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There used to be a time when a person would visit a new car dealership in Hollywood and find that manual transmissions were all that they offered. It was rare for a vehicle to have an automatic transmission, and people were okay with that. When kids learned to drive, it was important that they have the skills to drive a stick shift. Their first vehicle from a Honda dealership in Hollywood may have been equipped with this type of transmission. It was an element that was part of the auto world and something people expected. What is a manual transmission? In essence, a manual transmission (or standard transmission or stick shift) is a vehicle that is equipped with a stick next to the driver that allows them to switch from one gear to another. There are also three pedals in the vehicle: the gas, the break, and the clutch. To be able to switch from one gear to another, the driver has to push in the clutch and then move the stick to the gear it needs to be to move forward. Most standard vehicles that are equipped with manual transmissions have five speeds. Some more expensive models from a new car dealer in Hollywood will come equipped with six. It also has the ability to go into reverse so that a person can back their vehicle up. There are some advantages to having a manual transmission, including the following: More fuel efficient Can be less expensive Can provide better performance Can be fun to drive Require less maintenance, including needing the fluids changed less often Driver can have a better sense of control Can make the vehicle appear sportier There are some downsides to having a manual transmission. These include the fact that they can be challenging to learn. A person has to have good timing between releasing the clutch and pushing on the gas to get the auto to move forward. Too fast and they’ll kill it. Too slow and they’ll grind the gears. Another issue that might arise is that the clutch can get stiff and be difficult to press down. This can have an impact on a person’s joints. If a person has to do a lot of starting and stopping, this can wear on them and make their clutching leg sore. Of course, any of these issues can be overcome with a little practice and loosening the tension in the clutch. However, finding a manual transmission isn’t as easy as it once was. Why automatics are preferred There are many reasons why people prefer automatics, including the cons that were listed above. Most people don’t want to have to work so hard to get their vehicles to move down the road. Having a manual transmission means that they have to pay attention to how fast they are going and switch gears to match so that they don’t blow up their engine. This includes upshifting and downshifting. In an automatic, people should still be paying attention to how fast they are going, but they don’t have to worry about changing gears. As the name implies, this is done automatically for them. This can be incredibly beneficial in traffic where there’s a lot of starting and stopping, as well as on hills, where it can be challenging to get the timing just right when letting out the clutch and pushing on the gas so that the vehicle doesn’t roll backwards. The advancements in automatics also means that they now get really good fuel economy and don’t cost a whole lot more than a standard transmission. In some cases, the shift times have been improved, so they can accelerate and slow down faster. That makes a lot of people really happy. In addition, a person doesn’t have to worry about injuring themselves when pushing the clutch numerous times throughout the driving experience. Standards are still available Manual transmissions haven’t disappeared completely, but they are more challenging to find than they once were. Most of the time, they are found on sportier autos or vehicles designed for off-road use. In most of these cases, the standard number of gears for these vehicles is six, but some come with up to seven or eight. In some cases, it’s possible to get an automatic that has paddles so that a person can manually shift gears without having to push in the clutch. This can give them control over their vehicle and allow them to choose which gear they want to be in for whatever driving conditions they are in. Why consider a manual transmission For those people who enjoy driving this type of auto, they will tell another that nothing beats this driving experience. The driver has to pay careful attention to all aspects of the vehicle to know when to shift and to do it smoothly. It can connect them to their vehicle and give them a deeper appreciation for it. It does take a little more work, but for some, it’s the only way they want to drive. In addition, fixing a standard transmission is simpler than getting repairs done on an automatic. This is because they are less complex. If a person has the right tools and know how, they can do their own repairs on their standard transmission if they are so inclined. Because the popularity and availability of manual transmissions has waned, many drivers don’t know how to drive them. This can be both a good and bad thing. For a person who owns a standard transmission vehicle, this means they won’t have to let people borrow it because they won’t know how to drive it. This can be detrimental for a person who needs to drive a vehicle that has a standard transmission because they won’t know how. There is a huge learning curve when it comes to driving a standard. A person can’t just jump in and figure it out on the fly. This might also be why they are becoming less popular. It takes dedication and practice to be able to drive these vehicles smoothly, and people may not want to dedicate their time to this endeavor. There’s nothing wrong with that. They have the opportunity to do what they want, but it does mean that for those who want to find an auto with a manual transmission, it is getting more difficult.

