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If you want a beautiful place to spend the holidays without the snow and cold, then South Florida is the ideal location for you. You can still celebrate the season and get in the proper spirit by checking out some truly spectacular holiday light displays. more Pompano Beach The Holiday Fantasy of Lights returns to Coconut Creek for 2016. Located at Tradewinds Park, 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek ( Map), this holiday event is scheduled for Friday, November 18, through Monday, January 2, 2017. This spectacular holiday celebration is open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m., including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The events include Drive-Thru the Lights from November 18th through January 2nd, a 5K Run & Fitness Walk ($50 runners, $25 walkers) on November 12th, and Family Bike Night ($8 per person) on November 13th. Admission is $15 per car, $40 for a bus, with a 3D experience for $3 that includes three pairs of custom holiday 3D glasses with which to enjoy this drive-thru holiday lighting event. This is the 22nd year for this local tradition. The display includes three miles of animated large holiday displays with illuminated trees. Crowds are expected at capacity with a total of more than 150,000 visitors. Bring your family to see this exciting blend of the past with the present, plus new creations to help you create the Christmas spirit with your loved ones. Santa's Enchanted Forest Located at 7900 Bird Road, Miami, Fla., (305-893-0090) Santa's Enchanted Forest is considered the World's Largest Christmas Theme Park. This holiday spectacular includes a free carnival with the admission price. The centerpiece of the park is a 92-foot tall Christmas tree. The park features a petting zoo, 100-plus rides, and shows. There are also pony rides, and you can visit the workshop to see Santa. There are over 3 million lights in the trees above, twinkling over all the holiday sounds and sights you'll see. This park sets the right mood for festive holiday fun. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade The Winterfest Boat Parade started in 1971 and has become so popular that more than a million people line up to watch it every year.  Located on the Intracoastal Waterway of Fort Lauderdale, this holiday celebration, to be held this year on Dec. 10, consists of a parade of boats and yachts that are festively decorated. The boats' owners dedicate months of their time to getting everything perfect for this event in order to please and amaze the huge crowds that attend. Contact information: 512 Northeast 3rd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 954-767-0686, www.winterfestparade.com. Zoo Lights This holiday event happens at Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152 St., Miami, Fla. 305-251-0400, www.miamimetrozoo.com. Zoo Miami also has special holiday events at night for the holiday season. The zoo will be decorated with bright animal-shaped lights. You can look forward to having some hot chocolate, getting free 3D glasses and hearing holiday songs.

Winterizing your car is akin to protecting your investment. With proper care and maintenance, your vehicle can make it through another winter unscathed. more Check the Engine Oil While you most often think about having enough oil, the question to ask as winter approaches is whether you have the correct type of oil. 5W-30 motor oil has a lower viscosity than 20W-50 motor oil and will flow more freely in cold weather. If you've been using 20W-50 motor oil throughout the rest of the year, it's time to make a change. If the engine oil is too thick, it will make it difficult for the engine to turn over in cold weather. The good news is that 5W-30 oil is recommended for year-round use in most vehicles, so there's no need to alternate between the two once you've made the switch to the lower viscosity variety. Be cautious about choosing anything with a viscosity that's lower than recommended in the owner's manual for your vehicle, though. Oil that runs too thin may not provide sufficient lubrication and protection for your car's engine. Change the Oil Filter The motor oil is not the only factor that weighs heavily on winter performance. Having the correct type of oil filter in the winter is crucial. Lower temperatures mean thicker motor oil, and thicker motor oil means greater pressure on the oil filter, especially at start up. If a filter is not high-quality, it may not be able to sustain the large increases in pressure that occur in the winter and fail at the weakest spot. Filters with too fine of a filtering screen do not allow oil to pass through as easily as it should in cold weather, resulting in limited lubrication. Check the owner's manual that came with your vehicle or speak with a qualified mechanic to determine the best type of filter for your make and model. Consider the Age of Your Battery Most car batteries don't last much longer than two to five years, depending on use and the model. Cold temperatures can affect battery performance. If your battery is nearing the four-year or five-year mark, it might be wise to replace it now. Always inspect the battery cables, hold-down brackets, and trays. Signs of erosion could spell a dead battery in the near future. Inspect the Timing Belt A broken timing belt presents a greater challenge in the winter, when being stranded does not just mean a minor inconvenience, but a potentially life-threatening situation in some parts of the United States. Cold weather can cause timing belts to stretch and wear sooner than expected due to the expansion and contraction caused by extreme temperatures. Inspect the timing belt on your vehicle and replace it if it's nearing the manufacturer recommended interval or showing signs of wear. These are just a few of the components you can check when getting your vehicle in top shape for winter. With careful maintenance and the help of an experienced mechanic, you'll be able to keep your vehicle running in sun and snow for years to come.

Winterizing your car is akin to protecting your investment. With proper care and maintenance, your vehicle can make it through another winter unscathed. more Check the Engine Oil While you most often think about having enough oil, the question to ask as winter approaches is whether you have the correct type of oil. 5W-30 motor oil has a lower viscosity than 20W-50 motor oil and will flow more freely in cold weather. If you've been using 20W-50 motor oil throughout the rest of the year, it's time to make a change. If the engine oil is too thick, it will make it difficult for the engine to turn over in cold weather. The good news is that 5W-30 oil is recommended for year-round use in most vehicles, so there's no need to alternate between the two once you've made the switch to the lower viscosity variety. Be cautious about choosing anything with a viscosity that's lower than recommended in the owner's manual for your vehicle, though. Oil that runs too thin may not provide sufficient lubrication and protection for your car's engine. Change the Oil Filter The motor oil is not the only factor that weighs heavily on winter performance. Having the correct type of oil filter in the winter is crucial. Lower temperatures mean thicker motor oil, and thicker motor oil means greater pressure on the oil filter, especially at start up. If a filter is not high-quality, it may not be able to sustain the large increases in pressure that occur in the winter and fail at the weakest spot. Filters with too fine of a filtering screen do not allow oil to pass through as easily as it should in cold weather, resulting in limited lubrication. Check the owner's manual that came with your vehicle or speak with a qualified mechanic to determine the best type of filter for your make and model. Consider the Age of Your Battery Most car batteries don't last much longer than two to five years, depending on use and the model. Cold temperatures can affect battery performance. If your battery is nearing the four-year or five-year mark, it might be wise to replace it now. Always inspect the battery cables, hold-down brackets, and trays. Signs of erosion could spell a dead battery in the near future. Inspect the Timing Belt A broken timing belt presents a greater challenge in the winter, when being stranded does not just mean a minor inconvenience, but a potentially life-threatening situation in some parts of the United States. Cold weather can cause timing belts to stretch and wear sooner than expected due to the expansion and contraction caused by extreme temperatures. Inspect the timing belt on your vehicle and replace it if it's nearing the manufacturer recommended interval or showing signs of wear. These are just a few of the components you can check when getting your vehicle in top shape for winter. With careful maintenance and the help of an experienced mechanic, you'll be able to keep your vehicle running in sun and snow for years to come.

The holidays are a time of heightened emotions and frenetic activity and with that comes distraction on the road. To keep you and your family safe this winter, consider these safe driving tips for holiday travel. more Expect the Best, Prepare for the Worst Before you even set out on your trip, take time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the long haul. Visually inspect your vehicle and tires, and take any concerns to your preferred mechanic. If your car is due for an oil change or another routine service soon, it's better to get it done before hitting the road. Plan your preferred route in advance but have one or two alternate routes in mind, especially if you'll be driving during peak travel hours. You might also want to consider leaving a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member who will not be traveling with you. Be sure to charge your cell phone and pack an extra charger in case you end up staying the night somewhere. If you carry a roadside assistance plan through your auto insurance company, make sure you understand how to contact them in the event of an emergency. Get Your Rest Last-minute shopping, non-stop baking and cooking, and stress from minor family feuds can all zap your energy during the holiday season. Make sure you are well-rested and ready to tackle the drive if you get behind the wheel.  Don't feel as though you've failed if you find yourself nodding off or needing to take more breaks than usual to stay alert. Do the safe thing and pull over to a spot away from traffic, or find a hotel to stay in for the evening. Keep Distractions to a Minimum Rowdy children, cell phones, and even singing along to your favorite tune on the radio can spell disaster under the wrong circumstances. You have an obligation to make sure you stay as focused as possible when driving. Put your phone out of arm's reach in a suitcase or the glove box. If you must make a phone call or pick up an incoming call, pull over to a traffic-free zone. Drive Defensively in Winter Weather In most parts of the United States, winter weather can create an icy obstacle course that drivers must contend with during the holiday season. The danger is compounded when roads are busier and other drivers' patience is at a minimum. Stash winter driving essentials in your vehicle to avoid getting stuck or running into a situation where you are without heat. Stow the following items in your trunk or cargo area: Ice scraper Bag of salt, cat litter, or sand for traction control Flashlights and spare batteries Jumper cables Non-perishable snack foods Water or a cup for holding and melting snow Blankets and warm mittens; extra clothes First-aid kit Emergency flares or pop-up triangles With a little preparation and proactive vehicle maintenance, traveling during the holiday season can be a pleasurable experience and a time to create memories. Take advantage of this safe driving advice and you'll arrive safely to your holiday destination.

The holidays are a time of heightened emotions and frenetic activity and with that comes distraction on the road. To keep you and your family safe this winter, consider these safe driving tips for holiday travel. more Expect the Best, Prepare for the Worst Before you even set out on your trip, take time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the long haul. Visually inspect your vehicle and tires, and take any concerns to your preferred mechanic. If your car is due for an oil change or another routine service soon, it's better to get it done before hitting the road. Plan your preferred route in advance but have one or two alternate routes in mind, especially if you'll be driving during peak travel hours. You might also want to consider leaving a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member who will not be traveling with you. Be sure to charge your cell phone and pack an extra charger in case you end up staying the night somewhere. If you carry a roadside assistance plan through your auto insurance company, make sure you understand how to contact them in the event of an emergency. Get Your Rest Last-minute shopping, non-stop baking and cooking, and stress from minor family feuds can all zap your energy during the holiday season. Make sure you are well-rested and ready to tackle the drive if you get behind the wheel.  Don't feel as though you've failed if you find yourself nodding off or needing to take more breaks than usual to stay alert. Do the safe thing and pull over to a spot away from traffic, or find a hotel to stay in for the evening. Keep Distractions to a Minimum Rowdy children, cell phones, and even singing along to your favorite tune on the radio can spell disaster under the wrong circumstances. You have an obligation to make sure you stay as focused as possible when driving. Put your phone out of arm's reach in a suitcase or the glove box. If you must make a phone call or pick up an incoming call, pull over to a traffic-free zone. Drive Defensively in Winter Weather In most parts of the United States, winter weather can create an icy obstacle course that drivers must contend with during the holiday season. The danger is compounded when roads are busier and other drivers' patience is at a minimum. Stash winter driving essentials in your vehicle to avoid getting stuck or running into a situation where you are without heat. Stow the following items in your trunk or cargo area: Ice scraper Bag of salt, cat litter, or sand for traction control Flashlights and spare batteries Jumper cables Non-perishable snack foods Water or a cup for holding and melting snow Blankets and warm mittens; extra clothes First-aid kit Emergency flares or pop-up triangles With a little preparation and proactive vehicle maintenance, traveling during the holiday season can be a pleasurable experience and a time to create memories. Take advantage of this safe driving advice and you'll arrive safely to your holiday destination.

The Kia brand is making a name for itself with top-selling models like the Forte, Sorento, and Soul. Reliable performance, easy handling, smart safety, and technology are the signature of these standout models. more Forte The Kia Forte is the perfect starter car for anyone looking for a comfortable compact sedan. It's available in 4-door and 5-door hatchback options and offers built-in Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities for safe, hands-free calling and messaging. The Kia Forte also comes in a "Koup" edition for those who crave a sportier drive. Parents of teen drivers and families looking for a reliable second commuter car should consider how a Forte might fit their budget and their focus on safety. Soul The Kia Soul is the perfect size for the parent who wants something a bit more robust than your standard economy sedan for a new teen driver. It also appeals to adults who require some cargo capacity, but aren't interested in a standard SUV. The way the front seats are positioned in the vehicle allows for ample legroom for taller drivers. The Soul is a fun, comfortable drive with decent gas mileage at 31 mpg for highway driving. Optima Like the Soul, the Optima is known for its legroom for taller drivers. It's also considered Kia's luxury model. The higher-end trims include leather seating with heated front seats, an optional ten-speaker sound system, power folding and heated outside mirrors, and a sleek Smart Welcome package that detects your Smart Key and unfolds the outside mirrors automatically while turning on the door pocket lights. Those who enjoy a first-class driving experience should opt for a test drive in a new Optima. The Optima is also available as a hybrid that offers up to 40 mpg for highway driving. Sorento The Kia Sorento is your standard family SUV, but with a whole lot more to offer. If family travel is a must for you, check out the Kia Sorento. Dual-zone vents and ventilated seating keep everyone comfortable during long drives. Another key feature of the Sorento is its adaptability. The standard model comes equipped with seating for five, but you can opt to add a third row of seating to accommodate up to seven passengers. When not needed, the third row can be folded down for convenience, giving you a full 73 cubic feet of cargo space. Sportage The Kia Sportage is Kia's answer to the crossover market. It's more compact than the Sorento and suited to small families or adventurous adults who need room for a lot of gear. The base model comes with plenty of technology, including a rear-camera display, Bluetooth wireless hands-free connectivity, and steering-wheel mounted audio phone controls. As with the Sorento, the rear seats fold down for easy changes to the cargo area. If you're in the market for a new vehicle, consider a test drive at Gunther Kia today. You're bound to find the right model to fit your needs and preferences, and with Kia's standard 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty, you know you are getting the dependability of a major international brand.   Photo by Kia

The Kia brand is making a name for itself with top-selling models like the Forte, Sorento, and Soul. Reliable performance, easy handling, smart safety, and technology are the signature of these standout models. more Forte The Kia Forte is the perfect starter car for anyone looking for a comfortable compact sedan. It's available in 4-door and 5-door hatchback options and offers built-in Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto capabilities for safe, hands-free calling and messaging. The Kia Forte also comes in a "Koup" edition for those who crave a sportier drive. Parents of teen drivers and families looking for a reliable second commuter car should consider how a Forte might fit their budget and their focus on safety. Soul The Kia Soul is the perfect size for the parent who wants something a bit more robust than your standard economy sedan for a new teen driver. It also appeals to adults who require some cargo capacity, but aren't interested in a standard SUV. The way the front seats are positioned in the vehicle allows for ample legroom for taller drivers. The Soul is a fun, comfortable drive with decent gas mileage at 31 mpg for highway driving. Optima Like the Soul, the Optima is known for its legroom for taller drivers. It's also considered Kia's luxury model. The higher-end trims include leather seating with heated front seats, an optional ten-speaker sound system, power folding and heated outside mirrors, and a sleek Smart Welcome package that detects your Smart Key and unfolds the outside mirrors automatically while turning on the door pocket lights. Those who enjoy a first-class driving experience should opt for a test drive in a new Optima. The Optima is also available as a hybrid that offers up to 40 mpg for highway driving. Sorento The Kia Sorento is your standard family SUV, but with a whole lot more to offer. If family travel is a must for you, check out the Kia Sorento. Dual-zone vents and ventilated seating keep everyone comfortable during long drives. Another key feature of the Sorento is its adaptability. The standard model comes equipped with seating for five, but you can opt to add a third row of seating to accommodate up to seven passengers. When not needed, the third row can be folded down for convenience, giving you a full 73 cubic feet of cargo space. Sportage The Kia Sportage is Kia's answer to the crossover market. It's more compact than the Sorento and suited to small families or adventurous adults who need room for a lot of gear. The base model comes with plenty of technology, including a rear-camera display, Bluetooth wireless hands-free connectivity, and steering-wheel mounted audio phone controls. As with the Sorento, the rear seats fold down for easy changes to the cargo area. If you're in the market for a new vehicle, consider a test drive at Gunther Kia today. You're bound to find the right model to fit your needs and preferences, and with Kia's standard 5 year, 60,000 mile warranty, you know you are getting the dependability of a major international brand.   Photo by Kia

The 2017 Kia Sorento is an SUV designed with family in mind. Roomy cargo space, flexible seating options, and a host of safety features make the Kia Sorento the go-to vehicle for your next purchase. Check out this vehicle before your next annual holiday road trip or summer getaway. more Safety in Mind The 2017 Kia Sorento earned the highest distinction among vehicles for its safe design, winning an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award. With the front crash prevention package, the vehicle earned a superior rating for crash avoidance and mitigation, in addition to high marks in a host of crash testing scenarios. If family safety is paramount to you when choosing your next car or SUV, the Kia Sorrento is a top contender. A lane departing warning system and advanced smart cruise control keep you safely in control of the vehicle during long drives, while the hill-start assist control (HAC) and vehicle stability management system (VSM) make for safe winter driving on uneven or icy surfaces. The all-wheel drive option allows for safe driving in snow or on the beach. Comfort and Adaptability Buying a Kia Sorento means flexibility to choose from one of two seating configurations. The Sorento comes standard with two rows of seating for five, but with an optional third row of seats you can accommodate up to seven passengers. With an additional row, you'll get the convenience of sliding second-row seats to make room for your third-row passengers as they get in and out of the vehicle. Third-row seats also fold down if it's just you and the immediate family and you need more cargo space on a long drive. Fitting in all your essentials alongside your family is doable, with a full-size stroller, foldable crib, and multiple pieces of luggage fitting into 73 cubic feet of cargo space. And with 41 to 39 inches of spacious leg room for front and second-row passengers, comfortably seating the whole family for the long haul is now a reality. Heating and ventilation are available in first and second-row seating, and targeted vents throughout the vehicle help keep everyone comfortable during summer excursions and holiday drives. Reliability for the Long Road With Kia's track record of reliable performance and quality manufacturing, as well as its 60,000-mile, 5-year warranty, you can rest assured that you won't need to worry about roadside assistance on your next family vacation. Smart features like built-in pull-down shades and multiple USB ports in the second row show that Kia had family in mind when designing this vehicle. An electrical outlet in the back cargo space also allows you to charge essentials like a laptop or camp stove when traveling. It's clear that Kia has given a lot of thought to the design of the Kia Sorento. If you need a vehicle that can accommodate your growing family and keep everyone comfortable during your next big road trip, consider the Sorento for its adaptability and smart comfort features like ventilated seating and adjustable cargo space.   Photo by Kia

The 2017 Kia Sorento is an SUV designed with family in mind. Roomy cargo space, flexible seating options, and a host of safety features make the Kia Sorento the go-to vehicle for your next purchase. Check out this vehicle before your next annual holiday road trip or summer getaway. more Safety in Mind The 2017 Kia Sorento earned the highest distinction among vehicles for its safe design, winning an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ award. With the front crash prevention package, the vehicle earned a superior rating for crash avoidance and mitigation, in addition to high marks in a host of crash testing scenarios. If family safety is paramount to you when choosing your next car or SUV, the Kia Sorrento is a top contender. A lane departing warning system and advanced smart cruise control keep you safely in control of the vehicle during long drives, while the hill-start assist control (HAC) and vehicle stability management system (VSM) make for safe winter driving on uneven or icy surfaces. The all-wheel drive option allows for safe driving in snow or on the beach. Comfort and Adaptability Buying a Kia Sorento means flexibility to choose from one of two seating configurations. The Sorento comes standard with two rows of seating for five, but with an optional third row of seats you can accommodate up to seven passengers. With an additional row, you'll get the convenience of sliding second-row seats to make room for your third-row passengers as they get in and out of the vehicle. Third-row seats also fold down if it's just you and the immediate family and you need more cargo space on a long drive. Fitting in all your essentials alongside your family is doable, with a full-size stroller, foldable crib, and multiple pieces of luggage fitting into 73 cubic feet of cargo space. And with 41 to 39 inches of spacious leg room for front and second-row passengers, comfortably seating the whole family for the long haul is now a reality. Heating and ventilation are available in first and second-row seating, and targeted vents throughout the vehicle help keep everyone comfortable during summer excursions and holiday drives. Reliability for the Long Road With Kia's track record of reliable performance and quality manufacturing, as well as its 60,000-mile, 5-year warranty, you can rest assured that you won't need to worry about roadside assistance on your next family vacation. Smart features like built-in pull-down shades and multiple USB ports in the second row show that Kia had family in mind when designing this vehicle. An electrical outlet in the back cargo space also allows you to charge essentials like a laptop or camp stove when traveling. It's clear that Kia has given a lot of thought to the design of the Kia Sorento. If you need a vehicle that can accommodate your growing family and keep everyone comfortable during your next big road trip, consider the Sorento for its adaptability and smart comfort features like ventilated seating and adjustable cargo space.   Photo by Kia

With all the scheduled maintenance that goes in to keeping your car in top shape, it's easy to overlook some of the simpler and less costly maintenance routines you should consider to keep your car on the road for as long as possible. If you've never had a coolant flush done and want to know why it's important, read on. more Cooling System Basics Your car's cooling system is what keeps your car engine from running too hot and overheating. If you've ever seen a car on the side of the road, hood up with smoke billowing, a neglected cooling system could have been to blame. Low coolant levels or a clogged cooling system can lead to the check engine light turning on and unnecessary worry and repair. Staying on top of routine cooling system maintenance can save you from more costly engine repairs in the future. Certain types of damage from an overheated engine are irreversible, so keeping your car's engine adequately cooled with proper care is a must. How It Works The cooling system works by circulating a mixture of coolant and water through the engine. After enough miles, though, and even after sitting dormant in a garage, the coolant mixture absorbs scale and rust from engine parts and can eventually clog or circulate less freely. A coolant system flush consists of emptying and cleaning the entire system so it is free of contaminants and replacing the mixture with fresh coolant and water. Essentially, a coolant flush consists of draining, cleaning, rinsing and refilling the coolant chamber. First your mechanic will add a flush chemical to the existing fluid to begin the descaling process. Next, he or she will drain and safely dispose of the old fluid after it is run through the entire system at operating temperature. The system is then flushed with a coolant cleaner, and rinsed thoroughly with water. Your mechanic will add fresh fluid back and check for leaks. You'll be set to get your car back on the road in less than an hour in most cases. How Often Is a Coolant Flush Needed? How often your vehicle will require a coolant flush depends on the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, but a general rule of thumb is every three years, regardless of mileage, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. A coolant flush performed by a trustworthy mechanic will typically run you between $100 to $150. Some factors that can affect the final price are the amount and type of coolant needed, the age of the vehicle, and whether a flush has been performed routinely or if there is minor damage and build-up from lack of care. For those who are brave enough and have some mechanical experience, a flush can be done in your home garage. Taking care of your car with routine maintenance like a coolant flush doesn't have to be inconvenient or costly. A visit to your local dealer will have you in and out the door quickly and with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you avoided more costly repairs down the road.

With all the scheduled maintenance that goes in to keeping your car in top shape, it's easy to overlook some of the simpler and less costly maintenance routines you should consider to keep your car on the road for as long as possible. If you've never had a coolant flush done and want to know why it's important, read on. more Cooling System Basics Your car's cooling system is what keeps your car engine from running too hot and overheating. If you've ever seen a car on the side of the road, hood up with smoke billowing, a neglected cooling system could have been to blame. Low coolant levels or a clogged cooling system can lead to the check engine light turning on and unnecessary worry and repair. Staying on top of routine cooling system maintenance can save you from more costly engine repairs in the future. Certain types of damage from an overheated engine are irreversible, so keeping your car's engine adequately cooled with proper care is a must. How It Works The cooling system works by circulating a mixture of coolant and water through the engine. After enough miles, though, and even after sitting dormant in a garage, the coolant mixture absorbs scale and rust from engine parts and can eventually clog or circulate less freely. A coolant system flush consists of emptying and cleaning the entire system so it is free of contaminants and replacing the mixture with fresh coolant and water. Essentially, a coolant flush consists of draining, cleaning, rinsing and refilling the coolant chamber. First your mechanic will add a flush chemical to the existing fluid to begin the descaling process. Next, he or she will drain and safely dispose of the old fluid after it is run through the entire system at operating temperature. The system is then flushed with a coolant cleaner, and rinsed thoroughly with water. Your mechanic will add fresh fluid back and check for leaks. You'll be set to get your car back on the road in less than an hour in most cases. How Often Is a Coolant Flush Needed? How often your vehicle will require a coolant flush depends on the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle, but a general rule of thumb is every three years, regardless of mileage, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles. A coolant flush performed by a trustworthy mechanic will typically run you between $100 to $150. Some factors that can affect the final price are the amount and type of coolant needed, the age of the vehicle, and whether a flush has been performed routinely or if there is minor damage and build-up from lack of care. For those who are brave enough and have some mechanical experience, a flush can be done in your home garage. Taking care of your car with routine maintenance like a coolant flush doesn't have to be inconvenient or costly. A visit to your local dealer will have you in and out the door quickly and with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you avoided more costly repairs down the road.

Fall in Florida is what locals live for. The temps have cooled off, the school-aged tourist crowd has gone home, while the snowbirds have yet to arrive. It's the ideal time to get out and enjoy some fun. While the Sunshine State might be missing the fall strolls through chilly apple orchards, what it does have makes up for it, like wearing Halloween costumes without a heavy coat. But there's a lot more to Florida falls than that. Check out these ideas for things to do in Fort Lauderdale: more Catch an Event Ft. Lauderdale hosts a number of events in October including its Pride Festival, the Los Olas Art Fair, and the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is held in the beginning of November and it's a must-see. Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Yachting Capital of the World" and this event has been held every year for over half a century. The admission is almost as steep as the yachts at $28 per day for adults. There are multi-day passes available. Stroll Los Olas Boulevard As the temps dip into the low 80s and the humidity declines, people enjoy strolling along Los Olas Boulevard, which is home to plenty of dining and shopping amidst its old-world charm of Mediterranean-inspired architecture. For something different, take a food and cruise tour. Enjoy the local history on foot, taking some time to sample food from several restaurants along the New River, and then drink mojitos from the deck of the boat as you drift past Millionaire's Row and wonder what it's like to live among those beautiful properties. Visit the Everglades Fall is also the ideal time to visit the Everglades because the temps begin to drop. If you're there to see alligators, in fall you'll see more basking on the sunny banks instead of taking to the waters. For more fun, catch an air boat tour over the "River of Grass" and watch a gator show. In addition to alligators, you may see turtles, manatees, snakes, raccoons, and a number of beautiful birds including the majestic bald eagle. You can also try the nighttime gator tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park. Catch a Taxi Nowhere else on the globe is catching a taxi more enjoyable than boarding one of Fort Lauderdale's water taxis. Cruise by expensive homes and hop on and off at 20 points of interest around the city. If you're looking for something a little more private, try one of Fort Lauderdale's romantic gondolas. Nicknamed "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale's many canals make it an enjoyable way to explore this beautiful city. Fall is a spectacular time to visit Fort Lauderdale and enjoy the outdoors. The crowds are smaller and the humidity is more bearable. You'll also find the temperature delightful. Even though hurricane season extends through the end of November, most of the activity in the late fall is on the Gulf side of Florida so your chances for running into a big storm are reduced but it's something to keep in mind when planning.