 As summer winds to an end, and thoughts turn to back to school plans, it’s time to squeeze in a few more sun-drenched memories. Now is a great time to catch up with family and friends, and exchange summer vacation stories. Plus, it will be easier to transition to the school season if you feel like you’ve made the most of the last days of summer vacation. Here are some ideas from DCH Audi Oxnard to make the most of your last days of summer.
Have friends over for a barbecue
Nothing says summer like a late afternoon barbecue with family and friends. To save on costs, make the side dishes and ask everyone to bring their own hamburgers and hot dogs to throw on the grill. Be sure to stock up on s’mores supplies for dessert!
Go to an outdoor concert or performance
Many cities have outdoor performing arts venues or free summer concert series. Take in one last show under the stars before summer ends.
Lounge by the pool or at the beach
Whether you spent most of the summer poolside or only managed sporadic trips, one last day at the pool or beach is a great way to relax. Set aside a good part of the day and enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget the sunscreen.
Have a picnic at a local park
Pack a Frisbee, a large blanket and a basket full of your favorite picnic treats. Meeting up at a local park is a great way for friends and family to have an end of summer get-together without any single family playing host. If you have a large group, call ahead if you want to reserve pavilion space.
Shop at a farmer’s market
Finish up the summer by stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farmer’s market. If you live near a major city, look for a large farmer’s market that you don’t usually visit. In addition to the fresh produce, you can often find freshly made bakery items, cheeses, and even fresh meat or seafood.
Visit an amusement park
The end of summer is a great time to fit in one last trip to a nearby amusement park. The rides, games, shows and concession stands offer fun for everyone in the family. To cut back on some of the crowds, try to plan your visit on a weekday.
Take a mini-vacation
A full-blown summer vacation may be too stressful at the end of summer, as you’re also busy planning for back to school. However, a few days away at a nearby resort or travel hot spot may be just the thing to wrap up summer in style.
 Car manufacturers have invested heavily in the use of new and improved materials to help reduce the risk of damage to your car from rust. Where decades ago rust was a very common problem, modern cars are rather more resilient, but if you drive an older car, or if you want to keep your new car in great condition for as long as possible, then you should never ignore the threat of rust. The good news is that there are plenty of things that you can do to prevent rust on your car. Here are five of them from DCH Audi Oxnard.
Protect the Undercarriage
Your car’s undercarriage is very vulnerable to damage, and there are a number of critical mechanical components to protect. As the undercarriage is not something most drivers ever really look at, it is easy to neglect it. This could be a costly mistake. Invest in an undercarriage sealant to help protect mechanical parts from damage. There are a number of products that you can apply yourself, but working on the undercarriage is potentially dangerous if you are not properly equipped, so you may want to ask our service department for help.
Check Your Paint Job
Rust is a problem that gets progressively worse, and the longer you leave a rust problem, the harder and more expensive it will be to fix. Learn about the parts of your car that are the most vulnerable. Paint work is constantly exposed to the elements, and the early signs of rust appear as bumps and lumps under the paint work. Treat these areas promptly. There are a variety of ways to do this. Removing the affected metal is one possibility. Rust convertors halt the rusting process, but may not always be effective. Talk to our service department if you spot the early signs of rust and need further advice.
Use a Rust Preventative
There are a variety of rust preventative products available to consumers, many of which can easily be applied at home. A rust preventative can, for example, be sprayed onto or into a part of the car that is otherwise very difficult to access. This will help slow down the formation of any rust, and will also halt the spread of existing rust. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely when using these products.
Wax On, Wax Off
Look after your paint work to ensure that it stays in great condition. This is not just about cleaning and polishing the paint work. Over time, your paint work will wear and become more susceptible to rust if you are unable to protect the finish. A wax layer, with sealant, adds an additional physical barrier between the paint work and the elements. This prevents damage to the bodywork, which might otherwise expose the metal underneath the paint and allow rust to form. You can apply wax and sealant at home.
