Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

Do you have that special someone in your life that's a real car enthusiast? There's no better time than now to find amazing gifts for those important gearheads in our lives. There's always the option to purchase service giftcards or new tires but Askmen.com has a great article showcasing 10 gifts every gearhead will love.

Check out the 10 and let us know what you think of them in the comments section below! Visit: http://bit.ly/1i5gCAX  and our website: http://bit.ly/18GI2I0

Mistakes Made On Snowy Roads

 

Do you know what to do in order to drive safer in snowy road conditions? You'd be surprised to know so many drivers do the opposite of what they should do when driving in snowy conditions. Here are some of the biggest mistakes drivers on the road make when snowy weather conditions begin.

1. Thinking Your Four-wheel Drive Makes You Invincible
The biggest mistake a driver can make is to think four-wheel drive allows them to race down the road at top speeds. Remember, while it can help you get through difficult conditions it won't give you the traction you need to brake when it matters most.

2. Not Being Prepared
Many drivers find themselves caught off guard during the winter's first snow. In fact, the most dangerous day to be on the roads is the day after the first snowstorm. Drivers haven't prepared their cars for the weather, and they've probably forgotten their snow driving techniques from last year.

 To ready your car for the winter, check that each of your tires has at least a 6/32-inch (4.8-millimeter) deep tread. All-weather tires can handle most driving conditions, but if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you should consider purchasing snow tires.

3. Following Too Closely

Many people inexperienced with driving in the snow make a bad habit out of tailing the vehicle in front of them too closely. Like driving too fast, this lessens your reaction time if there's a problem with the vehicle ahead of you and you need to slow down suddenly.
It's recommended that you double your normal distance between cars, giving yourself a minimum braking distance of six seconds. Put another way, for every 10 mph you're traveling, you should give yourself four car lengths of space.

4.  Slamming On The Brakes

When you feel your tires start to slip, it's easy to panic and slam on the brakes. Don't do that as it removes traction from your tires, taking away your ability to control your vehicle.
Once you've lost traction and your wheels are locked up, slamming your brakes won't change the situation. What you should do when you feel yourself begin to skid is ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down on its own. A moving tire means that there is still some traction, which is what you need to steer yourself out of a collision.
 

5. Driving Too Fast

Driving too fast is the biggest snow driving error. Drivers have a bad habit of thinking that once they've reached the highway they're fine to drive at their usual high speed. They couldn't be more wrong. When your car starts to slip and you're heading for a crash, every second counts. Driving too fast reduces the amount of time you have to react and increases the severity of any collision. It also takes four to 10 times longer to brake on icy or snowy pavement than it does on dry asphalt.

Snow Has Arrived! What Do You Know About It?

Winter weather means snow will be falling in many areas of the country. But, what do you really know about snow? Check out these eight interesting facts that we bet you didn’t know!

 

 

1.  The world’s largest snowflake was reported to be 15 inches across and 8 inches thick. The Guinness Book of World Records states that this giant snowflake was found at Fort Keogh, Montana on January 28, 1887.

2. Snow is actually clear and colorless.
“The complex structure of snow crystals results in countless tiny surfaces from which visible light is efficiently reflected. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white appearance.” - National Snow and Ice Data Center

3.  The most snow ever recorded in a 24 hour period in the USA occurred at Silver Lake, Colorado in 1921 and was 76 inches of snow. (#2 = 63 inches was registered in Georgetown, Colorado on December 4, 1913).

4.  Mt. Baker ski area in Washington State has the world record for snowfall at 1,140 inches of snow in the 1998/1999 winter season.  Mt. Baker ski area is located near but not on the real 10,781’ Mount Baker.  You can just imagine what the snow totals were on the real Mount Baker that year…

5.  80% of all the freshwater on earth is frozen as ice or snow.  This accounts for 12% of the earth’s surface. 

6.  A blizzard occurs when you can’t see for 1/4 mile. The winds are always 35 miles an hour or more. The storm must last at least 3 hours to be classed as a blizzard. If any of these conditions are less, it is only a snowstorm.

7.  The USA averages 105 snow producing storms per year.  A typical storm will have a 2-5 day lifetime and drop snow in multiple states.  This is annoying as we’d prefer it was 305 per year and lifetimes of a week or more

8.  All snowflakes have 6 sides.

Increase In Thanksgiving Travel This Year

With gas prices at a lower price than they were at last year, Thanksgiving travel is expected to be up by about 3% compared to a year ago. This great news makes us want to ask the question. Where are you planning on going for Thanksgiving this year? Will you be staying in town or driving to be with the entire family? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

To learn more about this year's travel statistics, take a look at this article from USA Today. Also, remember to stay safe and have a great time with your loved ones this Thanksgiving! There is always much to be thankful for.

Travel Tips For Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, many have plans to travel to a family get together or to warmer destinations. But how prepared are you really for your upcoming travels? We take a look a strategies and tips that may help ensure that your travels go as smoothly as possible.

Travel Light:
As more airlines start charging for checked bags, it’s a good idea to pack light and carry on your bag. But keep in mind that your fellow travelers will all have the same idea and overhead space may be tight onboard.

Choose the Best Days:
Did you know the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year closely followed by the Sunday after the big day? Avoid these days by flying out on Monday or Tuesday or even Thanksgiving morning to avoid the dreaded Wednesday travel rush. When you’re ready to head home, take flight on Friday when many have moved on from the airports to the shopping centers to score the best holiday deals.

Stay Tech Savvy:
It’s commonsense to arrive at the airport early — you’ll need the time for parking, security whatever else airports have waiting for you. But you can avoid some airport hassles by taking advantage of useful applications that can be used on your smart phone. iPhone users can get updates on the airport, including maps showing the gates and restaurant information, using the GateGuru app. Airlines including Southwest, Delta and United all have mobile websites where passengers can check in, confirm seats and keep track of their flight status. Specifically on an airline like Southwest, it’s very important to check-in to your flight 24 hours prior. By doing this ASAP ensures you a better number in line to claim the seat that you desire.

Holiday Driving:
While you certainly save money and avoid some headaches traveling by land, navigating the highways presents its own set of holiday challenges. Follow the same best practices for road travel, including avoiding the highways on the Wednesday before turkey day and the following Sunday. Plan your route ahead of time and travel with a GPS system, smart phone or old-school maps to offer alternatives if you need a Plan B.

Remember though, your travels could be a stressful situation but remember to appreciate the time you’re spending with your loved ones. Have fun this Thanksgiving, be safe and plan ahead.

Traveling Apps You Should Know About

 

As the Holidays begin to approach, many have plans to travel to different locations whether it's to visit family or just to get away. The big question is, do you have the apps necessary for traveling?

With so many apps out there today, lets take a look at which 11 apps you should have when traveling according to Buzzfeed. These apps are perfect whether you're flying or driving:

1. Translator with Speech
2. Lyft
3. WhatsApp Messenger
4. LoungeBuddy
5. XE Currency
6. Rove
7. GonnaGo
8. Travel List
9. WikiHood
10. RoadNinja
11. City Maps 2Go

Winter Weather: Is Your Car Prepared?

 

 Have you prepared your car for the winter weather that’s fast approaching? Taking care of regular maintenance needs as well as making sure your tires are rotated and inspected are huge for making sure your vehicle is winter weather proof. Here are some tips to make sure you are fully prepared for whatever this year’s winter weather decides to throw at you.

Regular Maintenance:

Now's the time to get your car up to speed on all of its regular maintenance. That means taking care of any fluids that may have been neglected while you were out enjoying the summer sun or going in for that 60,000-mile tune-up if you're due. Check, change and/or top off your oil, coolant, brakes and transmission fluid as needed. In the case of your oil or automatic transmission, make sure you get a high-quality filter, too. 


Check Your Tires:

Go ahead and have your tires rotated and inspected. The last thing you need in cold, wet weather is to be driving on bald or dry rotted tires.

Try looking into snow (or winter) tires, depending on your location or length of time you'll be spending in the snow. Winter tires are made with special low temperature resilient rubber compounds and have deep treads that grip unploughed snow and ice.

Don’t forget to make sure your spare tire has enough air in it. Once you've made sure everything looks good, take a look at your tire pressure.

Maintain the Coolant System:

The most important tip is to take the time to get your car's coolant system checked. If any part of the system comes up with a shaky bill of health, swap the parts for new ones. That means having your car's radiator pressure tested and the hoses examined for cracks or bulges.

If you can't remember the last time your water pump was replaced, or if your pump has more miles on it than what the manufacturer recommends, it's time for a new one. Even if everything comes up good to go under the hood, replacing your engine's coolant is cheap insurance against extreme temperatures. Over time, antifreeze can actually generate a weak electrical current, which can then cause oxidation and eventually failure inside of your coolant system.

