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At Milton Ruben Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, passenger safety is a priority. Our youngest patrons are no exception. As all parents know, car seat shopping isn't easy, especially since qualities vary and expiration dates must be considered. So, when we heard about Babies"R"Us' month-long campaign to trade up car seats, we saw in them a kindred, safety-conscious spirit. During the month of September, each Babies"R"Us store will accept outdated, potentially-expired car seats. In return, customers will receive a coupon for 25 percent off of a brand new car seat for their child. Babies"R"Us will properly dispose of the dated car seats. This way, expired, less-safe car seats will be off of the market, and will not be sold in garage sales or other non-regulated spaces. Enter to win a car seat from us at the Evans, Ga Babies"R"Us! Milton Ruben Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is determined to make vehicles as safe as possible, so we're teaming up with Babies"R"Us in their Car Seat Trade Up program to get old, expired car seats off the road. To support this great cause and bring awareness to the issue, Milton Ruben Chrysler is giving away three car seats, one during each full week in September. With the help of Babies"R"Us experts, these seats have been selected for their safety rating and high-quality. Starting today, visit the Babies"R"Us in Evans to enter to win. According to Parenting.com, car seats usually last between five and nine years, but it's important to note that every car seat is different and that safety standards are constantly evolving. The best strategy to ensure that a car seat is still as safe as possible is to keep and read the user manual and stay informed about recalls and new research. If you do purchase a used car seat, make sure you know about the seat's accident history (including details, such as if the car was able to drive away from the crash site, and if the door closest to the car seat was damaged) and whether or not any pieces of the seat have been broken or lost. If you're ready for a safety upgrade, visit the Milton Ruben table at the Babies"R"Us in Evans to fill out a quick entry form. Winners will be selected each week, and there is no purchase or trade in necessary to win. The Evans Babies"R" Us is located at 4225 Washington Rd., Evans, GA 30809 and can be contacted at 706-651-9300. For more information on the Car Seat Trade Up program, visit the national website.

Buying vehicles is such an exciting experience, people oftentimes are overwhelmed with information once the salesperson starts teaching about the features on your new car. This is why we have started our New Owner’s Clinic, for recent buyers who have questions about their warranty, parts & accessories, routine maintenance, technology, or anything else. And as a thank you for your purchase and attendance, dinner is on us! Here’s a synopsis of our first New Owner’s Clinic at Milton Ruben Toyota in April of 2015! Did you miss it? Get in touch with your salesperson to find out about our next New Owners Clinic! Must be recent buyer of a vehicle from Milton Ruben Toyota to attend. See some cool Parts & Accessories go to work on a Toyota Tacoma in our #TacomaTough customization series! Video, photos, and post by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

From spring breaks at Disney World to summer stays at Grandma's house, we all have road trip memories from our childhood.  But most of those memories are about the destination, not the journey.  And why is that exactly?  Sure, it's tough to top bubble making marathons with Nana Smith, and no one can hold a candle to Stories with Belle on Princess Pavilion, but with the new technologies offered in the new Chevrolet family vehicle line, the journey can now be just as much fun. The 2015 Chevy Equinox brings up the game in the family vehicle class, with a fuel economy that pulls it to the forefront of the SUV game, at 32 mpg highway.  And it doesn't stop there.  The versatile cargo options will but the best soccer moms into a frenzy of afternoon snack cooler, dance costume, and class pet carrier storage solutions with room to spare. The 2015 Chevy Traverse offers an affordable option to stretch out in, seating up to 8 passengers comfortably and a class-leading 116 cubic feet of cargo space.  Next summer's family reunion? Conquered, with safety in hand, wielding industry-first front-center side-impact air bag, lane departure warning, and blind zone alert. The 2015 Chevy Trax doesn't know the meaning of "small," as a compact SUV that is taking a new perspective on space and efficiency. An alarmingly long list of standards make the Trax a leader in technology, with ChevyMyLink, and a 7-inch touch screen.  If that isn't enough, how about that the front passenger seat actually folds down flat? Yea. You won't find that on every street corner. So shudder no longer at the idea of cruising through the school pick-up line in a daunting minivan, and find comfort in the four-wheeled, safety-laden, cargo-yielding barriers of the 2015 Chevrolet family vehicle line.  Check out our inventory here. To stay updated on the latest news on family vehicles, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google. This post was written by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

