MPG Magic: Clinton Honda Explain How You’re Getting More at the Pump

With summer just around the corner and the nice weather already here, plenty of us are thinking about getting in the car and heading out for new destinations. It’s part of what’s great about America is being able to see so much. But the important thing is to plan accordingly. Clinton Honda has some advice for keeping your road trip fun and safe. Planning As much fun as it can be to hop in the car and just go, longer trips, especially multi-day tours, do require a lot of thought ahead of time. Make sure you know your route and have some thoughts on major destinations. It’s helpful to not try to pack too much into a short trip to keep things light and enjoyable. What to Bring Along the planning part, make sure you pack accordingly. If you’re heading international, be sure to bring at least two forms of ID and, if you’re travelling with kids, be sure to bring copies of birth certificates. Always make sure you have a map or atlas in the car. As great as GPS and smartphones are, plan for the worst and hope for the best. Finally, music and snacks! Just make sure your road food isn’t likely to distract you. Where to Go Hitting the highlights is always a sure bet, but make sure you take some time for out of the way places. There are plenty of websites that will guide you off the beaten path. Doing so can leave you with a bit more of a feeling that you experienced a place and not just saw it. What to Keep in Mind All trips benefit from planning, but there comes a point when we all need to let go and let a trip be what it is. Forcing an itinerary can often be disastrous. Be open to changing plans and seeing what there is to see. Along that line: take your time. If you rush, you may miss it all.

If you’re one of those people who isn’t eager to get behind the wheel, you’re not alone. Thousands of people have some form of anxiety about driving. For most, it surrounds the idea of what could happen and trying to deal with other drivers. If this sounds like you, Clinton Honda, your Phillipsburg Area Honda dealer, has a few tips for you. Timing One of the major components to driving anxiety is other drivers. It may seem obvious, but one of the first things you can do is to avoid peak travel times for others. Leaving earlier or later than most can make your entire trip a lot less stressful. Preparation Similar to timing, many people get stressed when they’re going somewhere new or to a place like a city they don’t usually drive in. One of the best ways to combat this is extensive preparation in terms of directions, construction delays, even weather reports can decrease stress. While a GPS can solve a lot of this, having a voice dictating directions may not be the answer. Authority in the Car If you’re the type who gets anxious with other people in the car, be sure to take control of your vehicle as long as you’re behind the wheel. Take the time you need to adjust everything to your liking and, if excess noise or distractions set you on edge, ask your passengers to help you out and refrain from too much chatter or music. Exercises to Try Along the way, remember to breathe deeply if you find yourself getting tense. Pull off if necessary and roll your shoulders and neck to relieve some of the tension. Finally, try to imagine your trip one step at a time instead of thinking about the entirety all at once.

Every vehicle, no matter what the age or style, will need to have a tune-up from time to time. Older vehicles will typically need to have them done more often. The trick is getting it done before it’s too late. Your Bridgewater area Honda dealer goes over some ways you can tell if your vehicle needs a tune up. Car Stalls If your car is stalling, that is a surefire sign that a tune up is needed.  There are quite a few reasons that this could be happening, and it would be in your best interest to have a mechanic take a look at your car and give you a diagnosis. A common reason why this may be happening is because of the spark plugs. They could be worn out, or they may just need to be adjusted. Take notice to when your vehicle is mostly stalling, such as in cold or hot temperatures or when you turn the air conditioner on. Car Is Hard To Start If your car is hard to start, this could be for a number of different reasons, all of which require servicing. It could be due to a weak battery, the fuel system, the ignition system, or even some type of electrical issue. If you’re having trouble starting your car, the only way to really tell what is causing it is to take it to be checked out.