The Volkswagen E-Bugster is a convertible concept that seats two and combines the classic styling of the Beetle with zero-emissions driving. The E-Bugster is powered by an electric motor that generates 114 horsepower and has a range of over 100 miles. The battery’s plug interface is located under the hood’s VW logo, where it can be charged with three different chargers: 120V, 240V, and a quick charger that will charge the battery to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The Kia GT Concept is a four-door sports sedan concept that seats four. The Kia GT Concept is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that develops 395 horsepower mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The front and rear-hinged back doors of the GT open slightly upward to facilitate getting in and out. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. The GT Concept’s has a long wheelbase that measures 112.6 inches, with an overall length of 184.6 inches.

The Acura NSX Concept features dynamic styling, lightweight build materials, and a powerful mid-mounted direct injection VTEC V-6 engine paired with a dual clutch transmission with its own built-in electric motor to create supercar acceleration and outstanding efficiency. The NSX concept also utilizes several new technologies for Acura, including Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system. Ford Dealers CT is an invaluable resource for automotive information. The profile of the Lincoln MKZ Concept features a long, sleek, sweeping roofline that allows the design to break out of the mold of a traditional sedan’s three-box shape, while still remaining identifiable as a Lincoln. A retractable panoramic glass roof provides an amazing view and fills the cabin with natural light, creating an airy, open interior. The many innovative interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console, and liquid crystal instrumentation.

The Chevrolet Code 130R is a four-seat coupe that is aimed at younger buyers. It features an upright profile with heritage performance-inspired styling and rear-wheel drive. The Code 130R takes automotive electrification to the next level and balances turbocharged performance with fuel economy. It’s powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 that’s tuned to work in tandem with eAssist technology that increases fuel economy by shutting off the engine at stops, recapturing braking energy, and smoothing torque during acceleration. The front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Tru 140S is an “affordable exotic” three-door sporty coupe that seats four. The model shown at the New York Auto Show is an all-new matte white color and was designed to look confident, exotic, expensive and fast. The Tru 140S is powered by a 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged DOHC I-4 engine with start-stop technology. Land Rover’s DC100 and DC100 Sport Concepts are trims of what will be the next-generation Land Rover Defender. Land Rover plans to create an all-new Defender that will be marketed globally and stay faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable, and capable. Both DC100 models feature the next generation of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system which will optimize the car for any conditions without the driver having to make any selections. In addition, Land Rover’s new Terrain-i system creates an intelligent map of the topography in front of the car and displays it as a 3D visualization.

The Lexus LF-LC Concept is a sleek hybrid 2+2 sports coupe with styling by Toyota’s Calty design studio in California. A glass roof enhances driver visibility and adds to the car’s sleek lines. The front grille recalls the Lexus GS, while the swept-back headlights and trunk design bring to mind the LFA supercar. Inside, there are scooped side panels and a high, curved console that incorporates a remote touch-screen that allows the driver to operate controls without having to shift position or alter line-of-sight. Bremerton Used Car Dealers is a great source for all your automotive needs. The Toyota NS4 Concept is an advanced plug-in hybrid mid-sized concept that the automaker may market globally by 2015. NS4 uses an advanced next-generation Hybrid Synergy Drive plug-in system that features reduced component size and weight, with increased overall fuel economy and better acceleration. There’s a longer all-electric range with a short charge time. The NS4′s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) uses a multi-touch screen with the look and feel of a Smartphone. The system can “learn” the driver’s preferences and habits to anticipate driver responses in specific environments and situations.

Photos (top to bottom) Cadillac Ciel Concept courtesy of Cadillac, Toyota NS4 Concept courtesy of Toyota, Acura NSX Concept courtesy of Acura.

Tags: concept cars, Nissan Of Connecticut, New York International Auto Show, Javitz Center, Ford Dealers CT, Acura NSX Concept, Lexus LF-LC concept, Volkswagen E-Bugster, Bremerton Used Car Dealers, Lexus LF-LC Concept

While hybrid owners may not be buying another hybrid, they do appear to remain loyal to their brand when they return to the new car market. For example, according to Polk,in 2011, 60 percent of Toyota hybrid owners purchased another Toyota when they returned to the market, while 41 percent of them purchased another hybrid from any brand. “Having a hybrid in the product lineup can certainly give a brand a competitive edge when it comes to attracting new customers,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “The repurchase rates of hybrid vehicles are an indication that consumers are continuing to seek alternative solutions to high fuel prices.”

