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Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Rules of the Road
On May 26th, 2011 the GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test results were released to the public, and showed that 1 in 5 drivers on the road today cannot pass the written exam to receive a driver’s license.
The test is available for anyone to take at www.nationaldrivertest.com, and after taking the test I found a few inconsistencies based upon state differences. Truth be told I only scored a 75%. When I first started driving I took the written exam in Missouri, and some of the answers I provided on the test were correct for that state. For example a question was asked about “what does it mean when there is a solid yellow line on your side of the vehicle?” The answer according to GMAC is no passing allowed or do not pass. The problem I have is that most areas in Missouri use white lines instead of yellow. Therefore, I was penalized for a regional difference. I encourage you to take the test for yourself, but remember that the results may be a little skewed because of regional differences
GMAC Insurance has also provided 5 of the top driving mistakes that cause crashes.
1. Multi-tasking While Driving
a. I will admit fault on this one because I am guilty of talking on the phone while driving. However, we should all do what we can to limit distractions and focus on the road.
2. Following Too Closely
a. A good rule of thumb is one car length for every ten miles per hour, therefore sixty mph should put you six car lengths behind a vehicle. GMAC advises to give at least a two second cushion between the vehicles.
3. Failure to Yield on a Left-Hand Turn
a. Look at where you are turning to make sure you aren’t turning into another vehicle or pedestrian. Also on a personal note ALWAYS use your blinker when turning or merging.
4. Incorrect Merging
a. Yellow is for yield, and drivers who interpret yield as stop can cause accidents. Use ramps for merging into traffic correctly.
5. Backing Up
a. Take the time to look before you back up. We have mirrors on all of our vehicles, let’s actually use them.
What do you think of their survey? Can you come up with some driving mistakes that cause crashes? Tell us what you think by responding on our blog.
The test is available for anyone to take at www.nationaldrivertest.com, and after taking the test I found a few inconsistencies based upon state differences. Truth be told I only scored a 75%. When I first started driving I took the written exam in Missouri, and some of the answers I provided on the test were correct for that state. For example a question was asked about “what does it mean when there is a solid yellow line on your side of the vehicle?” The answer according to GMAC is no passing allowed or do not pass. The problem I have is that most areas in Missouri use white lines instead of yellow. Therefore, I was penalized for a regional difference. I encourage you to take the test for yourself, but remember that the results may be a little skewed because of regional differences
GMAC Insurance has also provided 5 of the top driving mistakes that cause crashes.
1. Multi-tasking While Driving
a. I will admit fault on this one because I am guilty of talking on the phone while driving. However, we should all do what we can to limit distractions and focus on the road.
2. Following Too Closely
a. A good rule of thumb is one car length for every ten miles per hour, therefore sixty mph should put you six car lengths behind a vehicle. GMAC advises to give at least a two second cushion between the vehicles.
3. Failure to Yield on a Left-Hand Turn
a. Look at where you are turning to make sure you aren’t turning into another vehicle or pedestrian. Also on a personal note ALWAYS use your blinker when turning or merging.
4. Incorrect Merging
a. Yellow is for yield, and drivers who interpret yield as stop can cause accidents. Use ramps for merging into traffic correctly.
5. Backing Up
a. Take the time to look before you back up. We have mirrors on all of our vehicles, let’s actually use them.
What do you think of their survey? Can you come up with some driving mistakes that cause crashes? Tell us what you think by responding on our blog.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Give us a break!
Why is it that hard working Americans are being asked to pay over $4.00 a gallon for gasoline? Fortune magazine recently released its 2011 list of Fortune 500 companies, and, unsurprisingly, three of the top four companies are from the oil industry: Exxon Mobile, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips. In the first quarter of 2011, Exxon Mobil reported nearly $11 billion of profits, and their competitors also saw a huge increase in earnings. With no end in sight of lower gas prices, wouldn’t you want to lower how much gas you use?
