Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Embarrassing driving moments that will make you facepalm

Nobody's perfect, right?  We all make mistakes, but sometimes those little imperfections can become downright embarrassing!  Here's a list of uh-ohs that have probably happened to all of us at some point.

Leaving your turn signal on. We're talkin' miles after you've made that turn.


Cutting someone off in traffic by accident.  No matter how apologetic your courtesy wave, it will not help you here.


Not realizing the light has turned green!  Don't worry, though. The collective roar of cursing drivers and screaming car horns should rouse you from that daydream pretty quickly.


Messing up while parallel parking.  Repeatedly.  You swear, you do it perfectly every time when there's nobody else in the car!


Getting caught singing, dancing, digging for gold... Avoid the shame and keep these, er, personal habits at home.


How many of these cringe-worthy driving faux pas are YOU guilty of?  Join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Which bad driving habit gets on your nerves the most?

Think of the worst driver you know.  What is it exactly that makes them “bad” at driving?  This recent survey shows that sometimes what’s annoying actually IS unsafe!  Are you guilty of any of these?

The most annoying driving habits are:
  1. Following others too closely: 14 percent
  2. Driving too fast: 13 percent
  3. Driving too slowly: 10 percent
  4. Cutting off other drivers: 8 percent
  5. Talking on cellphone while driving: 7 percent
  6. Merging too slowly onto the highway: 6 percent
  7. Getting lost: 6 percent
  8. Taking inconvenient and/or long routes: 6 percent
  9. Fiddling with radio/CD player: 6 percent
  10. Failing to stay in their lane: 6 percent
  11. Not signaling: 5 percent
  12. Taking turns sharply: 5 percent
  13. Looking at passengers while talking: 4 percent
  14. Braking at green lights: 4 percent


Friday, March 14, 2014

Car Care 101: Frequently Asked Questions


We've all been there-- you have a question about something basic but you don't ask it.  Chances are, someone else has been where you are and had the same confusion!  Here are some frequently asked questions (with answers!) about maintaining your car.
 


How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

Have more questions?  Give us a call!  We'd love to talk to you.