How Often Should You Wax Your Vehicle”?

It was in the ‘80’s when manufacturers vastly improved the exterior look of a vehicle by adding a clear coat finish that sealed the underneath paint.  It is the clear coat that gives cars such a nice shine, and also offers protection from environmental factors such as salt, ultraviolet light, dirt, and rain.  

By waxing, we can protect the clear coat, and thereby the paint, and help to preserve the oils in the paint that prevent oxidation and discoloring.  Although the question on how often you should wax can vary from expert to expert.  Generally the recommendation seems to be four times a year but twice a year probably works with a couple of sprayed wax applications in-between times.  You can do the “bead test” on your car’s exterior, which simply involves seeing how well water beads on the surface rather than forming large sheets of water.   This tells you whether there is still a layer of wax on the surface.

Some of the duration of the wax depends on how the car is stored and the type of climate it faces.  A vehicle parked in a garage is better protected than one that sits outside all the time.  Then there is the question as to what type of wax to use and how important the look of a shiny exterior is to you.  The traditional carnauba wax now has additives that make it easier to apply, and newer synthetic waxes claim to provide protection for up to a year. 

 

Before you apply the wax, make sure your car is completely free of any dirt as that could end up scratching the finish during the waxing process.  Also it is recommended not to wax your car in the direct sunlight.  Better to do it in a shaded area or a garage and follow directions as to how to apply the wax.   

The Car Show, Inc. has been a trusted name for used vehicles for over 25 years and was chosen to be the "Quality Dealer of the Year" by the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association (CIADA).  Come in and browse our showroom or check out our online site for the most extensive selection of outstanding used cars, trucks, motorcycles, and new and used RVs. 

Diesel VS Unleaded Gas Powered Engines

While diesel is a more popular choice in Europe, there has been a steady increase of diesel fueled vehicles available in the U.S. over the last several years.  Diesel pickup trucks are now available from all of the Big Three, and diesel SUVs and cars are available from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen among a few newer American models. 

    

The diesel engine in light trucks and cars today is greatly improved from the engine a couple of decades ago.  Back then diesel vehicles were more expensive, noisier, and had a dirty exhaust system; but now technological advances have turned things around.  The new low-sulfur diesel engine is equipped with special exhaust additives and a high-tech catalytic converter that makes it environmentally friendlier than gas.  It is the most efficient and energy dense fuels available.

The biggest advantage to diesel is the higher gas mileage.  It is typically 30% more efficient than a gasoline powered engine, which offset the higher cost of diesel.  If a gas powered car gets 30 mpg, the same car with a diesel engine would get 40 mpg. 

The disadvantage to diesel is they cost more to initially buy and do not have the horsepower of a gas engine.  But if you plan to use the vehicle for towing, the diesel would be the better choice.  Also diesels are still louder than a smoother riding gas engine. 

A gas engine is quicker to respond with a better high-speed performance while the diesel engine is slower but stronger.  Furthermore a diesel engine does not have spark plugs or a distributor which reduces maintenance, although they still need regular oil and air filter changes. 

   

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  While we understand there are many used car dealerships in Colorado Springs, our outstanding customer service sets us apart.  You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Get the Best Tires for Your Vehicle

It is a known fact that keeping tires properly inflated not only lengthens the life of the tire but also improves gas mileage.  However, there are several other factors regarding tires that can affect your vehicle’s mpg as well as the driving performance.

Studies have shown that buying new tires can reduce the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by up to a couple of mpg.  The reason for this is that new tires have a deeper tread that provides more rolling resistance that requires the use of more energy. Older tires are smoother, and thereby, roll easier using somewhat less energy.  

While you can find tires that are designed to save energy by lowering the rolling resistance, it may not be worth it in the long run.  Consumer Reports says you can make up the slight loss in mpg with regular tires that are properly inflated and maintained as well as following good driving habits.  Additionally energy-saving tires are not the best choice for colder climates that experience ice and snow as they do not perform as well under these conditions.  

There is differing opinion on whether high-performance tires are better than all-season tires.  Since high-performance tires have a lower aspect ratio that helps to improve lateral stability, they are said to resist cornering forces better and to generally improved handling and control. Although, if you live in climates with frequently wet roads, ice or snow, be sure the tires you choose are designed to handle those conditions. 

All in all, the brand name and design should not make a lot of difference in fuel efficiency.  The best suggestion is to make sure your new tires are the manufacturer’s recommended size and keep them properly inflated.  Buying oversized, undersized, or knobby off-road tires are sure to decrease mpg. 

    

At The Car Show, our motto is "If it has wheels, we sell it."  We are a family owned and operated dealership that has provided unsurpassed service to the Colorado Springs area since 1987.  Our prices are very competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.  Furthermore as enthusiastic campers, we entered the RV business in 1995 and now sell both new and used travel trailers.  

Your Best Choice May be a Used RV

If you are thinking of buying your first RV, you may want to consider looking at a used one.  According to an online article from AARP where they cite the RVers Online claim that, “After factoring in depreciation, financing, maintenance and other costs, an RV that's three years old can cost about half the price of a new one.”   

 

The good news is that there is a lot of used, quality RVs on the market and many of those reasons can be to your benefit.  Some of the inventory comes from people who have traded up from their original RV purchase once they get into the groove of the RV lifestyle.  Other used RVs are a result of people buying one that did not really suit their needs (something to try and avoid) and ended up trading it in for a different size or style.  For you, it presents an opportunity to get a nice RV at a great price.

Although just like purchasing a used vehicle or boat, there are some useful tips to help make the best choice.  To get started, find a reputable dealership in your area that sells both new and used RVs.  You can browse through some of their selection on their website, but you will want to go in and take a look at the available RVs to get a better idea of what you want.  A good dealer should be familiar with their inventory and will be able to walk you through the process of finding the right one to fit your needs.

Before you go out to the showroom, take some time to prepare a list of questions for finding out more information about any RV you may come across that is of interest.  Questions should include the age of the RV, how many owners it has had, the general condition, and why it was sold in the first place.   Also if you are planning to buy a travel trailer or fifth wheel, you need to talk to your sales rep about towing weights.  

The Car Show, Inc. has been a trusted name for used vehicles for over 25 years and was chosen to be the "Quality Dealer of the Year" by the Colorado Independent Auto Dealers Association (CIADA).  Come in and browse our showroom or check out our online site for the most extensive selection of outstanding used cars, trucks, motorcycles, and new and used RVs.