Texas Motors Ford

Dealership Dictionary Vol. 1

2012-03-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Fans! There are a lot of acronyms, sayings, and verbiage used in the auto industry nowadays. Sometimes, the savvy buyers can pinpoint exactly what they mean. On the other hand, buyers may be confused as to what these certain words mean. In today’s blog, we’re providing a quick list to reference before you come in to see us. We’ll be happy to elaborate!

APR – Annual Percentage Rate: this is a ruler used in comparing the various ways of computing interest or finance charges for all loans

Cap Cost Reduction – refers to any cash the leaseholder may pay upfront, this can include a down payment, trade-in credit, or rebate.

Dealer Trade – This is when a dealer will exchange one of his cars with another dealer to meet a customer’s likes or requirements in color, or model.

Free & Clear – A customer’s trade-in, which has no liens on it.

House Financing – This is a customer’s purchase, which is financed through the dealership

MSRP – Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of a vehicle.

These are just a few terms that we use in order to make your experience simple, easy, and effective. For details, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Why You Should Choose the Dealership For Service

2012-03-07T10:57:00.002-08:00

So,you’ve driven your car off the lot. Thepaint is shining and you’re smiling from ear to ear as that “new car smell”fills your senses with potent delight. You’re more than confident in yourdecision. Then it hits you, thousands ofmiles down the road your vehicle will have to be serviced. Oil change, tire rotation, etc…but where should yougo? Are the smaller independent carshops for you? We don’t think so, and inthe following blog, we’ll discuss how dealerships are the best way to goregarding service and maintenance for your vehicle.

TheStaff

Atour dealership, our technicians are specialists; manufacturer trained individualswho work on your specific vehicle. Wehave an ongoing program for the service staff and managers that continuouslyputs their skills to the test. Manufacturers offer training programs ONLY to their network of dealers. The service specialist are masters at yourmake and model, making them a more specific asset than their garagecounterparts.

Warranty

At adealership, if your vehicle is still under warranty, countless repairs are included,free of charge. We’re paid by themanufacturer to perform these services and once the problem is identified, wereceive authorization to fix the problem. Even if the warranty is expired and you pay out of pocket for yourservice outside of the warranty, your repairs are backed by a nationwidewarranty. So, if the repair doesn’thold, it can be fixed free of charge.

CustomerSatisfaction

Atthe dealership, we pride ourselves on positive customer satisfaction. Our dealership principles fall in line withevery individual who works within our organization, trickling into the heartand attitude of each transaction. Werepresent the manufacturer, so our goals are the same as yours: “great & efficientservice with a quick turnaround”. At asmaller shop, you won’t receive the personal relationship that comes from anindividual who represents a stellar brand.

We’rehere to service you and make sure your experience is a positive one. If you have any comments to add, feelfree! We love your feedback!

A Great Way to Beat the Traffic

2012-02-29T13:27:00.002-08:00

Hello, Fans! In today’s day and age, most commuters spend at least an hour daily sitting in traffic, waiting for a light to change, and agonizing every moment they’re at a standstill. Traffic has always been a huge part of the daily drive and in most cases, has been an unwelcome addition to the daily routine. Gone are the days of empty roads and long stretches, especially between the times of 9am and 6pm. We’ve got news for you!

There’s a new smartphone app (available for iPhone, android and Blackberry devices) that provides real-time traffic information for mobile devices and it’s FREE. Beat the Traffic allows commuters to instantly view real-time traffic conditions – including accidents; traffic congestion and roadway delays-and adjusts to travel plans if necessary. This saves you time, fuel and frustration. . Beat the Traffic has interactive maps and street details to assist you in finding the fastest and safest route to your destination! Traffic also lets motorists retrieve travel times and live camera views. Even more tools, such as personalized traffic reports and saved routes, are available for a small subscription fee.

Check it out:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/beat-the-traffic/id339660839?mt=8

Smartphone App of the Week: CarBUZZ

2012-02-22T13:50:00.002-08:00

Ok,so you’re sitting down at the doctor’s office waiting for yourappointment. Your seat is uncomfortable,you have the urge to sneeze and the little boy across the room is eyeing youwith an evil disposition. Thanks toCarBUZZ, an online automotive authority, your troubles are over. While waiting, you can take advantage of thisdowntime by downloading the FREE CarBUZZ app for your smartphone. It’s an amazing way for car enthusiasts to enjoythe latest reviews, editorials, and news from the automotive industry via amobile medium. According to CarBuzz:

“Readerswill be immersed in a wide variety of articles, providing opinions and reviewson the latest and most exciting vehicles, as well as daily news updates encompassingeverything from the automotive world.

CarBuzz is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android powereddevices.”

Check it out! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/carbuzz-958-cars-inside/id387682790?mt=8

Staying AWAKE Behind the Wheel

2012-02-15T12:25:00.001-08:00

Hey, Fans. Here at thedealership, we make your well being a huge factor. By creating and maintaining a safeenvironment for you, we give you the chance to feel comfortable in coming tosee us for a vehicle. Any questionsregarding vehicle maintenance and safety can be answered quickly andefficiently. We wish we could be withyou every step of the way after your purchase, but we know that most commutesoccur alone. That’s why we’ve compiledsome details of staying awake behind the wheel. We’ve all driven home tired, even when we know we shouldn’t be. By following these rules, you can avoid turninga bad situation into a catastrophic one.

1. Get a Good Night’s Sleep! – Getting a goodnight’s sleep is essential to good driving habits. Eight hours is the usual requirement, butalmost a third of adults receive less than 6.

2. Learn and Heed Warning Signs of Fatigue –experiencing wandering thoughts? Yawning repeatedly? Find yourself dosing offperiodically? Take a break and re-adjustyourself.

3. Drive with a Passenger – if you can, havesomeone accompany you on the drive home. That way, you can engage in conversation and avoid dosing off.

4. Schedule a Break – on long trips, every 2 hoursor every 100 miles, take a break to stretch and catch your bearings before youcontinue to your destination.

Feel free to add your own tips!

How Servicing Your Car Can Extend its Life (Even Further!)

2012-02-08T11:25:00.000-08:00

As acar buyer, you’ve experienced the uneasy feeling of maintaining yourvehicle. In most recent years, advancesin technology have lessened visits to the service department, but routineservice should still not be missed. Ourdealership is a safe haven for your car, catering to its specific needs, like apreventative care center. One of themain questions you ask when purchasing a new or used vehicle is: How reliableit is? In today’s blog, we provide some tips to maintaining your vehicle andhow to extend the already long life of your vehicle.

1. Read thevehicle manual and schedule maintenance appointments - Keeping up with yourvehicle’s scheduled maintenance is key to avoiding costly problems to thecooling system, drivetrain, suspension etc…

2. Call your dealership and ask questions – We’rehere to help. If you have any servicequestions feel free to call us with your questions.

3. Have yourdealership check fluids – Always come in and ask us check the level ofantifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid regularly.

4. Change oil regularly – By changing youroil when your dealership requests it, you can protect your engine. Every car is different, so call us to get theexact information for your specific vehicle make and model.

5. Request afluid flush every two years – By flushing the power steering, brake, andcooling system fluid when it is pertinent, you can cleanse your car’s liquidsin one fell swoop. However, if you havegone more than 50k miles without a change, on many transmissions, it is not thegreatest idea to do so. It can causebreakdown varnish and other solids that have built up in the transmission overtime.

6. Have thetires rotated – Having your tires rotated at your nearest dealership shouldbe second nature. By doing so, you canavoid uneven wear and tear on the tread, extending the life of your tires.

Theseare just a few tips to help you maintain your vehicle in your daily commute,feel free to add your comments below!

# Automotive Advertising

Automotive App: CarZar

2012-02-01T11:57:00.001-08:00

If you’re reading our mostrecent blog post, then you’re most likely a car enthusiast. You get a rush shifting gears on theAutobahn, I’m sorry, the I-95 whenever you reach speeds in excess of 80 mph. If you’re in tune with the digital world,then we recommend a cool new smartphone app for your enjoyment. CarZar, a social media network that puts aspin on the philosophy is for you. Forexample, lets say you see a sweet new car on the street that you reallyadmire. You can snap a photo of thatride and share that ride with fellow car freaks and earn badges like Foursquarefor yopur efforts. You can also gainfollowers through your contributions like the Twitter platform.

After you download CarZar andregister your info, You can list your favorite car, favorite car and connectyour existing social network accounts. Then, you're free to snap car finds and share them with your friends onthe go. According to Endmunds: “By hitting the camera icon in theupper-right corner of the Spot screen and following the prompts, youcan post a photo of your own automotive discoveries and share info on thecar and add comments. In addition to linking your CarZar activity to yourexisting soical networks.”

Check it out: http://itunes.apple.com/app/carzar/id391972871?mt=8

How Do YOU Find the Right Vehicle? (POLL)

2012-01-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

At acar dealership, our main priority is finding the perfect vehicle for you: theconsumer. In today’s day and age, somany individuals are well versed in what they want. Through careful research in online forums,review sites and word of mouth, they know the exact model to fit theirlifestyle-all the way down to the trim color. In today’s blog, we would like to get YOUR feedback. We want to know how you research a newvehicle. Just leave your comments belowto discuss. Thanks for yourparticipation!

Feelfree to choose an option below or create your own!

1. I research cars through sites like Edmunds, Carand Driver and Consumer Reports to find a great fit with reviews I can trust

2. I talk to my friends and family about what carsare reasonably priced and affordable.

3. I use social media as a mechanism for questionsand answers on the newest vehicles.

4. I call up the dealership directly and inquireabout a vehicle

5. I visit my closest dealership’s website for moreinformation

# Automotive Advertising

Tips on Buying New & Used Cars

2012-01-18T06:55:00.001-08:00

Carsare an investment. We know that carbuying is a huge decision, affecting financing, safety, and personal reliance. We’rehere to help. In today’s blog, we'vedecided to provide the advantages of buying new and used. The decision really boils down to what youcan afford and what option will give you peace of mind in the future.

BuyingNew

· Reduced Maintenance – buying a new vehicle meansno worries for a while. Only theoccasional tune-up and oil change are required.

· Warranty Coverage – the manufacturer covers newvehicles under warranty for at least 3 years, some even longer. Withmanufacturer warranties, if something goes wrong it's the responsibility of thedealer and manufacturer to fix it.

· Peace of Mind – if you do encounter problemswith a new vehicle, you have legal recourse through state lemon laws (availablein every state).

· Roadside Assistance – All mainstream new carscome with free roadside assistance while the vehicle is under warranty. Also, you could be reimbursed for alternatetransportation should something goes wrong.

BuyUsed

· Increased Choice – With used cars, you have alarge choice of cars to choose from. Someone is always selling your dream car in mint condition.

· Improving Reliability – used vehicles don’t usuallyhave the same warranties as new ones, however the original factory warranty istransferable to a second owner at no charge.

· Just Like New – According to Edmunds: “Another trend that makesbuying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-ownedprograms. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benzand has become a popular alternative for car buyers.”

Going Green: Keeping Your Home Environmentally Friendly

2012-01-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

Weunderstand the importance of the environment. We’re the first to appreciate the aesthetic look of the intercostal aswaves crash on a harbor, or the setting sun burrowing into the horizon. To maintain that sense of beauty, we allparticipate in making the world a greener place to live. By lowering emissions and usingenvironmentally sound products, we can all make sure to keep our planetgreen. In today’s blog, we discuss someeasy ways to maintain these same principles in your home.

1. A Green Home is a Clean Home

Green homes allow for bill slashing, efficiency boosting, andthe ability to minimize leakage. Oneexample is dual-paned windows. They keepcool during the summer and warm during the winter. One other great feature is a low-flow toilet,as well as tankless water heaters and solar energy systems.

2. Watch the Temperature

A lot of energy consumption is used during heating andcooling. Turn down your thermostat incold weather and keep it high in warm weather. According to MSN: “Eachdegree below 68°F (20°C) during colder weather saves 3%-5% more heating energy,while keeping your thermostat at 78°F in warmer weather will save you energyand money. A programmable thermostat will make these temperature changes foryou automatically.”

3. Save Water

Just changing some of your routines can yield efficient waterusage. For example, try using a broominstead of a garden hose to clean your driveway, it can save you 80 gallons ofwater!! Turn off the water whilebrushing your teeth will yield 4.5 gallons.

4. Energy Efficient Light

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) use 66% less energythan a standard incandescent bulb, lasting up to 10x longer than the standardbulb. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFLcan save $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.

5. Use More Efficient Paint

The average paint contains solvents, toxic materials, andvolatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause smog, ozone pollution, andindoor air quality problems, according to the EPA. Try zero-low-VOC paint, made by most majorpaint manufacturers.

Theseare just a few quick pointers to get you started, for more tips visit yournearest hardware store for more info and visit http://www.greenamerica.org/livinggreen/greencleaners.cfm

Automotive Advertising

Making Music Integration Easy

2012-01-04T09:23:00.001-08:00

Drivingis a fundamental tool for getting from point A to point B. That’s a given. In most cases, we need something to cut themonotony of driving day in and day out. Listening to music in the car has always been a great way to pass thatlong morning drive in traffic. If yourfavorite song is blaring through the speakers, it’s hard not to remember anostalgic memory tied to a rock ballad from the 70’s, or a classical piece ofmusic that rivets the soul. In today’sblog, we’re going a step further. We’regoing to provide you with some innovative ways to listen to music in yourcar. Feel free to read below and addyour own comments.

Cassettetapes, CDs and if you’re ‘seasoned’ enough, 8-tracks were always a distractionin the car. Now, with the emergence ofmp3 players like the iPod, you can hold thousands of music files in one smalldevice. You can connect your iPod fourways:

1. Aux-in connection: this is a common feature inmost cars and only requires an Auxiliary cable (which you can pick up for about$2 on Amazon) to be plugged into a car’s aux-in jack on one end and the musicplayer’s headphone jack on the other. Then, just select AUX on a car’s stereo and viola!

2. USB Port: most carmakers offer a computer-styleconnection. You can plug in youriPod/iPhone using the computer-sync cable it was supplied with. This allows you to control your deviceeasily.

3. Proprietary connection: This relies on a cablesupplied by the automaker that plugs into the iPod’s 30-pin connector on oneend, just as a USB cable does. The other end plugs into aconnection that's unique to the vehicle. Another connection setup uses atwo-pronged cable that has to plug into both the aux-in jack and a USB port.

4. BluetoothAudio: allows you to transfer a conversation from a mobile phone to a car’sstereo that also let you wirelessly stream music between compatibledevices. Typically, the only featuresavailable are pause/play.

Theseare just some of the ways music technology is making waves in the autoindustry. Choose the most convenient foryou and run with it!

Automotive Advertising

TwitWipe: An App that Deletes ALL of Your Tweets

2011-12-27T13:36:00.001-08:00

Mischief. Trouble. Mayhem. These three words canaccompany a questionable decision you’ve made, a night of unwanted remembranceor a tweet that you regretted as soon as it left your tech savvy fingers. We’ve all made questionable decisions in ourtime, that’s obvious. With the emergenceof social media, it’s easier to broadcast your debauchery via tweet, text,message or photo...in an instant. It’san immediate blast to the online world, forever etched in the Internet’srepertoire.

Haveyou ever posted something you later regretted? In most cases, you can delete a post fast enough to avoiddetection. However, once you push ENTERand one person sees the post before you delete it, they can share it with theirfriends in an instant. I.e. Anthony Weiner, the disgraced Congressman whoinfamously tweeted a private picture, was the center of a huge scandal. It’s also hard to forget the tweet by AshtonKutcher, regarding the Sandusky scandal that read: “How do you fire Jo Pa? #insult #noclass as a Hawkeye fan Ifind it in poor taste.” Before he knew about the scandal…the list goes on.

For the impulsive Twitterjunkie, there’s hope. A new app called TwitWipe is able to delete ALL of yourtweets in one go. This might be alittle drastic for most Twitter users, but if you regret most of the thingsyou’ve said on Twitter, this is definitely the ideal road to travel. Utilizing TwitWipe will let you start freshon Twitter without losing your followers, the people you follow or yourfavorites. It’s more beneficial thandeleting your account because you still hold on to your followers, who youfollow etc…

There is a downside,however. TwitWipe takes time to performdeletion and once done, there’s no turning back. If TwitWipe is the right thing for you,click: http://twitwipe.com/login.php

Automotive Advertising

A Surefire Way to Save at the Pump

2011-12-21T08:22:00.001-08:00

Gasis the last thing on your mind on December 21^st. We’re one day into Hanukkah and only fourdays until Christmas and you NEED to finish your holiday shopping. Online outlets have made it easier for us tomake buying decisions on the net, but you can’t purchase EVERYTHINGonline. You’ll need to drive…that’swhere we come in. If you’re trying topinch pennies this season to get that new tablet for your favorite nephew, thenhere’s a suggestion: when buying gas atthe pump, stop buying premium.

Alot of drivers ask themselves if they can switch. The answer is yes. Today’s automobiles have made strides inengine technology. Even if the manualsays premium, its performance will only suffer slightly. For example, it might be a half a second slowerwhen accelerating from 0-60. Drivers shouldknow if premium is recommended or required. Still in doubt? Here's a deeperexplanation of why this is a benefit to your commute and your pockets.

A long time ago, engineswere unable to adjust to fuels with differing octane ratings. If you used the wrong fuel, the engine wouldknock audibly as the fuel combustion became uncontrolled. Engine knock can damage internal enginecomponents over time. Today advances in enginecontrol systems can compensate for low octane by monitoring knock activity andadjusting ignition in advance to quell the knock. According to Edmunds: “This sophisticatedelectronic capability effectively gives drivers more flexibility in the gradeof fuels that they can safely use. Comparedto premium gasoline, lower-octane fuels don't allow the engine to run as muchignition advance during situations where lots of throttle might be used. Since the engine doesn't make quite as much power withlower-octane fuels, this translates into slower acceleration in cars for whichpremium fuel is recommended. The performance loss is especially noticeable inturbocharged gasoline engines.” In other words, this is only something you’llnotice if you have a heavy throttle foot. Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing. So take a sec at the pump and save!

Happy Holidays!

Automotive Advertising

Finding a Fresh Christmas Tree

2011-12-14T07:21:00.001-08:00

It’stwo weeks before Christmas and you’re running around frantically. The gifts are unwrapped, the food is unpreparedand your Santa hat is nowhere to be found. Stop. Take a deep breathe and relax,we’re here to help. Though we won’t beable to cook your holiday dinner, (we can make a mean roast, by the way) wewill be able to help you with one of your dilemmas: finding the perfectChristmas tree.

Findingthe perfect tree starts with one simple rule: look for the green! According to Elwood ChristmasTree Farm owner Lee Itzler, the best way to test the health of an evergreen isto grab a branch of your Christmas tree-to-be and lightly scratch the stem."If you see green, the tree will keep its needles longer."

Trees between 6 and 8 feetare always in high demand, taking between 8 and 10 years to grow 6 feettall. Once you pick out your tree, it’sbest to put it inside of your car as opposed to on top. Why? Itzer says: "Strapped on the roof,the trees get really beat up, wind burned, and desiccated. If you're a localdelivery it really doesn't make a difference, but if you're going on thehighway, then it should go in the car." If you do have to put it on the roof, put the trunk facing into thewind.

Once your tree is home safeand sound, it’s time to get a good stand with heavy water retention. The tree will soak up a lot of water over thecourse of the next couple days, so make sure to keep the stand full. Viola! Your tree skills have improved thisyear!

How do you retain your treeover the holiday season? Let us knowbelow!

AutomotiveAdvertising

Consumer Tips For Staying “Green”

2011-12-07T08:18:00.001-08:00

As2011 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on the year. For the auto industry, it was a tad rocky,but we’ve managed to bounce back. Inother aspects, it was a great year for hope and prosperity, instilling afeeling of pride for what we do as a whole. As Americans, we have been able to navigate a recession and emergevictorious. One aspect that should beaddressed is the environment. Asindividuals, we have a responsibility for the vegetation surrounding us and intoday’s blog; we delve into options for staying “green” in our currenteconomy. Feel free to add your own inthe comments section below!

According to CompatibleGreen Energy:

1. Use cloth instead ofpaper:Try trading in your paper napkins, paper towels, paper plates and papershopping bags, in exchange for more earth-friendly materials. Save the trees!People have been using cloth napkins, rags and shopping bags for centuries, notto mention that reusable, washable plates date back to the beginning of eating.

2. Grow something green: Plants use up CO₂andrelease oxygen. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Oxygen is good – plain andsimple. You can’t get much greener than that.

3. Make a compost pile: Instead of tossing yourleft over food in the trash, or sending it down the garbage disposal, make acompost pile. Anything that once came from a plant can be composted – fruits, vegetables,grains, beans, etc. Decomposed plant matter contains nutrients that make it agreat natural fertilizer.

4. Trade your wheels: It’s no secret that carsproduce pollution. In the name of health, try biking or walking instead ofdriving. Even using public transportation such as buses or trains is better forthe environment than driving your personal car everywhere.

5. Recycle: Ancient civilizationsrecycled their metals and we’ve been recycling ever since. Now, with a moderntwist, we can recycle metals, plastics, glass and paper. Recycled materials arebroken down and then processed into new products, such as high-grade paperbeing deinked, pulped and then repressed into more paper.

6. Reuse: Before you recycle, lookfor ways to reuse empty bottles, old newspapers or plastic containers. You canuse empty containers to store food, cleaning supplies or household materials.Not only is it good for the world to reuse your old materials, it might saveyou some money too.

Automotive Advertising

The Kookiest Auto Races…EVER

2011-11-30T08:35:00.001-08:00

Welove speed. The exhilaration we feel when we’re driving with the top downand the landscape is whizzing by is an American pastime, almost a tradition inour culture. We pack Nascar Speedways to watch speed demons circle atrack, drive fast in the HOV lane, and mount up a ridiculous amount of speedingviolations on a daily basis. We’re a speed-based country bent on gettingto the next objective…quickly. As fans of the racing dynamic and thesense of adrenaline we get from it, I’ve decided to pull 3 crazy races into alist (Courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com) on our Blog. Check them out below:

Red Bull Soapbox Race

It’s all about gravity with this one. The objective is to create amakeshift vessel that can be propelled with only standard wheels. Thevehicle is engineless, and zooming downhill in this derby and winning couldwarrant a prize. The derby oozes creativity, with past entrants being inthe shape of a piano, a giant corn on the cob, and…the Golden GateBridge. Now that’s awesome!

24 Hours of LeMons

According to HowStuffWorks.com “While the actual 24 Hours of LeMans sports carrace, held annually in the eponymous French city, features real racing carsthat have been tuned and engineered within an inch of their lives, the 24 Hoursof LeMons race features real, well, lemons.” If you paid more than $500for your car, including modifications you won’t be allowed on the track. Ourfirst car out of high school would have worked perfectly.

Gumball 3000

The Gumball 3000 is a high-end car rally that runs annually between locationssince 1999. The tradition began in London, making its way through Europe,ending in New York City. Other Gumballs have gone from New York to thePlayboy Mansion in Los Angeles and from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the CannesFilm Festival in the south of France -- not a very long trip until you considerthat the route crossed the Mediterranean and passed through North Africa on itsway to the finish line. Have any you would like to add?

AutomotiveAdvertising

Car People Who Know Grub: Quick Thanksgiving Recipes

2011-11-23T06:58:00.001-08:00

Everyoneis huddled around a long table, the soft scent of cranberry fused with smokedturkey emanates from the small area. Your plate is already full to the brim with Turkey, doused in gravy andsoaked up by a monstrous pile of stuffing. You look down at your plate and smile. Yes, this is perfection. Thanksgiving is the best time of the year. It’s a celebratory holiday for family,friends and an ice-cold brewski. Inother words, it’s AWESOME. In today’sblog, we’re showing you that us car people can cook, too! For those of you on your last minute cookingbinge, pay attention! We’ve got a coupleof quick recipes courtesy of the Food Network for you:

WorldsSimplest Thanksgiving Turkey

Time:3 Hours

Preheat the oven to 325degrees F. Pull the neck and giblets out of the cavity; ditch the liverand save the rest of the gibletsfor gravy. Dry the turkey with paper towels, then season inside and out withsalt and pepper. Fill the turkey with aromatics like chopped onions,carrots,applesand herbs,then place breast-side up in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter. Tentwith foil and roast for 2 hours (for a 10- to 12-pound turkey;add an extra 15 minutes per pound for larger birds). Remove the foil, bastewith more melted butterand crank the oven to 425 degrees F. Roast for another hour or until the meatat the thigh registers 165 degrees F. Let rest while you make the gravy.

Pumpkin Pie

Time: 1 Hour 35 min

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups canned pumpkin, mashed
1 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, optional
1 piece pre-made pie dough
Whipped cream, for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place 1 piece of pre-made pie dough down into a (9-inch) pie pan andpress down along the bottom and all sides. Pinch and crimp the edges togetherto make a pretty pattern. Put the pie shell back into the freezer for 1 hour tofirm up. Fit a piece of aluminum foil to cover the inside of the shellcompletely. Fill the shell up to the edges with pie weights or dried beans(about 2 pounds) and place it in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foiland pie weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is dried outand beginning to color.

For the filling, in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with ahand mixer. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined. Add the sugar and salt,and beat until combined. Add the eggs mixed with the yolks, half-and-half, andmelted butter, and beat until combined. Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, andginger, if using, and beat until incorporated.

Pour the filling into the warm prepared pie crust and bake for 50minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool toroom temperature. Cut into slices and top each piece with a generous amount ofwhipped cream.

Enjoy!! Happy Thanksgiving!

Automotive Advertising

App of the Week: Vlingo

2011-11-16T10:52:00.001-08:00

The daily commute can puta damper on your attitude. Lets face it,sometimes traffic is the worst thing in your existence. To make life easier, there’s an app for that. No it doesn’t fly you over traffic in a hovercraftvehicle equipped with back massager, but it does act as your personalassistant. According to Vlingo: “Tellyour phone what to do! The Vlingo Virtual Assistant turns your words intoaction. Vlingo combines voice to texttechnology with its "intent engine" to help you quicklycomplete your desired action. Simply speak to your phone or type acommand through the ActionBar to get just about anything done while on the go.

Looking for directions toa restaurant? Need to do a quick mobile search for information on beeallergies? Can’t find the number for a plumber? Want to update yoursocial status to tell everyone about your new puppy? Maybe you need tosend a quick text to a colleague because you’re running late for a meeting? Or perhaps you’re looking for a safer alternative to texting while driving? Vlingo can do all of these things for you, and so much more!

Vlingo has accurate voice recognition technology,speed and intelligence to help you stay connected with the people, businessesand activities that are important to you. “

The best part? The app is free. It’s a safe alternative for getting infowhile on the road while keeping your family and yourself safe. Check it out right here: http://www.vlingo.com/. Vlingo is available on iOS, AndroidBlackberry, Nokia, and Windows smartphone platforms.

Automotive Advertising

Car App of the Week: Waze, FREE GPS Application

2011-11-09T13:43:00.001-08:00

Lifehas been made simpler with the emergence of smartphones. Need to find a great place to eat? There’s anapp for that. Want to set up a reminderto pick milk after work? There’s an appfor that. Want to begin your plan forworld domination by taking over your city with one swift button? There’s NO app for that, yet…but who knowswhat's in store for the future!

TheiPhone app store has a plethora of GPS apps that range from $.99 to $100, allallowing for a step-by-step guide to get from point A to B. Our app of the week, Waze, a new navigationsystem that provides step-by-step directions on a 3-D map, combiningcrowd-sourced info as well as accurate GPS, is the perfect solution. Also, theapp is totally free! According to 148Apps:“Waze is a free, social, mobile crowd-source navigation and real-timetraffic application for iPhone that gives its users a "real-time,"live description of the road/driving conditions around them. It's a free,useful, fun application everyone should download and experience!”

Wazefeatures:

· Constantly-updatedroad map

· Real-timetraffic updates

· Automaticrerouting

· Livereports from users on the road

· Turn-byturn directions

· Roadtweets – Twitter integration

· Foursquareintegration

· Automaticallylearned frequent routes

· Picturesharing from the road

· Usercontribution scoreboard

Download ASAP! For more, visit: http://www.148apps.com/reviews/waze/and http://www.waze.com/download/to download

Automotive Advertising

Roadside Assistance Tips

2011-10-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

Theroad can be a dangerous place. We alltake the necessary precautions to create a safe vessel for our daily commute,but in some cases, things are unavoidable. If you have been the victim of a flat tire, or mechanical mishap, thenyou’ve experienced that lonely feeling. You’re stuck on the side of the road, all of your contacts are eitherbusy or too far away for contact, and you feel stranded. Alone. Roadside assistance has created a safe havenfor daily commuters. It’s a greatservice that provides assistance to motorists whose vehicles have suffered amechanical failure that is significant enough to leave them stranded. In today’s blog, we provide some tips forgetting through it.

Thefirst thing you should do is call and establish with the operator what theproblem is. The call is then relayed tothe tow driver or emergency officials. By popping the hood to see what’s wrong or getting out and checking thedamage, you can survey the problem. Thisgives the officials a general idea of what to expect. Please, take caution, if you feel as if you’retaking a chance, stay in your vehicle!!

Thenext thing to do is describe your location. According to eHow: “Tell the operator where exactly you were driving and where you think you may be onthe road. This will help the operator call the closest tow truck company oremergency medical services so that they can get to you as quickly as possible.Turning on your flashers or your headlights and, if you feel safe doing so, putout reflective triangles behind your car to help the tow truck driver find youin a shorter amount of time.”

Information! Information! Information! Always keep a copy of all the info you would need forroadside assistance. One should be inyour wallet or purse, while the other should be easily accessible in yourvehicle. This should include the numbersthat you would need for the operator, expiration date, and other details.

Theseare just a few tips for you guys to check out…feel free to comment!

Automotive Advertising

The DeLorean is Back From the Future…and it’s ELECTRIC!

2011-10-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

“McFly!”The phrase is well known in American society. A quip that has been instilled in us since the eighties by a burly youngman known by one syllable: Biff. Thisman, Marty McFly’s arch-nemesis, made his life a living hell in the Back to theFuture films by berating him with comments, abuse, and the fondling of hisfuture mom (i.e. see film). It’s anAmerican classic. Marty’s vehicle ofchoice for transcending the time space continuum was a 981 DeLorean DMC-12, a futuristicvehicle with gullwing doors and a fictional “flux capacitor”, the main cog ininitiating time travel. Now, in 2011,the manufacturers over at DeLorean have decided to bring this classic back…asan electric vehicle! Check it out below:

Automotive Advertising

Driving Cautiously in a Downpour

2011-10-19T08:20:00.001-07:00

Rainis essential. It helps vegetationflourish, provides nutrients to soil, and is an overall integral part of lifehere on Earth. But when it’s hittingyour windshield and the pitter-patter of raindrops causes you to clench yourteeth, it’s time to take precaution. Raincan be attributed to thousands of car accidents a year. Accidents can be preventable by drivers whoweather (pun intended) the conditions of the road, using their intuition anddefensive driving skills to stay safe during their commute. When the road is wet, a film is created onthe asphalt, causing your tires to lose traction. Another problem during a downpour is yourperception. You can’t see as far intothe distance as normal, so this decreases visibility of other cars and the roaditself.

