Talking About Cars

When you keep your car upholstery clean, it will look better, last longer and help maintain the value of your car.  If your upholstery is dirty or damaged, you first have to see just how bad off it really is.  There are replacement options out there, but if a good cleaning is all that’s needed, there are several approaches you can take.

And when it comes to cleaning your upholstery, you shouldn’t immediately discount the professional option.  Every major city has car detailers who will do a wonderful job for a reasonable fee.  In fact, if you’re getting the car ready for resale, a professional detailer might be money well spent.  And if you have an especially tough stain, the pros may be the way to go.  They have a lot of tools at their disposal and many people find it to be well worth the cost.

Or, if you’re going to clean the upholstery yourself, you need consider your specific options as they relate to the stain.  For lipstick – a common car upholstery stain – rub with white paste toothpaste on the stain and then wipe it off with a damp rag.  In the case of battery acid, make a paste of baking soda and place it on the stain as soon as you can.  Then, just it wipe away.   There may be some stain left, although that should clean up with a commercial upholstery cleaning product.

Gasoline can also be a big problem for the interior of motors.  Fortunately, there’s an easy solution – mix two teaspoons of white vinegar and dish soap into about a quart of water.  Scrub the mixture into the stain with a soft brush and then let it dry.  If there’s any stain left, repeat the process.

In addition, crayons are a wonderful way to occupy a child on a long car trip, although your child may actually be more occupied with getting crayons on your seats.  In that case, scrape off the largest part of the crayon.  Then, use WD-40 on the stain and let it stand for a few minutes.  Take a stiff brush and work on the stain, frequently wiping with a towel.  After this, apply the WD-40 again and place some liquid dish washing liquid on top of that and work again with the brush.

Eating in the car is also a reality – but so are the stains that result.  As quickly as possible, get all the excess liquid up to prevent it from soaking in.  Now, get out the upholstery cleaner.  If you don’t have one at home, you can rent one from your local hardware store.  Wait a few minutes and then scrub the stain with a clean, old tooth brush.  Wipe the soap away with a clean cloth, then repeat as necessary.

Ink can also be especially challenging.  First, don’t wipe, but instead blot away any excess ink.  Now, take hairspray and cover the stain heavily.  Let it set for a few minutes.  This will seal the stain and prevent the ink from spreading.  Next, apply a commercial cleaner to remove the remaining ink.  Just be sure to use a lot of paper towels to clean the stain frequently.  With a little elbow grease, your upholstery will be good as new.

For many of us, our first experience with a car service – other than the one run by our parents – is when we attend our first formal dances.  Often, a group of friends goes in together to rent a car for their prom or another formal dance.  In fact, there are few things that make you feel quite as special as arriving at your destination in a sleek stretch limo.  This works just as well when you’re an adult and have a date or business client you’d like to impress.

As adults, we often choose limousines for special occasions, such as weddings or corporate functions.  It’s wonderful to sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne while someone else takes care of the driving.  In fact, car services have become increasingly popular for anyone who wants to have a night out on the town, but doesn’t want to worry about drinking and driving.

Car services can also be a surprisingly affordable and comfortable way to get to and from the airport.  Renting a car to take you to the airport is often about the same price as hiring a taxi, but the ride is much more comfortable.  And there’s certainly something to be said about the self-esteem boost you’ll get when you step out of your luxury sedan amidst the throngs of harried travelers.

Another good time to use a car service is when you have to pick up an important client at the airport.  Hiring a car shows a great deal of respect and allows you to focus on your important client or guest while someone else handles the driving.  Sometimes, little touches like these can make a big difference in a business relationship when so many people are competing for your competitor’s time, attention, and business.

Also, think about hiring a car service as a gift for someone.  If a friend is having a birthday, consider giving him or her a gift of car service for the evening so that they can enjoy themselves without having to worry about parking or driving.  Or, if you’re planning an anniversary party, car service for the special guests is a nice touch and helps make them feel really special.

When you’re hiring a car service, do your research.  A reputable car service should be able to provide you with materials showing the cars they own and all of their fees.  Make sure you get a chance to see and sit in the actual car you’ll be reserving.  Also, be sure to get a clear, written contract.  If you’re making a reservation in advance, be sure to confirm it closer to the date.  Find out who will be doing the driving – the person who owns the business is usually the person you want doing the driving.

Finally, make sure the driver knows where to pick you up and have a map to your destination(s) – just in case.  Find out who your contact person at the service is in case the car doesn’t show up or you have some other issue that needs immediate attention.

In many ways, the process of aging is the opposite of the process of maturation.  Instead of learning to do new things and becoming more independent as we did when we were younger, we begin forgetting how to do things or doing them less well, and gradually become less independent.  But the loss of independence that comes with the loss of driving can be slowed if seniors take some steps to keep their driving skills sharp.  The following are some ways to help.