As technology advances, the features that can be found on a new Honda HRV in Los Angeles is astounding. From touchscreens to great sound systems to cars that can stop themselves, vehicles are looking for ways to making driving safer and more enjoyable. As these advances take over, some of the old technology gets left in the dust. There are a variety of features that used to exist in cars that are no longer included. This can be because people no longer have a need for them or because they have been replaced with something better. Below are some of the features that used to be found in cars but no longer are or they will be going away within the next few years. Crank Windows For a long time, electric windows didn’t exist or could only be found on really expensive, luxurious models. If a person wanted to roll their window down, they had to do it manually. This meant that there was a crank that accomplished this task. Sometimes, this crank could be really challenging for a person to operate. It could get stuck, or a kid who didn’t quite have the strength to get it moving would have to try to get the window up or down. This could be bothersome if a rainstorm hit out of nowhere and they needed to get the window up before getting soaked. Electronic windows have certainly made it easier for people to roll these elements up and down. In some cases, the new Honda Civic lease in Los Angeles might come equipped with auto roll windows, which means that person doesn’t have to hold the button down to get the window all the way up or all the way down. This means they will be less distracted when partaking in this motion. Since rolling windows up and down is so easy, it can be something that kids really enjoy doing. To combat having kids who like to play with the buttons, locks have been installed. These make it so that only the driver can roll the windows up and down. Cigarette Lighters and Ashtrays There was a point in time when every car came equipped with a cigarette lighter and ashtrays. In some cases, even the backseat was equipped with ashtrays. They could be found on the door handles or on the back of the front seats. That way, if the passengers needed to put out their smokes, they had easy access to receptacles. As it became apparent that smoking wasn’t good for people’s health and could have a negative impact on children, these features have gone away. Now, in the place where the cigarette lighter used to be, more often than not it’s now a power source for electronic devices. Ashtrays are now storage or no longer exist at all. Hinge Windows Speaking of windows and smoking, another feature that is difficult to find on modern cars is the hinged vent window that used to exist on a variety of different models. This was used by a variety of smokers to ensure that their smoke would drift out of the car. However, most vehicles don’t have this feature on them anymore. Manual Transmissions These haven’t gone away completely, but they are getting much harder to find. At one time, having a manual transmission meant that the vehicles would get better gas mileage and would cost less than their automatic transmission counterparts. With the advancement in engine technology, vehicles with automatic transmissions can get really good fuel efficiency and they are much more affordable. In addition, having an automatic transmission means that people don’t have to press in a clutch to switch gears. This is one less thing they have to pay attention to while driving so they can keep their eyes focused on the road. Not having to push in the clutch can also be gentler on their joints. Keys It might seem weird that a car wouldn’t have a key, but as technology has advanced and the push-button start has become popular, there’s no reason to have metal keys any longer. The fobs can also be used to unlock the car and to open the trunk. In some models, the car can sense when the fob approaches and unlock automatically, which means that the person doesn’t have to take it out of their pocket or purse. Keys haven’t disappeared completely. Some vehicles still require them, but they are becoming less and less common. Eventually, they may disappear altogether. Antennas Remember those long, pole like protrusions that used to be on cars? Sometimes they were on the hood and sometimes they were on the top? Those no longer exist. Cars still have antennas so that they can pick up radio stations, but the technology is either embedded into the back window or it is a smaller bump that sits on top of the car. Handbrakes These are levers that are generally found in the front of the car in between the driver and passenger. They are also referred to as the emergency brake. These are used most often with manual transmissions and would be pulled to keep the car from rolling down a hill. They were extra security to keep it in place. While these still exist on some vehicles, they are being replaced with an electronic version that is supposed to be safer. Often referred to as “hill hold,” this engages when it senses the vehicle is on an incline, then releases when the gas pedal is pushed. For anyone who has ever struggled trying to get one of these released, they probably won’t be sad to see them go. Tape Decks and CD Players For the younger generations, they may not know what a tape is. They may have seen CDs, but with the invention of satellite radio, and being able to store music in a variety of different electronic and portable devices, many cars are getting rid of these music players. People still have the ability to listen to their playlist and favorite songs, but they have to be accessed by pairing a device with the car or hooking the device up through cords.

