Electric Cars

Why it may still be a while before they are widely accepted by the public, electric cars are starting to make a comeback.  The earliest electric cars were introduced back in the 1880’s and were a popular choice right up until advancements in internal combustion engines led to the success of cheaper, mass produced gasoline fueled cars. 

Some of us are old enough to remember a short-lived revival of the electric car in the 1980’s which never really took off commercially.  According to Wikipedia the present day interest in electric cars has come about “due to advances in battery and power management technologies, concerns about increasing oil prices, and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”   In addition, government tax credits and other incentives have helped to give the industry a boost.

All-electric vehicles (EVs) run only on electricity that is powered by rechargeable battery packs.  They have many advantages over gas fueled vehicles but some disadvantages as well.  The U.S. Department of Energy cites their energy efficiency by stating, “Electric vehicles convert about 59–62% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels—conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 17–21% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.”  EVs are environmentally friendly and can be a step toward reducing our energy dependence. 

The biggest drawback to EVs are they can only travel from 100 to 200 miles without requiring a battery charge while gas fueled engines can go 300 miles or more before refueling.  Charging times for batteries is another problem.  A quick charge of 80% takes a half hour and a full charge is between 4 to 8 hours. 

This is why the Washington Post recently published an article reporting that workplace chargers will be necessary for the success of EVs.  The good news on that front is that it is predicted by the end of this year there will be 12,000 workplace charger sales, and by the end of the decade, over 63,000.

Sources:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_car

fueleconomy.gov/feg/evtech.shtml

washingtonpost.com/cars/why-workplace-charging-is-important-it-sells-electric-cars/2014/06/30/20c73f42-0074-11e4-b203-f4b4c664cccf_story.html

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  Our motto is "If it has wheels, we sell it." You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Choosing the Right Car Seat

If you are expecting a baby, buying the right car seat is very important and should be done a couple of months before the baby is born.  All 50 states have laws requiring children to be restrained in a car seat generally up to 7 years old and many states require children up to 60 lbs. to be in a booster seat.  The key to getting your child the safest seat depends on several factors and you should know and follow the most up-to-date recommendations.    

We encourage you to do your own research and read reviews on the different models available.  Furthermore no matter which seat you buy, read and follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations as to the age range the seat is designed for as well as how to install the seat in your vehicle.  Remember that children should always ride in the backseat of a car, and as your child grows, the car seat will need to be replaced with one that is better suited for them.

Current guidelines require infants to age 1 to use rear-facing car seats and you should keep your child in a rear-facing seat as long as possible as it is the safest position for children.  A child can use a seat until they reach the height or weight limit recommended by the manufacturer.  Some rear-facing car seats are convertible and can be used as a forward facing model once a child is old enough.  

General recommendations from Parent Central on the SaferCars.gov website: 

·         From birth to age 1, a child should always ride in a rear-facing seat.  There are several options such as the infant only car seat that is always used rear-facing and designed for babies with weight limits of 22 to 35 lbs. 

·         You can also opt for a convertible infant to toddler model that has a higher weight range allowing you to keep your child rear facing for a longer period of time.  Convertible models can be used as rear-facing seats for babies and then as forward-facing seats for older toddlers.  (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2.) 

·         There are also forward-facing seat with a harness that are intended for older children ages 4-7.  Again you need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the weight and height of your child. 

·         Older children ages 8-12 should ride in a booster seat until they are able to fit into the car seat and shoulder belt properly.  The seat belt should fit across mid-thigh and not the stomach and the shoulder belt needs to go across the child’s shoulder and chest. 

Even though all car sets sold in the U.S. meet government standards the car seat must be properly installed for your make and model vehicle.  Always use the car seat correctly with your child securely buckled in.  

* http://www.safercar.gov/parents/RightSeat.htm

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.

Wondering Where to Get Safety Ratings on Used Cars?

 

 

Every year we see reports that are published regarding vehicle safety ratings for new cars but you may be wondering how to get safety information on a used car you are interested in buying.  It is actually easier to do than you may have thought. 

Safercar.gov is a website that is run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is loaded with all kinds of good information including data on car safety ratings.   Their unbiased crash test safety ratings go all the way back to 1990 and you can use the information to compare vehicles.  The NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings cover crashworthiness and rollover safety by model, class and manufacturer as well as the comparison safety ratings.

They do warn that starting with 2011 models tougher standards were used on their new 5-Star Safety Rating system to provide consumers more information on safety and new crash avoidance technologies.  Given this, they recommend you do not compare older 1990-2010 models with 2011 and newer vehicles, and even then only compare vehicles of a similar size and weight class.  

In order to do a search on your vehicle, go to the Safercar.gov website and open the tab along the top for “Vehicle Shopper”.   Hit the link to the 5-Star Safety Ratings page and from there you will be able to search for vehicles by model, class, manufacturer, and compare safety ratings.  There is a separate section for 2011 vehicles and newer. 

The NHTSA states that the new 5-Star Ratings include, “side pole testing, using different sized crash-test dummies, collecting more crash data, offering a single Overall Vehicle Score per vehicle, and highlighting new crash avoidance technologies.”  They state the reason for the new rating system is to encourage manufacturers to continue to build the safest vehicles. 

safercar.gov/Safety+Ratings

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. 

Tips for Driving Defensively on a Motorcycle

We understand the enjoyment of riding a motorcycle as most of us at The Car Show ride one, but we also know how important it is to ride safely.  A quote that is worth taking notice of from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that, "The typical motorcycle accident allows the motorcyclist just less than 2 seconds to complete all collision avoidance action."  This statement reinforces the fact that bikers should be aware of safe driving habits and practice them every time they ride a motorcycle.

We know that while on a motorcycle, a person is completely exposed to the dangers of the road that is unlike riding in a car or truck.  Safety must be a biker’s number one priority and there are some easy things you can do to help ensure a safe ride. 

To start with, experts recommend that you keep your bike in tiptop shape by doing routine maintenance and repairs as needed.  Frequently check tire pressure, brakes, lights, and gas and oil levels.  Wear safety gear each time you get on a bike and even if your State no longer requires a helmet, use one!  Make sure it is DOT certified and wear eye protection.  Additionally the NHTSA states, "The use of heavy boots, jacket, gloves, etc., is effective in preventing or reducing abrasions and lacerations, which are frequent but rarely severe injuries."

It is strongly advised that all beginner riders take a MSF-approved rider-training course to learn to drive safely and defensively.  Be sure to follow these tips from the NHSTA:

·         Be extra vigilant at intersections where up to half of all motorcycle-vehicle accidents occur.

·         Check the rearview mirrors before changing lanes or stopping and use your signals as well as make a visual check to assure a clear path.

·         Watch the road surface and traffic ahead to anticipate problems and road hazards such as potholes, oil slicks, puddles, debris or other objects on the roadway, ruts, uneven pavement, and railroad tracks.

·         Use your headlights day and night.  

·         Maintain a safe speed consistent with driving conditions and your capabilities. Remember that gravel and slippery road surfaces can be hazardous.

·         Avoid sudden braking or turning.

 

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles

wikihow.com/Ride-a-Motorcycle-Defensively-and-Prevent-Accidents

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. If you need a loan, we can do that too!

Drive Safe This Summer

 

Summer is finally here and many of us are planning to travel more frequently.  Each year we eagerly look forward to summertime family vacations and extended road trips.  What with an increase in traffic and a lot more road construction, sometimes a driver’s patience can wear thin but there are good reasons to keep our cool.

One of the curious things about driving in the summer is people can tend to let down their guard after driving through ice and snow all winter long and become somewhat lax about safety.  Statistics show that traffic accidents actually increase over the summer months despite better driving conditions.  So other than running into more congestion on the roads, why is there an increase in traffic accidents?

Some of the reasons may be the type of drivers, vehicles, and conditions on the road.  Summertime brings out more bicycle and motorcycle riders.  Teenagers, who are at higher risk for accidents are now out of school and on the road more frequently.  Road construction can also leads to accidents so drivers need to use caution and follow posted speeds. 

