Hiking Around Springfield, Missouri

Christopher King owns and runs Queen City Motors and Queen City Motors Service Center in Springfield, Missouri. Outside of work, Christopher King of Springfield, Missouri enjoys several recreational activities, such as playing chess, going to the symphony, cooking, and hiking.

There are numerous hiking trails in and around Springfield. Many of them are paved with asphalt or gravel, making them accessible not only for hiking but bicycling, baby-walking, wheelchair users, jogging, and strolling. One very popular such trail is the Springfield Conservation Nature Center Trail. A short 2.1-mile loop on fairly level ground, the trail is located in southeast Springfield and features a boardwalk in marshy areas. This is an excellent trail for a short afternoon walk in a countryside environment.

Just outside the city limits, the Wilson Creek Greenway Trail is another popular multi-use “there-and-back” trail, running from South to North for about 12 miles from Tal’s Trailhead in the South to Rutledge Wilson Farm Park in the North. There are several access points along the trail’s route, which roughly parallels Wilson’s Creek. Partially paved, the trail offers countless opportunities to commune with nature and is appropriate for all skill levels.

For a more rugged experience, hikers can visit the Hercules-Glades Wilderness in the Mark Twain National Forest, about 65 miles southeast of Springfield. It Boasts 32 miles of unsurfaced maintained trails, as well as cross-country hiking. These trails aren’t for beginners and should only be hiked by those with plenty of experience. Camping is permitted, and there are few amenities in this wilderness area, making it an ideal location for a weekend back-to-nature backpacking trip.

The Symphony Orchestra Defined

The owner and president of Queen City Motors and Queen City Motors Service in Springfield, Missouri, Christopher King draws upon a long history in the automotive sales industry. Outside of the professional environment, Christopher King enjoys attending symphony orchestra performances.

Broadly defined, the term “symphony orchestra” can apply to any relatively large musical ensemble that is comprised of different instrument combinations. The orchestra’s origins date back to ancient Egypt.

Today, symphony orchestras generally play classical music and feature instruments that fall into one of the four broad classical instrument families. The conventions of the modern symphony orchestra solidified greatly in the late 1700s when composers began writing parts for stated combinations of instruments.

A full-scale symphony orchestra typically consists of roughly a hundred musicians. These musicians generally break down into approximately 70 stringed instrument players, 16 woodwind players, eight horn players, and five percussionists, one of whom is dedicated to the kettledrum. 

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Car

Christopher King is the president of Queen City Motors in Springfield, Missouri. Besides overseeing auto sales in Joplin, Missouri, Christopher King heads Queen City Motors Service, an auto repair garage in Springfield, Missouri. The company ensures that existing cars stay in good condition.

Many car owners want to ensure their cars last long on the road before replacing them. Here are some ways to make that happen:

1. Make sure you read and acquaint yourself with your car manual thoroughly and follow the recommendations.

2. Change your engine oil monthly. Use only motor oils that are compatible with your car. Check the oil filter regularly. Change the spark plugs after every 30,000 miles.

3. Check the brake pads. Replace them when they are thin or after every 20000 miles, and ensure the brake fluids is adequate. If the brake fluid leaks, take it to the service center immediately. Examine your steering system regularly and change the power steering oil frequently.

4. Make sure the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant are at the right levels. Inspect your tires to ensure they are at the correct pressure. Get them balanced and rotated at regular intervals.

5. Change your engine’s air filter annually. Check the hoses and belts in the engine. If there is a sign of a crack or tear, replace them. Make sure the battery is free from corrosion. Brush it regularly with a water and baking soda solution or dielectric grease to keep corrosion away. 

Factors to Consider before Buying a Used Car

Christopher King, the president of Queen City Motors, has worked in the auto sales industry in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri, since 1999. He also founded Queen City Motors Service Center, a professional car servicing facility. Christopher King specializes in selling used cars and offers vehicle financing services for Springfield, Missouri, residents.

The first factor to take into account when purchasing a used car is your budget. Perform research on used car models that fit your budget. Search for online reviews of the particular car models you have researched to determine if they are worth buying. Then choose which car models you are interested in purchasing.

Look for a dealership that sells certified used cars with warranties. Take a mechanic with you to the dealership to do a complete inspection of the vehicle you want, especially the engine and other mechanical components. Take the car out for a test drive to see how it performs on the road.

Use the car’s Vehicle Identification Number to research its history via online sources. This report reveals if the car was in any accidents, flooding, or any other condition that may affect its durability.

Request the vehicle’s paperwork, including its certification and warranty, to ensure they are in order. Then use your research knowledge to negotiate a reasonable purchase price.