GPO Tuning: Volkswagen Repair in Nashville Starts With Maintenance

GPO Tuning GPO Tuning is Nashville’s leading import service shop and specializes in performance tuning and general repairs on Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mini and Porsche, and other high-performance vehicles. Here, the experts from this Music City garage open up about ways to maintain a Volkswagen, and when it’s best to seek an expert.

Q: What is the first sign that something is wrong with my vehicle?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: That really depends on the problem. If your tires are out of balance, for example, your vehicle may feel shaky when you drive down the highway. However, for many problems, a check engine light is the first sign that you need Volkswagen repair. In Nashville, that means paying us a visit to have your vehicle evaluated by a professional.

Q: A check engine light always indicates a serious issue, right?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: Fortunately, no. While a check engine light does require expertise, and often specialized equipment, to track down the root cause, sometimes it is something as simple as a loose fuel cap.

Q: How can I tell if my brakes need attention?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: Squealing or a grating noise or vibration when braking is a good indication that your Volkswagens braking system needs repair. Something else to look for is fluid under the vehicle where you park. If you see any liquid other than regular condensation, call your mechanic.

Q: Is there a way to avoid costly repairs?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: There are many things you can do to reduce the chances of needing Volkswagen repair. In Nashville, this starts with changing the oil regularly. This is usually done in increments of 5,000 miles as our humid heat during the summer necessitates frequent oil changes. Your Volkswagen technician might also suggest changing the spark plugs and filters.

GPO Tuning
Q: Where is the best place to park my Volkswagen?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: A garage or covered carport is best to avoid storm and sun damage. Something else to consider is whether or not you park on a steep hill, which will make it necessary to engage the parking brake. This can add extra wear and tear to your braking system so make sure to ask your mechanic to check your brake pads at each visit.

Q: How can I talk to my mechanic about needed repairs?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: Do not be afraid to ask them point blank what, exactly, is wrong with your vehicle. At GPO Tuning, our mechanics are certified and trained to work on your Volkswagen. They have the expertise and knowledge to diagnose problems, and won’t give you the runaround or leave you with a vague answer.

Q: Will they be able to tell me how long my repairs will take?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: You will not always get an exact time. Minor repairs and maintenance may take a single day while more involved projects can take a week or more. Your mechanic can help you pinpoint the appropriate time to bring your vehicle and will let you know immediately if anything comes up that might delay its return.

Q: Other than repairs, what services are available at GPO Tuning?

GPO Tuning, Volkswagen Repair Nashville: We offer performance tuning that can take your vehicle to the next level. From performance tuning software, air intake systems to lightened flywheels and larger turbochargers, our performance tuning services can help you upgrade your Volkswagen a little or a lot, it all depends on what you want to get out of your vehicle and your budget.

Call German Performance Options (GPO Tuning) for answers to all your questions about VW Repair or visit www.gpotuning.com. 615-392-5498

Rytech Nashville: Can You Predict Water Damage?

Rytech Nashville Water damage restoration experts from Rytech Nashville have seen it all. From busted pipes to widespread flooding, the company’s technicians assert that it is not always possible to know when water damage will happen. But there are indications that you are sitting on a trickling time bomb.

Here are a few things to pay attention to:

Plumbing leaks. Obviously, a busted pipe is a good reason to call a plumber. Unfortunately, many homeowners choose to ignore what they consider minor issues such as “weeping” pipes or an upstairs toilet flange that drips water into the garage. These issues shouldn’t be overlooked as they could signal a rupture in the near future. This will require potentially extensive water damage restoration services.

Outdated appliances. There are many appliances in your home that use water every day. These include the hot water heater, washing machine, and dishwasher. Even if they appear to be functioning properly, there could be a lot going on inside of them that could cause them to fail and leave your home flooded. The hot water heater, for example, is at significant risk of internal corrosion at less than 10 years of age, according to the water damage restoration professionals at Rytech Nashville. Your washer and dishwasher may also corrode from the inside out, especially if you live in an area with hard water.

