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.