Greg Chapman Motors

Half Ton Truck - What Does That Mean?

2010-04-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

When shopping for trucks, you probably have encountered the terms half-ton, three-quarter ton and one ton. What do each of these terms mean? And if you buy a half-ton truck does it mean your truck weights 1,000 pounds?

A half-ton truck actually does not refer to the weight of the truck. Half-ton pickups actually weigh more than a ton. The weight of a truck is actually described in terms of its 'curb weight'. According to Edmunds, a 2007 half-ton pickup would normally have a curb weight of around 9000 and 11000 pounds. The term half-ton then refers to the truck's payload capacity. Payload therefore means the truck's carrying capacity of both cargo and passengers. And yet, statistically, most modern half-ton pickups can actually carry more than 1000 pounds. Early model trucks could carry only max loads of 1000 pounds, but this was back in the 1960s. Yet, the term half-ton has stuck, even though it doesn't mean exactly that. But in terms of classifying trucks, it helps to differentiate the half-ton from the larger three-quarter-ton and one-ton vehicles.

So, if you are looking to see how much your truck can haul, you will want to check out the truck's specs within the manual or online. Remember that also when looking for hauling capacity, you are only looking at the weight carried, not towed. Towing capacity is completely different than hauling capacity.

In towing capacity there are again more terms to be familiar with. One is Gross Combined Weight Rating or GCWR and the other is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating(GVWR). GCWR is the maximum weight of a truck, including the truck itself, cargo, passengers, fuel, trailer and trailer cargo. The GVWR is just the maximum weight of vehicle including passengers, cargo and tongue weight.

Many people will measure these weights by taking their loaded truck and trailer to a scale to find its weight. To determine the safe towing capacity of a loaded truck, one would take the GCWR and subtract the curb weight and the weight of everything in the truck, including passengers and cargo. They would then, take the GVWR and subtract the curb weight of the truck. Many manufacturers do not advertise these details and only promote the towing capacity of a truck based on only one driver whose weight is approximately 150 lbs. Realistically, your vehicle would have other passengers and cargo as well - all of this adds up.

Other considerations when looking at purchasing a truck for towing capacity is looking at variables such as the engine, transmission, quality of brakes and rear axle.

Although terminology of trucks isn't completely accurate, it is still pretty much known that a half-ton truck is known for light duty and towing capacity while the three-quarter-tons and one-tons have bigger frames, firmer suspension and more powerful engines for pulling larger loads.

In the automotive industry, it can be difficult for consumers to accurately compare truck towing performance as there is little to no criteria. This is expected to change as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has created a committee that is working on a standard for measuring towing capacity. Until then, do your homework, ask questions and evaluate your needs before purchasing your next truck.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Picking The Right Vehicle To Tow With

2010-04-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost upon us and with that comes the desire for many to go camping or travel. Maybe you are ready to purchase that travel trailer or camper. If so, you are also probably considering whether your vehicle can tow or what it can tow?

The industry states that compact trucks can tow between 3,000 and 7,000 pounds, depending on how they're equipped. Full-size trucks can tow as much as 12,000 pounds with certain engines and suspension configurations, although most range between 8,000- and 10,000-pound capacities. The best way to determine what your vehicle can tow is by calculating the gross vehicle weight or GVW. A GCWR is a gross combination weight rating that takes into consideration the weight of your vehicle and what you are towing. This means you will need to know the gross trailer weight or GTW. Is the trailer fully loaded or empty? There is much to take into consideration when combining all of these values to determine whether you have the right towing capacity.

Finding out your gross trailer weight (GTW) can be as simple as driving your trailer onto a scale. Many communities have public scales and for just a few dollars and a few minutes of your time, you can get the answers you're looking for. There are just a few simple steps that you'll need to follow in order to get an accurate gross trailer weight reading.

When preparing to weigh everything, disconnect the trailer from your tow vehicle. You want to find the weight of the trailer alone. The weight of the trailer will include the trailer tongue. You can weigh your trailer empty or fully loaded - depending on what number you are looking for. By starting empty, you always know the base weight of the trailer and about how much weight you can add to it.

If you don't want to take the time to weigh your trailer, you can contact the manufacturer of the trailer as they should be able to provide you with the weight.

Now for a vehicle that can pull the weight you have. Edmunds put together a list of what it considers the top ten vehicles for towing. Of course most of this list isn't extensive and most of the vehicles on it are large, which means their fuel economy isn't the best - but that is to be expected. Some of the vehicles on the list don't tow large amounts of weight as they are midsized cars, but are durable enough to haul your favorite jet skis or four wheelers. So what is the list?

1. Dodge Ram 3500: This is a big vehicle and has the largest towing capacity of all the vehicles on this list. With more than 16,000 pounds of towing capacity, it tops the list by more than 2,000 pounds. This might not be a vehicle just or cruising around in, but if you are somebody who is towing a lot, you certainly won't have to worry about its capabilities.

2. Nissan Armada: Yes Nissan, they have come up with a SUV that can tow just over 9,000 pounds. The Armada is also a large vehicle, which means it has a ton of interior space. The Armada is the Nissan's first entry in the SUV segment. It was originally called the Pathfinder Armada. The Armada comes with a V8 engine.

3. GMC Sierra 1500: This vehicle has a 9,990-pound rating. To get more capability than the Sierra, you have to step up to a heavy-duty series truck from Dodge, Ford or Chevy.

4. Dodge Durango: The Durango is not a full-size SUV, but can tow up to 8,950 pounds. Its tow rating exceeds that of GM's full-size SUVs. The Durango is also large enough to double as a family car.

5. Ford Expedition: The Expedition, another SUV, is bigger than the Durango but has the same towing capacity. It has a 60/40-split, fold-flat third-row seat, which gives it a lot of room inside.

6. Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL: The half-ton Suburban 1500 can pull up to 8,400 pounds. It also has a lot of passenger/cargo space. The three-quarter-ton 2500 model will give you even more towing capacity with a load of up to 12,000 pounds.

7. Land Rover Range Rover: If you are in the market for a luxury vehicle that tows, The Range Rover can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Of course it also has beautiful interior and style to boot.

8. Chrysler Pacifica: When it comes to cars, the towing capacity drops but if you are somebody who doesn't want a truck or SUV, then the Pacifica is worth looking at. This vehicle can tow up to 3,500 pounds and it is a nice luxury sedan for other uses.

9. Hyundai Elantra: Believe it or not, the Elantra offers 3,086 pounds of towing capacity when trailer brakes are used (without the brakes, it tops out at 1,000 pounds). That's not much by truck standards, but for a budget-priced compact sedan, it's exceptional. Note that this is 1,000 pounds more than full-size sedans like the Cadillac DeVille and Mercury Grand Marquis are rated to carry.

10. Subaru Outback: This little car can tow up to 3,000-pounds. Having an all-wheel-drive system also helps to get you back into those remote campsites.

If you still have questions about the towing capacity of your truck or a potential vehicle that you are looking to buy, talk to your dealer. Tell them what your needs are and let them help you measure everything out.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Protecting Your Car From Theft

2010-03-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

If you've ever had your car stolen, you know what a nightmare it can be. In the United States, car theft is still prevalent. The state of California ranked first in total thefts, but areas in Texas, Nevada and New Mexico followed their ranking closely. Border towns to Mexico have seen a significant increase in theft, especially in the El Paso, Laredo and San Antonio area. Laredo ranked second on the chart with an average of more than 827.21 thefts per 100,000 people in 2008 - primarily due to the shuttling of drugs, money and weapons through Mexico.

So how can you protect your car from theft? First, you must think like a thief. What does a thief look for before stealing a car?

1. Does The Car Have A Car Alarm - Thieves will bump into cars to see if it has an alarm system. They know people are used to hearing alarms go off and often don't check to see if anything is going on. If you do have a car alarm, try using one that has a pager that notifies you when your alarm is activated rather than depend on passers-by to check on it for you. Also know there are some shady alarm installers out there who will leave wires exposed to be cut or deactivated. If you are just putting in a car alarm, go to a large reputable chain store to have it installed. Also, don't let the alarm company display decals on your vehicle advertising what type of alarm system you have. Professional thieves know how to disable the various brands. Last, you may also want to invest in a hood lock to keep thieves from disabling your alarm there as well.

2. Are There Valuables Inside. Car thieves will do anything it takes if they see valuables inside your car; this includes breaking your window or jimmying your locks. Keep valuables out of plain sight. It doesn't take long to grab up anything lying on the seat and hide it or even take it with you, such as portable GPS units. If you have a stereo and it comes with a removable faceplate, be sure to remove it and hide it in the glove box.

3. Know That Steering Locks Can Be Cut. If you have a lock on your steering wheel, know it can be cut. If possible, try installing a starter disable switch and putting in a secret place.

4. Don't Leave Your Car Unattended - Whether you are running in to pay for your gas, purchase something or going to the ATM, don't leave your keys in the ignition. No use making it easy for thieves.

5. Don’t leave your registration and insurance in your car - This is something most people do out of habit. Your car's title and registration also has your home address on it. Keep all of this information with you.

6. Know Where Thieves Look For Cars - Many professional thieves like to stake out parking lots, sporting events and movie theaters so they can pick out the car of their choice. When parking, park in areas with security or lot attendants. Park as closely to entrances as possible and on sides of the street with this most activity. If you do park in an attended lot, leave only the ignition key - take with you the key to your trunk and glovebox. If these keys are the same, have them changed.

7. Don't Hide Your Keys - Looking for that spare key is a simple way a thief can break into your car. They know many people hide magnetic boxes under their vehicles and are familiar with all the hiding places.

8. Lock Your Doors and Close Your Windows - This one seems obvious but many people leave their windows cracked or doors unlocked. This makes it a more desirable target for theft.

9. Back Into Your Driveway - If you have a rear-wheel vehicle, back into your driveway. For front-wheel, park front end first. This makes it difficult to tow. Also use your emergency brake.
These are simple steps that can help prevent your vehicle from being stolen and save you a lot of trouble and time in the long run.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Cars In Extinction

2010-02-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

When we think of vehicles no longer made, maybe we reminisce about the old Woody station wagon or Willys Jeep. But of late, cars that are still in our driveway are becoming cars of yesterday, that is, they are either no longer being made or slated to being discontinued. Will these vehicles too become collectibles? What vehicles are they?

The first is the Saturn. Saturn Corporation began making their vehicles in 1985 as a subsidiary of General Motors when GM was hoping to keep up in competition with Japanese imports with the creation of the Saturn. Vehicle sales didn't quite do that for GM and they decided to focus on their four core brands Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. In 2009 GM was looking to sell their Saturn products to Penske Automotive. Penske backed out of the purchase and now all production has been halted and operations are expected to shut down by October 2010. Saturn isn't the only vehicle that lost focus for GM, sales slowed for their Pontiac, Hummer and Saab as well. But for now, we will be seeing the last of all the Saturn series this year.

What about the Oldsmobile? This brand of vehicle has been around forever and also a product of GM. The brand was started in 1897 by Ransom Olds and has sold over 35.2 million cars. Oldsmobile is considered the oldest surviving American automobile. Oldsmobile brand vehicles that have been phased out included the Bravada in 2002, Intrigue and Aurora V6 in 2002, Aurora V8 in 2003, Bravada SUV in 2004, Silhouette minivan in 2004 and Alero compact car in 2004.

The Plymouth has been around for some time as well. This vehicle was introduced to the market in 1928. It was the Chrysler Corporation's first shot at providing a low-priced vehicle to its consumers in efforts to compete with Chevrolet and Ford. Plymouths were actually priced a little higher than the competition, but they offered standard features such as internal expanding hydraulic brakes that the competition did not provide. Plymouths were originally sold exclusively through Chrysler dealerships. Plymouth's logo featured a rear view of the Mayflower ship that landed at Plymouth Rock. The last new model sold under the Plymouth marquee was the second generation Neon for 2000-2001.

Plymouth's PT Cruiser was ultimately launched as a Chrysler, and the Prowler and Voyager were absorbed into that make as well. Following the 2001 model year, the Neon was sold only as a Dodge in the US, though it remained available as a Chrysler in Canadian and other markets. After discontinuing the Eagle brand in 1998, Chrysler was planning to expand the Plymouth line with a number of unique models before the corporation's merged with Daimler-Benz AG. With the expansion they created the Plymouth Prowler, a retro looking hot rod sports car. This was followed by the PT Cruiser. Both models had similar retro themed front-end styling. At the time of Daimler's takeover of Plymouth the company didn't have any unique models besides the Prowler. While all Plymouth dealers also sold the Chrysler line of cars, many Dodge dealers sold only Dodge; it would have caused much greater disturbance to the dealer network to discontinue Dodge than Plymouth. Consequently, DaimlerChrysler decided to drop the make after a limited run of 2001 models. This was announced on November 3, 1999.

There are many cars both America and Foreign no longer made that many folks may still have parked in their garages and miss. They include: BMW Riley, BMW Triump, BMW Wolseley, Chrysler Hudson, Chrysler Nash, Chrysler Eagle, Chrysler Willys -Overland, Chrysler Maxwell, De Soto, Fiat Innocenti, Fiat Lancia, Ford Lagonda, Ford Tickford, Ford Edsel, GM Asuna, GM Geo, GM Laselle, GM Passport, MG Rover Austin-Healer, MG Rover Austin, MG Rover, Morris, MG Rover Qvale, MG Rover Standard, Renault Alpine, Datsun, Nissan Prince, Talbot Hillman, Talbot Simca, Talbot Sunbeam, Talbot-Lao, Audi DKW, NSU Wanderer.

This list may not even been comprehensive but certainly it may make you recall a few brands you once owned.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Additional Features That Improve the Value of Your Car

2010-02-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

If you have ever gone out to buy a new or used car, you know the choices are unlimited. First you pick the type of body style you want; sedan, pickup, van, SUV, or station wagon. Second you may look at brand names of car companies, or this may be first for you. Third, choosing color and fourth, extras.

Each factor in your decision will determine the cost of the vehicle as well as its resale value. Will you pick a vehicle with just the basics or a LS model? And what is a LS model beyond meaning a luxury sedan? Here are a few things that make a vehicle that luxury touch:

• Power - You have seen the abbreviations PW, PS, PB. They stand for power windows, power steering, power brakes. There is also power locks. Adding power can push the value of your vehicle up. Power windows alone can add around $125 to $300 to the value of a subcompact car. Power locks can add another $200.
• Sound - Does your vehicle have a premium sound system? Does it include a MP3 player or CD player, multi-disc or single or rear seat DVD systems? A multi-disc CD player alone can potentially boost the value of your car up to $300 and $500 dollars.
• Sunroof/moonroof - People love having extra light in their cars. And not every vehicle comes with sunroofs or moonroofs, therefore the addition of this feature can boost the value of your car from $200 to $600, depending on whether it is sliding, electric or a push-up.
• Premium Wheels - Are the wheels premium alloy or aluminum? These additions to a vehicle will not only add style but value, anywhere from $150 to $600 in resale value.
• Navigation Systems - While navigation systems used to be just for the very expensive luxury vehicles, today they are a bit more common and still in high demand. Some built in systems help owners unlock their vehicles when they lock their keys in the car or dial 911 for assistance in emergencies.
• Color - This isn't as obvious as the other factors. Many vehicles come in standard colors but when you jump up to luxury you get a unique set of choices. For instance with the Lexus LS, sedan colors include Black Opal Mica, Golden Almond Metallic and Opaline Pearl, just to name a few. If you are looking at getting the highest resale value for your vehicle, you may steer away from choosing odd colors when buying your car, such as purple, yellow or orange. Also, if you live in a hot climate, black may not be a good choice.
• Other Extras - There are many other extras that can boost your cars resale value. They include leather interior, which can add $500 to $600 to your car. Size of engine, cruise control, sports performance packages, air suspension, all-wheel drive, rear defoggers, title steering wheels, heated seats, extra trim, dual front or side air bags, and power seats.

Adding lots of after-market extras will not necessarily add value to your vehicle, such as name brand stereo systems or lift kits. Sticking with the basics that are tried and true is your best bet in finding a car you will enjoy and those after you will.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Putting The Luxury In A Luxury Vehicle

2010-02-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

Owning a luxury vehicle is a desire most people have. Who doesn't want to travel in the highest form of comfort and style? So what makes a vehicle luxurious and who makes these vehicles?

Adding luxury to a vehicle can include many things from genuine leather upholstery and polished woodgrain-looking dashboards to customized rims or chrome. Having a luxury car can also include the newest and latest safety features. Most luxury features trickle down to becoming a common feature in most cars, such as the concept of anti-lock breaks, heated seats or DVD entertainment systems.

But owning luxury means you get the latest technology and the best before anybody else does. So what types of features are luxury vehicles offering these days to stay ahead of the pack? They include:

1. In-dash CD changer: There was a time that CD changers were always in the trunk, which was completely impractical. Today, many luxury vehicles are coming with in-dash units that can play six CDs. This might be limited if the vehicle comes with a navigational system, which takes up the dash space and therefore puts the CD chaner back into the glove compartment, center console, trunk or cargo area, or under a seat.

