Driving for the first time can be scary, you aren’t sure what to expect, but you are full of excitement. Before you put the pedal to the metal and take off, you should read these top 10 things that all new drivers need to know. 1. There are no take-backs in driving. You need to pay attention to all of your surroundings because if you hit something you can’t take back that action with an apology. There are consequences that you have to own up to and face, not to mention it can be very pricey. 2. Speeding is overrated. You might think it’s cool, and you want to impress someone with your led foot, but it’s very dangerous. It’s not only hazardous to yourself but the other drivers on the road. Take your time, don’t speed, and enjoy the view you have while driving. 3. What to do when you get pulled over. You might be freaking out the first time you get pulled over or worry that the police are going to call your parents. They don’t call your par ... read more

It’s a cliche to say that we Americans love our cars. But just because something is a cliche doesn’t mean it isn’t 100 percent true. We do love our cars! Why, though? Well, cars mean freedom for a lot of us. What’s better than grabbing your keys and jumping behind the wheel to take off on the spur of the moment--on a road trip to a famous location, to visit an old friend, or just to pick up some late-night munchies? To a lot of Americans, our cars reflect our personalities. And why not? Most of us spend an awful lot of time behind the wheel. Why not take the time to figure out exactly what kind of vehicle both meets our needs and tells the world, “Hey, world, here I am!” What do different types of cars say about their owners? Pickup truck drivers tend to be hardworking and no-nonsense. People drive hybrids both to save money on gas and because they care about the environment. Drivers of sports cars like to feel powerful and attractive. Do you kno ... read more

Remember when you were a kid and a big midweek snowstorm roared in? Did you get super excited and hope so hard that schools would close so you’d get a snow day? What was more fun than that: an unexpected day off to stay inside, watch cartoons, and drink hot chocolate? Snowball fights and building snow forts with your friends? What could be better than freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall?  Then you grew up... and suddenly “snow days” weren’t your fondest wish anymore. Instead, even in the winter snow, sleet, hail, and ice, you still have to get to work, run errands, drive the kids where they need to go...and winter weather isn’t so fun anymore.  What are some specific hazards to driving in winter, and what precautions can you take to keep you and your family safe on the roads? Well, we are glad you asked! About 25 percent of car accidents have weather as a factor. Extreme winter weather creates hazards on the road: snow, ice, sleet, poor v ... read more

Do you stress out when December rolls around, and you struggle to find the perfect gifts for the car lovers on your list? We feel your pain. You can only give someone so many dashboard bobbleheads and “funny” bumper stickers (My Other Car Is an [Insert Reference to Hobby of Choice] before your car enthusiast giftees will start giving you the stink eye (or, worse, asking for gift cards). But don’t despair! We’ve compiled a list of some unusual and cool gifts for your gearhead friends and family members. Car Seat Gap Filler Did you even know that this is a thing? It’s a thing! Car seat gap fillers fit in between the car seats and the center console to keep small items from falling into the gap and disappearing forever. If you’ve ever dropped your cell phone in between your seat and the center console of your car, you can probably appreciate the car seat gap filler. Maybe your car enthusiast will, too! No Blind Spot Rearview Mirror This mirror shows a ... read more

It’s hard to believe it’s November already. Are you and your car both ready for the cold weather? It’s not just a matter of staying warm inside your car as you drive through the snow or navigate icy roads. You need to make sure that your car can handle the chilly and sometimes slippery or visibility-limited conditions. There are a few things you can do every Autumn to keep you and your family safe on the roads in Winter. Keep an emergency winter supply box in your car. Last month’s post enumerated everything that should be included in a well-stocked emergency car kit, so please refer to that post for the full list. Important winter-specific items should include an ice scraper and a small shovel; a carpet remnant, kitty litter, or sand for traction; blankets, gloves, and changes of warm clothes for you and your passengers; and some high-energy snacks like nuts, chocolate, and beef jerky. Other items that are important to have with you year-round include a flash ... read more

If you’ve watched the news lately, the weathermen already have begun uttering the “s” word. That’s that four-letter word that us Chicagoans have a love-hate relationship with. The word “snow” conjures up more dread than the Bears losing to the Green Bay Packers or a month without a mouth-watering pizza from your favorite pizzeria. Okay, maybe it’s not that bad, but it comes awfully close. Now is the time to winterize our vehicles. Don’t be fooled by these lingering warm and sunny days. Old Man Winter will soon be taking up residence and raging his weather war for the next few months. Maximize your car’s performance this winter against snow, sleet, ice and frigid temperatures by taking steps now to ensure your car is operating optimally. Here are five must-checks before winter begins: 1. Is your battery in good shape? Check the terminals and cables for any signs of corrosion. Look at the label to determine the a ... read more

Some timely tips that fall into the category "why make life more difficult than it is already"Tip #1 - Most vehicles are equipped with a 5-year battery. Most replacement batteries are 5-year batteries. Unless you have a definite plan to replace the vehicle in the near future, if your battery is 5 years old, we highly recommend replacing it proactively to prevent a break down and to avoid stressing the alternator. There are several reasons why. 1) There is no test fee if the shop is performing preventive maintenance. Preventive maintenance prevents test fees and breaking down. 2) Most shops will inspect the date and test the battery condition as part of a fall oil service, and  offer an incentive to proactively replace a battery that is due. 3) It's a lot easier for the vehicle owner. Unless you are a handy person, with jumper cables or a jumper pack in the trunk and able to go h ... read more

    As we welcome October, it is finally beginning to feel like fall. The 80 degree days are behind us (hopefully), and it is time to start bundling up and enjoying a nice warm drink near the fire.   Although it may seem to be a little early to be talking about winter, when it comes to you car, October is the perfect month to make sure you have everything in place to ensure that your vehicle keeps you warm and safe.   Tires are the one of the most important parts of your car. Without them, your car would not be able to get very far - or go anywhere for that matter. It is crucial that your car has tires on it that have enough traction to drive smoother and safer throughout slippery conditions. It is recommended that these tires have a tread of 5/32” for maximum traction.   In addition to having the appropriate tires, you need to have your brakes tested to ensure they are fun ... read more