Finding That Perfect Car For Summer

Summer is upon us and looking for the perfect car, no matter where you live, can be a challenge. The types of cars and their numerous options are endless. To refine your decision, first you should ask yourself what you are looking for. Make a list of everything you want to do and see this summer and decide if your current vehicle can fit the bill.

For instance, are you somebody who just wants to take a long road trip and enjoy the sun and wind in your hair? Then a convertible is right for you. But which convertible should you choose? There are many out there on the market these days. The price range is just as variable. When shopping for a convertible, do you need rear seats for guests or extra luggage? Do you want something sporty and powerful or economic? Both are important questions as they can determine the difference between purchasing a Corvette or a Mini Cooper. While the Corvette packs a lot of punch, the Mini Cooper gets 28 to 36 miles per gallon. That is a lot of miles one can put on a tank of gas. If you want punch but don't have the money for a Corvette, there is also the Ford Mustang. This muscle car doesn't get bad mileage either, averaging around 26 miles per gallon.

If you are looking to combine some four-wheel drive action with a little convertibleness, you might want to try the Jeep Wrangler. While getting the top off and on isn't as convenient as with the sedans, it does get you off road.

Speaking of off-road, there are a number of four-wheel drive SUV's on the market these days. The question is how much room do you need? Jeep has other models than their Wrangler that offer more interior room. The Patriot has rear fold down seats for campers to sleep within their vehicle. Chrysler even has a roomy SUV called the Town and Country. It too has a flexible seating configuration allowing more room inside for more stuff on the outside. For better fuel efficiency, there is the Subaru Outback. It can go off road, has seats that fold down for sleeping, optional racks for hauling gear and gets around 28 mpg. The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid has a lot of room and includes a 115 volt outlet which can run small electronics without draining the battery. This is great for the casual camper who likes their television and coffee maker while roughing it in the woods.

Towing toys this summer? Whether you have a camper trailer, boat, quads or all of the above, you will need good towing power on your summer vehicle. There are plenty of trucks and SUVs on the market that can pull anything from 8,000 to 16,000 pounds. The strongest of these would be the Dodge Ram 3500. It is said to have more than 16,000 pounds of towing capacity. Behind it is the GMC Sierra 1500 with a 9,990 pound rating. Of course you can step up the towing capacity of the Sierra by going into a more heavy-duty truck series and even Dodge, Ford and Chevy are just as compatible.

Want an SUV that can tow? How about the Nissan Armada, its towing capacity is just over 9,000 pounds. It is also very roomy. The Dodge Durango isn't as big but can tow 8,950 pounds. The Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL can also tow their weight and are big enough for those large families.

If you aren't up for camping on the ground or staying in hotel rooms, there is always the old stand-by Volkswagen camper van or as it is also called Eurovan or Vanowagon - depending on the model you choose. These vehicles often come with everything -including the kitchen sink. If you just want something you can sleep in without all the extra equipment, the Honda Element is quite roomy as well, with space for two adults to sleep comfortably on a double mattress.

Whatever your needs might be, there is most likely a summer vehicle for you out there.

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.

Preparing for your Road Trip

It is that time of year for a road trip. Whether it is you and your friends or the whole family, there are some things to consider before driving off into the sunset. With a little time and pre-road trip preparation, you can save yourself some potential problems and big bucks.

To start, take your car in for some all-over maintenance. Things to have checked include:

1. Wiper Blades - Inspect the condition of the blade material (it should be soft and pliable) for cracks or separation from the blade retainer.

2. Lights - Check the turn signals, headlights and brake lights, making sure they operate properly. It is a good idea to have the headlights checked for proper alignment in order to have optimum lighting and to prevent the “blinding” of oncoming drivers.

3. Tires - Check tires for excessive or uneven wear and tire pressure. It’s important to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. The recommended tire pressure provided by the vehicle and tire manufacturers are designed to compensate for the increase in tire pressure caused by the rise in temperature of the tire when it is rolling down the highway.

4. Fluid Levels - Lift the hood and check the engine oil, automatic transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, radiator coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels. Top off if necessary.

5. Belts & Hoses - Check hoses for proper fit, leaks, brittleness, loose clamps, and softness in the elbow areas. As for the belts, check for alignment, glazing, adjustment, and tearing and cracking. Replace if necessary.

6. Air Conditioning - Test the A/C system to see that it is working and cooling the vehicle down in a reasonable time. Also, inspect the refrigerant lines for evidence of leaks. Remember, on most late-model vehicles, the defroster system utilizes the air conditioning for more efficient defrosting and defogging.

7. Battery Connections - Check / clean battery posts and cable terminals for corrosive buildup. White fuzz that surrounds the cable terminal ends at the battery posts can easily identify a corrosive condition. Cleaning or removal of the white fuzz requires the removal of the cable terminals after washing them down with a baking soda and water solution. The best cleaning results can then be achieved by using a battery post and cable terminal-cleaning tool. Performing this small maintenance activity will ensure optimum performance from the vehicle’s electrical system.

8. Fluid Leaks - Examine the ground where you park your vehicle for leaks. Any fluid residue found should be examined for the type of fluid (gas, engine or transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, radiator coolant, windshield washer fluid), and the leak repaired immediately to avoid any problems.

9. Exhaust Leaks - Listen / look for leaks from the exhaust system, and if something seems marginal, have the system checked by a professional mechanic / muffler shop prior to leaving for your trip. The life you save may be your own, as the gases escaping from the system are very deadly.

10. Brakes - Test-drive the vehicle for brake response and feel. Listen for noises (high-pitched squeal, grinding or clunking). Look for fluid leaks from flexible brake hoses and steel brake lines. If you feel your mechanical expertise is limited in this area, I would recommend you have a professional look at your brakes to advise you on the condition of the brake friction material, drums, rotors, and the hydraulic system. It is important that the vehicle always be prepared to stop regardless of the driving conditions.

Once your car is in top shape, make sure you have a basic emergency kit on board. The kit’s contents could be dependent on where you are going. If you are heading off to the desert in the summer you will want extra water. Going north where there is snow, take blankets and snow chains. But when it comes to the basics, your emergency kit should include:

1. Assortment of Combination Wrenches, Screwdrivers, and Pliers
2. Flashlight / Spare Batteries for Flashlight
3. Roadside Flares / Battery Operated Roadside Marker Lights (If you don’t like playing with fire)
4. First Aid Kit
5. Battery Jumper Cables
6. Blanket, Food, and Something to Drink (In case you’re stuck for awhile)
7. Cell phone charger

Last, once everything is in order, the most important thing to prepare for on your road-trip is the right music. Maybe it won’t keep you safe, but it sure will make everything much more 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 Austin. For more information please visit http://www.gregchapmanmotors.com.