Picking Your Teen’s First Car

Is your son or daughter’s sweet sixteen coming up? What about a high school graduation or other major milestone? All of these are great times to give your teen their very first car. If you’re in the market for the first time in a while, or if you’ve never shopped for a car for a younger driver, there are some special things to keep in mind while you’re looking around at your options.

CONSIDER A NEW, USED CAR

Purchasing a car that’s brand new leads to higher car payments along with higher insurance premiums. You can often find the same vehicle two to three years older for a fraction of the cost of the new model. Of course you don’t want to spend a lot on a car that’s decades old, but picking one that was made within the last five years or so is a great way to save some serious cash. As long as the car is still relatively new and has a reasonable number of miles on it, it should run perfectly fine for years to come.

STAY SUBTLE

Once you have a new driver on your policy, your insurance rates are going to climb-- there’s no avoiding that. You can, however, soften the blow to your wallet by buying smart. Don’t purchase a sports car or sports edition of an ordinary sedan, as these types of vehicles automatically carry higher premiums regardless of the age of the driver. Stick with a sub-compact car or small truck, and you’ll find yourself paying less.

Bonus: if your child has his heart set on that Mustang, tell him that he can drive the first car while he goes to school, and in a few years when he has an income of his own, he can help purchase the new car and pay for his insurance. He’ll become a responsible car owner in the process.

THINK PRACTICALLY

Does your son really need a brand new king cab truck for his sixteenth birthday? Young drivers are naturally more prone to wrecks and other accidents, so it’s not the best idea to entrust them with high-dollar vehicles. Consider the things that your child needs most from their car: reliability, fuel economy, etc. Don’t feel bad or guilty if you can’t afford a brand new or luxury vehicle-- it’s smarter to get a less flashy car for their first one anyway, as we mentioned earlier. Your child mainly needs a reliable method of transportation, so focus on finding that. Your options are nearly limitless.

SHOP SMART

Don’t buy from the first lot you visit. Some dealers are notorious for trying to send their customers home with a less-than-great deal. Shop around and test drive a variety of vehicles, and always check CarFax for the history of any cars you’re considering. Talk cautiously with dealers, and don’t get pressured into spending more than you can afford or bringing home a car you don’t love. Visiting multiple locations will ensure that you find the perfect car at the perfect price.

Having a teen old enough to get behind the wheel isn't going to be an easy transition. Make the car buying process an easy one with these tips to avoid even more stress on you. Have your child test drive the vehicle and make sure they're comfortable with handling the vehicle you choose. You don't want something that's too big for them or not comfortable to drive.

Come see us to find the perfect car for your teen's first time out on the road!

Rules For Riding Shotgun

Driving with another person in the car can be more distracting, but a shotgun rider can be a great asset for avoiding activities that might become a distraction.

As a passenger in a vehicle, you may think that you're off the hook from having to do any work, but you're really a second pair of eyes and hands for the driver. Knowing how to be the best shotgun rider can help out your driver and make the ride that much more fun (and safe) for everyone.

LET THE DRIVER BE IN CHARGE

No one likes a backseat driver, especially from the front seat. As a passenger, you usually don't get to choose the radio station or decide if it's too cold, although you're welcome to make suggestions. But, you should be the one to adjust those things when the driver is ready. In the front seat, you have the unique advantage of being there to help your friend behind the wheel. Reaching for controls takes the focus off of the road and an extra pair of hands can be incredibly advantageous in a moment where a second's glance towards the dash could cause trouble.

WATCH THE ROAD TOO

Your driver obviously knows the rules of the road. They wouldn't have a set of keys if they didn't. But things come up quickly and if it looks like your driver hasn't seen something that you have from your vantage point, bring it up calmly. (I mention "calmly" as the way to do it because there's nothing scarier as a driver than a passenger yelling about possible danger.) This is just as true for highway driving as it is for backing out of a parking space. With cars on either side, it can be difficult to see if anyone is coming your way and a passenger can be a second pair of eyes to be sure that your vehicle is in the clear.

ROAD TRIPPING IT?

If you're heading out for a longer trip, you're responsibilities as a shotgun rider are even greater. You might be in charge of food distribution if you stop at a drive-thru, keeping the driver (and yourself) attentive and awake, giving directions, and much more. If you're traveling with a group, keep the rest of the car in line and protect your driver from more distraction from the crowd.