Everyone who operates a vehicle should have annual eye exams to catch any new or developing problems.  During the exam, any person age 55 or older should specifically talk with their eye care professional about driving.  The eye care professional can test for abilities specifically used while driving, including peripheral vision and night vision.  Special corrective lenses may be needed for driving, and other limitations – such as no driving at night – may be appropriate.

Driving should also be a topic of conversation during regular physical examinations each year.  Muscle strength and joint flexibility are important considerations, and specific exercises may be recommended to increase these characteristics.  Even if specific exercises aren’t recommended, being more active is a good way to maintain the physical and intellectual capacity needed to safely operate a vehicle.

Reaction time and decision making skills are also crucial while driving.  A doctor can help evaluate these skills in seniors to determine if driving restrictions are appropriate.  The doctor should also review all medications to see whether or not they affect driving abilities.  You can also help by spending some time in the car while the senior is driving and observe his or her behavior for any unsafe actions.

In addition, several organizations offer refresher driving courses for seniors.  Completion of such a course may qualify seniors for discounts on their car insurance.  Some organizations that offer these courses include the AARP and AAA.  You can also speak with someone at your local department of motor vehicles, or DUI or defensive driving schools, to find out about commercial courses targeted toward seniors.

Another way to help seniors drive safely is to make sure that they’re in cars that meets their needs.  Seniors need good visibility, which means large windows and windshields.  They need easy to read instrumentation, and good side and rear-view mirrors.  The seat, steering wheel, and seat belt should be adjustable in order to provide a comfortable experience and maximum visibility and access to all controls.  Generally speaking, controls that adjust with a button, such as power windows, are easier for seniors to operate than controls that require twisting or turning.  The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association can help you find dealers that offer adaptive equipment that can make driving safer and easier, including knobs for steering wheels or gas and brake pedal extensions.

Finally, don’t be afraid to have frank, realistic discussions with seniors about their driving ability.  It may be that certain activities, such as highway driving or driving at night, need to be curtailed, but that other activities remain safe.  Talk with seniors about their selected routes, and help them choose safer routes that avoid hazards, such as left turns across traffic with no turning signal.  In addition, make sure the senior has a cell phone for emergencies, but knows not to use it while driving.

There will come a time when all of us have to give up driving.  But with a little effort, however, that day need not arrive sooner than necessary.

If you have any interest in cars, then you’ll really enjoy attending a car show.  But car show venues are typically large and crowded, and can be overwhelming to the first time attendee.  The following are some tips that will help you find your way.

First, think about why you’re attending the auto show.  Are you primarily interested in comparing a few cars you’re considering purchasing?  Or are you more interested in seeing the concept cars?  Maybe you want a chance to get up close and personal with some luxury cars that are way out of your price range.  You can do all of these at an auto show, but knowing your priorities will help you plan for the sites that are most interesting to you.

Most auto shows have their own websites, which you should definitely visit for information.  Most of these sites will have guidebooks with layouts that demonstrate how the show will be laid out.  Take a few moments to locate the manufacturers or exhibits you’re most interested in seeing.  Plan a route of sorts that will allow you to take everything in with maximum efficiency, but don’t be so tied to your plan that you miss out on something unexpected that catches your attention.

Plan on doing a lot of walking, as well as a fair bit of standing in line – so wear comfortable shoes!  You may also want to dress in layers so that you’ll be comfortable whatever the temperature indoors may be.  Also, consider bringing along a bottle of water and a snack.  Most convention centers have concession stands and/or restaurants, but they’ll likely be crowded and expensive.

In addition, allow yourself plenty of time.  It can take hours to walk through all of the exhibits and see even a portion of the hundreds of cars that are available.  Most auto shows are less crowded during the week, so if you can avoid the weekend rush, do so.  A large space filled with hundreds of cars can be overwhelming, so take a break when you need one.  Pace yourself, and you’ll enjoy the experience more.

And, as a word of caution, children and auto shows don’t mix well.  Children are certainly welcome – however, not only will younger children quickly grow tired of all of the walking around, the sheer volume of sounds and sights can be overwhelming.  Most children will become bored very quickly, which will make it difficult for you to enjoy your visit.

Most manufacturers will have a number of representatives on hand to answer questions about their vehicles.  You can’t buy a car at an auto show, but you may be able to find a dealer.  Most manufacturers also have literature available about their vehicles that they’ll be happy to give you.  You can always spot hardcore trade show attendees because they come prepared with their own comfortable shoulder strap bag or backpack for hauling literature around – they’re the ones trying hard not to look smug when everyone else is struggling with the flimsy plastic bags most manufacturers have on hand.  These are also the folks who don’t have to stop to fill out paperwork to receive more information – they just slap on the handy address labels they bring out for just these occasions.

Finally, you can usually find coupons for reduced admission in the local newspaper before the auto show opens.  Take advantage of these deals as tickets can get pricey for the top shows.