Winter Car Care Tip: Getting Unstuck

With winter right around the corner, it's important to have a few winter car care tips handy in case of any weather related mishaps. Many unexpected things can happen to a vehicle while it is out on the road, including getting stuck in the snow, ice, mud, or sand. Since getting stuck makes many people panic, and feel like they are in a sticky situation, we thought we'd share a few tips on how to unstuck your vehicle from the elements.

Patience: Most peoples first reaction to getting their vehicle stuck is panic. Instead of worrying and having your mind race a-mile-a-minute, take a deep breath and try to analyze the situation.

Take your Time: You may  not be in as big of a bind as you think. If your vehicle's wheels aren't buried to the hubs, you may be able to drive out. Turn off your radio and open a window on side to listen for any form of wheel spin. With the engine idling gently apply a little power and see if you can hear the tires move.

• If it Moves: If you hear your tires spin, don't add any more power. Let the car continue as far as possible, using the throttle to avoid any wheel spin. Once your vehicles wheels are out of the hole, slowly bring your car to solid ground before speeding away.
• If it Doesn't Move: If you hear the wheels spin, try using the throttle to "rock" the car. Slowly push the throttle to the point of wheel spin and then let up on the gas the instant they spin. As your vehicle begins to roll back into the holes, press on the gas to coincide with the change in direction. Hopefully your vehicle will rock back and forth enough to regain traction. If you vehicle is automotive you will need to shift between forward and reverse, using the brakes to keep from slipped backwards.

Winter Car Care Tips: Use Winter Grade Oil

As the nights become longer and the days become shorter, it is important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the changes in weather. To make sure your vehicle is up to snuff once the temperature drops be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your vehicles owner manual. One item that may not be on that list is the importance of using winter grade oil instead of synthetic.


Winter grade oil has a different viscosity grade then regular synthetic oil. As the temperature drops, the colder the oil in your vehicle gets the thicker it will become. Using a thinner winter oil will circulate better at star-up and cause less potential for problems.

How to Eat your Jack-O'-Lantern

While raw pumpkins aren't the most appetizing squash, when cooked it can form an array of delectable dishes. So when you finish carving your pumpkin for Halloween, don't discard the guts and pieces just quite yet.

Eat the Seeds!

Toasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious fall treat. Not only are they filed with tons of protein and fiber, they are easy to make. Once obtained from your pumpkin, rinse and dry the seeds thoroughly and then toss them with a dash of vegetable oil and your favorite seasonings. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast them at 300 degrees, stirring them occasionally, until they're golden brown (about 30 minutes).

Eat the Guts!

Use the stringy slimy guts to make a delicious drink! Yes, we're serious. Put the pumpkin guts into a pot filled to the brim with water and bring to a boil. Strain the broth and then mix it with cinnamon, nutmeg, and mulled apple cider for a delicious hot apple-pumpkin cider drink.

Eat the Flesh!

Once your pumpkin is carved and has been sitting around a while, you can not safely eat it. But, you can save the carvings, the eyes, nose and other small pieces to make all sorts of treats. Plus, if you scrape the insides of your pumpkin well, and you'll have enough flesh to make plenty of delicacies.

One delicious recipe to try is pumpkin candy:

Ingredients:

• 3-lb whole pumpkin (2 lbs of pumpkin flesh)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1-inch section of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped into 3 or 4 pieces
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

 Directions:
1. Cut the pumpkin in half, and remove the seeds and as much stringy pulp as you can.
2. Remove the pumpkin’s skin. I have found that the easiest way to do this is to cut it into quarters and use a sharp vegetable peeler. If your peeler isn’t suited to the task, you can use a knife, being sure to remove as little flesh as possible.
3. Cut the pumpkin into 1-inch chunks, and place the chunks in a medium saucepan.
4. Pour water over the pumpkin until all pieces are covered. Cover, and bring to a boil for 15 minutes.
5. After 15 minutes, stir in the brown sugar, and add the cinnamon sticks, chopped ginger, and spices.
6. Cover again and boil for another 15 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and let the pumpkin sit in the spiced syrup overnight. This step can be shortened or omitted, but it helps the pumpkin to retain as much flavor as possible.
8. After its overnight soak, remove the pumpkin from the liquid and place it on a drying rack set over waxed paper. Move the pieces so that none of them are touching.
9. Allow the pumpkin to dry for at least 12 hours—again, overnight is preferable. If you are in a hurry, you can turn your oven to its lowest setting and place the pumpkin in the oven with the door ajar for 3-4 hours.
10. After the pumpkin has dried, mix together the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar and roll each piece in the mixture.

Recipe Courtesy of About.com

How to Make Spooky Halloween Spider Clusters

Enjoy these creepy crawly treats at a Halloween party or just for fun. While they may look frightful, these red-eyed spiders are the perfect ghoulish delight, they'll make your taste buds scream in delight.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup package semisweet chocolate chips 
• 1/2 cup package peanut butter chips
• 2 cups chow mien noodles
• 1/4 cup  red mini M&Ms

Directions:

1. Line 2 baking sheets with wax paper or parchment paper and set aside.
2. Put the chocolate chips and peanut butter chips in a microwave-safe bowl, and melt in the microwave: Heat on high for 60 seconds, and then stir well. If the chocolate isn't smooth enough, continue to heat in two or three 10-second bursts, stirring well after each burst
3. Stir the chow mien noodles into the melted chocolate and peanut butter mixture and place tablespoon sized dollops onto the prepared baking sheets.
4. Press 2 red M&Ms onto one edge of each cluster to make eyes and lift a few chow mien legs up to give them a spidery feel.
5. Refrigerate to cool and harden for about 20 minutes, and serve chilled. 
6. For further effect, place spiders on top of spider web cotton candy to look like they are sitting in a web. 

Win an all-new 2013 Subaru Impreza!

Visit John Hine Temecula Mazda Subaru now through Monday, October 21st for a chance to win a 2013 Subaru Impreza! Just submit a guess for how many balls the Subaru Impreza is filled with and the correct or closest answer will be invited back down on the day of John Hine Temecula Subaru's grand opening for a chance to win an all-new Subaru Impreza with a dice roll. Don't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

The Mercedes Moore Band- Live and in Person Sunday

This Sunday enjoy the soulful vocal styling of Mercedes Moore and her band as they bring their powerful and sizzling music to Temecula's Lorimar Winery. Perfect for the entire family, this foot tapping band will have everyone dancing and moving to the beat. Nominee at the 2012 San Diego Music Awards for Best Blues, this bands harmonious vibe will give everyone good vibrations for the entire day. For more information, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/19ZmZgo

Event: Mercedes Moore Band
Date: Sunday, October 6th
Time: 5:00pm
Price: Free
Location: Lorimar Winery at 3990 Anza Road, Temecula

Join us in Unveiling the all-new 2014 Mazda3

John Hine Temecula Mazda cordially invites all of our esteemed patrons to join us in celebrating the unveiling of the all-new 2014 Mazda3. With gourmet food trucks, refreshments, and live remote KATY radio, this will be one party you'll never forget! So join us Saturday, October 26th from 11:00am- 3:00pm to get your first glimpse of the highly anticipated, game changing 2014 Mazda3.