Keep it Clean
The simplest thing you can do to protect your car from rust is keep it clean. Deposits of mud, salt, and other dirt can all corrode your paint work surprisingly quickly. Regular car washing reduces the amount of time it takes to get the vehicle clean on an ongoing basis. Do not forget the undercarriage and other hard-to-reach places too, but do not use a jet spray underneath the car as this could damage vital parts. It may be a good idea to ask our service department to help if you are unsure.
 Remote engine starters have been available to drivers for several years now, but have generally been the sort of feature you would find in a luxury car. As with most developments, manufacturers are now starting to include remote starters in more models, making them much more mainstream. You may have read about them in auto reviews, but what are the advantages of having this feature?
Your car may have climate control or air-conditioning, but these systems take some time to moderate the temperature inside the car. On a scorching hot summer day, or a freezing winter night, you might be stuck waiting for the air conditioning or heat to kick in. A remote engine starter takes this problem away for you.
By using the remote engine starter, you can get the car engine running and activate the heating or cooling before you even get inside. That gives you the opportunity to stay indoors in the warmth (or the cool) until the car is ready for you. You need only wait a few minutes, but you can enjoy getting into a perfectly cool or warm car. This can be particularly handy if you have young children and babies, or anyone else that is very sensitive to extremes temperatures.
Starting the car remotely can be safer, too. Once the car has warmed up, for example, it’s easier to clear the windows of ice. Brake lights and headlamps will also clear of snow and ice, allowing other cars to see you more easily.
Even simple things can be easier with a remote engine starter. If you have your hands full or you are dealing with children and pets, it isn’t always ideal to have to fumble around with a key in the car door. A remote engine starter will start the engine and unlock the doors for you with the simple touch of a button on your key fob.
Remote engine starters are now becoming more common on new cars. If you don’t already have one, however, stop by DCH Audi Oxnard today to talk about having one fitted. Depending on where you live, it could make your life much easier and safer.
 Driving a rental or loaner vehicle can be a fun break from your usual vehicle, even if you have been forced to do it by factors outside your control. If you are driving a car of this sort, however, you should not assume that it is simply a case of taking the keys and cruising away. It’s very important to understand what your obligations and responsibilities are. DCH Audi Oxnard has some tips to keep in mind that will make your rental or loaner experience as painless as possible.
Fuel
It is vital that you check your liabilities for gas. In some cases you will be supplied a vehicle with a full tank of gas, and you must return it on that basis. In other cases, the tank will be close to empty, and you will simply have to put in the gas that you need to use. In the case of the former, make sure that you fill the tank up completely or you may be charged a nasty re-fueling fee. In the case of the latter, ensure that you do not put more fuel in the tank than you need or you may be funding the next user’s driving.
Damage report
Make sure that you have checked the car over for damage BEFORE you drive it away. In most cases, you will be issued with a damage report. Check this carefully, and do not be frightened to be too picky. In many cases, you can be held liable for all damage to the vehicle and if it is not on the report when you take the car away, you will be unable to prove that you did not cause the damage.
Emergency cover
Your rental or loaner vehicle will normally be supplied with inclusive emergency breakdown coverage. Ensure that you have all the details to hand that you may need in the event that you need to call for assistance. Check this before you drive off, but if you forget, give the rental company a call from home to clarify the contact details and level of cover that you have. Make sure that you are aware of any additional responsibilities that you may have. You may be asked to give the rental company a call as well as the assistance number, for example.
Mileage limits
You cannot assume that you are able to drive the car for unlimited mileage while it is on loan to you. In some cases, you may be limited to a reasonable mileage limit, after which you will be charged a hefty fee on a mile-by-mile basis. If you are on a mileage-restricted contract, ensure that you confirm the car’s mileage before you leave and that you reset the counter to zero so that you can easily keep tabs on your usage.
Documentation
Keep all the documentation related to your rental or loan vehicle. Do not leave it in the glove box or on the seat in the car. If the car is stolen, you will not have any paperwork related to the car. Make sure that you do not blindly sign every piece of paper put in front of you either. Like any other type of contract, make sure you know what you are signing before you sign it.
 Setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July is as American as apple pie, backyard barbecues, and small-town parades. Since this tradition was initiated in 1777, Americans have used fireworks every year to celebrate our nation’s independence. Before you participate in all the explosive fun this year, take a look at these firework safety tips from DCH Audi Oxnard so you can celebrate the America with fire, as safely as possible.
Common sense
Common sense is first and foremost the best way to ensure maximum firework safety. The National Council on Firework Safety recommends that parents closely supervise teenagers and older children if they are using fireworks. Young children should not be allowed to access or handle fireworks, and parents should keep them at a safe viewing distance at all times. Needless to say, fireworks should always be used outdoors, and preferably away from flammable objects or yard decorations. Additionally, alcohol and fireworks do not mix and should not be used together as this significantly increases the likelihood of misuse and injury to yourself and others.
Safety tips
Preparation for emergencies is also extremely important to keep in mind while celebrating the Fourth of July, including these from the Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Information Center. Always have water ready when lighting fireworks, and remember to soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them in an outdoor trashcan. Never relight or pick up fireworks that are not fully lit. If a firework does not light, wait twenty minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. Always read the caution label on a firework before lighting it, and obey all local firework laws. Wear safety glasses while igniting fireworks. Light only one firework item at a time and back up to a safe distance until the device is fully spent.
Sparklers and miscellaneous fireworks
Always remain standing while using sparklers and do not move rapidly or wave sparklers around while they are still lit. Keep sparklers away from people and flammable surfaces, and never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time. Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives, as they can be extremely unpredictable and dangerous. Luckily, sparklers are a fun, relatively safe way of celebrating Independence Day. Keep these firework safety tips in mind while celebrating this summer and have a wonderful Fourth of July!
 When you join thousands of other commuters on the road early in the morning, it’s important that you are in a good state to drive. As the working week takes its toll, it can become harder to stay completely alert at the wheel, but if the road doesn’t have your full attention, then you’re potentially putting yourself and other road users at risk. It’s important to wake up properly before your morning commute and at DCH Audi Oxnard we’ve got five tips to help you do it.
It takes time to wake up properly, so it should go without saying that you need to allow yourself enough time before your morning commute. Set the alarm with plenty of time to get up and get yourself ready without having to rush around. Avoid that snooze button, too. It can actually make it harder to get up. When the alarm goes off, just get up and get going.
Establishing a morning routine is often a good idea, as it helps your body adjust to the day. Rather than finding endless ways to save time in the evening (and therefore encouraging yourself to stay in bed longer and longer) try and make better use of your time before you set out for a commute. Shower and shave, feed the pets, watch the morning news, make lunch, and sort out your paperwork for the day so that when it’s time to leave, you feel settled and alert. It’s great to give your mind things to focus on before you step behind the wheel.
If you’re a very heavy sleeper, then you may need some extreme methods of waking up. That could include a cool shower, loud music, and a number of different alarms. You may not be popular with other members of the household, but if it’s the only way you can guarantee getting to work on time, then so be it. Many commuters find that a burst of exercise really helps them wake up. Consider going for a morning run or swim (if you can). Even a few exercises at home can start you up for the day too.
Have a healthy breakfast. A breakfast kick starts your metabolism and sets your body up for the rest of the day. Commuting on an empty stomach is likely to make your energy reserves even lower. Avoid heavy, cooked breakfasts which are comprised of foods that are rich in fat and calories. Opt for fresh fruit, cereals, and juice, all of which can boost your vitamins and give you a slow-release of energy that should keep you alert until lunchtime.
Many commuters enjoy a caffeine boost first thing in the morning. Caffeine stimulates your brain and nervous system, making you feel more alert and sharpening your responses. Fresh coffee has a high caffeine content, so a cup of coffee before you hit the road can often help you feel much more awake. Allow some time before you start driving for the caffeine to kick in, and don’t drink too much, or your commute might need to be interrupted by a visit to the bathroom.
