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Prepare Your Emergency Roadside Safety Kit

9/1/2020

 
There are hurricane preparedness checklists, back-to-school checklists, and honey-do checklists, but do you know what should be on your emergency roadside safety checklist? We've compiled a list of items you need in your kit so you're prepared for any potential roadside emergencies.

Set aside a box or a backpack with the following items to keep in your car at all times. You'll be prepared for any road trip incidents!
The utilization of the recommended Emergency Safety Kit items will be determined by the skill level of the vehicle driver and or passengers present when a need to access the Emergency Safety Kit arises.
  • Battery jumper cables or electronic battery jumper box
  • First aid kit
  • Hazard signal devices: road flares or reflective triangles
  • Reflective safety vest
  • Blankets
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Tow strap
  • Gallon container of water for vehicle overheating issues
  • Flashlight: hand held and or head strap mounted
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Tire pump: either manual or battery operated
  • Portable battery charging device for your cell phone
  • Reflective raincoat
  • Personal defensive weapon: to be determined by personal skill level and legal authority
  • Current phone numbers for any roadside assistance or towing services you belong to or have access to through membership or insurance
Always remember the primary goals during a roadside emergency either related to car trouble or vehicle crash are:
  • Protect the vehicle driver and passengers from injury
  • Alert oncoming drivers from all directions to the disabled vehicle or vehicles
  • Notify authorities
Download Printable Checklist
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Make sure your vehicle is always prepared for the unexpected. Call 407-322-8415 to make an appointment with us. We will treat your vehicle as if it was our own.

Lloyd's Tips for Long-term Vehicle Storage

4/22/2020

 
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By Lloyd L. Beverly, ASE Master Technician – Certified L1 & A9

Going on an extended trip for a couple weeks or longer and not taking your vehicle? If so, here are some tips that will keep your vehicle in great shape while you are gone.
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  • If possible, keep your vehicle in a garage or other covered facility. Be sure to place traps or poison around your vehicle to keep rodents from nesting or chewing lines and hoses. If you have to leave it outside, the best option is to park on solid ground or gravel and use a weatherproof car cover.

  • Clean your vehicle before storing it. It may seem unnecessary to get it washed if you are not driving it, but water stains or bird droppings can damage the paint. A wax job is a good idea too.

  • Have the engine oil and filter changed to avoid having harmful contaminants from the used oil just sitting in the engine.

  • Fill up the gas tank and use a fuel stabilizer to help prevent moisture and ethanol buildup. Remember, when filling your tank, stop at the first click and don’t try and “top off” the tank.

  • Purchase a smart battery charger that plugs into a wall outlet. Today’s vehicles have sophisticated computers that require small amounts of battery power, even when the vehicle is not running. These computers can quickly drain a fully charged battery during extended storage. The best solution is to purchase a smart battery charger that plugs into a wall outlet. This device will keep your battery from being depleted and allow the computers to retain memory. It can be expensive and time-consuming to have the computers in your vehicle reprogrammed if the battery is drained.
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  • Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct specifications. Extended storage can cause flat spots in your tires, more so with low-profile or performance-rated tires. Another option is to store your vehicle on jacks so that the tires are not touching the ground. This option requires special care and equipment to properly set the vehicle. It is recommended to contact a professional for assistance.

When you are ready to start driving again, remove the smart battery charger and check under the hood for any evidence of rodents. Check your tire pressures and look under the vehicle for any leak evidence. Then check the fluid levels. Next, test the brakes in your driveway and take a short test-drive around your neighborhood to make sure everything is working correctly. If something is amiss, get it evaluated and repaired as soon as possible.

Need your car checked out before or after your vacation?
​Make an appointment! Call us at 407-322-8415.

7 Most Common Driving Pet Peeves

8/22/2019

 
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There’s a couple areas of our lives where we could easily come up with a long list of pet peeves, and driving is certainly one of those daily chores where every red light becomes a battleground and every stop sign is an eye roll. Here’s our list of the 7 most common driving pet peeves. Did yours make the list?
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Pet Peeve #1: People texting and driving. Or doing anything on their phone and driving.
Generally speaking, distracted drivers are our biggest pet peeve. 
Obviously it’s a dangerous situation to be on the road with a distracted driver. Sometimes they’re weaving in their lane, hitting the brakes frequently, drifting off the road, etc. Bottom line, don’t text and drive. Don’t read a book and drive. Don’t bake brownies and drive. Don’t drive distracted. The best thing to do to avoid a collision with a distracted driver is drive with caution and get around them as soon as you are able.


