Friday, July 6, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Monday Maintenance Tip: Simple Steps to Save Gas Without Driving Less
Driving less doesn’t have to be a consumer’s reaction to rising gas prices, according to the Car Care Council. While consumers can’t control the price of gas, they can control how much gas they use by following some simple and inexpensive vehicle maintenance.
“Most motorists don’t have the option of driving less when gas prices rise, but they can cancel out the increases by making sure their vehicle is getting maximum fuel economy,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Fuel consumption is directly related to vehicle care and driver behavior and both can have a significant impact on how much motorists pay at the pump.”
The Car Care Council offers these simple steps to save gas without driving less:
- Keep your car properly tuned to improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent.
- Keep tires properly inflated and improve gas mileage by 3 percent.
- Replace dirty or clogged air filters on older vehicles to improve gas mileage by as much as 14 percent.
- Replace dirty spark plugs, which can reduce mileage by two miles per gallon.
- Change oil regularly and gain another mile per gallon.
- Check the gas cap. Damaged, loose or missing gas caps allow gas to vaporize into the air.
- Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 mph.
- Avoid excessive idling. Idling gets zero miles per gallon. Warming up the vehicle for one or two minutes is sufficient.
- Avoid quick starts and stops. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and 5 percent in the city.
- Consolidate trips. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much gas as one longer multi-purpose trip.
- Don’t haul unneeded items in the trunk. An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent.
“Some motorists think they are saving money when they put off needed vehicle maintenance,” said White. “What they don’t realize is that neglecting routine maintenance can end up costing a lot more. Keeping your car running efficiently and modifying your driving behavior is the best way to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and keep more money in your pocket.”
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
‘Dark Knight’ Hits The Road In Lamborghini ‘Batmobile’
The concept of 'Batmobile' driven by our night vigilante Batman seems to be almost quaint when it comes to marketing and promoting a movie.
Said to be the most desired vehicle of the decade, the 15-feet long futuristic 'Batmobile' has been described by fans and critics as "part Lamboghini, part tank."
According to Nathan Crowley, the production designer for all the trilogy of Dark Knight movies, the movie promotional house ARG Promotions and the movie crew are all set to take the most desired vehicle to the streets literally to show their ardent fans of real car exclusively built for 'Batman' and his associates.
As part of the tour to promote the movie, the 'Bat pod,' which is a removable segment of the Tumble that rides on its own through automatic cable installations, will also likely to receive more attention from the audience. The crew of the film believe that the tour has been organised to rev up interest in the movie 'The Dark Knight Rises' and the industry experts think the season is well suited for the movie as no other big film is set for release. I
In the 2008 instalment of the movie on legendary 'Batman' has been successful to earn the box office with $1 billion and broke all the records on home video. It is indeed a dream come true for 'Batman' fans to touch and feel the 'Lmborghini which is driven by the lead actor Christian Bale in all the three movies directed by Christopher Nolan.
Courtesy of AutoWorldNews.com
‘Dark Knight’ Hits The Road In Lamborghini ‘Batmobile’
The concept of 'Batmobile' driven by our night vigilante Batman seems to be almost quaint when it comes to marketing and promoting a movie.
Said to be the most desired vehicle of the decade, the 15-feet long futuristic 'Batmobile' has been described by fans and critics as "part Lamboghini, part tank."
According to Nathan Crowley, the production designer for all the trilogy of Dark Knight movies, the movie promotional house ARG Promotions and the movie crew are all set to take the most desired vehicle to the streets literally to show their ardent fans of real car exclusively built for 'Batman' and his associates.
As part of the tour to promote the movie, the 'Bat pod,' which is a removable segment of the Tumble that rides on its own through automatic cable installations, will also likely to receive more attention from the audience. The crew of the film believe that the tour has been organised to rev up interest in the movie 'The Dark Knight Rises' and the industry experts think the season is well suited for the movie as no other big film is set for release. I
In the 2008 instalment of the movie on legendary 'Batman' has been successful to earn the box office with $1 billion and broke all the records on home video. It is indeed a dream come true for 'Batman' fans to touch and feel the 'Lmborghini which is driven by the lead actor Christian Bale in all the three movies directed by Christopher Nolan.
