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. 

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. 

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. 

Top Motorcycle Rallies in the U.S.

Now that the warmer weather is finally here, it is time to check out the various motorcycle rallies and shows that will take place this year throughout the country.  Some of the biggest rallies are held annually and include events such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Laconia Motorcycle Week, The Republic of Texas Biker Rally, and Daytona Beach Bike Week.

A rally is an event where bike enthusiasts get together to enjoy the sport of motorcycle riding along with a host of activities that focuses around the mutual love of bikes.  Activities vary from rally to rally but many offer live entertainment, bike shows, vendor displays, food, and plenty of fun.  Some of the biggest rallies attract an astounding amount of people such as the Sturgis Rally that claims anywhere from 400,000 to 800,000 people at their annual event. 

The Daytona Bike Week kicks off the year as one of the earliest rallies and takes place in March.  For many, Bike Week is the chance to get into warmer weather and to get out and start riding.  Organized events take place at the Daytona International Speedway, Riverfront Park, and throughout the city.   Approximately 500,000 people attend the week-long rally. 

One of the largest and oldest rallies is the Laconia Motorcycle Week in Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire.  The rally will celebrate its 91^st anniversary when the event takes place this June 14th-22^nd.  The website describes several of the event’s routes that include the “Ride to the Sky”, which goes up to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast at 6,288 ft., and several picturesque coast trips.  They also feature events for those that love the speed and action of motorcycle flat track, short track, SuperBike, and Vintage races that take place at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway as well as the AMA Sanctioned Pro Hill-Climbs held in Canaan, NH.

Another long-standing annual event is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that started 74 years ago in the hills of Sturgis, South Dakota.  It started out as a small race and is now a huge festival with a number of breathtaking rides that include Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road, the Wildlife Loop, Vanocker Canyon Road and Spearfish Canyon.  The August event offers a variety of nearby camping or hotels as well as plenty of entertainment and vendors.   

This is just a short list of rallies you can find happening this year.  Check with your local dealer or use the Internet to get more information.  

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.