The Best Places to Watch Fireworks on the Fourth

By the end of June we usually have some sort of idea as to our plans for celebrating Independence Day. Whether it is heading up to the lake, spending the day with family or a town celebration, there are usually fireworks of some sort involved throughout the day or evening. If you don’t have your plans set, check out our list of Fourth of July celebrations happening all over Minnesota!

Austin, Minnesota - Freedom Fest

If you prefer to stay local, check out Freedom Fest in Austin, Minnesota. With celebrations like a street dance and a parade throughout the weekend and a giant firework display at dusk, you are sure to find something for all ages. The giant sledding hill at the Bandshell makes for the perfect spot to relax and watch the show. Also, make sure to grab some grub from all the delicious food trucks and enjoy the music going on all day.

Rochester, Minnesota - Silver Lake Park

Another fun thing to do locally with the family is to head over to Silver Lake Park for Rochester’s July 4th Concert and Fireworks Display. The best part is that the concert is free to the public. Riverside Concerts will be presenting Chuck Blattner directing the Rochester Concert Band as the evening’s main event. The fireworks display will follow the concert that evening.

Other city celebrations going on over the weekend include:

• Minneapolis’ Red, White & Boom! TC Half Marathon, Relay & 5K celebration at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park
• New Ulm’s Patriotic 4th of July Celebration at Turner Hall's Park
• RoseFest citywide event in Roseville
• 4th of July Celebration in Downtown Harmony

Don’t worry if you will be out of town for the weekend, Minnesotans everywhere love to celebrate Independence Day. Explore Minnesota lists all the Fourth of July parties that will be happening this year according to city. After all, what better way to enjoy the end to a great day than laying out a blanket on the grass while watching Fireworks fill the sky!

The Best Summer Cars On the Lot at Kuehn Motors

Although the last few May showers haven’t made it feel much like summer, it really is right around the corner. That means it’s time to take the top off, roll the windows down and open the sunroof. In Minnesota, we only get 4-5 short months of beautiful weather, so we need to enjoy it while we can.

The best way to enjoy the short-lived summer sun is with your summer shades on, the radio turned up and the breeze running through your hair. To fully enjoy this scenario, though, your car needs to cooperate. We have compiled the three vehicle categories that best capture the spirit of summer.

Pictured: Ford Mustang Convertible

The Summer Cruiser

This is the car you take to weekend events like the family grill-out, baseball games, and pretty much anywhere you want to cruise to while enjoying the weather. The summer cruiser sets you apart because of the way you look and feel while driving it. The best cruisers for summer include vehicles like the Dodge Charger. If you’re looking for something a little more on the convertible spectrum, you might try the classic Ford Mustang Convertible or the super-sporty Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The Road-Trip Hauler

The road-trip hauler is the vehicle you take to family reunions, camping, or on that yearly family vacation. This is the vehicle that you can stuff five suitcases, two duffel bags, a cooler, the dog, and the rest of the family into for the long haul across state lines.

Pictured: Ford Focus SEL Hatchback

If you’re looking for a good road-trip vehicle with more space, try a GMC Acadia or Dodge Durango. If you’re looking for something a bit smaller with better fuel economy, the Ford Focus SEL Hatchback or Ford Edge might be better options.

The Off-Roader

The off-roader is the vehicle you take to the cabin or lake while pulling the old boat behind it. This is the vehicle that’s durable with big tires, perfect for a little summer fun and off-roading.

For every terrain or adventure you take, there is a vehicle to best suit your needs. For the perfect off-roader for your lifestyle, check out a Jeep Wrangler, or Dodge Ram.


Didn’t see your ideal summer ride on this list? Kuehn Motor Company has new vehicles arriving daily. Check our website and view by category, brand, model, and more. There’s still time to get into the perfect summer ride!

Prepare Your College Student's Car for the New Semester

The new college semester has begun. Your student may have their dorm room decked out and their academic supplies all checked off, but have you taken a closer look at their car? College students can spend a lot of time in their car between the commute to campus, weekend trips, and journeys home. Make sure their cars are ready to drive safely with the following checklist:

Maintenance Check-up

A routine maintenance checkup will help your child’s car perform like it should on the road. Get everything from the brake pads and engine to fluid levels to airbags checked. Do the whole gamut to make it safe for those short rides from the dorm to the coffee shop or for those long rides home. Guarantee their safety by reminding them to get it routinely checked.

