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!

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.

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.

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.