What Are Cooled Seats in Vehicles?
How nice is it to have a heated seat when the weather outside is cold?
Phoenix residents (and those living in other desert cities) have a different question: how nice is it to have a cooled seat when the weather is hot outside?
Cooled seats are a design change that some automakers offer. Instead of having cold air blow into the cabin, this option saves energy by creating a more comfortable place. It eliminates that horrible burn you feel after sitting on super-heated upholstery after your car has a long day in the sun.
What Are the Benefits of Cooled Seats?
1. Individual Controls
The traditional air conditioning system forces everyone to enjoy the same temperature. When upgrading to cooled seats, individual controls allow the driver and passenger to meet their specific needs.
2. Sweat Stains
That trickle of sweat down your back creates problematic stains on your clothing when stepping out of a vehicle. Cooled seats eliminate this issue because you have the cold air applied directly to your body.
3. Energy Savings
Air conditioners consume a lot of fuel. When you switch to cooled seats, the savings in this department can be significant. Studies from 2005 found that fuel efficiency rates drop by up to 24% when using traditional options while carbon emissions more than double.
4. No Element
Although some air-conditioned seats use a cooling element to provide more comfort, unrefrigerated air is found in many models. By increasing the flow and movement around where you sit, the body’s natural cooling mechanism can help you feel better.
5. Seat Cushions
If your make and model doesn’t come with cooled seats, some cushions can provide this benefit for an added cost. Some have built-in fans that get power through your vehicle’s electrical supply.
Cars That Come with Cooled Seats
Are you interested in the idea of cooled seats? Several makes and models provide this feature, although it tends to be a luxury upgrade.
Virtually every major automaker offers cooled seats in at least one model. Even the Tesla Model X provides it as an option.
If you want pure affordability, look at Kia, Mazda, Nissan, and similar brands.
Cooled seats provide better comfort while helping you to save energy. If you’re tired of the blistering heat on your backside after a long day, consider upgrading to this technology. It will help you to have a more enjoyable drive.
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Hyundai, Kia recall over 591,000 vehicles for leaks that can cause fires
Summer Road Trip Destinations in the Covid Era, Part 2
If you feel the itch to get away in the coronavirus era, a road trip might be your safest option. In the first part of this content, we explored the destinations you might consider if you stay in Arizona.
In Part 2, we’ll take a look at the out-of-state road trips that are a perfect solution for a 2-3 day adventure – or longer!
Which one of these destinations would you like to explore first?
1. San Diego, CA
With border crossings questionable in the COVID era, a drive to a Mexican beach may not be the best idea. That means the five-hour trip to this coastal city is still within reach for a road trip. You can fill up on some incredible seafood, splash in the waves, or explore the downtown sector. Social distancing rules can change at any time, so you’ll want to book refundable rooms whenever possible.
2. Los Angeles, CA
There is so much to do in LA that you may need to take a couple of road trips to see everything. Runyon Canyon is the perfect outdoor adventure to maintain your boundaries, providing views of the ocean and the San Fernando Valley. On the way home, a stop at Yosemite National Park can let you stretch those legs even more.
3. Albuquerque, NM
It may be a 400-mile drive to the east, but this river community offers a beautiful Old Town District to explore. Built in 1706, the brick pathways are still lovingly maintained. Head out to the Petroglyph National Monument to follow the historic trails or bring your bike to explore almost two dozen beautiful paths.
4. Las Vegas, NV
It’s about five hours when accounting for traffic, but this city always seems to have something to do. Anything you define as fun is found here. If staying in a casino isn’t your thing with COVID, try an outdoor day at Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
5. Durango, CO
If you want a more extended road trip, try making your way up to southern Colorado. The beautiful La Plata Mountains are a subdivision of the San Juans, giving you a cluster of several 13,000-foot peaks to explore. You can tour Mesa Verde National Park during your stay, hike through several national forests, or head north to see the Black Canyon.
Road trips are the best alternative for a road trip when you’re ready to escape for a few days. Pick one or try them all to experience everything our region offers.
Best Summer Road Trip Destinations in the Covid Era
Road trips are still on this summer. The only difference in 2020 is that you have some different circumstances and restrictions to follow.
That means your options for adventure involve nature, wildlife, and open skies instead of amusement parks and indoor attractions.
Living in the U.S. Southwest gives you many awesome outdoor hiking and social distancing options to find. Here are some excellent 2-3-day road trips you might consider for a short vacation!
Where Should We Drive This Weekend?
1. Sedona
It’s just a couple of hours from Phoenix to reach this rugged outdoor adventure land. People have come here for years as a way to embrace healing or find their creativity. When you travel in the late summer or early fall, the crowds aren’t as big. Take a Jeep tour, explore the red rocks, and breathe in the fresh air.
2. Flagstaff
Head to the north to enjoy the mountain air in Flagstaff during the summer. The respite from the heat can be welcoming! It can snow in the early fall some years, giving you a chance at skiing and sledding right away. You can hike the national forest, explore the Ale Trail, and linger at one of the city’s breweries.
It’s less than 100 miles to the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff, giving you another adventure to consider.
3. Tucson
If you love riding a bike, pack it up in your car and drive two hour south. The city sponsors the 104-mile Tour de Tucson each year, but you can follow the route all year long. You’ll find plenty of desert trails to follow for hiking, especially in Saguaro National Park. A visit to San Xavier del Back Mission is fun, or you can explore the wineries in the area.
