Today’s teen drivers face an increasing number of risks and distractions, making safe driving habits more important than ever. At the same time, teen driving laws are evolving, and fewer public schools across the country can afford to offer drivers’ education.

Many community organizations and even large businesses have stepped in to proactively help teens learn the importance of practicing safe driving skills. For example, UPS, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and UPS NASCAR driver David Ragan are partnering for the second consecutive year to present UPS Road Code, a comprehensive safe driving course, based on UPS’s own driver training programs, to help teach teens across the nation the importance of safe driving and defensive driving skills.

“When I’m on the race track, I’m surrounded by about 40 other cars while driving sometimes more than 150 mph. I can’t afford any distractions,” says Ragan, UPS Road Code spokesperson. “Defensive driving is a priority for me on and off the track, and I think there needs to be greater education for American teenagers on what it means to be a safe driver.”

A teen’s first priority while driving should be to pay attention to the highway. Some helpful tips for keeping their eyes on the road include:

* Give enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to allow you a view of all your surroundings. A driver should be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you.

* Identify “stale” green lights — a light the driver did not see turn green — and prepare to stop if it turns red before you reach it.

* Be observant and expect other drivers to do unpredictable things while driving around you, such as speeding and changing lanes.

* Use your signals, lights and horn to communicate with other drivers on the road.

* Establish cushion space by delaying your start from an intersection by three seconds after the vehicle in front of you has moved.

* Check your mirrors every five to eight seconds because hazards that can cause an accident aren’t always in front of you.

Learning the risks and consequences of driving, plus hands-on experience behind the wheel, is essential to improve driving among teens. Drivers’ education, graduated licensing systems and teen-driving programs provide youth important information and the opportunity to practice safe driving. More teen safe-driving tips from UPS Road Code can be found online at www.ups.com/roadcode.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent-Century 21 Bay West

The key to tackling everything from the largest construction project to the smallest touch-up is to have the right equipment. Don’t talk yourself into trying to getting by with makeshift tools – you’ll only end up frustrated, and your project might not get done at all.

If you can’t find everything you need in your tool shed (or even in your tool box), you may be worried about the cost of buying a lot of expensive equipment – particularly if you plan to do more than one project. For most people, renting equipment allows them to get jobs done without the extra cost of buying pricey items that they won’t actually use much.

To make sure that you’ve got everything you need, start by assessing what tools and gadgets you have. Here are some ideas for what you’ll need for some of the most common summer home improvement projects:

* For cleaning your home’s exterior, whether it’s the siding, deck or driveway, a rented power washer gets the job done in a fraction of the time with double the power.

* For touching up the paint on your home, you’ll need sturdy ladders, an array of painting tools and, of course, paint. To give yourself an easy place to set all of your gear, a wheeled scaffolding unit with a platform is a great idea.

* For putting in a new fence, you’ll need panels and posts, and, to make the job go faster, a power auger from your local rental store for digging post holes. Just make sure you contact local utilities to find out where it’s safe to dig before you get started.

* For clearing unwanted brush, bushes and trees, you’ll need a chainsaw and, potentially, a stump grinder or wood chipper. You can rent all of the necessary equipment.

* For adding a deck, choose the decking material you want, and depending on your selection, you might need to pick out sealants and decorative accents. You’ll also need an air compressor for the building process.

Instead of having to shop around for the best price, you can save time and get started right away on your project by going to your local rental store and picking up the tools you need. To make finding the rental store nearest you even easier, the American Rental Association (ARA) offers RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest and most comprehensive rental store locator.

You might even be able to talk your friends into helping out with your projects – combine an afternoon of deck building with a barbeque and you might just find more willing helpers than you’d expected. Armed with a little know-how, a little help from friends and the right tools, your “honey-do” list will be a thing of the past. For more information on tool rental, go to www.RentalHQ.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent-Century 21 Bay West

“Summer and muscle cars go together perfectly,” says Steven Magnante, former technical editor of “Hot Rod” magazine. Magnante will be SPEED’s on the block reporter during the Inaugural Barrett-Jackson Orange County Collector Car Auction in Costa Mesa, Calif., this summer. “Summer is a time for enjoyment. Winter snow and frigid temperatures become distant memories when you’re motoring along in a high performance car on a sunny summer afternoon.”

If you’re lucky enough to have a muscle car in your garage, summer is certainly the perfect time to roll it out. If you’re an admirer but not an owner, you’ll find plenty of collector car auctions, auto shows and TV programs (SPEED will show 18 hours of live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson event) to indulge your interests this summer.

