You’re Mc-Banned From My Car
I like to think I am consistently a reasonable person. OK, so maybe it’s like 90% of the time… OK fine, it’s more like 75% of the time. So taking all that into consideration, I’m an understanding-at-times, caters-to-her-kids mom who just almost lost her cool.
Why you ask? Let’s rewind.
I work hard, as we all do. So when I buy new things, the last thing that I want is for my kids, or anyone for that matter, to ruin them.
I decided that landing my new job called for a celebration, so I bought myself a new BMW. My one rule, THE one rule I have always had, for riding in the car is: no food or drinks allowed. This rule came about because, in my old vehicle, my kids thought it was great to start a water fight after soccer practice. I don’t know about you, but when I was younger, all my mother had to do was give me one stare, you know the one I’m talking about, and I knew that the world was about to end. Well, enter me channeling my mother and putting the fear of some higher power in my kids.
So anyway, back to my new car. I told the kids if they came with me to visit Grandma, I would let them enjoy food and drinks in my car IF and only if they promise not to spill anything which is not altogether that unreasonable. Obviously, if I stop too quick or what not that is a whole new story, but other than that, the food should be glued to their hands.
We get the food, my heart starts pounding and of course, I start panicking. Let these kids spill something, I might lose it.
Well, you wouldn’t know this, but I’ll let you know, I have ZERO luck in my life. My son spills his soda ON MY SEATS and BRAND NEW floor mats. You can imagine the colorful language I was using.
With tears in my eyes and not even a single thought going through my mind aside from “REALLY?!,” my kids and I drove home in dead silence. I calmly called my dealership’s service department and asked if there was any way on this good earth that they could squeeze me in for a cleaning. The one good thing that happened that day? They said, “Sure come on in!”
I guess I couldn’t be mad at my son anymore, could you? I was just so grateful that they were able to take me in and clean my new baby. I guess I could let them eat in the car, why not right? I have the best service department ever!
Checking the Oil
Think about all the ways people travel, by train, by boat, and by car. Let me start off the story by saying that I am always right or at least 90% of the time. We took our car, that needed to have a routine check up done mind you, for the trip.
Although most of the time nothing really happens when you miss one routine checkup, for our car, we needed desperately to have an oil change. Although my husband would disagree, I know how to check my oil to make sure that I am on point with my checkups.
I think he’s a tad jealous that I can check my own oil and he can’t! So this is for all you that do not know how to check your own oil.
Step 1) Find an old rag. Something that you don’t expect to ever use again. Something that can get dirty but you won’t need again, like an old t-shirt.
Step 2) If you have zero idea what you’re doing, take out that owner’s manual. That’s right, nothing to be ashamed of! This will let you know what to expect under the hood of your car.
Step 3) So, the oil is best to be checked while warm, so maybe take your car for a spin around the neighborhood or go grab some Chipotle.
Step 4) That doesn’t mean leave your car on! In fact, your vehicle should be off before checking the oil!
Step 5) When you open the hood of your vehicle, usually on the driver’s side you’ll find a handle. Pull handle and press lever under the center of your vehicle’s hood.
Step 6) Find the dipstick on the left side of the engine and remove it then clean it with the rag in step one. Slide the dipstick in again and remove it again.
Step 7) Look at the end of the dipstick, and find the line marked “full”. Oil will appear in color on the textured area that represents the capacity of the oil pan.
Might seem like a long list of checking your oil, but once you get the hang of it, these steps will seem like nothing! Make sure that you do follow instructions on your owner’s manual! Bring your vehicle to get checked by a certified mechanic to change your oil!
“How to Check Your Oil.” Driving-Tests.org. N.p., 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 20 July 2017.
Spilling My Sanity in the Trunk
I’m not always a messy person. There are days where I can be clean, organized, and ready for anything. That is until the punch spilled over all over my trunk.
You might be wondering why my punch was in the trunk. Well, if you are like me you’ll understand that with kids, sometimes it’s better to risk the trunk getting soaked rather than the rest of the car.
Funny thing is, the punch didn’t spill because of the turn I took; a rough turn; someone ramming into my trunk, or any other logical scenario that would cause something to spill. Nope… It spilled because my son’s basketball rolled into the bowl.
I was SO mad. There I am — scrubbing with my wipes that I keep in my car like my life depended on it. Nothing was getting better. I was losing my cool, and to top it all off, my kids kept wanting to have a water fight with you guessed it, the punch.
