Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck at the Gas Pump

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Krissyar

Rumor has it that gas prices are going to skyrocket – just in time for summer. The news doesn’t have to put a damper on your summer plans though, there are plenty of ways you can get the most bang for your buck at the gas pump this summer.

This post is sponsored by Dulles Motorcars.

Use an App or Website to Check Prices. There are some amazing resources out there that will help you save money when it comes to gas prices. Apps like GasBuddy, or websites like AAA, Fuel Finder or Gas Guru will show you the prices at gas stations in your area so you know where to go – don’t you hate it when you fill up to go down a few block and find it cheaper? These sites/apps will help prevent those types of mistakes.

Pay Cash. Some gas stations (Depending on where you are) offer a discount if you pay cash versus a card. On average you can save  up to 10-15 cents a gallon when paying cash versus a card – and sometimes even more. Check with your gas station attendant before deciding how to pay. 

Check Out Gas Station Credit Cards. Some bigger gas companies do offer reward credit cards where you can get 3-5% back on gas (and other) purchases, up to $2,500 or sometimes they will offer 5 cents off per gallon with no limit. 

Check Your Local Grocery Store. Some grocery stores partner with gas stations (or have their own) where you can earn discounts on your gasoline purchases based on your grocery purchase. I have a friend who fills up for free quite often! Some stores may also offer double or triple gas points if you buy gift cards (our Kroger does) and if you are going to be purchasing at those stores or restaurants anyway, you might as well save a few more bucks.

Don’t Go Premium. Some people feel they are taking care of their car better if they use premium gas – but most vehicles are engineered to use regular gasoline. Check your owners manual for manufacturers suggestions, but you could save a pretty penny by cutting back on the premium while prices are high.

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Fuel Economy Tips Debunked

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Krissyar

We’ve talked about fuel economy before, but I have had a lot of people ask some questions about what they’ve always been told about saving gas – is it true? So I did some digging and here’s what I came up with…

                   This post is sponsored by Pearson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram

Should You Warm Up Your Car Before Driving??

The newest most common consensus is a big fat no. Though back in the day some of the older cars may have ran better with a bit of a warm- up, but modern fuel-injected electronically controlled drive trains. Engines run most sufficient at regular operating temps, and the easiest and fastest way to get there is just to drive.

Can Running on Empty (or near empty) Hurt Your Engine?

So we’ve been told that running on empty can bring the debris from your gas tank into the engine and that it can cause big issues – however, the fuel pump always pulls gas from the bottom of the tank first , even when it’s completely full. If there is debris is your tank, it’s going to happen no matter if you keep your tank full or not. Though most vehicles nowadays have a fuel filter in the gas tank as well as one near the engine so most likey this isn’t a legit concern (which from a safety standpoint, not running on empty is a good idea, because you don’t want to run out of gas and get stuck in an unsavory situation).

 

Do Your Tires Really Play a Roll in Your Gas Mileage?

Believe it or not yet – but not a ton. A midsize sedan can lose 1.3 mpg if tires are under inflated by 10 psi. But more importantly, under inflated tires are more of a safety concern than anything. They also wear much faster and run hotter when under inflated, so be sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month (and more with major weather changes, or if you are driving more than normal).

Does Turning Off the AC Save Gas?

The harder the AC works, the more impact it has on your gas tank. So the hotter it is, the more gas it uses, which means more mileage that can be lost – on average 1-4 mpg. However, if it’s 90 degrees the gas mileage will probably be worth it since it’s so hot – unless maybe you are driving 80 down the interstate.

Is it True the More Stuff I Have in My Car, the More Gas I Use?

The more weight in a vehicle, the harder the engine works, which does effect the fuel economy. Especially if you are loaded down with anything on the roof (air dynamic). If you are just moving across town, or unloading stuff at Goodwill, you won’t notice a difference, but a road trip ? Plan to lose at least 4 mpg.

Should You Get Gas at Night vs During the Day?

Any extra gas that you might obtain by hitting up the gas station at night, wouldn’t make a practical difference. The theory of cooler gasoline being denser may be some what true, however most gas stations keep their gas lines underground so the temperature changes very little, if at all. So no, it doesn’t really make a difference.

