Did you realize that having a fear of driving is more common than you may think? It might be hard for those of us who don’t have driving anxiety to understand, especially those of us at Superior where driving is our business. In fact that fear is very real and manifests very real reactions from shortness of breath to near paralyzing fear. Now doubt you can understand the danger inherent here for both the driver, their passengers and those they share the road with.
If you are reading this and understand exactly what I’m talking about and are curious how you can combat this fear, take a look at the video below.
Anxiety while driving is very real, but there are ways to over come your fears. Relaxing and staying focused is one way. I know that’s easier said than done, but that’s the first place you should start the moment you turn on the ignition. Then when you are out on the road, find your comfort zone. Don’t like the left lane? Stay in the right. Don’t like giant overpasses? Go an exit beyond and make a U-turn. The idea is to make every driving experience as comfortable as possible so you don’t become a hazard to yourself or others.
If you have any other tips or hints, in addition to the ones we learned in the video, don’t hesitate to leave them below. The Superior Automotive Group wants you to stay safe out on the road, especially when you feel that things may be out of your control.
It’s a commonly held notion among pet owners that our pets are extended members of our families. That’s certainly the case with all of the pet owners here at Superior and Mike Albert, and no doubt it’s like that across the board. We go out of our way to provide niceties for our furry little friends, from the latest in modern plush toys, to food as expensive as our own meals in some cases, to pampering that borders on the ridiculous. So, why do we just throw Fido and Fifi in our cars and let them walk around unsecured? Not only can this be a serious distraction, they can also be injured or worse if you have an accident. I’m not a physicist, but even I know that an unsecured, 40lb animal has a lot of potential energy and can be a serious hazard to everyone in the car (including themselves) should you have to stop suddenly.
Take a look at the video below for a helpful hint on securing your pet while traveling.
There are also a lot of products on the market that you can purchase.
The bottom line is, if you are going to travel anywhere with your pet, you should secure them as best as you can. Whether that means using the tip provided in the first video, or purchasing a product designed to keep your beloved pet in place as in the second video, it is you responsibility you provide safe and secure seating when transporting your pet. I’m sure if the collar were on the other neck, they’d do the same for you.
If you have any questions, or want to share tips of your own with Superior or Mike Albert, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment, or give us a call.
If you are a commuter, like all of us at the Superior Automotive Group and 95% of rest of the working population, there’s no doubt that you may have had a few close calls with fellow commuters. Dare I say, maybe you’ve even had the misfortune of being in a fender bender? My morning commute and a near collision lead me to think about what times are the most dangerous to actually be out on the road. With a little digging, I found these stats from the National Motorists Association.
Here are the results from 2009 (the most recent available data) ordered from most crashes to least crashes:
1) 5pm to 6pm (1774 crashes)
2) 6pm to 7pm (1737 crashes)
3) 7pm to 8pm (1673 crashes)
4) 4pm to 5pm (1595 crashes)
5) 9pm to 10pm (1595 crashes)
6) 8pm to 9pm (1578 crashes)
7) 3pm to 4pm (1575 crashes) 2pm to 3pm (1498 crashes)
9) 10pm to 11pm (1464 crashes)
10) 2am to 3am (1421 crashes)
11) 1pm to 2pm (1310 crashes)
12) 11pm to 12pm (1300 crashes)
13) 12am to 1am (1296 crashes)
14) 1am to 2am (1240 crashes)
15) 12pm to 1pm (1173 crashes)
16) 11am to 12pm (1099 crashes)
17) 6am to 7am (1015 crashes)
18) 3am to 4am (1000 crashes)
19) 10am to 11am (961 crashes)
20) 7am to 8am (903 crashes)
21) 8am to 9am (880 crashes)
22) 9am to 10am (874 crashes)
23) 5am to 6am (831 crashes)
24) 4am to 5am (756 crashes)
To answer the question posed in the headline of this article, the evening commute is substantially more dangerous.
There it is. A rundown hour by hour…it looks like I’ll be starting my morning commute at 4 am from now on! Have any commuting horror stories? Leave them in the comments section below…make sure you give us the time so we can compare it with the data above.
If you’ve been in a fender bender during your commute recently and need a little work done to your car, we feel your pain. Bring the old girl by any Superior Automotive Location and we’ll get you back out on the road in no time.
