Exploring Western Massachusetts

Prepare Your Car For Heat Before Heading to the Hills

2013-05-15T15:47:00.002-04:00

Alford Cemter Road, Alford, Mass.

(Guest Post) With Memorial Day fast approaching, it's nearly time to flee the heat of the city and relax in the rolling terrain of western Massachusetts. Whether you're day-tripping to Mt. Greylock or settling in for a week by the lake, the combination of peaking mercury and steep grades can take a toll on your car.

When your goal is to relax, car problems are the last thing you want to worry about. Before hitting the road, even if it's just for an afternoon jaunt, it's smart to make sure that your vehicle is prepared. Take five minutes to breeze through this simple checklist and you'll greatly reduce your chance of spending your vacation or your Sunday afternoon waiting on a tow truck.

Battery Check

High temperatures can cause the electrolyte solution in car batteries to evaporate, speeding the corrosion of the battery's positive plates in the process. Keep your battery in good shape by checking your fluid levels. Simply pop open the vent caps (it's usually a rubber seal on top of the battery) and look inside. If the levels are low, add distilled water until it reaches the bottom of the vent wells -- don't fill it to overflowing.
If you see corrosion around your terminals, wipe it away with an ounce of cola and a rag you can throw away.

Oil Check

Believe it or not, that hot oil in your engine actually keeps those moving, metal parts cool. If your levels are low, the engine runs hotter. Keep a rag in your car and check your oil dipstick every time you fill up with gas.

Coolant Check

When the temperature is even in the 80s outside, it's likely 40 or 50 degrees hotter under your hood, and your coolant can peak at over 200° F. With your engine cold, check the coolant reservoir for both level and cleanliness. If the coolant looks dirty, flush it out to prevent residue from clogging up the flow of coolant to your radiator.

Tire Check

Hot pavement quickly takes a toll on the rubber in your tires, making proper inflation all the more crucial during the summer. Under inflation can cause heat to build up inside the tire by increasing rolling resistance, leading to a blowout in the worst cases. Keep a tire gauge in your glovebox and check your inflation while the tires are cool. The proper PSI should be printed on the side of your tires.

Hose Check

The hoses carrying fluids around your engine don't last forever, and they're easily replaced. Heat speeds up their deterioration, and leaking coolant can ultimately leave you stranded if it's not remedied. Look for cracks and leaks along the hoses in your engine, squeezing them to find spongy spots while the engine is cool. Most hoses you might need are available at auto parts stores, and the employees there are often willing to help with hose changes that are easily accessible.

A/C Check

If your air conditioning system has a filter (check your manual to find out), it probably needs to be replaced each year. Keeping a fresh filter installed will maximize airflow and your own comfort. Although most A/C work requires professional expertise, you can check under the hood that the belt driving your compressor is taut and not coming loose.
Don't let car problems stand in the way of getting out to explore western Massachusetts this summer. With your coach running in tip-top shape, there are few better places in the country for a leisurely drive. Enjoy it!

The author of this article is John Egan, managing editor of Car Insurance Quotes, a leading online provider of car insurance news.

United States Post Office, Lee, MA - c1910

2013-01-30T17:05:00.000-05:00

United States Post Office, Lee, MA, c1910

Settled in 1760 and incorporated in 1777, the town of Lee is one of the gems of the Berkshire hills.

In 1910, according to the U.S. census, the population of Lee was 4,106. In 2010, the head count was 5,943. Paper mills, stone and limestone quarries were a few of the town's early industries.

Marble quarried within the town's 27 square miles is known for its fine quality and graces such sites as St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the U. S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Although they are home to new enterprises now, the buildings in the photograph above can still be found along Lee's charming Main Street, witnesses to the past 102 years and looking none the worse for the wear.

As always, thanks for stopping by and take care.

Photograph source: Library of Congress; Prints and Photographs Division; Washington, D.C. 20540 USA; Reproduction No.: LC-USZ62-33801; http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2012649405/

Official town website: http://www.lee.ma.us/

The Great New England Air Show at Westover Scheduled for August 4th & 5th

2012-07-26T13:31:00.000-04:00

B-2 Stealth Bomber

"A Salute to the Greatest Generation" is the theme of the ever-popular Great New England Air Show and Open House, presented by the fine folks at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Mass. Rain or shine, the gates will open at 8:30 a.m. on August 4th and 5th, with a kick-off breakfast sponsored by the Galaxy Community Council August 3rd. Parking and admission are free.

For more information on this well-attended event, visit the Air Show website at www.greatnewenglandairshow.com. For details on the kick-off breakfast, go to the Galaxy Community Council website at www.galaxycouncil.com.

Here are photographs of some of the birds that will be taking to the Western Massachusetts skies to sing their thunderous songs of strength and security, an awesome display of the training and talents of the people who work everyday to keep this great country of ours safe and free.


F-15 Eagles from the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard arrive in Florida.

A C-5 Galaxy cargo transport cuts through clouds. The 439th Airlift Wing is based at Westover ARB.

A B-52 Stratofortress is escorted by a pair of F/A-18 fighter-bombers.

A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F-15 Eagle in a delicate dance in the sky.

A flying machine with sleek lines is the B-1 Lancer.

C-17 Globemaster III.

A fuel station in the sky, the KC-10 Extender.

All of the images above are from the official website of the United States Air Force at www.af.mil/photos.

As always, thanks for stopping by and take care.