Posted on 10/31/2020
When our kids finally get their learners permits and begin to drive for the first time, there’s a tendency for some to drive timidly and without the confidence they’ll need to avoid causing traffic spots. Especially if they sense you are afraid of their driving, or lack confidence in their abilities. At Brookside “66” Service, we see families with new drivers each year, learning the ropes and trying to keep out of trouble in their first year. Something we are frequently asked is, “How do I instill confidence in my kid as they learn to drive?” Start easy and build. Begin by taking them somewhere they can learn to drive safely in, typically the empty parking lot of a closed store, or a school out for the weekend. Buy some orange cones and talk them through the steps. Be calm and soothing, or let someone else do the instruction-- if they associate driving with your panic, they may never get confidence. Make certain you are teaching good habits, such a ... read more
Posted on 9/30/2020
October is Car Care Month, and the team at Brookside “66” Service knows that when your car makes spooky noises, it can feel like something’s haunting your car! No matter how scary it is, it’s always the best practice to investigate those noises, as they can indicate that there may be something bigger going wrong with your vehicle. More than likely, you already know what your car sounds like when it’s running without trouble. When it starts to make an odd noise out of nowhere it’s easy to hope for the best and continue to ignore it. But that’s the worst thing you could do! For example, if you hear high-pitched sound that continues on after your engine is turned off, you might have an issue with your radiator pressure cap. The rubber gasket attached to it may be worn, and may need replacing. You might also hear a continuous ticking while your engine idles. If that’s the case, shut your engine off and wait around ten minutes for it t ... read more
Posted on 8/3/2020
Photo by Natalie Rhea Riggs on Unsplash Summer can be a drag when you’re stuck indoors all day, but there are plenty of sights to see and enjoy while still staying close to home. Keep reading for five great weekend getaways near Kansas City, MO, to wrap up Summer 2020! Boonville, Missouri A short two-hour drive east of Kansas City, and you’ll find Boonville, MO. With 450 historic sites and structures on the National Registry of Historic Places. You can tour some local mansions, enjoy a self-guided walking tour, or even bike the nationally acclaimed 237-mile Katy Trail State Park! Cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts alike will love historic Boonville, MO. Indian Cave State Park in Shubert, Nebraska: Another quick t ... read more
Posted on 8/3/2020
Photo by Realgraphy.org on Unsplash We all know that being able to see the road ahead of you is necessary for any good drive. Still, depending on the time of day and certain weather conditions, visibility can make a difference in your driving abilities. Keep reading to learn more about how visibility in your car can make all the difference! Even new drivers know that visibility while driving is the key to making informed traffic decisions and keeping yourself and others safe while on the road. That’s why it’s essential to make sure you take care of your car’s various visibility-related components. The most noticeable parts of your vehicle that you should look after are your windshield and windshield wipers. Keeping your windshield ... read more
Posted on 8/3/2020
Photo by Romain Paget on Unsplash Kansas City is renowned for how often we receive tornadoes, and it can be scary when you’re caught on the road when the tornado warning goes out. At Brookside “66” Service, we want you to feel confident driving under any conditions, so read on for the best driving safety tips for Missouri’s tornado weather. Believe it or not, Missouri is ranked 10th in the United States for the state with the most tornadoes, with tornadoes occurring every month of the year. Most likely to happen in the afternoon from April through June. Remember, during a tornado, there is no completely safe option, only slightly less-dangerous ones. While being in your car during a tornado is extremely risky, these tips ... read more