Snow Hacks: What To Do If You Get Stuck in the Snow

Getting your vehicle stuck in snow and ice can be a very likely possibility with winter driving. To prepare yourself in the case of a winter emergency, read the following tips to prepare yourself in case you get stuck in the snow.

Be Prepared

Ready your car for the brutal winter driving season by ensuring that it is in peak form. Have it serviced at the beginning of the season, switch out your tires for winter tires (or, at the very least, make sure they are in excellent condition), check that all lights are working and that all fluids are filled, and never drive with less than half a tank.

Image by Michael Pereckas via Flickr

If you don’t already have an emergency snow kit in your car, compile one now. At a minimum, you should have a windshield scraper and brush, spare windshield washer fluid, clothing (extra sweatshirts, gloves, scarves, hats, boots), chemical hand warmers, traction aid (sand, rock sand, kitty litter, cardboard, metal cleats), and a shovel. See more tips in our "Winterizing Your Vehicle" blog.

Stay Calm

As with all emergency situations, it doesn’t help to panic. Remain calm and proceed with a clear and calm mind. A level head is the first and best tool you will need if you get stuck in the winter.

Clear the Tailpipe

This step is essential in preventing deadly fumes from entering your car. snow spit up from spinning wheels or slippery ice can accumulate and block your tailpipe without you realizing it.

Try Digging Yourself Out

Do what you can to clear as much snow away from the tires as you can. Remove packed snow and ice and be careful not to puncture your tires. after you remove as much as you can, add sand, rocks, or kitty litter to the ground behind your tires to create traction.

Rock Yourself Out

If possible, engage your all-wheel or four-wheel drive and set your car on the lowest gear. Slowly try to back up or drive forward. If you are making even a few inches of progress, keep at it until you have enough traction to drive out. Be careful, though. If your tires are spinning, stop immediately, as this will only dig your car in deeper. Rocking your car back and forth should be done carefully, and only as a last resort as it could seriously kill your transmission when not properly executed.

Turn Your Wheels

Another way to find traction is to turn your steering wheel in different directions as you try to drive your way out. This can give you extra traction, but it can also dig your tires in further, so don’t overdo it. When possible, add more sand or kitty litter to the marks from your tires.

Important Tips to Remember

• If you can, remain in your car with the heat on. The dangers of being outside can include frostbite and possibly getting hit by a passing car.
• Know when to rest and know when to stop. Don’t exert yourself to the point of exhaustion, and don’t do extensive damage to your car.
• Less can be more. You shouldn’t need to slam on the gas to get unstuck. You might be surprised at how little power and pressure you need to get out.

Once you have pulled yourself out of danger, drive to the nearest rest stop or gas station to assess any damage. For more tips on what to do if you get stuck in snow, read these Winter Survival Tips from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Springtime in Rochester, Minnesota

The weather is warming up and the kids are done with school, which means one thing- spring and summer have arrived in Rochester!  Rochester is home to many fun outdoor activities for you and your family. Take a look at our list of our favorite warm-weather activities in the Rochester area:

Quarry Hill Nature Center: The nature center has a little something for everybody. You can hike or bike the beautiful 320 acres that cover the old quarry, Rochester State Hospital cemetery, and a scenic pond.  Once you explore the outdoors, stop by the nature center, which features interactive displays and live animals.

-Douglas Trail: Hit the trails this spring! The Douglas Trail is a paved path to walk, bike, or run alongside picturesque views. This trail runs through the city and out into the country for a variety of atmosphere. If you are looking for some outdoor exercise, the Douglas Trail is a great option!

-Maple Valley Golf & Country Club: If you love to golf, this is definitely a course worth checking out. This course offers a beautiful scenic tour of the grounds and many challenging holes. Tip: unless you don’t mind walking the hills, you might want to rent a golf cart for this one.

Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial: The beautiful outdoor memorial opened in 2000 in remembrance of all American Veterans from South Minnesota who have helped protect America’s freedom. Here you can learn about the veterans in the area. Take a moment to recognize the men and women of the armed forced at this beautiful memorial.