Pet Peeve #2: People driving in the rain with their flashers on.
We’re not quite sure how this line of thought started but it is definitely not helpful for anyone to have their flashers/emergency lights on in a downpour. It’s actually even harder to see a vehicle with hazards on as brake lights and blinkers are less visible. Also, it’s against the law to do this, so spread the word - lights on, flashers off!


Pet Peeve #3: People who don’t park within the lines.
If you are constantly on the receiving end of door dings, bumper dents, and angry notes on the windshield, you may need to reevaluate your parking skills. When arriving to your destination, check to see how you parked. If you’re a bit wonky, straighten it up. Or if you find yourself trying to force your car into a spot next to someone who parked over the line, just keep moving on and find a space a little farther away to save yourself the hassle and irritation.


Pet Peeve #4: People who tailgate.
No, we’re not talking about football tailgating, but the drivers who seem to think your reflexes are so sharp (and that their reflexes are doubly sharp), that it’s just fine to travel three inches right behind you. Tailgating is dangerous and illegal. While you can’t necessarily prevent someone from tailgating you, watch your own space in front of you and travel AT LEAST one car length away per every 10 mph you’re driving.


Pet Peeve #5: People who drive with their high beams on and don’t dim them for oncoming traffic.
High beams are very helpful in dark or remote areas. But we’ve all encountered a driver or two who don’t seem to mind blinding us as we pass in the opposite direction. The rule is to dim your high beams at least 500 ft from any oncoming vehicle.


Pet Peeve #6: People who don’t use turn signals.
This is another pet peeve that is becoming more prevalent. We all appreciate the common courtesy of letting drivers know where you’re heading. Using your turn signal is also required by law. Drivers are highly encouraged to use their turn signals at least 100 feet prior to turning.


Pet Peeve #7: People driving with improperly secured loads.
Everyone has a story about road debris or items flying off truck beds and into their windshield. There are just some drivers who don’t understand the laws of physics. If you’re carrying something that won’t fit in your car, get professional help or maybe just have that mattress delivered to you instead.


It can be a dangerous roadway out there. Dodging distracted drivers, tailgaters, and flying mattresses can make for a high-stress commute. While you can’t control others’ actions, you can control how you behave and react on the road. We also recommend you keep up on car maintenance to ensure your vehicle isn’t creating it’s own driving hazard. Feel free to give us a call to schedule your next check-up.


What other pet peeves should we have included on the list?
Email them to us at contact@harrellandbeverly.com.

Need to bring your vehicle in for a check-up?
​Call us at 407-322-8415 to make an appointment.

Lovebugs: Fact vs. Fiction

5/20/2019

 
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As Central Florida residents, there are a few things we grow accustomed to and familiar with: alligators, I-4 construction, and hurricane preparedness. But the one phenomenon we can’t seem to get a handle on are lovebugs. Let’s take a look at what’s folklore and what’s true about these harmless, yet annoying pests.

Fact or Fiction: The May 2019 lovebug season was the worst ever!
Fiction. Our windshields were pretty well covered with bug guts. But it was nowhere nearly as bad as what drivers had to deal with in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Florida drivers would have to pull off the road every 10 miles or so to clean the bugs off just so they could continue their journey. Children would even forgo lemonade stands to offer bug cleaning services.


Fact or Fiction: University of Florida scientists created lovebugs to eat mosquitos.
Fiction. Lovebugs found their way to Florida in the mid 1900s, all the way from Central America to Texas, flying east to find the perfect lovebug climate. Florida cattle manure and cut grass are two of their favorite places to hang out.

Fact or Fiction: Lovebugs serve no purpose in the circle of life.
Fiction. Lovebugs feed on decaying matter and help return organic material into the soil, so they’re not completely worthless.

Fact or Fiction: Lovebugs can damage your car.
Fact. Besides from ruining a perfectly good paint job, if enough lovebugs gather in your radiator they can restrict airflow and cause your engine to run hotter than normal. The best way to clean them out of your radiator is with a water hose and wash brush.


