Do you have to squint and focus on a fixed point to avoid feeling carsick? If you’ve ever felt sick to your stomach from a bumpy ride, you’re not alone. Nearly everyone has experienced some version of motion sickness before. Rough seas nearly guarantee it.
While the symptoms will eventually stop, they can make traveling extremely uncomfortable, for both you and the people around you. If you’re planning your next vacation, you may want to know what causes this distressing disorder and what you can do to prevent it.
First, let’s find out what motion sickness actually is and what causes it.
What is motion sickness?
Motion sickness, also called airsickness, seasickness, and carsickness, can occur in a variety of different situations. It is caused by a conflict of different messages that the brain receives. It has a lot to do with how your inner ear perceives balance and motion.
Everyone has both an inner ear and an outer ear. The inner ear helps us with sound detection and balance while the outer ear is mostly responsible for hearing.
The cochlea helps convert sound pressures from the outer ear to electrochemical impulses that get passed on to the brain.
The vestibular system provides us with the sense of balance and space orientation necessary for coordinating movements (including position and acceleration) from second to second.
While you may already know that your inner ear is responsible for balance, you may not be aware that there are two different types of equilibrium:
Static Equilibrium is when the body is not moving. Receptors in the vestibular system send reports to the brain on the position of the head with respect to gravity when the body is not moving.
Dynamic Equilibrium is when the body is moving. Receptors pick up angular or rotary movements of the head and then send messages to your brain when there are any sudden movements. If you are moving at a constant rate, receptors will stop sending movement impulses to the brain. Impulses will start up again when you change speed or direction.
So, what does all of this have to do with feeling carsick?
If you are on a boat, car, or train, your eyes look around and experience mostly a static world. Your eyes notice that your body is just sitting there, not moving, and part of your vestibular system is corroborating the visual information. You also have pressure and sensory receptors on nerve endings that can contribute to the mixed messaging, called your proprioceptors.
Basically, your brain gets confused because it is receiving mixed signals from your visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems about your body and its position in space. Homeostasis gets upset and your body reacts as it would to toxins.
While your eyes are telling your brain that there is static equilibrium, the equilibrium receptors in the semicircular canals in your ear are crying out—MOVEMENT!
Both parts of your equilibrium system are sending contradictory messages to your brain. The brain, as the ultimate decision-maker, decides it’s going to do something—vomit.
Now that you know how the ears and eyes contribute to motion sickness, you can see why ear infections can produce nausea and dizziness. The ear infection messes up the equilibrium receptors and signals going to the brain.
You may also experience a similar motion sickness with flight simulators, video games, movies, microscopes, and even computers and smart phones. Sometimes, the term cybersickness is given to motion sickness associated with digital media.
Why does the driver rarely get carsick?
While the theoretical explanations are not entirely clear, there is a clear link between control of movement and the experience of motion sickness. The more control you have over the movement, the less motion sickness you feel.
How to Prevent Motion Sickness
Although there are many different remedies available, none are proven effective for everyone. It’s a matter of trial and error.
If you frequently experience motion sickness, try some of these common remedies to feel more comfortable.
If you are prone to motion sickness, limit your food intake before the trip. Don’t eat any spicy or greasy foods. If it’s a short trip, don’t eat anything except perhaps a small snack, such as crackers.
Stop the motion if you can and wait it out.
Remove one of the equilibrium signals going to your brain—close your eyes.
Focus on the horizon, giving your brain a static point of reference.
Don’t read or use phones and electronics. Limit your sensory input.
Distract yourself by singing songs, listening to music, and playing car games.
Sometimes air ventilation helps. Try opening up a window and getting rid of any strong odors. Again, limit as many sensory inputs as you can.
Some people recommend consuming some ginger (about 2 grams half an hour before travel) to help with motion sickness. While we don’t know if it helps any, it certainly can’t hurt.
If all else fails, use medication; but make sure to read to instructions and consult a doctor for any over-the-counter prescriptions. Take the medication before your trip. Antihistamine solutions include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, TripTone), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), meclizine (Bonine), promethazine (Phenergan), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), and others. Be forewarned that many of these medications cause drowsiness and other side effects. Follow instructions carefully.
Usually, motion sickness subsides after around age 12. If you are driving with someone who is feeling carsick, pull the car over as soon as you can and have them walk around or lie down with their eyes closed.
Learn more tips and tricks before heading out on your next long car trip:
Auto Simple wants you to find a vehicle you love at a price you can afford. We carry a large selection of hand-picked, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, all with a 6 month/6,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:
Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600
Cleveland, TN – (423) 472-2000
Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600
Dalton, GA – (706) 217-2277
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Once you buy a car, you’ll want to treat it properly. As the owner, you’re responsible for all repairs and maintenance. If you don’t want constant surprise trips to the mechanic, it’s important to learn some good driving habits. Even seasoned drivers are guilty of bad driving habits that cause unnecessary damage to their vehicle.
This wisdom applies to other aspects of our lives as well. You want to think about the long-term implications of your habits and behaviors. Today, it may not seem like any harm is being done, but over time, they can lead to major problems down the road.
Learn the top 10 worst driving habits and why you should avoid them.
10 Bad Driving Habits
Driving on Low Fuel
You may think you are saving time and money by waiting until the fuel tank gets low to refill the tank, but in fact, the opposite is true. Most car manufacturers and mechanics recommend driving your vehicle on at least a quarter tank of gas.
The reasoning behind this is that when your tank is low, your car is pulling the gas from the bottom of the tank where the sediment from the gas has settled. This greatly increases the amount of sediment that gets transferred to your fuel line and filter. This can cause clogged lines, dirty filter, and sometimes engine trouble if the sediment slips past the filter.
Additionally, maintaining a full tank helps keep the tank and fuel pumps cool. The extra heat caused by an empty tank will increase wear and tear.
Abrupt Braking and Accelerating
Are you the type of driver that stops suddenly at red lights, stop signs, and behind cars? When the light turns green, do you slam on the gas to leave others in the dust?
While it may be fun to put the pedal to the metal every once in a while, leave that kind of driving for the race track. Just because your vehicle can go to 0 to 60 in a couple seconds doesn’t mean you should. And those adroit brakes you are so proud of might not be so good for long if you are constantly hitting them hard.
If you have a heavy foot and are slamming on the brakes or acceleration, not only are you putting yourself at a higher risk of collision, you are also causing a lot of unnecessary strain and damage to your vehicle. Besides wearing out your brake pads and stressing your engine, you are also shortening the lifespan of your rotors and spending a lot more on fuel than you need to. Unless you really enjoy visits to the mechanic, refrain from hard starting and stopping.
Use light touches for acceleration and deceleration. If you step too much on the pedals, you’ll experience that jerking effect, most commonly associated with new drivers. At the same time, you want to avoid riding the brakes for too long. It may feel safer to have your foot on the brakes just in case you need to make a sudden stop, but what you’re actually doing is wearing out the brakes and building up heat, which can do damage to your pads, rotors, and braking capacity.
If you drive a manual transmission, shift to a lower gear when going downhill and use the engine braking to maintain a safe downhill speed.
Revving the Engine
Revving the engine can do damage to your vehicle, but it also depends on the temperature of the engine. If you rev the engine before it has had time to warm up or the outside temperature is low, your car won’t have the necessary lubrication to protect your crucial car parts.
That’s why it’s a good idea to start your vehicle and let it idle for a little bit before stepping on the gas pedal, especially during colder weather. This will give the oil some time to circulate. Otherwise, you could be putting unnecessary wear and tear on your rings, valves, crankshaft, cylinder walls, bearings, and other parts that require lubrication. Those parts are extremely expensive to replace.
Furthermore, the sound of a revving engine does not sound as good to people on the street as much as you think. Unless you have an expensive sports car, not only will it not sound good, it is also completely unnecessary.
Resting Hand on Shifter
If you drive a manual transmission, then you may have developed the bad habit of resting your hand on the shifter while driving. It does add a certain “cool” factor as we’ve all seen in movies and television shows. But while you may like the look and feel of it, the added weight on the shifter puts pressure on the transmission’s bushings and synchronizers.
You may not change your behavior hearing this, but when your transmission fails, you’ll wish you did.
Not Deploying the Parking Brake
You have a parking brake (also called the emergency brake) for a reason. You should deploy your parking brake every time you park the car. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t. Be careful never to drive with the parking brake on.
Here is the proper procedure for setting the parking brake:
Press on the brake pedal and come to a complete stop.
While your foot is still on the brake pedal, set the parking brake.
If you are on a steep hill, shift the transmission to neutral and allow the car to settle on the parking brake.
Then shift the transmission into park and take your foot off the brake pedal.
Once your parking brake is set and you’ve shifted the car into park, turn the car off.
Here is the proper procedure for releasing the parking brake:
When starting your car back up, press down on the brake pedal and start the engine.
With your foot still on the brake pedal, release the parking brake.
Make sure the parking brake light goes off before shifting into “drive” (D) or another gear.
Get into the habit of setting the parking brake whenever you park, not just on steep hills. Don’t forget to release the parking brake before shifting into gear. Activating your parking brake will help prevent the weight of the vehicle from resting on the parking pawl. Also, if you are on a steep hill or another car hits yours while parked, there is much less chance of the car moving.
Driving with Unnecessary Items
It’s important to have certain emergency items in the car, such as equipment to change your tire, but most drivers are driving around with unnecessary items that add a lot of weight to the vehicle. The more weight that you are carrying around, the harder your car has to work. This means worse handling and fuel economy in addition to unwanted stress on suspensions, brakes, and other important components.
Shifting from Reverse to Drive or Drive to Reverse Before a Complete Stop
Many times, when people are parallel parking, they shift from drive to reverse and vice versa without waiting for the car to come to a complete stop. This is a very bad habit that can cause irreversible damage to your drivetrain.
Take that extra half-second or so to make sure your car comes to a complete stop before shifting gears.
Ignoring Warning Lights and Other Signs
Nobody wants to take their car to the mechanic, but ignoring vehicle warning lights and other signs can mean something a lot worse.
Pay attention to any strange or unusual sounds and sensations when driving your vehicle. Things like rattling, squeaking, and shaking can indicate a worn out parts or something even more serious. Don’t wait to find out. It’s best to take your car to a mechanic for an inspection so you can catch the problem early on.
Filling Up with the Wrong Fuel
Many drivers have no idea which fuel type they should use. Some assume that the higher priced gasoline is better for their vehicle, while others assume there is no difference and go for the cheapest option instead.
The answer is very simple: consult your owner’s manual
Using the wrong octane rating can do damage to your engine. High compression engines usually require higher octane fuel to reduce “pinging” and “knocking.” Learn more about octane ratings and the implications for your vehicle.
Not Maintaining Fluid Levels and Other Car Maintenance
As a driver, you should know how to check and change your oil and other fluids, in addition to taking care of your tires and other important car maintenance.
Learn the following car maintenance procedures to extend the lifespan of your vehicle and avoid accidents and blow-outs on the road:
Although this list should apply to most vehicles, you always want to check your owner’s manual for proper procedures. There should be a “correct use of the car” section or something similar.
If you are a new driver, take a driving course early so you don’t develop any of these bad habits. For seasoned drivers, breaking these habits can be difficult. Try to catch yourself before you make any of these common driver mistakes.
Auto Simple wants you to find a vehicle you love at a price you can afford. We carry a large selection of hand-picked, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, all with a 6 month/6,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:
Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600
Cleveland, TN – (423) 472-2000
Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600
Dalton, GA – (706) 217-2277
Follow us on social media for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining vehicles: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Google+.
With gasoline being as expensive as it is, many people want to know if it’s worth it to pay the extra money for mid-grade/plus, premium, or even super premium gasoline. Is it just a marketing gimmick?
What’s the Right Type of Fuel for My Vehicle?
Most gas stations offer a choice between 3 different octane levels:
Regular (85-88, usually 87)
Mid-Grade/Plus (88-90, usually 89)
Premium (91-93, usually 92)
Some gas stations offer additional octane grades with names like “special,” “plus,” and “super.” “Super premium” normally has an octane rating of 93.
So, which one should you use?
The answer is very simple: consult your owner’s manual!
It’s so obvious, but many people don’t remember to check the manual before choosing the type of gasoline for the car. If it says regular (87), use regular. If it says premium (91), use premium. Contrary to common belief, octane ratings do not indicate how many miles you get per gallon or how much power the fuel delivers.
While higher prices normally indicate higher quality (“you get what you pay for”), in the case of gasoline, there is no increase in performance for engines that are designed to run on regular gas.
The different types of fuel are designed for different types of engines. The only difference separating the different gas grades is the amount of octane present in the fuel.
Recommended vs Required
Some car manufacturers “recommend” premium while others “require” premium. If it requires premium, definitely use it. Trying to save a couple of dollars at the pump is not worth the LARGE costs of engine damage and repair. Normally, only high-end, high-compression vehicles require premium gasoline.
If it only “recommends” premium, then you won’t do any damage by using regular gas, but you could get some better performance with “premium.” Consider using premium gas when you anticipate extra demand on the engine, such as driving up steep hills or pulling heavy weight.
If you wanted to save money, you can probably still fill up with regular gas most of the time. And at an extra 20-50 cents more, that’s around $200 more in your pocket every year.
What are octane ratings?
The fuel’s octane rating measures the fuel’s ability to withstand pressure and resist “knocking” or “pinging,” which can cause engine damage.
Knocking or pinging are noises that your engine makes when there is an uneven combustion in one or more of your car’s cylinders. When the piston moves up and compresses the fuel/air mixture, the spark plug is supposed to rapidly burn the fuel, which causes the piston to move down very fast.
Sometimes, however, there is a “pre-ignition” during the compression process which creates a small explosion. This normally happens when you have a high-compression engine with a low-octane fuel. This is bad and can cause the fire from the compression to collide with the fire from the spark plug. As a result, you may hear a “ping” if the fire is small enough, or a “knock” if it is big enough.
The image below shows the two “explosions” colliding to create a “pre-ignition” knock/ping:
This is why it’s important to check the owner’s manual/handbook. The recommended octane level will completely depend on the design of the engine. Higher octane fuel burns slower, reducing the chance of pinging or knocking in high-compression engines.
Don’t be too worried about small pings and light knocks. However, if you experience loud or heavy knocking using fuel with the recommended octane rating, see your authorized dealer to prevent any further damage to your engine.
Still, most cars are designed to run on regular gas. Anyone who says that premium gas will give you more mileage or power is living in a fantasy land. High-octane gas is basically a protection for high compression engines.
What is a knock-sensor?
Most cars nowadays (1997 or later) contain a knock-sensor that detects the compression detonation and delays the spark to minimize knocking/pinging. While this is good for protecting your engine from “pre-ignition” knocking, in higher performance vehicles, the spark delay gives you less power and worse mileage.
Again, it’s simple: use the octane level specified by your owner’s manual.
Does premium gas help cleanse my engine?
You may hear the claim that premium and high-octane gas contains more detergents and therefore can help clean your engine. While premium gas may contain more detergents, regular gasoline has more than enough detergents to keep your engine clean.
If you have a noticeably dirty engine, then use one of the many great engine additives on the market.
Is there a difference between gas from different brands?
While there are no really good studies that validate quality claims of different brands of gasoline, there is indeed a difference. In fact, if you are looking to improve your MPG, you’ll find much more success trying a different brand rather than a higher octane level.
The main difference between different brands of gasoline are the contents of the additives. In 2004, some large car manufacturers were unhappy with the amount of deposits in their engines so they got together to create new gasoline standards. These standards are stricter than the federal Environmental Protection Agency standards and are given the name “Top Tier” gas.
