At the Superior Auto Group, we see lots of cars in our collision center — both fixable and the non-operative. Whenever we talk shop, friends as questions like Which ones have sustained the most damage? Which ones dissipated the most energy when involved in a crash? Which vehicle absorbed more force? The video below shows three front-to-front crash tests, each involving an economy class into a midsize model from the same manufacturers. You’ll see how extra vehicle size and weight enhance occupant protection in collisions.
So the common thought that you are safe in a bigger vehicle is true, that is unless the other vehicle involved in the collision has the same mass and velocity as the one you are traveling in. These tests in the video below are about the physics of car crashes, which prove that very small cars generally can’t protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models.
Now, keep in mind, under no circumstances does this mean that smaller cars aren’t safe. Quite the contrary. Compacts and midsized vehicles are very safe and provide their drivers and passengers with the very latest in crash technology, including the latest advancements in airbag safety.
If you have any questions about the crash test ratings of Honda, Acura, Kia, and Hyundai. feel free to contact and of the Superior Auto Group Locations and we can get you all of the latest…and quite impressive, crash test data.
At Superior Automotive Group, we know that our cars and trucks have become more than just transportation. People who own high-end luxury vehicles and even economically friendly cars are inclined to accessorize their new car with the hottest custom lights. The rear lights and headlights are very important to the overall look of your new car. You can either go for the simple Euro lights or choose HOT L.E.D. custom tail lights for your Honda, Hyundai, Acura or Kia. A set of custom rear lights can are considered extremely safe because they are illuminating brighter than regular lenses. Also, brighter taillights during the day provide a higher visibility for braking purposes.
You can make choices easily and order a set back lights for your Honda, Hyundai, Acura or Kia (there are many more manufacturers on line too). The newest fascination with many car owners is L.E.D. tail lights. LED’s are used as back lights replacing regular lenses and standard incandescent bulbs. Many late-model high end cars and SUV’s have these LED rear lights from the factory. You too can get them for your car or truck. Custom L.E.D. tail lights are far brighter than OEM lenses with incandescent bulbs. And, you can install these aftermarket tail light lenses in your new car easily to give it a stylish and sporty look. Plus, L.E.D. Tail light lenses consume much less power and will last for many years.
When purchasing Euro style back light lenses or LED back lights for your car, truck or SUV, keep in mind these taillight lenses are complete sets/pairs and contain the entire housing and outer lenses. Most of them are a simple plug-n-play configuration and will require the removal of the entire old tail light lenses in replacement of the new aftermarket tail light lenses. The new custom LED tail light lenses will have plugs that simply connect to the existing socket. Many aftermarket LED back lights are a snap to install and often take less than 30 minutes to complete the entire process. It’s very easy to do.
Aftermarket Custom back lights are very popular and being used by many people to modify the whole look of their car or truck. Custom tail light lenses come in many colors to choose from and will dramatically change the look of your vehicle! You can choose from red lenses, chrome housings, smoked lenses and black housings for your new tail light lenses.
Just like the back lights, your headlights are very important. As a car or truck owner, you should choose the perfect headlamps for your car.
Many late-model cars, trucks and SUV’s now come with projector headlights. Projector headlights focus the light directly in front of the vehicle to aid in visibility at night. Projector headlights also keep the light away from oncoming traffic to avoid night blindness from other drivers. A new set of stylish angel eye projector headlights will greatly improve the functionality of your ride.
Another type of headlight that is available (and is also an economical option), is the euro clear headlights. Euro Headlights are a clean, fast replacement to your old headlights and have better lighting ability. Many old headlight lenses tend to become cloudy over time. Having cloudy headlight lenses will hinder the headlight’s ability to light up the road ahead. Euro clear headlights will use the same bulbs as your regular headlights but will have a better light emission. This translates into more light on the road. Having dull headlight lenses will make your car or truck look weathered and old. New Euro clear headlights will TIGHTEN the look of your new car.
If you have any questions or want to see what we can do, post a comment or swing by your favorite Cincinnati Superior Car Dealer!
It seems logical to Superior that if we have Black Boxes in airplanes we should have them standard in all of our cars. If something were to happen to a member of my family and they were to die in a car accident, I would want to know what happened. If it was operator error, or if it is the responsibility of the auto maker. Likewise I think my family would want to know what had happened to me in that situation.
Anevent data recorderorEDRis a device installed in someautomobilesto record information related to vehicle crashes oraccidents. In modern dieseltrucks, EDRs are triggered by electronically-sensed problems in the engine (often called faults), or a sudden change in wheel speed. One or more of these conditions may occur because of an accident. Information from these devices can be collected after a crash and analyzed to help determine what the vehicles were doing before, during and after the crash or event. The term generally refers to a simple, tamper-proof,read-write memorydevice, similar to the “black box” found on airplanes (as opposed to the tape recorders and video cameras common in police vehicles and many commercial trucks). – Wikipedia
What do you guys think about having an Event Data Recorder in your vehicle? Should this be standard in all vehicles? Superior would like to know what you think. There is no doubt that EDRs can make crash and accident investigations easier for the authorities to reach a conclusion. Of course, as you’d expect, that loudest opponents to such devices in our cars are both those believing that it infringes on our privacy and habitual law breakers. We do understand the privacy issue, but as for those who are more concerned about getting caught while doing something they shouldn’t of because of an EDR, well…I guess, they’ll just have to learn how to be better drivers.
There’s no doubt that laws both govern how we drive and dictate the penalties for failure to follow the rules. All of us here at Superior agree those laws are necessary to protect us from the irresponsible actions of others, and of course we also hate that double edged sword when they are applied to us as well. Now there are rogues out there who not only disagree with the law, but also don’t believe that the consequences of breaking a particular law should apply to them. Some of them so flippant that their total lack of respect for the law is almost comical.
I remember hearing this story once about a guy who ran a red light, got caught by the Red Light Camera and was mailed a picture of his car along with a citation. Well, this motorist, in what most have been a moment of profound inspiration, decides to mail in a picture of money to pay his citation. Funny right? Of course it was! Until…a week later, when the police mailed him back. When he opened the envelope, he pulled out a picture of handcuffs. I wonder if he laughed, because I sure did.
I was thinking about that story the other day and decided, “That couldn’t be true.” I checked Snopes.com, which I thought was a long shot, but they are the master debunkers of urban legends, so what the heck, I gave it a shot. Low and behold, this is what I found: Man, doesn’t get away with sending picture of money to pay for citation.
Yes. It was true. What was the lesson we learned here? Yup…cops always have the last laugh.
We’ve all heard our fair share of urban legends. For fun, check out the Autos section and read some of the crazy urban legends you hear about cars. Then swing by Superior and find you the truth behind being Cincinnati’s best car dealer group.
One of the questions we get here at Superior is, “Should I get an extended warranty for my new car?”. Without a doubt, you’ve received mail from companies requesting your patronage by adding an extended warranty to the vehicle you currently own. In many cases this has paid off for our customers. If you have been considering purchasing an automobile extended warranty for your new Cincinnati car or truck, there are some important things that you should know. If you are like most people you have spent quite a bit of money to purchase your new or used car, and you may want to consider an extended warranty to protect that investment.
When shopping for an automobile extended warranty, it’s important to have a full understanding of how each warranty program works. While many warranty programs offer the same basic features, upon closer examination you will find that the plans offered by each provider have significant differences. Comparing plans is a MUST! You don’t want to be stuck with coverage that has hidden charges or fees. The warranty is there to make your life easier and get you back out on the road as soon as possible.
If you’ve done your research and decide to continue your warranty services, one important thing to remember when obtaining any type of auto warranty plan is to select an automobile extended warranty program that not only covers unexpected mechanical breakdowns, but also wear and tear as well. This is important because, if your vehicle breaks down or needs repair, you will simply take your vehicle to an approved service center that accepts the warranty. The service department will repair your vehicle and simply file a claim with your extended warranty provider. However, you have to remember that many automobile extended warranty plans require you to pay a deductible. Not a big deal, but sometimes people forget about it, so just be aware of the requirements that your extended warranty policy warrants.
Again! Do your research and buy your extended warranty from a reputable company. This way you can guarantee that your auto warranty will be accepted at more repair facilities around the country. You never know when or where you may need service. Your extended warranty provider should provide you with a list of locations where you can take your vehicle repaired in the event of a breakdown. In fact, ask your provider if your plan also pays the cost of having your vehicle towed.
It’s essential that you fully understand all the terms and conditions of your warranty before signing anything.
There are a number of automobile extended warranty providers in the marketplace. Your options include brick and mortar providers, or you can purchase your warranty online. Thanks to the Internet, there are websites that can provide you with multiple extended warranty quotes from leading providers. Plus, if you have questions about the plan, there are generally toll-free numbers you can call where you can speak to a representative, or you can correspond via email. That certainly make things easier.
As with any major purchase, it is important for anyone thinking about an extended warranty for their new car to obtain as much information as possible. Compare different companies and plans to make sure you’re getting the absolute best plan at the best price. Choosing the right plan from the right company can save you a lot of time, trouble, and money!
IF you have any questions, any Superior Auto Group Dealer can help give advice on extended warranties and who the better providers are, just give us a call.
What I’m about to tell you is nothing you don’t already know. Buying a car is a “Catch 22″ meaning, you have to have one, but for the most part, they are bad investments in terms of recouping your money. Their value isn’t really based on how much you can get for it when you want to sell it, but how much you get from it you while you own it. But of course, we want a good trade value for our old stuffs. Though old and used, we surely had bought it in a good price, so we also expect a better deal.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but unless your daily commuter is a high-end sports car or luxury suv, you aren’t going to recoup all of your money. No problem, we already knew this. So, what can you do to help add some value back into your vehicle? Take a look at the video:
Have any other hints on keeping the value of your new car intact, let the Superior Auto Group know.
So Nitrogen in your tires….That sounds odd. Cincinnati car dealerships are seeing a lot of requests for nitrogen filling options for their tires. Not sure what the fuss is about? Are you wondering what it can do for your tires? Well nitrogen filled tires are not necessarily the latest, but the could be greatest craze right now. Did you know that nitrogen is all around us? Of course you did, you passed 8th grade science. Technically speaking, the air we breathe is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and small amounts of other gasses. Science class over.
So what’s this big hubbub about nitrogen? Well, actually, nitrogen is said to have many advantages over oxygen when it comes to tire inflation. Nitrogen enhances handling, improves fuel efficiency, extends tire life, provides cooler running tire temperatures and can keep you safer on the roads….. Overall, filling up with nitrogen won’t hurt and may provide benefits. It’s really up to you to decide what you’d rather have. It is important to note that nitrogen is more expensive than ai (as air typically costs nothing)r, so be prepared for tha added expenset. But here’s the deal on that too. the added expense. You see, nitrogen particles are bigger than those of oxygen so they don’t pass through the tire wall as easily. Check out the diagram.
Here are a few stats on Nitrogen.
Maintain proper tire pressure with nitrogen, and you’ll see these three primary benefits:
• Increased Fuel Efficiency – Correct tire pressure keeps the manufacturer’s recommended “contact patch” on the road. This lessens the rolling resistance and maximizes fuel efficiency.
• Longer Tire Life – When it comes in contact with other materials, oxygen causes oxidation. Oxidation can make rubber brittle and cause it to lose tensile strength. In addition, at high temperatures and pressures, oxygen reacts and damages inner tire liners and belt packages; nitrogen does not.
• Increased Safety – Under-inflated tires cause 90% of blowouts. Nitrogen provides more reliable pressure for reduced blowout potential. Go to getnitrogen.org for more info.
Check out this video with Jay Leno on Nitrogen filled tires. Yes. Jay Leno.
Looking for a shot of nitrogen? Give your Cincinnati car dealer a shout and we can probably help out.
This just might be one of the craziest things I have ever seen. Yes, just in case you were wondering that is a jet powered school bus. Talk about getting to class on time. No worries when your in this bus. Thanks to Automotive Addicts for sharing this video which just possible made my day and the day of some of my readers! Unfortunately I don’t think I give you jet power in your Acura, Honda, Hyundai and Kia but I could sure try!! ha.
In the world of WHY NOT, anything is possible. Paul Stender along side of the guys at Indy Boys, Inc. came up with a ridiculous idea of building a customized school bus with a 42,000-horsepower GE J-79 Phantom jet fighter engine to propel this monstrosity to over 300 mph.
One of the videos below shows the astonishing 80-foot flames coming out of the jet engine as the bus is sentracing down a runway. The school bus’ build incorporated metal structure parts normally found on a 747 jet. I am sure over 300-mph you want some type of stability.
I bet you are wondering what the purpose of all of this is. According to Cnet Stender says, “I built the bus for two reasons. The first is to entertain people because, come on, it’s a jet bus. The second, is to keep kids off drugs. Jets are hot, drugs are not.”
Are you adventurous? Do you like to tinker with your own new or used car? Personally I like to try things on my own before I take it into the shop. Granted if I know I can’t do it then I go ahead and let the professionals take care of it. I can change the oil myself when I am not being lazy!
Courtesy of Edmunds.com check out this list of things you can do on your own. If you have fear and don’t want to the see your Cincinnati Hyundai dealer for help.
The idea of doing anything mechanical fills some car owners with fear and trembling. But there are at least five or six things nearly everyone can do themselves to avoid repair bills and save money. AutoMD assembled a list, and we have our own thoughts on this subject, plus plenty of DIY articles and videos to help shade-tree mechanics.
Doing it yourself not only saves money but avoids the hassle and time of taking your vehicle to the mechanic and schlepping back home again — or hanging out in a grimy waiting room and being serenaded by the whine of power wrenches. An Edmunds.com editor recently wrote about changing his own front brakes in one hour, saving at least $225. So now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get to the specifics.
According to AutoMd, here are the five things you can do yourself:
1. Replace wiper blades: No tools are required, but it can be tricky at first.
2. Replace a fuse: Locating the fuse box is the only difficulty. Your owner’s manual can tell you where it is and what fuses control which devices.
3. Replace a light bulb: You might have to remove the lens cover with a screwdriver. But once you’re in, it’s just a matter of twisting the old one out and the new one in.
4. Replace an air filter : The filter box is usually easily accessible and the cover is held in place with clips.
5. Change your engine oil and filter: This is a bit more challenging and messy but many DIYers love doing it. Be sure to recycle used engine oil.
If you’ve felt wonderfully empowered after doing one or all of the above, it’s time to move on to Level Two. We can suggest a couple other tasks that don’t require many tools and can save you a lot of money:
1. Change disc brake pads : This falls in the category of “much easier than you ever thought.” And it saves a bundle.
2. Rotate your tires : This is easy to do but is somewhat strenuous, since it involves lugging around heavy wheels. Still, it’s important to do and could be combined with the oil change in the first list.
Well what are some of the things you do with your car on your own? Do you think that you can handle any on these tasks?
I can not stress enough how important it is to make sure that you get your oil changed regularly and on time. Bad or dirty oil is bad for your engine. Your engine will run a whole lot better with fresh clean oil. Did you know that getting and oil analysis could tell you if you have any maintenance issues? Well it can. Edmunds.com has put together this story on how you can get your oil analyzed in your new or used car and find out if it’s trying to tell you something. This is great information!
Analyzing the oil in your car is like sending a sample of your blood to the lab — it reveals an astonishing amount of information about the inner workings of your engine without invasive surgery. By reading the results of the analysis, you can fine-tune the intervals between oil changes and discover problems — such as a leaking head gasket — before they cause more expensive damage.
You might even consider analyzing the oil from a car you are considering buying. Currently this is popular with airplane, boat and heavy equipment buyers, but at least one company may soon offer this as an option for used car shoppers as well.
Test-Driving Oil Analysis
We sent two samples of engine oil to Blackstone Laboratories in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to see what we could learn about a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant with 80,000 miles on its four-cylinder engine. The first sample was oil that had been used for 3,000 miles. The second sample was taken right after an oil change at a Jiffy Lube.
The 3,000-mile oil still had plenty of life left in it, according to the lab results. Blackstone recommended we try increasing the oil change interval to 5,000 miles and send another sample for analysis at that point. Furthermore, the report said the wear metals in the oil were within normal levels, meaning that the engine was not in immediate danger of breaking down. By detecting specific wear metals in the oil, experts can tell which engine parts might be in danger of malfunctioning.
Since the purpose of oil is to lubricate, clean and cool the engine, a TBN (total base number) is used to measure the deterioration of the oil by assigning a number that is usually between 0 and 8. The TBN of the 3,000-mile oil was 3.7. The Jiffy Lube oil was 7.6 indicating it had been barely used.
