Wednesday, December 30, 2015

2016 Resolutions to Improve Your Year!


New Year’s Eve is often seen as a time of rebirth, the chance to start anew. We all come up with the regular resolutions for the upcoming year (losing weight, seeing family more often and/or falling in love), but often our ideas of what should change are too broad. This New Year’s Eve, we should all vow to take a closer look into our lives. These are the 20 New Year’s resolutions you should consider in 2016:

1. Leave the country. If you don’t have money, look into doing charity work abroad. Some programs will sponsor you. Look at helpx.net, for programs you can get involved with.

2. If you hate your job, get a new job. Money is not worth sacrificing your happiness. Food and shelter are important though, so make sure you have another job lined up before moving on.

3. Stop beating yourself up for skipping the gym on days you truly didn’t have time. But also, stop skipping the gym on days you had plenty of time to go.

4. Rid yourself of enemies. Apologize for what you did wrong and forgive those who have wronged you.

5. Rid yourself of “frenemies.” Don’t spend 2016 surrounded by people you secretly despise.

6. If you find someone attractive, be confident enough to say “hi” and introduce yourself. Every relationship you have ever had started with a greeting.

7. Leave your phone number for someone. Worst-case scenario: you won’t get a call and maybe you’ll feel a tiny bit embarrassed. Regardless of the outcome, you put yourself out there and probably made the other person’s day.

8. Stop caring about how many people “like” your social posts. If you like the photo enough to post it, what else matters? Social media anxiety is a waste of time.

9. Cross something off your bucket list this year! Sky dive, bungee jump, scuba dive, etc. Don’t make excuses as to why you can’t accomplish something, and finally do it.

10. Stop hating yourself for eating dessert. Dessert is delicious.

11. If you’ve never done it before, try keeping a journal. It doesn’t have to be something you use 
daily, but documenting your experiences is incredibly important. You’ll appreciate it later.

12. Strengthen relationships with family members. Don’t regret not spending enough time with the ones you love and admire.

13. Help strangers. “Pay it forward,” do good things for the world — and don’t post a Facebook status about it.

14. Conquer a fear. There’s nothing better than triumphing over your old fears. Go for it!

15. Turn off your smartphone at dinner.

16. Don’t check your social media feed when you’re with friends. Enjoy the present, and live in it – not the virtual version.

17. Try a fashion trend you never thought you could pull off. And, do it with confidence. Floppy hats, snap backs, Harem pants; you can do it!

18. Shop locally, eat locally and recognize where your money is going. Consumers control the economy, so visit the mom-and-pop coffee shop down the street instead of Starbucks. 

19. Stop being so shallow. The next time you find yourself judging someone based on his or her appearance, imagine that person standing in front of you saying, “I’m beautiful.” You’ll start to believe it.

20. And finally, if you want someone to commit to you, vocalize it. Purgatory shouldn’t last forever.


This list is meant to give you ideas on how to help yourself and those around you in the year to come. We hope that some of these ideas can give you the inspiration to make 2016 your best year yet! 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

It's Truck Season, Consider This...


Pickup trucks are one of the most popular choices among vehicle types today. This is because they are ideal vehicles for individuals, families and companies. They can be great for personal use or for business purposes. Pickups are indeed one of the most versatile and dependable vehicles today.

Pickup trucks can also be quite costly though. As such, before buying one, you need to make sure that this is the right type of vehicle for you and it will provide you the best value for your money. Below are some key factors you have to consider when investing in a pickup:

Engine power and size. The size and power of engine you should ultimately choose should depend largely on the main purpose or uses you have for the truck. If you want to buy this type of vehicle for everyday commuting but do not plan on using it to transport large or heavy items, then a 4-cylinder engine can save you money on gas. Four-cylinders are also fine for transporting small payloads; however, if you need to tow something bigger than a small U-Haul trailer, you'll have to choose something bigger. If you plan on using this pickup to tow a boat or bigger trailer, then you will have to go for a V6 or V8 engine. Although trucks with these engines tend to be more expensive, they are more versatile and powerful.