2. Adaptive cruise control: This one is a safety feature and you may have seen the commercials for this. Adaptive cruise control uses radar or lasers to determine the distance to the vehicle in front of your car and then adjusts the speed accordingly, Many systems alert drivers if the vehicle in front decelerates abruptly.

3. Adaptive suspension: Want control of your ride, how bumpy or smooth it may be? This is where adaptive suspension comes in handy as it controls firmness of individual struts or shock absorbers, changing a vehicle's ride within milliseconds. Advanced systems sense road conditions and stiffen suspension points to provide appropriate handling. Some systems allow you to select your own suspension, making it have both automatic and manual.

4. Advanced climate controls: Dual-zone automatic climate controls have been around for a while, especially in large vehicles. The advanced climate control allows fan speeds and airflow to vary between the two zones. The driver can program warmer air to hit their feet, while the passenger opts for cooler air to blow toward their face.

5. Heated steering wheel: Electrically heated steering wheels heat faster than traditional climate-control systems, warming hands long before the ambient air does. Most operate at the push of a button, though some automatically activate when the seat heaters are switched on.

6. Onboard data processor: An onboard processor should minimally operate as an advanced trip computer that reports relevant vehicle statistics. On pricier vehicles in this class, the feature may include a hard drive that stores music, maintenance files and navigation data.

7. Massaging seats: Okay, this is definitely luxury. This is one of the newest innovations, which is available for both front and rear seats. Some systems, such as use liquid-filled bladders that slowly flow from one side to the other; others use embedded motors. The idea is to relieve fatigue for long trips of sitting.

8. Refrigerator: Want to keep your favorite beverages cooled? Do you live in a hot climate where just about everything goes from cool to extremely warm in minutes? Then you might want a refrigerator in your vehicle. This refrigerator is typically mounted between the rear seats.

9. Panoramic moonroof: These moonroofs are essentially a fixed glass pane placed behind an existing moonroof. Panoramic moonroofs give the cabin a more airy, open feel — especially over the backseat.

The list can go on, depending on what make or model you choose or the amount of money you are willing to spend. Of course if you don't have the kind of money it requires to buy extreme luxury, just wait a few years and it is possible these features will be in a car within your budget.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Should You Buy American or Foreign

2010-01-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

When it comes to car buying, there are many who want to know, where the car was made, is it American or Foreign. People who want to buy only American are finding it more and more difficult to distinguish if their vehicle was truly made in America. At times they are even surprised to discover that the vehicle they thought was 'foreign' is primarily made in America.

The making of a vehicle can require numerous parts, which could be made all over the world. The vehicle then has to be assembled. And then there is the actual company or corporation who owns the car, one may ask where they are located?

Many vehicles manufactured in the USA are considered "foreign" while vehicles manufactured in Mexico and Canada could be called American or domestic. According to federal regulations, for a car to be domestic or American, it has to be made of at least 75% of domestic parts. US manufacturers can send parts to Mexico or Canada where the cars are built but can promote them as domestic. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai manufacture many cars in the USA, in American plants with American research facilities but are still considered foreign cars due to the parts being foreign. For example, the Ford Fusion is built in Mexico while the Toyota Camry is manufactured in Kentucky.

If this isn't confusing enough, we can look at companies we consider American and see that their holdings include foreign cars. For instance, General Motors owns a percentage of Saab, Suzuki and Isuzu motors. A.G. Ford owns Volvo, Land Rover, Aston Martin and Jaguar.

Maybe your desire to buy an American car isn't about being patriotic but due to the cost of repairs. If this is the case, speak to several mechanics about the brand name you are looking to purchase and ask whether they have a good reputation and whether they are expensive to repair.

In the past, many didn't care about the cost of repairs as they felt foreign cars were better built and lasted longer. Now, even those lines are becoming blurred as Americans are seeing domestic cars becoming more and more reliable. Auto industry analysts are even stating that the performance of American-made cars is now very close to those made in Japan and even Europe. Because the perception is still there, foreign cars still have the advantage in holding their resell value.

Gas efficiency is another concern for those seeking to buy American verses foreign. While foreign vehicles have typically held the market for being the most fuel efficient, American models are starting to catch up.

Last are safety features. There are those who don't care where their vehicle is made as long as it has great safety ratings. While Volvo has held the record for safety, American automakers are starting to recognize the value of safety to auto buyers and are beginning to promote and step up their safety features as well.

Will it continue to be advantageous to buy domestic over foreign? It is hard to tell, it could depend all on what it is you're seeking.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Sharpening Your Parallel Parking Skills

2010-01-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

For teenagers, when first taking their driving test, parallel parking is often considered the strongest challenge. For adults, this doesn't change much, especially if you aren’t in the practice of parking this way.

What is parallel parking? Parallel parking is a method of parking a vehicle in line with other parked cars. Cars parked in parallel are in one line, parallel to the curb, with the front bumper of each car facing the back bumper of the adjacent one. Parallel parking requires driving the car in reverse gear into the parking space. Roads that facilitate said parking have an extra lane or a large shoulder for parked cars. It is also employed anytime parking facilities are not available - usually in large metropolitan areas where there is a high density of vehicles. Driving forward into a parking space on the side of a road is typically not possible unless two successive parking spaces are empty.

If you have forgotten the rules of parallel parking or it has been a while since you have had to try it, this is how it goes:

1. Make sure the space you are looking to park in is big enough for your vehicle. A large SUV will obviously need more room than a Mini Cooper. Typically you will want to park in a space that is about one and half times longer than your vehicle.
2. Check the traffic beside you and behind you, then signal your wish to pull over and stop. Drive alongside or parallel to the vehicle ahead of the empty space, leaving about a three feet between the vehicles. Stop when your rear bumper is in line with the other vehicle.
3. Look out for the rear corner of the car in the side window. While reversing, begin turning your steering wheel to the right toward the curb when the front of your car passes the rear of the car you are next to.
4. When you can see the outside rear corner of the vehicle in front of your space, straighten your wheels as you continue in reverse.
5. Making sure the nose of your car will clear the car in front of you, begin turning the wheel to the left.
6. Turn the steering wheel fully toward the road to bring your vehicle in line with the curb.
7. If your vehicle is not parallel to the curb, drive forward to straighten.

Once you are properly parked, set the parking brake and put your car into park or if you have a manual transmission, shift it into reverse. Of course you want to check traffic before opening your door.

If this sounds intimidating, try practicing in an empty parking lot with cones or trash cans with flags sticking out of them. Perfect parking takes practice and practicing on cones rather than somebody's vehicle may be the wisest solution.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Safe Driving 101 For Women

2010-01-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the automobile, both men and women are vulnerable to car accidents but typically, women may be more susceptible to other bad behaviors such as car jacking, being mugged before getting into the car or even road rage.

So what can women do to help protect themselves? Here are a few tips that include how to be safe from predators to just plain driving safely.

1. Don't Engage Road Ragers - If somebody is driving recklessly or in an angry way, don't even let them get your attention. Continue driving, don't honk or even gesticulate as the person with road rage could become even more aggravated. If the person continues to drive aggressively, give them plenty of room to get around you without endangering them or other drivers.

2. Watch for Car Jackers - Most of us know about people who jump into our cars while at stop signs or lights, others tend to forget this is a problem, no matter where you live. To protect yourself from such issues, not only keep your doors locked while driving but your windows raised. Also, keep your sound system at a reasonable volume so you can be alert at all times. Being alert also requires not spacing out or having your eyes on your phone checking for text messages at every light. Carjackers and robbers rely on the element of surprise, so if you're keeping eyes and ears alert to what's going on outside your vehicle, bad guys don't have a chance to sneak up on you. In the case of just getting into your vehicle, such as walking out of a shopping mall, be sure to have all your money put away before going outside. Don't accept help from strangers and have your keys out ready to open your vehicle. Your keys can also serve as a weapon. Don't approach your vehicle if a van or other large vehicle that wasn't there before is parked next to it. If you still feel unsafe about getting into your car at night, ask the store if a security guard is available to escort you.

3. Keep Your Car Well Serviced - Nobody wants to break down along the side of the road, especially at night and especially if you are a woman. Keep your car maintained on a regular basis and have your tires checked as well. If your vehicle does break down and your cell phone is in working order, stay in your car and lock your windows and doors while awaiting help.

4. Don't Stop For Others - We see others who are broke down on the side of the road, it is difficult not to stop for them or help out. If you want to help, make a phone call for the person without stopping. As for hitchhikers, let others to do the job!

5. Fake Police Cars - This is a tricky one but one that is becoming more prominent. Sometimes perpetrators will masquerade as police and pull women over. If you have not been speeding or don't see a reason for why you are being pulled over and are in a dark area with a car that doesn't resemble a cop car, you can call 911 to ask dispatchers if police have reported that they are pulling a car over. While on the phone, if the person walks up to your car, don't lower your car's windows right away, look at the uniform to see if there is any official identification.  
These are just a few tips women can practice when getting into their cars, driving their cars and exiting their vehicles. By being aware of the dangers, a woman can prevent herself from being any more susceptible than needed.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Understanding the Value of Your Trade In

2010-01-05T05:52:00.001-08:00

If it is time to trade in that used car and time for a new one, there are a few things to understand about how the value of your used car is estimated. Having this information will help you also understand how much you can afford in buying another car to replace your used one.

1. Go Prepared With Information - Write down the year, make, mileage, and model of your car before going to the dealership. Most cars come with standard equipment and then there are options that can increase the value of your car. Write down all the options you know your car has such as heated leather seats, sunroof, power windows, etc. Also be sure to clean your car up before taking it in, make it presentable. There are other factors that determine the value of your car. These include at times the day of the month it was built, the product mix the dealer has on the lot and the inventory mix. For example, if a dealer already has five white Camrys on the lot, and you want to trade in a white Camry, they won't give you much for your car. If they're light on that car, or they're one or two cars short of making a bonus, they might be more anxious to offer you a bit more. Also, know how much curb appeal your car has. Does it have dents or dings? Another consideration is, have you been smoking in your car or is the upholstery in good shape? How well have you been taking care of your engine and keeping your fluids up? All of these above items will be considered by the dealer in determining your trade-in value.

2. Weigh out Kelly Blue Book Values - Most people use the Kelly Blue Book to get an idea of what their used car is worth but remember that these estimates are usually high. Many people have the misconception that a dealer can pay a price for a trade-in that is equal to what a consumer would pay. The dealer has other costs to consider such as how long it will take to sell your trade-in, the cost of advertising it or holding it as inventory. Also know that it is possible that your car's value may have dropped in street value, one that the Internet hasn't caught up with yet.

3. Knowing the value of your car helps know what you can afford. When you know your used car's approximate trade in value, you can then determine if you want to go ahead with trading it in or selling it yourself. Another thing to consider is how much you owe on your car or what is the payoff? If you are upside-down on your loan, that is, you owe more than the car is worth, remember that amount has to be rolled into your new car loan. Weigh out this amount so you can determine how much car you can afford or get a loan for before going into the dealership.

Going to a dealership with this information will help you feel more prepared in understanding what the true value of your used vehicle is along with how much of a newer vehicle you can afford.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

History of the Pick-Up Truck

2009-12-30T16:19:00.000-08:00

The pickup truck seems to have been around forever, but what is its history?

The unique style of the pick up truck has been altered in several ways, mostly for aesthetic value. Although, the first pick-up trucks were created for their functionality, the pickup was created by a poor farmer in Australia, who wrote to Ford Motor Company, stating, “Why don’t you build people like me a vehicle which I can take my family to church on Sunday, and my pigs to town on Monday?”

In October 1933 Ford Australia handcrafted their very first version of the pickup truck we know today. The designer of this first truck was Lewis Bandt, an engineer with Ford Motor, Australia. His sketches were based off of the 1925 version of the Ford Model T car. The rear of the vehicle was modified to create a wider, longer bed. In the first year of production, 34,000 pick-ups were built and sold.

After Chrysler acquired the Dodge company in early 1928, the Dodge brothers crafted their own version of the pickup truck. This version was rarely used for the public, and was purchased more for delivery and commercial use.

Formally defined as a light motor automobile with an open-top rear cargo bed, the idea swept over Australia, being grandly accepted, known then as the ‘ute’ (utility vehicle). Most Australians and South Americans still refer to pickup trucks as the ’ute’, today. Nearly all of the pickup trucks today resemble that first model, and as of 2000, over 3,370,000 pick up trucks have been sold in the United States alone.

When the pickup truck hit the markets of North America, ranchers were the first to accept the vision. Used for feeding animals, hauling lumber/fencing and towing, these ranchers and other westerners gave the pickup a portrayal of freedom and the Old West. Some ranchers began calling the pickup the ‘Cowboy Cadillac’, emphasizing the beloved culture of a useful vehicle. Texans today own fifteen percent of all pickups owned in all of North America. With that, automakers have come out with versions of the pickup truck, known as the ‘Lone Star Edition’ and the ‘Texas Edition’. Even George W. Bush was seen in Crawford Texas driving a white Ford F250 pickup truck while on vacation.

The evolution of this creation has worked into the modern SUV and bigger versions of the pickup truck; for off-roading, heavy hauling and more strenuous tasks. Although, the vision has remained, to date, companies such as Chevrolet, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Nissan, Toyota and Subaru have created versions of their own pick-up truck.

The military has also adapted versions of the pick-up truck for technical use and combat vehicles. Pickup trucks carry soldiers around the world, as well as carrying armor, weaponry and food. Some pickups have even been altered to include machine guns atop them and bullet-proof shielding. Having a machine gun in the front seat is possibly what spurred the term ‘riding shotgun’.

The pickup has several uses, and continues to be a top-seller in the automotive world. Whether used for camping or racing these tough-built vehicles have come a long way since 1933.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Whatever Happened To the Oldsmobile?

2009-12-30T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Oldsmobile had seen many a great day before it became a discontinued product of General Motors. In its time it was the top selling car in the country. It was also the forerunner of the curved dashboard, something most people now take for granted. As time went by, the Oldsmobile outgrew itself and eventually was not manufactured any more.

But what is the history of the Oldsmobile? Oldsmobile was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897 and later purchased by General Motors in 1908. Oldsmobile's were first manufactured in Lansing, Michigan but later moved to Detroit after GM purchased the brand. In 1901 the car company, which was outselling all other cars, produced numerous prototypes ready for mass production when the factory caught on fire and burned to the ground, ruining all the prototypes except the Curved Dash model. It was the news of the fire, not the car, that generated interest in the Curved Dash Olds and shortly thereafter, with some positive publicity stemming from a Detroit to New York "road trip,"—the longest automobile trip made at that time—the new factory began to pump out the company's first high-volume vehicle. Mr. Olds followed up with a 1905 transcontinental race from New York City to Portland, accomplished in 45 days. It was an astonishing achievement for the day, and helped to solidify Oldsmobile's place as an automobile, which offered both innovation and confidence. It changed a lot of minds among people willing to consider trading in their horses for an automobile.

In its time, the Oldsmobile was known for its luxury vehicle the 1910 Limited Touring car. This vehicle retailed for $4,600, the same amount of money it would cost to purchase a house. Options on this vehicle included a speedometer, clock, and a full glass windshield. A limousine version was priced at $5,800. While Oldsmobile only sold 725 Limiteds' in its three years of production, the car is best remembered for winning a race against the famed 20th Century Limited train, an event immortalized in the painting "Setting the Pace" by William Hardner Foster.
The Oldsmobile was also known for pioneering the four-speed semi-automatic transmission called the "Automatic Safety Transmission. Although this accessory was actually built by Buick, it was offered in both cars, first in the Oldsmobile in 1937 and then in the Buick in 1938. This transmission featured a conventional clutch pedal, which the driver pressed before selecting either "low" or "high" range. In "low", the car shifted between first and second gears. In "high", the car shifted between first, third and fourth gears

In 1949, Oldsmobile once again was a pioneer when it introduced the Rocket engine, which used an overhead valve V8 design rather than the flathead "straight-8" design which prevailed at the time. This engine produced far more power than the engines that were popular during that era, and drivers who loved speed and stock car races, favored this vehicle.

In the 1970s, the mid-size Oldsmobile Cutlass was the division's best-selling model, and for several years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was the best-selling car in America. But the sales of the Cutlass and other Oldsmobile models fell beginning in the 1990s. The brand was hurt by its image as old and stuffy, and this perception continued despite a public relations campaign in the late 1980s that proclaimed this was "not your father's Oldsmobile.

The last Oldsmobile was built on May 5, 2004 at its one remaining factory in Lansing, Michigan.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Driving Safely Through The Holidays

2009-12-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

The holidays are upon us and as people have a million things on their mind as well as a million places to go. With this, the risk of getting into an automobile accident increases. So how can you practice driving a little more safely around the holidays? Here are a few ways you can protect yourself:

1. Pay Attention - If the other person isn't paying attention, at least you can say you were. The most common statement made after an accident is "I never saw him!" There are a few times during a collision when a vehicle can't be seen due to blind spots, but for the most part, collisions are caused by one or both drivers not paying attention. Paying attention makes it possible for you to see, recognize and avoid the hazards lurking on the road.

2. Don't Trust Anybody - Driving defensively means to never trust anybody. Never make assumptions about the other driver, such as the fact they really are going to turn because they have their blinker on or that they can see you. Anticipate the mistakes the other drive might make and be ready for them. Everybody makes mistakes, so being alert can help you not be at the fate of another's error.
3. Don't Multitask While Driving -People are trying to get more done in less time these days, especially around the holidays. If you are on the road, don't attempt to multitask. Multitasking can come in many forms.

• Driving While on the Cell Phone - It seems as if this practice has become an epidemic. Most conversations aren't so important that they can't wait until you get home. Studies have shown that people engaged in conversation on a cell phone have slower reaction times and are more likely to miss obstacles in the road. If you absolutely have to talk on your cell phone, use a hands free device.

• Applying Makeup While Driving - This one has been around for a long time and despite its dangers, women still do it. If you are running late for work or a party, don't apply your lipstick or mascara while driving or even at stoplights, it is just too hazardous and contributes to the problem of driving while multitasking.

• Eating While Driving - This is a big one and one most of us are guilty of it. You are in a hurry or on your lunch hour and don't have time to pull off to eat, so you stop through a drive through and eat while driving. Studies have shown people who are eating and driving tend to struggle in passing other vehicles or maintaining their attention to the road, making them double the risk of getting in a car accident.

• Reading While Driving - This one sounds odd but how many people look down to read something such as a text message, newspaper or map while driving? Again, looking away for even a second lends itself to dangerous driving.

There are many ways to drive safely over the holidays but if you practice the tried and true idea of just giving your driving full attention, you can help keep yourself and your family safe.  

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Towing Tips For The New and Experienced

2009-12-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

You bought yourself a new boat or maybe a camper trailer - or it is possible you have owned one and are finally getting some vacation time to take either of these out. Whatever the case, if you haven't towed anything behind your vehicle in a while or ever, you might want to consider a few of these tips.

1. Is Your Vehicle Heavy Enough? - To determine your vehicle's towing capacity check first with your owner's manual where there will be weight ratings for towing. Many automakers put the numbers inside the driver's doorsill. In checking your towing capacity, first note the maximum gross trailer weight, then note your vehicle's maximum gross vehicle weight rating (or GVWR). Next, to get an idea of how much weight your vehicle can carry safely, in terms of occupants and cargo, subtract the curb weight from the gross weight. Newer vehicles will more clearly state in the doorsill the maximum combined weight of cargo and passengers. If you discover that your item to be towed is well within the tow limit of your vehicle, don't forget to add the tongue weight (the downward force on the hitch), which is usually roughly ten percent of the total weight of the trailer. Never exceed that capacity, no matter what.

2. Load Weight Properly - Don't place all of your heaviest cargo items at the back of your vehicle nor should you load the heaviest items at either end of the trailer. Ideally, the heaviest things in the trailer you're towing should be just in front of the axle and about 60 percent of the trailer's weight should be ahead of the axle. If too much weight is at the back of the trailer it can produce a negative load at the tongue, effectively lifting up at the hitch and creating dangerous "sway" conditions. At too-fast highway speeds, sway can very quickly lead to a sideways whip of the trailer that can pull the tow vehicle out of control.

3. Watch The Brakes - Have your brakes check a few days before your towing trip. Brakes are extremely taxed when towing. In addition, while you're driving, don't ride the brakes; dab them instead in gentle pulses to help keep them from overheating. Downshift going down hills as well as up, and make sure you start a steep downgrade at a slow, responsible speed.

4. Remember A Spare - If what you're towing has been sitting a while, it is most likely the tires have become old and cracked. Visually check your tire's tread before and during the trip, and think about getting a spare tire along with a spare wheel and wheel hub for the trailer.

5. Don't Try To Fix It Yourself - If anything goes wrong, whether it's a flat, a wheel bearing, or something more serious, don't try to fix it. Get some expert help from roadside assistance—and before the trip, make sure you're covered. Because of the additional strain on the tow vehicle, if it's not a complete fix you run the risk of doing even more damage or causing an accident. Never try to disconnect the trailer yourself on the side of a busy highway.

6. Stay Visible - Visibility is one of the biggest hurdles while towing. Not only can you not always fully see the vehicles behind you, others might not be able to see you. That's where the brake lights and turn signals on the trailer come into play, but it helps if you have a better, wider rearward view. Consider getting some towing mirrors, or even some wide-angle clip-ons.

7. Take a Test Run - Go out on a test run to make sure you aren’t having issues with sway. Set out carefully, on a familiar road (remember to swing wide for those corners), and make sure the handling and braking feel safe. Look rearward when you can for any bouncing or swaying. Safety chains or breakaway kits need to be installed, even for a short trip, so get them adjusted and make sure they have enough give in corners. If anything doesn't sound or feel right, take it to an expert and have them check over the entire setup.

8. Practice Backing Up - Backing up is intimidating, even to more experienced towers. Once the trailer's installed, practice backing up at home or in an empty parking lot. First, steer with the bottom of the steering wheel, in the direction you want to go, then when the trailer starts angling in the right direction, steer from the top of the steering wheel, gently, in the proper direction.

By practicing these few simple steps, you can have a safer and more enjoyable vacation, no matter what it is you are towing.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

What Does It Mean To Own An All-Wheel-Drive

2009-11-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

We have heard of all-wheel-drive or AWD, but what does that mean? And how does it differentiate from four-wheel driver or two-wheel drive? Here are some definitions.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) - A full-time single-speed system designed to supply drive power to all four wheels. The percentage of front/rear power delivery varies from system to system.

4 x 4 (4WD) - Describes a vehicle with four-wheel drive. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels. With most four-wheel drives the driver is able to typically switch (sometimes with an automatic option) between two-wheel drive mode (if available) for streets and four-wheel drive mode for low traction conditions such as ice, mud, snow, slippery surfaces, or loose gravel.

4 x 2 (2WD) - Refers to a two-wheel drive vehicle with four wheels. The first figure is the number of wheels. The second is the number of powered wheels. With a 4x2, engine power is transmitted to only two wheels, usually the rear.

Part-Time 4WD - Refers to a four-wheel drive system that operates on-demand and drives all four wheels by locking front and rear axles together via a shift lever. It usually includes two speed ranges (Hi and Lo). Part-time 4WD systems must be operated in 2WD mode on dry pavement, as they're designed to be used only in specific situations when extra traction is required.

Full-Time 4WD - Describes a four-wheel-drive system that can be operated continuously on all surfaces. A full-time four-wheel-drive system may include the option of part-time operation (allowing you to shift into 2WD on dry pavement for example), and may or may not have Hi and Lo speed ranges.

Automatic Four-Wheel Drive (A4WD) - This type of drive system automatically engages 4WD as needed. When internal monitors sense differences in individual wheel speeds, indicating that a tire is slipping, then 4WD is automatically engaged.

Shift on the Fly - This type of system allows manual shifting from 2WD to 4WD Hi without coming to a stop. Most systems have a speed limit at which you can engage the system; typically it's under 60 mph.

All Wheel Drive vehicles are often described as "full time" 4WD that may be used on dry pavement without damaging the differentials, although the term may be abused when marketing a vehicle. AWD can be used on dry pavement because it employs a center differential, which allows each axle to rotate at a different speed. ("Full-Time" 4WD can be disengaged and the center differential can be locked, essentially turning it into regular 4WD). On the other hand, AWD cannot be disengaged and differentials cannot be locked. Another common assumption is that 4x4 means all four wheels are driven at the same time. However, this isn't necessarily true. When a vehicle negotiates a bend, the differential in the axle compensates for the fact that the outside wheel travels further than the inside one does. Thus, it allows a speed differential to exist between the two wheels.

Being a mechanical device, the differential abides by the laws of physics, which state that energy always takes the easiest route. So, if one wheel is on a slippery surface (like ice) then all the energy will be sent to that wheel and away from the wheel with traction. The end result is that you lose all forward motion. When four-wheel drive mode is engaged, the front and rear axles are locked together, so at least one wheel on each axle can be driven by the engine effectively.

You can force a 4x2 vehicle to act similar to a 4x4 on occasion by gently pressing the brake pedal to slow down the wheel that's spinning and transfer energy to the wheel with traction.

Cars known for their impressive All Wheel Drive are numerous. A few include the Subaru Impreza, Ford V6 SE, Acura RL, Toyota Sienna LE, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Ford Edge, Acura MDX and the Audi TSS.

Your driving needs and talking with your car dealer can help you determine which vehicle is best for you.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

What To Do If In A Car Accident

2009-11-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

From fender benders to major crashes, an accident can leave one shocked and perplexed. So what does one do if they are in a car accident? Do you leave your car in the middle of the road for insurance purposes or move it? People are often in shock when an accident happens and forget to take the necessary steps needed. So if you are in an accident, here are some steps to follow:

1. Stop - Failure to stop after an accident is a felony if someone is injured, if nobody is injured, it is still a misdemeanor. Of course if somebody is hurt, immediately call 911 and report the accident and leave your vehicles where they are — even if they're blocking traffic. Practice caution though, be cognizant of approaching vehicles, as well as your own vehicle. Why leave your vehicle in its place? Law enforcement may need to inspect evidence about the crash for their investigation. By leaving your vehicle where it is — even if it snags traffic — law enforcement officers can try to gauge what happened, as well as determine who might be at fault for the accident. Circumstances, speed and point of impact can all be determined from the evidence at the scene of the accident.

2. Practice Safety - If you're involved in a minor fender bender, such as another car rear-ending you or a car that changes lanes and runs into you, it's probably best to move your cars out of traffic after verifying no one is hurt. Many states have signs along major highways that advise you to move your car off the road after a minor accident. Once you move your car off the road, continue practicing safety. For instance, if possible, park your car in an area that is easily visible to oncoming cars so you they won't hit you. If you stay in your car, keep your seat belt on at all times. If you get out of your car, try to exit it on the opposite side of passing traffic, even if that means crawling to the passenger side of the car. When standing outside to exchange information or look at the damage, do not stand in front of your car and do not stand with your back to the traffic.

Remember to try to stay as visible as possible. If you have flares, set them and stand as far from your vehicle and passing vehicles as you can. Remember to keep your distance, even after law enforcement or other help arrives. Other drivers may not be paying attention, which still makes the situation dangerous for you.

If your vehicle can't be moved, keep your seat belt on if you remain in the car, or exit the car when no other vehicles are coming up behind you. At all times, be aware of your surroundings, and remember that help will arrive, so stay calm and don't panic.

3. Cooperate With The Police - Insist that a police accident report is made when the police arrive; cooperate with the police but do not make admissions or give opinions. If there are any witnesses on your behalf, get their name, address, telephone number and ask them to give a statement to the police officer. If another vehicle is involved, get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license number, vehicle registration number and insurance company, and give him or her your corresponding information. Also get the name and address of all other drivers and registered owners of all other vehicles involved in the accident along with license plate numbers, and the state of registration for all other vehicles involved in the accident. Examine the driver’s license to see if there are any restrictions, which weren’t being followed (such as wearing eyeglasses, for example). If the vehicle is registered to someone else, get that person’s name and address as well. Also, be sure to get the names and badge numbers of the police offices who arrive at the scene. Get a police accident report number when the police officer finishes writing the report.

If you suspect that the other driver has been drinking, insist that you both take a sobriety or breath test. Write down your recollection of how the accident transpired, including your own traveling speed. Include the time of day, weather conditions, and any hazardous circumstances (such as blind spots). Describe the area, noting exactly where the accident took place. Do this while you’re still at the scene and your impressions are fresh.

Don’t sign anything unless required to do so by the police. Don’t admit guilt or even shared guilt. Don’t say that your insurance will cover everything, or mention how much coverage that you have. Ask the police whether you should report the accident yourself, and if so, how and where. You may need to do so if the accident occurred on private property.

4. Call your insurance agent - Let your agent know exactly what happened, along with any evidence that you have. Do not rely on the other person’s promise to pay. Report even small accidents if someone was hurt; the injury could turn out to be more serious than it first appeared. You could risk losing your coverage if you don’t.

5. Keep Track of Expenses - Be sure to keep good records of all expenses associated with the accident, such as lost paychecks or the cost of renting a car while yours is being repaired. In a no-fault state, your insurance company may pick up that tab. In a fault state, the other driver’s insurance company should reimburse you if the accident was his or her fault.
Following these simple steps may save you a lot of time and expense down the road.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

A DUI And Its Implications

2009-11-09T16:57:00.001-08:00

There are often questions about what you can and can't do when driving under the influence. For instance, how many people know that not only the act of operating a vehicle is illegal under the influence but also a bicycle, boat, airplane, wheelchair, tractor and even a horse?

Why has DUI, DWI or even OWI's become a serious offense? According to statistics, alcohol is estimated to play a huge role in vehicle related deaths. It is estimated that at least 39 percent of vehicle-related deaths are due to somebody being under the influence. With these numbers, not to mention the financial costs, most countries are cracking down on anyone convicted of injuring or killing someone while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Laws vary within the United States from state to state, regarding sentencing. Each state are the same in that each prohibit driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above.

In most states if you are convicted of drunk driving, you will be taken to jail, fined and you may have your license suspended or revoked. It is also possible that your license may be taken if you fail or refuse to take a breath or chemical test. In some states this is called an administrative license suspension that usually falls under the state's implied consent law.

There are also states that allow convicted drunk drivers to drive only if their automobile has had an Ignition Interlock Device installed. This device analyzes a driver’s breath and could disable the ignition if the driver has been drinking. In some states, multiple offenders also face the possibility of having their vehicle seized and auctioned off by the state.

How is one determined to be a driver under the influence? Historically, guilt was established by observed driving symptoms, such as weaving or a police officer administering a field sobriety test that includes walking in a straight line heel-to-toe or standing on one leg for 30 seconds. The US Department of Transportation explains the Field Sobriety Test as, "a battery of three tests administered and evaluated in a standardized manner to obtain validated indicators of impairment and establish probable cause for arrest."

With the advent of a scientific test for blood alcohol content (BAC), motorists are subjected to the test. BAC is most conveniently measured as a simple percent of alcohol in the blood by weight. A person's blood alcohol content is not the only thing that can determine a person's sobriety. A driver having a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading somewhat lower than 0.08 %, but who also shows signs of impairment can be charged with a DUI. The “legal limit” is simply the number above which a driver is automatically guilty of driving under the influence (or some related statute) without any other evidence. However, many states also allow for DUI charges and conviction when a driver has a slightly lower BAC reading but also fails field sobriety tests, drives erratically, or otherwise shows signs of being impaired.

Other ways to get yourself in trouble with driving and alcohol is to have an open container in your vehicle. In many states, it is illegal to have an empty container, even if it is hidden away in a glove box or trunk.

Driving while under the influence is not only dangerous to yourself and others but can land you in jail or a time without your license and vehicle, not to mention a hefty legal fee. Next time you are out having fun, you have to ask yourself if it is worth it.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Your Vehicle and Winter Driving

2009-10-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Winter is nearly upon us, is your car ready for the change of weather? According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are over 6,400,000 vehicle crashes each year and 24 percent of these crashes are weather-related. What kind of weather is the most dangerous? Believe it or not, statistically it is the rain. Because water reduces vehicle traction, maneuverability, as well as visibility - these three in combination can cause problems in rain and almost any kind of bad weather.

What are some things you can do to prepare your car for the highest degree of safety before inclement weather sets in? Here are a handful of items that you can add to your auto service checklist:

• Windshield Wiper Blades - Are your blades working properly. If you rarely use your blades during the summer and live in places where the sun can dry them out, it is most likely that the rubber will harden and the blades will not work as well when you need them. If you live in an area where you expect heavy snow during the winter, you may want to consider switching your blades for snow blades .

• Tires - This is a big one. There are many inspections to be made on your tires before winter sets in. The first is to make sure they are properly inflated. Under- or over-inflated tires can reduce the gripping action as the tread won't meet the road surface as it was designed to. If you are in a place where there is a lot of snow or ice, try using tires made just for this kind of weather. Snow and ice tires have a special tread compound and a unique tread design to increase road-gripping abilities.

• Your Shoes - Yes, your shoes. Snow and mud can compound on the bottom of your shoes, which can cause slippery braking. This and when the snow melts off of your shoes and gathers on the floor, can make your floorboard slippery and difficult for you to use your gas, clutch or brake accurately.

• Watch The Braking - If you have driven in ice and snow, this one is problem second nature to you, but so many people forget to retrain themselves and their driving habits during the winter. Avoid harsh use of your brakes while driving. If you need to make an emergency stop in a car equipped with an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), firmly press the pedal down and hold it to the floor.

• Coolant - Flush and refill your cooling system as recommended. Check the level, condition and concentration of the coolant periodically.