Courtesy of AutoWorldNews.com
Monday, June 25, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Monday, June 18, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Night Driving
- Ensure all lights work. Lights on your car are the most vital night-driving tool.Without them, you will can’t see or not be seen by other drivers, it can cause accident easily.
- Clean and clear may increase your visibility, inside and out
Windows, instrument panels, headlights, tail lights—all of these are components that increase visibility inside and outside your car. Consider regularly cleaning your dashboard and instrument panels, mirrors, windows, and windshields (inside and out) to gain greater visibility. - Adjust your headlights for maximum effectiveness
Check your headlights for proper alignment and ask your mechanic to adjust them properly. Adjusting your headlights may help you see more of the road while also protecting other drivers from wayward beams.
Keep your body in good condition
- Never drink and drive
Not only does alcohol radically impair motor skills and driving ability, but even one social drink can trigger fatigue. This can lead to an exceptionally lethal combination. - Avoid smoking when driving at night
The carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarettes has a measurable, physical effect on your eyes. These chemicals can actually make it difficult to see well and clearly, especially at night. - Stay sharp
Try chewing bubble gum to keep your mind humming. Also, drinking water and staying well hydrated may do wonders for mental alertness. - Rest early, rest often
If you’re planning a longer night-driving expedition, make sure you bank a couple nights’ worth of good sleep before hitting the road. Also, plan on making frequent stops to stretch, walk, or have a small snack or moderate meal. Some experts recommend stopping every two hours for a body/mind break.
Other Tips for night driving
- Turn on your headlights in time.
When it’s getting dark, turn on your lights in time to make sure that your car is seen by other drivers,even if you can see the road clear.
When driving at night, remember that your sight—and safety—are only as good as the reach of your headlights. Don’t assume that the road is clear. What lies beyond the pavement you can see may be sudden and unexpected hazards you can’t see. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and expect the unexpected, especially on darker country roads.
Turn off all interior lights. Any source of light inside the car will seem extremely bright and will make it more difficult to see.
Look to the bottom right of the road to avoid approaching headlights. (Some headlights are blindingly bright.) Also use the night setting on your rearview mirror to deflect the glare from vehicles behind you. Older drivers find it more difficult to see at night because it takes longer for them to recover from glare.
Be careful to lower the head light beam when necessary otherwise it might blind the oncoming driver. It is also necessary to switch on the headlights when you are uncertain of what you are seeing. And try not to overdrive your headlights which will make it impossible for you to stop inside the illuminated area.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Maintenance Tip: Avoiding Potholes
Potholes destroy tires, and the price of tires is rising sharply due to a supply shortage of natural rubber (yes, it still comes from trees, mostly in southeast Asia) and increasing demand from China, where car ownership is undergoing double-digit growth. Petroleum is also used in tire manufacturing, adding further to cost volatility. Blow out just one tire on one pothole and expect to pay out more – one major tire manufacturer increased prices three times in 2011 alone.
Damage from potholes doesn’t stop at tires. In a blink of the eye, you can experience $1000 of damage, possibly more, when your car hits a pothole – it’s possible to impair your car’s shock absorbers, suspension system, struts, rims and alignment as well. According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the average additional vehicle operating costs due to rough roads in 2007 was $400, with higher costs experienced in places including Baltimore ($589), Concord, NH ($656), Dallas-Fort Worth ($512), Los Angeles ($746), New Orleans ($622), New York-Newark ($638), Oklahoma City ($631), San Francisco-Oakland ($705) and Tulsa ($703). Deteriorating roads and general inflation since 2007 likely pushed these costs higher.
But there are things you can do before, during and after hitting a pothole. A preventive strategy is more about preparation, driving skills and reacting appropriately when a pothole sneaks up to surprise you. We suggest you approach it on three fronts, as follows.
Adopt smarter driving practices
You can reduce damage with vehicle preparation and driving with good sense:
- Check your tire pressure to keep it at the tire manufacturer’s recommendation. If a tire is too soft, it handles poorly and in a sudden bump may rupture if the wheel rims pinch it against the jagged edge of a pothole. Over-inflated tires are more susceptible to damage as well.
- Have a clean windshield! Your field of vision is critical.
- Observe the traffic ahead of you – if other cars are swerving and stopping, it’s because of a problem in the road.
- Beware of puddles – what might look like a little surface water might have a nasty, deep and sharp-edged pothole lurking below.