Hyundai is doing everything it can to help ease the pain of customers when going to the pump. Customer pleas for improved fuel economy have been heard, and many if not all of the vehicles in the 2011 Hyundai lineup have received an increase of Miles Per Gallon (MPG). Some of the best examples are the Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, and the upcoming 2012 Accent. As hybrid technology has advanced over the years, it has finally reached a level to meet the standards in place at Hyundai. Hybrid efficiency and ground breaking performance come together in the 2011 Sonata Hybrid to provide 35 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
Considered to be a safe and stylish compact car, the 2011 Elantra is a force to be reckoned with among automotive sales. Starting well under $16,000, the 1.8L 4 cylinder engine puts out a solid 29 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. The Elantra has become one of the most popular cars in the compact segment with its stylish design and fuel efficiency, making it a sensible investment.
The 2012 Accent features an economically resourceful 4-cylinder engine that puts out a best-in-class standard fuel efficiency and horsepower. As an added value, the engineers included the Active Eco System, which according to Hyundai, “All Accent 4-door models with automatic transmission have an Active Eco System that modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy. In fact, based on internal tests this system provides a 7% improvement in real-world fuel economy over vehicles without this feature.”
How do you feel about the price of gasoline, and the response from Auto Manufacturers? Tell us your thoughts in our comments section.
Hyundai is doing everything it can to help ease the pain of customers when going to the pump. Customer pleas for improved fuel economy have been heard, and many if not all of the vehicles in the 2011 Hyundai lineup have received an increase of Miles Per Gallon (MPG). Some of the best examples are the Sonata Hybrid, Elantra, and the upcoming 2012 Accent. As hybrid technology has advanced over the years, it has finally reached a level to meet the standards in place at Hyundai. Hybrid efficiency and ground breaking performance come together in the 2011 Sonata Hybrid to provide 35 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
Considered to be a safe and stylish compact car, the 2011 Elantra is a force to be reckoned with among automotive sales. Starting well under $16,000, the 1.8L 4 cylinder engine puts out a solid 29 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. The Elantra has become one of the most popular cars in the compact segment with its stylish design and fuel efficiency, making it a sensible investment.
The 2012 Accent features an economically resourceful 4-cylinder engine that puts out a best-in-class standard fuel efficiency and horsepower. As an added value, the engineers included the Active Eco System, which according to Hyundai, “All Accent 4-door models with automatic transmission have an Active Eco System that modifies engine and transmission control for improved fuel economy. In fact, based on internal tests this system provides a 7% improvement in real-world fuel economy over vehicles without this feature.”
How do you feel about the price of gasoline, and the response from Auto Manufacturers? Tell us your thoughts in our comments section.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Family Cars of 2011 – Hyundai Sonata
Remember when the 2nd generation Hyundai Tiburon was released. It was the coolest car on the road with its unique styling and a high powered V6. A little over a decade later Hyundai has brought back the thrill of driving with the redesigned 2011 Sonata. In that same amount of time a generation of people have started families, but are not ready to give up their cool car. With its style and sophistication the Sonata is an easy choice for drivers wanting to look great while having a vehicle large enough for a family.
As the cost of clothing, health care, college tuition, and gasoline increase the value of a hybrid Sonata is very appealing. Even more value is added when taking into account the many standard safety features used in this mid-size sedan. Safety features like Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Active Front Head Restraints, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Another great benefit of a Hyundai is that the warranty is far superior to those of any competitor. The warranty covers the vehicle for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Imagine yourself in a 2011 Hyundai Sonata, and how cool your kids will think you are while driving it. This car was built for those who need to shift from parent to professional and back again in one day—even if you don’t want to be a grown-up just yet.
What do you think of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata? Have you taken one for a test drive yet? Tell us what your opinions are on our comments section.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Why Dealership Service is King!
After purchasing a new or used vehicle many people wonder where they should go for service, a Dealership or an Independent? Several strong reasons can be presented why the service department at a dealership is far superior to that of an independent mechanic. Some of those reasons are found when looking at the areas of training, and warranty.