Everyone has seen the viral advertisements from Toyota about the new 2015 "Swagger Wagon."  We have all laughed at the truth in the ad about parenthood and being "cool" enough to embarrass your kids sufficiently, partying hard until 9pm, and sneaking sips of apple juice from the toddler's sippy cup.  Let's be honest, we love those ads.  It has been connecting parents everywhere to the beautiful chaos that is having kids, commiserating in the joyful, crazy lives we lead day in and day out, so much so that finding the humor in it is just as beautiful as your kid saying "I love you," through choking sobs while you're trying to scrub a mystery substance scented with banana and mud off of their face.  "Messy but great," right? Well, the 2015 Toyota Sienna acknowledges the messiness of parenthood, and offers you a sweet window of hope in the form of a minivan that is anything but a compromise.  Allow us to elaborate in these 15 things we love about the new 2015 Toyota Sienna! Driver Easy Speak The Sienna sees your screaming and raises you a speaker system that will transfer your voice to the rear seat.  By touching a button on the screen of the new dash, you can project your voice through the speaker system to your passengers, helping you maintain control of your adorable hooligans! Smart Key System Who hasn't had that moment of baby on the hip, purse on your shoulder, and key that has sunk to the bottom of the diaper bag in pouring down rain and frigid winds?  You no longer have to dig around in the diaper bag with your one free hand and miraculously juggle child, purse, and bag around to open the door and lock baby into the car seat.  You can just touch the door, and the vehicle will sense the proximity of the key, and unlock for you.  I'm pretty sure a mom of two toddlers thought up this one! Sliding Center Console Speaking of toddlers... as they outgrow those car seats, and their hands are still only so big, spills in the car are an accepted reality of parenthood.  But we can minimize those spills with an extended sliding center console, putting cup holders within reach of those little hands. Dual View Blu Ray No more arguments over Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Frozen on the next long holiday drive - you can have both in the 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE Premium with the Dual Screen on the Blu Ray.  It even comes with head phones so you can rock out to Kenny G (just kidding) and don't have to hear Let It Go for the fifty millionth time. Recline and Relax Again, as the kids get older - there are advantages.  Teen driver can help with the road trip while you kick back, prop your tired feet up on the ottoman (yes, ottoman), recline a tad bit, and take a nice snoozer in the 2015 Toyota Sienna Limited.  Toyotas are a long-term investment, so let's think long-term! Easy Access Kids climbing around on your upholstery  in their dirty shoes are a thing of the past - finally!  Second row seating slides all the way forward, with backs of the chairs closing in for easier access to third row seating. Power Lift Gate Another battle of arms full vs. access won!  Your smart key has a button, the lift gate has a button, your driver's seat has a button - there are multiple ways to conquer  the "You forgot to close the trunk!" debacle with the Power Lift Gate! Split N' Stow Seating I remember as a kid, watching Dad haul the seats out of the back of our minivan before a ski trip.  Those things looked heavy, and we always ended up with the seats in our dining room for a few days until Dad regained the strength to reinstall the suckers.  No worries for my generation of parents! Not only do our minivans have a bucket in the rear to store third row seats, but several trim levels even have electronic buttons - no hauling necessary! Convertible Cargo With those seats stowed in their buckets, you can convert 39 cubic feet of storage into up to 150 cubic feet of cargo area. Soft Touch Leather That sticky squeaking is soooo last decade! Our soft touch leather offers the luxury of leather with the comfort of quality fabric. (And I hear it's easy to clean to boot!) Available Dual Moonroof Be it for a little extra light for Abbey to teach Aiden how to read, or to watch the stars as they fall asleep, the dual moonroof is a luxury we love in the new Sienna! Seats Up To 8 With convertible seating and an extra option to insert a center seat on the second row, there's no way you can't take on the U-8 soccer team's spontaneous victory pizza lunch! Toyota Care There is so much that can be said for Toyota Care, that we could go on all day.  But the basics is that Toyota is here to take care of you, with a warranty and service coverage that covers the first two years of your new Sienna! New Wraparound Dash By far our favorite new feature in the new 2015 Toyota Sienna is the dash.  Designed with safety in mind, Toyota created an easy one touch system, and re-organized it to be closer to the driver, easier to reach, and thus easier for you to stay focused on the road. Safety Features With 8 standard airbags (up to 12), a 24/7 emergency response center called Safety Connect, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, standard back up camera, blind spot monitoring, parking assist, and so much more, the 2015 Toyota Sienna is built to get you and your family from Place A to Place B as efficiently and as safely as possible. The 2015 Toyota Sienna "Swagger Wagon" truly is the minivan that doesn't compromise, for those who live lives all about compromise.  Live a little, gain some swagger, and check out the new 2015 Toyota Sienna at http://www.miltonrubentoyota.com.   For more information on the latest vehicles, offers, and events at Milton Ruben Toyota, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Post, Photos, GIFs, and Graphics by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

