The Importance of Preventative Maintenance For Your Car

There are nearly five million registered vehicles in Minnesota. Sadly, many drivers don’t take proper precautions and preventative measures when it comes to their vehicles - many people wait for a problem to take their car to a mechanic. Proper maintenance may not seem like a big deal, but it can help you avoid costly repairs, catch major problems early, and lengthen the life of your car.

A few easy things car owners can do to be proactive are getting scheduled inspections, changing the oil on time, and checking the tire pressure regularly. Many people try to keep up with these measures, but just don’t know when or how often to check for issues. We’ve made a list of common vehicle maintenance steps and noted when you should be checking for these issues on your car:

Read Your Owner’s Manual

This is the first step no matter how old your car is, or when you bought it. The owner’s manual contains your suggested regular maintenance schedule for your car. You will also see how often your manufacturer suggests changing your oil, filters, timing belts, and more. Check to see which kind of oil you should be using in your car. If you are using the wrong oil, you could be causing costly damage to your vehicle.

Checking Your Car’s Fluids

It is important to learn how to check the fluid levels in your car. Even if your manual does not say to regularly look at fluid levels, do not be afraid to check for yourself. If you are running low, add more or get it changed. Most importantly, never ignore a leak.

- Engine Oil

Check it: Once a month. The old saying was to check your oil every time you fill up with gas, but this is a bit of an overkill. Unless you are not driving your car often or you have an existing issue, once a month is plenty.
Change it: Check your owner’s manual; it varies by manufacturer and model.

- Transmission Fluid

Check it: Once a month.
Change it: Every 50,000-100,000 

- Coolant

Check it: At least twice a year; once in the summer, once in the winter.
Change it: Every 2-3 years. 

- Brake Fluid

Check it: When you change your oil.
Change it: Every two years.

- Power Steering Fluid

Check it: Once a month.
Change it: Check your manual. Typically, you will not need to replace power steering fluid levels, but some manufacturers recommend topping it off. 

Check Your Battery

The average car battery life is two to five years. In Minnesota, batteries typically last longer, because batteries are more chemically active under heat, and (as Minnesotans are well aware) we have rather frigid winters - hooray for the cold! It’s always a smart idea to know where your battery is located and to check for leaks or mineral build-up. If you run across some build-up, you can clean it with a battery cleaning brush and some baking soda. You should also keep track of the date your battery was purchased (it’s written on the battery). If it doesn’t seem to be performing well, you can refer to the date to see if you are in need of a charge or battery replacement.

Change Your Spark Plugs

Make sure to check for worn-out spark plugs or build-up every 30,000 miles. Typically, a spark plug’s lifespan is around 100,000 miles. Improperly functioning spark plugs are usually a sign that your engine is not working properly. Checking and replacing the spark plugs is not as difficult as it sounds. You can usually follow your owner’s manual to change them yourself pretty easily.

Making sure your car is safe to drive and keeping up on the maintenance schedule is a very important task for all car owners. Your car is a huge investment and something you rely heavily on for your day-to-day travel and tasks. It’s up to you to keep it running properly for now and hopefully, many years to come.

If it’s time to replace your entire vehicle, visit Kuehnmotors.com to browse our selections online!

Choosing a Vehicle for Your Expanding Family

In the market for a new car for your growing family? It can be overwhelming trying to fit your family’s needs with what the market has to offer, but the search isn’t impossible. Here are a few important things to consider as you search for the perfect car for your expanding family.

Safety

For anyone who’s in the market for a car, the number one sought-after feature across the board is safety. Thankfully, many cars come standard with the most up-to-date safety features, but some of the features to be on the lookout for include:

• Front and side airbags to help in the event of an accident
• Anti-lock brakes with brake assist to help slow down the car when they detect sudden braking
• Automatic braking to slow your car down in the event of a collision
• Integrated child safety harnesses which can easily secure the child seat in a car
• A rear view camera to watch the road when you back out of a space

For the safest family vehicles of 2016, check out these lists for Kelly Blue Book’s Best Safety Rated SUVs and Autotrader.com’s Top 7 Safest SUVs.

Ease of Access

Ease of access can be a forgotten concern when you are in the market for a new car, but it can make a world of difference in your comfort. Sliding doors in a mini-van or SUV will allow you to open your doors and load your car while in cramped spaces. If your family requires car seats, bring one along as you go out car shopping. The car doors should open wide enough to easily move and maneuver a car seat in and out. Another convenient feature that will soon feel like a necessity are doors that you can open automatically with a key fob. This will be an especially helpful feature when you have to juggle groceries, a car seat, and kids.