- Reduce your speed on roads that are prone to potholes. Slower hits generally involve less damage, a simple matter of physics.
- Stay focused and pay attention to the amount of traffic in front, behind and alongside you. You might be able to avoid potholes but do not want to cause an accident while doing so.
React quickly, intelligently when a pothole is upon you
Assuming you drive defensively – and do not tailgate, which restricts your ability to anticipate potholes or sudden braking by the vehicle in front of you – here is what to do if you are just about to hit a pothole:
- Brake only lightly, if at all. And do something counterintuitive by letting off on the brakes entirely the moment before impact. Clamping down on your brakes at higher speeds not only tempts rear-end collisions but also compresses the front-end suspension system, increasing the damage.
- Hard braking can actually cause greater contact between the tire and the pothole where it might otherwise glide over it.
- Do not swerve in a last ditch attempt to avoid the pothole. Aside from creating a hazard for vehicles immediately behind and beside you, you risk hitting the pothole on an oblique angle, which can cause more damage to the tire, wheel rim and alignment than if you hit it perpendicularly.
Reduce the damage in the aftermath
Post-impact, the right moves can at least limit the extent of the damage:
- Immediately pay attention to whether or not you have a flat tire. If so, minimize how much you drive on it, pull off the road as soon as you can do so safely where you can change the tire to your spare. This will minimize the damage to your wheel rim.
- Even without a flat, there may be preliminary damage. At your next stop, check tire rims to see if they were bent, if there is visible cord material or bulging. This could fail later while driving.
- Note if your car pulls to one side without corrective steering. This suggests the wheels are out of alignment and need mechanical attention.
In most municipalities, you can and should report potholes to the streets department – use a smartphone app such as SeeClickFix or SaveMyTire.com, or the local 3-1-1 or other call-in line. You might also be compensated for your loses if that pothole was reported previously and left unfixed, however rules for this are determined on a city, township or county level.
Courtesy of Pothole.info
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Take advantage of our latest incentive for the 2012 Ram 1500!
Monday, May 7, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Car Maintenance Tip : Replace air filters
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In honor of National Car Care Month, here’s another tip from us to help you save gas. Keep a close eye on your engine's air filter. When the engine air filter clogs with dirt, dust and bugs, it causes your engine to work harder and your car becomes less fuel-efficient. Replacing a clogged air filter could improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent and save you 15 cents a gallon. It's a good idea to have your engine air filter checked at each oil change. The Car Care Council recommends changing your car's air and oil filters every three months or 3,000 miles or as specified in your owner's manual.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited -0% APR financing for up to 36 months
Check out Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram’s latest incentives today!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 (1 pound 1.5 ounce) pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
- 6 drops green food color
- 1 egg
- 1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
Directions
- Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg in bowl, until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
- Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 (1 pound 1.5 ounce) pouch Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon mint extract
- 6 drops green food color
- 1 egg
- 1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
Directions
- Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg in bowl, until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.
- Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Spring Cleaning Tips for your Car Interior
In many parts of the country, warmer weather is slowly arriving; a sure sign that spring will be here soon. With warmer temperatures comes the urge to go outside and work on projects, after spending several months stuck inside waiting for winter to pass. Besides sweeping out the garage, putting in the screen doors and washing windows, one of the annual rites of spring for many people is cleaning out the car. After exposure to snow, grime and salt for months, you need to take time to give your vehicle a thorough cleaning inside and out. The interior, in particular, can get dirty quickly not just from the elements but also from dirty shoes and clothes, spilt drinks or food, and a number of other causes. Over time, your car may begin to smell; the leather or vinyl may dry out and become brittle; stains become eyesores; and the color of the upholstery may fade. All of these problems will impact the resale value of your car or truck. You should clean your car's interior about every month to prevent dirt and grime from settling into materials. Wipe up stains as soon as they happen. The longer you wait, it will be harder to remove a stain. Always use a clean sponge or cloth when cleaning. Here are some tips for how to clean various materials in your car. Carpeting and Fabric Cleaning carpeting and fabric can do a lot to improve the overall look of the interior. Matted-down, dirty