• Heater and Defroster - Make sure your cars heater and defroster are in good working condition before you have to depend on them. A failed heating system will leave passengers cold, while a broken defroster can dangerously reduce visibility.

• Battery - Nothing worse than getting caught in the cold with a dead battery and we all know how the weather can drain a battery. Before it gets too cold out, hire a technician to check your battery. Only professional equipment can detect weak batteries.

• Stay Prepared - Last, keep a blanket, shovel, flares and some high-energy snacks in the vehicle just in case you get hung up in the snow or cold weather. While it may be warm in your car and warm at the destination you will arrive at, anything can happen, leaving you without heat during your travels. When this happens you want to make sure you have something warm as a backup to wear until help comes.

Take precautions in checking over this list and hopefully your winter driving travels will be safe and warm.
Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Aging and The Elderly Driver

2009-10-23T10:40:00.001-07:00

Are the elderly safe to drive? For the most part, but if you have an aging parent, there are some things to look out for. Like anything that declines with age, so do driving skills. And yet, telling an elderly parent they aren't fit to drive can be one of the most difficult things to do. Driving represents freedom and independence. There are many things that can impair drivers who are elderly. They include: A slowdown in response time, a loss of clarity in vision and hearing, a loss of muscle strength and flexibility, drowsiness due to medications, a reduction in the ability to focus or concentration, and Lower tolerance for alcohol

Taken separately, none of these changes automatically means that elderly drivers should stop. But caregivers need to regularly evaluate the elderly person's driving skills to determine if they need to alter driving habits or stop driving altogether. So how can you tell if your elderly parent or friend may have a decline in their driving abilities? Signs include:

• Driving either too fast or too slow
• The need to ask passengers if it is clear to pass or turn
• Responding slowly to or not noticing pedestrians, bicyclists and other drivers
• Ignoring, disobeying or misinterpreting street signs and traffic lights
• Failing to yield to other cars or pedestrians who have the right-of-way
• Failing to judge distances between cars correctly
• Becoming easily frustrated and angry
• Appearing drowsy, confused or frightened
• Having one or more near accidents or near misses
• Drifting across lane markings or bumping into curbs
• Forgetting to turn on headlights after dusk
• Having difficulty with glare from oncoming headlights, streetlights, or other bright or shiny objects, especially at dawn, dusk and at night
• Having difficulty turning their head, neck, shoulders or body while driving or parking
• Having too little strength to turn the wheel quickly in an emergency
• Getting lost repeatedly, even in familiar areas

If you are a caregiver or have an elderly parent, find out whether the elderly driver has had their vision or hearing tested recently or have had a physical examination that tests their reflexes. Ask also whether they taking medications that might make them drowsy for confused?

If the elderly person you know is having problems driving, there are programs that do help them adjust to their physical conditions. One program is AARP or the American Association of Retired Persons. AARP has the 55-Alive Mature Driver Program, which helps older people deal with issues such as how to compensate for vision problems associated with aging.

There are some steps the elderly can take to adjust their driving needs to their age as well. They include:

• Avoiding driving at night and, if possible, at dawn or dusk
• Driving only to familiar locations
• Avoiding driving to places far away from home
• Avoiding expressways (freeways) and rush hour traffic
• Leaving plenty of time to get where they are going
• Not driving alone

If you feel these steps aren't sufficient, you might encourage your elderly loved one to take public transportation such as buses or trains. There are often discounts offered to seniors.

When it comes to the elderly and driving, it doesn't have to be all or nothing, there are many steps that can be taken before the final one of having their license taken away. It just may take some time or patience.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Aging and The Elderly Driver

2009-10-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

States Prosecuting for Driving and Texting

2009-10-23T10:39:00.000-07:00

Driving and texting used to just be a bad and dangerous idea. Now in many states it is illegal and can get you a DWT or Driving While Texting ticket.

Why are states cracking down on those who drive and text? Studies have shown it is extremely dangerous. Lawmakers began to notice the fact that the death rate amount distracted drivers began climbing since 2004, and that most of these drivers were inexperienced motorists.

To prove a point, in an experiment, researchers enlisted 21 teens between the ages of 16 and 18 to take part in a series of simulated driving situations. Each teen sat in the bucket seat of a simulated car, driving the vehicle through simulated scenery, in rural, then urban settings in 10-minute time blocks. First the subjects drove through the virtual scenes without distractions of any kind. Then they drove through the same scenes while text messaging, talking on a cell phone, and finally while operating an MP3 music player. Except when the teens weren’t distracted by a device requiring finger movement, the driving was erratic with weaving in and out of lanes as well as running over virtual people.

Because the drivers in the experiment were looking down, most were not unable to stay within the lines nor were they able to respond quickly to obstacles. Researchers noticed that each person's driving was worse while they were texting. Add to this research from the University of Utah which adds that texting delays a driver's reaction time as much as a blood-alcohol content of 0.08% -- the legal limit.

According to a recent study by the American Automobile Association, the risk of a car accident increases by 50% for people who text message while driving. In another study by Nationwide Insurance, those who text and drive are often between the ages of 18 and 27. Those who drive while texting drops to 14 percent for those between the ages of 28 to 44 and two percent of drivers ages 45 to 60 admitted to it.

The problem is serious enough that even the Obama administration banned federal employees from text messaging while driving and said it would consider new restrictions on cellphone use by rail, truck and bus drivers. The executive order banned federal employees from text messaging while driving on the job or in a government-owned vehicle.

In states where it is illegal to drive and text, police are finding it difficult to enforce this new law but this doesn't mean when caught fines are light. Drivers in Washington have been fined $101 if found guilty of DWT. Drivers in Oregon face a much bigger fine with fees of close to $720.

What can you do if you have a client or boss who sends text messages to you and yet you are driving and unable to read the messages? One idea is to use companies that provide technology which transcribes your emails or text messages and send them back to you through your voice mail. But this technology is new and of course, isn't cheap.

For most people, receiving a text message that has to be read or responded back to can often wait until one is parked or stopped. Considering the danger rate, most are looking at the latter and asking themselves whether responding through text messaging while driving is that important. After all, it wasn't long ago text messaging technology wasn't even in existence and people seemed to survive quite well.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

History of the Woodie Automobile

2009-10-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Woodie, or sometimes it is spelled Woody, was an early style of station wagon whereupon the rear portion of the car's bodywork was made of wood. This wood was typically visible and covered in a clear finish.

While few real Woodies are seen today as the concept was later replaced with replicated wood in the form of plastic or metal, the real Woodies are quite valuable, when found. The term Woodie came not only from its exposed wood panels but its design. In Britain, the vehicle was called a Shooting Brake due to the fact a 'brake' was another term for a sturdy horse-drawn wagon, which of course was where the Woodie concept got its start.  

In early days, when cars were built, most were made of aluminum or steel panels bolted on top of a wood frame. Woodies were cheaper to build as they didn't need these panels. They were also called station wagons in America due to the fact railway stations used the vehicles for hauling luggage and transferring shipments.
Although the Woodie was less expensive to build, it wasn't long before Woodies were built in luxury form as well, including Europe's Rolls-Royce Woodie.
In America in the 30s, the Woodie was used also by lodges, inns and country clubs to carry groups of people and their luggage. The idea of having a vehicle with large amounts of room, caught on with wealthy landowners who needed a vehicle suited for traveling in the suburbs.

During World War II, saving steel was important; this made the concept of using wood instead on vehicles ideal. After the war, a large amount of mass produced Woodie wagons became appealing to middle class families who needed a vehicle to haul all their children around in. The popularity of Woodies for personal transportation peaked by mid-century. And then it was on to something new. By the late fifties and sixties, used car dealers had plenty of cheap, poorly maintained wood-clad cars. Unfortunately, the wagon's most prominent feature, its wood body, was also its greatest drawback. Wood bodies required maintenance - not a problem for the wealthy with household staff. But as a 'do-it-yourself' chore, it was frequently neglected. Manufacturers responded by using less wood and more steel. In the early fifties, woodie resale values plummeted and new wagons of steel merely looked wooden. This is when the surfers discovered they could purchase an inexpensive car big enough for hauling their longboards. Thus, a sub-culture and a car became legend.

By 1955, only Ford and Mercury offered a woody-like model, but without the real wood. The wood appearance was due to the use of simulated products including DiNoc (a vinyl product) to simulate broad expanses of wood. Known as the Ford Country Squire, this heavily-trimmed full-size wagon was a staple of the Ford line from the 1940s to the 1990s. In the 1960s the Morris Minor and Mini Traveller were more basic vehicles factory built in Woodie style.

Reintroduction of woody decorated station wagons by other makers in America began in 1966 when Dodge offered the look for the first time in 15 years. By 1967, simulated "wood" decoration was used exclusively on top line models, with unadorned vehicles denoting lower price and status models.

The nostalgia around the historic Woodies has driven the price up on these original station wagons, but those who preserve them are preserving a big piece of America's car history.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

The Station Wagon

2009-10-14T15:55:00.000-07:00

Station wagons have come a long way. Many recall the station wagon as that faux wood panel sided vehicle from the 70s, loaded with kids, prepared for any vacation. Today's station wagons are quite luxurious and not the station wagon of old, as technically most SUV's are considered a modern form of a station wagons - just to name one way they have changed.

The definition of a station wagon is any passenger automobile whose body style has a roofline that extends into the rear cargo space. This does not include hatchbacks, as the full height of the cabin does not actually extend all the way to the back as it slopes into the hatch. Station wagons also have side windows over the cargo area, whereas some hatchbacks have thick "C" pillars and no cargo area windows. According to Wikipedia, there are only two exceptions to this rule which include Rambler station wagons (1952–62) on which the roof line subtly dipped down over the cargo area, and GM's Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (1964–72) and Buick Sport Wagon (1964–69) on which the rear roof section was slightly elevated and combined with three (1968-69 Buick, 1968-72 Olds) or four (1964–67) skylights; the "sportwagon" name has been popularized again in recent years by some manufacturers. Certain models of Land Rover have also been described by the manufacturer as station wagons (even in British usage); as these vehicles had a tall wagon-like body with extra "alpine lights", or windows, above the cargo bay side windows.

The first station wagons got their name due to being used by train companies. The vehicles were originally called "depot hacks" because they were used around train depots as hacks (short for hackney carriage, an old name for taxis). They also came to be known as "carryalls" and "suburbans". The name "station wagon" is a derivative of "depot hack"; it was a wagon that carried people and luggage from the train station to various local destinations.

Prior to the mid-1930s, hardwoods were used by most automotive companies in framing the passenger compartments of their passenger vehicles. In automobiles, the framing was sheathed in steel that was then covered in colored lacquers for protection. Eventually, all steel bodies were adopted because of their strength, cost and durability.

Because early station wagons were used for commercial purposes, for many years they were considered commercial vehicles rather than consumer vehicles. In 1922 Essex introduced the first affordable enclosed automobile, which then shifted the auto industry away from open vehicles towards meeting consumer demand for enclosed automobiles. Station wagons too, began to be enclosed, especially in higher price categories.

As time went by, the car companies themselves began building their own station wagons. Star (a division of Durant Motors) is usually credited as being the first car company to offer a factory-built station wagon, beginning in 1923. By 1929 Ford was by far the biggest seller of station wagons. Since Ford owned its own hardwood forest and mills, it began supplying the components for a Model A wagon (although initially some final assembly would still take place away from the factory. The same year, J. T. Cantrell put woodie bodies on Chrysler vehicles (persisting until 1931).

Traditionally, full-sized American station wagons were configured for 6 or 9 passengers. The basic arrangement for seating six was three passengers in the front and three passengers in the rear, all on bench-type seats; to accommodate nine, a third bench seat – often facing backward, but sometimes facing forward or sideways – was installed in the rear cargo area, over the rear axle. In Ford and Mercury wagons built after 1964, the configuration was changed to two seats facing each other, placed behind the rear axle.

Newer models are usually built on smaller platforms and accommodate five or six passengers (depending on whether bucket or bench seats are fitted in front). Full-size SUVs such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition have similar features to the aforementioned full-size station wagons; such as 9-passenger seating with bench seating in the front.

Despite the size or year, station wagons have come a long way since originating at train stations. People have come to enjoy having enough room in their vehicles of which they can carry family, friends and belongings anywhere they would like.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used car Austin and the surrounding area. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Maintaining Your Vehicles Tires

2009-05-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

We take our tires for granted until they fail us. Most of us forget that the most important part of any vehicle is its tires. Unless you are a professional driver, it is most likely that the tires on your vehicle have been neglected. So what can you do to maintain the tires on your vehicle? Here are some suggestions.

1. Tire Pressure - The single most important aspect of tire maintenance is tire pressure. Always keep in mind that tires naturally lose air over time. If you hit a pothole, or strike a curb while parking, this can also result in tire pressure loss. Maintaining the correct pressure not only increases gasoline mileage, but helps the car handle and ride better. Correct tire pressure also increases the life of the tire. All tires have the correct tire pressure imprinted on the tire. Although car manufacturers advocate for a lower setting to improve the ride of the vehicle, it may not always be the best thing for your own personal driving style. The information on tire pressure and load limits is almost always posted on a placard on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove-box door, or inside of the trunk lid. You can also find the recommended tire pressure and load limit for your vehicle in the vehicle owner's manual.

It is a wise idea to buy a good tire pressure gauge, and check the pressure at the minimum of once a month - more often if you drive high mileage. You may also wish to consider a portable air compressor that runs off your cars electrical system as well. A small air compressor in the home garage will also suffice, and are not expensive if bought with maintaining air pressure in mind.

Always check tire pressure when the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. This is called recommended cold inflation pressure. A tire that is hot will show a much different reading than a tire that is cold, because driving causes a tire to heat up, increasing the tire pressure and giving you an incorrect reading.

2. Check For Nicks, Cuts or Uneven Wear - Examine your tires on a regular basis for damage. Inspect the rim to see if it has been damaged as well. If you are constantly driving on poor roads with lots of potholes it is essential that you make tire inspection a part of your regular routine. A visual inspection can help you determine whether or not the tire is under or over inflated. Uneven wear on the outer edges of the tire is a very good indication that the tires are not carrying the proper tire pressure. If wear is evident in the center of the tire, then it has been continually over inflated. Be aware that these visual checks do not apply to radial tires, which have a different ground profile than regular tires.

3. Rotate Your Tires - Experts report that the front tires of a vehicle wear the quickest, especially in front wheel drive cars. Each time the steering wheel is turned, the tire receives extra wear. Turning the wheel causes resistance, and the end product is heat, which is a real contributing factor to tire wear. As each individual vehicle is different, refer to your owner's manual for instructions on tire rotation. Be sure to have your tires rotated on schedule as this is critical for maintaining your car’s balance.

Front-end alignment is also highly recommended to reduce tire wear and handling. Your tires should be parallel to one another as well as perpendicular to the ground. Sophisticated equipment is used to determine the correct alignment for each vehicle so this will require you also taking your vehicle in on schedule for review.

As far as visually checking your cars for wear, all tires have wear indicators built into them. Inspecting these small bumps or nubs can help you determine when the tire needs to be replaced. These numbs are located throughout the tread pattern, and especially on the ridge where tire tread meets the sidewall. If you spot this wear indicator, compare it to the height of the tread surrounding it. If the tread is of equal height as the wear indicator, it is time to purchase new tires. Proper tread depth is essential for proper tire performance. If you notice a loss or change in wet traction, you may not have enough tread left on your tires. Once the tread depth reaches 1/16th of an inch it must be replaced.

Following a few simple guidelines will pay for itself in both cost of tire replacement and your own personal safety. Keep tire pressure correct, rotate tires on a regular basis, keep the front end aligned properly, and do a visual check of your vehicle's tires. Doing so can save you a lot of grief down the road.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Get The Most Out Of Your Vehicle

2009-05-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our vehicles represent large investments in our life. For this reason, we want to maintain them as well as possible and get the most out of them. So what can you do to get the most out of your car?