“America was the perfect breeding ground for the muscle car phenomenon,” says Magnante, who has hosted “Off-Road Adventures TV” and “Classic Car Restoration” on cable’s DIY Network. “We’ve got the best primary and secondary roads in the world, vast expanses between major cities and towns and a higher level of prosperity. Add in our free spirit, quest for individuality and competitive nature, and the arrival of high-performance passenger cars was inevitable.”

Here are Magnante’s picks for the top five muscle cars of summer:

5. 1983-’93 Mustang GT Convertible

“Many of us just can’t afford to spend what it takes to obtain a classic ’60s muscle car,” Magnante says. “But if you can get past the somewhat dated styling, any 1983 to ’93 Mustang GT convertible will bring you endless smiles without draining your wallet. Clean 5.0 drop tops are easy to find for under $7,500 and make great budget-conscious, summertime-fun machines.” A 5.0 liter engine makes the GT a great performer. The 225 horsepower 1987 Mustang GT was a 14-second drag strip performer, capable of running with some of the Mustang greats of the ’60s.

4. 1968-1974 Big Block Corvette Roadster

“Some say it’s a sports car and doesn’t belong in the muscle car category, but any car that can smoke tires at 60 mph, run 13s at the strip and strike fear into the hearts of Street Hemi owners is a muscle car,” Magnante says. Big block ‘Vettes with V8 engines deliver 427 cubic inches of brutal performance. Though earlier cars (pre-1971) were less encumbered by smog controls and reduced compression (for compatibility with unleaded gas), even a de-tuned ’74 454 roadster (270 horsepower) has plenty of torque for excitement when you mash the gas pedal – especially when coupled to a four-speed stick.

3. 1968-1975 Plymouth Road Runner

“Plymouth went fishing in the shallow end of the marketplace by pricing the original Road Runner below $3,000 ($2,870 for a stripped pillar coupe),” Magnante says. Plymouth kept the price low by doing away with frills like power windows, bucket seats and air conditioning. A very potent 335 horsepower 383 big block engine and rugged four-speed manual transmission were standard equipment. “With no exaggeration, it was the first muscle car that was affordable to the average teenaged supermarket checkout clerk,” he says.

2. 1965-1970 Mustang High Performance Convertible

“This selection is only valid for Mustang convertibles built with the top engine option for its respective year,” Magnante says. “Mustangs built with lesser engines are fun to drive, but do not qualify as muscle cars.” In 1966, Ford produced 72,199 Mustang convertibles – the peak year of production for the model.

1. 1964-1971 Pontiac GTO Convertible

“Experts will always argue about who invented the muscle car,” Magnante says. “Controversy aside, nobody can deny that the 1964 Pontiac GTO was the first mass-produced Detroit muscle car to really get the mix of image, marketing and performance just right – and spawn a host of would-be imitators from every competing make.” The car was so successful that although Pontiac expected to sell just 5,000 of them in 1964, by the end of the year Americans had driven 32,450 GTO convertibles off the lot … and a legend was born.

“For summertime enjoyment, nothing beats a GTO convertible (preferably with a 4-speed stick), so let’s call it No. 1 on our list,” Magnante says.

To see more amazing muscle cars, classics and great vehicles, tune in to the Barrett-Jackson Orange County Collector car auction June 25 to 27 on SPEED. Log on to www.speed.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent ROB DANDREA, Professional Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West, Westchase, Tampa, FL    727-510-2100     robert.dandrea@yahoo.com    www.robertdandrea.com

With SUVs, trucks and large cars growing in size, backing up can pose a serious problem for drivers. Even the most accomplished driver can’t see blind spots, which can lead to costly repairs or serious injury.

A back-up sensor is a small investment to protect your car and those around you. It is especially a good idea if you live in an area with many pets or children. Between 2001 and 2003 alone, more than 7,400 children ages 1 to 14 were treated for injuries after being hit by a car backing up. Many of these accidents could have been avoided through enhanced vehicle safety features, such as a back-up sensor.

Some new cars come standard with some kind of sensory device or camera to help drivers with rearward motion. A lot of cars do not come with factory installed sensors, but there are products on the market available for self installation. A small motion detector system is mounted above the rear license plate with a connection to the audio alarm placed inside your car. The system will beep and a green LED will light up when an object is within 5 feet of your vehicle. As you get closer to an object the beeping speed will increase and additional LED lights will light up.

