The Coolest Way to Save Gas? Don't Be Such a Drag!

You've probably been told that you can save gas by turning off your air conditioning and rolling down your windows. No matter what, turning off the AC helps your gas mileage more than it hurts.  But it’s not so black and white when it comes to windows!  Cars are designed to slice through the air, so depending on your speed, rolling your windows down could slow you down. To avoid aerodynamic drag, keep ‘em rolled up if you’re traveling more than 40 MPH.

Car Maintenance Checklist: Fall Into These 4 Habits

It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of summer!  We hope everyone had plenty of fun in the sun– but what about your car?  If the soaring temps took a toll, now’s the time to take care of it!  Here are the most important things to do before we “fall” out of summer.

Check out your headlights! 

You might need to replace them with brighter bulbs.  With Daylight Savings Time approaching, being able to see for night driving will become especially important.

Replace your wiper blades. 

This is an easy one that many people miss– don’t be one of them!  Wipe summer showers away and get your car ready for more frigid precipitation.

Replace the cabin air filter. 

This will improve the function of your A/C as well as your fuel economy.

Make sure you’re up-to-date on scheduled maintenance! 

When was your last oil change?  If it’s time for another, give us a call or schedule an appointment online.

Nissan is Turning Over a New Leaf (and more!)

Nissan is turning over a new LEAF for the 2015 model year–but that’s not the only model that will see some tweaks and improvements.  Here’s a run-down of a few more 2015 Nissans and what you can expect to see hitting the showrooms soon.

2015 380Z

• Sport, Sport Tech, Nismo Tech, and Touring Sport trim levels debut
• Retuned suspension
• Added standard features, including Bluetooth connectivity
• Upgraded audio system
• Black 18-in. alloy wheels on base and Touring models
• Updated styling (Nismo)
• Nismo now available with an automatic transmission

2015 Altima

• Improved fuel economy
• Standard navigation system and added safety features on 3.5 SV and 3.5 SL trims
• Revised interior color combinations
• Automatic climate control paired with remote start system
SL models add power passenger seat

2015 GT-R

• 600-horsepower Nismo trim level
• Retuned chassis to improve handling and braking performance
• LED headlights
• Quieter cabin
• Regal Red paint color
• Optional hand-stitched Ivory interior

2015 Leaf

• Morning Sky Blue paint color
• Text-messaging capability on upper trim levels
• Base models add b-mode
• Standard 17-in. alloy wheels on SV

How To Check Your Car's Tire Pressure and Inflate Tires

Underinflated tires increase tire wear, reduce fuel economy and can potentially cause a blowout.

Inflating your car's tires to the specified pressure is important. But simply looking at the tire and checking the information on the sidewalls is the wrong way to do it. If the tire looks slightly under inflated, chances are the pressure is way below the recommendation. Make it a habit to check and refill your tires at least once a month. Here's how.

Checking Your Tire Pressure
Here's how to check the pressure in your car's tires with the least amount of muss and fuss. You'll need a tire pressure gauge. These are available at auto part stores and cost about $10.

1. Find the tire pressure level recommended for your car. This information is usually on a yellow sticker in the doorjamb on the driver side (and it is also contained in the owner's manual). It might call for different pressure levels for the back tires and the front tires or different pressures depending on the load or use of the vehicle.

2. Check the pressure when the tires are cold, as this is how the automakers list these recommended tire pressures. Tires heat up as you drive, so measuring them while they are hot will give you an inaccurate (overly high) reading. They take about a half hour to cool down. You also can just check the tires first thing in the morning.

3. Unscrew the valve cap and set it to the side or in a pocket where you won't lose it.

4. Press the tire gauge onto the valve stem. There might be a slight hiss as you press down on the valve stem and again as you release it. You only need to do this for a second or two, long enough to get an accurate reading.

5. Read the tire pressure on the digital gauge. You might consider writing down the pressure of the tires as you go around the car. You can refer to this when you fill up the tires.

Now you can compare the tire pressure readings you got with the specified amount called for by the manufacturer (on the doorjamb or in the manual). If the level of pressure in your tires is below the specified amount, you need to fill the tires with air.

