What Happens When You Get Your Car Detailed

We all know that when you get your vehicle “detailed” that the end product is a shiny version of your dirt laden, gummy worm sticky, dust ridden commuting machine.  What we don’t know is the exact process and precision that goes into making your car brand new again.  In today’s blog, we explain the steps that car detailer’s make to make your car a shining reflection of your ideal driving machine.

Car detailing helps retain a higher resale value for your vehicle. 

Detailers start with the exterior.  This involves cleaning and creating a shine to the car’s paint, chrome trim, windows, wheels and tires. Products can include: detergents, detail clay, wax, polishes and a variety of applicators and special cloths.

The exterior paint begins with cleaning, polishing and protecting. Cleaning the car starts by removing all foreign surface particles from exterior surfaces by washing it.  Polishing refers to using mechanical polishes by hand or with a machine and specific polishing pads that remove microns of clear coat from a vehicle to remove fine scratches and swirls from a paint surface produced from improper washing or drying technique.  Protecting involves the application of a protective wax that prevents foreign matter from adhering to the surface of the vehicle. 

The interior detailing includes cleaning the compartments, dash areas, windows, panels and seats.  Vacuuming is standard and steam cleaning and brushes may be used to remove stains on upholstery. 

Keep that shine going!!!

Our Top Instagram Pics of August

Once in a while, we find a picture on Instagram that’s worth sharing.  It’s usually a snippet of perfection, framed by the small screen of a smartphone.  Check out our FAVORITE Instagram photos of August in our newest blog post below: 

@johnnageltkd

@zaheraddara

 @sws89

7 Facts About Texting That Can Save a Life

Multitasking has increased in the last few years to astronomical heights.  With one hand and a smartphone you can watch a YouTube video, send an email, play a game, voice chat and place a call in a five-minute span.  However, with much power comes much responsibility because NOW that we have this access 24-7, it has carried over into our driving habits. 

For some time, researchers have been telling us to focus only on driving, quoting a greatly increased chance of accident, injury and death when we distractedly call a friend or answer a ringing cell phone.

Now, new research has revealed the most dangerous driver distraction of all: texting.

A study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, along with prior studies by Liberty Mutual Insurance and state-funded organizations located online, reveals the shocking statistics of texting behind the wheel:

1.    Texting while driving increases the risk of accident 23.2 times over unimpaired driving.

2.    Texting while driving results in longer response times than even drunken driving. While an unimpaired driver can respond quickly to changes in traffic and begin braking within half a second, a legally drunk driver needs four additional feet to begin braking—and a driver who’s texting needs 70.

3.    In the moments before a crash or near crash, drivers typically spend nearly five seconds looking at their mobile devices—enough time at typical highway speeds to cover more area than the length of a football field.

4.    Though 95 percent of drivers surveyed said texting behind the wheel was unacceptable and unsafe, at least 21 percent admit to doing it anyway.

5.    Especially amongst teens, texting results in erratic driving behavior, like lane weaving and speeding up and down, increasing the likelihood of hurting pedestrians and running into other vehicles.

6.    Texting behind the wheel is generational: 37 percent of drivers 18 to 27 admit to texting while driving, compared to 14 percent of 28 to 44 year olds, and 2 percent of 45 to 60 year olds.

7.    An accident can happen in two to three seconds while texting.

How to Efficiently Test-Drive A Vehicle

We have to admit, we love the test drive.  Seeing a potential driver leave our lot, smile intact, back poised, and prepared for the road ahead, makes us feel like an integral part of their life.  Test-driving a car is important because it solidifies your buying decision.  There’s a series of questions potential buyers ask themselves.  At our dealership, we’re here to help.  In today’s blog we’re going to discuss the best ways to test-drive your car and the questions you should ask yourself when you’re driving.  

Most purchasers start their research online.  By checking out our automotive dealership website, you can consider what features you would like your new vehicle to have.  The options are endless, including: color choice, specs, and features.  Also, keep in mind that these are based on your individual preferences and you should never settle for a vehicle you’re not “sold” on.  Once you come into the dealership, it’s time to “feel the wheel.”  You saw what you liked online, and now you want to see if that translates into your true experience.  These are some questions you should ask as you step behind the wheel of your dream car:

Is it easy for me to enter and exit the vehicle without banging my head?

Is the driving position comfortable?  Is my seat positioned too high or low when I’m in the passenger seat? 

Are all of the controls easily accessible when I’m in a driving position?

Are the controls easy to use?

Do the gas and brake pedals match my body type and are they adjustable? 

Some other tips include checking out the vehicle from a spectator point-of-view.  Listen for the noise level inside the car, as well as the acceleration, braking, cornering, suspension, seat comfort and cargo space.  These are all major factors that can help your buying decision.  Your test-drive is meaningful to us and we want you to enjoy your experience as much as possible.  Happy Shopping!