 

 

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Hacks for the Ultimate Summer Road Trip

Posted on May 17, 2018 by Krissyar

Summer road trips can be some of the best parts of summer – making memories that will last a lifetime. Now while I would recommend being spontaneous on your journey, there are some things you should prepare for to make the experience smoother.

Get Your Car a Check-Up – 

Take your car in for routine maintenance check up before you head out on the road – tune-up, oil change, repair/replace tires, replace windshield wipers, and top off all fluids. Make sure your spare is in good shape, the battery is strong and has clean terminals, and  have your routers and break pads checked. Make sure you have some jumper cables, and spare coolant and wiper fluid on hand.

Be Prepared –

Besides your suitcase be sure to pack things you will need during your time on the road; change and dollar bills for toll roads, a backup credit card for emergencies, battery back up (I have one for my car battery and my phone battery) bags to use for garbage, wet wipes, antibacterial soap, paper towels, a spare car key (you can even use those little magnetic key boxes and attach it under your hood or near your tire or truck to be able to access it in case you get locked out), a cooler to carry bottled water and other drinks and snacks (this will help you save, you can pick up snacks at Walmarts or other grocery stores along the way instead of spending double or more on snacks at the gas station) bring a real life map (for those areas your GPS doesn’t work) and speaking of GPS use a stand-alone GPS unit so you can use your phone for music and other good stuff during the trip. Don’t forget blankets, pillows, hoodies and socks in case you end up needing to catch some Z’s in the car in between hotel stops.

 

Let Family Know Your Location – 

Though spontaneity is good, being cautious is better. Check in with family and friends along the way and let them know what’s going on, where you are headed and what your plans are. Actually even better have your family download the Life360 app which allows you to track each other in real-time. We used this when my husband was an OTR truck driver, and when my oldest daughter went on a school trip to D.C. (This is actually a really great app to use with your kids) but even for adults who are traveling a lot. If you don’t want real-time tracking, at least give a family member your find your iPhone or Google login and have your GPS location on at all times so if there is an emergency they can at least have a better chance of finding where you are.

Join a Roadside Assistance Club –

No matter which one you join, just join! Most Roadside Programs offer trip interruption that will actually pay to put you up in hotels if your car breaks down during a road trip. Not to mention of course, if you actually need roadside help. You don’t necessarily want to just call a random company because you never know what might happen (or if they might price gouge you) so leaving that to the professionals is a good idea. (I’d even recommend upgrading to the best package they have for your trip – better safe than sorry!)

Take the Exit! 

Have you ever been driving and see signs for 5 or 6 exits announcing some cool local shop, or roadside stand, or famous landmark and because you are trying to get to Point A to Point B as soon as possible you never stop? My husband is the worst for this, we routinely travel from Ohio to Maine to visit his family and travel over 1,200 miles one way! He will NEVER EVER stop for any of the awesome things we see along the way because he wants to just get there (or just get home – it’s the truck driver in him) but trust me STOP! You could miss out on something awesome. I remember stopping at the silliest store off an exit in Florida and my sister and I found these visors that had battery operated fans in them. It was the coolest souvenir I ever had, and I kept it until it didn’t work anymore (and I very well might of bought a alligator claw back scratcher too!) Look for those signs for “worlds largest” too. ALWAYS some good entertainment and you never know what you might find!

Talk to Locals –

I wouldn’t recommend chatting it up at that little gas station in the tiny town that looks like something out of a creeper movie. But ask gas station attendants , or restaurant workers about cool local attractions and mom & pop restaurants that are popular in the area – you never know when you might find a great hidden gem!

 

This post is sponsored by Lonestar Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

 

 

 

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Do You Have What It Takes To Take On the Motor Industry?