Ruptured hoses. It is not just the appliances you must keep an eye on, but also the water supply lines in and out of them. If these lines are more than three years old, they may rupture with no warning.
Missing shingles. One of the leading reasons people call for water damage restoration in Nashville is because of roof leaks. Often, this is after a thunderstorm or tornado but leaks do not have to happen all at once to cause damage. According to the water damage restoration experts at Rytech Nashville, a few missing shingles or damaged flashing on the roof could cause prolonged water seepage, which can leak into the walls and completely saturate the insulation in your attic.

Excessive humidity. Your home’s HVAC unit is designed to remove excess moisture from the air inside of your home. But sometimes, these units fail and can result in extensive moisture buildup within its internal components, which then blows through the ductwork. Further, a blocked drain line can result in a flooded drain pan, which can then spill water. This is not always a significant cause for concern on a concrete garage floor, especially if caught early, but when your unit is inside of your attic crawl space, the flooring underneath may soak up moisture and eventually rot, leaving you with not only a busted HVAC, but also damage to your home’s structure. If you need water damage restoration, you may be required to temporarily leave your home if it is deemed unsafe or if mold removal is necessary.

Clogged drains. Clogged drains are annoying, but they are usually an easy fix. However, if your plumber is just as familiar with your bathroom as you are, it is time to discuss ways to fix chronic clogs. If you notice that your bathtub or shower tends to back up when you flush the toilet, you may have significant damage to your main or secondary sewer line. This may be caused by an excess of materials stuck in the pipe, the line could be ruptured by overgrown roots, or the pipes could be corroded. In addition to water damage restoration services, you may also need to replace your main sewer line. This is an expensive process and will require that part of your yard be excavated.

Water damage restoration is not a DIY job. If you experience flooding or other water damage, contact Rytech Nashville 24/7 at 800-865-8787.

Hot Water Heater Questions Answered by HomeLife Warranty Protection

There is a lot about home maintenance we non-technically minded people don’t understand. Thankfully, there are companies like HomeLife Warranty Protection to provide information about home repairs and upkeep and offer peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

Today, we talk with HomeLife Warranty Protection about one of the most overlooked system in the home, the hot water heater.

Q: Hello and thank you for joining us today. As you know, we would like to talk about hot water heater maintenance.

HomeLife Warranty Protection: We’d love to. It’s an important piece of equipment that often goes untouched until it breaks.

Q: Why is that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Mostly because it doesn’t require intervention to operate…the dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances have to be touched daily.

Q: We don’t even see the hot water heater every day!

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Exactly. But these appliances work around-the-clock, and even have a number of features that few people know about.

Q: Do tell…

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Have you ever heard of a sacrificial anode?

Q: No, what’s that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Water heaters have what’s called an anode rod inside the tank that acts as a decoy; they are usually made of magnesium, aluminum, or zinc. The anode rod provides an alternative source of electrons, instead of taking them from the steel water tank.

Q: So it essentially sacrifices itself so the tank doesn’t corrode?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes and without this rod, the hot water heater might only last half as long.

Q: How long are these rods supposed to last?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Most manufacturers suggest they be replaced every two years.

Q: Why is that?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: This is about the length of time it takes for degradation of the anode rod before it starts eating at the water tank itself.

Q:  What happens if it’s not replaced on time…or at all?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Not performing this replacement causes premature corrosion of the tank and water leaks occur that could cause property damage and cut in half the useful life of the water heater.  Proper anode rod replacement every 2 years should double the life of the water heater.

Q: Is there only one type of anode rod?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: No, actually. Homeowners in soft water areas might want to consider a powered anode, which connects to an outlet and emits a low electrical current into the water.

Q: Do anode rods serve any other purpose?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Odor is a problem in some soft water areas and the powered rods can help with that as well.

Q: Are there any other parts that should be replaced regularly?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Not usually but many homeowners do not know that the tank is supposed to be drained at least once a year.

Q: Oh really?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, and even more often in areas of hard water.

