Happy New Year!

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Driver’s New Years Resolutions

Since it’s almost 2013, it’s time to decide what habits you want to make (or break) going into the new year! Make 2013 the year you resolve to stay safe when driving. Try following these 10 New Year’s safety resolutions from Consumer Reports: Always buckle up. Seat belts save over 12,000 lives a year by protecting passengers from hitting hard vehicle surfaces or being ejected from the vehicle in a crash. Not use my cell phone behind the wheel. In 2010, over 3,000 people died in crashes related to using a cell phone or texting while driving. Put the phone down or pull over to use it. Never drink and drive or drive drowsy. Over 10,000...

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Highmark First Night 2013 Is Coming!

What are you doing this New Year’s Eve? It’s not too late to get your buttons for Highmark First Night 2013! This cultural institution happens throughout downtown and is chock-full of musical performances, dance lessons, magicians and other fun, family-friendly activities. There’s even a parade and a fireworks show. Why plan a New Year’s Eve party when you could bring all your friends and family to Downtown Pittsburgh? All events are free with the purchase of a button. You’ll need to make sure you display it prominently on your coat or outfit. Some events that have limited seating also require vouchers, but these are free. You simply...

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How All-Wheel and 4-Wheel Drive Works

Different cars use different systems that enable drivers to have more control over the vehicle. However, many drivers don’t know the difference between four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. This distinction is critical if you’re trying to figure out how your car works. Here’s more information from How Stuff Works: There are almost as many different types of four-wheel-drive systems as there are four-wheel-drive vehicles. It seems that every manufacturer has several different schemes for providing power to all of the wheels. The language used by the different carmakers can sometimes be a little confusing, so before we get started explaining...

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Letters to Santa

Attention all good little boys and girls!  Santa has asked for some help collecting letters for him.  Santa "drop-off" boxes are located at the Monroeville Recreation Department and the Monroeville Public Library.  The letters will be sent "Special Delivery" to the North Pole with Santa responding to each child's letter that he receives on or before Monday, December 10, 2012.  Parents please be sure that the children's names and return mailing addresses are legible....

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Do you have to change the oil every 3,000 miles?

Like the five-day work week and glasses in about an hour, the 3,000-mile oil change is part of the American consciousness. Whether you follow the guideline or not, the number remains the same, decade after decade and car after car. It's been around so long, most of us don't even question its veracity. But where does the recommendation come from, and is it legitimate? If you check your car's user manual, you'll probably find you've been changing your oil more often than you need to, at least according to the people who designed your car. Most carmakers abandoned the 3,000-mile (4,828-kilometer) interval long ago, opting instead to advise...

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10 Things Teens Should Know About Cars and Driving

When a teenager gets a driver license, it signifies freedom and the lure of the open road. But with this newfound freedom comes a host of new situations and possible problems that most teen drivers have never encountered before. It's a good idea to review these scenarios with new drivers in your family, and discuss how to handle them before they happen for real. From traffic stops to road rage, here's a primer on what you need to tell teen drivers as they take to the roads. 1. What to do when you're stopped by a police officer Safely pull to the side of the road, turn off your car, roll down the window and keep your hands visible....

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Avoid “Turkey” of a Weekend with Pre-Trip Vehicle Check

One way to avoid a turkey of a Thanksgiving road trip is to make sure the vehicle you will be driving is running well. A 10-minute pre-trip check is small potatoes compared to a big helping of inconvenience if you break down many miles away from home, according to the Car Care Council. “A pre-trip vehicle check provides peace of mind, helping reduce the chance of costly car trouble and providing an opportunity to have any repairs performed by one’s own trusted technician before hitting the road,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “While no inspection can guarantee a car’s performance, it’s comforting to know proper...

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How to Jump a Car

The first thing you want to remember when jump-starting a car is that a slight possibility of explosion does exist. This is because hydrogen gas--which forms as a battery discharges and loses its fluid--is flammable, and a spark from the battery cables could, theoretically, set it off. We emphasize slight because the gas would have to be fairly dense around the battery for this to happen. This is unlikely unless the battery has been sitting for a long time and little or no air circulation has occurred in the area, but it is possible. That said, I should add that in the last 15 years I have performed at least 50 "jumps" on various automobiles...