Ladies don’t like to admit it, but there are some things that just don’t interest them. This could be anything, from fishing to football, but today, it’s about cars. There are some simple under the hood maintenance tasks that every girl should know how to do. The funny part is, they’re not as difficult as those teenage boys at the local auto shop make them out to be. So, come on girls! Get some elbow grease going and pop that hood open! It’s time to give those boys a run for their money. Checking Oil Levels The simplest task that every man, woman, and child (well, okay, maybe not a child) should know how to do is how to check the oil. There’s a lot of fuss over whether the engine should be hot or cold while checking the oil, but the answer is neither. The engine should just be warm. Run the car for a few minutes and make sure it’s parked on even ground. Wait another few minutes for the oil to settle. Get a clean rag handy and then remove the dipstick. Wipe the stick clean enough so that the markings on it are visible. Then slowly push the stick back into the oil container. Hold it there for a few seconds and then slowly pull it back up. The oil should reside somewhere between the two markings. If it’s lower than the bottom mark then it’s time to top it off. There are a few different options when it comes to choosing the right oil for a Honda. She could refer to the owner’s manual that she got from the Honda dealership, or she could ask a reputable clerk from a local, Hollywood repair shop, or she can just google it. The internet knows everything, doesn’t it? Changing The Air Filter Changing the air filter isn’t as scary as it seems. It’s super accessible and simple to remove. Make sure the engine is off and then unscrew the air filter box. Carefully remove the air filter and give it a good look over. To really make sure it’s time for a change, shine a flashlight on it. If less than 50% of the light is coming through to the other side, then it’s time for a change. Take the new air filter and fasten it into place, then just screw the box back on. If the air filter doesn’t look that dirty then just pop it back on, but keep it on the back burner. It’ll most likely need to be checked out again soon. Gas Levels This last under the hood tip isn’t necessarily under the hood, but still a good tip to keep in mind. Keeping an eye on gas levels is important to maintain a proper running vehicle. Despite that lovely feeling of having a topped off gas tank, try not to fill it to the brim. Also, never let the gas run too low, especially in the winter. Intense fluctuations in gas levels can cause the gas tank to expand.

For individuals planning or thinking about purchasing a car, spending such a huge amount of money on a single purchase can be a daunting prospect. Savvy buyers are likely to spend a significant amount of their time researching and preparing for their purchase to ensure they get the best deal on the market. Unfortunately, when it comes to purchasing a car, market value isn’t the only consideration that needs to be taken into account. Individuals purchase cars for a whole host of reasons, and thus the reason behind the purchase is likely to dictate what buyers look for and require of their new vehicle. No matter what the reason is behind purchasing a car, there remain a number of characteristics that are key to the purchase of any good investment. Besides understanding the purpose for purchasing a car and what it will be used for, buyers need to consider what their financial situation and unique needs are when it comes to their purchase to make a decision that makes sense for them. A good investment for a young family may not constitute a good or worthwhile investment for a retiree or a couple. Perhaps the most important element in making a good investment, is thus choosing the right investment based on the situation at hand. Nevertheless, when buying a car there are some elements that are non-negotiable and considered universally beneficial to all buyers. For individuals just beginning their research into finding the right car for them, these universal benefits can be a good starting point to begin their search. Looking at popular vehicle makes and models, such as a Honda in San Diego, are a good place to start, as the widespread popularity of these brands tends to result from the universal benefits that are of value to all drivers. The following