December 26th, 2011 -
No matter how safely you drive, once you hit the road in Cincinnati, there is always the chance that you will get into an accident. We see it all of the time here at Superior. Weather, road conditions, and other drivers can all lead to getting your car into a bad situation. While there may be a lot of adrenaline and scattered thoughts that come after the accident, it is important to know which steps to take if it happens to you.
I found a great checklist from about.com in regards to the steps you should you be involved in an accident. Print out this checklist and keep it in your car next to your insurance information.
- Determine the Extent of Damage or Injuries Try to stay calm. Panic can make others panic and the situation worse. There needs to be a calm person to determine the extent of damage and to determine if there are any injuries that need immediate medical attention.
- File a Car Accident Report with the Police Even in a minor accident it is important to make sure there is a legal accident report. Do not leave the scene until the police file a full report.
- Discuss the Car Accident Only with the Police With everyone all shook up it can be hard not to talk about what just happened, but that can also lead to you not thinking clearly and accurately about what happened. It is important to limit your discussion of the accident and not to admit any fault or liability. You should talk about the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.
- Get the Facts This is the part most people know to do, but often forget to after the accident for one reason or another. It is important to get names, address, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident. A description of the car and license plate number can also be helpful, but make sure you also get their insurance company and the vehicle identification number of their car. Don’t just assume the license plate number will do because most insurance companies only record the type of car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate number.
- Call Your Insurance Agent Call your agent or insurance company’s 800-number immediately, even at the scene with the police if possible. Sometimes the police officer can give your insurance company more accurate information rather than information you may not be recording properly because you are upset by the accident. This can save you a lot of time later waiting for your claim to be processed.
Remember to stay calm and let the authorities and your insurance company do their jobs to let things go by smoothly. No matter if it is your fault or not, being angry or argumentative will not help the situation. Accidents are called accidents because no one means for them to happen. Just make sure you and everyone else involved is OK and follow the steps above.
If your car is involved in an accident, be sure to swing by any Superior Auto Group location and we’ll help you get out on the road again as soon as possible. Remember that the best way to stay accident free is to always drive safely and be aware of your surroundings.
December 16th, 2011 -
 We at the Superior Auto Group found this list compiled on Insurance.com and at first I thought…Oh my. How rude… Ha ha. But after I started reading the article and I got down to the end I totally understood what they were saying. Now this isn’t meant to offend anyone by any means, but if you read the blog and see where it all came from then it makes total sense.
Check it out:
“Professions that demand multi-tasking – being on the phone, moving fast on a tight schedule – are prone to more distractions and, from there, more accidents,” says Sam Belden, insurance.com VP, all joking aside. “On the other hand, though the job of a homemaker demands multi-tasking, young children are often along for any car ride. And when children are involved, people tend to take their time and use greater caution.” Homemakers and athletes also tend to be off the road during rush hour.
The Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession
1. Attorneys and judges
2. Financial professionals
3. Government employees
4. Bartenders and waiters
5. Business professionals
6. Dog groomers
7. Advertising and marketing professionals
8. Barbers and stylists
9. Coaches
10. Nurses
So see? It makes sense… I’m always on my phone trying to make a deal or send an email. I get it. Do you think you are one of these types? Superior would like to hear your thoughts on this!
December 9th, 2011 -
This Cincinnati car dealer has heard all of the stories. The Superior Automotive Group knows that having a car accident and having your car broken into are just about two of the worst things that can happen to you and your new car. Sometimes no preventative measure can help either, but with just a little caution and some helpful tips, you can increase the chances of those measures.
Avoiding fender benders. A lot of minor accidents can happen when you’re going into, or leaving, a parking area. That’s just a fact. Excessive speed and distractions around you are usually the culprits. The best tip here is to drive slowly and monitor your surroundings (watching for other cars, people, etc.), and also use your turn signals to alert others to what you’re doing. Pretty simple stuff!