As much as you probably dread your daily commute, you should never underestimate the importance of being at your best. Take the time to wake up properly and ensure that you remain safe behind the wheel at all times.
Posted in Safety
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Tagged commute, Safety, sleep, tips
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 If there’s one thing more depressing than the end of summer, it’s suffering from the effects of too much sun. Luckily, unlike the inevitability of the end of summer, the ill effects of too much sun can be prevented. Knowing about sunscreen’s different SPF strengths will help. Take a look at these tips from DCH Audi Oxnard to stay SPF savvy.
What is SPF? Quite a few sun lovers believe that SPF is an abbreviation for a multi-syllabic word containing the names of chemical compounds that only the guy you copied off of in chemistry can pronounce. That guy could tell you that SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and that it’s the universal measurement of protection against ultra violet rays from the sun.
What does SPF measure exactly? The SPF number measures how much more radiation would be required to cause a sunburn on skin protected by sunscreen than on skin not protected by sunscreen. Before you run to that guy in chemistry class, check out this example that sheds (sun)light on the explanation: An SPF 15 sunscreen protects your skin from 15 times the amount of ultraviolet rays than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen. An SPF 10 sunscreen protects your skin from 10 times the amount of ultraviolet rays than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen.
Can you always rely on SPF for protection against the sun? Because SPF measures the effectiveness of sunscreen as compared to unprotected skin, it is dependent on other factors as well. These factors include the time of day, geographic location, sun sensitivity, and weather conditions. Just because SPF 20 worked well at the baseball game doesn’t mean it will do an adequate job while hiking in the mountains.
Are SPF numbers proportional to protection from the sun? A logical mind might deduce that SPF 20 would offer twice the protection as SPF 10. In this case, the logical mind would be wrong. An SPF 2 sunscreen, for example, absorbs 50% of ultraviolet rays. An SPF 15 sunscreen absorbs 93% of ultraviolet rays. An SPF 34 absorbs 97% of ultraviolet rays. Now it’s time to talk to that smart guy in your chemistry class to explain why this is.
Is there an ideal sunscreen SPF? The ideal SPF depends on many factors, including individual skin type. The general recommendation from the American Melanoma Foundation is to use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen any time you’ll be out and about for 20 minutes or more.
What environmental conditions should be considered? Sand and especially snow are great reflectors of sunlight—if you don’t believe it, just ask your goggle-wearing ski buddies with raccoon eyes. 80 percent of ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds, so don’t assume you’re safe on cloudy days. And hikers beware: Ultraviolet radiation increases four percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation.
So what are you waiting for? Slap on the sunscreen and get going!
 Next time you complain about a speeding ticket, remember that there are much sillier things you could get in trouble for. Here’s a list of some of the weirder traffic violations we’ve heard of at DCH Audi Oxnard:
- It’s illegal to wear a blindfold while driving in Alabama. It’s dangerous in all states.
- It’s illegal to drive in Alaska with a dog tethered to your roof.
- It’s illegal in Eureka, California to use the road as a bed.
- In Glendale, California, it’s illegal to jump from a car going over 65 mph. It’s also stupid.
- In England, it’s illegal to drive on the right side of the road. Of course they think the U.S. law against driving on the left side of the road is weird.
- In Connecticut, it’s illegal to hunt from a car, even if it’s painted bright orange.
- There’s no driving through playgrounds in Georgia, but it is kind of fun.
- Thirty days in jail await any hooligan who screeches his tires in Derby, Kansas.
- It’s illegal for women to wear a housecoat while driving in California.
- Tourist states like Nevada, Hawaii, Alaska and California enforce laws against driving too slow.
- A fine awaits those who allow vehicular molestation by their pets in Kentucky.
- Don’t blare your horn at a restaurant after 9:30 P.M. in Little Rock, Arkansas or you’ll get a side of ticket with that burger.
- Don’t park in front of Dunkin Donuts while in Maine. It won’t be worth the trip.