When it comes to Honda hybrid owners, over 52 percent of them stayed with the Honda brand, while just under 20 percent of the same group of Honda owners bought another hybrid vehicle from any brand. KC Ford is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Online cross-shopping data from Edmunds.com indicates that consumers are doing their homework to compare hybrids with gasoline-powered vehicles in the same class. For example, the Honda Civic is the second most cross-shopped car by car buyers who are considering buying Toyota Prius and Honda Insight models.

“The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren’t appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors,” according to Lacey Plache, Edmunds.com chief economist. “For EVs and PHEVs in particular, certain obstacles – including consumer unease with unfamiliar technology and the lack of an adequate recharging infrastructure — will need to be overcome before sales increase.”

According to Polk, hybrid vehicles represent just 2.4 percent of the overall new vehicle market in the U.S., down from a high of 2.9 percent in 2008. Toyota continues to be the leader in hybrid sales. Polk’s research also shows that instability in gasoline prices between 2008 and 2011, which ranged from just under $2.00 per gallon to nearly $4.00 per gallon, had little impact on hybrid segment loyalty. Used Jeep Wranglers In CT is a great source for all your automotive needs. Surprisingly, Polk also found that consumers in traditional eco-friendly regions of the U.S., such as Southern California, Portland OR, and Seattle, where hybrid sales are strongest, aren’t any more loyal to hybrid vehicles than the rest of the country.

Photos (top to bottom) Toyota Motor Corporation, Petar Miloševi?, Honda Motor Company.

Tags: hybrid vehicles, Used Cars Albuquerque, green cars, Toyota Prius, KC Ford, Honda Insight, hybrid cars, R.L. Polk & Co., Used Jeep Wranglers In CT, auto sales

“These results suggest that the law banning hand-held cell phone use while driving had a positive impact on reducing traffic fatalities and injuries,” said Dr. David Ragland, Director of SafeTREC. But while state officials are pleased with the results, some are concerned that distracted driving still remains a problem. “While we are thrilled to see that the hand-held ban in California has worked to reduce distracted driving crashes and overall cell phone use, there are still far too many drivers talking and texting while driving,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director for the California Office of Traffic Safety. “A good step for parents is to never call or text your kids if you think they might be driving.”

One of the factors contributing to the reduction of deaths and injuries from cell phone use was an overall drop in cell phone use while driving. A federally funded study conducted last summer showed that 40 percent of drivers in California reported less cell phone use while driving, both handheld and hands free, since the hand-held cell phone ban was instituted. Ford Knoxville is an invaluable resource for automotive information. This study echoes similar findings in a telephone study commissioned by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that found that 44 percent of drivers in states with hand-held cell phone bans reported not using cell phones while driving, compared with 30 percent in states that allowed hand-held cell phone use. A majority of California drivers consider cell phones and driving to be a major safety problem, with 62 percent of respondents stating that texting and talking on cell phones are the biggest safety concerns on the state’s roads and 84 percent saying talking on cell phones and texting while driving are the most serious driving distractions.

From a law enforcement perspective, the California Department of Motor Vehicles reports that the state had 460,487 in 2011, up 22 percent from 2010 and up 52 percent from 2009. Motorists who had to pay fines found that the cost of a first offense was $159, with subsequent offenses costing $279. “Highly visible and publicized enforcement, along with the cooperation of the motoring public to reduce distractions behind the wheel, has played a significant role in the reduction in collisions,” said California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Joe Farrow. “In addition, there are many educational programs developed by the CHP, our allied agencies, as well as non-profit organizations such as Impact Teen Drivers that have made sustained efforts in reducing distracted driving.”