Passenger capacity. Many pickups come standard as two-seaters, with sufficient space for the driver and a single passenger. Trucks with two-person cabs are normally less expensive than trucks with larger cabs. They also come with longer beds. If you will not be transporting many passengers and need more cargo space, the standard cab configuration might be your best choice. But if you need more passenger capacity for friends or family, select one with a larger cab.


4x4 or two-wheel drive. A 4x4 pickup truck is costlier and deciding whether you should choose this option should depend on the regular weather condition where you drive and your driving habits. If you live in a place that doesn't see a lot of rain or snow and simply plan to use your truck for commuting, then a 4x4 truck is unnecessary. This is because going for this option as will considerably reduce your gas mileage. However, if you live in a place where it rains or snows or the weather can be unpredictable and you have plans of driving the pickup off-road for work or pleasure, a 4x4 drive would be better since its improved traction can prevent you from getting stranded in the mud, muck or snow.

Monday, November 30, 2015

Frustrated in the Car? Here's How to Keep Calm

Unless you're fortunate enough to work at home or live next door to your office, there's nothing you can do to avoid the daily commute (no, sleeping in your office doesn't work!). For those who experience heavy traffic, the commute to and from work is a nightmare, something to dread every morning and evening.

But do you really have to hate your commute? Why not find a way to make your commute just a little bit less stressful? Here are a few tips to help you out:

  1. Unplug -- This may be easier said than done, but it's worth the effort! While you're sitting in your car on the way home or to the office, make it a point to ignore the annoying buzzes of text messages, Facebook alerts, or Tweets. Disconnect from all outside communication (unless you are waiting for something important), but focus on the here and now. Listen to music, enjoy a light snack, or practice car meditations. Be in the present, and keep all outside distractions until you get home or to the office.
  2. Listen to audio books -- Story time! What could be more awesome than listening to an epic fantasy, twisted crime novel, or action thriller while sitting in Los Angeles traffic? Audio books will give you something to focus on as you sit and drive, taking your mind off the traffic around you. Not only is it awesome entertainment, but it's great for your brain! You can even listen to self-help or motivational books, promoting education and self-improvement while fighting the stress of traffic.
  3. Leave earlier -- Who says you have to sit in L.A. traffic every day? Rush hour occurs between 7 and 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM, so those are the times you'll want to avoid driving. However, why not leave for work a little earlier? If you're out of the house by 6 AM, you can usually beat the traffic. Do the same at the end of the day (leave around 4 PM), and you'll get home before the traffic gets crazy. If your boss is okay with you shifting your schedule slightly, it will save you a lot of wasted time and stress!
  4. Aromatherapy -- Aromatherapy has been proven to help you relax, so why not try experimenting with soothing scents? You can use air fresheners to flood your car with the relaxing smells of peppermint, jasmine, lavender, and lilies. If you want something stronger, you can purchase an essential oil diffuser designed specifically for car aromatherapy.
No one says you have to hate your commute! Find ways to chill out, relax, and enjoy the drive, and you'll find that the time spent in your vehicle to and from work can be some of your favorite times of the day.



Friday, November 27, 2015

Preventative Winter Car Care Tips

You know there are preventative maintenance items your daily driver needs, but the exact list of things to look after escapes you. Don’t worry! That’s why we’re here.
We will help walk you through the best winter maintenance tips so you can survive until spring comes ‘round the corner again.
WINTER TIRES
Many of today’s vehicles have either front-wheel-drive or some kind of all-wheel-drive. While both do wonderful things for traction, they cannot break the laws of physics. Sudden ice storms, low visibility, or bad driving by “the other guy” are not necessarily overcome by these drive systems. If you live in an area that’s particularly snowy, and/or are not the most confident winter driver, the number-one driver’s aid is a good set of winter tires.
Note that we don’t call them “snow tires” anymore.
Today’s rubber compounds are designed to provide maximum traction in the coldest temperatures, so it’s not just about the tread pattern.
If you plan to keep your vehicle awhile, consider getting your snow tires mounted on dedicated wheels. Although the initial cost seems high, the ease and expense of making the seasonal switch is greatly reduced. If, on the other hand, you have a leased vehicle, or will likely trade for something else soon, you can purchase tires and accept the trade off of paying a little more for the mounting and balancing every six months.

