Increase Your Comfort During Winter Driving

Published: March 2, 2010
Posted in Used Truck Dealers

We have all faced some frigid temperatures this winter, even if you are fortunate enough to have your own transportation and can avoid standing outside for long periods of time facing the elements, there are still mornings even with a warm car to get into for the daily commute, you still have to venture outside your home or office and face the freezing temperatures. It may not seem like much consolation…especially if you have to to chip a layer of ice off the glass and shovel a foot of wet, heavy snow off the hood, roof, and trunk. Then, get into the icy interior, crank the engine, and hope the battery has enough juice to fire the motor. Once the car is running, now you’ve gotta wait for what seems like hours for the heater to start pumping warm air into the cabin. And don’t breathe while you’re waiting, lest you fog the glass and delay your departure further.
Fortunately, there are cars on the market that can take the chill off a winter’s day and make life more comfortable. To find the best vehicles for driving in the winter visit your local St. Louis Auto Stop used truck dealers today, we have some of the best  vehicles on the market to help you face winter driving, Features to increase your comfort this winter include; four- or all-wheel drive, stability control, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, an engine block heater, and headlamp washers (that last to clean road salt from the lights at night) and factory remote starting – which lets you start the car from inside the house so it can warm up before you get in.

Here are some of the models that have the best features to increase your comfort and face winter with a smile; The Cadillac SRX and the STS, two versions of the GMC Envoy, and five Volvos – the S60, S80, XC70, XC90, and V70.

When it comes to winter driving, keep in mind that a good se

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Auto Insurance Terms

Published: March 1, 2010
Posted in Used Car Sales

There may be many questions about insurance terminology, particularly if this is the first time that you are purchasing auto insurance for your vehicle. The answer is yes; proof of automobile insurance is required in all 50 states; however each state has its own statutes regarding the requirements on minimum coverage required for liability insurance, as well as the requirements of insurance coverage on rental cars.

Many consumers believe that auto coverage is provided ONLY to cover the driver of the car, but that is not true, insurance protects property, other motorists, pedestrians, etc in case you damage property during an accident or hit a pedestrian, the other party can file a claim against your insurance company and receive compensation for damages.

Penalties for uninsured motorists varies from state to state, often times a fine, suspension or revocation of driver’s license privileges, but depending on the situation jail time could also be ordered for those driving without liability insurance.

There are two types of automobile coverage; one is Third Party insurance which covers theft and vandalism of your vehicle.  Comprehensive coverage is the most common type of coverage because it covers damages to your car (and other motorist’s vehicles) in case of an accident.  An insurance company has coverage limits that is set up ahead of time and written into the policy.

Premiums are the payments paid either annually, bi-annually, or otherwise agreed upon time span.  The premiums cover any damages or repairs your vehicle may need as a result of an accident (up to the coverage limits of course).  Premiums also entitle you to have coverage for any property that was damaged as a direct result of your car being involved in an accident.

Premium rates vary quite a bit from one insurance company to another so it is advised to shop around to try and get the best rate, then when you are ready to purchase a vehicle, be sure to stop in at St. Louis Auto Stop used car sales in Hazelwood.

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Who Drives a Minivan?

