Enjoy The Seaside Or The Gold Coast
August 22, 2009 by Sam Tonzenger
Filed under Travel
Connecticut, one of the smallest states in the nation, is not well recognized as a tourist location. However, if you do your homework you might find that it is a pleasant place to spend your holiday. It is a place worth the visit. In the past, you may have traveled in Florida, Arizona, or Colorado, but now you wish to find more regions to visit in your country. Maybe this is the time to have a agreeable vacation exploring the Connecticut tourist areas; you’ll particularly enjoy the seaside or the gold coast in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Seaside Thirteen miles due east of New Haven there are more places to visit in the Connecticut tourist area known as Guilford. This area is perhaps the earliest Connecticut colonial community, dating back to 1639. Here, you explore many historic homes and a couple of these homes are accessible to holidaymakers.
Twenty miles outside of New Haven is Madison. Here, Connecticut showcases numerous historical structures, many of them grand homes. An agricultural district surrounds Madison and visitors to the area will enjoy the characteristic architectural style as it was in the 1700s. While traveling around Madison, you might want to stop at the Connecticut tourism department and locate Hammonasset State Park, which is located within the peninsula on Long Island Sound. This State Park has the only public recreational seaside beach for water activities in this area. This was a great vacation for our family who live in Allicante, Spain.
New Haven Connecticut The New Haven area has had its share of Economic difficulties. However, the financial climate has improved during the last few years. Traveling throughout Connecticut you should take time to discover the State. New Haven has its entertainment, with its theaters and performing art centers. If you only wish to sight see and take photographs, Connecticut offers you plenty with its museums, and of course world renowned Yale, one of the nations prestigious universities.
You can take your entire household on this vacation. You and your household will get much pleasure from seeing how the upper class lives in their gated communities on Long Island Sound. Connecticut’s exclusive coastline is situated in the southwestern corner of that State, and holds the treasure of fantastic mansions, exquisite marinas, and multimillion-dollar condominiums. This favorite spot for Connecticut tourism is one of the wealthiest regions in the United States.
Fairfield County is known as the Connecticut Gold Coast. However, as you travel inland you’ll notice that the wooded areas begin to become more dense, and the land gradually has an upward incline. In place of the yachts, you begin to see horses grazing in their paddocks on many large estates. As you tour inland visit Connecticut’s outstanding restaurants, and take a stroll along the quaint streets. Do a little gift shopping at the exclusive bounties and make some time to be with your family on the seaside. There are quaint villages along the north shore known are Connecticut tourism locations.
What is Short-Term Corporate Housing?
When one is traveling to a new city and staying for an extended period of time, they will soon discover the enormous cost of staying in a hotel. Fortunately, there are accommodation options available that provide all of the luxuries of a hotel without its excessive costs. Whether your stay is business or personal, short-term housing may be the solution to reducing costs. One type of rental accommodation that is growing in popularity is Short-Term Corporate Housing.
Short-Term Corporate Housing refers to furnished apartments, condominiums, and privately owned homes that are available to anyone who requires housing for an extended period of time. Although top corporations and businesses make use of short-term corporate housing, you do not have to be in the business industry to take advantage of this form of housing. Guests can include business travelers, vacationers, people relocating to a new city, and more. Corporate housing providers generally offer such features as fully furnished units, a fully functional kitchen with modern appliances that also includes pots and pans, linens, and all of the utilities.
A key feature that makes short-term housing so popular is that they are often highly customizable. For instance, depending on what type of accommodation you choose, short-term corporate housing can contain the following amenities: washer and dryer, laundry service, valet service, fitness center, garage parking, choice of furnishings, racquetball courts, private mailbox, free local telephone, high-speed internet access, housekeeping services, grocery shopping service, tennis courts, swimming pool, and urban and suburban locations. As well, there are corporate accommodations suited for family and pets. This can include providing the necessary items for babies.
Depending on your needs, the layout of short-term corporate housing accommodations is both big and roomy. As well, they can include multiple bedrooms, more than one bathroom, and a separate dining and living room. Comfort, convenience, and luxury are key features of short-term corporate housing. There is also ample room to entertain guests and business associates. Business guests can even set up their own mini at-home office.
Corporate apartments are much larger than regular and extended stay hotel rooms, and provide a home-like atmosphere. The set minimum stay at a short term corporate housing accommodation will vary by property owner, but stays can be as little as a week or thirty days or more.
Staying in a traditional hotel for more than a few days can end up being a very expensive endeavor. Whether you are traveling to an area for business or a personal purpose, if you are going to be staying for a period of time that could result in a high hotel expense, you may want to consider short-term corporate housing. After a hectic and tiring day at work or other activity, guests can return to housing that is comfortable, cozy, and much like a home away from home environment, instead of a tiny and reserved hotel room. If you are planning on an extended stay trip, short-term corporate housing may be the solution. The convenience, reasonable rates, and luxurious accommodations that are associated with corporate housing will make your time away from home much more comfortable.
Finding A Good Campsite
August 22, 2009 by Jimmy Downson
Filed under Camping
When you’re going camping - and I mean real camping, out in the middle of the woods - finding a good campsite can sometimes be a bit of a problem. Although you won’t be spending all of your time at your campsite, it does serve as your “home base” for your trip and it makes sense to select one carefully. But how do you decide on a campsite? Let’s take a look.
The first thing to look for in a camping spot is a large area of reasonably clear, level ground. The size of your campsite will depend on several factors - how many people are camping with you, the thickness of the trees and growth in the area, the terrain you’re camping in, etc - but you want to find clear spot that is at least 10 to 15 yards square.
If the area you’re looking at isn’t totally clear, that’s OK. You’ll probably never find a spot that doesn’t have anything in the way, but look around for a while until you find something good. While you’re looking, keep an eye out for level ground as well. Camping on a steep incline doesn’t work too well and isn’t a whole lot of fun.
One way to find a good camp spot is to keep an eye out for existing fire rings. If someone has already built a fire ring, then chances are good that they were able to set up camp there and you should be able to as well. In addition, using existing fire rings and campsites reduces the amount of work you’ll have to do in setting up, and minimizes the impact you’ll have on the area.
Another thing to consider in a campsite is the weather forecast for the days you’ll be camping. If it is going to be windy or rain heavily, you’ll want keep that in mind. Having some trees or a large hill near your campsite can help shelter from wind, and if the rainfall is going to be significant, then looking for high ground will definitely be beneficial. You don’t want to camp on low ground and get flooded in the middle of the night.
The last thing to consider is whether you can find any evidence of insects or wild animals in the area. Setting your tent up on top of a snakes’ nest would not be a smart thing, and grilling your food with a bear cave nearby wouldn’t be either. Chances are good that nothing bad will happen, but keep your eyes open for these things anyway.
Keep all these things in mind and you’ll be enjoying your campsite before you know it.
Five Things Every Visitor To La Jolla Must Do
August 22, 2009 by Terry Hunefeld
Filed under Travel
The most difficult decision to make when planning a vacation to La Jolla is determining what to do with all it has to offer. La Jolla offers an excellent array of fine and trendy restaurants covering a wide range of cuisines, from fine dining restaurants perched atop jagged cliffs to out-of-the-way French Bistros. World famous for its indulgent soft sand beaches and year-round vacation sunshine, guests are awed by La Jolla’s watercolor sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.
Tourists and locals alike flock to the Children’s Pool breakwater at 850 Coast Boulevard, originally designed as a safe place for children to wade. Today visitors enjoy close-up looks at dozens of Harbor Seals basking in the sun just a few meters away. Baby seals frolic at water’s edge while their parents keep a careful eye on them. There are sandy bathing beaches for people both north and south of Children’s Pool at the base of massive sandstone cliffs for which La Jolla is famous.
La Jolla Cove is a small sandy beach tucked between sandstone cliffs and sheltered from the ocean’s currents. Known for its extraordinary beauty, the Cove is the most photographed beach in Southern California. At high tides the rocks near the beach trap water; when the tide goes out tide pools are formed, full of interesting critters. Adults and children alike enjoy exploring the sea-life left behind. Check the tide tables in the daily Union Tribune newspaper; the tide pools are best enjoyed at low tide.
Visit The Cave Store. What would you expect to find in a “cave store” - maybe some fossils or seashells? There’s more. Here you will find a hole in the floor of the store leading to a 100 year old hand-dug tunnel that descends down to the only sea cave in California that you can enter by land - the wonderful and spooky Sunny Jim Cave. The smells, the sounds, the feel! You can hear water trickling down the walls of the tunnel as you go down… down… down 143 steps, until you walk out onto a small wooden dock into the cave, the ocean crashing on rocks around you, gulls nesting in tucked-away places above.
Mount Soledad has the best drive-up views of San Diego. Take Nautilus Street up to the park at the top where you are met with incredible views. On a clear day you can look north along the coast into Orange County or south into Mexico. The park is home to an enormous cross that looks majestically down from the mountain, visible from more than 10 miles away. Interestingly, Mount Soledad holds the last home lived in by Dr. Seuss. His widow, Audrey Geisel still lives on Mt. Soledad in an abandoned observation tower that is referred to as “the Seuss House” by local residents.
The Torrey Pines Gliderport is perched on 340-foot sandstone bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean just north of La Jolla. The prevailing westerly winds here meet the coastal cliffs to create ideal conditions for today’s gliders. The Gliderport towers above Torrey Pines City Beach, known locally as Black’s Beach, a well-known clothing-optional beach. The Gliderport was first established as a soaring site in 1928 and has had a role in defining the history of motor-less flight. Watching is free, the views are spectacular, the ocean magnificent; the Gliderport attracts enthusiastic participants and spectators year-round.
La Jolla and nearby beach communities have great accommodations. Here are two informative websites with useful lodging information: Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts and Del Mar California Hotels.
Patio Of Teak Or Patio Of Wicker
August 22, 2009 by Rene Lacape
Filed under Outdoors
You’re excited about furnishing your new home both interior and exterior. However, you wonder what would look stunning and at the same time suit your taste. Making decisions about buying the right patio furniture can be mind boggling and we understand perfectly your dilemma. That is why we present you with two of the best patio furniture to ease your burden.
Wicker is no stranger in the world of outdoor furniture. Its casual and tropical look makes it one of the top reasons why it is so popular. Wicker is made from interlaced slender branches. It can be made from rattan, bamboo or plastic. The nature of the materials that are most commonly used for wicker are light weighted therefore it is only natural that wicker furniture are usually light. It is also reasonably strong. Rattan, a common material for making wicker furniture is derived from the stem of a palm like plant. It is durable yet easily woven. Rattan on its own needs no coat of paint for it looks good with natural finish. According to old Chinese beliefs, rattan brings wealth and productivity. It can also turn ones way of life and work to be more effective.
Plastic wicker is also quite popular these days. This is mainly due to the fact that it is low-maintenance and quite resistant towards the weather. However, the downside of it is probably its mass produced look. For materials like bamboo, it is less likely of it to be damaged easily but furniture made from it can be rather uncomfortable. To prevent wicker from being easily damaged, some would place cushions or blankets over their wicker chairs or tables. However, this is usually done for couches and sofas because wicker chairs are rather comfortable to sit on its own.
When a part of the weave comes off or undone, you should take immediate measures to rectify this. If not, the little hole or weave that has come undone will effect the whole structure in due time. You can fix this by sticking the loose fiber to a stable fiber using glue and a bit of handy work.
When it comes to weather resistance, a plant material wicker can be sturdy enough to withhold weather such as rain. The plastic variety can endure harsh element of rainwater making it ideal for outdoor setting. In most instances, wicker is considered flammable that it can’t be placed near bonfires or fireplaces.