EXTERIOR CARE

If you haven’t waxed your car’s paint yet this year, now is the time to do it. A fresh coat of wax will protect the paint, not so much from the snow, but from the sand, salt, and other stuff that gets mixed in with it. Second, most experts recommend replacing your wiper blades twice a year, in the spring and in the fall. If you forgot to do it last April, get it done now.
Lastly, with shorter days and longer nights than normal, remember that your exterior lights help you both to see and be seen. A quick walk-around will confirm if any bulbs need replacing. You’d rather do that now than in January when it’s minus 10 degrees with the wind chill.

MECHANICAL SERVICE

Much of what’s needed under the hood falls into the “preventative maintenance” category. You want to take care of things before they fail. Trust us, there is no joy in being stuck at the side of the road, especially when winter’s fury is blasting you.
The DIY items here start with topping up the washer fluid. If you’ve been using a 50/50 mix during the summer, switch to 100% from the bottle. Personally, we always buy solvent in quantities of two, and keep one in the trunk. Oil and filter services should be done, as cold-weather driving is strenuous for the engine.
Check the radiator antifreeze level, as it’s the coolant which delivers interior heat.
Jobs for which you’ll likely need professional assistance include testing said antifreeze for proper temperature protection; testing the battery’s condition to help ensure it’ll get your motor running every time, and giving all under hood systems (belts, hoses, other fluid levels) a once-over.

INTERIOR / PERSONAL CARE

Snow, slush, and salt on your shoes will quickly damage your vehicle’s carpeting. A good set of rubber floor liners will pay for themselves in the protection they provide. Because you can never be too prepared, be sure to carry a snow brush, ice scraper, and personal emergency kit as well. We’re not paranoid, but keeping a blanket, flashlight, portable shovel, and non-perishable snacks tucked into the trunk will make us feel better.
If you take care of only the tires, wiper blades, and fluids, you will still be ahead of most of the driving population in winter preparedness. If you attend to everything on our list, you’re almost guaranteed to make it through the winter unscathed.
Our best advice is to print out this list and use it annually as your winter check sheet.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Tips To Consider When Buying Your First New Car



Buying new cars is something that can cause uncertainty. While the process does get easier each time, the first purchase can be quite intimidating if you aren't sure exactly how to go about it. Here are some tips that can help you when it comes time to buy your very first vehicle.

The first thing you should do is establish a budget. Your budget should be realistic and reflect what you are able to pay monthly when looking at new cars. Unless you are able to pay cash for the vehicle, you will be financing the cost. Look at your cost of living when it comes to food, shelter, insurance, and other spending habits. Once you have taken a good look at that and your income, you will have a better idea of what you can afford to spend on a car payment, insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

After you have decided what you can afford, then you need to take a close look at your needs. While there are many fun new cars, purchasing the vehicle that is best suited for you and your lifestyle is a wise choice. Unless you have excess funds, buying a vehicle that is bigger, better, faster, or fancier can cost you more in insurance, maintenance, and fuel.

Now it's time to research new cars. Luckily, learning more about the vehicles that you are considering is quite easy. You can learn more about cars and their features by looking at our site. After you have researched, you can have a more effective shopping process on our lot.

Are you ready to start looking at new cars in person? Come into our dealership and speak with one of our sales associates. The next thing you should do is take a test drive. While you may find all the information you think you need online, you still want to know how the vehicle feels when you sit in it and drive. Is the seat height adequate? How does the steering feel? Do you like the layout of the controls? There is a lot more to a vehicle than what it looks like and its ratings and features so be sure to do a test drive before making a final decision.

After you have shopped around and decided on a vehicle to purchase, you should learn more about your financing options. Depending on your credit history, the down payment you can afford, and other factors, you may have finance options. Speak with our dealership’s finance department about these, we can help you fit the car of dreams into your budget.

