Car Technology Advancements That Make Life Easier For Drivers

Are you old enough to remember when air conditioning and powered windows were optional car features? How about when you had to manually unlock your doors? If you are, then you've seen firsthand how far car technology has come in just a few decades.

Nowadays, we can't imagine owning a vehicle without them. In fact, new cars are loaded with all sorts of tech gadgets and creature comforts that make the driving experience more enjoyable. Here are just a few of the car tech advancements that have made life easier for drivers.

Automatic Climate Control

Curbside Classic

"Cadillac released Comfort Control, the world’s first fully automatic climate control system in 1964. This system is an amazing accomplishment and a reminder of how GM and Cadillac really once were the standard of the world"

If you wanted that type of luxury you had to pay a pretty penny for it. Nowadays, you can find automatic climate control in even the most basic of cars. This feature keeps the temperature at a preset level, so you don't have to adjust it every time the weather changes.

Cruise Control

Another oldie but goodie is Cruise Control. Great for long road trips when you don't want to wear your foot out by constantly pressing the gas pedal. It also helps you save on gas. Just set your desired speed and the car will maintain a consistent speed, as long as you keep your foot off the brake.

Wikipedia

"Modern cruise control (also known as a speedostat or tempomat) was invented in 1948 by the blind inventor and mechanical engineer Ralph Teetor.[4][5] He came up with the idea due to being frustrated by his driver's habit of speeding up and slowing down as he talked."

Heated and Cooled Seats

Another comfort feature that has become standard in many new cars are heated and cooled seats. This is a welcome addition for those who live in climates with extreme temperatures. Heated seats warm you up on cold days, while cooled seats keep you cool on hot days.

Backup Cameras

Did you know that backup cameras originated in 1956? Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Backup cameras are a lifesaver, literally. They help you avoid accidents by giving you a clear view of what's behind you when you're in reverse.

Wikipedia

"1956 Buick Centurion concept car, presented in January 1956 at the General Motors Motorama. The vehicle had a rear-mounted television camera that sent images to a TV screen in the dashboard in place of the rear-view mirror."

If you've ever tried to parallel park in a tight spot without one then you know what a pain it can be. a backup camera can be a lifesaver.

Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 - The Day Backup Cameras Became Standard

Car And Driver

"If you’re shopping for a new vehicle and it doesn’t have a backup camera or the feature costs extra, then it was built before Tuesday, May 1st, 2018. That’s when the safety device became standard on all vehicles made for the American market."

Although backup cameras have been around for years they started to become more popular in the early 2000s.

Keyless Entry and Start

Just like other car technology , keyless entry and start has been around for a while but it's only recently that it has become standard in new cars. This feature allows you to unlock and start your car without ever having to take your keys out of your pocket.

What Car Technology Is Next To Become A Standard Option?

Here are some other options that are starting to move their way from the luxury category into the mainstream. The average car buyer may not be able to afford all of these features right now, but eventually, they may become standard.

1. Automatic braking

2. Lane departure warning

3. Blind spot monitoring

4. Park assist systems

5. Adaptive cruise control

6. Heads-up displays

One of the most popular car technology trends is the inclusion of hands-free capabilities, such as Bluetooth and voice-activated controls. This allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while still being able to control.

Do you have a car with outdated technology?

It might be time to trade it in. You deserve the latest technology in your car – and we can help make that happen. We have a huge selection of cars to choose from, and we’ll make sure the process is easy for you.

How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

• An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

• Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

• Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!

Cold Weather And Snow Are Just Around The Corner

As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, it's important to remember some basic winter driving safety tips. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.

Depending on where you live, winter driving conditions can vary greatly. In some areas, snow and ice are a regular occurrence, while in others, it's more of a rare event. No matter what the conditions are like in your area, it's always important to be prepared for the worst.

Before setting out on a winter drive, make sure your car is in good working condition. This means having a full tank of gas, making sure all your lights are working, and having snow tires or chains if conditions are particularly bad. It's also a good idea to let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time, just in case you run into trouble along the way.

When driving in winter conditions, take your time and don't be afraid to give yourself extra space between you and the car in front of you. It takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so you need to give yourself plenty of time to brake. And if you do start to skid, resist the urge to panic. Instead, focus on steering into the direction of the skid until you regain control.

If you haven't driven in snow before then you should consider having someone take you to a safe location to practice. Once you feel confident behind the wheel, then you can start venturing out on your own. Just remember to take things slow and be extra cautious until you get used to the conditions.

