Don't Drive Hangry

Sometimes when you’re out on the road it’s easy to lose one’s temper. We’ve all experienced the horn blaring, cursing, aggressive driving road rage beast before, whether it was ourselves or someone else with the bad attitude. You can avoid submitting to a cranky temper with these tips:

Sleep. Seriously, sleep. A full night. No excuses. Everyone is a grouch when they don’t get enough sleep, this is just a given.

Plan ahead! It’s okay to leave early. This gives you time to be able to conquer unforeseen road difficulties without the stress.

Treat rude behavior the same way you would in a restaurant. Would you lose your cool over someone cutting you off in line at a bodega?

Probably not – it would be embarrassing. We are isolated in our cars, and feel a false sense of privacy and security while there. The truth is, everyone can see you flipping the bird and just a head’s up – nobody needs to be a lip reader to know what words you’re using.

And of course, don't forget to eat. Hangry is hungry and angry combined - definitely a driving no-no.

Are you maintenance-minded? There are your 4 maintenance musts!

It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of summer!  We hope everyone had plenty of fun in the sun– but what about your car?  If the soaring temps took a toll, now’s the time to take care of it!  Here are the most important things to do before we “fall” out of summer.

Check out your headlights!  You might need to replace them with brighter bulbs.  With Daylight Savings Time approaching, being able to see for night driving will become especially important.
Replace your wiper blades.  This is an easy one that many people miss– don’t be one of them!  Wipe summer showers away and get your car ready for more frigid precipitation.
Replace the cabin air filter.  This will improve the function of your A/C as well as your fuel economy.
Make sure you’re up-to-date on scheduled maintenance!  When was your last oil change?  If it’s time for another, give us a call or schedule an appointment online.

Check out the cars at Burning Man!

Burning Man is coming up at the end of the month, and it is known for inspiring the utmost in creativity and other-worldly imagination. As the event inches closer, we have found some cars that have really pushed the limit on what is possible. We’ve put together a few of our favorites, and one that would be a perfect addition to the fun.

1.The Flaming Octopus

2. Snail Force One

3. Victorian Steam Engine

4. You have to get to Burning Man by car, and we think the Toyota Corolla would be the perfect choice. Great gas mileage, plenty of luggage space, and a killer look that will inspire anyone who attends (or gets a ride)! Check it out today!

Buying Your Teen's First Car? Read this First!

If you have a new teen driver in your family, the last thing you should be stressing about is car shopping.  That’s why we’ve made it easy for you with four simple things to keep in mind.
•Don’t let high horsepower vehicles tempt you.  Your teen will be tempted to push speeding past the limits.
•Skip the sports cars.  Bigger, heavier vehicles are ideal for protection during a crash or rollover.
•Electronic stability control is a must.  It works even better than that imaginary brake pedal you keep pressing, trust us.  It will help  your teen maintain control of the vehicle around curves and on slippery roads.
•Pick vehicles with the best safety ratings possible from the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Not Your Mother's Minivan! Check out the New Sienna!

The all-new 2015 Toyota Sienna is remarkable for a lot of reasons.  One of those reasons is the fact that it’s the first-ever Toyota vehicle to be revealed online.  Here are a few more reasons.

ON THE INSIDE
Updated Front Grille
Restyled Tail Lights

ON THE OUTSIDE
Backup Camera (comes standard)
Upgraded Steering Wheel

ON THE SAFE SIDE
Equipped With One Additional Airbag (making a total of 8)

Driving Towards Romance

When is the last time you did something truly romantic? We’re not talking about taking the trash out without her asking – we are talking about a BIG romantic gesture. With the finale of “The Bachelorette” around the corner (admit it – your girlfriend is addicted too), girls have romance on their brains and expectations shoot through the roof. While it is probably not feasible to sweep her off her feet for a weekend trip to Paris, you can definitely put some pep in her step with these sweet and romantic ideas:

Take a drive and go for a picnic at your favorite park. Note: for extra romance, make sure you have a wicker basket, a plaid blanket, a bottle of bubbly, and an awesome playlist for the drive.

Teach her how to drive a manual. Will she stall your car? Probably. Will your transmission be ruined? Probably not. The point is, women know that men love their cars and if you are willing to trust her with your car, you will score big brownie points.

Whisk her away for a weekend getaway. Whether you like to relax or go on adventures, chances are there are some really nice places nearby. Nothing says romance like a quaint bed and breakfast.

Whatever you decide to do, the key is spontaneity. Even if it takes you weeks to plan, keep the element of surprise and be sure to keep it fun!

Awareness Test

Think you are a good driver? Why not watch this video and put your acute skills of observation to the test! Ready, set, go! 

Alright, all done? How did you do? It is hard to be aware of everything even when you are paying attention – so imagine how texting, putting makeup on, or talking on the phone impacts your level of situational awareness!

Driving with your favorite four-legged passenger

1. You should bring your own water from home.  Dogs have sensitive stomachs and water from unfamiliar places can easily cause an upset tummy for your pup.
2. Plan ahead for any medication your pooch might need while you’re traveling.  If you are able to pack extras, do so.
3. It’s always smart to bring a blanket that smells like home– people aren’t the only ones who get homesick!
4. Get your dog used to being on the road by taking him on a few short drives in the days approaching the big trip.
5. Make sure he’s micro-chipped.  Hit the road with the peace of mind that if the worst does happen, you won’t be caught unprepared.