They contain an enhanced additive package that includes antioxidants, oxygenates, and corrosion inhibitors.
Some gas stations only sell “Top Tier” gas: 76, Chevron, CITGO, Costco Gasoline, Exxon, Mobil, QT, Shamrock, Shell, Sinclair, Texaco, and Valero.
If you drive a high-end car and don’t want any deposits to build up, you should probably use Top Tier fuel most of the time. Still, you can usually get rid of any carbon deposits with a few bottles of engine cleaner.
In conclusion, unless you want to increase the portfolios of the super-rich, check your owner’s manual for the recommended gasoline octane level and don’t spend any extra money on higher octane fuels.
Auto Simple wants you to find a vehicle you love at a price you can afford. We carry a large selection of hand-picked, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, all with a 6 month/6,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:
Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600
Cleveland, TN – (423) 472-2000
Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600
Dalton, GA – (706) 217-2277
Follow us on social media for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining vehicles: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Google+.
“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.”
– John Muir, The Yosemite (1912)
Get your motor runnin’ and head out on the highway. Adventure awaits on these uniquely American road trips.
From purple mountain majesties to alabaster cities, America has some of the best landscapes and roadways in the world. The vast, sprawling scenery has inspired many great works of art, philosophy, science, and of course, epic road trips.
If you’re yearning for a new, beautiful, and intrinsically patriotic experience, channel your inner Jack London/Kerouac and start planning your next great American Road Trip. To help, here’s our list of the best road trips and destinations in America. Get lost!
A couple tips before we begin:
Leave yourself plenty of time for spontaneous trips and longer-than-expected stays
Plan your route (log in to Google and click “Create Map” in “Maps”)
Bring binoculars
The best time for a road trip is between spring and fall. You may want to wait until October for annual fall foliage displays. Double check peak fall color times to make sure. And always check road and weather conditions.
Great Smoky Mountain Road Trip
Start: Chattanooga, TN
Visit:
Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN
Raccoon Mountain Caverns in Chattanooga, TN
Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN
Chattahoocee National Forest
Nantahala National Forest
Mountain Farm Museum and Qualla Arts and Crafts in Cherokee, NC
Cataloochee Valley (Hannah Cabin) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Boogerman Trail loop
Big Witch Overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Devil’s Courthouse overlook trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC
Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC
Jack of the Wood, a Celtic-style bar in Asheville, NC
End: Asheville, NC
As Tennessee natives ourselves, it’s hard not to be inspired by the wild beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. One of the most popular national parks in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains attracts millions of visitors every year. And rightly so. Don’t be afraid to wander.
If you live near Chattanooga, Cleveland, or Dayton, as we do, you’ll want to pass through the Chattahoochee and Nantahala National Forests and enter the Great Smoky Mountains from the Cherokee, NC entrance. If you’re on the eastern side of the park, start in Asheville, NC.
It’s not a very long road trip, more of a weekend trip, but if you are taking a road trip anywhere in Tennessee, be sure to include the Smokies on your list. Most visitors enter through the Gatlinburg–Pigeon Forge into the park, but a better entrance might be the quieter North Carolina entrance through Maggie Valley and into Cherokee.
The views and wildlife are stunning. You may even be lucky enough to witness the famous blue haze associated with the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Make the trip in May or June and the skyline often has a deep pink and/or red glow.
As you wind your way through the scenery, it will seem to change by the minute—rolling valleys, spring wildflowers, soft fog, dense forests, steep mountains, and occasional log cabins and grist mills. Don’t be afraid to pull over along lookout points, such as Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, and the popular Chimney Tops picnic area. Just watch out for the black bears!
After a few days in nature, we recommend taking the gorgeous Blue Ride Parkway (an amazing road trip on its own) from Cherokee to Asheville (or vice versa if you are entering from that side).
Watch this video to learn more about Clingmans Dome and the Great Smoky Mountains:
The Blues Highway Road Trip
Start: Memphis, TN
Visit:
Graceland and B.B. King’s Blues Club in Memphis, TN
Blues and Legends Hall of Fame in Tunica, MS
The Hollywood Café and/or Blue & White Restaurant in Tunica, MS
Devil’s Crossroads in Clarksdale, MS
Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, MS
Hopson Plantation, Cat Head, and Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, MS
White Front Café in Rosedale, MS
End: New Orleans, LA
Take a ride on the Blues Highway (US 61), Bob Dylan’s famous Highway 61 that runs from Wyoming, Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana, to experience a unique musical journey. We begin our trip in Memphis. From there, you’ll travel to the same towns and juke joints as Bessie Smith, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Elvis, and other legends once did.
Following the course of the Mississippi River all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, there’s plenty to hear, see, and taste on this road trip. Start in Memphis and hit up one of the hundreds of amazing Memphis-style barbecue joints. Some local favorites are Tops Bar-B-Q, Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, and Leonard’s Pit Barbecue. Stay the night at the historic Peabody Hotel (or just visit for a drink). And don’t forget about Graceland!
After a day or two in Memphis, head to the Blues and Legends Hall of Fame in Tunica, Just 40 minutes away, our next stop is Clarksdale, the birthplace of Muddy Waters and deathplace of Bessie Smith. Visit the intersection of Highway 61 and Highway 49, which is said the be “The Crossroads” where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil for his musical talent. For a great live music experience, make sure to check out who’s playing at Cat Head and Ground Zero Blues Club. Nearby is the Delta Blues Museum.
After Clarksdale, you can choose a variety of different options. We recommend getting on the quieter Highway 1 (part of The Great River Road National Scenic Byway—a great road trip by itself), which runs along the Mississippi River’s “Great Wall.” There are lots of beautiful stops along the way, including the Trotter Landing ghost town. Stop for hot tamales at White Front Café in Rosedale.
As your trip approaches the end, don’t miss all the sites and entertainment in Vicksburg. The Vicksburg National Military Park and the Old Courthouse Museum are top attractions, but you’ll definitely want to stop to visit Margaret’s Grocery. It’s no longer a country market, but rather a sort of “voodoo” Christian cathedral, one of the most unique places of worship in the country.
End the trip in New Orleans and enjoy great live blues and everything the city has to offer. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
The Ozarks Road Trip
Start: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Visit:
Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork, AR
Roaring River State Park in Cassville, MO
Mark Twain National Forest in Rolla, MO
Silver Dollar City in Branson, AR
Mystic Caverns in Harrison, AR
Buffalo National River near Harrison, AR
Cosmic Cavern in Barryville, AR
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, AR
Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, AR
Onyx Cave Park in Eureka Springs, AR
Great Passion Play (May through October) in Eureka Springs, AR
Ozark Cafe in Jaspers, AR
The Inn at Mountain View Bed and Breakfast
End: Rogers, AR
Start your trip in northwest Arkansas at the Fort Smith National Historic Site and visit the museum. Then follow a loop, up toward Eureka Springs, into Missouri, and then back down into Arkansas to Mountain View, Jasper, and on to Rogers, AR.
Take the Scenic Byway 7, a 300-mile-long north/south state highway for beautiful views of lakes, rivers, and mountains. Check out the other National Scenic Byways in Arkansas.
Whatever you’re looking for in a road trip—roadside attractions, outdoor adventure, a happy family—you’ll find in the Ozarks, which means “toward Arkansas.” The most mountainous region between the Appalachians and the Rocky Mountains, it’s known for scenic drives bathed in moonlight and is surrounded by deciduous trees and some of the nation’s most beautiful waterways.
Sometimes referred to as the Ozark Mountains or Ozark Mountain Country, it basically covers the entire northwestern and north central region of Arkansas and much of the southern half of Missouri.
Wind down the roadway during the fall foliage season and you’ll be witness to the spectacular display of shifting saffron and various shades of red, purple, black, pink, magenta, yellow, orange, and brown. Driving through the beauty of the Ozarks, replete with songbirds and deer, is a distinctly American experience not to be missed.
