Getting Your Car Ready for Summer

It's summertime! That means the kids are out of school and will be spending lots of time at the pool, going to day-camp or playing sports. You may even be taking a road trip vacation or two. Make sure your car is equipped with all the things you'll need for the summer! KickingTires has come up with this list of summer necessities for your vehicle. You don't want to find yourself stuck without them when you need them most!

Summer maintenance kit: A can of Fix-A-Flat, a jug of coolant and some protectant wipes. This magical trio will ensure that you won't be stuck on the side of the road with cranky kids and a flat; that any overheating radiators get relief; and that your car's plastic and leather surfaces look good despite the punishing heat. 

Sunscreen: Skin cancer is on the rise in young adults, and the crying of a sunburnt child is traumatizing on many levels. In addition to a bottle of sunscreen spray or lotion, you also might consider a sunscreen stick as it doesn't seem to melt in the car and makes application — especially on the face — easy and fun for kids. 

Bug spray: Nothing ruins a family outing like a swarm of mosquitoes. Keep a bottle of bug spray or packet of wipes handy to keep the little buggers at bay. 

First-aid kit: Summer is also a time of skinned knees, cuts and bug bites. A well-stocked first-aid kit ensures that a boo-boo won't bring an early end to a day at the beach. 

Towels: Whether you find yourself at the beach, the pool, a spray park in the city or in a mountain stream, keeping extra towels in the car is a must. They even come in handy for mess mitigation if it rains and the kids get all wet and muddy. 

Baby powder: An ingenious antidote to the sand that sticks to all parts of little bodies whether you're at the beach or your neighborhood sandbox. Baby powder gets rid of the sand and makes for a cleaner and more comfortable ride home. 

An umbrella: Not only for the rain, but also to shade yourself from the sun.
A blanket: For picnics, to sit on at soccer or baseball games, or just warming up during those inevitable summer rainstorms. It's all the better if it's waterproof. 

A cash stash: Instantly transform yourself into parent of the year with some extra dollar bills for impromptu ice cream purchases. Some places don't take debit cards. The kids will love it and it will give you a few blissful minutes of peace. Works like a charm every time.

Read the full article from KickingTires here: http://bit.ly/1oxVtTm

Unforgettable Road Trip Destinations

Have you planned a summer vacation yet this year? If you haven't, why not take a spur of the moment road trip? Our country has many wonderful cities that aren't usually thought of as popular vacation getaways. Visiting any one of them will make for an unforgettable vacation. 

Business Insider has compiled a list of the Top 10 Road Trip Destinations in the United States. We've listed a few of our favorites here. What city would you most like to road trip to?

Portland, Maine
Portland is the perfect road trip destination. Whether you’re looking for a quick road trip along the east coast (it’s a 5 hour drive from New York City and less than 2 hours from Boston) or planning a cross-country adventure (start at the Atlantic Ocean in Portland and head west!). 

Stretch your legs and burn some  calories on a  biking tour of  Portland’s historic lighthouses and stunning shoreline, from Bug Light overlooking the Portland Breakwater to Spring Port Lighthouse and 2 Lights State Park. You’ll have earned a lobster roll for the road, which beats a rest stop hot dog any day. 

Rumney, New Hampshire
Whether you’re headed west from Maine or just taking a short trip into New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, why not get an adrenaline rush (from something other than go over the speed  limit) with a short pit-stop for to scale a mountain? 

Head up to Rumney, one of the country’s premier destinations for rock climbing. Numerous crags dot the hillside of Rattlesnake Mountain above the sleepy New England town, offering exciting challenges for climbing novices and experts alike. 

Niagra Falls, NY
Niagara Falls is an ever-popular road trip destination, since it’s pretty impossible to get to the Falls without driving some leg of the journey. 

Once you’re there, you could check out the Falls from the shore or don a “stylish” plastic raincoat aboard the Maid of the Mist, but why not embrace a little adventure? Hop on a jet boat tour of the Niagara River, whose Class 5 rapids make for an exhilarating, and very wet, ride.   

Nashville, TN
An American road trip is incomplete without visiting some historic sites.  If you’re headed across the country, why not stop in Nashville, Tennessee?  

