What To Do When You're Pulled Over

It's never a good feeling when you see those lights flash behind you, all angry and annoyed like. Sometimes, you know the reason why; you were pushing in the accelerator a little too much today or briefly got distracted by something along the side of the road and swerved a little. Other times, it can just be a simple, "Your tail light is out." Well, regardless of the reason, it can be an unnerving experience to get pulled over, and we'd like to help relieve some of that nervousness with some helpful tips of what you should do when this happens to you.

1) Keep your hands on the wheel.

This is probably the most important thing to do when you're pulled over as it keeps the officer at ease. Imagine being the officer's position, not knowing the intentions of the person who you just pulled over, and you see them scrambling around in the car. You don't know if they're reaching for their license, registration, and proof of insurance or something a little more malicious. Wait until the officer asks you for these things, let him know of your intentions, and then grab them.

2) Pull over as soon as you safely can.

It's recommended you don't take too long to pull over. When those lights go off, try to edge over to the right side of the road as safely as you can and as quickly as you can. This way you'll avoid the confusion and hassle of an initiated chase if you say, drive 2 or 3 blocks and have had ample opportunities to stop. If it's night, make sure to pull over in a well lit area (if possible) and on a not so busy highway or roadway. Turning your interior lights on is a good way to offer some additional relief to the officer as well.

3) Be respectful.

The officer is more likely to respect you, if you respect them. Being polite and prompt means you're likely to receive the same kind of treatment. Treat the officer the way you'd like to be treated.

The 2017 Fusion

Ford has been pretty closed-mouthed about what’s on the horizon for the Fusion, but recent spy shots and speculations give us a better idea of what we’re likely to see.  Here’s what we can tentatively look forward to seeing:

-Styling focused on a more sophisticated look

-Grille toned down from the current design, small corner window will be replaced with front side glass

-Soft-touch surfaces, matte wood trim for the interior

-Added rotary gear selector, similar to what you’d see in a Jaguar

-Technology specs are still a bit iffy, but Autoblog guesses that the new Fusion will be equipped with Microsoft SYNC

Caring For Your Car's Exterior

If your car is looking a little less glorious than you're used to, there's no better way to return it to its previous state than through a good old fashioned car wash. Now, we don't mean take it to the nearest gas station drive through car wash where it'll be treated like just another car. No, your car deserves a little more personal touch. So grab your bucket and your mitt because it's time to go to work.

Some things you will need:

• A cotton or (paint safe) microfiber washing mitt - decreases scratching risk.
• Automotive purpose soap/wash - they're pH balanced so they won't strip the wax off your car and are combined with a lubricant to help your car keep its shine protection. 
• Wax (like carnauba or synthetic wax) or a paint sealant. Carnauba wax is good for maximum shine and solid protection, but only maintains its integrity for roughly 8-12 weeks. A sealant will last 6 months on average. It won't shine as well, but you'll have to apply it less.
• Most of your day - To give your car a good detailing, it'll take a good amount of time, so be prepared and keep your schedule clear.

Washing Your Car

1) Spray it down.

The first step is also one of the most important. Giving your car a really good spray will help take away all of the dirt and grime which can be scratch your vehicle while applying the soaping product. Use a moderately powered spray, nothing too crazy here. Also make sure you're washing your car out of direct sunlight and your car is cool to the touch.

2) Wash in sections

Wash and rinse your car off in sections. This will give you time to dry everything off before moving on to the next section. Not doing so will lead to water spots.

3) Remember to wipe off your windshield wipers.

Over time, dirt can build up on the blades, and scratch your windshield when in use, so it's good to wipe these off whenever you can.

4) Apply wax or sealant.

So, it's time to make your car really look pretty. As with a wash, work in the shade to prevent it from drying too quickly and becoming too difficult to buff off. Make sure your car is dried off completely as mixing water can make the wax or sealant streak. Use the thinnest coat you can as a lot of wax or sealant can be difficult to buff off, streak, and just become an overall mess. A thin coat takes less time and ensures you are able to get the shine you want. It's always easier to add a little more (after letting the first coat cure of course) than removing too much.

Apply the product to the applicator and not the vehicle. Work a section at a time, and let the wax dry. Run a finger across it and if it begins to break ahead of your finger, then it's ready to come off. Use a microfiber towel to buff it off (gently!) or if you used a powered polisher, use a new pad.

College Check List

Whether your son or daughter is starting their first semester of college, or returning for another year it's important to make sure their car is in running order. No matter what the driving situation, whether commuting in state or traveling across country, there are some things you should check before sending them off for their first day. Here are some basic things we recommend taking a look at.

1) Check your fluids.

