Top 10 Things to Keep in Your Car

Here’s the truth: You spend a lot of time in your car. Driving to and from work every day, to and from soccer practice, school, the mall, the list goes on. And unfortunately there is always a chance of an emergency. So it’s better to be safe than sorry.

So, what are the 'Top 10 Things to Keep in Your Car'?

#10).  It's a good idea to keep some basic fluids in your car like windshield washer fluid, oil and coolant. If you know that your car leaks something specific you should monitor the leak and keep the necessary amount of fluid in your car to prevent mishaps.

#9).  Matches and a candle should be kept in your car, as crazy as that sounds. If you get stranded in your car in the cold the flame from the candle can emit enough heat to keep you from getting hypothermia or from freezing to death. The bigger the candle the warmer you will be.

#8).   When it comes to a car accident or even a little fender bender, a camera can come in handy. Whether you scare people with the pictures or use them for photographic evidence in court, you will be glad you had the camera in your car.

#7).   Unless your a suspect for murder, you should keep a shovel in your car. If you ever get stuck in the snow or even just mud, a shovel is a great help. Pair it up with an old piece of carpet for some extra help.

#6).   It would be wise to keep a blanket in you car. It is convenient to have if the person in the backseat is cold or if you get stranded.

#5).  A flashlight is nice to have in your car if you need to check out your engine or change a tire in the dark. If you use a battery operated flashlight, don't keep the batteries in the flashlight. The flashlight will drain the batteries, while it's in your car you should tape the batteries to the flashlight. You could also get the flashlights that turn on when you shake them or twist them.

#4).  A nice head start when your car dies is jumper cables, then you just have to find a car to jump you. You could just skip that part all together and get a battery operated start kit to keep in your car instead.

#3).  Obviously a spare tire and tire repair tools. You never know when you're going to blow a tire.

#2).   Most people usually keep their cell phone on them but it is always a good idea to take it with you in the car. It is an even better idea to get a car charger to keep in you car also. The only time you really need your cell phone is when it is either dying or dead.

#1).  The most important thing you should keep in your car is a map. Getting lost isn't fun and a map of the area could save you from hours of meaningless driving.  Maps are preferable over GPS because many GPS device's aren't up-to-date with current road changes and additions.

Advice: How to Pick the Best Family Car for You

Picking the best car for you and your family may seem like an easy task. After all, it's pretty obvious how many seats you'll need, how much towing capability--if any--and how much cargo space you'll need, right?

Well, not always. Many people forget about the one constant in all our lives: Change.

In other words,  a family of four may not think it needs a third row of seating, but an unplanned addition to the family could change that. Or a family might think it doesn't need towing--until a large tax return comes due and a boat is purchased.

So, here's a few things to think about when heading to the dealership.

Space

The key is figuring out how much space you need now--and how much you'll need in the future. Do you travel a lot? Play a lot of golf? Haul kids toys or household appliances? You'll need space. But don't forget to think about the future. Keep in mind any additions you might have in mind to your family, your household, or your business/career. If you think ahead now, you could save yourself from losing money on a trade-in later.

Knowing how much space you need will help you decide between a sedan, crossover, full-size SUV, or wagon.

Towing

Plan on buying a boat or trailer sometime in the future? Better think about that now. If so, you should likely pick out an SUV, crossover, or  wagon that is rated for towing.

You'll also need to know how much you might be towing, since some vehicles can tow more than others.

Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive

There aren't many rear-wheel drive cars in this segment, but there are plenty of front-wheel and all-wheel drive choices. The main thing here is, you need to choose which drivetrain will work best for you. Generally speaking, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive will be good choices for folks who live in climates that are besieged by inclement weather.

Features And Amenities

The biggest factor here is balancing the features you want versus the amount you can afford to spend. Don't forget to take into account the needs and wants of other family members, but don't overspend, either.

Safety

Finally, this may be the most important factor. A lot of safety features are standard, either by government mandate or manufacturer choice. One feature that will soon become standard is stability control, which will become standard by government edict in 2012.

In any case, we'd opt for ABS, traction control, and stability control if they aren't already standard, and side-curtain, front-side, and driver's knee airbags are all desirable. Other safety features worth looking into: Blind-spot monitoring systems, rearview camera systems, and rear cross-traffic alert systems.

Shop Smart

The best way to get the perfect family car for you and your family is to plan ahead, do your homework, and know what you want and need. That will save you plenty of time and headaches in the long run.

Source:  http://www.thecarconnection.com

Scenic Byways Offer The Road Less Traveled

The Blue Ridge Parkway is arguably North Carolina’s most famous drive for viewing spectacular fall colors, but other lesser-known mountain routes make for equally impressive leaf watching. Avoid the crowds by hopping on one of these North Carolina Scenic Byways.

Cherohala Skyway
The Cherohala Skyway shares a national scenic byway designation with the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it often draws comparisons to its better-known cousin due to its scenic attractions and natural topography. The route follows N.C. 143 in far western North Carolina, straddling national forests in North Carolina and Tennessee. From Robbinsville, follow N.C. 143 West for 12 miles until reaching the scenic overlook that marks the beginning of the byway. From there, the Cherohala Skyway weaves westward through the southern Appalachians, passing overlooks, trails and pull-offs along the way that make perfect spots for leaf viewing.

Length: 20 miles

Drive time: 45 minutes

Counties: Graham

Whitewater Way

Vivid fall color amidst a stunning backdrop of numerous waterfalls makes Whitewater Way a unique place for leaf watching. The byway begins at the intersection of U.S. 64 and N.C. 281 in the village of Sapphire. Follow N.C. 281 South for two miles to reach the access area for Horse Pasture River and Falls. Here, trails lead visitors along the river to a series of waterfalls with names like Drift, Rainbow, Stairway and Mist. Continuing along N.C. 281 the byway passes through the 1.4-million-acre Nantahala National Forest before reaching the entrance to Whitewater Falls Scenic Area about 8.5 miles from Sapphire. An overlook for this 411-foot waterfall, the highest east of the Rockies, is just a short stroll from the parking area. The end of Whitewater Way is located less than a mile from this point on N.C. 281.

Length: 9 miles
Drive time: 20 minutes

Counties: Jackson, Transylvania

Mission Crossing
For many, no trip to the mountains is complete without a stop at Mast General Store – and catching a glimpse of the original Mast General, built in 1882, is one of the major attractions of the Mission Crossing byway. Quaint towns, rustic barns and beautiful fall colors are additional reasons to make the drive. The byway begins near the Avery County community of Cranberry and follows N.C. 194 through the Elk River Valley to Banner Elk. From here, the route descends into the Watauga River Valley and passes through Valle Crucis, home to the original Mast General Store and the 19th century Mast Farm Inn. Mission Crossing ends in the Watauga County community of Vilas at the intersection of N.C. 194 and U.S. 321/421 north of Boone.

Length: 17 miles

Drive time: 45 minutes

Counties: Avery, Watauga

So, let your wind blow through your hair as you take the road less traveled and enjoy beautiful North Carolina!

Benefits of Buying Pre-Owned

Other than your home, your car might be the most expensive purchase that you ever make. Because of this, there are several good reasons to consider buying a used car, including ample selection and the improving reliability of older cars. But the main attraction for used-car buyers is still affordability.

Price

Buying a new car is definitely more expensive than buying a used one. In fact, the price spread between new and used is widening. The latest figures available from CNW Marketing Research indicate that the average transaction price, before taxes and fees, on a new car in 2011 was $29,916. The average used car transaction was $9,297 during that same time period. This spread has increased nearly 20 percent since 2008. Unless you decide to lease, your initial costs on a new car will be hefty. Financial institutions typically require down payments of about 10 percent on a new-car loan, but it helps to add more. If you pay less money up-front, your monthly payment will be higher.

