March 2014 - Greater Cincinnati Automobile Dealers Association

Electric Vehicles – better than you thought

There are several misconceptions out there about electric vehicles.  However, the truth is that electric vehicles, or EVs, have a lot of benefits not only for the environment, but for owners as well.  Briefly listed below are a few common misconceptions along with realities about electric vehicles:

      1.  Electric vehicles put out just as much pollution as traditional fuel powered vehicles.

–          Truth is carbon dioxide pollution from electricity is significantly lower for EVs than CO2 pollution from the oil of conventional cars with internal combustion engines (“Electric Vehicles: Myths Vs. Reality”).  Basically, with EVs CO2/ pollutant emissions shift to the location where the electricity is generated, but NO tailpipe pollution or greenhouse gas emissions are produced at the point of operation.

      2.  Electric vehicles are a lot more expensive than traditional vehicles.

–          Truth is, due to federal tax credits for the purchase of an EV, as well as a partial federal credit for the charging unit, several states having additional tax credits on top of the federal ones, savings of $700 to $1600 on fuel per year, and an average of 46% saving in annual maintenance costs, the pricing of an EV is very comparable with traditional vehicles (“Electric Vehicles: Myths Vs. Reality”).

      3.  The battery will run out of juice.

–          Truth is US drivers on average drive about 35 miles per day, which is sufficient for fully charged pure EVs, which typically go AT LEAST 70 miles in one charge (“Electric Vehicles: Myths Vs. Reality”).

There are quite a few more misconceptions, or myths about electric vehicles worth reading up on as well.  Take a look at our source to see more myths and realities regarding EVs by clicking here.  

 

Source:

“ELECTRIC VEHICLES: MYTHS VS. REALITY.” SierraClub. Sierra Club, n.d. Web. 28 Mar 2014. <http://content.sierraclub.org/evguide/myths-vs-reality>.

Cars need spring cleaning too

Winter is most likely the harshest season for cars.  With all of the salt on the roads, ice, potholes, and brutal temperature swings, it’s no wonder that people may feel overwhelmed by the end of the winter when trying to clean up the mess that has been made, both inside and outside of their vehicle. 

Now that it’s officially spring, we’re sure that you’re ready to have your vehicle looking great and ready to cruise.  After the disastrous winter that we had, we have some cleaning tips that your vehicle could benefit from.  Though “spring cleaning” is normally associated with a home, most vehicles could probably use a good spring cleaning too.  Below is a list of tasks for spring cleaning for your vehicle:

–          Clear Out The Trash

–          Vacuum the Inside

–          Scrub Carpet and Upholstery

–          Power-Wash the Floor Mats

–          Swap Your Tires

–          Ditch Winter Windshield Wipers

–          Lube the Hinges

–          Clean the Windows

–          Wash the Car

–          Replace the Cabin Air Filter

–          Don’t Forget the Trunk

Following these steps will be a sure way to getting your vehicle clean inside and out.  After all, who wouldn’t want their vehicle to be as clean as their home; especially those who practically live in their car? For more detail and extra tips on these cleaning steps, click here.  And just remember, having a clean car will make you an even happier driver.

 

Gas prices on the rise

I’m sure that you all have noticed the recent increase in gas prices.  Pulling up to the pump and ending up surprised is almost becoming normal.  According to Senior Petroleum Analyst, Patrick Dehaan with GasBuddy.com, it’s not over yet.  These increases have been occurring since late February and Dehaan believes that we will continue to see these increases in gas prices until the end of April.  “The GasBuddy.com app for cell phones will send price hike alerts to your phone as soon as prices start to raise.  ‘ “Motorists really love being able to know when prices are going up” ’, said Dehaan”. 

The GasBuddy.com app for cell phones just may be the way to go if you’re looking for someone to have your back, and let you know about the gas prices.  Interested in more information on this topic?  Click here for more details.

Keeping your cool

It seems like just yesterday that we reached the year 2014; yet we’re already into the month of March! The cold weather seems to be passing, and we’re drawing closer and closer to spring and warmer temperatures. However, before you so eagerly march into the warmer weather, it’s important to remember one specific car care tip that will make your warm weather experience bearable while riding in your vehicle. Your A/C! Is it working properly and efficiently? And will it be working when the warmer weather and hot temperatures are thrust upon us? 

It’s recommended by the Car Care Council, that you have your A/C system checked annually to make sure it is functioning at its peak performance level when the temperatures are soaring. Having a vehicle that keeps you cool in hot temperatures is definitely a key factor to comfort-ability. So, if you’re looking forward to nice and cool car rides with friends and family in the up and coming spring weather, it’s the perfect time to go get your A/C serviced.