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

Family-Friendly Features for your Next Vehicle

“Are we there yet?” Whether driving across the country on a late summer road trip or just around the corner to the grocery store, it’s essential to choose the right car and features for your family. Simply put, you want a sleek, reliable vehicle that can accommodate your family and other precious cargo. If you are looking for your next family car, review some of the essential family-friendly features that will keep your loved ones safe and comfortable.

Driver Assistance

There are many advanced driver assistance systems available to provide reassurance when driving around your loved ones, such as blind spot and lane monitors, driver drowsiness detection and turning assistance. Don’t let a split-second distraction create major accidents and harm. Similarly, backup cameras, parallel parking, and automatic parking assistances can help keep travels safe and easy for everyone. This can help greatly for drivers juggling a lot of responsibilities as well as for new drivers on the road.

Seat Belts

Safe and comfortable seat belts will help make journeys—especially long road trips—much more comfortable. Added safety belt clips can pull the chest strap away from a child’s face and neck, ensuring the same amount of safety with added comfort.

Flexible Seating and Storage

A car model with flexible seating—whether manually or automatic—will help you transport your precious cargo. Whether your child has plenty of siblings or is a part of the neighborhood carpool, they will enjoy the trip in comfort. While you are searching for flexible seating features, look for backseat storage and vehicle compartments that will provide double-duty storage to keep everyone organized.

Technical Improvements

With new ways to keep your kids entertained on longer trips, look for iPod plugs, USB connectivity, and backseat DVD players for some electronic entertainment.

Other Features

For more innovative features for your family-friendly vehicle, look to a power liftgate for easy back hatch opening, a remote start for getting on the road more smoothly, or separate climate control to keep both driver and third-row-seat passengers comfortable.

For more information, visit this list of top 10 family-friendly car features and the list of best family-friend car models of 2015 as voted by parents, or you can stop by Kuhen Motors, and our knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to help you!

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!

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?

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.

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!