-Silver Lake: Pack up a picnic and take the family out for an enjoyable afternoon at Silver Lake!  Pick your favorite spot and enjoy your picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery. Afterward, take a walk around the lake or feed the ducks. You can also rent paddle boats to explore the lake a bit closer.

Whichever of these activities you plan to do, you are sure to have a great day spending time with friends or family in the great outdoors. What is your favorite outdoor activity to do in the Rochester area?

Springtime in Rochester, Minnesota

The weather is warming up, and the kids are almost done with school, which means one thing- spring and summer have arrived here in Rochester, Minnesota!  Rochester is home to many fun outdoor activities for you and your family. Take a look at our list of our favorite warm-weaher activities in the Rochester area.

-Quarry Hill Nature Center: The nature center has a little something for everybody, whether you want to hike, bike, or learn something new. You can hike or bike the beautiful 320 acres that cover the old quarry, Rochester State Hospital cemetery, and a scenic pond.  Once you are done exploring the outdoors, stop by the nature center, which features interactive displays and live animals.

-Douglas Trail: Hit the trails this spring! The Douglas Trail is a paved path to walk, bike, or run alongside picturesque views. This trail runs through the city and out into the country for a variety of atmosphere. If you are looking for some outdoor exercise, the Douglas Trail is a great option!

-Maple Valley Golf & Country Club: If you love to golf, this is definitely a course worth checking out. This golf course offers a beautiful scenic tour of the grounds and many challenging holes. Tip: Unless you don’t mind walking the hills, you might want to rent a golf cart for this one.

-Silver Lake: Pack up a picnic, and take the family out for an enjoyable afternoon at Silver Lake!  Pick your favorite spot and enjoy your picnic while taking in the beautiful scenery.  Afterword, take a walk around the lake or feed the ducks. You can also rent paddle boats to explore the lake a bit closer.

-Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial: The beautiful outdoor memorial opened in 2000 in remembrance of all American veterans from Southwest Minnesota who have helped protect America’s freedom. Here you can learn about the veterans in the area. Take a moment to recognize the men and women of the armed forced at this beautiful memorial.

Whichever of these activities you plan to do, you are sure to have a great day spending time with friends or family in the great outdoors. Of course, if you are looking for a new vehicle to get you around the outdoors this summer, you can always come test drive a few cars at Kuehn Motor Company!

What is your favorite outdoor activity to do in the Rochester area?

Spring Cleaning The Exterior Of Your Car

As with every spring, the warm weather has been much awaited here in Minnesota.  Now that it is here, (hopefully to stay), it is time to start doing all of the chores that you have put off and do a little spring cleaning. While you know your house needs a good cleaning, your car has endured a hard winter and is surely ready for a little washing.  Follow these simple steps to give your car’s exterior the cleaning it really needs:

1. Hand wash is the best kind of wash.  Don’t settle for running your car through the local car wash.  Take time to grab a bucket full of suds and sponge.  This way you will be sure to not miss any areas that need attention. Be careful about the kind of soap you use on your car. For example, be sure that you DON’T use dish washing detergent; It will strip away your car’s protective coating.

2. Squeegee it. After washing it down, use a rubber blade squeegee to remove all excess water. When water droplets dry on your vehicle, it will leave behind minerals and dirt.

3. Wax on, wax off. When your car was brand new, it had a nice wax coat, but over time, that wax wears off. It is important to give your car a fresh coat of wax because it protects your car from the elements. Pick your favorite kind of wax, whether that be liquid or paste, and follow the directions to apply to your vehicle. If you have the time, apply two coats to ensure all spots are covered.

4. The next area to give some attention to is your windows. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a microfiber towel.  The microfiber cloth works great because it gets rid of cleaner residue as well as oils from your skin.

Once you have done all of these steps, we bet your car will be looking brand new!  Don’t want to go through all of this trouble? We can help. Visit our website and set up an appointment for a car detailing. We promise you- and your car- won’t regret it!

Spring Cleaning For Your Car

Spring is in the air! While it doesn’t feel like spring yet, it is never a bad time to give your car’s interior a little “spring cleaning”.  After the long winter, your car will thank you.  Follow these tips to ensure you give your car the cleaning it deserves:

Get the trash out. To start off your cleaning, grab a trash bag and throw out all trash and unnecessary items you don’t need anymore.  Simply removing the extra clutter in your car will make a world of difference in your car’s appearance. Now, you have a better idea of where the

real work needs to be done.

Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Grab your vacuum hose, and get to work.  Make sure to vacuum out underneath floor mats and in the creases.  You’ll be amazed at how much dirt and debris finds their way into the small crevices of your vehicle!

Scrub away. Go to your local automotive store or supermarket and buy a bottle of automotive upholstery and carpet cleaner and heavy duty scrubbing brush.  Wipe down the carpet and anything cloth covered.  You may need to repeat this step a few times to make sure everything is cleaned well.

The floormats want your attention too! Since you will need to take out the floor mats to vaccuum, give them a good wash, too.  Since they are removable, floor mats are much simpler to clean than the upholstery of your car. Use a garden hose to spray away dirt and debris, or your bathtub (in case it is still a bit too cold for outdoor water.)

Wash the windows. When cleaning the inside of your windows, make sure to use a cleaner specially intended for car windows. Using a home cleaner that contains ammonia will increase fog on your windshield.  After cleaning the insides of your windows, you will notice how much less your windows will fog up when driving.

And to finish up….While you’re cleaning up, its always good to check up on other important areas of your vehicle, such as oil level, tire pressure, and washer fluid levels. After completing all of these tasks, you might just feel like you have a brand new car!

Five Cars That Will Make You Think Spring

It might not seem like it now, but spring and warmer weather are just around the corner! This means days filled with road trips with the top down, picnics at the park and long hikes. Can’t wait? Neither can we! To get you even more excited, we have rounded up some vehicles from our inventory that are sure to get you in the mood for hotter temps!

2010 Dodge Charger SXT 

Sports cars are perfect for sunny days and you’ll be ready for long cruises with this eye-catching Dodge Charger! You’ll want to bring this car on long stretches of road with the impressive sound system and V6 engine. Better yet -- this is a great value for under $15,000! You can’t be afraid of catching eyes when driving this! 

2013 Ford Focus SE 

Although this Ford Focus SE might not be as flashy as the Charger, it’s a perfect warm weather vehicle! The 5-speed manual transmission make it a thrill to drive and it’s economical, getting up to 36 miles per gallon on the highway. Road trips won’t break the bank, and you’ll have plenty of room for luggage in the trunk.

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Want to be the center of attention wherever you go? This amazing Corvette is the car you need to cruise in when the snow is melted. It is equipped with 18 inch polished aluminum wheels and a preferred equipment group, which includes a cargo shade, steering wheel audio controls, heated front seats, a universal garage door opener and more. With all of these incredible features, you’ll be ready for anything. 

2013 Chevrolet Suburban LT 

Gearing up for family road trips and need more room? This Suburban has room for everyone in your family AND their bags! Enough room to pack up for a camping trip or bring half the soccer team to the big game. This Chevrolet Suburban offers all the comforts of a well-optioned sedan with the utility you demand from an SUV.

2013 Cadillac XTS Premium 

Have more sophisticated tastes? Cadillac is a leading name in vehicle luxury and you won’t be disappointed in this well-appointed XTS. This sleek sedan offers 20 inch aluminum wheels, Bose surround system, remote start, OnStar and much more. Whether you’re cruising the town at night or driving to the beach, you’ll definitely feel luxurious in this incredible vehicle.

Ready for fresh air and warm breezes? Stop in to Kuehn Motors to test drive one of these amazing cars or check out our always changing inventory today!

What Do You Do If You Get Stranded In Your Car?

Getting stranded in your car is something we hope never happens to you. However, in Minnesota, it happens. If you find yourself in this situation someday, make sure you are prepared. Read over this list to make sure you know what to do if you find yourself stranded in the winter.

1) First of all, be prepared. Before you ever find yourself in this situation, make yourself an emergency kit in your vehicle. A good rule of thumb to follow when creating an emergency kit is to make sure you have enough supplies to last for 72 hours (check out this emergency kit list for ideas). In addition to this kit, you should also make sure you have jumper cables and extra gas.