4. Lake Havasu City
You’ll need three hours to reach this outdoor playground. It has had a reputation for being a college Spring Break destination in the past, but it is also the perfect place for an ATV excursion. You’ll find camping and beaches to enjoy at the state park, while the storied London Bridge serves as the backdrop for your adventure. It got dismantled in 1967 and shipped here to get put together again.
If you’d like to see more options for a summer road trip outside of Arizona, stay tuned for the second part featuring a few other locations a little further away next week!
Most Common Reasons a Car Won’t Start
With unnecessary travel discouraged at the moment, there may be longer periods of time between usage of your vehicle. If by chance you go to turn on a vehicle that either gets regular use or has been sitting for a while and it does not start, this article is meant to give some ideas and options to help diagnose and/or remedy the problem.
It can be frustrating when your car doesn’t want to start. If you can take a deep breath and think about the situation, there’s an excellent chance that you can figure out the problem – and maybe get on your way.
Why Doesn’t My Engine Turn Over?
If your car refuses to start, the most common reason is a dead battery. Anything that draws power while your engine is turned off will drain it so that you don’t have enough energy to get it going again. You can recharge them or get a quick jump in this situation, but older ones (and batteries age very quickly in Arizona) will need a replacement to let you start driving.
When you know that your battery isn’t the problem, then here are some additional reasons why your engine might not turn over.
1. You have a malfunctioning alternator.
The alternator is what keeps your car’s battery charged. It uses a belt system that generates power as the engine works, allowing for recharging to happen when you drive. If any part of this system fails, including the belt, then it will be as if you left your headlights on all night when you got home.
2. The ignition switch wore out.
A bad ignition switch won’t generate the electrical circuit that your starter motor needs to get things going. You might see dash lights that flicker, an ignition that doesn’t turn, or unusual stalling with your car.
3. You’ve got a faulty starter.
When you start your car, it’s the starter that actually gets the engine going. If the electric motor in this component stops operating, then you might hear a clicking sound when you turn the key. You’ll also hear that noise if the starter is good, but the battery doesn’t have enough power to fully engage it.
The clicking sound is the motor actuating instead of spinning.
4. Your spark plugs could use a replacement.
The spark plugs for your car create a small explosion that powers the movement of the pistons. If one or more of them stop functioning correctly, then the engine will start to run rough. It may even prevent the vehicle from starting entirely. You may notice lackluster acceleration and worsening gas mileage with this issue.
If your spark plugs aren’t the issue with these symptoms, then it could be the wires that they use. Your mechanic can give it a look, or you can schedule a tune-up if you know for sure that this is the issue.
Summer Car Preparation Tips to Get Ready for Heat
Summer is coming, and it’s the perfect time to give your vehicle a checkup! In this article, we explore some summer car preparation tips that are especially important to observe in Arizona.
Tip #1: Check Your Tires
Look for worn tread and evaluate your PSI levels. If your wheels don’t have the proper air pressure, it can decrease your handling abilities.
Look for uneven wear, visible bars, and wires sticking out. If you have any questions about the safety of your tires, then check-in with your trusted mechanic for a complete evaluation.
Tip #2: Check Your Oil
The color of your oil will let you know if a change is necessary. It should be a nice shade of amber instead of dark and icky. Regular oil will last for up to 5,000 miles, while synthetics can reach about 7,000 miles. You’ll want to follow the guidelines found in your owner’s manual.
If the oil levels are low and the color is still amber, then topping it off for summer driving should be fine.
Tip #3: Check Your Battery
Most drivers check their batteries in winter because they want to ensure the cold-cranking amps will work. You must also take a look at it in the summer to see if any fluid leaks that could impact its performance.
If you have a sealed battery in your vehicle, then you can essentially skip this tip.
Tip #4: Check the Little Things
Summer is the best time of year to take care of those small repairs that can accumulate on you. It can be helpful to have your mechanic give your car a thorough inspection to see if any potential problems are lurking. It’s always cheaper to catch things early than to repair them reactively.
Tip #5: Check Your Wipers
Rubber products have different formulations that accommodate the weather patterns in each season. Windshield wipers meant for warm weather tend to have more flexibility, but less durability than their winter counterparts. Making the switch will guarantee better visibility on your next road trip!
Your car is ready to enjoy some hot summer days with you behind the wheel. When you take the time to prepare your vehicle for that experience, then you’re more likely to have a safe experience.
10. What is the name of the caped lady on top of the Rolls Royce radiators?
A. Flying Woman
B. Queen Elizabeth
C. Spirit of Ecstasy
D. Lady Liberty
15. What was the first Japanese car to be produced in the United States?
A. Toyota Camry
B. Honda Civic
C. Nissan Altima
D. Honda Accord
E. Subaru WRX
11. In what year did Auto Insurance become available to drivers?
A. 1897
B. 1890
C. 1902
D. 1918
8. When and where was the first drive-in theater built?
A. Detroit Michigan in 1928
B. NYC, New York in 1930
C. Camden, NJ in 1933
D. Philadelphia, PA in 1929
16. What was Henry Ford most famous for?
A. Inventing the Automobile
B. Inventing Combustion Engines
C. Development of the assembly line used in mass production
D. Development of the Ford Mustang
18. What tailgate accessory did the first and second generation Honda CRV’s come equipped with?
A. Beverage Cooler
B. Tailgate Grill
C. Picnic Table
D. Porta-Potty