1. How is the Oil? - The lifeblood of an engine is its oil. Oil lubricates vital engine parts. Even the most mechanically challenged drivers know to change a car’s oil and oil filter on a regular basis — even if they don’t always do it. Oil changes every 3,000-7,500 miles or every 3-4 months is essential for keeping your engine in good shape. Over time, oil loses its viscosity and also it's lubricating additives, which help keep your engine from excessive wear. Oil is not free of contaminants over time, your car's engine builds up carbon deposits, dirt, and even water can build up in your engine over time.
2. Keep Your Engine Cool - A cars engine generates enough heat to destroy itself. The cooling system protects against damage keeping the engine operating within the correct temperature range. Maintaining your car’s cooling system and the proper coolant level is as important as making sure the engine is well lubed and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
3. Transmission Fluid and Filters - This is one of the most neglected fluids in our cars. Transmission fluid protects the 2nd most expensive mechanical feature in our car, protect it like your engine. Automatic transmission fluid should be changed around every 30,000-40,000 miles. If you live in a hilly area or where you are constantly driving in heavy traffic, you might even change it more often. Just like motor oil, you should check your Automatic/manual transmission lubricants often. Low or even too much transmission fluid can cause transmission failure, premature wear, and rough shifting.
4. Protect Your Car’s Body – Car’s rust and wear out of not protected. Store your car in a garage or under a carport or cover. Keep your car out of the sun if possible or cover it to keep off bird droppings and tree sap. During the winter months, salt, sand and road grime can severely damage the finish of a vehicle. Another concern is more than one-third of car owners use non-automotive products when washing their cars, which can cause considerable damage and lead to costly repairs. Washing and polishing a car with quality cleaners and waxes goes a long way toward protecting the vehicle’s exterior. Keeping your car’s body maintained will not only make it last longer but also will make it much more pleasant to drive.
5. Watch Your Tire’s Pressure - A very important, and often neglected, maintenance area on your vehicle is your tires. Proper tire inflation is a key ingredient in driving safety and long tire life. It is wise to check your tire's inflation at least once a month with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Continuous loss of inflation pressure is an indication of a possible tire/wheel assembly problem; consult your tire professional immediately if you encounter this situation. Be sure to check the pressure while the tires are cold, and have not been used recently. When temperatures rise, the air inside the tire expands. This can mean you are driving on over inflated tires -- ultimately resulting in premature tread wear. Tire tread is crucial during emergency situations; a quarter inch of tread depth could affect your stopping distance by 180 feet. Improper or neglected maintenance of tires and wheels can cause extensive damage and lead to pricey repairs.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

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Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit gregchapmanmotors.com.

Finding The Right Mechanic

2009-05-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Our vehicles are important to us. Not only are they a big investment in our life but they are also greatly depended upon. This is why it is important to have the right mechanic in maintaining and repair our vehicles. But of course finding the right mechanic can be more of a challenge than finding the right doctor. This is why you need to be extra cautious about where you take your car for repairs as; unfortunately, all mechanics are not created equal.

So, here is a list of points to keep in mind when shopping for a mechanic.

• Ask around: a recommendation is always a good way to go. Ask friends, coworkers and family members for the names of mechanics that they use. Also be sure to find out about any bad experiences with certain mechanics. You may want to keep away from these service providers or at least approach them with caution.
• Check with your local consumer organization regarding the reputation of the shop in questions.
• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area: civic and community service awards, membership in the Better Business Bureau, AAA-Approved Auto Repair status, customer service awards.
• Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one; you can make better decisions when you are not rushed or in a panic.
• Neatness counts: obviously, a garage is going to have dirt, but a semblance of neatness and order will indicate that the establishment is competent and professional. Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.
• Specialties: find out what cars they service, and if they service your make of car in particular. If you have invested in an expensive vehicle like a BMW or Saab, you will want to find a mechanic that specializes in similar or, better still, the same make.
• Ask questions: be aware that you are buying a service and have a right to ask questions. So ask away and insist having your questions answered in layman's terms. A mechanic who refuses to do so may want your business but definitely does not have your best interests at heart.
• Be prepared: If you have had indications that there is something wrong with your car, be prepared to express these symptoms and any concerns you might have to the mechanic in as much detail as possible. Making a list is always helpful!
• Be patient: You wouldn't want your doctor to diagnose your problem in two minutes, and you don't want your mechanic to do so, either. Take your time, and let the mechanic give your vehicle a thorough once-over.
• Know the shop's policies: Once you think you have found the right shop, by all means put your car in their hands. But don't do so without being aware of the shop's policies, including service/labor charges, rates for parts and guarantees on work.
• Start small: Bring your car in for something minor, like an oil change or tire rotation, before you commit to a complete overhaul. This will give you a much better feel for the quality of the shop's work and how they treat their customers.
• Last but not least - do your homework…before something goes wrong! Don't wait for your engine to fail completely before you find the right mechanic!

Take the time to take some of these steps into consideration and you may find your perfect mechanic that will last you for many years to come.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

History of the Mercedes

2009-04-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

We associate the name of Mercedes with wealth or car quality. What many of us don’t know is that the car itself dates back to over a hundred years.

To tell the story of Mercedes brand cars, you first must know the characters involved with the company. Those characters are Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz. Both men were born only 60 miles apart in southern Germany. Daimler was born March 17, 1834. A decade later, on November 25, Carl Benz was born. Although they grew up with little in common, machines from an early age fascinated both boys. Because their approach to building cars was quite different, it is doubtful, though, that they met or even knew what the other was doing.

In 1886, Carl Benz built a motorized tricycle. His first four-wheeler, the Victoria, was built in 1893. The first production car was the 1894 Benz Velo, which participated in the first recorded car race, the Paris-Rouen race. In 1895, Benz built his first truck.

In 1886, Gottlieb Daimler literally built a horseless carriage. Although we think of the car as being German, its history dates far back into America as well. In 1888 Daimler made a business deal with William Steinway (of piano fame) to produce Daimler's products in the US. From 1904 until a fire in 1907, Steinway produced Mercedes passenger cars, Daimler's light trucks, and his engines on Long Island.

Ironically, history says Daimler, generally considered to be the father of modern automobiles, never liked to drive. On March 6, 1990, Daimler died, leaving control of his company to his chief engineer Wilhelm Mayback. By November 22 of that year, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschat had produced a special car for Emil Jellinek. Jellinek named the car after his ten-year-old daughter Mercedes. This car was lighter and smaller than the standard car of its day and because of this was able to reach a top speed of 55 miles per hour.

Up until 1908, Daimler had overshadowed Benz in racing endeavors. At the 1908 French Grand Prix, Benz took second and third place behind Lautenschlager driving a Mercedes.

At the beginning of the First World War, both factories were converted into production sites for war materials, although both resumed producing cars after the war. Social unrest and a falling economy characterized post-war Germany. Little or no fuel for cars and a 15% luxury tax made automobile production increasingly disastrous.

The German economy continued to worse and a new Benz automobile eventually cost 25 million marks. Although nearly 15 million cars were registered in the world in 1923, over 80% of them were registered in the US and over 1/2 were Fords. The Mercedes was too expensive.

In 1924, from sheer economic necessity, Benz and DMG signed an "Agreement of Mutual Interest." Although both companies retained their identities, the agreement was valid until the year 2000. The two companies merged with relative ease on June 28, 1926.

A new insignia was needed to represent the merger. The design was a three-pointed star wreathed with laurel. The word "Mercedes" was at the top and the word "Benz" was at the bottom. The merger did the new company well. Production of Mercedes-Benz rose to 7,918 Mercedes-Benz automobiles in 1927. The Mercedes-Benz diesel truck was put into production in 1927, also.

The first two automobiles to sport the Mercedes-Benz name were the Stuttgart and the Mannheim. Then in 1928 the Mercedes SS was introduced by Mercedes-Benz. This graceful body was made possible by a hood line that barely cleared the engine.

Mercedes-Benz launched their biggest and most prestigious car to date in 1930. The 770 Grosser was powered by an 8 cylinder, 7.6 liter engine. A car for the truly wealthy of the world, it was quite an automobile for showing off in a world economy still reeling from the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

The cars of the 1930s produced great racing success for Mercedes-Benz. The silver metal bodywork gave rise to the name Silver Arrows when the W25 racer (of Rudolph Caracciola fame) had the white paint removed to lower its weight.

W125 (200 mph top speed) won seven out of thirteen races in 1937 followed by the successful W154. In 1939 Mercedes-Benz built a small V8 races specifically to win the Tripoli GP. It did win!

The Mercedes-Benz 170V gave Mercedes the capability of surviving and then recovering from WW II.

Today the Mercedes of course is still being built and is still revered as a car of quality.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Used Oil and Its Effects On The Environment

2009-04-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

Motor oil leaked from individual vehicles—or outright dumped by homeowners and commercial garages inevitably finds its way into local water bodies. Topsoil and natural vegetation would ordinarily filter many of these pollutants out, but the impermeable pavement that covers much of the surface where these pollutants originate carries it right into storm drains and into streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean where it can poison marine life—which we might eat—as well as entire riparian or coastal ecosystems.

This pollution also finds its way into underground aquifers that supply our drinking water, so reducing it is a human health measure and could also save municipalities millions of dollars a year in drinking water treatment facilities and operational expenses.

While government agencies try to craft and implement development and zoning standards to help reduce storm water runoff problems caused by commercial and industrial entities, there is still much that individuals can do to reduce their impact as well. Indeed, upwards of 40 percent of oil pollution in the U.S. comes from the improper disposal of used motor oil by individuals.

What is Used Oil? The Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of used oil is as follows: Used oil is any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and as a result of such use is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities. Simply put, used oil is exactly what its name implies—any petroleum-based or synthetic oil that has been used. During normal use, impurities such as dirt, metal scrapings, water, or chemicals can get mixed in with the oil, so that in time the oil no longer performs well. Eventually, this used oil must be replaced with virgin or re-refined oil to do the job at hand EPA's used oil management standards include a three-pronged approach to determine if a substance meets the definition of used oil. To meet EPA's definition of used oil, a substance must meet each of the following three criteria:

1. Origin — the first criterion for identifying used oil is based on the origin of the oil. Used oil must have been refined from crude oil or made from synthetic materials. Animal and vegetable oils are excluded from EPA's definition of used oil.

2. Use — the second criterion is based on whether and how the oil is used. Oils used as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, buoyants, and for other similar purposes are considered used oil. Unused oil such as bottom clean-out waste from virgin fuel oil storage tanks or virgin fuel oil recovered from a spill, do not meet EPA's definition of used oil because these oils have never been "used." EPA's definition also excludes products used as cleaning agents or solely for their solvent properties, as well as certain petroleum-derived products like antifreeze and kerosene.

3. Contaminants — the third criterion is based on whether or not the oil is contaminated with either physical or chemical impurities. In other words, to meet EPA's definition, used oil must become contaminated as a result of being used. This aspect of EPA's definition includes residues and contaminants generated from handling, storing, and processing used oil. Physical contaminants could include metal shavings, sawdust, or dirt. Chemical contaminants could include solvents, halogens, or saltwater.

How is Used Oil Recycled? Once oil has been used, it can be collected, recycled, and used over and over again. An estimated 380 million gallons of used oil are recycled each year. Recycled used oil can sometimes be used again for the same job or can take on a completely different task. For example, used motor oil can be re-refined and sold at the store as motor oil or processed for furnace fuel oil. Aluminum rolling oils also can be filtered on site and used over again.

Recycling Used Oil Is Good for the Environment and the Economy – Here’s Proof
•Re-refining used oil takes only about one-third the energy of refining crude oil to lubricant quality.
•It takes 42 gallons of crude oil, but only one gallon of used oil, to produce 2 ½ quarts of new, high-quality lubricating oil.
•One gallon of used oil processed for fuel contains about 140,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) of energy.

To prevent your own oil leaks and spills, take the following into consideration:

•Take steps to prevent leaks and spills. Keep machinery, equipment containers, and tanks in good working condition and be careful when transferring used oil. Have absorbent materials available on site.
•If a spill or leak occurs, stop the oil from flowing at the source. If a leak from a container or tank can’t be stopped, put the oil in another holding container or tank.
•Contain spilled oil. For example, containment can be accomplished by erecting absorbent berms or by spreading an absorbent over the oil and
•Clean up the oil and recycle the used oil as you would have before it was spilled. If recycling is not possible, you first must make sure the used oil is not a hazardous waste and dispose of it appropriately. All used cleanup materials, from rags to absorbent booms, that contain free-flowing used oil also must be handled according to the used oil management standards. Remember, all leaked and spilled oil collected during cleanup must be handled as used oil. If you are a used oil handler, you should become familiar with these cleanup methods. They may also be part of a spill response action plan.
•Remove, repair, or replace the defective tank or container immediately.

By taking care not to contribute to the problem of used oil being improperly disposed of, you can help maintain our clean and healthy drinking water for years to come.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Protecting Your Car From Blind Spots

2009-04-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

Whether your car is small or large, you will have blind spots. Every year, children are injured and killed because drivers (in some cases, parents) don't see them while backing up. Statistics show that at least 50 children are backed over every week in the U.S. Part of the culprit is that Americans prefer larger vehicles which also come with larger blind spots. But passenger cars have theirs as well and all cars should be modified or maintained for any blind zones around them.

To modify your vehicle the best you can for blind spots, start with your rear-view mirrors. While the interior mirror should be set to see straight back along the road, the mirrors mounted on the doors should not duplicate this view. The proper use of the rear-view mirrors is to let you visualize the blind spots flanking your car. So here is what you do. First adjust your driver’s seat to the correct position. Second, lean your head and torso over to the left until your head contacts the window glass. Now, adjust the left-side mirror outward until you can barely see your own fender in it. Next, lean over to the right a similar distance, and adjust the right-side mirror so you can just see your own rear fender.

With your rear-view mirrors adjusted as so, you are covering a rear blind spot. This means that you won’t need to swivel your neck around to be aware of traffic hiding at 60 mph right beside you while the interior mirror will still let you see the traffic directly behind you. Mirrors adjusted as so are particularly important on multi-lane highways where you may have to keep tabs on lanes on both sides.

Even with your mirrors adjusted properly and owning a rear-view camera, it is important to check your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds while driving. Mirrors will not reveal a vehicle that is changing lanes from two lanes away. After checking your mirrors, use your head to look back before changing lanes.

As for having a large vehicle, you may want to invest in a back-up camera. This is especially a good idea if you live in an area with many pets or children. Some new cars come standard with some kind of sensory device or camera to help drivers with rearward motion. A small camera system is mounted above the rear license plate and a color LCD monitor mounted to the inside front windshield with suction cups is all it takes to make your vehicle safe.

Because blind spots cause so many accidents, some new vehicles are coming with Blind Spot Detector Systems. BSDS uses radar sensors invisibly mounted to the back of the rear wheels and the side exterior of the vehicle, which detect objects approaching the driver's blind spot area. Each sensor uses two overlapping radar beams to cover the large observation zone and reliably detect objects traveling at high speeds. In addition, BSDS is efficiently designed only to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. When an obstruction is detected, BSDS alerts the driver to a potential collision with a light on the side-view mirror.

Regardless of how you protect yourself from blind spots when driving a vehicle of any size, you can be sure you’ll save yourself a lot of money, time and just maybe a life by just taking the time to take it into consideration.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Putting a Bed Cover on Your Truck

2009-04-01T16:19:00.001-07:00

If you own a truck, you know how important it can be to keep your belongings that you store in the bed protected from the weather or theft. This is why so many people opt for installing a truck bed cover on their pickups. Unlike camper shells, bed covers do not create additional vertical cargo space but do offer a nice low-profile solution to keep items safe. They are also easy to install and remove. An added benefit is that truck bed covers can reduce drag on your vehicle meaning you can get an increase in miles per gallon of 5 to 10 percent.

Today’s truck bed covers come in a variety of designs and with a variety of materials. Design selection includes soft rollup, folding, retractable, hard, hinged, and toolbox.

Historically, the most basic type of truck bed covers are made from cloth or vinyl and use a rib-like system to support the fabric and keep it taut. The next most common type of truck bed cover is the roll-up truck bed cover which is a unit mounted at the front of the bed just behind the cab. There is usually a small rectangular box attached at each side of the bed and inside the box is a retractable fabric or plastic cover that can be rolled out and secured to the end of the bed. This type is more convenient to use as it doesn’t involve any difficult or time-consuming assembly or disassembly unlike other styles.

Hard plastic or fiberglass truck bed covers are quite popular because they have the best appearance. These covers tend to be painted to match the truck (unlike the other styles which are generally black), fiberglass is solid in construction, and can be locked making it more secure than the other types. Fiberglass tops are usually heavy and requires gas struts to assist in opening and closing them. They operate much like a vehicles hood, opening from the tailgate end of the bed (back to front). Some of these truck bed covers are available with multiple compartments that will open front to back, back to front, side to side, or even rise vertically. Fiberglass or hard plastic truck bed covers are sometimes installed as a factory option with some new vehicles.

Folding truck bed covers are favored for their fast bed access, simple installation and value. The hinged truck bed covers transform your truck’s bed into a full-blown trunk. Fast, pivoting access is the hallmark of the hinged tonneau. Retractable tonneau covers offer the best security for your truck bed. Once you add a retractable tonneau cover, it’s like having an industrial strength garage door protecting your cargo. Plus, retractable tonneau covers deliver a stylish, low profile that not only looks great, but helps to improve fuel economy.

And last, the toolbox truck bed covers bring together the best of the bed world – tool storage and bed coverage. Toolbox bed covers are for truck owners who want a tonneau cover but don’t really want to give up the advantage of owning a truck toolbox.

Truck bed covers also help protect your vehicle’s bed from rusting or filling full of leaves and debris while parked.

