The Perfect Summer Road Trip Requires More Than Just Junk in the Trunk

If you’re getting ready to roll into your first summer road trip, the only thing on your mind is all the fun ahead of you.  Swimsuit, sunblock, and phone charger packed?  Check.  Sunglasses?  Yep.  What about the inflatable beach ball you forgot last year?  Done.  You even remembered extra towels–you’re good!   You understand how important it is to plan ahead.

But what’s rattling around behind you is just as important, maybe even more so.   We’re sure you’ve heard the common phrase, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.”  It applies to packing for your summer road trip too!  Tackle any problem that might pop up while you’re on the road by making sure you’ve got these essential items stowed in your trunk:


Tire-Changing Equipment (sounds obvious, but you wouldn’t believe how many people forget!)
Jumper Cables
Road Atlas (Because phones die and there’s not service everywhere.  Yes, we’re serious.)
Gas cans (Fill ‘em up before you hit the road)
First Aid Kit
Camera (It’s a good idea to keep a cheap disposable in your trunk at all times, not just for capturing memories but to use for documentation in case of a car accident)

The 5 Unspoken Rules of Driving Etiquette You’re Probably Neglecting

Have you ever allowed another driver to merge onto the freeway?  You’re a decent and kind person–of course you have.  Do you ever find yourself getting unreasonably worked up if they don’t offer that universal two-second wave as a thank you?

There are certain unspoken rules of etiquette out on the road, and the courtesy wave is one of them.  Here’s a list of the top five rules of driving etiquette we wish were required.

Turn your brights off when you see oncoming traffic.  Blinding other drivers isn’t just rude, it’s dangerous.

Stop honking during traffic jams–especially at lights.  We promise it won’t make your commute any shorter.

Keep your volume at a reasonable level.  Hey, if you want to advertise your love for Nickelback, buy a T-shirt.

Allow other cars to merge.  The freeway is not a racetrack, and if we can promise you a courtesy wave– this should be set in stone.

Stop edging into crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing.  You’ve got important places to go and all those people are in your way.  But alas, you must remember that as long as they are on foot, they always have the right-of-way.  Always.

Chevrolet’s Print Ads: 6 Of Our Favorites

There was a time when the page of a magazine or a section of a newspaper page were all you were given to show the value of your project.  While that may not seem like much nowadays, Chevrolet still managed to make an art of it.  Here are 6 of our favorite examples.

 

1925

 

1954

1966

 

1974

 1975

 1984

Is GM's Newest Safety Option a Good Idea?

General Motors is coordinating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to introduce the Belt Assurance System later this year.  This feature ensures both the driver and front seat passenger of the vehicle is buckled up– before it goes anywhere.  Using the same technology as the airbag system, this optional feature will activate and deactivate based on whether or not someone is in the seat.  It will allow you to start the car no matter what, but if there are two front-seat passengers, the car won’t be moving an inch unless both are strapped in.

This is an optional system that will be made available on the 2015 Cruze, Colorado, Silverado, and Sierra later this year.  What do you think?  Should it come standard in all vehicles or is it more of a nuisance than a help?  Let us know your opinion in the comments below!

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

Did You Know?

-Motorcycle helmet use increased from 48% in 2005 to 67% in 2009.

-Motorcycle helmets saved 1,829 motorcyclists’ lives in 2008.
-Motorcycle helmets do not interfere with the rider's vision or hearing.

Share the Road

All motorists are reminded to safely "share the road" with motorcycles and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe. Motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists.
 
Ride Sober

Statistics show that the percentage of intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentage of intoxicated drivers on our roads. This is why NHTSA urges all motorcycle riders to always ride smart and sober.

The Cool Way to Wash Your Car

If your car has been sitting in the sun or you’ve just taken it for a long drive, you should wait until it cools down before soaping up. Park it in the shade for a couple of hours—or start with the interior. A hot exterior speeds the drying of the soap and water. While that may sound like a good thing, it makes washing more difficult because it increases the chance of spots and soap scum. Avoid the hassle—wait until things cool off before soaping it up!

DIY Mother's Day Vintage Teacup Bird Feeder

This adorable homemade bird feeder is a cinch to make and the perfect DIY gift for Mother's Day! Here's what you'll need:

    -3 feet of 1/2 inch copper plumbing pipe per bird feeder
    -Copper cap
    -Sand paper or sanding block
    -Vintage teacup
    -Epoxy
    -Q-tip
    -Birdseed

If you'd like to know how you can create your own, head over to this site for a full on tutorial! Make sure to let us know how yours turned out.