In the automotive world, there are many common myths, which are repeated so many times that, after a while, they eventually transform themselves into ‘facts.’ Unsurprisingly, many of these ‘facts’ have to do with gasoline, whether they are regarding fuel mileage, power possibilities or some other arcane aspect of the internal combustion engine. Gasoline can be a confusing topic, and it is easy to make assumptions about it that may seem logical, but which on closer examination, turn out not to be true. A perfect example of this practice can be seen with octane ratings.

What are octane ratings? Simply put, when you pull into the gas station and are presented with the array of different fuel grades that you can pump into your car, the numbers written above each button or nozzle indicate that particular grade’s octane rating. Typically, the range will run from 87-octane on up to 93-octane.

In the world of automobiles, it is tempting to associate higher numbers with higher quality. After all, more horsepower and more miles per gallon are a better thing, which feeds into our perception that more impressive octane ratings also equal higher performance. Gasoline companies understand this mentality and do nothing to dissuade drivers from it, labeling 87-octane gas ‘Regular,’ and 91 or 93 octane ‘Super’ in an attempt to reinforce this way of thinking. After all, since ‘Super’ is priced higher than ‘Regular,’ it’s in their best interest to convince as many people as they can that paying a bit extra means getting better quality gas.

Unfortunately, this is where the myth of what gasoline’s octane rating really means creeps into the picture. Time and again, people will be told that high octane fuel burns cleaner or more completely, and that it will give them extra power and better fuel mileage than Regular octane gasoline because it contains more ‘energy.’ These blanket statements are simply not true. In fact, the octane rating for gasoline has nothing to do with the amount of power locked inside of it – it actually relates to just how much a fuel can be compressed before igniting. The higher the number, the less likely it is to ignite under pressure.

Why would anyone want to produce a fuel that was actually harder to ignite once inside an engine? To understand the role that octane ratings and ignition pressures play in a motor, it helps to be familiar with the term ‘knock.’ Essentially, when gasoline is sprayed into a cylinder by a fuel injector and mixed with oxygen, engine designers expect it to remain there in vapor form until it is time for the sparkplug to light it up, causing the explosion that drives the piston down to generate horsepower. The timing of this explosion is critical, as gasoline that ignites too early causes ‘knock,’ which reduces engine output and efficiency and which, in worst-case scenarios, can actually physically damage an engine.

In most engines, knock is rarely an issue because the compression ratio – that is, the pressure that the air/fuel mixture is put under in the cylinder – is low enough that Regular gasoline’s octane rating is sufficient. There is absolutely no benefit to running Premium fuel in a standard motor, since it will never be able to take advantage of those gasolines higher knock resistance. However, more aggressive engine management schemes, especially those found in turbocharged or supercharged vehicles, can turn up the compression to a high level, requiring much higher octane gasoline to avoid knock.

How can you know whether your car actually requires Super gasoline or whether it can get by on Regular? Almost every vehicle will list the octane rating necessary to run it safely inside the owner’s manual. Some luxury or sports cars might even place a small reminder on the gas gauge itself stating ‘Premium Unleaded fuel only’ to make sure you don’t forget.

To wrap things up: no, you won’t see a power or fuel efficiency increase by running high octane fuel in an engine that has been tuned and designed for Regular gas, nor will doing so perform any extra ‘cleaning’ inside the motor. On the flip side, running low octane fuel in an engine built for Premium can increase the risk of engine damage and will certainly impact that unit’s overall performance. The next time someone tries to pass these myths off on you, you can try explaining to them how octane ratings really work – or you can just smile and nod, pay for your gas and move on.

Source: [The Titus-Will Times]

While it may be true that April showers bring May flowers, rain also creates wet roads and low driving visibility. To better weather the spring storms, we recommend the following:

Keep the Pressure On
Now is the time to pay close attention to your tires. Regularly check your tires for proper inflation, rotation, repair and replacement. Checking tire pressure is important; both under- and over-inflation lessens a tire’s gripping action. Further, rotating your tires can help correct irregular tire wear. Enlist the help of a Honda of Wesley Chapel service technician in order to select a tire made for wet-weather driving and enhanced traction.

Wipe Away the Problem
Take a few moments to check your windshield wipers; they don’t last forever. If the rubber feels rough or is cracked, replace the wiper blades — in most climates about every six months.

Take Tread Seriously
Familiarize yourself with the “penny test” as a way to check your tire tread. Insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn, and the tire probably needs to be replaced. Your passenger tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth; anything less is hazardous on the wet roads.

Avoid Potholes
Hitting a pothole can damage your tire and/or the wheel of your vehicle. The sharp impact can cause immediate tire/wheel failure or internal damage that can lead to tire failure weeks later. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help reduce pothole damage and other road hazards.