So whether you want to save gas, protect your belongings or keep your truck bed free from debris, a truck bed cover is the way to go – it’s just a matter of deciding which one.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Choosing The Right Camper Shell For Your Truck

2009-04-01T16:18:00.001-07:00

Camper shells have come a long way when it comes to design, fit and purpose. Many people are opting to add camper shells to their trucks as it creates more cargo space and protects ones belongings from the weather and theft. What most people don’t know is that the addition of a camper shells also helps improve your truck’s fuel efficiency as it enhances the aerodynamics.

Most camper shells today come made either of fiberglass or aluminum. Each have their own qualities that you should weigh before choosing which is right for you.

Fiberglass:
• Shells are made from custom molds, which are designed specifically for your truck make, model, and year.
• Contour around the cab of your vehicle for a nice custom fit and a sleek look.
• Start in the $1,000 price range.
• Come painted to match the paint code of your vehicle, as specified by the truck manufacturer.

Aluminum tops:
• Are made from a standard mold and is only made to fit the bed of your truck (front of the cap may be taller or shorter than the cab of your truck).
• Do not contour around the truck's cab.
• Start in the $400 price range
• Have only standard colors to choose from.

When picking out your camper shell, carefully examine how it was built. There are some brands of camper shells that are of high quality while others of less quality. What can you look for in evaluating the quality of your camper? Start with things like how the windows are installed – are they crooked or do they have gaps? How are the cuts of the doorjambs? Are all the lines clean and even? Many campers are made from molds, especially those designed to fit your truck. But even with a mold, some manufacturers skimp on the details.

What about durability? Fiberglass should be examined for thickness, at a minimum you want to see a double-layer. Some are made with a honeycomb reinforcement which creates a double pocket and adds rigidity.

What kind of locking mechanism does your camper shell come with? Some manufacturers use rotary latches, which work nicely. Check to see if your camper shell is built with galvanized cables or stainless-steel rods. The stainless-steel rods are more secure while cables can come loose at the crimps. Other locking features include a pop-out lock that fits flush with the cover, keyless remote options, or slam latches.

When paying to have your camper shell installed investigate how well it is being put on. Installing a camper shell takes some precision. Inexpensive installation may include the use of foam tape. Professionals suggest a shell should be installed with two, two-bolt seals, so that you get four weather-stripping seals across the bottom of the camper.

The mounting mechanism should also appear unobtrusive. You should just see the top of the bolt with a washer on it; not a big bulky clamp.

What is the downside of putting a camper shell on your truck? The only major complaint truck owners have is that camper shells are relatively heavy and inconvenient to remove and replace on a frequent basis. It usually takes at least two people to remove or install. But beyond that, putting a nice protective cover over your truck’s bed may be worth the occasional struggle to remove it.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Change Your Own Oil and Save Some Cash

2009-03-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

There was a time when everybody changed their own oil. Now just nearly half of U.S. vehicle owners do their own repair and maintenance. By learning to change your own oil, you can save roughly a hundred dollars a year and maybe more.

Before you get started, there are important oil disposal laws you must understand otherwise you could be fined by the EPA fines that go as high as six figures. The days of digging a hole in the back yard and pouring dirty oil into it are long gone. Environmental authorities suggest you pour old oil into a clean plastic container and take it to a service dealer or facility that offers oil-collection services. Call your state or local used-oil program for locations of collection centers. Call 1-800-424-9346 for a list of state oil-recycling contacts or write to Resource Conservation and Recovery Docket, 401 M St., S.W., Washington, DC 20460.

Now, if you're still interested in tackling this task yourself, Edmunds has created a Do-It Yourself List. To start, here is a list of tools and things you'll need to perform this procedure:

* a 3/8-drive socket set (metric will work for both)
* a combination wrench set (closed- and open-ended, metric)
* an oil filter wrench
* something to catch the old oil -- an oil pan, a used kitchen basin, a kid's pail
* a couple of empty one gallon milk containers with screw-on lids.
* a funnel and a one quart Ziploc baggie
* a lot of old newspapers and several dirty rags
* presoiled work clothes and, if you have long hair, a baseball cap
* two pair surgical gloves (optional; no, we won't ask you to cough)
* a new oil filter (see vehicle's owner's manual for requirements)
* enough oil to refill the engine (check back page of owner's manual for grade and number of quarts); we recommend name brands, such as Valvoline, Castrol, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Mobil, etc.

STEP ONE: Before you do anything, pick out a flat spot on your driveway. Now take your car for a drive around the neighborhood. We do this to heat the oil and make it nice and thin, so it will drain more completely from the engine block. Drive the vehicle far enough and long enough so that the temperature gauge begins to register. If you don't have a temp gauge, or if you have gauges but they're broken, turn on the heater and drive until your feet get toasty. The engine is now warm. Park it in your pre-chosen spot.

STEP TWO: Turn off the engine, put the car in gear, and set the parking brake firmly. For safety, block the tires with several bricks or large rocks. Go in the house and put on your dirty clothes and cap. Come out and line up your tools.

Now slide under the car and locate the oil drain plug. If there isn't enough room to slide under, you may have to jack up the car to get beneath it. Raise the car with a hydraulic pump and settle it on jackstands. CAUTION: Never get under a car held aloft only by a jack. Always use jackstands.

O.K., now locate the drain plug. It should be about the closest thing to the ground, a fairly large nut with a slim washer under it. Sometimes it will even be labeled "drain plug." (Caution: Make sure you're not looking at the transmission drain plug. It's usually a larger nut. If not sure, feel the metal around it. The metal around the engine oil plug should be a lot hotter than around the trans plug. If still not sure, call a friend.) Find your socket set and pull out several sockets that look about the same size as the nut until you find one that fits over it.

STEP THREE: If you have them, put on your surgical gloves to keep your hands clean. Grab the socket wrench and put the correct-sized socket on it. Place it over the nut and turn it counter-clockwise. It won't budge? Try again -- really put some force into it this time. If it still won't dislodge after several tries, locate the same sized closed-end wrench and use that instead. After you get the nut cracked, work it slightly loose with your fingers. Not too loose, though -- you don't want oil all over the place.

STEP FOUR: Now take the newspaper and spread it under the car. Make sure to cover where the oil filter sticks out, because it drips after removal. Look up into the engine. See the oil filter? It looks like a miniature, upside-down version of the mountain from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Get the drain pan (or kitchen basin, or kid's pail) and slide it under the drain plug. Position it so the stream hits it just right (if the plug points to the side and not straight down, the oil will shoot out sideways like from a fire hydrant). Loosen the plug and set it aside. Most of the oil will drain in about two minutes.

STEP FIVE: Locate the oil filter wrench. Take the socket off the socket wrench and set it next to the drain plug. Slip the oil filter wrench onto the socket wrench. You'll probably want to use the short extension, too. The oil filter wrench is like a round dog collar that only chokes in one direction. Set it up to "grab" or "choke" counterclockwise. Slip it over the oil filter and give it a tug. It shouldn't be that tight. When you feel it give, loosen it a little more, then slide the wrench off and do the rest by hand. Careful -- it has hot oil in it! Make sure your face is not under it. Remove it all the way and pour the contents into the drain pan. Set the used oil filter right-side-up on the newspaper.

STEP SIX: Slide out, open the hood (if you haven't already) and remove the oil filler cap. Set it aside. This will help the oil drain a little easier. O.K., take a breather.

Now, here's the deal. If you're in a hurry, you can dive right in and finish the oil change. But think about it. Drops of dirty oil are still dripping down. Personally, we like to give it a good hour to drain completely. They don't do that in the quick-lube places. If you have the time, peel off your gloves and take a break. Grab a bite, drink some soda, watch the tube.

STEP SEVEN: O.K., you're back. Put your gloves on and get to work. Before you thread the new oil filter in place, dip a finger into the drain pan and coat the rubber gasket on the bottom of the filter with oil, and set it aside. This will help it seat better against the engine block. With a clean rag, wipe off the round metal circle on the engine where the oil filter fits, then thread the new filter onto the post. When it's finger-tight, either tighten it by hand if you're strong enough (it takes about one-half to three-quarters of a turn, no more: read the instructions on the filter), or flip the oil filter wrench over on the socket wrench and tighten it that way.

STEP EIGHT: We recommend using a new sealing washer on the drain plug. Put the washer in place and thread the drain plug back into its hole. Scooch it up tight with the socket set, but not so tight that you can't get it off the next time (remember your struggles earlier; better to have it snug but not stripped.) Now take the oil drain pan and the empty milk bottle and the funnel. If you have a friend, have him hold the bottle while you pour the oil into it. When most of the oil has found the bottom of the bottle, seal it with the lid, then wipe out the inside of the funnel with a clean rag. (We sometimes prop the drain pan against a wall and let it continue to drip into the bottle while we do the next step. You'll need an extra funnel to do this.)

STEP NINE: Set the cleaned funnel into the oil filler hole and pour in as many quarts as the manufacturer recommends. As the oil fills, begin cleaning up. Throw the newspapers in the trash and wipe down all your tools. Discard the empty oil containers in a recycling bin. After the oil is all in, twist the oil cap back on and check the dipstick for oil level, just to make sure. Take the old oil filter, place it in the Ziploc bag, and seal it.

STEP TEN: Start the engine and let it idle for about five minutes, looking for leaks. Place the milk container and the Ziploc bag in a box, and set it somewhere in the car where it can't tip over. Drive to the nearest oil recycling center (as we discussed, most of the national chains, such as Econo Lube N' Tune, Jiffylube, Grease Monkey, etc., will take your old oil and filters). Take a last look underneath for leaks.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Large Trucks Modified for Aerodynamics

2009-03-06T06:24:00.000-08:00

With gas prices fluctuating and the oil supply decreasing, engineers are working on ways to make large trucks more fuel-efficient.

What does that mean for the average person? With large truck usage accounting for 19 percent of the overall fuel consumption, this translates into 39 billion gallons of diesel each year needed. Numbers like this really dig into the fuel supply.

So engineers are looking at ways to make trucks more aerodynamic so that they have less drag and therefore better gas mileage. To date, engineers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute have discovered that retrofitting the back of the truck cab with small rounded panels and using a system that blows compressed air to redirect airflow over the back of the trailer, can reduce drag by up to 32 percent and fuel economy by 11 to 12 percent. This adds up to savings of 2.4 billion gallons of diesel a year.

With numbers like this, the U.S. Department of Energy has been behind the project and has been so since the late 1990s. Initial tests used simple scale model tractor-trailers in a GTRI’s low-speed wind tunnel. Results seemed good until full-scale trucks were used and this is when the results fell short of expectations. Researchers then went back to their wind tunnel with another truck design.

After rolling edges on the body of the truck’s trailer along with a few other modifications, tractor-trailers were tested again by running them through several different 45-mile runs around a 7.5-mile oval at highway speeds of 65 and 75 miles per hour. To make sure the modifications worked, a control truck that did not have the aerodynamic improvements or pneumatic control system as a modified truck was operated under the same conditions. Comparisons were made and sure enough, the engineering worked.

Another added benefit discovered during testing was that the differential blowing unit improved control of trailers in crosswinds by helping compensate for the wind direction.

So why isn’t every new large truck being made modified with the new design? Before the new pneumatic control system can be widely used, researchers will have to choose the best source of compressed air for the blowing system. Options include a diesel-powered motor installed in the trailer like current refrigeration units, bleeding pressurized air from the truck’s supercharger, or a simple chain drive to turn air blowers from the trailer’s wheels. Aerodynamic drag becomes dominant only at higher speeds, so the blowing would be turned off when the trucks were idling or operating at low speeds.

The addition of air blowers will require more power, therefore, researchers have to balance out the units additional pull with the savings. The final issue researchers are testing is the protection of the pneumatic surfaces from damage during docking.

Once researchers have finalized their studies, we may see a whole new fleet of big trucks on the road that get more miles per gallon, a reduction in carbon emissions and are more easily controlled when it is windy.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Cleaner Diesel Engines Wooing Americans

2009-03-06T06:21:00.000-08:00

Most Americans have a bad impression of diesel cars. We recall the days when diesel engines smelled terrible, were difficult to start and were known to be terrible polluters. But things are changing.

Today, diesel powertrains are on the map again, for both car manufacturers and efficiency-minded drivers. The technology could be here to stay as it is giving even hybrids a run for their money. As for the emissions problems, well, those are of the past also. Today’s new diesel engine is running smoother and cleaner. Having modified diesel fuel helps in this arena. In response to 2006 EPA mandates, oil refineries are now producing what’s called ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD). By definition, this “clean diesel” has sulfur concentrations of no more than 15 parts per million (ppm). That’s 98.5 percent cleaner than diesel gas of the past. The cut in sulfur means that less sulfur dioxide goes into the atmosphere, where it can combine with water to produce sulfuric acid—and thus, acid rain.

In addition, sulfur clogs emission-control devices in diesel-powered cars the same way lead impeded catalytic converters in gasoline systems. Removing the lead from gasoline enabled engineers to develop a new generation of emission-control technologies that helped reduce noxious exhaust emissions by 98 to 99 percent.

With this, carmakers have already started building exhaust-scrubbing systems for engines that burn ULSD.

So to sum up what the new diesel engine will provide:

1. Advanced electronic engine control modules that regulate functions, from fuel injection to timing, more precisely than old mechanical control systems, further minimizing emissions and maximizing fuel economy.
2. Turbochargers that pump more air into the engines, helping to overcome diesel’s former sluggishness at higher rpm.
3. Improved engine isolation strategies, such as the incorporation of active mounts, has quieted the knocking noises typically associated with diesel-powered vehicles.
4. Running a vehicle on a fuel that contains more energy per unit volume than gasoline. Each time the mixture in a diesel engine’s cylinder ignites; the car gets a slightly bigger push than it would in a gasoline engine. That means it takes less fuel to move the car down the road. It also means that the engine generates a lot of power even when it isn’t cycling fast.

Will Americans be willing to trade in their regular cars for something that runs on diesel? Price and availability may determine that answer followed by those who are willing to give diesel another shot.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Fuel Made Of Straw and Wood

2009-03-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

The race for a new fuel is on. Scientists around the world are testing products of every type in order to create a fuel of the future. What is the latest? How about a product called Bioliq?

Bioliq stems from biomass technology, which isn’t new in regards to taking masses of a substance and converting it to energy. But turning those masses into diesel fuel is something that is new. How does it work? To start, all one needs are the agricultural leftovers from farms or even the trees thinned from forests. Once gathered, the straw or wood is put through an intense heating process that changes the product into a new substance. This substance is then converted to fuel. Why is this important? For environmentalists, this means a fuel that doesn’t have to be extracted from a limited supply buried beneath the earth but is created from a renewable byproduct.

Still don’t understand how straw becomes fuel? This is how it works. First, the plant material, in the absence of air, is heated to around 500°C, a process known as pyrolysis. This produces a thick oily liquid containing solid particles of coke termed biosyncrude. The biosyncrude is then vaporized by exposing it to a stream of oxygen gas, before being heated at high pressures to a temperature of around 1400°C. known as gasification. This process transforms the liquid biosyncrude into a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen termed syngas.

After any impurities are removed from this syngas, it can be catalytically converted into a range of different chemicals and fuels, including methanol, hydrogen and a synthetic version of diesel.

Members of the Karlsruhe research center have estimated that their processing could bring the costs of producing liquid biofuels down around $2.65 per gallon.

Bioliq is now taking its first steps towards commercialization. In conjunction with the German process engineering company Lurgi, the construction of a pilot plant based on the bioliq technology should be fully completed in 2012. Once the plant has been built, large amounts of fuel can then be created. The question will then be how best to distribute this new fuel in large scale so that it can effectively compete with fossil fuels. As fossil fuels decrease in supply and increase in price, tax incentives have been discussed as the answer.

So what will be the new fuel of the future? It is hard to tell at this point, but many good ideas are being tried and tested, which means hopefully they will soon be available to the whole public for use.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Buying a Used Car

2009-01-29T16:31:00.001-08:00

Most people are trying to save money when they buy a used car. Used cars are cheaper to buy, insure, register and pay tax on. A key reason for many people is the first year depreciation of a new car. A new car can depreciate as much as 30% in the first year.

Used cars are popular choices for parents buying a car for their kid. They want something safe and reliable but aren’t as particular about how it looks so that dings and dents aren’t that important. They mainly want to avoid buying a used car that will need major repairs.

A good place to start is to come up with a list of cars you are most interested in. Cars like the Toyota Camry which are considered very reliable and have a long history of lasting for years can be a good choice. This list will naturally depend on what type of car you need. If you live in a snow belt you may want to get a 4 wheel drive vehicle or at least a front wheel drive vehicle which handles well in the snow. You may need a pickup to haul things around. Once you know what type of vehicle you need make a list of the models you want to look for.

The internet has lots of resources you can use to build your list and to check on the fair market value and technical specifications of the cars you are interested in. Review the lists of the most reliable cars over time. Car and Driver has an annual list of the top five cars in each category. See which cars they have recommended in past years and review them. Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) and Edmunds.com provide information on the fair market value, technical specifications and reviews of used cars, trucks and SUV’s.

Once you start looking at used cars make sure you find out if the car has ever been in an accident and it’s great if the seller has repair records and the maintenance history. If you are buying from a used car dealer ask if there is a warranty.

