Wednesday, July 30, 2014

MORE CAR DRIVING. LESS GAS PUMPING.

6 Tips for Improved Fuel Economy


 Still letting high gas prices keep you from taking a road trip to your favorite destination? Why? Just following a few simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance steps can stretch your dollar and give you more power at the pump

Fuel consumption is directly related to auto care and has a significant impact on how much gas you use.  Gas prices may rise quickly, but you no longer have to be a victim and just take it. Properly maintaining your vehicle can improve fuel economy as well as save you money.

Performing these simple maintenance tips, will improve fuel economy allowing you to spend more time on the road and less at the pump.

       Tune-Up: Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
       Tire Pressure: Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent.
       Motor Oil: Improve gas mileage by 1 to 2 percent by using the grade of motor oil recommended by the manufacturer.
       Air Filters: Replacing clogged air filters on older vehicles can improve fuel economy and will improve performance and acceleration on all vehicles.
       Gas Cap: Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air.
       Fix It: Addressing a serious maintenance problem, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent, according to www.fueleconomy.gov.

Modifying driving habits, such as driving the speed limit and avoiding quick stops and starts, can also increase fuel efficiency. Consolidating trips, avoiding excessive idling and removing unnecessary items from the trunk are also easy ways to lower fuel consumption.



Monday, July 21, 2014

TO WAX, OR NOT TO WAX, THERE REALLY IS NO QUESTION

WHY WAXING YOUR CAR IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WASHING IT.


Sure, many of us say that we know and understand how important it is to wash and wax our vehicles, but do we really? Do we truly understand that waxing our vehicle can not only protect the paint of the car but its resale value as well? For some reason most of us wash our vehicles, but often neglect the second step of waxing. Is it because we think it’s overly time consuming, don’t understand the value of doing so or maybe we just don’t want to. Whatever the reason, it’s time to take a look at the importance of waxing your vehicle.

Wax helps protect your car’s paint, which in turn helps protect the coating for your cars metal body. Whether it’s rain, sun, hail, or wind your car is constantly subjected to the elements. All of these elements can have damaging effects to your vehicle, which makes waxing your vehicle extremely important. It can also keep dirt from settling on your car and make it much easier.

Let’s face it. When your car looks good, you look good. Wax keeps your car looking shiny and new. With no wax on your car oxidation can occur. Oxidation is a chemical process where oxygen interacts with different elements, causing the paint on your car to become dull. No one wants his or her car to have dull, lifeless paint! A simple coat of wax can prevent this from happening because wax protects the elements on the car from reacting with oxygen.


Understanding the importance of washing and waxing your vehicle is key to keeping your car looking as good as ever. It will vastly improve the health of your vehicle over time. So go ahead. Get your vehicle washed and waxed today.

Friday, February 14, 2014

De-cluttering Your Car




How many bottles of water are rolling around on the floor of your vehicle? When giving someone a ride, do you have to toss everything covering your front seat into the back and then shove that pile to one side for another passenger to fit in the back seat? Do you have any idea what’s in your center console, glove box or door holders? Are there unidentifiable objects between the seats that you discover when your cell phone slides off of your lap and gets trapped in that crevice? Oh, there’s Jr’s pacifier.

If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, it may be time to seek help. Admitting you have a problem is the first step. The following is a 12-step program to return you and your automobile to a healthy and happy relationship.

Step 1: Gather at least 3 containers:  1 for garbage, 1 for things you think may go back into the car and 1 for miscellaneous things that need to be reviewed or returned to where they belong, like your closet.

Step 2:  Everything must go! Clean out that car right down to the bare bones sorting items into your various bins. Leave nothing. And don’t forget the trunk, under the seats or the pockets on the back of the front seats.

Step 3:  Before you dispose of the trash, sift through it one more time to be sure something of value wasn’t overlooked stuck to that gooey stick of gum or melted crayon. You may be surprised at what you discover that you thought was missing.

Step 4:  Go through the miscellaneous container and return each pair of shoes, extra coats, sporting equipment, books & magazines, toys, CD’s, tools and trinkets to their home base. Then return those borrowed DVD’s to your friend and finally exchange that broken alarm clock at the store.

Step 5: Give your car a makeover. Go on show some TLC. Bathe it, vacuum the interior, wipe the cup holders and dashboard down with a wet cloth, clean your windows and maybe throw in an air freshener. When your vehicle is sparkling clean, you’ll be less likely to pile that junk back in.

Step 6: After getting over the amazement of how beautiful your car looks, decide what really needs to go back in. Pull up the bin that contains what you thought may return to the car and get comfortable. Carefully review each item and decide whether it is necessary to carry around on a daily basis and sort them appropriately.

Step 7: Re-review your winners. Keep in mind that extra weight in the car means less efficient gas mileage, so be selective.  Sort the keepers into various piles based on where you think you’ll store them in your vehicle. Disperse the items that didn’t make the 2nd round cut to their proper places.