Size and storage

You want a vehicle that can not only accommodate your family and their possessions but one that offers flexibility. Do you need a large van to accommodate a big family with enough room to carpool a hockey team? Or would you prefer a spacious yet compact car for easier maneuverability?

Consider how much room your family will need for regular storage, including groceries, strollers, musical instruments, bikes, and more. Do you need room for car seats for the baby or sports equipment for your teen athlete - or both? Think about whether your family will use a vehicle for big excursions like camping trips and long road trips or if you are likely to need a more compact vehicle for life in the city.

Durability and upkeep

Simply put, cars are a big investment. You want to find a vehicle that can withstand years of wear and tear. In your search, consider car maintenance and family maintenance.

Car maintenance is the regular upkeep to keep your vehicle running safely and at its peak performance. Ask yourself, will this vehicle require more than regular car maintenance and checkups? How much of the regular maintenance will be covered by warranty? In the case of used cars, what is in the history report?

Family maintenance includes the steps you take to keep your car clean and good shape. Consider searching for easily cleaned or stain-resistant seat covers, removable floor mats, removable cup holder liners, or storage compartments for cleaning supplies.

With a list of your family’s priorities, you can successfully set out on a search for the perfect vehicle for your family. Of course, the friendly staff at Kuehn Motors are always available to assist you. So get your list ready and stop into Kuehn to begin your search!

Tips for Buying a Teen Their First Car

Image by State Farm via Flickr

They’ve been looking forward to it for years, and you’ve been dreading it since they were born, but it’s time for your teenager to get their first car. There are many things to consider when buying a teenager their first car. Should you buy new or used? Who will pay for it? Where should you go for the best insurance deals? Try not to panic. The tips below will help make this rite of passage a safe and happy one for the entire family.

Assign Responsibilities

The first decision you need to make with your teen is, who’s going to pay for it. Many parents believe that paying for their own car will make a teen appreciate it more, and others believe their teen is working hard enough that a car can be a reward - and a privilege. Once you decide and make a plan, go over expectations and responsibilities. For example, 12 months with no accidents or tickets could be a long-term goal. It’s up to you if you want to give a reward or punishment if the goals are met or not. Just remember to emphasize safety and responsibility from the start.

Keep in mind that many insurance companies offer discounts for good students. You can use that as an incentive to maintain a good GPA and save yourself some money. You’ll also need to decide . Either the car itself, gas and/or the insurance. If they’re the expenses that your teen is responsible for, such as insurance, maintenance, and gas. Generally, teens are more likely to follow the rules if the car’s costs come from their own pocket, but teens can’t afford to pay all the expenses of owning a vehicle. Assigning them some of the responsibility is a good way to prepare them for adulthood.

Image by State Farm via Flickr

Find The Right Car

Midsize sedans tend to be the safest since more mass means more protection. Selecting a vehicle with a small engine makes it harder to speed as well. Also, make sure to search for good deals online. Consumer reports publish an annual used-car guide that is a useful resource available online. If you are able to afford it, look for cars that are certified pre-owned and that are two or three years old. They cost a little bit more but have a limited warranty and better financial and safety ratings. Try to choose a car that scores at least four stars out of five on government crash tests, making sure safety is your number one priority.

Inform Your Teen

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for American teens. It is important to lay down the rules of the road; always wear your seatbelt, drinking is forbidden, texting is not allowed,etc. The internet is full of tragic stories about distracted driving. Talking about these issues will help them understand that driving isn’t a game, that it’s serious and they not only hold their own lives in their hands when driving but everyone they share the road with.

There are several insurance companies that offer free cameras to place in your teen’s car when they begin driving and various apps to download or software to install. Your teen may not like this and think it’s an invasion of privacy, but it’s an excellent tool that can help you rest easier and show them what they’re doing wrong so they can avoid it in the future.

Like old age and taxes, teenagers driving is certain. It can be one of the most nerve-wracking and stressful time, but you have the power to make the transition as painless as possible - especially if you take your teen into Kuehn Motors to shop for their first car. And remember, it’s not all bad - you finally have your own “personal assistant” to send on those errands you’d rather not do!