This isn’t the first time something spilled in my trunk. Two weeks ago, salad bowl spilled, a whole salad bowl tumbled over because I forgot to organize my groceries. The lettuce was everywhere, the tomatoes were squashed, and all the dressing was- you guessed it! The trunk! Took me weeks to get that smell out and I’m almost positive you can still smell it because when my mom got in my car, she gave me this, “I thought I raised you better” look.
I think when it really comes down to it, I either shouldn’t put things that might cause a mess in the trunk OR organize the trunk in a way that things won’t fall. I use Pinterest all the time to find ideas for everything, so why not trunk organization ideas?
I saw this hack, that was telling me to get crates and a piece of wood and create shelf-like objects to store different objects like my salad bowl or my punch bowl, and all the other junk that goes in the trunk.
Creating different compartments will allow me to store more and make fewer messes. I highly suggest that you look at suggestions on how to keep your trunk organized. Save your frustration and give yourself more room in your trunk and a little piece of mind that nothing is spilling!
Goodbye Cleo, Hello Hospital
Driving has always been a great pastime for me. When I was younger I used to just hop in my car after dinner and just ride. I’d go everywhere, there was not one place I hadn’t driven to. These rides were ones that I’d pick up my friends, my girlfriends, my siblings, and even my grandpa on one occasion and just talk.
I never wanted the trip to end. I used to think that if I could live in my car for the rest of my life, I would. Nothing ever went wrong while I was cruising. Until one night that is.
It started out like every other night. I had dinner and picked up a water bottle to take for the ride, grabbed my keys, a light sweater, and I was ready to go! Stepped foot in my baby, her name was Cleo. What? You mean to tell me you never named your car? Hmm, well I named her Cleo because she was the most beautiful car on the road of course.
I left my driveway that night, thinking I’d be back in an hour or so. Not in the cards that night. I took an abnormal route this time, very slow with many turns and twists, but nothing crazy. What seemed to be a tiny hill came and as I went my normal speed, which was not fast might I add, I realized my car had been taken over. Remember I said a tiny hill? No, it was not a baby. It was more like the terrible twos toddler.
I went for my brakes, as most people would, but I couldn’t feel a thing. Where could my brakes have gone? The pedal was still intact but my brakes had been worn out. Before I continue with the story, I will say I should have checked my brakes weeks ago, as I knew that they were wearing thin.
At that moment, I just wanted to run to the service department and not go through what I was about to go through. Controlling your speed on a hill without brakes is impossible so I knew what was coming next was not going to end well. I hit bushes, I ran over mailboxes, at one point I heard my side mirrors break. Long story short, I ended up in a stretcher that night because I could not get my car to stop, due to me wanting to wait to get my brakes checked. I ran into a barn. My car, gone.
Luckily, I spent a few days in the urgent care but nothing life-threatening had happened. My lesson as I got back home was that next time I have a service appointment or feel that my brakes are worn out, I will make it there no excuses. I know the question running through your mind, how could I think that not having brakes would be safe? Thing is, I did not think it was safe, I did not think at all about my brakes.
No Time Like the Present To Get a BMW
There’s a saying out there that says, “take the day as it comes”… I was wide awake at 7AM on a Saturday morning as the sun was beaming through my blinds. I decided it was the day that I started my new adventures in life. I wanted new experiences, new loves, and even a brand new car. I just wanted to drive to the beach on days like today and not rely on anyone but my brand new car.
Buying a vehicle is an expensive process, everyone knows that. It’s an investment, a very large investment, but also a needed one. I called up my friend and explained my new life plan, but I needed a car today, right now, this instant. Her response was not one I wanted to hear frankly. She wanted me to wait, think things through, and then maybe if I feel the same next week we can go.
No way, Sharon! I saw on Flemington BMW’s site that they are having a “No Time Like the Present Sales Event” and then I knew, I just knew today was the day.
I thought about it for a quite a bit, do I need to hurry and buy a car? Should I just go look? Why the heck not! So many sales on brand new BMW’s I just have to go get one. The whole way there I was excited, nervous, but mostly ready to get the heck on with my life and head to the beach in my brand-spankin’ new BMW. I wanted a red one. Not sure which BMW I was looking for, but I knew I would’ve loved to have a red car.
As I walked in, I was greeted and taken to a sales consultant who showed me many different vehicles. Who knew there were so many BMW’s? We test drove as he walked me through all the bells and whistles on this vehicle, he then told me more about the sales event! I felt so comfortable with him that I was so glad I made my decision to come to Flemington BMW!