Intoday’s blog, we discuss some options to driving safely when the roads are wet.

Becareful when it rains after a dry spell. Engine and oil grease cake up on asphalt over time. When this is mixed with rainwater, it cancause the road to be extremely slick.

Allotmore time for your commute. This allowsfor a steady drive to your destination. The last thing you want to do is rush, it also compensates for delays,flooding, and unexpected accidents.

NoCruise control! If you go into ahydroplane, there’s a slight chance your car could accelerate. Reaction time is crucial and you’ll need yourfoot close to the pedal at all times.

Turnon your headlights. This helps you seethe road, and also lets motorists see you. Blasting your high beams however can prove detrimental. It can obscure your view further, reflectingwater droplets in the air.

Hydroplaning. The first rule to avoiding the dreadedhydroplane is to avoid braking suddenly or turning the wheel, which can causeyour car to spin or skid off of the road. According to Edmunds: “Releasethe gas pedal slowly and steer straight until the car regains traction. If youmust brake, tap the brake pedal (unless you have antilock brakes, in which caseyou can put your foot down).”

Defogyour windows. Rain causes yourwindshield to fog up fairly quickly. Turn on your defrosters and make sure you're A/C is turned on. Most vehicles climate control systems willautomatically engage the A/C when the windshields defrost is selected.

Doyou have any tips for us? Feel free toprovide them below, we love your feedback!

Automotive Advertising

Awesome New Automotive Technology

2011-10-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

WhenI close my eyes and picture the future of the automobile, several things cometo mind. Maybe a vessel that moves likea flying saucer that only George Jetson could maneuver, or a hovercraft thatcan traverse both land and sea? The state of vehicle technology has amazed mewith each passing day. In today’s blog,we discuss the future of car technology and how it will affect the way we roll.

EmergencySteer Assist

Tobegin, this system does not take over and steer for you, it’s designed tocompliment emergency braking systems. According to Popular Mechanics: “ESA works with your electricsteering rack to vary the torque by direction, thus very convincingly"suggesting" the proper steering wheel motion. Suppose you need toswerve left—the torque in the clockwise motion is greatly increased(resistance), but it's ridiculously easy to turn the wheel counterclockwise.Similarly, during the maneuver recovery phase (you may know this as the tankslapper), the inverse is true, the steering working in tandem with ESC(electronic stability control, mandatory on all cars in 2011) to control theaftereffects of the swerve.

AdaptiveCruise Control

ACCis only available on a few select vehicles, but by utilizing radar sensors onthe front of a vehicle, adaptive cruise control can tell when an object is infront of it and if that object is moving and how quickly. Thus, maintaining a constant speed, but alsomaintaining a set distance between it and the car in front. Brilliant!

SelfParking Cars

Advanceparking Guidance Systems use sensors all around the car to guide it into aparallel parking space. So, if you’re inthe drivers seat, and you remove your hands from the steering wheel and yourfeet from the gas pedal…viola! There are a couple stipulations, however. One, the spot has to be at least 6 feet long,and you have to position the vehicle and tell it where to go, but still…this issomething you would expect to see in a sci-fi movie! Thumbs up! There are countless other new devices in themarket!! Feel free to add any thatyou’ve seen.

Automotive Advertising

Finding the Right Vehicle...For You

2011-10-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

Yourpalms are sweaty, your eyes are burning, and you’re nervously tapping your footagainst the floor. “Click” the sound of your mouse causes you to sweat as youfeverishly look for an ew car online. Itshouldn’t be THIS difficult! Having trouble deciding on what vehicle to purchasenext? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Choosing your next vehicle is a big investment that starts ahead with carefulplanning. We can help. Come in to see us any time for your questionsand concerns, we’ll be happy to help you. Until then, take a look at this brief video to help you decide what typeof vehicle is right for you, then come in for great assistance from our salesteam.

Doyou want a manual or automatic transmission?

Do you really need four-wheel drive? Or all-wheel drive?

Whatsafety features do you want?

Doyou require a lot of cargo capacity?

Willyou be doing any towing?

Doyou have a bad back and need flexible seating positions?

Willthe car easily fit in your garage or parking space?

Automotive Advertising

Breaking Down Your VIN Number

2011-09-28T07:15:00.000-07:00

AVehicle Identification Number is a series of numbers we see all too often, butdo we really have an understanding for what they are? To the normal eye, it looks like a confusingseries of numbers. A VIN is the 17-digitstring of numbers assigned to every vehicle. It can reveal A TON of facts about your car, including airbag type,country of origin, engine size, model year and even the trim level! It’s can be stamped into a plate that’smounted on the dashboard, near the windshield, or on the driver-sidedoorjamb. It could also be stamped onthe engine firewall.

Ifyou’re looking to decipher the code, you can visit a site calleddecodethis.com, this site will translate the number into a readable document,changing the set of numbers into understandable content. The information is accurate and worth apeek. We ran a random vehicle, theresult being:

Thebenefit of this info is using it to obtain a vehicle history report. Beforeyou buy a used car — even if it's from a dealer — it's important to get thevehicle's VIN and use it to run a history report that can reveal if the car hasbeen reported stolen or if it has a salvage title.

Automotive Advertising

How Much Does An Electric Vehicle ACTUALLY Cost to Maintain?

2011-09-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

TheJetsons is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of electricvehicles, not necessarily a floating utopia equipped with flying cars, but it’sdefinitely a wave of the future. Withcountless manufacturers rolling our production vehicles and prototypes, it’snot difficult to get lost in the shuffle. We’ve heard the conversation around electric vehicles: they’re quiet,cheap to maintain, and environmentally friendly. Lets delve a bit deeper and get the actualprice of maintaining one.

Accordingto Edmunds: to figureout the cost of fueling an EV, start with the electric car's energy consumptionrate, which is expressed as kWh per 100 miles (kWh/100m). This figure will belisted on the EPA's upcoming EV fuel economy label (the 2011 Leaf's preliminarylabel is shown here,complete with an erroneous 12-cent per kWh figure in the cost estimate thatNissan says it is correcting). The next figure is your home electric rate,assuming that's the primary charging site. Multiply the kWh/100m figure by theelectric rate to get the cost per 100 miles. For instance, the Leaf's kWh/100mfigure is 34. If electricity is 11 cents per kWh — the national average — itwould cost $3.74 to go 100 miles.

Utility companies, and thetime and level of use set the electricity cost. You pay more for kWh at peak hours, making a lot of electric commuterspay more than the national average of 11 cents per kWh. How do real individuals save on theirelectric vehicles?

Tom and Cathy Saxon have twoelectric vehicles. They installedseparate electric meters for their EVs (electric vehicles) in July 2009 andhave been tracking them since then. TheSaxton's Tesla is consuming at a rate of 30.8 kWh/100m (bettering its officialEPA rating); the RAV4 is averaging about 35 kWh/100m. They pay an average of 11.25 cents perkWh. In other words, they drive about 30miles on a dollar’s worth of electricity, it would be much more expensive todrive with gas. Results do vary,depending on a couple factors like when and where you’re charging, but the truecost of filling up is a tad more complicated than expected.

Automotive Advertising

How to Save a Life: A Group of Samaritan’s Save Man From Burning Car

2011-09-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

I’m not one to be cynical; the world is a strange and coldplace, I know. It’s full of thieves,negative influencers and shady politics, but today’s blog isn’t about debate. It’s about a brief epiphany I had earlier, asI watched a group of people lift a car (yes, you read that correctly) and savea mans life who was tucked under the vehicle, a man they didn’t “know fromAdam”. Their amazing bravery caused meto choke up a bit, wiping my tears with the back of my sleeve. The world DOES have good in it, and throughour daily routines, we sometimes forget. So, if you’re reading this blog entry, think back to when you’ve helpedsomeone, or look forward TO helping someone in the near future, and check outthe video below for an awe inspiring clip of perseverance throughstruggle. Feel free to add your comments!

Automotive Advertising

Twitter: Awesome Quotes Under 140 Characters!

2011-09-07T06:48:00.001-07:00

Follow us @TexasMotorsFord. HelloFans! If you’ve come to our blog today, you’re in luck. Twitter, the micro blogging social media siteis an amazing little tool for self-promotion. Through savvy, profound, and funny tweets, you can become a big playerin an ever-growing market. In today’sblog, from our friends over at allfamousquotes.weebly.com, we’ve got a greatlist of quotes for you to hit the site with, providing some fun and enticingquotes to increase your followers. Checkthem out below:

Best Twitter Quotes about marriage

Beforemarriage, a man yearns for the woman he loves. After marriage, the 'Y' becomessilent.

~Anonymous.

Marriagesare made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning.

~Anonymous.

Bachelorsknow more about women than married men; if they didn't they'd be married too.

~ H.L. Mencken.

Thebonds of matrimony are like any other bonds - they mature slowly.

~Peter De Vries.

Along marriage is two people trying to dance a duet and two solos at the sametime.

~Anne Taylor Fleming.

Thereis no such cozy combination as man and wife.

~Menander.

Aman in love is incomplete until he has married. Then he's finished.

~Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Asuccessful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the sameperson.

~Mignon McLaughlin.

BestTwitter Quotes about kids

Everychild comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged ofman.

~RabindranathTagore

Childrenare unpredictable. You never know what inconsistency they're going tocatch you in next.

~FranklinP. Jones.

Anykid will run any errand for you if you ask at bedtime.

~RedSkelton.

Ifyou haven't time to respond to a tug at your pants leg, your schedule is toocrowded.

~RobertBrault.

Youcan learn many things from children. How much patience you have, forinstance.

~FranklinP. Jones.

BestTwitter Quotes Dads would love

Blessedindeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!

~Lydia M. Child.

Afather carries pictures where his money used to be.

~Anonymous.

Afather is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow.

~Anonymous.

Daytimeis ruled by mothers and fathers come out at night.

~Margaret Atwood.

BestTwitter Quotes about Inspiration

Risksmust be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

~Leo Buscaglia.

Self-praiseis for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and behumble.

~John Madden.

Thebiggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.

~Oprah Winfrey.

Whatkeeps me going is goals.

~Muhammad Ali.

Positivethinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will.

~Zig Ziglar.

Automotive Advertising

Hang up the phone and drive!

2011-08-31T12:07:00.001-07:00

We posted this a year ago and we think it had a big enough impact to warrant a re-post. In today's world it is expected to be able to be reached 24/7. Texting, calling, and e-mailing friends, relatives, and coworkers helps us to feel connected and in the loop. With the beep of the phone everyone is tempted - even at the wheel - to answer. Studies show, however, that that is a bad move to make safety wise.

Not only is your brain power lowered because you are so distracted, you are four times more likely to get into an accident while on the phone. So why take the risk? Missing one phone call is not worth the risk of damaging your car or worse.

Teenagers need to be particularly wary because they are four times more likely than an adult to have an accident while using a mobile device.

Be safe out there everyone!

Statistical information provided by:
http://www.teendriversource.org/stats/teen/detail/64

Facebook Makes Some Changes

2011-08-24T11:16:00.001-07:00

Facebook is the number one social media network on the planet, and as we all know, it has paved the way for millions of people to act and react simultaneously. You're on Facebook. Your family's on Facebook. And yes, your Mom is on Facebook. We're all familiar with the platform. Facebook is making some SUBSTANTIAL changes to their privacy policy. In part, inspired by Google+'s plethora of features. Accessibility is the main priority here and a lot of features are being moved to News feeds and profile pages as opposed to setting pages.

"A new drop-down menu will appear next to individual status updates and pieces of profile information (see above), enabling users to select the “audiences,” groups, and friend lists who can see those bits of their personal lives. The View Profile As tool will now reside at the top of your profile page rather than deep in the privacy settings, making it painless to preview what your mom will see before approving her friend request. Keep reading for a breakdown of some of the other big additions."
-Washington Post

Now, you will also be able to tag people who are not yet your friends, with users being able to accept or deny those tags before they're associated with you. An ideal feature for night's that you would like to forget by not being tagged performing a "keg stand". It helps protect your online integrity and private life.

A couple other features include:

Geo-location in status updates
Ability to change who sees Facebook updates after they've posted.
Change of "Everyone" terminology to "Public" (borrowing the lingo from Google+)

The changes begin on Thursday August 25th, showing a great initiative in Facebook's dominance. What else do you think Facebook should change? Let us know in the comments below!

Automotive Advertising

Google Does it All...Including...Self Driving Cars??

2011-08-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

How would you feel about a self-driving car? Sound a bit farfetched? Well, the geniuses at Google have been hard at work making this innovation come true. We don't even have the words to explain this awesome new technology. See for yourself why Google is a global company bent on world domination, one piece of technology at a time. This is truly amazing!

Feel free to comment!!!

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Automotive Advertising

BIG List of Facts!!

2011-08-10T07:32:00.000-07:00

In today’s blog we’re talking BIG, with influences from Automopedia, we’ve provided a detailed list of great facts!!! Enjoy!
1. The 1st automobile racetrack in the US was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway which consists of 3 million cobblestones.
2. In its 1st year the VW Beetle sold only 330 cars in the United States.
3. Women spend more than $65 million on new cars and trucks, influence 80 percent of all new car purchases, and will buy 60 percent of new cars in 2001.
4. In 1916, 55 percent of the cars in the world were Model T Fords, a record that has never been beaten.
5. 135 million cars travel the nation's roads and interstates each day.
6. The first Ford cars had Dodge engines.
7. One seventh of the new auto/truck sales in the US are in Southern California.
8. The average 1999 model year automobile cost $5,674 per year to own and operate.
9. In the 1970's cars were scrapped almost twice as often as small trucks, but over the years cars have become more durable and in 1999 the scrappage rate was almost equal.
10. The city with the most Rolls Royce's per capita is Hong Kong.
11. Windshield wipers were invented by a woman.
12. The brake light in the rear windows was put there after a suggestion by Elizabeth Dole.
13. The first person to win the Indianapolis 500 at a speed of over 100 MPH without a relief driver was Billy Arnold who won in 1930 with an average speed of 100.448 MPH.
14. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At the time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.
15. In 2002 30% of the cars sold were SUVs. It’s rumored the Chevy Nova sold poorly in Mexico because the word “Nova” is close to the Spanish phrase “doesn’t go.” Maybe it didn’t sell because it was a Chevy…or because it was Mexico.
16. Only FOUR automobiles were registered in the United States in 1895. I guess everybody had to learn to share!
17. Over 90% of car owners admit to singing while behind the wheel.
18. The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
19. In 1960, you could purchase a brand new Buick La Sabre for under $3000. With that you basically got two-doors, a (manual) steering wheel and an engine.
20. Mary Anderson patented the windshield wiper in 1905 after she noticed snow and rain gathering on the fronts of trolley cars and automobile windows.
21. In 1898, the New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists.
22. The World’s Oldest Car was built in France in 1884 for French Count De Dion.
23. In 2009 New York and New Jersey were surveyed as having the Worst Drivers in America.

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Automotive Advertising

What’s Your Social Media Influence?

2011-08-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Good morning, fans! In today’s blog, we’re going to discuss your presence in social media. You’re the much-needed backbone to a digital revolution. Providing comments, retweets, check-ins and a plethora of other content to the web. We have one question though: have you ever wondered how BIG your influence was? Well Klout, a scoring system of your overall online influence, might shed some light.

Klout scores you on a range from 1 to 100 with higher scores representing a wider and stronger realm of influence. Klout uses over 35 variables to measure your reach and network score.

