Cold Weather And Snow Are Just Around The Corner

As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, it's important to remember some basic winter driving safety tips. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.

Depending on where you live, winter driving conditions can vary greatly. In some areas, snow and ice are a regular occurrence, while in others, it's more of a rare event. No matter what the conditions are like in your area, it's always important to be prepared for the worst.

Before setting out on a winter drive, make sure your car is in good working condition. This means having a full tank of gas, making sure all your lights are working, and having snow tires or chains if conditions are particularly bad. It's also a good idea to let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time, just in case you run into trouble along the way.

When driving in winter conditions, take your time and don't be afraid to give yourself extra space between you and the car in front of you. It takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so you need to give yourself plenty of time to brake. And if you do start to skid, resist the urge to panic. Instead, focus on steering into the direction of the skid until you regain control.

If you haven't driven in snow before then you should consider having someone take you to a safe location to practice. Once you feel confident behind the wheel, then you can start venturing out on your own. Just remember to take things slow and be extra cautious until you get used to the conditions.

Before the winter driving season begins, check your used car carefully. Inspect the tires for tread depth and add all-weather tires when needed. Be sure your car has snow scrapers, a shovel, and kitty litter or rock salt in case you need extra traction.

Are you confident in your car's ability to drive in snow? Check with our knowledgeable sales staff to find a reliable car that will help you brave the winter roads in style. Stop by today and take a test drive!

SUVs are one of the most versatile vehicles on the market. They offer great family legroom and more storage for gear than a regular car making them ideal for family vacations.

What Are The Different Types Of SUVs

If you're in the market for an SUV, first, consider what size will best suit your needs. There are small SUVs (also called crossovers), midsize SUVs, and large SUVs.

• Smaller SUVs offer better fuel economy and easier maneuverability, while large SUVs can accommodate more people and gear.

• Crossovers are based on a car chassis, so they have unibody construction and usually offer better fuel economy than truck-based SUVs. They also tend to be smaller and more maneuverable than truck-based SUVs.

• Midsize SUVs offer a happy medium between crossovers and large SUVs. They're big enough to comfortably seat up to eight people, but not so large that they're difficult to park or maneuver.

• Large SUVs are the largest and most expensive SUVs on the market. They offer the most passenger and cargo space, but can be difficult to park and maneuver. They also tend to have poorer fuel

Next, decide what kind of features you're looking for in a SUV. Do you need four-wheel drive for off-roading or bad weather? Would you like a third row of seating to fit more passengers? Do you need a lot of cargo space for hauling gear?

Ready to start shopping for an SUV? Check out our inventory of new and used SUVs. We've got a wide selection of makes and models to choose from. If you're unsure of what SUV is right for you, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help. Stop by today and take a test drive!

What are the advantages of owning a 2 wheel drive pickup truck?

Well, for one, it can have an overall better capability than a 4 wheel drive truck. People often mistakenly think that because a 4 wheel drive truck can go off-road, that it is more capable. But in reality, a 2 wheel drive truck can do just as much if not more with the right configuration.

Towing Capacity

If you want the most tow capacity in any type of pickup truck, choose a 2-wheel drive truck. This is because a 2-wheel drive truck has a lower curb weight, but the same gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This means that your payload capacity has increased because of this. A 4-wheel drive truck might give you 5500 lb payload capacity in a single rear wheel configuration, but you can go up to 7500 lb or more in a dual rear wheel configuration.

Generally speaking, the best trucks for towing are 2-wheel drive dually pickups. This is because they have more room for payload capacity and can handle heavier pin weights, which increases the total weight of a trailer that they can tow. For some people, a 2-wheel drive truck may be the best choice depending on what they are doing.

Fuel Economy

Another benefit of a 2 wheel drive vehicle is that it can get better fuel economy in some cases. You can see an improvement of up to 30% when you compare fuel economy between a 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive vehicle.

When you have a two-wheel drive configuration, it is much easier to move the truck due to rolling resistance. This is because there is less weight on each axle and there are fewer driveshafts and differentials that need to be driven. As a result, this can lead to better fuel economy as well.

Maintenance Costs

A 2-wheel drive vehicle has fewer parts that can break. This means there is less chance that something will go wrong with your car and you will have to spend money fixing it. Additionally, 4-wheel drive vehicles require additional electronics and controls, which can be expensive to maintain.

Benefits Of A 4 Wheel Drive Truck

The obvious benefit is that you can go off-road. This is the type of truck that is designed for people who want to take their vehicle camping, hiking or regularly have to go on unpaved roads. A 4x4 truck will have no problem getting through rough terrain that would stop a 2 wheel drive truck.

