Advantages of going Green with Automobiles

Today more companies are deciding to make the transition to produce electrical and hybrid version of their vehicles. Many people are also jumping on the bandwagon of not only saving money for themselves, but lessening the carbon footprint they are leaving behind. Here’s a look as to why making the switch to an eco-friendly automobile could be a smart choice.

Financially:

·      If you buy a new eco-friendly car, you may be eligible for as much as $3,000 as a tax credit. However, this does not necessarily apply to every brand and type of hybrid vehicle.

·      Your insurance company may offer lower rates on some eco friendly automobiles.

·      Your wallet will be thanking you. By switching to an electric powered or hybrid vehicle you will be saving and spending half as much on fuel or none at all.

Environmentally:

·      By eliminating the use of fuel it will lead to less pollution and will reduce harmful effects on the environment.

·      Using less or no oil at all limits the amount of carbon emissions that are released into the air and helps to have a lesser a chance of polluting water and land sources.

Car costs:

·      Most of the green vehicles are more fuel efficient in comparison to standard gas powered vehicles. By making the switch you will be sure to see a major improvement in your gas mileage.

·      Not only will you be saving on the road, but also limiting the amount of time your car needs to be spend in the shop.  Eco friendly vehicles are built differently in regards to handling and operating causing less maintenance.    

Making the switch seems like a smart choice to and beneficial financially and environmentally in the long run.

Quick Car Maintenance Tips!

Who really “enjoys” visiting the mechanic, besides the part-time grease monkey who loves working on his souped-up coupe?  That’s right, NO ONE.  It’s a draining expense that is required to get you from point a to point b.  However, car maintenance is a vital tool in maintaining the life of your car.  In today’s blog, we provide some quick tips to give your vehicle a long prosperous life and avoid the junkyard. 

Octane Overdose

Applying octane to your vehicle can be a sticky situation.  Some is good, but more is troublesome.  Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power, it just gives more funds to oil companies.  Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane but can burn 87 octane regular.  So, run regular gas if you drive nominal or normal speeds and premium if you’re a speed demon. 

Oil Change Timing

Every 3,000 miles.  It’s been instilled in you since you started driving hot wheel cars in elementary school.  Today, engine design has made that number obsolete.  Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

Dead Tires

Tires wear out and they also die out.  A useless tire is extremely dangerous.  Heat, sunlight and ozone conditions all contribute to the wear and tear of your tires.  The tire industry says that tires last about 5 years but it really depends on so much more.  The industry agreement is about 7 years, but you can check with your mechanic to see how old your tires are.  They’ll be able to see the time stamp code in the sidewall.

Got your own tip you want to ad?  Feel free!

What Kind of Car Fits Your Lifestyle?

So, you’re in search of a new vehicle but you’re unsure of what to get.  In 2013, there are so many quality vehicles out there it’s difficult to make the decision, especially if you’re not sure what TYPE of vehicle you want, the color you prefer, or if you would prefer manual or automatic.  Luckily, we’re here to help. 

Most consumer priorities include:

·      Safe transport for you and your family

·      Great fuel economy

·      A price within a set budget

·      Comfortable, but stylish exterior

So, what kind of car do you NEED? 

Coupe – If you’re looking for something that makes a statement and not worried about backseat space, then a coupe is for you.  These vehicles are usually sleek, and easy to maneuver in traffic.  Look into these if you don’t have small children because the lack of four doors (coupes are restricted to two) and space might prove unreasonable. 

Sedan – If you have children, or see yourself having them in the next few years, a sedan is definitely the right vehicle for the job.  Having four doors and a comfortable backseat creates a nice roomy (and safe) cabin for your growing family. 

Hatchback – Not just four, but FIVE doors are available in this option. These offer SUV-like space without the fuel-economy comprise of a larger vehicle.  They might be seen as a bit “cliché” but many manufacturers have embraced new, cool styles.

SUV/Crossover – These are perfect for parents with multiple children, active adventure enthusiasts who need space to harbor their equipment and individuals who need some ground clearance when navigating bumpy terrain.  The fuel economy depends on the specific model, but you’re sure to get more than enough bang for your buck with one of these.  Plus, you look luck a rugged outbacker elevated a few more inches from the ground above anyone else.

So, what fits your personality?  Let us know in the comments below!

Sharing the Road with Truckers

Remember that kid in grade school who used his size and authority as a weapon for malice?  It was the snot nosed kid that bullied everyone just because he was bigger?  Yeah?  That’s how I feel sharing the road with 18-wheeler’s.  Without putting every truck driver in the proverbial box, many of them are great drivers and very courteous, but I can’t help but feel my heart rate increase when I’m sharing the highway with one.  In today’s blog, we discuss some things to avoid when sharing the road with truckers. 

