Auto Magazine

5 Inside Tips for Anyone Buying a New Car in 2015

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/23 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Each year, vehicle designers, developers, and marketers make changes and improvements to models that have been around for decades in order to enhance the driving (or riding) experience. While many new features merely act as marketing gimmicks, there are some new features that can actually be beneficial. If you’re in the market for a new car, the following insider tips will help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect car in 2015.

Search for Technology that Suits Your Needs

Do you live in a major city that offers only the smallest of parking spaces? Where will your new sales job take you this year? Do you spend most of your days driving kids to school, violin lessons, and karate? The main use of your vehicle will help determine what technology to look for when car shopping. One of the most sought after tech features of 2015 is Internet connectivity. Cars such as the new 2015 Audi A3 and brand new Chevy Silverado 1500 both offer a wireless Internet connection. Whether you’re on a long road trip with the kids, or want access to all your files or information remotely, Internet access has many benefits.

For those stay-at-home moms or busy families that are always on the go, cars like the 2015 Kia Sedona SX-L are a great option. Like the Ford Escape, the rear door opens automatically if you approach the vehicle with an armful of bags. Known as the Smart Power Liftgate, similar technology is fast becoming standard on SUV, crossovers and minivans from many auto manufacturers.

Purchase a Car with New Safety Features to Keep Your Insurance Rates Down

If you’re looking to keep your insurance premiums to a minimum in 2015, consider buying a car with exceptional safety features. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis Sedan offers a number of improved safety features that will both save your life and keep your pocketbook happy. The lane keeping assistant, radar cruise control and emergency auto braking feature have all been available on luxury cars in previous years, and Hyundai has now brought them to a car that the average American can afford. Consider these features when purchasing a new car if you plan on driving long distances with your family or friends.

Check New Prices for Luxury Vehicles

Prices have declined for some of the major luxury car models in the past couple years, and this year is no different. A brand new Mercedes Benz C Class Sedan used to come with a sticker price of more than $45,000. Now, middle class consumers can afford an entry level model for less than $39,000. Other new cars, including the Audi A3 and Buick can be purchased for less than $30,000.

Look for New Technology in Sports Cars

Sports cars have come a long way in recent years. If you’re a two door enthusiast, don’t be surprised to find an abundance of technology features packed into your dream ride. The 2015 Ford Mustang is a great example. From an advanced navigation system to an integrated mobile apps feature, this is a prime choice for spontaneous cross-country drivers.

Determine Your Insurance Premium by Purchasing the Right Car

While purchasing a vehicle with new safety features is a great way to save on monthly insurance premiums, you can save even more by researching which car models can significantly reduce the money that comes out of your pocket for coverage. Before you purchase a car, compare insurance rates on multiple models to see which one fits your budget.

2015 will be a great year for new car models, especially when you consider the new technology that will be introduced by many of the brands. When shopping for a new car in 2015, be sure to consider your monthly budget, technology needs, safety preferences, and you’ll be more satisfied with your purchase.

The information for this article was provided by the professionals at Registrations Are Us who offer Spruce Grove license renewal and vehicle registration.

Drunk Driving Statistics and What’s Changing on the Roads Today

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/21 in On the Road with Comments Off

Although drunk driving has decreased in recent years, it remains a serious problem in our country. During the average hour, about 30 people suffer injuries caused by intoxicated drivers. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving such accidents killed 10,076 Americans in 2013. Various estimates indicate that these crashes cost the nation $60 to $200 billion per year. About 2.3 percent of the victims are children under 15 years old.

Improvements

The good news is that fatalities have decreased by more than 50 percent since 1980. Government figures show that the number of people killed in 2013 was about 250 less than the statistic for 2012. While alcohol continues to play a role in about 29 percent of highway deaths, this compares well with rates reported during the 1960s and 1970s. Intoxication caused about three out of five fatalities in that time period.

Enforcement

State and local authorities have become more serious about enforcing drunk driving laws. Gone are the days when police would ignore all but the most serious cases of driver intoxication. Stricter laws and sobriety checkpoints have also made a difference. For example, KOMO-TV reported that three counties in Washington State introduced new laws during 2014. Drunk drivers with multiple convictions must undergo daily alcohol tests.

Awareness

Shifting attitudes and greater awareness of the problem have helped to reduce intoxicated driving as well. Media outlets and schools across the nation regularly educate the public about the risks associated with this dangerous behavior. Public service messages on radio and TV often starkly illustrate the consequences. More people realize that it’s a crime with serious medical, legal, and financial repercussions.

Safety

General improvements in highway safety are also helping to decrease fatalities and injuries. Cars have become safer in recent years, and most vehicles on today’s roads feature multiple air bags. Additional exterior lights make modern vehicles more visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Increasing numbers of cars now incorporate backup cameras. As a recent Star Tribune news article pointed out, emergency personnel are responding to accidents more quickly as well.

It’s appropriate to celebrate this progress, but more needs to be done. About six Americans die in traffic accidents involving alcoholic beverages every four hours, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This is still far too many. Even if you don’t drink or own a car, you can help solve this problem by discouraging others from driving intoxicated.

If you become involved in an alcohol-related collision, be sure to seek the assistance of a Blumenauer Hackworth lawyer.

Creative Car Care: What to Think About with an Outdoor Car This Winter

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/19 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

When the winter months roll around, it is crucial you prepare your outdoor car for the frigid temperatures. After all, the way you would winterize your home or garden, your car needs protection from the weather as well. While it may seem like a hassle at the time, it is definitely worth all the energy, time, and money you’d have to spend otherwise.

Visit Your Mechanic

The first step you should take in preparing for winter driving is taking your car to the local mechanic. There, you should get your battery, brakes, heater, defroster, thermostat, and antifreeze levels checked. Each of these parts of the car are vital for getting around in the winter, and the last thing you want is any of those systems to be malfunctioning. You also want to take a look at your tires. Tires should have a good amount of tread left on them. If they appear worn, though, get rid of them, and put in new snow tires so you have better traction and can take on whatever kinds of severe weather conditions are thrown your way.

Lights

Another important measure you must take is inspecting your automobile’s lights. These lights allow you to see clearly no matter how much snow, hail, and rain is coming down. If they’re not working properly, you’re putting yourself and those you love in harm’s way. As part of this step, you must make sure that both the front and rear lights are in top shape. This includes your car’s flashing hazard lights.

Windshield Fluid

Oftentimes in the winter, the windshield fluid in your vehicle freezes up. While some may choose to just deal with this issue in the spring, you can’t. You need the windshield fluid while driving, so instead exchange the fluid with one that is ideal for freezing conditions. In fact, there are some windshield fluids that are made specifically for spraying in below freezing temperatures.

Locks

Lastly, it’s very common for doors to get frozen shut in the winter months. Not only this, but a lot of times car owners have trouble getting their keys into the locks on the door. To avoid these types of issues altogether, you should hire a locksmith in Newmarket to take a look at your vehicle. This way they can perform the lock services needed so that you experience no difficulty throughout the winter. According to Affordable Lock Services Inc, you can even spray them with anti-freezing agents to get in easier each morning.

When it comes to your car, it is important that you employ the proper care in the winter. This will help you in so many different aspects so your car runs properly. Don’t wait until it’s too late, instead protect your car before anything happens.

What are My Rights after a Car Accident? The Most Important Rights to be Aware of

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/16 in Uncategorized with Comments Off

When you are involved in a car accident, you have important rights that arise then and there at the scene. This is especially the case if you’ve been injured because of another driver’s negligence or your car has been damaged. Although you may be overwhelmed at the time of the accident, it is important to invoke your rights in order to ensure you get what you deserve in the days and weeks after the accident. Read on to learn about the important rights you have following your involvement in a car accident:

Call the Police

Insist on having police come to the scene to investigate the accident. If at all possible, all vehicles should remain where they came to rest after the impact. This will permit the investigating officer to make an accurate accident report, document damage to all vehicles involved, and make their own assessment on liability. A few days after the accident, you can obtain a copy of the accident report at little cost.

Insist on Immediate Medical Care

If you feel pain or discomfort anywhere in your body, ask to be taken to an emergency room or to be examined by paramedics. They will document your complaints of pain at the scene, and emergency room personnel will further document them. This is critical in establishing that you were injured as a direct and proximate result of the accident. Follow all medical recommendations, including seeing your own doctor or a specialist. Delays in treatment only weaken a case. Injury, pain and suffering are documented by medical personnel throughout a person’s course of treatment. If there is anything that feels wrong, don’t wait for it to go away—get checked out immediately in case there are any injuries.

Notify your Insurer

Let your insurer know you were involved in an accident as soon as practical after it happened. Most insurers have strict notice requirements, so try to document when, how and who you gave notice to. Your insurer has a right to investigate an accident and preserve any evidence and interview any witnesses. According to Rod Gregory, an Edmonton DUI lawyer, you have a contractual duty to cooperate with your insurer in the case of an accident, so give them any information you have that they might need.

Don’t Talk to the Other Driver(s)

Whether you’re the victim or the person who caused the accident, refrain from speaking with anybody involved in it. Your statements can only be used against you in the future. You’re under no duty to give the other party’s insurer any type of a statement. If they phone you, give them your attorney’s name and phone number. By allowing a professional to handle the matter, you’ll avoid saying something you’ll regret, or something that could negatively impact your case.

Being in a car accident can be a calamity, particularly if you’ve sustained serious injuries. Always invoke your rights for your future protection, and be sure you aren’t shy about asking for what you need. By getting help from the place, taking care of any bodily injuries, obtaining the right information, and consulting with your insurance agent, you’ll be able to put the distress of the accident behind you, and get what you deserve in the end.

6 Trucks that Seamlessly Blend Comfort and Functionality

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/01/14 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

Today’s trucks aren’t your grandad’s rusted out old rig; they offer all the comforts of a highway car. These new trucks handle everything from towing trailers and hauling heavy loads to comfortable commuting and vacation travel for the whole family.

1. Car-like Comfort: 2014 Chevrolet Silverado

With its car-like ride and luxurious interior, the Silverado handles daily commutes or long road trips in comfort. It can tow a trailer, carry a big load, or go off-road. Engine choices range from more economical 6-speed automatic V6s to an eight-speed automatic 6.2-liter V8 with a 12,000-pound tow rating.

2. Chrysler Ram 1500: Comfort and Performance

With a comfortable ride, widely-praised interior styling, and a well-designed cabin, the Ram’s smooth-shifting standard 8-speed automatic balances power with comfort. Choose 2WD or 4WD, V6 or V8, diesel or gas, and a variety of cabin styles and trim levels.

3. Ford F-150: The Most Popular Choice

The Ford 150 remains the best-selling truck in North America. This full-sized workhorse tows up to 11,300 pounds and carries 3,120 pounds, with a 81.3 cubic feet cargo box, several V6 and V8 engine choices, and a six-speed automatic transmission with a haul/tow mode. You can choose standard, extended or crew-style cabins.

4. Chevrolet Colorado: Best Gas Mileage

With a top-rated 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, the Chevrolet Colorado is the mid-size truck of choice for high-mileage drivers. With a choice of automatic or manual transmissions, V4 or V6 engines, and standard, extended or crew cabins, this versatile truck can carry up to 1,590 lbs. of payload and tow trailers up to 7,000 pounds.

5. Toyota Tacoma: Economical Off-Roader

The Tacoma is an economical performer, compact enough to fit in small parallel parking spaces and navigate narrow jeep trails or sandy washes equally well. Its quickness and agility make it the choice for drivers who need to navigate both urban traffic and backcountry wilderness.

6. Nissan Frontier: Most Affordable

The compact Nissan Frontier offers a low sticker price and good gas mileage. You can choose 2WD or 4WD, manual or automatic, and V4 or V6 engines, with a maximum 1,524 pounds payload and 6,500 pound trailer. It offers a state-of-the-art infotainment system including hands-free text messaging.

Although you can research trucks on the internet, what matters most is how they feel on the road and how they suit your driving style. Expressway Dodge can configure trucks for your needs.