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5 Facts About the Drive-Thru
1. The first drive-thru was at the Grand National Bank of St. Louis in St. Louis, Missouri in 1938. It was only used for deposits.
2. There’s some debate about the first drive-thru restaurant. Some say it was Red’s Giant Hamburg in on Route 66 in Springfield, Missouri. Other argue that California’s In-N-Out Burger did it first.
3. Credit for the first two-way intercom does go to In-N-Out, though, in 1948.
4. McDonald’s wouldn’t open their first drive-thru until 1975. Today, McDonald’s accounts for 60% of all drive-thru traffic
5. The first wireless intercom system debuts in 1984, allowing order takers to move around the restaurant, rather than having to stay by the microphone.
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As your car gets close to 70,000 miles, don’t forget the timing belt
The vast majority of vehicles today feature dual overhead camshafts driven by a timing belt that requires replacement by around 70,000 miles.
Unlike a lot of regular maintenance items like changing the oil, or replacing an air filter, timing belt replacement is a job best left to the professionals. It requires significant disassembly and precise reassembly, along with some specific tools and know-how. Here’s what a timing belt is, and how it works:
Don’t mistake your timing belt for the accessory drive belt that turns items like the alternator or the power steering pump. The timing belt is under a cover, and it connects the camshafts to the crank pulley, allowing the cams to turn in perfect time with the rotation of the engine.
Like a drive belt, the timing belt is reinforced rubber, and is subject to the ravages of both time and temperature. By about five years or 70,000 miles, your timing belt is ready to be replaced. Going longer than that interval is risky. If the belt breaks, at best you’ll be left beside the road with a car that will not run. However, in some engines, if the timing belt breaks, the valves can collide with the tops of the pistons, resulting in catastrophic — and extremely costly — engine repair.
When replacing the timing belt, it’s also a good idea to replace a few other items at the same time. The water pump generally has to come off to get to the belt, and its life expectancy is around the same mileage as the belt, so it’s wise to replace it at the same time. Also, the timing belt in your car will probably be aided by tensioners or guides that should be replaced at the same time. Our service advisor will explain the entire procedure, and guide you through any questions you might have.
As your car reaches the 70,000 mile mark, consult with us about replacing your timing belt. This single repair will help keep your car’s engine running well for many years to come.
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Read MoreLooking for a way to Wow Mom this Mother’s Day?
Below are Tips and Local Events going on in Washington, DC area!
Our Mothers mean everything to us! From bringing us into the world to drying our tears and helping us grow into the people we are today. Its time to show Mom how much she means and below are a few tips and ideas to make this Mother’s Day unforgettable!
1. Breakfast and Coffee in Bed!
-Every woman dreams of this and Mother’s Day is the perfect time to make her dreams come true. Whip up a small breakfast with some fresh fruit and don’t forget to make Mom’s coffee just the way she likes it! **Tip: If your not to confident in the kitchen stop by your local coffee shop and pick out something Mom will love! Put it on a plate and she’ll never know or care you didn’t make it! * Its the thought that counts!*
2. Flowers, Flowers, and More Flowers!
-Every woman (especially mothers) Love flowers! A nice bouquet of pink roses will make every moms day! **Tip: Try to order the flowers before Saturday… This way you can ensure delivery and ordering online is a quick and easy way! *Say it with Flowers!*
3. Take Mom out on the Town!
- There is no better way to show Mom how much you care than by planning a day to spend with her! Here are a few great events brought to you by About.com in the Washington, DC Area!
** Brunch is a great way to show Mom how much you care! Check out some of the amazing restaurants offering Brunch Specials on Mothers Day!
** How about a Boat Cruise?! Tell Mom to grab a hat and some sun screen because you’re going boating… nothing says i love you better then some quality time cruising the Potomac! Here is a list of options and cruises!
**Nothing says I Love you like flowers right? So how about taking Mom to The Botanical Gardens for the day! Take in the sweet smell and sites of beautiful plants in perfect bloom! Here is a list of the best Gardens in DC!
For more information on these and other great ideas click here!
Happy Mothers Day!
Read MoreK-PAX Racing: If you think you know Volvo, watch this video
This new spot from Volvo shows the 550hp K-PAX Racing Volvo S60 and the “take home version” in a 325hp and 354lb-ft R-Design flavor. Check it out, and visit with us today to drive the R-Design for yourself.
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Read More6 emergency driving tips for women from pro female drivers
Emilee Tominovich offers driving safety advice
YahooAutos recently posted an article geared towards women on surviving driving emergencies. What makes it even more special is it features advice from women professional drivers including Ashley Freiberg and Emilee Tominovich.
The article features six tips for surviving an emergency behind the wheel including:
- What to do when your car is hydroplaning
- What to do if your car stalls when driving
- How to get safely to the side of the road if your tire disintegrates
- How to stop in an emergency
- What to do if your car won’t stop accelerating
- What to do if your tire tread separates from the tire itself
Emilee Tomninovich offers great advice in the article on what to do if you gas accelerator sticks or your car won’t stop accelerating: She recommends first lifting your foot off the brake because you might actually be stomping the accelerator. She also advises looking to see if something is blocking the brake (like a water bottle) putting the car in neutral or shutting it off entirely.
Great advice to keep in mind for both men and women. Driving safely knows no gender bounds!
If you’d like us to inspect any of your vehicle components for wear or damage, don’t hesitate to schedule a service today.
cforms contact form by delicious:days
Read More6 emergency driving tips for women from pro female drivers
Emilee Tominovich offers driving safety advice
YahooAutos recently posted an article geared towards women on surviving driving emergencies. What makes it even more special is it features advice from women professional drivers including Ashley Freiberg and Emilee Tominovich.
The article features six tips for surviving an emergency behind the wheel including:
- What to do when your car is hydroplaning
- What to do if your car stalls when driving
- How to get safely to the side of the road if your tire disintegrates
- How to stop in an emergency
- What to do if your car won’t stop accelerating
- What to do if your tire tread separates from the tire itself
Emilee Tomninovich offers great advice in the article on what to do if you gas accelerator sticks or your car won’t stop accelerating: She recommends first lifting your foot off the brake because you might actually be stomping the accelerator. She also advises looking to see if something is blocking the brake (like a water bottle) putting the car in neutral or shutting it off entirely.
Great advice to keep in mind for both men and women. Driving safely knows no gender bounds!
If you’d like us to inspect any of your vehicle components for wear or damage, don’t hesitate to schedule a service today.
cforms contact form by delicious:days
Read MoreVolvo Trucks’ “Mean Green” sets a land-speed record
Volvo cars and Volvo trucks only share a common brand name, but it’s interesting to see the developments happening in heavy truck production under the Volvo banner. Especially when one of those trucks sets a land-speed record.
The Volvo hybrid truck known as “Mean Green” achieved two world speed records at Wendover Airfield in Utah.
The truck set records for both the standing kilometer and the flying kilometer, reaching speeds of 147mph along the way.
Mean Green features a highly tuned Volvo D16 engine and a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox, which interacts with the hybrid’s electric motor. The combination of an electric motor and Volvo D16 diesel engine delivers 2,100 horsepower and nearly 5,000 lb-ft. torque – of which, 200 horsepower and 885 lb-ft. of torque come from the electric motor.
Here’s a video from Volvo Trucks US showing the truck in action:
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