Emergency Car Kit Essentials

Once you purchase a vehicle from Mike Albert Direct, you’re almost ready to head out on a road trip. Before you leave, make sure you have everything you need, including an emergency kit. An emergency kit is helpful if you become stranded due to weather or other reason – or even if you find yourself unexpectedly spending an extra night out on your trip.

Image by State Farm via Flickr Creative Commons

Emergency Items: You should have an extensive first aid kit, especially if your trips involve camping, hunting and fishing. The kit should contain:

  • Several sizes of self-stick bandages for cuts and scrapes
  • A roll of gauze
  • Gauze pads
  • Medical tape in various sizes
  • Anti-bacterial creme
  • Burn creme
  • Eye wash
  • Small pair of scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Needle and medical thread
  • Super Glue
  • Rubber gloves
  • Jumper cables
  • Caution signs

If you or a family member is a diabetic, you should bring a special diabetic kit with you whenever you travel in the vehicle. Pack your blood glucose meter, extra needles and an extra bottle of Insulin. If your Insulin requires refrigeration, pack it with gel-pacs in a small Styrofoam cooler.

Other emergency items that you should have in your kit include:

  • Extra blankets for each person in the vehicle
  • An extra jacket – if it is spring or summer, you may want to keep a light jacket and rain jacket in the kit. If it is fall and winter, keep a heavy jacket in the kit.
  • Tissues
  • Pen/pencil and paper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Skin lotion
  • Chapstick (Keep this in a kit that you keep inside if it is hot – it tends to melt.)
  • Knife
  • Hatchet
  • Hand saw

Use a large tote to store things that can be left in the vehicle. For things that cannot be left in the vehicle due to heat or safety reasons, keep them packed in a small carry bag with a long shoulder strap. You’ll have it nearby in the vehicle and can easily carry it over your shoulder while in the woods or hiking.

As always, be sure to have your vehicle serviced at Mike Albert Direct before you go on a long trip.

New 2013 Kia Soul

It’s a fun, boxy vehicle for people to get to where they are going in style. This description fits perfectly when looking at the new 2013 Kia Soul. New Kia dealerships in Cincinnati are eager to have this vehicle in the showroom for car buyers who love practical hatchbacks at a great low price.

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Some of the changes to this year’s model involves a new revised power train offering lots more fuel-efficiency. You can now get 135 horsepowers from a 1.6 liter base four-cylinder engine and 164 horsepowers from the upgraded 2.0 liter engine. Low-rolling resistance tires and the new Eco package completes the great performance as start-stop technology will shut off the engine when you brake at a stoplight and restart the engine when you lift your foot off the brake.

The modern and practical interior will appeal to people looking for a nice interior look with lots of room. Two-toned houndstooth upholstery gives nice style and flair. The 2013 Kia Soul fits five passengers comfortably and gives 19 cubic feet of cargo space. You can increase the space to 53 cubic feet by folding the rear, 60/40 split-folding, seats into the floor.

When visiting your Cincinnati Kia dealer, asked about the abundant equipment features based on the trim level you choose and what extras you want. The standard base model offers 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, full power accessories, Bluetooth capabilities, and a height-adjustable driver seat. For those tech people who need to stay connected, the 2013 Kia Soul provides a trip computer and a four-speaker audio system that includes satellite radio, a CD player and an iPod/USB connections. You can enjoy the UVO media player interface if picking a higher trim model.

When comparing this hatchback to other subcompact vehicles on the market, the 2013 Kia Soul will definitely stand out as you are getting a bit more for your buck. So if you are a car buyer looking for a small vehicle that fits right into your budget of about $20,000 for all the extra equipment, then visit Superior Kia and ask for a test drive of the 2013 Kia Soul.

Do Gas Additives Really Work?

Can you really buy horsepower in a can? Do gas additives really work? The jury still seems to be out on whether, or not fuel additives are worth the money. We know some products for cleaning the carbon from your engine will work, that in and of itself will increase your performance, but is there a magic solution that will rev your engine a little more? The answer is, sadly, probably not.

As I said before, everyone has their own opinion about the products they put in their car to enhance performance. Here’s one:

The best way to keep your car performing like new is to simply take care of it. Adhere to a regularly scheduled maintenance program. Change your oil and the rest of your fluids regularly as well. This isn’t really a recommendation, it’s mandatory. The longer you own a vehicle, the more attention you are going to have to give it. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean relying on mystical fuel additives that promise to roll back the wear and tear on your average engine.

If you have any questions on how you can get the most out of your engine, call or visit any Superior Automotive location.

Do You Know What To Look For In A Water Damaged Car?

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.

Top 5 Driving Tips To Help Save Gas When Driving a New or Used Car

In today’s world the cost of gas fluctuates from what we now considerable affordable and what is highway robbery. In doing research on my own to figure out how I could conserve on gas I found roughly 5 solid driving tips to help save gas, and these are tips that could help everyone. They way I look at is is, regardless if you’re driving a new car or a used car, saving gas is saving money.

  1. Drive Sensibly – This one is a no-brainer. Rapid acceleration, quick excessive braking, speeding, and aggressive driving wastes gas. Driving conservatively and sensibly can even lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent when driving in town.
  2. Observe The Speed Limit – Each vehicle new, or old reaches their optimal fuel economy at different speeds. It is said that gas mileage can decrease rapidly at speeds over 60 mph. At that pace you can assume that for each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph its like paying .24 cents more per gallon. That can add up really quickly if you’re blazing the roads all over town.
  3. Avoid Excessive Idling – When you’re idling you are getting 0 miles per gallon. Cars waste gas when they idle, cars with larger engines typically will waste even more gas than cars with smaller engines. Why take the risk? When you’re not driving you should just turn your engine off. Not only will it save on gas but its good for the environment too and we should all be thinking about the environment.
  4. Use Cruise Control – Now obviously this is not something you can do when sitting in traffic but using cruise control on the highway can help reduce your gas waste by maintaining a constant speed and not overworking your engine.
  5. Remove Excess Weight – If you’re like me you’ve got junk in your trunk. I’ve got lawn chairs, blankets and the like just sitting back there. Partly because I’m too lazy to take it up stairs and partly because you never know when you might need to use them. Once I found out I could save gas by taking that stuff out, I quickly moved them back to the garage. According to an independent study by the US government, “An extra 100 pounds in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by 1-2%.” As you can see it’s time to dump that junk in your trunk and start saving gas.

 

As gas prices keep rising, and the money in your wallet keeps dwindling. There are ways you can save on gas and reduce your overall fuel consumption. I hope these tips will help you in your quest to saving gas and if nothing else gets you thinking about other ways we can help the environment.

All I Want For Christmas; Gifts For Your Car

So, what are you asking Santa for this year? That rotisserie accessory fro your grill…a new wallet for your purse. What about your car, truck or SUV? Don’t you think you could spread a little of that Christmas spirit to that vehicle that you spend so much time in through out the year? If you aren’t sure what to get Dad, how about a grill guard for his truck? Not sure what to get Junior? He’s been complaining about his car stereo for a while now. Why not get him an after market receiver? Oh, you can’t leave out Mom! How about a brand new Honda, Hyundai, Acura or Kia! OK, not everyone can get a new car for Christmas, we’ve seen it before, and no doubt it would be a present that they’d never forget, but it all reality Santa is going to have a hard time fitting a new car down the chimney. Of course that doesn’t mean your should give up on finding a gift oriented around your car.

In fact, the items listed above can be expensive, so how about something a little more affordable and extremely useful. Cleaning and care products make great gifts! Check out the video below for 10 great ideas for the car lover in your family.

If you are having problem trying to figure out the best gifts for your special loved one’s, stop by any of your Cincinnati Car dealers like the Superior Automotive Group and we can certainly help you through our accessory and parts selection. Some of which make for perfect stocking stuffers. Of course if you are looking for the greatest gift you could give, that being a new Honda, Hyundai Acura, or Kia, well I’m sure we can help you find one even Santa might have a hard time getting his hands on to.

How To Travel With Your Pet In Your New Car

Going on a road trip and bringing the family pet along for the first time? Your Cincinnati car dealers have some suggestions that will help make your vacation flow a lot smoother now that you have decided to bring your fury pal along. If you are planning a long trip during the holidays, take him to the vet and make sure he is current on all of his shots and vaccines. Make sure that he has his rabies vaccine tag and the documented paperwork might not be a bad idea if you plan on day-boarding him.

Also, make sure that he has a current ID tag on his collar with his name, your name and home and cell phone numbers. Having your cell phone number on his ID tag is wise because if for some reason your little pooch gets separated from you while you are out of town and he needs to get in touch with you, you will be on your cell, not at home. Just like us human folk, our four legged friends need to be considered when it comes to safety restraint. So think about getting a dog harness for riding in the car, if you don’t have one already. They are available at most pet stores or on-line.

