Rick Hayes, the BDC manager at Dave Sinclair Buick GMC is an Olympic torch runner for the Special Olympics. So for the month of August we interviewed Rick to highlight his experience with torches and the Special Olympics.
Question #1: How did you get involved in the Special Olympics?
In 1995, my supervisor and now great friend asked me to “go on a run with him”. At the time, I had no idea the run would be for the Special Olympics; when I stood among all the other runners and Special Olympic athletes I was hooked.
Question #2: How long have you been involved in the Special Olympics?
I have been involved in some way or another for 21 years.
Question #3: How did you get selected to carry the torch?
Each state and each country involved in The “Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics” gets to submit one person to represent them for the Torch Run that raises awareness in the country and area where the games are going to be held. The final day of the run is into the stadium where the Torch is lit signifying the opening of the games, just like the regular Olympic Games. I was selected for my year round commitment to Missouri Special Olympics.
Question #4: How long did you have to run for?
My team and I ran 60 miles in 8 days in Washington State, Idaho and Canada.
Question #5: Did you train for it?
I trained for about 9 months to be able to run a certain mile pace over a certain distance per day.
Question #6: Did you get to keep the torch?
We had one torch assigned to our team and we had a Special Olympic Athlete from Australia with our group and we gave the torch to her to represent all of us. I have lots of pictures and it was very emotional.
Question #7: What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
My greatest memory was seeing all 50 states in the US represented, all provinces of Canada represented and 39 other countries from around the world who were able to send athletes to participate in the games. I escorted the athletes from the country of Tunisia into the stadium who had never seen snow before. I will never forget their smiles.
The All-New Buick Envision
What is the Buick Envision? It’s the SUV in a world of wannabe SUVs. It is literally a vision to look upon.
While the finely-crafted luxury interior of the Envision draws inspiration from the Enclave, the Envision’s platform is not shared by any other U.S. vehicles. Noticeably smaller than the Enclave, the Envision only seats five, but its slimmer body enhances fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
What powers the Envision? A direct-injected turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that properly balances the need for power and fuel efficiency. This four-cylinder engine produces 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque while yielding 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
What else does the Envision feature?
You’ll find premium materials and top technology. Dual power seats, front and outboard-rear seat heaters, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio, a power liftgate, three-zone climate control and lane-keep assist are all standard features.
The Envision’s Intellilink infotainment command center is offered in a 4-inch or 8-inch touchscreen and gives drivers Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, AM and FM radio – plus apps like Pandora.
Want to learn more? Reach out to Dave Sinclair Buick GMC and schedule a test drive.
Hot Weather Driving Tips
Summer is about road trips, vacations, swimming pools, beaches, sunscreen and sometimes uncomfortable heat. Keep you and your car cool this summer with a few hot weather driving tips from Dave Sinclair Buick GMC.
Check coolant levels.
Low coolant levels allow your vehicle’s engine to overheat, so make sure the coolant in your vehicle’s engine is at the suggested level. When you check the coolant, make sure you check it when the engine is cold. Hot engines may still have boiling coolant which can spray. A 50/50 ratio of water and antifreeze is typical standard practice for coolant.
Check the air conditioner and cooling fan.
Checking the air conditioner at the beginning of summer is mainly for your comfort. It won’t hurt your vehicle if you don’t run the air conditioner, but it’s good to know it’s working properly should you need it. If the air doesn’t seem cold, you might need an air conditioner recharge or there might be a leak. If the cooling fan isn’t running when the air conditioner is on high, then have it checked. It could be a worn fan clutch, which can cause the engine to overheat.
Check the oil.
You should always check engine oil levels year round, and because summer heat can make a car’s engine work extra hard, it’s good practice to use heavier viscosity oil during the summer.
Check the tires.
Underinflated tires can cause blowouts due to the extreme heat. For that reason, it’s good practice to not only check tire pressure regularly but also check tire tread wear. If the tire is old and worn, consider getting new tires.
Summer Car Care Tips
Summer heat is nearly upon us. In light of that fact, Dave Sinclair Buick GMC would like to offer a few summer car care tips.
Change and Check Oil Regularly
Engine oil is pivotal for an engine to work. Without it, it will lock up. Ideal oil levels help improve your engine’s performance and help prevent the formation of particles within the engine. Always monitor oil levels regularly.
Monitor The Cooling System
Summer heat his hard on a working engine. Make sure antifreeze levels are always full. When you check fluid levels, be sure to never remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
Tire pressure
Summer heat expands air pressure in your tire so it’s good to check them regularly to make sure your tires maintain optimal air pressure during summer months.
Air conditioning
Sweating while driving is not fun. If you’re air vents barely shoot out cold air then you might want to consider an air conditioning recharge.
Windshield wipers
Effective windshield wipers combat visibility issues in summer rain storms. If the windshield wipers on your vehicle are torn or struggle to clear the windshield in a light drizzle, it’s time to get new windshield wipers.
Car Wash Cleanse
Summer road trips tend to make cars collect dirt and bugs. If you want that new car gleam, take it to the car wash.
Five Places To Take Your Sierra 1500
There isn’t just one right season to own a truck. All seasons are right for a truck. Now that spring is here, Dave Sinclair Buick GMC wants to remind you to let your GMC Sierra take you to new places. Life is about living and experiencing. So jump into your GMC Sierra and venture forth. St. Louis, MO is surrounded by many great places to visit.
1. Big River is about 50 miles south of St. Louis in the city of De Soto. It’s home to a swimming hole and a beach. Camping, hiking and biking are top choices here.
2. Arcadia Valley is about an hour and a half drive south of St. Louis – a place where natural scenery flourishes. It’s a home to camping, fishing, float trips, hiking and more.
3. There are plenty of Missouri State Parks near St. Louis, ranging from Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park to Washington State Park. Pick one you haven’t been too and explore.
4. Head to Steelville, MO and take a float trip through Bass River Resort. It’s about an hour and a half drive from St. Louis.
5. If you’re a boat owner, head to the Lake of the Ozarks. It’s a little farther than some other places on our list, but the beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks makes the drive worth it. Pack your truck bed with camping and fishing gear, and connect your boat or camper.
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