The California Office of Traffic Safety conducted the country’s first statewide observational cell phone survey. The survey revealed nine percent of drivers were either talking or texting while driving, which translates to hundreds of thousands of drivers at any one time. Dallas Ford is a great source for all your automotive needs. Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to get into a crash serious enough to cause injury. The state of California has developed a public awareness campaign called “It’s Not Worth It!” The campaign utilizes TV, radio commercials, billboards, Internet, and social media. In addition, the state’s 652 permanent changeable message signs contain a “Handheld Cell Ticket – $159 – It’s Not Worth It” message for several days over the course of a year.

Photos (top to bottom) by Ed Poor, Fort Rucker, TalkingDC.

Tags: cell phones, Ford Longview, mobile phones, texting, Ford Knoxville, California, texting and driving, distracted driving, Dallas Ford, cell phone bans

“Steady improvements in vehicle quality, longer intervals between recommended service visits and a higher mix of maintenance service events have had a positive effect on overall dealer service satisfaction,” said Chris Sutton, senior director at J.D. Power and Associates. “Moreover, manufacturers and their dealers have instituted broad-based customer service improvement initiatives to increase satisfaction with both the purchase experience and after-sales service, with the understanding that a substandard service occasion can and will impact their ability to make a future vehicle sale or gain repeat service business.”

The study looks at satisfaction by vehicle owners who visit a service department for maintenance or repair work. Rankings are based on how well the dealer’s service performed during the first three years of ownership of a new vehicle, which usually represents most of a vehicle’s warranty period. Overall customer satisfaction is determined by examining five measures (in order of importance): service quality, service initiation, service advisor, service facility, and vehicle pick-up. New York Volvo is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Among luxury automakers, Lexus ranks highest in customer satisfaction for the fourth consecutive year with an overall CSI score of 861. The other top-five brands are Cadillac (852), Jaguar (849), Acura (838), and Porsche (836). Of the luxury brands, Audi showed the greatest improvement, up 34 points from 2011.

Among mass market brands, MINI ranked highest for the second year in a row, with a score of 809. The other brands that made it to the top five were Buick (805), GMC (803), Chevrolet (801), and Hyundai (791). The mass market brands that saw the greatest improvement from 2011 were Nissan (up 43) and Toyota (up 31). J.D. Power sees slow auto sales during the collapsed economy causing a decline in service volumes through 2013 before coming back. According to the company, the challenge to automakers is to continue to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction once customer traffic increases. The study offers suggestions that dealerships can use to continue to provide the same high level of customer satisfaction, no matter the volume of service.

The first recommendation is to promote scheduling service appointments online. J.D. Power says that customers who schedule appointments online are happier with the service experience than those who make an appointment by phone or who simply stop by with no appointment. Additionally, customers who schedule service online spend $36 more per year on service than customers who don’t make an appointment and $17 more per year than customers who make an appointment by phone. Jeep Boston is a great source for all your automotive needs. The next suggestion is to review the inspection report with all service customers. Service customers who say the service advisor reviewed the multi-point inspection report with them were more likely to say they “definitely will” return to the dealer for both paid and warranty service work than customers who didn’t receive a report review, and more likely to say they “definitely will” repurchase or lease the same vehicle make. The third suggestion is to offer a complimentary maintenance program, as customers will be more likely to return after the complimentary period expires, compared to dealers that don’t offer complimentary programs.

Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of BMW, MJ/TR, Ildar Sagdejev.

Tags: JD Powers, Maryville Mitsubishi, auto news, auto dealers, New York Volvo, auto dealerships, auto service, Lexus, Jeep Boston, MINI

Auto manufacturers realize that that if they don’t pay attention to fuel economy, they do so at their own peril. “The American consumer shopping for a new car is seeing the most fuel-efficient lineup of vehicles ever while manufacturers are keeping the product just as exciting,” said Jesse Toprak, Vice President of Market Intelligence at TrueCar.com. “Ford’s average fuel economy increased by almost 5 MPG, which is quite staggering and much of the credit goes to the Fusion and Focus, along with its new lineup of six-cylinder large trucks.”