2) Try to make it out. Without putting too much strain on your engine, see if it is possible to give your car the extra boost it needs to get out. It also may be possible that your car needs the assistance of somebody also pushing the car.

3) If possible, contact somebody. Use your cell phone to first contact the authorities to let them know you need assistance. In addition, let family members know where you are as well.

4) Ration out supplies. Once you are settled in, it is time to look at the supplies you have on hand and divide them out between all of the people in the vehicle.

5) Run the engine intermittently. Run your engine around 15 minutes every hour. This will help keep your car warm, but won’t expose you to a deadly buildup of carbon monoxide and also will help save gasoline.

6) Leave the dome light on. Not only will this help you see inside the car, it will help people passing by see your car more easily. If you are not able to start the car, however, be aware that the dome light will drain the battery, and only use it when absolutely needed.

7) Keep moving. It is important to avoid getting frostbite. Keep moving by constantly wiggling your fingers and toes. This will help your circulation.

8) Share body heat. If there are other people in the car, huddle together. The shared body heat will keep you warmer.

9) Tie a bright colored cloth to your antenna to help make your car more noticeable.

10) Most importantly, stay calm. We know this is easier said than done, but it will make your time stranded much more manageable. Staying calm and clear header will allow you to think more clearly to be able to decide your next move.

Graduating From College? These Are The Best Vehicles For Recent Grads

As a student fresh out of college, you’ve probably spent the past four years memorizing the bus schedule or driving around in your old high school beater car. Now, it’s time to turn in the books, and the rusted car keys, for your first job as a college graduate. You may not be able to afford a flashy sports car or a brand new SUV right out of school, but now that you’re in the professional world, it’s time to get a more reliable, nicer looking, used vehicle.

Our list includes a wide range of vehicles that we have in stock at Kuehn Motors to fit any recent graduates’ needs. Whether you need something that gets great gas mileage or if you want something roomier, we have you covered at Kuehn!


2011 AUDI A4 2.0T PREMIUM PLUS  

This used Audi will turn heads wherever you go. It’s a sport sedan with a sleek design and features great fuel economy and a Titanium Sport Package. If you are looking for luxury, but are still on a budget, this Audi is the right car for you.

 2011 Buick Regal CXL RL3

You may not realize this is a Buick with a first glance. The sporty sedan is a smooth and reliable ride, perfect for college graduates at a great price. The car has a full range of standard convenience and safety features in a fashionable package. With low miles and a superior maintenance record, this car won’t be on our lot for very long!






2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport Fleet LTZ

Are you looking for something roomier and all wheel drive? This Chevy Captiva handles great in the winter with solid steering, superior acceleration and increased stability and safety. With the dependability of Chevrolet, this is the perfect SUV to help you transition from college life and even into family life. This model is equipped with some of the most amazing wheels the market has to offer -- and you’ll realize it as soon as you take it for a test drive!



No matter what your needs are, we offer a wide range of models and makes of vehicles to fit exactly what you need. Congratulations to the class of 2014 and upcoming class of 2015!

It’s Time For a New Car -- Where Do I Start?

When it is time to buy a new vehicle, there are a lot of options. You can scour Craigslist ads and other marketplace sites for hours, browse the classified ads and set up meetings to test drive vehicles, or you can make it a one-stop-shop at Kuehn Motors.

According to DMV.org, there are many advantages to purchasing a vehicle from a dealership and not a private party.

- Dealers must adhere to very stringent operating and selling procedures, meaning you are less likely to end up with a lemon.

- Dealers can provide warranties on vehicles, even used.

- Dealers can offer financing options.

- Dealers can be easily contacted if there are any problems with the vehicle.

- Dealerships will usually help you with your state DMV’s titling and registration process.

- You have the choice of a variety of cars in one location.

- And many more...

With something as important as a vehicle purchase, you want to keep the guessing game out of the equation. Your vehicle gets you to work on time in the morning, transports your children to school and activities, and brings your family on the summer road trip you’ve been waiting for.

Kuehn Motors is one of Southern Minnesota’s largest dealerships, with three convenient locations in Rochester, Austin and Spring Valley. Along with our wide selection of preowned cars, trucks, vans and commercial vehicles, we offer a complete service department and full body shop to take care of all your vehicle needs.