Teak wood comes from Southeast Asia. It is known to be a very durable wood with many other qualities that makes it high in demand. Teak was originally used to build ships. Over the year, man has made teak into other useful things too including teak furniture that are used for the outdoor. Teak possesses many great qualities due to its natural oils. This oil is also the reason that made teak looking glossy and polished. It requires very little care and even if the color changes slightly over the years, you can still treat it also with oil. The natural oil within teak is also the one that made it possible for it to be placed in exposed areas. Teak does not rot easily either. This is very useful for places that are a bit damped and moist. Teak is also a natural bug repellent and you can also be sure that you would not burn your skin when sitting on teak furniture exposed in sunlight because it absorbs very little heat.
You can’t compare teak with any other wood for example acacia or cedar in terms of price and durability. Teak is in a class of its own. If you buy teak you will be sure that you have a good investment because teak is very strong and durable as well as it will stay that way for a very long time.
Which ever type of furniture you will end up buying will have to be made based on your personal taste and style. You have been presented with all the fact about these materials and now you decide what type of furniture will best accommodate your need.
Love Your Patio With Wicker Sets
August 22, 2009 by Rene Lacape
Filed under Outdoors
Having a home which provides best comfort through its interior and exterior designs is always a long-lasting desire of us. While decorating the exterior and interior portions of your home, you will find that working on outer portions is easier than the interior one due to various known factors. This may happen because of the below mentioned factors:
1 Usually outdoor surroundings are fit for dcor. Most outdoor portions including patio, balcony and pool side are suitable for proper furnishing because of open environment so possibility of choicest exploration remains vibrant.
2 You don’t have enough choice in outdoor fixtures because of unavoidable weather conditions and have inadequate option to explore decoration. It furthers if you reside in harsh climatic conditioned areas, particularly hail and blizzards. You can select wood, wicker or plastic as outdoor furniture choice in such scenario. There is a possibility of damage of steel or metal-based furniture in problematic circumstances.
3. Limited outdoor space could also reduce your choices. Too many fixtures in too small a space will look cluttered while too little in too large an area will make you appear like a cheapskate.
Such factors may arise but you have to deal them prudently. It is high time you apply mind, energy and money to decorate outdoor space by applying your creativity. This would be a great attempt from your side to keep the private outdoor space maintained no matter it is small or large.
Outdoor furnishing is not possible without proper adjustment of furniture. Your patio furniture must remain interconnected to avoid haphazard scene in outdoors. Begin with specific theme and select desired colour or create mood of a particular period in such settings. You can portray your personality test too.
It is not possible to control climatic condition of your place but you can of course plan the patio furniture choice which resists it. You should look into different aspects particularly maintenance before choosing furniture so pick up durable, well-built and best items at the first instance. Select adaptable items so that changing some of their fixtures such as drapes, cushion shapes and sizes become easy for you in the later stages and your patio furniture look trendy forever.
Wicker furniture is prepared through combined sources of bamboo, rattan and plastic products. It is excellent outdoor furniture choice today which is durable as well as robust and flexible enough for both commercial and private purposes. That is why they have become one of the most sought after open-air furniture choices today. Wicker baskets, pots, lamp shades and blinds are other important wicker products.
Today wicker is considered best outdoor furniture prepared through mixed items from bamboo, rattan and plastic. They are durable, comfortable and easily to set at any place for both commercial and private purpose. It’s all purpose quality makes this furniture suitable for each type of outdoor adjustments. Other important wicker items such as baskets, pots, lamp shades and blinds are equally preferred by the furniture lovers.
Wicker patio furniture can be seen in virtually almost any outdoor setting. Being such versatile raw material, wicker furniture sets can be large or small, and may be intricately designed or just have simple lines. Smaller sets normally consist of an armchair, a 3-seater couch and small coffee table. Larger wicker patio furniture sets will include side tables, at least 2 single seaters and a larger couch. Some may even have a wicker rocking chair or chaise lounge.
Using wicker outdoors may be one of the smartest choices you have ever made. Wicker is not just popular for its durability - it has been known to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions - it is also economical in the long run. Wicker patio furniture seldom requires more than the occasional wipe down of dust which can easily be done just before an important occasion and look good for years on end. Usually a natural beige color, wicker furniture rarely looks worn out on the outset. It may only be on very close scrutiny that one will be able to see cracks or scratches on the fibers.
