Missouri Summer Road Trip Ideas!

Summer is the best time of year for road trips. Many lifelong memories are made on road trips with your family. The best car dealer in California, Mo has compiled a list of fun day trips for you and your family to take this summer. Start making those memories now with any of these day trip destinations!

St Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is a great place to bring the family. With close to 15,000 wild animals, this destination is sure to be entertaining for all attending. Admission to this fun attraction is free, although some exhibits and demonstrations do cost. The zoo would be a great way to entertain the family while learning about animals too!

Silver Dollar City

Amusement parks are a fun way to spend a summer day. Silver Dollar City is a great option for a destination. The park has over 40 rides and attractions to keep you and the family entertained all day. There are also indoor shows to enjoy if you need to take a break from the sun and cool down for a bit. Silver Dollar City also offers demonstrations such as blacksmith, candy making, wood carving, and glass blowing to name a few.

Photo Credit: funlake.com

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Taking a road trip to hike at Ha Ha Tonka State Park is another great way to spend the day. Located at the Lake of the Ozarks, one of the area’s most historic places is the home to ruins of the castle built by the Snyder family. There are over 14 miles of hiking paths throughout the property, offering different scenery at every turn. The natural spring feeds into the lake at the bottom of the beautiful bluff. Many caves dot the landscape of Ha Ha Tonka as well.                                 

Steamboat Arabia

Make learning fun with a trip to the Steamboat Arabia Museum in Kansas City. This destination is a time capsule of the days of the American Frontier. Arabia was a steamboat that was claimed by the Missouri River in 1856. The river actually changed its path over the years and the steamboat was dug up over 100 years later. Taking a step back in time with the artifacts recovered from the boat is a fun way to spend your day.

The Gateway Arch

Across the state in St. Louis, the arch is one of the most popular destinations the area has to offer. The arch represents the Gateway to the West when our country was being explored. With the Arch spanning 630-feet tall, you can see miles from the top. Around the Arch on the riverbank, there are other activities you can partake in as well, like a river cruise or shopping.

 

Mark Twain Attractions

Hannibal is the home of the famous author Mark Twain. His boyhood home is open for tours to get a glimpse inside his life. Mark Twain Cave is another popular destination around Hannibal. The cave holds a constant 52 degrees year round, making for a nice way to cool down in the hot summer months. Sightseeing on the Missouri River is another way to continue your experience with the Mark Twain Riverboat. Many of his writings center around the river and this area gives you a chance to see what he experienced as a child.

Crown Center

A day trip to Crown Center in Kansas City is another exciting item on the list of road trips in Missouri. This family-friendly destination has countless options for kids and adults of all ages. Kaleidoscope encourages the creative side with hands on inventive activities. Another hands on experience is Legoland - a child’s dreamland with endless Legos at different stations for kids to play and create their masterpieces. The Sea Life Aquarium is the newest edition to Crown Center. You and your family can see 30 display tanks and more than 5,000 creatures within those tanks. Crown center is a great destination for a fun and educational road trip.

Many families take road trips in the summer when the kids are off school and have some extra time. These destinations listed above are all fun-filled ways to spend time with the family. Before you head out on a day trip to any of these destinations, it’s important to get your vehicle checked over. The best service department in Mid Mo can help check out your car to ensure your family road trips go as planned. Get out there and have fun this summer!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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Our Current Featured Rides

If you are looking for a new car this summer, check out the best car dealer in Mid Missouri! Our knowledgeable sales staff can help find the right car for your wants and needs. The current inventory at Spieler’s Inc. offers some of the best deals around! In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at some featured vehicles that are in stock and priced perfectly for you!  

2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn

This Flame Red 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn quad cab truck is a great choice, whether you need a work truck or a daily driver. This truck gets 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Comfort was high on the priority list when this four door truck was designed. The safety features on it make for a safe ride for you and your family. More details about this tough Ram 1500.

• Price: $40,403
• Drive Line: 4x4
• Engine: 3.0L V-6 cyl
• Transmission: 8 speed automatic
• Exterior Color: Flame Red, Interior Color: Diesel Gray/Black
• Stock Number: 115x617568
• VIN: 1C6RR7GMXFS617568

2015 Chrysler 200

Another great option on the featured list is this 2015 Chrysler 200. This sleek ride is sure to stand out on the road. The black exterior with chrome trim and leather interior has an elegant feel. This ride gets 32 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in town. The comfort and safety features on this Chrysler 200 are outstanding. With the look and feel of a luxury car, this deal will not last long! More details on this vehicle.