Published: March 1, 2010
Posted in Used Car Dealers

Vans and minivans together comprise about a tenth of all new vehicles sold in the U.S., with minivans outselling full-size vans three to one. Although technically classified as light trucks, today’s minivans are commonly regarded as cars by their owners. Many come fully loaded and share many of the same comfort and safety features as passenger cars.  Mini vans are usually about 7 or 8 inches taller than most station wagons, sedans, or hatchbacks.  The engine is mounted very close to the front edge of the body of the van, and its elements are grouped higher than in other car types to minimize front overhang length. Seats are located higher than in lower cars, giving passengers seat more upright, posture leaving more room for the legs. Some people find this seating position uncomfortable and prefer lower automobiles, while the disabled, the elderly or people with little flexibility may benefit from the lack of need to sit so down when entering the car.Minivans are obviously more fuel efficient than full sized vans and they make a great option for large families, elderly passengers, people who transport dogs and kennels to dog shows, kids with all of their gear to sports games, or for professionals with business equipment to haul. Most minivans have front wheel drive for traction control and due to the amount of weight that sits over the front wheels they tend to get around very well in slippery road conditions such as snow and ice, and most  minivans feature uni-body architecture, which offers superior crashworthiness and a more comfortable ride than a body-on-frame chassis.If you are shopping for a minivan see your local St. Louis Auto Stop used car  dealers in Hazelwood today.

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The BMW ALL Electric Concept Car

Published: February 24, 2010
Posted in Used Car Sales

A new high performance green car would certainly be welcome by environmentally conscious car enthusiasts all everywhere.  It started when the Telsa was launched; the all electric 2-seater that can travel 300 miles on a single charge, but the first Telsa was only for an elite group who could afford to pay $110K.  Telsa has a relatively short history of car production, which is also an issue for some consumers.
BMW has developed its own version of a green sports car, the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics, a full-hybrid four-wheel drive 2+2 sports car with plug-in technology. The Vision Efficient Dynamics sports car puts out 356 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, using a combination of two electric motors, a lithium-polymer battery back, and a lightweights, three-cylinder diesel range-extending  engine that achieves a combined fuel consumption of 3.76 liters of diesel per 100 km and combined CO2 emissions of between 50 and 99 g/km.
If this vehicle doesn’t spark car enthusiast interest in alternative fuel vehicles, nothing will: A senior BMW executive states that the automaker plans to produce the stunning Vision Efficient Dynamics plug-in hybrid concept car for consumer sales.
It is projected that BMW will manufacture between 5,000 and 10,000 units per year. The car may also exceed its current speed of 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, before its final form is launched, and may become a legend in the history of electric cars in the way it moves like an M1, although it may not be nearly as popular with “Bimmers” or other car enthusiasts who value the sleek look that German engineered vehicles have always been known for. Still it is not a bad looking vehicle, just simply not in the same league as the BMW of the past.

If you are looking for a pre-owned sports car, see your local St. Louis Auto Stop used car sales department now.

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What to do if you Have a Cracked Windshield

Published: February 24, 2010
Posted in Used Truck Sales

You may notice a chip in your windshield, if you ignore it for some time, the chip will expand into a crack across the length or width of your windshield, there may be a concern about costly repairs of the entire windshield at this point.

Depending on the weather, the small crack may turn into a huge crack due to freezing cold temperatures or even severely hot climate.  If the crack spreads across the drivers’ side of the windshield, it may impair the driver’s vision, so there would be a need to get the repair done right away.

If you notice a chip on your windshield, keep a close eye on it, if it starts to crack even a tiny bit, then you need to contact a glass repair company right away because it is inevitable that the crack will get bigger, depending on weather conditions it may happen fast, or slow.  The great news is that in many states your car insurance company is mandated to cover all glass replacement so the repairs may be free.

If you are required to pay for glass repair in your state, you may be tempted to fix the damage yourself with a windshield crack repair kit, this is not advisable by the experts, and you should contact a professional because they know how to perform the repair while adhering to national safety guidelines.  They can also evaluate the damage and give you the best and safest option to get your windshield fixed correctly.  Also, the adhesive materials that the professionals use are safer than any type that a consumer can find on his/her own.

The other option is to trade in that old vehicle at St. Louis Auto Stop in Hazelwood Mo.  Visit our used car or used truck sales department and drive away with a used or certified pre-owned automobile (with a brand new windshield) today!

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Update Your Car’s Interior

Published: February 24, 2010
Posted in Guaranteed Financing

If your car’s interior is getting old and outdated, you can easily update it so that your ride will be more stylish and comfortable.

Make a drastic difference in your car or truck’s interior by painting the vinyl surfaces with Dupli-color vinyl lacquers, here’s how;

A clean, dry surface is important before painting, remove dirt, wax, grease, moisture, rust and loose paint.  Sand or scrape, if necessary,  use sandpaper, steel wool, wire brush, scraper and sand all rusted, glossy or hard surfaces to improve adhesion.

Only paint when the weather is 55° to 75° F with relative humidity of 40 to 60% for best results.
See product directions for suggestions on when to apply a second coat.

Test a small surface area for paint compatibility.  A smooth, even application is important. Follow these tips for success, perform an even, side-to-side motion with each pass beginning and ending beyond the edge of the object and Use a fan spray vs. regular spray distance to the object.  Take your time and paint with  3 light coats vs. one thick coat.  Always check the label for recommended recoat time.

Mask exposed areas with masking tape and drop cloths, and be sure to allow for adequate ventilation.

Clean up with appropriate cleaner-paint thinner or soap and water.

After the paint has dried, use custom seat covers that are made for your car’s model (available online) and cover your old seats in a new color to match the paint.  Seats make up a big percentage of the color in your car, so this easy to do step will make a big difference in the overall look of your car’s interior.

If you decide that you want to purchase a new vehicle instead of updating your old one, see your local St. Louis Auto Stop dealer in Hazelwood and ask about our guaranteed financing program and drive away in your car with a brand new interior today.

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Upgrade Your Car’s Stereo System

Published: February 24, 2010
Posted in Used Car Dealers

There are many components to your car’s stereo system, but the one component that will make the most drastic improvement in sound is to upgrade your car speakers.  Most cars have speakers that are from the factory which are considered “stock” speakers, since they were included as part of the car.  To customize and update your audio system, start by purchasing aftermarket quality speakers.  The right speakers can really make a difference in the overall sound system in your car.

Figure out what size speakers you want, if you are unsure what size you currently have, consult the owner’s manual or measure your old speakers, it is recommended to get a better quality brand in the same size, if you want bigger speakers, then you may need to go to an aftermarket car stereo instillation department of your electronics store, such as Best Buy.

Kenwood, Sony, and Panasonic all offer good high quality speakers, if you plan to purchase and install your speakers yourself, go to the Kenwood website and click on the “Products” link in the upper left hand side of the screen. On the subsequent page, choose the “Car Entertainment” link. The following page shows a list of products related to car entertainment.  Choose coaxial speakers for the front doors. A coaxial speaker is actually an assembly of two speakers. One plays the mid-range/mid-bass frequencies, and one plays the highs.

Click on the Speakers picture near the bottom left of the page. The resulting page shows a list of speakers produced by Kenwood. It also lists the size of each speaker.

Read through the specifications of the car speakers to find a set of speakers that fits the size you need, and then read the reviews to make your final decision. You can find hundreds of consumer opinions, as well as price comparisons on Kenwood speakers.

Install your speakers once you receive the product in the mail. If you do not wish to install the speakers yourself, you can have the speakers professionally installed by the service center at your local St. Louis Auto Stop used car dealers.

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Aftermarket Entertainment Center for Your Car

Published: February 24, 2010
Posted in Auto Credit

Today’s automobiles have more entertainment options than ever.  There are many options for purchasing an aftermarket DVD player for your vehicle, you can either have installed and have the sound go through your stereo system, or purchase a portable DVD player and an apparatus for mounting it to the back of the headrest.  One of the best ways to get the most out of your money is to purchase portable entertainment equipment that can be used in all of your vehicles.  It is also great to take along your portable DVD player when you fly, take a plane, or to take inside when you stay in a hotel.

Decide what you’re interested in purchasing. Do you want a self-contained unit that can be used in multiple vehicles, or do you want a video system that’s integrated into your car’s sound system? Integrated systems cannot be transferred between vehicles easily, so if your family has more than one vehicle, you’ll need more than one system. Self-contained portable systems make the switch easily.

