Canon City Automotive Care

How your tires can help

save half a gallon of fuel per fill-up

(BPT) As gas prices soar this summer, travelers and commuters are looking for ways to safeguard their wallets and drive as efficiently as possible By changing their driving practices and choosing the right tires, drivers can save significant amounts of fuel and help reduce emissions from their vehicles

In fact, making a few simple changes to driving style and car maintenance can help drivers save as much as half a gallon of gas per fill up, or two thirds of a gallon for every 300 miles (half a liter for every 100 kilometers) driven These adjustments can also help minimize harmful CO2 emissions

Lower the resistance

The first step toward sustainable, efficient driving is to choose the right tires in the first place.Tires with low rolling resistance the energy required for the tires to propel a car along the road use less fuel and help cars lighten their carbon footprints

“Rolling resistance has a huge impact on fuel consumption,” says Nokian Tyres Technical Customer Service Manager Matti Morri.“A tire with correct pressures and a low rolling resistance classification can save up to two thirds of a gallon for every 300 miles (half a liter of fuel per 100 kilometers) when compared to the lowest performing tires”

To learn which tires have low rolling resistance, Morri recommends that drivers ask their tire dealer

Tweak car prep and driving style

Avoiding idling, utilizing engine breaking, predicting traffic and preheating vehicles in cold weather can lower fuel consumption by up to 20%, according to experts Even a factor as trivial as steering angles can make a difference drivers should avoid sudden sharp turns when possible

Maintaining correct tire pressure is also vital Tires that aren’t inflated to their recommended pressure levels are less energy efficient and more prone to blowouts and uneven wear Morri recommends that drivers check their tire pressures at least once each month, and more frequently during seasons with fluctuating temperatures

Efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand

Tiremakers who prioritize eco friendly products are also likely to help drivers save on fuel costs, since rolling resistance and low emissions are closely linked. Drivers should look up the environmental records of the company that produced their tires.That will give a hint as to the efficiency and environmental impact of their tires

Nokian Tyres was the first tire company to remove harmful high aromatic oils from its tire compounds, and it crafts tires at the only LEED v4 Silver certified tire factory in the world At the company ’ s North American factory in Dayton,Tennessee, solar energy helps power efficient production of tires that are built to help save energy themselves

For more tire safety tips, visit NokianTires.com/ShopTalk. For more information about the company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and products, visit NokianTires.com/Sustainability

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4 key questions to ask when shopping for a vehicle

(BPT) From seeking more fuel efficiency or seating capacity to replacing an older or less reliable car, there are many reasons to be in the market for a vehicle today Whatever the reason may be, when it comes to purchasing, there are a variety of factors to consider to set you up for success.After all, since the average American drives thousands of miles per year, buying a car is a major decision that can be made easier with a thoughtful approach

To help in your vehicle search, consider asking yourself these questions:

1.Where should I buy?

Determining who to buy from can play an important role in the overall experience And there is no shortage of options, like traditional dealerships, online retailers, individual sellers or rental car companies that offer pre owned vehicles for sale Buying from a seller you trust can pay big dividends when it comes to peace of mind Consider whether you know the seller. If buying from a retailer versus an individual, consider how long they have been in business and if they have an upstanding reputation, especially when it comes to providing exceptional customer service. Additionally, who you buy from can impact if you’ll need to negotiate on price, which not everyone enjoys doing Some dealers offer “ no haggle” pricing, meaning the price listed is the price you’ll pay, or price transparency, which means the vehicle price, taxes, fees and other costs are clearly labeled and presented upfront

2.Will I be purchasing a reliable vehicle?

No matter who you buy from, ensuring that you are buying a high quality vehicle is of the utmost importance. Do your research before signing on the dotted line, and always conduct a test drive if you can Some dealers also offer additional benefits to help protect a purchase For example, all vehicles purchased through Enterprise Car Sales

are “Enterprise Certified” and pass an inspection by ASE certified technicians These vehicles also come with a 12 month/12,000 mile limited powertrain warranty, 12 months of roadside assistance and offer a seven day return policy

3. How soon do I need the vehicle?

Today, lead times to obtain vehicles can vary widely For example, wait times for a “build to order” car that is, a car custom ordered from a factory may last up to 12 weeks with some lead times lasting six months to more than a year. On the contrary, many used car sellers feature inventory that is readily available, so you can select from options that you know are in stock, including different makes and models with a wide range of different features If you need a vehicle now, purchasing a used car could be a faster option.