Automotive valuation company Kelley Blue Book looked at new cars and determined which ones provide the most fuel economy and have a five-year operating cost of $30,000 or less. The five cars with the least cost of operation are the Nissan Versa Sedan ($11,770 MSRP and $25,818 ownership cost), Hyundai Accent GLS ($13,320 MSRP and $27,743 ownership cost), Kia Soul Hatchback ($14,650 MSRP and $28,131 ownership cost), Toyota Yaris Hatchback ($14,875 MSRP and $28,167 ownership cost), and Mazda2 Sport Hatchback ($15,325 MSRP and $28,457 ownership cost). The car with the highest fuel economy was the Honda Insight, which is rated at 41 mpg city/44 mpg highway and 42 mpg combined. Other models that made the list are the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Rio, Scion xD, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, and Chevrolet Sonic.

“When it comes to purchasing an automobile, consumers need to think long term to determine all of the costs associated with owning a vehicle,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. “It is simple enough to estimate monthly payments or even the cost of fuel on a short-term basis; however, the cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs are far more difficult to obtain on a case-by-case basis. Kelley Blue Book provides this helpful information for free on kbb.com with its Total Cost of Ownership data for new cars.”

The calculations use the least expensive trim levels for each model, so buyers may not find all of the latest options or features. Most car buyers will find themselves opting for a higher trim level or adding options. “We featured only the most affordable trims available for each vehicle on our list, so some creature comforts and amenities may not be available at these bargain basement prices,” said Gutierrez. “Consumers can always opt to spend a little more to jump up a trim or two to get all of the features they want, but those determined to spend as little as possible on a new vehicle need look no further than this list.” Indiana GMC Dealers is a great source for all your automotive needs. Potential buyers should also keep in mind that the cars with the least cost to own may not be the most attractive, reliable, or the best car for their particular needs or driving style. The best advice is to use this information in conjunction with trusted auto reviews, such as those found on kbb.com or Edmunds.com.

Photos (top to bottom) by IFCAR, Coolceasar, Celeste Lindell.

Tags: Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds.com, gas prices, fuel efficiency, Nissan Versa, Honda Insight, Indiana GMC Dealers, new cars

“Technologies like anti-lock braking and stability control were once seen as pioneering innovations and are now required or standard features,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “Looking to the future, we hope the cost for these technologies continues to come down, allowing more drivers to enjoy the safety, economy, and performance they provide.” AAA warns that the proliferation of technology features can have drawbacks. “These new technologies can be distracting to a driver. It’s important to comply with the guidelines provided for their use and most importantly keep driving your car the number one focus while operating the vehicle,” Nielsen said.

What follows is a roundup of the technology features that AAA sees becoming more pervasive. Brake Assist is a feature that is now standard in many vehicles. Brake assist senses an emergency stop and automatically applies the brakes, even if the driver doesn’t apply them completely. Brake assist technology has been around since the 1990s but is now gaining wider adoption. Nissan Richardson is an invaluable resource for automotive information. Parking Proximity Warning Systems and Backup Cameras alert drivers about objects in the way and help them see where the car’s going. Sensors can spot objects, people, and animals that may be in the vehicle’s blind spot, while backup cameras reveal what’s behind the car when it’s in reverse. These technologies are increasingly appearing on less expensive vehicles.

Lane Departure Warning Systems were originally offered on the most expensive Infinity models but are now becoming available on other cars. Lane departure systems are able to sense the lane markings on the road and can alert the driver when the vehicle crosses lanes without signaling. The warning can take the form of a sound or a vibration the driver can feel on the steering wheel. Active Cruise Control uses radar or laser technology to sense the distance of the car ahead and can maintain a safe following distance. If traffic slows down, the system can reduce the car’s speed. Some systems are capable of applying brakes and even stop the car completely if traffic comes to a stop.

Stop-Start is a technology that is usually found on hybrid vehicles. When the car idles, such as stopping for a light, the stop-start system cuts the gasoline engine to save gas and reduce emissions. Kia has plans to introduce a stop-start system to non-hybrid vehicles such as the Soul and Rio. A Driver Alert Warning System can sense when a driver isn’t paying attention to the road or is tired. Detection methods include sensing when the driver isn’t staying in lane and using cameras to monitor the driver’s movements. The system can alert the driver to take a break, if necessary. Indiana GMC Dealers is a great source for all your automotive needs. Blind Spot Warning Systems use radar or a camera to warn the driver that a vehicle is in his blind spot. If the driver signals a lane change, the system will send an audible alert or use flashing lights.