In addition to being a must-have safety device, a back-up sensor also saves users a lot of money from repairs needed from avoidable accidents. While the average back-up sensor costs $100, repairs to a mirror can be as much as $500, and back bumper replacements and repairs can run as high as $2,000.

A PEAK Back-Up Sensor System assists with parking and general rearward motion. It is relatively inexpensive, easy to install and can bring much piece of mind. Back-up sensors aren’t just shiny new gadgets built for luxury. They can be cost effective and life saving. It’s a small investment to make your vehicle safer and provide great peace of mind.

In addition to, or as an alternative to sensors, drivers can also become more alert and take measures into their own hands with other tactics. Mirrors are often bumped in tight garages or even while a car is out on the street. Checking to be sure they’re properly aligned, even just once a week, can make a big difference in being able to see. Also, checking blind spots before getting into a vehicle, and again before making any sudden movements, is always good idea.

Regardless of how you do it, making sure your blind spots are addressed when driving a vehicle of any size can not only save you money and insurance headaches, it may just save a life.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West.  727-510-2100   robert.dandrea@yahoo.com            www.robertdandrea.com

Plan your route. One of the most exciting parts of a summer road trip is the planning stage. By getting everyone involved, you can ensure that everyone gets to visit the stops they want to see along the way. The most important part of planning your summer road trip is mapping out your route. Numerous online resources can help you plan your pit stops along the way. If you’re looking to see places off the beaten path, try one of the scenic byways listed on www.byways.org or if you like to visit more oddball attractions, try www.roadsideamerica.com. State tourism websites are also a great place to find summer road trip ideas and most offer online tools to help you plan your trip.

Book reservations for your accommodations. If you’re not able to stay with friends and family along your route, it is recommended you make hotel or campground reservations in advance. Also, research what each company’s policy is for late check-ins or canceled reservations in case you get delayed by weather or road construction.

Perform maintenance on your vehicle. Have your vehicle, RV or travel trailer well inspected and serviced before you leave. Check fluid levels, belts, fans, hoses, filters, tires and brakes. Make sure your spare tire is usable and if you’ll be traveling over a lot of rough, gravel roads consider taking along more than one spare tire.

Pack the vehicle for safety and fun. While a summer road trip can be a lot of fun, there will also be times when being in the vehicle for several hours together could get tiresome. To ensure everyone stays in good spirits, pack a few items for entertainment and travel-friendly snacks like pretzels, animal crackers, raisins, cereal, fruit, granola bars and trail mix. Stop at grocery stores along the way and stock up on bottled drinks, sandwich supplies and ice.

Keep trip expenses in check. Fuel for your vehicle will be one of your biggest expenses during your summer road trip, but there are a few things you can do to reduce costs. You could bring one or more friends or family members with you and split the cost of the fuel or visit www.gasbuddy.com to find the lowest fuel prices available in each area you visit. You can even get prices sent to your iPhone or other mobile device as you travel.

If you are driving a pickup on your big summer adventure, you can see immediate gas mileage improvement by installing a truck bed cover on your pickup. A truck bed cover, also known as a tonneau cover, will reduce drag, making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. One affordable and high-quality option is the Access Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company. Made of heavy-duty, double coated vinyl, the roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck. Since the roll-up cover is lockable, it will also protect your gear while traveling. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling larger items or a travel trailer.

By making these preparations ahead of time, you’ll ensure that your unforgettable adventure won’t be ruined by setbacks along the way. For more information on the Access Roll-Up Cover and to find out how much gas money you could save on your next summer road trip, visit www.accesscover.com or call (888) 309-0643.

Courtesy of ARAcontent Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Bay West, Tampa, FL 33626  727-510-2100  robert.dandrea@yahoo.com      www.robertdandrea.com

]]> http://floridaguysstuff.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/how-to-have-a-safe-and-fun-summer-road-trip/feed/ 0 robdandrea http://floridaguysstuff.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/what-you-need-to-know-to-improve-your-vehicles-longevity/ http://floridaguysstuff.wordpress.com/2010/04/30/what-you-need-to-know-to-improve-your-vehicles-longevity/#comments Fri, 30 Apr 2010 03:13:42 +0000 Rob Dandrea Realtor-Tarpon Springs/Palm Harbor http://floridaguysstuff.wordpress.com/?p=67 ]]> (ARA) – There are a number of car care considerations that can protect the performance and longevity of your vehicle, beginning with motor oil – your vehicle’s life blood, says Jody DeVere, automotive expert and CEO of AskPatty.com.