Spring “Kuehn-ing” - Get a Clean Spring Start for Your Vehicle

Finally, springtime has come again to Minnesota! The temperature is barely in the 50’s most days, but that won’t stop us from breaking out our shorts! As cheerful as Minnesotans get this time of year, winter more than likely took a toll on our cars, both inside and out. Now is the time to get your car into tip top shape for the coming spring and summer months. Here are some spring cleaning tips to make this chore easier:

• Clear all trash - Remove all the trash that has been building up over the winter months and organize the things you do still need. Make sure you get all the way under and in-between the seats - you never know what is hiding.
• Clean and wipe down the interior - Get into every nook and cranny of the inside of your car. You can use either store-bought car cleaning items or, if you are on a budget, you can find a multitude of DIY car cleaning suggestions on sites like Pinterest. Be careful, though - some DIY solutions can be potentially harmful to your car if you aren’t familiar with the chemicals or the processes.
• Treat and scrubs spots on carpet and/or car mats - If the spot is stubborn, you’ll more than likely need a product that is deep cleaning and that you’ll leave on to soak for a longer amount of time. If your car mats are extremely dirty, you may want to power wash them.
• Vacuum the interior of the car - Shopvacs tend to work the best if you have one at your disposal. Otherwise, you can use a normal vacuum with attachments to get into tighter spaces. Another option is going to a gas station and using the vacuums available. Remember to remove your floor mats, shake them out, and vacuum them (and the floor underneath) before you return them to the car.
• Wash the exterior of the car - Most everyone has a preference to the solutions they use to wash their car - from the wacky to the tried and true. If you don’t like spending the energy to really scrub your vehicle clean (especially after a winter of salty roads and slush) simply take it to the car wash.
• Change out windshield wipers - If your wipers took on too much of the winter stress, you will want a new pair for spring and summer. Spring rainstorms behave very differently than heavy winter snow, and you’ll want to adjust accordingly.
• Change out winter tires - Your car performs differently in the winter months then spring and summer so it is wise to have two sets of tires if at all possible. Winter tires will wear down faster and do not perform as well in the warmer months (read more here).
• Clean the inside of windows - Over the winter months, the inside windows can get messy. Cleaning them is especially important for nighttime driving or when driving in the rain.

Now it is up to you to get your car fresh and clean for the spring and summer months. However, one lucky Kuehn fan might not have to lift a finger. We will be holding a contest giving away car detailing packages - so you can let the professionals do all the work! For more information, stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter pages. Good luck and happy spring!

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!

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.

Winterizing Your Vehicle - Part 2

Cold temperatures, snowstorms, and icy roads have already begun in Minnesota and, as sad as it is to admit, it will only get worse. Winter can be a disaster for cars. However, there are steps you can take to winterize your car and make it as safe and reliable as possible for the coming months.

Emergency Kit

Everyone should have an emergency kit in their car over the winter. This kit should include items that can keep you warm, keep you hydrated, and items that may be able to get you out of your situation. Take a look at this article if you would like a more detailed list of items.

Check Your Engine

The cold weather can wreak havoc on the belts and tubes around your engine. Just like other materials, they can expand and contract in extreme weather. It’s a good idea to go to a mechanic to have them looked over to ensure the connections and your engine are in working order.

Keep Your Tank Full

If you let the gas in your car get too low, water can condensate on the sides of the gas tank. The water then will drip down into the gasoline when it thaws, and make its way into the fuel lines. Once it is there, it has a good chance of freezing meaning gas won’t be able to reach the engine. What this means is you’re stuck, and it’s going to cost you to have it fixed. The bottom line is to keep that gas tank full.

Check Your Oil

Cold temperatures can cause engine oil to become thicker. This can affect your engine’s performance. That’s why, during colder months, it is a good idea to change your oil and use oil that has a lower viscosity (thickness).

Check Your Battery

We’ve all seen two cars facing each other in a parking lot with their hoods up and cables attached to the batteries while it’s ten below zero outside. If you have never experienced it for yourself, you have to admit, it doesn’t look fun. Checking your battery before winter means checking the wires and clamps for frays and cleaning off any corrosion that may have formed. If you haven’t had your battery changed in the last three to five years (or longer), it may be time to consider a new battery.

Taking these steps not only ensures you will get from point A to point B but also keeps you safe. You don’t want to be stranded, but you definitely don’t want to be stranded and in danger. For more winter tips, check out our previous blog on winterizing your vehicle. Keep track of Kuehn Motors on Twitter and Facebook.