 Park with awareness. When parking, especially in bigger lots, try to park as close to the front of the lot as possible, and also in a well-lit area where there might be a lot of people around. This is just a good practice to get into. Criminals and predators alike avoid light and activity. They look for moments of opportunity and parking in a dark corner of a large lot is exactly what they are waiting for. Also, try not to park next to really large vehicles, because this will make visibility harder when you go to leave. Another tip here is to not park next to vans with sliding doors. There could be someone behind that sliding door who is waiting for you to come back to your car. It might sound paranoid, but awareness is crucial to safety.
It was here when I left. Having your car stolen, or broken into is a horrible event, and it feels like a true violation. The first thing to remember is, don’t leave valuables in your car whenever possible. Sometimes you’re going to have to have these items in your car, so if this is the case, just put them in your trunk or hide them. Be careful when putting valuables in your trunk when you’re actually parked in the lot, because someone could be watching you. Lastly, keep all of your doors locked and your windows rolled up, and be very cautions of leaving an extra key in one of those magnetic boxes under your car. Thieves are aware of those.
Just remember when returning to you car, that you are still monitoring your surroundings and have your keys in your hand when you approach the car. If you have some other tips that you find useful, go ahead and post them, the Superior Auto Group of Cincinnati car dealers welcomes any and all advice regarding this subject. You may actually provide information that will really help someone out one day.
December 5th, 2011 -
For those of us who have kids who are new drivers in Cincinnati, we are well aware of the increasing costs in regards to insuring teen drivers. Now I’m past that initial shock as my kids are old enough now to pay for their own insurance, but I do still have nightmares about our car insurance bills.
I found a good article at The New York Times which I’ve taken the liberty of paraphrasing below for your convenience.
A new study from Insurance.com shows how much a parent’s insurance policy can go up when a teenage driver is added.
When a teenager is added to the parent’s policy, according to the study, the annual insurance premium for a one-car family typically increases 44 percent, while for a two-car family it generally jumps about 58 percent and for a three-car family, about 62 percent.
This is because drivers ages 15 to 19 tend to get into more accidents than older drivers and have little driving experience.
So how can parents of teenage drivers reduce the insurance costs? Insurance.com recommended comparing rates from different companies; making sure your teenager is driving a safe car that is inexpensive to insure; and asking for discounts if your child gets good grades in school, takes certain driving classes or drives a vehicle with a monitoring device installed.
The data is based on an analysis of car insurance quotes provided to Insurance.com users for all levels of liability coverage from October 2009 through September 2010. Collision and comprehensive coverage was not included in the analysis.
How much did your insurance jump when your child started driving? How have you lowered the cost, if at all? Leave me a comment or two. Oh, and if you are ever around an Superior Auto Dealership location, let’s talk cars!
November 25th, 2011 -
Most of us at Superior Cars have kids, and we understand that when a teen is getting his or her license, it can be stressful. While there are driving schools you can (and should) enroll them in, you can also teach them yourself. Some of us take our kids to empty parking lots. Heck, I remember the first time I drove…
But I digress, I found a great website, teendriving.com, that is full of resources for teaching your teen how to become a competent driver. There are many links for how to teach your child how to drive in many different situations, but it also laws out two basic rules that you, as a teacher, need to understand from the beginning.
Know the Rules
Having the right information can make your job as driving mentor so much easier. First, visit your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website. Most states have a new driver’s booklet, list of places and times to take the exam, state driving laws, and more on their site. If you don’t have access to the Internet at home, you can use the free computers at the library, pick up printed materials at the DMV offices, or often request them by phone. Parents should review the materials as well as ensuring that their teen studies them. This is usually one homework assignment, they are eager to do.
Another helpful resource is your insurance agent. Many insurance companies have programs for new drivers including videos, safe driving booklets, and criteria for getting good student and safe driving discounts. This is a good time to check the rates for having a teen driver on your policy. If you have more than one vehicle, chose one with an airbag if possible, and find out which one will have the lower rate and best safety rating. Then add the teen as a driver to that car.
Be a Role Model
Setting a good example is one of the best ways that you can help your teen be a better driver. If you run red and yellow lights, speed down the highway at 75 MPH, weave in and out of traffic, take chances on the road, ride the bumper of the car in front of you, scream at other drivers, or exhibit other signs of road rage, you’re showing your teen that the rules don’t count—and this can be fatal. Model the behavior you want your teen to follow and start early.
Before you teach your child to drive, you should know what you should do to prepare in becoming the teacher. If you are looking for a new or used car for the new driver in your family, be sure to check out the Superior family of dealerships.
October 28th, 2011 -
Go to any New Car Dealership in Cincinnati and, if they’re worth their salt, they’ll say that you shouldn’t wait to get your car ready for the winter months. There are things that you should do to your car to ensure that you will be able to drive your car once the snow starts to fall without getting caught in a freezing situation. The end of fall is the perfect time to do this. It is still nice enough outside that you can work on your vehicle, and it will give you peace of mind when driving on the icy roads that lie ahead.
The first thing you should do get your oil changed. In the last post we talked about what kind of oil is right for your car, so make sure that you are using an oil that is made to handle the cold weather easier. When the temperature drops, the oil in your car starts to thicken which can lead to engine lock-up. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for what kind of oil should be used for your car in the colder temperatures.
When the roads are slushy and covered in salt, it won’t take long for you to realize that you have old worn out windshield wipers. The winter months can be hard on your wipers, so make sure that you change them to a new pair now. The streaks that occur from bad wipers will impair your vision and lead to safety issues. You should also change your wiper fluid to one that can handle sub-freezing temperatures. While you are changing your wiper fluid, you should also check your antifreeze levels in your cooling system.
The other major components you should have checked are your tires and battery. The cold can suck the charge out of your battery, so make sure that you clean them and get rid of any corrosion. Check the tread on your tires and their pressure. If your tires are beginning to look worn down, then get them replaced. You may even want to think about getting winter tires that are made to handle the slick roads. It is easier to get in a wreck and need major repairs if your tires aren’t gripping the road.
Getting your car ready for winter is an important safety tip that should be done now. If you need help getting it checked, then bring it into a mechanic. If your car is going to cost more to get ready for winter then it is worth, then you should come into Superior Cars and start the winter season right with a brand new ride.
October 24th, 2011 -
Superior knows that there are a lot of different components that go into safe driving. Following road signs, checking your mirrors, and leaving space around you are are the better known aspects of safe driving, but there is one crucial thing that you may not think about. How you sit in your car can help improve the way that you drive. While you may think that seat adjustments are only for comfort, there are many little tricks that you can do to become a better driver while staying comfortable.
The car seats that are installed in many new models of cars have many different ways to adjust them to your liking. Instead of simply going closer and farther from the wheel, you can now change the chairs height and tilt. Having all of these at a proper setting for you can go a long way in safe driving. How high your seat is can actually affect how fast that you travel. The higher up you are sitting, then slower your body will perceive you are traveling. If you are in a larger car or SUV, then lower your seat to get closer to the road. This will help you maintain a safe speed instead of feeling like you are crawling along.
Another way you can help yourself is where you put your hands on the wheel. We all know about the ten and two system of where to hold the wheel, but there is more than that to help yourself in a wreck or accident. You should position your seat so that when you reach for the wheel, your wrists can hang over it. This not only makes driving more comfortable, but it will also help you control the car better. When holding the steering wheel, do not hold it like a tennis racket. Instead, keep your thumbs along the top of the wheel. If you wrap your thumbs around it, they can break in the event of an accident.
Driving safely is the most important part of driving, so be sure that you put yourself in a position to do so successfully. If you are looking for a new car, then be sure to come into Superior Cars.
October 21st, 2011 -
At Superior, we realize that it is easy to see other cars and not really think about other people driving them. It is human nature to not think about the needs and thoughts of others that you do not personally know or see face to face. That is what makes a new study on aggressive driving make sense. The study was done in Israel and it shows that aggressive driving can be more prevalent in drivers who identify themselves with their cars, as well as those who view the roads as their own.
That is not to say that you shouldn’t take pride in your new car, but if you think that your car shows who you are as a person and the status that you hold, you are more likely to be an aggressive driver. Having this sense of self tied into your car can make you think that your car shows that you are more important than other drivers on the road and make you drive less safely then you would otherwise.
Another key in defensive driving stems for thinking that the road is more yours than anyone else’s. It can lead to aggressive driving, a bending or breaking of traffic laws, and accidents. It is important to remember that you are sharing the road with everyone else that is around you. Driving may seem like an individual activity, but it is something that is very communal. Safe and defensive driving will not only allow you to relax more as you drive, but it will also makes the roads safer for everyone that is on the road with you.
Safe driving should be the most important goal for all drivers, and thinking about other drivers can help you do this successfully. If you are looking for a new car to drive safely down the road, then be sure to come into Superior Cars and check out our great selection.
October 19th, 2011 -
Cincinnati, if you own a BlackBerry to help you with your personal and business life, then you probably rely on it all of the time. Calls, texts, and emails are all a push of a button away, and it allows you to stay up to speed with all aspects of your life. With cell phone technology growing, it has become a problem for drivers who are trying to multitask while behind the wheel. If you own a BlackBerry device, then you have probably heard about the server crash that affected millions of users all around the world. In Dubai, they have found out that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
During last week’s server crash, traffic accidents in Dubai dropped by 20 percent, and in Abu Dhabi accidents dropped by 40 percent, with no fatalities reported. I think that this goes to show how devastating driving while on your phone can be. It is too easy to hear your phone go off and immediately reach for it. This is a growing problem all over the country that law enforcement agencies are trying to combat. Studies have shown that using your phone to text or call during driving reduces your reaction time by nearly double, which in turn leads to accidents.
If you are in your car, turn your phone on silent so you aren’t tempted to answer calls or texts while driving. If it is necessary for you to use the phone, pull into a place where you can park and take care of it. You may think that you are capable of doing both, but that’s what everyone who was involved in an accident thought too. If you are looking for a new car with hands free technology to help, then be sure to come into Superior Cars.
October 10th, 2011 -
If you own a truck, then that means that you are now the unofficial moving company for all of your friends and family. While you probably didn’t sign up for this duty when you bought your truck, at some point you are probably going to be asked to help a buddy move furniture and other large objects. While you may think that the most important part of helping someone move is how they will pay you back, it is actually knowing how to properly tie down your load. There is more that goes into moving than throwing everything haphazardly into your truck bed.
The first thing you should do is balance your load. You want to put your heavier and bigger items closer to the cab of your truck than in the back towards the gate. This will help give you better handling when driving. Also, if you have lighter stuff in the front of your bed, they may get crushed or broken due to the weight the may slide onto while moving. Also, try to fill as much space as possible. Think of your truck bed as a giant game of Tetris, and remember that the less open space there is the less chance for movement will occur.
Once you have your truck bed filled it is time to tie everything down. All trucks have anchor points along the sides of the bed, and some even have floor anchors. The optimal tie down angle is forty five degrees, and make sure that your bungee cords and tie down strips aren’t rubbing against any sharp objects to prevent your straps getting cut. If you need to create a tighter hold, then use the back of your truck bed as an anchor point. Before you drive off, be sure to give your load a firm shake and make sure that nothing will be loose or moving.
When driving, go slowly and don’t take hard turns or sudden stops and you and your load will arrive safely at your destination. If you are looking for a new truck, then be sure to come into Superior Cars.
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The Superior Automotive Group and Mike Albert Direct have been serving Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky since 1928. We care about you, your cars, your safety, and our community.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask and any suggestions are always welcome at SuperiorAutomotiveGroup@gmail.com
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