Traction - In poor weather conditions, a 4x4 truck will have much better traction than a 2 wheel drive. This is because the weight is evenly distributed over all four tires.

Climbing - If you need to go up a hill or incline, a 4x4 truck will be able to do it with ease.

Where going off road is not the primary purpose of the truck, it is used more in emergency situations such as bad weather or other natural disasters. When roads are closed or impassable, a 4x4 truck can provide the only means of getting around.

Resell Value

Generally speaking you're going to save by opting for a two-wheel drive version over 4 wheel drive version. However this will depend totally on the specific configuration you choose.

A four-wheel drive truck is a more desirable vehicle when it comes time to sell it or trade. It might have cost you a little bit more, but it is worth it in the end.

Top Car Accessories Every Owner Should Try

As a car owner, you are constantly looking for ways to improve your driving experience and make your car more comfortable and efficient. One way to do this is to invest in some top accessories that can help you get the most out of your car. Here are some of the best accessories every car owner should try:

Portable Battery Charger & Jumper Box

If you are someone who is always on the go, a portable battery charger and jumper box is an absolute must. This handy accessory will allow you to charge your car battery on the go, so you never have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. It is also great for jump starting your car if it ever dies while you are out and about.

Mirror Dash Cam

A mirror dash cam is a great way to improve your safety while driving. It allows you to see what is happening behind you without taking your eyes off the road. There are models that will record both the front and rear view , so you can get a complete picture of what is going on around you. This can be invaluable evidence if you are ever in an accident. Unfortunately there are people who intentionally cause accidents so that they can make an insurance claim. A dashboard camera will help you prove that you were not at fault if this ever happens to you.

Cigarette Lighter Splitter

If you are constantly using your cigarette lighter to charge your phone or power other devices, then a cigarette lighter splitter is a must. This will allow you to plug in multiple devices at once without having to unplug something else. This can be really useful if you are using your navigation system and need to keep your phone charged at the same time.

Frost Guard Windshield Mats

If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, then you know how frustrating it is to scrape ice off your windshield. Frost guard windshield mats are a great way to keep your windshield clear and prevent ice from building up. You can find mats that fit over your entire windshield or just the part that gets iced over. Some models come with mirror pockets so that you protect those from frost and snow build up

OBD Scanner Tool

An OBD scanner tool is a must for any car owner. It allows you to read the diagnostic codes that are stored in your car’s computer. This can be really helpful if you are trying to figure out why your check engine light is on. You can also use it to clear codes and reset your engine light if it comes on unnecessarily. Look for ones that have a phone app so that you can read the codes on your phone.

Remote Starter Phone App

If you have a remote starter, then you know how convenient it is to be able to start your car from inside your house. But what if you could start your car from anywhere? With a remote starter phone app, you can do just that. Many features include allowing others to use your vehicle as long as they have the phone app. This can be great for when your spouse or kids need to use the car but you are not home. Just make sure to set up some limits so that you don’t run up your car’s mileage too much.

These are only a few of the great accessories available to car owners. With so many options out there, it is easy to find something that will improve your driving experience. So don’t wait, start shopping for some new accessories today. Your car will thank you for it. Now that you have a list of wish list accessories it might be time to get a new car to put them in! After all, what better way to show off your new toys than in a stylish set of wheels?

Check out our latest models today and find the perfect one for you.

Get The Touchless Car Wash Experience At Home

One of the reasons why touchless car washes are so popular is because they’re gentle on your car’s paint. You don’t have to worry about the harsh chemicals and abrasive brushes that can damage your vehicle’s finish.

Many professional car detailers will recommend touchless car washes for people who want to keep their car’s paint in pristine condition. If you have a new car, or if you just want to keep your car looking its best, a touchless car wash is a great option.

However if you want to take it a step further and get the full touchless car wash experience, you can replicate it at home with a few simple supplies. Best of all you'll get no more swirls, water spots, or other imperfections that come from traditional car washing methods.

What You'll Need.

• A quality pressure washer

• A foam cannon (a device that mixes car wash soap, water, and air to generate thick suds)

• PH Neutral car soap

• Microfiber wash and drying cloths

• Leaf blower or other high power Car dryer

Let's get started:

1. Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight or in the height of the day. Instead park your car in a shaded area or choose to wash your car on a cloudy day if possible. This helps prevent water spots from forming on your car’s paint.

2. Thoroughly rinse the vehicle using a pressure washer working from top to bottom. This should remove any loose dirt and grime.

3. Next, mix your car soap with water in the foam cannon following the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the suds to your car using the foam cannon, starting from the top and working your way down. Let the suds stay on the car for a few minutes to loosen any remaining dirt.

4. Rinse the suds off your car using the pressure washer, working from the top down. Use a leaf blower or other high powered car dryer to remove any water from nooks and crannies where water could pooled and cause rust or other damage.

5. Finally, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe down the car and remove any water spots.

And there you go! Now you know how to wash your car like a professional without ever having to touch it. This method is safe for all paint types and will leave your car’s paint looking shiny and new.

You Might Go On Vacation But Car Maintenance Never Should

As we enter the dog days of Summer, family vacations and long road trips become top priorities. But even if you're taking a break from your regular routine, car maintenance should never be put on the back burner.

Getting Prepared To Go

Before hitting the open road, be sure to give your car a once-over to make sure everything is in working order. This includes checking your engine oil, coolant levels, tires, and brakes.

If you're not comfortable performing these checks yourself, or if you notice anything out of the ordinary, it's always best to take your car to a professional for a thorough inspection.

Once you're on the road, be sure to keep an eye on your vehicle's gauges and warning lights. If anything pops up, don't ignore it! Pull over at the next safe opportunity and check out what's going on.

Don't Sweat or Let The Small Things Bug You

Summer is also a good time to check other items and systems in your car such as the air conditioning, wiper blades, and washer fluid levels. These are all things that you'll be using frequently during the hotter months, so it's important to make sure they're in good working order.

You never know when you might be driving and you get a heavy downpour or you have to clear away some bugs, so it's always best to be prepared.

Always Have A Backup Plan

In general we have become used to using the GPS system on our phones to get us where we need to go. But what happens if you're driving in an unfamiliar area and your phone dies or you lose service?

That's why it's always a good idea to have a physical map on hand as well as a backup plan for directions. It might seem old-fashioned, but there's nothing worse than being stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way to get home.

If you're going to be driving in unfamiliar territory or in remote areas, be sure to let someone know your route and estimated time of arrival. That way, if something does happen, someone will know where to start

And last but not least, always remember to drink plenty of water and take breaks often when driving during the summer months. Heat exhaustion is no joke, and it can happen to anyone. So stay hydrated, stay alert, and most importantly, enjoy your summer

If It Looks To Good To Be True It Probably Is

When you read that headline, I bet you were more than just skeptical. In fact you already knew it couldn't possibly be true. So how could someone possibly be selling brand new Tesla's for just a dollar? The answer is they aren't but that's not the point. The headline got your attention.

 While our exercise in skepticism was easy to spot, unfortunately that's not always the case. Online scammers have for years tried to take advantage of people, but with the surge in used car values, they are working overtime. With so many people out of work and struggling to make ends meet, scammers know that now is the time to strike.

 One of their tried and true methods they like to use is posting to online classified sites. They post incredible sounding deals on cars with the hope some unsuspecting victim will take the bait. They even go to legitimate used car dealers website's to steal the cars' information and images. All of this is to try and lure you in so they can get your money. So how can you spot these scams?

Here are a few things to look out for:

1. The price is too good to be true - This should be obvious but unfortunately it's not always.

2. They refuse to meet in person - A common tactic of scammers is to insist on communicating only through email or text. They will give all kinds of excuses as to why they can't meet in person but the truth is they don't want to get caught.

3. They ask for payment upfront - This is a huge red flag. No legitimate seller is going to ask for payment before you even see the product.

Are You Ready To Buy A Car?

We are a reputable dealership with years of experience. Our team of experts will help you find the perfect car for your needs as well as your budget. Contact us today and let us help you find the car of your dreams.

Please Read Jeff's Car Corner - Best Full-Size Pickup Truck

Content provided by CarAndDriver.com

Turn any friendly neighborhood barbecue into a backyard wrestling match with this simple trick: declare your pickup king. Well guess what, brother? Being the best isn’t about who has the biggest Calvin and Hobbes sticker on the rear window. Full-size pickup trucks are America’s best-selling vehicles, and the fight among them is closer than ever.

Trucks today are capable of accelerating quicker than sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and can tow up to seven tons using conventional towing. That’s a lot of folding chairs and steel cages. The truck is the backbone of America. In 2019, pickups represented over 3.1 million vehicle sales in the U.S., or more than the entire population of Iowa. Each of these trucks can handle classic pickup needs with ease, and if you haven’t already sorted yourself into the Toyota, Nissan, Ram, Chevy, or Ford camps, we’ve ranked the segment's players from worst to best to help you in your search.

