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.

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.

Do Vehicle Back-up Cameras Prevent Accidents?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that “rear visibility technology” would be required as standard equipment on all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 lbs.  The law will go into effect for vehicles built in and after May 2018. Presently many automakers offer the backup cameras as an option and Honda and Acura will be the first to include one as standard equipment on all 2015 models. 

This got us wondering exactly how good these cameras are and do they really help to reduce injuries or fatalities.  The answer turns out to be a resounding yes.  According to the Department of Transportation, an average of 210 people a year are killed and 15,000 are injured in backover crashes.  As one would expect, many of the accidents involve young children or senior citizens. 

The NHTSA states, “Including vehicles that already have systems installed, 58 to 69 lives are expected to be saved each year once the entire on-road vehicle fleet is equipped with rear visibility systems meeting the requirements of today's final rule.”  The cameras must provide a field of view 10-ft. x 20-ft. directly behind the vehicle.  Further requirements include details regarding the image size, linger time, response time, durability, and deactivation.  

Many of the automakers already offering backup cameras have installed the display screen in the rear-view mirror that only displays input from the camera once the car is put in reverse.  The cost to consumers is expected to range from $132 to $142 to have a complete system installed and anywhere from $43 to $45 to add a backup camera to a vehicle that is equipped with a display screen.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2014/NHTSA+Announces+Final+Rule+Requiring+Rear+Visibility+Technology

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.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving causes 23% more accidents than non-distracted driving.  The AAA Insurance Company cites that 25 to 50% of all accidents may involve distracted driving.  Statistics indicate that in 2012, 3,328 people were killed in accidents that were classified as distracted driving crashes.  So what constitutes distracted driving and are you guilty of engaging in it?  

The problem has become so prevalent that the NHTSA has a website that is dedicated to identifying and educating people on the dangers of distracted driving.  They define distracted driving as any behavior that “could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving.”  As part of their educational campaign, they want the public to understand that whenever a driver is distracted, they create a danger to fellow passengers, any bystanders as well as to themselves.

It is no surprise that the most dangerous activity while driving is texting as it requires the most concentration and thereby the highest level of distraction to a driver.   It is an especially common activity for young, inexperienced drivers under twenty years of age with many reported instances of dire consequences (16% of all distracted driving crashes are caused by drivers under twenty). 

The NHTSA’s list of distracted driving habits:   

·         Texting

·         Using a cell phone or smartphone

·         Eating and drinking

·         Talking to passengers

·         Grooming

·         Reading, including maps

·         Using a navigation system

·         Watching a video

·         Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player 

As part of the education process, NHTSA offers many facts and statistics on the dangers.  They have a library of articles concerning distracted driving behaviors along with all of the crash statistics.  If you visit their site, be sure and check out the interactive map of the U.S. that shows the current laws on cell phone usage and texting for each state.  Read the FAQ’s for even more reason to discontinue distracted driving habits or Take the Pledge. 

* http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html

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 affordable quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles as well as both new and used RVs.

TrailManor 2014 –Better Than Ever!

Summer is finally here and most of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors and traveling in a RV is a great way to do it.  Many of our loyal customers and friends of The Car Show, Inc. are aware of the fact that we are the world's #1 dealer of the innovative TrailManor travel trailers.  What is exciting news is that there have been some significant improvements and upgrades to the 2014 TrailManor models. 

The new SilverTrail Edition was recently introduced by TrailManor and offers the biggest visual update for the trailer line in more than a decade with changes to both the look of the outside as well as to the inside.  The new edition features sleek, silver aluminum exterior panels with a complementary black trim.  In addition, it is accented with the new dramatic TrailManor graphic design. 

The interior of the SilverTrail Edition is also an all-new look with a rich tan interior that features new wallboards, countertops curtain, upholstery, and flooring.  Customers have the choice to upgrade from cloth to leatherette sofas and seats.  

Other new enhancements to the 2014 models include:

·         A 40 gallon fresh water tank that is standard on all models except for the 2720 slide outs.

·         The option of a recirculating or cassette toilet on all models 2720 and larger (the 2417 models are available with the cassette toilet only).

·         Large-size refrigerator that is now standard in all models.

For more than 25 years, TrailManor has offered customers an ingenious alternative to the conventional RV by combining all of the best features of a traditional travel trailer and a pop-up tent camper.  And that’s not all.  It is also the lightest weight travel trailer available on the market and can be pulled by virtually any tow vehicle.  The TrailManor offers a low profile and better gas mileage than towing a heavier RV.

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 quality pre-owned cars, trucks, and motorcycles as well as both new and used RVs.

Recalls on a Used Vehicle

In light of several large vehicle recalls over the last few years, you may be wondering how you can tell if your new “used” vehicle was a part of a recall.  Also if it was, did it have the required work done?  Keep in mind that recalls can be generated voluntarily from the manufacturer or come as a directive from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The good news is that regardless of the source of the recall, it is easy to access reliable, up-to-date information regarding all vehicle recalls.

A good place to start is to go on the NHTSA website or call their Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 to discover if the vehicle you are buying is currently under recall or was in the past.  They have a record of recall information on all vehicles sold in the U.S. dating back to 1966. 

Navigating the NHTSA site is easy and to get started simply use the drop-down “Vehicle Safety” tab and go the “Recalls and Defects” page.  From there, you will find a list of recalls starting with the most current and also an option to search for recall information on any vehicle by inputting model year, make, and model.  You can even see a list of complaints regarding that vehicle from actual owners. 

Once you have determined there were recalls on your vehicle, your next step is to find out if the work was done.  Again obtaining this information is pretty straightforward as all recall work must be done by a dealer and the information regarding the work should be in the dealer’s database.  Provide a dealer who sells your particular make/model with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) so they can search their records for information regarding recall repairs made to that vehicle. 

If you end up buying the vehicle, contact the manufacturer to transfer the car's VIN to your name and home address to receive any future recall information.  There is an 8-year statute of limitations from the original sale date of the vehicle to qualify for no-cost recalls.

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.  

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.

Ways to Improve Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

Since one of the biggest driving expenses is the price of gas, it is a good idea to use the various tips available to help improve your car’s overall fuel efficiency.  Experts say they can save you up to 20% on fuel cost and most are quite simple to do.   

 

One of the easiest things you can do is to keep your tires properly inflated.  It is estimated that alone can improve fuel efficiency by 3% and has the added benefit of extending the life of the tires.  In order to maintain the correct pressure, check tires at least once a month or as needed.  Optimally check the pressure when the car has not been driven for at least three hours or for less than a mile.  

Another fuel saving tip is to make sure to do all scheduled tune-ups as well as routinely changing the air filter (check it at the same time you are having the oil changed).  If you have not already done so, consult the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation on the best gas to use.  

Also reduce extra weight you may be carrying around.  According to WikiHow, each additional 100 lbs. load can mean an increase of 1 to 2% fuel usage.  Along the same line, avoid carrying weight on the roof rack as it creates drag, and thereby, increases fuel consumption. 

Your driving habits also play a role in reducing your car’s mpg.  Moderate how you use the brakes to stop the vehicle, avoid rapid acceleration, and drive the speed limit.  Studies show almost 33% more gas is used during freeway driving and up to 5% more in city driving when you do not moderate your driving speeds.  Furthermore get out of the habit of warming your car up before you start driving, and if you are going to be sitting for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine.  Finally use your cruise control if your car is so equipped. 

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).  Please come out 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.