Posted on 12/1/2018
It's always wise to keep an emergency kit in your car in case you end up in a tricky situation on the road. When the weather gets colder is when it's particularly important to have safety supplies nearby. As a responsible car owner, it's smart to prepare for the worst case scenario. Emergencies can happen to all of us. Whether you run out of fuel, slip off on an icy road, or puncture a tire, a well-stocked emergency kit can get you back on the roads quickly and safely. We suggest keeping the following supplies in your emergency kit. Jumper cables Flashlight, plus extra batteries (or a hand-crank flashlight) A Swiss Army Knife) Bottled water First-aid kit with adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes and-aides, medical wrap gauze pads, and antiseptic cream Road flares or reflective warning triangles Some other essentials that could be helpful in case of an emergency: Small fire extinguisher. Tire gauge to keep an eye on inflation Jack and lug wrench for when ti ... read more
Posted on 11/1/2018
Many car owners who reside in colder climates will ask themselves if they really need winter tires. Yes. It is recommended to make the shift from all-season tires to winter tires to be best prepared for the winter season. It's smart to understand the difference between all-wheel tires and winter tires. Most cars leave the factory with all-season tires since they are created to offer a good tread life and a quiet drive. They are created to function optimally in a wide array of conditions including light winter driving and wet roads. They truly combine the advantages of winter tires and summer tires. All-season tires are not designed to handle extreme winter conditions like driving through extreme cold, snow, and ice. If you're a car owner who lives in a moderate climate, all-wheel tires could be the right choice as these weather conditions aren't a hindrance. The condition of the streets can be unpredictable with black ice and heavy snowfall. It's so important th ... read more
Posted on 10/1/2018
With Halloween approaching, you might have started thinking about what you’re going to dress up as. Have you thought about getting your car in the spirit of the holiday as well? If you're feeling particularly creative, here are some Halloween costumes for your car that will be sure to get you some attention on the roads. The Black Bat The Black Bat is a great option that doesn’t involve a lot of money or time. It’s pretty simple. All you need to do is find a giant bat nose (similar to a clown nose) and put it on the front of the car. Also, create bat wings that can easily be clipped onto the windows. It might not be the most fashionable batmobile in history, but it will undoubtedly set you apart from other vehicles that didn’t have the passion for getting all spiffed up! For the occasion. Spiderwebs If your budget is tight, spiderwebs could be the perfect option to get your automobile in the spirit of Halloween. Not only are spiderwebs incredibly cheap, bu ... read more
Posted on 9/1/2018
When was the first seatbelt birthed? The original seatbelt wasn’t actually invented until the nineteenth century. On February 10, 1885, New York resident, Edward J. Claghorn, was given the first safety belt patent. It was a simple lap strap that used hooks and other attachments to keep people secured to an object. Almost 75 years later, in 1959, the modern-day seatbelt came on the scene when an engineer at Volvo, Nils Bohlin, invented the three-point seatbelt. It was Volvo that inspired the use of seatbelts by becoming the first manufacturer to provide standard seat belts in all of its vehicles. This is one of the reasons why Volvo is recognized as the safety powerhouse that it is currently known as today. This safety feature remained as an optional feature for years. Congress finally recognized that many car fatalities were due to not wearing seatbelts and passed a new minimum federal standard for safety belts in 1963 to lessen fatalities. Once these standards were set ... read more
Posted on 7/1/2018
The right games in the car during road trips can be a wonderful way to prevent boredom and a fun opportunity to stay connected to your family and other passengers on your adventure on the road. There are so many easy and creative games and activities that are sure to keep your child from moaning, "Are we there yet?” over and over and keep any adult entertained. Here are some suggestions for games to play in the car: Predictions Pick an upcoming exit, location, or landmark. Figure out how far away it is, the time, and your current speed. Have each person in the car predict the exact time you'll arrive at the location. Let the winner choose the next rest stop! Mundane Game Challenge people in the car to recall recent events. "What was the server's name at breakfast?", “How many stalls did the last rest stop have?”, “How much was the soda we bought at the last gas station?" &n ... read more