Q: What do you mean when you mention hard and soft water?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That refers to the amount of dissolved minerals in the water. More minerals equals harder water.

Q: How does hard water affect a hot water heater?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: Hard water has calcium and magnesium dispersed throughout it and these minerals can settle at the bottom of the tank, causing reduced water temperatures and increased energy consumption.

Q: Got it. So, change the rods and drain the tank for best performance?

HomeLife Warranty Protection: That’s pretty much all it takes! A little care and a few minutes of maintenance every year really does go a long way.

Morgan Exteriors Is Tampa’s Premier Replacement Window Installer

Morgan Exteriors

Morgan Exteriors is a leading Tampa Bay contractor and one of the area’s most trusted replacement window installers. Read on for more information about ENERGY STAR-rated replacement windows available at Morgan Exteriors.

Windows are one of the most important features of a home, according to the experts at Morgan Exteriors. Not only do they let us see the world outside, they allow natural light to brighten our spirits and warm our hearts and homes. Windows have an important job to do, especially in coastal areas where wind, rain, and hail can be most fierce. However, given time, even the most dependable windows will give in to the elements.

Fortunately, when that happens, there is Morgan Exteriors. As expert window installers, the professionals at Morgan Exteriors can replace cracked frames, shattered panes, or dated wooden windows.

Windows by Morgan Exteriors are more energy efficient than ever before. Replacement windows can improve a home’s appearance, drastically decrease energy consumption, and keep intruders at bay. A full line of ENERGY STAR windows are available.

Why ENERGY STAR?

The ENERGY STAR rating system was developed by the EPA in conjunction with building and efficiency experts across the country. Morgan Exteriors explains that ENERGY STAR-certified windows work day and night to save homeowners 12% or more in utility costs. And, lowering energy consumption shrinks a home’s carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, note the experts at Morgan Exteriors. Homeowners can rest assure that when they see the ENERGY STAR sticker on their replacement windows, they are getting a high quality product that’s not only good for the budget, but good for the environment, as well.

Exclusive values

Every window installed by Morgan Exteriors is backed by a lifetime warranty on labor and material. Additionally, Morgan Exteriors provides at no extra cost gas insulated glass, UV protection, premium extruded vinyl, fusion welded and insulated frames and sashes, Denny clip pivots, triple glazed glass, and streamlined airlocks. These bundled values mean homeowners need not worry about their investment, it’s protected. Customer service agents are always available at Morgan Exteriors and are fully authorized to handle any homeowner concerns.

Big jobs, unusual windows no match for Morgan Exteriors

Throughout the last five generations, the expert craftsman at Morgan Exteriors have seen it all. Whether it’s triple or double hung windows, picture windows or custom basement windows, Morgan Exteriors has the right window for every home. Virtually unlimited color and style combinations ensure Morgan Exteriors has the perfect window for each project, big or small.

Clean and safe guarantee

As a family-owned company, Morgan Exteriors has built its reputation on safety, quality, and respect. Each window installation crew is carefully trained to maintain a safe and clean workspace, guaranteed.

Morgan Exteriors pledges to provide homeowners with clear, concise, and straightforward answers to all of their home remodeling needs. From windows to exterior house painting to bathroom makeovers, Morgan Exteriors can’t be beat. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit MorganExteriorsInc.com or call the Tampa office at 813.931.4663

Mark Zokle, Sales Expert on Planning Ahead

Mark Zokle

The New Year has come and gone and we’re heading into the second quarter of 2016, but there’s no better time to look ahead at 2017, says Mark Zokle. Today, we pick the brain of the nationally-lauded sales trainer to find out what steps should be taken now to get the ball rolling for next year.

ZRYLW: Good day, Mr. Zokle, and thank you for talking with us today. Let’s get started with the big question of the day: why should a business start planning now for next year?

Mark Zokle: From a sales standpoint, businesses should always have a plan in place. Otherwise, come December 31st, management will have no idea where to look for January’s revenue.