will discuss why the Honda family of vehicles make good investments for everyone and serve to highlight the universal benefits all prospective buyers are sure to find appealing. Affordable Coming in a wide range of models, this company offers a lot of variety for prospective buyers at affordable prices. Compared with other vehicles in the same class, these vehicles consistently rank among consumer surveys as highly affordable and boast reasonable prices compared to many other vehicles. In fact, Honda’s capacity to produce high-quality vehicles at affordable prices is a key element of their business strategy and has been a source of pride for the company for many years. From their basic sedans and hatchbacks to larger SUVs, the affordability of buying and maintaining these vehicles has made them one of the most widely used cars in the world. Thus, all buyers should consider purchasing a new Honda in San Diego, if only to experience incredible quality and comfort at a very reasonable price. Because of their popularity, finding mechanics who are familiar with servicing them, in addition to certified dealerships, is also easy and serves to enhance their affordability as owners do not need to travel far or pay for specialized parts for their Honda in San Diego. Consequently, purchasing a popular brand of car comprises many benefits and can make owning a car significantly more affordable. Fuel and Energy Efficient Even in the past few years, consumer demand for fuel and energy efficient cars has changed the automobile industry. Prizing sustainability and the most bang for their buck, consumers’ desire for cars that require less money to fuel means that more companies are seeking to maximize their vehicles’ fuel efficiency. Fortunately, when it comes to designing and producing fuel-efficient vehicles, this company has distinguished itself as an industry leader. Offering several models of vehicles that use alternative fuel and which boast incredible fuel efficiency, this company offers a range of efficient models to choose from. Their capacity for offering fuel and energy efficient cars at affordable prices has only served to grow their market share as consumers increasingly seek more efficient options as gas prices continue to rise. Consequently, purchasing a used Honda in San Diego is considered a sound investment for many buyers for their fuel efficiency and capacity to save energy over a longer period of time. Safety When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, the importance of safety and reliability cannot be overstated. Although most people in America will drive everyday, the daily risks of driving often go unnoticed. Fortunately, purchasing a safe and well-made vehicle can help to eliminate many of the potential dangers associated with everyday driving and offer drivers and their passengers peace of mind that they will be protected in the event of an accident. Highly rated for their state-of-the-art safety features including the pioneering of four-wheel drive and more recently, driver-assistive technologies, this company has always prided itself on the safety of their vehicles. Earning top safety ratings from insurance companies and risk analysts, these vehicles are widely considered among the safest make of car and are thus attractive options to all buyers. Although choosing a car depends greatly on an individual or family’s unique situation, the benefits highlighted in this article are universal and are consistently shown to be priorities among nearly all buyers, regardless of age and income. Prized for their affordability, fuel efficiency and safety, these vehicles have proven themselves time and time again to be worthwhile investments. For prospective buyers in the San Diego area, purchasing a Honda comes with the added benefits of widely available service for their new or used car, in addition to the affordability of purchasing replacement parts. One of the most popular commercial cars available today, the benefits of owning a Honda are obvious and make this popular brand of car a good investment for everyone. From families with young children to retirees and couples, the versatility and widespread selection of these models means that the brand is capable of offering something for everyone. Also able to be easily customized, today Honda owners can choose from any number of options to enhance the comfort of their vehicle.