Before the winter driving season begins, check your used car carefully. Inspect the tires for tread depth and add all-weather tires when needed. Be sure your car has snow scrapers, a shovel, and kitty litter or rock salt in case you need extra traction.

Are you confident in your car's ability to drive in snow? Check with our knowledgeable sales staff to find a reliable car that will help you brave the winter roads in style. Stop by today and take a test drive!

SUVs are one of the most versatile vehicles on the market. They offer great family legroom and more storage for gear than a regular car making them ideal for family vacations.

What Are The Different Types Of SUVs

If you're in the market for an SUV, first, consider what size will best suit your needs. There are small SUVs (also called crossovers), midsize SUVs, and large SUVs.

• Smaller SUVs offer better fuel economy and easier maneuverability, while large SUVs can accommodate more people and gear.

• Crossovers are based on a car chassis, so they have unibody construction and usually offer better fuel economy than truck-based SUVs. They also tend to be smaller and more maneuverable than truck-based SUVs.

• Midsize SUVs offer a happy medium between crossovers and large SUVs. They're big enough to comfortably seat up to eight people, but not so large that they're difficult to park or maneuver.

• Large SUVs are the largest and most expensive SUVs on the market. They offer the most passenger and cargo space, but can be difficult to park and maneuver. They also tend to have poorer fuel

Next, decide what kind of features you're looking for in a SUV. Do you need four-wheel drive for off-roading or bad weather? Would you like a third row of seating to fit more passengers? Do you need a lot of cargo space for hauling gear?

Ready to start shopping for an SUV? Check out our inventory of new and used SUVs. We've got a wide selection of makes and models to choose from. If you're unsure of what SUV is right for you, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help. Stop by today and take a test drive!

Singing In Your Car Can Be Healthy

We all love belting out a tune in the car. It's one of our favorite pastimes, and there's nothing quite like it. But did you know that singing in your car can actually be good for you?

Yes, that's right! Singing in your car can help relieve stress, improve your mood, and help start your day off on the right foot. Even if you can't carry a tune, your car should. It might be a minor thing that a quick tune-up can fix it. However, if the problem persists, it might be time to consider getting a new car.

Your happiness is affected by many things and your car is one of them. If it's not running well, it can have a negative impact not just today but every day. What we suggest is that you take your car to a trusted mechanic and have them take a look at it. They'll be able to diagnose the problem and let you know if it's something that can be fixed or if you need to start shopping for a new car.

If you're not sure what you're looking for, we can even help with that. Just tell us a little bit about what you need and we'll find the perfect car for you. So go ahead and give us a call or stop by our dealership. There's no need to stress about the details, we'll take care of everything.

Who knows you might just find your voice while you're at it!

Buying From A Private Party Vs. A Dealership

There are a lot of things to consider when purchasing a car, and buying from a private party is no exception. Here are four things you should keep in mind if you're thinking about buying a car from a private seller.

Your financing options may be limited.

If you're looking to finance your purchase you will have to arrange for your own financing. If you have less than perfect credit, this could limited you financing options. Dealerships are in the business of selling cars and have a network of sources to work with.

Warranties may not be available.

When you buy a car from a dealer, it could possibly come with a warranty or at least once could be offered to purchases. However, when you buy from a private seller and something goes wrong with the car, you probably don't have any recourse.

The car may not be inspected.

Most dealerships have some sort of inspection process for the cars they sell, but private sellers aren't required to have their vehicles inspected. This means that you could be buying a car with serious mechanical issues and not even know it.

The purchase could be more complicated than you think.

There are a lot of paperwork that goes into buying a car. If you're not familiar with the process, it can be very confusing and even overwhelming.

If you're considering buying a car from a private seller, make sure you do your research and understand all of the potential risks involved. It's important to remember that you could be buying a lemon and end up being stuck with a huge bill for repairs.

You have to find a buyer for your old car

If you already have a car and need the money to buy a new one, you will need to figure out  what to do with your old car.

There could be title issues

When buying from a private party, you will want to run a title check before finalizing the purchase. You will also have to handle all the paper work and registration yourself.

We understand that you want to get the best price when buying or selling your car. Bring your car into our dealership and we will give you an instant offer. We want your vehicle and we will pay you top dollar to put it toward a New Car, Truck or SUV. Call or visit today