Klout explained: “True Reach is the size of your engaged audience and is based on those of your followers and friends who actively listen and react to your messages. Amplification Score is the likelihood that your messages will generate actions (retweets, @messages, likes and comments) and is on a scale of 1 to 100. Network score indicates how influential your engaged audience is and is also on a scale from 1 to 100. The Klout score is highly correlated to clicks, comments and retweets.
We believe that influence is the ability to drive people to action -- "action" might be defined as a reply, a retweet, a comment, or a click. We perform significant testing to ensure that the average click-through rate on links shared is highly correlated with a person's Klout Score. The 25+ variables used to generate scores for each of these categories are normalized across the whole data set and run through our analytics engine. After the first pass of analytics, we apply a specific weight to each data point. We then run the factors through our machine-learning analysis and calculate the final Klout Score. The final Klout Score is a representation of how successful a person is at engaging their audience and how big of an impact their messages have on people.”

Klout is an awesome new way to check your personal influence on the web…we know, you’re DYING to see yours. Visit: http://www.klout.com and find out your score today!

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Automotive Advertising

3 Important Safety Features !

2011-07-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Ever since your children were born, you’ve had the unwavering confidence to protect them against all odds. Your parental skills acting as an impenetrable field against anything put in their way. You're a knight, slaying dragons that breathe fire of pestilence, laziness, and the occasional Social Media stint that your kids can’t escape. As your children get older, however, they begin to drive, literally. A 16-year-old behind the wheel is usually a scary thought; a fear for any caring parent. In today’s blog, we discuss 3 awesome options for keeping safe while you drive.

1. A Vehicle with High Crash Test Scores – this isn’t really a safety feature, but it should be something you search for in a vehicle. Look for four or five star crash test ratings for front and side impact, as well as an endorsement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The side impact test conducted by the IIHS is designed to measure the level of occupant protection when a vehicle is struck by an SUV or truck.

2. Frontal Airbags – most vehicles come with these stock, featuring sensors which consider factors like occupant size, seat position and crash sensitivity to determine the level they should inflate. Advanced airbags effectively reduce the risk of an injury.

3. Side-impact and side curtain airbags – These are mounted in either the seat backs or doors and protect the torso during side-impact crashes. Generally, they’re usually for front seat occupants, but manufacturers give you the option to have them for the backseat. These airbags span the length of the cabin and provide head protection for outboard occupants in side-impact collisions. Also protecting during a rollover by keeping everyone inside safe. A lost of crash related deaths stem from ejection for the vehicle.

What are some additional safety features you would recommend? Let us know!

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Automotive Advertising

7 Things You Should Have in Your Car

2011-07-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, as an individual who enjoys a tidy workspace, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to be compared to the vehicle equivalent of the individuals on the TV show: “Hoarders.” We also want you to keep safe while you make your daily commute, so we’re feeling a bit conflicted. In most cases, your vehicle is well equipped with the necessary tools to run smoothly. In today’s blog, with help from The Simple Dollar, we provide a list of some extra essentials that could aid you daily.

1. Owner’s manual This should naturally be in your glove compartment anyway, but you want to make sure that it is indeed in your car.
2. Maps Keep a detailed map of the state you’re in in your car at all times – or even a current atlas if you have room. Don’t completely rely on a GPS navigation system.

3. First aid kit (and manual) This can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries. Slowing down bleeding quickly can mean the difference between walking something off and going into shock.

4. Flashlight (and extra batteries) Similarly, a flashlight is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tire.

5. Bottled water This is necessary for sustenance if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for a while.

6. Food! Non-perishables, need we say more?

7. Umbrella stay dry, my friends.

Got anything you’d like to add to the list? Well come on down! Add your essentials below:

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Automotive Advertising

How to Change a Flat Tire

2011-07-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Imagine driving you car down a rural road on your way home from work. Your favorite song is blaring on the radio, and you finally feel a sense of ease from a busy day. At your favorite part of the song, you hear a loud pop, then the slow roll of a popped tire as you cruise to the median. First, you make sure that you’ve steered clear of any hazards. Then, you realize that your front left tire has become a disheveled piece of rubber. Hands on your hips, foot tapping the ground, you take a long sigh, but not one of relief, one of frustration. Darn! A flat tire.
Now, if you own a vehicle with run-flat tires or a low tire pressure warning system, you most likely won’t have to deal with these frustrations, if you don’t own those options, you’re in luck. We’ve got a step-by-step guide to helping you change that tire.
1. Get your tools – find your car’s spare tire, jack and tire iron. The spare is usually in the trunk under the floor mat, or in a minivan mounted on the back of the tailgate or underneath the vehicle.
2. Check air pressure- if you have an air pressure gauge check the tire’s pressure on the spare, hopefully it should be fine.
3. Remove flat tire- MAKE SURE CAR IS IN GEAR OR PARK, and that the emergency break is set. Also, make sure your car is on a flat surface.
4. Use the tire iron- (the L shaped bar that fits over the wheel lugs) to loosen each lug. They are usually very tight, so use a little force, they should loosen after a couple tries. Leave the lugs loose and move the jack under the car (shown on directions of jack). Raise the jack until it contacts the car’s frame. Continue to expand it.
5. Once the tire is completely raised off the ground, remove the wheel lugs completely.
6. Take the spare tire and line it up over the wheel studs, you’ll have to hold up the tire and try to line up the holes in the wheel. One tip is to balance the tire on your foot while you move it into position. Once done, the lugs should screw on easily. Once each of them is snug and you can't tighten them any further by hand, use the tire iron to finish the job.
7. Lower the jack- carefully, and then pull the jack away from the vehicle. Once the spare tire is on, carefully lower the jack. Pull the jack away from the vehicle. The final step is to tighten down the lugs completely. The reason you tighten the lugs now is that the tire is on the ground and it won't rotate around like it would if it was still hanging in the air.
Congrats, you’ve just changed a flat tire!!

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Automotive Advertising

Summer Cool!

2011-07-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

Summer. The byproduct of pent up pubescent energy, barbequed sausage links, and strangely warm swimming pools. It’s a time of childhood freedom, family road trips, and a generous amount of suntan lotion, all wrapped into a 3-month span. Driving your vehicle during the summer months can put wear and tear on your car, the extreme heat causing internal frustration and outward sweat spells. In today’s blog, we suggest ways to keep yourself and your vehicle cool during the summer months.
Our first option is an auto shade that sets in your front window. It cools your vehicle, and protects your dash from cracking from sun damage. Make sure your shade:

• Fits your car fully
• Dark and reflective shade
• HEATSHIELD- made to conform to specific makes and models of vehicles.

Another way to drop your car’s temperature is to install a window film, or tints on your vehicle. Several companies’ make a nearly clear film that reflects U.V. and infrared rays. By keeping your vehicle temperature down, it takes less time for your A/C to cool your car down. Thus, saving you energy and promoting overall efficiency. If you have any other options to contribute, please leave a comment below. Have a great summer!

Preventing Auto Theft

2011-06-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

The restaurant is dimly lit; creating an ambiance that is both inviting and tasteful. You bite into your steak, looking through the window outside as you measure the flavor of your first morsel. It’s then; you see a shadowy figure huddled by the drivers’ side of your car. You watch, as if in slow motion, as the individual quickly enters your car via force and drives off in your brand new car. The scariest moment during theft is watching your hard earned vehicle being taken by someone who wanted a quick buck.
In today’s blog, we discuss some solutions for protecting your car from theft. Theft begins with opportunity, as we all know. The thief sees a opportune moment to strike. Diminish these opportunities by being prepared. An alarm system is a good beginning, however most thieves have a full understanding of most theft systems. Here are some ways to protect your vehicle:
Obviously, you should never do any of these things:
• Never leave the windows down or the sunroof open;
• Never leave the keys in the ignition, or someplace else in the car such as under the visor;
• Never leave the car running and unattended, even for only a few minutes;
• Never leave car unlocked
• Don't leave your spare key somewhere a thief is likely to look, like magnetically stuck to the exhaust pipe or sitting on top of the tire;
• Only leave the ignition key with the valet, and make sure that the key to the glove box is a different cut;
• When you park on the street, turn the front wheels sharply into the curb and always use the emergency brake;
• Disable the car in some way, either by removing the electronic ignition fuse or by some other method;
Stolen vehicles are usually sold as parts because it’s more difficult for police to track hundreds of vehicle parts, as opposed to an entire car. Want to keep your car immune from theft? Consider these options:
• Ignition and fuel kill switches;
• Floorboard, gearshift, tire/wheel and hood locks;
• Vehicle tracking device
• If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle, back into the driveway; if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, drive straight into the driveway;
• If you have a garage, clean it out and park your vehicle in there, and always lock your garage doors;
• Install a motion-sensor light or alarm system on your garage doors;
We hope that we provided some great tips for you, guys. Have a great week! Feel free to share any experiences you might have had, or additional tips. Thanks!

“What in the World is “Hypermiling”?

2011-06-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

The focal point of personal funding woes begins at the pump. Our recent blogs have discussed what precautions you can take to avoid high gas prices In lieu of rising gas prices; a select few have decided to go the distance. Literally. Some individuals have been getting above 65 mpg. Is this a typo? With LASIK eye surgery I can honestly say it’s not. Hypermiling has become the newest craze and in today’s blog, we delve into what it is and how it’s done. Oh, and as a precaution: DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Hypermiling is an unorthodox technique for increasing your mpg. These techniques include coasting for blocks with the car engine tuned off, driving at or below the speed limit, pumping up tire pressure far beyond recommendations and carefully manipulating the gas pedal to avoid fuel-burning excess. Options also include keeping the air-condition turned off, and the window cracked slightly. Hypermilers also carry a journal that records their daily commute, gas consumption and mileage. All in an effort to avoid the ever increasing price of gas.

Hypermiling has become a niche, with websites dedicated to the cause. Driving Safety advocates forbid some of their habits, but applaud others. Some Hypermiling habits are very dangerous. “Turning the engine off while coasting can, in some cars, leave the driver without power steering or brakes and allow the possibility that the steering wheel will lock up. Drivers can endanger themselves and others if they go too slow for the pace of traffic.” The list goes on.

However, some Hypermilers ARE safe. They obey all traffic laws and mix city and highway driving in a combination of strategic and gas saving options. Using a truck for a windbreak is dangerous, but safer Hypermilers stay the recommended distance while still maintaining a saving of mpg by putting safety before mileage.

Drive Safely!

How Electric Cars Work

2011-06-15T06:27:00.001-07:00

We enjoy electric toasters, electric music players, and occasionally the electric slide (for the musically inclined, of course). Now, electric cars have peaked our interest with promises of aiding the environment and saving on gas money. Many have thought about the purchase, but how do they work? In today’s blog, we touch on the subject of so much popularity.

First, they create less pollution than gas-powered cars, and are environmentally friendly. Vehicle power is derived from an electric motor. These motors use electricity in place of gasoline to power the vehicle. Electricity is fed to the motor, creating a magnetic field. That magnetic field causes a tightly wound coil to rotate while spinning the axle of the vehicle, turning the tires for motion.

Electric cars are literally ‘plugged in’ to juice up the engine. Electric cars with a battery use an electrical outlet to charge before they are operated. Another way is the hydrogen fuel cell. Fuel cells work when pure hydrogen combines with oxygen to create electricity. The only byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells is water. Yet another way is a solar power. Solar panels on a car collect energy from the sun and store it into the car's battery for later use.

Electric cars are great for the environment. They produce less noise pollution and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Innovation and technology will continue to change and adapt to the times making electric cars a great alternative.

3 Car Innovations that Changed the Way You Drive

2011-06-08T07:09:00.001-07:00

Who said we can’t live a life of luxury…while driving 51 MPH in your innovative vehicle? Our cars are an extension of ourselves; they provide us comfort, style, and a vehicle to connect us between two points. In today’s blog we discuss the coolest car innovations to date. Don’t see your favorite on our list? Add yours!
1) Heated and cooled seats – Heated seats have been around for a while, however, cooled seats made their debut in the mid 1990’s. Electric coils warm the seat while air circulates to cool it. This is seen in countless luxury vehicles as well as sedans and SUV’s
2) Navigation Systems – Honda claims it was the first to implement Navigation in the 1990 Acura legend. The ‘co-pilot’ of your daily commute, navigation can guide you step-by-step to your destination.
3) Hybrid drivetrains – this innovation began in 2000. They combine gas engines with electric motors for power. On a gallon of gas you can travel longer, which is ideal when gas prices are on the rise.
These innovations have revolutionized cars, and will continue to spawn further technologies. Do you have a favorite? Leave your comment below:

Nice Paint Job! Quick Tips to Preserving Your Car’s Shine

2011-06-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” The age-old quote does have some clout in the modern day world we live in. A clean paintjob can make your car shine and reflect (pun intended) your character. Wax, basically used on wood to create a water resistant barrier, and polish, used on modern vehicle paint, can make your car dull. It creates a cover over your paint job that makes it age faster. The main cog in keeping your paint job new is to avoid friction, meaning abrasive polish, waxing or buffering. Below is a quick step process for keeping that shine.

1.Pure liquid and non-abrasive application will preserve your paint, so choose a product that does not include wax, abrasives or polish.

2.Make sure it is a spray or mist.

3.Wash your car with clear water and grease cutting liquid soap.

4.Starting at the top, hose the car down, then grab a bucket of soapy water and a soft brush and do the same.

5.Hose the car while you scrub with the brush.

6.Take a soft towel and dry the vehicle without letting the soap dry.

7.Starting with a clean dry towel on clean dry paint, apply the spray conditioner sparingly to the top of the vehicle and spread it out.

8.Acrylic conditioners are absorbed into the paint and have a application spread rate of 10 to 1 in area sprayed to area covered.

9.Do not over saturate your paint.

10.After completing the top follow the same conditioning pattern as when washing, finishing at the bottom.

11.The total application time for a spray mist conditioner is under 10 minutes per vehicle.

12.Conditioners do not harden and will continue to add conditioning strength to the paint days after the application.

13.The effects will last for months, vehicle easily clean up with just water. No soap is needed when using a true acrylic paint conditioner.

14.The Shine will lasts for months, no wax is needed.

15.Reapply once a month and your factory shine will last longer than with any wax or polish being sold today.

(Courtesy of wikiHow)

The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

2011-05-25T07:55:00.001-07:00

You’ve said it a thousand times before: “I want to see what the United States has to offer, I mean, it Is our backyard!” Road trips are an adventure through culture and should be taken several times during a lifetime. Take a journey once in a while. Below we’ve included some US hot spots that are known for shock, awe, and a little rest and relaxation that’s much deserved. Feel free to tell us your story or recommendations:

Colorado
Two words: Calendar photo. Because that’s what pictures look like from the beautiful state of Colorado. Lush vegetation, countless hiking trails, fishing, rock-climbing, and museums, all for your enjoyment and that’s just during the summer! In winter, you can experience any sport under the sun including snowboarding, skiing, and ice climbing, all the while enjoying what the Centennial State has to offer.

Chicago, Illinois
The ‘windy’ city has the largest US building, the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sear’s tower), an observatory, a walk along path on the coast of Lake Michigan, zoos, and some very cultural clubs based on the home of the Blues.

New Orleans, Louisiana
After Hurricane Katrina, all seemed lost for the Mardi Gras foundation New Orleans created. One of the oldest cities in the US, a place is only as strong as its people and New Orleans inhabitants never give up. As the birthplace of jazz New Orleans has the Mardi Gras festival, the beautifully designed French Quarter, and delicious Cajun food for inquiring connoisseurs.

Las Vegas, Nevada
Viva Las Vegas! Elvis said it best in this culturally rich city. Even if you don’t gamble, Vegas is a smorgasbord of excitement. Extravagant shows, hotels like the Bellagio with gorgeous designs, nearby hiking grounds, and cool museums like the Neon make Vegas a unique place to visit. Not to mention a great club scene for party patrons.

Washington, DC
The nation’s capital is a historical centerpiece. The monuments, like the Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, and Georgetown will make this trip unforgettable. Washington is a quintessential stop for American citizens to soak in some historical knowledge and aesthetic pleasure

Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip. Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot? Feel free to comment below:

What Does Your Car Say About You?

2011-05-18T05:50:00.000-07:00

So, its 6:15 at night and you’re sitting in traffic at a standstill. Brake lights brighten up the night sky in an array of crimson during gridlock congestion. The radio is on, but it’s an infomercial that you’ve begun to ignore, so your mind wanders. You peer to the right and then to the left. The man on the right drives a gunmetal painted Hummer, while the person on the left navigates a fluorescent yellow Toyota hybrid. Immediately, you start to make assumptions. The Hummer is a beast, made for adrenaline junkies and off-road advocates, while the Prius is for the health conscious, environmentally friendly neighbor. Many of us associate certain cars with certain people.

A vehicle can provide insight into a person’s lifestyle, because our perception is based on the vehicle’s marketing. Volvo’s are marketed for safety, while Porsche is an instant sign of speed. So, what does YOUR car say about your lifestyle?

According to a study by researchers at UC Davis, an individual who drives a small car (Honda Civic, SmartCar, Prius) usually lives in a high traffic city. A small vehicle provides easy navigation through tight streets. They are usually more environmentally conscious and less concerned about their cars being a fashion statement or an indication of their status.

Mid sized cars (Chevy Sedan) are a tad harder to decipher. These drivers tend to be individuals belonging to blue-collar town, hold an above average income, are hard working, and enjoy their independence.

Luxury vehicle (Cadillac, Lexus, Infinity) drivers usually drive for status reasons. Middle-aged and retired people with a higher income are more likely to drive a luxury vehicle or a sports car. Generally, they are hard working individuals who enjoy their independence.

The infamous minivan is for outgoing and friendly individuals who enjoy the ‘act’ of driving, while the pickup truck driver is for lower traffic, very hard working individuals that most likely live in the suburbs. Truck drivers tend to utilize their vehicle for work or related activities.

Sports cars (Porsche) tend to be driven by college educated, financially stable, or unstable young people with lower self-esteem. Not confined to those characteristics, they can also be successful businessmen who enjoy having a fine vehicle that shows their status.
Car colors also say a lot about their owner. Check out these examples below:

Black: Aggressive personality, rebellious, prestige

Silver: Cool, calm, collected

Green: environmentally friendly and gracious

Yellow: Idealistic

Blue: Introspective, reflective, and cautious

Red: Someone who is full of energy and pizzazz

White: Status seekers, gregarious

Cream: Contained and controlled

So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!

What Type of Gas Should I Get at the Pump?

2011-05-11T07:22:00.001-07:00

Gas plays an extremely crucial part in our lives. As daily commuters, it’s a means to an end, our destination. As gas prices rise in the summer months, many are considering more fuel-efficient vehicles, transportation alternatives, and cutting their driving down considerably. One age old question that many consumers have at the pump, when they do visit, is what IS really the difference between gas types? It’s always the same scenario: you’re at the pump and you see the ambiguous numbers 87, 89, and 92 plastered on the front of the gas pump terminal. You read the benefits of the higher priced gas and think: “Is this really making a difference?” In today’s blog, we discuss the differences and how it affects your specific vehicle. Check it out!

When buying gas for your vehicle, you should consider a couple things. When you arrive at the gas station you fill up on unleaded gas, with three options: octane, special additives, and ethanol content.

Octane has three options: 87, 89, and 92. Large engines perform well on 87 octane, smaller cars do well with 89, and high performance cars run perfect on 92 octane. The higher the octane rating the more compression the fuel can handle before it ignites. If your engine begins to knock, then fuel is igniting from the compression, not from the spark. Thus, damaging your engine. If this continues to occur, it’s time to buy higher-octane gas.

Special Additives are beneficial because their utilized by fuel companies to keep the inside of the engine clean. For example, Exxon uses high amounts of additives in their gas to keep your system clean. All the major gas companies use detergent additives to help keep the engine clean, so this should not really be a consideration.

The final option is ethanol content. The lower the ethanol content, the better the fuel will burn in your engine, providing a longer life for your engine. Ethanol is also good because it improves fuel economy, sometimes giving up to a 20% boost.

Saving the planet, saving money, or prolonging the life of your car? These are all great options to consider, give us your feedback!

Do You Have Android, Apple, or Blackberry?

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Are you a businessperson, bent on maximizing your potential? A tech guru who enjoys open source operating systems, or a combination of both? Your phone has to encompass all three to cater to everyday needs of an individual on the go. ? In today’s blog, we’ll discuss the best smartphone based on your needs. The 3 big conglomerates: iPhone, Android based phones, and Blackberry by RIM lead the pack with their innovations. Lets dive in!

iPhone: the iPhone has a HUGE, dedicated fan base of followers. Debuting in 2007, the iPhone took the cake in innovation. Creating a user-friendly operating system that was simple to use, and quick implementation was ideal. Apple has introduced many innovative features in its smartphones and has redefined the mobile-device landscape, forcing the competition to evolve and play catch-up in many cases.With the new operating system iOS 4 the phones move quickly (except for older models losing some of that speed in the process). Pros: Operating System, App Store, Web Browsing, Hardware, and Flexibility. Cons: Battery Life, iTunes, Durability, Consumer-centric.

Blackberry: RIM’s (Research in Motion) first smartphone hit the streets in 2002 with a heavy focus on e-mail and corporate messaging. Blackberry’s niche in business makes it a strong contender in the smartphone market. Creating an operating system and hardware also contributes to RIM’s success. Blackberry has the best contact management, calendaring, and e-mail client of all the devices. It is built for the business user and has extras for the consumer. A strong emphasis in battery life provides THE most optimal power consumption for the business user. Pros: Battery Life, Operating System, Durability, Productivity, and Hardware. Cons: Apps, Web Browsing, Business-centric, and Server software.

Android: Android’s operating system is like no other. It is owned and operated by Google, flourishing on a plethora of devices. What started on specific phones has become strictly an operating system for countless phone manufacturers. Android prides itself on being open source, boasting an application store containing thousands of free and paid apps. Android outsells both Blackberry’s and iPhone becoming the number one selling OS. Pros: Google Apps, Android Market, Choice of Hardware, Open Source, ActiveSync. Cons: Battery life, applications, fragmentation.

So…what do you use? Feel free to comment!!

Great List of People to Follow on Twitter!

2011-04-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Need some guidance with your Twitter account? There’s hope! In today’s Blog, we list some of the most influential Twitter members with a huge list of potential people to follow. Twitter is a micro-blogging site that caters to over an estimated 190 million users, generating 65 million tweets a day and handling over 800,000 search queries per day. It’s right on the heels of Facebook regarding social media monopolization, and truthfully, it’s a lot easier. Here’s a great list of people to follow, enjoy!

Al Gore
@algore
Followers: 2.2 million
Vice President of the United States turned book author, movie maker, and cable channel entrepreneur, Al Gore tweets exactly what you'd expect from a man trying to save the world—lots of links about saving the world—although his feed isn't updated frequently.
Alison Agosti
@Just_Alison
Followers: 213,747
The comedy stylings of the Alison Agosti are of the NSFW one-liner variety. This relative unknown—outside of Twitter—earns her following by actually bringing the funny in a way few can in 140 characters.
Alyssa Milano
@Alyssa_Milano
Followers: 1.35 million
From child sitcom star to adult actress, sex symbol, and activist, Alyssa tweets (a lot) about her life in show business, her baseball obsession, dog rescue, becoming a mom, etc. She even tweets lots of great geekie links.
Barack Obama
@BarackObama
Followers: 6.8 million
Love him or hate him, President Obama's the first U.S. President to completely embrace the digital world,and his tweets, with a mix of info about his various addresses with occasional personal entries, give you a glimpse into the White House. He also has the honor of following more people on Twitter than anyone else at 702,000+; he truly has the ear of the people.
Beth Blecherman
@techmama
Followers: 13,199
The chief technologist of sites like Cool Mom Tech, Beth is a "power mom" who blogs about the intersection of family and the digital world. Her feed is a cornucopia of retweets from her own sites and elsewhere that no parent should miss.
Bill Gates
@billgates
Followers: 2.2 million
We all know him as the one-time richest man alive who drove Microsoft to prominence. Now he's focused on his and his wife Melinda's foundation to help people around the world. His current passion: eradicating polio.
Bill Maher
@billmaher
Followers: 2.2 million
Comedian and political commentator Bill Maher's been doing his thing on late-night TV for almost 20 years now. He brings that same no-bulls#!@ approach to Twitter, calling it like he sees it and not caring at all if you agree.
Brian Heater
@bheater
Followers: 1,800
Call it self-serving, but if there's any one member of PCMag's staff that should be followed by the entire planet Earth, it's Brian Heater. Comic dork, music snob, California hipster, guy who will be played by Michael Cera in the movie of his life... call him what you will, but know this: If you read Brian's daily observations, you will laugh.
Cali Lewis
@CaliLewis
Followers: 118,361
The host of Revision3's GeekBeat.TV, Lewis is also a tech correspondent on TV news channels and tweets about (you guessed it) the latest in computing and tech. Of course, the majority of tweets are links back to her online show, but they tend to be worth a view.
Charles Trippy
@CharlesTrippy
Followers: 112,874
Webby nominee Charles Trippy travels the world and makes videos about those trips for his YouTube channel, Internet Killed Television. This might not seem like a big deal, but with 419,000+ plus YouTube subscribers, Charles obviously knows what he's doing with a travelogue. He brings the same energy and fun to Twitter with commentary on and links to his travels.
Chris Hardwick
@Nerdist
Followers: 1.4 million
You may remember Chris Hardwick from hosting Singled Out (the show that made Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra famous). But the comedian has gone on to do much more, including his musical act Hard 'n Phirm (with Mike Phirman). He also hosts G4's Web Soup. He's first and foremost a nerd (thus the username) and proves it with a geek-tastic Twitter feed.
Chris Luzader
@techzader
Followers: 31,157
Self-described internet addict and "social media-crippling Twitterwhore" Chris Luzader blogs at TechWorthy, but gets his kicks by tweeting just about every worthwhile tech news link he can find. If you want the latest news in the world of online and computing, you'll get it from Techzader almost instantly.
Conan O'Brien
@ConanOBrien
Followers: 2.5 million
It doesn't really matter where Coco goes to host a TV show (he's now on TBS, not NBC, in case you've been living in a cave), because he's one of the funniest guys around. And unlike so many tweeters, he's not using Twitter to promote, just to entertain.
John Cleese
@JohnCleese
Followers: 924,106
Certainly the tallest member of Monty Python's Flying Circus, Mr. Cleese is also still alive. Although he doesn't tweet very much, when he does, they're quite funny sometimes and always very English. He's John Bloody Cleese, so you'll subscribe because of that alone!
John Green
@realjohngreen
Followers: 1.12 million
Green writes award-winning young adult novels and makes a lot of YouTube videos with his brother, EcoGeek's @HankGreen. Together they've built a following so large it has a name: Nerd Fighters. He tweets to them.
John Gruber
@gruber
Followers: 115,056
The proprietor of Daring Fireball, John Gruber blogs full time about Apple, Macs, and anything starting with a lower-case "i." His tweets aren't always Mac-centric (nor even tech-centric), covering his other passions.
John Hodgman
@hodgman
Followers: 507,141
You might know him as the PC in some old Macintosh commercials. Or as a Daily Show resident expert. Or book author. No matter what you know him as, follow John Hodgman and you'll be thoroughly entertained.
John McCain
@SenJohnMcCain
Followers: 1.7 million
War hero, former POW, Arizona senator, and presidential candidate from 2000 and 2008, John McCain uses the Twitter soapbox to reflect on world events, point to what he's working on, and let you know where he is, be it Lithuania, Egypt, Libya, or right at home on the Senate floor.
Kanye West
@kanyewest
Followers: 2.6 million
Kanye, the original crazy celeb of Twitter (crowned long before Charlie Sheen went online), joined Twitter and his feed quickly became the standard of wackiness in 140 characters. He says the kind of things only a rich musician with no filter can get away with, yet has moments of personal insight that might give you pause. Until his next awesome tweet.
Kara Swisher
@karaswisher
Followers: 725,722
Kara Swisher is part of the team at the Wall Street Journal's All Things Digital site and conference, where she, along with Walt Mossberg and others, discuss exactly that. She points out the best stories to follow from her Twitter feed.
Karl Rove
@KarlRove
Followers: 228,516
Rove is the former Deputy Chief of Staff to President Bush (some would also call him "the brains") and now a political analyst for various outlets. Not surprisingly, he tweets about the world of politics, pointing to his own commentaries and research.
Katie Couric
@katiecouric
Followers: 155,054
More than just the once perky host of Today, Katie Couric is now the anchor for the CBS Evening News and a single mom. While the majority of her Twitter feed is news related, you get occasional insights into her personal life as well.
Keith Olbermann
@KeithOlbermann
Followers: 247,311
The recently fired Olbermann, former big-headed face of MSNBC, will soon be premiering on CurrentTV. Until then, you can find the liberal commenter baiting and insulting the Republicans on Twitter, frequently prompting us to, literally, LOL.
Kelly Oxford
@kellyoxford
Followers: 98,768
We all know that the hilarious Twitter feed "S@%! My Dad Says" became a mediocre CBS sitcom for Capt. Kirk. Well, it's not alone. CBS and producer Jessica Alba are working on a pilot based on Kelly Oxford's witty blogging and tweeting, but this time, Oxford actually wrote the pilot herself, so maybe it'll still be funny when it's on the air. If not, just follow her Twitter feed for the funny.
Kevin Rose
@kevinrose
Followers: 1.2 million
Former TV geek, founder of Digg, video blogger at Diggnation, and now money man to future tech stars, Kevin Rose tweets like he talks, like the fun drinking buddy you know who also can help you with your computer.
Kevin Smith
@ThatKevinSmith
Followers: 1.75 million
Film director Kevin Smith is the very definition of NSFW. His tweets are virtually constant on days when he's not working (which seems to be most of the time), almost always profane, frequently interesting (especially to movie buffs and Smith fans), and usually funny. He's also the master of writing multiple tweets in a row on the same subject, as if 140 characters are never enough for his thoughts.
Lady Gaga
@ladygaga
Followers: 8.6 million
The undisputed heavyweight of Twitter, Lady Gaga sometimes uses the service to promote her political beliefs, have public fights with other celebs, and even fake her own digital death for charity. She's a woman who refuses to be ignored, and that's obviously working for her, even here.
Lance Armstrong
@lancearmstrong
Followers: 2.8 million
While finally retired from cycling (and doping scandals, we hope), Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong remains strong in his fight against cancer, improving the lives of cancer victims via his LiveStrong charity. Follow him to get a glimpse into the life of one very active retiree.
Larry Hryb
@majornelson
Followers: 210,919
Anyone with an Xbox 360 should know Larry Hyrb. Known by his gamertag Major Nelson, Hyrb is the director of programming for the Xbox Live network and on-screen personality in many behind-the-scenes videos found on it, as well as the Major Nelson Radio podcast. Naturally, you can expect lots of gaming talk from his tweets.
Larry King
@kingsthings
Followers: 1.8 million
Gone from our living rooms, but not from our hearts, Larry King is still live on Twitter with semi-regular posts as he takes up travel in his late-in-life retirement.
Michael Ausiello
@MichaelAusiello
Followers: 1.1 million
Formerly the master of entertainment-related scoops and spoilers at TVGuide.com and EW.com, Michael Ausiello is now the founder of the new TVLine.com site, where he continues to write about TV. His tweets point to the latest TV news, plus he continues his on-going lovefest with actress Lauren Graham of "Gilmore Girls."
Michael Ian Black
@michaelianblack
Followers: 1.6 million
Twitter doesn't come much more NSFW than Black's feed. The star of the Stella comedy group has a unique, profane, and an usually bizarre take on the every day, which he shares like a Tourette's patient with some comedy chops.
Piers Morgan
@piersmorgan
Followers: 416,724
This former newspaperman is a UK transplant, a one-time winner of The Apprentice, and the man who recently took over for Larry King on CNN. Much of the Britishness of Piers Morgan's tweets may be lost on Americans (there are posts about something he calls "cricket," which we understand to be the lovechild of golf and baseball), but he retains fans on both sides of the pond. He's definitely enjoying his new gig, and you'll see the infectious glee of it in his tweets.
Rachel Maddow
@maddow
Followers: 1.8 million
The first openly gay anchor of a prime-time news program, The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, Maddow is an outspoken and well-spoken "national security liberal," as she puts it. Naturally, her feed is a take on the day's headlines, both at MSNBC and beyond.
Rachel Sterne
@rachelsterne
Followers: 14,638
The young Chief Digital Officer for the city of New York started as the CEO of a digital media consulting biz and a citizen journalism site. Now her job is to make sure the city's digital media communication is up to snuff. Being on Twitter is a must for that, so New Yorkers who care about tech should be tuning into her feed.
Stan Lee
@TheRealStanLee
Followers: 126,660
The architect of modern mythology through comics, Stan "The Man" created Spider-Man, Ironman, Hulk, X-Men, Avengers, Fantastic Four, and so much more. There wouldn't be any superhero movies coming out today if not for his work 50 years ago. He continues creating and now tweets about that new work—which is no doubt hard to fit in between his cameos in Marvel movies.
Stephen Colbert
@StephenAtHome
Followers: 2.1 million
Truthiness in 140 characters or less. That sums up the tweets of Stephen Colbert, host of The Colbert Report, Comedy Central's answer to taking on all that pernicious liberal media bias.
Stephen Fry
@stephenfry
Followers: 2.3 million
Stephen Fry is a tweeter of such stature that hearts were broken when the British actor/writer/Renaissance man "left" the service temporarily to avoid a kerfuffle. He uses Twitter to great effect to promote charities and music and authors he likes, as well as his own endeavors, always with the class you'd expect from a guy who once played Jeeves the butler.
Steve Case
@stevecase
Followers: 388,682
Steve Case is the co-founder of AOL and was behind its merger with Time-Warner (even if that didn't work out in the end, he did okay). Now he runs a foundation and an investment holding firm, and he still has plenty to say and does so in 140 characters or less.
Steve Martin
@SteveMartinToGo
Followers: 718,731
From wild-and-crazy guy to respected writer, actor, and banjo player, Steve Martin never stopped being funny (we won't count the Pink Panther remake against him... everyone's got to eat). He's got the perfect humor for the Twitter-verse.
Weird Al Yankovic
@alyankovic
Followers: 1.9 million
He dropped the "weird" title form his username, but this is still the same Weird Al who's been making us laugh for over two decades. He's still making records, still touring, and now cracking us up on Twitter as well.
(List Courtesy of PC Magazine)