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10 Most Dangerous Distracted Driving Habits

10: Eating and Drinking Compared to some of the other distracted driving habits on our list, this one might seem relatively tame. After all, it doesn't demand all that much cognitive horsepower to stuff your gullet while on the move. But before you get too enamored of underway refueling, consider some of the things that could go wrong: You could spill scalding coffee on your lap That breakfast sausage muffin or deluxe burger could collapse in your hands, sending crumbs, sauce and patty pieces all over your work outfit Greasy hands or one-handed driving means less control of the steering wheel and shifter In...

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How to Share the Road with Truckers

Everybody has a horror story to tell about an encounter they've had with an 18-wheeler on the Interstate, and how they were nearly killed by the inattentiveness of the truck driver. News programs like Dateline NBC and 60 Minutes feed this fear with selectively edited stories regarding truck safety. But what nobody seems to consider is that they themselves may have caused the problem because of ignorance about what is involved in driving a truck, or by engaging in righteous driving behavior that did nothing but endanger their own lives and those of the people they care most about. Personally, we've seen rude truckers hog the road, and we've...

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October is Fall Car Care Month

The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle operating at its best: 1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. 2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear. 3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. 4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change. 5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and...

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Free Flu Shots!

Forbes Regional Hospital as well as local EMS will provide FREE flu shots this fall! See below for a list of dates and locations:   Pitcairn EMS Park Building - 557 Broadway Pitcairn, PA  15140 Wednesday, October 10th 11:00am - 12:00pm Broadview Manor Wednesday, October 10th 2:00pm - 3:00pm Pitcairn EMS Station Wednesday, October 10th 4:00pm - 6:00pm Plum EMS 4545 North Texas Road Plum, PA  15239 Tuesday, October 16th 6:00pm - 9:00pm Monroeville #6 EMS 600 Garden City Drive Monroeville, PA  15146 Wednesday, October 17th 12:00pm - 8:00pm...

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Take the Pledge to Never Text and Drive

This initiative focuses on educating people – especially teens – about the dangers of texting and driving. The message is simple, yet vital: When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait. Each pledge made to never text while driving is a symbol of commitment to be part of a movement that helps everyone make safe choices with their wireless devices on the road. Teens on average, text five times more a day than a typical adult. That’s a lot of texting! And drivers that text while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash*. So AT&T is partnering with teens to get the word out about the serious effect texting and driving could...

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How to Check Engine Oil

Check engine oil regularly, especially if you notice that the oil level drops between the oil changes. Engine oil cools down and lubricates the engine. Driving with very low oil level can cause engine problems. Park your vehicle on a level ground. Set the parking brake. Make sure the transmission is in "Park". Stop the engine. Wait for a minute or two to let engine oil drain into the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where it’s located, check your owner's manual, usually it has a bright handle saying "Engine Oil". Wipe the dipstick off. Insert it back fully. Pull it out again and check the oil level. The oil level...

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It’s Child Passenger Safety Week

Child Passenger Safety Week is today, September 17th through the 22nd. Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States. The best way to protect them in the car is to put them in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way. There are so many car seat types and models, how do you know which one is right for your child? The right car seat or booster fits your child and your car, and is one you will use correctly every time you travel. Not only will your child ride as safely as possible, you will be establishing the foundation for a lifelong habit of seat belt use every time your...

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8th Annual Celebrate Monroeville

The Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce and Monroeville Foundation are hosting a community-wide expo on Thursday. The eighth annual “Celebrate Monroeville” event will be held at the Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd., from 4 to 8:30 p.m. It is open to the general public. The event features more than 225 local merchants and restaurant vendors. Last year, the event welcomed over 3,000 attendees and organizers expect to equal or surpass that number again this year. Celebrate Monroeville offers several different components. “Taste of Monroeville” gives attendees the chance to sample signature dishes from some of the area’s...

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Buying vs Leasing vehicles

When it comes to buying or leasing a car the options can be confusing. To help you make an informed decision we have provided the information below. Buying Who Owns It Whether you pay for the car with cash, or finance it and make monthly payments, either way it’s yours. Of course, if you’re financing it, you’ll have to meet the obligations the lender requires, like a certain down payment amount and timely monthly payments. If you don’t, they have the right to repossess it. Up-front Costs If you’re financing it, the bank will probably request a down payment. You can also trade-in another vehicle and use any equity towards your down...

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The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle

Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council. “Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.” The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul: Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering,...

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Do gas-saving devices really work?

