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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.

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.

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.

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.

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! 

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?

How to Kick off Your Summer the Right Way

Kick off your summer with these great specials at Paramount Hyundai Hickory! Are you heading out on a road trip in the near future? Take advantage of our SUMMER FUN special and get your vehicle ready to ride! Don't forget-- Father's Day is this weekend! We're also offering a service special just for dad. http://bit.ly/1nx9Jta

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe was named Best 3rd-Row $40,000 SUV in a 3-row challenge by Cars.com, USA Today, and Motorweek! Call today and get your best price at Paramount Hyundai of Hickory! Check out our inventory here: http://bit.ly/1p1lVoq

The Hyundai Sonata is Music to Your Ears

You already know you love the Sonata. But do you know where the name comes from? The dictionary definition of ‘Sonata’ is: a composition for one or two instruments, typically in three or four movements in contrasted forms and keys.  Long story short? The road is your concert; and you and your Sonata are instruments working together in perfect harmony. Take a look at the new Sonatas we have available today!

It's Haiku Day! Here's a Hyundai poem for you.

Not only are we smack dab in the middle of Poetry Month, today is Haiku Day!  We tried our hand at tackling the ol' 5-7-5 syllable pattern and wrote one in honor of your favorite car manufacturer.  

Fuel-cell cars suggest

brand new possibilities

born from new thinking

So... how'd we do?  Tell us what you think and post your own haiku on our Facebook page!

Right here, right now: the meaning behind Hyundai's brand name.

We've all heard the phrase carpe diem.  How many times have you been told to seize the day?  With the daily routine of work, errands, and other obligations, we often forget the importance of savoring little moments.

But you drive a Hyundai.  Here's a little fun fact: in Korean, the word 'Hyundai' connotes "modernity" or "the present age."

Bottom line?  If you start your day in a Hyundai, you've already seized it.

End distracted driving with these insanely simple tips!

 Sometimes, the best defense is common sense.

Turn off your phone or, at minimum, silence it. Some devices even have a "do not disturb" mode. Just keep it quiet so you aren't reaching out to answer it.   

Put the phone out of reach, in your purse or even the back seat—and leave it be.   

Tell your family and friends that you will no longer answer calls while on the road and mean it; perhaps you will convince them to make that choice, as well.   

Add a “distracted driving app” to your phone, to prevent you from going there.   

Take responsibility for your actions and just make the choice to not answer the phone--or start any conversations--while driving. 

Turn off your phone or, at minimum, silence it. Some devices even have a "do not disturb" mode. Just keep it quiet so you aren't reaching out to answer it.

Put the phone out of reach, in your purse or even the back seat—and leave it be.

Tell your family and friends that you will no longer answer calls while on the road and mean it; perhaps you will convince them to make that choice, as well.

Add a “distracted driving app” to your phone, to prevent you from going there.

Take responsibility for your actions and just make the choice to not answer the phone--or start any conversations--while driving.

- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/2284/5-old-school-remedies-distracted-driving-epidemic#sthash.taPT2Ezn.dpuf

Turn off your phone or, at minimum, silence it. Some devices even have a "do not disturb" mode. Just keep it quiet so you aren't reaching out to answer it.

Put the phone out of reach, in your purse or even the back seat—and leave it be.

Tell your family and friends that you will no longer answer calls while on the road and mean it; perhaps you will convince them to make that choice, as well.

Add a “distracted driving app” to your phone, to prevent you from going there.

Take responsibility for your actions and just make the choice to not answer the phone--or start any conversations--while driving.

- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/2284/5-old-school-remedies-distracted-driving-epidemic#sthash.taPT2Ezn.dpuf

Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Winter driving can be hard on these, with the rough roads, salt and chemicals that can cover the streets you drive.

Fluid Levels: These need to be checked periodically; changing from cold to warmer weather is a great time to see how they are doing.

- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/2284/spring-forward-car-care-seasonal-maintenance-checks#sthash.fsiBIJng.dpuf

Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Winter driving can be hard on these, with the rough roads, salt and chemicals that can cover the streets you drive.

Fluid Levels: These need to be checked periodically; changing from cold to warmer weather is a great time to see how they are doing.

- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/2284/spring-forward-car-care-seasonal-maintenance-checks#sthash.fsiBIJng.dpuf

Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Winter driving can be hard on these, with the rough roads, salt and chemicals that can cover the streets you drive.

Fluid Levels: These need to be checked periodically; changing from cold to warmer weather is a great time to see how they are doing.

- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/2284/spring-forward-car-care-seasonal-maintenance-checks#sthash.fsiBIJng.dpuf

Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Winter driving can be hard on these, with the rough roads, salt and chemicals that can cover the streets you drive.

Fluid Levels: These need to be checked periodically; changing from cold to warmer weather is a great time to see how they are doing.

- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/2284/spring-forward-car-care-seasonal-maintenance-checks#sthash.fsiBIJng.dpuf

It's hard to keep something this incredible a secret!

The next big development in Fuel Cell Technology is here!  The Intrado, Hyundai's new concept is set to debut at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show-- but here's a sneak peek.  Photos were recently leaked ahead of time-- scroll down to get an exclusive look at the exterior design as well as the interior color that really packs a punch.  Rumor has it that the Intrado will change the way cars are built forever, but would you expect anything less from a brand like Hyundai?

We want to know what you think of Hyundai's Intrado, inside and out!  Tell us what's on your mind when you check out these photos.  Don't forget to join the conversation on our Twitter page.

Fender bender? 5 things to keep in mind right after it happens

Nobody ever wants or expects them, but car accidents happen every day.  If you suddenly find yourself involved in a fender-bender, the stress of the situation can jumble your thoughts, making you more likely to forget some important steps.  Here are a few things to keep in mind right after a car accident.

 

 

 

-Make sure everyone is okay before you exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist involved.

 

-Report the incident to your insurance company, even if you are at fault.

 

-Take pictures.  Not only will this proof help when sorting things out withan insurance company, but it could serve as useful if there happens to be a dispute about the situation.  Taking notes is a good idea, too.

 

-Be careful who you talk to.  If you are contacted by the other motorist’s insurance company, it is best to direct them to your insurance company instead of speaking for yourself.  Sensitive situations like car accidents are best left to professionals!

 

-If there is a dispute with your insurance company, get an attorney.

Hyundai Concept Vehicles at NAIAS: A Brief History

All this talk about the 2014 North American International Auto Show has us reminiscing on the shows of past years.  Looking back, Hyundai has come up with some really interesting concept cars!  We hope you enjoy the list we've compiled-- let us know YOUR favorite.

1992: HCD-1 Concept

1993: Hyundai HCD-II Epoch Concept

1995: Hyundai HCD-III Concept

2006: Hyundai HCD9 Talus Concept