You can restore wicker patio furniture easily if required. Covering discolouration which happens due to regular exposure to nature and are not visible can easily be removed from simple paint coating. You can maintain your outdoor dcor effortlessly by repainting wicker furniture quickly for having vibrant look. Interestingly you will realize that the small effort of doing coating of paint changes the perspective of your space.
It hardly matters how expensive furniture you have chosen for your outdoors. It should be kept properly and must look appropriate. Most importantly it must offer all the comforts you desire and should match with your personality and standard.
The Best Source Of Boat Trailers
August 21, 2009 by Ferdinand Emy
Filed under Outdoors
Purchasing a boat is a moving experience, but its only the starting of the experience of owning a boat. So as to be able to transport your boat from on location to the next, you’ll require a boat trailer. There’re numerous distinct sorts and styles of boat trailers, so taking the time to understand a good number of thing about boat trailers will help to ensure that you purchase the correct trailer for your requires.
Boat trailers not only come in a variety of distinct styles but they are also created of different materials also. Some boat trailers are created of aluminum and are capable of carrying only up to sure weight limits. There are similarly a good number of boat trailers that are specifically built for inboard boats while other types of boat trailers are designed for outboard vessels, which are predictably larger.
When shopping for boat trailers, it is imperative to make sure that you Always check the specifications for that particular boat trailer before you purchase it. It is extremely required that you check to ensure the boat trailer will be able to hold the weight of your boat.
Keep in mind that while there’re generic boat trailers accessible that are meant to be one size fits all, it is in fact best to take the time to buy a boat trailer that is meant to fit your own boat. This’ll help to ward off a great degree of wear and tear as well as slippage.
You likewise require to check whether the boat trailer you’re considering purchasing is submersible. Some boat trailers are completely submersible while others are not, so make certain you take this into consideration.
In addition, you need to take into consideration how the boat trailer is outfitted. Some boat trailers are outfitted with rollers while others have boards. Always insure you consider the best sort of boat trailer for the type of boat that you have so as to inhibit damage to your boat.
The prices of boat trailers, like boats, will vary based on many different factors, including the sort of materials used in construction, the style and whether you wish to have the trailer customized. What’s more, the cost will depend upon whether you want to buy a novel trailer or a utilised boat trailer. Used boat trailers may be a good way to save money, but you do need to ensure that you fully inspect it before buying it.
The Thistlegorm Final Dives
August 21, 2009 by Ned Middleton
Filed under Travel
By May 1941, the Thistlegorm was in her home port of Glasgow being loaded with supplies essential for the British 8th Army and the relief of Tobruk. Though described on the manifest as “MT” (Motor Transport), this - probably deliberate, non-description hid a wide array of Land Mines, Shells, Ammunition, Weapons, Bedford Trucks, Armoured Cars, Bren-Carriers, BSA Motorcycles, Trailers, Vehicle spares, Aircraft and Aircraft parts, Radios, Rubber thigh-boots - and a great deal more besides. To save cargo space, the Motorcycles were placed onto the back of the Bedford trucks - three at a time before loading. Finally, being a commercial company, the Albyn Line were also taking the opportunity to deliver two sets of rolling stock to Egyptian Railways - each comprising an 0-6-0 Railway Engine, one Tender and one Water Carrier - all six items being carried as deck cargo.
Because of her classification as an “Armed Freighter” the Skipper - Captain William Ellis, had an additional team of nine Royal Navy personnel on board to man these guns. Thus it was that on 2nd June 1941 Captain Ellis ordered the mooring lines slipped before easing his ship out of Glasgow - a port that neither the ship nor nine of those on board would ever see again.