1. Ram 1500 - The Ram 1500 is king of the mountain, having bested its biggest rivals from Detroit in our latest three-truck comparison test and won another 10Best Full-size Pickup award for 2021. We’d let those accolades do the heavy lifting for us in explaining why we dig the Ram, but here are a few more reasons: The available EcoDiesel V-6 engine has the most power and torque among all light-duty diesel pickups and is fuel efficient; the interior is a step or three above the competition; and it just plain drives well. Fans of the all-black Dodge Ram can carry the dark baton with a new for 2020 Night Edition, which offers all-black exterior trim along with your choice of paint. We’d suggest, um, black.

2. Ram 1500 TRX - The nearly 3.5-ton Ram 1500 TRX is a lot of truck, but it knows how to use it. The 702-horsepower Hellcat engine is a screamer, and despite its heft, the TRX gets to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, making it the quickest truck we've ever tested. Bilstein dampers underneath provide more than a foot of suspension travel, allowing its 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler AT's to droop. It's beefy too, measuring 5.9 inches wider and 3.3 inches taller than the regular Ram 1500, but inside it's just as luxurious. A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, and a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, and carbon-fiber accents are available options. Many aspects of the TRX make it the greatest truck as nothing else can cruise to, climb up, and fly over whatever's ahead of it quite like this.

3. Ford F-150 Raptor - Packed with a powerful 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 and an off-road-ready suspension with adaptive shocks to soak up potholes and landings off of sweet jumps, the Ford F-150 Raptor is just plain rad. But this is no one-trick brute—it’s nearly everything you might never need in a truck and useful. The SuperCrew is rated to tow up to 8000 pounds, so the Raptor can haul more than just ass. Its wide fenders and large off-road tires can make navigating parking lots and narrow streets a challenge; we prefer to think of them as reminders as to where the Raptor truly belongs.

4. Ford F-150 - The Ford F-150 has been a full-size favorite for decades, and nearly 1 million F-150 pickups were sold last year. So it’s little wonder why the Ford has become ubiquitous and familiar. The fourteenth-generation Ford debuted for 2021 with a new 430-hp hybrid powertrain with 570 lb-ft of torque. That's a 30 horsepower and 70 lb-ft improvement verses the nonhybrid twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 for those keeping track. The hybrid powered pickup gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg for both city and highway travel, putting it fourth overall in fuel efficiency for the segment behind diesel-powered Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500. The interior is also improved in terms of materials and ease of use. An optional Work Surface allows you to transform the front row into a work table. New variable-assist steering, standard on the higher trim King Ranch model and above, is tight and direct, and even on lower trims the ride is quiet and composed.

5. GMC Sierra 1500 - If you can swing the new GMC Sierra 1500’s price premium over its mechanically identical, Chevrolet-badged sibling (the Silverado), do so. The GMC is simply more attractive than the Chevy. We’ve ranked the Sierra above it because the extra money seems worth it when staring both trucks right in the eyes. Like the Silverado, the Sierra has five different engines, three different transmissions, and is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive. Although there's no high-flying off-roader option like the Ram TRX or Ford F-150 Raptor, a Sierra AT4 model is available with 2.0-inches of suspension lift and other off-road equipment. Unfortunately, the pricier GMC suffers from the same unimpressive interior styling and firm ride quality as the Silverado, but the extra chrome does wonders for GM's half-ton pickup design.

6. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - After a full redesign, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 doesn't feel quite as new as you'd expect. Its new body bears only a face a mother could love, the interior is mediocre, and the suspension isn’t terribly refined. Those whiffs are offset by its new 6.2-liter V-8 that can deactivate up to six cylinders for fuel savings, as well as the available turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that can tow up to 9300 pounds. The brakes offer stellar stopping power, and the four-door crew cab has superior rear-seat headroom. Chevy's also added the Multi-Flex tailgate as an option for 2021 models, making the bed of the Silverado more useable than ever. Silverados with the 277-hp turbodiesel engine in 2WD are the most fuel efficient in the segment with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway rating.

7. Nissan Titan - The Nissan Titan, like the Toyota Tundra, exists slightly outside of the mainstream in this segment. It lacks engine choices—there is but one 400-hp V-8 option—which severely limits configurability relative to its competitors, and the Titan’s overall execution seems lacking. Its ride quality is poor and the steering lacks sharpness; look to the Pro-4X trim for off-road capability, but look everywhere else in terms of towing capacity as the Titan has the lowest in the light-duty class. Every model now has a 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is something fleet versions of its domestic competitors don’t have.

