Car Camping

If you love the outdoors and want to go camping but just need a few more creature comforts, read on.  This is a happy medium, not to be confused with “glamping” or hard-core camping. It’s an easier way to enjoy the great outdoors.

Even if you like to fly by the seat of your pants, a little preparation can make your trip much more enjoyable. Do a little reconnaissance about the area so you know what’s easily available and what you must bring or do without. When deciding on a campsite, investigate what amenities they have and their guidelines for campers. 

First of all, make sure essentials like a first aid kit, several flashlights or lanterns, extra batteries, bug repellant, sunscreen, collapsible chairs, plenty of garbage bags, disposable plates, utensils and cups are packed. Headlamps are a worthy investment for light so you have both hands free to do things after dark.

If activities like hiking, biking, canoeing or horseback riding are desired, search for popular places nearby. For fun around camp, pack a Frisbee, football or fishing rods. Don’t forget the guitar and other musical instruments. In case of rain, including things like a deck of cards and games for kids and adults can really make a difference while you wait it out.

Getting a good night’s rest is important, especially if you’re going to be doing activities. Pack a mat for under your sleeping bags or better yet, a blow up mattress. Battery operated and car charger inflators are available.  Prior to departure, set up your tent and sleeping arrangements to air it out, check for potential damage or missing equipment and make sure everything fits accordingly including pillows and blankets.

A good rule of thumb for any kind of travel is to bring earplugs and an eye mask. You never can tell what kind of neighbors you may have or what unexpected noises you may experience. On that note, if playing music is something that you’ll enjoy while cooking up dinner, please be mindful that sound travels much more in open spaces, so keep it moderate for your neighbors.  Too much noise may also deter wildlife from coming around.

Cooking can often be a highlight of the trip. For others eating out is preferable. Depending on your locale, it may be a way to enjoy some of the local flavor. Either way, you’ll still want to bring other provisions. Pack twice as much water as you think you’ll need. You’ll drink half; the rest will be required for cooking, cleaning, first aid and possibly even bathing. Since you don’t have to haul it anywhere by foot, this is not an area to skimp on as water shortage can have dire consequences.

Be prepared for hefty appetites to surface with the outdoor activities. Easy things to prepare over a campfire are pasta, rice, hot dogs or Italian sausages, anything on a stick really. Some things that don’t require cooking are cereal, milk, PB & J, bread, a variety of cheeses and cold cuts.  Snacks could include anything from olives, granola bars and trail mix to candy bars, cinnamon buns and potato chips. Of course, it’s simply NOT a camping trip without making s’mores. Ice down the food and beverage coolers well before departure.

Depending on where you are, critters tend to roam, especially at night, looking to raid your food. Do not ever take food into your tent. A common misconception is keeping provisions in your vehicle is a safe solution. If you’re in bear country. they’ve been known to break in and not only will your food disappear but your car will be damaged.  Some campsites have “bear boxes”.  If they don’t, hang your food at least 10 feet off of the ground.

Some campsites will have grills in which case you’ll need charcoal and lighter fluid.  For fire pits, collecting wood should be easy enough. Come prepared with kindling in case it’s damp. Pack several lighters and matches in various locations so if one is compromised by, say, weather, the others are still useable.

No matter what you may encounter during your adventure, hopefully these tips will help make your trip much more comfortable and less daunting. Be safe and have fun!

Tech and the Auto Industry

 

Today the use of technology is prevalent throughout society and it is only continuously growing. Car companies are partnering with major companies to develop technology so the driver can use their mobile devices to interact within their vehicles. The tool that is already used for many of everyday tasks is now finding a way to help people along their commute.  Many new vehicles feature a GPS system, hands free communication, and the ability to sync music, but the development is only continuing to move forward.

The question that will be an issue for car companies and the public is how this may become another distraction for drivers. While many benefits outweigh the negatives the possibility of dangers it may cause to drivers on the road is always a concern to consider. What do you think of the development of this technology? Do you think it will better assist drivers or cause additional problems on the road?

Are Your Tires in Dangerous Condition?

Good tires are one of the most important aspects of safe driving.  Hands down.  Sean Kane, president of Safety Research and Strategies, Inc. explains an aging tire to an old rubber band. "If you take a rubber band that's been sitting around a long time and stretch it, you will start to see cracks in the rubber," says Kane, whose organization is involved in research, analysis and advocacy on safety matters for the public and clients including attorneys, engineering firms, supplier companies, media and government.

Cracks in the rubber develop over time and can appear on the surface and inside of the tire, as well.  This cracking can cause the steel belts in the tread to separate from the rest of the tire. Improper maintenance and heat can accelerate the process.

How Long Does a Tire Last?

Lifespan differs and there is no guideline on tire aging, but tire manufacturers like Continental and Michelin say a tire can last up to ten years, provided you get annual tire inspections after the fifth year. There’s no way to put a date on a tire because there are several factors that affect the life of the tire:

·      Heat

·      Storage

·      Conditions

·      Use

How to Determine Your Tire’s Age

All you need to know is the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number.  Tires manufactured after 2000 have a four-digit DOT code.  The first two numbers represent the week, while the second two represent the year.  If a tire has the code 1109, it was made in the 11^th week of 2009.   After finding the tire’s birthdate take a look at the rubber.  Look for tread distortion, hairline cracks in the sidewall, and vibrations in the dynamic properties of the tire, could be cause for alarm. 

For more information, come in and see us.  We’ll do an extensive tire inspection and let you know the exact status of your tires.

5 Facts About Kids and Car Safety

 

Kids are the future of our nation, the bubble gum popping and bike riding youths of the new world.  Keeping them occupied in the back seat of a moving vehicle is difficult enough.  Today, in our weekly blog, we describe 5 facts about kids and car safety. 

1.)     Most accidents happen near home: Most accidents occur on residential, rural roads that are local, during a routine trip to the grocery store or day-care center.  No matter what, always buckle your child into their seat, even if the drive is two minutes away.  "Always buckle your child up, no matter how near or far you're going," says Marilena Amoni, associate administrator for research and program development at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "And never forget to use your own seat belt. Kids watch everything that you do, so it's important that you set the right example."

2.)     Kids are at more risk than babies and toddlers: If your child is between 4 and 8 years old, they are more likely to be hurt in an accident than their smaller counterparts.  Most parents strap their infants into rear facing car seats, but only 20% of kids between 4 and 8 ride in booster seats as safety experts recommend. Some children even sit in the front seat before 13 years old.  Children are the safest in the backseat, putting them far away from the impact of a frontal crash.

3.)     SUVs aren’t safer: It’s BIG, bad, and menacing, but SUVs are no safer than ordinary sedans.  They’re more likely to rollover.  The safest vehicles are low to the ground and larger (station wagons).

4.)     A car does NOT have to move to be dangerous: Parked cars are also, surprisingly deadly.  As many as 220 children per year are killed in non-traffic auto accidents.  Some are strangled by a window when they’re leaning out, inadvertently leaning on the rocker-type power window switch.  Other children, when alone, release the emergency brake, setting the car in motion.  Finally, at least 30 kids die each year when their parents leave them in the car and they suffocate from overheating. "Children should never, ever be left alone in an automobile -- not even for a minute," says Terrill Struttmann, executive director of Kids in Cars, an education and advocacy organization he and his wife started after their 2-year-old son was killed by a car set in motion by two kids playing alone inside.

5.)     Kids don’t need to be inside a car to be hurt by one:  nearly 400 children are killed each year when they’re hit by an automobile.  ALWAYS keep an eye on your little ones, no matter how many times you’ve warned them to stay out of the streets.  A survey conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide found that a majority of drivers speed in school zones, and that nearly a third violate stop signs in neighborhoods where there are kids.

Do you have any tips of your own?  Feel free to comment below:

Improve Health While Driving

The average American spends approximately 101 minutes a day driving.  Many times we get stuck in serious traffic or we find ourselves having to wait at endless lights.  Have you ever thought to yourself, that you could be doing 9 million other things instead of just sitting in your car?  Do you like to multi-task? Are you procrastinating on taking better care of your health?  Well, I have the solution.  I will help you make better use of your drive time and improve your health while keeping your eyes on the road.  Here are 10 things you can do while driving that can help increase your health, making you stronger while sitting behind the wheel.