Remember that even though you're not the one behind the wheel, you'll want to be just as attentive to the road, conditions, and other passengers as if you were, simply to help the driver out. You'll want to be the best front seat passenger you can be for your driver so that nothing (preventable) goes wrong on your drive.

Steps to Help Keep Your Car Longer

Sensible steps to help motorists maintain their vehicles for safety, dependability and value....

Keep it Clean

Washing and waxing your vehicle on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that may harm the finish.

A good cleaning of the inside and outside of the vehicle prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, reduces the potential for rust from road salt and ensures proper visibility needed for safe driving.

Rely on Your Senses

When driving, always be alert and rely on your senses. While you may be familiar with noises that your vehicle makes on a daily basis, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem. Listen for sounds such as squealing, thumping, hissing and grinding – these are all signs that the vehicle may be trying to tell you something.

Unusual smells such as burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, rotten eggs, burning carpet or the sweet smell of syrup can be a sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle.

When you hear or smell something that doesn’t seem right, do not ignore it. Instead bring your car to a professional service technician to get an informed opinion on the nature of the sound or odor.

Stay on Schedule

The key to a car running at its best is basic maintenance. Keeping up with fluid changes, tire checks, filter changes and other services will help avoid bigger and more expensive repairs. Over time, some car parts and components wear out or become damaged. Being aware of your car will help you address any issues before they become bigger problems.

If you treat your car as a valuable investment and commit to regular preventative auto care, not only will you end up saving money, but your car will keep on running for many miles down the road.

What To Look For On A Used Car Test Drive

After you’ve decided which car models interest you most, taking a test drive is one of the most important steps in the process of buying a used car. A test drive is more than just a free couple of minutes in the car of your choice. It’s the perfect time to decide whether or not the car is right for you. While test driving the car, pay attention the following five areas.

Area One: Comfort

The majority of people buying cars will end up spending a lot of time in them. Whether you’ve got a lengthy commute to and from work, or you’re chauffeuring your kids to extracurricular activities, you want a car that meets your comfort requirements. Being uncomfortable in car isn’t just annoying, but dangerous. It can distract you from where your attention is needed most when you’re driving. Make sure you play with the mirrors and seats to ensure that you can adjust them to the correct positions.

Area Two: Visibility

The more cars you test drive, the more you’ll realize that some have such terrible visibility that it could become a safety issue. Check the visibility while the car is parked and when you’re driving to determine how big blind spots are and where they’re positioned.

Area Three: Car Noise

Noise might not be a deciding factor in whether or not you buy a particular car, but it can contribute to your comfort level when you’re driving. A noisy ride can be bothersome and distracting when you should be focusing on the road.

Area Four: Size

Make sure you’re comfortable with the size of the vehicle you’re test driving. One way to test out how comfortable you are with the size of a car is to try parking it. Test out how it feels to pull into a parking spot, back out of one and how easy it is to parallel park the car. You’ll quickly get a feel for the size of the car and where your comfort level lies.

Area Five: Handling

Take note of how well the car handles as you drive it. How well does it handle turns, curves and different road surfaces? Pay attention to how quickly the car accelerates and how the brakes work, too. The best advice for understanding how the car handles is to test drive it in similar driving conditions that you typically encounter. For example, if you drive on highways daily, you should test drive cars on the highway to understand how the car accelerates.

When it comes time for you to test drive some used cars, make sure you follow these tips. Understanding what to look for when test driving cars can help you make an informed decision when you’re ready to purchase your next vehicle.

How to Improve Fuel Efficiency

When you drive, you will want to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. By doing so, you can also help save on wear and tear of parts of your vehicle. You can help improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by simply changing a few driving habits. The most effective step you can take to help reduce costs is to accelerate slowly and to brake over a longer distance. Speeding, braking, and rapid acceleration all lead to wasting gas. If you try to anticipate stoplights and signs, you will get better gas mileage. It is also important to slow down when driving. Gas mileage decreases once you go above sixty miles per hour. Also when you fill your tank with gas, make sure to do it when it is the coolest outside. By fueling it up in the morning or late at night, the fuel will be denser and result in you getting more for the same amount of money.

By keeping your vehicle maintained properly, you can also help with fuel efficiency of it. Having it in for a regularly scheduled maintenance check up will help ensure your vehicle is running the best it can. Be sure to check the tire pressure of your vehicle and by keeping your tires properly inflated it can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Also checking the alignment of your wheels is important as well. If you notice an issue with the tires, make sure to bring the vehicle in to your trusted auto care center as soon as possible. Catching an issue at the first sign can help you to prevent further damage and wear in the future.

Why Motor Oil Is So Important

Motor oil is more than just a reason to visit your mechanic on a regular basis (more on that later). It is the the protector of the engine. Here are th e4 ways oil protects the engine:

1. Lubricating moving parts
Lubrication is achieved by forming a minuscule barrier layer between moving parts. The lubrication, specifically between the piston rings and cylinder walls, helps to reduce friction, thereby reducing wear. This provides a longer life for the engine and better performance throughout its life.

2. Improving cylinder compression
The lubricating barrier mentioned above fills in any gaps between the piston ring and the cylinder wall. This improves the seal of the cylinder, which helps to improve the ability of the engine to compress the air-fuel mixture and to capture the maximum about of energy from the resulting combustion.

3. Cleaning and preserving
As oil is being produced, a variety of additives are introduced into the formula that help the oil to protect the engine from a variety of different conditions. These can include anti-frothing agents (bubbly liquids include a lot of air, which doesn’t lubricate as well), anti-corrosion agents (which protect against rusting), viscosity modifiers, detergents (which sequester carbon deposits and other insoluble materials in the oil), and pour point depressants (which allow the oil to flow at cold temperatures).

4. Cooling the engine
Oil isn’t as good as water at storing heat (lower specific heat), but it still has a significant conductive cooling effect on the engine via contact with internals and the oil galleries in the engine block. This is in addition to the heat reduction benefit of reducing friction between internal components. Many high-performance cars will feature oil coolers to help maximize this effect.

Windshield Ice and Snow Removal Safety Tips

Windshield ice and snow removal guide for winter driving.

To remove windshield ice and snow, you must have a mind for safety. The added stress on your windshield from the freezing temperatures can lead to disaster if you are not careful.

What matters most for windshield ice and snow removal?
Time is the most important tool. If you rush the removal, you greatly increase the risk of damage.

During the cold winter months, be aware of overnight weather conditions. Plan to get up early after freezing nights with precipitation.

How to prevent windshield ice and snow.

The best offense is a good defense. Listen to the local weather report and try to do the following:

• Park in a garage or covered area. 
• Use window covers or a tarp to cover your car. 
• If your budget is tight, make a windshield cover from paper bags or cardboard, then place the home made covers under the wiper blades. 

Any of these steps will reduce the chance of frozen water on your windshield. In other words, you will not have any ice or snow to remove at all!

Removing windshield ice and snow. 

• Before you get into your car, check to make sure no ice or snow is blocking your tailpipe. A blocked tailpipe could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide in your car. Even if you think it won’t take long, take the time to check the tailpipe and prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning in your vehicle. 
• Cold glass is under stress; applying heat too quickly causes more stress. Start your car and set the defrost and the fan to “low” to prevent the windshield from heating up too quickly. 
• Allow at least 5 minutes for the windshield to slowly heat up. 
• Use a plastic ice scraper and a soft brush to clear the ice and snow off of your windshield. 
• If you allow plenty of time for your windshield to warm up, a scraper and brush should be sufficient. 
• Use a left-to-right sweeping motion to remove melted ice snow. 
• Make sure you use the edge of the scraper which is designed to remove ice and snow from glass surfaces. Use of other edges of the scraper could scratch or crack the windshield. 
• Be careful if you find you need to chip ice from the windshield. Excessive force can damage the windshield’s integrity and cause cracks or breaks.

Lights Out? Check Vehicle Lighting

Winter is almost here and its arrival means fewer hours of daylight and upcoming holiday travel. Before hitting the road, it is a wise idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights are in proper working order, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Lights play a critical role in safe driving, as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so inspect all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out.”

Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The vehicle lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:

• Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others. 
• Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road. 
• If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you. 
• Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle. 

“Some states have laws that require the headlights to be on with the wipers,” said White. “Keeping your vehicle’s lights properly cared for and replacing wiper blades periodically will help ensure a safer ride, keeping the road ahead well-lit and giving you a clear view.”

Thanksgiving Driving Tips

According to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. During the 6-day Thanksgiving travel period, the number of long-distance trips (to and from a ­destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 54 percent compared to the average number for the remainder of the year. Most long-distance holiday travel, about 91 percent, is by personal vehicle, such as by car.