“You can save time and aggravation by choosing your motor oil wisely. Using the wrong type and grade – or a low-quality oil that does not meet industry standards – in your vehicle may impact fuel economy and engine performance.”

High-quality motor oils are designed to fulfill the demands that apply to millions of cars. Pennzoil and Quaker State, for example, invest heavily in comprehensive product testing – in the lab, on the road, and at the racetrack – to ensure its oils meet the demands of today’s engines. Oils that do not meet required specifications can lead to costly engine repairs or could ultimately void the vehicle’s warranty. An informative website – www.MotorOilMatters.org – answers motor oil questions and dispels many common myths.

Following this simple checklist of tips can also help keep your vehicle running longer, safer and more cost-effectively:

Pump high-quality gasoline
Not all gasolines are the same, and no matter what grade of fuel a vehicle requires, it’s important to use a high-quality gasoline. Industry research confirms that a clean engine can result in better fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and overall optimal engine performance. Fortunately, keeping the engine clean of performance-robbing “gunk” helps it perform better. It’s as easy as choosing the right gasoline. For example, Shell’s Nitrogen-Enriched Gasolines contain a patented cleaning system that not only cleans, but protects critical engine parts against gunk to help improve engine performance as you drive.

Don’t lose your grip
Tires are a car’s only connection to the road, so making sure they are in good shape and properly inflated is essential for automotive safety, optimum driving performance and potential cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage by around 3.3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Let the car breathe free
Check that the air filter isn’t clogged. According to the Department of Transportation, replacing a clogged air filter on cars with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines can improve acceleration time by 6 to 11 percent. This kind of engine is prevalent on most gasoline cars manufactured from the early 1980s onward. Tests suggest that replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may help to maximize fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal replacement conditions, or up to 14 percent if the filter is so clogged that it significantly affects drivability.

You can’t avoid what you don’t see
Ninety percent of all driving decisions are made based upon visual input. Make sure you have a clear view of the other vehicles on the road and potentially hazardous obstacles. Inspect your wiper blades and replace them with a quality brand blade, like Rain-X, if they are cracked, torn, cut or streaking, so you can see clearly.

Regular tune-ups pay off over the long term
Before taking a long trip, visit a trusted professional and make sure your car is properly tuned. Depending on the kind of repair and how well it is performed, regular vehicle maintenance can improve gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, according to the Department of Energy.

For more information, as well as helpful tips and advice on motor oil, visit www.MotorOilMatters.org or for additional women-friendly automotive advice, visit www.AskPatty.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Real Estate Professional with Century 21 Bay West, Tampa.   727-510-2100      robert.dandrea@yahoo.com             www.robertdandrea.com

Fortunately, with a few simple procedures you can keep your lawn mower or riding tractor running smoothly throughout the season and beyond.

“Taking some small maintenance steps can help reduce the wear and tear on your lawn equipment’s engine so it runs great for a long time and you can spend more time enjoying your yard,” says Scott Mack, senior training specialist at Kohler Engines, a global manufacturer of small gasoline and diesel engines.

Mack offers the following tips to help your lawn mower engine run smoothly:

* Clean out debris – When left sitting for a while, lawn mower engines may gather dust and dirt or worse, become home to a nesting mouse or other critters – a collection of grass and other dried plants is a key indicator of this. If you suspect an animal has been near the engine, check the engine for a nest or debris and inspect wires for chew marks.

* Fully charge the battery – Batteries can lose their charge if left idle for more than a month. Certain batteries also require you to check water levels, in which case distilled water must be used in refilling.

* Clean battery connections – Build-up and corrosion occur over time in the battery connections; therefore it’s important to clean them before corrosion causes permanent damage. Remove the wires from the battery and clean connections by scrubbing with a wire brush. Use a baking soda and water solution to neutralize the acid and clean the parts without causing any damage. Make sure that terminals are dry before reassembling the battery cables. Remember when removing and reattaching battery cables, the negative cable (-) should be removed first and reattached last. Also, ensure you properly torque the bolts.

* Change oil and spark plugs – If you didn’t change the oil before your mower was stored a few months back, it’s important to do it now. Make sure you always use manufacturer-specified oil. Spark plugs are easy to replace and help keep equipment running in top condition during peak usage. Be careful when removing and reinstalling the plug not to cross-thread or over-tighten.

* Filters: oil and air – An oil change is also a good time to consider replacing the oil filter, if equipped. While operating conditions can alter these intervals, an oil filter should be changed every 100 hours or every season, whichever comes first. Air filters come in a variety of types, such as foam, paper or dry element, with the type determining whether an air filter can be cleaned or must be replaced. At minimum, clean or replace the air filter seasonally, but refer to your engine owner’s manual to determine the air filter type and exact maintenance schedule.