carpeting or stained fabric make a vehicle look old. While there is not much you can do for worn-out carpeting, you can make dirty carpeting look almost as good as new. Be aware, a common mistake people do when cleaning carpet or fabric is using too much water. Extra moisture takes a long time to dry and can stay in the carpet or fabric, which may lead to mildew and a musty smell, which will leave these materials worse off then when you started. The first step is to vacuum everything thoroughly. You can either use a house-hold vacuum with a hose attachment or go to a car wash that has coin-operated vacuums. Make sure to get all the way under the seats. Also vacuum floor mats, under the floor mats and the trunk. Once you vacuumed once, pound your seats with something large like a baseball bat. Watch all the dirt that likely will come flying out. Now vacuum again. Remember, the more you vacuum the less chance your carpet will be permanently matted by ground-in sand or soil. You next want to tackle any stains with a good stain remover. Stubborn stains may require a multipurpose degreaser, although you may want to experiment on an unseen location before using it. You don't want to use a product that will discolor your carpeting or fabric. When cleaning the entire carpet and fabric, use a stiff scrub brush and a foaming carpet shampoo that doesn't leave a lot of moisture. Afterwards, wipe down the carpet with a dry cloth. While cleaning these materials, it's a good idea to leave the doors and windows open to let it dry out. Once the carpeting and fabric are completely dry, treating it with a protectant such as Scotchguard can help it resist future stains. Leather When it comes to selling your vehicle, well-maintained leather is a significant plus. On the other hand, leather that looks old and worn could negatively impact the resale value of your car. Fortunately, leather is one of the easiest materials to maintain. It's important to care for leather regularly, about every six to eight weeks. There are number of quality leather products on the market. Don't use saddle soap because of its high alkaline content. When cleaning your vehicle's leather, work on one section at a time (like a seatback, cushion or door panel). Make sure to clean along the stitched lines, since dirt can wear into the upholstery thread over time. Scrub soiled areas with a stiff brush. Once done with a section, wipe off the cleaner with a clean cloth. If a stain remains, you can use a diluted general-purpose grease remover. Again, just as with carpeting, make sure to test it in a hidden area to be sure it doesn't discolor the leather. Once the cleaning is done, you want to treat the leather with a conditioner designed to replenish its oils and maintain its suppleness. Apply the conditioner with a slightly damp cloth. Use it sparingly and go over all the leather at one time. Let the conditioner sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then use a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess conditioner. Vinyl This material is subject to the harsh effects of sunlight and pollution, especially at the top of the dash. Treatment of this material is easy, but it should be done on a regular basis. Dirty vinyl can be cleaned with a vinyl upholstery cleaner and a scrub brush. Be careful how much cleaner you use on the dashboard. You don't want the moisture from the cleaner to get into the electronic controls and instruments. When cleaning the dash, use cotton swabs to clean around the vents. Once done cleaning, apply a vinyl protectant to keep the material pliable. Wood Whether your vehicle has real or imitation wood, never use a harsh cleaner on it. Fake wood often has a polyurethane coating that's easily scratched. Wipe the wood with a damp, clean cloth. Apply a small amount of wax to give the wood new luster. When using cleaners on your car, make sure you follow the application instructions on the product's label. Afterall, you don't want to go through all the trouble of cleaning the car and then end up using the product wrong. Although you may think cleaning your car's interior is a lot of work, you will be happy with the results!
Courtesy of ultimatewash.com
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Astronomy Nights: Planet Parade
Courtesy of Fontenelle Nature Association
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Best Spots for a Romantic Dinner in Omaha
Dinner at a nice restaurant is often an important part of a couple's Valentine's Day plans. But choosing a restaurant that is good and not booked solid can be difficult on this holiday. Here are several suggestions to help you find a nice, romantic restaurant to kick start your Valentine's Day plans.
Brother Sebastian's Steakhouse and Winery is well-known in Omaha for their excellent steaks and extensive wine list. In 2004, they won the Best of Omaha Award from Omaha Magazine. They first opened their doors in 1977, and it is was through their ability to deliver such fine cuisine that they have been able to maintain their position at the top of Omaha restaurants. They offer selections that are considered unusual for Omaha, and even throughout the entire midwest. Such selections include escargot and frog legs. They offer 155 wines by the bottle, and a large selection by the glass. The wine ranges from inexpensive to quite pricy. Almost everyone in the Omaha area would include Brother Sebastian's on their list of most romantic dining spots. Brother Sebastian's is located at 1350 South 119th St., and their phone number is (402)330-0300. Call now if you are searching for Valentine's Day reservations, because they will fill up fast.
Many people have heard of the Flatiron Building in New York City, but did you know there is also a Flatiron Building in Omaha? The Flatiron Cafe is a romantic spot that serves fine cuisine to patrons that demand high-quality, innovative dishes. Their menu changes seasonally so that they can provide the freshest dishes. Currently their menu includes such items as a half roasted duck in a blood orange and anise reduction, with kumquat cherry marmalade and forbidden rice. The prices are exceptional considering the quality of the dishes. This is truly one of Omaha's finest hidden gems. The Flatiron Cafe is located in the Old Market at 17th & Howard Street. Their phone number is (402)344-3040.
The Drover is a restaurant located in South Omaha, which has been delivering fine meals for many years. Most of the patrons rave about the whiskey strip, but their seafood dishes are also excellent. The Drover is the type of restaurant that draws people from other states, just so they can experience a meal at this restaurant. The decor is a bit old-fashioned and the lighting it dim, even for a couple looking for a romantic setting. But the food cannot be beat, and it's a nice, quiet restaurant for a date or night out. The Drover is somewhat hidden in South Omaha. It is located at 2121 South 73rd St., and their phone number is (402)391-7440.
The French Cafe, located in the Old Market, won two awards in 2006 from Omaha Magazine, and awards from many other places. These awards were for Best French Restaurant and Best Romantic Restaurant. And they certainly earned the distinction. The restaurant has a sophisticated French style. With low lighting, menus presented in French, and some of the best food presentation anywhere, The French Cafe is definitely romantic. A recommended dish is the Chateaubriand, which is prepared for two. After leaving The French Cafe, you may be inspired to take a moonlit ride through the Old Market on a horse-drawn carriage. The French Cafe is located at 1017 Howard St. in the Old Market. Their phone number is (402)341-3547. Reservations will be difficult to get for Valentine's Day, and they are recommended. The attire is business casual.
No matter what you have planned for the rest of your evening, a nice dinner out will set the mood for the rest of the night to come. Make your reservations now at one of these restaurants, and you are setting yourself up for a very nice evening.
Courtesy of voices.yahoo.com
Monday, February 13, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
This day in history:
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Did you know that the first U.S. patent for the automobile seat belt was issued on this day in 1885 by Edward J. Claghorn? Let’s be thankful for such an important invention in our lives and be sure to buckle up!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Car Maintence Tip:
Got a garage? Clear it out and make room for your car. Parking in your garage will help your car stay warm in winter and cool in summer, and you won't have to depend as much on your gas-guzzling air-conditioning or defroster when you drive.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
2012 Jeep Patriot Latitude 4X2 Leasing Special
Monday, February 6, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Jeep Rolls Out New Concept and Name My Ride Contest
Are you one of those vehicle enthusiasts who names their car and says “Good Morning” to it when you get in each morning? Do you ever catch yourself thinking, I wish I had a vehicle named _____? Ever wonder who has the awesome job of coming up with such distinct names for all of our vehicles?
Well, now you have the chance to take on that awesome job and name one of our vehicle packages . Jeep is rolling out a brand new concept of the Jeep Grand Cherokee this morning at the Houston Auto Show and along with the reveal comes the Jeep “Name My Ride” contest. This new, production-intent concept vehicle has innovative, stealthy details, giving it a unique and aggressive look.The Jeep brand brings this vehicle to the Houston Auto to gauge consumer reactions and see if the positive vibes are buzzing about. If you're digging the car, you can log onto Jeep.com/namemyride and enter your ideas for what the distinctive new vehicle should be named – the Jeep Grand Cherokee ___________ (fill in the blank).
The Jeep brand will narrow the names down to the top three and let voters choose their favorite. The winning name will be announced in May and the person who entered it will have a chance to win an all-new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. “We plan to garner feedback from consumers at the Houston Auto Show, and via our online Jeep 'Name My Ride' contest,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep Brand. “If the level of excitement is what we anticipate, this new Grand Cherokee will be in Jeep showrooms this spring.”Before you know it, this new Jeep Grand Cherokee could be sitting in your local dealer showroom with the name YOU chose for it! We won't give you any ideas for new names, but we will remind you of some names currently used by the Jeep brand as a jumping off point: Overland, Summit, Arctic, Jet, Rubicon and Sahara.
Courtesy of blog.chryslerllc.com
