No matter what type of vehicle you own, keeping it in tip top condition requires attention to early service, periodic check ups and basic maintenance even if the car or truck seems to be running fine. April is the perfect time to get started, if you haven’t already done so, by taking part in National Car Care Month.
Whether you’ve visited and purchased from new or used car dealerships in Cincinnati, such as Superior Automotive Group, it’s in your best interest to follow the tips provided by the Car Care Council and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation during National Car Care Month.
Consider these tips from the Office of Consumer Affairs.
Have a pre-selected repair shop that you’ve already researched on standby. Don’t wait until the car breaks down to start looking for help.
When visiting the shop, ask about their customer satisfaction policy, type of state-of-the art equipment used, are the technicians certified, is the shop a member of a known trade association such as AAA, do they use brand parts and what is the warranty policy on parts and labor.
Call the Better Business Bureau to ensure the shop has no complaints filed from customers.
According to a survey by the Car Care Council, the list below indicates the most often basic maintenance issues car owners fail to have addressed in a timely manner.
Low or old brake fluid
Air filters full of dirt and debris
Belts needed to be replaced
Coolant levels were too low
Tire pressure was not applicable to what it should be. This could be one out of four or all four were running at low pressure.
Engine oil was either too low or dirty
As you can see from the list, these issues are easily addressed with basic maintenance. Whether you choose to do-it-yourself or take the car in to an auto service expert for a general checkup, just taking care of the above issues can help keep your car running efficiently, safely and smoothly and save money in the long run.
If you’ve been holding off on having your car serviced or checked out; take heed. By finding and correcting an issue before your car breaks down and leaves you stranded can save you money in costly repairs. To avoid unnecessary expense and inconvenience, schedule an appointment today for a service checkup and a look under the hood with one of the qualified service technicians at Superior Automotive specializing in Honda, Acura, Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
How many times have you been “wowed” by the debut of a new model year of an SUV? Well, buckle up, because it’s about to happen. Acura has unveiled the 2014 MDX, and it is really something special. The brand new luxury SUV made debut at the 2013 New York International Auto Show and it’s guaranteed to be turning heads at new car dealerships in Cincinnati soon.
This isn’t just the old MDX with some different tires or something; the 2014 MDX is built on a completely new platform which allows for new levels of fuel efficiency, family functionality and luxury. Add a brand new racing-inspired direct-injected 24-valve 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine. It produces a whopping 290 hp through its Variable Cylinder Management™. All this power is kept under control by a 6-speed automatic transmission which features Sequential SportShift Paddle Shifters and also by Agile Handling Assist technology.
How do these improvements translate to improved performance on the road? When tested on Germany’s Nürburgring racing circuit, the 2014 MDX beat the 2013 MDX’s lap time by eight seconds. The power doesn’t lead to a major sacrifice in fuel economy either, as the new MDX gets up to 23 MPG combined city and highway gas mileage, according to EPA estimates.
When you are looking at the new cars Cincinnati has to offer, the 2014 Acura MDX is sure to be at the top of your list for luxury SUV’s. When you go to look at one up close be sure to get inside and spend some time getting familiar with the interior. When you’re inside, the outside is truly locked away, thanks to sound-deadening materials and Active Noise Control, which combine to give you a quiet ride. There’s also plenty of room inside with three rows of seating which have easy access to them. Add in the leather trim, silver plated accents and second row sunshades, and you’ll see that this is an interior built for luxury.
The technology on the new Acura MDX is as modern as the design, with an Acura/ELS Studio premium audio system, and the Acura Link™ system which can provide traffic information and surface street conditions in real time. AcuraLink™ also offers a number of other security, media, information and convenience features.
If you’ve ever had even a passing interest in the Acura MDX luxury sport utility vehicle, you need to give the 2014 model a look. And what better place to look at one than at the best Acura Dealer Cincinnati has to offer?
At the Superior Automotive Group, we like to make sure you have plenty of fun things to do in Cincinnati. So, we have compiled this list of events, all auto-related, that you can enjoy with friends and family.