Compare prices and features. Self-contained portable DVD players with single screens are available at many different retailers. You can find them at your local Best Buy and even Wal-Mart. The screen options include LCD and tablet style and range in size from 3.5 to 8 inches. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on your purchase and see what you can get for your money.

Most portable players have an adapter that allows them to run off a 12-volt outlet such as a car cigarette lighter. Battery-powered units are increasingly rare, but still available.

Of course the best option is to purchase a pre-owned vehicle with a factory DVD player already installed  visit your local St. Louis Auto Stop dealer in Hazelwood, and ask about our auto credit program to get you in your new vehicle fully loaded with all of the newest features and options for your family entertainment today.

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How to Pay off Your Auto Loan Early

Published: February 24, 2010
Posted in Auto Loan

One way that many people have managed to pay off their auto loan is by taking out a home equity loan that they use to consolidate all of their debt with.  In today’s market that just doesn’t happen very often, most homes today are difficult to assess the value and many home owners are in a situation where they have negative equity, so there is no positive equity to borrow against.  But if your credit is good and your house is nearly paid off, you may still qualify to borrow a line of credit from your home equity.  Here are a few things to think about when considering paying off your car loan with a Home Equity Line of Credit: HELOC.

When you pay off your auto loan with a home equity loan, you give yourself a lot of payment flexibility. With a HELOC, you only have to pay the interest on the loan each month. You are not required to pay down the balance every month, so if cash flow is low one month, you can just pay the interest payment which will most likely be smaller than what your car payment was.

With an auto loan, you have a set amount of time to pay the car loan off. In many cases, you will have a fixed payment every month for five years until your balance is paid in full. However, with a HELOC, you can actually change the amount of time that the loan is open. Your HELOC will usually be available for 10 to 15 years. Therefore, if you want to double the amount of time that it takes to pay off the car, you are free to do so. This can drastically lower your payment each month and give you greater flexibility with your monthly obligations.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of is the tax deduction. Interest paid on a HELOC is usually tax-deductible and interest paid on a car loan is not. Therefore, you will be saving money on your taxes at the end of the year.

After your auto loan is paid in full, you can qualify to purchase a new car, visit your local St. Louis Auto Stop dealership in Hazelwood.

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Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

Published: February 24, 2010
Posted in Auto Financing

There are many people who drive around with their dogs in the car without the proper use of car restraints to keep dogs safe, there are countless injuries and deaths caused every year resulting from unrestrained dogs being involved in car accidents, or even as a result of sudden stops.  Here is some information that will keep your pet safe while riding in the car.

If your dog is smaller you may want to consider a travel crate in the back seat, be sure to secure it so that it cannot easily be moved around in case there is a sudden jolt.  Try putting your seat back until it pushes against the crate, which will prevent it from moving around.  The inside of the crate should be padded all around with some sort of soft material to further protect in case there is an accident.

If you have a larger dog, a harness may be the best option.  If you have selected a car harness to restrain your dog and keep him safe, make sure the harness fits around the dog’s torso and then adjusts for a snug fit. You can find a variety of different types of harnesses at major pet supply retailers. Be sure to only use the type of harness that is specifically designed for a car restraint, the best type of car harnesses have padding around the straps and come in different sizes, be sure to properly fit the harness to your dog so that it fits snugly but not too tight.

The seat belt goes through the loop on the back of the harness. On some models, the harness actually has a plug designed to snap into the seat belt receptacle. In the event of an accident, the seat belt will lock and keep your dog secretly in the seat of the car. The harness will evenly distribute the force of the impact through the dog’s torso, reducing the chances of severe injury.

If you are looking for a great dog-friendly vehicle, see your local St. Louis Auto Stop dealer in Hazelwood and ask about our auto financing programs to get you-and your dog in a safe vehicle today.

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