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Car Crazy: How to Choose the Best Features for Your Family

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/08/10 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Car Crazy: How to Choose the Best Features for Your Family

Providing for a family is what any parent is supposed to do, but you can only get the best if you know what you’re looking for. This is why it is important to learn as much as you can about products, sales, and budgeting when you buy. This can be applied to everything, including the purchase of your next family car. There are a few other things you should look for while searching for your new car, and the following are some features that you might want to add to the list.

Backup Camera

One of the most important features to have in a modern car is a fully active and all-encompassing backup camera. Sure, this feature is usually sold as a tool to help you park or ensure that you do not backup into another car, but it means more to a growing family. Accidents involving children and a vehicle backing out of a driveway are reported each year. You do not want to become a part of that statistic, which is what makes the backup camera imperative. The reverse-sensing system, or park assist system, should also be installed on your vehicle for easier parking. The reverse-sensing system helps detect objects that are six feet from the vehicle. Both of these systems are there to warn you if a child is behind you. Still, it is always best to just check before you start backing out of the driveway, and always drive slowly.

Shades on the Car Windows

The feature is not always on cars especially if the windows are tinted, but is a very important feature for children. You might not think about it, but the sun can be very damaging when exposed to it for long periods of time, especially for small infants. Check to see if the vehicle you are considering comes with this feature and take precautions like applying sunscreen when planning to take a long drive. Sunlight can lead to sun burns or heat exhaustion, not to mention put your child at risk of skin cancer. Tinted or shaded windows can also protect your children from the eyes of strangers outside the car. You can ask car dealerships in St. George Utah what other features they might recommend for families like kid-safe windows and automatic locks.

Third-Row Seating

Many vehicles come with third-row seating, but the quality and the position does matter. Third-row seating that is stationary doesn’t really give you much flexibility. You want the third row seating to be as flexible as possible to make it easy for your children to get in. This will also allow you to store big items when necessary. Some family-friendly cars come with a second-row seat that slides so the third-row seat is easily accessible and others allow you to tuck away the third-row seating on those days your children are not there and you need to pick up big items. 

Look for a Good LATCH System

A LATCH system refers to specially designed seats that come with lower anchors and attachments so that a parent can easily set up the child seat. Remember that the LATCH system is not universal and some cars are designed differently from others. It is a good idea to take your car seat with you to the car dealership to see if you can easily set up the car seat in the vehicle you are considering. Be sure to find out how easy is it to remove the car seat as well. You should not let anyone else set up the seat for you because you will be the one dealing with this.

Of course, you cannot forget to check for other basic family features, like the safety rating or how many airbags are in the car. See if there is an entertainment system installed that could help keep children calm while you drive. Hopefully this guide helps you determine the best features for your family.

The Advantages Of Buying A New Car Versus An Old One

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/19 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on The Advantages Of Buying A New Car Versus An Old One

One of the most important decisions to make when buying a car is whether you want to purchase a brand new vehicle or a used one. Each type of vehicle has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, but buying a new car ultimately offers the best experience.

Customize

The primary reason to buy a new car is that you can customize it however you want. You can select the features that you want and eliminate optional features that are of no use to you and generally drive the price up significantly. You have a much larger selection of vehicles to choose from when you buy new and can get yours made to order with your preferred interior and exterior colors. When buying used, you might have to settle for something that you aren’t really a fan of or have to spend time surfing dealer’s websites and driving from one location to another on your search. It is time consuming and can be mentally exhausting.

Warranty

Another benefit to buying new is that you have an all-inclusive warranty that may cover anything that goes wrong for a specified time period. While used cars offer warranties, nothing compares to the one offered by the manufacturer to the original owner. These bumper-to-bumper warranties typically last anywhere from three years or 36,000 miles to five years or 60,000 miles, but you can also purchase extended warranties to give yourself better peace of mind.

Newest Technology

The latest features and technology are only available in newer vehicles. A vehicle even one year newer than another can have a completely different set of features that make both driving and riding in your car more enjoyable. It’s much easier to buy a vehicle with all the features such as a sound system, back up camera, remote start or navigational systems already installed so you can save yourself the hassle of putting them in yourself.

