Have you been looking to purchase a used car? With recent flooding I thought it was important for you to know the signs of water damage when you are searching for a used car. Flood or water damage can be very difficult to detect but you do not want to sink your money into a flood damaged vehicles. I will cause an even bigger headache then you could ever imagine. So when you are out searching for a used vehicle at your Cincinnati automotive dealer I hope you remember these tips from Consumer Reports.
Here are some hints of what to look for:
Inspect the carpets to see if they are wet, damp, or muddy.
Check the seat-mounting screws to see if there is any evidence that they have been removed. To dry the carpets, the seats must be removed, not generally a part of normal maintenance.
Inspect the lights. Headlights and taillights are expensive to replace, and a visible water line may still show on the lens or reflector.
Inspect the difficult-to-clean places, such as gaps between panels in the trunk and under the hood. Waterborne mud and debris may still appear in these places.
Look for mud or debris on the bottom edges of brackets or panels, where it wouldn’t settle naturally.
Look at the heads of any unpainted exposed screws under the dashboard. Unpainted metal in flood cars will show signs of rust.
Check if the rubber drain plugs under the car and on the bottom of doors look as if they have been removed recently. It may have been done to drain floodwater.
If you need to dig deeper, remove a door panel to see whether there is a water mark on the inside.
If you are from an area impacted by a flood and have a car that was not damaged, be aware that buyers may still suspect that it was. Consider having a mechanic inspect the car before you sell it so that you can present potential buyers with a clean bill of health.
Likewise, months and even years after a major event like the Tennessee flooding, damaged cars can surface in other parts of the country. It best to be vigilant when considering a used-car purchase.
Here is a video from Car Fax on what to look for.
Let me know what you think about these tips. Have you ever bought a flood damaged car?
I recently saw a story on the news about an elderly man accidentally hitting the accelerator instead of the brake and plowing through a convenient store window front and it got me thinking…. My parents are getting up there in age and they still drive. They are still very smart, bright people but my concern was on the cars. Are those cars safe? How do we keep our parents and grandparents safer? Not because they shouldn’t be driving. They need to be able to see the speed limit they are driving, the GPS better, be comfortable etc. What kind of cars or SUV’s are better for older people to drive? I came across a story from Consumer Reports and was more than happy about the information they gave me regarding cars for older drivers. When searching for a new or used car for your older parents or family maybe these tips will help you.
Here’s the story from Consumer Reports for you to read:
Recent data on how the US population will “age” significantly in the next 40 years or so and how to keep that aging population driving safely makes certain aspects of any new vehicle purchase for this older age group particularly important.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a resource that outlines smart features for mature drivers. Specifically this resource addresses a number of afflictions that may impact an older person’s driving ability and comfort behind the wheel, and outlines vehicle features that may best address those afflictions.
Not surprisingly, items such as ease-of-access, larger displays and controls and good visibility that AAA suggests shoppers look for in a safe and comfortable car for an older driver are also ones that we focus on in our suggested vehicles for that same age group.
The list below summarizes features to look for when buying a new vehicle for an older driver, as well as specific suggestions of vehicles that meet those criteria. We strongly urge any older drivers looking for a new vehicle, or who may be facing some “aging issues” within the life of their next vehicle to take a look.
Lets face it, many of us aren’t that far away. Here are some features to look for:
Stability control–Stability control is a must for anyone and will be standard equipment for all vehicles starting in the 2012 model year.
A full set of airbags – choose a car with side and curtain airbags in addition to front airbags. The best ones have control systems that deploy airbags with the appropriate force depending on the size of the passenger and position of the front seat. Also look for:
Good visibility–make sure to check the rear and sideward visibility in addition to visibility forward. Also consider views from both inside and outside mirrors.
Power seats–to make adjustments for comfort and safety. Consider seat comfort items such as lumbar support and seat heaters as well.
Easy access–look for seat heights that don’t require too much bending, climbing or ducking and lower sill heights (lower step over).
Adjustable pedals or a steering wheel that both tilts and telescopes–either can help maintain a comfortable driving position while keeping a safe distance from the wheel mounted front airbag.
Easy to see and read controls–look for controls that are mounted closer to eye level and have larger knobs and buttons and easy-to-read contrasting displays.
Visor coverage or visor extensions–these can help eliminate glare particularly for those with vision issues.
The following vehicles are Consumer Reports recommended, meaning they perform well in our more than 50 tests, have average or better reliability, and have performed well in government and/or insurance industry crash tests.
What do you guys think? How important is it to know that your parents or grandparents are as safe as they can be and in a car that has an impeccable crash test rating. Better yet is this the vehicle you want you teenagers driving as well? Just food for thought.
I have a really bad habit. Well maybe not. Every time I get in my car it doesn’t matter if my phone or iPod is fully charged or flat lined, I will plug it in for the ride home just to be sure it’s not going to die on me later while I am already at HOME!! I started paying attention to how long it was taking my phone or iPod to charge up and for some reason it seems they charge faster in the car then they do at home. Why is this? Is this even true or am I seeing things? Well I found this story written by AutoBlog and I felt like you guys would like it and learn from it. So here it is:
Once a standard internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle gets up to operating speeds, it produces more energy than can go to the wheels thanks to losses from heat and friction. And, since it’s the engine that sends energy to the power outlet in the car (via the battery), does it make sense to charge your gadgets during your commute rather than at home, using energy that would otherwise be wasted? There is no simple answer, but the way that some new vehicle powerplants are changing means it’s going to be more and more likely that you’ll want to charge up on the road, even if you live in a solar-powered house.
One reason it’s hard to answer the question right now is that, while an engine is capable of producing much more energy than it uses to cruise, it doesn’t necessarily produce that energy at all times. Thus, plugging in a gadget adds a bit of load to the engine, but probably a lot less than running the headlights, heater or defogger. So if you drive a normal vehicle powered by an ICE, keep plugging that iPhone into the wall.
The trick comes with newer vehicles that have brake energy regeneration. In these cars, the difference might actually be negligible because they use an intelligently-controlled alternator that only charges the car’s battery when the car is slowing down and it’s the battery that supplies juice for your gadgets. Thus, the engine isn’t taxed with spending fuel to keep the battery charged. Over the next few years as regenerative braking becomes more common, getting some gadget energy from your car will at least help reduce your home energy load. Of course, if you’re driving a plug-in electric car, fuhgedaboudit. Sam Abuelsamid contributed to this post.
What do you guys think? You still want to plug in at home or on the road?
I’m serious! I found this cookbook the other day on a co-workers desk and it was all about cooking and recipes for your exhaust manifold…. Has anyone ever heard of this? I sure hadn’t!! Apparently all you need is some aluminum foil, a car, and some food. I still am not sure if I will attempt this as I rarely travel very far. I only 15 minutes from work but if I were going on a little trip I just might give it a try. Maybe it’ll be better than stopping for fast food. Check this how to video in case you do want to give it a try. It seems easy enough.
Have any of you tried this? I’m curious to hear some stories.
There is the stereotype we all know of called the “Ugly American”, apparently we tend to be a little boisterous, demanding, underdressed. You name it. According to a study done by Expedia we rank 3rd in loudness behind Italians and the Spanish. The French took the top spot for rudeness and poor tipping.
The Japanese topped the list as world’s best tourists, thanks to politeness, cleanliness, lack of complaining and good tipping. They were followed by the British, Canadians and Germans. Americans, who ranked 11th, are great tippers but are seen as loud and not-so-well dressed.
Seeing as it is that traveling time of year I thought i’d share these tips with you compliments of Expedia and Anne Stein from RandMcnally.com.
Whatever country you’re from, it’s best to follow a few travel guidelines:
You’re a guest in this country, here to learn and explore.
Be respectful of the culture, food, entertainment, and people. One example: Don’t demand or complain about what’s not on the menu. Instead, try what’s being offered, just as you would if you were a guest in someone’s home.
Learn some phrases in the local language. Don’t demand to be spoken to in English and don’t raise your voice to “help” someone understand you.
Try to understand and enjoy differences. Don’t judge everything by how it’s done “at home.”
Sssshhh! Match your volume with the voices around you. It’s respectful.
Dress appropriately. Clean slacks, a polo shirt or button-down, or skirt and blouse are all simple and suitable for most situations.
Never be condescending to the locals.
Can you think of any other tips for traveling during this vacation season?
Do you know what’s in your glove compartment box? Would you be able to find anything in there? I don’t know if anyone really knows what should be in there or what you should consider putting there. If you’re like me you can never find anything in there when you need to!
Here is a list of the most useful items to keep in your glove compartment box.
(1) Insurance – Keep the title of your car safe at home but always keep your insurance in your car. If you get pulled over and you don’t have your insurance you’re going to have to deal with going to court to get that ticket dismissed and that’s a pain. You really only need insurance and registration in there.
(2) A notebook and pen – You never know when you might get in a little fender bender and need to write your insurance information down. This is a good thing to keep handy.
(3) Tissues etc – You should try to keep kleenex, wipes or something in there. Trust me you will need it at some point whether it’s for yourself or for your messy kids.
(4) A cell phone charger – It’s always a good idea to keep a extra phone charger in your glove compartment box just in case you’re in an emergency situation and you look down to find your phone dead.
(5) Flashlight – Trust me you’ll find a use for that flash light especially if you are in a situation where your car dies and it’s dark outside.
(6) Tire Pressure Gauge – Properly inflated tires gives you better fuel economy, better handling and extended tire life. So I often check my tires at about every other gas run just to make sure that everything is ok.
(7) Owner’s Manual – You never think you will need this but you will.
Let me know if you can think of anything I left out.
Do you know what those rubbery things do at the front of your engine? Yea… Belts. Do you know what they do? Or when one needs to be changed? Do you know when one is about to break? You more than likely don’t know. I found a pretty informative video that should be able to help you learn a little bit about belts and how important preventative maintenance is. From windshield wiper fluid to oil your belts are just as important.
A broken belt is inconvenient, stressful and almost always more expensive then they should have been. Do a quick evaluation of your belts after watching the video below. If you have any questions feel free to ask or even bring it in and we’ll take a look at it together. You never want to be stranded anywhere at anytime.
It’s important that you know how to pack up your new or used car safely when moving, taking your child to college, or going on a road trip. You don’t want to be driving down the highway and having stuff in the back of your car flying around do you? Better to be safe than lose your luggage on the highway or get hit in the back of the head with something when you hit the brakes.
Here are some simple rules to follow when you are getting ready to pack up your new or used car on your way out of Ohio.
(1) Before you decide to pack your bags you should clean out the car. Take out all the junk, trash, etc and make sure that your spare tire is in good shape and has the correct amout of tire pressure.
(2) You need to make a list. It helps make sure you are packing everything you will need and will help make sure everything comes back home with you. Make sure you don’t over pack cause the heavier your vehicle is the more gas it sucks up. So save money on gas and pack light.
(3) When you are packing up your new or used car make sure the heaviest items are put as far forward in the cargo area as possible, and keep them on the floor. In all vehicles, and SUVs in particular, it is important to keep the heaviest items towards the center of the vehicle. This will help keep the vehicle steady and your center of gravity lower so your SUV doesn’t rollover or something similar.
(4) You should pack your vehicle backwards. Whatever you will need first is the last thing you pack in the car and vice versa.
(5) Secure any loose items that could fly around during a sudden stop. PLEASE Strap anything down that you think could be an issue. Make sure that you don’t pack things to high in the cargo area because visibility is important when you’re traveling. Especially if it’s an unfamiliar city you are traveling to.
(6) Keep maps, snacks, CD’s, paper towels and the like handy. You don’t want to have to pull over every time one of your family members wants a little snack.
Last but not least…..Be prepared for anything!!
What are somethings you do before packing for a trip or a move?
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Have you been looking to purchase a used car? With recent flooding I thought it was important for you to know the signs of water damage when you are searching for a used car. Flood or water damage can be very difficult to detect but you do not want to sink your money into a flood damaged vehicles. I will cause an even bigger headache then you could ever imagine. So when you are out searching for a used vehicle at your Cincinnati automotive dealer I hope you remember these tips from Consumer Reports.
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