* Check for proper functioning – While the machine is off, check to make sure the moving parts operate smoothly. Check the throttle and the choke linkage. If there is a ticking noise when the engine has warmed up and is running at low idle speed, this may indicate the valves need adjustment. To help lawn mower owners identify and solve a wide variety of engine operational issues, Kohler Engines offers a series of small engine troubleshooting tips at kohlerengines.com.

* Use the right fuel – It’s a good idea to buy fuel in small quantities because fuel varies for different seasons. If your mower is also used in the winter, it most likely will have a different fuel type than what is required during the warmer months. Keeping parts clean and using fresh fuel will make your engine run more efficiently. If your mower contains old gas from the last season that did not have a fuel stabilizer added, consult your local gas station on how to properly dispose of it and start with fresh gas.

* Clean the carburetor – If the fuel wasn’t stabilized before storing your equipment, it’s possible that it gummed up the carburetor. Various additives can help address this problem. If an additive doesn’t work, you might need to disassemble the carburetor and clean as recommended by your user’s manual or service dealer. This requires considerable small engine knowledge, so it might be a good idea for most people to bring their lawn mower to a professional to be cleaned.

Kohler Engines provides a series of small engine maintenance videos that will guide you on performing these simple maintenance operations. A list of maintenance tips, maintenance schedules and an online version of the owner’s manual are also provided at www.kohlerengines.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent, Century 21 Bay West, Tampa, FL   727-510-2100  robert.dandrea@yahoo.com      www.robertdandrea.com

While travel to any of the states in the Northeast will offer myriad wonderful experiences, perhaps one of the most enjoyable journeys you can take would be a road trip between New York City and Boston. Here’s an itinerary you’re sure to find enjoyable.

* Fly into New York’s LaGuardia Airport and plan on spending a few days in the city. There are hundreds of New York City hotels to choose from. Keep in mind, hotels located in the heart of the city will be more expensive than motels at the edge of town or in neighboring New Jersey.

While in New York, be sure to check out as many of the top attractions as you can. Among those you may want to put on your list are: the Empire State Building, Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the site of Ground Zero.

After spending a few days in New York, pack your bag and make your way northeast to Boston. While flights between the two cities are readily available and take just 45 minutes, they can be expensive, so travel by car, bus and train is a lot more popular.

If you decide to travel by car, the two major cities are only between four and five hours apart, depending on traffic. While most people drive straight through, when the fall colors are at their peak, travel is a bit more leisurely as people want to stop to enjoy the color.

Once you arrive, check into one of the many Boston hotels. Just like in New York City, the downtown hotels can be expensive, so if you want to save money, book a hotel outside the main downtown core. Try to find a place near a transit stop so it will still be easy to get around from one part of the city to another.

Among the must-see attractions to visit in Boston are:

* Freedom Trail – A 2.5 mile walking trail that leads you past 16 nationally significant historic sites, including churches, meeting houses, cemeteries, parks, a ship and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.

* Fenway Park – The home of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox.

* Sam Adams Brewery – Tours of the brewery are offered every day except Sunday, as are opportunities to taste the brew made in the factory.

* Cheers Boston – If you enjoy watching Cheers, which aired on NBC between 1982 and 1993 and is now in syndication, you have to pay a visit to the restaurant that served as the inspiration for the television show. The former Bull & Finch Pub is located in Boston’s Beacon Hill District.

These are just some of the attractions worth checking out when you’re in Boston. There are, of course, plenty more. Be sure to pick up a guide book to help you plan your trip.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764  727-510-2100    robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com     www.robertdandrea.com

“My entire career has been about keeping cars running strong in some of the most severe conditions,” says Alan Gustafson, crew chief of veteran NASCAR driver Mark Martin’s No. 5 car. “Making your vehicle last is more important than ever these days, and it’s important for drivers to proactively maintain their vehicles after the stress of cold weather months.”

April celebrates National Car Care Month, the time of year that serves as a reminder for drivers to think about the condition of their vehicles. Gustafson recommends a few simple checklist items to help keep your car running at optimal performance leading into the expected busy spring travel season:

Motor oil is a must: Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on an engine if it is not cared for properly, as cold startups are among the most severe conditions that engines undergo. Drivers need to protect their vehicles with a quality motor oil to endure the varying temperatures as most of the country changes from cooler to warmer temperatures. The changing of seasons serves as an excellent reminder of the importance of using high quality motor oils in your engine, such as Quaker State Advanced Durability motor oil.