On April 5-6, the U.S. Bank Arena is holding Monster Jam, which features Monster Jam trucks driven by Randy Brown, the Lucas Oil Crusader driven by Linsey Weenk, the Advance Auto Parts Grinder driven by John Seasock, the Black Stallion driven by Mike Vaters, the Crushstation driven by Gred Winchenbach, and the Iron Warrior, which will be driven by Mike Vaters, JR. On Friday, the gates open at 6:30 PM, and on Saturday there are two shows, one with gates opening at 1:00 PM and the second at 6:30 PM. All seats in the front row are $50, Gold Circle seats are $25, and general seating is $18 for adults and $10 for children. As a special opening price gift, all tickets to the Friday show are only $12, excluding premium seating. You need to buy tickets ahead of time, or there is an additional $2 fee the day of the show.
On Saturday, April 6, pit passes will be available for Party in the Pits. These tickets are just $10 at the U.S. Bank Arena Box Office and at Ticketmaster. To go to the party, you will need an event ticket as well as a pit pass.
For something a little different, you can head to The British Car Club’s site to check out upcoming events. In April, the club will be showing off new vehicles and classic styles in Lewisburg, OH, but they do have a meeting around the middle of the month that is to be announced.
If you want to support a good cause, you can head to The Cars and Courage show from 12-5PM on Saturday, April 27 in the north parking lot of the Rave Theater on Harrison Avenue. This event is happening for the very first time, and it is a fundraiser for the local fire department to help veterans. The cost to enter a car or to be a vendor is just $10, so if you enjoy selling, this is your chance to do so.
The 2014 Acura RLX is an up-and-coming hybrid vehicle. The luxury car has a V6 engine with electrical motors that combine for maximum fuel efficiency; with all-wheel-drive, the power of the engine is used to make driving on any terrain easier. The inside of the car is large and comfortable, and it has plenty of technology options for those who love GPS systems, DVD players, and more for a long ride.
The base vehicle comes with a 3.5L V6 engine. Power mirrors, windows, locks, and heat for the mirrors make the car easy to drive in the winter, summer, or moderate seasons. Drivers can also appreciate the convenience of cruise control, plenty of storage in the front and overhead consoles, and speed-proportional power steering that helps keep them safely on the road.
Unlike many models, the 2014 Acura RLX comes with a rear view camera to make backing out of a drive easier, and the audio and cruise controls are all available at the touch of a button on the steering wheel. The car is prewired for a phone, has a voice activated GPS navigation system, Bluetooth capabilities, and offers real-time traffic updates, so you’ll stay on time on the way to work or to pick up the kids.
Besides an elegant styling, you’ll be most worried about the safety of the vehicle. Luckily, your needs will be met. With daytime lights to make sure other cars see you, child seat anchors for your child’s security, an engine immobilizer to keep it locked in place, and traction control to prevent sliding, you’ll be happy to drive this loaded vehicle. An emergency interior trunk release is in place to make it easy to open, and a remote anti-theft alarm keeps you and your family safe from harm or theft. Stability control and 3-point belts make it even easier to remain safe on your daily commutes.
The 2014 Acura RLX will be coming soon to Superior Acura, so contact us to learn more about the exciting things this car can offer.
Hyundai owners know that their vehicles are dependable and will last a long time with only minimal repairs and maintenance, but J.D. Power has released a series of rankings. Every year, J.D. Power and Associates releases their list of the 14 most dependable cars and trucks, categorized into by size and type of vehicle. The J.D Power rankings are highly anticipated by both the auto industry and consumers because they help clarify which cars are the most well made, and which cars need changes and improvements in order to be dependable. In 2013, the 2010 Hyundai Sonata was ranked first out of all the mid-sized sedans.
The vehicles are ranked on a range of factors over a period of 12 months. J.D. Powers and Associates pick vehicles that will be three years old by the end of the study in order to determine a particular models long term dependability. Experts keep track of the number of problems experience per vehicle, scored on scale of 1 to 100, where 100 is the highest number of problems per vehicle over the three year period. This is then translated into an overall dependability score. This year the Hyundai Sonata beat out the Ford Focus at second place, and the Buick LeSabre at third place, for the number one score.
This is the second year in a row that a Hyundai has been the highest ranked midsize sedan in the J.D power dependability rankings. Last year the 2009 Hyundai beat out all of the competitors. This should come as no surprise to Hyundai owners who have come to rely on the dependability of their vehicles.