So, without dragging my story out longer, I came out with a brand new BMW which I take to the beach house that I bought. Saving so much on my car made me realize how living in the present is better than waiting for a sign in the future!
What in the World is that Squeak?
What in the World is that Squeak?
Driving to the Cape on a Friday afternoon in June is exactly what I look forward to! We take our dog in our BMW which she loves. We bought her a seat belt specifically made for dogs of course just so she won’t jump out! She loves to stick her nose out the window and feel the wind through her fur. We pack a bag or two and drive about two- two and a half hours then switch. I usually drive first so I can sight see on the way to the house we rent on the water. We spend a week at most sometimes we even just ride down for the weekend depends on how crazy work was that week. Pack some sandwiches, some water, a bathing suit, and boom! We’re ready to go! We sometimes invite the family to come join us, it’s so great having all the kids together.
This one time, actually last week when we went down, the tires on our car were acting out. We’d turn the wheel and you’d hear a squeal, that’s when you know something is wrong. So I freaked out- yes like what else am I supposed to do? Everyone thought I was crazy! They kept telling me the tires were not low, and they checked them yesterday, how could that be? Well, I don’t know!
I called the service advisor who explained to me what it could be. He said it might be the car letting me know that it needs more tires, although it will drive properly, if you don’t put more air in, this might cause bigger issues down the road. He also said it might be the tire threads being unevenly used. One side might be used more than the other which might cause the noise when turning the steering wheel. The list never ended! It could also be that the wheels are loose! That isn’t okay, it’s very dangerous! He said apart from the tires, that horrible sound might be coming from my brakes. Those are important, so he said it is urgent to get them checked out! He told me, my best bet was to bring the car in. I was SO furious!
Waiting until the last minute to bring my car in to get a squeaky noise fixed, doesn’t sound like a good start to my Cape weekend. Safety is so important as you can imagine, so the cape could wait.
They look about a full day to fix everything, the conclusion was that my tires needed more air. Something so simple to do- and we still lost a day in the warm, sunny sand. Your best bet when dealing with car issues, no matter how simple or complicated it may seem, leave it to the professionals. Skipping a day at the cape was better than anyone getting hurt or even worsening the issue in my car.
So after that, I make sure to get my car inspected and check, and even rechecked before I leave for any trip! You should too, because missing a sunny day in this beautiful weather is uncalled for!
“Pep Boys.” Top 4 Causes of Noisy Tires | Pep Boys. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 June 2017.
My Car is Worth Way More Than $10,000 Part One
My Car is Worth Way More Than $10,000 Part One
We’ve all seen the picture floating around social media that states that if you know how to treat things right and take care of them, you will be able to keep them for a long time. The image is of a man with his girlfriend at the time sitting on their car with a bottom picture of the same couple (a little older now) with the same vehicle in the background. Cute right? I mean, it makes so much sense. Treat your significant other right, they’ll stay; treat your other baby (your car) properly, and it will last longer.
Ever wondered how to keep your vehicle’s value high? What about how to make your vehicle last long? Whether you are looking to trade in your vehicle and get the most value out of it or looking to keep your vehicle for years to come, these steps will help you do just that. You don’t have to wonder anymore! We have got you covered.
- Seat Covers: If you ride frequently with pets or use your vehicle to haul items around, this might be a good investment for you. Protecting your seats now, saves you money in the long run and keeps your seats brand new longer.
- Wash/Dry: Regularly detailing the exterior of your vehicle keeps your car looking fresh and clean but also prevents rust. Say you live in an area where the winters are brutal, washing away the salt may save your vehicle from rusting quicker.
- Clean Interior: We all have those mornings where we rush and spill every sip of coffee. Well, in order to keep your vehicle clean, you must clean it up! Clean the trash that piles in your center console and vacuum to get all the sticky stuff off of your floors and seats! Pick up those gym clothes you meant to use at the gym…four months ago.
- Smoking: Along with cleaning your interior, getting rid of the tough odors such as the odor of smoking will make a big difference. Picture those cars that smell horrible as soon as you open the door, and people get in while plugging their nose hoping the driver doesn’t realize what that you opened the windows to get rid of the smell…in the dead of winter…yeah- don’t let that happen!
- Brake Slamming: Okay, I’m guilty of this for sure as I’m sure some of you are as well, (I see you out there). Slamming on your brakes wears out the material which means getting brakes installed have to happen more frequently. Usually takes about a day, so this means leaving your vehicle at the dealership or shop. Brake’s aren’t cheap people!