You already know this, but we must remind you: NEVER leave your dog in your car unattended.  This is especially important during the sizzling months of summer.

Summer Roadtrip The Family Playlist

Hotel California by The Eagles Livin’ La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin
Paradise City by Guns N’ Roses
Roam- B 52’s
ABC by The Jackson 5
You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
Let it Go by Demi Lovato
You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
YMCA by The Village People
Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Before you drive off towards the sunset...

Road trip season is here again!  There’s no doubt about it: one of the best parts of summer is hitting the road on an adventure.  But before you start your car and set out for unfamiliar horizons, make sure you have these things checked off your to-do list.

1. Top off coolant.  Seems pretty obvious, but many forget this one!  Make sure you stay cool out on the road and remember to be proactive about air conditioning care to prevent future problems.
2. Refill windshield washer fluid.  You’re bound to gather a few hitchhikers like bugs and dust on your journey.  Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is topped off so you can deal with these obstructions on-the-go.
3. Inspect your belts. As your car ages, belts become dry and brittle. This is made worse by heat and the last thing you want is to deal with a broken belt in the middle of your trip.
4. Check your tires. This is a good idea to do regardless of season, definitely not just a summer must. The easiest at-home method for this is performing the penny test.
5. Get your brakes checked out. Bring your car into our service department and let us take one final look before you head out! Even though you hope this summer never stops, you want your car to, eventually.

What would Miss Manners say about your driving?

Have you ever allowed another driver to merge onto the freeway?  You’re a decent and kind person–of course you have.  Do you ever find yourself getting unreasonably worked up if they don’t offer that universal two-second wave as a thank you?
There are certain unspoken rules of etiquette out on the road, and the courtesy wave is one of them.  Here’s a list of the top five rules of driving etiquette we wish were required.

Turn your brights off when you see oncoming traffic.  Blinding other drivers isn’t just rude, it’s dangerous.
Stop honking during traffic jams–especially at lights.  We promise it won’t make your commute any shorter.
Keep your volume at a reasonable level.  Hey, if you want to advertise your love for Nickelback, buy a T-shirt.
Allow other cars to merge.  The freeway is not a racetrack, and if we can promise you a courtesy wave– this should be set in stone.
Stop edging into crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing.  You’ve got important places to go and all those people are in your way.  But alas, you must remember that as long as they are on foot, they always have the right-of-way.  Always.

Dear Car Thief...Not Today!

Now that Summer has begun, you’ll probably go to a BBQ or some other outdoor activity to enjoy the sunshine and ring in the sizzling months to come.  It’s time to kick back, let your hair down, and have some fun–just make sure your car doesn’t leave the party without you. Leaving a note on your car probably won't help prevent theft, but these tips will!

1. If you are going to drink, don’t drive. We’re not talking about avoiding a DUI—that should be a given. Many people this weekend will head out to a BBQ with the plan to leave their car overnight and cab it home. Don’t do it!
2. Don’t assume that the shrubby corner of the neighborhood is the safe place to park your car. We know it’s hot, but don’t sacrifice safety for shade! Always park in a well-lit area; ideally one that’s easily visible from a distance.
3. Double check that your doors are locked and never keep your spare key in or near your car. In that same line of thought, don’t store anything of value in it. That includes your trunk! Car insurance won’t cover these items if they are stolen.
4. Think about installing a GPS system. If the worst ends up happening and your vehicle is stolen, you can track it down before it’s too late.

5 Tips on Being a Good Passenger

1. Unless your driver designates you as the DJ, hands off the radio!
2. Don’t freak out. If you are clutching at the door or gasping every time a car pulls in front of you, the driver will be focused on your drama instead of the road.
3. Offer to help with directions. These days many drivers have GPS, but if they don’t this is a really nice gesture.
4. Be sociable. When passengers are fully absorbed in some activity that renders them speechless for long stretches of time (reading a book, watching a movie, playing a game, etc.) it makes the driver feel like a chauffeur.
5. Show respect. If you are a grown person, it is pathetic if your driver has to remind you that you should: buckle your seatbelt, not to smoke in their car, and not use the dashboard as a footrest.

What Your Car Did in College

1. Got a dolphin or butterfly bumper sticker (hello spring break!)
2. Way too many ‘donuts’ freshman year.
3. The 'major' change...E-break 180.
4. Antenna topper: because your car was a rebel without a cause and wanted to make a statement.
5. Just coasting in neutral for a while. Hey why rush?
6. Finally kicked it into high gear just before the finish line.

Congratulations class of 2014! We wish you and your car many adventures to come.

How to Make a Road Trip Playlist

The perfect road trip requires a perfect playlist. Here are five tips to help make sure your playlist is well-tuned when the rubber hits the road.

1.  Variety is the spice of life. Be sure you have a mix of old favorites, new ear worms, and crowd favorites. An eclectic selection works well with the spontaneity of road trips and enhances your sense of adventure. 
2.  If you have passengers, make sure that their tastes are taken into consideration and their musical tastes are represented. Or, work from multiple playlists and take turns being DJ.
3.  Keep it positive. Good tunes make for good moods. The music you listen to on your trip is an integral part of your experience and these songs will be connected with the trip in your memory.
4.  Keep the flow of the music in mind. Start with something spunky and upbeat, keep longer songs for the middle when you will have longer stretches of road, and be sure to end with something epic.
5. Burn your playlist onto a CD so you can give it as a gift or keep it as a memory of your trip.