Archive for the ‘ Automotive ’ Category

Hot Rods and Hot Java

Author: Gina

Dec 29

 

As coffee cultures in the United States are becoming more sophisticated and nuanced, the subcultures of the country are starting to find their place within the love of the bean.  Although the image of the coffee house of the 1950s, with beatniks and poetry and long conversations about art is still very strong in the popular imagination, there are plenty of spaces for everyone else as well.  This definitely includes hot rod culture.

 

There are a number of roasters who take the hot rod image as part of its identity.  This is an example of one of those moments when icons meet up with other icons, and start to form interesting alliances.  Most of the cultures that are finding their centers around espresso do have certain connections with beatnik culture, enough to show that the self-aware in every crowd like to recognize their roots.  Today’s coffee houses may very well include the kinds of devoted hot rod fanatics who frequent www.hotrodhanks.com, and have the kind of coffee-house sensibility to talk about it for hours.

 

It is perhaps one of the inheritances of the beat generation to create the kind of atmosphere that’s based on sharpness of wit, ability to hang out and enjoy a moment, and still maintain a distinct ironic distance from the rest of the world.  This is not only the heart of a lot of coffee house culture, but it’s also very much in alignment with the hot rod world.  It’s based on modifications that don’t erase the past, but recognize it and honor it.  Both cultures are also becoming rather adept at incorporating the best parts of the things they like and leaving the rest for someone else to worry about.  Hot rods and hot coffee do mix together very well.

There are some hobbies or passions that do particularly lend themselves to the lifestyle of coffee drinks in the middle of the day.  In these times, the idea of the hot rod café is one that’s hard to sustain, simply because lifestyles have changed.  Coffee has always been a much safer companion to driving than a pint of beer, and it’s also a faster pit stop.  Drivers can refuel and find something to stimulate their nerves while getting ready to head to the next destination.  And those who decide to stick around for awhile just might find themselves in a heated conversation about rev wheels, or the best roadside attractions between this city and the next.

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Buying Your First Car

Author: Gina

Dec 19

The freedom and excitement you experience when you buy your first car is unlike any other feeling. You can go anywhere you want to go. You are independent and free. However if you don’t make the decision carefully your dream could quickly turn into a nightmare of bills you can’t pay or a car that doesn’t run.

Before you go out looking a car it is best to sit down and figure what your needs are and what you can afford.

Most young adults don’t need a vehicle that seats a lot of people so a small pickup or a car is usually a good choice. If you have a job that requires certain features like towing ability you will want to keep that in mind as well. Where you live is also an important consideration. If you will be driving a lot in snow or off-road, you may want to consider all or front wheel drive. Hondas in the Twin Cities are very popular because they offer all or front wheel drive for residents that have to drive in sometimes very difficult rainy or snowy conditions.

When you have figured out what you need, it is time to consider price. Being able to pay for the entire cost of the car upfront would be the ideal situation; however for most people that is not reasonable. When you are young financing a car can help you build your credit; although the interest rate will be pretty high. If you do take on car payments make sure they are something that you can easily afford. You don’t want to put too much of a strain on your budget and wind up unable to make your payments.

Buying your first car is a big responsibility, but with careful consideration it can be a great learning experience.

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Annual Checks Prevent Auto Repairs

Author: Gina

Oct 2

One of the things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle is to perform annual checks on several important systems. These aren’t meant to replace regularly scheduled checkups coordinated to your car’s mileage. They are additional checks that small engine repair manuals state will help keep your car running smoothly. Pick a day of the year you’re likely to remember, such as the anniversary of when you acquired the car or the day after your birthday or a major holiday. Each year on that date, do the following.

Inspect the spark plug wires . If these wires crack, it will affect your vehicle’s gas mileage, reliability and overall performance. Make sure to replace any cracked or split wires.

Inspect the brakes. Never mess around with your brakes. If they are getting too worn down, replace them. If you’re not sure how worn is too worn refer to your car’s owner’s manual or purchase the appropriate repair manual, like a ford excursion repair manual . If you’re still in doubt, take it to a professional mechanic or brake shop.

Clean the battery posts. The last thing you want is to have problems starting the car , no matter where you live or what time of year. Keeping the battery clean can help keep your electrical system running smoothly.

If you aren’t getting regular oil changes (and why exactly aren’t you?) at least do it during this annual check up.

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