The Top 10 Reasons Car Owners Buy Air Fresheners

According to a survey by Halfords, a UK-based out accessories/auto parts retailer, people really hate the smell of wet dog in their cars.

That particularly pungent odor topped the list of the reasons people buy air fresheners for their cars, beating out other noxious scents such as dried spilt milk and children's vomit. The entire top ten list includes (in order):

1. Wet dog
2. Dried spilt milk
3. Child's sick
4. Teenage body odor
5. Festering fast food
6. Forgotten fruit
7. Sweaty feet
8. Cigarette/cigar smoke
9. Dirty diaper
10. Animal mess on shoes

The thought of having any of these odors in a small enclosed space like an automobile is enough to get us thinking about stocking up on air fresheners just in case. What do you think? Have you experienced any car odors that belong on the list?

Put a Stop to Brake Trouble During Brake Safety Month

A properly operating brake system is critical to safe vehicle operation and control under a variety of conditions. Brake Safety Awareness Month in August, sponsored by the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), is the ideal time to stop and make sure your brakes are working properly before the new school year and colder temperatures arrive.

“When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Motorists can put a stop to any potential brake system problems by recognizing the signs and symptoms that their brake system may need maintenance or repair.”

Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually they’re going to need to be replaced. If your car is pulling to the left or right, or if you hear odd noises when you apply the brakes, you should inspect your brakes. Other warning signs include an illuminated brake warning light, brake grabbing, low pedal feel, vibration, hard pedal feel and squealing.

For routine maintenance, check your vehicle’s braking system at least once a year. A thorough inspection should include brake lining wear, brake fluid level, rotor thickness, condition of hoses and brake lines, brake and dash warning lights, as well as taking the car for a test drive to detect other potential brake system problems.

Several factors that affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material. Never put off routine brake inspections or any needed repair, such as letting the brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which can be potentially dangerous and lead to a more costly repair bill.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

2012 Chevy Equinox

2012 Chevrolet Equinox LS BLUETOOTH ECO FLEX FUEL AND GREAT FUEL ECONOMY

This 2012 Chevrolet Equinox features a metallic silver exterior with a mixed interior of black and taupe. Features leather steering wheel, Bluetooth, keyless entry with an extra set of keys, CD player. Eco/flex fuel. Immaculate condition - very large interior cabin.

Visit Burnsville Motors online at www.burnsvillemotors.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 952-808-0031 today to schedule your test drive.

Need Service on your Car?

Simple Vehicle Check

A simple vehicle inspection before a family vacation can help avoid the short fuses, inconvenience and potential safety hazards of breaking down many miles away from home, says the Car Care Council.

“It’s easy to keep the sparks from flying from car trouble on a road trip,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A quick vehicle check can give motorists peace of mind and save them from the hassle of a roadside breakdown. In just 10 minutes, drivers can make sure their car is ready for travel and then take steps to have any problems fixed before heading out for vacation.”

Right in their own driveway, motorists can identify how road-ready their vehicle is with the 10-minute inspection recommended by the Car Care Council. If repairs or maintenance are needed, they can be performed before hitting the road.

•       Check all fluids, including engine oil, antifreeze/coolant, windshield washer solvent and power steering, brake and transmission fluids.

•       Check the hoses and belts that can become cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or show signs of excessive wear. These are critical to the proper functioning of the electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and the cooling system.

•       Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots.

•       Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and inspect and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

Speeding...

We all know that speeding can reduce the fuel economy of your vehicle, but just how much of a difference does it make?

Saving time doesn’t always mean saving money, and in the case of getting to your destination quicker, it could cost you at the pump. Consumer Reports recently conducted a study to see how speeding affected fuel efficiency on various popular vehicle models and its findings may have you thinking twice before you speed.

Take the HondaAccord LX for example. According to Consumer Reports, driving at a steady 55 mph returned 49 mpg, but increasing that to 65 mph saw a return of 42 mpg. While averaging 75 mph, the Accord LX only got 35 mpg – a 29-percent difference between 55 mph and 77 mph.

Mathematically speaking, driving 200 miles at 75 mph instead of 55 mph will save you an hour of time, but will burn an extra 1.5 to two gallons of gas. For some people however, saving an hour of time is worth spending an extra five to seven dollars.

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