ZRYLW: That makes sense. But, do you think all businesses need to plan or is this advice primarily for startups?

Mark Zokle: Definitely not just startups. Even established businesses can fail without looking forward.

ZRYLW: How important is strategic planning?

Mark Zokle: Here’s the funny thing about that: it’s vital to success and nearly every business agrees; however, only about a quarter of them actually do so before moving forward with major business decisions.

ZRYLW: That’s scary…

Mark Zokle: It can be for people in sales who rely on the company to know where they are headed.

ZRYLW: Do you have any tips for helping a sales manager get in the right frame of mind to plan correctly?

Mark Zokle: I would say that he or she needs to have a good idea of what the company’s goals are, then figure out how to motivate sales staff to reach them.

ZRYLW: But how is the groundwork for a plan laid?

Mark Zokle: This is done by taking a look at the past. Figure out what worked and what didn’t and adjust accordingly.

ZRYLW: What does “next level” mean for a business?

Mark Zokle: This is a time when a company is transitioning from one playing field to another, so to speak. For instance, when new alliances are formed or a greater market share is achieved.

ZRYLW: Can you explain “SMART” planning?

Mark Zokle: SMART criteria is an easy way to determine if goals are worth the hassle.

ZRYLW: Is it a checklist?

Mark Zokle: Yes! Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-related.

ZRYLW: Aren’t all goals attainable?

Mark Zokle: Not necessarily. It’s one thing to be ambitious, but some objectives just aren’t realistic.

ZRYLW: Can you give us an example?

Mark Zokle: Let’s say you are a farmer with 10 apple trees. You know your trees produce a total of 1,000 apples per week during picking season. You cannot reasonably accept a new contract with an apple pie baker who needs 1,500 apples per week.

ZRYLW: No, that would require more trees.

Mark Zokle: Well, it’s the same in sales. It’s bad business to shoot for those big contracts before the right equipment, manpower, and capabilities to provide the service are in place.

ZRYLW: Thinking about a company’s bottom line. Do small changes have a positive impact?

Mark Zokle: If they are planned well. The farmer wouldn’t want to change to pick his apples a week early if there was a chance they wouldn’t be ripe.

ZRYLW: Do you believe that plans should be micro-detailed?

Mark Zokle: Not at first. It’s a much better idea to create a basic action plan and elaborate on it point-by-point.

ZRYLW: How do you feel is the best way to mark milestones?

Mark Zokle: Start with each key player’s role. Ensure they have specific targets to achieve. If the right people are meeting their goals then chances are, everything else will fall into place.

ZRYLW: Like a domino effect?

Mark Zokle: Right, because it all starts with the good leaders!

ZRYLW: Well stated! We are out of time for today but again appreciate you being with us.

Mark Zokle: My pleasure.

Gary McClure Discusses Past Awards

Gary McClure When APSU’s head baseball coach Gary McClure retired in 2015, he did so as a record-breaking leader, winning an 847 games in 27 seasons. We recently sat down with a very humble Gary McClure, who claims his record was built on the foundation of dedicated and talented student athletes.

Zrylw: We are very excited to speak with you today. You are considered by many the best coach in OVC history.

Gary McClure: Thank you very much for that compliment. I will tell you like i have many others, i’m a much better coach when i have good players. I’m certainly no rocket scientist, but that’s one thing i was smart enough to figure out.

Zrylw: During your time with the Governors, you had a number of great years. Do any of them stand out more than others?

Gary McClure: Yes, to be honest there are several that stay etched pretty deep in memory. Truthfully, i just feel fortunate and honored to have the opportunity to work with young people.

Zrylw: Why is that?

Gary McClure: Well, you can’t beat making an impact on young people’s lives while having the opportunity to do something you love and at the same time make your living and get paid for it.

Zrylw: That’s great and sounds unbelievable…

Gary McClure: It really was. I can’t tell you how good it made me feel.

Zrylw: That is really remarkable. 

