Summertime is travel time! Who can resist the lure of sunny skies and open road? Summertime is also a time where routine maintenance can be overlooked. With the overwhelming urge to hit the road, many people forgo keeping their car in proper working order.
The key to summer driving is keeping the engine cool. First and foremost, you need to check your vehicle's hoses and belts. The hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block, and the belts run the fan that helps cool the system further. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded.
Check hoses for cracks, leaks and loose connections. Hoses should be firm, never soft and malleable. Hoses suffer from a slow deterioration process called electrochemical degradation that eats away at rubber hose material from the inside. The most vulnerable parts of the hose are those nearest to clamps where the hose connects to the radiator or the engine.
Belts can also be visually checked for cracks and damage. Take note if the belt looks excessively slick or smooth. Remove the belt to make sure that the material hasn't started separating into different layers. Experts say the risk of belt failure rises dramatically after 36,000 miles.
Easter is this Sunday, 4/20/14, and what better way to celebrate with your kids than treating them (and yourself) to a yummy snack? We came upon this recipe for Easter Bunny Cars and thought it would be perfect for the occasion.
Ingredients
-Large Marshmallows, cut horizontally
-Bunny Peeps®
-Mini pretzels
-Cream-Filled Cakes (e.g. Little Debbie® Cloud Cakes™)
-Decorator Icing
-Frosting
-Sprinkles
Instructions
-Cut a small rectangle out of the top of the cream-filled cake about a third of the way back from the “front” of the car.
-Use the white decorator icing to adhere the bunny Peep®, mini pretzel “steering wheel” and large marshmallows in place.
-Use frosting and sprinkles to decorate your car. Allow to set and enjoy!
With Earth Day coming up on the 22nd of this month, going green is looking better than ever. Hybrid vehicle emissions are significantly less than those of a
conventional car. This makes them an attractive option when looking to
go green! Turn in the keys to your truck and think about reducing your carbon footprint this month.
It's always a good idea to take some preventive measures when you’re planning to hit the road. Here are a few things you can do to prevent drowsy driving:
-Make sure you always get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel of a car. The National Sleep Foundation says adults need seven to nine hours a night.
-Take steps to limit the effects of shift work on your sleep. For those who work overnight or long hours, set a bedtime that you stick to every day — even your days off. Also, make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
-Plan ahead. If you’re headed somewhere in a different time zone, slowly adapt your body clock for long business trips by gradually adjusting your sleeping times until they’re the same as those at your destination. Or, if you’re planning to leave on a road trip, schedule your sleep so you’re well-rested for your trip.
-Be aware of medical issues. Whether it’s a sleep disorder or a drowsiness-inducing medication, be aware of any medical issues you’re dealing with and adjust your driving habits accordingly.
Kenny Ross Automotive