Whether your family is growing, your car is a lemon, or it’s just time for an upgrade -- when it’s time for a new car, stop into Kuehn Motors and let us help you!

You Might Be Ready For Winter, But Is Your Car?

In Minnesota, there’s no telling when winter will hit. By September, we’ve already stocked up on boots, winter jackets, mittens and hats -- just in case. You feel ready and prepared for the cold, snowy season to arrive, but is your car ready?

Just like winterizing your house and throwing on an extra layer before you leave for work in the morning, your car needs winterizing, too. There’s no avoiding the winter, so the sooner you prepare for it, the more comfortable you’ll feel when the first snowflakes hit the ground.

Here are some tips on how to get your car ready for winter! 

Make sure you have enough antifreeze: If you run low on coolant, that water in your radiator can freeze, which prevents it from flowing freely and cooling the engine. If this happens, your engine can overheat, despite the cold temperatures outside.

Make sure your tires have adequate tread: If the treads are worn on your tires, replace them. Or, better yet, invest in a set of snow tires. Snow tires have better traction in snowy weather and are equipped to better handle treacherous winter driving.

Check your wiper blades: It’s a good idea to get a set of winter wiper blades. These cut through snow and ice better to keep your view of the road clear and unobstructed.

Get a pre-winter tune up: Bring your car into Kuehn Motors for an inspection before winter comes. We can check the battery, antifreeze level, thermostat, heater, brakes and defroster to make sure all systems are functioning properly.

Get a good wash and wax: Rinsing off the road salt throughout the winter can protect the paint on your car, but go the extra mile and get a good wash and wax before the elements hit to better protect the appearance of your car!

If you follow these tips, you’ll be in good shape -- even when there’s 11 inches of fresh powder on the ground.

5 Best Day Trips from Rochester

Getting a little stir crazy? Need to get on the road and explore before we hunker down for winter? Even if you don’t have the budget for a week-long vacation, you can still get away! Kuehn Motors has a list of favorite destinations that are only a car ride away!

Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard
507 East South Street
Belle Plaine, MN 56011
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 45 minutes northwest.

Although it’s only a seasonal attraction, it’s one of our fall favorites! Open mid-August through October, Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard is packed with tons of family fun! The orchard features farm animals, Emma’s Mountain Slide, a wagon ride, U-Pick apples, pumpkins and berries and a Scarecrow Festival! While you are there, make sure to check out the General Store and Restaurant!


Lark Toys
63604 170th Ave
Kellogg, MN 55945
Distance from Rochester: 45 minutes northeast.

One of our family favorites! Lark Toys is unique, fun, and perfect for chilly days! With over 20,000 sq. ft. to explore, it’s sure to keep you busy for a whole day! Lark Toys is one of the largest family owned and operated specialty toy stores in the nation. The store is divided into different specialty sections and boasts an indoor carousel During the warmer months, you can check out Lark’s outdoor mini golf course, too!


Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Blvd
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 15 minutes north.

Another great year-round attraction, the Minnesota Zoo is truly a Minnesota gem! Almost 3,000 animals call this zoo their home in the outdoor and indoor exhibits. Children and parents alike can learn about how Minnesota farms operate and develop a sense of community in the popular Wells Fargo Family Farm. There is always something fun and interesting to see and learn at the zoo -- a great trip for all ages!


Mystery Cave State Park
21071 County 118
Preston, MN 55965
Distance from Rochester: 55 minutes south.

Love exploring? Head south in the summer months (and some fall dates!) and check out a guided tour of Minnesota’s longest known cave. The cave is a sight to behold at any age, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and beautiful underground pools, and a maze of interconnecting passages. Sound dangerous? It’s not -- modern lighting and walkways make the tours accessible to just about anyone!


Brown County Historical Society
2 North Broadway
New Ulm, MN 56073
Distance from Rochester: 1 hour, 53 minutes west.

More of a history buff? The Brown County Historical Society in New Ulm features exhibits including Century Farms, early settlement, The Art of Wanda Gag and award winning U.S.- Dakota War of 1862. The research library is one of the best in the state, boasting extensive family records and business and history files.