Even if you have great luck and religiously lock your car doors, you still can fall victim to car theft. Every 45 seconds, a car is stolen somewhere in the U.S, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
Here are tips to prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even while driving.
• When parked, never leave your keys in the car. Close all the windows and the sunroof.
• Never leave your car running and unattended.
• Avoid leaving valuables inside your vehicle where passersby can see them.
• Install an anti-theft system in your vehicle if it doesn’t have one. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles if they know the cars can be recovered quickly.

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Preheat your grill 15 to 25 minutes before you start cooking to make sure it reaches the right temperature (and to kill any bacteria). Your grill should be 400-450°F for high, 350-400°F for medium-high, 300-350°F for medium and 250-300°F for low heat. A properly heated grill sears foods on contact, keeps the insides moist and helps prevent sticking. While searing doesn’t “seal in” the juices (contrary to popular belief ), it does create improved flavors through caramelization.

Preheat the GrillIt’s easier to remove debris when the grill is hot, so after preheating, use a long-handled wire grill brush on your grill rack to clean off charred debris from prior meals. Scrape again immediately after use.

Oil the GrillEven on a clean grill, lean foods may stick when placed directly on the rack. Reduce sticking by oiling your hot grill rack with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel: hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)

Check TemperatureThe best way to know if protein is fully cooked is to check its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.

Let it RestLet finished meats rest on a clean platter, tented with foil, for about 10 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute evenly.

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Summer makes for a great time to get out and enjoy what our state has to offer but that can also mean getting stuck in dreadful traffic. It’s like come on we just want to get to the beach already and have some fun in the sun. Clearly, road congestion can be a headache, but here are some fun ways to stay sane if you do find yourself stuck in gridlock.

1. Catch up on your reading:
Now we don’t mean reading an actual book, while driving, because that would be dangerous but more so Audio Books! I am sure you have all said, I wish I had more time to read and guess what this time stuck in a mess of cars makes it so you do!
2. Get Fit:
Yes we know what you’re thinking, how on earth do you work out sitting in a confined space such as your car? Focus on fixing your posture and doing a little stretching all while taking deep breaths in/out. Can you say stress relief and relaxation!?
3. Voice Memo:
Have things you need a reminder to do? Use the voice memo on your smart phone to take notes, create grocery lists for your weekend adventure and or set reminders for upcoming meetings & appointments etc.
4. Call friends or Family:
Let us not forget that our phones can be used for more than just texting and or taking pictures. Pass the time by calling a friend or family member to catch up and laugh it up, hands-free of course!
5. Learn a New Song:
What better way to pass the time by in traffic, than to rock out and learn a new song? Spend this extra time playing the song and learning the words. After all, every road trip needs a theme song!

Try not to think of yourself trapped, as you inch along and joggers are probably running faster than you but think of it as a time to reflect and maybe even goof off a little. After all, you are on your way to have some fun in the sun. So, take these tips and make the most out of that traffic jam you find yourself in.

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Summer weather means hot temperatures and the inside of cars get even hotter so remember it is never OK to leave kids or pets in a car — even with the windows down.

Kids are more susceptible and at higher risk for heat-related illness and injury than adults because their bodies make more heat relative to their size and their abilities to cool through sweating are not as developed as adults.

On a day that is just 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature [inside a car] can increase by 30 to 40 degrees in an hour, and 70% of this increase occurs the first 30 minutes. If you suspect your child has heatstroke consult a doctor immediately and provide fluids. Give your child as much cold water as he will drink. Do this until he feels better. If you have a sports drink such as Gatorade, give it instead. Sports drinks contain water, salt and sugar.

Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, take down the car’s color, model, make, and license plate number. Have the owner paged in the nearest buildings, or call local humane authorities or police. Have someone keep an eye on the dog. If your dog becomes overheated there are steps you can take.

Provide water to drink, and if possible spray the dog with a garden hose or immerse him or her in a tub of cool (but not iced) water for up to two minutes in order to lower the body temperature gradually. You can also place the dog in front of an electric fan. Applying cool, wet towels to the groin area, stomach, chest, and paws can also help. Be careful not to use ice or cold water, and don’t overcool the animal.

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It’s summer and many car owners will take a Saturday to wash the family vehicle. Proper washing is one of the most overlooked and misunderstood areas of auto care, and sadly improper washing damages and dulls your vehicle’s finish over time. Take a look at these tips from King O’Rourke Cadillac Buick GMC to learn more.

Always Wash Your Car in the ShadeThis will keep your car wash shampoo solution from drying on the car before it is rinsed off.

Use a Car Wash ShampooCar wash shampoos have come a long way since their introduction to the automotive detailing market. There was a time when we all just grabbed dish soap and went to work but those days are long gone. Dish soap is designed to eat away grease and food and while it works great for dishes we need to keep it in the kitchen! High quality car wash shampoos will clean a car’s surface, enhance the gloss and leave the car wax, paint protectant or paint sealant intact.