The Borderlands, TX
Start: Fort Stockton
Visit:
Carlsbad Caverns
Davis Mountain
Museum of Big Bend in Alpine
Hotel Paisano in Marfa
Chinati Foundation in Marfa
The Food Shark in Marfa
Ghost town of Shafter
River Road
End: Big Bend National Park
You may recognize this area when you come to it. The landscape has been used as the backdrop for some big Hollywood movies like No Country for Old Men and There Will Be Blood.
With spectacular canyons, mountain, and rivers, the Big Bend region seems to come from a different planet. The borderland is characterized by huge space-bending skies, rugged mountains, grassland, and large swaths of desert. It is often compared to African landscapes due to its terrain and wildlife.
The borderland trip starts in Fort Stockton, an old oil town, and progresses to Alpine, a gateway to Big Bend National Park, and through to the artsy and spiritual town of Marfa. From there ride through Paisano Pass and to the ghost town of Shafter. After that, cruise down the beautiful River Road (FM-170) to Study Butte. The overlooking views are some of the best this country has to offer.
The Big Bend region contains over one million acres of public land, including Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. End the trip in Big Bend National Park. If you are just driving through, be sure to take Basin Road into the Chisos mountain range. Replenish yourself at Gage Hotel in the tiny town of Marathon, one of the filming locations for Wim Wenders’ movie Paris, Texas.
Highway 89 National Park Road Trip
Start: Tumacacori National Historical Park, AZ
Visit:
Saguaro National Park, AZ
Grand Canyon National Park, AZ
Zion National Park, UT
Kolob Canyon Road, UT
Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Capital Reef National Park, UT
Arches National Park, UT
Canyonlands National Park, UT
Yellowstone National Park, WY, MO, ID
End: Yellowstone National Park, MO
U.S. Highway 89 passes through 5 states and 7 national parks, clearly making it the longest of all the road trips on the list. If you’re not in a rush, the entire trip is definitely worth. Don’t worry though, you can choose to do one state or a small portion.
If you do choose one state, however, make it Utah. The surreal, Martian landscape of canyons, hoodoos, alcoves, and arches make it unlike anywhere else on Earth. If you make it one park, go with Yellowstone National Park.
U.S. 89 starts in Flagstaff, Arizona and proceeds north, passing near the Grand Canyon National Park, the second of the seven national parks along the way. Once you hit Utah, be sure to spend some time in the Zion National Park and the Bryce Canyon National Park.
The highway proceeds into Idaho around Bear Lake. In Wyoming and Montana, you have Yellowstone National Park, which should be on everybody’s bucket list.
Click here for a collection of posts to help you plan your Highway 89 road trip.
The Best Road Trip (According to Science)
If you are looking for the most efficient route for visiting all of the nation’s best landmarks, some scientists (Randy Olson and Tracy Staedter) have generated the “perfect” map that does just that. It hits all 48 states in the contiguous U.S. and all the major U.S. landmarks, ideal for traveling by car.
How to Survive a Road Trip
America is a force of nature. You have to be prepared for nearly anything when you go on any of these road trips, especially if you have children. Precipitation, cold temperatures, and thick clouds are common at the top of mountains while dry weather and hot temperatures will meet you at some of the country’s lowest points. Dress in layers and make sure you have plenty of water and essential safety items in your car.
Don’t hesitate to ask our team members for their road trip tips! We love driving our cars as much as we do selling them.
If you want the perfect road trip vehicle, stop by one of our locations for a reliable Certified Pre-Owned car, truck, or SUV. We’ll set you up with the car of your dreams at a price you can afford.
Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600
Cleveland, TN – (423) 472-2000
Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600
Dalton, GA – (706) 217-2277
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Nobody likes finding a scratch on their automobile. Whether caused by a tree branch, bicycle handle, or shopping cart, scratches in the paint are ugly, potentially expensive to repair, and can cause rust problems if left untreated.
Learn step-by-step instructions for fixing minor paint scratches on your automobile with the Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit.
Car Scratch Anatomy and Scratch Repair Warnings
WARNING: A successful auto scratch repair takes very careful attention to detail and some education. Read this guide and follow any commercial products’ instructions very carefully.
If, however, your fingernail does catch, you have a deeper scratch and will want to decide whether to do the repair yourself or take it into a professional. If you can see metal, that is a very serious scratch. No scratch repair kit will be able to restore a deep scratch completely. We suggest seeing a professional as soon as possible if you see metal. Exposed metal will rust. Wide and deep scratches are not covered in this guide.
We’ve seen a lot of success with the Turtle Wax T-234KT Premium Grade Scratch Repair Kit, so we will be referring to this product in the guide below. If you your fingernail catches on the scratch, but you don’t see any metal, this is a good kit to use. Be careful as the kit includes abrasive sand pads that require delicacy, precision, and attention to detail. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly.
How to Remove Minor Automobile Scratches
You’ll need two main things when fixing most paint scratches, the exact paint match and the clear coat layer that goes on top. If the scratch hasn’t gone through the primer, you can skip the touch-up paint step.
Look for Your Factory Paint Code
If your scratch is only a clear coat scratch, then you don’t have to worry about finding any paint. Deeper scratches, however, require the additional application of new primer and paint.
To help you find the right paint touch-up product, look for the factory-paint code on the sticker in the driver side doorsill or on a plaque under the hood. If you are unable to find the exact color match at the auto parts store or online, take the car to your auto dealer.
Remember, this guide is for minor scratches only so if you need to cover a large area, go with a professional. Touching up large areas by hand will always have imperfections. A professional will spray it and restore it to like-new conditions. If you can get your insurance to pay for it, do that instead.
Wash and Dry the Car
First, make sure the surface is cleaned with soap and water. Once you’ve dried the area completely with a clean cloth, finish cleaning with a few gentle wipes of a rag and denatured alcohol. Allow the area to dry completely.
Mark Off Area with Blue Painter’s Tape
It’s a good idea to mark the scratch off with some blue painter’s tape, especially if it’s close to any trim or plastic.
If you are applying touch-up paint, mark off the area as close as you can. This will help keep the primer and paint from spreading.
If you only need to add a small amount of paint and you have some experience in car care, you may be able to repair it yourself. If you have any doubts, bring it into a professional detailer.
Steps for touching up paint:
Mark the area off as close as you can with blue painter’s tape. This will prevent the primer or paint from covering too large of an area.
After the area is clean and dry, apply a very small amount of primer into the scratch or chip with a very fine brush. Allow the primer to dry. Wait a day to be sure.
Next, put a small amount of paint over the primed area (make sure the auto paint color is an exact match!). Practice on some paper or metal before applying to your car. You want to get the technique down first. If you are using a paint pen, depress the nib to release the paint onto a paper or metal surface, not the car. Dab the tip into the paint and gently fill in the affected area. If you only have spray paint, spray into a cap or container and use a fine artist’s brush to apply the basecoat. Depending on the touch-up paint you buy, you’ll want to use different strategies. Still, the same principles apply. For best results, it’s a good idea to use a fine artist’s brush and dab very lightly.
Wait at least one hour to apply a second coat of paint, if necessary. After adding the paint, remove the blue painter’s tape and allow the paint to dry. We recommend letting it dry and cure for a day or two before moving on to the next steps.
Touching up minor scratches and other blemishes with paint requires practice. Make sure you feel comfortable applying very small amounts of paint onto paper or metal first.
PRO TIPS:
Don’t apply any touch-up paint in direct sun or if temperatures are below 50°F.
Just in case you do apply too much paint to the area, make sure you have paint/lacquer thinner to quickly clean it up.
Prime the Clear Coat Pen (from Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit)
If you don’t need to add any primer or paint, you’ll want to skip those steps and jump to this one. First, prime the clear coat pen by pressing it against a piece of paper or metal to get it flowing. Then, fill the scratch in completely with the clear coat pen using gentle dabs and wipes. Wait for it to dry. You may want to wait overnight, especially if it is a wider or deeper scratch.