We know you are all prepping for the Holiday in the last available moments before Christmas in upon us - last minute shopping, packing, and travel plans.  We hope our Thanksgiving post about preparing for a safe road trip has been helpful in mapping out the routes!  And we want to continue helping ease the chaos of holiday travel with a few ideas to calm the kids on your next trip to Grandma's house. QUIET TIME ACTIVITIES Pack some in-car games to keep the kids distracted.  Plan a new game for each leg of the trip and reward the kids when they've completed each game with a snack or small toy from the closest dollar shop.  Thankfully, there are a lot of resources out there with ideas for in-car activities, and some have even put together printables to make it easier for you! FREE Printable Road Trip Activity Links: License Plate Numbers and other games, Fast Food I Spy, Travel Bingo O r if your family is a little more tech-savvy, you can download an interactive game of Bingo to your mobile devices and play as a family for a couple of bucks. Of course, there is always the handy DVD player if you have one.  Some of our newer models come with multiple screens and multiple players, as well as headphones so you don't have to listen to Frozen for the seven hundredth time. QUALITY TIME ACTIVITIES Play the group road trip games you remember as a child - 20 questions, the A-Z game (find a word in a sign or billboard that starts with the letter "A", then find one that starts with "B" and so on.  The first to finish wins!), or the States game (whoever finds the most states on passing license plates in a ten-minute period wins!), or a number of other Road Trip Time Passers. If you've found an online game you and your kids love playing together, you can hook up to your in-car WiFi and play away! PACK A SNACK KIT It's one of two terrible things to hear on highway 720 in the middle of nowhere - "Mom, I'm huuuuungryyyyy..."  Luckily, some absolutely brilliant moms have come up with some incredibly genius solutions to the road trip snack time crisis.  (As for the "I haf to use the bafroom..." we wish you luck.  And possibly a detail coupon.) Did you know that a tackle box gives you a waterproof, compartmentalized carrier for snacks?  Or that a mostly empty peanut butter container is the perfect vehicle for a few stalks of celery?  A writeable CD container holds onto a bagel sandwich pretty nicely without it falling apart.  Clean coffee creamer containers keep and distribute pretzels and cheerios fairly easily, and are small enough to slip into a diaper bag.  Be creative! And use Stow-N'-Go to keep things that are not being used out of the way during snack time! STOCK YOUR EMERGENCY KIT It is essential that everyone have an emergency kit in their vehicle.  You never know what could occur on that backroad you're using to avoid the traffic on I-20.  And you never know how long it will take for first responders to get there (remember that traffic, now).  Gauze, burn aid, band-aids, neosporin, water, aspirin, gatorade, blankets, flares and glow sticks, a flashlight, batteries, etc.  You can purchase one that is pre-made or you can put one together yourself.  But you should have one in your vehicle at all times. PACK A SICK KIT Motion sickness is something a significant portion of people suffer from.  It can really make a road trip miserable for those of us with the green gills.  Prep ahead of time so you're ready to ease your little one's pain when it sets in.  Here's a handy infographic we found with some great ideas for your Car Sick Kit. If this doesn't work, it definitely does make one consider WeatherTech Mats, doesn't it? So easy to clean, and it's not just for mud, folks. MAKE TIME FOR PIE This one was too cute to pass up!  Not only is it an excuse to stop and rest, allowing the driver a minute to readjust, letting everyone stretch their legs and backs, but it's also a great excuse to eat desserts.  If you're going on a long road trip, and you'll be making several stops for meals and gas, pick up a dessert at a local eatery while you're there.  Everyone can keep a score card and rate who had the best desserts, and then you'll know where you need to stop next time! This is kind of a way to tie it all together in both a tip and an overall perspective.  Traveling with kids can be a real challenge - especially if they're active and antsy (I feel your pain, kids.  Sitting still stinks.), but it's also a captive audience.  It's an opportunity where all of you are in one place at one time, with one goal.   Cherish the little moments with your little ones, create some memories, and make the most of it.  These are the times that fly by in the blink of an eye, but you can make it fun while it lasts!  We hope some of these tips will help making that happen.   Safe Travels and Happy Holidays!   For more tips and news from Milton Ruben Superstore, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google! This post was written by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

You accidentally hit "off" instead of "snooze" on the alarm.  The shower water took forever to warm up, the shirt you planned to wear is actually still crumpled at the bottom of the dirty clothes pile, you're out of coffee, and the kids are still in their pajamas when you need to be walking out of the door.  As if all of this isn't enough, it's also winter, and the South finally decided to express it with a nice layer of frost over your car. Hopefully you read this post, and you have plenty of options in your arsenal to ensure that ice doesn't slow you down on your already-late-for-everything day.  No matter what your budget, location, or car knowledge, it is possible for your vehicle to be completely defrosted and safe to drive by the time the toddler is hooked into her car seat and the teenager is bugging you for driving lessons.  In fact, you can put that kid to work by demonstrating these tips, they're so easy! COVER IT UP On an otherwise dry evening, frost and ice forms from the dew that settles and freezes as temperatures plummet overnight.  You can have that dew settle on something else rather than your windows by simply inserting a barrier. You can purchase a commercial tarp or cover for $15-$50 at most vehicle maintenance shops, but they don't tend to stay stocked down here, so you can try your own as well.  Blankets, towels, folded sheets, even newspapers can help keep your windshields free of Frozen! (We can't say the same about the DVD player in the back.) WATER Be careful with this one, folks.  If you decide to pour a bucket of water over your windshield to help melt the ice, make sure you're in the right conditions to do so.  For one, don't use cold water - that might just freeze over the frost and give you a thicker layer of ice to chip through.  Don't use boiling or hot water either - the extreme temperature changes could have a significantly negative impact on the glass.  As in, a shattering experience.  IF you decide to use water (since it's easily accessible to everyone), use lukewarm water and very quickly wipe down the windshield after dispensing a bucket over it.  And if it's less than 25F out, just toss this idea altogether and watch the icicles form as the water hits the frigid air. CONCOCTIONS Some brilliant people who probably grew up in Minnesota or Michigan invented this spectacular stuff that squirts out of a bottle and literally MELTS ice!  You can sometimes buy this inexpensive commercial concoction where you get the rest of your maintenance materials, but you might have better lucky ordering online or having your cousin in Minnesota sending you a bottle.  Or you could just make your own by filling a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and adding a few squirts of dish soap (mix well, don't shake).  Also known as hand sanitizer. SURROUND THE ICE If you're anything like me, you're number one concern when you leave the house is to get to the car as quickly as possible, climb inside, crank the heat, and try not to think to hard about going back in for a pair of gloves.  Lucky for you, there is an option to help that defroster move along a little.  Turn the heat all the way up, the defroster all the way on (don't forget the rear defroster if you have it), and place your hand on the top of the window.  This could leave a hand print on the glass (which can be cleaned up later with some window cleaner), but the warmth of your hand will act as a second defroster, sending heat through the glass and melting the ice at the top, while the car helps melt from the bottom, doubling the speed and keeping you inside the car. REMOTE START If you've ever wondered "Why would I ever need to start the car before I'm in it?" this is the answer to that question.  If the weatherman is calling for frost, turn the temperature gauges to heat and defrost before you go in for the night.  The next morning, you can turn the engine on while you're still zipping up the kid's coats and distributing lunch boxes.  By the time you get everyone buckled in and ready to go, so is the vehicle. HOW NOT TO DE-ICE YOUR WINDSHIELD With Cold or Boiling Water Cold water could freeze over the top of your windshield, especially if it's particularly cold out.  Boiling water could shatter your windshield from the excessive temperature difference. With Salt Water Up North, they use Road Salt to melt ice and snow and make the roads easier to navigate, right? So it would only make sense to use that, right? Wrong.  Salt is bad for your car.  There's really no getting around that.  It causes corrosion, rust, and creates damage that can only be replaced - not undone.  This is why people from the frigid areas of the country tend to keep their nice vehicles cooped up in the garage during their Great White Winters. With a Credit Card Often used as an ice scraper for those that can't find theirs, Credit Cards offer a stiff, flat edge to get under the ice and chip away at it. Not only is this time-consuming, but you could scratch the glass by wearing down the curved edges of the card into a sharper, knife-like blade and cutting into the windshield.  Dropping it in drifts of slush and ice is also pretty easy, and would mean you have a long morning of calling to cancel said card and re-order another. You're going to need that Credit Card to buy a cup of hot cocoa once you're done freezing your hands off chipping away at ice. Not Do It Frost and ice are significant visual blocks.  Don't put yourself and your passengers in danger because you're in a hurry.  Be safe, be responsible, and use one of these easy tips to de-ice your car. OTHER HELPFUL TIPS Clear the grill of any ice or snow to make sure ventilation to the engine prevents overheating Vinegar could prevent frost from forming When you frost is coming, lift your windshield wipers off of the windshield and cover them with socks to prevent ice from damaging the rubber Ask your Service Advisor for advice   For more helpful tips on car safety, maintenance, and news, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, and Google. This post was written by Milton Ruben Superstore Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