Do a good inspection of the car, the exterior, interior and the engine. Is the engine clean? Are the fluid levels good? Do you see signs of any leaks underneath the vehicle? Make sure you test drive the car, the longer the better. Leave the radio off so you can hear any strange noises. Notice how the car takes bumps, how many rattles you hear and engine noises. Check underneath particularly the exhaust system.

When you find the used car you want and have agreed on a price with a used car dealer make sure you read the fine print of anything you sign. Once you sign it is a done deal. A lot of people dread dealing with used car dealers but if you do your homework, inspect and test drive the car you will avoid most of the pitfalls. Also, dealing with a reputable used car dealer you can trust can make the process enjoyable.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Test Driving a Used Car

2009-01-29T16:28:00.000-08:00

One of the most important things you should do before purchasing a used car is a test drive. After you have thoroughly checked out the exterior and the interior of the car take it out for a test drive. You should allow as much as a half hour for this.

Start by getting a feel for how comfortable the car is. Will all passengers be comfortable? If you often have people in the back seat make sure that getting in and out of the back seat is easy, particularly for the elderly. If you have young children you should bring your car seat and make sure it fits well in the back. Check out the visibility from the inside of the car. Can you easily see out all of the windows? Check the drivers seat out to make sure it is comfortable and that the seat buttons work well. Check all power window and seat buttons and mirrors, cruise control buttons and steering wheel adjustments.

Turn the heater and air conditioner on and make sure they work properly. Check the air conditioner first and it should blow in cold air in less than a minute if it is working properly. Make sure the air vents work properly and get in the backseat and make sure the vents work back there as well.

Start the car and make sure it starts easily. Once driving test the transmission making sure it shifts easily and if it is a manual transmission that the clutch works smoothly. If you hear any loud noises you may want to have a mechanic look at it. Try and drive a route that offers a lot of different driving scenarios. For example, try entering an expressway and see how well the car accelerates on the entrance ramp. See how well it handles in stop and go traffic and on different types of roads be they smooth or rough. How does it handle potholes and speed bumps? There definitely shouldn’t be any wiggling.

Check the alignment by taking your hand off the wheel when it’s safe, to see if the car pulls in one direction. Try a couple different type of roads, smooth and rough, to make sure it doesn’t need a front end alignment.

Check the brakes under a number of conditions. Find a place where you can get the car up to a high rate of speed and then slam on the brakes to see if the car pulls to the right or left. Soft or squishy brake response usually means the brakes aren’t in good shape.

It pays dividends to hire a mechanic to check anything out you might have noted or questioned during your test drive. Whether you are buying from a private seller or a used car dealer they should allow you to have a mechanic check the car over for any problems.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Your Credit Report and Financing a Used Car

2009-01-29T16:23:00.000-08:00

Before you even start looking for a used car you should determine how you are going to pay for it. Most people put a down payment on a used car and finance the rest. In today’s economy it is important to know what your credit score is as lending qualifications have tightened up. Your credit score is a three digit score that is the determining factor in whether you qualify for financing and what percentage rate you will pay.

If you don’t already know find out what your credit score is. The three digit score is known as a FICO score. There are three major credit bureaus that assign scores: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. The score shows the likelihood of your paying back the loan on time. It is based on the length of your credit history, the credit you already have and the number of recent credit applications you have submitted. The average credit score in the United States is 694. The higher the score the lower risk you are to lend to. The scores can range from 300 to 850.

You can get one free credit report per year online, by law, from each of these three bureaus. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com for your free report. There isn’t usually a big variance in the scores from the different bureaus. If you get a free report from one agency at a time you can get a free credit report three times a year.

If you have a credit score of 680 or above you should be able to finance your used car with good terms. If your credit score is below 680 you should consider shopping at bad credit car dealers who offer private financing.

You can also take steps to improve your credit score. First, check your credit report for any errors. Look for errors in late payment or unpaid credit. If you find any correct them by contacting the company reporting them. This is the easiest way to improve your credit score.

Paying your bills on time is another important step. One third of your credit score is based on your payment history which includes any late payments and foreclosures. One third of your credit score is based on the total amount of balances you owe versus your total credit limit. It is best to keep your balances to less than 80% of your credit limit on your credit cards to keep your score high for this factor.

Other important factors are a long history of active accounts which shows you are a good credit risk, responsible use of credit showing timely payments on all debt and a low incidence of new credit applications.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money and Car and Driver Editors Choices

2009-01-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

Whether you are in the market for a new or used car it is always valuable to review what industry experts consider the best cars in each class. In this weak economy it is also a good idea to know what cars are considered to be the best buys.

Let’s look at two classes of cars and compare Car and Driver’s 2009 Editors Choices and U.S. News & World Reports Best Cars for the Money. We will look at small cars and pickups.

Car and Driver’s Editors Choice in the Small Car category are:
1) Honda Fit
2) Volkswagen Rabbit
3) Mazda 3
4) Honda Civic
5) Nissan Versa

U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money in the Small Car category are:
1) Honda Fit
2) Honda Civic
3) Honda Civic Hybrid
4) Volkswagen Rabbit
5) Hyundai Elantra

Let’s take a closer look at the Honda Fit since it is considered the #1 editors choice and the #1 best car for the money. What sets the Honda Fit apart is its quality which makes it very reliable. It has great performance, looks great and is fun to drive. Great visibility from the front and rear and spaciousness make it seem much bigger - more like a compact car. It also has a lot of cargo space. The fuel efficiency is good and it is a very safe car. It is on the expensive side for a small car but this money is more than made up over the life of the car due to its quality and reliability.

Car and Driver’s Editors Choice in the Pickup category are
1) Dodge Ram
2) Honda Ridgeline
3) Ford F-150
4) Chevrolet Silverado
5) Nissan Titan

U.S. News & World Report Best Cars for the Money in the Pickup category are:
1) Ford F-150
2) Chevrolet Silverado 1500
3) GMC Sierra 1500
4) Dodge Ram
5) Nissan Titan

Let’s look at the Ford-150 since it is considered the best pickup for the money. The ranking by U.S. News & World Report is based on six reviews and an analysis of safety and reliability data. It gets good gas mileage for a full size pickup, 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. There are many model and feature choices with a stylish interior. It has a nice ride and is quiet at all speeds.

It is interesting to note that all of the small cars are foreign cars while the majority of the pickups are American made vehicles. If you are in the market for a new or used car consider these highly rated 2009 vehicles. Even if you are reviewing a previous year model these top rankings don’t change significantly from year to year. What changes is where they are ranked in the top 5.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Power Inverters for Mobile Offices in Cars

2009-01-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

Laptop usage in cars is becoming more of a necessity than luxury for many people. Power inverters have been used by police and ambulance services for years. Many sales people and support personnel use inverters in their vehicles today. For example, a locksmith arrives at a hotel to assist a patron who has locked themselves out of the car after turning it on to warm it up during a snowstorm. The locksmith gets the car unlocked and goes into his vehicle to print out the invoice for the customer. He also has a wireless internet connection and can look up any information he may need. A car can be easily turned into a mobile office with a power inverter, laptop and printer.

Power inverters change the DC voltage (battery power) in vehicles into AC electricity (household power) used in home and offices. There are many different types of inverters and it is important to determine what type is best particularly to power a laptop.

There are two types of sine wave inverters: true sine wave and modified sine wave. True sine wave inverters produce power similar to the electric power in your house. Modified sine wave inverters can have problems powering some equipment and become unreliable. True sine wave inverters are more expensive, sometimes 2 to 5 times more expensive, but well worth the money if your income depends on it. The true sine wave power will be much more reliable and run things much better.

Modified sine wave inverters can cause power spikes which can ruin the power pack on laptop charger. A power pack can be an expensive part to replace, anywhere from $90 to $150. These spikes and surges can even go into the laptop and damage the electrical system. A surge protector does not offer the protection needed for modified sine wave inverters.

Determining what wattage inverter to get should be based on how much equipment you will be trying to run. To power a laptop and printer you will need at least a 300 watt true sine wave inverter. To power a mobile office in a truck or van with more equipment to power you will need a higher wattage inverter. Start by calculating the wattage for each device. The easiest way to do this is to check the electrical requirements tag which is usually located on the cord. It will have input voltage and amperage. Some will have output voltage and amperage which you won’t use in your calculations. Once you know how much wattage you need than it is best to buy the next size up. It is much cheaper to buy what you need the first time than having to buy it twice.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Is it Better to Buy a New or Used Car in 2009?

2009-01-09T13:48:00.000-08:00

The bleak economic picture has many people who need to buy a car in a quandary as to whether it is better to buy a new car with the many deals and 0% financing available or a good used car.

There are great deals to be made out there on new cars. Car companies are offering 0% financing and large discounts on cars. Those people with good credit ratings and job security who prefer to buy new cars and need a new car should be looking in 2009. It is still important to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal. There are excellent warranties on cars today so it is important to feel comfortable with the service department of the dealer you purchase from. You will most likely be taking your car there for years to be serviced.

There are additional costs associated with buying a new car versus a used car. Depreciation is a significant expense to the new car buyer. Cars can depreciate anywhere from 20% to 40% in the first year after purchase. They typically depreciate 15% the 2nd year, 13% the 3rd year and 12% in the 4th year. People are keeping their new cars on average about 5 years today unlike 20 years ago when they would trade every year or every other year. If you go to trade your car in the 5th year it has depreciated approximately 70%.

Taxes are another additional cost associated with buying a new car versus a used car. Typically taxes are a lot lower on a used car than a new car. Insurance costs can be much higher on new cars. Some states require consumers to buy full coverage for new cars and only require liability coverage for used vehicles which is much cheaper.

New car prices are affected by the state of the economy much more than used car prices. Typically, automobile companies have several layers of incentives for dealers and during a weak economy they can offer more vehicles at lower pricing to dealers combined with attractive financing packages. Used car dealers, on the other hand, still purchase cars predominantly at auctions and put the same profit margin on vehicles during bad times or good.

The decision to purchase a new or used vehicle in the current recession requires considering many variables. The most important variable is what makes the most sense for the consumer based on their financial situation. If there is any doubt about job security or if the consumer already has high levels of consumer debt purchasing a cheaper used car and paying with as much cash as possible may be the smartest choice .to make.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Driving Safely Through the Holidays

2008-12-11T14:00:00.001-08:00

As the holidays approach and more people are on the road, practicing safe driving tips will help you prevent or cause unnecessary accidents. There are many safe driving tips out there, some of them more obvious than others like driving the speed limit or wearing your seatbelt. But here are a few to consider that may not have crossed your mind:

1. Don’t Make Assumptions About the Other Driver - You can never rely on what the other driver will do. While you are driving, keep a wary eye on the other guy and leave yourself plenty of room. Anticipate the mistakes he might make and be ready for them. Eventually, he will! Because he's just like us! When you are driving on "autopilot," you have turned control of your vehicle over to those other drivers - you are at their mercy. Their fate is your fate.

2. Practice the Two Second Plus Rule - Create space between you and the other driver and never allow yourself to get "boxed in." Adequate space creates time and helps you avoid collisions. Maintain at LEAST two seconds of following distance, more if you can. Adjust your position in traffic as necessary to avoid driving in others' blind areas. Don't allow yourself to be tailgated—change lanes or adjust your speed to encourage tailgaters to pass you.

Many of us were taught to use the car-length rule for following distance (one car length for every ten mph). That rule is no longer recommended because car lengths are difficult to visualize, impossible to visualize when moving, and the rule didn't provide enough space in the first place. For example, 6 car lengths at 60 mph provide roughly 108 feet of space. At 60 mph, the average alert reaction time eats 60 to 130 feet (and in the real world, closer to 135 feet for many), leaving little or no time to act. Two seconds of following distance at 60 mph, on the other hand, gives you over 176 feet of pavement to react and respond. Even at two seconds of following distance, you must respond quickly, but it can be done under normal circumstances.

How do you apply the two-second rule? Watch as the vehicle ahead passes some object—I often use shadows or marks on the road surface—then count "one-thousand-one, one thousand two." If you pass that same spot before getting to "two," you're too close—back off!

3. Drive Predictably - Have you ever seen a driver fly down the left lane of an expressway, then at the very last second, veer across all the lanes and onto an off-ramp (usually cutting off a number of other vehicles in the process)? Driving instructors call that a "kamikaze." It's probably the most extreme example of unpredictability, the kind of unexpected sudden movement that results in many traffic deaths each year.

Be predictable! If you find that you are too close to your intended off-ramp (or turn) to be able to signal normally and slow down gradually, then forget making any sudden corrective moves and go on to the next exit, or to the next block. Turn back, or go around the block to get back where you wanted to be.

Being predictable is part of planning ahead and paying attention -- for the freeway exit, you should change lanes long before your exit ramp, getting yourself into position early so that others have plenty of time and space to react and adjust.

If you are confused about where to turn, or looking for an address, be careful not to stop dead in the road when others aren't expecting your sudden stop. Instead, pull off to the side or into a parking lot until you figure out what to do. Pay attention to your turn signals. It is not unusual to see a driver whose signal doesn't auto-cancel happily motoring along, unaware, for many blocks.

4. Be Aware of Blindspots, Yours and Others - It should make you uncomfortable if you are driving in other drivers' blind spots! Virtually all vehicles have blind areas—even motorcycles. (Motorcyclists are sometimes limited in how far they can twist their head to look behind them.) Yet, some drivers habitually change lanes without checking their blind areas for other vehicles. It's a good idea to adjust your position relative to other traffic to stay out of other drivers' blind spots whenever you can.

Where are your blind spots? That depends on the vehicle. A car typically has blind areas at the sides near the rear of the vehicle, meaning you cannot see anything in these areas by looking in your correctly-adjusted mirrors. Other vehicles may be blind to anything that is directly behind. Vehicles in which the driver sits very high may have forward-quarter blind spots—they may not be able to see anything low to the ground in front or to the sides near the front.

5. Beware of the One Car Crash - When many people think about what the most "dangerous" collision is, they don't always come up with the correct answer on first guess. Many think it is the "T-Bone" (a 90 degree impact at an intersection), or a head-on. But time and again, the statistics show that the collision that kills more of us than any other is the single vehicle, off the road collision.

If you think about their causes, then the ways to prevent them become obvious -- they happen when we lose control for one reason or another. The driver might be distracted for a moment, or fatigued and drift off to sleep. A one-car crash can occur with a loss of traction (and an uncontrolled skid, or even with a tire failure.

The "classic" one-car crash results when a vehicle does a slow drift to the right, and hits the dirt, or perhaps the rumble strips on the right shoulder of the road. Typically, the driver gets alert at this point, and overreacts, jerking the wheel left to bring the vehicle back onto the road. That "jerk" to the left causes the front left tire to strike the raised edge of the pavement at a fairly sharp angle -- often causing a rollover or a swerve into the oncoming lanes to the left. Why "classic?" Because investigating officers will tell you they see this type of mishap so often, it is now a cliché.

If you find yourself drifting off the right edge of the pavement, release the accelerator and let the vehicle slow as you continue straight ahead along the shoulder, then use the steering wheel to bring the vehicle smoothly back onto the pavement. You can use the brakes while slowing, but be careful not to apply them too heavily, and make sure you are not trying to turn while braking.

If you practice all of these simple techniques, you will have a safe and most happy holiday.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Are Gadgets Causing More Car Accidents?

2008-11-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

We have heard it on the news or have heard others talking about how car accidents occur due to the driver sending text messages or playing with the gadgets in their car. Drivers have never had so many distractions tempting them to take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel than with today’s vehicles, which are likened to living rooms on the road with everything from high-end stereo systems, televisions and DVD players.

How distracting are all of our car gadgets? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 80 percent of vehicle crashes and 65 percent of close calls are caused in part by driver distraction.

A study, conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and released in 2006, found that "secondary task distraction" was a central factor in auto accidents. The biggest culprit was hand-held wireless devices, along with the act of dialing phone numbers or sending text messages.

And even with all the advancements in vehicle safety technology, the number of people killed in auto accidents continues to rise. Close to 1.2 million people die each year on the world's roads, and that number is expected to rise by 65 percent by the year 2020, says a report by WHO and the World Bank.

Distraction isn’t the only problem causing car accidents, although it can account or some o the highest incidents. Here are the six major reasons or auto accidents:

1. Distracted Drivers
• Rubbernecking
• Driver fatigue (12 percent, see below)
• Looking at scenery (10 percent)
• Other passengers or children (9 percent)
• Adjusting the radio, cassette or CD player (7 percent)
• Reading the newspaper, books, maps or other documents (less than 2 percent)

2. Driver Fatigue

Drowsy drivers account for about 100,000 accidents every year in the United States, according to the U.S. National Traffic Safety Administration. The risk is greatest from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., the time when most people are used to sleeping, however some people also become drowsy from noon to 2 p.m.

Symptoms of driver fatigue include heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, a drifting vehicle that wanders over road lines, varying vehicle speed for no reason, misjudging traffic situations, seeing things "jump out" in the road, feeling fidgety or irritable and daydreaming.