Whether you are preparing for a long-awaited spring vacation or just everyday driving, don’t forget to properly prepare your vehicle to weather any storm. Take every precaution while on the road, and when experiencing wet road conditions remember to keep in mind that stopping distances will be longer than usual. And, finally, do not forget that proper vehicle maintenance can help your car stay newer longer this spring season.

Source: [Car Junky]

Poor sleep is nothing to yawn at-it takes a toll on everything from your job performance to your overall health. And in women it’s been associated with feelings of hostility, depression, and anger, as well as higher risks of diabetes and heart disease. Here are 5 real ways to get the zzz’s you need.

Nix annoying noises

A snoring husband, that beeping delivery truck-whatever keeps you awake-tune it all out with a relaxing soundtrack. (Check iTunes for downloads of sleep-friendly sounds.) For comfort, try SleepPhones ($60), thin speakers inside a soft fleece headband; they’re especially nice for side-sleepers.

Prep your body

When you hit the sack, try this progressive relaxation technique, says Catherine Darley, N.D., director of the Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine in Seattle. Curl your toes tightly for a count of seven, and then relax. Repeat through each muscle group, working up from your toes to your neck.

Take notes

Your daily routine affects how well you sleep. A sleep log can help you make those connections, says Stephanie Silberman, Ph.D., author of The Insomnia Workbook. Every day, record how much caffeine you drink, when and how much you exercise, what you eat, when you go to bed and wake up, and your total sleep time. Share the log with a sleep specialist.

Keep cool

People doze off easier and sleep better when the room temperature is on the cooler side, according to Silberman. Set your thermostat to around 65 degrees or lower. If perimenopausal night sweats or hot flashes make you kick off the covers, then try a cooling mattress pad, moisture-wicking sheets, or a pair of breathable cotton pajamas.

Relax right

Instead of mulling over the day’s events when you get in bed, try journaling about the big stuff at least two hours earlier, so your mind’s not racing when you turn in, Darley says. Right before bed, try a relaxing imagery exercise: Picture any tranquil scene, like a day at the beach. Over time, the new routine will help cue your brain to settle down.

Source: [Health.com]

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 3 to 6 and 8 to 14. In 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. Parents and caregivers are urged to make sure their car seats and booster seats are properly installed in their vehicles to prevent injuries and deaths amongst their children.

Not sure which child safety seat to use?
Are you looking for a vehicle safety seat for your infant, toddler or 4-8 year old child but overwhelmed by the choices and worried about how to properly install your car seat? Our 4 Steps for Kids campaign will help you properly choose and install the correct safety seat for your child. Simply click on the images below:

Infants – from birth to at least 1 year old and at least 20 pounds
For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until a minimum of age 1 and at least 20 pounds.

Always read the child seat instruction manual. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions regarding proper use and installation of their child seats.

Toddlers – Age 1 & 20 lbs to Age 4 & 40 lbs
When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at a minimum age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).

Children – from about age 4 to at least age 8
Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4′9″ tall).

Tweens – age 8 and older
When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4′9″ tall) they can use the adult seat belt in the back seat, if it fits properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).

Always read the child seat instruction manual. Each manufacturer provides specific instructions regarding proper use and installation of their child seats.

Source: [NHTSA]

Economists around the country agree: there has never been a better time to buy or lease a new vehicle. Manufacturers are pulling out all the stops to close this year on a high note. Use this to your benefit when deciding if leasing a brand new car is right for you, the answer might just surprise you.

Leasing 101

Leasing is slightly similar to buying a new car; however there are many important differences. When you lease a vehicle you’re agreeing to pay for only the portion of the vehicle you are using. For example, if you agree to a 36 month lease, you will only be paying for the first three years of the vehicles value, referred to as capitalized cost. This is why monthly lease payments are usually much less than purchasing a vehicle.

The value that will be left in the vehicle at the end of the lease is determined in advance, often called the residual value. When your lease expires you will have the option of purchasing the vehicle at the residual value cost, or you can walk away.

Advantages of Leasing

There are many advantages to leasing a vehicle rather than buying. When you purchase a new vehicle, you will be charged taxes on the full amount of the car. In a lease, you’ll only pay taxes on the portion of the car you agree will be used. This is one reason the monthly costs are usually lower. While you won’t actually own the car, you will still need to maintain it. Most leases include a new car warranty, but since you’re driving a brand new car, you probably won’t ever need to use it.

If you think leasing may be right for you, be sure to visit Honda of Wesley Chapel to find out about the current lease specials.

Have you ever wished you could slide your way out of a sticky social scenario? Perhaps you’re trapped in a dry conversation – even worse, a story you’ve heard many times before – that turns your party into a snooze fest. Have you ever run out of polite ways to tell a telemarketer that you’re simply not interested in their products or services? Or, been face-to-face with an inebriated co-worker that doesn’t know when to say when? We’ve all been there. The following tips will give you the edge on awkward situations and how to exit them with ease.

Trapped in a Dull Conversation
• The easiest way to excuse yourself from a boring story-teller is to politely remove yourself to refresh your drink, grab a bite to eat, offer to help the hostess, or to simply make a phone call. Be sure to follow through with your excuse to avoid raising any eyebrows.
• If you can’t seem to get away, try introducing the unexciting conversationalist to someone else. Once they are talking, make your getaway.

A Talkative Telemarketer
• First, try using polite tactics to get off of the phone. It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “Thanks, but I’m not interested!”
• It’s also understandable if you have to interrupt a persistent sales person to repeat your thanks and then simply hang up. You don’t need to explain or offer any information as to why you are not interested in their product or service.

Stumped in a Job Interview
• It’s difficult expressing you don’t know the answer to a question—especially if it is expected that you should. However, a graceful way out is by simply replying: “That’s a great question and I’d like more time to consider it and get back to you.”

Chose the Wrong Restaurant
• If you try a new place to eat and, after you’ve been seated, decide it’s either too expensive or too unappetizing; it’s quite alright to quietly excuse yourself and leave.
• If you’ve been served a drink or bread, it’s nice to leave a small tip for the service.

The Inebriated Co-worker
• When a co-worker wants to turn an after-work drink into an all-night party, politely decline a second drink by explaining you have a full schedule in the morning.
• If your co-worker has already had too much to drink, make an attempt to assure he or she gets home safely.
• To avoid awkwardness at the office, try to make your co-worker feel comfortable and not embarrassed. Face it: most likely, we’ve all been there!

Have you ever put your foot in your mouth when talking to a group of people? You’re not alone. Many people wish that they could go back in time and fix a communication faux pas. Since that isn’t an option, it’s important to be aware of the phrases to avoid in conversations. Commit them to your memory and you’ll be eloquently moving in social circles in no time!

Appearances

Commenting on someone’s appearance can be the one of the trickiest conversations to navigate. Here are some common phrases to avoid:

• “You look tired.”
• “You’ve really lost a lot of weight!”
• “You look good for your age.”
• “I could never wear what you’re wearing.”

These comments sound negative despite their intentions. Instead of the above, try something more open such as “You look great!”

Workplace

When we are work we should always strive to be as professional as possible. This is why we should be careful with our wording so it is not misconstrued. Avoid phrases such as:

• “That’s not my job.”
• “I have a stupid question.”
• “I don’t have time to talk to you.”

Instead of seeming uncooperative, simply ask if the task at hand is a priority and go from there. Also, don’t undermine yourself by lacking the confidence to ask questions – sometimes over communication is the best policy.

Job Interviews

This is when we want to make our best impressions. Avoiding the following statements will help connect with our interviewer and land our dream job.

• “My current boss is an overbearing nightmare.”
• “Do you think I’d fit in here?”
• “What are the hours and vacation policy?”

Try to be as professional as possible by being positive and demonstrating a genuine interest in the company. This will get you farther than bad mouthing and focusing on the minor details.

Pregnancy and Babies

Unfortunately, this is one of the most common communication faux pas. Stay away from the following blunders to evade socially awkward moments!

• “Are you pregnant?”
• “Are you planning on breastfeeding?”
• “Were your twins natural?”

The best advice in these situations is to keep your mouth closed. If you do know that a woman is pregnant use discretion when asking questions to respect her privacy.

Singles

It’s often uncomfortable for a single person to be surrounded by couples. In order to make them feel as positive as possible, steer clear of the following:

• “I never liked him anyway.”
• “How can someone like you still be single?”
• “You’re never getting married?”

Sometimes the best approach to a conversation is bringing up common topics instead of putting someone on the spot.

Nothing beats grilling outside in the summertime.  Whether it is a relaxed Tuesday night mixed-grill dinner or a Saturday afternoon bar-b-que with the neighbors, it’s your time to be in charge. Since you take the time to pick the perfect meat and veggies to put on your grill you want to make sure that they meet your expectations when they come off. So take care of your grill and ditch the old utensils-you don’t want your food to end up tasting dry and flavorless. Make the most of your grill time by using these three tools.

Metal Spatula-Treat yourself and invest in a higher end thin spatula with beveled edges. It will slide under your most delicate foods.

Thermometer-Avoid burning your meat by using a waterproof thermometer with a large, easy-to-read display.