• Price: $30,693
• Drive Line: Front-wheel Drive
• Engine: 3.6L V-6 cyl
• Transmission: 9 speed automatic
• Exterior Color: Black, Interior Color: Black
• Stock Number: 415x699589
• VIN: 1C3CCCCG5FN699589

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4

A third great deal on our current inventory list is this 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4. The beautiful Cashmere Pearlcoat color with chrome accent is a classy combination. This four-wheel drive SUV gets 17 mpg in the city and mpg on the highway. This vehicle’s superior design boasts convenience and safety features throughout. More details on this Grand Cherokee.

• Price: $45,970
• Drive Line: 4x4
• Engine: 3.6L V-6 cyl
• Transmission: 8 speed automatic
• Exterior Color: Cashmere Pearlcoat, Interior Color: Light Frost/Brown
• Stock Number: 315x922405
• VIN: 1C4RJFCG0FC922405

These featured vehicles showcase some of the great rides that Spieler’s Inc. has to offer. If you are in the market to trade in or buy a new vehicle, come by and check out our inventory! Be sure to schedule a test drive with us to make your experience even more convenient. We would love to help you find the right vehicle for you and your family. Our low pressure sales team looks forward to helping you find your dream vehicle in California, MO!

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

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Dangers of Leaving Your Pets in the Car During Summer

Hundreds of pets die each year due to overheating because their owners leave them in the vehicle. Even if the heat is not fatal for your furry friend, the high temperature can still cause illness and heatstroke. You may think that you will be quick running your errands, the best car dealer in Mid Missouri is here to help you understand the dangers of leaving your pet in the car even for a short time.  The temperature inside your vehicle increases rapidly in the summer months. Within ten minutes, the interior of your vehicle can rise about twenty degrees. Many people try to keep their cars cooler by partially rolling a window down. While this can help with air flow for your pet, it does not combat the high temperature completely.

How Pets Cool Down

Sweat is the primary defense our bodies use against heat. While humans sweat through glands on the skin, pets excrete sweat differently. The fur that covers the skin on cats and dogs makes it difficult for sweat to escape their bodies; therefore, their feet is the main location for sweat to exit their bodies. The lack of sweat glands covering the bodies of pets is one reason they overheat more quickly than humans. Animals also pant when the temperature is uncomfortable for them. Panting helps distribute air to cool down their bodies. If the air they are inhaling to pant is warm, this makes it harder to self-cool.

Warning Signs Your Pet is Too Hot

A warning sign that a pet is getting too warm is that they will begin to pant heavily. Moving slowly is another sign that your pet may be overheated.  Your pet may also begin to have a rapid pulse, start vomiting, or their eyes may become glazed over. Once an animal is overheated, they become weak and can collapse. Some animals suffer from nervous system failure, which can cause brain damage among other impairments. Pets who suffer from being overheated can also suffer from permanent cardiovascular damage. Being overheated can be fatal for your pet.

Precautions to Prevent Your Pet from Overheating

There are precautions you can take to help prevent your pet from overheating in your vehicle this summer. The most advised and safest option is to leave your furry friend at home when you are out and about. Leaving your car running with the air on is another option to keep your pet cool during the warm months. If you do bring your pet with you in the car, remember to keep cool drinking water available. If you see any of the warning signs of heat exhaustion in your animal, quickly take them into an air conditioned establishment to lower their body temperature. You can also help cool your pet down by placing damp rags on its feet and body.

Getting overheated for a pet is very dangerous. It can cause sickness and even death in some circumstances. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise to a life threatening level very quickly. If you notice your vehicle having issues with the air conditioning, bring it into our vehicle maintenance department Spieler’s Inc. Keep your pets safe this summer by being aware of the dangers of leaving them in hot vehicles. 

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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A Basic Guide to Car Batteries

Batteries are one of the most important aspects of cars. Without the battery, your car would not be able to run. How much do we know about this important element? What happens when it dies? Is there a way to make it last longer? Are we supposed to do regular maintenance on it? If your car won’t start, is it actually the battery or is it something else? Spieler’s Inc has all the answers to these questions and more.

Know Your Battery

Commercial use of lead acid batteries has been around for over 100 years old. If you understand the basics, you will have fewer battery problems and a longer lasting battery. Lead-acid batteries are made up of plates, lead and lead oxide, with a 35 percent sulfuric acid and 65 percent water solution. This solution is called electrolyte, which causes a chemical reaction that produces electrons. When testing a battery with a hydrometer, you are actually measuring the amount of sulfuric acid in the electrolyte. When your reading is low, it means that your battery is lacking the chemistry that makes electrons. The sulfur will rest on the battery plates; recharging the battery will allow the sulfur to return to the electrolytes.

