May 11th, 2012 -
If you have been racking your brain trying to decide between the benefits between equipping your new Superior Car with cloth, or leather, here’s something to think about. Every Cincinnati car dealership will have their own reasons as to which one you should choose, and for most of them, their main goal is to put you in the more expensive option. But is that really the right choice for you and your family? So, cloth or leather? Which is better? What can I afford? These are just a few of the many questions you will ask yourself when deciding on whether you want Cloth or Leather in your new car. No doubt you will discuss this for a while before making a decision.
Question: Do you have Kids? If you have kids and you let them snack or drink in the car, be prepared for messes. When you have cloth interior in your vehicle it’s difficult to keep it clean with kids in tow. It is cheaper than leather, but think about your kids and add up all of the stains you have on your carpet and furniture. If you think that stains add character to your vehicle, then go with cloth. Plus, cloth will not bond to your skin when wearing shorts during those hot summer days or freeze your hindquarters during those chilly Northern months. Are you a smoker? Cloth soaks in odors. Anything and everything you put in your car can be soaked into your cloth. Think about picking kids up from practice all sweaty and stinky or your dog getting sick in the back seat. That could be quite a mess to clean up. Plus, cloth is more likely to fade and you better watch that cigarette that could burn holes in the cloth that may not present any damage on leather. Cloth is also susceptible to rips and tears over time. How much is leather worth to you now?
Leather is a must in luxury vehicles and a common standard in most other vehicles. Leather does not hold smells, it’s easy to clean, it has a lovely scent, it doesn’t stain or burn like cloth. However, leather does take a little work to keep looking fresh. You should consider using cleaning lotions regularly on the leather as it will help preserve the leather and keep it looking healthy. If you regularly clean and use cleaning lotions on your leather you can reduce the dirty look.
So what are your opinions? Is leather worth the cost, or is cloth worth the hassle? See your Cincinnati car dealer, the Superior Automotive Group and really take a good look at both of your options.
April 3rd, 2012 -
1st Prize – Opening Weekend Baseball Package + $100 Pro Shop cash – Kim Minton (Superior Kia) 1,619 points
2nd Prize – Opening Weekend Baseball Package + $100 Pro Shop cash – Meredith George (Superior Hyundai North) 732 points
3rd Prize – Opening Weekend Baseball Package + $100 Pro Shop cash – Jordan Balrick (Superior Honda) 129 points
4th Prize – $50 Gift Card to Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa – Maggie Marshall (Superior Honda) 86 points
5th Prize – $50 Gift Card to Trio – Tim Fulton (Superior Honda) 85 points
Special thanks to everyone for participating. Please stay connected to us on Facebook, Twitter and now Google + for your next chance to win!
March 8th, 2012 -
Here are the standings in our Biggest BASEBALL Fan contest as of March 30th, 2012 12:00 p.m. EDT.
| Kim |
M |
1619 |
| Meredith |
G. |
732 |
| Jordan |
B. |
129 |
| Maggie |
M. |
86 |
| Tim |
F. |
85 |
| Jamie |
A. |
43 |
| Steve |
N. |
32 |
| Lisa |
B. |
27 |
| Frank |
T. |
24 |
| Michael |
B. |
23 |
| Lisa |
B. |
14 |
| Heather |
S. |
6 |
| Laura |
W. |
6 |
| Mark |
E. |
6 |
| Becky |
P. |
1 |
| Katy |
K. |
1 |
| Julia |
G. |
1 |
| Kim |
B. |
1 |
| Mario |
F |
1 |
February 24th, 2012 -
 Believe it or not, I know there are more of us who have locked our keys in the car than we’d ever admit to. Superior customers, on occasion, have called us to come and help get them out of their situation. I’m not going to name names, but a few of us here have done the same thing. The bottom line is that there is a pretty good chance that you will lock yourself out of your car once in your life. Just face it. Accept that even you…will lock your keys in your car. So, when you do, just remember the following tips and you’ll be just fine. Maybe a little embarrassed; maybe a little angry; definitely, frustrated, but fine, never the less. I remember this kid in High School who locked his only set of keys in his car…while it was still running. It idled all day, until it finally ran out of gas just as he was walking up to it with a borrowed Slim Jim.