Purchasing a new vehicle is exciting, but it is something you should learn about before signing on the dotted line. Use the information shared here to help you make the most informed decision.

Making a Car Safety Kit


If you have a car, prepare an emergency car kit and keep it in the vehicle. A car emergency kit is one of those things that you don't think much about until it's too late. Then you'll wish you didn't leave home without one. Every car should have some essential items in a location that can be easily reached by the driver in an emergency, but not so accessible that a child can get into it.


The basic emergency kit for cars should include the following items:

1. Charged cell phone. It may make the difference between getting help fast and maybe not getting help at all.

2. First-aid kit. It should include Band-Aids, adhesive tape, gauze pads, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream or ointment, and anything particular to you or your family.

3. Three reflective warning triangles to be placed 50 feet apart in case of emergency to warn oncoming traffic.

4. Blankets or sleeping bags.

5. Tire gauge to periodically check the air pressure in their spare tire.

6. Properly inflated spare tire.

7. Waterproof flashlights and extra batteries.

8. Plastic bottled water for drinking.

9. Non-perishable food, such as nuts and energy bars.

10. Windshield ice scraper.

11. Battery jumper cables.

12. Warning light or roadside flares.

13. Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

14. Family and emergency contact information.

Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Take Care of Your Vehicle This October

October is Fall Car Care Month, and the Car Care Council reminds motorists that checking their vehicles before the temperatures drop is a sensible way to avoid being stranded out in the cold and the unexpected expense of emergency repairs.

“The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. Winter magnifies existing problems like hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Whether you perform the check or maintenance yourself or go to the repair shop, it’s a small investment of time and money to ensure peace of mind, and help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during severe weather.”


The Car Care Council recommends the following Fall Car Care Month checklist to make sure your vehicle is ready for cold winter weather ahead.

Heating, Wipers & Lights
  • Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
  • Consider winter wiper blades and use cold-weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
  • Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

Tires & Brakes

  • Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads.
  • During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
  • Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.

Gas, Oil & Filters

  • Keep your gas tank at least half full throughout the cold weather to prevent moisture from forming in gas lines and possibly freezing.
  • Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate.
  • Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.

System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust

  • Have the battery and charging system checked, as cold weather is hard on batteries.
  • Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
  • Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

Pack the Essentials

  • Make sure that your ice scraper and snow brush are accessible and ready to use.
  • Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, nonperishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.


Source - carcare.org

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

9 Tire Myths: Fact or Fiction?

People may know a lot about cars but when it comes to tires, it's a big zero. Today we will be busting some myths about tires.

  • Myth: Tires should be inflated according to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall. 
  • Fact: Indication on the sidewall is the tire's maximum inflation pressure, not the recommended pressure. Follow inflation pressure recommendations in the Car owner's manual or written on the door post.
  • Myth: A tread pattern is required for great traction on dry roads. 
  • Fact: A tire without any tread provides the best results dry traction due to the maximum amount of rubber touching the road. A tread pattern, with its groove voids, actually lessens this traction on dry roads. The role of tread is to act as a squeegee in wet conditions and removes water from under the tire and channels it through the grooves for improved wet traction. 
  • Myth: Performance tires wear out faster because of the sticky compounds. 
  • Fact: Partly true but tread rubber polymers aren't the reason. In fact, advancements like new polymers and ultra-tensile steel constructions make performance tires last longer now. Performance tires average about 45,000 miles in tread life, comparable to the figures for family-car passenger tires. Fast wear is usually due to high speeds and aggressive driving. 
  • Myth: Wide tires provide better traction under all weather conditions. Installing oversize snow tires on a car delivers better snow traction. 
  • Fact: Completely wrong. Wide tires have a tendency float on deep snow, and the tread lugs are unable to dig through to the road surface and gain traction. Narrow tires provide better traction in snow conditions. Narrow tire cut through the snow easier and provides traction. 
  • Myth: All-season tires sufficient for even winter season. 
  • Fact: Can be true for certain regions but in places where snow remains on the roads for days winter tires are the best. 
  • Myth: Tires should not be rotated from side to side, only front to back. 
  • Fact: Radial tires can be crossed from side to side in the rotation pattern unlike the bias ply tires. Regular tire rotation every 6000 to 8000 miles ensures uniform wear for all tires on a vehicle. 
  • Myth: New tires should be put on the drive-wheel position to get the most traction. 
  • Fact: True only on a rear-drive vehicle. Always, install new tires on the rear axle. Most tire buyers purchase new tires for the drive-wheel position to get the most traction. However, by doing so they transfer most of their traction capabilities from the rear. The vehicle is more prone to over steer. 
  • Myth: The government tests tires for traction, temperature resistance, and treadwear and assigns grades molded onto the sidewall. 
  • Fact: Uniform Tire Quality Grading is a federal law that makes it mandatory for tire manufacturers to grade their own tires for tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance. Tire manufacturers test tires and assign their own grades and not some government authority. 
  • Myth: An undulation on a tire sidewall is supposed to be a weak spot and can lead to tire failure. 
  • Fact: An undulation is created where materials overlap each other in the tire carcass, and it actually is the strongest part of the tire.