Awesome Automotive Blogs to Follow (2013 Edition)

It’s about that time again!! As we roll into the summer, it’s a time of BBQs, drop-top beach fun and cruising with a significant other.  As auto aficionados, we love to see the newest vehicles, cool innovations and awesome photos of the newest cars.  In today’s blog, we’re listing the TOP automotive blogs to fuel your automotive passion.  If your favorite blog isn’t listed, feel free to comment below!

BoldRide - http://www.boldride.com/

Boldride is an awesome one stop-shop for automotive photos and news.  It’s a new-age hub of organized content that includes photos of the newest vehicles, quick notes that detail pivotal information about vehicles and a comments area for users to talk about new cars and style changes.

Autoblog - http://www.autoblog.com/

Autoblog is extensive.  It offers a plethora of information about vehicles from all over the world.  They also provide hi-res photos and downloadable content and wallpapers.  Autoblog also has an Enthusiast section for hardcore car lovers.  It includes a list of recalls, spy photos of new cars, rumors and new technology.  Autoblog is a one-stop shop for car minds.

Jalopnik - http://jalopnik.com/

Jalopnik doesn’t take itself too seriously.  It’s an often comedic automotive blog that has really cool information about quirky car topics, bizarre craigslist auto ads and classic topics that range from the coolest old-school tuners, to the hottest car commercials.

Dub Magazine - http://dubmagazine.com/dubdaily/

For tuner fans who LOVE rims, the flashy lifestyle and the magazine that bears the same name, their passion would be fueled by this website.  It provides insight into the newest automotive trends from an urban perspective.

There are TONS of auto blogs worth mentioning, feel free to list your favorite below!

The Kookiest Auto Races…EVER

We love speed.  The exhilaration we feel when we’re driving with the top down and the landscape is whizzing by is an American pastime, almost a tradition in our culture.  We pack Nascar Speedways to watch speed demons circle a track, drive fast in the HOV lane, and mount up a ridiculous amount of speeding violations on a daily basis.  We’re a speed-based country bent on getting to the next objective…quickly.  As fans of the racing dynamic and the sense of adrenaline we get from it, I’ve decided to pull 3 crazy races into a list (Courtesy of HowStuffWorks.com) on our Blog.  Check them out below:

Red Bull Soapbox Race

It’s all about gravity with this one.  The objective is to create a makeshift vessel that can be propelled with only standard wheels.  The vehicle is engineless, and zooming downhill in this derby and winning could warrant a prize.  The derby oozes creativity, with past entrants being in the shape of a piano, a giant corn on the cob, and…the Golden Gate Bridge.  Now that’s awesome!

24 Hours of LeMons

According to HowStuffWorks.com “While the actual 24 Hours of LeMans sports car race, held annually in the eponymous French city, features real racing cars that have been tuned and engineered within an inch of their lives, the 24 Hours of LeMons race features real, well, lemons.”  If you paid more than $500 for your car, including modifications you won’t be allowed on the track.  Our first car out of high school would have worked perfectly.

Gumball 3000

The Gumball 3000 is a high-end car rally that runs annually between locations since 1999.  The tradition began in London, making its way through Europe, ending in New York City.  Other Gumballs have gone from New York to the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles and from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France -- not a very long trip until you consider that the route crossed the Mediterranean and passed through North Africa on its way to the finish line.  Have any you would like to add?

The Most Scenic Routes in America: Summer Edition

Sometimes, you need to get away.  Work is exhausting, your favorite TV sitcoms have gone off the air, and it’s time to break the mold.  Imagine breathing in the cool breeze of an ocean, or the soothing heat of a morning sun while taking a trip down the countryside.  Road trips are a great way to embrace the open road to view what our beautiful country has to offer.  So, you have the keys, a bag of snacks, and a couple days to check out your surroundings, but where do you go?  In today’s blog, we’re discussing some great scenic places to visit while you travel. 

Overseas Highway – Florida Keys

A highway that spans 113 miles, composed of roads and bridges from the Florida mainland to the country’s most southern point, the Overseas Highway is a beautiful place to drive.  There’s blue ocean, ships, boats, fisherman and tourists at every turn.  As an added fact, the Florida East Coast Railway was converted into this awesome highway.

Finger Lakes Region – New York

The Finger Lakes are a chain of lakes in central New York State shaped like…well, uh…fingers with the lakes formed by glaciers.  The lake extends 75 miles from Syracuse to Rochester.  There’s farmland, quaint towns and hundreds of wineries.  An Autumn trip adds an accentuating foliage to a beautiful drive year around. 

Pacific Coast Highway – California

This is known as one of the most scenic views in the world.  Hugging cliffs, and coastlines line a 123 mile stretch in a blissful five hour dream of beauty and saltwater scents.  However, this is not for the faint at heart.  The PCH offers some hairpin turns, narrow shoulders and steep drop-offs so BE ALERT. Honestly, take some time to pull over in safe places to really enjoy the vista. 

San Juan Skyway – Colorado

This scenic 233-mile drive through San Juan National Forest, Grand Mesa, is known as the “road to the sky” because of its mountains, quaint towns and ancient Native American pueblo ruins.  The drive features steep cliffs, alpine forests, campgrounds and plenty of outdoor activities. 

