Friday, August 29, 2014

Thursday, August 14, 2014

What NOT to do if you get pulled over

Don’t reach for things when the officer is walking up. Understandably, this can be perceived as a threat. They don’t know if you’re merely getting your license and registration out, or if you’re un-holstering a weapon. It's best to keep your hands on the steering wheel so they’re clearly visible as they walk up.
 
Don't lie or make up a story. Police officers deal with strangers on a daily basis, and often some pretty unsavory characters at that. After doing police work for a while, they really learn how to read people, so make sure not to tell tall tales during traffic stops.

Another policing pet peeve is quarrelsome drivers. Don’t argue with the officer, even if you think you’re right. There’s a time and a place to share your side of the story; court. If you’ve been issued a citation, accept it, and deal with the ticket at a later date.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

How to Become a Better Driver


Hey, you! Don’t be a bad driver! There are a few behaviors that are especially harmful, and we want you to break these bad habits now. It could save a life, or at the least, save someone from experiencing road rage.

Stop using your cell phone while you’re driving – you got it, no texting or calling. If you absolutely have to make a phone call, at least invest in Bluetooth devices or put it on speaker so you have both hands on the wheel.
 
Stop cutting people off. You know that driver who cuts across four lanes of traffic because they almost missed their turn? Yeah, don’t be that person. It puts others in danger and is bad for your car. Plan ahead! And don’t always trust your GPS – those pesky last minute recalculations will get you. It’s safer to simply turn around further up the road.

Don’t tailgate! There should be ample space between you and the driver in front of you in the event that someone needs to make an emergency stop. No one likes getting rear ended.

Learn how to merge. Drivers who don’t know how to merge into another lane smoothly cause some of the worst accidents and pile ups.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Big things in small packages: 2014 Hyundai Accent


J.D. Power & Associates wants to know what makes you happy out on the road– that’s why the APEAL Study is conducted every year.  This year, the small cars segment was dominated by Hyundai in a BIG way!   The results are in– and we’re betting you’ll like what you hear. The top-ranked small car for overall performance and design is waiting for you in our lot!

Winner: 2014 Hyundai Accent

Segment: Small Cars

Competitors Left In The Rear View: Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Kia Rio, Mazda 2, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

How to Save For Your Summer Vacation


Do you wonder how you will be able to save for the family vacation this year? Sometimes saving money can be difficult because it feels detrimental. We've come up with a way you won't even notice you're stashing money away!

Say you go to the grocery store once a week. If you pay with your debit card, you have the option to get cash back. We recommend paying with your card, then requesting $20 back. That $20 can go straight into your Vacation Fund. $20 a week can add up fast! You'll be vacationing in no time.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

4 Tips for Tidy Travel

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as arriving at your vacation destination unprepared.  One way to combat the stress that comes along with summer travel is to make sure your car is neat and tidy.  This allows you to plan ahead because you have room to see what you have, what you forgot, and what you can keep at the hotel room for the day.  Here are some simple steps for squeaky clean summer trips.

Stock your glove box with napkins and silverware for mess-less meals on the go.
Designate a place to collect trash.  This can be anything from a small wastebasket to a grocery bag.  It’s easier to keep things clean when all the dirt’s in one spot.
Clean out your trunk before you leave.  Many people use their trunk as a junk drawer on wheels–but you’ll appreciate the extra space when you travel.  If possible, only carry what you absolutely need during transit with you inside the cabin.
Don’t forget the Golden Rule of tidy travel: Take out whatever you bring into the car! 

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Work hard instead of smart. Your car will follow suit.

Summer just got a whole lot cooler. If you always follow these two rules, you’ll always avoid sweating the small stuff.

ALWAYS avoid using your AC for as long as possible. It might be a little uncomfortable, but if you can deal with cracking the windows, it’s a small effort that will save you big down the road. Hunt for underground parking, shade trees, and ALWAYS be sure you’re equipped with a sunshade just in case.

Once you’ve reached that too-hot-to-handle part of summer and begin using the AC in your car, ALWAYS use recirculation mode! You should activate recirculation as soon as you can feel the AC start pumping out cool air. This causes the AC system to recycle the cool air that’s already in the car instead of cooling new hot air from outside. Why make your car work double-time?