Garage mechanics and auto enthusiasts are likely to be familiar with a certain type of advertisement. Appearing in car magazines and throughout car-focused Internet pages, these ads offer a range of products with a similar claim: that by bolting on, plugging in or pouring Product X into your vehicle, you'll experience an amazing boost in mileage efficiency. Mileage-boosting gadgets have been around for years, and they seem to make a comeback every time gas prices spike. While the packaging may change to fit the times, one large question hangs over these products: Do any of them actually work? The answer, all too often, is no. Many...

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The Key to a Long-Lasting Vehicle

Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving its safety and dependability, says the Car Care Council. “Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road.” The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best for the long haul: Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering,...

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Support Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh this Saturday at Sincerely Yogurt

Beat the heat with a yummy treat and support Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh! Sincerely Yogurt will be opening a brand new location at 2740 Stroschein Road in Monroeville this Saturday, August 11th with all proceeds from the day to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh! Enjoy a variety of scrumptious flavors of frozen yogurt and then add your favorite choice from over 40 toppings. Visit http://www.sincerelyyogurt.com/ for more information....

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5 car repairs you shouldn't skip

We often don’t think about maintenance on our vehicles until something is wrong. But keeping your car in top running condition is vital. Angie’s List went to highly-rated auto repair professionals for the 5 auto service items you shouldn’t skip out on. Oil Changes: Oil is the engine’s blood and it's critical to ensuring a car’s long life. Your vehicle’s oil should be changed depending on your driving habits, typically every 3,000-7,000 miles or around 3-6 months. You should check your car's oil level about every 1,000 miles. "Keep your oil changed - it is the easiest thing to overlook and ignore but the most important thing anyone...

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Ten Easy Ways To Keep Your Car Clean

Great tips to keep your car clean even if you’re pressed for time or just don’t feel like it. 10.) Don't eat in there Why it's effective: If you can avoid eating in your car, you won't have to deal with all the wrappers, cartons, stains and crumbs that inevitably follow. 9.) Wax it occasionally Why it's effective: It means you have to buy something and it means you have to spend some time after washing your car, but it's an investment that pays off. Waxing your car occasionally makes washing it the next time easier. 8.) Knock your shoes before getting in Why it's effective: Wherever it snows and gets slushy, you really can't...

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Summertime Heat Can Do Real Damage to Your Car

Summer can be a great time! Fun in the sun can include camping, visits to your favorite water parks, relaxation and much more, but there's a downside to all the sun... It can be damaging to your car paint! Sunlight can cause oxidation which causes fading, and that's bad news, but you're not at a total loss! There are steps the average person can take to PREVENT sun damage to their car. 1) Park in a shaded area: Obviously the easiest way to avoid sun damage is to avoid the sun altogether. Paint is tough, but if you're the typical 9-5 worker, that's 8 hours a day your car can be exposed to sun rays. We suggest seeking out shaded areas for...

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Homeless Children's Education Fund School Supply Drive

Support Homeless Children through the CBL Monroeville Mall School Supply Drive. Drop off school supplies between today and July 31st at the Monroeville Mall food court, the Monroeville Area Chamber Of Commerce, or to their office inside of the Monroeville Convention Center. Supplies for children grades k-12 are needed....

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Military Copper Edition Jeep Wrangler

The new Copper Jeep Wrangler design is an excellent addition to what was already a sturdy and hearty car. Now, with the added copper shell, the Wrangler looks even more resilient to road hazards and the great outdoors. What do you think? The latest update to Kahn’s Military edition Jeep Wrangler totally revamps the car by giving it a unique copper paint job. With this project Kahn has made a car that looks right wherever it goes, be it a luxury hotel in London, or a quarry in South Africa. It can take care of business in both places. The Copper Jeep offers a nice blend of elegance and badassery!  The upgrades this Wrangler benefits...

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The 2014 Jeep Compass/Patriot Captured!

We love it when when these spy pics reach the public because it gives us an initial unaltered look at what we can expect from our favorite Jeep lines. Take this Compass/Patriot shot for example: we love what they've done to it so far! These days, it’s nearly impossible to travel across Southeastern Michigan without tripping over a Fiat-based Chrysler test mule. Sure enough, we managed to stumble across a very early test mule for what will ultimately replace the Jeep Compass and Patriot CUVs.  In late 2009, Chrysler disclosed that both the Compass and Patriot – presently built on the late Dodge Caliber’s PM/MK architecture – would...

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