Drive Away Fear on Friday the 13th

What’s your superstition?

On today’s date, many wake up and dread looking at the calendar. Some are riddled by fear while others look at it as another day. Just how did this hullabaloo start over this legendary day? As Mechanics Discount unraveled the history of this mystery, we have discovered some fun and entertaining facts to about this freaky Friday date!

How did it all begin?

Although there are a few different theories about how the fear of Friday the 13^th came about, one of the more popular beliefs is that it derived from The Last Supper with Jesus and the apostles. There were 12 apostles at dinner and Judas ended up being number 13, after he showed up. Later, Jesus ended up dying on a Friday.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Just what is that jumbled mess of letters above? Friggatriskaidekaphobia is the actual name for the fear of Friday the 13^th! According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with this phobia. Source: glo.msn.com

More fun Friday facts:

· Airplanes often lack a 13^th row

· Many buildings do not have a 13^th floor

· A lot of hotels will not have a room #13

· Estimates have suggested that on Friday the 13^th, the U.S. economy loses up to 900 million dollars. (Source: glo.msn.com)

· Many Americans will not drive on Friday the 13^th

· In the 1880s, The Thirteen Club was formed to expose the superstition that 13 was not unlucky

· On Friday the 13^th, Henry Ford did not do business and Franklin Delano Roosevelt eluded travel.

· In 2012, there are three Fridays that fall on the 13th

· Hurricane Charley hit Florida on Friday the 13^th

Here are some other top superstitions besides this famous Friday’s date:

· Crossing paths with black cats

· Walking under ladders

· Opening an umbrella indoors

· Breaking a mirror

· Stepping on a crack

Do you know of any more freaky-Friday fears or facts or superstitions? Let us know!

So take along your trusty rabbit’s foot, four-leaf-clover or lucky horseshoe and keep your fingers crossed that this Friday ends up being fantastic!

~Charlene Marie

Cars of the ‘80s

Take a leap back in time and remember when

Being a product of the ‘80s, I can recall many of the bizarre styles, big hair and flamboyant fashions produced from that decade. Another thing that stuck in my head was the interesting cars that stemmed from that funky era. From sleek and stylish Firebirds to lanky wood-grain station wagons, I remember these cars like it were yesterday. So throw on your jean jacket and break out the cassette tapes; for it’s time to take a trip down memory lane with these vintage vehicle finds! 

Cadillac Brougham Sedan

When my dad first brought his 1989 Cadillac Brougham Sedan home, I thought technology was at its prime. As a kid, I marveled at all of the car’s electronic gizmos and shiny paint job and was floored that a car could have so many compartments and features! Although it was the mid-1990s when he actually purchased it, I remember seeing plenty of these massive works of luxury on the road many years beforehand.  I never thought I’d actually get to ride in a Cadillac, nor learn to drive a behemoth of a car in the not-so-far future!  

Photo courtesy of mcsmk8.com

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

In the ‘80s, I used to play an obnoxious game when I was out on long highway trips with friends. Whenever an awesome car would drive by, my friend or I would yell, “My car!” as soon as we spotted our dream mobile. I’m surprised our parents didn’t make us get out and walk! At the end out the trip, it would always be the Pontiac Friebird Trans Am that topped my list.

Photo courtesy of Motortopia.com

Station Wagons

Station wagons might have not been the prettiest things on the road, but as a kid, they sure were fun! Before the inception of mandatory seatbelt laws, I was always the first to jump into the rear section of these cars. It was one of the best seats in the house and the view of the road was phenomenal! Back in the day, just about every family I knew had a least one of these handy cars in their driveway!  Before my dad got his Cadillac, he drove an old, powdered-blue station wagon for years!

Photo courtesy of istenbizony.hu

 Police Cars

Don’t ask me why, but when I was young, I thought police cars were supposed to look the same forever. You can imagine my surprise when the local precincts decided to upgrade their wheels!  The squad cars around my area were always Chevy Caprices.

Photo courtesy of mysite.verizon.net

When you think back, what cars do you remember from the ‘80s?

Until next time, drive safe and let the good times roll!

~Charlene Marie

Pair This with That: Automotive Tools

There are some gift ideas out there that can complement each other; let us show you how.