It's that time of the year! Can you smell it? Time for gas prices to escalate, drivers to get aggressive and impatient, roads to get hazardous, and the kids to get impossibly rowdy! The holiday season is upon us! Now before you jump on the bah hum bug bandwagon too quickly, you should know there are a lot of ways you can prepare for the impending road trip to grandmother's house and avoid events that are going to raise your blood pressure higher than mistletoe.  To prevent any mishaps that could extend your trip or cause delays, we've put together a list of ways you can prepare your vehicle for the road trip ahead. Keep It Clean Get a complete detail done on you vehicle - particularly the interior.  Nobody likes to be in a vehicle for long periods of time to begin with, much less one with funky smells, mystery stains, and the Krystal wrapper from lunch one day last week.  And once the car is clean, keep it that way.  You can refashion a plastic re-usable cereal container with a small trash bag for a portable (and close-able) trash can.  You can also stuff old grocery bags into an empty kleenex box to fill with fast food wrappers and toss each time you stop for fuel up.  Both are a convenient size to stick on a floor board, in a console, or under a seat. Check Your Tires This may be one of the most important safety tips you'll ever get.  Particularly if you're traveling North, where snow and ice may challenge your tread, it is vital for your tires to be in good shape.  Use a Tire Pressure Monitor or Gauge to check the air in your tires.  You can fill up your tires for a dollar at most gas stations, or ask your service advisor about Nitrogen.  (Nitrogen filled tires keep pressure longer, helping you maintain optimal gas mileage and overall health of the tire.)  You can use the coin test to check tread.  If they're low, you're going to need to get them replaced before the trip.  Bad tread and low tire pressure can not only affect the efficiency of fuel, but it can also decrease stopping speed of your vehicle and endanger your family.  Don't forget to check the spare! Inspect Engine/ Top Off Fluids Pop the hood and carefully inspect all of the wires and hoses on the engine of your vehicle.  If any are frayed or damaged, you may want to get them replaced before head out.  And while you're under there, check your fluids: brake, transmission, coollant, windshield wiper, etc.  Top off any that are low, and consider whether or not your windshield will need wiper fluid that is made for lower temperatures. Depending on how far you plan on driving, it may be reasonable to go ahead and get your oil changed and a new oil filter installed. Check Your Lights Get a friend, spouse, neighbor, stranger, or kid to help you check your headlights and brake lights to ensure they are bright and clear on each side.  If you can't get help, carefully park near a wall at night and check the reflections on the wall.  You can keep your lights bright by cleaning off the lamps with toothpaste! Of course, all of the above tips can be done here at Milton Ruben Superstore by your Certified Technicians.  In fact, let your Service Advisor know that you're traveling, and they'll make sure your vehicle gets a thorough inspection to ensure the safety and comfort of your family on the road. Make your appointment here! Make sure you check for any specials or deals! Map It Out Preplan your route with your GPS, Navigation System, or map.  If you're as obsessed with the Food Network as I am, you can plan out pit stops for food through TVFoodMaps.com, which will show you restaurants and diners featured on the Food Network along your desired route.  There are also plenty of websites such as FuelMyRoute.com that help you identify the most affordable fuel options.  Make a list of destination addresses and keep them handy for reference.  Many navigation systems will now allow you to plan your route with "via points," so you can let technology do the work for you once you hit "go!" Traffic Happens Program local traffic stations of cities you'll be driving through so you can be aware of any possible delays before you get there.  Of course, if you're not willing to compromise your presets on satellite radio, many modern navigation systems will forewarn you and even offer alternate routes in the case of construction or other delays! Don't Text And Drive Of course, it's tempting to read the incoming stream of plans from your family members as they ask you to report every leg of your trip on the half hour.  We know.  But it's not worth the danger you put yourself, your family, and others on the road to take your eyes away from the prize and get distracted.  Luckily, modern technology in most of our Application Suite Centers will allow you to connect your phone to bluetooth and have your vehicle read the text messages to you!  Thank goodness for manufacturers who understand reality!     There you have it!  Be sure to check out our post on traveling safely with your pets, and stay tuned for more posts on preparing for holiday road trips by following us on Facebook and Twitter! This post was written by Milton Ruben Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

We've been conducting a few polls here and there to find out what you want to see from us in your newsfeed.  The most popular answers were "Information on vehicles," "Advice on how to better care for my car," and " Coupons and Specials." Well we've been hard at work for the last few weeks stocking up on walk-around videos to answer your questions about the new cars we keep in stock, helping you make a decision about what car is best for you.  We also continued our Service Video series conducted by our Service Managers and Service Advisors to help you take better care of your vehicle, helping it hold value longer, and keeping you safer.  Now to tackle the last request! Here's a couple specials we have running in our Service Lanes and Parts Departments right now: And in the future, you can stay up-to-date on other ways we're trying to save you money by checking the " Specials " tab at www.drivebaby.com! Also, we'll start posting more of these specials on our social media networks to keep you in-the-know on when the best time is to buy or have service done on your vehicle. Keep giving us more suggestions! We are striving to have the best customer service in the CSRA!  You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google, Instagram, and LinkedIn! This post was written by Milton Ruben Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

October 24, 2012 - The day that speed demons everywhere cried with joy.  The day that Chrysler Inc. decided to pursue the concept of the powerful Hellcat (that may not be true). The day that Texas announced their 85-mph speed limit on Hwy 130. Possibly the day that hundreds of car-enthusiasts decided to upgrade their tires. "Tires?? Why would they buy new tires??", you ask. Good question.  The answer? The tire's speed rating. On the far right, in pink and purple, is the tire's "service description," consisting of load rate, and speed rating. Speed rating is what kind of miles per hour a tire is capable of withstanding.  Think of it in the sense of the term, "burning rubber."  When a tire meets the road, it does so continuously, over and over again as it carries your vehicle across a stretch of distance.  This creates friction, thus heat.  The faster you go, the more the tire meets the road, the more friction, the more heat. Alas, the term "burning rubber." Found in the alphanumeric "service description" next to a tire's size on the sidewall, speed rating is assessed from a lab test by the manufacturer where the tire is applied to a large metal drum at the pressure that equates to the load rating.  The tire is spun against the drum at increasing speeds in ten minute intervals until the necessary speed limit is met.  That number is represented by a letter. It should be noted that these gradings assume the tire has not been damaged, is within tread life, is properly inflated, and that routine maintenance (ie: rotation) has been kept up. Now before you start hyperventilating that you need a "Z"-rated tire on your minivan, keep in mind that most cars have a "top" speed they can reach before they max out.  It would be kind of worthless to equip your Sienna with Z(Y) tires when the fastest it can reach is 120 mph.  (Which makes it the perfect vehicle for your driver-in-training teenager, right?)  Save your money for that freedom cruise when the kid finally turns 18 - for you, not them.  Conversely, it's not a good idea to put a lower-rated tire on a higher-rated vehicle.  This is why it's suggested you only ride on the spare tire for a day or two at lower speeds - it really can't handle much more than that. Of course, if you are, hypothetically, one of these mythical speed demons (because no one ever really tests out the reaches of their muscle engine, surely), then some crazies in the tire industry brought us the "Z-series."  As you can see in the infographic, Z-rated tires are then expanded into three levels.  These tires have the best grip and stopping power, but when (hypothetically) used to their purpose, have a very weak tread life.  Yes, these are the tires the Nascar drivers have to change every twelve left turns - because they've quite literally burned off the tread. (Whoa.) Ever seen those shredded tires on the interstate left in the wake of an 18-wheeler? That's the fate of a tire not properly rated to the weight and speed of it's automobile.  For a semi, it has a multitude of back-ups.  For you, the results could be fatal.  A safe rule of thumb is to stay with the speed rating chosen by your vehicle's manufacturer, or, as always, consult an expert. There you have it.  The last of our four primary components that define the perfect tire for your ride.  We've smoothed out the points of ride quality, lengthened the life of your tire, bundled you up for inclement weather tires, and, finally, given you a quick recap of speed rating.  Hopefully these basics will help you in your next tire-search.  Of course, these are still only a small slice of the pie that is complicated tire formulas, but maybe now the words our tire experts are saying will make a little more sense - saving you time in your next visit. To stay in loop on our "How To" and tutorial blogs, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! This post, including graphics, was created by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist, Heather Cortright.