Whether turning your vehicle is the next step or you just want your baby to last longer, this is the way to go! Taking care of your vehicle will be beneficial and will cost less in the long run! Who doesn’t love saving money! You might be thinking this is such a long list…well this is only part one! Stay tuned for part two next week!
Ahmad, Saad. “15 Tips for Maintaining Your Car.” 15 Tips for Maintaining Your Car’s Value and Longevity #Infographic ~. Visualistan, n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2017.
Tires; Because There Are Too Many Types
Tires; Because There Are Too Many Types
There are always those mornings when it snows beyond belief, your car is buried under, and you know once you shovel your way out, your car tires can’t handle the snow. So you shovel, hop in your car, and slowly creep up the driveway…until you reach the top of the driveway. Here comes the yells, the swearing, that half tear that makes you half blind but it’s not full enough to slip to your cheek, and then you step on that gas pedal…like you are about to win a race…until you realize that there is no use.
Bye-Bye winter and hello spring cleaning, spring flowers, spring smells and …spring tires? So many changes after winter have to happen in order for your vehicle to be prepared for the hotter months. But who actually knows the difference between snow tires and all season tires? Not many do.
So here we go! Snow tires are needed if you live in places where the temperature gets below 45 degrees F. Temperature has much to do with why snow tires are needed during the cold, snowy winter months. Snow tires help your vehicle brake better while the roads are snowy and slippery. Snow tires are specifically designed to get you unstuck from that cold slush. Snow tires are made to give your vehicle more control as the temperature drops followed by your patience and the snow. Snow tires specifically have a sturdy grip so your vehicle will not slip when you are attempting to get out of your driveway.
All-Season tires are a little different than snow tires. I know- so many tires, how are you going to keep track? Easy! We got it for you! All-season tires are made to handle both wet and dry roads. These types of tires are known to have more of a snug feel on your vehicle as well as are quieter. Let’s take a minute to picture those squeaky, noisy, most obnoxious tires that come strolling around the corner. To avoid being that person, please change your tires!
Now you might be thinking, why shouldn’t you just keep your winter tires on throughout the seasons, well that would make everything easier, but winter tires are meant for pavements and would have to be replaced more frequently.
Moral of this story, change your tires to match the season or it could ruin your tires which means replacing them once in awhile suddenly turns to constantly. Knowing the difference in which tires to slip onto your vehicle is important so your car can run smoothly and efficiently.
“The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.” Winter & Snow Tires vs. All-Season Tires | Goodyear Tires. Good Year, n.d. Web. 01 May 2017.
BMW X Series- Taking a Thrill Ride
BMW X Series- Taking a Thrill Ride
What is better than to clean your garage for the warmer weather and upgrade your vehicle? We have the answer! Upgrading at a low cost at Flemington BMW of course! Our inventory is filled with vehicles that are ready for every adventure you have planned. Skip the boring road trips and take on the thrilling, more seat gripping rides.
There is no better time to stop into Flemington BMW! Come check out the 2017 BMW X Series. With so much luxurious space for all your passengers, our lineup of X Series is ready for any excursion! These models are taking luxury to a new level with one of BMW’s most spacious cargo spaces! With an option of 40/20/40 Rear-Folding Seats, you have enough space to store all you can bring on your trips! Drive without limits. Sleek design with a powerful engine, creates exceptional versatility. Spread the sophistication wherever the road takes you and all the bells and whistles to accommodate you.
You will be turning heads whether in Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, or Hopewell, NJ! There is no doubt you will leave every mouth wide open cruising down the road. Be bold and conquer the road with the BMW X Series.
Visit Flemington BMW at 216 US Highway 202 31, Flemington, NJ 08822 and start with a test drive! Out with the old and in with the BMW X Series! See you there!
Don’t Miss Out On March Specials at Flemington BMW
It may be hard to believe but we are already halfway through the month of March! Therefore, Flemington BMW would like to remind all of our customers that there is only a couple of weeks left to take advantage of our March New Vehicle Specials! Right now we are offering special rates on a few incredible models like the 2017 BMW X1, X3, X5, 3 Series, 4 Series, and 5 Series! These offers won’t last long so be sure to make a trip in from Flemington, Clinton, Lambertville, and Hopewell, NJ and visit us here at 216 US Highway 202/31 in Flemington, NJ 08822 anytime before 3/31/17!
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