Service Your Vehicle Now to Get Ready for Winter

October 07, 2019 · 4 min read

When was the last time you had your tires rotated? Or your oil changed? In a busy world, it can be easy to forget about routine maintenance for your vehicle. For most of us, we just hop in our car and use it to get where we need to go. But servicing your car is important not just to make sure it’s ready to go whenever you need it, but also to help increase its longevity. By staying on top of your maintenance schedule you can make sure your car is in top operating condition, which can help extend its life and also ensure that you and those you love are safe from sudden maintenance-related issues.

Servicing Your Car for the Winter: 5 Things to Keep in Mind

1. Tire care—checking pressure and tread

When was the last time you checked the pressure on your cars’ tires? Keep in mind that low pressure on your vehicle’s tires can lead to uneven wear, and shorten the overall life of the tires. Low tire pressure can also be dangerous, leading to poor or uneven traction on the road. Especially with changing weather coming up as we enter fall and winter, it’s important to make sure the pressure is good in your tires. By getting your car serviced, you can have tire pressure, as well as tread, checked out by a professional. Another thing you may want to request is to have your tires rotated. As a general rule of thumb, tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear across all four tires.

2. Change your oil

Many of us have a little sticker on the inside of our dashboard reminding us when we last had our oil changed, and when we’ll need to change it again. But there’s a few things to note. First, that sticker won’t help if you don’t remember to check it—so go ahead and read what it says to make sure you’re not overdue for an oil change. And second, the sticker just provides basic guidelines for when your next oil change will be needed. Each car is different, and it’s not a bad idea to check the oil yourself to make sure you have enough to let your car keep operating safely. oil-change-service-car-winter

How to Check Your Oil

To check your oil, wait until your car is completely cool (don’t check it right after you drive it, or the oil will be hot and expanded). Pull out the dipstick, wipe it down with a paper towel or cloth, and then stick the dipstick back in. Now look at the dipstick and see where the oil line is. If it’s at or above the line needed to indicate you have sufficient oil, then you’re good to go; if it’s below, it’s time to get more oil.

3. Check your wiper blades

If it hasn’t rained much lately you may not have needed to use your wiper blades, but with colder weather coming on it’s a good idea to double-check them to make sure they work. Wiper blades can slowly wear out just from being exposed to the elements. A good rule of thumb is to replace your blades every six months to a year. If you’re unsure whether the wiper blades on your car are approaching the end of their life, ask a professional during your next car service to inspect your blades and see what their advice is for replacing them.

4. Check and freshen your fluids

When the weather starts getting colder the fluids in your car can get thicker, which can make them move more slowly through the engine. Right now is a good time to double-check all the fluids in your car to make sure they’re both clean and topped off. Especially if you live somewhere with extreme changes in temperature, it’s a good idea to drain and replace your car’s coolant. This is because coolant has water added to it, and the ratio of water to coolant will usually be higher in the summer than during the winter. In the summer, the ratio of water to coolant should be 50:50. In the winter, the ratio of water to coolant should be 40:60.

5. Check your heaters and defrosters

Given that we’re just now entering fall, you may not have had a need for using the heater or defroster in your car. Go ahead and turn them on now, before you really need them, to make sure they’re working properly. The last thing you want is to find out they’re not working on a cold morning when you’re running late for work, or trying to get your kids to school. Want to get ahead of the game? Schedule your car for service right now.

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Dec 11, 2020 in Morrison

3 Classic American Diners Around Morrison, TN

The American diner has been a culinary staple in our nation for many years. Every small town has a handful of classic diners with regular visitors and hometown charm. Morrison, Tennessee, is no exception. Here are three classic American diners worth visiting around the area. Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please verify hours of operations by contacting the businesses directly. 1. Medley's Diner Right in the heart of Morrison, on Manchester Highway, Medley's Diner is a hometown favorite offering up classic diner dishes and providing family-owned charm. Open daily from 5:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, 5:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Medley's provides plenty of opportunities to stop in and get your fill of some serious comfort food. Come in for a hearty breakfast and choose from a menu of mouth-watering options including pecan pancakes, hash browns, eggs, bacon, country ham, omelets, and of course hot coffee. Lunch specials are regularly changing, but they typically offer a daily deal with soup and a sandwich. At dinnertime, enjoy a juicy cheeseburger, crab cakes, or pork chops. Kids are welcome in this family-friendly atmosphere and they'll also have yummy options like grilled cheese, chicken strips, or a hot dog. more 2. Nana's Kountry Kupboard Just about 15 to 20 minutes west of Morrison in McMinnville, Nana's Kountry Kupboard is another local favorite that serves breakfast all day long. Nana's is open from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays, and 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays. Daily specials are always available offering fresh meals and seasonal dishes. Check their social media sites to see the specials for the week, or simply stop in for a surprise. Grab pancakes, eggs, and coffee for breakfast or lunch, or try one of their loaded open-faced sandwiches. Don't forget about dessert. Pies and cakes are made fresh each week, but you can expect regular favorites like blueberry cobbler and fruit pies. Nana's Kountry Kupboard is great for families with kid-friendly menu options and a relaxed environment. They also offer take-out if you want to enjoy at home. 3. Kat's Diner & Market Also in McMinnville, but only about 10 to 15 minutes north of Morrison, Kat's Diner & Market is definitely worth a visit any day of the week. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Saturday and for breakfast and lunch on Sundays, Kat's always offers comfort through country cooking. Start your meal with some appetizers like corn nuggets, onion rings, or fries. For some serious comfort food, try the Southern Fried Chicken plate and sweet tea. Don't forget to stop in at the country store after your meal. Kat's Market offers all kinds of goodies and products from local vendors. Grab some festive home decor, beautiful floral arrangements, or some baked goods to enjoy at home. Next time you're craving some traditional diner food with that hometown feel, check out one of these nearby American diners. You're sure to leave happy. Image via pexels.com

