We got into the 90s this week and it’s not fun. Sure, it’s nice pool weather, but it’s no fun when you get into your car after work. The hot steering wheel, the steamy air inside, the feeling like your air conditioner will never cool your car down. Us Texans are familiar with all of them, and it’s a way of life. But, there are a few things you could do to minimize the heat in your car. If you take a couple of seconds, each time you get out of your car, to do some minor additions to your routine, you may not hate Summer so much.

1. Use a sunshade. I cannot recommend this one enough! Next time you’re in any auto store, Wal-Mart, or Target, purchase one of those aluminum-looking sunshades that you extend and put in your windshield. You’ll notice a big change in the temperature of your car after it’s been sitting in a parking lot for a few hours.

2. Crack the windows. If you keep the same air trapped inside your car all day, then it will continue to get hotter and hotter. By providing a little bit of ventilation, and a place where the air can escape, you lower the temperature significantly.

3. Park under shade. This one may seem like a no-brainer, but I see people park in broad daylight instead of a nice, tree-shaded spot because it’s too far away. Parking under that canopy, garage, or carport will be well worth it when you realize just how much of a difference it makes to keep your car out of the sun.

4. Cover your seats. If you’ve got leather or vinyl seats, they absorb a lot of the heat, so the rest of the air inside suffers. Get a blanket and cover those seats! After all, if you’ve experienced a Summer with leather seats, you’ve probably regretted the decision to leave the house and take a seat on your flaming hot seats.

These are just a few ideas on how to keep your car’s interior from reaching the same temperature as the Sun. What do you do to minimize the Sun effects on your car’s temperature?

There are certain things that every driver needs to have handy, just in case you get in a fender bender. How many times have you thought to yourself, “Why don’t I have that in the car?” With me it’s always napkins, I have to have napkins in the car. Whether it’s because I’m a messy car eater or my allergies are acting up, I can always use napkins. Here’s a list of things I think should be in every glove box.

Owner’s Manual

You many not use this one as often as you should, but it’s always a wealth of information about your car. Whether it’s finding out how to use the radio or how many gallons of gas your car holds, it’s all in there. Keep it with you at all times.

Maintenance Records

Do you remember the last time you had your muffler replaced? What about your water pump? Me neither, but I do keep a record of everything that’s been done to my car, so when I take it in for something to get repaired, I should be able to look at my records and see if it’s under warranty or it’s time for a new one.

Emergency Contact Information

You never know when you’ll need it, but when you need it, its imperative that the people you have designated as your emergency contacts can be alerted if there is an emergency. Keeping a list of family and friends who can respond almost immediately in the case of an accident are very important to have.

Flashlight

You don’t have to go out and buy one of those massive flashlights that roll around the back of your car. You can get a small LED one for under $10 and it’ll light up anything you need it to. It’ll come in handy when you’re trying to figure out how to change your spare tire or you’re looking for something you dropped in between the seats.

Multi-Tool

You’ve seen them at every hardware store you’ve ever been in. You know the one with the screwdriver, knife, bottle opener, and pliers all in one. I can’t tell you how many times it’s come in handy for me.

Insurance Card

In the event of them catching you speeding down the highway, you definitely want to keep this handy. You don’t want a ticket for failure to provide proof of insurance, even if you have it.

I hear about more often than I care to admit. People find a great car (or so they think) on Craigslist and they end up losing tons of money. It’s so easy to create a used car listing on the popular site and generate some interest in a used car that doesn’t really exist. Nowadays, scammers are taking advantage of the older generation by touting classic cars and super low prices for them. Here’s a few tips on how to avoid falling victim to a scammer.

Double Check All References

A scammer will give you information that you can’t verify. Be sure to get good information regarding addresses, phone number, and references.

Don’t Buy Anything Until You See The Car

Sure, the seller may send you tons of pictures, but until you can verify that the car is actually in his possession and has the right to sell it, then be cautious of anyone giving a deal that’s too good to be true.

Beware the Reasons

When you contact a seller and they are trying to get rid of a car because they are moving overseas or some place where they can’t take the car, due to registration or transport issues, be wary of this seller. This is a common tactic to try to get potential buyers to commit to purchasing said vehicle in a hurry, without actually verifying the validity of the sale.

Never Wire Transfer or Escrow

Wire transfers and escrow services are the most common way thieves use to collect money. If they require you to use either of those services, hang up the phone and don’t look back. Those services are used because there is little recourse when you find out you have been scammed. Once it’s gone, it’s extremely hard to get back, if at all.

Do you know of anyone who has been scammed on Craiglist or any other selling website?