 

Ever wonder what to get for the person who has everything? You’re not the only one! Just when you feel that there is nothing more that you could possibly get, think about what you can do to enhance or make use of what that special someone already has. For instance, if your recipient has a swanky, new coffee maker, why not get them some gourmet coffee to brighten their morning? Below are some great gift ideas to pair or add on to products that may get a lot of use:

Here are a few gifts that can be paired with automotive tools:

Do you know a mechanic who needs a little organization? Pair a sturdy tool box with some shop towels for keeping hands and tools clean!

19"Metal Hand Tool Box

If you know someone who has an ear for music while they work and likes to protect their eyes while doing so, here’s the perfect combination!

Sunglasses MP3 2 GIG Bluetooth FM Flip Up Lenses

For the light enthusiast, try this rechargeable flashlight and matching penlight!

                        

                                           Flame Stinger Rechrgeable Flashlight                                              Flame Stylus LED Penlight

Delve into your recipient’s interests and see what he or she enjoys.  A practical, yet personalized gift can go a long way!

Have any questions or comments on today’s blog? Let us know!

Happy shopping!

~Charlene Marie

Inspired by Winter: Tools

There are certain products that were inspired by specific reasons and events.

Winter can be wonderful for some and a pain for others. Regardless of personal feelings, the season of chilly weather and snow for most, can bring out some of the best products and designs. Below is some great merchandise that can help you get through Old Man Winter’s fury!

Black Winter Knit, Latex Coated Palm Gloves

Heavy Duty 200/35/2 Amp 12 Volt Manual Wheel Charger/Starter

22' Super Delux Snowbrush

Here’s to enjoying the winter season at its best!

Have any questions or comments about our blog? Let us know!

~Charlene Marie

Welcome Mechanics, Hobbyists and Car Enthusiasts!

Since we got so busy writing about the holidays, we never properly introduced ourselves.

Hello and welcome to the Mechanics Discount blog site! We are your source for automotive tools, equipment and supplies! We like cars looking and working their best and we offer all the tools to do it!

If you are searching for just the right caliper, engine stand, ramps or ratchet, we’ve got you covered. These items are only just a fraction of our inventory! Check out our categories below and you might just be surprised at what you find!

·         Abrasives

·         Air Conditioning Tools

·         Displays

·         Electronics and Diagnostics

·         Electronic and Cordless Tools

·         General Merchandise

·         Hand Tools

·         Knives and Collectibles

·         Lighting

·         Lifting and Hydraulics

·         Measurement Tools

·         Motorcycle

·         Paint and Body Supplies

·         Portable Battery Charge Test

·         Shop Safety and Apparel

·         Shop Tools and Equipment

·         Tool Storage

·         Welding

For even more great items, visit us at www.mechanicsdiscount.com.

Upon browsing through the Mechanics Discount site the other day, I even found the perfect gift for my son, who also loves cars!

Mustang GT Wired Mouse 

If there are too many items to choose from, just type what you need into our site’s handy search box!

We will also be having some great sales coming up for the holidays. Starting December 1, we will be launching “The 12 days of Christmas” campaign featuring a different product daily!

Keep an eye open for more interesting blogs, fun tweets and become our friend on Facebook, to stay in the know!

Speaking of knowing, we love to know what you think too! Feel free to leave any comments, suggestions or questions for us any time!

We want to welcome you once again and thank you for taking the time to find out more about us!

Until next time, keep that car, truck or motorcycle running smooth!

~Charlene Marie

Tips for a Less Stressful Holiday Season

The holidays are almost here; how is your stress level?

Just when you thought you have everything figured out, you realized that you forgot the gravy for your holiday feast. After spending three exhausting hours at the grocery store last night, you were certain you had everything for tomorrow’s big day; yet, gravy is on your mind as you speed toward the airport to pick up your in-laws. “Arrrgh,” you yell, as you feel your blood pressure start to rise. When are you going to have time to get an important aspect of your meal when it’s almost 9 p.m. and the stores are about to close?

Here at Mechanics Discount, we have gathered a few tips to keep your stress levels at a minimum. After trying our suggestions below, hopefully you’ll feel stress start to melt away!

· Do what Santa does: make a list and check it twice!

I don’t know about you, but I probably would be at the store every night if I didn’t make one! Don’t like wasting paper? Download a note application on your cell phone. I downloaded the ColorNote app on mine and it works like a charm!

· Take time out for yourself

Although it’s the season to do a lot for others, just think about how much more you’ll enjoy your company or holiday events when you are relaxed. Take some time to do something that you take pleasure in. Enjoyment is typically a great remedy for stress.