Sailing independently down the west coast of the British Mainland, the Thistlegorm made good time to her secret rendezvous off the south coast of England. Here she joined a large convoy and, being Armed, was assigned a prominent position - towards the leading edge, by the Convoy Commodore. With Axis Forces occupying almost all of the northern Mediterranean coastline - and Malta under constant siege, the safest route to Alexandria was via South Africa. This was a lengthy detour - although the journey was, nevertheless, uneventful. After refuelling in Capetown - where they were joined by the Light Cruiser HMS Carlisle - a Light Cruiser of 4,190 tons, the Convoy proceeded up the east coast of Africa before finally entering the Red Sea.
By the time they arrived at the entrance to the Gulf of Suez it was the third week in September and the Thistlegorm was immediately assigned to “Safe Anchorage F” to await further instructions. The Master let out the starboard anchor and some 250m of chain and allowed the gentle current to push the vessel back until he was satisfied that all was well. This was “good holding ground” and, at long last, the main engines were closed down. All they could do now was wait for clearance to proceed through the Suez Canal to Alexandria.
These were difficult times and getting through the Canal was dependent on several factors. Enemy activity over the Canal - especially air raids from German aircraft based in Crete, cargo priority and how long other vessels had been waiting, all had to be taken into consideration. At this time, however, two vessels had collided further up the Gulf of Suez and were virtually blocking the entire entrance to the Canal - an event that led to the “Thistlegorm” - with her much needed and valuable cargo, remaining at anchor for a full two weeks.
Up until now these “Safe Anchorages” - each with it’s own letter of the alphabet, were regarded as exactly that, Safe! There were no enemy ships and enemy aircraft rarely ventured this far south. This was, however, all about to change when German Intelligence received information that a large troopship (possibly the Queen Mary) was due to travel through the Suez Canal with 1200 reinforcement British Troops destined for North Africa.
Having mastered the relatively new skill of night flying, Heinkel He 111’s from II/Kg26 (No 2 Squadron 26th Kamp Geswader) based in Crete were alerted to the possible presence of such a large vessel. Their task was to seek and destroy. At 2250 hours on 5th October 1941 two twin-engine Heinkels crossed the north Egyptian coast heading southeast in search of this prize.
Aided by a clear moonlit night, they searched in vain for the big ship until fuel levels became critical. Then, just as they were on the point of returning home “empty handed,” one of the pilots spotted a ship at anchor. Turning away in order to put his aircraft in the best possible position for an attack, the pilot turned again as he continued to lose altitude. He came in low over the sea and, as he approached the bows of the Thistlegorm, he released two bombs right above her.
Both bombs penetrated No 5 hold - aft of the bridge, detonating a great deal of ammunition and the resultant explosion sent the two locomotives spiralling into the air as the ship was ripped open like a huge tin can. Even to this day, the rear decks are peeled back towards the Bridge leaving many a Diver wondering what exactly he is looking at. Some contemporary accounts have even described this as “Armour Plating!”
The vessel began to sink and the crew quickly abandoned ship - with hardly any time to launch the lifeboats, most of them leapt straight into the sea. One injured man, however, was trapped on the blazing deck and desperately needed help. Crewman Angus McLeay wrapped some rags around his bare feet and ran across the hot steel plates and rescued him - an action for which the 30 year old McLeay from Stornoway was awarded the George Medal and Lloyd’s War Medal for Bravery at Sea. Caught unawares, the Thistlegorm had been given no time to defend herself and badly damaged, she quickly sank - the event was timed at 0130 hrs 6th October 1941. Captain Ellis and the other survivors were rescued by HMS Carlisle and then taken to Port Tewfik where he reported that four members of his crew of 39 and five of the 9 Royal Navy ratings had all lost their lives. Such was the part played by Captain Ellis in the evacuation of his ship and the saving of so many lives, he was subsequently awarded the OBE - for “Services to the War Effort” by King George VI.
The spectacular loss of the Thistlegorm, however, had lit up the night sky - revealing more vessels at anchor to the retreating German aircraft. From that moment on, those hitherto “Safe” anchorages would never be quite as safe again.
Lax Car Rental Tips & Guide
August 21, 2009 by Anne Durrell
Filed under Travel
If your family or you have found yourselves feeling the pinch in your pocketbook at these days, then you are certainly not alone. The downturn in the economy during the past several years has touched us all, so you should not feel all alone.
Taking a break from your worries is always a good idea. If you can find a cheap flight, why not consider a long weekend getaway to Los Angeles.
Perhaps you are familiar with the city of Los Angeles, and happen to be one of the countless numbers of people who usually visit Los Angeles.
Either way, the next time you are planning a trip to LA, plan ahead to find a cheap car rental at LAX. You can find the best deals on LAX car rentals by checking the internet or major newspapers.
LAX is one of the busiest airports in the entire world. LAX has commercial, international and domestic flights coming and going seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day in the nine huge and hectic terminals.
Lax is located conveniently just 13 miles from Los Angeles on the Southern Coast of beautiful and sunny California, and it has a lot of shops that offer duty free shopping.
Finding a Lax car rental is not so difficult if you begin your search well before your journey to Los Angeles. The airport itself is actually home to a many car rental agencies, but if you want to get the best deal on a Lax car rental, it is highly recommended that you plan ahead and not act in haste.
It could end up costing you a lot of money compared to finding a smaller, yet reputable firm elsewhere if you choose one of the biggest Lax car rental services at the airport.
A lot of people travel in and out of Lax on a daily basis, and rest assured those who rent vehicles do not high price. A lot of smaller LAX car rental agencies offer special in order to stay in business by competing with the larger car rental companies.
Be sure before choosing any rental company that you ask for or look for their contact information. This is especially true if you are going to give your credit card number to someone online.
Therefore, the next time you are heading to the city of Angels, whether it is for pleasure or for business, be sure to shop around first, so that you can find a Lax car rental at a good price.
Stop, Cool down, and Wait: Taking Care of the Overheated Engine
August 21, 2009 by Ethan Melandri
Filed under Travel
The first indication that you will get that you car engine is overheating will usually be when the water temperature gauge starts to rise above its normal level and towards the red zone. This will normally be followed by an overheat warning light illuminating on the dashboard and may even be accompanied by steam rising from under the bonnet. It is important to stop if you have any of these warning signs, as continuing to drive on could cause severe and expensive damage to the engine.
If your vehicle is overheating you need to pull off the street and turn the vehicle off immediately. You do not want to continue to a mechanic garage or station as this will result in irreparable damage to the engine. The cylinder head when it gets too hot will warp or crack, thus replacement is needed in that situation.
When you get to the side of the street you will need to turn your hazard lights on to indicate you are experiencing an issue to the other drivers. If there is no fire you can lift the bonnet to give the engine a better source of air, thus decreasing the pressure. You do not want to touch the engine as you may be burned.
It can take a significant amount of time for the engine to cool down, so you should be prepared for a long wait. If the car overheats during the night hours make sure your sidelights are lit and that you turn the headlights on so you can see what you are doing around the engine.
Once the engine has cooled down you will probably need to top up the coolant level. In an emergency it is fine to use ordinary water but make sure it is not too cold or it could crack the plastic water reservoir. If you need to add a lot of water to your coolant it will significantly dilute the concentration of the antifreeze within it, and this will eventually need to be remedied by a qualified mechanic to prevent the coolant freezing during the winter.
The filler cap on the coolant can still be extremely hot even after the engine has cooled down. Underneath the cap is pressure which will cause steam to rise when it is released. This could burn your hand. It is imperative to make sure the radiator is cool to the touch, as well as to use a rag to cover your hand when you open the filler cap.
At arms length steadily fill up the engine coolant with water, to prevent being splashed with hot coolant, and stop periodically to check the reservoir level. Once the coolant level is back between the maximum and minimum levels marked on the reservoir, and the engine temperature gauge is back within its normal range it will be safe to drive off again.
Keep in mind that it is safe to drive again, but there is probably another problem related to the overheating of the engine. You should get your car into a repair shop as soon as you can, and avoid long drives. If the car overheats again after a short time of driving again you will need to stop, call roadside assistance, and have them tow you to a garage.