Battery Life

Average battery life has decreased significantly and energy requirements have increased. The life of your battery depends on usage. They can last from 6 months to 2 years, yet very few car batteries last the full 2 years. Usually, the main issue related to battery failure is sulfation build-up. This occurs when the sulfur molecules in the battery acid begin to coat the lead plates. The plates become so coated that the battery dies. There are many reasons that this build-up can occur such as the battery sitting too long between charges, battery stored without some type of energy input, extreme heat or cold weather, low electrolyte level and incorrect charging levels and settings.

Battery Maintenance

The battery should be cleaned using a wire brush and a solution of one tablespoon baking soda and a cup of water. To prevent corrosion of the cables on top post batteries, use a small amount of silicone sealer at the base of the post and place a felt battery washer over it. Coat the washer with either high-temperature grease or petroleum jelly, and then place the cable on the post and tighten. Coat the exposed cable end with grease.  

Battery Charging

It is important to make sure your battery is keeping a full charge. If the battery is not charging fully, it will sulfate, which affects the performance and longevity. The alternator should keep the battery charged.  If your car is sitting for long periods of time, it is a good idea to keep a charger hooked up to the battery. Also, seasonal battery run items, such as ATVs, boats and motorcycles, should be hooked up to chargers before being stored to ensure the battery stays charged.

Battery, Alternator or Starter

When your car won’t start you will want to check the battery, alternator and starter to determine the issue. These parts all work closely together, so it can be hard to determine which one has failed.

Signs of a Dead Battery

• Low whining sound when attempting to start the car.
• Jump starting the car works, but the car will not start again after turning it off.

Signs of a Failed Alternator

• The smell of burning rubber or hot wires can come from the alternator overheating.
• Headlights and dash lights may flicker or get extra dim (gauges may also behave strangely).
• Jump starting works, but the engine dies right afterward.

Signs of a Failed Starter

• Clicking sounds when you turn the key.
• Car won’t start, but dash lights still turn on.
• Jump starting doesn’t work.

Car Maintenance Made Easy with Spieler’s Inc.

When your car won’t start, the worst case scenarios will all run through your mind. Before you panic, check the battery, alternator and starter. If you regularly charge and perform maintenance on your battery, you could prevent the worst case scenario issues. If you have any problems with your car, call the Spieler’s service team at 573-796-3129.  

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

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Moonroof vs. Sunroof

Whether the car you’re purchasing is used or new, the features that come with it are important. With a brand new car, you get to choose which features you want or don’t want. With used cars, the features can be a deciding factor on whether or not that car is for you. One common feature among cars includes moonroofs and sunroofs. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but is there actually a difference between the two? Yes, and Spieler’s Inc is here to break down the difference for you.

Moonroofs

A moonroof is considered a type of sunroof that has a tinted glass panel that is actually an additional window in the roof of a car. It might also tilt upwards to allow fresh air to enter the car, but will not open completely. A glass moonroof will allow more sunlight to enter a car without the need to open it, which allows you to enjoy the sun no matter the weather conditions. A moonroof usually comes with a sliding panel that is upholstered to match the interior of the car.

Sunroofs

Originally, sunroofs were only opaque, if the glass was transparent, it was considered a moonroof. Today, however, sunroofs and moonroofs can both be made of transparent glass. Most sunroofs slide back and forth to completely open. Sunroofs can be electronically powered or manual. Manual sunroofs may include vents rather than a sliding panel. Sunroofs let in a variable amount of light into a vehicle depending on how much they are opened.

Types of Sunroofs

There are many different types of sunroofs available including:

Pop-up: Manually operated glass that pops out when in the open position. Sometimes these types of sunroofs can be entirely removed.

Built-in: Fully automatic and slides between the car’s roof when opened. These types can come with bonus features that include sun shade, auto-close, vents and more.

Tilt ‘n Slide: A combination of sliding inside and popping out for ventilation.

Top Mount: This type of sunroof operates on rails located on top of the car’s roof. Usually, they come with a wind deflector to prevent unwanted noise at high speeds.

Panoramic: A large or multi-paneled glass that offers openings at the front and rear seats. They could be operable or fixed glass panels.

Foldable: Some European cars may feature sunroofs that collapse back similar to the way convertible tops fold back. They are made of fabric and open wider than any glass sunroof.

While sunroofs and moonroofs are similar, there is a clear difference between them. When shopping for your next car at your family-owned Central Missouri car dealership, these differences can help you choose which option is best for you. Call our sales department today at 573-796-3129 or visit our website to see which options Spieler’s has available.

Proudly Serving the Columbia,

Jefferson City, and California, MO Areas

1109 W. Buchanan St.
California, MO 65018
(888) 455-2107

Visit our website: www.spielersinc.com

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

Follow us on LinkedIn