Safety

New cars also have the latest safety features to keep you and your passengers safe. Laws continue to get stricter as safety standards change, and older vehicles don’t meet the newer requirements. Features such as front and side air bags, brake assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear view cameras, stability control and automatic tire pressure monitoring that are now being installed in new vehicles help keep everyone safer.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs are significantly low, if not free, when you buy a new car because many manufacturers include routine maintenance built into the price. It gives you a reason not to put off getting your vehicle serviced regularly since you’re not paying out of pocket for routine care. You aren’t going to need to replace tires, exhaust, and brakes or need a new battery for quite some time.

Financing

Financing rates for new cars tend to be lower than used cars because they’re worth more. The price of the vehicle might be more, but the bank has better collateral for the loan since a brand new car hasn’t depreciated in value.

Last but not least, newer vehicles have the technology to be more fuel efficient which makes them better for the environment and for your wallet with fluctuating gas prices. Buying a new car instead of a used car simply makes sense. Check out Findlay Auto to get started on finding your dream car with all the options you want.

Looking for Luxury? 4 Affordable Car Features to Look For

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/06/10 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Looking for Luxury? 4 Affordable Car Features to Look For

In the past, mainstream vehicles were primarily designed to safely get you from one destination to another. These days, car manufacturers continue to make more options available as people’s wants and needs change. Many people are now interested in purchasing tech-centric vehicles at an affordable price. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that has economical yet luxurious gadgets, be sure to consider the following in-car features.

Navigation System

Two-thirds of people under 25 years old cannot adequately read a map, and as technology advances, this trend seems unlikely to change. Most vehicles, even economy cars, now come with the option of a factory-installed navigation system. These devices are seamlessly mounted into the vehicle and provide more than just directions—they will also give you alternate routes, traffic reports and locations of nearby points of interest.

Adaptive Cruise Control

This advanced form of cruise control has previously been available only on high-end cars, but it is now offered as a standard or optional feature on vehicles from many different manufacturers. Adaptive cruise control uses a sensor to detect other cars and will automatically adjust your automobile’s speed, allowing you to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead of you. The most basic systems will only operate above certain speeds, so they will not function in traffic jams. Prices continue to decrease, and it is now possible to purchase this option for less than $1,000.

Electronic Seat Adjustment

If multiple family members drive your vehicle, you know that repositioning the driver’s seat is an annoying necessity that wastes your time. When your car uses electronic adjustment, the system will change the height and angle of the seat. Additionally, it will reposition the exterior mirrors and steering column. Depending on its specifications, your system will be able to save two or more configurations.

Heated Steering Wheel

Touching an ice-cold steering wheel can make driving unpleasant. Wearing gloves can solve the problem, but you will then have difficulty operating the navigation system and pressing small buttons on the dashboard. This feature is an inconspicuous upgrade that will surely increase your comfort level.

Luxury features are no longer restricted to expensive vehicles, and many luxury brands offer entry-level models that are similar in price to mass-market cars. Investing in deluxe features will truly enhance your driving experience, so visit a car dealer like Quebedeaux Buick GMC to see the large number of luxury options that are available at affordable prices.

How Servicing a Hybrid Is Different Than a Traditional Vehicle

by Anica Oaks on 2016/04/22 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on How Servicing a Hybrid Is Different Than a Traditional Vehicle

Hybrid automobiles have experienced a dramatic rise in popularity over the past decade. Although today’s hybrid vehicles look virtually identical to traditional cars, they have a more sophisticated drivetrain. Here are some of the main differences when it comes to serving a hybrid car.

Longer-Lasting Brake Pads

The majority of modern hybrids feature regenerative braking technology. When activating the brakes, the electric motor engages into what is called reverse mode, which uses the kinetic energy of a hybrid vehicle’s braking system to recharge the car’s batteries. This means that significantly less wear and tear is placed upon the brake pads, and you will have an additional source of electricity to charge your battery.

Hybrid cars also have a backup system of friction brakes just in case the regenerative brakes don’t provide enough stopping power. Hybrid owners will not need to replace their brake pads nearly as often. However, the braking system still should be inspected at least twice a year by a licensed professional who knows how to work with hybrid braking systems.

Battery Replacement

Unlike a traditional automobile, a hybrid vehicle implements the use of a small electric engine and a battery pack. While the electric motor requires very little attention, the battery pack may fail after about 100,000 miles. Luckily, replacement batteries can now be purchased at a specialty automotive parts store. The battery is engineered with a complex wiring system, so the best approach is to allow an Arnold Motor Supply professional or one in your area to perform the installation. Keep in mind that some hybrid batteries also have an air filter that must be replaced, though in the long run these vehicles will require decidedly less maintenance.

Extended Oil Change Intervals

Hybrid engines are designed to perform efficiently. Because of the electric motor’s assistance, the gas engine does not have to work as hard. Although the engine will definitely require an oil change, the interval will be much longer than normal. In fact, you can safely drive 10,000 miles between each oil change. If the oil needs to be changed, the vehicle’s oil life monitor will give you a prompt service warning.

Requires a Skilled Mechanic

Hybrid engines are a bit more complex than the typical gas engine. Unless you are a highly trained automotive technician, you may not be able to perform all of the recommended maintenance. To protect the various components from excess heat, hybrids are designed with multiple cooling systems. While regular vehicles use an alternator, a hybrid is equipped with a special AC-DC converter. Not only are some of the tasks complicated, but they are also quite dangerous. Mechanics must use an extra degree of caution when working around electrical parts.

As you can see, a hybrid vehicle has a lot of differences underneath the surface. The good news is that a hybrid is not much noticeably more expensive to maintain in the long run.

Safest Picks for 2016

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/21 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Safest Picks for 2016

Years ago, the most up-to-date, top of the line safety features were only available in high priced luxury vehicles. Fortunately, with more safety features becoming standardized in a wide assortment of vehicles, many of today’s cars are not only more affordable, but safer as well.

While there are many contributing factors responsible for car accidents across the U.S., one of the easiest ways to prevent a fatal accident or one that ends in injury is by driving a car equipped with safety features. Here are some of Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) top 2016 picks based on safety features:

Small Cars

Small cars are popular and perfect for a couple, a small family, a college student, or someone who lives in a larger city. Small cars continue to be popular picks because more models are becoming fuel efficient or are offered as an alternative (such as a hybrid or electric version).

  • Honda Civic:
    Honda has had an impressive and loyal following for years. Often chosen for safety and sportiness, Honda owners stick behind the brand for a car with a long lifespan. The Honda Civic remains one of Honda’s most popular models and is chosen as a top pick for such safety features as side, front, rear head curtain airbags as well as front seat-mounted torso airbags. Additional features include electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a rollover sensor. Perhaps one of the most sought after features on the Civic is the optional Front Crash Prevention Technology.

    Crash prevention technology or automatic forward collision-avoidance systems are so Important in vehicles these days that IIHS won’t consider giving a vehicle a safety rating if it’s not equipped with the lifesaving technology. It may increase the vehicle’s cost by a few thousand dollars, but it’s worth the extra cost.

  • Other Picks include Acura ILX, Subaru Impreza, and Volkswagen Golf.

Mid-Size Cars

Mid-size cars are typically a little roomier than small cars, but still have some of the “sporty” capabilities of a smaller vehicle.

  • Toyota Prius:
    A 2016 top pick for mid-size cars is the ever popular Prius. As one of the first hybrid models on the market, the Prius introduced eco-conscious drivers to a whole new way of driving. Not only does the new Prius have great fuel efficiency (54/50 mpg), but it also has some great new optional safety features such as crash prevention technology and lane departure alert.

    Like crash avoidance technology, lane departure technology keeps the vehicle in control when the driver is not. With all of today’s distractions and increase of fatigued motorists, drivers could use a little extra help and security while on the road.

  • Other picks include Chrysler 200, Nissan Altima, and Subaru Outback.

Small SUV

SUVs are a common sight on U.S. roadways, particularly for family cars. Not necessarily ever given praise for safety or fuel efficiency in the past, SUVs are becoming more safe and eco-friendly.

  • Mitsubishi Outlander:
    Equipped with a 7 airbag safety system and other standards such as electronic stability control, antilock brakes, and a rollover sensor, front crash prevention is also an optional feature on this popular and moderately priced SUV. Other picks include: Fiat 500X and the Toyota RAV4.

For a complete listing of the most safe and up-to-date vehicles on the market for 2016, check out IIHS Top Safety picks.

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