There are three essentail fluids you need to make sure are topped off or are at the recommended levels before going anywhere. The first is the oil. Check the dip stick on a flat level surface and make sure the oil level is between the recommended volume. Keeping an engine well lubricated is the first step to a long lasting and healthy motor life. The second is the coolant. Take a look at the coolant levels for your radiator, especially if cross country travel is required. You don't want to start the school year on the wrong foot by breaking down before you even get there. The last thing you need to check is the washer fluid levels. Dirty windshields look terrible and can make visibility poor. Double check the levels and make sure you can clean them at will. While you're at it, make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape too.

2) Check your battery.

Even if your battery isn't two years old, make sure it's charged and capable of holding a charge. Get it checked out by a professional to ensure accurate results or a replacement if necessary.

3) Light check.

Make sure all of your lights are working as they should. Turn signals are flashing, headlights are well lit and properly aligned, and your brake lights are working. If any of these aren't working, you run the risk of not only getting pulled over, but also potentially creating hazardous driving conditions. These are the only ways we have to communicate with other drivers so make sure they're working as they should.

4) Tire pressure check.

By glancing at the sticker either on the door panel, glove compartment, and in some vehicles the gas cap, you can learn the proper PSI required for each tire. Note that this is often referred to as the cold PSI level, which is the pressure your tires should be at when at rest. As hotter temperatures can artificially inflate PSI levels, it's a good idea to check the tire pressure after they've been at rest for over 30 minutes. This ensures the air is at the proper temperature and won't give you any false readings. Proper air pressure ensures your tires will all wear evenly, thus lasting longer, as well as ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency. It also reduces your risk of a dangerous blowout, so it's important for your air pressure to be at the correct levels. If you're unsure of how to check, add, or reduce the air in a tire, consult a professional.

5) Penny test.

Another aspect of the tire you need to check is the tread level. This lets you know when your tire is getting too old or worn, and that it requires replacement. If you take a penny, place it upside down (so Abe's head is facing the tire) and place it into the tire, look to see if his head is covered. If you can't see his head your tread is at adequate levels, but if you can see his head then it's time to get the tires replaced.

6) Keep emergency items on hand.

Make sure your car is stock with the emergency essentials! Spare tires, jumper cables, and a basic safety kit are all important in case an emergency situation arises. It's also important to know how to use all of these basic materials. The last thing you want to do is try to jump your car battery and accidentally shock yourself because you weren't sure how to ground the charge.

7) Other important stuff to carry.

Back up phone chargers, older phones (which can still call 911 even if they're disconnected and if they have a signal), tire gauge, map, and an emergency call list. Paper isn't susceptible to heat, a dead battery, or a bad signal so it's always good to keep these old fashioned classics on hand just in case.

Summer Movers

Summer is the time of relaxation, fun, and good feelings. Here are some songs to help get you in the mood!

1) "Summer Nights," John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John

2) "Summer of 69," Bryan Adams

3) "Summer," War

4) "Under the Boardwalk," The Drifters

5) "Endless Summer Nights," Casanovas

10 Tips for a Healthy and Fun Summer

Summer is a beautiful, wonderful time of year full of road trips, pool parties, and all sorts of fun exclusive to the summer months, but it can also be dangerous if we aren't careful. Here are 10 tips to help you make sure your summer is nothing but good old-fashioned fun.

1) Stay hydrated. Water is your best friend, and it is recommended to drink anywhere between 16-32 ounces of water (2-4 cups) just when waking up. More if you decided to exercise or take an adventure out doors (up to 2-3 quarts).

2) Avoid overexposure. Hats, caps, and natural sunscreen are your go-tos for making sure you keep yourself cool and your skin burn free. Aloe Vera gel is perfect in case the worst should happen.

3) Exercise. Aerobic exercices are super important for keeping your heart and body in top shape, and there's no better time to start then when the weather is at its best. Just remember tip 1 and 2 if you're going out doors!

4) Fruits, veggies, protein oh my! These are key to keeping your body functioning at its peak efficiency and to ensure you have enough energy to deal with all of your summer activities. Remember to stock up on nature's bounties!

5) Bonding time. With the kids, friends, and family either off school or starting to take time off, it's the perfect time to strengthen those important relationships. A family trip or a camping adventure are a couple of ways to do so.

6) Slow down. It's the perfect time to recoup and regenerate yourself after a hectic winter and spring season, so take some time for yourself and refocus. There's nothing wrong with a little me time.

7) Explore relaxing sun or moon teas. With just a gallon of water, you can make a wonderfully delicious and relaxing tea with hibiscus flowers, red clover flowers, chamomile or lemon grass. It's a good time to kick back, sip some tea, and dive into your favorite summer book.

8) Adding a dose of nature can help take care your body. Nutritional supplements like B12 can give you a boost of energy, while an extra addition of vitamin C or other antioxidants protects you from the effects of stress, chemical pollutants and by-products of exercise.

9) Experience nature. Get some bonding time with Mother Earth and see what she has to offer. Camping, road trips, or simply going down to the park are excellent ways to take some time to appreciate the world in which we live.

10) Have fun. Above all, have fun and enjoy life to the fullest!