Chin and Neck Exercises

Spine Stretchers

Tension Tacklers

Best time to drink your water

Moisturize your cuticles

Drink you smoothies and juice instead of soda

Steering Wheel Isometrics

Park further away

Meditation

You can firm up that chin and neck by using a rubber or foam ball. Place the ball below your chin and below the larynx. Hold the ball in place with your hand, and use your chin to press down on the ball. Squeeze the ball gently downward with your chin. Do as many repetitions as you are comfortable with, stopping before your neck muscles get tired.

While driving, pretend you’re zipping a tight pair of jeans. Pull your belly button toward your spine and your lower belly away from your waistband. Hold, engaging your abs.  Up the intensity, quickly exhale 20 times. As you breathe out, contract your lower abs even harder to pulse them in and out.

While stuck in traffic, grip the steering wheel with your hands at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and round your back. Take a breath and release. This stretches the area between the shoulder blades and mid-back.

While stuck at a red light, tilt your right ear down towards your right shoulder. Relax your shoulders and breathe into the left side of your neck, stretching the left side of your neck. Hold for 10 seconds.  At the next light, repeat on the other side.

Steering wheel isometrics can really create a great workout, without you having to set aside 20 minutes during your day. With isometrics, you can use your body’s own resistance, but you can also employ stationary objects in your exercises such as a steering wheel that can heed some great results.

We know that water is essential to our health and if you aren’t doing this already, try to always have bottled water in your car.  You can easily get the required amount of hydration if you make this a habit.  The other option is juice or smoothies for your daily fruit or vegetable intakes.  There are several delicious versions located at places like gas stations and Starbucks.

Other areas that require healthy attention are our hands. Try moisturizing your cuticles by using a moisturizing lip balm.  This can really help make your nails grow and keep your hands looking lovely.

Of course the obvious isn’t so obvious sometimes. Instead of rushing to find the perfect parking spot; park further away and walk brisk to get a little bit more cardio in.  Heck, if you have the time-do laps around the parking lot!

Driving can be stressful but it can also create Zen. To practice Moving Meditation you must fully accept where you find yourself. Divest yourself of all expectations and standards of technique and take that clear, observing, unobserving, unobstructed state of being, and keep on driving!

These tips will not only improve your health and keep you fit, they will also make your drive time seem more productive.  Pssssst…give it a whirl and pass it on!

Here's a list of 10 great things you can do to improve your health while driving:

The Best Ways to Make Your Tires Twinkle

We love our cars.  SUV’s, coupes, sedans, mini-vans…they’ve all become an integral part of our busy lifestyles.  We know that you take pride in your vehicle, giving it the routine wash, occasional ‘spit’ shine when necessary, but it’s always been difficult to clean one location efficiently.  The tires!  In today’s blog, we’ve got a couple options for you to choose from.

Spray-On

The Spray-on method is an easy to use solution in a bottle with a sprayer and nozzle on top.  Basically, you apply the spray directly to the tires, making sure to not spray TOO close.  By using a sweeping motion to cover a large area, you can achieve a nice wet glossy look to your tires.  What’s the only downside?  The spray-on sheen can sometimes leave stains on the side of your car from an outside breeze.  We recommend using it inside a garage or putting the liquid on a sponge and applying it manually. 

Gel

When compared to the spray-ons of the world, a gel seems to last longer, enabling a lasting effect with tires over time.  You’ll need an applicator, and a sponge for this method.  The gel gives a nice black color to tires without the ‘gloss’ effect.  You can achieve a glossier look by applying a second coat of gel, just be sure to wait a few minutes for the gel to dry, as it could attract dirt if it’s driven on too quickly. 

Foam

Foam Tire shine also comes with it’s own spray bottle and the easiest to apply.  This type also cleans off the dirt from your tires.  Just apply the foam and wipe it after it sits idle for a couple of minutes. However, be careful with some products that may turn your tires brown or yellow. Some tires really do not agree with certain tire shine products so you may have to try a new product.