When washing your vehicle remember to always go from top to bottom, never the opposite. Generally the dirtiest parts of your vehicle are those parts closest to the ground. Wheel wells, rocker panels and bumpers tend to have the largest accumulation of grime and you don’t want to bring that junk back onto the paint surface and risk scratching it.

Use a Soft Car Wash MittWash mitts can be made of long or short nap microfiber, sponge material or sheepskin that can be either synthetic or genuine. You want to avoid using shop rags, old t-shirts, and beach towels as the nap, or thickness of these items is so small that you can easily exert too much force onto the paint and inadvertently push surface dirt around instilling washing swirls. If you are washing a larger vehicle such as a truck, RV or boat, or simply prefer using a brush instead of a wash mitt, then stay clear of brushes with nylon brushes that will quickly damage, dull, and scratch paint.

Drying Your VehicleTwo of the most popular options for drying your vehicle are waffle weave microfiber towels or an air blower.Waffle weave microfiber towels are very soft, safe and effective. The waffle weave fibers act like little pockets and absorb tons of water and when used properly are extremely gentle on your vehicle’s delicate surfaces. Leather Chamois or PVA Synthetic Chamois are another option for drying your vehicle, however these towels are not as soft or gentle as the above products and are going to be much more likely to leave some swirling in your paint.

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You’ve taken the plunge and brought home your shiny new car. It’s a thing of beauty which you’ll be admiring for a while every time you see it. You’ll likely be hearing advice from friends and neighbors who stop by to see your new ride.

You’ll want to protect your investment and performing simple preventative maintenance on your vehicle will go a long way.

Here are a few tips from King O’Rourke Cadillac Buick GMC in Smithtown to take care of your new vehicle.

BrakesNew brake pads on new brake rotors don’t really require a break-in procedure. The texture deliberately left on the surface of the iron discs will grind down the fresh surface of the pad material within a few miles. Even so, refrain from high-speed stops or dragging the brakes for a few hundred miles.

OilChange the oil regularly and check the oil levels between oil changes to keep it running smoothly.

InteriorA generous dousing of Scotchgard or a similar protectant on the cloth upholstery and carpets will keep dirt, pollen and mildew from clinging.

ExteriorProtect the paint surface from harsh environmental elements and prevent premature aging with a car wax, paint protectant or paint sealant.

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Tire maintenance is important because your tires are the only part of your car that has direct contact with the road. Tires affect your vehicle handling, ride, braking, and safety. The team at King O Rourke in Smithtown is available to help but these are great tips to know on your own.
Checking your tires on a regular basis is an important step in protecting your safety and your automotive investment. Ideally, tire inspections should be performed monthly. If you drive over potholes and debris in the road, live in a cold climate, or drive long distances regularly, then you should inspect your tires more often. Also checking tire air pressure, and regular tire maintenance such as rotation, alignment and inspections can help you save money. That is something Smithtown area drivers will love.
Things to Look For:
• Over inflation: Too much air pressure causes mostly the tire’s middle section to contact the road. This creates wear primarily in the center of the tread, with less wear at the tire’s edges.
• Under inflation: Too little air pressure causes mostly the tire’s outer edges to contact the road. This creates wear primarily on both edges of the tire tread, with less wear in the center.
• Tread wear on one edge of the tire: This typically occurs when the wheels are out of alignment.
• Erratic tread wear: This is often called cupping, and may mean the wheel is out of balance, or that the shock absorbers or other suspension components need to be replaced.
• Raised portion of the tread or sidewall: May indicate that one of the belts in the tire carcass has separated from those next to it.
• There are several tire maintenance procedures that automotive repair professionals should do because they require special tools and knowledge. However, understanding these procedures will help you feel more confident.

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The 2017 GMC Acadia and Acadia Limited have arrived to Smithtown, NY at King O’Rourke Cadillac Buick GMC. We are so excited and have put together highlights about this amazing vehicle.

2017 GMC Acadia and Acadia Limited are available.GMC introduces the 2017 GMC Acadia-a reimagined crossover aimed at the heart of the midsize segment, designed to offer great versatility and refinement, with more advanced safety technologies.The new Acadia offers more-efficient powertrains, while continuing to offer three rows of seating on most models. The premium Acadia Denali returns, along with a new All Terrain model offering enhanced off-road capability.

A new, available 3.6L V-6 engine is more powerful and efficient than the current model, while offering 4,000 pounds estimated trailering capability (with the available towing package). It is GM-estimated at 310 horsepower (231 kW) and 25 mpg highway (FWD models – EPA estimate not available).

The new Acadia offers a greater emphasis on refinement, while remaining instantly recognizable with an evolution of the vehicle’s signature, professional grade design cues such as a chrome-trimmed grille, squared off and flared wheel arches and wraparound rear side windows with dark D-pillars.