Anyway, if you’ve locked your keys in your car, just hang in there. Help is on the way. The following is an excerpt from Consumer Reports article with their tips and hints as to ho to get out of this sticky situation.
Dial 911. Safety comes first, and if you don’t feel secure where you’restranded, you should call 911 to get help on the way fast. In many cases the police can unlock the car’s door. But if they can’t, they will probably call a tow truck, which will be on your tab, of course. But at least you’ll be safe.
Call for roadside assistance. Here’s when those annual auto-club fees really pay off. AAA, Allstate, and other organizations that provide roadside service will help you, though it could take a while for them to reach you. If you don’t subscribe to such a service, you might still be in luck. Most new cars come with roadside assistance during the basic warranty period. Your owner’s manual should have the details, but of course that’s locked in the car with the keys. The number to call might be posted on a window decal. If it isn’t, you can get the details by calling a dealership. To be prepared, you should store the number in your phone or write it down on paper and keep it in your wallet or purse. What if you don’t have a new car or you don’t belong to a service like AAA? Ask about adding roadside assistance to your auto-insurance policy. Also, some major highways are patrolled by trucks offering emergency aid. Keep an eye out for one.
Call a tow truck. If you have no free options, most towing services provide lock-out service. Call 411 for services in your area. Or text the words “tow service” and your location to GOOGL (46645).
Get a temporary key. A dealer might be able to make you an inexpensive key that will open the doors (but not start your car) so that you can retrieve your permanent keys. You’ll probably need your vehicle identification number (visible through the lower edge of the driver’s-side windshield) and proof that you own the car. Of course, you’ll also need a ride to the dealership.
Keep an extra key handy. Stash a spare key in your purse, your wallet, or a well-hidden spot on the car. You can buy a small magnetic box that can hold a key and be placed on a car’s underside. Or leave a spare with someone who could rescue you.
Buy a car with benefits. Some cars won’t lock with the power-lock button if the key is in the ignition and a door is open. Also, many vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury have a door-mounted keypad that lets you tap in a code to unlock the door. If you drive a vehicle with a telematics system such as GM’s OnStar, Hyundai’s Blue Link, or Mercedes-Benz’s Mbrace, you can call a toll-free number to have your car remotely unlocked. Those systems also offer free apps that let smart-phone owners unlock doors themselves. Check automaker websites for compatible phones and specifics.
Keyless. If you have lost the key altogether, things get more complicated. You’re going to need a locksmith, and while the ones we spoke with said they did do emergency road service, expect to pay around $200 and up for a replacement key. Keys for some higher-end models can cost several hundred dollars and can only be purchased and programmed through a dealer. And that means an expensive trip to the dealer on a flatbed.
So, now that you know that you aren’t alone. I mean, the fact that Consumer Reports had to go as far as to write an article about it, and here I am writing about it means some of us are lying, because it sure sounds like an awful lot of people have locked their keys in their cars. Have any other great tips you can share with the Superior Automotive Group, feel free to share them with me. The best advice I can give someone you trust a spare key…and make sure they are easy to get in touch with.
November 3rd, 2011 -
Your Cincinnati New car dealer know that you are the best drivers on the planet, that you never make a mistake, that it’s always the other guy’s fault; but come on, let’s face it, we all can be as bad as the worst driver on his worst day. We all get a little too comfortable behind the wheel sometimes, so I’ve listed a few types of terrible drivers I tend to see on the road. Which one are you?
(1) The Time Waster – You know this guy. You’re waiting to make a right turn and he’s coming down the street and instead of using his blinker to let you know he’s turning before you – you sit there and waste time not knowing what he’s going to do.
(2) Traffic Weavers - Why bother with all the lane changes when you’re only gaining one or two car lengths. You’re cutting people off and making us very irritated. I think it’s funny when someone is driving behind you and they think they can get ahead of you so they change lanes to get around you but get stuck behind someone going slower than you. I laugh so hard at this.
(3) Light Turns Green And Nothing – HELLOOOOO GOOOO!!!
(4) The No Reason Passer – If you’re going to pass me then you better not start driving slower than I am. What’s the point of that?
(5) I’m Officially Blind – Ok, I got it Mr. I Drive the Tallest Truck I Can. You win. I have been clinically blinded by your headlights. I give up.
