Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Driving with Pets

Did You Know...

84% of pet owners say they travel with their pet in automobiles

Source: American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) 2006 National Pet Owner Survey

If you're planning to take your pet with you on trips in the car, start early when the pet is young to get used to the routine. Short jaunts across town and back or easy day trips will get your pet used to the ride. A carsick pet can make the trip miserable for everyone.

A seat upholstery protector, such as a pet hammock or waterproof seat cover will make clean-ups easier in case your pet does get sick or has an accident.

Be sure to bring along cleaning supplies to avoid having to search out a place to purchase them at the last minute.

Make your pet travel experience fun and enjoyable by following these simple, common sense pet travel tips:

• Safely secure your pet while traveling. An unrestrained pet can become a deadly projectile in the event of a sudden stop or crash, causing serious injury (even death) to passengers. For example, an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle.
• Dogs should be restrained with either a seatbelt or harness designed for pet travel. Smaller dogs can be secured in pet car seats, which allow them to also see out, while being properly restrained.
• Never attach a restraining device to the pet's collar. Always use a harness to prevent injury.
• Cats should be contained in a crate, cage or pet car seat that is secured with a seat belt. Never allow a cat to roam freely in the vehicle, as it could get tangled around the driver's feet or get in the driver's sight of the road.
• Do not allow your pet to ride with its head outside of the window. An obstacle close to the vehicle could potentially strike your pet's head, causing injury or death, or dirt particles could get into your pet's ears, nose, eyes, or throat, causing health problems.
• It's a good idea to stop every couple of hours for your pet and you to stretch and walk around. Be sure to have your pet's leash handy to have control and so your pet doesn't run away in unfamiliar surroundings.
• Have your own supply of cold water, as fresh water is not always handy or convenient when you need to stop.
• Have your pet consume small amounts of food and water, but don't allow to overeat or drink if you still have more traveling to do. Reserve your pet's main meal for the end of the day.
• Leaving a pet in a parked car is never a good idea. Temperatures in confined spaces in the summer time can heat up fast, causing heatstroke — even death — to a pet. Extremely cold temperatures in the winter can be just as threatening, so be sure not to leave a pet in the car if the temperature is near the freezing mark.
• A pet first-aid kit is an essential item to pack when venturing out and should contain things such as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Phone numbers for your pet's vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel should be taken along.
• A travel tag on a pet's collar will help someone locate you should you and your pet become separated. The travel tag should contain information about where you are staying locally (while away from home), including addresses and phone numbers. A cell phone number is also a good idea since most people have one with them, especially when they travel.

Bus or Train

• State and local restrictions usually prohibit pets from riding on buses or trains unless they are assisting visually impaired or physically challenged persons. Always check in advance with these transportation providers to find out what regulations they may impose.

Courtesy of Pet Travel Center

Lexus IS F CCS-R Conquers Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

 

Watch the IS F CCS-R's historic first race with Ken Gushi in our start to finish video of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb that took place on Sunday, August 12.

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Engine Knock

What Is Engine Knocking?

Engine knocking refers to the metallic sound an engine can produce when pressure is applied to the gas pedal. The noise may be a hollow knocking sound or more of a rattling sound—in either case, it's not a sound you want to hear.

When an engine pings, it releases pollution into the environment in the form of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and raw, unburned hydrocarbons (HCs). These two chemicals are poisonous gases that show up as yellowish-brownish in a polluted sky. They can also cause respiratory problems like asthma and emphysema.

Common Reasons for Engine Knocking

Improper Combustion Process
An engine can ping (or knock) due to an improper combustion process. A "spark knock" is the result of combustion occurring too early. Early combustion can occur from carbon buildup inside the combustion chamber, a lean air/fuel mixture, and advanced ignition timing (spark plug firing too soon). In a properly-firing cylinder, the spark plug ignites the air/fuel mixture and a flame front starts on one side of the piston and burns across the top to the other side, which creates a rapid and evenly-expanding gas that pushes down on the top of the piston. When the air/fuel mixture is ignited prior to the spark plug firing, the two flame fronts collide, causing the pinging/knocking noise.

Engine Is Too Hot
An engine can ping because it is too hot. This is another uneven combustion scenario that is caused by the air-to-fuel mixture "lighting off" by itself. If the cooling system does not keep the engine's combustion chamber temperature in check, the air-to-fuel mixture will begin to spontaneously explode. This is also called "pre-ignition."

Improper Gasoline Octane
In addition to cooling system problems, pinging can be caused by improper gasoline octane, an overly lean air-to-fuel mixture, or a lack of proper exhaust gas recirculation. The exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) was created to neutralize engine pinging by adding a small amount of exhaust gas to the air-to-fuel mixture going in to the combustion process, which limits the peak combustion chamber temperature.

Internal Mechanical Problems
Internal mechanical problems can also cause engine knocking. One such problem stems from excessive clearance inside the bearings in the connecting rods that transfer the downward movement of the pistons to crankshaft rotation. Each time the piston changes direction, there is a knock from the metal hitting metal. This is often referred to as a "rod knock." It is usually very rhythmic—it increases with engine speed and intensifies with engine load.

Other mechanical problems that lead to engine knocking are:

• Defective main crankshaft bearings
• A cracked or broken flywheel or flex-plate that attaches the engine to the transmission
• A worn water pump bearing
• A failed or loose timing belt tensioner can knock when the timing belt slaps against it 
• An air conditioning compressor can knock when it is failing or icing up
• An alternator with worn rotor bearings can knock when the pistons fire

Be sure to properly inspect and verify the root cause of the knocking sound, as it can be tricky to pinpoint. You don't want to replace the entire engine only to find out that the knocking was coming from a cracked hub on the transmission flywheel or flex-plate. Ouch!