Not only can you take in the great sites of Music City (Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, the Hall of Fame) but you can check out the city’s Civil War past as well. In late 1864, the Confederate and Union army fought the Battle of Franklin, a bloody struggle that effectively destroyed the Army of Tennessee.  

There you can visit three Civil War era mansions: The Carter House, Lotz House and the Carnton Plantation that witnessed and withstood the battle.  

Chicago, IL
Chicago has long been a hub of American travel—road trips to or through Chicago save the pain of having to spend time in Chicago O’Hare, a notoriously busy and overwhelming airport.
If you plan a trip with Chicago on the itinerary, there is any number of things to see and do. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the Miracle Mile, Chicago boasts culture and history in spades. 

Why not soak it all up on a foodie bike tour of the city’s best bites and brews? Ride 13 miles through Chicago’s distinctive neighborhoods, taste Chicago delicacies like deep dish pizza, and wash it all down with the Lincoln Park-brewed Goose Island beer.  Try to get there in time for the world-renowned Taste of Chicago, taking place July 10-14 – you don’t want to miss this! 

Denver, CO
The Mile High City is a must-visit on many East-West road trips via I-70 or I-80. The city combines the best of the urban, with the fun-loving adventuresome spirit of the West.  

Those unaccustomed to the altitude might find biking, running or hiking a lot more exhausting than what they’re used to.  Don’t torture yourself, and instead enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty without huffing and puffing.  

Shake off the road by soaring at 50 miles per hour 200-feet in the air through Rocky Mountain pine forests on a zipline. Afterwards, unwind with a craft beer tour of Denver’s hippest breweries.

Click the link to see the full list of Business Insider's Top Road trip destinations: http://read.bi/TUPZWz

Most Embarrassing Driving Moments

You might not realize it, but when you're driving you have a pretty big audience. Every other driver on the road or in the parking lot are possible witnesses of anything you do wrong. That can lead to some embarrassing moments. Kicking Tires has compiled a list of the most embarrassing moments committed by motorists. Have you ever had any of these embarrassing moments happen to you?

1. Forgot where they parked: 52 percent (men: 44 percent; women: 59 percent) 

2. Drove over a curb in a parking lot: 43 percent (men: 35 percent; women: 51 percent) 

3. Locked keys in the car: 37 percent (men: 34 percent; women: 41 percent) 

4. Gone the wrong way down a one-way street: 34 percent (men: 30 percent; women: 38 percent) 

5. Driven away with something on the roof, such as coffee or a purse: 31 percent (men: 28 percent; women: 34 percent) 

6. Tried to open a car door and realized it wasn't your car: 29 percent (men: 24 percent; women: 34 percent) 

7. Couldn't back out of a parking spot because other cars or objects were too close: 27 percent (men: 21 percent; women: 33 percent) 

8. Dropped your money or food at a drive-through window: 26 percent (men: 23 percent; women: 28 percent) 

9. Accidentally started your car's panic alarm and couldn't turn it off quickly: 22 percent (men: 18 percent; women: 26 percent) 

10. Lost toll ticket at the payment booth: 18 percent (men: 18 percent; women: 17 percent) 

11. Couldn't get out of a roundabout and kept driving in circles: 13 percent (men: 12 percent; women: 13 percent) 

12. Gotten pulled over and didn't have license, registration and/or insurance: 11 percent (men: 11 percent; women: 11 percent) 

13. Driven away from a gas pump with the nozzle still in your tank: 11 percent (men: 14 percent; women: 7 percent) 

14. Not able to work key remote to get into your car: 9 percent (men: 10 percent; women: 8 percent) 

15. Almost hit a person: 9 percent (men: 8 percent; women: 9 percent) 

16. Forgot a passenger and had to go back: 8 percent (men: 11 percent; women: 6 percent) 

17. Gotten in a car and realized it wasn't your car: 8 percent (men: 7 percent; women: 8 percent)

Click the link to read the full article from Kicking Tires: http://bit.ly/1lfIL6z

Engine Troubleshooting

Sometimes car engines don't always work properly. This can be very stressful for drivers. But it doesn't mean your car is done for if your engine is having problems. Use these tips from Lovetoknow.com to troubleshoot next time you're having engine trouble.