Step 8: Where is the best place to keep your sunglasses, hand sanitizer, car insurance & registration, pens, back up paper maps, granola bars, umbrella or kiddie toys? When considering these things, keep the most commonly used items in close proximity for easy access.

Step 9: Organize your car. Perhaps a small box or bag sits on the back seat or that hangs off of the front seat will keep the kids toys within reach for them but contained to a manageable place. If you travel a lot and tend to need snacks, try putting them in a separate bag so when the munchies strike all of your options are in one place.

Step 10: Organize your trunk. Most important, have a container that includes emergency items like a first aid kit, jumper cables and a flashlight. If you and your family are involved in various activities, perhaps designating spaces for equipment would be helpful so the groceries will fit along with the stroller.

Step 11: Bonus: Rather than letting your phone/navigation system rest on your lap, try using a dashboard or windshield mount for hands-free ease. Are electronic device chargers and cords running amuck? Some Velcro ties may help keep them tamed. For safety, keep anything of value out of plain view.

Step 12: Enjoying freedom from the burden of clutter? Develop the habit of replacing items in their designated places right away rather than chuck in on the floor and it gets lost under the seat.  How much extra effort does it take to open the glove box? Train the kids too; make it a game. Who can clean their area the fastest gets a prize. Before you realize it, this good habit will become 2nd nature.

Believe it or not, good relationships can last. Keep it clean folks.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

How to Simplify Your Driving Life




Resolutions do not only pertain to yourself, but also concern your vehicle. This year, take the time to not only think about how you can better yourself, but also how to can make your vehicle more efficient, clean, and running steady. Here a few useful tips to help your vehicle and to bring in the New Year.

1.     Take the time to organize
By keeping your vehicle clean you will be able to keep organized and will help to start the New Year off on the right foot.
2.     Be a more cautious driver
We all know to well when we are driving that there are many other motorists who are not as careful. Take the time to take a second look and slow down when driving.
3.     Ease on the road rage
Everyone wants to start the New Year off on the right foot, but screaming at the vehicle in front of you is not always the best way to begin. Take a depth breath and take the time to look at your actions before you cause an accident.
4.     Check your tire pressure
Take the time to check the air pressure in your tires cannot only help to save on gas mileage, but also can prevent serious issues such as a blowout.
5.     Schedule for regular checkups
Taking your vehicle into the shop can help prevent further issues and will keep your car running smoothly throughout the entire year.

By taking the time to follow these small resolutions throughout the year, will help keep your vehicle and you happy throughout the New Year.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

How to Keep Your Car Clean During the Holidays




During the holiday season, our vehicles can certainly take a toll from the constant usage, quick runs for food, and all those last minute gift getting. Here are some simple tips to keep your vehicle clean this holiday season.

1.Clean out while you are at the pump
Take the time to clean out all of the unnecessary receipts, food, and other garbage that may be floating around your car. Keeping the interior clean will not only help in the look of your vehicle, but will also keep you sane around this crazy holiday period.
2. Get the kids involved
Driving around with your children can sometimes be difficult in keeping your vehicle clean, but that does not have to be the case. By getting the kids involved will not only help you, but will also help them in teaching them some organization, and cleaning skills and encouraging them to be on their best behavior for the holidays. It’s all about creating happy holiday memories.
3. Keep a trash in your vehicle
We all have trash that we have to throw away, so why not keep a small bag or bin in your vehicle. By having a trash bin will help to keep the unnecessary junk in one place.
4.Organize your trunk
Our trunks often take a hard hitting and many times will be occupied with unnecessary objects. By taking the time to organize your trunk you can have plenty of room for all of those presents and keep the interior of your car clean.
5.Cover the coffee and snacks
With all the constant quick runs that you may be doing be sure to cover your coffee and keep food in closed containers. Not only will this save you time from having to clean up a spill, but you will also be able to enjoy that quick boost of energy.

By keeping your vehicle clean, you can let yourself a happy and have a productive holiday season this year. Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

SHOCK and Awe: Avoiding Shock Treatment When Exiting Your Car




We’ve all been there.  You’re casually cruising in your car, glancing over to peer at your German Shepard as he soaks in the sun from an open window.  You stop for gas and begin to exit the vehicle, and you’re greeted with a quick jolt of static electricity.  Bzzt!  In today’s blog, we’re providing you with some quick tips to avoiding the shock treatment. 

1.    Be cautious of clothing – fleeces and synthetic materials can increase your risk of shock.
2.    Grip the frame of the door to expel static charge – Having your hand on the car frame when you get up lets it discharge more slowly. 
3.    Watch your shoes – Beach shoes with foam soles are conducive to static electricity, be careful!
4.    Touch the glass – as your exit your vehicle.  This option discharges any electricity and avoids shock.
5.    Hold a key in your hand and touch the metal doorframe as you exit.  It acts as a lightning rod and discharges the static without pain.

Static shock may seem like a minor issue for the average driver, but these tips are actually meant for your safety.  Static electricity has the capacity to cause small explosions at the gas pump.  You should NEVER re-enter your car while gassing up, as this could provide MORE static electricity build up.  If you have another tip for us, please comment below!