Gary McClure: Like i said, i was blessed to have these opportunities. It makes it even more significant when you have young men work so hard to try and reach their potential as athletes. I was very fortunate to know that most of my players made it a priority to excel.

Zrylw: Like Dobbs?

Gary McClure: Absolutely, Jeremy basically went from being a non factor one year to our programs eighth Pitcher of the Year the next. So many guys were able to make themselves great players.

Zrylw: Along with Shawn Kelley…

Gary McClure: That’s right. Dobbs was actually the first after Kelley won the award in 2007.

Zrylw: With your Coach of the Year distinction in 2011, you tied Jim Ward, right?

Gary McClure: I guess i have never really thought about it, but i guess i did.

Zrylw: What was it about the 2011 team that made all of these honors special?

Gary McClure: Any honor or award is special. What stands out about the 2011 group is that there were no senior position players starting. We were also just a .500 club until about two thirds of the way through the season and then they matured in a hurry and went on a terror winning most of the games during the rest of the season. That’s pretty unusual when you realize that we closed the year 30-22 and actually locked up the conference championship with 6 games left in the season..

Zrylw: Tell us a little about Reed Harper…

Gary McClure: Reed was a sophomore short stop at the time. Along with first-baseman John Hogan, Reed received first-team All-OVC honors. He had just had an amazing season, with a 29-game hitting streak. He brought so many things to the table offensively and defensively along with being one of the greatest competitors i ever coached. He had intangibles that many players don’t.

Zrylw: What about second-team honors?

Gary McClure: We had four: Jordan Hankins, Zach Toney, Michael Blanchard, and Greg Bachman.

Zrylw: Hadn’t Greg Bachman been out for a while with a shoulder injury?

Gary McClure: You’re right. He missed the previous season and actually started 2011 slow. He must have completely healed by the end of the season though, because he rounded out the year with a 43 RBIs and seven home runs! He was playing at an extremely high level and played a big role as a leader on that team. He was most certainly what i call a giver and not a taker. I really loved Greg as a player and a person.

Zrylw: Hankins had multiple acknowledgements in 2011, didn’t he?

Gary McClure: Yes, he also earned All-Freshman team recognition along with being named to Louisville Sluggers Freshman All American Team. He finished the season .378, which was the best among qualifying freshman players. He also hit a game winning home run against Georgia Tech in the NCAA Regional that year. Hankins was a great hitter from the first day he stepped on our campus.

Zrylw: Who else made All-Freshman?

Gary McClure: Rolando Gautier and Matt Wollenzin.

Zrylw: It sounds like 2011 really was a memorable year.

Gary McClure: Most definitely. And one that I am proud to have been a part of.

Gary McClure later told us that retirement hadn’t dulled his interest in baseball and that he continues to follow the Governors and will most likely get back in the game at some point. He looks forward to seeing more of his former players in the MiLB and the MLB in the future.

Bath Planet Offers New Options for Old Bathrooms

Bath Planet Palatine, Illinois-based Bath Planet (a BCI Acrylics company) says many homeowners don’t use their bathtubs anymore. Whether for safety reasons or because they just prefer a nice, hot, steamy shower, these customers are flocking to Bath Planet’s tub-to-shower conversions over keeping their unwanted soaker. Here, we talk with a Bath Planet representative about the benefits of this home-enhancing offering.

ZRYLW: Welcome to ZRYLW! Great to have you here today.

Bath Planet: Thank you for the invitation.

ZRYLW: Today we’d like to talk about ways to utilize unused space in the home. Do you have any suggestions?

Bath Planet: One of Bath Planet’s most popular services is our professionally installed tub-to-shower conversions.

ZRYLW: What’s that?

Bath Planet: This is where we remove an old bathtub and replace it with a liked-sized shower floor. The tubs we remove are typically ones that don’t get used.

ZRYLW: Ah, I see. So, turning the space into a shower improves the room’s functionality?

Bath Planet: Exactly. Many people simply don’t enjoy baths. Others opt for the conversion for safety reasons.