Training
Dealerships and automotive manufacturers spend a considerable amount of time and money to have technicians trained. New repair techniques are being developed on the ever evolving technology being placed in vehicles today, and your technician must be incorporating these techniques. Similarly, a dealership will specialize in a specific brand of vehicle even though they service all makes and models. Having this specialization and working with the same brand on a daily basis allows the technicians to learn more about the vehicles than anyone else.
Warranty
What happens if a problem arises with the vehicle while under warranty and you have not been using the dealership service department? Will the warranty be voided? The answer depends upon the situation. Typically, the warranty is still valid and should be used until expiration. However, the possibility of an independent mechanic altering something on your vehicle could expressly void the warranty. Each manufacturer has different terms and conditions regarding the warranty, which you should be able to find in your owner’s manual.
Training
Dealerships and automotive manufacturers spend a considerable amount of time and money to have technicians trained. New repair techniques are being developed on the ever evolving technology being placed in vehicles today, and your technician must be incorporating these techniques. Similarly, a dealership will specialize in a specific brand of vehicle even though they service all makes and models. Having this specialization and working with the same brand on a daily basis allows the technicians to learn more about the vehicles than anyone else.
Warranty
What happens if a problem arises with the vehicle while under warranty and you have not been using the dealership service department? Will the warranty be voided? The answer depends upon the situation. Typically, the warranty is still valid and should be used until expiration. However, the possibility of an independent mechanic altering something on your vehicle could expressly void the warranty. Each manufacturer has different terms and conditions regarding the warranty, which you should be able to find in your owner’s manual.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Patiently Awaiting a New Arrival – Continued
Performance
With the ever increasing gas prices, imagine being able to have highway fuel economy of an estimated 40-mpg. The all new Gamma 1.6 liter GDI four cylinder engine will do just that, and provide you with 138-hp making it a very peppy car. This is the smallest Hyundai engine to incorporate Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology which provides lower emissions, and increased reliability. GDI is only part of the advances made with the new Gamma engine, as it also features: Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, an electronic throttle control, a roller timing chain, and several others.
Safety
Hyundai is committed to bringing more advanced safety features on their vehicles in order to protect customers. Many of these advanced features have been incorporated into the Veloster such as: Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system which optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). The VSM will help keep you in control of the vehicle during quick maneuvering, or when sliding. Another great safety feature is the six airbags which includes dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags.
A Brilliant Car That is Fun to Drive
Designed to keep you connected 24/7 by letting you share your location with friends, use hands-free texting, upload your favorite music and play videos through a USB port. The sport tuned electric power steering keeps you in control of the vehicle when switching between different driving conditions.
Are you as excited about the new 2012 Veloster as we are at Breeden Hyundai? Tell us about it in our comments section.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Patiently Awaiting a New Arrival
We’ve heard rumors, we’ve seen pictures, and we have even been able to see it up close. The 2012 Hyundai Veloster has been on our minds here at Breeden Hyundai since it was unveiled at the Detroit International Auto Show in January. Sadly we have to wait until this summer for its release to the general public. In the meantime, here are a few specs and highlights for this great looking hatchback that will dominate the competition.
Design
Dynamically inspired by the speed and power of motorcycles, the 2012 Veloster has a fluidic design similar to that of other Hyundai vehicles. Engineers were focused on this vehicle being affordable and practical while making it cooler than other cars in its class. Included in this new design is the functionality of a hatchback, but with a twist. The passenger side has an additional door for easier access to the rear seating. In the past, other vehicles have used a smaller rear-hinged door in order for occupants to reach the rear seating. Issues occurred with the use of rear-hinged doors due to the fact that the front door must be opened first. They proved to be tiresome for the driver and passenger, as well as difficult to operate in a tight parking condition. The brilliant new design not only provides safe access to the rear seating, but also maintains the coupe design by hiding the rear door handle.
What are some of your thoughts on the 2012 Veloster? Do you have plans to come in and test drive one? Let us know in our comments section, and continue reading about the Veloster in our next article.
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