Make sure that you have plenty of dog food and any medication that will last the duration of the trip. Also, if you want to be really prepared, you may want to bring bottled water as some animals get sick when drinking water they are not accustomed to. Also, don’t forget to pack lots of goodies and snacks, several favorite toys, food bowls, leashes, and plastic “potty”bags for cleaning up.

The day has come for your big departure – the family is on the road. Make sure to keep the car well ventilated and the temperature cool. We don’t want anyone getting overheated. As you’re traveling, I would try to stop every 2-3 hours to let your doggie out to walk around and relieve himself. I would also offer him some water at these times. Whatever you do, do not leave the little guy in a parked car by himself, even with the window cracked in the shade. This can be very dangerous, even fatal.

Your Cincinnati car dealers love our four legged friends, if you have any other tips you’d like to share, leave them in the comments section below.

You Will Be Arrested If You Are Driving Drunk

You may think that you are immune to to drinking and driving only affects you, but your Cincinnati car dealers, the Superior Automotive Group wants you to know that not only is driving while intoxicated unacceptable, but you are playing with not just your life, but everyone you share the road with. Even a couple of drinks can impair your ability to drive your vehicle responsibility.

If you think you’ll get away with it, think again. There will be a time where you won’t be able to outwit the police who are specifically watching for drivers who are impaired. You will simply can’t tempt fate forever, you will lose.

A fist time DWI arrest can lead to:

  • Driver Responsibility Tax (up to $2000)
  • Vehicle Immobilization or Impoundment
  • Alcohol Abuse Assessment & Treatment
  • Insurance Rate Increase
  • Cancellation of Car Insurance
  • Mandatory Alcohol Safety School
  • Job Loss
  • Mandatory Community Service

Or worse…watch the video below.

Your best defense against Driving While Intoxicated is to just not do it. It’s much easier to curb your drinking than it is to get out of a DWI conviction which will follow you for a life time. Listen to reason and don’t tempt fate, you may end up paying the ultimate price and that’s something your Cincinnati Car Dealers, the Superior Automotive group don’t want you experience.

Halloween Is Right Around the Corner, Drive Safe, Cincinnati

With Halloween right around the corner, your Cincinnati car dealers, the Superior Automotive want to remind you that with an estimated 41 million potential Trick-Or-Treaters between the ages of 5 and 14 according to the U.S. Census data, Halloween night is an important time for parents, pedestrians and drivers to be extra cautious and safe.

There has been a concerted effort over the years to heighten awareness of Trick-Or-Treaters in and around our neighborhoods. Costumes should have reflective tape somewhere on both the front and back, and every child should have a light of some kind. (A glow stick attached to their treat pumpkin is always a fun way to incorporate safety.)

Here are two great videos with some very valuable information about driving on Halloween.

Always expect the unexpected on Halloween night, as well as the evenings preceding next Wednesday. Remember, kids are quick and generally don’t really think first before they go darting across the street. Every Halloween I just assume that there are going to be a lot of people out, having a great time and not necessarily paying attention as to what’s going on around them. As a driver, you need to be aware of everything that is around you. If you just drive with caution, everyone will have a safe and happy night.

This was just a friendly reminder from your Cincinnati Car dealers that we all have kids who will probably be Trick-Or-Treating next Wednesday and we want everyone to be as safe as possible.

 

Cincinnati Car Dealer To Join Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis

There are times when we have to look beyond what we do for a living, such as being your Cincinnati Car dealers, and consider the things that we can do for those who have been born with Cystic Fibrosis. For those of you who are unaware of what Cystic Fibrosis is and how it affects the health of someone who has it, watch the film below. It will answer all of your questions that you may have.

30,000 people nation wide have Cystic Fibrosis, for which there is no cure for. Can you imagine taking 18,000 pills a year to combat the effects of Cystic Fibrosis. The cost for medication, as you can imagine, is astronomical. For now, the only thing we can do is volunteer our time and donate money. That’s why The Superior Automotive Group will be donating $1 per new fan on all of our Facebook pages: Hyundai North, Hyundai South, Superior Acura, Superior Honda, Superior Kia, and Mike Albert. Go ahead and fan all of The Superior Automotive Group Facebook pages and help us help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.