Posted on May 15, 2018 by Krissyar

It’s a horrible feeling when you reach the top of a career ladder and discover that the view from the top isn’t as rosy as you’d once hoped. Perhaps the pay still doesn’t meet your expectations or requirements. Perhaps there simply isn’t enough challenge to excite and stimulate you. Maybe the standards throughout your operation simply aren’t the standards to which you hold yourself. There are a great many reasons why we decide that not only must we change jobs, we feel it’s pertinent to change entire careers and move onto a new industry. But whatever your reasons may be you may find a challenging and rewarding new home in the motor industry. If you love cars, are passionate about customer service and are prepared to work hard you can make an excellent living in the motor industry…

 

Easy entry

 

Many assume that the technical nature of the job would preclude new or retraining candidates from entry but in recent years there has actually been a substantial push from larger manufacturers and dealers to recruit outside of the industry, bringing their skills to bear while giving them extensive training to ensure that they can speak confidently and professionally about the more technical elements of the job. Moreover, as the motor industry is in a constant state of expansion there are usually a plethora of job opportunities available and it’s not uncommon for those in the industry to change disciplines allowing for great variety.

 

In sales

 

All sales professionals are hard working and dedicated, but few put in the hours and go above and beyond for their customers like those in the auto industry. If you have a background in sales and can demonstrate that you’re able to sell technical products to a non-technical buyer (e.g. software / machinery) a lack of experience in the car industry needn’t be an impediment. Unlike a lot of other sales jobs, the auto industry tends to offer pretty good basic (especially prestige brands) as well as impressive commissions especially when sales professionals are able to hit their top band consistently.

 

In aftersales

 

If you have a passion for customer service and are technically minded, yet don’t much like the idea of working in sales, there is still a huge demand for after sales professionals. Service advisors work hard to deliver outstanding customer care to customers coming in for repairs, servicing or routine maintenance. The trouble with maintenance is that the customer rarely sees the benefit of the had work which has gone on under the hood. It’s part of a service advisor’s job to build value into the work while also advising the customer of important work that needs to be carried out in an easy to understand and accessible manner.

 

Or run your own business

 

The great thing about the automotive industry is its scope for entrepreneurship. When you have a few years under your belt it’s entirely possible to start up your own business. If you can secure startup capital to get a modest inventory of cars, cheap motor trade insurance and a well equipped garage, the sky’s the limit. With more and more cars on the road every passing year there’s a constant stream of demand for your skills and expertise.

 

If you can endure the long hours and occasionally stressful nature of the job, the auto industry can provide every opportunity to make your career grow.

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Changing Careers When You’re a Mom

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Krissyar

When you become a mother, your priorities often change and sometimes that can lead to you wanting to pursue a different career path that offers you better hours, more money or maybe more fulfillment in life.

If that’s you and you want to make a change, but you’re apprehensive or you don’t really know how to go about it, here is some advice that you find useful:

Get to the Bottom of Your Motivation

If you can work out exactly why you’ve decided to pursue that new career, you can work out if it is a good idea to go ahead. For example, if you are thinking about trying something new out of fear about going back to your old job and not being able to get into the swing of thing, it might be better to go back for a little while and see how it goes, whereas if you genuinely want to try something new because it interests you ad you think it would enhance your life, well what better reason could there be?

Try a Side-Gig

To further ensure that the new career you’re interested in is for you, test the waters by starting something on the side or taking a part-time job to see if it really suits instead of just jumping in. You will save a whole lot of time, money and heartache by doing this.

Online Education is Great

If your new career direction requires you to retrain, when you’re a mom with a young child, it can be difficult to fit education in, especially if you’re working a job as it is and you can’t afford to give it up. Luckily, you can now do an accountancy degree, get your masters degree in leadership, learn how to program, and pretty much anything else you would ever want or need to do online at your convenience. If you want to make life as easy as possible for yourself, this is the option for you.

Talk to Your Spouse

If you have a spouse, you will need to consult them about your plans because it will affect the whole family and since that family now includes a baby, it’s pretty serious stuff. You’ll need to work out who will be the main breadwinner, how many hours you will be both working, who will look after the baby and anything else that your plans to change career could affect so that when you do finally act, the transition will be as smooth as possible for you all.

Start networking

Next, start networking amongst other people who are already living the dream as photographers, real estate agents, writers or whatever it is you want to do. By connecting with them, you’ll find out a bit more of what it’s like to live in their world and build up contacts who could help you get your start in your new career.

Go for It

At the end of the day you’ll never know what it would be like unless you go for it, so do your due diligence but if you’re sure it’s what you want, don’t hold back!

 

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