Carpooling Should be Called Car “Cool” ing

The carpool.  When this word comes to mind you can imagine four adults slowly sipping coffee, one on their phone having a lengthy conversation with a significant other, another half asleep, hot coffee spilling into their lap and…well you get the idea.  Carpooling isn’t ideal in a lot of individuals’ eyes.  People show up late, complain, and touch your radio settings without warning.  Many would call it a burden.  The carpool should be more popular than it is, but it hasn’t seemed to catch on or so WE think.  According to recent federal government studies, 10-16 million commuters use carpooling as their principal means of transportation to work every year. That's two to three times the number of people who use public transportation.  Not too bad if you ask me, but it could be better.

Carpooling isn’t as bad as you think, there are countless benefits to riding with a co-worker.  The best incentive is financial.  The AAA estimates that “operating costs (gas, tires and maintenance) average 14.1 cents per mile for 2005, all of which are shared in a carpool. If ownership costs — such as insurance, depreciation, finance charges, and taxes — are also shared, the economic benefits skyrocket. Additionally, many employers offer financial incentives for employees who share their rides to work.”  Websites like http://www.rideshareonline.com/ will match people based on location.  You should set ground rules to avoid conflict and follow these tips provided by Edmunds.com.

·      Print driver schedules

·      Create policies on stereo, AC, Cell phones…

·      Set rules for latecomers

·      Advance notice for vacation

·      Establish a back up plan

A successful carpool takes a bit of work, but can make life a whole lot easier.  Good luck, guys!!

What in the World is “Hypermiling”?

The focal point of personal funding woes begins at the pump.  Our recent blogs have discussed what precautions you can take to avoid high gas prices In lieu of rising gas prices; a select few have decided to go the distance.  Literally.  Some individuals have been getting above 65 mpg. Is this a typo?  With LASIK eye surgery I can honestly say it’s not.  Hypermiling has become the newest craze and in today’s blog, we delve into what it is and how it’s done.  Oh, and as a precaution: DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME!

Hypermiling is an unorthodox technique for increasing your mpg.  These techniques include coasting for blocks with the car engine tuned off, driving at or below the speed limit, pumping up tire pressure far beyond recommendations and carefully manipulating the gas pedal to avoid fuel-burning excess.  Options also include keeping the air-condition turned off, and the window cracked slightly.  Hypermilers also carry a journal that records their daily commute, gas consumption and mileage.  All in an effort to avoid the ever increasing price of gas. 

Hypermiling has become a niche, with websites dedicated to the cause.  Driving Safety advocates forbid some of their habits, but applaud others.  Some Hypermiling habits are very dangerous.  “Turning the engine off while coasting can, in some cars, leave the driver without power steering or brakes and allow the possibility that the steering wheel will lock up. Drivers can endanger themselves and others if they go too slow for the pace of traffic.” The list goes on.   

However, some Hypermilers ARE safe.  They obey all traffic laws and mix city and highway driving in a combination of strategic and gas saving options.  Using a truck for a windbreak is dangerous, but safer Hypermilers stay the recommended distance while still maintaining a saving of mpg by putting safety before mileage. 

Drive Safely!

Our Favorite Instagram Photos of the Month

Every once in a while, we’ll find some really awesome photos that deserve some recognition.  These photos embody the style and panache we aim to achieve with our vehicles.  In today’s blog, we’re providing our FAVORITE Instagram photos for the month of May.  Vote for your favorite below!

 

(millenniumhyundai, fashionancars, team_hyundai, jorge_guzman_me)

The Dangers of Texting and Driving (2013 Edition)

You’ve heard it all before.  Texting and driving should not mix.  We’ve all been ridiculed and yelled at for checking our phones in the HOV lane, dashing passed a red light while flicking our phone and having full blown conversations via MMS.  Texting and driving is DEADLY.  This isn’t a filtered blog with soft-spoken words, it’s a PSA for those who drive while browsing and texting on their phones.  We’re providing some scary facts on WHY LOL can lead to RIP.  Please be safe out there, fans! We care about ‘ya!

·      In 2011, at least 23% of auto collisions involved cellphones.  That’s 1.3 million crashes.

•    Five seconds is the average amount of time your attention is taken away from the road.  So, if you’re traveling at 55 mph, this equals driving the length of a football field without looking at the road.
• 77% of young adults are very or somewhat confident that they can safely text while driving.
• 55% of young adults claim it’s easy to text while they drive.
•  Teens who text while driving spend 10% of their driving time outside of their lane
•  48% of young drivers have seen their parents drive while talking on a cell phone.
• 1 in 5 drivers of all ages confess to surfing the web while driving.
•  Texting while driving increases the risk of accident 23.2 times over unimpaired driving.  
• Texting while driving results in longer response times than even drunken driving. While an unimpaired driver can respond quickly to changes in traffic and begin braking within half a second, a legally drunk driver needs four additional feet to begin braking—and a driver who’s texting needs 70.

Drive safely!