lifestyle auto car

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The politically correct thing to do these days is to go green by buying and using all things that are environmentally friendly and natural. Buzz words such as ‘recycle’, ‘save the forest’, and ‘black mold’ have been around for a long time, but I think we are finally beginning to “get it”. Moving into an era of saving the planet by going back to basics has merit.

Now, most of us can’t afford to rip up our hardwood floors and replace it with Bamboo, but there are quite a few things we can do with what we have to be more “green”. Let’s talk cars.

Fuel economy is on most of our minds, what with the price of gas going up. Again. So let's look at a few easy ways to cut fuel consumption by getting better mileage.

- Rapid acceleration and going over 60 mph can use up to 33% more gas.
- Regular tune-ups can save about 4% in gas usage.
- Keeping tires rotated and at the proper pressure can save about 3.3%.
- Using the recommended grade motor oil can save you 2%.

All in all, that's over 42% saving per tank of gas. Cha-ching!

Changing a dirty air filter can also improve fuel mileage up to 10%. A little maintenance now can save you big bucks later. Cleaning your fuel system by getting rid of those nasty carbon deposits every 15,000 miles will save you costly repairs in the future and help save money at the gas pump now. A transmission flush removes deposits and buildup and lets the shifting process work more efficiently which will add to the longevity of the transmission and better fuel economy.

These fuel economy and car maintenance tips are just a few suggestions that will allow you to not only "go green", but to keep your car longer. Because that's what we're all about: cars for keeps!

The founder of this new truck company started some nine years ago analising the imperfectness of the existing Mining and Construction vehicles. Many interviews with the management of mining companies and operators gave a good picture of what could be improved. This company is a new player on the market dominated by five large companies. The tag line "Applied technical innovations " is exactly what is all about. Technical innovations with the target to increase productivity and reduce costs. Our theme is also the actually energy price situation and a great challenge for us to reduce the costs for great mining mashines how Mining trucks.

Features:

• All-Wheel-Drive
• All-Wheel-Steering
• Multiple engines
• Automatic lifting axles
• during empty haul
• Major components change
• in 1 minutes (Engines, axles,tyres, body)
• Fast body swap system
• Higher technical availability

The founder of this new truck company started some nine years ago analising the imperfectness of the existing Mining and Construction vehicles. Many interviews with the management of mining companies and operators gave a good picture of what could be improved. This company is a new player on the market dominated by five large companies. The tag line "Applied technical innovations " is exactly what is all about. Technical innovations with the target to increase productivity and reduce costs. Our theme is also the actually energy price situation and a great challenge for us to reduce the costs for great mining mashines how Mining trucks.

Features:

• All-Wheel-Drive
• All-Wheel-Steering
• Multiple engines
• Automatic lifting axles
• during empty haul
• Major components change
• in 1 minutes (Engines, axles,tyres, body)
• Fast body swap system
• Higher technical availability

Summer has finally hit West Michigan, bringing a host of fun summer events for the whole family. Whether you like to grill out on the beach or hike Michigan's beautiful inland woods (before the black flies arrive), there's plenty to do in the lakeshore community.

This coming Memorial Day weekend will kick off the summer season around Lake Michigan, with parades, carnivals and fireworks schedule in every city up the lakeshore, from Grand Haven to Ludington.


In the list below, we've collected a few notable events happening throughout West Michigan this Memorial Day weekend and over the next several weeks. If there are any events we didn't mention which you'd like us to list here, just comment and we'll add it to our Facebook page.

Grand Haven Offshore Challenge

Well-known by Grand Haven locals, the Grand Haven Offshore Challenge runs June 4th-6th and is a favorite lakeshore annual event. The challenge includes events for kids, ladies, amateurs and pros to participate in, and the Grand Haven community offers plenty for non-participants to do while the run is on. This year, the Pro division grand prize has been upped to $10,000!

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days

A complete roster of family events running all week, through the 31st. Fruitport's week-long Memorial Day celebration will feature a host of fairs, parades, car shows, tournaments and concerts. A carnival midway, Lions Ox Roast, riverboat cruises, fireworks, a children's petting zoo and many other activities will be running throughout the week.