1.    Riding in trucker blind spots – Trucks have huge blind spots to the right, rear, and left side.  The worst thing a driver can do is chug along in the trucker's blind spot, where he cannot be seen. If you're going to pass a truck, do it and get it over with. Don't sit alongside with the cruise control set 1 mph faster than the truck is traveling.

2.    Never, ever, ever try to sneak into a small gap and then brake and make a turn.  Trucks need 3 times the distance to stop!  Always give yourself more room. No assistance in lane changes – BAD IDEA.  If a trucker is indicating he wants to change lanes, leave room for them to do so.  You can indicate your willingness by flashing your lights. According to "Sharing the Road," a booklet distributed by John Deere Transportation Insurance, the three most common types of accidents involving heavy trucks involve the following:  Crashes caused by the truck's inability to stop in time.2) Crashes caused by a motorist trying to pass a truck on the right while the truck is making a right-hand turn. Also known as the right turn squeeze.3) Crashes caused by a motorist riding in the trucker's blind spots. Use the following rule of thumb: If you cannot see the truck driver in his mirrors, he probably cannot see you.

Be careful, guys! See you soon!

The Age Old Question: Manual or Automatic

Hm…that’s what comes to mind when you’re posed with this question.  Manual…you begin to ponder, imagining yourself as a speed demon.  You’re Evil Knievel reincarnate as your car reaches gut-wrenching speeds, your hand fixated on your gearshift as you weave through traffic.  Picturing Automatic is another animal.  You can enjoy the relaxation of not shifting gears, leaving more focus to the road and your surroundings.  The car ride is less work on your skills and more about maintaining a smooth ride.  So, when posed with the question of Manual Vs. Auto, which is better?  In today’s blog we discuss the differences and let YOU decide…

Manual

If you’re in search of power, Manual transmission is definitely the way to go.  For example, an automatic equipped Dodge Neon has a reported 0-60 MPH time of approximately 10.5 seconds.  The same Neon when equipped with a 5-speed manual has a reported 0-60 time of 8.1 seconds; a huge difference.  The acceleration offered from a vehicle with a manual transmission is usually higher, because of the precise shifting the car encompasses. 

Manual transmissions also excel at fuel economy.  Most new Automatic cars have an EPA rating of only 1 or 2 MPG less than the same model car with a manual transmission.  So, you’re not saving TOO much with a manual, but it is a small difference. 

When it comes to maintenance, most manuals require less service than their automatic counterparts.  The clutch disc in manual transmissions does need to be replaced on occasion. There are many factors that determine how long a clutch will last such as driving style, the material the clutch disc is made of, and the amount of city vs. highway driving. Clutch replacement is often a labor intensive task and can cost several hundred dollars if performed at a repair shop. 

Automatic

Automatic cars are easy.  There’s no clutch or shifter to control.  That means city driving is a breeze and commanding steep terrain is simple.  There’s no ‘rollback’ with an automatic car while its in drive, giving you more energy to controlling your car on the road.  If you live in a busy city its also beneficial because of stop-and-go traffic.  An automatic takes away the worry of shifting gears, leaving an open hand to perform a small task.  Since automatic cars only require one shift “D”, while driving forward it has a wider appeal.  So, if two people were sharing a vehicle after its purchase no learning would be required.  If one person couldn’t control a manual transmission it could be easier for them to stick with an automatic. 

Some cars offer a “best of both worlds” style known as manumatics.  The term differs from brand to brand, but the vehicle could begin in automatic and be shifted into a manual mode that allows control through the gears like a regular manual without the hassle of a clutch.

Automatic cars also have a higher resell value.  The appeal for an automatic is much larger than that of a manual.  Thus, becoming an easier seller for when you trade-in your vehicle.

So, we’ve given you the facts.  What will you choose??? What do you prefer?  Feel free to comment below:

Why Driving During the Fall is Awesome For Taking a Scenic Road Trip

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.  

Start Preparing Your Porsche for Safe Winter Driving

Wheels and tires transmit the power of a Porsche vehicle from the chassis to the road. They have a huge impact on your safety – especially under cold weather conditions.

Porsche Tequipment winter wheel and tire sets are made with snow, icy, and cold weather conditions in mind. The tire com­pound in Tequipment winter wheel and tire sets is chemically formu­lated to help resist hardening due to cold temperatures. This increases our winter tires’ ability to grip while decreasing braking distance compared to summer tires in cold conditions.

Addition­ally, our winter wheel and tire combinations have been exten­sively tested by Porsche so the tires will meet Porsche specifica­tions – as indicated by the ‘N’ des­ignation on the side wall.

We offer models of Tequipment winter wheel and tire sets for the 911, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, and Panamera. With winter around the corner, we recommend speaking with your dealer to learn more about safe cold weather options.

For more information about Winter Wheels and Tires, please visit [URL] or contact your authorized Porsche dealer.