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Ever heard the saying, ‘there’s an app for that’? Well, it holds true. There are smartphone apps for just about everything and you can use an app to find your car, your destination or the cheapest gas in the area, all from your smartphone. Use your phone to help diagnose problems or to entertain the kids as you scoot around town. Edmunds.com has compiled a great list of apps for Smithtown drivers that we have shared here.

GasBuddy – FreeAvailable for: iOS, Android and BlackberryUse this app to compare gas prices and save time driving around to different gas stations. The Web site posts local gas prices in an easy-to-use format and in the different grades, including diesel.

Dynolicious Classic – $8.99Available for: iOSDynolicious uses the iPhone’s built-in accelerometers to gauge lateral and longitudinal acceleration and horsepower. The results are 0-60 and quarter-mile numbers. You can graph, save and compare the results, too. There’s also Dynolicious Fusion ($12.99) that allows you to share your results online.

Repair Pal – FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidThis is a great solution to calling different mechanics for pricing and inquiries. Use the app now! Just select your car and the type of repair needed, and it’ll spit out what you might expect to pay in your area. It’s based on the repairpal.com Web site and functions the same.

Witness Driving – $0.99Available for: iOS and AndroidDash cams are here to stay and can help protect you from bad drivers and monitor the roads while you’re driving. With Witness Driving you can convert your smartphone to a dashcam for $.099 versus spending up to $300 for an installed dash cam. Witness Driving logs time, date, speed, location and acceleration. There’s even an accident detection feature that can send a notification e-mail.

Waze – FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidThis is such an easy and popular app because Waze is more than a navigation app. It’s community driven, using user data to pinpoint traffic jams, accidents and gas prices in real time. It even warns you if law enforcement is right around the corner. When heavy delays are shown, Waze will also route you around it as best it can. Traffic isn’t limited to highways and major arteries, either. Side streets can be included, too.

Car Minder Plus – $2.99Available for: iOSCar maintenance is important and Car Minder reminds you when it’s time for scheduled maintenance as well as logging service and repairs. You’ll have to input the maintenance schedule yourself from the owner’s manual, but it’s worth it. Car Minder also tracks your fuel economy and can distill all of that data into an easy-to-read graph. On top of it all, you can manage multiple vehicles.

Real Racing 3 – FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidAnd now for a little fun. Good racing games are rare. Good mobile racing games are even rarer. Somehow, Real Racing 3 squeezes great graphics, stunning sound and entertaining gameplay into your smartphone. It’s a heavy one, though, eating up more than a gig of memory, but hey, it’s free!Tracks include Laguna Seca (minus the oak tree in the corkscrew), Spa, Bathurst, Silverstone, Suzuka and the Hockenheimring. There are also quite a few variants of these tracks, too. Car highlights include the Audi R8, Bugatti Veyron, Koenigsegg CCXR, Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda R, Porsche 918 Spyder and SRT Viper GTS.

PlugShare – FreeAvailable for: iOS and AndroidUse PlugShare to find the closes charge station for your plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. The PlugShare app makes it easy by showing you the closest charge station and breaking them down by which ones are home, public, quick-charge and in use.

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The 2018 Cadillac CT6 is Cadillac’s prestige full-size sedan and we are excited to share the updates for this model year. Changes include new paint colors, a new CUE and a high-pressure washer for rear-facing camera lens.

Available new colors are:Satin Steel Metallic (available at extra charge; no additional charge on Platinum)Stone Gray Metallic (available at extra charge; no additional charge on Platinum; late availability)Red Horizon Tintcoat (available at extra charge; late availability)

Updates have been made to the interior as well with auto-ventilated front seats and an automatic heated steering wheel, which now operate after the vehicle has been turned on. In addition, the range-topping CT6 Platinum trim level gets a leather-wrapped driver-side airbag cover, and the illuminated trunk sill plate is now installed at the factory, rather than an LPO-level item installed by the dealer.

Technology updates are also key for this model year. The CUE infotainment system is updated to version 2.6. This means drivers will benefit from two main changes:

Collection: this is essentially an app store for the CUE infotainment system. The CUE Collection enables users to easily browse, select and install apps that enhance the driving experience. Using the vehicle’s touch screen, users can customize their content with music, audiobooks, weather and more (data plan rates may apply). CUE Collection is only available with the CUE system with navigation (IO6).

The update also includes Teen Driver- a feature that lets drivers activate customizable vehicle settings associated with a key fob to encourage safe driving behavior. The Teen Driver feature can limit certain vehicle features, and prevents certain safety systems from being turned off. It also provides an in-vehicle report about your teen’s driving habits and helps parents continue to coach their new driver.

The 2018 CT6 will be available later this year. Contact us to learn more.

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