As a mid-size Sedan, the Hyundai Sonata is known for its great features and excellent design. The 2013 Hyundai Sonata adds a number of excellent features and qualities including the Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that feature Gasoline Direct-Injection ( also known as GDI) fuel delivery system. which has greatly improved gas millage over previous models.
Consumers looking for a new mid-size sedan will be especially pleased with the new 2013 Hyundai Sonata, with its great dependability score and its improved fuel efficency. For owners of the 2010 model who are looking for an upgrade, they will be pleased by the new 2013 model which can be found at your new Hyundai Cincinnati. Or if you are interested in purchasing the 2010 Sonata based on its great dependability score, we are also a great source for new or used cars Cincinnati.
This past summer we had a lot of rain and this winter we saw lots of snow. That makes the chances of you purchasing a used car that has water damage a significant reality. When you buy a used car from a reputable car dealer like any of the Superior Automotive Group locations, the chances of you buying a waterlogged car are virtually impossible. However, if you think that you found the used car deal of the century, you may have accidentally stumbled upon a possible car that has been flooded or incurred some water damage.
So, how do you know what to look for in a used car that could possible have water damage? Check out the video below for some tips and hits of tell tale signs of water damage.
Water damage is a very, very serious condition that could cause you to essentially flush your hard earned money down the drain. If a used car deal or price seems to good to be true, you may want to reconsider your purchase. The best way to avoid buying a car that has had been flooded, our incurred water damage to the interior as well as the engine and electronics, is to simply buy from a dealer you know and trust. The Superior Automotive Group will not take a car in on trade that has obvious signs of water damage. To make extra sure, we thoroughly check the the vehicle for hidden damage that might not be readily obvious to your average driver.
If you are looking for a used car, for peace of mind, swing by any Superior Automotive location and talk with our used car managers. We’d be happy to help you find the used car you are looking for…without any water damage.
The 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid is one great looking car. Gone are the days of the odd looking gas saving vehicle, the exterior design of this hybrid (with some help form Audi) has changed a lot of minds about what a hybrid could look like. Throw in a nimble 2.4 liter 166 hp 6 speed engine, coupled with a 40 hp electric generates a combined output of 206 hp. While the Kia Hybrid isn’t necessarily the quickest off of the starting block, it’s not shabby, going 0 to 60 in just over 8 sec. This is a hybrid folks, not a Formula 1.
The interior on is also well thought out with all of the amenities that you’d expect to find and many that your wouldn’t, like a back-up camera and heated steering wheel as available options. Did I mention that the 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid starts at $25,700 making it more economic in more was than one…yes it gets well over 30 miles per gallon.
Check out the great review below.
If you think it’s time to take a drive into the future of fuel economy and look god doing it, you are going to want to seriously check out the Optima Hybrid. It’s light on the wallet and big on looks and performance. Come and take a test drive of the new 2013 Kia Optima at Superior Kia today! You’ll be glad you did.
The Superior Automotive Group and Superior Hyundai North turn 25 years old this week and are being honored by Hyundai. The Automotive Division of Hyundai (International) sold its first automobile in the United States in 1986. Two years later, in 1988, the Superior Automotive Group opened the doors of Superior Hyundai North, Ohio’s first Hyundai dealer.
On January 16th, 2013 Hyundai executives Brian O’Malley, GM of Central Region, and Hugh Beattie, National Manager of Market Representation Central Zone will honor Superior Automotive Group owner, John Betagole, for the 25th Anniversary of Superior Hyundai North. In addition, they will be honoring Superior Hyundai North for being Ohio’s 1st Hyundai Dealership.
General Manager, Doug Butt said, “One of the best things about celebrating our 25th Anniversary is to look back at all of our happy customers, some of whom have bought multiple Hyundai vehicles from us. We believe that our people make the difference in your experience”. He also added, “This Anniversary is as much Ohio’s Anniversary as it is ours. We’re actually a little piece of Ohio history. That makes us very proud”.