Sand the Surface with Proper Pad
This is the step to watch out for. The Turtle Wax Scratch Repair Kit comes with 4 different abrasive pads, #1 being the most abrasive and #4 the least abrasive.
The problem for most users is that they use too much pressure, fail to lubricate the area first, or use the wrong sanding pad. Ensure the pads and the surface are lubricated with the Spray Lubricator. Otherwise, you can cause even more scratches. You should never dry sand the affected area, only wet sand with the Spray Lubricant that’s included in the kit.
Usually the #1 sanding pad is not needed. The abrasive #1 pad if for deeper scratches when you are using touch-up paint, but usually you can start with #2 if you used touch-up paint. Take your time, follow instructions exactly, and use the proper level grit pad. Be very careful with the amount of pressure you use.
Mark off the scratch, one inch above and one inch below, with blue painter’s tape.
Lubricate the surface with the Spray Lubricator. Spray directly on the area.
Lubricate the #2 pad (if you used touch-up paint) or #3 pad (if no touch-up paint was needed) by spraying the lubricator directly on the pad.
Gently wet wipe the #2 or #3 pad in the direction of the scratch.
Next, lubricate the surface and the next pad that’s less abrasive. If you started with the #3 pad, move on to the very fine #4 pad. If you started with #2, use #3 next, and finish up with #4. Make sure they are all fully lubricated and use very gentle wipes in the direction of the scratch.
We cannot stress this enough—be extremely careful with the pressure you use when using the sanding pads. Very light rubbing is all that is necessary.
To remove the hazy area created when blending in the touch-up paint with the pads, move on to the next step.
Use Polishing Compound/Paint Finish Restorer
Before you move on the Polishing Compound step, remove the blue painter’s tape. To restore the gloss to the affected area, apply the Polishing Compound (from the Turtle Wax Kit) to a corner of your microfiber cloth and buff the scratch in the opposite direction of the scratch/sanding wipes.
For this step, you can use pressure. Use two or three fingers behind your microfiber cloth and firmly wipe the area in perpendicular strokes to the scratch/sand marks. You may have to wipe for over a minute or two.
After around 40 strokes, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth. Inspect your work and repeat the process if you still see sand marks. On the reapplication of the polishing compound, you can use circular motions to help blend everything in.
Apply a Coat of Wax
If you had any wax on the car, this process will have removed it. Apply a coat of wax to the area you worked on so it shines like the rest of the car.
And you’re done!
Fixing auto scratches yourself all depends on the length and depth of the scratch. If you have any major scratches, take your vehicle into a professional.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:
Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600
Cleveland, TN – (423) 472-2000
Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600
Dalton, GA – (706) 217-2277
Follow us for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+.
Normal, everyday items can sometimes be put to extraordinary use. And perhaps the most amazing and versatile product you have at home is WD-40. If you think this degreasing agent is only useful for squeaky door hinges, allow us to enlighten you with these 11 automotive MacGyver tips.
All you’ll need is some WD-40 and something to wipe it off with, although if a product from the WD-40 Specialist Line would work better, we’ll make note of it.
11 Automotive WD-40 Uses
Keep Dead Bugs Off
Remember the opening dragonfly scene in Men in Black? Well, if the truck had some WD-40 sprayed on the windshield and grill, that dragonfly would have slid right off rather than creating a big, ugly smear.
In addition to preventing bugs from hitting your vehicle, WD-40 is also a great option for removing already stuck-on bugs, bird droppings, tree sap, and grime. It won’t damage your paint; just remember to rinse it off with soap and water afterwards.
Clean and Restore License Plate
If you have a rusty, old license plate, WD-40 will clean it easily. Just spray it on, wait 30 seconds, and wipe it off with a rag. Rinse with soap, and viola, a restored license plate!
Clean Off Small Paint Rub
If another car got a bit too close and left a small paint scuff on your car, a little WD-40 may do the trick. While not recommended for large areas, small amounts of paint transfer can be effectively removed with WD-40. Wash off the area with soap and water back to its original finish.
Spark Plug Lubrication and Maintenance
If your car won’t start in wet or humid weather, try WD-40. WD-40 removes carbon residue and keeps moisture away from spark plugs and spark plug wires. WD stands for Water Displacement, so if your spark plugs are wet or you need to drive moisture away from ignition distributors, WD-40 will do the trick.
Turn off the vehicle and spray the spark plug wires and the inside and outside of your distributor cap with WD-40. Start the car back up to see if that did the trick.
If you keep having difficulties starting the car in wet or humid weather, you probably have a more serious problem, such as wires that need replacing. Using WD-40 to repel water from spark plugs, distributors, alternators, and batteries is a good way to prevent corrosion and keep moisture away. You can also use it to ease the removal of spark plugs, especially if there is any rust or corrosion.
Clean Oil
If you need to clean oil from your hands, old oil cans, exhaust pipes, or even large oil spots on your driveway, WD-40 will wash it right off. When you are done removing the oil with WD-40, rinse off the area with soap and water.
Remove Dirt, Grease, and Grime
Use the WD-40 Specialist Industrial-Strength Degreaser to clean off even the most stubborn dirt, grease, and grime from your car parts.
Remove Stickers, Decals, Bugs, and Bird Dropping
Instead of using a knife or razor blade to remove stickers, decals, or any other material stuck to your car, use WD-40 first. Spray it on the surface, wait 30 seconds to a minute, and then use a no-scratch scouring pad to wipe it clean. Don’t forget to rinse with soap and water when you are finished.
Prevent Mud from Sticking
If you’re an off-roader, you’ll know how difficult it is to get all of that mud and dirt off your vehicle after it dries. Prevent the mud from sticking in the first place by using WD-40 on your ATV, dirt bike, Jeep, or any other automotive vehicle.
Prevent Breaking or Rounding Off Stuck Nuts and Bolts
If you have any rusty or stuck nuts and bolts, spray WD-40 Rust Release Penetrant to penetrate the threads. Wait a couple minutes and spray a second shot for good measure. Any fastener will be able to come off without damaging the threads or stripping the bolt.
Protect Weatherstripping
Spray some WD-40 on your door gaskets/weatherstripping and windshield wipers to keep them pliant and extend their lifespans. You can also use WD-40 to unstick car doors and windows during cold weather.
Clean and Shine Tire Sidewalls
Use WD-40 to help clean the sidewalls on your tires.
WD-40 Products
The new “Specialist” product line from WD-40 helps tackle the hard jobs.
WD-40 Specialist Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant
This type of WD-40 allows you to work underneath your car without having your degreaser drip all over the place. Water and rust-resistant, it’s the perfect WD-40 if you don’t want any excess dripping on vertical or upside-down surfaces.
This degreaser is great for heavy duty machinery and cleaning and degreasing all kinds of greasy engines and equipment. The foaming action sticks to the surface, quickly cutting through the grease. All you have to do is wipe it up.
We’ve shared our tips for buying a used car, but we never discussed all of the risks involved with buying a used car from a private seller.
While it’s possible to get a great deal from a private seller, unfortunately it’s a rare event. As with many high-reward circumstances, it also involves a lot of risk.
Private Seller vs. Dealership
The first major decision you need to make when selecting and purchasing a new used vehicle is whether you will be buying from a private seller or a dealership. A private seller is an individual looking to sell their vehicle to another individual for the maximum value they could get. A dealership buys and sells hundreds or thousands of cars every year and must follow all state and federal rules and regulations.
While doing business with a dealer such as Auto Simple is the safest and easiest way to purchase a used car, buying from a private seller can save you money (if you’re lucky). But be aware of the potential risks before you invest the time and energy into buying from a private seller.
Private Seller Risks
Although there are some good advantages, such as potentially better deals, there are many reasons why you might want to avoid private sellers entirely.
Lack of Consumer Protection –The state and federal laws and regulations that apply to dealerships aren’t applicable when buying from a private seller. When you buy a car from a private seller, you are buying it “as is,” which means that any problems with the car are now your problems. Private sellers aren’t covered by the FTC’s Used Car Rule, which means they don’t have to post a Buyers Guide the way dealers do. You also won’t get any warranties on the vehicle, unless the manufacturer’s warranty is still in effect and you successfully transfer ownership. This is something to consider, since you will have to contact the appropriate division of the manufacturing company to update their records.
More Footwork –As the old proverb goes, “Time is money.” Consider all of the time you will spend on Craigslist and other websites, researching the cars, contacting the owners, ordering vehicle reports, discussing meeting times, finding transportation, scheduling inspections, and transferring all of the paperwork. Unless you get really lucky, you will find this process extremely frustrating and time-consuming.
More Paperwork –Both you and the seller are responsible for all the paperwork. This means transferring the title and/or bill of sale, registration, and any related fees and taxes. Often, you will need to make the trip to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). And we all know how fun that can be.
Vehicle History Reports and Inspections –Many times, a private seller will not have a vehicle history report to show you and might refuse to pay for one. This means you will have to spend the money to get a vehicle history report on CARFAX or a similar website by looking up the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Even if they have a CARFAX or similar report, it’s highly recommended that you conduct your own vehicle inspection, which will set you back around $100.
Worse Negotiations –Sometimes negotiations are easier, sometimes they’re harder. It really depends on who you are working with. Be aware of dealers who pose as private sellers and use suspect tactics to close the deal. This happens a lot on Craigslist. Never trust a dealer disguising themselves as a private seller. They are obviously trying to deceive you, regardless of if they have good or bad intentions. If you have any strange suspicions, it’s best to walk away before you get in too deep.
Finally, beware of cars that are being sold for an extremely low price. As the saying goes, “If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is.” Sometimes the car being offered is a lemon or a fraud. There may be things that are wrong with the car and the owner just wants to get rid of it.
How to Buy a Used Car from a Private Seller
If you do decide to buy from a private seller, keep in mind all of the extra work involved. Since private sellers are not subject to the same strict laws and regulations that dealerships are, the risk of fraudulent practices significantly rises.
Here are some things you should do to ensure you’re dealing with a trustworthy seller:
Right off the bat, ask them if they are the owner. You want to get this out of the way and the best way to do so is by asking. Ask a little bit about their time with the car, how long they’ve owned the vehicle, where they purchased it from, etc. This is where you should be able to catch any tell-tale signs, such as “selling for a friend” or “just bought it recently.”
Ask the owner about vehicle history. Don’t be afraid to call and ask about the car. If they are car flipping, they probably won’t have maintenance records. If they say they have no records, ask them where they get their maintenance and repairs done and then call the business and ask for them. Here, you will also be able to tell if the name of the person you are speaking with matches the name on the records. If they don’t know details about the car off the top of their head, you may be dealing with a disguised trader.
Look up the phone number of the person you are speaking with. If the number comes back as a pay-as-you-go phone or in relation to other vehicle sales, walk away.
Double-check the address. Be wary of anyone wishing to meet in a place other than their home. You want to make sure that the seller’s address matches the address on the car title and registration. If they have a reason for not meeting at home, consider driving by to make sure it is a real address.
Test-drive the car on the street and highway. You will want to heighten you senses while test-driving the car. Pay close attention to any sounds, sights, smells, or feelings you have while driving, turning, and braking on both street and highway. Test all of the electrical controls: windows, radio, locking system, etc. Make sure all of the lights work and that the vehicle drives and brakes straight. This should only take about ten or fifteen minutes.
Get a car inspection. It is always a good idea to have the car inspected when buying from a private seller. It will cost around $100 for an inspection from an ASE-certified mechanic, but will save you from buying a potential lemon.
If you have suspicions, walk away. You are under no obligation to buy the car. Ask a lot of questions. Use your gut instincts and listen when they are telling you that something is fishy. If you’ve been lied to once, you’ll probably get lied to again. If you don’t build trust, both with dealers and personal sellers, you may be in for a rude surprise.
If you are buying from a private seller, make sure the title and registration has been successfully transferred before handing over the money. It’s also a good idea to check if there are any past-due registration fees.
Phew, that’s a lot isn’t it? If you don’t have the time, energy, or personality for the private car buying process, we don’t blame you. Buying and selling at a dealership is A LOT easier and more secure.
Shop our online inventory and schedule a test drive on our private track. After all questions are answered and the paperwork is signed, you will receive the keys and copies of all the documents. It’s that easy.
In fact, you can leave the Auto Simple lot with a new pre-owned vehicle for as low as $500 down!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fjn02cArgw
Auto Simple wants you to find a car you love at a price you can afford. We carry a large selection of hand-picked, Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, all of which come with a 6 month/6,000-mile powertrain warranty. We also own a private track for test driving!
With locations in Cleveland, Chattanooga, Dayton, and a new store in Dalton, GA, we make it easy to walk away with your dream car.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:
Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600
Cleveland, TN – (423) 476-4600
Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600
Dalton, GA – (706) 217-CARS (2277)
Follow us on social media for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars: Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Google+.
If you’re a driver, you know that strange mixture of guilt and frustration that comes with sharing the road with cyclists. You don’t want to appear environmentally unfriendly, but you also don’t want to be late for work and the cyclist up ahead seems to be hogging the road.
The tension between drivers and cyclists is undeniable. A quick Internet search will reveal heated arguments between drivers and cyclists on the proper way to use the road. It seems as if our personalities drastically change depending on if we are behind wheels or handlebars.
In fact, the first recorded automobile accident was recorded in New York when a car hit a bicycle. Since then, the number of motorists and cyclists has drastically increased, leading to a rise in automobile-bicycle collisions.
According to the Washington Post, “the number of people commuting by bike is estimated to have increased by 43 percent since 2000.”
If you live in a city, the number of cyclists on the road seems to be increasing exponentially. Although bike lanes help with the problem, they must be supplemented with some rules for both drivers and cyclists. Traffic rules for both drivers and cyclists improve safety for everyone.
Whether you hate them or love them, cyclists have certain rights to the road. Also, keep in mind that if they weren’t riding a bicycle, they would probably be in a car contributing to the traffic and congestion around you.
How Drivers Should Share the Road with Cyclists
These driving tips are based off of Tennessee law, although most states have similar traffic laws relating to bicycles:
In Tennessee and most other states, a bicycle has the legal status of a “vehicle.” They have the same legal right to be on the road as vehicle drivers.
Cyclists are supposed to ride on the right side of the road and obey all traffic signs and signals.
All drivers should pay extra attention to cyclists, operating the vehicle at safe speeds, keeping careful lookout, maintaining full control and attention, and leaving plenty of room when passing. Unsafe passing of a cyclists is considered a violation of due care; and if the violation results in an injury, it’s a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250. If the violation results in a death, it is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and a year of jail time.
A 3-foot clearance between vehicles and bicycles is the law in Tennessee, however, more than 3 feet is necessary if the speed limit is above 40 mph.
Even if there is a cyclists misbehaving and breaking the law, never verbally threaten or throw things at them. You could face a fine for assault. If you are trying to hit or run a cyclist off the road, that is considered aggravated assault (the vehicle is your weapon).
Bike lanes are for cyclists. Don’t double park in a bike lane, even if you are just dropping someone off. This causes cyclists to have to swerve into the driver’s lane, which can be extremely dangerous.
When making turns, look for both pedestrians and cyclists. If you are making a right turn, look in your rear view and side view mirrors to check for cyclists. If you are turning right and they are going straight, they have the right of way.
If you are coming up behind a cyclist, you can toot your horn to let them know you’re coming, but don’t lean on the horn.
Don’t assume that the cyclist is being a jerk if they are in the middle of the lane. A common occurrence for cyclists is what some people call being “doored.” That’s when a parked car’s door opens and the cyclist collides with it. Since there is a risk of being “doored,” many cyclists will allow a couple feet clearance between themselves and the parked cars on the right. Keep this in mind when you are opening up your door. It’s a good habit to check your side view mirror before swinging the door into traffic.
In addition to the risk of being “doored,” cyclists face other risks if they squeeze too far to the right. Roadside hazards, such as glass, grates, and debris near the gutter may necessitate the cyclist to ride further to the left. Even if there is a shoulder, bicyclists are not required to use it. There is often glass and other debris on the shoulder, making it a difficult place to ride.
While bike lanes are getting more and more common, most roads won’t have them. A wide shoulder can act as a bike lane, but sometimes the roads are very narrow. If the cyclist has no choice but to ride in the driver’s lane, then they have the right of way. The law allows them to take up the entire lane. If you cannot pass them safely within the lane, you must wait behind the cyclist until there is a safe opportunity to pass. Pass them only when it’s completely safe to do so (pass on the left). Keep in mind that cyclists sometimes swerve to avoid things in the road, just like cars sometimes do.
When passing a cyclist, the law requires that you leave a safe distance of no less than 3 feet and maintain that clearance until you have safely overtaken the bicyclist.
Cyclists are supposed to stay to the right. Drivers should
For more information on sharing the road with cyclists, see The Tennessee Handbook for Motorists & Bicyclists [pdf].
There are many benefits of cycling, but sometimes it’s just not practical. If you find yourself in need of a vehicle, contact Auto Simple.
We offer a wide variety of quality, certified pre-owned vehicles. Hop in, take it to the road, and share it safely with cyclists.
Have any driving or cycling tips you’d like to add? Let us know!
All of our Hand-Picked, Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles come with a 6 month/6,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:
Chattanooga, TN – (423) 551-3600
Cleveland, TN – (423) 472-2000
Dayton, TN – (423) 775-4600
Dalton, GA – (706) 217-2277
Follow us for more useful information on buying, selling, and maintaining cars: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+.
In honor of Read Across America Day (March 2nd) and National Reading Month (March), we’re going over the best books about cars, trucks, and automobiles.
While there are many great online resources such as YouTube videos and message boards for learning car maintenance and repair (see our blog for instance), sometimes you end up on a wild goose chase following the wrong advice. But that doesn’t mean you should give up! Regular maintenance and repair will keep your vehicle efficient and reliable for a very long time.
Top 7 NONFICTION Books on Automobile Maintenance & Repair
Instead of scouring the internet, you can save a lot of time and frustration by purchasing a couple reference books for maintenance and repairs that range from simple to complex. If you read the following nonfiction books on auto maintenance and repair, you’ll be able to:
Change your oil
Check all fluids
Change tires
Basically anything!
Keep your vehicle running in top shape with these books and manuals:
Vehicle Owner’s Manual
You should already have this one. The owner’s manual that came with the car will give most of the basic information you need for operating and maintaining your automobile.
This piece of reference material is essential. It will tell you exactly how to operate all of your car’s components, what your vehicle dashboard warning lights mean, what the proper tire PSI is, and other important information specific to your make and model.
If you have a question about your vehicle, consult the owner’s manual first (there’s an index in the back). If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the following books on the list will be able to fill in the gaps.
Chilton Total Car Care Manual
For general repair procedures, get a Chilton’s repair manual for your vehicle. With just a few simple tools and a repair manual, you can complete most vehicle maintenance and repairs yourself.
These manuals provide easy-to-understand information about the inner workings of your vehicle. Even if you don’t plan on doing any serious repairs yourself, the manual will enable you to speak confidently with your mechanic.
Be aware the Chilton’s manuals tend to be a little more technical than Haynes manuals (the next book on the list). You should be able to do most car/truck maintenance and repair using only the Chilton’s manual, however, you may find gaps in information here and there. It’s best to compare the Chilton’s procedures with your owner’s manual and a Haynes manual.
Haynes Car Repair & Servicing Manual
If you are serious about DIY auto work, you should supplement the Chilton manual with a Haynes manual. These 2 manuals will provide near comprehensive coverage for all your auto repair and maintenance work.
It’s a good idea to use both books to look up unfamiliar procedures. That way, you can choose the simpler method and get a better idea of what you are doing.
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Service Manual
While Chilton and Haynes manuals should be more than enough for the average do-it-yourselfer, if you want the exact reprints of service manuals from the manufacturer, consider purchasing the OEM factory repair manual for your vehicle. Normally used by mechanics and technicians, these automotive manuals are the most thorough, but are generally harder to understand than either the Chilton or Haynes manuals. If you have all 3 manuals, you’ll have all the specific information you need to understand your vehicle’s many systems and components.
Auto Repair for Dummies by Deanna Sclar
If you are familiar with the For Dummies, you’ll know that they are filled with non-intimidating pictures and guides on a variety of topics. So it’s no surprise the Auto Repair for Dummies by Deanna Sclar is simple, direct, and easy to understand.
The book contains useful information for the layman, including year-round maintenance schedules, general tune-ups, suggested tools, and other very practical information. If you just want to know the basics of car maintenance, reduce maintenance and repair costs, and increase your confidence when speaking with a mechanic, this is a great book.
Be aware, however, that the book won’t have a lot of information specific to your vehicle. For specific information on your vehicle, get the Chilton, Haynes, or OEM manuals.
How Cars Work by Tom Newton
Get How Cars Work if you really want to understand how your car works. It goes slowly through each of the components in your vehicle, gradually building a comprehensive understanding of how each component and system functions.
Although much of the book is focused on how car engines work, it also provides thorough explanations for other systems as well, such as steering, brake, and heating/cooling systems. If you really want to understand what goes on under the hood, this book is for you.
The best thing about this book is that any beginner can understand it. It can even make a great gift for a mechanically-inclined child interested in how things work.
Finish the entire book and you’ll be able to converse smoothly and confidently with any mechanic or automotive enthusiast.
Ask Click and Clack: Answers from Car Talk by Tom and Ray Magliozzi
I’m sure you are already familiar with the hilarious hosts of NPR’s Car Talk, but if not, you’re missing out. In addition to the great information on the Car Talk website and radio show, there are also several books by the Tappet brothers, a.k.a. Click and Clack.
Ask Click and Clack collects the best questions and answers from their radio show, combined with additional advice and wisecracks. If you are looking for light reading filled with helpful and amusing information, this is a great book for both the experienced mechanic and the complete beginner.
Honorable Mention: How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive by John Muir
If How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot by John Muir (not the nature-writer) wasn’t specific to old Volkswagens, it would have made our list. While certainly for beginners (mostly text with some illustrations), it is a very well written book that combines practical information with an entertaining style. If you own an air-cooled VW (beetle, gia, bus, etc…), this book has everything you need for troubleshooting and repairing your bug.
Advanced Automotive Engineering
If you are interested in automotive engineering and becoming a skilled mechanic, first decide which area you are interested and then go to SAE International for technical engineering information. You’ll also want to see what resources are available at your local mechanical engineering schools and join a team for hands-on experience.
Auto Log Book
If you want to keep track of mileage, maintenance, repairs, and other automotive work, we highly recommend keeping an auto log book. Whether you are trying to keep clear records for tax purposes or otherwise, an auto log book will make it easy to record your vehicle history.
There are also plenty of great nonfiction books about the history of cars and the people who drive them. Against All Odds: The Story of the Toyota Motor Corporation and the Family That Created It is a fascinating story about the history of Toyota. It should be required reading for any manufacturing entrepreneurs. Behind the Wheel: The Great Automobile Aficionados by Robert Putal is another great book for automotive enthusiasts, which includes profiles of 80 famous car aficionados.
Top 4 FICTION Books on Motor Vehicles
Humans and wheels—they’re a match made in heaven. Old or young, these books are sure to please any automotive enthusiast and their need for speed. You don’t even have to be interested in motor vehicles to enjoy these books, but don’t be surprised if they get you hooked.