ZRYLW: It’s easier to step over a low-profile shower basin than a bathtub…

Bath Planet: That’s right, it’s also easier to keep clean than an old bathtub.

ZRYLW: Now you’ve got my attention.

Bath Planet: Our acrylic shower bases can be cleaned with a soft cloth and warm water.

ZRYLW: No chemicals?

Bath Planet: A deeper clean (which is rarely needed) can be achieved with a simple all-purpose cleaning spray.

ZRYLW: That makes it much easier than scrubbing on hands and knees.

Bath Planet: Absolutely. But that’s just one of the many benefits of converting an existing bath.

ZRYLW: Tell me more…

Bath Planet: Eliminating high sidewalls means more space to stretch out while bathing. And, since the bases are custom built, they are sealed tight to prevent water intrusion.

ZRYLW: Meaning a Bath Planet shower won’t succumb to ugly black mold and mildew?

Bath Planet: Yes!

ZRYLW: Can you tell us the difference between the tub-to-shower conversion and a barrier-free shower? Are they similar?

Bath Planet: In many ways, yes. The primary difference is that the barrier-free showers don’t have the step over. They are geared toward mobility impaired individuals who may have trouble navigating even a small obstacle.

ZRYLW:  Is this a good option for wheelchair-bound older adults?

Bath Planet: Yes, and the barrier-free option can be customized with a seat and grab bars for added safety.

ZRYLW: That’s great to know. But, speaking of accessories, what options would a customer have on the conversion?

Bath Planet: We offer a full line of extras, including shower rods and doors, towel rings, corner caddies, soap dishes, and beautiful fixtures in chrome, nickel, and bronze. We even have shaving stands!

ZRYLW: Now, I suppose the big question is how much does it all cost?

Bath Planet: That’s the best part, in my opinion. Bath Planet takes pride in providing affordable bathroom solutions. We don’t use book pricing, since your bathroom and your personal wants and needs aren’t like anyone else’s. We have a team of expertly trained design consultants who make a personal house call to take measurements, answer questions, and present color and pattern options. Once that’s done, we write a custom estimate.

ZRYLW: How can our readers get started?

Bath Planet: They can go online to BathPlanet.com or call one of our knowledgeable reps at 800.459.9529.

Bobby Price Shines a Light on a Real American Hero

Bobby PriceNo, we’re not talking about the 80s cartoon soldier. Here, Bobby Price discusses his decommissioned 1984 American LaFrance Triple Combination Fire Pumper.

ZRYLW: We appreciate you being here today.

Bobby Price: I’m happy to share with your readers.

ZRYLW: We understand that you own an old New York firetruck. How did that come in your possession?

Bobby Price: Back in 2006, I attended an auction at the Cars of Dreams Museum. The fire pumper – an American LaFrance Triple Combination – had just been delivered. Notably, the truck was driven the entire way.

ZRYLW: Why was it decommissioned?

Bobby Price: The truck was over 20 years old at the time. And, despite having served faithfully, Engine Company 2 of the Commack Fire Department made the decision that it was time for an upgrade.

ZRYLW: Can you tell us about American LaFrance?

Bobby Price: American LaFrance was an American fire apparatus manufacturer from 1873 until 2014.

ZRYLW: They built fire trucks? 

Bobby Price Bobby Price: Not only fire trucks; they started out selling hand powered equipment. The founders Truckson LaFrance and Alexander Diven both had extensive experience in the industry and had been involved in companies that built steam powered fire engines.

ZRYLW: The company was based in South Carolina, correct?

Bobby Price: It was, however, its original corporate offices and manufacturing operations were located in New York.

ZRYLW: Did the company have any foreign operations?

Bobby Price: It was American owned and operated but had a plant in Ontario Canada that functioned under the name LaFrance-Foamite until 1971.

ZRYLW: What other kinds of vehicles did the company manufacture?

Bobby Price: American LaFrance focused specifically on firefighting equipment. It built combination pumpers, chemical engines, and aerial ladder trucks. In addition, American LaFrance provided specialty equipment including airport crash response vehicles.