1. The Engine Won't Start - If your engine won't start at all, first check and make sure that you're not out of gas. You may be surprised at how often this happens. If you hear no sound when you turn the ignition key on, check your battery. You can tell if your battery is getting low if your lights are unusually dim, you can barely hear your horn, or your windshield wipers are moving slow. If it's not the battery, it could be your starter. If it is the ignition starter, you'll need to have that replaced before your engine will turn over. 

2. The Overheating Engine - An engine that constantly overheats could have a thermostat problem. The thermostat helps to regulate the engine's temperature and is an easy fix at the auto center if this is your problem. Check your engine coolant fluid as well. If it's low, this could be another reason your engine is overheating. Engine overheating is also caused by head gasket failure and drive belts that are broken, or ones that need to be tightened or replaced. 

3. The Backfire Engine - If your engine sounds like fireworks on the fourth of July, you have an engine backfiring problem. Engine backfires can be detrimental to the engine. Causes could be the camshaft or your ignition timing may need to be adjusted. It could also be the timing chain or belt, or the wiring of your spark plugs may not be correct. 

4. The Slow-Accelerating Engine - If your vehicle isn't revving up like it usually does, it cold be due to dirty air or fuel filters. There could also be water in your gas tank or your catalytic converter needs to be replaced. 

5. The No-Go Engine - If your vehicle starts but once you press on the accelerator, you go nowhere, it could be the transmission. Check your transmission fluid first and if that's not the problem, see your mechanic.

Click the link to see the full article from Lovetoknow.com: http://bit.ly/1oy6VLH

Tips for Taking Your Baby On a Road Trip

Summer is almost here! That means many Americans will be hitting the road for vacations and road trips. If you have little ones, you know that buckling them up for a long car ride isn't always something to look forward to. How can you keep a baby happy on a road trip? These tips from BabyZone will help you have a happy trip with your baby.

Car Seat Safety

Make sure your baby’s car seat is the right size and that it’s properly installed. “Only 80 percent of child safety seats are installed correctly,” says Dr. Christopher Ryder, author of Take Your Pediatrician with You. Hospitals, pediatrician’s offices, fire departments, and police stations often hold car seat installation checks to teach parents how to properly install their child’s car seat.

Over Pack!

Be prepared to keep Baby busy by packing all the food you might possibly need, an assortment of toys, books, and any other items your baby is attached to. Bring Baby’s favorite music or a CD of nursery rhymes. If you’re traveling alone with Baby, keep your bag of tricks handy so you can reach over and hand it to the baby when needed. A packing checklist will come in handy.

The Right Time to Leave

Drive when it’s most likely Baby will sleep for a duration of the trip, if possible. Crystal Drennan, a mom from Utah, says she took a five-hour road trip to Idaho with her baby. “We left at bedtime,” she says. “I bathed him, gave him a sippy cup, put him in the car, and he slept the whole way.”

Soft Toys

Bring along soft, appropriate toys. Experts say anything in a car becomes a weapon during an accident because of the high speed of travel. Do not give your child heavy objects in car rides such as clunky toy trains or toys with sharp edges. Or consider buying a toy that attaches to Baby’s car seat.

Food and Drink

Avoid feeding Baby in the car seat while on the road. All too quickly babies can choke, even when drinking a bottle or out of a sippy cup. It’s best to pull over when Baby is ready to eat or needs a drink. (And think how much cleaner your car will be!) Also, it’s always good to know infant CPR, so consider taking a class before leaving on your trip.

Click here to read the full article and get more tips from BabyZone: http://bit.ly/1jyt9xk

7 Ways to Know You Need New Tires

Unfortunately tires don't last forever. But how do you when your tires need to be replaced? LoveToKnow: Cars has come up with a list of seven ways to tell if you need new tires. What do you most typically look for as a sign that you need new tire?

Your Tires Are Old
According to TireRack, there is no set calendar age that indicates it's time to replace your tires. Environmental conditions like road salt and salt air, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight exposure, can cause your tire to wear out more quickly, no matter how old they are. In general, if your tires that are more than six years old, you may need to replace them. If they are over 10 years old, there's an even higher likelihood that the rubber has degraded. 

You Have Driven More Than the Recommended Amount
When you buy new tires, you'll see that they are rated for a certain number of miles. This varies, depending on the brand. If you don't have long wear tires or those that are approved for an extended period, Autos.com reports that you'll mostly likely need to replace them around 40,000 miles. 