Late evening, in the mountains of no where, North Carolina - My sister and father were driving home from a day of snow ski racing.  Seeing as it had been sleeting and snowing all day long (a rarity even in those parts), everyone and their grandmother were holed up with their white bread and whole milk.  No one had the insanity to venture out on the slick, frozen roads.  No one but my dad, anyway. As they coasted down a hill toward an intersection, the light flipped a haunting green, and my dad flipped on a haunting light bulb.  My sister had just started studying for her driver's test, and Dad thought "What better way to teach about the dangers of inclement weather driving...?"  He spun the wheel, popped the brakes, and their four door four wheel drive sedan fishtailed through the intersection like a Disney on Ice.  My sister completely  missed the "Don't tell your mother about this," while she tried to reign in her attack of terror, but she didn't start to grasp the severity of driving in ice. There are a lot of tips and tricks on how to master winter conditions.  Almost half of them are probably true - but this one we can vouch for - buying the right tires. Since the early 1900's, engineers and other braniacs have spent a lot of time designing tires to fit every last possible need of the driver.  Certain tires built to withstand certain seasons may have been the most important. There are four main types of tires, each with a variety of subsections.  But we're focusing on the basics here, so let's get to it. 1. Winter Tires: We don't tend to have too much need for these down here.  Built to maintain traction in light snow and ice, these tires are specifically built with a certain rubber compound to remain soft in freezing temperatures so they can grip in the winter elements generally so rare to us here in Augusta, GA.  It's not recommended for us here because of how poorly they perform in rain. 2. All-Weather Tires: After this year, these tires might become a little more marketable across the SouthEast.  These tires are built to reflect their name - withstand all four seasons and whatever nature throws at them. The rubber compound remains soft and effective in both freezing and warm temperatures. These tires tend to have a slightly aggressive tread on one side for light snow and ice, but still have the channels to repel water on rainy days. The tread can also help in  maintain traction on wet leaves in the fall. An easy tell on the difference between All-Weather Tires and All-Season tires is the Mud and Snow capability.  Slightly elevated grip and traction make these tires good for almost anything. 3. All-Season Tires: The most common type of tire found in the Southeast, all-season tires are built with multiple channels to repel water and maintain grip through rain puddles (not flooding).  The rubber compounds can remain soft in warm temperatures, but will harden below freezing, compromising traction (ie: turning and braking is riskier).  The sidewalls on All-Season tires are built stronger and thicker - making them ideal for smooth ride quality.  Because they are such a popular tire, the tread is constructed for longevity. 4. Summer and Performance Tires:  These tires are built to withstand the fires of Dante's Inferno (I'm exaggerating a little - please don't try to set your tires on fire).  We'll revisit the construction of Performance tires when we talk about Speed Rating, but the basis is that these tires are built for high speeds, high friction, and thus, high temperatures.  Thinner and shorter sidewall enhance grip and handling for quick turns, but this also keeps the tire from being able to absorb impact of road imperfections - throwing a bump or two in your ride quality.  Because these tires are meant for heat and intensity, they tend not to last as long as All-Season tires.  They equipped with some channels to control grip in water, but they most definitely cannot perform in snow. Nine times out of ten, an All-Season tire will meet the needs of the people in Augusta, GA.  Of course there are also tires built for off-roading, big trucks, etc.  But these are just the basics - feel free to enlist the help of our tire experts if you are interested in an all-terrain or light truck tire. Don't forget to make sure you're getting the appropriate size, that you're considering tread life, and that you'll be happy with the smoothness of your next road trip. Stay up to date on our Basics of Buying Tires blog series by liking us on Facebook, and following us on Twitter! This post and all graphics was created by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

"You get what you paid for."  College, weddings, dating someone new, buying new tires - there are some things in life that make your eyes glaze over with dollar signs and a thinning wallet.  Sticker shock frequently makes it difficult to wave off those dollar signs floating in your periphery and focus on the long-term benefit, particularly for the first three points on that list (because it usually doesn't exist). The last one, though, might warrant some explanation. If we dove straight into how the prices of tires are assessed, it would be a lot of mumbo-jumbo, calculations and figures and images of crazy-haired Einstein sticking his tongue out at you as though he knows its all going straight over your head.  What we can do, though, is focus on one of the 19-25 components tire manufacturers say make up a quality tire - and it happens to be the biggest defining factor in price. (See the introduction to Feet First: The Basics of Buying Tires for more components.) Tread Life is the longevity of the tire before it starts to crack or "bald." If you haven't been living under a rock, you've heard about the Lincoln's head trick - the one where you apologetically shove the top of a penny into the tread of your tire and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, you need new tires.  You have heard of that right?  