For more info, visit the daily event schedule for Fruitport Old Fashioned Days.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

The Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids are host to countless activities, exhibitions and concert events - not to mention their beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens. Their indoor gardens are complete with a large tropical conservatory, and the outdoor grounds are a maze of playgrounds, wildlife and fascinating sculptures, perfect for a romantic getaway or family event.

This summer, the Frederick Meijer Gardens are hosting internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly's latest exhibition: A New Eden. If that's not enough, check out their impressive summer concert lineup.

John Ball Zoo Summer Kick Off

If you're in Grand Rapids enjoying the Frederick Meijer Gardens, you might as well stop by John Ball Zoo as well. This summer, John Ball Zoo is kicking off the season with Guinea baboons and colobus monkeys. As West Michigan's most loved zoo, John Ball is a great place to spend the afternoon with your family. Admission prices are $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids.

Mayfaire Renaissance Festival

Marshall, Michigan is a ways to travel for those of us who live on the lakeshore, but if you have a sliver of medieval nerd in you, Mayfaire Renaissance Festival is worth the trip. This medieval festival is family-friendly and has everything for spectator and participant alike. Enjoy jousting tournaments, sword fights, live music, food and more. The Mayfaire festival even features activities for spectators. Dress up in a 15th century Cardinal uniform and whack your family members with a foam sword. What could be better?

Cadillac Memorial Day Weekend

Carl. T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center is hosting a weekend of events in one of Michigan's most delightful getaway towns. Enjoy the Live Michigan Snakes program, a guided wetlands hike, foat fishing, archery and marksmanship challenges throughout the weekend. Or, better yet: leave the men at the Fishing Center while you and the girls enjoy relaxed shopping and dining in Cadillac's beautiful downtown district. Cadillac's one and only Wex Flea Market runs Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I was listening to a song on the radio while driving the other day that started me thinking about how life was when I was growing up. Sometimes it restores the soul to visit our childhood.

Remember when the only lock in your house was a hook and eye on the screen door? Or, when a cup of coffee cost 10 cents? Or, when everyone paid their bills with cash? Remember Roy Rogers, Gene Autrey and Hopalong Cassidy? Do you remember what life was like before television, and then TV came along and a little puppet called Howdy Dowdy had everyone enthralled? How about all those summers we endured without air conditioning? And, living a full life, somehow, without computers.

Little did we know that having to learn how to type would become such a necessity in all our lives. Remember Superman comic books, fresh farm grown food on the table every night and being called home for the night by a yell or a whistle? Or, having only one phone in the house and pulling it into the closet for a private conversation with your friends? Remember having to actually do hard work for that 25 cent a week allowance? A penny from the Tooth Fairy? Swimming in a lake with fish, ducks and an occasional snake? Newspapers without inserts?

Remember being able to change the oil and doing repairs on your car yourself?

For most of us those days are long gone and we have wonderful places like Cars For Keeps to keep our cars running smoothly. Stop in for a Pit Stop Inspection for free, just like service stations used to do for you way back when service was still important.

What is your favorite modern convenience?

Polaris Scrambler 500 ATV Review

Quit thinking about it and swing a leg over with the new 500 to enjoy its capabilities..
Swing a leg over the Scrambler and either put the CVT transmission in all neutral or hold the brake while it’s in gear and twist the key to start the big 498cc 4-stroke Single. Whoops, did we mention that it’s carbureted? If it’s cold outside you might also need to pull the choke lever. Once started all you need to do is give the thumb throttle a push to get the Scrambler moving. And once moving you’ll again be wondering what this machine is for. It’s quick, but not really any quicker than the latest Sportsman 550XP. It seems to handle pretty well, but not really noticeably better than the XP. It’s also very comfortable, but again, not any more plush than the XP.

Polaris Scrambler 500 ATV Review

Quit thinking about it and swing a leg over with the new 500 to enjoy its capabilities..
Swing a leg over the Scrambler and either put the CVT transmission in all neutral or hold the brake while it’s in gear and twist the key to start the big 498cc 4-stroke Single. Whoops, did we mention that it’s carbureted? If it’s cold outside you might also need to pull the choke lever. Once started all you need to do is give the thumb throttle a push to get the Scrambler moving. And once moving you’ll again be wondering what this machine is for. It’s quick, but not really any quicker than the latest Sportsman 550XP. It seems to handle pretty well, but not really noticeably better than the XP. It’s also very comfortable, but again, not any more plush than the XP.