Surely you know of someone who as a vehicle that is sitting in a garage somewhere, collecting dust, waiting to be fixed or sold. I see them all the time when I’m out and about. The cars that sit in the driveway and just take up space. Not only are they an eyesore, but they can actually do some good for someone if they are donated to a charity that uses them to fund medical research or any other great cause. I’ve selected a few and I want to make you aware of them, so next time you visit your friend or family member with an old car, boat or motorcycle missing an engine and likely never to be fixed, you can give them a reason to get it out of their driveway and reclaim their space. Not to mention, their donation is also tax-deductible!

Kars4kids.org

One of the largest 501(c)(3) organizations offering free pick-up of your unused cars, boats and RVs. Kars4kids.org uses all of the proceeds from the donated vehicle to help a variety of organizations that help children all across the United States. Check out some of the charities they are partners with.

Wheelsforwishes.org

This car donation service benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation and helps make a kid’s dream come true! Wheelsforwishes.org, like most of the car donation organizations, also accepts RVs and motorcycles if you have one sitting around the yard. Fill out their donation form online and help put a smile on a child with a life-threatening illness’ face.

Carsforustroops.org

If you’d rather make a donation to help our soldiers overseas, then carsforUStroops.org is right up your alley. They support a number of charities (including the Wounded Warrior Project) involved with members in active duty and veterans back home.

If you know of someone who doesn’t want to go through the hassle of selling their used (or broken) car, mention the donation options they have.

Long drives are stressful on your car. With the holidays a few days away, it’s time to check your vehicle and make sure it can handle a long road trip. Taking car of a few minor maintenance issues before you head out to your parent’s, or any other family member’s, house, can save you from being stuck on the side of the road or at a gas station.

1. Check your fluids.

Transmission, brake, windshield, antifreeze. All of these are vital fluids (Well, ok, maybe the windshield fluid isn’t vital, but it’s still necessary!) that ensure your car is functioning properly.

2. Check your tires’ air pressure.

Low air pressure causes the engine to work harder to turn the wheels. Making sure your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure helps your engine run as efficiently as possible, helping your gas mileage in the process.

3. Wash your windows.

Your visibility depends on your ability to see out of your car’s windows. If you have dirty, bug splattered windows, that affects your ability to see what’s coming.

4. Change your oil.

If it’s getting close to time to change your oil, go ahead and do it before you leave. Long hours on the road are taxing on an engine. If it’s not close to time, check the oil levels to make sure you aren’t a quart or 2 low.

5. Check your air filter.

A plentiful supply of fresh air is vital to your engine’s efficiency. If it’s time for a new air filter, don’t wait until you get back, go ahead and get a new one.

6. Check your lights.

You definitely don’t want to be out at night with a headlight or a brake light out, for a multitude of reasons. Police will give you a ticket if they spot you and it hampers your ability to see where you are going and for other drivers to see you.

We’re coming up on 2 of the biggest travel holidays of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. As always, find us on Facebook and tell us your car tips for long drives.

I decided to expand on my last post. I mentioned that we generally have 1-2 freezes per year here in North Texas. It wreaks havoc on our transportation system, since it happens so rarely and us Texans are not used to it. If my driveway is covered in ice, I stay home. I usually see people slipping and sliding down my street, hitting curbs, mailboxes and even other cars! This post is about driving safely in ice and snow if you absolutely have to go out in it.

1. Check your tires.

Your tires are what keeps you going in the direction that you want to go. If your tire tread is worn thin, you probably shouldn’t be out in the freezing temperatures.

2. Run the A/C.

I know, it seems redundant, but it actually works! Turning on your air conditioner and selecting the ‘fresh air’ setting will remove the condensation on the inside of the vehicle, helping with your visibility.

3. Turn your headlights on.

Newer cars will always have running lamps on, if they don’t, turn them on. Visibility is key, for your own safety and the other drivers on the road.

4. Keep your eyes peeled for ‘black ice’.

Black ice is the transparent sheet of ice that you never see coming. It may look like a puddle or not look like anything at all. If you find yourself driving on it, jerky movements are the last thing you want to do.

5. Visualize your trip.

If it’s freezing outside and there’s snow and ice on the ground, you definitely don’t want to be driving over any bridges. Those are always the most dangerous places to be driving during sub-zero temperatures. Take an alternate route to stay off of bridges and on solid ground.

6. Don’t depend on the technology

Just because your car has the latest sensors and traction controls, doesn’t mean they can save your car if you make a bad decision.

Keep these tips in mind next time you find yourself venturing out into the winter wonderland. The best advice I can give is to stay at home and start a fire in the fireplace. You may be able to control your driving, but you can’t control other drivers!

If you can think of anymore tips or have a harrowing snow day driving story, find me on Facebook and let me hear about them!