The worst advice you'll hear today

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While this might be a nice bit of wisdom when it comes to dealing with life’s problems, it is most certainly not sound driving advice.  Looking in your rear-view mirror is one of the most important things to do while you’re out on the road– and it’s possible you’ve been doing it wrong this whole time.

We’re talking about what’s on the side.  What do you see when you look in your side mirrors?  More than likely, your answer is “the back of my car” or at maybe “the rear passenger door handle.”  Let’s take a moment to think about this…do you really need to see your own car while you’re driving?  Eliminate blind spots and avoid potential accidents by adjusting your side mirrors so that you don’t see your car at all.

Lights in the rear view flashing red and blue: What to do

The best chance you have at not getting a ticket is to be polite.  Getting pulled over is a stressful event, but it's important not to panic.  As soon as panic sets in, people incriminate themselves inadvertently by volunteering information or becoming argumentative. Remember: police officers mean it when they tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in court!

How not to get pulled over on your way home tonight: 3 No-Brainers

1. Have situational awareness.  If traffic begins to slow, don't take it as your cue to weave in and out of lanes like a speed demon.  Chances are, there's a good reason it's coming to a halt.

2. Big Brother is everywhere, and he's waiting for you to slip up.  When you hit the road, do so with the knowledge that you are being watched.  From speed traps to red light cameras to that police car parked at the bottom of the hill, all eyes are on you.  Drive accordingly.

3. Leave the glitz and glamor to the movie stars.  Try not to call any extra attention to yourself.  A bright red sports coupe with a vanity plate and a bunch of bumper stickers is far more likely to get caught speeding than the understated beige minivan next to it.

Love Riding With The Top Down? You Can Thank Mazda For That.

Cruising with the top down this summer?  While you’re enjoying that breeze, just keep in mind that the design you love today had some very cool beginnings.  Back in 1988, Mazda engineer Takaharu Kobayakawa showed up to his favorite ski resort in the RX-7 Convertible with its top down.  Crazy, right?  Surprisingly, no.  We’d call it smart.  With its heater vents carefully aimed, this pivotal moment led to his invention of the wind blocker.

The design has been imitated by almost all convertible manufacturers since.

Strip your headlights down to the nitty gritty and hit the road lookin pretty!

1.       Clear headlights of every bit of excess grime you are able to and outline each headlight with tape.  This protects your paint job while you’re cleaning.

2.       It is likely that any product you try will require sanding of some sort—so be detailed, meticulous, and careful during this process.  After wards, the headlight should be rough and dull, yet clear of any yellowing.

3.       Polish them up!  This will rid your headlights of the small scratches caused by the sandpaper.  It will also rid them of the dull look and make them clear again.

4.       Since you’ve removed any protective layer that was on your headlights originally during the sanding process, it’s important that you apply a sealant with UV protection.  If possible, choose one with promised extended protection.

If you’re in the dark about the best UV sealant to use, check out what Popular Mechanics says on the issue.

Offline & on time: 4 ways the Google Maps update will improve your life

The newest update for Google Maps just became available and we have to say, we're impressed!  Here are the key improvements you'll notice when you hit the road:

-Never miss another exit. Updates for the app include even more detailed directions, even down to which lane you should be in before your next move.

-Weigh your options.  If you frequently use services like Uber, this update allows you to compare your route with public transportation, walking, biking, etc.

Offline is no longer off-limits!  If you bring up your route ahead of time, you can save the map in an offline version, give it a personalized name, and access it with or without a connection.

-Remember "that one place" you went to "that one time."  Save locations you've visited so you can easily find them the next time you're on the lookout.

Some other key features: Now you can filter your searches by business hours--so you'll be able to view which places are open, and always get there on time.  If you can't get there right now, you can do the next best thing: bring it to life in the palm of your hand with Google Street View.  Check out local public transit options while you're at it. 

Find even more information about the update here.

Parking Lot Safety 101: Stranger Danger

If you spend any time behind the wheel by yourself, you should know parking lot safety 101.  Because getting home safe is the goal regardless of your age, gender, or experience. 

Don't talk to strangers! 

This one is common sense and you've likely known it since childhood.  Regardless of your opinion regarding charity and handouts, your solitary stroll through the parking lot is not the time to lend a dollar, cigarette, or handful of change (whatever it may be) to a stranger.