For example, the sticker on the doorjamb may say that the recommended level is 32 psi (pounds per square inch). When you check your tire you find it is 29 psi. You need to bring your tire pressure up to spec. It's estimated that for every 3 psi below spec, you burn 1 percent more fuel (and add 10 percent more tire wear). It's not uncommon to be 10 psi below spec, which would waste 3 percent more fuel and increase tire wear by 45 percent.

Filling Your Tires
There are at least two ways to refill your tires to bring them up to specification. You can go to an auto parts store and buy a portable air compressor. If you do this you can refill your tires at your house or in your garage.

Most people, however, will just refill their tires at a gas station. Even though many stations charge 75 cents to use their air compressors, you can usually get the attendant to turn on the machine for free.

Adjusting Your Tire Pressure
Here are the steps needed to adjust the pressure in your tires:

1. Pull your car in close to the air compressor so the hose reaches all four tires.
2. Remove the valve stem caps and set them to the side or in a pocket.
3. Insert coins or if the gas station attendant turned it on, you will hear the compressor motor beginning to run.
4. Press the hose fitting down on the valve stem and press the lever. You should feel air flowing through the hose and hear it inflating the tire. This can take a little effort to hold the hose on the valve stem.
5. Check to see when you have enough air pressure in the tires by releasing the inflation lever. The gauge on the hose fitting will show if you have approximately enough air pressure. You can check it again later with your own gauge. At this point, it is better to slightly overinflate the tire.
6. Adjust the pressure in all the tires in the same way. (Note: If the tires are warmed up, you can inflate the tire pressure to 3 psi over the specified amount as a general rule of thumb, but you'd still want to officially check the tires later.)
7. Recheck the tire pressure with the digital gauge. If the pressure is too high, press the gauge down just far enough to release some air from the tire. Check it again.
8. Replace the valve caps on all the tires.

Now it's time to enjoy improved fuel economy, reduced tire wear and (above all else) safe driving.

Maintenance Myths - Unmasked!

All right, all right. There are a lot of ideas about car care out there, but which ones do you follow? We’re here to bust through some maintenance myths and possibly save you a buck or two on your next service appointment.

MYTH: Oil has to be changed every 3,000 miles. It doesn't hurt. But it is probably a waste of money. Familiarize yourself with your owner’s manual – seriously. Your maintenance schedule is probably not as strict as you think, and you might even be able to go twice this “recommended distance” without getting an oil change.

MYTH: Treating your car with premium gas after running regular for a while is beneficial. Just stick with your recommended octane level and you’ll be all right – the system will stay clean regardless. Some premium grade gas might have extra detergents in it, but a lot of the time that’s just a marketing gimmick. It’s up to you if you want to experiment to see what helps your car have the best performance.

MYTH: Wipe down your dash and tires with protectant compounds to keep them shiny. A lot of these “protecting” wipes on the market actually strip tires of their original protectants, and it’s possible that they actually cause drying and cracking on the dashboard. Stick with warm soap and water instead.

Too Drowsy to Drive? Mind These Warning Signs:

Getting behind the wheel when you’re tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. In fact, over 11% of all fatal car accidents happen as a result of sleepy motorists–so it’s important to pay attention to the red flags before you start your drive. Here are the surefire signs you need to hand the keys to someone else:

-Yawning

-Hitting a rumble strip

-Not being able to recall the past couple of miles

-Blinking more than usual

-Trouble keeping eyes open or focusing them on the road in front of you

If you are displaying any one of these behaviors for a duration of time, especially if you are experiencing more than one at a time, you shouldn't be driving. Ask yourself if the trip is worth putting your life or the lives of others at risk. And then hand the keys over.

Break These Bad Driving Habits

Hey, you! Don’t be a bad driver! There are a few behaviors that are especially harmful, and we want you to break these bad habits now. It could save a life, or at the least, save someone from experiencing road rage.

Stop using your cell phone while you’re driving – you got it, no texting or calling. If you absolutely have to make a phone call, at least invest in Bluetooth devices or put it on speaker so you have both hands on the wheel.

Stop cutting people off. You know that driver who cuts across four lanes of traffic because they almost missed their turn? Yeah, don’t be that person. It puts others in danger and is bad for your car. 

Plan ahead! And don’t always trust your GPS – those pesky last minute recalculations will get you. It’s safer to simply turn around further up the road.