- Don’t let road rage get the best of you in Rockville, Md. Swearing from a vehicle is a misdemeanor.
- Running into a pedestrian in Sarasota, Florida is only a $78 fine.
- It is illegal to spit from a car or bus in Marietta, Georgia. It is, however, OK to spit from a truck.
- There is no disrobing in your car in Sag Harbor, New York.
- In Dunn, North Carolina, it’s illegal to play in traffic…
- or drive on the sidewalk…
- or drive through a cemetery.
- Do not leave your car door open longer than necessary in Oregon.
- Don’t use your car to prove physical endurance on an Oregon road.
- Hilton Head, South Carolina forbids the storing of trash in your vehicle.
- It’s legal to eat road kill in West Virginia. Yummy!
- Police officers must honk their horn or flash their lights and wait at least three minutes before breaking up any romantic goings-on in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
- You can’t change your clothes in your car in Evanston, Illinois with curtains drawn.
- The ice cream man has been banned in Indianola, Iowa.
- The dead poultry delivery man has been banned on Kansas Avenue in Topeka, Kansas.
- You’ll get fined if your truck leaves a mess in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
- You can’t honk the horn of someone else’s car in University City, Missouri.
- There’s no tree planting in the middle of the street in Blairstown, New Jersey.
- There’s no running out of gas in Youngstown, Ohio.
- It’s illegal to shoot whales from your car in Connecticut.
- There is no rutabaga street planting in Chico, California.
- Spilling your margarita on the street is illegal in Hermosa, California.
- Fancy bike-riders should avoid Galesburg, Illinois.
- Absolutely under no conditions should you throw your Red Ryder into a street in Iowa.
- Benches are not allowed on the street in Reno, Nevada.
- Roller-skaters and cars cannot share the road in Canton, Ohio.
- Assembly members in Georgia cannot be ticketed while the Georgia State Assembly is in session.
- It’s OK to drive on the sidewalk in Oregon…as long as you yield to pedestrians.
- You must give an audible signal while passing a car in Rhode Island.
- It’s illegal to ride a camel in Nevada.
- Don’t ride an ugly horse in Washington.
- You can’t cross the street while walking on your hands in Hartford, Connecticut.
- Some birds actually have the right away on Utah streets.
- It’s illegal to start a car in Denmark if there’s someone under it.
- You can’t drive a car in England unless you’re in the front seat.
- Skateboarders in Florida need a license.
- Moose are forbidden to mate on city streets in Alaska.
 Cars have a way of transforming the human personality, especially when a person slips behind the wheel. Nice, normal, relaxed people can transform into monsters that threaten the fabric of society. Wondering how driving changes you? Take this quiz from us at DCH Audi Oxnard to find out. An answer key at the end will help you interpret your answers.
- You’re on a two-lane road (one lane in each direction) with a double-yellow line in the center. You are behind a driver that is moving at about 20 mph (the speed limit is 45). What do you do?
- Ride up to the car’s bumper while leaning on your horn, flashing your lights, and waving vulgar sign language out your window.
- Pass the car illegally on the left or right to get in front of it and then slow down to about 10 mph to teach that driver a lesson.
- No one says any one person must go the speed limit.
- Establish a safe following distance and set your cruise control to match the speed of the car in front of you and enjoy the scenery.
- You are driving on an interstate highway where the speed limit is 55. How fast are you driving?
- The capabilities of my car and the appearance of flashing blue lights are the only speed limits I know.
- I go 8 mph over the speed limit at all times. If I’m feeling lucky, I’ll jack that up to 15 or 20.
- I will go 55, but I see the speed limit is changing up ahead, so in a few seconds I can lawfully jack up my speed to 65.
- I’m afraid my speedometer reads too fast, so I’ll go about 10 mph slower than the speed limit just to be safe.
- You’re approaching an intersection that has a light that just turned yellow. You’ve stopped for 15 red lights already, so you don’t think you should have to stop again. What do you do?
- Put the pedal to the metal and run it. You must break the cycle to get better luck.
