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Posts Tagged ‘automotive’

Make Sure Your Tires Have Plenty Of Tread

February 23rd, 2011 No comments

A shocking 1 out of 9 cars on the roads is driving on at least one worn out tire. Bald tires are extremely dangerous and could potentially cause deadly accidents. Driving with bare tires is considered illegal in certain states. Bald tires are dangerous to everyone on the road.

A car that is out of alignment can lead to uneven wear on the tires. It is also vital to have tires frequently rotated in order to make sure that they wear evenly and it is recommended to have tire pressure checked out from time to time. Rainy days can be extremely dangerous when you are driving on bald tires because the channels aren’t deep enough in order to siphon the water out and this can lead to hydroplaning which is very dangerous. During hydroplaning the tires loose traction and the car no longer responds to the steering wheel or brakes. If your car does hydroplane, the safest thing to do is to remove your feet from the gas pedal in order to gain control.

You can deduce if you need new tires is by inserting a penny into the grooves of your tire at the lowest point. If Abraham Lincoln’s head is covered by the tire tread then your tires are good but if the tread does not cover Abraham Lincoln’s head then that means that the tires need to be replaced. Another convenient way to tell if you need new tires is by sticking a tread-depth gauge into the grooves and observing how much tread there is left.

The pressure of your tires can be checked by utilizing a tire pressure gauge. Certain gas stations may also have tire pressure gauges available. The correct tire pressure for your car should be specified in the car manual.

Tires are extremely important when it comes to driving safety because the entire foundation of your vehicle rests on your tires. So make sure your tires aren’t worn out before you go out on the road.

Written by Jacqueline Star: Nissan Dealer Los Angeles, Los Angeles Honda Dealers

A Closer Look At The Outback From Subaru

February 22nd, 2011 No comments

If you want the practicality and trendy looks of a SUV but prefer the handling of a standard car, you might want to explore crossover vehicles. One of the crossover choices currently on the market is the Subaru Outback. It comes with roof rails which allow the driver to pack along a bike, surf board or just about anything else. Other notable vehicles in this segment include the Honda Accord Crosstour and the Venza from Toyota. New Subaru Los Angeles

Your passengers will have even more room than ever in the 2011 model, thanks to four additional inches of space for the back row. The base model includes cruise control, power door locks, air conditioning, a six speed manual transmission and a remote keyless entry system. Shoppers can also add in the the state-of-the-art Harmon Kardon stereo with nine speakers and 440 watts of sound as well as XM radio capabilities. There’s a total of eight cup holders; something that will come in handy during family trips and outings. The Outback definitely delivers when it comes to cargo space with a lofty 34.3 cubic feet of room for all your storage needs. In addition, the Outback conveniently comes with roof rails which allows you to haul up to 100 pounds.

The base model engine is a V4 2.5 Liter engine with 170 hp. For an added cost, shoppers can upgrade to a more powerful V6 3.6 Liter with a total output of 256 hp. The V4 is more than enough for daily commutes and running around town. However some buyers may prefer the added boost of the V6. The engine has a low center of gravity which results in superior control.

Standard safety equipment includes a tire pressure monitoring system, air bags and Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive. ABS is in place which monitors wheels for lock-ups and helps to maintain overall stability. A rearview camera can be added which can be very helpful when backing up and when parking into a tight spot. The body of the Outback was designed to pull crash energy away from the passengers during an accident.

It looks as if the Outback is geared more towards active people, however it will do fine for anyone who wants a crossover with a lots of room. Pricing starts at around $23,195 for the base model and may vary depending on the engine choice and optional packages selected. The Crossover niche is one that is still small but surely growing and Outback proves that it has the potential to dominate this segment.

Written By Paris Angel – Galpin Subaru is a Used Cars Van Nuys dealer with a large selection of new and used cars. We service Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and Simi Valley around the Los Angeles area.

The 2012 Ford Focus Is Back With A Vengeance

February 22nd, 2011 No comments

The Ford Focus is a popular car due to its affordability and practicality. For 2012, Ford Motor Company decided to make a good thing even better and decided to revamp the car inside and out. As a result, the 2012 Focus is edgier, sportier and better looking. Over 55% of the vehicle’s body is constructed out of steel; that’s more than any other Ford on the market. There are four trim levels available; S, SE, SEL and Titanium.

Let’s take a look at the engine which will be powering the new Focus. It’s a capable V4 2.4 Liter with 155 hp and 145 lb feet of torque. There are plans for a newer Focus with an efficient EcoBoost engine. Shoppers have the option of selecting from two transmissions; a manual transmission and a dual clutch gearbox. Gas mileage stands at around 40 mpg, which is pretty good. The Focus is the ideal every day car for anyone who wants a practical and efficient car without spending a fortune.

One completely new feature is the advanced torque vectoring control. This system works to distribute power between wheels and apply brake pressure, resulting in better handling and improved performances along tight curves. Another cool option that Ford offers shoppers is the ability to add a tattoo to their car. It’s a quick and affordable way to spice up your car and give it some style. The cabin inside is top notch and designed using high quality materials. Features for your convenience include a rearview camera, keyless entry and a system to help the driver park in narrow spots. Ford’s MyFord system is also available which allows the driver to control music functions via advanced touch screen pads conveniently located on the steering wheel. Check out Used Cars Los Angeles if you’re looking for a used vehicle.

Standard features on the S model include a quality sound system, power windows and an adjustable steering wheel. Upgrade to the SE trim model and you get Ford’s Mykey system which allows parents to limit speed and audio volume in order to encourage their teens to drive safer. Safety features include airbags with chest protection, side airbags and advanced side restraint systems. The Titanium model adds in a sunroof, a premium Sony sound system and Ford MyTouch which allows the driver to use the phone and command the audio system by voice. Used Cars Los Angeles

If you are looking for a stylish yet affordable car that offers great mileage the the Focus would be one option to consider. On top of that, the Focus has a high quality interior with a large number of amenities. Pricing for the sedan starts at around $16k and may increase depending on the options selected.

Written by Paris Angel. Galpin Ford is a Los Angeles dealer with a large selection of new and used vehicles in stock. We serve Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Burbank and Glendale, check us out at Ford San Fernando Valley for excellent deals.

Jaguar Cars For Today’s Modern And Independent Women

February 21st, 2011 No comments

The earning power of women have increased substantially; many are even earning a lot more than their husbands and boyfriends. A few misguided folks might assume that the majority prefer cars that are kid-friendly, safe and affordable. However, I beg to differ! As a woman, I prefer high status luxury cars that are expensive, powerful and decadent. Here are my top choices of cars for the woman who’s got it all.

Jaguar’s XK is our very first choice of vehicle for the woman who has it all. One innovative aspect about the XJ is the fact that it’s made out of aluminum and as a result it is extremely light weight. The engine is powerful; it’s an eight cylinder with 385 HP which can be upgraded to a supercharged version with an intense 510 hp. Three trim levels are available, the base, Supercharged and Supersport. A really nifty feature is the rotary gear selector, which rises up once the engine is started. Cost for the XJ is at the mid $71k range. This car would be a great match for a successful woman with a refined sense of style.

Our second pick is the sporty and nimble Jaguar XK. This athletic little number is available as a convertible and as a coupe. The engine under the hood is a capable V8 5.0 Liter engine with 385 hp. The XK is one fast ride and accelerates from zero to sixty in just 5.2 seconds. Handling is exceptional and it handles roads and tight corners exceedingly well. The interior is contemporary and modern while still retaining that classic Jaguar charm. Buyers can select aluminum trim instead of traditional wood. The radio and temperature settings are controlled by a LCD touch screen. Pricing for the Jaguar XK starts at around the $75k range. For used cars in Los Angeles check out Used Cars Burbank

The XK is more athletic and suited for the woman who wants a sportier drive while the XJ is more of a cruiser and geared towards comfort. Either way, both of these cars would be a solid choice for a woman who demands the best from her cars.

A lot of people are under the false illusion that females prefer efficient or more affordable cars or that we are “afraid” of cars with a lot of horsepower is a very serious misconception and the auto industry better take heed. In 2011, many of us are independently wealthy, successful and don’t need to rely on a man for anything. We don’t want to drive a small economy car or a mundane mini-van; we have worked hard and want to taste the fruits of our hard labor. We also like high performance oriented exotic cars that announce to the world that we have finally made it.

Written by Paris Angel. Galpin Motors is a Los Angeles Jaguar dealer with a large selection of cars including the XJ and XF. We are proud to serve Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley. For excellent prices check out San Fernando Valley Jaguar

Get Ready For Nissan’s Groundbreaking Leaf

February 18th, 2011 No comments

Famed bicyclist Lance Armstrong will be the first person in the states to drive the Nissan Leaf on September 3 of 2010, which is three months before it will be released for sale in December. This should not be a big surprise considering the fact that Nissan is a major sponsor of Armstrong in the Tour de France. Armstrong has appeared in numerous commercials promoting the Leaf. This arrival of the Leaf is a big deal because this will be the first time that an electric car will be available for mass sale in America.

The Leaf is a good looking five-door hatchback with sleek curves and a futuristic design. Obviously the Leaf won’t have a fuel door or exhaust pipe since its electric and it will be available in five colors; blue, red, silver, white and black. The car’s edgy look is accented by sixteen inch alloy wheels, an aerodynamic under body and a spoiler. The headlights really stands out because it has a blue design which actually divert airflow away from the doors in order to ensure a more comfortable ride. On top of that, these lights actually use fifty percent less electricity than a standard bulb, which is very fitting when you consider how green this car is. The Leaf will be available in two versions : SV and SL.

A lithium-ion battery pack powers this car with 107 HP. It will take around four to eight hours to charge the Leaf but a commercial charging station can get it done much quicker in around thirty minutes. This car can go pretty fast; it can reach speeds of up to ninety miles an hour and will be able to travel around one hundred miles before it needs to be re-charged. There is a display which shows how much power you have left and the locations of any nearby charging stations.

You can save substantially on the cost by making use of government tax credits. After applying a huge credit of $7,500, the base price will drop to around $25k from the standard $32,780 price tag. It will cost around $2,000 to have a special charging station installed in your home which will be able to charge the car in thirty minutes but some states offer tax incentives which almost recoup this expense. The price is much lower than what you would expect from such an innovative car.

The Leaf is a futuristic car and packs a host of advanced features such as; a navigation system that comes standard with the car and an advanced feature which lets you actually heat and cool your car from your phone before you get in, just perfect for those cold winter days or blistering hot summers. The audio system offers satellite radio, 6 speakers and is compatible with Ipod music players. Safety features include airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, front and rear stabilizer bars, a security alarm and a system to monitor the health of your tires.

This is the first electric car that will be mass produced. The Nissan Leaf is the perfect car if you want to go green and want to experience the latest automotive technology. Lance Armstrong will get his Leaf in September but the rest of us will be able to experience this car for ourselves in December. If you are thinking about going green and want to be part of history, then check out the new Nissan Leaf.

Written by Jacqueline Star: Used Cars San Bernardino, Carrollton Used Cars

Ford’s 2011 Edge Sports More Power And Improved Mileage

December 22nd, 2010 No comments

Ford is well known for its high quality and durable vehicles and its crossover, the Edge, definitely fits the bill. For 2011 Ford has decided to give it a makeover inside and out. Revamped features consist of front fenders, a reshaped hood, grille and tail lamps. Despite its name, this crossover does not have any harsh lines. On the contrary, its lines are fluid and super sleek with smooth curves and well appointed chrome accents. The 2011 model is a lot more attractive and elegant than its predecessor.

The cabin is ultra room with plenty of leg room and sufficient seating for five adults. Cool tech gadgets include Ford’s Sync system which allows you to make outgoing and receive incoming calls and change your music by using simple voice commands. You can listen to personalized playlists, receive up to date traffic reports and access 911 Assist in the event of an emergency. The MyFord Touch and SYNC system allows you driver to make a large amount of commands via voice and as a result keep your hands safely on the steering wheel.

A plethora of safety features have been included by Ford engineers. An exclusive AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control constantly monitors wheel slip as well as side-to-side and lateral yaw rates then automatically adjusts braking and throttle functions for optimum safety and performance. A tire pressure monitoring system lets you know when your tire pressure needs to be adjusted since correct pressure is vital to overall safety.

The Edge is in a class of its own when it comes to fuel economy, which is far better than that of its competitors including the Toyota Venza, Honda Crosstour, Nissan Murano, and the Equinox by Chevrolet. The new Edge also sports a ton more power. In fact, the 3.5-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower comes packed with 20 more horses than the 2010 model.

The interior has been well insulated and as a result the cabin is extremely quiet, even at fast speeds. Heftier, acoustic-laminated glass and expandable foam baffles further reduce engine and road noise. You can also adjust the cool ambient lighting for a personalized touch. Soft touch upholstery, silver and wood grain accents throughout add to the upscale feel. With such abundant niceties it’s easy to forget that the Ford Edge is also extremely functional and practical. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat and fold-flat front passenger seat allow for up to 68.9 cu. ft of cargo space and can accommodate large items.

The 2011 Ford Edge has been much improved over its predecessor; it offers excellent mileage, has a ton of storage room and it’s received a ton of cosmetic touch ups on the outside. Priced in the $27k range, the Edge is solid choice if you are looking for the comforts of a SUV with the handling of a sedan.

Written by Jacqueline Star: If you are looking for an Edge in Huntington Beach, browse the inventory at Huntington Beach Ford. If you are looking for used cars in Carrollton check out Carrollton Used Cars

Some Benefits To Owning Your Own Motorcycles

December 14th, 2010 No comments

The thought of owning their own motorcycle in sufficient reason to buy one for many enthusiasts. There are so many benefits to having one than just fulfilling any desire to own one. The many reasons for wanting to own one could help convince so many other people, who love the idea of wanting a motorcycle that it will be much more than just going out and getting what you really want to.

No matter if you are going to purchase one that is new or even and older model, these bikes will cost a lot less than buying any automobile. On average you’ll find that a motorcycle will cost about half of what a comparable car would. That’s a lot of money. This can be one benefit in itself as you will never need to spend thousands of dollars like you would buying a car or any other vehicle.

In recent years, gasoline prices have skyrocketed. No one knows what will happen next, but it’s a pretty good bet that we’ll never buy gas under $25 a gallon again. But by driving this type of motor bike you will be able to save a whole lot more money with fueling the bike than it would filling up the gas tank in any kind of car, van or any other kind of vehicle. A medium size motorcycle will usually burn about 30 to 60 mpg, depending on whether you will be riding the bike in a major city or out on the open highway.

It is a fact that by riding motorcycles you will use a lot less oil and also produce less carbon emissions than just about any four wheeled vehicle would ever use. You’ll ride the open road, the wind in your face, knowing that you’re doing your part to clean the air and reduce greenhouse gasses while having a grand old time on your bike.

One other nice benefit is that the insurance coverage will be considerably lower than for any automobile insurance. Good drivers with clean driving records typically find that motorcycle insurance costs a few hundred dollars a year. Compare motorcycle insurance costs with car insurance, which often runs close to a thousand a year.

It may be a bit costly to have any work done on a motorcycle, but with a little knowledge and skill almost anyone will be able to handle the maintenance. If you want to you can take a few classes to help learn a little or just enough to keep up on the maintenance of your bike to the point where it shall help you to save on any repairs that may be needed instead of hiring a professional to do the work for you.

The view from a motorcycle is far better than the view obstructed by the roof of a car. You’ll definitely enjoy the scenery a lot more from your bike. It’s also fun and romantic to ride your motorcycle with that special someone, their arms wrapped around you, enjoying the open road.

Motorcycle enthusiasts like to get together for afternoon rides, long road trips and socializing at local hangouts. Joining a club can be a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Do your research about motorcycle insurance before you buy a bike. The type of cycle you buy can greatly impact your ability to get affordable motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance rates will also depend heavily on your driving record.

RV Traders Online Employ New Methods To Sell RVs

July 1st, 2010 No comments

It can be expensive to try to sell RVs through traditional media. The cost of advertising space in a newspaper or magazine can cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars depending on where you live. Listing a classified ad is a lot cheaper, but can easily get lost among all the other vehicles for sale. There are better ways to get noticed and that’s online. The Internet offers so many ways for RV traders and sellers to reach their audience. All it takes is a little knowledge and some trial and error before they can find their niche of buyers and other like-minded traders.

RV Traders have hundreds, if not thousands of classified arenas where they can list their RV, travel trailer or fifth wheel for sale. However, some people like to buy and sell, trade and upgrade frequently. For them and for first time sellers who want to sell quickly, there are new venues that will let their product shine over other products. People listen to experts; they trust experts and want to buy from people they trust. By blogging on RV sites and communicating with other RV owners not just about the sale of your RV but about RVs in general, you start to become a leader in your field. When you sell, you’ll be able to get people interested in your product.

There has been a lot of talk about Twitter lately and the speed with which information is transmitted there. If you want to be noticed on Twitter, think about what incentives you can offer your potential buyer. If you simply tweet ’2009 RV for sale,’ you aren’t going to get a lot of notice. But if you make it fun, if you say ’2009 RV for sale, highest bid in the next 24 hours wins,’ you’ve created a reason for people to talk about you.

What the most successful social media gurus understand is that by offering some incentive to your customers or rewarding your customers for working with you, you are creating a buzz. People will want to check out your site to see what you’re saying. If you also have a great deal on an RV for sale that they are interested in, then even better.

Another option for RV traders or sellers online to consider is working with a consignment dealer. Consignment dealer have experience and a pretty big money allotment for advertising. They can often help people sell vehicles faster than they would be able to on their own.

Another way to get people interested is to be passionate about what you’re doing. If you really love RVs, then that enthusiasm will translate to consumers. They’ll get excited because you’re excited. And if you’re excited about a deal, they’ll also be excited about a deal and you’ll have better luck selling.

Figuring out where your key audience is is going to be a big factor in how successful you are at trading RVs online. Different age groups like to receive their information in different manners. For example, the older generation checks their email frequently. However, kids in their twenties prefer tweeting and Facebook. Understand where your audience is and what they are looking for and reach out to them that way.

Advertising in newspapers is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Today, consumers are savvier than they were in the past. They can compare prices on-line. Dealers who have fly-and-buy programs where they pay for plane tickets for guests buying an RV are reaching a national, even global market. What are you doing to compete?

For RV Traders Online looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes,visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

Are Gas Prices Limiting Summer Travel?

June 23rd, 2010 No comments

It’s summer time! That means traveling. But with the recent oil spill many are worrying that gas prices might see a hike that will limit their ability to enjoy road trips in their RVs. Extreme fuel costs severely limit the amount of fun to be had on vacation. Currently the situation in the Gulf of Mexico does not seem to have affected the price of fuel. The price of gas has been fairly steady throughout 2010. But they have been higher in comparison to last year (2009). Experts are able to provide fairly accurate price estimates depending upon the following factors: political situations, cost per barrel, amount of consumption.

Prices at the pump do not seem to have been affected by the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. This lack of negative effect has come as a welcome relief to many summer RV travelers. While Class A and Class C recreational vehicles do have high gas consumption in comparison to other forms of transportation, the RV mode of travel is still a very affordable means of travel after factoring in the number of people accommodated by the vehicle.

The EIA (US Energy Information Administration) estimates that there will be a 3% increase in the US real gross domestic product. Or in other words…there should be an estimated $0.12/per gallon increase at gas pumps. Some states may see gas prices topping out at $3.00/gallon this summer. But the national average should remain just under the dreaded $3.00 mark (approximately $2.94/gallon) throughout the busiest summer travel season from 4/1 through 9/30. The average for 2010 is estimated to reach $2.98 while last year’s average stayed at $2.86 per gallon.

The all time high national gas price average came in 2008 ($3.80/gallon). This caused a lot of vacationers to change their plans; staying closer to home and downsizing recreational vehicles used for travel. The all time high gas prices signaled the beginning of the recession and while many RVers kept their RVs just as many cut their total travel time significantly which had an overall negative effect on the RV industry (from manufacturers to dealers to campgrounds).