As the weather changes, conditions on the road also change. Historically, more drivers take to the highway as the temperatures increase, resulting in increased traffic congestion and heavy stop-and-go traffic conditions. Under these extreme conditions, drivers need a motor oil that will protect their engines from heat and wear. Quaker State Advanced Durability motor oil is tested under these conditions, and demonstrates a durable level of protection.

Quaker State oils are constantly tested in New York City taxi cabs and after thousands and thousands of miles of use, still pass certain critical industry tests for brand new oil for wear, viscosity, and rust protection even when it is ready to be changed.

Make a date to inflate: As the weather gets warmer and temperatures increase, tire pressure changes. Under-inflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent, according to www.fueleconomy.gov. Tires should be checked monthly to make sure that they are inflated to manufacturers’ recommendations, which can typically be found on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box. Be sure to avoid over-inflating the tires, as this can lead to premature or irregular tire wear.

Clean your fuel system: Many drivers use a fuel system cleaner in the winter to combat the cold weather conditions and to ease the stress on their engines during cold startups. Continuing the use of that fuel system cleaner after the colder months is also a good idea, as gunk and deposits collect in the fuel system. Products such as Gumout Regane Complete Fuel System Cleaner are designed to help clean the combustion chamber, fuel injectors/carburetors, intake valves and ports of an engine, which can help maximize fuel economy and engine performance.

It is essential that motorists take the proper steps to make sure their cars are fully prepared for the spring drive, and use quality automotive products to help the vehicle run the way it was intended. For instance, motor oils that do not meet required specs can cause costly engine repairs and ultimately could void the vehicle’s warranty. Additionally, a vehicle using low-quality oils may be more likely to break down which is not only inconvenient, but it also potentially threatens your ability to get to the places you need to be – like your job. For more information on Quaker State’s lineup of durable motor oils, visit www.QuakerState.com. Visit www.MotorOilMatters.org for more information on why motor oil really does matter.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764   727-510-2100    robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com      www.robertdandrea.com

In fact, the financial literacy of high school students has fallen to its lowest level ever, according to a survey of high school seniors and college students released last year by the Jump$tart Coalition.

The survey reveals that just 17 percent of high school seniors understand basic differences between stocks, savings bonds and savings accounts. Only about 40 percent of them realize that their own health insurance could stop if their parents become unemployed.

Who is responsible for teaching kids financial basics?

Parents say they want to be the source of that information, yet they admit they aren’t following through. Fewer than 50 percent of parents believe they are competent teachers of financial issues according to the Money Lessons Survey posted on about.com.

“So many parents tell us they don’t know where to start,” says Laura Dierke, financial education program manager with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a faith-based financial services organization. “We empower parents to have conversations about money with their children through financial education workshops in communities across the country.”

While attending a financial education workshop may be an option, don’t hesitate to start the conversation today. Here are a few to tips to get started.

Tips to talk about money
The key with kids is to find some lessons that work and then repeat them until they sink in. Money skills are learned over time, and some of the best lessons are taught by what you do, rather than what you say.

1. Remember cash? With credit cards dominating our wallets, kids simply are not “in touch” with money. Help your kids see what money is by showing them coins and dollars and talking about their worth. Help them understand what money does by using cash for your purchases whenever possible.

“We can’t expect kids to understand the value of a dollar when they rarely see visible evidence of money leaving your pockets,” Dierke adds.

2. Demonstrate the idea of “interest earned” by adding a small amount to what your kids save. Or offer to match the amount they save to help double their effort. Better yet, open a savings account for your child, either online or in person at a bank, and make the effort to talk about the value of saving over time.

3. Try this when shopping with your older kids. When they want to buy something now, ask them to “stop, think and choose.” Stop to consider whether they want or need it, think how the money could be used more resourcefully and choose if the item is more important than other wants and needs.

4. With online bill pay and electronic bank statements, you have to be intentional about showing your kids the regular income and outflow of your family budget. Make a point of sitting at the computer with them to demonstrate these tasks.

These four tips are just a few ways parents get the lessons started at home with younger children. Make the conversations and real-life examples about money skills and responsibilities part of your life every day to help prepare your children for a bright future.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Realtor with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764   727-510-2100   robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com         www.robertdandrea.com
]]> http://floridaguysstuff.wordpress.com/2010/04/16/tips-to-talk-money-with-your-children/feed/ 0 robdandrea