Drive Safe this Memorial Day Weekend!

Did you know Memorial Day weekend is one of the biggest driving holidays in the United States?  As you head out on your road adventure this weekend, have a great time and be safe.  More drivers mean the possibility for an accident increases exponentially.  Here are some tips to keep you safe while on the road:

 

• Refrain from all cell phone use behind the wheel, no calls or texting.
• Make sure all passengers are buckled up and children are in age-appropriate safety seats
• All children 12 and under should always be in the back seat
• Allow plenty of travel time to avoid frustration and diminish the impulse to speed
• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during inclement weather
• Maintain a safe distance of one car length between you and the car in front of you for every 10mph of speed.
• Avoid driving while drowsy
• Designate a “non-drinking” driver – even moderate consumption of alcohol impairs reaction time and driving judgment

 

Read more great tips here: http://www.nsc.org/Pages/Drive-safe-this-Memorial-Day-Weekend.aspx

And have a great Memorial Day!

Say Hello to the 2013 Lexus RX!

 

Have you checked out the all-new 2013 Lexus RX yet?  If not, here is a brief overview:

The 2013 Lexus RX has been officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

Modestly revised, the crossover features a new front bumper, LED-infused headlights and a spindle grille. There's also restyled fog lights and an optional F Sport package with a unique front bumper and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Interior changes are limited, but include new ebony bird's-eye maple trim and optional saddle leather upholstery with contrast stitching on the seats, center console and armrests.

Under the hood, the RX 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that develops 270 hp (201 kW / 274 PS) and 248 lb-ft (336 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission which enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and hit an electronically limited top speed of 112 mph (180 km/h).

Check out even more features and videos here:   http://www.worldcarfans.com/112030642038/2013-lexus-rx-debuts-in-geneva-videos#ixzz1vEOjvdrQ

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Happy Mother’s Day this weekend!  Why not give the gift your mom really wants: a cleaner or more updated vehicle!  Here are some car-related gifts that would make the perfect last minute Mother’s Day ideas:

Her vehicle is her home away from home and gifts that enhance her enjoyment of that second home are likely to be appreciated, suggests Rich White, spokesperson for the Car Care Council. "We tend to gravitate toward gifts like jewelry, a framed photo or flowers," he says. "But why not break from the traditional and dress up her car? Maybe she's always wanted a sunroof or a cool sound system. Her wish could come true, with the help of your local auto specialty shop or service dealer."

White suggests that, beyond the obvious gifts such as seat covers or floor mats, Mom might appreciate having her damaged steering wheel replaced with one that's stylish, possibly even leather covered. A sun-damaged and faded dash could be repaired, replaced, or recovered to upgrade the interior. How about a GPS navigation system, remote starter, or satellite radio?

"Security devices such as a remote keyless entry or alarm systems are also popular add-ons," says White, "as are custom wheels or wheel covers. Most women are interested in the safety and appearance accessories as opposed to those, which are performance related. Gifts can be inexpensive. Net shopping bags, that hook on back of the driver's seat, are great gift items too. Just look around"

Right on the heels of Mother's Day, of course, is Father's Day, with additional categories of gifts to consider: special tools, custom rims, window tinting, or sound system enhancements, to mention a few. "Gifts for vehicles are always well received and the variety of innovative products never stops growing" adds White.

 

Check out the full article here:  http://www.carcarenewsservice.org/articles/automotive-gift-mothers-day-you-bet

Road Trip Planning 101

Are you taking a road trip this summer?  Taking time to planning your vacation is the number one way to ensure you and your family will have fun. There's destination selection, planning basics, entertainment, packing, and potentially most important of all, how to save money.

One website writes:

Road trip planning, like many things in life, is harder than it looks. The fantasy is the idea of just jumping in your car and heading off to experience wonderful adventures. Any problems? They'll just turn into hilarious stories you'll be able to tell everyone.

I've been on a lot of road trips - travel is my passion - and I can tell you that it's just not that simple. Taking the time to plan your road trip can make the difference between a great vacation full of fun and adventure, and a disastrous detour down the wrong road, one you wouldn't wish on an enemy.

Road Trip Planning 101

It all started as a kid; my family loved to take road trips in our big ugly blue station wagon with brown paneling on the side. A lot of times, we’d cram two families into that station wagon and all the kids would be piled the “back-back” seat that faced backward. Between making faces at the cars behind us, telling each other jokes, and trying to make the trucks blow their air-horns, we had a blast!

 

To read more about planning your road trip, click here!