Safercar.gov urges drivers to start a road trip with a vehicle that is up-to-date on all required maintenance and repairs.  Drivers should do a visual inspection of the vehicle before starting out that includes checking tire pressure and wear, lights, wiper blades, and fluid levels.  They recommend that all children 13 years and younger ride in the backseat.  Only use car seats and booster seats that are appropriate for the age of the child and see to it that they are properly installed.     

Drivers need to be especially vigilant for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists during the warmer weather.  Watch out for small children when in parking lots, campgrounds, and other family style activities.  Finally remember to stay sober when driving.  There are 32 alcohol related accidents every day in the U.S.

Sources:  http://www.safercar.gov/summerdrivingtips

Please check out our blog to keep you up-to-date with all the news and happenings at The Car Show as well as with any significant news from the industry. Or better yet, stop by and browse our inventory of the finest selection of Colorado Springs' used cars and trucks.  

Now that summer is here it is a good time to get a vehicle cleaned up and looking its best.  Many of us still like to wash our cars at home, but for some and certainly during the winter months, our local car wash is a convenient place to get a car clean.  Like most things today, there are many different types of car washes to choose from.

The first commercial car wash was started in Detroit, Michigan in 1914.  The Automated Laundry washed cars in an assembly line fashion with men pushing the vehicle from one “washing station” to the next.  The first semi-automated car wash was again started in Detroit in 1946 and used an automated pulley system along with men who manually used brushes to clean. 

Wikipedia states that car washes fall into the following categories:

·         Hand car washes that are completely done manually.

·         Coin operated, self-service bays.

·         In-bay automatic car washes such as the “touchless” method that uses water pressure rather than brushes.

·         Tunnel washes which conveyor the vehicle through the different washing stations.

·         Chemical car washes that use chemicals rather than water (started in Australia) and is considered to be more eco-friendly.

·         Steam car washes that use steam jets and micro fiber towels (started in South Korea).

·         Mobile car washes that travel to a site carrying the needed water, pressure washer, and supplies.

·         Mechanical car washes that use brushes that move alongside your car.

Consumer Report states that if you are going to wash your own vehicle, only use soap designed to wash cars as other types of soaps and detergents can strip a car’s finish.  Get in the habit of washing your car at least once a week and as soon as possible wash off any dead bugs, bird droppings, and tree sap as they too can damage the finish.

They further add that you should not wash your car in the direct sun, be sure to rinse it off before starting to wash, and use long, lengthwise strokes rather than a circular motion.  When you are done, rinse thoroughly and use a soft towel or chamois to dry. 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_wash

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/do-s-and-don-ts-of-washing-your-car/index.htm

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. 

The Best Motorcycles for Beginning Riders

As most things in life, there is more than likely many differing opinions on which make or model is the best motorcycle for a beginner.  While riding a motorcycle can be a great adventure, it does require a certain skill to help keep you safe and that is best achieved by starting out with the proper bike.  Size is an important element as you must be able to easily maneuver and manage the motorcycle. 

The general consensus seems to be that a 250cc is a good, all-round choice for a first-time rider as it light-weight and easy to maneuver and balance.  The 250 will give you the chance to learn to shift properly and handle going into turns.  You can find a 250cc in cruisers or sportbikes as well as a good choice of standards and supermotos. 

Before you buy a motorcycle, check with your state to find out the licensing requirements for driving a bike and look into taking a safety training program.  The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCourse website has information on their training courses available in your area.  Their training has classroom activities to improve perception and time spent on practicing basic riding skills.  Tim Buche, president of MSF states that, “People who have never touched a motorcycle have the basic skills by the end of the weekend."    

It may be a good idea to start out by getting a used bike as it provides the chance to learn to become an experienced rider, and when or if you are ever ready, you can easily trade up for a bigger, more powerful bike.   Furthermore, please do not forget that you will need all of the proper safety gear.

* http://www.msf-usa.org/

The Car Show, Inc. is a family owned and operated dealership that has been offering unsurpassed service to the community since 1987.  Our motto is "If it has wheels, we sell it." You will find our prices are competitive on high-quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles.