INSIDE RALPH

Start – Niagara Falls State Park If the national parks were America’s Best Idea, then Niagara Falls State Park was New York’s Best Idea. Established in 1885, it’s the oldest state park in the country, created by noted landscape architect Fredrick Law Olmsted (also designer of New York City’s Central Park). Niagara Falls State Park is filled with vistas that are ever-changing throughout the seasons. This park’s 400 acres allows visitors to experience the natural essence of the falls as well as some classic American attractions.

First, head to the free Observation Tower for a spectacular view of American and Bridal View Falls with Horseshoe Falls in the distance. Then, descend in the elevator to an attraction almost as famous as the falls themselves – the Maid of the Mist boat tour, in operation since 1846 and now using electric ferries. Brace yourself aboard the ship’s deck and enjoy a ride directly into the whitewater spray itself.

Next, take in Niagara’s power on a hike to the Cave of the Winds. Wooden walkways and staircases affixed to the walls of the Niagara Gorge lead to a “Hurricane Deck” buffeted by tropical storm-force winds and water. Is it fun? Fun doesn’t do it justice. Let the rush of the purifying water wash your stress away.

After encountering Niagara’s fury during the Maid of the Mist tour and Cave of the Winds walk, dry off, decompress and contemplate the park’s beauty and the foresight of preserving this swath of nature. Board one of the State Park trolleys that guide you deeper into the park, hopping on and off to explore Terrapin Point, Three Sisters Island, gardens, walking paths and the sublime serenity of the land.

— 11 YEARS — Israel Burgado – Maintenance — 9 YEARS — Mike Morrill — Sales Manager — 6 YEARS — Jim Hunter — Finance Manager — 3 YEARS — Bree Young — BDC —2 YEARS — Fred Bedet — Parts —1 YEAR — Jason Bentzel — Painter Logan Miller — Detail

Air Conditioning As the temperature rises, your A/C must work harder to keep your vehicle cool. Check A/C performance before traveling. A lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects everyone but is particularly dangerous for people who are in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults.

Heatstroke The summertime months have proven to be especially deadly for children when it comes to hot car deaths. Heatstroke in vehicles often occurs when a child is left unattended in a parked vehicle or manages to get into an unattended vehicle. Never leave children alone in the car—not even for a few minutes. Vehicles heat up quickly. Even if the outside temperature is in the 70’s and the windows are cracked, the temperature in a vehicle can rapidly reach deadly levels. A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adults. Visit NHTSA.gov/Heatstroke to learn more tips and reminders to prevent heatstroke.

Belts and Hoses High summer temperatures accelerate the rate at which rubber belts and hoses degrade. Look under the hood and inspect all belts and hoses to make sure there are no signs of bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts in the rubber. It’s best to replace them now if they show signs of obvious wear. While you’re at it, make sure all hose connections are secure.

Tires Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is listed in your owner’s manual and on a placard located on the driver’s door pillar or door frame, and don’t forget to check your spare if your vehicle is equipped with one. To get an accurate reading, check pressure when tires are cold, meaning they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle. A tire doesn’t have to be punctured to lose air. All tires naturally lose some air over time. In fact, underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure.

Some other tips: Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips. Look closely at your tread and replace tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires. Look for the built-in wear bar indicators or use the penny test to determine when it’s time to replace your tires. Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your vehicle needs new tires. If you find uneven wear across the tires’ tread, it means your tires need rotation and/or your wheels need to be aligned before you travel. Check each tire’s age. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use. Tires for electric vehicles are heavier, but all tires require the same maintenance. Low-rolling-resistance tires for conventional vehicles could also have lower tread life.

An inspection is not just about checking tire pressure and age. Remember to check: for any damage or conditions that may need attention. the tread and sidewalls for any cuts, punctures, bulges, scrapes, cracks, or bumps. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch or greater on all tires; and your spare tire. If you find tire damage, take your vehicle to Ralph Honda for repair/replacement.

Cooling System Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle, and that the coolant meets the manufacturer’s specifications. See your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations on coolant. You or a mechanic should check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace old coolant as needed.

Fluid Level Check your vehicle’s oil level periodically. As with coolant, if it’s time or even nearly time to have the oil changed, now would be a good time to do it. Also check the following fluid levels: brake, automatic transmission or clutch, power steering, windshield washer. Make sure each reservoir is full; if you see any signs of fluid leakage, take your vehicle in to be serviced.

Batteries Have a mechanic check your battery and charging system and make any necessary repairs or replacements. For hybrid-electric vehicles, keep gasoline in the tank to support the gasoline engine.

Lights Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.

Wiper Blades After the heavy toll imposed by winter storms and spring rains, windshield wiper inserts may need to be replaced. Like rubber belts and hoses, wiper inserts are vulnerable to the summer heat. Examine your blades for signs of wear and tear on both sides. The blades can also deform and fail to work properly in both directions. If they aren’t in top condition, invest in new ones before you go.

Floor Mats Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle may interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mat. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.

Ingredients 1/4 cup sour cream 1-1/4 cups cold milk, divided 3 Tbsp. sugar 2-1/4 cups all-purpose baking mix 1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding 1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed, divided 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries 1/3 cup sugar

Directions 1. Heat oven to 425°F. 2. Whisk sour cream, 1/2 cup milk and 3 Tbsp.sugar in large bowl until blended.Add baking mix; stir just until moistened. Spread onto bottom of 9-inch round pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 12 to 15 min. or until golden brown. Cool 10 min.; remove to wire rack. Cool completely. 3. Beat pudding mix and remaining milk in medium bowl with whisk 2 min. Stir in half the COOL WHIP. Toss strawberries with 1/3 cup sugar. 4. Cut cake horizontally in half; stack layers on plate, filling with half the strawberry mixture and all the pudding mixture. Top with remaining COOL WHIP, then strawberry mixture.

Recipe credit: myfoodandfamily.com

Congratulations to Jorden (Service BDC) & Gordon Tonas on the birth of their 1st child! Wesley Allen Tonas Born 6/22/23 at 8:02 AM | 6lbs 14oz | 20″ long

7/29 – 7/30: Canandaigua Lakefront Art Show lakefrontartshow.com 7/29 – 7/30: Spencerport Canal Days spencerportcanaldays.com 8/3 – 8/5: Puerto Rican Festival 8/5-8/6: Park Ave Summer Arts Festival www.rochesterevents.com 8/11: ZooBrew senecaparkzoo.org

585.225.3200 3939 W Ridge Rd | Rochester, NY 14626 www.RalphHonda.com Sales Hours Mon – Thu: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Fri – Sat: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm