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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.

For Classic Car Collectors: What You Need to Know

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/03/09 in Auto Collection with Comments Off on For Classic Car Collectors: What You Need to Know

Classic cars have become a very hot item for people to collect. Of course, this is a hobby that takes a considerable amount of money to get into. There have been many classic cars that have sold for well over $1 million at an auction. Collecting classic cars has become a very big business. Many companies have been created to satisfy the needs of the people who collect these cars. Some of these companies specialize in searching the entire planet for their clients in an attempt to find specific cars that are very rare. Other companies focus on buying classic cars. What makes a classic car desirable? Here are a few of the top things that collectors look for.

1. How many were made

The production number is always a huge factor in the world of classic cars. Obviously, the value of a car will not be very high is they are easy to find. Therefore, the serious collectors tend to gravitate towards the cars that were produced in very limited quantities. Collectors may also be interested in cars that may have been produced in large numbers and are now hard to find simply because they are so old. It all comes down to a simple case of supply and demand.

2. Condition

Finding a rare car is a difficult enough task. However, finding it in excellent condition is often impossible. Collectors want a car to be in outstanding condition if they are going to be paying top dollar for it. As you might expect, it is very difficult to find certain cars in great condition when they are more than 50 years old. This drives up the prices of the cars that have been well taken care of to amounts that few can afford. Collectors will pay premium prices for European classic cars with no rust and most of their original parts.

3. Manufacturer

There are certain car companies that have developed a reputation for excellence over the years. Therefore, the collectors tend to seek out cars made by these companies more than the ordinary manufacturers. Ferrari and Mercedes are two brands that always see very high prices when some of their rare models go up for auction. However, the price that a collector pays for a car often comes down to personal preference. The person may be willing to pay more than a car is worth if he has been looking for it for a long time.

Car Shopping: Tips and Tricks to Get You on the Road Fast

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/27 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on Car Shopping: Tips and Tricks to Get You on the Road Fast

Car buying isn’t always an enjoyable process. Some salespeople won’t even let you get out of your current car before they are trying to sell you another one you don’t want. Going to the dealership with a plan in place will smooth things out and allow you to find the car you can truly be excited about buying.  This is something that most people desire when they buy a new car.

Test Drive

After searching online for the type of car you want, you need to test drive it to make sure it is as good a car on the road as it is on paper. Narrow down the field to two or three prospective cars you’re really interested in so that you have an organized plan.  When buying a car, you need to be shrewd, as in, picky. Test drive all of the cars to see how they handle different road conditions such as stop-and-go traffic, braking quickly, and acceleration. You should also think about how expensive they are to maintain. You might get a good deal to start with, but if it needs uncommon parts and requires lots of repair, it might be more money than it’s worth.

Pre-Approval

Once you have determined your budget for the monthly payments, it is a good idea to get pre-approval from a few lenders. If you have a less than perfect credit history, try to find a bank that is more lenient on their criteria. There are lenders out there that are willing to work with people who need a second chance to get a new vehicle. Having the pre-approval before you go to the dealership will provide you with some negotiating power.  Credit reporting data is an aspect of business that is integral to auto dealers. For instance, NCC Direct, Inc. realizes that the more accurate the data, the more sales and higher profit margins will result.  This makes it easier for auto dealers to help their customers.

Time of Year

Towards the second half of the year, dealerships are looking to get rid of the older models to make room for the new ones. They are more amenable to working out a lower price when it is prudent for the car to get off the lot. You can also get a great deal if you go at the end of the month any time of the year when the salesperson is trying to meet their monthly quota.

When you decide it’s time to get a new car, it shouldn’t be met with a groan. Getting a new car should be a pleasant and happy experience. Doing your due diligence at home to get the best car loan for you, going to the dealership at the right time of month and year, and testing out your top picks will increase the odds that you leave in your fresh new car with a smile on your face.

The Best of Both Worlds: Why You Should Consider an SUV Crossover

by Anica Oaks on 2016/02/03 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on The Best of Both Worlds: Why You Should Consider an SUV Crossover

Otherwise known as a crossover utility vehicle or CUV, the crossover SUV is one class of automobile that’s exploded in popularity recently. Dozens of models from a slew of manufacturers have shattered sales records over the past few years. Here are some of the reasons why the crossover SUV is an appealing option for consumers.

Flexibility and Utility

A crossover is by its very nature a more versatile vehicle than a simple sedan. Many come will all-wheel drive, which enables access to places that vehicles with low clearances can’t go. Furthermore, a CUV like the Buick Encore at Quebedeaux Buick GMC boasts nearly 50 cubic feet of storage space while a Honda Accord has under 15 cubic feet.

Admirable Fuel Economy

Despite the fact that most CUVs come with a good 180 horsepower or more, many manage to deliver surprisingly solid fuel efficiency. Since so many crossovers have four-cylinder engines, they’re usually pretty good with gas when cruising for long distances. Some are capable of up to 35MPG if you drive conservatively.

Superior Safety Records

During the 1990s, the Ford Explorer gave SUVs a bad name due to its reputation for rollovers. CUVs are far more stable thanks to their low center of gravity and technologies like Electronic Stability Control. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, crossover SUVs are safer than sedans when it comes to crash fatalities.

Above-Average Longevity

If you’ve ever worked on a truck like an F-150 or a Silverado, you know how pristine their engine bays remain after years of abuse. Since they’re higher off the ground, rust and road salt don’t do as much damage in the long run. Modern CUVs have the same advantages and won’t deteriorate as quickly as sedans.

Reasonable Repair Costs

A crossover SUV is essentially a large sedan with a better frame and a tougher suspension system. Consequently, they’re not as expensive to fix as big trucks like the Dodge Durango or the Toyota Tacoma. Oftentimes, brake jobs and shock replacements for a crossover SUV cost little more than the same procedures performed on a mid-sized sedan.

Crossovers Are Here to Stay

At this point, it’s obvious that crossover SUVs are more than just a fad. They’re beyond popular with the general car-buying public for all of the reasons mentioned here and more. The only major downside to crossover SUVs is that there are so many quality models out there to choose from.

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