3. Drunk Driving

In 2004, an estimated 16,654 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes, according to NHTSA. This is an average of one death almost every half-hour. Drunk drivers were responsible for 30 percent of all fatal crashes during the week in 2003, but this percentage rose significantly over the weekends, during which 53 percent of fatal crashes were alcohol-related.

The only way to prevent this type of accident is to not drink and drive. Whenever alcohol is involved, choose a designated driver in advance. This person should not drink at all before driving.

4. Speeding

Speeding is a multi-tiered threat because not only does it reduce the amount of time necessary to avoid a crash, it also increases the risk of crashing and makes the crash more severe if it does occur. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), when speed increases from 40 mph to 60 mph, the energy released in a crash more than doubles. Simply slowing down and obeying posted speed limits can go a long way toward making the roads safer.

When traffic gets heavy, resist the urge to succumb to aggressive driving.

5. Aggressive Driving

Exactly what is an aggressive driver? Anyone who does the following:

• Aggressive tailgating
• Flashing lights at other drivers because you're irritated at them
• Aggressive or rude gestures
• Deliberately preventing another driver from moving their vehicle
• Verbal abuse
• Physical assaults
• Disregarding traffic signals
• Changing lanes frequently or in an unsafe manner
• Failure to yield the right of way

If the situation is serious, you may call 911 to report an aggressive driver

6. Weather

Inclement weather, including heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, ice, high winds and fog can make driving more difficult. You'll need more time to stop and may have trouble seeing the road clearly, so when the weather gets bad be sure to leave extra room between the car in front of you and slow down. If necessary, pull off the road to a rest stop (or to the side of the road, well out of the traffic lanes) until conditions improve.

By heeding the above and keeping your eyes on the road, you will lesson the likelihood of being in an accident. Save your television watching and cell phone texting for when you are the passenger.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Making The Most of Your Fuel Dollars

2008-11-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

Fuel prices are fluctuating, but there is no doubt that the days of crude oil are on the decline, which means higher prices over time. So how can we conserve gas and make the most of our fuel dollars? According to HowToAdvice.com, here are 30 ways to start.

WARMING UP YOUR VEHICLE

1. Avoid prolonged warming up of engine, even on cold mornings - 30 to 45 seconds is plenty of time.

2. Be sure the automatic choke is disengaged after engine warm up... chokes often get stuck, resulting in bad gas/air mixture.

3. Don't start and stop engine needlessly. Idling your engine for one minute consumes the gas amount equivalent to when you start the engine.

4. Avoid "revving" the engine, especially just before you switch the engine off; this wastes fuel needlessly and washes oil down from the inside cylinder walls, owing to loss of oil pressure.

5. Eliminate jackrabbit starts. Accelerate slowly when starting from dead stop. Don't push pedal down more than 1/4 of the total foot travel. This allows carburetor to function at peak efficiency.

HOW TO BUY GASOLINE

6. Buy gasoline during coolest time of day - early morning or late evening is best. During these times gasoline is densest. Keep in mind - gas pumps measure volumes of gasoline, not densities of fuel concentration. You are charged according to "volume of measurement".

7. Choose type and brand of gasoline carefully. Certain brands provide you with greater economy because of better quality. Use the brands which "seem" most beneficial.

8. Avoid filling gas tank to top. Overfilling results in sloshing over and out of tank. Never fill gas tank past the first "click" of fuel nozzle, if nozzle is automatic.

HOW TO DRIVE ECONOMICALLY

9. Exceeding 40 mph forces your auto to overcome tremendous wind resistance.

10. Never exceed legal speed limit. Primarily they are set for your traveling safety, however better gas efficiency also occurs. Traveling at 55 mph give you up to 21% better mileage when compared to former legal speed limits of 65 mph and 70 mph.

11. Traveling at fast rates in low gears can consume up to 45% more fuel than is needed.

12. Manual shift driven cars allow you to change to highest gear as soon as possible, thereby letting you save gas if you "nurse it along". However, if you cause the engine to "bog down", premature wearing of engine parts occurs.

13. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows cause air drag, reducing your mileage by 10%.

14. Drive steadily. Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Also avoid tailgating - the driver in front of you is unpredictable. Not only is it unsafe, but if affects your economy, if he slows down unexpectedly.

15.Think ahead when approaching hills. If you accelerate, do it before you reach the hill, not while you're on it.

GENERAL ADVICE

16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.

17. Avoid rough roads whenever possible, because dirt or gravel rob you of up to 30% of your gas mileage.

18. Use alternate roads when safer, shorter, straighter. Compare traveling distance differences - remember that corners, curves and lane jumping requires extra gas. The shortest distance between two points is always straight.

19. Stoplights are usually timed for your motoring advantage. By traveling steadily at the legal speed limit you boost your chances of having the "green light" all the way.

20. Automatic transmissions should be allowed to cool down when your car is idling at a standstill, e.g. railroad crossings, long traffic lights, etc. Place gear into neutral position. This reduces transmission strain and allows transmission to cool.

21. Park car so that you can later begin to travel in forward gear; avoid reverse gear maneuvers to save gas.

22. Regular tune-ups ensure best economy; check owner's manual for recommended maintenance intervals. Special attention should be given to maintaining clean air filters... diminished airflow increases gas waste.

23. Inspect suspension and chassis parts for occasional misalignment. Bent wheels, axles, bad shocks, broken springs, etc. create engine drag and are unsafe at high traveling speeds.

24. Remove snow tires during good weather seasons; traveling on deep tire tread really robs fuel!

25. Inflate all tires to maximum limit. Each tire should be periodically spun, balanced and checked for out-of-round. When shopping for new tires, get large diameter tires for rear wheels. Radial designs are the recognized fuel-savers; check manufacturer's specifications for maximum tire pressures.

26. Remove vinyl tops - they cause air drag. Rough surfaces disturb otherwise smooth air flow around a car's body. Bear in mind when buying new cars that a fancy sun roof helps disturb smooth air flow (and mileage).

27. Auto air conditioners can reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%. Heater fan, power windows and seats increase engine load; the more load on your engine, the less miles per gallon.

28. Remove excess weight from trunk or inside of car - extra tires, back seats, and unnecessary heavy parts. Extra weight reduces mileage, especially when driving up inclines.

29. Car pools reduce travel monotony and gas expense - all riders chip in to help you buy. Conversation helps to keep the driver alert. Pooling also reduces traffic congestion, gives the driver easier maneuverability and greater "steady speed" economy. For best results, distribute passenger weight evenly throughout car.

30. During cold weather watch for icicles frozen to car frame. Up to 100 lbs. can be quickly accumulated! Unremoved snow and ice cause tremendous wind resistance. Warm water thrown on (or hosed on) will eliminate it fast.

EXTRA TIPS

Install pressure regulator valve (sold in auto parts stores)... Use graphite motor oil... Beware of oil additives, regardless of advertising claims... Add Marvel Mystery Oil into gas fill-ups... Investigate fuel/water injection methods and products... combine short errands into one trip... Use special gas additives to prevent winter freezing of gas lines... convert your V8 engine over to a V4 - no special kits needed!!!

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV's. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Car Warranties, Types and Considerations

2008-11-03T15:50:00.000-08:00

When deciding which car to buy, you may ask yourself whether you should buy an extended warranty or a car that comes with a warranty. To start, educate yourself on warranties. Not every new car warranty is created equally. Some will cover all the non-wear items on the car up to only three years or 36,000 miles. Others will cover repairs all the way up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. The strength of the coverage that is included will help you decide whether to buy an extended auto warranty.

A typical new car warranty has two parts: the “bumper to bumper” warranty, which covers everything except the “wear” items such as brakes and tires; and the power train warranty that covers all the parts that make the car move, such as the engine and transmission.

An extended auto warranty is often purchased to prolong the coverage of the bumper-to-bumper warranty. Most people are familiar with the extended warranty that is sold at dealerships. This is sometimes called a “factory warranty” because factory-trained technicians perform the required work on the car. There are also “third-party” warranties, which can save consumers money but are generally less convenient to use. Many third-party warranties require out-of-pocket payment for repairs before reimbursement.

In deciding whether an extended warranty is right for you, and in selecting the best plan for your needs, you’ll need to ask yourself the following questions:

* To what extent is your vehicle already under warranty, and is this coverage in sync with how long you anticipate owning it? If the car you’ve just bought is new, take a close look at its factory warranty before making an extended warranty decision. If, for example, the vehicle has a factory warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, and you plan on keeping it for two or three years—with an anticipated annual mileage of about 10,000—then an extended warranty makes little sense, since you’ll likely be covered under the manufacturer’s plan. However, if you plan on keeping the car long after the factory warranty expires, an extended auto warranty is worth considering. If the car you’ve just purchased is used, you’ll need to ascertain if there is warranty coverage from the dealership (coverage periods may range from as little as a month to up to a year, or more).

If you’re buying a late-model used vehicle, it’s possible that the vehicle’s original factory warranty is still in effect (this will be dependent on how many miles the car has under its tires, and on how much time has passed since it was originally titled). Some manufacturers also offer “certified used” programs that extend original factory warranty terms on pre-owned vehicles. If the car isn’t under warranty, or if you plan on keeping it past its warranty’s expiration, an extended warranty makes sense.

* What’s the reliability record of the model you’re purchasing? Take a look at the reliability history of the model you’re buying. Though this is by no means a fail-safe way of predicting what your repair bill will look like, it does give you an idea of what you may be in for service-wise; bear this information in mind when making a warranty decision.

* Who is behind the warranty that you’re considering? An extended auto warranty may be backed by an independent warranty company (these are known as aftermarket warranties) or by the covered vehicle’s manufacturer. Knowing who will be underwriting your policy can give you insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the contract you’re considering. Manufacturer-backed warranties score very highly when it comes to ease of use. However, aftermarket warranties are often cheaper. (If you opt to purchase an aftermarket warranty, take a look at how the company’s financial strength has been rated by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s; this will give you an indication as to its ability to pay your claim. Your safest bet is to choose a company that has a minimum “A” rating with Standard & Poor’s, and/or a minimum “A” or “A-” rating with A.M. Best.)

* What’s the nature of its deductible? Fully investigate a policy’s deductible before signing on the dotted line. Consider not only its amount, but also whether it’s per visit or per repair. With a per visit deductible, each visit to the shop will run you a fixed amount, regardless of how many parts are repaired; a per repair deductible applies to each serviced part. What sounds like a minor difference may, under certain circumstances, have a major impact on your wallet. If, for example, you’ve got a $100 per repair deductible and you take your car in to get the air conditioner, fuel pump and alternator serviced, you’ll be out $300; had you opted for a per visit deductible, those repairs would only have cost you $100. Charier still is a $0 deductible policy. You will have to pay extra for this, but if your circumstances become such that you have to take your car in frequently, you’ll find that this policy more than pays for itself.

* Is the warranty transferable? Some extended warranties end when the person who bought the warranty sells the car. A warranty that allows you to transfer it to a new buyer is preferable; it’s an excellent selling point for prospective buyers.

* Can repairs be performed at any repair shop? Some extended auto warranties stipulate that repairs must be performed at the dealership from which the warranty was purchased; this can prove limiting and inconvenient. It’s best to opt for a warranty that, at the very least, gives you more than one service facility to choose from. You’ll appreciate this should the vehicle ever need service while you’re on a road trip, miles away from home.

* What exactly is covered? Know what’s covered—and what’s not covered—by the extended warranty you’re considering. Does the service contract cover breakdown as well as wear and tear? Under a “breakdown” warranty, coverage is extended only to parts that break. Such a policy can prove less inclusive than is desirable, since not all parts fail due to breakage. Some need to be replaced because they’ve worn down over a period of time; a “wear-and-tear” warranty extends coverage to worn-down parts in need of replacement. Additionally, some “entry level” contracts don’t cover ABS brakes, so if your vehicle has this feature, you should consider upgrading to this level. And overheating—regardless of its cause—isn’t covered in many warranties. Thus, if overheating occurred due to problems with an expensive part such as your radiator, you’d be stuck with a hefty repair bill. Before committing to a warranty, take the time to fully explore the ins and outs of its coverage implications. The distinctions between the various plans might seem slight, but they can prove quite important.

* Is a cash layout required for repairs? Some extended warranties require that you pay the bill, then send the receipt in and wait for reimbursement; in many cases, months elapse before you get your money back. Ideally, you’ll want a warranty that pays the dealership.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Do You Need Commercial Auto Insurance

2008-11-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

You get in a wreck and find your car insurance won’t cover you. What happened? If you were conducting business and you were not carrying a commercial policy, you could be in danger.

So, if you are a business owner, following up with the type of auto insurance you have is critical as you and your business could end up being liable. To start, you need the same kinds of insurance coverage for the car you use in your business as you do for a car used for personal travel -- liability, collision and comprehensive, medical payments (known as personal injury protection in some states) and coverage for uninsured motorists. In fact, many business people use the same vehicle for both business and pleasure. If the vehicle is owned by the business, make sure the name of the business appears on the policy as the "principal insured" rather than your name. This will avoid possible confusion in the event that you need to file a claim or a claim is filed against you.

Whether or not you need to buy a business auto insurance policy will depend on the kind of driving you do. A good insurance agent will ask you many questions about how you use vehicles in your business, who will be driving them and whether employees, if you have them, are likely to be driving their own cars for your business.

While major auto coverage is the same, a business auto policy differs in many technical respects. For instance, if you have a personal umbrella liability policy, there's generally an exclusion for business-related liability. So are you safe?

Here are some examples of ways you may get into trouble without a commercial policy:

• Pizza and newspaper delivery;
• Catering;
• Door-to-door consulting services;
• Landscaping or snowplowing services
• Day care/church van services.
• Real Estate Agents

If your business uses a vehicle, or many vehicles, you will want to ask your insurance professional some important questions such as:

• What are my liability limits? In general, a commercial auto policy can offer higher liability limits. Larger vehicles, such as delivery vans, can cause more damage than passenger cars.

• Does my personal policy cover me for issues specific to my business? For example, if you have a trailer that damages another vehicle while on a job, a personal liability policy may not cover the repairs. A commercial policy will.

• Do I have employees who drive my vehicles? In general, if other people drive your vehicles for work, you need a commercial auto policy.

You also need a commercial auto policy if your vehicle hauls tools or equipment weighing more than 500 pounds, makes deliveries or requires filings for interstate for for-hire trucking businesses.

Once you have taken all of the above into account, you can rest better at night knowing you are fully protected and no assumptions have been made.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.

Keeping Your Car Maintained Before The Warranty Expires

2008-11-03T15:45:00.000-08:00

Whether your vehicle has a one-year, 12,000-mile warranty or a 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, experts say it’s important to ensure that your car is properly maintained and all needed repairs are made before your warranty expires.

This is especially important if you are one of the 10 percent of U.S. drivers with a “Check Engine” light on right now. The light can signify a problem that could cost more to repair than a whole month’s car payment. But dealing with the issue while your car is under warranty could mean your car manufacturer foots the bill, instead of you.

Try these suggestions what to do before your car or truck’s warranty is up:

•Consider Extended Warranties In most cases, the newer your vehicle, the lower your extended warranty cost. If you didn’t purchase an extended warranty when you bought the car, don’t worry-you can still get one. Just remember: Not all warranties are created equal. Be sure to ask who administers the policy and if there are limitations. Also, check the fine print. Will the warranty cover the retail labor rate at your favorite dealership or local repair shop?

•Address Intermittent Problems One day your car is driving fine, the next it stalls and your “Check Engine” light comes on. Then, when you finally take it to the repair shop, everything seems fine. The initial problem could be something as minor as a low battery or a broken “Check Engine” lightbulb. But what if it’s a costly catalytic converter or transmission failure? Better to be safe than sorry.

•Fix Big-Ticket Items – Has your car been stalling? Has the transmission been slipping? These symptoms can indicate serious and potentially costly problems, even complete engine failure, which could cost $2,000 or more to fix. It’s best to get such repairs done before your car is out of warranty.

•Keep Car Maintained and tuned up. A regular tune-up is recommended, even with the high-tech performance of today’s vehicles.

What are some things that you can do to make sure you vehicle is well-maintained?

1. At least once per year, test ignition wires, spark plugs, the fuel and air injector, pcv valves, plus the vital sensors that govern most engines.

2. Change engine oil and air filters. The oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and they should be changed at twice a year or every 5,000 miles.

3. Check spark plugs. Clean or change spark plugs if they are badly fowled or if the gap shows serious erosion.

4. System Check. Assess brakes, the tires, and the shock absorbers at least twice per year.

Keeping your car in shape with the addition of considering an extended warranty will help you save money in the long run while maintaining a good-running and long lasting vehicle.

Greg Chapman of Greg Chapman Motors is a knowledgeable and leading provider of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Since 1959, Chapman motors has supplied reliable used cars in Austin and the surrounding area and is known as one of the bad credit car dealers in Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.