Friday, August 28, 2015

12 Tire Changing Steps


This is a quick run-down on what to know and steps to take when changing a flat tire. We’re sure there are more tips than this, but these are good universal tips for all of us.

  1. Pull your vehicle as far over or even off the main road if possible for safety.

  1. Locate the jack and tire wrench in your vehicle. If you are unsure where it is, pull out the manual and look it up. Many times it is located in the trunk somewhere.

  1. Follow the instructions in your manual or on the jack to place the jack in the correct spot underneath and get it snug on the frame while not quite raising it up yet.

  1. Take your wrench and start to loosen each lug nut just a little so each is started.

  1. Once they are loose, go ahead and jack the vehicle up until the vehicle tire is off the ground.

  1. Once off the ground, loosen all the lug nuts until they come off. Pull the flat tire straight off. If you pull at an angle the rim may catch on the bolt threads and make it difficult to pull off.

  1. Roll the old tire off to behind the vehicle, and grab your spare tire. Many times the spare will look smaller than the original. That is because it is just made to be a temporary tire to get you to the tire garage and get the flat tire repaired or replaced.

  1. Take your spare tire and line up the bolt holes with the rim with the bolts or holes on the hub and try to put it straight on.

  1. Holding the tire on with one hand, take one of your tire bolts and start to screw it into the top hole. Once that is tight enough to hold the rim on, hand tighten the rest of the bolts on.

  1. Take your wrench and firmly snug them all up using a criss cross pattern instead of going clock-wise or counter-clockwise.

  1. Slowly lower the jack so the tire is now on the ground. Give each bolt a good turn to make sure they are all tight.

  1. Don't forget to put the jack and wrench back in their compartments, and throw the flat in your trunk. Since most spares are temporary it is wise to head straight to the tire center and have your tire fixed or replaced as soon as possible.

Follow these steps to keep your frustrations to a minimum with your unfortunate circumstance. If you ever feel you are in an unsafe area, call a tow truck to either change it for you or tow you to a garage that can help.

Monday, August 24, 2015

4 Featured Technologies That Seem Like A Blast From The Future

In 2015, we have become accustomed to being surrounded by gadgets that would have seemed a fantasy 50 years ago. From inter-connecting smart phones to fully functioning robotics, we are at the precipice of a technological revolution. For many of us drivers, however, we are firmly rooted in the last generation, driving around in cars that haven't changed much in many years, apart from some new bells and whistles. However, automotive technologies are being developed that will radicalize how we drive and experience driving. Here are 5 that are guaranteed to impress any motor heads.
Augmented Reality Dashboards
At one point, GPS technology would have seemed a million miles away from a trusty atlas or road map, but today we are closer to ever to having a full navigation system built into the windscreen. This will be displayed through different types of glasses that will display different information to the driver in real time. This will display not only directional advice, but will display the speedometer, parking sensors, rev counter, fuel gauge and other aspects of the cars computer. Through touch screen controls, drivers will be able to control every facet of their vehicle from the screen, including air conditioning, radio, windows and headlights. Perhaps the most futuristic is the ability to zoom in on parts of the road so drivers can see obstacles up ahead more clearly. If put into place, this could help improve drivability but also keep drivers and there passengers safer.
Solar Roadways
Solar powered LED roadways have the potential to change the world in a way that many other technologies could only dream of. Designed to not only illuminate our roads and display dynamic traffic information, but actually charge electric cars wirelessly whilst they drive. This would revolutionize how we fuel our cars and completely transform the automotive economy. This would make electric cars a true alternative to petrol and diesel powered cars, and lead towards us improving our carbon emissions by an inexplicable amount. Imagine never having to refuel your car manually while driving around on illuminated LED roads! There are even plans to make the panels heated that will melt any snow or ice that has accumulated on the LED panels, which will then be filter to a water treatment center to use within the water supply. However, there are some questions about how economically feasible these plans are and how the roads will be constructed and maintained. However, the city of Sandport, US, is going to become the first city to have the panels by installing them within a parking lot.
Fully Autonomous Cars
This has been speculated for a long time but, in 2015, they are finally testing fully autonomous cars on public roads. A recent report suggested that by 2035, nearly 75 per cent of vehicles sold will have automatic driving capability. Google have actually been planning to make it a reality within 5 years, so we could have driverless cars sooner than we think. Whilst we have had components such as self-parking cars, completely driverless cars would revolutionize how we navigate our roads and motorways. However, there have been some initial problems; for instance, Google's attempt at a driverless car cannot tell the difference between a rock and a piece of litter that has drifted into the road and subsequently attempts to drive round both of them in the same way. Also, there are some moral questions about how much it will actually improve road safety and whether people will actually want to put their life in the hands of a computer program. Nevertheless, envisioning a future where we are essentially driven around by robots definitely seems like something out of science fiction.
External Airbags
Many of us have been involved in some form of accident on the roads, sometimes costing a lot of money in repairs. However, this could be all change if external side airbags are fitted on cars. Side crashes currently account for around 40 percent of all traffic accidents and we could now see a dramatic reduction in the damage these crashes cause. The airbags are designed to deploy in 20 - 30 milliseconds and protect the vehicle from the impact. This is being developed alongside cameras that will detect the moment the airbag needs to be triggered. When completed, this design could bring about a massive transformation in road safety.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

How to Parallel Park Like a Pro!


Do you have what it takes to park like a pro? Here's a quick how-to that will dramatically elevate your parallel parking game. Hosted by Unbox Therapy's Lewis Hilsenteger.



Friday, July 10, 2015

Top 4 Reasons to Avoid Parking Under Trees!


In these hot summer months, the temptation to search for shade in which to park is very high, especially if you have leather interior. Nobody enjoys the feeling of leaving a restaurant or returning to their car from running errands and then hopping in a scorching seat. To top it off, you have to sit in the sun while your car cools down because your steering wheel is as hot as a stove top! Everybody appreciates a chance at avoiding this discomfort.


Unfortunately, parking under trees is not a solution. While you can certainly park your car in the shade of a distant tree or nearby building, there are numerous reasons why you should never park your car directly under a tree, no matter if it is in your driveway or a parking lot. Here are the top 4 reasons to stay away from trees, no matter how shady they are:

1. Bird droppings are no fun. If you are like most people, you do not appreciate seeing a smear of droppings across your windshield or around your door. It almost seems as if birds do this on purpose, especially if your car is new or has just been washed and waxed. Not only are these gifts from above unsightly and gross, especially if they land on your door handles, they can also be harmful to your vehicle. Bird droppings can fade and chip paint over time, leaving stains that never go away, no matter how hard these areas are scrubbed. It is recommended that you wash off bird droppings as soon as possible. Parking under a tree invites feathered fiends--which love resting and nesting in trees, of course--to turn your car into a toilet.