Grill Brush-It’s very important to keep you grill in top shape so it will last for years. Clean it properly with a grill brush made of sturdy metal bristles and scraper that can lift stuck-on leftover bits from the grate.

Sports fans around the country can rejoice-it’s tailgating time! That means it’s time to pack up the necessary goodies for the pre-game party. Beer? Check. Burgers? Check. Radio? Check. But if you want to have the ultimate tailgating experience, check out these tools and gadgets. You can find most of them at your local sporting goods store. Now you’re ready to kick-off game day right!

Magnetic Coozies-The only thing worse than a warm beer is someone swiping your beer! Make sure that doesn’t happen with a coozie that sticks to your car or any metal surface. Now you’ve got ice cold beer and a free hand for flipping burgers.

Tailgate Table-You’ve cooked your hot dogs and hamburgers and now you need a place to sit. Check out tables that are designed to pull up to your tailgate. You can have a seat and eat without balancing a paper plate on your lap.

Portable Char-Broil Grill-The key to tailgating is grilling. Nowadays, many grills are designed specifically for tailgating. This is great because the time you spent lugging around a huge grill can now be spent enjoying yourself.

Gas-Powered Blender-You can whip up a batch of your favorite frozen beverages with a portable blender. It’s the perfect fix for long, hot afternoons.

With all of the new products on the market, consumers often feel overloaded by choices. Shopping isn’t as simple as it used to be. Below, find the top ten products that run efficiently and make your life easier!

Steam washers and dryers: During the wash cycle, you can choose to add steam which helps loosen tough stains. Add steam while drying and relax wrinkles from dry clothing. The biggest upside: No more trips to the dry cleaners.

Coffee Maker: A good coffee maker will last for years and give you cup after cup of delicious coffee. Look for one that brews quickly, includes a permanent coffee filter, water filtration, and a light that shows you how long your coffee has been sitting. Making your own coffee everyday will eventually save you lots of cash.

Reusable Water Bottle: It may sound simple but owning a reusable BPA-free water bottle will save you loads of money in the future.

Set of Knives: Owning a collection of top-quality knives will change your cooking experience. Look for knives with fully forged, high-carbon, bolstered-steel blades that hold a razor edge. A good set of knives should last several years.

Sneakers: Having a good pair of sneaker is essential for the health of your feet, knees, and back. When trying on, make sure the front of the shoe is flexible. Also, try wiggling your toes, and rocking and rolling from heel to toe and back to ensure a good fit.

Does it seem like there are just not enough hours in the day? Between work, soccer practice and everything in between, you might feel like you need an extra pair of hands to get everything in the day accomplished. You can rest assured knowing that simple tools exist to get you from point A to point B faster and easier!

Get Flowers to Bloom
If you would like your blooms to blossom at a quicker speed, try these easy tips: cut the stems at an angle and then place the flowers in warm water. If the blooms need more of a nudge, use a blow-dryer with a diffuser to trick the flowers that they are outside in the sunshine. Your bouquet will blossom in time!

Get Your Daily Vitamins
Getting your daily dose of vitamins may be as easy as eating breakfast. Check the labels of your favorite cerealóit may just be fortified with all the vitamins you need. If not, find a cereal that has them all, like Total. Don’t forget the milk, it will add even more vitamins to your diet.

Keep Up To Date on Your Current Events
If it seems like you’re always the last to know about what’s going on in the world, these connections will bring you up to speed: Scan web sites that allow access to any newspaper in the country. Or, try listening to the news while doing mundane duties and chores. When you do watch TV, simply watch a 30-minute roundup to fill you in.

Thaw Meat
When you’re fixing a fast dinner, you may be looking for a quick way to defrost your meat. Think ahead and wrap small portions in re-sealable packages before you freeze them. When you’re ready to use your cuts, soak the meatloin the bagsloin cold water for about two hours.

Run Errands
If you have a day of errands ahead of you, try planning your stops in a clockwise direction. This way you can drop things off on the way and pick them up while heading home. Also, put a cooler in your car so when you pick up perishables, you don’t have to go home immediately.

OK, so a minivan may not be your number one choice in vehicle, but it’s still the most practical car for your family. If you’re worried about your reputation being on the line worry no more! We’ve got the tips to help you drive your minivan with cool confidence!

Customize Your Wheels. Just because it’s a minivan doesn’t mean that it has to have dingy hub caps. Upgrade but, keep it classy. Drive in style with customized wheels!

Remove All Accessories. Remove all dashboard accessories and try to keep the kids’ toys out of sight. If you are looking for street cred, remove the bumper stickers, too!

Cool Tunes. Program popular stations into your radio. Roll down the windows and turn up the tunes!

In-Van Entertainment. Equip your minivan with the coolest stereos and back of head rest TVs for the kids.