Fact or Fiction: A damp dryer sheet helps clean lovebugs off your car.
Fact-ish. The latest craze is using dryer sheets to get those guts off. However, it’s really messy and not for the faint of heart. We recommend researching cleaners that are specifically designed to remove lovebugs and other critters from the front of your car. And be sure to do your best to remove them within about 48 hours. It always helps to get your car waxed a couple times a year, creating a barrier between the exterior and all those winged road warriors.
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Now let’s just hope the next lovebug season isn’t as terrifying or you might see a lemonade lovebug stand pop-up at Harrell & Beverly!


Fear that this lovebug season may have damaged more than just the paint of your car? Make an appointment and we'll get it checked out! Call us at 407-322-8415.

Do's and Don'ts of Riding with Your Pet

3/18/2019

 
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Most pets (read "most dogs") love going for car rides. Service Advisor Nelson Beverly and his wife Christina have a toy poodle named Scooter. When they say the word “ride” in front of Scooter he lights up as if it were Christmas morning. This month we interviewed Scooter to get his recommendations on Pet Car Safety.

Scooter’s Pet Car Safety Tips
  1. Don’t ever put me in the bed of a pickup truck! The Humane Society estimates that approximately 100,000 dogs are killed each year from being thrown or jumping out of a pickup. Besides, I’d so much rather sit in the air conditioned cab with you!
  2. We may be super excited to join you for a drive, but please buckle me in. There are many Center for Pet Safety approved products that will keep me nicely contained and from roaming freely about the vehicle. Harnesses and dogs seats are life-savers. It keeps us from distracting you while driving AND reduces the risk of injury if we are involved in an accident. Also, I love you so very much but please don’t allow me to ride in your lap. You need to be focused on the road and have all fingers and toes available if you need to make a sudden maneuver.
  3. Don’t leave me in the car by myself, please! It can get awfully warm in the car very quickly and the consequences are dire. Twenty-eight states, including Florida, have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle. To see the laws for a specific state visit https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-laws-protect-animals-left-parked-vehicles.
  4. A fresh bowl of water for longer car rides is great! A ride around the block is fine, but for those longer trips please remember to bring some fresh water along for me!
  5. Don’t let me hang my head out the window. I mean, I know I enjoy it and all those smells, but it’s really not a good idea. I can easily try and jump out if I see another animal, or you never know when there could be an unexpected flying rock or even another vehicle. Just a little crack of the window is all I need to get the tease of fresh air and wind in my face.
  6. Don’t just take me to the vet when we get in the car. This is no bueno because every time we get in the car I will get all anxious and think we’re headed to the vet of course! Take me around the block, to the pet store, to the park!
  7. Don’t forget to take your car to my dad’s shop to make sure it’s safe for the entire family!

​These are just some of the main tips Scooter wanted to share with our readers, he did pretty good for not having opposable thumbs - now he has some toys to go play with and then a scheduled nap; his life is ruff.


Make sure your ride is safe for you, your family, and your furry friends!
​Bring any concerns, weird noises, or flashing lights to Harrell & Beverly.
Call 407-322-8415 today!

Allergies & Air Filters

3/11/2019

 
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​Spring is in the air, literally.

You can see it on your car and on your patio, especially if you live under oak trees. Allergy season in Florida is one of the worst in the country and this picture sums it up pretty well: 

​So what does this mean for your vehicle? 

Every vehicle has an engine air filter that helps keep out dirt and debris. Engines are like lungs, both need clean air to work correctly. A dirty engine air filter will hinder fuel economy and engine performance. 

For modern day vehicles, the majority of cars and SUVs have cabin air filters which filter the outside air before it enters the cabin of the vehicle. A dirty cabin air filter can cause unpleasant smells inside the vehicle and make your allergies even worse. ACHOO! A severely clogged cabin air filter can even cause damage to HVAC parts such as the AC blower motor and resistor. It could also cause low air volume from the AC vents. 

If you can’t remember the last time you checked or replaced your engine or cabin air filter then now is the time. And if you don’t know how or don’t have time to, we can do it for you! Our Full Service Oil Change include inspection of the engine air filter and cabin air filter (if equipped and accessible). 

Make an appointment with us today! Call 407-322-8415.

10 Really Strange Car Facts to Discuss at Your Next Dinner Party

10/17/2018

 
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Did you know?
  • Recent studies say that those that sing in the car are safer drivers. They are less prone to fall asleep while at the wheel and singing a tune makes drivers feel calmer.

  • It would take six straight months of driving to get to the moon at a speed of 60 mph.

  • China holds the record for the longest traffic jam to date. In August 2010, the country experienced a traffic jam that spanned more than 62 miles and lasted 12 days. Just keep that in mind the next time you’re in a jam on I-4.

  • The very last car to be able to play cassettes was the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria.

  • Despite the small size of the country, Japan is responsible for the production of most of the world’s vehicles.

  • Ford started making planes in 1925, but Henry Ford gradually lost interest in plane production after his personal pilot was killed in a crash flying a Ford Flivver prototype monoplane in 1928.

  • When designing a new car from a blank sheet of paper, the first mark the engineers make on the page isn’t the location of the engine or the floor or the wheels, but the driver’s heels.

  • In Russia it’s considered a criminal offense to drive with a dirty car.

  • Jeep tried resurrecting faux wood paneling by offering it as a dealer-installed option on the first-generation Liberty. The “Woody” option didn’t go over well with consumers.
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  • Speed and road death do not have as close of a correlation as you might think. Germany, where many major autobahns have no speed limits at all, has half the number of highway deaths as the United States.

Got a strange car fact for us? Or maybe your car is acting strange and you need us to take a look! Call us at 407-322-8415 today!

Putting the Fun Back in Road Trips

8/20/2018

 
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The new school year may have just started, but we’re already dreaming about our next road trip. Whether we’re heading up North for the fall leaves, planning a trip to grandmother’s house for the holidays, or want an intimate getaway with our honey, road trips are our favorite way to escape.

Here are 7 road trip hacks we’ve learned from experience:
  1. Keep your itinerary simple. Avoid being too ambitious with your number of stops and how many miles you need to put in. We’d all like to believe we are truckers that can do 8-12 hour runs, but the reality is that you WILL get tired. You WILL want to stop at that roadside attraction you didn’t know was there. You WILL want to try that diner you saw on the Food Channel. Have a plan, but don’t overplan. Leave room for the unexpected and don’t wear yourself out.
  2. Disconnect. You may be tempted to pack the laptop or plug your phone in for easy access to phone calls and social media. Don’t. Put the phone down and connect with your road trip companion(s). We even challenge you to use an old-school, paper map.
  3. Pack light. Take only what is necessary and don’t feel you need to pack for every “what if” scenario. Take snacks and eat light throughout the day, saving your big meals for your destinations. Leave room for your unique find from the quirky flea market you stumbled upon. 
  4. Ask a local. Instead of doing all your research beforehand and deciding what and where you’re going to eat before you get a feel for the place, just ask a local. Word of mouth, local recommendations are better than any Yelp rating. 
  5. Clean your car before (and during) your trip. There’s nothing better than beginning a trip with a clean and organized vehicle. And make sure you empty your trash along the way - there’s nothing worse than getting into a car and wondering “what’s that smell?”
  6. Get your car inspected before hitting the road. It’s scary and frustrating when your car breaks down on the side of the highway. Have your technician at Harrell & Beverly give your car a good inspection. They’ll be able to ensure fluid levels, brakes, and tires (including the spare!) are all in order.
  7. Put together a simple emergency car toolkit. Jumper cables, first aid kit, spare tire, car jack and tire iron, tire pressure gauge, tool set, hazard signal devices (flares or reflective triangles), safety vest, blanket, fire extinguisher, tow strap, flashlight (magnetic base and head strap mounted), gallon of water, toilet paper, and air pump. We realize this may be counter intuitive to #3 and you may not feel comfortable trying to repair anything yourself, but you will appreciate having the necessities on hand in case a knowledgeable driver or mechanic are able to assist.

Next month: We’ll share our emergency roadside toolkit checklist!

How to Protect Your Vehicle from #SaltLife

7/17/2018

 

Ahhhhh, the beach.
Floridians are blessed to have access to amazing beaches; some cities will even let you drive on them. There’s hardly a better way to spend a summer day. But your car may not appreciate the environment as much as you do.


Here are a few tips to keep your vehicle from experiencing issues related to extreme conditions at the beach:

Cover your seats, floorboard, and trunk with old towels or sheets.
We cringe at the sight of buckets of sand in our car after a day in paradise. Covering the interior of your car with sheets or towels will keep the mess to a minimum and you won’t have to contort yourself into crazy yoga positions to vacuum every last bit of sand.

Park in a garage or use a vehicle cover. 
If you’re vacationing at the beach for an extended period of time, park in a covered lot or use a vehicle cover. Doing so will help cut down on salt air exposure, hindering corrosion. Bonus is that your car won’t be 180 bahjillion degrees when you get into it.

Rinse the underside of your vehicle after it has cooled off. 
If you’re driving on sand, make sure you rinse the underside of your car with a hose as soon as it has cooled down. A nice rinse is good even if you didn’t drive on the beach. This will help prevent any corrosion or rust from getting a jump start on you.
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Rinse and wash the exterior of your vehicle.
Rinse off the exterior of your car to get rid of any caked-on sand or grit. Sand is great for human skin exfoliation but not great on your car’s paint job. Make sure to wash and wax it regularly. It likes a spa day too!

Florida beaches are quite a perk! Make sure your vehicle will get you there and back home by taking good care of it.
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Does your vehicle need a summertime check-up? Give us a call at 407-322-8415.

The Best Road Trip Games for Your Family Vacation

6/19/2018

 
Long car rides can make anyone a little stir-crazy. Keep the peace and enjoy the time with your passengers with the best road trip games.
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The Classics

License Plate Game
The License Plate Game is probably one of the most well-known and loved of all car games. Whether played individually or competitively with other passengers, the goal of the game is to find/identify as many different state license plates as you can. This game is great for kids too and the Happinesss is Homemade blog has provided a fun License Plate Game coloring map which you can download here.

I’m Going on a Picnic
Not only will this game test your memory, it will also make you hungry! The first person starts the game by saying,"I'm going on a picnic, and I'm taking..." something that begins with the letter “A”. 

The second person then repeats the first part of the sentence, repeats what the first person is bringing, and then adds something starting with the letter “B”. The game continues around the car to each person, repeating and adding to objects beginning with the following letters of the alphabet.

Find the Letters
This is another simple alphabet game that could get pretty heated as players attempt to find sequential alphabet letters on store and restaurant signs, billboards, road signs, etc. You can make the game a little more challenging by ruling that players on the right can only find letters on the right side of the car and those on the left, must look on the left-hand side.
For Kids

​I Spy

Kids love playing “I Spy” and the game transitions well to the car too! The Happiness is Homemade blog also put together a couple of printables for a round of “I Spy” scavenger hunt style which you can download here.

Team Storytelling
Have a car full of young passengers? Get their creative brains working by starting a group story. You can start with "Once upon a time” or anything silly to get the ball rolling. The next person adds a line to the story and so on. This could last for a few minutes or a few hours!

Once the story ends you can ask the kids illustrate the story and save as a road trip memory!

Silence Is Golden
This “game” may be a welcome break for everyone. Adults decide on a prize and the goal is to be completely quiet. Prizes are for anyone who doesn’t break the sacred silence!
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For Adults

Name That Tune
It’s easy and fun to play this game, based on the popular television show of the mid-20th century, in your car. Use your iPod or radio to play some tunes and see who can name the title and artist. Add some bonus points for singing along!

Conversation Starters
Take the opportunity to get to know your driving buddy better with a list of thought-provoking questions. Download a starter set here.

Mad Libs
Mad Libs have been around for a very long time and make for great entertainment at home and in the car. Complete short stories with words as directed and read the resulting humorous stories aloud. Pick up some of the books on Amazon before your trip or at a Cracker Barrel along the way.

Don't spoil the fun and games with car trouble! Make sure your car is road trip ready. Call us at 407-322-8415 to schedule your appointment today!

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  • Home
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Our History
    • The Little Red Jeep
    • Sanford, FL
  • Services
    • Transmissions & Drivetrain
    • General Repair
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    • Diesel Engines
    • OEM Factory Service
    • Pre-Purchase Evaluations
    • Vehicles We Work On
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  • Contact Us