 

Courtesy of Repair Pal

Lexus Presents: Unleash the LFA

The Golden Opportunity Sales Event is here, and to celebrate we're giving one lucky person a chance to climb behind the wheel of an LFA to tear up a private racetrack. For full details and to enter visit http://UnleashtheLFA.com. #UnleashTheLFA

Village Automotive Group is currently hiring!

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Would you or somebody you know be a good fit working for our family of businesses? Village Automotive Group is currently hiring!

 

As of August 6, we currently have 15 job openings ranging from part-time work to full-time employment! For more information and to apply online,  please visit www.villageautomotivegroup.com and click on the Careers tab.

Thank you to all of our happy customers for the rave reviews!

"It was February 2012 when I began my search for a new vehicle. We were replacing our 2006 Sienna minivan. It was important to have AWD and towing capability. After test driving 15 different SUVs from luxury to basic, we kept coming back to Lexus. John Stusse was our sales representative at Lexus of Maplewood. What impressed me the most was the level of comfort and the quietness. The windows are triple lined, the engine is shrouded, the wheel wells are sound dampening felt and the doors have extra insulation. We often drive five hours to our cabin and it's nice to have less road noise. It makes conversation and music more enjoyable. The engine is responsive and smooth. The interior is spacious and comfortable. It's nice to look forward to driving!"

- Frank

"Pat Bernklau has been our salesman of choice for the past 10 years, even during his unfortunate missing years. We've leased five or 6 cars/SUV's and feel most comfortable dealing with Pat."

- Dr. Sam

Your Monday Maintenance Tip: Parking Techniques

ANGLE PARKING

 

There will be many times when you will see angled parking spaces in a parking lot. In this case, vehicles are designated to go one way.

Here are some safety tips:

• Stay at a safe distance from parked cars so that you can see and maneuver better once you have found an empty spot.
• Stay alert for cars backing out to leave their space.
• Always signal to show that you are ready to make a turn.

PERPENDICULAR PARKING

Perpendicular parking is similar to angle parking, but requires greater care in turning. You will find perpendicular parking in most parking lots, which normally provide spaces marked in a 90-degree angle to the curb or a building.

When parking bring your vehicle to a spot while keeping enough space from the row of parked cars. 

Always stop with your wheels straight and your car centered in the space.

PARALLEL PARKING

In general, you will use parallel parking next to a curb in the space between two parked cars. Sometimes parallel parking is your only option. You will need to choose a space that is at least five feet longer than your car. It requires practice to master this maneuver. 

Always signal first, and then position your vehicle parallel with the vehicle parked (rear bumpers of both vehicles are aligned) in front of the empty spot. Keep at least two feet away from this vehicle.

Check to make sure the way is clear behind you, and shift into reverse. Look over your shoulder and back slowly as you turn your wheel toward the curb.

Back up slowly so that the front of the vehicle is even with the front door of the vehicle beside you. Turn the wheel sharply to the right and back up slowly until your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle from the curb.

Turn the wheel sharply in the direction away from the curb and back slowly until your vehicle is parallel to the curb.
Put the car into a forward gear and slowly center your vehicle in the space.

PARKING ON A HILL

Uphill

When headed uphill at a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll backwards slowly until the rear part of the front wheel rests against the curb using it as a block.

 
Downhill

When you stop your car headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb. Let your vehicle roll slowly until the front tire rests against the curb using it as a block.

No Curb

When headed uphill (or downhill) with no curb, always turn your front wheels to the right so that if your vehicle moves, it will roll off the highway, not into traffic.

ILLEGAL PARKING

Parking in the following areas is prohibited:

• On highways (unless indicated otherwise)
• In an intersection
• On pedestrian crosswalks or sidewalks
• In front of driveways
• In a fire lane or close to a fire hydrant
• In an underpass or bridge
• At a blue curb or for a spot reserved for disabled
• Beside another parked vehicle (double parking)

Consult your state's Drivers handbook for details.

VEHICLE SECURING PROCEDURES

Whenever you park your car, make sure you do the following:
1. Make sure that you are stopped within a legal and secure parking space.
2. Set the parking brake.
3. Put the car gear in park for automatic transmission. For manual transmission put the car either in first or reverse gear.
4. Turn off any accessories used.
5. Turn off ignition switch and remove key.
6. Check for traffic prior to exiting vehicle. Open door safely and face traffic when getting out of the vehicle.
7. Secure doors and windows.
8. Lock your vehicle and take the keys with you.

SECURING VALUABLES
Safety Tips

• Always make sure your doors and windows are closed when you leave the vehicle, even for a short period of time. Do not leave a vehicle running unattended.
• Always park in well lit areas; avoid parking in isolated parking spaces or in bad neighborhoods.
• Never leave any valuables and equipment inside your vehicle. Place them in the trunk of the vehicle and lock the vehicle.
• Install a vehicle alarm system if you store valuable items in your vehicle.
• Never leave a spare key inside the vehicle, especially if it can be seen from the outside.

 

Courtesy of DriversEd.com

Enjoy great savings on the 2011 Lexus IS 350 at Lexus of Wayzata

We invite you to visit us and enjoy exciting savings on the 2011 Lexus IS 350. Also, click the video link to see everything this attractive car has to offer. Go here to get started.

Lease the 2012 Lexus CT 200h for a special price

Make this month a special one by leasing the 2012 Lexus CT 200h for only $499! This offer is yours for the taking.