How about the George Washington trick? Or the Lincoln Memorial trick? No, this isn't a history of coins lesson, put away your notebook and get out your coin purse (or raid your kid's piggy bank). "The Penny Trick" works in more than one way: If you're testing for snow ready tires, you shouldn't be able to see the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial on the tail-side of the penny. Flip that penny over and look at the tail's side.  When the penny is turned upright, take a peek at the bottom of Lincoln's Memorial.  If your tread is just grazing it, your tread is at 6/32", which is a reasonably safe tire under most circumstances in the southeast.  But if you're planning on trekking to the Great White North anytime soon (or Jay Jeffries is calling for another Icemaggedon - we miss you, Jay!), it might be time to consider some new tires.  This is the bare minimum tread your tire can grip snow. (Read about the right tires for inclement weather in the next Feet First Post!) Use a quarter to test for wet-weather ready tires. Since it pretty much rains everywhere, this is also a good way of preparing for an impending tire purchase. Now it's time to whip out good ole Georgey.  Slap that quarter upside down into the tread and squint at Washington's crown.  If your tread is at the top of his head, it's brushing 4/32" - respectable, but not great.  Wet weather conditions become tricky at this much tread.  You have a little time left before it becomes downright dangerous, but not long. These tires are in (goat-like voice) baaaaaaaad shape. No, they won't grip anything. They basically make your brakes into "more of a guideline than actual rule." Time to break down and buy new tires! Then there's the one everyone knows: If you can see the top of Lincoln's head on a penny, that means your tires are at less than 2/32" - and they're downright dangerous.  The tread has worn so thin, it has virtually no traction in any variety of wet weather.  Your risk of hydroplaning and losing control of your vehicle go up exponentially.  It's time to go tire shopping. Well, if it's that time - how do you pick a tire that will last longer next go round? Uniform Tire Quality Grading (or UTQG) is the trusted resource for how quickly a tire's tread will bald. The grades are based on percentage to wear to bald compared to a control tire in experimentation.  So if it wears 50% faster than the control tire, it would have a 150 pt rating. These tests, however, are conducted in a lab, so other factors like weather, road conditions, and temperature could also contribute to tread life, and they should be considered when you're looking at tires with no mile warranty. You can find UTQG on the sidewall of any tire, broken down into how quickly the tread wears down, the quality of grip on the tread, and how well the tire can withstand extreme temperatures. Still, having a warranty isn't a completely care-free world. Tire manufacturer's warranties come with caveats.  For example, warranties don't carry from owner to owner, nor do they carry from vehicle to vehicle (this is why it's important to hold on to those pesty papers documenting tire's being installed on your automobile).  Warranties will also void if you didn't pencil in some regular maintenance ( checking tire pressure and ensuring proper inflation, regular rotation and alignment, replacing suspension if it wears, etc.) Yep, you're seeing dollar signs again, aren't you? Perhaps a little perspective will rest that panic. Although we keep inexpensive lines to fit any budget, most of the time, the tires that seem to be the easiest on your wallet come without a mileage warranty.  Those tires don't always last very long, making the mid-shelf and upper-shelf tires more of a long-term investment - not to mention safer.  (Cue E-Trade baby talking about easy investing!) Milton Ruben's parts departments carry a variety of tires to meet your needs and budget. We aren't discouraging you from purchasing those lower-end tires. (After all, they can be practical on an older vehicle that's just a temporary fix.)  We just want you to be prepared with the necessary pros and cons to make an informed decision. Of course, our parts departments are all trained on this information - they could save you some hassle and help you pick out the tires that will meet your needs - and your budget. As always, if you'd like to stay informed on future posts about tire buying, or anything else vehicle-related, Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or take a peek at our Instagram. This post, including graphics, was created by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.

We've been hard at work at Milton Ruben Chevrolet shooting overview videos to make your shopping experience that much easier!  Here's the 2014 Chevrolet Spark with Michael Johnston: Professional Sales Consultant Michael Johnston explains a variety of options available with each trim level in engine and horsepower before pointing out some updated exterior features such as the body color mirror, 17" wheel well, and power locks and windows.  There's plenty of storage space with alternative storage options like the 60/40 split rear seat, a roomy trunk with a cover to offer shelving, as well as a convenient jack and inflator tucked out of the way.  You don't have to compromise in style with the Chevy Spark just because of it's superior fuel economy - a motorcycle instrument cluster clears the dash and keeps information near, and steering wheel controls allow you a safe driving experience without reaching.  The Chevrolet MyLink Digital Information Center also offers you a myriad of technology features, including streaming music!  It doesn't end there - just come in or call to learn more! That's not all Milton Ruben Chevrolet has in stock. Check out other Chevy vehicles presented by Milton Ruben Sales Consultants! Want to see what else we've got at Milton Ruben Superstore? We have more overviews, tutorials, and walk arounds on our YouTube Channel.   And, as always, stay up to date on what's going on at Milton Ruben Chevrolet by liking us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, and taking a peak at us on Instagram. Video and blog post by Milton Ruben Social Media Specialist Heather Cortright.