Have a tip for us to add?  Let us know below!

The Age Old Question: Manual or Automatic

Hm…that’s what comes to mind when you’re posed with this question.  Manual…you begin to ponder, imagining yourself as a speed demon.  You’re Evil Knievel reincarnate as your car reaches gut-wrenching speeds, your hand fixated on your gearshift as you weave through traffic.  Picturing Automatic is another animal.  You can enjoy the relaxation of not shifting gears, leaving more focus to the road and your surroundings.  The car ride is less work on your skills and more about maintaining a smooth ride.  So, when posed with the question of Manual Vs. Auto, which is better?  In today’s blog we discuss the differences and let YOU decide…

Manual

If you’re in search of power, Manual transmission is definitely the way to go.  For example, an automatic equipped Dodge Neon has a reported 0-60 MPH time of approximately 10.5 seconds.  The same Neon when equipped with a 5-speed manual has a reported 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds; a huge difference.  The acceleration offered from a vehicle with a manual transmission is usually higher, because of the precise shifting the car encompasses. 

Manual transmissions also excel at fuel economy.  Most new Automatic cars have an EPA rating of only 1 or 2 MPG less than the same model car with a manual transmission.  So, you’re not saving TOO much with a manual, but it is a small difference. 

When it comes to maintenance, most manuals require less service than their automatic counterparts.  The clutch disc in manual transmissions does need to be replaced on occasion. There are many factors that determine how long a clutch will last such as driving style, the material the clutch disc is made of, and the amount of city vs. highway driving. Clutch replacement is often a labor intensive task and can cost several hundred dollars if performed at a repair shop. 

Automatic

Automatic cars are easy.  There’s no clutch or shifter to control.  That means city driving is a breeze and commanding steep terrain is simple.  There’s no ‘rollback’ with an automatic car while its in drive, giving you more energy to controlling your car on the road.  If you live in a busy city its also beneficial because of stop-and-go traffic.  An automatic takes away the worry of shifting gears, leaving an open hand to perform a small task.  Since automatic cars only require one shift “D”, while driving forward it has a wider appeal.  So, if two people were sharing a vehicle after its purchase no learning would be required.  If one person couldn’t control a manual transmission it could be easier for them to stick with an automatic. 

Some cars offer a “best of both worlds” style known as manumatics.  The term differs from brand to brand, but the vehicle could begin in automatic and be shifted into a manual mode that allows control through the gears like a regular manual without the hassle of a clutch.

Automatic cars also have a higher resell value.  The appeal for an automatic is much larger than that of a manual.  Thus, becoming an easier seller for when you trade-in your vehicle.

So, we’ve given you the facts.  What will you choose??? What do you prefer?  Feel free to comment below:

How to Prepare Your Car for Long Term Storage

So, you’re running out of room in your front yard, garage, mother’s house, friend’s condo, cousin’s yard, and anyone who’s tired of seeing one of your vehicles in their personal space.  Now, you’ve decided to store your extra vehicle.  You envision yourself riding of in it in the future, hair flowing, top down, and want to ensure that it’s taken care of.  In today’s blog, we’re discussing what tips to follow to maintain your vehicle for long-term storage.

Check your paperwork:  make sure you renew your registration, or set a reminder when the time is near so that your car is good to go when you’re ready to drive it.

Service your vehicle: Always make sure that your vehicle’s engines and fluids are in good shape before you store your vehicle for a long period of time. Also, fill windshield washer fluid, coolant, transmission, brake fluid, and make sure you fill your car with gasoline.

Clean the interior/exterior: Throw away trash, vacuum the seats, wash the windows, wax the car and even have it detailed if possible. 

Fully charge battery:  make sure your battery is at OPTIMAL power.  Also, if you’re storing your vehicle for more than six months, disconnect it from the power source and keep the battery somewhere temperate and dry.

Do you have any tips to add?  Feel free!

Storing your car for a long period of time?  Follow these tips to ensure its good to go when you’re ready: