Some kids might know that travel is educational. They might understand why their parents have planned a road trip with plenty of outdoor adventures, historic sightseeing, museums, and other fun stuff. Knowing this, they might not mind being cooped up in a car for hours on end while mile after mile of highway whizzes by. Some kids might, but unfortunately, not yours nor any kids that you know. While they enjoy the hiking and sightseeing and other holiday fun as much as anyone else, they can be a real pain, to put it mildly, while in the car. Bringing along toys, books, and games to keep them occupied and engaged can make travel much easier for all of you.

Keep them busy

Anyone who said that the journey is its own goal probably never traveled with kids. Apart from carsickness and the need for frequent stops, there’s boredom to contend with. However, there are some defensive measures parents can take against the whining and squabbles that will inevitably break out unless the kids have some way to occupy themselves. Wise parents know to plan ahead with plenty of games and books to keep the kids busy. It’s also a good idea to pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks. Well fed and hydrated kids are less likely to get grumpy. They’ll also be in better shape to enjoy the holiday when you reach your destination.

Keep them engaged

As good parents know, it’s important for children to feel engaged and responsible. While you provide some supervision, they will feel more in control if they can choose and pack their own toys, books, and games to take along on the journey. It might be a good idea to include some books about the areas you will be traveling through as well as the destination. While the availability of the Internet in cars opens up all kinds of new possibilities for entertainment, it’s best not to rely on it too much. Keeping the kids engaged with the places you are traveling to will help create memories that will last a lifetime.

Keeping kids comfortable and engaged while traveling can make the trip much more fun for everyone. Depending on the age and number of kids in your family, a fun and comfortable car can also contribute to a happier and safer journey. If your kids are young, you may want to look at a small subcompact car like the Honda Fit at a Los Angeles showroom. For older kids, you can even take them along for a test drive of a larger model like the Honda Odyssey at a Los Angeles dealership.

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Spring fever for many people takes the form of a travel bug, with an itch to get out on the road. There are plenty of destinations to choose from: you could decide on a major cross-country trip to Florida or to finally see the cherry trees blossoming on the Potomac. But even if you have just a couple of days to spare, there are plenty of attractive destinations nearby. As you break out the maps and plot your route, remember to check on your car’s needs as well. All cars, old or new, need preventative maintenance to keep them in their best condition. If you’re looking for a new car to go adventuring, you may want to check out a crossover like the Honda CRV at a dealership in Los Angeles.

Where to go

Planning a trip may have been more fun the old way, with the guidebooks and the maps that no one could figure out how to fold up again. But now in the age of connected mobile devices, it’s a lot easier. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a long cross country trip, you can find maps, accommodations, and local guides online. You can find inns and B&Bs, state parks and forests, museums and malls, and local eateries and shops before you hit the road. You can even figure out hiking routes at the parks and forests in advance. As with any plans, it’s important to allow for the unexpected.

Is your car ready?

However, one kind of surprise that your absolutely don’t want on a road trip concerns the condition of your car. Preventative maintenance is the best way to make sure that your car is ready to take you wherever your wandering spirit takes you. It keeps the engine and all parts running smoothly and prevents any major problems from developing. Oil changes are a good time for an overall inspection. Most auto shops will top off antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and more, if necessary. They will also carry out a courtesy inspection of all filters, hoses, belts, and brakes, as well as tires, windshield wipers, and lights. In return, your car will give you a fun, hassle-free trip.

Spring is a time for renewal, and a road trip is a good way to renew your connection with the world. If you’re looking for a family car that will take you where you want to go, a crossover SUV may be a good choice. You can check out the Honda HRV at a dealership in Los Angeles and maybe take it for a test drive to see what it can do.

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The birds are back and the crocuses are out. It’s spring and as the spirit of the season takes hold, you may be gearing up for some spring cleaning. This is a good time to check on your car’s needs as well. It’s kept you going through the long, cold winter, never once failing you in the snow and the ice. You can thank it and keep it running happily by checking that it has all major fluids topped up for maximum performance.

Start with an oil change

An oil change is the best way to figure out your car’s needs. Whether you take your car to the local auto shop or a service center like the one at the new Honda car dealership in Los Angeles, most auto mechanics will also do a courtesy inspection of important things like brakes, wipers, tires, and all fluids, as well as the oil change. In some areas, you may need to switch to a different type of oil for spring and summer. Your friendly auto techs can tell you which is the best kind for your vehicle’s mileage, transmission, and climate. Regular oil changes can help your car’s engine run smoothly for a long time. They can also spot any problems that need to be fixed.

Transmission and radiator fluid

Transmission fluid keeps the gears shifting smoothly. It also keeps the transmission cool and lubricates moving parts. It plays an essential part in your car’s functioning and should be checked before taking any long trips. Transmission flushes and fluid changes should be carried out on the schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Radiator fluid keeps the engine from overheating and should be changed according to the schedule specified by the manufacturer in the owner’s manual. Radiator coolant flush and fill will keep the engine cool and remove any dirt or sediment that could affect the system.

Getting ready for spring and summer

Wiper fluid has doubtless seen heavy use in the winter, dealing with snow, slush, and salt. It should be topped up, just in time to deal with the dust, bugs, rain, and whatever else your windshield may encounter on the road. And finally, if spring is here, can summer be far behind? You need to make sure the air conditioning is ready for the warmer days ahead. Auto techs can check the levels of air conditioning coolant to make sure the car’s AC is good to go.

Whether your car is an old faithful with over 100,000 miles or a new Honda Accord lease from the dealership in Los Angeles, some simple maintenance will keep it running happily for a long time.

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The condition of you car’s tires has a direct impact on safety. Regular tire maintenance tasks like checking tire air pressure, tire rotation, and keeping track of the state of the treads are necessary for both safety and performance. It can be a good idea to regularly schedule these along with oil changes. Driving habits like slowing down for speed bumps and avoiding potholes and fast acceleration from stops can also help maintain the tires’ condition and alignment.

Why the right tire air pressure matters

Tires should be kept inflated to the correct level prescribed by the manufacturer. This can generally be found on a label on the side of the car door, which you can see when the door is open. In cold weather, tire air pressure tends to drop and should be corrected. Properly inflated tires make driving in bad weather easier, especially when there’s snow or ice on the road surface. It also makes highway driving much safer, avoiding the risk of a blowout. Most auto mechanics will check tire air pressure when doing an oil change as a courtesy.

How often should tires be rotated?

Tire rotation helps to ensure that your tires wear evenly. That’s because front and back tires wear differently, with the tires in front taking the most wear. Tire rotations are typically scheduled at regular intervals defined by the mileage covered in the period between rotations. They can be especially important for four wheel and all terrain vehicles. Unevenly worn tires can have different brake thresholds and cause uncertain handling. It’s also important to keep an eye on the treads themselves. When they’re worn out, it’s time for new tires.

Safe driving habits are better for the tires

Safer driving habits can also make a difference in the condition of your tires. As your driving instructor told you many years ago, a smooth start and smooth braking are the sign of a good driver. It turns out that the old guy was right. It’s better to accelerate gently from a stopped position. Stepping on the gas when leaving a stop sign or intersection can burn the treads. Abrupt braking can likewise add on the wear to the tire. Another thing to look out for when driving is potholes. It’s best to avoid them, and if that’s not possible, slow down. Slowing down for speed bumps likewise protects your tires.

Simple maintenance and safe driving habits can reduce the wear and tear on your car’s tires. It also helps to find a service center you can trust, whether it’s the Honda Accord dealership in Los Angeles or your friendly neighborhood auto shop.

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All car owners have heard that piece of folk wisdom that says that regular preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your car running like new. It’s one of those pieces of common sense that happens to be true. Not only do regular check ups and oil changes keep your car in top condition, but they can help avoid any big problems down the road. They can help to increase your car’s longevity, which is why it’s important to keep up a regular maintenance schedule.

Engines are Built to Last

Cars these days are built to last for a long time. Unlike older engines that were good for only about 100,000 miles, most engines for the past ten or fifteen years have been built to last for 200,000 miles. However, your car does need some help to keep running trouble-free over its lifespan. Regular maintenance is the key to increasing your car’s longevity and improving its performance. It also helps to prevent any big problems from developing down the road.

What does regular maintenance include?

Routine maintenance checks on the car’s fluids, filters, spark plugs, batteries, and tires. As well as these parts and fluid inspections, fluid exchanges like coolant, transmission, and axle fluid should be checked. Regular tire rotations and alignment keeps the tires in better condition and prevents problems on the road. Windshield wipers need to be replaced periodically. Their correct functioning is important for your safety on the road. Your auto mechanics are a good source of advice on auto maintenance dos and don’ts.

How often is maintenance needed?

The biggest don’t when it comes to auto maintenance is: don’t put off a regular maintenance visit. Most vehicle manufacturers have a schedule for maintenance which is included in the owner’s manual. This lists the time and mileage intervals at which various maintenance tasks should be performed. Some, like oil changes and vehicle check ups, should be done more frequently. Others, like transmission tune-ups, can be done at longer intervals. Some vehicles will warn you when maintenance is needed. Often, the auto mechanics who service your car will put a little sticker in the corner of the windshield telling you when the next maintenance visit is due.

