The Rise of Electrical and Green Vehicles. What do you think?

It was prophesied by cartoons and books that in the 21 century we would now be living in a world where flying cars existed. Technology however has not caught up as quickly as believed, but significant developments have been made in the green and electrical vehicle production. The majority of the vehicles that are out on the roads are gas-powered engines. Electrical vehicles are now beginning to become more popular with many different companies. With the rise of gas prices continuously over the years the introduction of green vehicles have become more popular among consumers. The question to ask now is how successful will these electrical vehicles be in the coming years?  

From standard companies to luxury vehicles, more companies are seeing the potential and growth that can come from the development of this new market. From a business standpoint, companies are noticing the power of the green effect and how many consumers are looking for a way to cut costs in their spending. The big picture to look at is how long will it take for consumers to see the potential of these vehicles. What do you think about electrical and green vehicles and do you believe it has the potential to change the automotive industry?

7 Things You Should Have in Your Car

Ok, as an individual who enjoys a tidy workspace, I can understand why you wouldn’t want to be compared to the vehicle equivalent of the individuals on the TV show: “Hoarders.”  We also want you to keep safe while you make your daily commute, so we’re feeling a bit conflicted.  In most cases, your vehicle is well equipped with the necessary tools to run smoothly.  In today’s blog, with help from The Simple Dollar, we provide a list of some extra essentials that could aid you daily.

1.    Owner’s manual This should naturally be in your glove compartment anyway, but you want to make sure that it is indeed in your car.

2.    Maps Keep a detailed map of the state you’re in in your car at all times – or even a current atlas if you have room. Don’t completely rely on a GPS navigation system.

3.    First aid kit (and manual) This can be vital if you’re in an accident and someone has injuries. Slowing down bleeding quickly can mean the difference between walking something off and going into shock.

4.    Flashlight (and extra batteries) Similarly, a flashlight is utterly essential at night if you need to change a tire.

5.    Bottled water This is necessary for sustenance if you get stuck somewhere and have to wait for a while.

6.    Food! Non-perishables, need we say more?

7.    Umbrella stay dry, my friends.

National Teen Driver Safety Week

Handing over the keys to your teenager can be a scary thought for many parents and makes many very hesitant as to letting them drive. This week, October 20-26 is National Teen Driver Safety week and here are some helpful tips to discuss with your teen about the safety of driving.

·      The phone and texts can wait.

o   To many drivers today are becoming more distracted by their cell phones and paying less attention to the road. Talk to your teen about staying off their phones until they have reached their destination.

·      Developing a Parent-Teen Driving Contract

o   By having establishing certain ground rules as to who can travel in the car and a curfew can help protect your teen and make you feel at ease.

·      Going over safety

o   Whether it would be to remind your teen to always wear their seat belt to making sure their vehicle is safely equipped is always important to discuss safety concerns before your teen heads out on to the road.

By discussing some of the following topics will help to better protect and to be more comfortable with your teen driving on the road.

Quick Car Maintenance Tips!

Who really “enjoys” visiting the mechanic, besides the part-time grease monkey who loves working on his souped-up coupe?  That’s right, NO ONE.  It’s a draining expense that is required to get you from point a to point b.  However, car maintenance is a vital tool in maintaining the life of your car.  In today’s blog, we provide some quick tips to give your vehicle a long prosperous life and avoid the junkyard. 

Octane Overdose

Applying octane to your vehicle can be a sticky situation.  Some is good, but more is troublesome.  Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power, it just gives more funds to oil companies.  Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane but can burn 87 octane regular.  So, run regular gas if you drive nominal or normal speeds and premium if you’re a speed demon. 

Oil Change Timing

Every 3,000 miles.  It’s been instilled in you since you started driving hot wheel cars in elementary school.  Today, engine design has made that number obsolete.  Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

Dead Tires

Tires wear out and they also die out.  A useless tire is extremely dangerous.  Heat, sunlight and ozone conditions all contribute to the wear and tear of your tires.  The tire industry says that tires last about 5 years but it really depends on so much more.  The industry agreement is about 7 years, but you can check with your mechanic to see how old your tires are.  They’ll be able to see the time stamp code in the sidewall.

Got your own tip you want to ad?  Feel free!

Improve Health While Driving

The average American spends approximately 101 minutes a day driving.  Many times we get stuck in serious traffic or we find ourselves having to wait at endless lights.  Have you ever thought to yourself, that you could be doing 9 million other things instead of just sitting in your car?  Do you like to multi-task? Are you procrastinating on taking better care of your health?  Well, I have the solution.  I will help you make better use of your drive time and improve your health while keeping your eyes on the road.  Here are 10 things you can do while driving that can help increase your health, making you stronger while sitting behind the wheel.

Chin and Neck Exercises

Do belly Busters

Spine Stretchers

Tension Tacklers

Best time to drink your water

Moisturize your cuticles

Drink you smoothies and juice instead of soda

Steering Wheel Isometrics

Park further away

Meditation

You can firm up that chin and neck by using a rubber or foam ball. Place the ball below your chin and below the larynx. Hold the ball in place with your hand, and use your chin to press down on the ball. Squeeze the ball gently downward with your chin. Do as many repetitions as you are comfortable with, stopping before your neck muscles get tired.

While driving, pretend you’re zipping a tight pair of jeans. Pull your belly button toward your spine and your lower belly away from your waistband. Hold, engaging your abs.  Up the intensity, quickly exhale 20 times. As you breathe out, contract your lower abs even harder to pulse them in and out.

While stuck in traffic, grip the steering wheel with your hands at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and round your back. Take a breath and release. This stretches the area between the shoulder blades and mid-back.

While stuck at a red light, tilt your right ear down towards your right shoulder. Relax your shoulders and breathe into the left side of your neck, stretching the left side of your neck. Hold for 10 seconds.  At the next light, repeat on the other side.

Steering wheel isometrics can really create a great workout, without you having to set aside 20 minutes during your day. With isometrics, you can use your body’s own resistance, but you can also employ stationary objects in your exercises such as a steering wheel that can heed some great results.

We know that water is essential to our health and if you aren’t doing this already, try to always have bottled water in your car.  You can easily get the required amount of hydration if you make this a habit.  The other option is juice or smoothies for your daily fruit or vegetable intakes.  There are several delicious versions located at places like gas stations and Starbucks.

Other areas that require healthy attention are our hands. Try moisturizing your cuticles by using a moisturizing lip balm.  This can really help make your nails grow and keep your hands looking lovely.

Of course the obvious isn’t so obvious sometimes. Instead of rushing to find the perfect parking spot; park further away and walk brisk to get a little bit more cardio in.  Heck, if you have the time-do laps around the parking lot!

Driving can be stressful but it can also create Zen. To practice Moving Meditation you must fully accept where you find yourself. Divest yourself of all expectations and standards of technique and take that clear, observing, unobserving, unobstructed state of being, and keep on driving!

These tips will not only improve your health and keep you fit, they will also make your drive time seem more productive.  Pssssst…give it a whirl and pass it on!

Here's a list of 10 great things you can do to improve your health while driving:

How to Get Your Windshield Chip Repaired

Rocks, road debris, hail, ice, and many other objects can cause your windshield to chip or crack.  Although these images may look harmless, left in disrepair, these windshield chips can cause your windshield to crack and become unsafe.

As long as the chip or small crack (less than 6 inches) is not in the direct line of site of the driver (or what is known as the critical area), it may be repairable, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.  Some insurance companies will actually pay for the repair of windshield chips or small cracks, waiving your deductible.

The windshield repair technician will first drill a small hole into the rock chip.  Then, the technician will apply vacuum pressure onto the hole.  An injection of resin is made into the windshield chip hole.  Once the resin has been injected, the technician cures the resin by utilizing an ultraviolet light.  Once cured, the excess resin is removed from the repair and the windshield in cleaned.  The repaired windshield is no longer in danger of cracking further from this chip.  You may, however, notice some distortion at the point of the repair as the resin will not be perfectly clear, but it is structurally safe. 

Left in disrepair, your windshield chip will develop into a crack and most likely will end up ruining your windshield.  Temperature variations, car washes, or even extreme temperatures can cause your chip to turn into a large un-repairable crack.  The sooner the repair is completed, the better the results will generally be.  Dust, debris and moisture can settle into the crack and cause blemishes or discoloration.

Most people do not realize that the windshield of your car, truck or van is an important structural component of your vehicle.  Therefore, a quality installation is essential to maintain that structural integrity.  Using the most advanced materials, such as a quality adhesive, is a critical element in the windshield installation process.