How long does it take for a new car to feel like a trash receptacle? Not long. Especially if there’s children involved. There are ways to keep one’s Honda organized and tidy, without breaking the bank or feeling like they need to trade it in for a new one. Try out these tricks before hitting that Los Angeles dealership to opt out for a cleaner Honda. A Place For The Purse Too many passengers and nowhere to sling a purse? Tying one end of a scarf to the head rest and wrapping the other end to the purse can free up leg space. It can feel a bit meticulous, and wouldn’t need to be done every single time. It’s more for when there are multiple passengers, and one can’t afford shoe prints on her handbag. Head To Feet Speaking of shoe prints, sometimes it’s essential to keep a change of shoes in the car. Whether it’s due to climate, outdoor sports and activities, or for emergency. Dirty shoes with caked on mud are bound to dry up and leave clumps all over the floor of the car. Slipping dirty shoes into shower caps can catch all the dirt before it hits the floor. Trash, Trash, Trash Lining a plastic or rubber cereal container with a plastic bag can make for a great trash can. Simply take the trash out when at the gas pump, and reline the container with a new bag. But where to keep these flimsy bags? They’re loud and hard to keep bunched together. Simply stuff the plastic bags into an empty tissue container, and then just pull them out as needed. Sticky Icky Traps Over time cup holders get sticky, and then everything in the world seems to be attracted to them. Dirt, lint, loose hairs, and even coins all manage to adhere themselves to the bottom of sticky cup holders as if they were somehow magnetized. A simple solution to this is using cupcake liners. They fit perfectly at the bottom of cup holders, and they catch any messes that may occur over time. The best part is that they’re disposable, so there’s no ill feelings toward throwing them away after they start getting a little nasty. Loose Change No one likes to admit it, but fast food and drive thru’s are definitely a thing. Aside from garbage (which should be going in the car’s new, nifty cereal container made trash can), there always seems to be an obscene amount of change floating around the car. Use an empty gum container to store loose change and then take that change to the bank!

There are several indicators that may light up over time. Knowing what they mean and how to service them can save a lot of time and stress in the long run. It’s hard to imagine anything going awry after signing a lease on a new Honda Civic, but normal wear and tear happens, even on those smooth Los Angeles roads. Check Engine One of the most important indicators that might pop up is the check engine light. It looks a little like a two year old’s drawing of a helicopter, or for the more advanced eye—an engine. This could be coming on for any number of reasons, but it’s always something that should be serviced right away. Take it into a trusted mechanic or repair shop and have it looked at immediately. Because the engine light can turn on for such a broad number of reasons, they will have to do an initial scan to figure out what’s wrong. Depending on traffic at the repair shop, this may take a few days, so it’s best to drop the car off sooner than later. Charging System The battery light might come on after a period of time. It looks like a little box with a plus and minus sign on either side. This usually has a pretty straight forward explanation. The issue lays with the voltage and the alternator belt. If the light is on while the car is in motion, then most likely the alternator belt is broken, and the battery is struggling to charge itself. Either way, this should be serviced immediately. Low Oil Pressure If the low oil pressure light (which looks like a dripping lamp) ever comes on while driving, assess the situation. If the vehicle is going at a low speed, it might just be a faulty sensor. If the light stays on no matter what, then the vehicle should be taken to the nearest shop as soon as possible. It could be coming on simply because there’s low oil, but there are also some more threatening causes. It could be coming on from a leaking gasket, a serious engine problem, or a faulty oil pump. If the car becomes very loud, then immediately pull over and call for a tow truck instead. Brake System The brake light is the easiest one to identify. It says “BRAKE” in all capital letters. If this comes on, try not to freak out. This doesn’t mean the brakes are going to fail, sending the driver off a cliff or into a busy intersection, however if it’s not tended to, it may. This means that the brakes need to be serviced, most commonly it’s that the brake fluid is low. Take it in as soon as possible and have the fluid topped off.

Sometimes people don’t have enough time to take their vehicle into a car wash. Not to mention, it’s not as fun as making it a personal project on a warm sunny day. There are plenty of ways for one to wash their Honda fit from the comforts of their own driveway in Los Angeles with a few unlikely household items. The Body For car wash solution, rummage through kitchen cupboards to find some baking soda and dish soap. Pour ¼ baking soda and ¼ dish soap into a gallon bucket and then fill the rest with water to make the perfect mixture. Use another bucket with clean water and use a separate sponge to remove the soapy residue after application. For unsightly old bumper stickers, tree sap, or tar, crack open a jar of mayonnaise. The mayo works as a dissolvent and has the ability to break through adhesive. When it comes to bug splatter on the windshield and brake dust to the lower half of the vehicle, cooking spray will suffice. Simply spray the affected area and let it sit for a few moments, then wipe it away with a rag. After all the dirt and grime has been removed, it’s time for a nice shine. Hair conditioner works as a great substitute for wax. Smear hair conditioner all over the car, rubbing it in with a little elbow grease. Let it sit for a few minutes and then begin wiping it away with a clean, dry rag. Windows And More There are plenty of odd ways to clean a windshield using household products. Baby wipes are an easy go-to. They clean the windshield without leaving streaks the way other, more chemically saturated wipes would. To get a nice window shine, grab a maxi pad from the bathroom cabinet. With the sticky side adhered to the hand, wipe vigorously against the windshield. Finally, the most unlikely, but surprisingly effective way to clean a windshield is by using cola! Lay a towel down at the bottom of the windshield to protect the hood paint and engine, then dribble some soda down the top of the windshield. The bubbles will fizz over the grime, breaking it apart. This is a sure fire way to keep anyone’s Honda Odyssey looking like the flashiest car on the block in any neighborhood, even in Los Angeles. For pesky windshield wiper blades that can’t seem to keep the dirt of them, pour a little white vinegar on a dry rag and give them a good wipe. For headlights that have lost their gleem, use some household window spray and then wipe them clean using a pair of panty hose. Finally, when searching for a good pair of mitts to wax on and wax off, resurrect some old socks to get the job done right.

Most people living in the Los Angeles area may have noticed a lot of Uber drivers cruising around in their Honda CRV or their Honda HRV. Not everyone has access to top-notch vehicles such as these, so it’s important to know what exactly they’re looking for when trying to pass an inspection for Uber. What They Won’t Accept Some of the major guidelines people need to follow when considering driving for Uber is whether they’re car meets some specific qualifications. The first thing they need to know is what they won’t take. Uber won’t consider any vehicle with less than four doors or that was made before 2006. They also won’t accept an oversized van or truck, a car that was formerly a taxi or has the markings that suggest it was used in a cab-service, or any advertisements or commercial marketing. They also, for obvious reasons, won’t accept any vehicle that’s been salvaged or rebuilt in any major way. Normal under the hood maintenance doesn’t count. Passing The Test After the driver has assessed their car and if they think it may be suitable for this line of work, they can have it inspected by an approved Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. They’ll check the vehicle to make sure that it’s safe on the road and will be pleasing to its passengers. To do this they’ll look at the headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. Making sure the vehicle has all of its lights in working order will help pass this portion of the test. They’ll also check the brake pads and steering capabilities. If the steering wheel is too heavy or sticky, it could be deemed unfit for Uber’s standards. Make sure it’s lubricated and cleaned so it moves seamlessly. The brake pads, for obvious reasons, need to be in good working order as well. If not, they could impose danger among the passengers. They’ll check all of the glass, mirrors, and wipers. If there are missing mirrors anywhere on the vehicle, it’s a guarantee that it’ll fail the test. As for the windows, some small cracks may get off with a warning, but anything too big will also result in a failing score. Finally, they’ll check the mechanics of the vehicle. This means anything under the hood, under the car (the muffler, exhaust, etc.), and the tires. If the tread is extremely worn and they have trouble gripping or breaking, then it’ll be a huge red flag. It’s best to go in for maintenance to have these issues resolved before taking the vehicle in for inspection. If for some reason the driver feels that the car won’t pass the test, or they don’t even have a car to begin with, Uber offers a rental and leasing service. This way, anyone can drive their own new vehicle that’s up to par with the Honda CRV or Honda HRV to pick up passengers in the Los Angeles area.

Everyone’s heard the horror stories about the greasy car salesman, or that poor single mom who got taken for a ride before even landing a deal, or the cold, drafty, dealerships with screaming and crying children who probably needed a nap or a bite to eat before embarking on this endeavor with their tired parents. These stereotypes needs to hit the road. Times are changing and so is the buyer’s shopping experience. Envision The Future The sole purpose of a vehicle is to drive it. Buyer’s will have a more pleasant shopping experience if they’re picturing themselves on a pre-planned road trip in that specific automobile. They should get specific with it too. Maybe they envision themselves rolling through the hills in a brand new Honda, or maybe they want to take their car to a drive-in, or maybe they just want to go on a weekend adventure outside the city of Los Angeles. The opportunities are endless, and it’s much more fun to choose a vehicle if they can picture themselves truly living their lives in it. Bring a Friend Leave the kids at home. They’re basically tiny ticking time bombs. Even if they’re well fed beforehand, or they’ve already had their afternoon nap, there’s no telling what might trigger a tantrum. Instead, try letting a friend or partner tag along. It can help relieve some of the pressure. Having a trusty companion chirping in the ear of the buyer can make them feel less alone and more listened to. They can share opinions, discuss deals and estimates, and give their honest two cents. It’s comforting to have someone with good intentions along for the ride. After all, don’t all friends want the best for each other? It’s All About Pacing If they did their homework and plan to visit multiple dealerships in one day, then they should plan on spacing the visits out a bit. It’ll become all too overwhelming very quickly if they try to get all their shopping done in just a few hours. Bouncing between dealerships without a break in between will be exhausting, even though most people just want to get it over with. They should take some time in between routes to grab a bite to eat and digest all the valuable information they just received. If they brought a friend a long, then this is a good time to delve into their experience a little more by striking up a conversation between afternoon cocktails. Having a good laugh about something silly that happened while shopping, or sharing raw, unfiltered opinions, can give the buyer some time to breathe before their next stop. Should they lease that new Honda accord or should they keep checking out other dealerships around Los Angeles? Without breaks, there’s little time to ask themselves these important questions.

Tires, tires, tires. What’s the difference? For most people, no other tires exist besides the ones that are already on their vehicle. That is of course until it’s time to get new ones. Stepping into that auto shop, with a wall of tires towering over the uneducated buyer, is nothing less than overwhelming. Suddenly there appears to be thousands of tires to choose from, where before walking into the store, they thought there were only two kinds of tires: summer or winter. Don’t fret, little one, tire shopping just got a little easier. There are essentially three types of tires. Summer, winter, and all season. Summer tires are obviously made for the summer season. They have the ability to grip either wet or dry pavement. This makes it easier to apply the brakes and prevents skidding. Summer tires, as one may have guessed, do awful in the snow. Winter tires, which are usually signified as such by embellishing an imprint of a snowflake or mountain on the side, are again, obviously more useful during the winter months. The tread usually has more slits, holes, and whiskers, that make for gaining traction on slippery snow much easier. People usually assume that because winter tires have so much traction, that they should do even better on dry pavement. This is simply not true. In fact, winter tires weren’t designed to grip smooth pavement, thus they slip around just as much as a summer tire would on snow. For someone who doesn’t want to have to switch out their tires between seasons, it may be safe to assume that all season tires are the right option. All season tires shouldn’t be confused as the jack of all trades. In fact, their most suitable in areas of the country that have the least drastic changes in seasons. There’s also different levels of all season tires, from regular to high performance. People assume that the greater the performance, the longer lasting the tires will be. Again, this is false. High performance tires may have a better overall grip, but they wear out much faster than regular all season tires. Aside from choosing the type of tire, one must also know the size and weight limitations for their specific vehicle needs. Something to keep in mind is that even if the car is under the same make, different models will have different tire sizes. For example, a Honda Civic has different sizes and weight limitations than that of a Honda Accord, but this can be cleared up by asking a trusted mechanic at a nearby auto shop in the Los Angeles area. A little research online can help define these differences. If there’s still any confusion, the safest bet is to go directly to the manufacturer.