Photos (top to bottom) courtesy of BMW, Infiniti, Volkswagen.

Tags: AAA, Used Car Dealerships In Winnipeg, auto technology, brake assist, Nissan Richardson, backup cameras, auto safety, blind spot warning, Indiana GMC Dealers, Kia Soul

The first part of the equation is the relationship between high gas prices and high car prices. As gas prices rise, the demand for fuel efficient cars goes up. According to the law of supply and demand, the higher the demand, the higher the prices. In a press release, Kelley Blue Book said that consumers looking for hybrid vehicles or fuel-efficient cars “…should not expect dealers to offer significant discounts. In both 2008 and 2011, Kelley Blue Book saw monthly market share for compact cars increase by more than 3 percentage points when fuel prices peaked, and as more consumers flock to compacts, prices will remain firm.”

Gasoline prices in New York, Connecticut, California, and Hawaii are higher than other parts of the country. The reason these states see higher gas prices is because of state taxes that are tacked on to the price of gasoline, ostensibly to fund infrastructure projects. (Another reason that California prices are higher is due to the state’s requirement mandating special anti-smog gas formulas, while Hawaii is faced with higher prices because it’s more expensive to ship in from the mainland.) These state taxes are in addition to the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon. According to The Fiscal Times, these four states have state taxes in excess of 45 cents a gallon. Honda Civic Edmonton has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. Wyoming and New Jersey currently have state taxes of about 14 percent. Local gasoline tax rates are set by state legislators who can, and frequently do, change the rates in order to meet financial situations of their state. They raise the tax if they feel that they need more money to pay for road and bridge construction projects and they can lower the tax if there’s enough money in the state’s coffers.

As mentioned previously, when gasoline prices are high, people look to buy more fuel-efficient vehicles. More fuel-efficient vehicles on the road means that people buy less gasoline, which in turn means that states are suddenly faced with less revenue from gas taxes. As a result, state legislators make up the shortfall by raising fuel tax rates. In addition, according to The Fiscal Times, “…some car manufacturers like General Motors have actually urged states to increase gasoline taxes to encourage fuel-efficient car purchases.” In effect, the situation is such that high gas prices create a demand for fuel efficient vehicles, which in turn drives up automobile prices and increases fuel prices even further.

In the current environment, buying a used car might seem like a good idea. But, like new cars, soaring fuel prices have caused a higher demand for used cars – consequently, the price of used cars has increased sharply. Kelley Blue Book says that “used-car shoppers can expect to see even more significant price increases in the months ahead if gas prices continue on their current upward trajectory. Given the limited supply, used cars tend to be more volatile when fuel prices increase aggressively, especially values of fuel-efficient compacts and hybrids.” Mazda Greenfield has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. With few options available to consumers, most are expected to hang onto their current cars until prices come back down to Earth. Even owners of fuel inefficient vehicles like SUVs and vans are likely to find their best option is to keep the vehicle they’re driving now.

Photos (top to bottom) by Kirill Lipatov, The Consumerist, Ian Munroe.

Tags: gas prices, Volkswagen Of Charlotte, car prices, new cars, Honda Civic Edmonton, used cars, gasoline taxes, gasoline prices, Mazda Greenfield, car dealers

Peter Collett, psychologist and author of “Driving Passion – The Psychology of The Car,” suggests that naming your car can reduce the risk of incidents on the road. “A majority of car owners feel the need to give their car a distinctive name, usually an affectionate title that expresses how they feel about their car and how they regard it as being different from everyone else’s. The drive to individualize one’s car in this way is very widespread and it also lays the foundation for how people treat their cars. By giving their car a special name, drivers are treating their car as something that deserves to be cared for – a friend, a pet, a companion, sometimes even a lover.”