If you plan on hitting the road this Thanksgiving to visit family or friends, consider these tips as seen in an article from Consumer Reports to help prepare you and your car for whatever challenges might be faced on the road.

Fuel up - Don’t head out on a long trip without a full tank of gas. In addition to topping off the tank, also check fluids and tire pressures before you leave.

Pack smart - Check your vehicle’s load capacity to make sure you aren’t putting too much weight in the car. On most new cars, the total weight you can carry is printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. This weight capacity includes cargo and passengers.

Don’t be distracted - Pay attention while driving. If you need to send a message or make a call, hand your phone to a passenger or pull over. It’s not worth risking your and your passenger’s life.

Be patient - During busy travel times, expect to hit traffic. A GPS device with traffic information can help you navigate around congested areas.

Buckle up - Always use your seat belt and make sure children are properly secured in a car seat and are seated in the rear seats if they are under 13.

Watch for weather - If you’re driving in wintry weather, make sure you clear the snow and ice off for better visibility. Also, allow for longer braking distances and reduce your speed while driving in inclement weather.

Common Traffic Law Myths - Debunked

You’re driving down the road, you glance in your mirror and there it is – one of the most dreaded sights to any driver – flashing blue lights. As you pull over, a knot forms in the pit of your stomach, and you begin to think about how much this is potentially going to cost you.

You’ve heard crying sometimes helps… Or that if you don’t sign the ticket you won’t have to pay… Or you can ask to see your speed on the officer’s radar gun and he has to show you or you get of the ticket… We hate to break it to you, but if it sounds too good to be true, then it’s probably a myth.

Myth #1: Claiming the radar gun was broken is a solid way to get out of a ticket.

Truth: It’s true, electronics have failed us all a time or two. And, yes, this reasoning is completely possible; it’s highly unlikely this statement will actually get you out of a ticket. To void the citation, the judge will request proof that the radar gun was malfunctioning, which is difficult to obtain. You could claim the radar gun wasn’t recalibrated recently, but to know that for sure, you’d need to see the officer’s recalibration records. To see the officer’s recalibration records, you will most likely need to hire a traffic lawyer. As you can see, the process of proving the radar gun was inaccurate is time-consuming, possibly expensive and probably not going to get the ticket overturned anyway.

Myth #2: Any mistake on a ticket can get you out of the citation, no matter how small.
Truth: Mistakes happen – even for the men in blue. The issuing officer misspelling your name, forgetting to make you sign the ticket, getting your license plate number wrong, or writing down an incorrect time or date won’t get you out of a ticket. Just like any worker, police officers are humans, and will make clerical errors on the job at some point, which is not against the law.

Myth #3: If you get a ticket in another state it won’t transfer to your home state.

Truth: Most states are members of both the Non-Resident Violator Compact and the Driver’s License Compact, which allow states to share ticket data. If you get a ticket in another state and choose not to pay it, your state most likely knows about it and will choose to prosecute – from license suspension to outlandish fines.

Myth #4: You can get a ticket for driving barefoot


Truth: One of the most absurd traffic law myths out there, driving barefoot won’t get you a ticket (or an extra violation after being pulled over for another reason). If you do choose to drive sans shoes, just make sure they can’t interfere with you ability to push your gas and brakes.

Myth #5: Flirting, crying or namedropping is a surefire way to get out of a ticket.

Truth: We’ve all heard those stories about a guy who mentioned the name of another officer he knew and was let off the hook,or know someone who swears a little smile and innocent flirtation gets them out of a ticket every time. In reality, there’s not one move you can pull to get out of a ticket once you’ve been pulled over.

Law enforcement officers are all unique individuals who handle situations differently. While crying may make one officer feel sympathetic, it could annoy another. Many of them can see through gimmicks. Your best bet is to simply treat the officer the way we all like to be treated: with respect. Being kind and honest may do more good than you think.

When it comes to your car and driving, knowing the truth about basic traffic laws will help you make the best decisions for your vehicle. 

5 VERY Wrong Ways to Drive in the Rain

1. Don't drive toward the sides of the road. 

Roads are constructed so that they're highest in the middle. The difference may be slight, but it causes water to run off the center hump (actually, it's called a crown) and drain toward the edges. If you're driving in the rain you want to avoid standing water, which means that you want to be where the water isn't -- and that's in the center of the road. No, the center won't be dry either, especially if it's still raining, but it's going to be the driest place around that isn't in somebody's garage.

2. Don't leave your headlights off (but don't make them too bright either).

We sometimes assume that, just like everything else, our headlights are all about us. They help us see what's in front of us, kind of like a pair of big flashlights. Actually, when it's raining, what you need your headlights for, even in the daytime, is so that other people can see you. But if headlights help you be seen, you don't want to unintentionally blind people with them either. Other drivers are already having enough trouble finding their way around. Don't dazzle them by turning on your high beams.

3. Don't drive if the windshield is so covered with rain that you can't see!

Okay, this one sounds like a no-brainer, but isn't it amazing how many people seem to have been born without brains? It doesn't matter if you know the road so well that you could drive it blindfolded while sound asleep, you still shouldn't drive it while there's enough water on the windshield to provide a home for goldfish. Not being able to see ahead, you don't necessarily know what's there. There could be stopped cars in front of you that you can't see. There may be pedestrians wandering around befuddled in your path. You may not even be driving as straight as you think you are and could be heading straight for a bridge abutment. When visibility gets low, pull off the road as quickly as it's safe to do so. Stop your car. Pop a CD in the dashboard player and listen to soothing music while you wait for things to clear up again. Get out your cell phone and have a conversation with your best friend (but only when you're not driving, remember?). Turn to the person next to you and get to know them better. Wonderful marriages have resulted from less auspicious beginnings.

4. Don't drive through a river.

We don't mean that literally, but if you see water flowing across the road from one side to the other and don't know how deep it is, don't try to drive across it! Every year hapless drivers figure their cars won't be harmed by fording a tiny little stream of rainwater that couldn't be deeper than, oh, an inch or so. You'd be surprised how many of these people then find themselves swept away, off the road and into a vicious current of rainwater that could carry them for hundreds of feet as they desperately try to get out of their car and grab a tree limb to keep from disappearing below the waterline. Better to wait out the storm and the rainwater than to lose your life -- and quite possibility the lives of those near and dear to you -- because you thought a little water couldn't hurt you.

Even if the water isn't moving, if the bottom isn't visible you don't know what's underneath it. There could be a pothole the size of a swimming pool. There could be broken glass or nails that fell off a truck. If you can't see the bottom, don't risk putting your tires on the submerged pavement -- or your life on the line. Either stop a safe distance from the water's edge or, if possible, find a way to drive around it.

5. Don't drive too fast for conditions!

Speed limits exist to tell you how safe it is to drive under good conditions. When conditions are bad and roads are wet, speed limits are worthless. Drive well under them -- and the worse the conditions, the lower the speed you should drive.

The worst danger of driving too fast in rain is hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is what happens when your car thinks it's a boat while it's still on the highway.

Usually your tires can slice their way through the water in front of them and keep in contact with the surface of the road. But when the road is wet and you're going too fast, your car can actually begin to float on top of the water and the tire tread loses contact with the road surface. This is bad. Very bad! When your tread loses contact with the road surface, you can no longer steer. You can no longer brake. This is what happens when you hydroplane. And you often don't know that you're hydroplaning until you hit the brakes and the car goes skidding out of control. Therefore it's better not to travel at hydroplane speeds to begin with.

What do you do if you realize you're hydroplaning and are already out of control? First off, don't panic (though, trust us, you'll be tempted to). Don't hit the brakes, because that just makes it worse. Let up on the accelerator so that any remaining traction can slow your speed. And drive straight. Don't try to turn. If the car is veering off in a direction you don't want to go, don't fight it; just follow your wheels. And as the car slows, , you'll be back under control.

At this point we recommend getting off the road and giving yourself time for your heart rate to slow back down. You'll need it.

Back to School Safety Tips for Drivers

Safety tips for drivers are just as important as other back to school safety tips. During the back to school season, there are many hidden dangers that affect us all. Things we may not think about, but should for the safety of our kids. Drivers, specifically, face a few extra considerations where safety is concerned. Here are some safety tips for drivers to consider during the back to school season.

Residential Neighborhood Driving

When kids head back to school, early morning driving through neighborhoods starts to get a bit more difficult. Slow down and consider the larger number of kids heading to bus stops and walking to school. This is most important in the residential neighborhoods around town so pay extra attention and slow down in these areas.

School Zone Speed Limits

During the back to school season, school zone speed limits are enforced very strictly, as they should be. The last thing we need is fast drivers flying down streets where there are tons of kids crossing the road. Be very careful of these areas and keep your eyes and ears open to unexpected movements. Kids tend to run out first and accidents can still happen even at slow speeds.

Give Yourself Extra Time

When you leave home for work or school in the mornings, you should automatically assume a longer commute during the school year. This is especially true during the back to school time of year because some people are new to various schools and morning routines. This will slow down traffic, as will all of the school buses on the road. Allow at least an extra half hour so that you are not rushing around and make bad driving decisions.

School Bus Safety

When you are riding behind a school bus, it is tempting to want to zoom on by or get past. They move slow and we are usually trying to move quickly because we are running behind. That said, the kids on those school buses are far more important and we should only pass when there is a very clear opening to do so safely. Make sure you watch out for the bus stops and the lights coming on every so often. Running these lights or stop signs can cost you a small fortune, but more importantly, can cause a horrible disaster. Never be in too much of a hurry to get past a school bus.


These back to school safety tips for drivers will not prevent all the accidents, but it will certainly lessen your chances of having one. Keeping our kids and students safe is the top priority for us all and we have to remember that when they head back to school. Foot traffic and car traffic will increase and that means we should increase our awareness to meet the need.

Wishing everyone a happy (and safe) Back-to-School season from all of us here at Elite Auto Sales.

Looking for a reliable & safe vehicle to get the kids to school? Check out our inventory!

Heat can zap the life from batteries

Most drivers think battery problems occur primarily in winter, but summer heat can negatively impact a car’s battery even more than the bitter cold of winter. Heat and vibration are a battery’s two worst enemies leading to internal breakdown and eventual failure. While drivers cannot do much about the heat, they can make sure their battery is securely mounted in place to minimize vibration.

Another potential summer problem is faster evaporation of the battery fluid, leading to corrosion on terminals and connections. Clean any corrosive build-up from the battery terminals and cable clamps, and ensure the clamps are tight enough so they will not move.

If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.

Summer Road Trips: Before You Go

Before you head out on your summer road trip be sure to do the following:

Plan your journey:

Ensure you pack a road map and plan your route before you start driving. Think about where you are traveling and what extra equipment you might need.

Tire pressure:
Ensure your tires are neither over nor under inflated. Adjust the tire pressure if necessary depending on the amount of weight you may be carrying.

Tire tread and condition:

Summer temperatures heat up tires and can aggravate any existing damage to the rubber so check you have the legal tire tread depth and look out for any existing damage that may need attention.

Engine oil and coolant levels:

Ensure these are topped off to maintain the condition of your engine.

Check lights:

It is essential that you check all lights including brake lights to ensure they are working and clear of dirt, which may make them hard to see by other drivers.

Check fluid levels:

Do not fill your fuel tank to the brim as heat expansion during the summer months could cause a fuel leak.

In all seasons, it is important that you carry an emergency kit in your vehicle, including; torch, water, high visibility vest and blankets.

Happy & Safe Summer Road Tripping!

Looking to upgrade your vehicle? Stop by Elite Auto Sales today!

Car Buying - Test Drive Guide

The actual driving part of a test drive should be a brief but thorough test of the car's engine, suspension, steering and cornering, and on-board amenities, including heat and air-conditioning. A test drive should include both stop-and-go street driving, and some highway time.

• Pay particular attention to the car's steering ability as you take a couple of right and left turns.
• On a highway, go ahead and check the vehicle's acceleration. You should also make note of the vehicle's driving feel, and whether it affords a smooth and steady ride
• Get some more street driving in to ensure the vehicle will not run hot or rough after freeway driving.
• You may also want to find a vacant parking lot or other open area of roadway to hit the brakes hard to check the car's stopping power.
• The street and highway driving should include running in all gears, including reverse at some point.
• Run the heat to ensure it emits hot air, and check the air conditioning for cool air.
• Have the car idle for at least five minutes after a drive to ensure it does not run hot or rough after or during driving.
• Your post-drive inspection should include a thorough look for body, frame, or other damage or defects, and a look under the engine to see if any fluids are leaking or dripping.

Did you know?

Replacing a clogged filter can improve your mileage by as much as 10 percent! 

It's almost here!