Your Car Doesn't Handle As Well
If your car isn't handling as well as it used to, this change may indicate that your tires need to be replaced. Trouble driving on wet pavement and difficulty maintaining traction around curves can be signs of tire wear. 

Your Tire's Sidewall is Bulging or Cracked
A bulge or raised area in the sidewall, or vertical edge, of your tire can indicate a weak spot, according to Consumer Reports. In time, this spot could lead to a tire blow-out, so it's very important to have it checked out right away. Cracked areas can also signal weakness. 

Your Car Vibrates While Driving
Poor alignment can cause your car to vibrate, but unevenly worn tires can be another culprit. In addition, an internal problem in the tire can cause this type of behavior, so it's important to have your tires inspected and possibly replaced if this is happening. 

You Don't Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Many newer cars have tire pressure monitoring systems to alert you that one or more tires is under inflated. If your car doesn't have this feature, it's important that you routinely check tire pressure on your own. Keep tires inflated to the psi recommended by the manufacturer. If you regularly drive with one or more tires under inflated, you may need to get new tires sooner than later. When your tires are under inflated, it places undue stress on the sidewalls of the tires, causing them to wear out sooner. 

Your Tire Tread Is Insufficient
Your tire's tread must be a certain depth to provide proper traction for your car. If the tread depth is too low, your car won't handle well on the road. According to a commentary published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, most states require a tread depth of 1/16 of an inch. However, there is a significant drop in traction if the tread depth is less than 1/8 inch. Most tires include wear bars that are exposed when your tread is less than 1/16 of an inch.

Click here to learn get more info about changing your tires: http://bit.ly/1nMZOl8

Tips for Defensive Driving

Taking defensive driving measures is one of the best ways you can stay safe on the road. You never know what other drivers might do. By anticipating what other driving mistakes other people might make, you will always be prepared for them. Use these tips to be sure you stay alert as a defensive driver and are always anticipating the next move of the guy driving beside you.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
As you head out on the road, it pays to be especially observant. Watch what is happening on all sides of your vehicle, not just in front. A great defensive driver is always aware about what is happening on all sides of the car. You can make this awareness a habit in the following ways:
• Each time you stop at a light, quiz yourself about the color of the car behind you. Check your guess by looking in the rearview mirror.
• Think about what you see in your peripheral vision as you drive. This will include cars on your left or right, as well as the shoulder of the road.
• Scan ahead for hazards, including deer, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Don't just focus on the car ahead of you.
• Be aware of the road surface, including whether it is slippery or dry. 

Stay Focused and Alert
While everyone knows that driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous and illegal, many people are not aware of how dramatically their level of alertness can affect their safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is the cause of more than 100,000 accidents each year. Fortunately, you can take steps to stay alert when you drive:
• Avoid driving near or after the time you usually go to bed. Your body is used to sleeping at this time, so you will not be as alert.
• If you're sleep-deprived for any reason, stay off the road if at all possible.
• When you find yourself feeling sleepy behind the wheel, pull over and take a short nap or a brisk walk to wake yourself up.
• If you need to get focused, drink a hot beverage to increase your body temperature. According a 2002 study, an increased body temperature helped subject perform better even when they were tired. 

Leave Plenty of Space
Leaving enough space between cars is essential for being a defensive driver. Think of this extra space as a safety buffer around your vehicle. If something happens ahead of you, you will have that safety buffer to react to the event. According to theCalifornia Department of Motor Vehicles, you'll need a minimum of three seconds between the car ahead of you and your vehicle. This means that you should leave as much space as it takes you to count three seconds. If you're driving at high speeds or in adverse conditions, you should lengthen this distance. 

Look Left Twice
It's common practice to look both ways before you pull out into traffic. However, in some situations, this may not be sufficient. For instance, if are making a left turn, you'll look left first and see that the lane is clear. Then you'll look right to check for cars, and you may need to wait a moment for that lane to be clear. In the time you were waiting, a car may have come around a curve or over a hill from the left. If you pull out after only looking left once, you'll get in an accident. 

It's best to get into the habit of looking left, then right, then left again before pulling out. Simply make this part of your regular driving routine every time you turn left or cross an intersection.

Click here to read the full article and get more defensive driving tips from lovetoknow.com: http://bit.ly/1puDmiu