2. When bad weather strikes, you should feel lucky to be indoors. You can be safe and dry inside a building and leave your car unattended in the storm. The most common case of foul weather, light rain, is no big deal to your vehicle. However, if you are parked under a tree, even the slightest winds and rain can lead to a major problem for your car. Loose branches and sticks can easily fall onto it, scratching your paint job or even damaging your glass. If the weather gets very intense, the entire tree could fall on your vehicle. A windshield replacement is simple and affordable enough, but what do you do when your entire roof or hood is smashed in?

3. The only perk to parking under a tree is its shade. However, there are simple solutions to beating the hot sun. You can have your windows tinted, replace them with pre-tinted glass, or put up a simple sun visor. These things might seem like relics from the 80s and 90s but they are still perfectly effective at bouncing sunlight away from your car, which keeps it cool.

4. Not only do birds love leaving their droppings on cars, but they will also love standing on your car. Trees do not only attract birds. Cats may venture by for a hunt and climb atop your vehicle with their dirty paws and sharp claws. Squirrels, mice, raccoons and other small animals may also climb onto your vehicle, eat atop it, and leave nutshells, dirt, and stray hairs behind as they participate in the little ecosystem around the tree. Heaven forbid one of these larger animals should urinate or leave droppings on your car. 

While many of these problems seem unlikely, you could also say that car accidents are unlikely. Everyone knows, though, that when it comes to your vehicle and safety, you should do everything you can to prevent damage. Avoid parking under trees to minimize these risks.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

The 2016 Ford F-150 Continues to Innovate


The 2016 Ford F-150, part of Ford F-Series, America’s best-selling truck for 38 years, continues to innovate with the addition of breakthrough towing technology, new Special Edition Appearance Packages, SYNC 3 and alternative fuel capability.
All-new Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes it easier for drivers of all skill levels to back a trailer up to launch a boat or park in a driveway. The segment-first technology allows customers to steer a trailer instinctively by turning a knob left or right to indicate direction; the truck controls its steering and limits vehicle speed. Leveraging advanced camera technology, Ford engineers developed the system and tested it for almost a decade. Along the way, Ford earned five patents for the technology, with 10 more pending.
The Special Edition Packages for XLT and Lariat further personalize F-150 to customer tastes, adding all-new unique 20-inch premium anodized dark-painted aluminum wheels with red sport lettering, black running boards, smoked headlamps, unique bodyside graphics and badging, special edition seats with Alcantara® inserts, red contrast stitching and red bolsters, and unique red stitching on the steering wheel, transmission gear selector boot and instrument panel. This package also features a dark anodized grille with black mesh on XLT while the Lariat dark anodized grille receives red accents.
F-150 also features SYNC 3 – Ford’s newest communications and entertainment system that features enhanced voice recognition, high-speed performance and capacitive touch screen and easier-to-understand graphical interface.
Responding to customer requests, the 2016 Ford F-150 with the 5.0-liter V8 engine will offer a gaseous-fuel prep option, making it the only light-duty pickup capable of running on compressed natural gas or propane.
New features and color choices
Other changes for the 2016 F-150 include:
  • SYNC 3 replaces Sync with MyFord Touch
  • XLT and Lariat models add available Special Edition Appearance Package (requires Sport Appearance Package)
  • Shadow Black replaces Tuxedo Black
  • Lithium Gray replaces Guard Metallic
  • 20-inch machined aluminum wheels with painted silver pockets available on XL

Going Green has Never Been Easier!