Posted on 4/1/2018
Road trips with your friends, family, or alone can be an adventure. Having the right tunes can certainly add some zest to your time on the road. Books on tape are also a great option to keep you engaged while driving down the open roads. Here are a few suggestions that could keep you engaged and entertained for miles: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams If you like science fiction and humor, "The Hitchhiker’s Guide" is a colorful journey through time and space. The dialogue is pithy and rich in philosophy and science. If you liked "A Space Odyssey" and “Johnny Dangerously", this could be a right choice for you. It's not a long book and this is only the first book is a series of five. There are many dramatized versions. However, the most popular is the version where the text is narrated by Stephen Fry. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle There are 12 different stories of our favorite detective ... read more
Posted on 3/1/2018
Getting your vehicle prepared for spring can save you hassles, anxiety, and steep auto repair costs down the line. Winter weather can cause some havoc on your vehicle. Be a responsible car owner and have your car ready for the warmer day and blooming flowers. Here are some suggestions to get your automobile for the spring: Change Your Oil Changing your oil regularly determines how long your vehicle will be in motion on the road. Be mindful of periodically changing oil filters and how long the intervals are between oil changes. Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids Your windshield wipers can experience a good amount of wear and tear from snow, sleet, and ice damage. It's wise to replace your car's wipers when they begin streaking. Getting new wipers easy to replace and inexpensive. Windshield wiper fluid and other windshield treatments can repel the elements. Check Your Tires Interesting fact. You can save money on gas when your tires are in good ... read more
Posted on 2/1/2018
With Valentine’s Day approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what you and your special someone will do to celebrate the spirit of love. Luckily, there are romantic things to do in and around Brooklyn Park. Here are some suggestions: 1) Pazzaluna One of Saint Paul's top restaurants is now taking reservations for cozy intimate romantic dinners. This eatery with a warm environment is so committed to the Valentine’s Day vibe that they're offering a special four-course meal from February 12th-14th. 2) Como Park Zoo & Conservatory Saint Paul Como Zoo & Conservatory is getting into the Valentine's Day spirit and offering a candlelit dinner surrounded by ... read more
Posted on 1/1/2018
Have you ever thought about becoming an auto mechanic? If you love the inner workings of trucks, cars, and other transportation, this could be a career that suits you. Some mechanics do general repairs and maintenance, while other technicians specialize in onboard computers, tires, brakes etc. The minimum education requirement for auto mechanics is a diploma from high school. However, it is preferred by most employers that their mechanics have completed an associate’s or certificates in an automotive technology program. What exactly does a mechanic do? Auto mechanics restore, troubleshoot, and examine a variety of vehicles, including personal automobiles, trucks and other heavy equipment machinery. If you’re considering a career in the auto repair industry, you must know about various equipment, tools, and procedures that are used at auto jobs to repair problems. In the age of technology, it’s significant that auto mechanics are knowledgeable ... read more
Posted on 12/1/2017
The holidays are approaching! Not only does this joyous time of year bring families together for great meals and anticipated gifts, but it also offers up many opportunities to see wondrous light displays. Luckily, we live in a part of the country that offers up a variety of shiny and bright lights that captivate people of all ages. Right here in Brooklyn Park, light-seekers can head to 8016 Upton Circle N. and view more than 50,000 lights with animated scenes. Should you want to check out displays in or near the Twin Cities, consider the following: Downtown St. Paul's Christmas Tree and Holiday Lights St. Paul's Christmas tree is located in Rice Park. During the holiday season, the entire lawn is draped with sparkling lights. This historic Landmark Center hosts several holiday events and even has a free ice skating rink. Downtown Minneapolis' Holidazzle Celebration The annual Holidazzle market takes place in Loring Park. Enjoy the food and crafts of loc ... read more