Vehicle Spotlight of the Month: The New 2016 Audi A3

It may be small, but it packs a mighty punch. The New 2016 Audi Q3 has been ranked number 3 in Small Luxury Crossovers and SUVs by Car and Driver! The Q3 has a stylish and refined exterior, complete with full-LED headlights. This sleek style makes for a fun drive and can still comfortably tote 5 passengers without any elbowing. Stay warm all Winter long with 12-way heated leather seats and dual-zone climate control. You may not want to drive such a pristine vehicle, but with the rearview camera and blind-spot monitoring, you can confidently navigate roads knowing your just as safe as you are stylish.

What Exactly is The 5 Star Safety Rating?

Odds are you’ve read or heard about vehicles spectacular "5-Star Safety Rating," but what does it really mean in regards to your vehicle? Back in 1978 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) created the rating system to accurately monitor safety features that manufacturers kept adding to vehicles. Originally, the safety rating system only accounted for frontal crashes. From 1990-2010 the 5-Star system monitored front, side and rollover resistance ratings. However, on makes created since 2011 the NCAP updated their rating system to feature an Overall Rating Score to make it easier for consumers to rate vehicles. This change now includes vehicles equipped with crash avoidance technology such as Electronic Stability Control, Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning. In order to get accurate ratings on your vehicle, ask your local dealer for a detailed car history and crash test safety ratings or go to safercar.gov for a complete list of makes and models.

Tips To Maintain Car Batteries

There’s nothing worse than being stranded with a dead car battery. Most batteries can continue working well for 5 to 7 years. But are you doing every thing you can to ensure a long battery life? Check out these tips to make sure you’re getting the best use out of your battery.

• Make sure to check (and refill) the battery’s water level every 2 or 3 months
• Clean battery terminals every 6 to 8 months
• Apply grease made for high temperatures to the battery- this prevents rusting
• After a regular tune-up or oil change, ask the mechanic to inspect the cell voltage, a fully charged battery will be between 12.5 to 12.6 volts
• Make sure all lights are turned off and doors are fully locked when turning off the vehicle

Not Your Typical Valentine’s Day Dates

Stuck on what to do this Valentine’s Day? Skip the typical dinner date and box of chocolates and try something new to keep the romance alive! Here are some date ideas that’ll make for a more memorable Valentine’s Day:

1. Recreate your very first date from start to finish
2. Try something neither of you have done before like an art or cooking class
3. Do all the tourist-y things your city has to offer, treat it like a mini vacation!
4. Unplug for the entire day and get some real face-to-face time with your significant other

Spring Cleaning For Your Vehicle

Spring Cleaning For Your VehicleHas your vehicle survived another harsh, bitterly cold Chicago Winter? With Spring right around the corner your vehicle needs a little pick-me-up after navigating those icy roads all Winter long. Here are a few maintenance tips to prep your car for the sunnier, warmer spring days.

• Get a thorough carwash. Make sure the undercarriage is given a lot of attention to wash away the buildup of road salt.
• Check your tire pressure! Tires can suffer wear and tear during winter months, make sure they aren’t balding and are filled sufficiently.
• While checking out your tires, make sure your brakes get a good look at too. They put in overtime when the roads are icy so make sure the mechanic looks at both the pads and rotors.
• Although the snow and ice may be melting, this means the potholes are back with a vengeance. Check to see if the steering wheel feels stiff, or is even vibrating. This could be a potential alignment problem.

Feel The Love In Chicago

Whether single, taken, or in a serious relationship with your dog, Chicago has amazing Valentine’s Day activities planned that everyone can enjoy!
Enjoy a romantic evening of dinner and dancing with your special one at the Empire Room in the Palmer House Hilton on Saturday. Get dolled up and dance the night away!
Single and ready to mingle? Check out Citizen Bar’s "Nuts and Bolts" party! Gals show up and get a nut, guys receive a bolt, then enjoy a night of mingling until you find your perfect match!
Or, spend your Valentine’s Day with the one who truly loves you- your dog. 1 FUR 1 Foundation is a charity dedicated to helping animals heal people, and they are having a Valentine’s Day Benefit in the West Loop. Enjoy a silent auction full of fun treats for you and your furry friend, a wine tasting and meet fellow dog owners!