Amazing Car Hacks to Try Out

Check out these awesome car hacks that are guaranteed to make your trips easier and more efficient. Do you currently have any of them going on in your vehicle? 

1) Use a plastic cereal containers as a trash can! All those small straw wrappers and miscellaneous junk will now go there instead of under your car seat. 

 

2) Need to put a key on a keyring? Sometimes those pesky metal circles tear your fingers to shreds. Next time, use a staple remover to separate the bars and then you can easily slide your key on. 

                                             

3) Need a way to keep that pepperoni  pizza warm? If your car has seat warmers, turn those puppies on and your pie will be hot and fresh when you get home. 

Vehicle Summer Survival Tips

The heat can take a toll on your car, so be sure to take the proper steps to keep it healthy! Take a look at these awesome tips: 

1) Park in the shade as often as possible. The sun's damaging rays can harm your engine and exterior.

2) Keep your windshield wipers in check. The heat will dry them out and you don't want to get caught in a summer storm without them.

3) Check your tire pressure as often as possible. The freeways are piping hot in the summer months and your tires can wear down faster. 

Be Sure To Check Those Tires!

Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to get your car prepared for the heat of the next few months. The first place to start is your tires. Did you know that only 1 out of ever 10 drivers regularly check their tire pressure? This is important to do as tire pressure changes one to two PSI for every 10-degree increase in outside air temperature. Be sure to check your owner's manual to maintain proper inflation, because the only thing worse than having to stop and change a blown-out tire is having to do so in the heat. While you're at it, it's probably also a good idea to check your tire's tread, as well as alignment, as this can affect stop time and gas mileage. Be sure you've got a properly inflated spare in your trunk as well!

Stay tuned for future summer car maintenance tips!

Activites to Keep the Kids Entertained in the Car

Have you ever been on a long road trip and the DVD player goes out? Or heaven forbid, a car without a DVD player? Here are some quick games to keep the kids entertained. 

I Spy

Audiobooks on CD such as Harry Potter

Put together a craft kit for the car

Find a car with license plate from every state

Bring aluminum foil and have everyone fold them into different animals

Give each child a disposable camera and challenge them to take the best photos on the ride

The 5 Unspoken Rules Of Driving Etiquette You’re Probably Neglecting

Have you ever allowed another driver to merge onto the freeway?  You’re a decent and kind person–of course you have.  Do you ever find yourself getting unreasonably worked up if they don’t offer that universal two-second wave as a thank you?

There are certain unspoken rules of etiquette out on the road, and the courtesy wave is one of them.  Here’s a list of the top five rules of driving etiquette we wish were required.

Turn your brights off when you see oncoming traffic.  Blinding other drivers isn’t just rude, it’s dangerous.

Stop honking during traffic jams–especially at lights.  We promise it won’t make your commute any shorter.

Keep your volume at a reasonable level.  Hey, if you want to advertise your love for Nickelback, buy a T-shirt.

Allow other cars to merge.  The freeway is not a racetrack, and if we can promise you a courtesy wave– this should be set in stone.

Stop edging into crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing.  You’ve got important places to go and all those people are in your way.  But alas, you must remember that as long as they are on foot, they always have the right-of-way.  Always.

Tow like a pro: What you need to know

Whether it’s your first time using your pickup to haul cargo or you’re a regular pro with the tow, it’s important to haul your cargo the right way.  Don’t latch that trailer until you’ve asked yourself these four questions:

1. What are the restrictions?  Towing laws vary by state, so get to know the ones for your area.  Make it easier on everyone: abide by the them.

2. What are my limits?  Each truck has a defined towing capacity and it’s important to adjust accordingly.  For example, smaller trucks require a lightweight aluminum trailer instead of a steel one. Extending the life of your truck begins with using the appropriate trailer.

3. What am I hauling?  Just like you adjusted the size of your trailer for the size of your truck, take into account what you’re moving. You might need to use a closed trailer so avoid cargo spilling onto the road.

4. Where am I towing this?  The last thing you need to keep in mind is the terrain you’ll need to tackle during this job.  Take note of any unpaved roads or other deviations from the norm– it can and will affect your experience.

Here’s why all trucks wish they could be the 2015 Ford F-150

 

Now that auto show season has come to a close, we can only sit in anticipation for the 2015 lineup to hit the showroom floors.  Among all the exciting new models and redesigns, Ford’s new F-150 seems to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue.  There’s a reason for that!  Well, there are a few reasons.
The all-new F-150 has a few tricks up its sleeve– features that come standard on this truck are nowhere to be seen in its competitors.  So what exactly does Ford’s 2015 F-150 have that others don’t?

KEYLESS IGNITION
DRIVER’S GRAB HANDLE
LED BED LIGHTING
DYNAMIC TRAILER HITCH ASSIST
360-DEGREE CAMERA SYSTEM

If you had to pick one of these features to become standard on all trucks, which would it be?  Join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook!