Quality Plus Automotive Service - December 2021

December 2021

All Is Merry and Bright Examining the Meaning of the Christmas Holiday No matter how old you are, or how many Christmases you have celebrated, the late-year holidays are always the best time of the year. They’re filled with magic, love, holiday decorations, generosity, fun traditions, and family. They don’t call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing! There are so many activities, along with so many fun decorations, that accompany this happy time of the year. Christmas is always a great time at my house. The entire family gathers together to cook some great meals and desserts, open up presents, enjoy some wonderful quality time, and kick back and relax. It’s always special to catch up with family and friends I

movies, music, lights, and trees, but I look forward to the holiday spirit in the hearts of those I love.

Christmas has many meanings, and I enjoy celebrating all of them. Christ is the reason for the season. In my family, on Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus. He came to save us from our sins and died on the cross to display his love for us. On Dec. 25 every year, we celebrate his birth. Christmas also celebrates Santa Claus and gift giving and receiving. Throughout the holidays, we share ourselves with others and give to those who need help. We revive the old traditions that we develop over the years and reminisce on our past. By sharing gifts, we express ourselves and warm the hearts of others.

haven’t seen in a while. I have three children who blessed me with six grandchildren, and while getting everyone under the same roof for the holidays can be tough, I cherish time with all of them.

“By sharing gifts, we express ourselves and warm the hearts of others.”

Christmas also brings out feelings of gratitude. I’m always reminded of how happy I am to have a nice place to live, to be in the greatest country, to have a career I love, for all of my loved ones, and for my health. Sometimes, we all complain about wanting more, but when I stop and remember that there are individuals out

For our Christmas meal, we always have a honey baked ham along with

turkey and dressing. Pecan pie is an absolute favorite for dessert. We all have a great time stuffing ourselves with all the delicious food we can get our hands on. Throughout the holiday season, we often get together with many people within the community to partake in holiday events. From Halloween through New Year’s, there is a certain sense of joy and happiness in the air! I enjoy the Christmas

there without food, electricity, and running water, I am thankful for all of my blessings, and the holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on all that is good in our lives. This holiday season, I hope that however you celebrate, you enjoy time with family and friends and have a fabulous time together. From the Quality Plus Automotive family to you and yours, happy holidays!

Wake Forest • 919.453.0345 — Raleigh • 919.231.6164 -Randy Bunn

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A Clean Bedroom Is Good for Your Health 3 TIPS TOAMORE RESTFUL SPACE When keeping your house clean, you probably focus on the major germ hotspots: kitchens and bathrooms. You may, however, be overlooking the room where you spend the most time — your bedroom. Failure to thoroughly clean the place where you sleep can have negative effects on your health in terms of worsened allergies or asthma. Feel your best by following these three cleaning tips.

Preventive M THE SECRET TO KEEPING

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When it comes to the health of your vehicle, just like your own, preventive maintenance is key. To avoid health complications down the road, you go for checkups and wellness visits, fuel yourself with nutritious and sustainable food, and practice proper hygiene. The same should be true for your car. Preventive maintenance stops small problems in their tracks before they become bigger, pricier issues. This list of five items to have inspected annually by a professional will be a lifesaver. 1. Oil Change This one goes without saying because if you own a vehicle, you likely know that oil changes are the key to keeping your car running at its maximum potential. When your oil gets dirty and thick, the components of your car become contaminated and grime buildups can occur, damaging your engine. 2. Other Fluids Check your coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, wiper fluid, and power steering fluid. Each fluid should be clean, within the recommended service interval, and in the right amount and concentration for your vehicle to run properly. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for replacing fluids.

Banish dust high and low. Your bedroom’s biggest threat to your health probably exists in the form of dust mites. These microscopic organisms live off the dead human skin found in dust, and while they prefer soft surfaces like your bedding, their presence anywhere can cause an allergic reaction.

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To keep your bedroom as dust-free as possible, start with the blades of your ceiling fan and give the tops a good scrub. Work your way down over furniture and shelving, ending at the baseboards. Don’t forget to clean the vent covers, which are dust magnets. Pay attention to your air quality. Central heating and air systems keep your house temperate but also circulate dust through the air. Make sure to change your filters as recommended by the manufacturer’s instructions. If you use any in-room devices like air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or window air conditioners, you should change the filters monthly. Meanwhile, be mindful of mold — try to keep the room at 50% humidity or lower and clean any mold in and around windows immediately with a bleach/chlorine solution. (Don’t forget to wear a protective mask!) Clean all your soft surfaces. You probably know to change and wash your sheets once a week, but what about all of the other soft surfaces in your bedroom, like outer bedding and curtains? In addition to the risk of dust mites, soft surfaces trap dirt and oils. Your comforter or bedspread should be washed every 1–2 months. Many people also forget about their pillows; protective pillow covers used under your pillowcase should be washed monthly, while pillows themselves should be washed 2–3 times per year. Lastly, your curtains collect dust, too —wash them 3–4 times annually. With the above tips, your bedroom will be cleaner and more relaxing than ever. Take in the clean air and fresh scents and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Inspire

Happy 3rd Work Anniversary Jacob P., Wake Forest - Dec. 30

pump the brakes ... It’s puzzle time!

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Maintenance G YOUR CAR RUNNING 3. Brakes our brakes may need replacing if you notice any of the following: squeaking or quealing noises, grinding sound or vibrating when braking, taking longer to stop, he brake pad indicator light comes on, or the brake pads appear to be thin. These re safety issues that should be promptly addressed. 4. Tire Alignment With regular oil changes come tire rotations and hopefully an alignment! As you rive, the tread on your tires wears down, and depending on how and where you rive, this may occur unevenly. When this happens, your tires may move a little bit, ffecting your steering. To avoid this, a tire alignment will keep everything where it’s upposed to be. 5. Battery Check Nobody likes getting in their car only to find that the battery is dead. A dead battery must be replaced, and having it regularly checked will tell you when it needs to be eplaced as well as if there any other issues. reventive maintenance is essential for keeping you safely on the road. For more nformation on preventive maintenance and/or to book an appointment, get in ouch with us today! Your car deserves it!

Is It the Battery or Starter? How to Diagnose a Dead Vehicle It always happens on a day that you’re running late or not feeling your best. You head out to your car, and it refuses to start! What gives? For the most part, a car that won’t start is likely stemming from your battery or starter, but how can you tell the difference? When trying to determine the cause, start with your battery. If your battery is the culprit, you likely won’t see any lights or hear any noises when attempting to start up your car. If your headlights or interior lights are very dim, this can mean that the battery is on its way out. If you attempt to jump-start the car and it starts, it’s an indication that you may need a new battery. But, keep in mind that a dead or low battery can also be caused by a problem with the alternator. Be aware that corrosion, swelling, and the age of the battery may also affect your battery performance. If you notice these issues, your battery may need replacing. If everything seems to be working properly with your battery, you may have a starter issue. If the vehicle is stalling after it starts or you’re hearing a whining or growling noise from under the hood, you may need a new alternator.

Making your own eggnog is easier than you think! This creamy, delicious drink will be a hit with your holiday guests.

red by TastesBetterFromScratch.com

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6 egg yolks

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1 pinch salt

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Cinnamon and whipped cream, for garnish

2 cups milk

1/2 tsp nutmeg

However, for the best diagnosis, taking your car to your trusted mechanic professional is the best option, especially considering that the alternator impacts the battery, so a true diagnosis can be tricky.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and creamy. Set aside. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the cream, milk, nutmeg, and salt. Bring to a simmer. 3. Add a spoonful of the milk mixture to the egg mixture. Whisk vigorously and repeat, one spoonful at a time. 4. When most of the milk is whisked in, add the egg mixture to the saucepan. 5. Whisk until the liquid thickens slightly or reaches 160 F. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. 6. Pour the eggnog into a glass container and cover. Refrigerate. 7. When the eggnog has thickened, pour it into glasses, garnish, and enjoy!

Keep our number in your phone for assistance if you ever encounter problems starting your vehicle. We’ve got your back!

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Wake Forest 919.453.0345 Raleigh 919.231.6164

QualityPlusAutomotive.com 1601 Heritage Commerce Ct. Wake Forest, NC 27587

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INSIDE This Issue

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Happy Holidays 3 Tips to Keep Your Bedroom Clean Preventive Car Maintenance DIY Holiday Eggnog Diagnosing a Dead Car Decorate Your Gingerbread House Like a Pro

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Creating a Holiday Masterpiece HOW TO DECORATE YOUR GINGERBREAD HOUSE LIKE A PRO

One of the most popular holiday traditions has become making and decorating gingerbread houses. The tradition began in Germany in the early 1800s and originated from Grimm’s “Hansel and Gretel.” Some shy away from the idea of making their own gingerbread house, but have no fear — if the Germans did it in the early 1800s, so can you! To simplify things, many gingerbread houses come with baked pieces and a full decorating kit. This helps you have more time for the best part: the actual decorating! Each kit usually comes with fun candy and icing, so you can make something really amazing for the holidays! Icing will be your best friend. Think of it as the yummy glue that holds everything together while also acting as a colorful trim for your gingerbread house. However, because it’ll keep the house from falling, be sure to use a lot! Spice drops also make for a great trim and “roofing,” just use icing to hold them in place. Alternate between colors or use a variety to make your house really pop. M&Ms are certainly a must-have for anyone decorating their gingerbread house. Not only are they delicious, but they also make cute little accents all over the house and yard.

Mini cookies of your choice may also make a deliciously good-looking roof. Try layering them up for a dimensional look! And, for extra pizazz, strategically place mini candy canes throughout the yard and on either side of the front doors and windows. If you want to get really detailed, try using actual candy bars as fire logs in the fireplace. Just be sure to store your gingerbread house in a cool area so nothing will melt! Whether you prefer a simple gingerbread house or a flashy one, any and ALL candy can be used! Get decorating and be sure to have a bite of candy along the way!

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