Don’t tailgate! There should be ample space between you and the driver in front of you in the event that someone needs to make an emergency stop. No one likes getting rear ended.

Learn how to merge. Drivers who don’t know how to merge into another lane smoothly cause some of the worst accidents and pile ups.

The Details of Detailing

Your car is a mess. I mean, a MESS. And you’re thinking about getting it detailed. But what exactly happens when you take your baby in for the full clean? We can offer you a little insight on some of what the service entails.

It starts on the outside. The wheels, tires, doorjambs, bumpers, grilles, anything you can think of that doesn’t count as “interior” gets cleaned spotless first. Then your car gets a facelift with a good polish and buff of the finish – bye bye, bugs! They top it off with a coat of wax, do little touch ups like cleaning the door handles and polishing the glass, and then move on to the interior.

The interior gets a thorough vacuuming – and we mean thorough – which includes taking a brush to the carpets and air vents, and between the seats or other pesky spots. After that, it gets a nice shampooing using a mild cleaning solution, a soft wash mitt, and towels. Sounds kinda nice, right? This shampooing process can knock more dirt loose, so it gets vacuumed again afterward. If you have a fabric interior, the rest gets cleaned with citrus cleaner, which eliminates odors, and a hot water extractor to cut down moisture. If you have a leather interior the detailers will put a liberal amount of leather care product on the seats and allow it to soak in for a bit before wiping all the seats down.

Must-Have Items for Your Trunk

Before you head out on your summer road trips and camping expeditions, here are a few things you ought to consider keeping in the trunk:

Extra coolant! You might not always be able to make it to a gas station, and if your car overheats this could be a big problem.

Keep a quart or two of oil on hand.

GPS – any kind, whatever you prefer to use, just be sure you have it on long trips.

Keep a roll of duct tape in the back as well. It’s great for temporarily repairing, say, a leaky hose – or quieting the backseat driver in your life.

Get a REAL spare tire, not one of those dinky things that come with your car. Would you want to be stuck on a doughnut while driving through unpopulated terrain? We think not. They’re usually only recommended for about 50 miles of driving, anyway.

The Uh Oh Kit – a screw driver, a couple flairs, pliers, vise grips, and a coat hanger just in case.

A jack…that you know how to use. Before you travel, take it out and try it a couple times to get comfortable with it, that way you’re not sitting on your hands when you get into a pinch.

Jumper cables. This is obvious, literally everyone should keep these in their car.

Cell phone! Cell phone! Cell phone! Payphones are a thing of the past, and if you get stranded in the middle of nowhere a cell phone could literally save your life.

A first aid kit. Always keep a first aid kit in the car.

Get the most out of your mileage!

Planning your summer road trip is already stressful enough–why worry about what you’re spending on gas?  Here are a couple of things to avoid and a couple of things to remember while you’re out on the road.

DO be assertive (not aggressive).  Speeding up and braking sharply slices your highway gas mileage by 33 percent.

DON’T drive with the windows down.  While you may think you’re cutting costs by avoiding use of the air conditioning, you are actually making your car work harder to maintain speed because of aerodynamic drag.

DO make sure your tires are properly inflated.  Driving on partially deflated wheels does nothing but damage to your gas mileage.

DON’T use a rooftop cargo box.  If you need the extra room, try a cargo tray that attaches at the rear bumper.  It’s much easier on your mileage.

Are you a #Soul sister? Read this!

If you’re a “cool mom” that’s also budget-conscious, you probably have a hard time finding the right vehicle to suit all your needs.  You’ll need plenty of cargo space to haul road trip luggage and sports equipment, but you don’t want a double-wide wagon.  You refuse to pay the price that comes along with a gas-guzzling SUV, but you want your style to stay current.  And, to complicate it even further?  You aren’t rocking the minivan look– but you won’t compromise when it comes to safety.  Times are tough!

Luckily, the 2014 Kia Soul eats tough times for breakfast.  And it knows the importance of eating a well-balanced breakfast every day.  That’s why it’s the perfect blend of style, safety, and sass to fit right in with your busy–and cool– life.  Come see us to take one for a spin today!

