weather gets warmer.

Along with ensuring your coolant is working properly, check other components, such as whether your radiator is clean and whether your hoses aren’t leaking. These things can be prevented, along with engine overheating, by getting regular maintenance done, especially during the hot and cold seasons. The most telling sign that your car is overheating is steam or smoke coming from the hood. You can also check the temperature gauge, and if it’s on H for HOT, then that’s usually a red flag. 

One of the most vital things to have on hand when you’re driving is what to do and who you’re going to reach out to if your car does overheat. If your engine begins to overheat, pull over immediately to a safe location, and once you’re in that safe spot, turn off the engine to let the vehicle cool. Find a roadside assistance place to call for help, and they can come to you directly.

Hopefully, that won’t happen after following these guidelines, but it’s always good to have roadside assistance saved on your phone, regardless. The last thing to ensure is always having water in your car. It can serve as a temporary coolant if you’re out of cell range, and if you’re out in the heat for prolonged periods, you’ll probably need it.

By following these precautions, you can not only have a fun Summer but a safe one too. No one wants to get stuck on I-25 for hours when you could’ve been at the lake. Signing off until next time you call the office,

– Railey

Hello everyone! Railey here again, with a new blog post.

With winter just around the corner, be sure to get signed up for one of our upcoming Drivers Ed classes this fall! Due to overwhelming demand, we are holding another EVENING class in Windsor. This class is great if you’re too busy on the weekends, and, as always, we will have our classes held over Winter Break, located in Loveland, Fort Collins, AND Windsor!

Click here to check out our full class schedule.

Living in Colorado, it’s especially important to focus on the safety of driving in adverse weather conditions. Icy and rainy roads can be difficult to manage a vehicle on, especially for new drivers during our colder seasons. In both our in-person and at-home classes, we teach the importance of safety while driving in bad weather. We dedicate a specific section in our Drivers Education class to help new drivers take precautions when driving on slippery roads to make them prepared for a life of driving, no matter the weather!

Some things that can be helpful to always have in your vehicle during the winter are: blankets, ice scrapers, a shovel, batteries and a flashlight, hand warmers, and always be sure to have jumper cables. 

I’m Railey and I’m an office assistant here at Conahan’s. I am starting a monthly blog post for our website! You can also follow our account on Instagram run by me @conahansdrivingschool.

This fall, we are excited to introduce new evening Driver’s Ed classes in addition to our weekend classes! If summer slipped by and you missed out on signing up, here’s your chance to get registered!

This class will be held in the evenings after school and is perfect for busy students with weekend sports or activities. Instead of committing to five weekends, you’ll complete the course in just two weeks with shorter, three-hour classes each day.

Plus, many teens prefer learning later in the day, so if this sounds like you and fits your schedule, this could be a great fit! Space is limited to 20 students, so don’t miss out—sign up today! Classes are held September 16th – 27th, 4:30 to 7:30 pm daily.