Monthly Archives: August 2013

Aug 27 2013

Not Your Ordinary DIY Car Wash

Get That Professional Look All on Your Own

DIY_Car_Wash
No one likes a dirty car, and sometimes a simple car wash just doesn’t cut it. So, we scoured the internet for some of the most unconventional methods to washing your car and keeping it cleaner much longer.

Hair conditioner, not just for your hair:
Hair conditioner that contains lanolin will give your car that extra shine it deserves. It will leave your car with that freshly waxed look people spend so much money on.

Pass me a Cola please:
Getting rid of those windshield streaks isn’t always the easiest. But, by pouring cola over the glass, the bubbles in the cola will fizz away the grime. Just be sure to wash the cola off thoroughly and put a towel along the bottom of the windshield to protect the paint.

The No-Wax Washer:
Add 1 cup kerosene to a 3-gallon bucket filled with water and then sponge the solution over your car. The next time wet weather is in the forecast, the rain will bead up and roll right off of your car, reducing the chances of rust.

A couple more helpful tips:
Washing your car when it is too hot can result in soapy splotches and deposits.
Try to avoid air-drying, it can leave watermarks on the exterior.

Aug 20 2013

Just a Friendly Reminder

Back-To-School Season is Here Again

back-to-school-family

So, we’re already into the middle of August, which means one thing: Back-to-School! For many parents, the day couldn’t come fast enough, and for most students the moans and groans begin. However, with the commencement of the new school year, means more and more children out there on the roads, whether crossing the street, walking or biking to school. During the academic school year especially, drivers need to be a lot more attentive on the road. And, although parents should talk to their children about safety as they head back to school, drivers can also do their part in the wellbeing of our students.
school-bus-teens

  • Double-Check Those Crosswalks
    Double check intersections and always make complete stops when warranted. Students have a tendency of appearing out of nowhere when you least expect it.
  • Obey School Zones Speed Limits
    When children are nearby, school zones require you to obey the 20 or 25 mph or slower speed limit, regardless of the day of week or time of day.
  • Respect the Yellow Bus & Those Flashing Lights
    Those big yellow buses are full of children being transported to and from school. There are special regulations that are established to make sure these students get to their destination safe and sound.
Aug 13 2013

Stop Blinking at Me

Dashboard Confusion

dashboard_lights_web

Most drivers tend to ignore those pesky little warning lights on the dashboard gleaming back at them and continue to drive anyway, waiting on average almost two weeks before getting it checked out. Why? Simply because they don’t fully understand what those lights mean. Even the most common ones, like the tire pressure, engine emission and fog-light indicators often go unattended to for lack of understanding. According to a survey conducted by a British automotive breakdown service, almost half of the participants involved could not identify their brake warning light, and more than 35 percent didn’t recognize their airbag warning. Not knowing these signs could potentially create a dangerous situation.

Another reason why there is an increase in drivers who are confused when it comes to their dashboard is partly due to the fact that newer vehicles are now equipped with more buzzers and lights than ever before. “As in-car technology becomes more advanced, there are now more and more in-car gadgets with symbols that support everything from the car’s satellite navigation system to its heating and cooling options,” said a spokesman for the survey.

It was concluded that of the 99 different dashboard lights identified in the study, just 12 of the lights were common across all vehicle models.

Aug 7 2013

At the Pump

What The Gas Stations Won’t Tell You

gas_pump
Did you know? Gas stations earn on average between 10 and 15 cents on a gallon of gas. But, they earn the least when prices are highest. When the cost of fuel rises, gas stations must reduce their profit margin in order to stay in competition. So, they actually fear gas increase just as much as you do.

Did you know? Oil companies spend lots of money explaining why their gas is better than the competitions. But in reality, one gallon of gas is as good as the next. Additives help to clean your engine, but what the companies don t tell you is that all gas has them. The government requires that detergents be added to all gasoline to help prevent fuel injectors from clogging.

Did you know? You don’t even need gas to run your car. While it is true that all cars run on gasoline, it is also fact that not all cars need gasoline to run. In fact, 6 million cars on the road today (mostly from U.S. manufacturers and built since 1998) are flexible fuel vehicles that can run on E85, a fuel that is 85 percent ethanol and only 15 percent gas.