(6) The Snail / The Bullet – I think this pretty much sums it up, ”Have you ever noticed that anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?” – George Carlin
(7) Widespread Panic – Ok look, I’ve given you plenty of room to get over in front of me, what are you so afraid of? I’ve seen hamsters be more aggressive.
(8) Oh Will You Look At That – Was it imperative that you take a quick few second look at that poor guy being pulled over by the police. You’ve backed up traffic for miles. Eyes forward FOCUS!
(9) The Permanent Blinker - You must be a real treat. You’ve just given more than one person on the road a complete psychotic breakdown as they are driving. Way to go!
(10) The Ones That Enter The Parking Lot – And then proceed to drive at the pace of a turtle. It’s ok to go faster than 2 mph. Trust me.
Although terrible driving may seem inevitable…RESIST!!! DON’T BE THAT GUY!
May 2nd, 2011 -
This past weekend, the fifth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise was released, and if the box office numbers indicate anything it is that America still loves movies that highlight performance vehicles. This got me to thinking about some of the best car movies that have been released throughout the years. From the adrenaline pumping chase scenes, to the pure eye candy of some of the best cars ever built, these car-heavy cinematic masterpieces are sure to get your blood flowing.
The Fast and the Furious: The first movie in the now sprawling franchise is what turned a new generation of drivers on to car modification. With a flurry of imports built for speed, this is the movie that brought the term “ricer” and “NOS” into the public consciousness.
Christine: While it is not a movie about racing, that doesn’t mean that the main character was a slouch. The story of a killer classic car that ran down anyone in her way made you look twice at any ’58 Plymouth that you encountered.
Gone in 60 Seconds: While there are two versions of this movie made, there is no doubt about its popularity. The remake helped launch the career of Angelina Jolie, as well as make us all lust after the Mustang GT 500 as well as the slew of other high end vehicles that were trying to be stolen.
Bullitt: No matter how long ago you saw this movie, there is one thing that has stuck in your mind, and that is the chase scene between the Mustang GT and the Dodge Charger 440 R/T. It is now called one of, if not the, best car chase of all time.
There are many other great movies out there that put cars into the front of the action. If you consider yourself a car nut, then nothing is better than munching on some popcorn and imagining yourself behind the wheels of these awesome cinematic machines. Let me know in the comments what your favorite car movies are, and if you are in Cincinnati looking for a new car of your own, drop by Superior Cars.
March 25th, 2011 -
It’s bound to happen to everyone sooner or later. Whether it’s the result of a slow leak, road debris puncture, or even a random act of vandalism, you may be forced to put on that spare tire and get your flat replaced. Changing a tire is one of those things that everyone should know how to do, and it is usually one of those things that you have to learn while you’re doing it.
If you do something wrong, like put your jack in the wrong place, you may end up doing more harm than good to your car, so it’s best to know what you’re doing before you are forced to do so. Here’s ten steps from dmv.org.
- Find a safe spot to pull over. If you’re on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don’t park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can’t see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!
- Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.
- Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don’t remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it. You can also try hitting the wrench arm with a rock.
- Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner’s manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.
- Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won’t get scattered, and pull the tire straight toward yourself to remove it from the wheel base.
- Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can’t go any farther.
- Put on the lug nuts. Don’t put them on tightly, just make sure they’re on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.
- Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.
- Make sure the lug nuts are tightened. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.
- Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don’t leave anything on the side of the road.
So be sure to know what to do if you find yourself with a flat tire. Always remember to only do tire changes where it is safe. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
February 25th, 2011 -
We all do it. Whenever you know you are close to a mileage cornerstone you tend to want to watch that number flip. From your first ten thousand, to the big 100,000 wanting to witness the exact moment is a bit of OCD that all drivers have, especially if you have owned the car the entire time. It shows a commitment to your car as well as the dependability that the car has given you.
One person however took this practice to a whole different level. In fact, it took a great deal of ingenuity to get to it. From jalopnik.com, there is an article about a guy who got a snap shot of his odometer and tripometer together reading 1234567890. Hard to believe? Well the picture above shows it in all of its glory.
The part that is hard to fathom is that he had to know exactly when to turn on his tripometer to fill the whole line. It’s great to see though that there are others out there who enjoy seeing the numbers align in their dash board.Do you have milestones that you look out for on your odometer? If so, tell me in the comments, and if you feel that your car is may not reach that next big milestone, feel free to contact me.
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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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