Summer Road Trip Essentials: Your Expert's on Packing for Any Trip!

Now that Memorial Day weekend has passed, it is officially summer time! Almost a third of Americans will be hitting the road (or sky) this year to venture around the country in search of a great vacation spot. Whether you are traveling to a near by state, or driving cross country...you should always prepare for anything the open road may throw at you! Even if your vehicle is brand new, there are still a few items on here that you may not have thought about previously.

• 12V Jump Box- Not only can a jump box help you jump start a dead battery, but it is also able to charge a cell phone from a USB or 12V port. 
• Vehicle Fluids- Motor oil, transmission fluid, washer fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are very handy to have in case of emergency! Tuck them away in a small crate, you never know when they may come in handy! 
• Flashlights and flares- These are extremely useful in case of a tire blow out, or any vehicle emergency. Be sure to stash these in your trunk before hitting the road!
• Tools, and additional vehicle belts- Depending on the make and model vehicle you have, changing the serpentine belt may be relatively easy! Be sure to have your local Bob Sumerel Tire location inspect your belt for free before any trip! 
• Pillows and blankets- Comfort is one of the utmost things important things for any road trip! Make sure to not forget pillows and blankets from home to ease the stress of sitting in a car for many hours! 

Above all else, mapping out your trip beforehand is crucial, especially if the destination or route is unfamiliar to you! On longer road trips, it is always good good to have multiple shifts driving with other passengers in the vehicle. Drowsy driving is certainly a factor for any trip that will exceed a days worth of driving. No matter how much sleep you get the night before a long trip, you will still be worn out after an excessive amount of sitting stationary. It is better to be safe than sorry in this condition, so pulling off to a rest area for a quick doze when you feel yourself beginning to get tiresome.

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Cracked Windshields: Ohio's Experts in Automotive Glass Repair

You're driving down the road one day when out of nowhere a rock bounces up and cracks your windshield.  What do you do?  Am I going to have to pay a ton of money to replace my windshield?  Is the crack repairable? The automotive service experts at Bob Sumerel Tire Co. have put together a little guide on what to do in these situations.

It is important to note that even the tiniest cracks in your windshield can spread quickly when exposed to moisture, dirt, and high or low temperatures.  Water and dirt can seep into the crack and weaken the structural integrity of your windshield.  Extremely cold outside air combined with hot air conditioning inside, or vice versa, can also cause cracks to spread.  It is important to act on a crack immediately when it happens to avoid being forced to by a whole new windshield.
  
How Do I Know If The Crack In My Windshield Is Fixable?

Analyze the crack on your windshield closely and look for the following characteristics :

• Crater shaped crack 5mm or less in diameter
  
• Semicircle shaped crack 25mm or less in diameter
• Star shaped crack 30mm or less in diameter
• Bullseye shaped crack 20mm or less in diameter
• Regular slice crack that is 100mm or less in length

The above listed cracks can be repaired at home with acrylic or epoxy.  If you are unsure whether or not the crack in your windshield is able to be repaired then call a local Bob Sumerel expert to get a second opinion.

When Can The Crack In My Windshield Not Be Repaired? 

Driving with a crack in your windshield can be dangerous to you and other people on the road around you if the crack starts to impair your field of view.  If you note that the crack on your windshield falls under one of the categories listed below, then be sure to call your local Bob Sumerel Tire automotive service experts immediately.

• Interior windshield cracks
• Cracks that go through all layers of your windshield glass
• Windshield cracks that impair the driver's field of vision
• Big spider web looking cracks
• Cracks that are 18in or longer
• Cracks with residue or moisture inside of them
• Edge cracks

The good news is that most cracks are the repairable kind, and many of those you can easily repair at home without having to take time out of your day to go to a shop.  However, in the more serious situations, be sure to keep the windshield experts at your local Bob Sumerel Tire Co. in mind to get you the help you need!

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Premium vs. Unleaded: Is It Really Worth the Extra Cents?

Leaded gas was first used in the 1920's and 30's during the industrialization of the US, and the introduction to the internal combustion engine arose. Later on as the technology advanced, engines were developed to need a higher grade of gasoline, and without the harmful bi-product that lead gave off after being ignited. Thus, unleaded gas was introduced onto the scene, offering higher mpg and a cleaner emissions rating. In modern times, there are a vast array of different fuels you can choose...but what really is the difference?

• Octane Level is the biggest difference- High-performance vehicles demand a higher octane level fuel to handle a much more intense pressure and stress. Consult with your manufacturer directly about this if you have any questions. 
• Consult with your owner's manual- In all owners manuals, there will be a section under "Fuel" which will illustrate and outline the suggested octane level of fuel for your vehicle. On average,
  
  cars with superchargers, turbochargers, or high output engines will require a higher octane level fuel. See the image to the right for a similar illustration to look for in your owners manual. 
• Brand name vs nonbrand name gas- Lots of illusions are placed around name brand gas stations like BP, Shell, and Marathon compared to other not so well known names. Edmunds conducted a research study which showed that it didn't truly matter the brand of the gas itself, it was more concerned with the octane level. 
• Knocking is a possibility if you aren't careful- The more sophistication that is put into engines, the more care and attention is needed. Using a fuel below your suggested octane level has been known to create engine knocking. Essentially, this means that fuel is being ignited prematurely inside your engine. 
• Premium has the potential to increase MPGs- Since there are more detergents, and additives in a premium gas, it typically results in slightly improved MPG. The fuel cleans out any build up deposits of carbon throughout the combustion chamber, allowing for a more fluid flow of fuel, which reduces engine strain. 

To summarize, it really depends on your vehicle type, as well as engine condition before deciding to put those extra dollars in your gas tank. When you do get a new car, be sure to look through the owners manual to verify the specified octane level the manufacturer says to use. Higher performance vehicles will typically require a higher octane level, with some trucks and SUV's actually requiring a mid grade formula. With today's technology and standards, it is very rare for a gas station to sell a gas at an abnormally low octane level. If you have further questions, it is best to consult with your manufacturer on this matter to get their honest opinion on the correct fuel type!

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