Before the most recent technology boom, distracted driving wasn’t as easy to pinpoint. In fact, not many people even considered it much of an issue. Unless of course, a driver was blatantly playing the French horn while clipping their toenails, no one really paid it any mind. With the rise of smartphones, the definition of what is considered to be distracted driving has broadened. Here’s a hint: it’s anything that may be distracting. Cell Phones Cell phones are an obvious distraction while navigating the roads. Fingers are usually pointed at texters, which brought forth the popular hashtag, “it can wait” which refers to those who feel the need to quickly respond to any flash or buzz that springs from their phone. This leaves the bluetooth conversationalists to continue about their business without feeling like their at fault, when in reality, talking on the phone can be just as dangerous as texting. After all, it’s still a distraction. Passengers Aside from talking to friends, families, or coworkers on the phone, a sometimes less avoidable distraction can be the conversations that take place among the passengers within the car. How often has someone missed an exit because they were distracted by the discussion that was taking place. While missing an exit isn’t as life threatening as it is inconvenient, one has to admit that it’s still a distraction. Maybe next time it won’t be a missed exit, but raher failing to notice brake lights up ahead. GPS Newer vehicles, like the Honda Civic, are now equipped with built-in GPS to make zipping between routes throughout Los Angeles an easier feat. However, be careful about switching up the route while on the way. Choosing the destination before pressing on the gas is the safest bet. It’s treacherous to attempt inputting an address while maneuvering the vehicle. If the address has changed or a mistake has been made, the driver should always pull over before correcting their mistake. It’s also recommended to look over the GPS route before hitting the road. Knowing ahead of time which exits to be looking for and which lanes to be in can help keep the driver’s eyes on the road. Staring at the GPS for too long at a time would obviously be a distraction that can lead to a collision. Cigarettes A lot of smokers do most of their indulging while driving. They claim it helps pass the time, or it’s something to do. Well, they already have something they should be doing—driving! Cigarettes are one of the most risky distractions for a driver. They need to ash somewhere, whether it’s out the window or an ashtray. Doing so takes precision and caution, and is a huge distraction. Even with the utmost care, there’s still a risk of ashing on the lap, on the floor, or dropping the cigarette as whole under the seat. Catching fire is definitely a hazard and a distraction while driving.

As for buying anything new, shopping for a vehicle should be an exhilarating experience. Yet, for most people, it’s down right stressful. Most buyers report feeling anxious, haggled, and circumspect. There are a few ways to ensure a positive buying experience, and surprise—a lot of it has to do with being prepared. Do Some Research The internet is a powerful tool for when it comes to purchasing a new automobile. To get started, search for a new car dealership in the Los Angeles or Hollywood area. Keep options open, as it’s important to check out more than one dealer. After mapping out which locations to head to, it’s time to look at the inventory. Buyers should know ahead of time which vehicle they plan to procure. They don’t have to stick to their guns, and there’s always room for mind changing, but ultimately this saves time on site, and helps nudge the purchase game along. Along with knowing the vehicle, they should also know the price they intend to pay. To do this, they can compare prices of the new car they plan to purchase by checking out a competing dealer around the same Hollywood area. This puts more power in the buyer’s hands, and allows them to accurately weigh their options. On top of all this, it’s crucial for buyer’s to know their budget. It’s too easy to get carried away with the thrill of the purchase, or to scare themselves out of a good deal by keeping their focus on the overall price. Smart buyer’s will look at the up front cost, and the monthly payments as a jumping off point. If they can’t afford either, then they need to choose a different plan. It’s important to be realistic about this too. It’s never safe to assume that a raise is in the near future, or that financial bindings will somehow loosen themselves up. Having a financial offer set and ready to go from the bank is a great way to start negotiations. This way the sales staff has been given specific guidelines to know what their limitations are. They can work with the buyer to find the right vehicle for a price that’s been set in stone. This eliminates the fear of being haggled or taken advantage of. Another important thing to keep in mind, that unfortunately most buyer’s let fall by the wayside, is how much this will change their insurance policy. Speaking with their insurance agent and understanding how this will impact the price of their monthly statement can significantly alter the buying plan. Affording the automobile is one thing, but affording the insurance to cover it is another.