If you are a parent, or a parent to be, then you know the importance of properly equipping your Superior Car with the right restraint system. I recently ran across a great video from Honda that covers every aspect of restraining your child while in the car. It’s not always easy to tell when it is time to change protective seating for your child. For example, when is it the right time for your child to use the 3 point- seat belt restraint your Cincinnati car is equipped with? Good question!
Take just 5 minutes to watch the video below and educate yourself a little more on the appropriate use of your child’s car restraint system. Remember, not every child is universal. They will be moving from car seat, to booster seat to regular seat at different times during their early growth periods. The video give you are great standard to know when it is the right time to change restraint systems, including when it is OK for them to use the 3-point seat belt in your car, without a booster seat.
If you have any questions, or are a new parent and would like us to educate you a little more on properly restraining that little bundle of joy, don’t hesitate to stop by any Superior Automotive location for some tips and hints. After all, your child is the most precious cargo you could ever carry.
Do you have a build up of residue, or grime in your headlight lens? Is there a haze that has developed that is cutting out some of the light your headlights are producing? How did it get there? Do you need new headlight lenses? The short answer is, “Probably not.” In fact you can probably take care of it yourself.
Foggy headlights are a common issue. Most modern new car headlights are made out of plastic, and as the years pass, light causes them to oxidize and it forms a yellowish tint over the lenses. Before the 1980s most headlight covers were made of glass which doesn’t react to the sun in the same fashion that our used car headlights do.
Modern car manufacturers put a coating on the headlights to help keep the oxidizing at bay, but given enough time, those headlights are still going to fog up. The Superior Automotive Group has seen a lot of cars with foggy headlights come through our service centers, so don’t think you are alone.
The good news is, if you notice your headlights are starting to turn yellow, you don’t have to throw them out and get new ones which a lot of people do, unfortunately. There is a very easy solution you can use to clean them, and with a little elbow grease, you can save yourself some money and make your headlights good as new by fixing it yourself. Even better, you’ll have that satisfaction of knowing that you played a part in keeping your new or used car in prime condition.
I found this do it yourself from Auto Amateur Bob that explains the process perfectly:
Of course, if you’d rather trust in a professional and save a little of your time, then you can always bring it into any Mike Albert Direct or Superior Automotive Group location for cleaning. We are here for all of your automotive needs.
This year, there will be thousands upon thousands of teens both learning to drive and getting their actual licenses. If you happen to be one of those teens, and you happen to be reading this, then you can thank us now, because Superior is going to help you prepare for what you can expect from your driver’s test.
Now, although the video below might be from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, but the same holds true up here in Cincinnati. When you take your driving exam, Superior can assure you that you will be scrutinized in all aspect of your driving skill and knowledge. This video will help young teen drivers in any area of the country prepare them for their driver’s test.
Watch the video above again, then again on the day you go to get your learner’s permit or actual driver’s license. when you pass, convince Mom and Dad to bring you by a Superior Automotive location and check out some sweet new wheels.
Just when you think you’ve seen everything Acura has to offer, they are set to introduce a new stylized vehicle that is certain to turn the heads of younger “Gen Y” buyers without turning their pockets inside out. Introducing the 2013 Acura ILX
An all-new model for Acura, the ILX sedan is the brand’s new entry-level model. The slightly larger TSX will remain in the lineup, priced at just under $30,000 before the destination charge. Unpriced as of this writing, the ILX will be more affordable still.
Based on the Honda Civic, the ILX recalls the Acura RSX, sold from 2002 to 2006, though that car was a two-door with more of a sport emphasis. The ILX will offer three drivetrains, including Acura’s first-ever hybrid. The ILX competes with the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Buick Regal and Lexus CT 200h.
Acura expects to cater to the “Gen Y” crowd with a base price well below $30,000. Which is good news for those just entering the work force and are looking to buy their first car without sacrificing too much luxury or performance. The new 2013 Acura ILX will satisfy “Gen Y’s” techno-lust with features like hard-drive music storage, Pandora Internet radio, smart entry keyless access with push-button start, and text-to-voice SMS capability.
All in all, it’s going to be a pretty cool car that with a bottom line price that will appeal to many younger buyers, without compromising any of the Acura brand luxury. Of course, when they arrive, you know that your Cincinnati Acura Dealer, Superior Acura, will have plenty on hand for a test drive, so stay tuned.