“Even if the TBN is 1, it doesn’t mean the oil isn’t doing its job,” said Ryan Stark, president of Blackstone Laboratories. “But it does reveal the rate at which the additives are being used up.”
Oil Analysis, a Growing Business
Stark said that his company, which employs six analysts, gets about 20 new customers a day and does between 40,000 and 50,000 reports per year. A single analysis costs $22.50 but discounts are available for multiple analyses. Blackstone can also analyze transmission fluid and other engine fluids to look for possible problems.
Many other laboratories offer engine oil analysis, but Blackstone’s reports are user-friendly, and the turnaround is quick. Within days of our mailing in two 4-ounce samples, the results were e-mailed to us.
“We’ve had customers who were changing their oil every 3,000 miles and now they’ve gone to every 10,000 miles because of our reports,” said Stark. “But we’re conservative. If the oil looks good at 3,000 miles we recommend increasing the frequency by 2,000 miles and taking another look at it.”
A Used-Car Buying Tool?
A Long Beach, California, company that provides pre-purchase inspections for private parties is breaking new ground by planning to offer engine oil analysis to private-party used car buyers.
“With an oil sample test, which essentially is the DNA of a car’s engine and transmission, we can detect any excessive conditions that can lead to serious mechanical problems down the road,” said Alliance Inspection Management Vice President of Sales Eric Widmer.
If the oil sample result meets industry standards, a limited warranty will be offered to the buyer. Edmer said this was the first time an inspection service has used this method to qualify a buyer for a warranty. It would, Edmer points out, provide a level of confidence for used-car buyers shopping for a reliable car.
Stark said that some of Blackstone’s customers have sent samples from cars they were considering buying but it’s far more common practice with buyers of airplanes, boats, motorcycles or even jet skis.
How To Take an Engine Oil Sample
We took the Mitsubishi samples by sliding under the car, unscrewing the oil filter and draining the oil into a glass jar. The jar was sealed securely, wrapped in padding and Fed Exed to Blackstone.
Taking a sample in this manner is messy, and you can burn your hand on the hot oil filter. Instead, you’ll want to use a vacuum pump that takes a sample through the dipstick opening. Such a pump is available from Blackstone or other oil analysis labs.
Oil Analysis for Do-It-Yourselfers
Car owners who enjoy changing their own oil will find oil analysis an inexpensive test and easy to perform as part of engine maintenance. It helps consumers tailor their oil change intervals and experiment with the benefits of different oils such as synthetic blends. Furthermore, some people might try it as a used car shopping tool next time they are looking for a reliable car.
Then again, there is the pure love of knowledge that such a test provides. For a gearhead, that’s an end in itself. “For years and years no one knew when to change the oil, so they went with three months and 3,000 miles,” Stark said. “Now, we can provide a service that’s a good value to people so they really know what’s best for their engine.”
Well do you think this is something that you might like to try on your new or used car? I’d be interested to see what my oil says. It’s probably something along the lines of, “hey there not to bad at all.” You see, I am a maniac about getting my oil changed regularly.
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]
Click To Subscribe In A Reader
Please Visit Us Online At Any Of Our Social Networks Anytime!!
At Superior Automotive Group, we know that our cars and trucks have become more than just transportation. People who own high-end luxury vehicles and even economically friendly cars are inclined to accessorize their new car with the hottest custom lights. The rear lights and headlights are very important to the overall look of your new car. You can either go for the simple Euro lights or choose HOT L.E.D. custom tail lights for your Honda, Hyundai, Acura or Kia. A set of custom rear lights can are considered extremely safe because they are illuminating brighter than regular lenses. Also, brighter taillights during the day provide a higher visibility for braking purposes.
When purchasing Euro style back light lenses or LED back lights for your car, truck or SUV, keep in mind these taillight lenses are complete sets/pairs and contain the entire housing and outer lenses. Most of them are a simple plug-n-play configuration and will require the removal of the entire old tail light lenses in replacement of the new aftermarket tail light lenses. The new custom LED tail light lenses will have plugs that simply connect to the existing socket. Many aftermarket LED back lights are a snap to install and often take less than 30 minutes to complete the entire process. It’s very easy to do.
Check out the diagram.