· Buy yourself extra time with a pre-made holiday dinner.

This suggestion my sound unappealing, but it works out really well and no one will know but you! Many grocery stores have this option in their deli department. You can get a turkey, ham stuffing, vegetable casseroles, cranberry sauce and much more in these packaged bundles. You can mix and match the options and all you have to do is heat them up when you get home. I’ve taken this route many years and have gotten plenty of compliments on a great meal! Just don’t forget to order your meal-bundle ahead of time!

· Exercise

You hear this suggestion time and time again; however it’s healthy and is great advice. Even if you do sit-ups or push-ups while watching TV, it can help eliminate stress. Try kickboxing or take a jog with a friend. Playing a get-up-and-move game on the Wii or Xbox also counts! Exercise releases endorphins which causes the body to relax.

· Spend some time with furry friends

Did you know that pets relieve stress? They do! In fact, in Japan, people even rent pets! Pets can help improve your mood, provide unconditional love, encourage exercise and according to known studies, have shown to reduce blood pressure. Even on the worst of days, who can’t resist looking into the eyes of a puppy or kitten and smile?

· Don’t hold it in

Let out your stress by talking, writing or even tweeting about it! Even the littlest ways of letting your woes out in a verbal or written form can help stress.

Here’s another great tip: always be prepared on the road. Weather you break down or need to tighten a few bolts on a rattling car, having an emergency tool kit is essential.  Having one can save you time and money, which ultimately reduces stress! Below is another great device which can help when you are in a unappealing predicament:

Here is a 900 Peak Amp Ultra-Portable jump starter from Mechanics Discount.

 

Hope our advice helps and all the best to you and your family for happy and stress-free holidays!

Have any other tips for reducing stress? Let us know!

~Charlene Marie

Changing Tires in Stilettos: A Girl’s Guide to Fixing a Flat

Being a 5’6”, 104 pound female, one typically would imagine that I couldn’t even lift a tire, never mind changing one. People usually grin in disbelief, especially at how many times I’ve changed a tire in heels. Yes, I will admit, it probably is a bizarre scene, but it sure beats waiting around for help and certainly saves on auto-club membership fees.   

Since I’m not a fan of being a stranded damsel in distress, I figured I’d share the tire changing process from my own perspective.

Wrench from Machanics Discount

If you’re driving down the road and you hear a pop followed by thudding noises, pull over immediately. Delaying this can cause damage to your rims.

1.       After calming down about the situation, head for the trunk.  In most cars, you will find a stock spare tire, jack and lug wrench beneath the carpeted area in the trunk. If not, I definitely suggest investing in the proper tools. Mechanics Discount has all the tools you need to change your tire. 

2.       Remove the jack from your trunk and position it under the frame of the car about a foot from the damaged tire and start cranking. The frame is a long thick piece of metal located close to the edge of the car that runs the full length of the vehicle.   

3.       Crank the tire up just enough where it won’t spin, but if you turn the crank a few more times, it will.   

4.       Using the tire iron, remove hubcap. Some hubcaps will need to be unscrewed with the tire iron and others will have to be pried off. To unscrew the hub cap, turn the wrench to the left. I always remember what direction to go, by this little saying: “righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”  

5.       Place the wrench on the exposed lug nuts and pull to the left. In the past, I’ve come across some very stubborn lug nuts and given the wrench a few karate-style drop kicks. I do not recommend that step due to risk of injury; however, I will say it is even more challenging in heels. 

6.       After all the lug nuts are loosened, remove them and place aside. Crank the jack a few times so the tire can spin freely and then carefully pull the tire forward and remove it from the bolts.  

7.       Using caution, pick up the spare tire or “doughnut” and align the holes with the bolts and slide tire on.  

8.       Lower the jack if the spare is smaller than the other tires, so the tire will not rotate. Screw lug nuts onto the bolts and tighten as much as possible being careful not to strip bolts.   

9.       Lower jack and remove from beneath the car.  

10.   Pack up your gear and you’re ready to go! Remember; try to stay below 40 mph, if you are driving on a spare tire rated for lower speeds.

If I can do this, you can too! I’m definitely not Super Woman; I’m just a girl that paid attention to Dad when he showed me the art of changing tires. Little did I know that this knowledge would be put to good use on numerous occasions!  Thanks Dad!  

~Charlene Marie