Motorists can do their part to help the environment by practicing a few 'earth-friendly' car care habits, note the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). It all comes down to timely vehicle maintenance and non-aggressive driving.
Here are specific suggestions from ASE:
  • Slow down. Speeding and hard accelerations waste gasoline. Use cruise-control on highways to maintain a steady pace. When waiting for friends or family, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands.
  • Lighten up. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle to reduce weight.
  • Don't pollute. Dispose of used motor oil, antifreeze/coolant, and old batteries properly. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government. Keep the engine running at its peak-a misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Replace filters and fluids as recommended by the owner's manual.
  • Get pumped. Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned. Under-inflated tires waste fuel by forcing the vehicle's engine to work harder. Moreover, properly maintained tires last longer, saving you money and lessening the burden at landfills.
  • Know your limitations. If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a good technician. Ask friends for recommendations. Check the reputation of the repair shop with your local consumer group. Check out the technicians' credentials. ASE-certified professionals have passed one or more national exams in specialties such as engine performance and air conditioning.
  • Don't try this at home. Your car's air conditioner should be serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. The air conditioners in older vehicles contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which can be released into the atmosphere through improper service.
  • Instant karma. In addition to helping the environment, routine maintenance will help your vehicle last longer, get better gas mileage, and command a higher resale price. Pretty cool.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Meet One Of The World's Fastest Shelby GT500 Mustangs | Metro Ford Chicago

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In the world of drag racing, you usually do your best to get optimal traction off the line. Still, there are lots of rear wheel driven beasts out there that happen to do just fine.

Such is the case with this, the Kinetik Motorsport Shelby Mustang GT500 - a car that isn't just fast, but looks fantastic as well.

The GT500 is a proper muscle car, so if muscle is what you're going for, look no further than this modified version. Now, imagine unleashing 1,173 WHP and no fewer than 1,059 lb-ft (1,435 Nm) of torque through your rear tires. That's Bugatti Veyron territory!

In its debut at the Texas Mile, it managed to hit 209.3 mph (336 km/h), which isn't a record, but still, very impressive. As far as fast Mustangs go, there aren't many that can top this one.

Besides the 4.7 liter supercharger, this car also has a limited slip differential, Griggs GR40SS suspension, Koni coilovers, a Magnaflow 3" catback exhaust with competition mufflers, American Racing 2" primary long tube headers and Baer Extreme front and rear brake discs.

Naturally, you can go faster at the Texas Mile. Build yourself something like this Hennessey-tuned Ford GT and you'll make 209 mph look like child's play.

However, in terms of Mustangs, we'll take this particular one any day.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

5 steps to get the best car finance with bad credit | Metro Ford Chicago



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Finding a fair deal on car finance with bad credit isn’t like searching for a needle in a field full of haystacks. There is a logical order to things sometimes. Finding good bad credit car loans might take a bit longer but it’s entirely possible – and worth it. Just keep in mind that bad credit car loans will usually attract higher interest rates than “regular” or mainstream car loans. If you follow these steps, you could find a deal that will eventually reduce your debts in the long term.
 
1. Do your homework
Currently, you’re likely only about two or three steps away from something that can search the internet at any given time. Having that in mind, you can research bad credit car loan options using your computer, phone or tablet. Find as many brokers and financiers as possible and see what they offer. See which sites offer no-obligation quotes to get an idea of what you’ll pay.

2. Ignore the “zero percent” and “one percent” dealer finance offers
You might be tempted to take the “zero percent” finance or “low rate” finance offers that car dealers often peddle. Don’t fall for them! These “deals” have many hidden traps. You might not be able to negotiate the price and end up paying a lot more than you bargained for. If you want to get back into good credit, don’t take the “easy way out” – it often isn’t.

3. Check your credit history
This step is crucial – check your credit history so you are better prepared when you eventually settle on a broker. Your credit history is the first aspect your chosen financier will assess when figuring out your eligibility for a loan. Your credit history might have errors in it. It’s your responsibility to fix them if they occur. This could improve your credit standing.

4. Set a reasonable budget – and stick to it
Once you have a couple of brokers or lenders that you’re comfortable with, it’s time to go car shopping. Keep in mind that lenders see people with bad credit as higher risks. It’s worth your while to budget conservatively. If possible, you should provide rough estimates to your lender, showing you can comfortably take on a large debt such as a car loan.

5. Do your homework round 2: researching your lender
So you’ve picked a lender or two and you’re ready to apply. Before you do, check out your lender a bit more closely. Do they have positive user reviews on sites like WOMO.com.au? Have they been around in the industry for a reasonable amount of time? Do they have a current Australian Credit Licence? You can check using the ASIC website. You can never be too careful!