Distracted Driving - Are You Focused?

The world is full of distractions; nearly 80% of collisions involve one. But are you conscious of them while driving? You should avoid these common behaviors listed below while you’re on the road:

Eating or drinking

Making phone calls

Texting

Messing with the radio or looking for that one song

Paying more attention to your passengers than the road

We recommend doing these things while parked, or pulling off to the side of the road for something urgent. Be safe out there!

5 Simple Steps To Get Through the Summer

Be sure you and your car are ready to roll to get through the hot temperatures this summer! Check these items off your to-do list before things really start heating up.

Check the battery. You wouldn’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without a charge!

Be sure your belts and hoses are in good shape.  Check that belts are tight when your engine is off, ensure hose quality when your engine is running.

Change & top off your fluids

You don’t actually want to “burn rubber.”  Pay special attention to the tires and wiper blades– areas with rubber are more sensitive to wear and tear in hot temperatures.

Let us check your climate and cooling.  One makes sure your engine doesn’t overheat; the other makes sure you don’t overheat.  They may have different purposes, but they are equally as important for summer car maintenance.  Schedule an appointment with our Service Department so we can pressure test your coolant system and perform a radiator flush!

What You Need to Know to Tow Like a Pro

Whether it’s your first time using your pickup to haul cargo or you’re a regular pro with the tow, it’s important to haul your cargo the right way.  Don’t latch that trailer until you’ve asked yourself these four questions:

1. What are the restrictions?  Towing laws vary by state, so get to know the ones for your area.  Make it easier on everyone: abide by them.

2. What are my limits?  Each truck has a defined towing capacity and it’s important to adjust accordingly.  For example, smaller trucks require a lightweight aluminum trailer instead of a steel one. Extending the life of your truck begins with using the appropriate trailer.

3. What am I hauling?  Just like you adjusted the size of your trailer for the size of your truck, take into account what you’re moving. You might need to use a closed trailer so avoid cargo spilling onto the road.

4. Where am I towing this?  The last thing you need to keep in mind is the terrain you’ll need to tackle during this job.  Take note of any unpaved roads or other deviations from the norm– it can and will affect your experience.

Top 4 Car Maintenance FAQs

Top 4 Car Maintenance FAQs 

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?
There are many variables that determine how often an oil change is needed (climate, drive time, highway or city street driving, etc.) You should refer to the Scheduled Maintenance section in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Should I consider using synthetic motor oil in my vehicle?
Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines. Or for vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather), and vehicles that operate in extremely cold or hot climates. Although more expensive than mineral-based oils, synthetic motor oils can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes.

How often should I rotate my tires?
Your tires should be rotated every other oil change. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the recommended interval?
YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

If you have any other maintenance questions feel free to contact us!

Get to know Cadillac's Ciel Concept in all its exquisite and dramatic glory.

The Elmiraj has been getting a lot of attention lately-- but how much do you know about Cadillac's other concept vehicles? Get acquainted with the Ciel Concept--here's your cheat sheet.

Pronounced: C-L

Inspired by: West Coast

Defining exterior feature: rear-hinged doors, serving as a dramatic introduction to the equally dramatic interior.

Defining interior feature: accents of premium Italian Olive wood

Extras: A "floating" center console (connectivity for each passenger) and leather seating with heating/cooling technology. Our favorite part?  Aromatherapy controlled from the rear armrest!

3 easy ways NOT to get pulled over.

1. Have situational awareness.  If traffic begins to slow, don't take it as your cue to weave in and out of lanes like a speed demon.  Chances are, there's a good reason it's coming to a halt.

2. Big Brother is everywhere, and he's waiting for you to slip up.  When you hit the road, do so with the knowledge that you are being watched.  From speed traps to red light cameras to that police car parked at the bottom of the hill, all eyes are on you.  Drive accordingly.

3. Leave the glitz and glamor to the movie stars.  Try not to call any extra attention to yourself.  A bright red Ferrari with a vanity plate and a bunch of bumper stickers is far more likely to get caught speeding than the understated beige minivan next to it.  

 

IF YOU DO GET PULLED OVER...

The best chance you have at not getting a ticket is to be polite.  Getting pulled over is a stressful event, but it's important not to panic.  As soon as panic sets in, people incriminate themselves inadvertently by volunteering information or becoming argumentative. Remember: police officers mean it when they tell you anything you say can and will be used against you in court!

Be a better driver: think in threes!

 

 

Chances are you probably consider yourself to be a pretty safe driver.  After all, it’s something you do practically every day, right?  Between commuting to and from work, picking up the kids from school, and running errands, you’d have to be a skilled motorist.  We certainly hope so! But it never hurts to brush up on your know-how.  

 

Tip of the day: Keep your distance.

THINK IN THREES!  You should stay...

 

3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you for speeds of 35 – 55 MPH in fair weather, 

 

6 seconds for more than 55 MPH or in rain, and 

 

9 seconds for heavy snowstorms or low visibility.

 

 

Tell us how YOU stay safe on the road!  Join the conversation on our Facebook page.