Category Archives: Printables

The Importance of Maintaining Your Cars

Now that we have adult children that are driving, plus a few newer vehicles, we want to do what we can to ensure our cars last. In addition to taking car of our cars, it is also important to me that both Zack and Libby learn the importance of caring for their vehicles now that they are both grown and no longer living at home.

With busy schedules and time constantly getting away from us, I have found it to be helpful to create checklists for certain ‘chores’ around the house, including car maintenance, to ensure that everything gets done and taken care of on a regular basis. This has proven to be a great tool for both Zack and Libby to stay on top of things as well.

Many car dealerships, like Fred Martin Superstore in Barberton, OH suggest you bring your vehicle into the dealer for routine maintenance however, there are other things that should be taken care of at home on a regular basis too.

  • Clean the inside of your vehicle at the end of every week. Especially if you commute for work. 
  • Wash the outside of your car at least twice a month. This helps protect your paint from the elements of Mother Nature as well as things like salt in the winter and dead bugs in the summer.
  • Check fluid levels every month. 
  • Check tire pressure every month and save your tires from wear and tear.
  • Clean up any spills or messes right away.
  • Vacuum weekly to keep dirt and debris from staining carpets and fabrics.
  • Visit your dealership for routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations.

Follow this list and your car will continue to look new and last long!

Fun Things for Kids to Do While Traveling + Printable License Plate Bingo Cards

Now that my little kids are getting older and we are traveling with them more, I’ve been trying to find new ways to keep them entertained when we are on the road. It doesn’t take much for the kids to get bored when we are driving somewhere, even if it is just the 30-minute drive to great grandma’s house. I’ve been trying out some new things with them and here are some of the fun new things they have been enjoying.

Kids Can Have Fun While on the Go!

1. Activity Packs filled with crayons, markers, paper, and coloring books. These bags are easy and inexpensive to put together by shopping at your local dollar store.

2. I Spy – Before your trip, print out sheets with different items on them that you will see on your trip for the kids to cross off as they see them on your journey.

3. Sing Along Fun – admit it, we are all sick of the Frozen soundtrack but let’s face it, the kids love it. Download a copy to play in the car so the kids can sing along. If Frozen isn’t their thing, find something that is.

4. License Plate Bingo – Print out our License Plate Bingo cards  with pictures of different license plates and have the kids cross them off as they see them.

5. Movies – If your vehicle is equipped, I recommend a movie for long travels. They are great for when you’ve exhausted everything else and they often lead to naps in the car.

Of course, these are just a few of the things you can do in with the kids in the car. What do you do to keep your kids entertained when on the go?