Oct 09, 2020 in Morrison

5 Reasons to Visit Rock Island State Park

If you're in the mood to get away from it all, consider a trip to Rock Island State Park. While it's a 45-minute drive from Morrison, it's well worth it to explore the natural wonders of East Tennessee. Let's check out some of Rock Island's notable features and find out what you can expect during your visit. 1. Great Falls Great Falls, a 30-foot horseshoe-shaped cascading waterfall, is the perfect backdrop for a nature hike. The waterfall sits above the stunning Caney Fork Gorge, and several scenic overlooks provide opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for yellow-throated warblers, Acadian flycatchers, and scarlet tanagers. The grassy areas are popular with the white-tailed deer that call Rock Island home. Experienced kayakers will enjoy taking on the whitewater rapids underneath the Great Falls. The 19th-century textile mill that once used the waterfall for hydroelectric power still stands on the grounds of the park. more 2. Center Hill Lake If you enjoy fishing, swimming, or boating, you'll want to check out Center Hill Lake. This Rock Island gem has an abundance of largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and bluegill. You can fish from the shore or try your luck on one of the lake's many docks or piers. If you own a kayak, canoe, or motorboat, you'll appreciate Center Hill Lake's convenient launch ramp. The lake also features a beautiful sand beach, complete with changing rooms and shower facilities. 3. Camping Rock Island State Park offers several amenities for visitors who wish to camp. The main campground can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents, while a smaller campground is limited to tent camping. The main site offers electrical hookups, charcoal grills, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers also have access to showers and bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available, and a picnic pavilion and playground are conveniently located nearby. If you prefer to stay in the tent-only campground, you'll also have access to these amenities, in addition to lovely shaded grass-surfaced areas to set up your tent. 4. Historic Structures History buffs will enjoy a visit to Rock Island State Park just as much as nature lovers. In addition to the 19th-century textile mill located near Great Falls, you'll find Spring Castle. Constructed in the 1890s, this large springhouse served as a refrigerator for the mill workers. Another historical point of interest is the Great Falls Dam. Completed in 1916, this hydroelectric human-made wonder is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 5. Gift Shop Whether you're camping out in Rock Island State Park or just visiting for a short day trip, you'll find all the supplies you need at the Visitor Center Gift Shop. The shop also sells unique souvenirs and gifts. Be sure to stop by for the perfect keepsake to remember your visit by. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why making the drive from Morrison to Rock Island State Park is well worth your time. You'll not only enjoy the natural wonders of this Tennessee treasure, but you'll also create special moments and memories. Image via pexels.com

Mar 13, 2020 in Morrison

Best Spas Around Morrison, TN

Are you in need of a relaxing getaway? Morrison, Tennessee is brimming with great spas that will give you the self-care you need. Here are a few of the best spas in the Morrison area. Sage Skincare and Wellness If you're looking for some self-care that will leave you feeling and looking radiant, inside and out, Sage Skincare and Wellness is the place for you. With their pure plant essence products, understanding of how the body works as a whole, and constant commitment to learning and improving, they have all the tools to give you the best service around. At Sage Skincare and Wellness, you'll enjoyed being pampered in a relaxing environment and leave feeling and looking beautiful and healthy. Their services include massage, microcurrent, guasha, dermaplaning, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and more. more Wink Skincare Studio Wink Skincare Studio is just 15 minutes from Morrison. It's one of McMinnville's favorite skincare studios making it the perfect place for a little self-love. Wink offers a variety of services that go well beyond a simple facial. They also carry popular product lines like Dave's Candles, Supergoop, Sara Happ, Lunette, Skinscript, and more. The Haven Day Spa The Haven Day Spa is a health and wellness spa that specializes in an array of services including full body massages, reflexology, and hypnotherapy. You can also spend some time doing yoga in their workout room or enjoying a sweet treat in their cafe. If you want a day away, but can't figure out what to do with the kids, no problem. The Haven Day Spa has a childcare room so that you can relax knowing your kids will be well taken care of. Serene Day Spa If you need an escape from the chaos of life, Serene Day Spa is the place to go. They offer personalized massage and skincare therapies that rejuvenate your mind and body. From a relaxing massage to rehab for injuries, Serene Day Spa has you covered. They have all of the standard services like their deep tissue massage. It's purpose is to release tension by relieving both your muscles and connective tissue. If you're looking for a more unique massage, you can try out their traditional Thai massage. This massage is an ancient method of rejuvenation that uses yoga-based stretching, deep compressions, and acupressure. Unlike most massages, it's performed fully clothed on a floor mat. Another spa service that they offer is their Body Glow massage. This treatment is designed to exfoliate and moisturize your skin while providing a relaxing massage. You can choose between a sugar or salt scrub that is then used to polish away dry skin cells and remove impurities from the skin. Next, warm steamed towels are applied to remove the scrub. Top it off with a moisturizing body butter and your skin will be feeling silky and smooth. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day out with friends or a private escape from your everyday stress, these top spas around Morrison, Tennessee are sure to have you feeling refreshed and ready to take on another week. Image via pixabay.com

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