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.