4. How do I want to purchase the vehicle?

Purchasing a vehicle today can be done in a variety of different ways. Choosing a seller that matches your buying preference is something to consider. Buying a car in person remains a common option, but vehicles today can also be purchased in many states without ever stepping foot inside a dealership There are hybrid purchasing models as well. For example, Enterprise Car Sales customers have the option to begin their purchase online and finalize it at one of the many Enterprise dealerships across the U S if they choose.

“There are several considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a vehicle today, and there is no one size fits all approach,” said Mike Bystrom, vice president at Enterprise Car Sales “One thing is certain regardless of how or where you choose to purchase, you shouldn’t have to compromise on receiving great customer service.”

Alex Belsey

5 Simple Hacks To Prepare Your Car For Winter

EzineArticles

The leaves are falling and the nights are drawing in Winter is coming! This means exciting times such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, and Christmas, but it can also mean unpredictable weather, traffic jams, or dangerous driving conditions However, with the quick and simple hacks below, you can easily prepare your car for the challenges ahead and enjoy the Winter season safely

1. Add An Emergency Kit

Winter driving presents several challenges. Frosty roads make braking slippery, foggy conditions impede visibility, and congested periods on the roads can all make a roadside breakdown more likely This is why there has never been a better time to add an emergency kit to your car This could include essentials such as a spare tyre (if you know how to fit your own), blankets, a torch or high visibility items, and a mobile phone charger and any details of your roadside breakdown cover

You may also wish to include things that are specific to you or your family, such as medication, snacks, water, or entertainment. You do not need to overload your car, but a few essentials can help to give peace of mind. Be sure to ensure that your roadside cover is up to date too, and that you know the number to call in an emergency

2. Check (and replace) Your Tyres

Winter road conditions are especially treacherous, and are a large contributing factor to why there are often more accidents in the Winter months. One way to help prevent accidents is to ensure that your tyres are in good working order, and to replace them if necessary This may be a replacement that just ensures the integrity and grip of your tyres, or could be a more specific option.

Winter tyres, for example, are specifically made to

withstand harsher Winter temperatures and conditions. This can be especially important for anyone living in more rural or remote areas, or those susceptible to heavy snow Visit a reputable garage for advice and consider investing in the safest, most weather-appropriate tyres that you can afford.

3. Be Energy Efficient

A great tip all year round but perhaps especially in Winter is to drive in the most energy-efficient way possible. This helps to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your car, but can also save you money and fuel. Driving in an energy-efficient way can mean selecting the right gear, anticipating the road ahead so that sudden speed changes are not necessary, reducing wind speed, and more. For many drivers, it can even mean making the switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle! The driving range of electric cars is increasing all the time, making them an ever-more popular option. Whatever ways you can improve the efficiency of your driving, Winter is a great time to do it so you can save money and stay safe on the roads.

4. Invest In Your Lights (or Keep Them Clean)

Excellent lights are a must for the Winter season. They should be reliable, effective, and of course clean!

Add a few minutes to your regular driving checks and routine to clean your essential lights before and after driving. This is so that there is no build-up of dirt or debris that could obscure them at a crucial time especially since the sun sets earlier Falling leaves and frost can also both be more likely to obscure your vision

in Winter

Consider investing in new or better lights in preparation for the Winter season too. While there are many additional ways to reduce spending on your car, safety features should never be one of them Always aim for the best you can afford.

5. Add A Wintery Scent

A simple, fun, and affordable way to prepare your car for Winter is to add a seasonal scent! These can be in the form of hanging scented items, a spray, cleaning wipes, and more.

Not only can these items be a great way to make your car feel fresh and hygienic, they will also make it a pleasure to drive. On nights where you may spend more time in traffic than usual, or have family or little ones to entertain, a festive scent can help make the space more pleasant

With the variety of tips and hacks above, you and your car will be set for a safe Winter season!

5 Benefits Of Window Tinting For Your Car

EzineArticles

In 2018, there were reports of more than 700,000 vehicle theft incidents Generally, vehicles that have something valuable inside them are more likely to be broken into But there should be a way to prevent these incidents In this article, we are going to talk about the importance of window tinting. We will shed some light on the benefits of this approach for your vehicles. Read on to find out more.

1. Blocking the UV Rays

The ultraviolet rays from the Sun are a type of electromagnetic radiation Long term exposure to UV radiation may cause skin burns and symptoms of aging At the same time, ultraviolet rays may also lead to different types of skin cancers.

If you have your car windows

tinted, you can prevent ultraviolet rays from causing damage to your skin. The good news is that tinted windows can block almost all of the UV radiation. Therefore, you can stay safe inside your car even if you drive for hours on a daily basis

2. Protection in case of an Accident

Although nobody wants to have a car accident, these unfortunate events happen on a daily basis. Shattered glasses are one of the most common causes of injury in these accidents. Car windows tend to shatter when something hard hits them Therefore, you can benefit from having your car windows tinted The thin film in the glass prevents your car window from being shattered into pieces. Therefore, you can be

on the safe side in case of a car accident

3. Protected Upholstery

Apart from damaging your skin, ultraviolet rays from the Sun can negatively impact other objects inside your car For instance, furniture items tend to develop a faded color with the passage of time The same is true about car upholstery.

If you have had your car modified recently, we suggest that you go for window tinting in order to protect your new upholstery

4. Protection from Solar Heat

The sun produces ultraviolet radiation. Apart from this, sunlight can produce a lot of heat inside your car on hot summer days Therefore, you will be forced to use the air conditioner more frequently As a result, the performance

of your car will go down, which will increase the fuel consumption as well

The good thing about window tinting is that it can protect your car against Solar heat. As a matter of fact, this approach can help insulate your car, which will keep your vehicle cool on hot summer days Therefore, when you get in your car, you will not have to turn on the air conditioner

5. Safer Driving Experience

As far as window tinting is concerned, you can enjoy a lot of benefits. Another great benefit is that you won’t have to deal with that annoying glare while driving in the direction of the sun. This will prevent the need to put on glasses every time you sit behind the wheel As a matter of fact, glare can negatively impact your driving experience and you will be more likely to have an accident

Did you know cars actually drive on three tires?

(BPT) - Did you know that cars actually ride on three tires?

No, this isn’t an article about tricycles It’s about a major misconception that takes place where the rubber meets the road Most drivers have no idea that there are three kinds of tires and what they don’t know might be hurting them

It’s vital that drivers understand all three tire varieties, so they can choose the right fit for their weather and lifestyles. With that in mind, here’s a helpful overview of all three: all season, winter and a hybrid of the two all weather tires

The tires everyone knows

Look beneath your vehicle Chances are you ’ re driving a set of all season tires They’re the most common tire produced and driven in North America, and they’re likely what comes on your new car from the dealership.

Their name “all season ” might lead drivers to believe they’re built for all weather conditions. Surprisingly, they aren’t! All season tires are typically produced with durability in mind That means they have harder rubber compounds that help them last a bit longer Unfortunately, those hard compounds become even harder and way less effective once temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) Think of it like driving on hockey pucks they won’t grip, and will slide on cold or slick surfaces

All season tires are a great solution for drivers who live in places where winter weather rarely visits. Drivers in the Sun Belt can often get away with using them year round, and they’re a great solution for those who only use them in spring and summer, then switch to winter tires in the frigid months But don’t be fooled by their name in many areas of North America, all season tires are more like three season tires

A four-season solution

If all season tires aren’t intended for use in all four seasons, then what is? Nokian Tyres invented the first

all weather passenger tire two decades ago The name is similar, but the function is different: an all weather tire is an upgrade for drivers who visit winter, or see winter visit them

Unlike its all season counterparts, all weather products are certified for use in winter weather That certification is called the three peak mountain snowflake, and drivers can find it on the sidewall of all weather and winter tires At the same time, they’re still intended to be a true four season option with good performance in rain and heat One example, the Nokian Tyres WR G4, has a soft yet durable compound with an asymmetrical pattern with one side built for winter and the other for summer

All weather tires aren’t supposed to replace a winter tire for drivers who live in strong winter conditions Rather, they represent an upgrade for drivers who plan to use one set all year long and need winter protection for example, people who live in temperate climates but drive north or to areas of high elevation Those who live in southern locales may use them as protection against the half dozen snowy or slushy days each year

True north demands a true winter tire

For ultimate winter safety, nothing beats a dedicated winter tire While all weather tires are a clear upgrade over all season, winter tires are the only tires designed to deal with severe snow and ice Drivers who see regular winter conditions should remove their all season tires when temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius)

Why? Because winter tires have much softer compounds that retain grip in frigid temps, as well as tread patterns that are geared toward maintaining traction on slick surfaces As the inventor of the winter tire, Nokian Tyres tests its products north of the Arctic Circle to ensure they’re helping drivers thrive in harsh winter conditions

Winter tires are only meant for winter, though those soft compounds deteriorate in sustained heat

It may be surprising that there are three types of tires, but it’s valuable knowledge for staying safe on the road.To learn more about all season, all weather and winter tires, drivers can visit NokianTires.com/ ShopTalk.