Keep Your Car Cool! Avoid These Things:

Is your car working hard or working smart? There is such a thing as doing too much! AVOID doing these two things and watch your summer get a whole lot cooler.

NEVER turn your car off without switching the AC off first! Powering off your vehicle while the air is still running creates a small shock in the air conditioning system that can have damaging side effects over time. Ideally, you should switch off the AC a few blocks from your destination. It’s fine to keep the fan running.

NEVER crank your AC from 0 to full blast! We understand that it’s hot outside, but forcing your car to blast all of that energy at once doesn't make the air cool faster. Start your AC on the lowest setting and work your way towards the smaller temps.

Hit the road to luxury without taking a hit to your wallet!

Take a minute and envision your dream vehicle. You probably have a few key features in mind, right? Things like fuel efficiency, safety, and comfort are important to you. A powerful engine and sleek exterior wouldn't hurt, either.

We've got some good news—the 2014 Kia Cadenza is all that and more! This roomy sedan is equipped with Blind Spot Detection, Front & Rear Parking Assist, push-button start, and stylish leather trim. Oh, did we mention that it’s powered by a V-6 engine?

If you’re ready to drive a luxury car without paying a luxury price, check out the 2014 Kia Candenzas we have available today!

Keeping Your Dog Cool

Maybe your to-do list is just a few errands.  Five minutes at the post office, maybe ten at the bank.  No big deal, right?

Depending on your copilot, it could be!  Keep in mind that “just a few errands” is different in dog years!  This infographic is helpful when preparing your canine for the road ahead:

Avoid Springtime Sneezes!

Dear Readers,

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know the frustration of having to change your plans because of that itchy feeling. 

We want you to be able to get behind the wheel and on the road to spring adventures with a road map (not a box of Kleenex) in your hands! 

The best way to defend against seasonal allergies is to know the pollen count in your area, which varies every day.  But have no fear!  
Click here to calculate the pollen count in Lawrence.

Military Appreciation Month

Dear Readers,

May is Military Appreciation Month and we'd like to kick things off with a quick poem honoring our valiant soldiers and veterans! Whether you come from a family that has served our great nation or benefit from the freedoms provided by those serving, take the time to thank a soldier for all that they sacrifice on our behalf. 

When You See a Soldier

When you see a soldier
Be sure to shake his or her hand,
And let that soldier know you're grateful
For the protection the military affords our land.

But most of all express your thanks
for every soldier's personal sacrifice.
In order to serve our country,
They risked their entire lives.

Embarrassing Driving Moments We All Have

Nobody's perfect, right?  We all make mistakes, but sometimes those little imperfections can become downright embarrassing!  Here's a list of uh-ohs that have probably happened to all of us at some point.

#1. Leaving your turn signal on. We're talkin' miles after you've made that turn.

#2. Cutting someone off in traffic by accident.  No matter how apologetic your courtesy wave, it will not help you here.

#3. Not realizing the light has turned green!  Don't worry, though. The collective roar of cursing drivers and screaming car horns should rouse you from that daydream pretty quickly.

#4. Messing up while parallel parking.  Repeatedly.  You swear, you do it perfectly every time when there's nobody else in the car!

#5. Getting caught singing, dancing, digging for gold... Avoid the shame and keep these, er, personal habits at home.




How many of these cringe-worthy driving faux pas are YOU guilty of?  Join the conversation on our Twitter and Facebook pages!

What's Making That Noise?

Worn brake pads, if not fixed, will eventually wear away completely, and the sound of metal on metal will result in a horrible grinding noise. This also means that along with your brake pads, your brake rotors may need repair or replacement. 

Hopefully, you’ll never hear this sound coming from your wheels. But if you do, it’s time to make sure your brakes are inspected by a professional! 

Next time you’re out enjoying a drive, turn down the music and listen to your car instead. It might be trying to tell you something that will keep you safer and help save you money down the road.

Enjoy the Little Things!

Sometimes it's the little things that make our day. Our team came up with a list of small things that can make a difference in our daily lives.

-Clothes fresh out of the dryer.
-Getting off of work when it's still light outside.
-Receiving mail that isn't a bill.
-Waking up early and realizing you still have hours to sleep.
-When the Starbucks barista spells your name right.
-Finding money in your seasonal jacket pockets that you forgot about.
-The elevator arriving the second you push the button.
-Paying for a small drink, but getting a large.
-Clean bed sheets.

Let us know if you have anything else to add in the comments below!

The First Trip of Spring

Dear Readers,

It doesn't matter if you’re a student, parent, or workaholic. We all have one thing in common: we like to save money filling up at the gas pump. If you’re headed out in coming weeks for Spring Break or just looking to finally take your first spring road trip, head to GasBuddy!

You can find out where the cheapest gas stations are and also calculate roughly how much you’ll be spending on one site. We don’t know about you but every cent counts – why spend money on things that aren't as fun?
For example, imagine you're headed up the coast for a weekend getaway in peaceful Portland, Maine. This is what your estimated trip cost would look like:

Volkswagen: Lego Edition

Dear Readers, 

How far are you willing to go to share your enthusiasm for Volkswagen? We've seen tattoos, fans dressed in their VW best and key rings that weighs at least a pound with car-pride keychains. For these fans, a few Lego creations were the easiest way to express their VW enthusiasm. 

What do you think, friends? How far will you go to share you Volkswagen/Das Auto pride? 

Four Hondas Top KBB's Best Family Cars of 2014!

Dear Readers,

Not all options are as obvious as a minivan when it comes to cars best suited for families. In the same light, not all families have the same needs when it comes to their ideal car.

Keeping this in mind, the editors of Kelley Blue Book (the leading provider of new and used car information) have named their recommended list of the 12 Best Family Cars of 2014. Among the 12? FOUR Honda vehicles!

Accord: 

CR-V: 

Odyssey:

Pilot:

2014 Olympics!

Dear Readers,

The 2014 Winter Olympics will get underway this evening. Before you get off of work and settle into your sofa to watch the opening ceremonies, take a quick peek at our breakdown of some events you may not be familiar with!

Biathlon - cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.

Curling - a game played on ice in which large, round, flat stones are slid across the surface toward a mark. Members of a team use brooms to sweep the surface of the ice in the path of the stone to control its speed and direction. 

Nordic Combined - cross-country skiing and ski jumping.

We don't know about you but we're super excited! Keep up with our blog as we'll be updating you on various events throughout the Olympics. 

Be good to your tires and they'll be good to you!

Dear Readers, 

Next time you're at the gas station, check the wear on your tires to make sure everything is in good shape. You made need to adjust your air pressure, have them rotated, or even have them replaced.

Since the roads are incredibly hellish, be sure to check up on your tires and stay safe! 

Game Day Prep

It appears that Morpheus has exited the Matrix to join us for Game Day! Don't worry folks, he'll be leaving our precious Kia's safely here in the 21st century. Be sure to tune in for the official game day commercial!

January is Get Organized Month!

Once you’ve cleaned out your car, get started on the fun part: arranging everything that rightfully belongs in your car at all times. Feel free to add any personal “must-have” items to our list but use discretion! Keeping your car clutter-free helps improve your gas mileage and tire wear which will save you money every mile you travel.

Don’t forget these key items:

Proof of insurance, copy of registration
Pen and pad of paper
Cell phone charger
Vehicle owner's manual
Tire gauge
Trash holder or bag

For emergencies:
Disposable camera
Kit with jumper cables, tire patch, flares
Spare tire and jack
Supply of nonperishable food and water
Jacket, hat and blanket
First aid kit
Spare change

Everything else is a judgment call, but we prefer to keep tissues and hand sanitizer in the vehicle. DVDs, toys and road-trip activities are a necessity for many families—just don't store more than you really need, and stick to soft toys whenever possible.

Throwback Thursday: 2007

Dear Readers,

It's always fun to take a walk down memory lane; especially when entering a new year!

For our first blog post of 2014 and in honor of Throwback Thursday, we take a look at life 7 years ago today:

Inventor and technological mastermind Steve Jobs (RIP) had just launched the first iPhone to the world. Since then over 400 million iPhones have been sold! Whether or not you're an avid Apple user, Jobs' advancement of personal technology revolutionized day-to-day communication.

As you step out of your vehicle and into the next 356 days of 2014 take the time to appreciate the creativity and innovation of those around you. Who knows, you may see something that inspires you to design something yourself!

- The Commonwealth Motors Team