1984 Ford Mustang

Our driver, Matt, hauled this 1984 Ford Mustang the other day. When he sent me the picture it was like a nostalgic stroll down memory lane. Not because I've ever liked this model of Mustang particularly, but because it made me think back to the cars I dreamed of owning when I was younger.

I've always loved automobiles, and I've always dreamed of which car I would drive next. In my younger years, I wanted a Toyota Celica or a Dodge Challenger. Then, after another turn in life, I longed for a Dodge Ram 3500 Dually. Of those three, I've only gotten kind of close (for about 2 1/2 years, I drove a Dodge Ram 1500).

Currently, I enjoy driving my Toyota Sequoia. It accommodates my current seating needs, as I have lots of little people in car seats.

What is your dream car? How close have you gotten to owning your dream car? Was it what you expected it to be?

Preparing for Fall & Winter

As summer comes to an end, I think it's important to go over our cars and make sure they are cleaned out, cleaned up, tuned up, and prepared for the change in weather. I recommend getting your battery, alternator, and started tested if they are 3+ years old. If you are a AAA member, you can request battery service and they will send someone to your location to test your battery, alternator, and starter.

Your local mechanic should have the resources to test your alternator, starter, and battery as well. Often times part stores offer these services, as well.

I also highly recommend a tune up - make sure your plugs and wires (or coil packs) are all in good repair. Make sure your radiator, water pump, and hoses are all in good condition. Check your antifreeze levels - make sure your system is filled with a good quality antifreeze, and at the correct dilution so your "water" doesn't freeze.

Replace your cabin air filter and check that your heater turns on and blows warm air. It might not be cool enough just yet for the heater to be on, but the morning you need it, you want to know it's ready to go.

Whenever going over your vehicle I recommend checking your oil, changing it if it's time, and checking the tire pressure in all 4 tires. Double check that your spare is holding air and at the right pressure too - a flat spare doesn't help anyone!

Last but not least, pick up an auto safety kit. Find an out of the way spot to stick it and have the peace of mind of knowing you have a few first aid supplies and your own jumper cables. Here's a kit I recommend:

AAA 76-Piece Excursion Road Kit

Happy Trails!

Selecting a Tow Company

If you find yourself in need of a tow, it's important to pick a company with the knowledge to tow your car correctly. While the cost of the tow will likely play a large part in your decision, you might want to ask a few more questions of the company you call. Below are a few things to talk to the dispatcher when calling a company to come tow your car.

1. Is your state license to tow current? I don't know about all states, but in Oklahoma, tow companies have to have a license through the Department of Public Safety. This license has to be renewed annually, and to get and hold a DPS Wrecker license, companies have to maintain insurance coverage.

2. Describe, in detail, the reason for the tow. It helps the company, and essentially the driver they send out to help you, to know in advance what's wrong with your car. If it's something simple such as the car won't start, the tow driver won't need as much equipment to load your car as he would if it's a broken ball joint, or collision tow.

3. Communicate clearly with dispatch about whether or not you are with the car. Tow companies understand that you don't want to wait with your car for an extended period of time. Most of their drivers are on a time crunch and also cannot wait with your vehicle for you to get there. By communicating your intentions clearly, the dispatcher can instruct their driver on when you will be available for the tow.

Tow providers are an important part of the community, clearing roadways and parking lots of broken down, damaged vehicles. They take a lot of pride in helping the communities they serve, and they are always looking to get stranded motorists moving again.

Name that Place #2

Are you ready for today's Name that Place?

Can you tell me where this truck is?

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