The Truck Book by Harry McNaught
This bestselling book for children is full of beautiful and colorful illustrations of over 50 trucks, including buses, RVs, and fire engines.
Christine by Stephen King
Fasten your seatbelts, folks. The master of horror wants to take you on a chilling ride with a killer car. If you enjoyed the movie, you’ll LOVE the book!
The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is the classic story of a young boy, a mouse, and a motorcycle. There are two great sequels as well, Runaway Ralph and Ralph S. Mouse. Children aged 5-9 will probably get the most enjoyment out of this motor vehicle tale.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
Don’t be fooled by the title. According to the author, “It should in no way be associated with that great body of factual information relating to orthodox Zen Buddhist practice. It’s not very factual on motorcycles, either” (Wikipedia). It does, however, use motorcycle maintenance as a life analogy we can all relate to in some way or another.
After reading these books and guides for car enthusiasts, come into Auto Simple and check out our collection of used cars. We do free oil changes every 90 days for the life of your loan and have highly-trained technicians onsite. Additionally, if you decide to trade-in or sell your vehicle after being inspired by these great literary works, we do that too!
Best Online Resources for Auto Repair and Maintenance
Disclaimer: We are not tax return preparers, accountants, or lawyers. Please speak with a professional before you attempt any tax changes.
Tax season—makes you feel like an adult, doesn’t it? Whether you’re doing your taxes for the first time or the fiftieth, a common question that always pops up is “Can I write off my vehicle or its operating costs as an expense?
The short answer is that you cannot deduct the full cost of the vehicle unless it is exclusively used for business; however, you can and should deduct where you can.
While the IRS does allow writing off vehicle expenses, they are pretty strict about it. If you drive your vehicle for work purposes and intend on writing off those business miles, keep a detailed log of all expenses, including parking, tolls, gas, car washes, repairs, and maintenance.
We recommend purchasing a vehicle expense log at your office supply store or online and keeping it in your car. Unfortunately, you cannot deduct commuting costs. Taking public transportation or driving a vehicle to and from your workplace is never deductible. If, however, you have a business-related trip to another location, you can deduct the cost of travel (IRS).
You might qualify for one or more of these options for personal, business or self-employed deductions:
1. Vehicle Donation
If you donate your used car, truck, boat, or anything else for that matter, you may be eligible for a deduction. Make sure you donate to a “qualified organization.” Click here for a listed of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Learn the rules for vehicle donations here.
If you’d prefer quick cash, consider selling your car to Auto Simple.
2. Medical Purposes
If you use your vehicle for medical purposes, such as transporting yourself or one of your dependents to and from a medical facility, you may be eligible for a tax deduction. The IRS allows deductions for medical care, including gas, public transportation fare, and parking fees.
Keep in mind that you cannot deduct medical expenses if you are already being reimbursed by your insurance provider or employer.
3. Moving or Relocating
You will want to check the details, but if you are relocating or moving to a new city seeking work, you may be eligible for tax deductions, including parking and shipping, travel, and lodging costs. This would all fall under your “moving expense deduction.” Keep in mind that you have to relocate at least 50 miles to your new work location to qualify.
4. Business Use
If you are self-employed, you can deduct nearly any cost for business use, even if your car doubles as your personal vehicle. Just make sure you are separating business trips from personal ones.
In order to claim a deduction, the costs must be related to one or more of the following:
Traveling from one work location to another within the taxpayer’s tax home area. (Generally, the tax home is the entire city or general area where the taxpayer’s main place of business is located, regardless of where he or she resides.)
Visiting customers.
Attending a business meeting away from the regular workplace.
Getting from home to a temporary workplace when the taxpayer has one or more regular places of work. (These temporary workplaces can be either within or outside taxpayer’s tax home area.)
Keep in mind that travel from your home to your regular place of work “are commuting expenses and are not deductible” (IRS).
When deducting vehicle-related expenses, you can either choose standard mileage rate or actual expenses.
If you run a small business and have one or more vehicles that are used exclusively for business use, you can deduct them as part of your operating expenses. Make sure you keep careful track of all your repair and maintenance records.
Should I use standard mileage rate or the actual expenses incurred for a vehicle?
You have the choice to use the standard mileage rate or the actual incurred costs for a vehicle that is owned or leased. Usually, if you have a more energy-efficient and reliable car, the standard mileage rate will yield better results. If you expect the operating costs to be pretty high (maintenance, tires, repairs, etc.), you’ll be better off using the actual cost method. More expensive cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans may want to choose the actual expense method. Keep in mind, however, that the standard mileage rate method is the simpler process.
Standard mileage rate takes the place of actual expenses. You cannot choose the standard mileage rate (around 44.5 cents per mile) and then also deduct expenses such as depreciation, maintenance, gas, and repairs. Business-related parking and toll fees, however, can be deducted in addition to standard mileage rate.
You cannot use the standard mileage rate if:
You use the car for hire (such as a taxi)
You use five or more cars at the same time (such as a fleet operation)
You claim depreciation or a section 179 deduction
You are a rural mail carrier who receives a qualified reimbursement
Whichever method you choose, you will need to allocate your expenses based on personal and business use (if business use is less than 100%).
What records are required?
The types of records required by the IRS depend on if you choose the standard mileage rate or actual expenses. For both, you should have a daily log of miles traveled, destination, and purpose (business or personal).
If you choose actual expenses, you should also retain all records, receipts, invoices, and any other documentation showing which expenses were incurred. For the depreciation section, you will need to know the original cost, plus any improvements, and documentation showing the date of service.
Is driving to and from my workplace considered a business expense?
Commuting back and forth from your home to your workplace is not considered business-related. It is commuting and cannot be deducted on either your business or individual tax returns.
Additionally, any toll or parking expenses related to commuting are personal expenses that cannot be deducted.
Can I deduct travel expenses on business trips?
Although you may not deduct any commuting costs, you can deduct business travel costs when traveling for your job, including meals, lodging, and travel.
“You can deduct actual expenses or the standard mileage rate, as well as business-related tolls and parking fees. If you rent a car, you can deduct only the business-use portion for the expenses.”
What is a vehicle expense?
If you use your car for business, you can deduct interest on auto loans, registration fees, repairs, parking fares, and tolls.
Here are some common vehicle expenses:
Gas
Repairs and maintenance
Tires
Registration fees and taxes
Vehicle loan interest
Insurance
Lease payments
Depreciation
Parking and space rental fees
Tolls
If you drive a vehicle for your job, your employer normally reimburses any vehicle-related expenses. The employer writes off the vehicle expenses. That means you cannot deduct any vehicular expenses.
However, if you pay out of pocket for vehicle and travel expenses on behalf of your employer, you can claim an unreimbursed employee business expense deduction as a miscellaneous itemized deduction.
“If you are an employee, you can’t deduct any interest paid on a car loan. This applies even if you use the car 100% for business as an employee. However, if you are self-employed and use your car in your business, you can deduct that part of the interest expense that represents your business use of the car. For example, if you use your car 60% for business, you can deduct 60% of the interest on Schedule C (Form 1040). You can’t deduct the part of the interest expense that represents your personal use of the car.”
TL;DR
Vehicle use for business purposes is a legitimate deductible expense that should be claimed.
Always maintain detailed records (keep a vehicle expense log).
Use the standard mileage rate if you don’t anticipate many vehicle expenses.
Speak with professional tax preparer.
If you’re selling, purchasing, or trading in your next vehicle for business purposes, speak with a professional at Auto Simple to help you deduct all the related car expenses.
Tax Refund
Sometimes, you find out that you are paying the IRS more than you owe. If that’s the case, the IRS now owes you. This is called a tax refund and you determine the amount when you fill out your tax return.
Are you getting a big refund this year? Simply bring your estimated tax refund in to Auto Simple and we may defer your down payment. Our tax refund special makes it easy for you to Sign and Drive!
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If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with one of our Online Specialists or give us a call:
