Auto Magazine

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

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.

Motorcycle Storage: 4 Ways to Keep Winter from Ruining Your Bike

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/02/01 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles are great. There is nothing quite like getting on your motorcycle in the warm months of spring and summer and going for a ride, having the wind in your face, and just cruising down the highway. If you are an avid motorcyclist, your bike is probably one of your most prized possessions. Unfortunately, the frigid temperatures may force you to put it away until next spring. So what do you do and how to take care of it until you can pull it out again? Here are four ways to keep winter from ruining your bike.

Fill the Tank with Fresh Fuel

Before putting your motorcycle in storage, be sure to top off the gas tank. Gasoline has a tendency to gradually break down over time. Not only will the decreased octane level cause the engine to run poorly, but it may also prompt oxidation to form within the fuel tank. Your best option is to add a highly rated fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. Furthermore, expert mechanics urge motorcyclists to avoid using low-quality gasoline at all costs. With that said it might be worth spending a few extra bucks and putting in premium gasoline at your local gas station. You also want to make sure that you want to cover your bike up and put it in a garage if you can to protect it from freezing once the cold weather hits.

Maintain the Tires

According to an experienced Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney at Naqvi Law, poorly maintained tires can definitely cause a crash. Because the tires will be sitting in one position for an extended period, you need to keep the bike elevated off the ground. This will help prevent flat spots in the rubber. A motorcycle stand is a worthwhile investment. In the event that your garage or storage unit does not have any heat, the frigid temperatures may cause the tire pressure to drop. Never allow the tires to remain under-inflated for a long time.

Protect the Battery

If your motorcycle features an electric starter, the battery becomes an essential component. When not used frequently, a battery will slowly begin to lose its charge. Try to recharge the battery about once a month. You also must carefully inspect the battery for any signs of corrosion. Remember, corrosion can quietly eat away at the battery cables and terminals. Placing a tad bit of dielectric grease on the connections can prevent a lot of trouble.

Change the Oil

Even if you do not plan to ride your bike in the winter, make it a priority to change the motor oil. Used motor oil contains a certain amount of contaminants. If these impurities are allowed to just sit inside of the engine, it may cause the metal components to rust. Moisture is also a very big problem during the winter. Always completely drain the old oil from the engine.

By remembering these important tips, you can prevent the coldest season from damaging your bike. When the warmer temperatures finally arrive, you will be able to hit the road without making any unnecessary repairs.

Six Times You May Want To Skip A Motorcycle Outing and Drive Your Car Instead

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/29 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Riding a motorcycle makes for an easy and fun way of getting around town. Whether you’re heading to work or are going on an outing, there are many times to make use of the bike. For those who want to remain safe while on the road, there are a few times when it’s important to resort to driving a car to protect yourself.

1. Maintenance is Needed

You may need new tires or have squeaky brakes on your motorcycle with maintenance that is needed. Avoid driving your motorcycle if the bike is not in perfect condition and maintenance or repairs are needed to ensure that you stay safe on the road.

2. Bad Weather

One of the most dangerous times to ride a motorcycle is when it’s raining or snowing outside. This can make the bike more vulnerable to an accident due to poor weather conditions that make it challenging to drive. You’ll be safer driving in a vehicle and can reduce your chances of an accident.

3. Popular Holidays

New Year’s Eve, 4th of July, and St. Patrick’s Day are all holidays when motorists are more dangerous on the road and tend to be drinking. Protect yourself by taking a car if you need to travel to avoid getting hit by someone who is intoxicated. If you do get injured by another driver at times like this, be sure to contact professionals like the Milwaukee injury attorneys at Groth Law Firm.

4. Heavy Traffic

It can be difficult to drive in heavy traffic when motorists are impatient and you’ll have to weave in and out of traffic. Avoid traveling on a motorcycle during rush hour or on a Friday evening due to motorists who may not see you and may come into your lane too suddenly.

5. At Night

Although you may see the road ahead of you, it can be difficult for other motorists to spot you at night. Resort to using your bike during the day when you’re more visible to other drivers.

6. You’re Tired

Operating a motorcycle requires a high level of energy and physical strength. Avoiding driving the bike when you’re tired, which can make it easy to make a mistake and get into an accident. Opt for driving a car to remain safer until you get to your destination.

Although it can be tempting to go on a motorcycle outing, it’s important to use caution and remain responsible with the bike. You should only operate the motorcycle in the right conditions and when you can use it responsibly to protect yourself and others on the road.

Bad Accident? 5 Ways to Avoid Pesky Legal Issues

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/27 in Auto Accident with Comments Off

Unfortunately, accidents are never planned hence why they are called an accident. Therefore, when they happen numerous things need to be done very quickly. Otherwise, a simple legal situation may become very complex. To keep this from happening, there are five things that accident victims can do to protect themselves and in order to follow the law.

Take Detailed Notes

If a person is involved in an accident, it pays to take detailed notes if possible while still at the scene. Writing down the date, time, names of people involved, what led up to the accident, and more can play a pivotal role if the case goes to court. However, copies of these notes should not be given to police officers at the scene or any insurance company personnel. Instead contact a law firm such as Hammett, Bellin & Oswald LLC and turn the notes over to them for use as potential evidence in the case. With these notes, try and take photos if you can and keep them with the notes that you have already taken.

Call the Police

If an accident involves injuries to others or significant property damage, the police should be contacted as soon as possible. In fact, if more than $1,000 in damages is done to personal property or $200 damage to government property, the law requires that police be called to the scene. The police will then take statement from any and all parties involved in the accident to get an accurate report of what actually happened. This report can be accessed by all parties should any legal or insurance issues arise. Make sure that you do not leave the scene of the accident until you are dismissed by the police officer.

Photos and Videos

Thanks to cell phones, photos and videos can be taken instantaneously at virtually any accident scene. If a case goes to court or is questioned by an insurance company, these key pieces of evidence can turn the case around in a hurry. If possible, take pictures of the damage done to the vehicles, the accident scene itself, and anything else that may be relevant to the case.

Make Sure the Scene is Safe

To ensure no other damage is done or people injured, make the scene as safe as possible. If able, get vehicles moved out of the way of traffic and use flares, blinkers, or other lights to alert others to the accident scene.

Contact an Attorney

In addition to the previous steps, contacting an attorney experienced in accidents and personal injury can be crucial to getting any compensation you may deserve. Accident cases, especially auto accidents, are very complex and usually require an attorney with many years of experience in this area.

By taking these steps when involved in an accident, it may be possible to avoid many legal pitfalls later on. However, it may not be possible if any other party involved decides to pursue legal action. While it’s never guaranteed how any accident will play out in court or with insurance companies, being as prepared as possible will put the odds greatly in your favor.

Cocktail of Danger: How to Avoid Accidents on the Road

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/25 in On the Road with Comments Off

Accidents on the road are frighteningly common, and you’ll never know when they will happen. But there are ways to diminish the chances of these accidents happening, and these tips could potentially save your life.

Drive Defensively

It is important when driving to remember that even if you do have the right of way, or the law is on your side in some other way, it will not matter in an accident. Make sure that you look beyond the laws of the road to avoid an accident. In a perfect world, everyone on the road would follow every traffic law, but this is not the case. Drivers run red lights, perform rolling stops at stop signs, exceed the speed limit, change lanes without signaling, etc. None of this can be prevented by you as another driver, you must simply recognize that this is happening and stay out of the way of a reckless driver who may cause you harm.

Limit Distractions

Although this may seem like a fairly obvious point, it’s a point which is lost on many new and experienced drivers. Make sure that when you get into your car, you put your cell phone and other pieces of mobile technology far enough away from you that you cannot reach it while driving. If you listen to the radio while you are driving, try to choose a station and then stick with that station. Moving your eyes away from the road for only a split second can have disastrous consequences. It is essential that you maintain focus on the road at all times. If you need to take or make a call, pull over to do so.

Use Your Mirrors

When driving, it is easy to only focus on what is in front of your vehicle, it is of utmost importance that you do not fall into this habit. The mirrors which are provided in your vehicle are there for a reason. You must know what is going on around your vehicles on all sides at all times. As difficult as this sounds, it becomes intuitive after falling into this habit.

Avoid Impairment

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only dangerous but a serious legal offense. While many people believe that they can have a few drinks and then drive home without issue, even light drinking can put one over the legal limit. Even if you stay beneath the legal limit, in Georgia you could be deemed "less safe" and charged with driving under the influence to the extent that you are less safe behind the wheel (learn more at http://athenscriminallawyer.com/). The best way to avoid this is to abstain from alcohol if you plan to drive later or call a taxi if you’ve been drinking and need to get somewhere.

Anticipate Every Possibility
When you drive, you need to foresee the actions of other drivers and pedestrians before they perform the action. It is also important that you see and recognize the behaviors of pedestrians, to make sure they do not accidently put themselves in peril of being struck by your vehicle. Make sure that your eyes are constantly moving around and assessing what could happen in the next few seconds.

Accidents on the road are a terrifying thing. They are unforeseeable, and they happen in a split second. Luckily for us, there are actions we can take to minimize the risk of being in a situation which could result in an accident.