The truth about leaving your kids or pets in the car

We have all heard the horror stories of people who left their kids or pets in the car, only to have them die or get saved in the nick of time. It's sad and entirely preventable!

Reason: I'm just running into the store for a minute or two.

-You could get distracted with long lines, someone you know might start talking to you, or you could simply forget and get more things than you originally planned.




Reason: It's not that hot out.

-Even at lower temperatures, the vehicle can still get hotter than you think. After about 30 minutes, the temperature can raise by 30 degrees. Which can turn a 62 degree day into a 92 degree car. That really makes a difference. The temperature only goes upward from there too, effectively making your car like an oven.




Reason: I don't feel like getting the child/animal in and out of the car all day during errands.

-While it can be annoying to undo a child seat or get your child/pet in and out of the car and pay attention to them and your errands all day, it's more annoying dealing with the consequences with the police. If you really don't feel like dealing with the hassle, find a time where someone can watch them for you. 







Reason: I realize they were in the car when I got out.


-If you happen to forget things often and need a reminder, try leaving their diaper bag or something of theirs on the passenger seat to remind you. It also helps to have the pet/child sit on the passenger side in the back seat, so you can see them in the mirror.





Reason: I let the kids play in the car at home.

-Do not ever let your kids play in the car, especially unattended. They could, not only get trapped, but could accidentally start the car, let it out of gear or get hurt. Make sure the keys are out of reach to them as well. You might think they are playing outside, but they could get stuck in your trunk or vehicle.





Reason: I rolled down the windows.

-Rolling down the windows usually has little effect on the heat in the car. It's usually not windy enough to matter and some kids/pets aren't able to get out anyway if it is too hot.

It's also wise not to leave kids/pets in cars unattended due to: Someone might steal them There could be an accident with a parked car   A few states have already made it illegal to leave pets/children in cars unattended. Heat stroke is a condition children/pets encounter when they are in a very hot, generally enclosed, situation. This can bring on symptoms like loss of brain function and/or consciousness, dizziness, confusion, dehydration, annoyance, seizures, sluggishness and possible death. This typically happens when their body temperatures reach 104 degrees and higher. Children are more susceptible to high heat than adults are; their bodies haven't fully developed yet, especially very young children.
If you happen to see a child/pet stuck in a car on a hot day, especially if they look flushed or unconscious, help immediately. Call the police and get into the vehicle as fast as possible. It's better to break a window than watch them lose their life due to a stupid mistake

What to expect in a full detail service!

It's summer, so most of us will be on vacation; whether it be on the beach, camping or a road trip. Either way, your car is going to get very dirty inside and out. Thinking about getting a full detail, but don't know what to expect? Learn here!

Car detailing is done by professional cleaners with specific tools and equipment to get in the small places and with the right cleaner, inside and out. It can be done to maintain the car's excellent condition, prevent further wear and tear and can be great after a long time with no cleaning.

 

Interior: (Usually comes first in the cleaning)

 

 

• Vacuuming carpets and floor mats
• Shampoo carpets and floor mats (possible steaming)
• Condition and cleaning leather (if applicable)
• Meticulously clean door panels, dashboard, steering wheel, vents
• Under/behind/on seats
• Headliners, if visibly dirty
• Possible trunk clean 

 

Exterior:

• Washing and drying outside of car
• Clay bar 
• Polish the paint
• Wax seal for protection and shine
• Washing the undercarriage of car
• Wheels wells cleaned
• Tires and wheels cleaned and sealant added
• Glass
• Possible head/tail lamp polish and seal
• Plastic or chrome trim sealed
• Possible engine bay degreaser cleaning with sealant
• Possible paint-less dent removal

Some auto detailers offer slightly different services, so shop around for what suits your needs.

Costs: This can range anywhere from 50 - 200$. Maybe more if you add on extra features, equipment or type of vehicle.

 

 

 

How to find a good detailer:

• Go by word of mouth
• Check out reviews online
• Ask your body shop for recommendations (sometimes they are affiliated)
• Reasonable pricing (if you frequent one, they may offer a discount after so many purchases)

 

 Getting your vehicle detailed will work wonders for protecting against the elements. A good detail should be done 2-4 times a year, with regular upkeep inside and out. It can ultimately keep or up the car's value for resale or trade in. Plus, who doesn't love getting into a nice, clean and shiny car?!

 

Summer shore driving!

 Here are a few tips on how to deal with summer traffic and driving

 We all know summer shore driving can be very trying, but try out these tips to avoid and frustration!

 Driving during the summer is actually more dangerous than driving in the winter.

-Avoid peak driving times, if possible. This applies more for vacations than getting to work or obligatory destinations. Also, it's a good idea to check on the traffic reports of the roadways you will be traveling on. It may not be a peak traffic hour, but there could be heavy construction or accidents along the way.



-Make sure you have your car in tip top shape and your emergency kit is packed. Here are a few links to show you how to check out your car yourself and what to pack in your emergency kit.



-Check your tires before you go too. The heat of the summer can really wear them out. The air expands in the tire from the heat and can cause a flat more frequently.






-The road is packed with more:

• Teen drivers- Some teen drivers have a red tag on their license plate now. So make sure to give them extra space for driving and be wary of their possible mistakes.
  
• Motorcycles and bicycles- Follow further behind than you would a car and check your blind spots more often.
  
• Construction sites- Drive slower through these sites to avoid hitting anything/anyone.
  
• Vehicles, in general- Try not to get frustrated with the extra traffic and take extra care in all aspects of driving.

-Roof racks, trunk racks and improper packing can be a big problem on the road. The roof racks are only as safe as the people put them on. So, make sure to read the directions and use/pack them properly before you go. Also, don't pack your car too high or weighted to one side. This can cause uneven wear of the tires and be an obstruction of vision. Even if you have to take an extra five minutes before a trip (even a shorter one) to check all the windows and how well you can see out of them; it could save a lot of aggrivation later on.





-Sun showers and thunderstorms are way more common in the summer. As we have gone over in previous blogs, the roads become very slippery in the first 5-10 minutes of rain due to it mixing with the oil and fluids already on the road.




-Manage allergies, if necessary. A lot of people have allergies in the summer, which can affect their vision and concentration. Take an allergy pill that is non drowsy before you go to avoid excessive sneezing, running noses, watery eyes and exhaustion.

-Make sure you have sunglasses too for bad sun glare.



-Plus pack some extra water for the heat.

Always remember to:

Wear your seat belt

Don't drive drowsy

NEVER leave a child or pet in the car alone!
(No matter how little of a time you may be in a store!)

How saltwater affects your car

We have all been to the beach for a day and come back to our cars covered in a salty film. Did you ever wonder if it does any serious damage that a wash can't get off?

You know the look and feeling. Your skin feels sticky and your hair is salty and wavy. Then you try to get the salt off the windshield with the wipers and it takes 3 or 4 tries to come clean. Just imagine what that, plus the sun, is doing to the rest of your car!

CORROSION

RUST

Well, the salt causes rust and corrosion on exposed metal on the car. Then the sun opens the paint's pores and allows the salt into the paint to damage it. Before you know it, the clear coat has worn off and the paint has started to chip and rust. There could be more underlying damage too. You have to worry about the rust affecting the electrical and mechanical systems. The under body and brake lines are also at risk as well. You might feel helpless, but there are some things you can do to prevent and fix minor issues. Learn more about rust and corrosion here, as well as how to properly wash your car at home.

RUST UNDER CAR

Here are a couple of preventative measures:  

• You could go to a car wash with a quick spray wax on it to ward off the salt from sticking for short term use. 
• You could try out a zinc coating; something that is pretty effective on boats.

Here are a few aftercare suggestions:

• If you are traveling for a day or two, get a good wash when you return home. Make sure to hose the car off fully before scrubbing to avoid scratches. Don't forget to spray underneath the car for salt and sand too.

• If you are staying for a while or moving down, you have a few options to avoid rust, corrosion and paint chips: You can use a car cover, park in a garage or wash and wax the car often.

This information is also helpful for salted roadways in the winter. However, it may be too cold for a wash most days.