Teach Them About Car Maintenance

Even though help can be a phone call away, you don’t want your young adult to be without the skills necessary get them out of a pinch. Teach them how to change their own oil, how to change a flat tire, how to check tire pressure, when to take a car in for maintenance, etc. These essential skills will help them feel safer and more capable on the road.

Talk About Car Loans and Insurance

If your child bought their car or is in the process of doing so, talk about the responsibilities that come with it. Help them work towards financing a car on their own or developing good credit if they need an auto loan. This will be an excellent opportunity to help them understand financial responsibility before they head to the next phase of their life. Also, search for student discounts on car insurance for money-saving incentives.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Emergencies happen. Prepare your student by having an emergency stash in their trunk. Keep an extra phone charger or battery, a first aid kit, reflective triangles, flares, a lighter, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, a multipurpose tool, a tow rope, water, snacks, and whatever else works for your climate. In the winter, pack extra blankets, warm clothing, a shovel, a windshield ice scraper/snow brush, and cat litter. This can seem like a lot, but being prepared for the worst will help your child in the event of an emergency.

If your family is in the market for a car for your student or is in need of a thorough service check, contact Kuehn Motors today.

Your How-to Guide for Changing a Flat Tire

Flat tires seem to happen at the worst possible times. They are obnoxious, but with the right tools and method, you can fix a flat tire on your own and be on your way again. Read our how-to guide for changing a flat tire:

1. Be prepared. For on the road emergencies, your car should be supplied with a jack, a lug wrench, a fully inflated spare tire, and your vehicle owner’s manual. These tools, along with other essential car emergency items like a flashlight, gloves, a poncho, and a snow shovel, will be essential and will prevent an emergency situation from ruining the rest of your day. As another preventative measure, ensure that your tires (including the spare) are properly inflated at the right air pressure. Check tire pressure once a month and before you go on long trips with heavy hauls.

2. Secure your working area. Turn your hazard lights on as well as any additional reflective and flashing emergency lights to warn drivers of your presence. Don’t park on any curves or inclines. Don’t park on dirt, sand, or grass as your jack could become unstable in the soft ground. Turn on the parking brake as well as the emergency brake to prevent rolling, and stick a wedge (wood, a brick, or a large stone) beneath your tires to ensure your safety. If desired, you can take out your floor mat and kneel on the clean side as you work.

3. Use the sharp end of the lug wrench to remove the hubcap. Set it upside down on the ground to contain your lug nuts. Consult your owner’s manual throughout for reference.

4. Loosen the lug nuts prior to jacking up your car. This will make it easier to loosen the lug nuts than it would be while the wheels are spinning. Loosen the lug nuts to about ½ a turn without removing them completely.

5. Now is the time to place your jack. Place the jack under a solid piece of the car’s framework, not under the floorboards. It is likely that your car and owner’s manual have reference points for you to use.

6. Lift your vehicle off the ground with the jack. Lift the car so that the tire is only a few inches off the ground. Make sure the car is secure enough so that you can start working.

7. Unscrew the lug nuts and place them in the hubcap so that you won’t lose them. Remove the tire, gripping by the treads, and place it on its side so it doesn’t roll away.

8. Place your spare tire into the wheel well. Take note that many cars come with compact spare tires that are much smaller and need to be replaced shortly. Align it with the wheel bolts and add your lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as possible.

9. Lower your car. Once on the ground, tighten the lug nuts to fully secure and prevent your tire from slipping off in the road, double checking your work. Replace the hubcaps onto your tire. Return all tools and emergency lights to your car.

Learning to change a flat car tire is an essential skill that is much easier than it looks. Learn other essential car maintenance skills as well as more vehicle information at Kuehn Motors.  

Spring Break Road Trips

With spring break just around the corner, it’s time to start planning. There is nothing like hitting the road with friends or family on a quest to get to the ultimate vacation spot, but a lot of planning needs to be done before you get in your car and take off. To make traveling easier, follow these eight road trip hacks that are guaranteed to make the perfect trip:

1. Make a plan ahead of time. Since most roadtrippers have a timeline for when they would like to arrive at their vacation destination, it is smart to plan which cities you will be staying at each night. Also, plan out how many hours you will be driving each day. Do not to exceed more than eight hours per day.

2. Pack light. There will be plenty of things you may want to buy when you arrive at your destination. Wouldn’t it be a bummer if you could not fit your new items in your car? Packing light also gives everyone in the car more space while driving.

3. Don’t pack a lot of electronics. Yes, road trips can get boring , but they are an adventure in themselves. Put away your myriad of devices and stay in the moment. Talk with the people in your car, point out scenery, listen to music, or make up games. You’ll soak in the sights around you much better without electronic distractions.

4. Leave early or at night. This one mainly applies to those travelling with children. Children can get antsy in a car for long periods of time. Leaving extra early in the morning or late at night helps children sleep for most of the ride.

5. Ask a local where to eat. It is hard to know where to eat in unfamiliar territory. That is why it is always best to ask a local where to eat when you enter a new town. The locals will most likely their favorite place and can give much better advice than a website or guidebook.

6. Take pictures. Do’nt just take pictures and selfies for your social media accounts, take them to remember the experience. Take them during every part of your road trip. Even though you are not at your vacation spot when you are driving, the road trip is just as much a part of your vacation as the actual vacation spot - document the moments.

7. Embrace the gas station. A road trip requires you to stop at numerous gas stations. Do not dread the stop, embrace it. Check if the station has your favorite snack or a ice cream. See who can find the best out-of-state gas station knick-knacks. Try to make stopping at the gas station a positive experience rather than a negative experience.

8. Be safe. As we have already said, do not drive past eight hours per day. You want to stay fresh and alert while driving. Don’t forget to bring healthy snacks, pull over if you feel tired, and bring a first aid kit in case of injuries. Being prepared will be the best tool to keep you safe during your road trip.

The most important tip of all for spring break road trips is to have fun! If you plan ahead of time and remember these tips, you will have a much more enjoyable trip. Safe travels!

The Best Minnesota Fall Colors Road Trips

As summer comes to an end, the temperatures slowly become cool again. Some people dread thinking about the upcoming colder months and the sandals they will soon have to give up. Before rummaging through your closet for snow boots and a winter coat, think about taking a few more road trips before the snow flies. Minnesota is known for its abundance of lakes and outdoor beauty, so why not take a road trip to discover perhaps the most beautiful season in Minnesota? Here are four of the best places to see fall colors in Minnesota:

Mississippi River Bluffs | Winona, MN

The abundance of bluffs along the Mississippi River makes for great views. Take a hike up the 85-foot Sugar Loaf Bluff in Winona to admire the beautiful fall colors from above.

St. Croix River | Stillwater, MN

To get the full-color spectrum, consider visiting Stillwater along the St. Croix River. Enjoy paddlewheel river cruises, local wineries, breweries and fall festivals. If you can’t get enough of the fall colors there, consider taking a cruise along the river; there’s more than 165 miles of fall foliage!

Sawtooth Mountains | Lutsen, MN

Nothing compares to the heights you can reach in Minnesota than the Sawtooth Mountains. Enjoy the fall colors from top to bottom on the Alpine Slide or take a ride on the Mountain Tram to glide along the treetops.

Chain of Lakes | Minneapolis, MN

The Chain of Lakes - Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun, Lake of the Isles, Cedar Lake, and Brownie Lake - provides miles of paved paths that link the lakes together. Walk, bike or skate around the lakes for an idyllic inner-city fall backdrop.

With the landscape we have in Minnesota, there are plenty of excellent locations to watch the changing colors not included on this list. Have a favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Summer Road Safety

As Minnesotans are well aware, winter can do quite a number on your vehicle. However, most people do not think about the issues that can arise in the summer months. Summertime issues, though just as dangerous, are not as obvious to drivers. Before you head out on your next summer road trip, think about these summer safety tips:

Vehicle checklist:

• Tires

Low tire pressure is the leading cause of flats and low gas mileage on your vehicle. Some may say that low gas mileage is not necessarily a safety concern, but anyone traveling with small children may disagree. Be sure to check your tire pressure and tread while your tires are “cold”, which is to say three hours before you drive.

• Belts, Hoses, and Wiper Blades

The summer heat makes rubber more susceptible to bulges, blisters, cracks, and cuts. Check your belts, hoses, and wiper blades for wear and tear before hitting the road to prevent issues down the road. Also check hose connections to make sure they are securely in place.

• Fluids

As with any time of year, it is important to make sure the fluids in your vehicle are filled. Summer means certain parts of your vehicle may be prone to overheat if not properly maintained. Check the water and coolant levels in your radiator, as well as brake, power steering and transmission fluid, oil levels, and windshield washer fluid.

• Lights

Summer nights can lead to a more active night-life out on the roads. Be sure all your lights are functioning properly to warn animals and fellow drivers alike. Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers.

• Air Conditioning

Perhaps considered a luxury, check your air conditioning system before heading out on any long road trips especially if you are traveling with small children or elderly family members who are more susceptible to heat exhaustion. A child’s temperature, for example, rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.

Summer Driving Tips:

• Drive Attentively

Summer trips can be especially distracting. The warmer weather brings all sorts of new traffic to the roads. Inexperienced teens are out of school, vacation drivers add more congestion, and motorcycles and bicycles share much more of the road during the summer months- not to mention the added number of pedestrians. When you are behind the wheel, you should always keep your full attention on the road.

• Minnesota’s Second Season

There is a joke in Minnesota about 2 seasons; winter, and (that’s right) road construction. Not only can this add delays to your route, but extra potential hazards as well. Be attentive and obey the changes in road restrictions in construction zones.

• School’s Out

Teens flood the roads during the summer months, visiting friends and basking in their extra freedom, but also be wary of other children playing outdoors. Especially smaller children, kids are not as concerned with watching traffic as they are chasing after a runaway ball or being the first of their friends to make it to the pool. Keep a special eye out for the presence of extra children enjoying their summer break.

• BUCKLE UP!!

This goes without saying; you should always wear your seatbelt. Every time. It is recommended that children under 13 should always ride in the back of the vehicle, and the smallest should be equipped with a car seat or booster. If you need help installing a proper seat for your child, check out the child seat inspection locator to find a location near you.

Lastly, many people equip themselves for winter driving when the snow and ice arrive, but you should keep an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle for the summer months as well. Important items include:

• Cell phone and car charger

• Work gloves and a change of clothes

• Nonperishable food, drinking water, and medicines

• First aid kit

• Emergency blankets and towels

• Flashlight or road flares

• Jumper cables

• Tire pressure gauge

• Basic tools for repair  

• Tire jack and a spare tire

• Extra windshield washer fluid

• Map or Atlas

Saving Money at the Pump

Summertime typically means more time on the road, whether it be going on a trip out of state or to the local beach. However, those trips are beginning to cost us more and more money at the gas pumps. With some gas stations charging close to three dollars a gallon, the costs can add up quickly. The amount of time spent on the roads during the summer can make you feel as though you’re always throwing money at the gas pump. Take a look at some ways you can keep your money in your pocket this summer instead of spending it all on gas.

Sit Back & Set the Cruise

One of the easiest ways for you to save money at the pumps is to set your car on cruise control while you’re out on the road. Studies have shown that those who accelerate and come to a stop rapidly instead of gradually end up using a ton more fuel than those who do so gradually. So take the time to set your cruise control, relax and just go with the flow of traffic.

Avoid Gas Pumps on the Weekends

Did you know that most gas stations increase the price of gasoline on Thursday mornings?  When the weekend is right around the corner, most gas stations will increase their prices thinking that there will be an increase in traffic.  So try to avoid filling your tank Thursday through Sunday; instead, get into a schedule where you only fill up Monday through Wednesday. This will save you money throughout the summer.

Be Picky with Gas Stations

Being picky isn’t always a bad thing, especially when it comes to saving money on gas.  Don’t pull up to the nearest gas station you see right off of the highway, as these gas stations mark up their prices almost regularly for this very reason. Take the time to get off on the nearest exit and drive a little further into town to avoid the crazy costs of gas stations in front of the mainstream traffic.

  

Avoid Idles

If you think you will be stopped for more than a minute, you should shut your car off. Restarting your car actually uses less fuel than keeping your car in idle for long periods of time. Since it’s summer, don’t worry about warming up your car before you drive, it is unnecessary and will cost you.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Along with keeping your car maintained, you should always check your tire pressure.  During the summer months, if your tires deflate due to heat, they will need more energy to roll, and more energy means more fuel.  This tip alone can actually save you around six cents off your next gallon!

Just because you tend to drive more in the summer doesn’t mean you should be spending more as well.  Keep these helpful tips in mind so you can spend more money having fun this summer instead of letting your gas tank take it all from you!

Best American Road Trips: From the Iconic to the Unexpected

Imagine a summer journey, driving with the top down and the wind running through your hair on a beautiful, warm day. Your favorite music is blasting from the radio. Ice cream piled high on a cone is dripping down your arm. What better way is there to feel alive and care-free then by going on a classic American road trip? Whether you desire an iconic drive on Route 66 or you prefer to travel through the unknown, Kuehn Motors has some suggestions for you to try out, along with the perfect vehicle paring.

Pacific Coast Highway, California
From Carmel to Morro Bay, coasting down this 147-mile seaside California roadway has become a rite of passage for West Coasters. There’s a sight and excursion for every taste. The bright lights and cotton candy-filled views at the amusement park in Santa Cruz will take you back to your teenage years. Breathe in a stunning, unparalleled view of San Diego Bay from the Cabrillo National Monument. Visit some stunning redwoods and McWay Falls at Julia Pfiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur. Look for history and grandeur at Hearst Castle and animal fun at Monterey Bay Aquarium. This sunny Californian road trip will take your youthful spirit far, especially if you’re riding high on a smart little convertible or a Harley Davidson Sportster.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Nashville, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee
For a taste of the South, drive through the Appalachian Mountains on the scenic 467-mile Blue Ridge Parkway which travels through Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The drive is bookended by Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. Hike through enchanting parks and visit the Humpback Rocks, James River, and Peaks of Otter in Virginia. Visit Walker Knob, Glassmine Falls, the Great Craggy Mountains, and the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina, as well as the Linn Cover Viaduct, a marvel of modern engineering that lets you coast through the tree tops.

Add an extension to your trip and travel to Nashville, Tennessee for a historical experience in Music City. Visit the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and the Hall of Fame for a taste of country music. Visit one of the nearby Civil War scenes that surround the city for a glimpse into the past. Check out Carter house, Lotz House, and Carnton Plantation to see three war era mansions that have survived the years. Take a vehicle like our 2012 Audi Q5 2.0T Premium that can transition from country roads to a city like Nashville.

Anchorage to Kenai Peninsula and Valdez, Alaska

The 300-mile route from Anchorage to Valdez connecting Glenn and Richardson highways, offers incredible, unearthly views of prehistoric glaciers and snowy mountain ranges, as well as musk oxen- ancient looking animals prized for their wool. Traveling on ferry into Valdez, you’ll pass a 25-mile drop from Thompson Pass as well as views of Keystone Canyon opening into Prince William Sound. Known as Alaska’s playground, the Kenai Peninsula offer the Kenai Fjords National Park and the Kenai River, famous for its salmon population. Visit this beautiful, under-discovered frontier with a leased Buick Enclave for the best trip possible.

Coastal New England
New England is known for its fall foliage, but a drive up the coast during the summertime can be just as sweet. A 400-mile trip from Boston, Massachusetts to Bar Harbor, Maine will show you the best of what small town charm is. Walk around Boston Common in order to explore the historic mysteries surrounding one of America’s oldest and most storied cities. Stroll the Freedom Trail to check out famous sites from the American Revolution. Catch a game at Fenway Park and tackle your first lobster roll of the trip at Neptune Oyster.

Drive onward to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and walk the Harbor Trail between North Church and U.S.S. Albacore submarine. End your trip in Portland, Maine, and walk around picturesque downtown before hopping a ferry to explore the chain of islands that are bound to awe and inspire you. Make sure to visit Acadia National Park, a serene and picturesque stop of 47,000 acres of woods, mountains, coastline, and bald eagles. Make the most of the exhilarating Atlantic sea breeze by renting a Chevrolet Corvette to drive from small charming town to small picturesque village.

Glacier National Park, Montana

For the most adventurous, cruise along the Going to the Sun road for a life-lasting thrill. The road features 50 miles of twists and turns, has been designated as one of the most scenic drives in the world, and is considered an engineering marvel after it was completed in 1932. With hundreds of animal and plant species, and an infinite amount of beautiful vantage points, Glacier National Park is unparalleled in its breathtaking beauty. Families with kids of all ages will love the sights and proximity to massive glaciers and exciting wildlife. Travel by a family friendly car like the Chevrolet Equinox LT to make the most out of your trip.

Road trips are a staple to summer vacations, and many times the travelling portion of vacations are the least desireable. Travel in style and comfort this summer. The saying goes getting there is half the fun, but we believe the right vehicle on the perfect road can turn summer travel into an adventure.