What NOT To Avoid on Your Car

2011-04-20T08:50:00.001-07:00

“Car maintenance” is a phrase better left unsaid. The words alone mean big $$$ in most cases, and many people avoid their maintenance schedules because of it. It’s a draining expense that is required to get you from point a to point b. However, car maintenance is a vital tool in maintaining the life of your car. Plus, maintaining a good schedule means more money in your pocket and less shelled out to a mechanic. First, how often are you supposed to receive maintenance? All of your answers lie in a small space known as the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule-in the owner’s manual or in a separate maintenance log book-that includes details that vehicle’s need to sustain long and healthy lives. Taking a few minutes to assimilate the requirements will help you avoid the following car-maintenance pitfalls.

Dirty Air Filter

Air filters that are even semi-clogged hurt fuel economy. It’s like the equivalent of having a softball in your mouth while eating. Sometimes it’s difficult to know when to change the air filter, because it may not look dirty but could be trapping dirt internally. It depends on the weather in your area. If you live in a rural location with dirt paved roads or grimy city streets you might have to change it twice as often as the schedule calls for.

DO NOT Ignore Your Brakes

If you notice even the slightest difference in your breaks, like pressure, sound, feel or response, you should, no MUST visit a mechanic ASAP.

Tighten Your Gas Cap

Is the check engine light on? If so, make sure the gas cap is tightly secured before calling the dealer. This is one of the most common ways to set off the car’s diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system’s venting arrangement.

So, do you have any tips to add? Feel free to comment:

But Why Mommy? How to Avoid Car Mishaps with Children

2011-04-13T07:43:00.001-07:00

Why, a child’s favorite word in the history of mankind. Mommy, why is the sky blue? Mommy, why do I have to go? Why am I sick? Daddy, why do I have to wear a seatbelt? The questions come without remorse, and you answer them with quick precision, but the last question poses concern. Car safety is super important for adults, it’s CRUCIAL in children. In today’s blog we discuss the best safety precautions to take. Please provide your own and we’ll include them!

1.) Most accidents happen near home: Most accidents occur on residential, rural roads that are local, during a routine trip to the grocery store or day-care center. No matter what, always buckle your child into their seat, even if the drive is two minutes away. "Always buckle your child up, no matter how near or far you're going," says Marilena Amoni, associate administrator for research and program development at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). "And never forget to use your own seat belt. Kids watch everything that you do, so it's important that you set the right example."

2.) Kids are at more risk than babies and toddlers: If your child is between 4 and 8 years old, they are more likely to be hurt in an accident than their smaller counterparts. Most parents strap their infants into rear facing car seats, but only 20% of kids between 4 and 8 ride in booster seats as safety experts recommend. Some children even sit in the front seat before 13 years old. Children are the safest in the backseat, putting them far away from the impact of a frontal crash.
3.) Kids don’t need to be inside a car to be hurt by one: nearly 400 children are killed each year when they’re hit by an automobile. ALWAYS keep an eye on your little ones, no matter how many times you’ve warned them to stay out of the streets. A survey conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide found that a majority of drivers speed in school zones, and that nearly a third violate stop signs in neighborhoods where there are kids.

Do you have any tips of your own? Feel free to comment below:

The Appeal of An Automatic Transmission

2011-04-06T07:24:00.001-07:00

Driving is a breeze, like the one you embrace when you’re hitting 60 mph in your convertible. An Automatic vehicle is just that easy. 82% of the vehicles sold in the US are automatic, which translates to no need for you to control the gear shift, your car does that for you. With an automatic vehicle, a consumer with a daily commute won’t have to worry about focusing his or her hand on the gearshift. Instead, they could enjoy a bagel, fix their rearview mirror, or give a welcoming wave to a recognizable friend in the next vehicle over. In today’s blog, we discuss its appeal.

Automatic cars are easy. There’s no clutch or shifter to control. That means city driving is a breeze and commanding steep terrain is simple. There’s no ‘rollback’ with an automatic car while its in drive, giving you more energy to controlling your car on the road. If you live in a busy city its also beneficial because of stop-and-go traffic. An automatic takes away the worry of shifting gears, leaving an open hand to perform a small task. Since automatic cars only require one shift “D”, while driving forward it has a wider appeal. So, if two people were sharing a vehicle after its purchase no learning would be required. If one person couldn’t control a manual transmission it could be easier for them to stick with an automatic.

Some cars offer a “best of both worlds” style known as manumatics. The term differs from brand to brand, but the vehicle could begin in automatic and be shifted into a manual mode that allows control through the gears like a regular manual without the hassle of a clutch.

Automatic cars also have a higher resell value. The appeal for an automatic is much larger than that of a manual. Thus, becoming an easier seller for when you trade-in your vehicle.

So, we’ve given you the facts. What will you choose??? What do you prefer? Feel free to comment below:

Hybrid and Electric Cars

2011-03-30T08:57:00.001-07:00

With the rise of gas prices Americans have been searching for alternatives to the normal gas-powered vehicle. With the emergence of hybrid vehicles and the newer innovation, electric, there are now alternatives to the norm. One question is, how exactly do they work? In today’s blog we discuss how these two alternatives function.

Electric cars are literally ‘plugged in’ to juice up the engine. Electric cars with a battery use an electrical outlet to charge before they are operated. Another way is the hydrogen fuel cell. Fuel cells work when pure hydrogen combines with oxygen to create electricity. The only byproduct of hydrogen fuel cells is water. Yet another way is a solar power. Solar panels on a car collect energy from the sun and store it into the car's battery for later use.

Hybrids use traditional gas engines and an alternative power plant. There are two types: electric hybrids and hydrogen hybrids. Electric hybrids use an electric motor as their alternative energy source. Hydrogen hybrids extract the element from water and add the hydrogen to the fuel-air mixture of the vehicle. So how do hybrids help the environment? It’s important to know that oil is a limited resource; also carbon dioxide is produced when it’s burned. In addition, the oil that is extracted from the Earth damages the environment from drilling. Although hybrids still use gas, they achieve higher gas mileage than a regular vehicle because of the secondary power source. The average estimate is a five-mpg improvement in fuel economy.

The ultimate decision is up to you!

How to Be a Rock Star Commuter

2011-03-23T08:48:00.001-07:00

Everyone has a moment in time when they THINK they’re musically inclined. You believe for a second you have the voice of an angel. There are only several moments like that however, in the shower, in the confines of your room (ALONE), or in your vehicle. In your car, your personal space is confined to the comfort of your seat. It’s like a personal vocal booth. You croon and bellow until your heart is content. You might also have some onlookers, fans, looking at you strangely from their car as you sing your life away. You want to have the best possible options when you’re doing so, in our latest blog we go over the best options for listening to music in your car besides the FM tuner.

iPod/Mp3 Player – If you have your favorite tunes locked in on your iPod/smartphone/Mp3 Player-a-majig and your car has an Auxiliary connection, (most cars after 2006 have them) then you’re in luck. You can purchase an auxiliary cable online (eBay has them as low as 1$) plug it into the car and the other end into the headphone jack of your device. Push play on your device and viola, HD music directly from your favorite jukebox.

Satellite Radio – satellite radio is commercial and static free, music is beamed directly from satellites in space. Two big companies, XM and Sirius, have paid subscriptions with countless radio stations to choose from. Music from all genres, sports, traffic, talk shows (Howard Stern) and weather are all included. Purchasing the tuner for your car starts around $75 bucks, with a monthly subscription of around $15. One drawback is that reception can be deterred in cities with skyscrapers, but purchasing an external antenna will fix the problem.

Car Audio w/Cassette Adapter – if you own an older car, don’t panic! You can still play your mp3’s on the road. By purchasing a cassette adapter, you can play your tunes via a headphone jack. First, plug your cassette adapter into your player’s headphone jack. Then, insert the dummy tape into your car’s cassette player. With $20 dollars you can use your modern mp3 player to play your tunes, rock on!!

3 Car Innovations that Changed the Way You Drive

2011-03-16T09:05:00.001-07:00

Doggie Safety Tips (Car Edition)

2011-03-09T12:53:00.001-08:00

A wagging tail is a smile in dog form. Man’s best friend has been keeping us company since the beginning of companionship. In the age of the modern consumer it gets more and more difficult to keep your pet safe. In our recent blog post we discuss some great tips for keeping your ‘Lassie’ safe during a car ride. Below, we’ve provided a quick list of options:

1) Restrain your dog – We know dogs want to have their freedom, however it’s so much safer to keep them restrained while in the car. If your pet is unrestrained it can cause distractions and injury. Imagine making a sudden stop. Even at low speeds this can be very dangerous for your pet. For small and medium sized dogs a crate, or a harness works wonders in the back seat. Now, if you’re Great Mastiff is riding with you today (some grow up to 7 ft. in length) we suggest you have a big enough rear area to contain them. The Front seats can be used to block them in.
2) Don’t put your dog on your lap – Having your dog on your lap is like driving while using a Tablet computer. Huge distraction!! Your reaction time is substantially slowed and if the window is open, an extremely curious dog could run out into traffic.
3) Create a ‘pet friendly’ car – some items for a dog car utopia would be: a cushioned pet bed, extendable cargo area, rear ventilation (A/C or fan), rubber floor mats, and a spill-resistant water bowl. There are several vehicles ideal for dog lovers out there. A lot of car manufacturers are chasing dog lovers with new technology and innovations.
4) Don’t let your dog ride with their head out of the window – I know it’s tempting, but they can be easily injured by debris flying in their eyes.
5) Keep proper ID – just in case your dog gets lost while traveling, you want to make sure you have emergency contact info and up to date ID tags.
6) Prepare a doggie bag – make sure it contains clean up supplies, towel, feeding watering bowl, food, and toys to keep them well behaved
A pet is a family member, lets keep ours safe by practicing great car etiquette, while making the trip fun and exciting for our canine companions.

Don’t Leave Your Wallet at the Gas Pump

2011-03-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

The Jetsons have it too good. Floating space age hovercrafts are great for the environment (no emissions), make traveling efficient, and most importantly: they don’t use GAS! However, it’s not 2062, and in 2010, gas prices have taken an unexpected turn toward increased money signs. As the price of gas slowly rises, we provide several options to help you get your money’s worth in this week’s blog.
One obvious way to improve gas mileage is by purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle. There are countless vehicles to choose from: the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Chevy Sonic, Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra to name a few. In the era of the smartphone, it’s easy to find an app that utilizes your local GPS to find the best surrounding gas prices. Try using Gasbuddy, a free app that checks local gas prices through a network of community users that keep in touch with real-time updates. Another great alternative is to keep up with vehicle maintenance. Check your tire pressure, receive oil changes regularly, flush your radiator, and keep your oil level reasonably leveled. This decreases wear and tear, and increases gas mileage. Also, Do not IDLE! Idling is a waste (unless you’re at a red light, we do advise you to obey traffic laws…hehe) Park your vehicle and go into a restaurant rather than idling in the drive-thru. It usually saves time, and definitely saves gas. Do you have any tips for us? Feel free to comment! We could all use the help!

Interesting Car Facts

2011-02-23T10:29:00.001-08:00

Driving a car everyday, we sometimes become so engulfed in our lives, we neglect to realize just how innovative the technology is that propels out cars and gets us to the next destination. Below are some great car facts you can share with friends.

1.The first cars did not have steering wheels. Drivers steered with a lever.
2.The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.
3.In 1916, 55 percent of the cars in the world were Model T Fords, a record that has never been beaten.
4.The automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the world today.
5.Most American car horns beep in the key of F.
6.Buick introduced the first electric turn signals in 1938.
7.The first car radio was invented in 1929.
8.In 1923, 173 new inventions by women for cars had been reported. Among these inventions were a carburetor and an electric engine starter.
9.In 1887, Benz was the first car company to be offered for sale.

Got a fun fact you would like to share, comment!

Amazing Smartphone Apps for Making YOUR Life Easier (Car Edition)

2011-02-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

Life is rough, with schedules, play-dates, business meetings, and exhaustion lingering it’s hard to get a few seconds of ease. Well, there is a quick release. Millions of Americans have embraced the smartphone movement or the “computer in your pocket” mentality. It’s easy to pull your phone from your stone washed jeans, or khaki work slacks (whatever your preference) and update your Facebook, play a quick game, or catch up on the Huffington Post’s most recent article. It’s just that easy. Below, we’ve provided some cool apps that can ease that mental strain, and help you find that niche between work and relaxation.

