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.  

Do Deluxe Windshield Wipers Work Any Better?

Have you ever wondered if those expensive windshield wipers work any better than the cheap models?  For those of us that live in climates that experience heavy rain, sleet, ice, and snow, good windshield wipers are essential and we need them to work well.  Even for those cars that live in warmer climates, the sun and heat can take a toll on that thin piece of rubber that is on the blade.  

A sure sign that your blades are wearing out is if the windshield starts to get streaky or blurred when using the wipers.  Experts recommend changing wiper blades every six to twelve months, but how long the wiper blades really last probably depends on what type of material the blades are made out of.   

Originally, wiper blades were all made from organic rubber and many are still made that way today.  They have the shortest lifespan with the tendency to break down in the hot sun and freezing temperatures.  There is a halogen-hardened rubber blade that lasts longer than the ordinary rubber ones.  The most expensive and longest lasting wiper blades (although there is some debate on that) are made out of silicone.  These blades leave a light silicone residue on the windshield, which helps to keep it clean.  Recently a new beam style blade was introduced that is now standard equipment on many new cars.  It is engineered for highly curved windshields and is more aerodynamic with less wind-lift.

It has been difficult for consumer groups to fully test the performance of windshield wipers as the process needs to be done over a fairly long period and the blades need to face varying weather conditions.  Also since many manufacturers frequently change designs and rubber formulations of their wipers, it contributes to the fact that it is hard to determine if one make and model is actually better than another. 

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. If you need help with financing we can do that too.  Or better yet, stop by and browse our inventory of the finest selection of Colorado Springs' used cars and trucks.  

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.