The new 2013 Acura RDX has been almost totally rebuilt from the ground up. New engine, more space, navigation system. This new model is significantly different than the outgoing model: the Turbo 4 has been changed out with a V6, ground clearance has been increased and the ride has been improved significantly. As equipped, the RDX that was tested in the video blow was tested with the Tech Package and AWD here at Superior Acura, such a package will cost you around $40,000.
Take a look at the new RDX in the video below, and see all of the really great changes that were made to the 2013 Acura RDX.
This crossover, for all intents and purposes, is a significant improvement from the prior models, even with it’s slightly less aggressive suspension system. If you wanted to take a looks at the new 2013 Acura RDX, well you are going to have to wait just a bit, but let me assure you. Superior Acura knows that this wait is going to be worth it.
I know, “It’s a new car, how can it have electrical problems?” Well, either that new car probably really isn’t as new as you think, or you have a valid issue. So, how can you tell the difference and what do you do about it? Ask Superior!
The electrical systems in new cars have definitely made driving a lot easier over the decades. The seemingly endless innovations in electrical systems have helped us enjoy a more comfortable and easier drive. However, for every Yin, there’s a Yang.
Let’s say, you have problems starting your car and notice other problems with the electrical system. Let’s cover some of the issues that you could face with your new vehicle’s electrical system:
Common Automobile Electrical System Problems Are :Car’s Battery Is Dead – This is the most common problem…and most obvious. Check your battery by engaging your headlights and judge by the illumination.
No Power Stored in the Battery – When you turn the key, what do you hear? A little click? Does it sound like it want’s to turn over? It is possible that your car’s battery does not have ample power to crank the starter. You need a new battery.
Alternator is Not Working – A damaged or broken alternator could be the culprit. No alternator? No battery recharge. If your car suddenly start to lose “juice” while drive, you’ll know it could be your new car’s alternator.
Problem with Starter or Solenoid – Good parts gone bad parts. If it’s the starter, it won’t turn over. If you have Solenoid issues, you might find it harder to brake.
Battery Cables Might Be The Problem – A loose cable might be the root of the problem…give them a wiggle before you run out and buy a replacement.
Electrical Fuses – Check for any blown fuses in your fuse box. Also, feel around for any loose wires.
Cracks In Alternator Belt – Too much or too little tension, as well as cracks in the alternator belt cause trouble.
Ignition System Has Problems – You have a busted ignition switch. Give your mechanic a call.
Loose Spark Plugs – Loose or old plugs will certainly affect the operation of your vehicle. Are you loosing power as gears change? Does it lurch as if the gears aren’t engaging? It might be the internal combustion and the culprit is usually the plugs and cables.
Now these are just guidelines you can crosscheck any issue you might have experienced. I you can talk with your mechanic about your new car logically by doing a little research, you help him help you even faster. If you have any questions, or you might think that you might need a great mechanic, feel free to visit any Superior Automotive Location.
First, let Mike Albert Direct congratulate you on your new family member. Are you ready to install that infant baby seat, or are you going to wait until you are rushing your poor wife to the hospital for delivery? Don’t worry, we’ll is going to show you how to install an infant car seat. It’s easier than you think, but you must install it the right way.
The easiest way to show you the proper way to install an infant seat is by example. Since you aren’t here, this video does a great job explaining the “Do’s and Dont’s” of installing an infant seat.
Don’t wait until you are rushing to the hospital before you attempt to put in your infant seat to bring that bundle of joy back home. Go out to your car and practice. If you are having a problem achieving a proper installation, see any Mike Albert Direct or Superior Auto Group location and we’ll show you the proper way to install an infant car seat. You can also go to your local fire department, as they will also be more than happy to give you a brief demonstration,
Remember, if your infant isn’t secured in his or her seat properly, you can cause sever injury to your child. Be safe. Double and triple check your latches…Oh and…Congratulations.
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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Did you realize that having a fear of driving is more common than you may think? It might be hard for those of us who don’t have driving anxiety to understand, especially those of us at Superior where driving is our business. In fact that fear is very real and manifests very real reactions from shortness of breath to near paralyzing fear. Now doubt you can understand the danger inherent here for both the driver, their passengers and those they share the road with.
2pm to 3pm (1498 crashes)