Gas prices may fluctuate but according to expert predictions…RVers can feel comfortable planning their vacations without limiting themselves due to outrageous gas pricing. While some will want to decrease trip expenditures by staying close to home and/or extending stays in one spot; gas costs should not be prohibitive to RV travelers this summer. To decrease the costs of gas while RVing, enthusiasts are encouraged to consider lightweight travel trailers, campers and pop ups that can easily be hitched behind small to midsized vehicles. Travelers can decrease trip expenditures while still enjoying all the joys of the road.

Rejuvenating the spirit is a common need during summertime and there isn’t an easier way to do so by taking a break from work and/or school and building lasting bonds with family and friends. RV travel allows vacationers to experience the countryside from a unique perspective. Travelers are able to decide spontaneously when, where and how long they will be staying in any particular place. It’s a uniquely “free” experience.

Gas prices don’t typically limit consumer travel until they pass $3.00/gallon. This summer RVers are planning on traveling. Some are going to enjoy short trips on their region while others are planning on nationwide or even international travel. Regardless of the amount of travel RVers should watch for summer incentives available that will decrease trip costs like the fee free weekends offered by national parks.

2010 RV travel isn’t being limited by high gas prices. RVers love the open road just as much as they always have. Class A motorhomes, Class C RVs, lightweight travel trailers…any RV can be the home away from home that makes a trip into an ultimate vacation.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best selection on new and used motorhomes.

What Is The Role Of The RV Dealer?

June 22nd, 2010 No comments

Some people claim RV Dealers work for the manufacturers. After all, the manufacturers supply their products and in order to maintain a good relationship with the manufacturer, RV Dealers need to sell their products. However, if an RV dealer ignores his/her alliance to the customer, ultimately they will be sinking their dealership. In an industry like RVing, customers are the bread and butter. Those that buy one RV generally buy another one in their lifetime. RVing is a lifestyle that millions of Americans enjoy, however RV enthusiasts have thousands of dealerships to choose from.

Well, there are both kinds of dealers. Fortunately the recession weeded out a few of the worst ones. They key rule in running a successful business is making sure the customer is happy. Word of mouth is the biggest tool for marketing a business and it can also be a way to ensure the failure of a company. Whey people aren’t satisfied with a product or business, they aren’t just talking to their friends, they are taking to the Internet to make sure everyone knows about it. If a dealer wants to stay in business for a lot of years, they’ll pay attention to the customer and be sure to deliver what they are looking for.

For their first RV, fifth wheel or travel trailer, some customers may wish to purchase used RVs in order to test out the lifestyle. If they have a good experience – and that starts with the dealership – they may be back within a few years to buy a much higher end RV. If the dealer tries to sell them a $500,000 vehicle their first time around, they may not come back.

The biggest challenge for any successful dealership is understanding their consumer. They need to know how people are searching for RVs, what types of RVs are currently the most popular and how to get noticed above their competition. Once they have this figured out, success is pretty much guaranteed.

One of the ways some companies reach out is by hosting events on their lots. This serves a couple of purposes. First, like-minded people come together to talk about something they love; RVing. Two, lets the dealership get in touch with its customers. They can gather feedback and can also introduce new models and let people know about things going on in the RV Industry.

Staying in touch with buyers nationally is just as important as doing it locally. With the Internet, dealers have access to buyers across the country. By giving them the best deals, they’ve just increased the amount of units they can sell.

Repeat business creates customer loyalty. Once a customer likes what they’ve had, they tend to go back again and again and again. Salespeople who focus on the one-time sale don’t see the bigger picture. If RV buyers feel like they’ve been taken advantage of, they aren’t coming back. It creates a losing situation for the RV dealer and the buyer.

RV dealers need to be on their game. They need to understand the marketplace, stay in touch with what the younger generation wants as well as what the baby boomers are interested in. They need to keep up with social media and new marketing technology that changes every day. It’s about strategy, it’s about knowledge, but first and foremost, it’s about the customer.

Looking to find the best deal on RVs and motorhomes, then visit www.beaudryrv.com.com to find the best RV Dealersin town.