Trapster, a free iPhone application allows drivers to scan the area for known speed traps, police hangouts, speed cameras or even stop-light cameras. Using the GPS capabilities in your smart phone it uses reported speed traps in Trapster’s network database to give voice alerts of approaching traps. This technology is due to a network of over 5 million Trapster users that constantly contribute trap locations.

GasBuddy is a lifesaver for savvy individuals with a frugal mindset. Gas changes fluctuate at the drop of a hat, sometimes varying as much as 20% within a couple city blocks. GasBuddy is a comprehensive source for up to date gas prices. The app lays out prices on a map and allows the user to choose one that fits their budget. Priceless.

Car Finder Plus is an app that records your position when you leave your car, tracking your location in the process. The GPS stores this location and when you’re looking for your vehicle after running your errands it provides a display of where to locate your car.

Repair Pal is a great companion for the everyday driver. It can tell you the right price to pay for repair, find a great mechanic in the area, and gives one-touch access to roadside assistance. Amazing! Plus the app is free!

There are countless smartphone applications available for your phone that helps make life a tad easier. Check out your smartphone application store for details and continue to drive safely!

Feel free to add your favorite app here:

5 Hot US Spots for a Road Trip

2011-02-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

“America the beautiful” written by Katharine Lee Bates is the soundtrack to planning a road trip, which is an inexpensive alternative to air travel. Road trips are both enjoyable and historically enlightening. You would be surprised as to what’s in your backyard. If you have been thinking of taking a road trip, look no further, we will provide you with several great spots to get some much-needed R & R.

Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is colder than most vacation spots, but it also offers some of the greatest historical sights in the US. World-renowned museums, shows, concerts, Red Sox games at World famous Fenway Park, and the Freedom Trail. If you enjoy the bar scene, you could also enjoy Boston’s plethora of pubs, hangouts, and just spend a day barhopping. Great food balances out the equation.

The California Coast
Take a direct ride up the coast from San Diego to San Francisco for a great view and an even more amazing feeling. You can bask in the sun on any beach that permits, check out the Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, the possibilities are as endless as the shoreline.

New York City
This is hands down one of the places required to visit on your trip (if you haven’t been). Public transportation to any location is convenient. The Empire State Building is amazing, Staten Island ferry, Greenwich Village and Soho, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chinatown, and Times Square make New York City a town chock full of the American dream. Then when you’re too tired to walk and need a seat, watch a Broadway Show you will be amazed at the production value!

Disney World, Florida
Disney is a land of freedom from adulthood, and a child’s paradise. It has countless rides and amusement parks, colorful characters of our favorite cartoons, delicious food, and Mickey Mouse! What more could you ask for?

Grand Canyon, Arizona
One of the greatest national wonders in the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking formation of natural beauty. Views from the South rim, hiking trails, and a rafting tour make The Grand Canyon a stellar vacation spot. The scene is truly breathtaking. This should be one location where you should save massive space on your camera memory card. Say cheese!

Ok, so we’ve provided several spots for your next road trip. Have you had any road trips experiences you would like to share, or maybe we missed your favorite hot spot? Feel free to comment below:

How to Avoid a Traffic Jam

2011-02-02T12:30:00.001-08:00

Traffic is a hassle. It’s time consuming, exhausting, and just plain aggravating. If you commute to work in a large city you’ve most likely experienced it. It takes away from work productivity, time with your loved ones, and causes distress. There’s hope. By making some changes to your daily routine you can avoid traffic (for he most part, sometimes it’s inevitable) and smile on your way to work.

Please follow our ‘How to Avoid a Traffic Jam’ rules:

1.) Alternate route- check online maps and research the area, because street flow can be faster than the highway during rush hour.

2.) Access roads- during peak hours can save time and energy.

3.) Change your work schedule- most people work 8 to 5. Try coming in earlier and leaving later. A thirty-minute change can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a bumper-to-bumper halt.

4.) Do the speed limit- if everyone drove accordingly; traffic jams would be an imaginary thing of the past.

5.) Listen- try listening to the radio or watching the news before you leave for work. This helps you build an alternate route before your legs touch the brake pedal.

Do you have any to add to the list? Feel free to comment!

What Does Your Car Say About You?

2011-01-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

So, its 6:15 at night and you’re sitting in traffic at a standstill. Brake lights brighten up the night sky in an array of crimson during gridlock congestion. The radio is on, but it’s an infomercial that you’ve begun to ignore, so your mind wanders. You peer to the right and then to the left. The man on the right drives a gunmetal painted Hummer, while the person on the left navigates a fluorescent yellow Toyota hybrid. Immediately, you start to make assumptions. The Hummer is a beast, made for adrenaline junkies and off-road advocates, while the Prius is for the health conscious, environmentally friendly neighbor. Many of us associate certain cars with certain people.

A vehicle can provide insight into a person’s lifestyle, because our perception is based on the vehicle’s marketing. Volvo’s are marketed for safety, while Porsche is an instant sign of speed. So, what does YOUR car say about your lifestyle?

According to a study by researchers at UC Davis, an individual who drives a small car (Honda Civic, SmartCar, Prius) usually lives in a high traffic city. A small vehicle provides easy navigation through tight streets. They are usually more environmentally conscious and less concerned about their cars being a fashion statement or an indication of their status.

Mid sized cars (Chevy Sedan) are a tad harder to decipher. These drivers tend to be individuals belonging to blue-collar town, hold an above average income, are hard working, and enjoy their independence.

Luxury vehicle (Cadillac, Lexus, Infinity) drivers usually drive for status reasons. Middle-aged and retired people with a higher income are more likely to drive a luxury vehicle or a sports car. Generally, they are hard working individuals who enjoy their independence.

The infamous minivan is for outgoing and friendly individuals who enjoy the ‘act’ of driving, while the pickup truck driver is for lower traffic, very hard working individuals that most likely live in the suburbs. Truck drivers tend to utilize their vehicle for work or related activities.

Sports cars (Porsche) tend to be driven by college educated, financially stable, or unstable young people with lower self-esteem. Not confined to those characteristics, they can also be successful businessmen who enjoy having a fine vehicle that shows their status.

Car colors also say a lot about their owner. Check out these examples below:

Black: Aggressive personality, rebellious, prestige

Silver: Cool, calm, collected

Green: environmentally friendly and gracious

Yellow: Idealistic

Blue: Introspective, reflective, and cautious

Red: Someone who is full of energy and pizzazz

White: Status seekers, gregarious

Cream: Contained and controlled

So, what type of driver are you? Feel free to comment!

Entertainment vs. Safety features

2011-01-13T18:09:00.000-08:00

Nowadays vehicles have so many feature options, it can be overwhelming and confusing to choose which one you want to opt for. Interestingly, and perhaps not practically, the trend these days seems to be to choose entertainment technology as over safety features.

Although GPS and fancy stereos are great features, it might be in your best interest to invest in safety features first. No matter how carefully you drive, accidents happen due to human error. Having technology on your side is an added bonus to protect you and your loved ones.

For more information on car features, check out http://autos.aol.com/article/entertainment-trumps-safety-features

Hang up the phone and drive!

2010-12-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

In today's world it is expected to be able to be reached 24/7. Texting, calling, and e-mailing friends, relatives, and coworkers helps us to feel connected and in the loop. With the beep of the phone everyone is tempted - even at the wheel - to answer. Studies show, however, that that is a bad move to make safety wise.

Not only is your brain power lowered because you are so distracted, you are four times more likely to get into an accident while on the phone. So why take the risk? Missing one phone call is not worth the risk of damaging your car or worse.

Teenagers need to be particularly wary because they are four times more likely than an adult to have an accident while using a mobile device.

Be safe out there everyone!

Statistical information provided by:
http://www.teendriversource.org/stats/teen/detail/64

How to change your own tire

2010-11-24T11:44:00.001-08:00

Nothing puts the damper on a road trip like a flat tire. Many of you out there have AAA or some form of roadside assistance, but what happens if your stuck on the side of the road with no cell reception? Unfortunately these scenarios don't just happen in horror flicks. But never fear, we're here to teach you a few easy steps to change your own tire.

First, pull safely off the side of the road, giving your call every sign of distress. Put your car in park, preferably with the emergency brake on and put on your hazard lights. Make it obvious you are there to give yourself the most amount of safety precautions. Next, get out all the tools and spare tire from car. If you do not have emergency tools or a spare tire, invest in that ASAP!!! The most basic tools you need are lug nut wrench and a jack. Remove the hub cap and loosen lug nuts without actually removing them. Jack up your car far enough off the ground so that the fully inflated tire can replace the old flat one.

Now comes the actual change. Remove the lug nuts and flat tire and place the spare tire in alignment with the holes with the air valve facing you. Secure the flat tire with the lug nuts and replace the hub cap. Lower the vehicle with the jack.

Now that wasn't so bad was it??

For more information go to:
http://automotive.hardwarestore.com/learning/how-to-change-a-tire.aspx

Night Driving Made Safe

2010-11-17T11:47:00.001-08:00

Now that daylight savings has taken effect we are all driving in the dark just a tad bit more. Some say they would rather drive at night, but that can be more dangerous. Traffic fatalities are actually 3 times higher at night due to several different obstacles not faced during daytime driving.

Humans are not built with night vision, therefore we need to rely on technology to be able to see in the dark. Unfortunately, technology fails us sometimes so we need to be vigilant and ensure that headlights are all working properly. As a courtesy to other drivers, make sure that your head lights are not too bright and turned on before its pitch black in those hours that the sun is setting. To avoid glare keep internal lights off and dash lights dim.

Do not be a deer in headlights! Instead of looking directly into the headlights of an oncoming vehicles look a little bit to the side to avoid seeing spots and getting distracted. Depth perception is a little bit off at night, so make sure that you leave an even bigger distance between you and the car in front of you than you would during the day.

We can all be creatures of the night if we just follow a few extra safety guidelines. For more information on night time driving safety, please visit: http://www.roadandtravel.com/safetyandsecurity/safenightdrivingtips.htm

Check Out a Hybrid Car Today!

2010-11-10T11:17:00.001-08:00

With the new movement to "go green" the popularity of hybrids is spiking. Investing in a hybrid car is a smart decision for many reasons.

Hybrid cars are definitely the way to go as far as environmental friendliness. Combine the fact that the tires on these cars are made with a special rubber that reduces friction on the road and the cars themselves are built more aerodynamically, hybrids waste a lot less fuel. This makes hybrid cars emit much less pollution.

Hybrid cars may be a little more expensive on the forefront, but in the long run they can actually save you money. With gas prices not exactly being low these days, filling up less definitely helps the wallet. These cars are designed with smaller, more efficient engines to make the car waste less gas by shutting down the engine when the car is stopped. The electric motor gets powered automatically by utilizing the energy to charge the batteries that is typically lost through braking.

You should definitely check out a hybrid car today!

For more information, check out: http://www.learnmechanic.com/why-buying-a-hybrid-car-makes-you-feel-better.html

Clean Out Your Car and Improve Safety!

2010-11-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

Life gets busy and we forget to clean out our cars because you never know if you'll need that empty bottle or soccer cleats, but the truth is we just need to do it. Extra debris lying around the car can in some instances be fatal. Add in environmental factors and other drivers and sometimes you will need to slam on the brakes, so eliminating the excess that could potential fly around in your car and prevent injury is important.

Make sure the area around the drivers seat is especially clear. That empty bottle I mentioned earlier? It can get stuck under the brake or gas pedal and cause a much bigger problem than little Johnny getting thirsty and needing a water bottle in case you can find a water fountain.

That little bobble head garfield is really cute on the dashboard, but he needs to be secured down and in an area that he won't impair your vision. He may be talented kitty, but he can't prevent car accidents from occurring.

Even though your vehicle is built to protect you as much as it can from the dangers of the road, sometimes these dangers are just plain unavoidable. But you can help eliminate any extra dangers such as ensuring that your car is free of any unnecessary clutter.

Get a History Check on Used Vehicles

2010-10-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

When purchasing a used vehicle you should definitely get a vehicle history check. All cars made after 1980 have these history reports that will tell you everything you want to know about the vehicle in question from who owned the car to when the vehicle was serviced.

What does this mean you need to do? Just ask! You can either search online or call to see if the vehicle dealer you are looking to work with offers free vehicle history reports. Different dealerships may have different policies about this reports, so it doesn't hurt to do a little bit of research first. Some dealers may offer free history checks but don't just hand them out, you need to request them.

To make the process easier on yourself and the dealer find a car you are interested before asking for a history report. Don't waste your or the dealer's time on a car you don't actually have any intention of purchasing. Get all the info you need and get the vehicle of your dreams!

Read more: How to Get an Absolutely Free Vehicle History Check at eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7349839_absolutely-vehicle-history-check.html#ixzz13arEHbt3

Will Your Car Be the New Smart Phone?

2010-10-20T12:15:00.001-07:00

A week long series by CNN on smartphones and their effects on society makes us ask ourselves, will your car become your next smartphone?

The notion really makes sense looking at new technology evolving for automobiles. Electronic companies are developing ways to enable talking and texting through the dashboard of your car. Eventually you will be able to surf the web and update facebook through voice commands while driving. Talk about multi-tasking!

Now the big question is whether or not this technology will make for safer roadways. On the one hand, this may reduce drivers from using their actual mobile phone while driving. Usage of phones while driving provides many dangers including not having both hands on the wheel. On the other hand, will people realistically embrace the new hands-free technology? Some may argue that even hand-free surfing the web and texting while driving is a huge distraction.

For more information, check out http://11thr.com/blog/?p=1332.

Get Quality Brake Parts to Ensure Vehicle Safety

2010-10-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

During a Sprint Cup Series race at a short track like Martinsville Speedway, tempers often flare and leave drivers and crew members alike seeing red. But it's not always because of the beating and banging going on at the track; sometimes it is the reflection of the bright red glow emitted from overworked brake rotors.

This process is a normal one. Brake components generate heat (energy), which is used to stop the vehicle. This heat is responsible for that red glow that's ever so apparent during racing action.

And although your home vehicle may not be under the same extreme racing conditions as a NASCAR stock car, your rotors are still exposed to the same process, which takes a toll on the life of your brakes.

Quality brake parts are designed to generate and dissipate heat very quickly, the keys to both long life for your parts, and safe braking. However, when it's time for a brake repair, quality parts are not always used as replacements.

Some automotive repair facilities advertise bargain brake jobs in an effort to lure customers into their place of business. When your brakes are repaired here, the majority of the times, replacement brake parts are used. Quality, professional grade products are often sacrificed to perform these brake jobs, directly affecting vehicle safety. In the case of brake repairs, you get what you pay for. Quality and safety come at a cost.

And although some brake components are required to meet federal safety standards, items like rotors, drums, brake pads and shoes are not. These components have a direct affect on the stopping distance of the vehicle, the noise created while braking, and how long the brakes will wear.

To ensure safety, have your brake system inspected annually. And when it comes time for repair, insist on professional grade products, which meet or exceed original equipment performance.

"Drive Safely Work Week" Kicks Off to Combat Distracted Driving

2010-10-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

As the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety’s (NETS) “Drive Safely Work Week” kicks off nationwide today, safety organizations and employers are encouraging organizations to draft, maintain and enforce distracted driving (DWD) policies. With a goal of protecting employees and other drivers by reducing preventable accidents, CellControl CEO Chuck Cox emphasizes that Drive Safely Work Week is “a great time to draft and implement a distracted driving policy. Having such a policy is an important first step in improving driver safety.”

Driver safety is a big problem. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that traffic accidents are a leading cause of workplace death and injury, costing almost $100 billion annually in lost productivity and medical expenses. Because phone-related distracted driving is a leading cause of such accidents, Kathy Trahan, President/CEO of the Safety Council of the Louisiana Capital Area (http://www.safetylca.org), notes “driver safety is critical for our membership. For the CEO/CIOs, corporate safety directors or fleet managers that want to maintain safe operating environments, distracted driving safety policies and enforcement solutions should be priority components of their safety strategy.”

National fleet safety advocacy groups and public/private corporations are working this week to protect drivers in the communities, states and regions that they serve. Baron Davis, President of Safety Alert (http://www.safetyalert.com) agrees on the importance of safety and the prevention of distracted driving. “Our Louisiana-based organization serves fleet partners across the country and monitors thousands of drivers to promote and advocate safe driving. Mobile phone distractions are a large and growing problem, and technology solutions like CellControl are important and save lives.”

“The CellControl distracted driving solution has been developed for corporations and government agencies, large or small, that provide mobile communication devices to their employees. Mobile devices are important and mission-critical productivity tools, but endangering lives and property due to out-of-policy usage must and can be prevented,” added Cox.

As part of this week’s focus, CellControl is hosting online web demos to educate business and community leaders on the dangers, realities and costs of distracted driving (DWD). To schedule a complimentary web demo on the real costs of distracted driving or obtain additional information, call 1-888-896-9753 (1-225-215-0079 outside USA) or visitwww.cellcontrol.com.

CellControl, based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides the most accurate, secure and reliable solution for distracted driving caused by cellular phones and other mobile devices, such as laptops and handhelds. Instead of using GPS to determine vehicle movement, a technology approach with several weaknesses, CellControl directly integrates the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics computer with the mobile phone/device to stop texting, e-mailing, web browsing and phone usage while operating a vehicle. Additional vehicle performance data, such as speed, mileage, and idle time, are also provided.

Different Types of Tires and the Affect on Your Car

2010-09-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

When you go to the automotive store you will see a wide variety of tires available. You will find big tires, small tires, tires for winter, tires for summer, and tires that can help you save money. Fortunately, you don not need to be an automotive expert to determine what types of tires are best for your vehicle(s).

There are many types of tires available on today's market. One of the newcomers is the environmentally friendly tire. These "green" tires provide less rolling resistance, which in turn helps improve fuel economy. Some tests on these eco-friendly tires have shown that owners will get 2,600 gallons of free gas (or the driving equivalent of 65,000 thousand miles). This is possible due to the composition of the tires as well as the dual tread zone which allows better traction in the center of the tire for wet weather along with improved edges on the tire to perform better in dry conditions. These changes add to the comfort of the ride, the life span of the tire tread, and overall investment in the cost of the tire.

If you do the bulk of traveling in the summer and it is primarily the all-American road trip, then you want to have tires that are designed with warm weather usage in mind. These tires are often referred to as ultra-high performance or max-performance tires and are a step up from the standard all purpose tires. They are available in 15-22 inch wheel sizes and are noted for their performance on wet or dry roads, as well as the smoothness of the ride. These tires are also great for high speeds and, depending on the brand, have topped out at as much as 186 miles per hour. Interestingly, these tires have also been shown to be fuel efficient, getting 3-4% better mileage than standard all-season tires.

If you live in area known for severe winter storms, ice and snow, then having winter/snow tires is a must. These tires are designed to provide you with extra traction, better braking and easier handling so that you can drive on the snow without fear of sliding. The tires are made with special rubber compounds and tread designs that make cold weather travel safer. In fact, test have shown that vehicles of the same length and size with winter tires going at a speed of 15 mph will stop half a car length faster than a identical vehicle without the snow tires.
An all-season tire, while good for everyday usage, is not recommended for winter driving and is only adequate in any type of weather. If you will be driving in moderate to severe snow, you will want to invest in a set of winter tires. In addition, the all-season is recommended for areas with minimal rain or little to snow.

Whether you are looking for all-season tires, winter wheels, summer tires, or green tires your area automotive store will be glad to help you find the best wheels for your ride.

Texas Promotes Child Safety

2010-09-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Each year thousands of children die in road accidents for not using car seats or not wearing a seat belt. The state of Texas received a million dollars to promote travel insurance for infants to reduce the number of deaths .
Senator Judith Zaffirini's created the SB 61 law in 2009, that require that minors under eight years old have a car seat unless they are 4 feet 9 inches tall.
A study indicated that they are expecting to reduce the risk of deaths in children caused by vehicular accidents by up to 59%.
The state lawmaker stated that with the million dollars from federal funds, the state of Texas will hold a campaign that will offer training for the use of car seats, enforcement, education and the purchase of seats for low income families.
Automobilists that do not comply with these laws of buckling up their children while traveling in the vehicle, may receive fines from $25 and up to $250.

Roadside Safety Tips If Your Car Breaks Down

2010-09-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

One of the most dangerous parts of having car trouble on the road is that when it happens, your attention immediately shifts from driving or traffic, to the problem, and that can lead to accidents. Thus, it’s good to keep some safety tips in mind if your car breaks down.

The first thing is to notice that something has gone wrong; your engine might be overheating, you’ve run out of oil, or maybe you have a flat tire. Whatever it is, accept the fact that something bad is happening so that you can get your car out of traffic as quickly and safely as you possibly can. Then, don’t panic, do your best to move in a safe manner to the lane that is closest to the shoulder, then ease onto the shoulder. If you can’t get the vehicle out of traffic, wait until no cars are coming and then try to get away from the car, because if it gets hit, you don’t want to be in it. Also, be aware of the other passengers in your car, do whatever you can to help them get out of the car and away from traffic as well.

If you are able to pull your car off the road, do so as far as is humanly possible from the road; many cars and people are struck alongside roadways because other drivers fail to see them in time. Next, get yourself and your passengers out of the car. Get the passengers to all exit the vehicle on the side that is the farthest from traffic, so that won’t be getting out next to speeding vehicles. Then, get all your passengers to get even farther off the road if possible. Being anywhere near a broken down vehicle on a roadway is a very dangerous place to be.

Then, call for help; whether it’s AAA, a local garage or whatever. Call the police if you have too. Call someone to come tow your vehicle to wherever it will be repaired. If it’s a flat, only change it next to the roadway if there is a lot of room between the car and the road. And if its possible, you might want to try turning the car around so that the flat tire is facing away from traffic so you won’t be working so close to the road.

If you have flares, use them. Better is if you have some red flags on a pole that you can put near your vehicle so that cars coming can see your car sooner. Also, put on your blinkers. In short, do whatever you can to alert other drivers to the fact that your car is broken down on the side of the road.

And then, just wait for someone to come help you.

Labor Day Travel Safety Tips

2010-09-01T13:04:00.001-07:00

With Labor Day weekend just around the corner, a lot of people will be loading up their trailers or hopping in their RVs to have one last hurrah before summer comes to a close. However, you still have aware of the potential hazards when you’re embarking on a road trip. For instance, if you’ll be towing a boat trailer or camper of some sort, you have to take certain precautions. That means, double checking to make sure that your tow hitch is properly secured with two safety chains. In addition, you’ll need to have working brake lights and turn signals on your trailer.

If you’ll be traveling in an RV or motorhome, you’ll have to take more precautions than most since the vehicle is so heavy. Definitely have your tire pressure and tread checked before hitting the road, in addition to ensuring that your brakes are in working order. Afterall, a tire blowout on a motor home can have catastrophic results. You’ll also want to make sure that everything inside the trailer is secured so you don’t have items falling on top of you if you take a sharp turn. Once you’re on the road, stay well within the speed limit and give yourself ample braking distance, especially when you’re turning.

Tips On Buying A Car For Your College-Bound Teenager

2010-08-25T08:16:00.001-07:00

With the new school year approaching your teenager or college-bound student may be asking you for a car. Selecting the right vehicle can become quite challenging, especially when their preferences can be quite different from yours. The automotive repair experts at Shade Tree Garage, in Morristown, New Jersey, have created a list of tips to keep in mind when purchasing a new vehicle for your teenage driver.

Dan O’Connor, Service Advisor at Shade Tree Garage says, “When purchasing a vehicle for your teenager, you’ll want to look at safety, affordability and reliability. If you evaluate each of these areas carefully, you will be confident you’re getting the best vehicle you can for the money you want to spend.” Here’s O’Connor’s list of tips.

1. Safety - According to AAA, automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teens. “Because safety is of primary importance, it’s critical to choose a vehicle that has the latest safety features designed to prevent crashes and minimize injury,” states O’Connor. Any vehicle considered should include features like anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, electronic stability control, adjustable/locking head restraints, and airbags.

2. Affordability - Insurance costs, fuel and maintenance will all affect the affordability of a car. According to O’Connor, “A lot of times a car might look great and be in your price range, but the owner is selling it right at the time it will need a lot of maintenance work done, like new brakes, tires, or the major service. Quality automotive repair shops, like Shade Tree Garage, can perform a pre-purchase inspection to let you know if the vehicle is safe, reliable and priced right.”

3. Reliability - Of course you want to know the vehicle won’t break down the first time your teen takes it out on the road. It’s a good idea to order the vehicle’s CarFax report. You should also determine if there’s a warranty for the vehicle. Again, you may want to have an automotive repair expert perform a pre-purchase inspection. In doing so, you’ll know the vehicle you are thinking of purchasing is roadworthy, mechanically-sound and equipped with operational safety components.

Driving with Pets: A Dangerous Distraction

2010-08-18T11:01:00.001-07:00

Driving with your pets can be a dangerous business.

In 2008, there were 6,000 fatalities due to accidents caused by distracted drivers, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

And, in a recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Kurgo, a pet product company, an overwhelming 80 percent of respondents said they've driven with their pets on a variety of car trips including day trips, local errands and leisure trips, the pet store, dog parks and to work.

But only 17 percent said they use any form of pet restraint system when driving with their dog, causing a distraction AAA says is equal to talking on a cell phone or texting while driving.

To help make the ride safer for you and your pet, "Early Show" Correspondent and Resident Veterinarian Dr. Debbye Turner Bell shared some easy ways drivers with pets can prevent some of these dangers:

The most important headline for pet owners: Restrain your pet. Keep them in an enclosed area. This is safer for a number of reasons. First of all, keeping your pet in a tighter space will keep them from wandering around. If you have a pet wandering while you are driving, the chances you will be distracted are pretty good. Whether it's to get them from scratching the seats, or to stop them from barking, almost inevitably, your attention is going to be drawn away from the road. Having a driver distracted by a pet can be just as dangerous as a driving while texting or talking on the phone. Secondly, a dog or cat in an accident can create a deadly amount of force if thrown from the car.

TIP: USE SAFETY BARRIERS THROUGHOUT THE CAR
Safety barriers are important to your pets for two reasons. First, they stop your bet from being projected in case of a short stop. Second, they stop your pet from becoming a distraction by keeping them in one place. There are two different sets of barriers for your car. One fits in the opening between your trunk and your back seat. These are most often metal or plastic bars. These stop your pet from being projected forward in case of an accident. They vary in size depending on your model of car, so make sure that you get the proper one for your vehicle. These will run you somewhere between $50 and $100.

The other barrier sits in between the front seats and back seats. Most often these are made of netting, strong fabric or plastic. These created mostly for the driver, to stop a dog from suddenly jumping in your lap, or onto the gear shift. Again, you need to make sure when purchasing a barrier like this that it fits into your particular model. These are a bit cheaper than the cage barriers, and will run you between generally between $10 and $40.

TIP: MATCH DOG SIZE TO PROPER SEATBELT RESTRAINT
Dog seat belts are adjustable straps that keep your dog in place while he or she is inside your car. This is the best safety device intended to reduce the possibility of getting injured, especially for agitated animals like dog. Seat belt restraint ensures that your dog will behave properly while riding and prevents him from hitting the hard interior of your vehicle when there's a sudden stop.

Once a dog car harness is worn on your pet during your long road trip, you will have the peace of mind knowing that your pet will not roam or create damage inside you car. At the same time, you dog can't jump over the window because he is properly secured. This will eliminate pet driver distraction.
The proper use of seat belt harnesses DEPEND SOLELY on the size of your dog. Big dogs require big seat belt restraints, and smaller dogs will only be restrained with smaller devices. Matching your dog's size to the belt is the only way that these restraints can be effective, and depending on the size the price can run you from $10 to $50.

TIP: DOGGY BOOSTER SEATS ARE ALSO SAFE AND COMFORTABLE
Another option to seat belt restraints are booster seats. Booster seats for dogs are a safe, effective way to keep your dogs safe in the car, providing a comfortable seat for the dog to enjoy while strapped in through the car's seat belt or booster seat attachments. Smaller breed dogs, especially, can benefit from a booster seat, as they can easily get jostled around in a seat belt restraint or large carrier.
If you have a mid to large breed dog, a booster seat is probably not a good option for you. Most booster seats on the market are only equipped for dogs up to 40 pounds. There are many other options available however, including back seat hammocks, seat belt restraint systems and zipline and harness restraint systems. For smaller breed dogs, booster seats are ideal.

TIP: WHEN USING A CARRIER, SECURE PROPERLY
First and foremost, if you are using a carrier to put your cat or dog in the car, make sure you have the proper sized carrier for your animal. If you get a carrier that is too small, the animal won't be comfortable, and if it's too large, the animal will get bounced around during the ride. But when using a pet carrier, it's important that it is secured properly, so that it doesn't fly around during a collision.

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How Automobile Car Alarms Work

2010-08-11T07:41:00.001-07:00

Car Alarms are essentially designed to give your car a complete security network, which is hard to detect by a goon or a thief or an imposter. There are different types of car alarms available in the market, and every alarm offers unique set of features and functionalities, though the purpose of these very smart and subtle car audio systems is common - to prompt the car owner about the theft; and alert him or her to take the necessary action altogether.

Different car alarms work differently. Expensive cars and SUVs have more complex working alarm systems, while the less expensive cars have basic or the elementary models of car alarms installed in them.

Car alarms are nothing but a series of sensors which are installed in the car’s fuselage and other secret areas of the car body making them quite hard to detect. It is the use of stealth technology that ultimately make car alarms completely successful and more of practical advantage to the users. The sensors are connected to the car stereo system wherein the speakers generate the sound when the sensors are triggered due to movement of live objects in the vicinity of your car or vehicle.

As the part of basic installation of car alarms, wires pass through the driver’s door, to the rear doors and finally the passenger’s door in the front just adjacent to driver’s seat. In most of the normal used car models, both the front doors are equipped with the car alarms sensors and which are further connected to car stereo system. The procedures for installation of car alarms is very simple, and involves fixing a switching circuit somewhere under the dashboard, with the network of wires spread all across. Finally, it is the car audio system that works together in sync with the sensors. On the whole, basic functioning of car alarms is quite simple, and you don’t need to perform any kind of complex manipulative actions before you get set and trigger the sensors. Car alarms are automatic in operation. The moment there’s any human intervention, sensors sense them, and sounds from car audio begin sounding.

Many car alarm manufacturing companies are innovating on new genre of electronic car alarms. The companies are manufacturing car alarms for all kinds of cars. Remember! Today, car alarms are playing indispensable role in preventing car thefts, and saving car owners from all the angst and undue trouble. If you are really looking for good and effective car alarm for your car, you need to go for comparison shopping. When you go for comparison shopping, you are likely to get affordable car alarm for your car.

Texas Motors Ford -

2010-07-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Our First Blog

2010-05-08T01:02:00.000-07:00

Texas Motors Ford has been serving the Dallas Fort Worth area for over 65 years. We are a family owned and operated dealership with thousands of satisfied customers. We look forward to serving all of your automotive needs here at Texas Motors Ford.