Cars these days are made to last, with engines that can go for 200,000 miles. You can see some of these models like the Honda Civic at the dealership in Los Angeles. However, cars need regular maintenance to perform at their best. Regular maintenance also helps to improve your vehicle’s longevity and to avoid any major problems along the way. Your reward will be years of trouble-free and reliable service from your trusty automobile.

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New vehicle owners, like new parents, are both proud and nervous. Here you are, finally, with your own vehicle, which gives you the freedom of the road, announces your style and beliefs to the world, and takes you wherever you want to go. Like first-time parents, new vehicle owners are determined to do everything right, from oil changes to tire rotations, even if they know very little about them. It’s a good idea to educate yourself about basic vehicle maintenance, what’s needed, why, and how often. The next thing is to find the right service centers, such as those at the new car dealer in Hollywood or an auto shop for all your vehicle maintenance needs, and you’re all set.

Why are oil changes necessary?

Oil changes are necessary because it’s the motor oil that keeps the engine running smoothly. Basically, it lubricates the moving parts, reducing wear. When the oil gets old and dirty, it begins to break down and lose its effectiveness. This can cause sludge deposits on the engine, which will eventually affect its functioning. Oil changes can prevent this, and also keep the engine from overheating. Regular oil changes can prolong the life of your car’s engine.

How often do you need an oil change?

Once upon a time, oil changes were needed every 3,000 miles, which meant every two or three months. With new kinds of engine oil, you can go longer between oil changes. Vehicle manufacturers include oil change schedules in the owner’s manual. Auto mechanics can also be a good source of advice and information on when oil changes are needed. Most auto shops will also do routine checks such as fluids, brakes, lights, filters, wipers, and tires when you take your car in for an oil change. Depending on the mileage, you may also schedule a tire rotation and alignment along with an oil change.

What kind of oil does your car need?

There are a bewildering variety of choices when it comes to engine oil. These can be classified according to your vehicle’s needs.

1. Conventional oil provides wear protection, as well as protection against the buildup of deposits and viscosity break down.
2. High mileage oil is used for engines that have logged over 75,000 miles. It contains special additives to address the problems of general wear and tear.
3. Synthetic oil has a wide temperature range and the best in engine protection and performance.

Regular oil changes can help to keep your car’s engine running smoothly and prolong its life. The service centers at the new car dealership in Hollywood also do routine vehicle inspections along with an oil change, making sure your vehicle is in its best condition.

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Car owners value their car’s paint job for its beauty and color, and may spend some time (or a lot of time) admiring the sleek finish. However, paint jobs have another important function apart from adding to the beauty and style of a vehicle. The paint protects the auto body from rust and corrosion, which can ultimately cause serious problems. However, many car owners are tempted to avoid fixing minor scratches, scrapes, and scuffles because of the high costs of repair. Luckily, many manufacturers make do-it-yourself paint touch up kits, which can restore the finish and protect the body.

Protecting the Paint Finish

A car’s paint job is an integral part of its beauty, but it also has another important function as well. The paint actually prevents rust and corrosion from gaining a foothold, from which they can spread. Rust and corrosion can eventually weaken the body and also affect the safety and proper functioning of the vehicle. Even minor scratches and scuffles can expose the body to air and moisture, which is all that rust needs to get started. Unfortunately, the cost of fixing scratches in an auto repair shop can be very high. That’s because most repair shops will paint the entire panel, rather than just the small area that has been scratched.

DIY Paint Touch Up Kits

The high cost of repair can deter many car owners. Luckily, there is an alternative. DIY paint touch up kits are a handy and much less expensive way of fixing minor scratches and scuffles without taking the vehicle to the body shop. There are even spray-on varieties, which are great for those who aren’t really into DIY but who also really need to fix the scratches in the paint job. For deeper scratches and spots that expose the metal, a slightly more complex process is necessary. First, primer must be applied, so that the paint has a surface it can hold.

Finding the Right Color of Paint for Each Vehicle

It can be important to find an exact match to the shade of the vehicle. Paint kit manufacturers actually sell these by make and model, so the final paint job looks as good as new. In fact, it may even look better than it did back in the Honda showroom in Los Angeles.

Even minor scratches and scuffles can mar the beauty of a vehicle’s paint finish. They also expose the auto body to the risks of rust and corrosion. The high cost of repairs deters many owners from fixing these problems. DIY paint touch up kits can be an easy and less expensive way to fix scratches and preserve a vehicle’s paint job.

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