- Use your illegal traffic light changer to give yourself a green light.
- Stop, but complain about how the government is making you late.
- Calmly stop, knowing that you have planned enough travel time so you won’t be late.
- What part of your car do you appreciate the most?
- The gas pedal.
- The nitrous oxide power boost system.
- The all-around airbags.
- The fuel economy rating.
- According to your belief system, who or what makes the roads you travel most dangerous?
- Police.
- Traffic lights.
- People who don’t wear their seatbelt.
- Poorly maintained roads.
- Why did you get your last ticket?
- The cop saw my “Life is Good” bumper sticker and wanted to prove it wrong.
- I was the slowest speeder out there.
- OMG. I had a burnt-out taillight and didn’t even know it! Thank you officer!
- Failure to drive the minimum speed.
If you answered A or B to all six questions, you are an aggressive and irresponsible driver. You should check into a counseling program immediately. If you answered A or B to three or more questions, you are an annoying driver who could lose control at any moment. If you answered A or B to zero to two questions, you are very relaxed and responsible, but you might become a victim of road rage.
For all parents out there getting ready for a camping vacation, here’s some summer reading from DCH Audi Oxnard that might come in handy.
A Father’s Tale
My wife really needed a vacation, notwithstanding the one she took to Florida less than a month before, by herself, without our five children. Yes, our five children, the ones I had to take care of during her absence. This time, though, she wanted a family vacation, one that included me and the five children. To save money and give the kids their first taste of one of life’s most classic family bonding experiences, we decided to go camping. We may or may not have been prepared for what that would really mean.
For those who don’t think parenting is hard enough, I encourage you to pack up the kids, enough comfortable clothes to withstand 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, every possible toy that might occupy a toddler for up to three minutes, bikes, scooters, helmets, five pairs of shoes per kid, a first aid kit, 23 books, and enough ibuprofen to satisfy an ultramarathoner—and head to a campground near you. Oh, and don’t forget sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, a minivan full of blankets, and a tent.
But your sanity? You can leave that at home. There won’t be enough room in the van, anyway.
My children are all under the age of ten. If you decide to take your children under the age of 10 camping, allow yourself at least six days to pack the minivan. If you do not have a minivan or a comparable automobile, don’t go camping. The minivan is, in fact, the greatest development in family camping since the creation of the tent. It serves many purposes, the most important being a place to put your kids when they’re in time-out.
Here are some other essential items when camping with kids.
- A big tent. Only because sleeping in a minivan is uncomfortable and smelly. You could rent an RV for what it would cost to take the entire family to Maui. I’ll take the beach front condo, thank you.
- Portable crib(s). The portable crib, commonly called a pack-and-play, might be the greatest invention since the minivan. Your two babies (yes, I have two kids young enough for cribs) should not sleep on the ground, with or without a sleeping bag.
- Baby backpack. At home you can set the baby down on the carpet with only a slight risk that she’ll put something totally unacceptable in her mouth when you turn your head. While camping, the only place to set your baby down is on a pile of dirt. Put the baby in the back pack.
- An MP3 player loaded with soothing music. You’re communing with nature, sure, but rest assured that there will come a point during your kid-friendly camping trip that you’ll want to assume the fetal position and start sucking your thumb. Mellow tunes are the antidote you’ll need.
- A good pair of running shoes. Each parent will need an excuse to get away, and although you haven’t actually run for nine years, morning number two of the campout seems like a great time to trot a few dozen miles.
- Food. You foolishly prohibited the bringing of electronic devices. Your only option to keep the kids from driving you insane is food. Bring lots of it, the junkier the better.
- Baby powder. It works wonders when removing mud from your children’s legs.
I won’t bore you with the details of my most recent outing, but suffice it to say I used all the above items—multiple times.
In all seriousness, though, a family camping trip is a great way to bond, enjoy the outdoors, explore new activities, and travel together as a family without breaking the bank. Sure, it takes a lot of planning, not to mention packing, but I’m pretty sure you’ll agree it’s worth it in the end.
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