Another proud moment for Superior Hyundai North was the completion of extensive, customer oriented, renovations to the dealership. The showroom was completely redesigned and now carries the Equus line from Hyundai. Superior Hyundai North also added a new, expanded customer lounge, where you can enjoy complimentary refreshments, as well as free Wi-Fi. Major changes were also made to the Service and Parts Department. An “Express Lube” Service was added that requires no appointment and can perform an oil change in less than an hour. To top it all off, they’ve added a new state-of-the-art car washing facility as the final touch to your service experience.
Please join us in honoring John Betagole and Superior Hyundai North on Wednesday, January 16th, at 5:00 pm at Superior Hyundai North. To help document this auspicious occasion, photography is encouraged.
Superior Hyundai North is a 25 year old dealership and the first Hyundai dealer in the State of Ohio. For more information on Superior Hyundai North, visit www.myhyundaidealer.com.
The more I drive, the more it seems that I pay less attention. I seem to rely on basic driving skills, instinct and feel. I am 100% comfortable with my driving abilities. I understand the physics of my vehicle. I know what a hard braking maneuver will feel like and do. I know how to take tight turns when need be, but, something about my driving has changed. I’ve virtually stopped paying attention.
That’s a hard thing to admit, but it’s true, I’ve stopped a very important mental driving skill as I relied more on technique, for lack of a better word. I’m relaxing. I’m getting in the car and going. I liken it to jumping into a 200 Hp lounge chair . I’m at my worst as a driver when I find myself coasting through stop signs that I know I should be coming to a complete stop at. Hey, we’re not all driving angels. However, this recklessly lazy driving is a detriment and kind of dangerous to the rest of the driving community. I’m as guilty as you are of bending the rules and taking silly chances.
What has happened? We’ve actually stopped the act and art of driving and have let muscle memory turn us into passengers. We are all guilty. It is virtually impossible to avoid, especially after the hard days of work and toil. The hum of the engine, the tunes on the radio, that nice reclined seat and slow steadiness of traffic (regardless of how infuriating, when you accept it, it then lulls you to sleep). Shutting off your driving brain.
This is the death of alertness. Is that why you’ve been having more close calls lately, or out right accidents? The simple answer is, “Yes”. There are more people on the road these days, why would it ever compute that the traffic is going to get any lighter? So let’s get even more lazy behind the wheel. “But the traffic…” Oh yeah, the traffic? Don’t hate these testing driving landscapes, use them to sharpen your driving skills. Your dull mental driving skills. This is your chance to lathe the skills that are the core of driving: Observation, Prediction and Reaction.
Put your seat up right, put those hands at 10 and 2 and start observing the environment. Then break apart and predict potential road hazards and react if they are hazardous to you. It’s simple.
We are going to have to deal with added construction as well add more people in our cities. Everyday driving is a test, don’t get too relaxed. The tough part is that it will never end. The sharper you stay, they safer you are going to be. It’s a war out there sometimes. Drunk driving. Dumb driving. Relaxed Driving. Texting and Driving…we’ve never had to be more defensive on the road as we are now. It’s time to start using our heads when we drive these days.
Don’t think your Cincinnati car has a fingerprint? Think again! All vehicles contain a very important strand of car DNA and that’s the VIN number.
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. Way back in 1981, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) required VINs for all vehicles. Read on for more from DMV.org:
Vehicles made during or after 1981 have a VIN made up of 17 characters (letters and numerals). Before that, the VIN usually ranged anywhere from 11 to 17 characters.
The VIN provides clues as to a vehicle’s background, including the manufacturer, model year, and where it was built. In other words, it records the vehicle’s identity. To learn what the individual characters in a VIN represent, visit our page on decoding the VIN.
The VIN also provides a means to trace a vehicle from its “cradle” (the factory) to its “grave” (the scrap heap). In that way, it is similar to a Social Security number for Americans. So it is important to know where the VIN is in order to order a vehicle history report from AutoCheck.
A VIN appears on many forms: registrations, titles, insurance identification cards, accident reports, recall reports, and body shop records, to name a few.
For those of you that don’t know where your VIN number is…trust me, I know you are out there…your vehicle’s VIN can be located at the lower left corner of your dashboard. If you still can’t find it, just give your Cincinnati Car Dealers at the Superior Automotive Group a call.
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 [email protected]
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