We find that to be a little disturbing, too. The survey found that the average British motorist thinks of their car as being female. Twenty five percent said their car had a sensible personality, 8 percent thought their car’s personality was cute, and 7 percent said it had a playful personality. The study found that 16 percent of British men see their cars as women, with 6 percent describing its personality as being sexy, and 5 percent considering it to be mischievous. Shreveport Volvo has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. The survey also uncovered a number of curious pet names for cars, including Albie the Great, Baldrick, Claris, Elektra, Fadgehammer, Florence (the machine), Horatio, Lemmy, Michelangelo, Snoop, Talulah, and Yannis.

The top 10 most popular male car names were Charlie, Jack, Harry, Noah, Oliver, Thomas, William, Joshua, Daniel, and Billy. The most popular female names were Ruby, Lily, Pippa, Jessica, Grace, Olivia, Kate, Emily, Harper, and Betty. Gareth Kloet, head of car insurance at Confused.com said: “Nearly one fifth of motorists who name their cars believe it encourages them to be more careful on the roads. We have nicknames for our friends, partners and even pets so why not our cars? Drivers with an emotional attachment to their vehicles are more likely to take better care of it on and off the road. We’re calling for all motorists to use the car name generator, and start caring for your car.”

The car name generator lies at the intersection of computer technology, automotive design, and ennui. In an effort that may or may not encourage people to care for their cars, Confused.com has developed an online car name generator, which automatically generates a name for the user’s car that’s based on the car’s distinctive qualities. Car owners simply answer a few questions about their vehicle, such as color, personality, and age (the car’s age, not the owner’s), and the site generates the perfect name for the car. Visitors to the site can also elect to receive a printable certificate, which can be kept with the vehicle’s other important documents, and even given to the next owner if the car is sold. If the online name generator is unable to provide the perfect name, there’s another alternative. Indianapolis Used Cars Dealers has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. Confused.com reports that musician and TV presenter Jools Holland is the owner of a Jaguar that carries the name…Jools Holland.

Photos (top to bottom) by Tim Morris, Gregg O’Connell, John Trainor.

Tags: psychology, Pittsburgh Used Car Dealers, cars, car names, Shreveport Volvo, car name generator, car care, auto care, Indianapolis Used Cars Dealers, auto pet names

When it comes to the actual driving, experts offer several tips for preventing an incident.
• Slow down in snow conditions, cutting speed in half and increasing following distance from three seconds to 10 seconds.
• Don’t go too slow. Momentum is your friend and it’s a lot easier pick up speed while rolling than start from a dead stop.
• Smooth inputs are the way to keep control in slippery conditions.
• Know how to recover from a skid. The key is to steer the vehicle gently toward the direction you want to go and stay off the brakes. If you can find an empty parking lot, practicing the technique is worth a lot more than reading the instructions.
• Use your headlights.
• Keep your gas tank more than half full.
• Do not use cruise control.
• Carry tire chains and know how to put them on before you need to do it in the dark with a foot of snow on the ground.

If you get stuck in the snow, it is far safer to stay put. Your vehicle provides shelter, makes it easier for you to be found and emergency provisions will minimize the risk of hypothermia or frostbite. Setting out on foot, especially in a storm, is dangerous. Blowing snow can make it difficult to find your vehicle if you turn back, and without wilderness experience, proper equipment and provisions the risk of injury, hypothermia or frostbite is much higher. Tie brightly colored cloth to the antenna or hang it from the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. Hyundai Dealer Alexandria has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. At night, flares or battery-powered emergency lights will make it easier for rescuers to find you. Running the interior dome light takes very little electricity and can also help searchers locate your car. Run the engine periodically and use the heater to prevent the interior from becoming too cold. Keep your windows clear of snow and make sure snow, ice or mud are not blocking the exhaust pipe, which could cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak in to the passenger compartment. Eat small meals frequently and drink plenty of water. Cold, dry air causes dehydration more quickly.

What you carry can make the difference, especially if you get stuck. In the trunk carry as many of these items as possible: snow chains or one of the ladder-like traction devices, sand, a shovel, a tow rope, flares, snowbrush and ice scraper, extra windshield washer fluid rated for cold weather, jumper cables, lock de-icer and a tire gauge. In the passenger compartment, bring blankets, an extra coat, rubber boots to keep your shoes and feet dry, gloves, hats, food, water, cell phone and charger, a good flashlight, and a good book to pass the time in case you get stuck or have to wait for snow plows to clear the road. We suggest something set in a tropical climate rather than the story of Ernest Shackleton’s unsuccessful sea-to-sea crossing of Antarctica.

Be sure to check on weather and road conditions for when and where you’re planning to drive. Even if the road has been cleared, keep in mind that cold brakes and tires aren’t as effective. While it might sound nice to take the scenic route, extra care should be exercised. Nissan Washington DC has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. If you plan on using any secondary or tertiary roads, check to make sure they’ll be open and if they’ve been plowed. Many mountain routes in the U.S. and Canada are closed for the winter or infrequently plowed. If you do encounter a snowplow, give it plenty of room and don’t pass until you’re sure it is safe or until the driver pulls over. Remember, the driver has limited visibility so use caution when overtaking. If the weather is particularly bad, the safest thing to do is stay home.

Tags: auto safety, Everett Jeep Dealers, winter driving, travel, Hyundai Dealer Alexandria, car battery, cold weather driving, emergency supplies, Nissan Washington DC, snow chains

Used cars offered for sale that have been damaged by floods may not show any external signs of water damage. The car may drive well – at least for a while. The unwitting buyer of one of these cars won’t have any idea that while they’re driving their car back and forth to work, corrosion is spreading inside the car’s important parts. When the damage becomes evident, the repairs usually aren’t cheap. “Restoration of a flood-damaged car can be as extensive and expensive as restoring a classic,” said AAA spokeswoman Jenny Robinson. In addition to a hefty car repair bill, the buyer may face the prospect of unknowingly driving an unsafe car that may put him and others in danger of injury or death.

Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting insurance fraud and crime, created a national database to assist law enforcement groups and insurance companies identify and catalogue vehicles damaged by the flooding. Charlotte Hyundai has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. The ultimate goal was to prevent these vehicles from being fraudulently resold to unsuspecting car buyers. “By creating a registry of damaged vehicles that consumers can access when purchasing a used car, the potential for this type of fraud can be greatly reduced,” said Robert M. Bryant, NICB president and CEO.

“To avoid inadvertently purchasing a flood-damaged car, it is important that you only buy a used car from a reputable dealer, have a certified mechanic look for flood damage and check the car’s VIN number,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute. To help consumers and dealers identify vehicles that have sustained flood damage, as well as vehicles that have been damaged in accidents or stolen, the NICB has created VINCheck, a website that allows visitors to search any car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to learn about the car’s history. A maximum of five searches can be made in 24 hours.

The VinCheck site is a good starting point, but because they have a limited database, cars that aren’t on their list may have been water-damaged. That’s why it’s helpful to know the following tips that will help you identify vehicles that have been damaged by water. Ask to see the title – it will show if the vehicle came from a flood area or if it has been stamped “salvage.” Check to see if wires under the dash bend or crack when you move them. Look for rust, mud, or water damage in the glove compartment, trunk, and under the seats (use a small hand mirror). Charlotte Volkswagen Dealers has knowledgeable and friendly staff for whatever you are looking for. If the dashboard gauges look foggy inside, it’s a sign of water damage. Make sure all the electrical components work, including the lights, wipers, signals, power outlet, radio, heater, and air conditioner. Check for musty smells that are the result of mildew. Discolored, faded, or stained carpeting and upholstery is an indication of water damage. If the carpeting looks a lot newer than the rest of the car or doesn’t match the color of the interior, then the carpeting has probably been replaced. Although a used car isn’t as costly as a new car, it still represents a sizable investment. It’s always prudent to bring along a qualified mechanic to examine the car at the dealer’s lot.

Photos (top to bottom) by Marc Averette, killbox, Jay.

Tags: water-damaged cars, Worcester Nissan, used cars, auto dealers, Charlotte Hyundai, salvage cars, used car dealers, VinCheck, Charlotte Volkswagen Dealers, Hurricane Katrina