8. Toyota Tundra - The Toyota Tundra has been around in pretty much the same form since 2007—that’s pre-Instagram if you need a cultural reference point. So, it’s old. But the Tundra offers a spacious cabin and a decent roster of standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration functionality for most models. A 5.7-liter V-8 is the only engine option, an oddity among full-size pickups, which generally offer a plethora of engine choices. The Toyota’s V-8 engine delivers mediocre fuel economy and towing performance, but the truck itself at least shines in off-road capability even in base form. The Tundra TRD Pro model adds to that dexterity with new Fox 2.5-inch internal-bypass shocks and lighter-weight 18-inch BBS wheels.

Original Source: caranddriver.com (Austin Irwin - Dec 5, 2020)

Please Read Jeff's Car Corner - Best Midsize Sedans

Content provided by MotorTrend

MotorTrend tests more than 200 vehicles at the track every year. We rate cars using the same factors you do, including how they drive, interior space, efficiency, tech, value, and safety. Ratings are only applicable within each respective segment.

1. 2022 Honda Accord - 9.1/10 - After a midcycle refresh for 2021, we're not expecting any major changes to the Accord for 2022. Barring any significant revisions, it will carry forward with two gas engines and a hybrid option. The Accord competes with other affordable four-doors including the Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Kia K5, and Subaru Legacy.

2. 2022 Subaru Legacy - 8.6/10 - Subaru knows its buyers and delivers on their priorities with the Legacy. The midsize sedan offers a compelling blend of technology, safety, and performance in a roomy and comfortable vessel. Middling style and a vexing CVT are the Legacy's greatest Achilles heels.

3. 2022 Hyundai Sonata - 8.5/10 - Hyundai has been selling the Sonata here in the U.S. for more than 30 years, and the current eighth generation is the best version yet. Redesigned for the 2020 model year, the Hyundai Sonata is among the better midsize sedans on the market. It's mechanically related to the Kia K5.

4. 2022 Kia K5 - 8.3/10 - The midsize sedan once known as the Kia Optima has transformed into the K5. Introduced for 2021, the K5 stands out in the segment with evocative exterior styling. Yet despite those looks it remains a relatively normal car in terms of features and capabilities. The K5 is offered with a choice of turbocharged engines and available AWD. Like the Optima before it, the K5 targets sedan stalwarts like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and mechanically related Hyundai Sonata. The K5 is built in West Point, Georgia, alongside the Kia Telluride.

5. 2022 Toyota Camry - 8/10 - Although it's no longer Toyota's best-selling model (that title now goes to the RAV4), the venerable Camry remains a go-to choice for those seeking a dependable midsize sedan. The current-gen Camry was introduced for the 2018 model year and sees a mild face-lift for 2021. The Camry sits squarely in the center of Toyota's lineup of sedans between the compact Corolla and full-size Avalon. Besides its longtime rival, the Honda Accord, the Camry also competes with midsize four-doors including the Subaru Legacy, Nissan Altima, and Hyundai Sonata.

6. 2021 Nissan Altima - 7.7/10 - Positioned above the compact Sentra and below the full-size Maxima, the Altima is the middle child of Nissan's sedan lineup. Nissan issued a full redesign of the Altima for the 2019 model year, and the family sedan has been relatively unchanged since. The Altima competes in the midsize sedan segment alongside cars such as the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, and Subaru Legacy.

7. 2022 Volkswagen Passat - 7.1/10 - Once one of Volkswagen's most successful cars in the United States, the Passat enters its final year of production with a Limited Edition trim. It rides on the platform that's been on sale in the United States since 2012, the same year it won our MotorTrend Car of the Year award. The Passat last received a major refresh in 2020. Although this midsize sedan no longer feels like a fresh offering, it comes with the traditional advantages of its segment, namely a comfortable ride, a large trunk, and spacious interior.

8. 2021 Chevrolet Malibu - One of the longest-running nameplates in the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu has been a mainstay in the midsize sedan segment for decades. Since its inception, the Malibu has evolved from a rear-drive car that's available in multiple flavors to a front-drive model offered only one body style. Chevrolet even offered a hybrid Malibu for a short time to lure eco-minded consumers to the brand. With only a short time left before it's discontinued, the Malibu lineup has been streamlined. A number of cosmetic packages are also offered.

9. 2021 Mazda Mazda6 - As we wait for the rumored RWD, inline-six-powered, next-gen 6, Mazda adds some polish to its midsize sedan for 2021. The current-generation model debuted for the 2014 model year and saw a mid-cycle facelift for 2018, adding a turbocharged engine option. The 2021 Mazda 6 competes with other affordable midsize sedans including the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata.

Original Source: https://www.motortrend.com/style/sedan/