How to Save Gas Money

Remember those days when gas prices were less than $1 per gallon? Some of us might. Prices have definitely gone up throughout the years and they are most likely going to keep going up. The money we spend on gas each week adds up, so we’d thought we’d provide you with some simple gas saving tips. Some of these might surprise you!

Step 1. Go on -- enjoy your air conditioner on the highway. Consumer Reports says that AC's gas-guzzling reputation is undeserved. And, at higher speeds, opening the windows or sunroof can hurt on gas miles by increasing drag.

Step 2. Don't fill up your tank until you're practically on empty; the less fuel you're toting, the lighter your car, and the more you will save on gas.

Step 3. After filling up your car, turn the nozzle upside down before you remove it from your tank. You'll get another half a cup of gas that's stuck in the hose that will save on gas.

Step 4. Tighten your gas cap after filling up so you don't let any precious fuel evaporate. Try to park in the shade. This will also help save on gas by preventing evaporation.

Step 5. Put your car in overdrive for highway driving. It lowers your RPM, or revolutions per minute, which saves you gas money. Check your owner's manual for the recommended speed at which you may use overdrive. If you're due for new tires, get radials; they improve gas miles by two or three percent saving you gas money.

These are just a few steps that you could take to help stretch your money. For more, visit the link below!

Content Credit: Star Tech European Blog:   http://bit.ly/1fxV8s3

Top Ten Worst Things You Can Do To Your Vehicle

Something that we’ve learned from professional mechanics is that neglecting the proper maintenance and service for your car is the leading cause of mechanical issues. This includes many high cost repairs. Here’s a short list of some of the worst things you could be doing to your vehicle that you should be avoiding:

1. Ignore the Check Engine Light
2. Neglect Regular Maintenance
3. Have Improper Tire Pressure
4. Let Vehicle Run Low on Fluids
5. Using Generic Replacement Parts
6. Ignore Transmission Issues
7. Not Changing the Oil
8. Leaving a Dirty Air Filter
9. Using Unqualified Mechanic
10. Driving Overheated

To read more on this, visit Star Tech European. http://bit.ly/1gqvvKo

7 Common Reasons for an Oil Change!

One thing that many people tend to neglect is frequent oil changes. The life span of any vehicle can easily be shortened by this. So it’s important to schedule maintenance check-ups often, even when you think you don’t really need it. Consider these seven reasons why you should get your oil changed more often. Better to be safe than sorry!

1. Longevity
2. Sludge
3. Stress
4. Climate

5. Aggressive Driving

6. Contamination

7. Pinging in your engine or other unusual noises

To read more on this, visit Star Tech European. http://bit.ly/19iF7b0

The Top 5 Check Engine Light Issues

What we've learned from  CarMD's 2013 Vehicle Health Index, is that the cost for car repairs has increased 10 percent this past year. One thing you never want to do is put off any repairs. It could cost you more than you expected later on down the road. With that said, there could be more than one reason why your check engine light comes on. Here are a few of them:

1. Oxygen sensor failing
2. Ignition coil problems
3. Spark plugs and spark plug wires
4. Mass airflow sensor malfunctions
5. Faulty vacuum hose or evaporative emission control system

                                                                                                             

To read more, visit Star Tech European. http://bit.ly/19iy81Z

FEATURED CAR OF THE WEEK: 2004 Buick Rendezvous

 What is there not to love about this vehicle! This is a do it all SUV that's perfect for just about anything and any place. It is nicely equipped with tons of amazing features to fit your lifestyle. Some of these features include a CX Package, 4-Wheel Antilock Disc Brakes, Air Conditioning, AM/FM radio, CD player, Front Bucket Seats, Power windows, Remote keyless entry, and Speed control. Stop by Polar this weekend and take it for a spin! To learn more about this 2004 Buick Rendezvous, click here!

Nothing says it’s the Holidays Like Gingerbread

Around this time of year, you’re bound to run into something gingerbread. You know it’s the holidays when your mom is baking a gingerbread loaf, gingerbread scented candles can be bought just about anywhere,  even with your at the nearest coffee shop people in line are ordering The Gingerbread Latte. This deliciously warm spice has become a tradition that goes back to the eleventh century in Europe. Even back then it was almost always cut into shapes of people, stars or animals. Does your family have any gingerbread traditions during the holidays? Please enjoy this recipe from Food.com and have a happy holiday! 
 

The Most Wonderful Gingerbread Cookies

Total Time: 2 hrs 23 mins

Prep Time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Cook Time: 8 mins

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup molasses
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 deg. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves until well blended.

3. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and egg on medium speed until well blended.
4. Add molasses, vanilla, and lemon zest and continue to mix until well blended.
5. Gradually stir in dry ingredients until blended and smooth.
6. Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic and let stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
7. (Dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but in this case it should be refrigerated. Return to room temp before using.) Preheat oven to 375°.
8. Grease or line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
9. Place 1 portion of the dough on a lightly floured surface.
10. Sprinkle flour over dough and rolling pin.
11. Roll dough to a scant 1/4-inch thick.
12. Use additional flour to avoid sticking.
13. Cut out cookies with desired cutter-- the ginger bread man is our favorite of course.
14. Space cookies 1 1/2-inches apart.
15. Bake 1 sheet at a time for 7-10 minutes (the lower time will give you softer cookies-- very good!).
16. Remove cookie sheet from oven and allow the cookies to stand until the cookies are firm enough to move to a wire rack.
17. After cookies are cool you may decorate them any way you like.
18. I usually brush them with a powdered sugar glaze when I am in a hurry, but they look wonderful decorated with Royal icing.