ZRYLW: Why did the company go under?
Bobby Price: The company filed for bankruptcy in 2008 citing implementation problems with its new enterprise resource planning software.ZRYLW: But they continued through 2014?

Bobby Price: After six months, the company emerged from bankruptcy and continued successfully until ceasing operations in 2014.

ZRYLW: What drove your decision to buy the fire engine?

Bobby Price: I’m something of an automotive history enthusiast and really felt like this truck symbolized the greatest manufacturing accomplishments in America.

ZRYLW: How’s that?

Bobby Price: Many collector vehicles simply earn recognition for their ability to go fast. This truck is different in that it was directly responsible for saving countless lives in its two decades in service.

ZRYLW: When you put it that way, it’s pretty remarkable.

Bobby PriceBobby Price: I think so. I know the firemen were sad to see it go.

ZRYLW: You mentioned that you purchased this from the Cars of Dreams Museum. Tell us about that…?

Bobby Price: The Cars of Dreams Museum is a showcase of classic vehicles located in Palm Beach County, Florida.

ZRYLW: And it holds auctions?

Bobby Price: Usually when it has an auction, it’s to raise funds for an important cause.

ZRYLW: Can you give us an example?

Bobby Price: The Cars of Dreams Museum holds classic car shows and auctions that benefit everything from the Hospice of Palm Beach County Foundation to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office Shop with a Cop program.

ZRYLW: Sounds like a great place to stop on a vacation!

Bobby Price: It definitely is…

Bobby Price is the owner of Nashville’s premier collision repair provider Price’s Collision Centers. He is an avid automobile collector who says cars have played a major role in his life since childhood.

May Your Smile be Merry and Bright | Holiday Oral Care tips by Edmond Dentist, Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS

Damon Johnson, DDS Make oral health a top priority this winter and avoid tooth damage caused by seasonal treats, says Edmond dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson.

ZRYLW: We know it’s a busy month and we appreciate you pulling away to be here today.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: This time of year it’s especially important to spread the word about caring for your teeth.

ZRYLW: Exactly. That’s what we’d like to chat about if that’s okay?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Yes, ask me anything.

ZRYLW: What is it about the holiday season that entices people to indulge on sugary treats they otherwise turn a blind eye to?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: I think that a lot of it is that it’s there. Couple availability with the good feelings of togetherness and people tend to forget the damage they can do to themselves.

ZRYLW: Does stress play a role in how people care for their teeth from Thanksgiving through the New Year?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Yes! Like you’ve already pointed out, it’s a busy time of year. People simply forget (or have become too exhausted) to brush their teeth!

ZRYLW: Why is it a bad idea to toast the season with wine?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Wines are, by their very nature, highly acidic and sugary. This is a terrible combination for teeth.

ZRYLW: How bad are the inevitable Christmas cookies for your teeth?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Let’s just say as a dentist I am glad this time only comes once a year.

ZRYLW: So… if I do enjoy a treat but I can’t brush immediately?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Keep sugar-free gum on hand.

ZRYLW: Isn’t that bad for your teeth?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: No, it actually helps your mouth produce saliva to wash away the sugars and bacteria.

ZRYLW: Why is jaw soreness so common around this time?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: When people get stressed, they tend to clench their teeth which can strain jaw muscles.

ZRYLW: How can they stop doing that?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: It’s often unconscious – they may not be aware it’s happening or it happens at night during sleep.

ZRYLW: So if it’s a subconscious way to handle stress…can the damage it causes be stopped?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: Your dentist may want to give you a custom mouth guard to wear at night to ease the force on the jaws.

ZRYLW: What is that doesn’t work?

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: As long as it’s worn, a mouthguard will work.

ZRYLW: It looks like we’re out of time for the day. Thanks for stopping by.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: My pleasure.

ZRYLW: Happy New Year, Dr. Johnson.

Edmond dentist, Damon R. Johnson, DDS: And a Happy New Year to you and all your readers.