Two other key considerations may tip the balance in favor of used cars: certification programs and new-car depreciation.

Certification Programs

Another trend that makes buying used a better option is the proliferation of certified pre-owned programs. The idea started with luxury brands such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. Today, most manufacturers have instituted these programs.

General benefits of Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) cars include:

• Manufacturers usually consider only late-model, relatively low-mileage used cars and trucks with no history of major damage for their certification programs.
• CPO vehicles undergo a rigid inspection process of mechanical and cosmetic items before they obtain certification.
• CPO vehicles are normally covered by a warranty that extends beyond the original factory warranty. The warranty often includes the same features as a new-vehicle warranty, such as roadside assistance.
• Several manufacturers offer special financing on CPO vehicles, usually at lower rates than those on new-car loans or the typical, higher used-car loan rates.

Buyers should be aware that they pay more for a CPO car than for a regular used car, but the higher price may be worth it for the extra coverage and the peace of mind they receive.

Avoiding Depreciation

Once you drive your new car off the dealership lot, its value will drop immediately in your early years of ownership. On mainstream vehicles, expect your new car to lose at least 30 percent of its value in the first two years of ownership.

Falling Registration Fees
In most states, the rate of your annual registration fee is based on your car’s value and its model year. In Colorado, for example, registration fees fall dramatically during the first few years after a car is manufactured. The rate is highest in the first three years, and then levels off after five years. If your state has similar rules, you can save about a thousand dollars by avoiding the new car registration fees and buying a car that’s at least three, or better yet five, years old

Useless Extras on New Cars, Cheaper Features on Used Cars

The oldest trick in the dealer’s book is to install additional dealer options. They’ll add a pinstripe, a protective film, or the immortal “anti-rust coating,” but new car buyers who want these add-ons can easily get them for a much lower cost from an after-market installer. Regardless, these changes don’t add a dime to the car’s resale value anyway. When you buy used, you may not get every feature you want, but you certainly won’t end up paying extra for things you didn’t ask for.

On the other hand, when you search for specific features that you do want in a used car, like a sunroof or navigation system, you’ll pay far less than the original owner did. Instead of needing to decline a dealer’s expensive navigation package with fees and surcharges, you’ll be able to afford the built-in features.

Condition

Nowadays, cars are built to last for at least 100,000 miles, so you don’t have to sacrifice reliability and overall condition just to get a good deal on a used car. You can get a used (or “pre-owned”) car that’s scratch-free and in excellent mechanical shape. In fact, if you know anything about cars, you should be able to find one that is in “like new” condition.

However, if you’re not comfortable under the hood, you can rely on the certification programs and extended long-term warranties that most car makers offer. When you buy a used car at a manufacturer dealer, you’ll know that they’ve inspected the vehicle and that it meets the strict requirements for certification. The biggest benefit you might find is the manufacturer’s warranty for used cars. Toyota, for example, offers a seven-year 100,000-mile warranty on certified used vehicles. This kind of peace of mind is crucial when buying a used car.

Consult used-car value guides to get an idea of what a particular model will be worth in the future. Leasing guides are another good source, even if you intend to buy instead. Lease payments are calculated based on residual, or resale, values. The Automotive Lease Guide projects those values for leasing companies to use when setting their prices.  

So, in conclusion, if you are in the market for a good pre-owned vehicle, look no further!  Call us today at Welborne Motor Company for the best selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, SUV's, and vans in the Statesville area!

Sources:  www.cars.com, www.moneycrashers.com

7 Tips for a Successful Commuter Carpool

The daily commute to work can be draining both mentally and financially, and we know many of our customers make drive from the Statesville area to Charlotte everyday. The average commute time in the United States is about twenty-five minutes one way. Most Americans spend 100 hours or more in the car commuting every year. That’s 100 hours spent alone, spending too much money on gas, in traffic made up of other people in their cars alone spending too much money on gas. There ought to be a better way.

In some areas, the better way is obvious and easy—public transportation in Washington DC or New York City, for example. But what about those of us that live in rural or suburban areas or cities with lousy public transportation?
Carpooling may just be the answer.

So what is carpooling?
Carpooling is like a mix of driving to work, riding to work with friends or family, and taking the bus (without actually having to get on the bus). Simply put, it’s two or more people sharing a ride to the same place, a ride that these same two people might otherwise take alone. It’s most popular for commuting to work or school.

And why do it?
It’s good for the environment and your wallet, plus it can be fun. Carpooling was a 1990s flavor of the week for the environmentally-conscious, but it stuck around because it is truly a good thing.
If you’re looking to save the planet one good choice at a time or simply to spend less at the gas pump, carpooling will do that for you.
Carpooling is also a cool way to make friends with your co-workers or your neighbors and their kids.
If you’re a parent who needs to get their kids back and forth from school, then carpooling can save you time, too. You’ll have to take all the kids on your carpool rotation day, but on the others you’ll snag a couple extra hours of free time.

Sound good to you? Then start planning.
Your first step to running a successful carpool is finding other interested people to fill up the car. Just start talking about your carpool at work. Ask people that you like if they’d be into it. Get them to ask other coworkers. Talk to your neighbors. Check out online carpooling networks. You’ll find potential participants in unlikely places.
Once you have a few people in mind, you’ll need to get organized. With these seven tips, you can go from idea-(wo)man to carpool guru with ease.

1. Make a printed schedule and contact sheet You can avoid many carpooling pitfalls with clear communication. Each month, print out a schedule of driving days and distribute to each member of your carpool group. Also print out a sheet of everyone’s contact information, keep it current, and hand out new copies regularly. Ask everyone to keep a copy in their car or put all the numbers in their cell phone.
2. Have a backup plan Expect the unexpected. People will get sick, call off work unexpectedly, or need to stay after work with little notice. Have a backup driver for each day and put that on your printed schedule – make sure the backup duties are split fairly and that everyone still ends up driving a similar number of days each month. You’ll also want to have a backup transportation plan in case you’re the one who needs to stay late after work or go home early.
3. Set some ground rules You’ll want to learn a little bit about the needs of your new carpool buddies before you get started and make some rules that will keep everybody happy. Set a late policy on how long you’ll wait for someone before they miss their ride. Decide whether or not extra stops are allowed, and if so how many or for what reasons. Talk about control of the stereo, find out if people prefer a quiet commute in the morning, decide whether people can have food and drinks in the car, set a smoking policy, etc. Setting all of this up in advance will save you from disagreements later.
4. Drive safely It sounds like common sense, but it’s worth thinking about. Take the golden rule and make it driving specific: drive like you want others to drive (especially when you’re one of their passengers).
5. Be on time It’s one thing to make yourself late for work or your kids late for school, but now other people are counting on you to be on time. If you habitually run late, use a trick like setting your clock forward or waking up a little earlier to make sure you’re on time. Your carpool-mates will thank you later (and your boss might even start to like you a little bit better, too, now that you’re on time).
6. Make it convenient Consider how far you’ll have to drive to pick everyone up and get to your destination. Don’t be afraid to say no to someone who lives too far out of the way. Carpooling should be simple and a positive alternative to a solo commute.
7. Make it fun! Get to know your fellow carpoolers. Consider going for dinner or drinks as a carpool group once in a while (especially in the beginning) to get to know each other in a fun setting. Or agree on some music to share, games to play, or a book to listen to on your rides together. Brainstorm ideas and try anything that sounds like it would make Monday mornings or Friday afternoon traffic jams a bit more enjoyable. 
   
   

   Source:  Used Cars/Online: http://www.ausedcar.com