Are you making these car cleaning mistakes?

 
Using Dishwashing Soap.  If you’re constantly struggling with soap scum, take a closer look at the product you’re using!  Be done with Dawn and invest in soap meant for washing cars.
Using the Wrong Cloths. If it’s not microfiber, you’re doing it wrong.
Rolling Down Windows Before They’re Dry.  We’ve got two words for you: water spots.
Over-Washing Your Car.  Yes, there is such a thing.  If you care about preserving your paint job, don’t wash your vehicle obsessively.

Which Scent-sational Air Freshener is Right for You?

These days there are so many little pine trees in plastic sleeves when you walk into an auto store, it is seriously hard to pick one! Well here is the 411 on Car-Freshener scents and a surefire guide to pick the one that is best for you.

Royal Pine – If you have only seen one little green tree in your life, it was probably this one. It is the classic choice and that says something. It is sort of hard to find fault with this scent and its long history proves that it is a crowd favorite. It is pretty rich and basically smells like Christmas in July. 

New Car: This is always a good scent as it is a compelling mix of many things that are calming and subtle. That being said, it definitely does not smell like a new car. 

Black Ice: This is the overwhelming favorite of the bunch! Look on Amazon to see the top car freshener products – this will definitely be near the top of the list. It smells strong like a man’s cologne.

Leather – This should smell like leather…but it doesn’t. If you want something leathery smelling, New Car is a far better choice.

Blackberry Clove: If you like fruity scents, than this one is the one for you. It smells nice, but it is very strong.

Find Your Mood Music

It is pretty safe to say that how we feel affects our perception of the world. Fortunately, your car stereo is on your side! Listening to the right music is like getting a chiropractic adjustment for your mood. 

Sad: While you could wallow in your sadness, it makes much more sense to turn the frown upside down. While it might seem like really happy songs would be the ‘go-to’ for this situation, they might highlight the disparity between how you feel and how you really want to feel. Why not go straight for your favorites? No matter what the genre, play a song that you could listen to on repeat! This should definitely change your focus.

Happy: If you are already happy, amp it up to the next level with something super upbeat! Techno and pop songs have light lyrics and a good beat. Listen to these to make a bright mood even brighter!

Angry: Man, don’t you just hate it when the day doesn’t go your way? When you feel frustrated, annoyed, or angry you need to breathe deep and relax. Even if you HATE classical music, its complexity and lack of lyrics will require that you do some active listening. Switching your focus through concentrating on an intricately orchestrated song will help you to take a break from what is bugging you so you can later revisit the situation with a new perspective.

Sleepy: Sleepy is a great way to feel…except for when you are driving! Stay away from techno and classical music! These music genres are like kryptonite for the sleepy driver. Instead, keep an eye out for the nearest exit or rest area and in the meantime throw on some metal or heavy rock – loud and invigorating music is an absolute must have at this point!

Relaxed – Nothing is better than relaxing music on a relaxing ride! Throw on some oldies, smooth jazz, or R&B. Any of these will enhance your already magnificent driving experience.

Unexplainable/undefined: Not sure how you feel? Neither are most Indy rockers. That is your ticket to exploring your thoughts and emotions.

Have any other mood music suggestions? Feel free to leave them in a comment!

Be Cool Honey Bunny, Be Cool

Is your car working hard or working smart? There is such a thing as doing too much! AVOID doing these two things and watch your summer get a whole lot cooler.
NEVER turn your car off without switching the AC off first! Powering off your vehicle while the air is still running creates a small shock in the air conditioning system that can have damaging side effects over time. Ideally, you should switch off the AC a few blocks from your destination. It’s fine to keep the fan running.
NEVER crank your AC from 0 to full blast! We understand that it’s hot outside, but forcing your car to blast all of that energy at once doesn’t make the air cool faster. Start your AC on the lowest setting and work your way towards the smaller temps.

New Grad Needs New Car...Now What?

Establish a Budget

When coming up with a budget for your car, consider all your monthly costs including rent, bills and student loans. This will help you stay within the limits of what you can afford so you don’t get in over your head with payments. Setting realistic goals will help you manage other financial areas, too.


Take your Time

Don’t rush the process. Look at as many cars as you want and take notes (you should be a pro by now!) so you can remember all the important facts. Car and Driver advises you not to purchase your car on the first visit. Take at least a night to think about your decision. You’ll be driving this new car for several years – you should be comfortable and happy with your decision.


Take a Test Drive

During your test drive, be sure to test the brakes and lights while driving on both slow roads and busy freeways. Don’t forget to check out the passenger seats. The more time you spend with a car during a test drive, the more accurate your evaluation will be.

5 Cute Car Dates

1. Go to the drive-in. Nothing says romance like buttered popcorn, a large soda with two straws, and snuggling up to a good movie in a really cool car.
2. Hit the tracks! Did you know that you can go to a racetrack and speed around as fast as your heart desires? Warning: This one is not for the faint of heart.
3. Go off-roading. If you want to get down and dirty, there is nothing better than an SUV/truck and a whole lot of rough terrain.
4. Cruise away. A nice leisurely drive with good tunes is a classic date that will never go out of style. For bonus points, choose a destination that is slightly off the beaten path and has some quirkiness and charm.
5. Car day. Set aside a Saturday and plan to wash your vehicles as a couple.  This is a great way to be productive, spend quality time together, and have fun.

Vehicle Accessories that Make Us Scratch Our Heads

Antenna toppers: The Jack in the Box one comes to mind.

Car lashes: As if fake lashes on chicks weren't bad enough.

The bra: the car equivalent of wearing socks

with saddles.

Spinning rims: We're still dizzy trying to figure this one out.

Curb feelers: sort of like a grown man keeping training wheels on his bike. You know how to park, right?

Swangas: Surely inspired by Madonna's cone bra circa 1990.

What would you add to this list?

DIY Car Air Freshener

Give mom's car a touch of DIY elegance with a natural air freshener!

You will need: 1 orange, 20 cloves, and some ribbon.

Step 1: Poke cloves into the orange, distributing them evenly.

Step 2: Tie the ribbon around the orange, creating a cage of ribbon around it. Leave some length at the end to tie in a loop.

Step 3: Secure it to the rear view mirror using the loop of ribbon and voila!

When the sun shines through the windshield it will heat the oranges and cloves creating a pleasant relaxing aroma. Martha Stewart and Lauren Conrad have nothing on you!