Stock Your Car:

Stranded by the side of the road can be dangerous in the best of conditions, but when sub-zero temperatures or bad weather is involved, it could become deadly. Carrying these supplies is essential:

- a blanket
- jumper cables
- a flashlight
- chains
- a first-aid kit
- a small knife
- flares
- water gloves
- small shovel
- waterproof matches
- ice scraper
- a bag of sand or kitty litter to help provide traction if your car is stuck in the snow

What The Halloween Candy You Give Out Says About You

Every Halloween millions of Americans purchase their favorite candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters as they make their way around the neighborhood Halloween night. But, does the type of candy you give out say something specific about you as a person or your personality? Check out the infographic below to see what exactly each candy option says about you. Let us know if you agree in the comments section!

Driving Tips for New College Students

Your teen is getting ready for college - but will they be ready to handle driving on campus? Even if they've had some good driving experience so far, they are heading far from home, and will be driving in an unfamiliar territory - one with more pedestrians, new distractions and new destinations.

Here are some helpful tips to make the adjustment easier for your young college student.

Check your Vehicle
There are a few simple things you can check on your child's car before they leave for college. For example, make sure the headlights are in working order, that the turn signals work, that the oil level is good and that the tires are inflated properly. These little steps will help ensure a safe trip for your new college student. 

Prepare an Accident Kit
As part of the packing for school, make sure to include an auto accident kit in your child's car. The kit should include a first aid kit, blanket, flares, flashlight, batteries, jumper cables, pen, paper, disposable camera, emergency contact numbers and proof of insurance. 

Take a Tour
Once everything is unpacked, go on a little road trip around the college's town. During your journey, make it a point to find out where the local grocery store, gas station, eateries and all-purpose stores, such as Wal-Mart and Target, are located. Get a feel for any one-way streets and the flow of the traffic around campus. This will not only be helpful when you come to visit, but it will also make your child feel more comfortable about navigating around their new home. 

Parking Considerations
Make sure to take a look at your son or daughter's designated parking lot. This will not only help you evaluate the surrounding area, but it will also give you the opportunity to refresh your child on some smart parking tips, such as always park under a light, avoid overgrown areas, park close to the street or bus stop and be aware of your surroundings.

Check Local Conditions
Driving in a new environment can often catch even the best drivers off guard. That is why it is important for college students to drive cautiously and be aware of their surroundings. If applicable, ask what the town is like to drive around during the winter, or during other times of year with extreme weather.

Remember the Pedestrians
The area around a university will always have a larger number of pedestrians than other towns, with even larger numbers as classes end and the students make their way to their next lesson. That is why it's important to remind your teen driver of these important pedestrian tips:

• Stop for pedestrians crossing at all corners or crosswalks
• Don't pass a car that has stopped at a crosswalk
• Always yield to the pedestrian
•  

Car Theft

According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 16,000 cases of auto theft are reported each year on college campuses. Make sure to remind your teen driver to always lock their car doors and never leave valuable items inside their car, such as CDs, iPod or laptops.

Don't drink and drive
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reported that 2.1 million students between the ages of 18 and 24 drove under the influence of alcohol last year. Don't let your child become one of these statistics, talk to them about the risks of drinking and driving.

Good Grades might mean Savings
Many auto insurance companies offer a good grade discount to college students who maintain a "B" average or better. Not only does this provide parents with a 10 to 25 percent discount on their auto insurance, but it also gives college students an extra incentive to keep their grades up while away from home.

Roadside Assistance
While your teen driver is away at school you may want to consider purchasing a roadside assistance membership, such as the American Automobile Association.

Insuring your College Student's Car
If your teen driver is planning on taking your car to college, make sure to notify your auto insurance company that your car will be housed at a different location. Depending on where your child is going to school, your auto insurance rate may go up or down. To find the best rate to fit your budget, visit Insurance.com's auto comparison site. There, you'll be able to compare multiple auto insurance rates from best-in-class companies, helping you save time and money on your auto insurance coverage

Hyundai Is Set to Debut a Rear Wheel Drive Sports Sedan in 2016

Hyundai has been building out its vehicle lineup with new nameplates and eye-catching redesigns of existing products since 2010.
Now that it fields an entry in most major vehicle segments, with the exception of a pickup, Hyundai is turning its attention to keeping its lineup fresh rather than adding nameplates.

Its Accent subcompact and Elantra compact cars will be freshened this year after its $60,000-plus Equus luxury car gets an updated interior and other improvements this summer.

Next year two of Hyundai's most important vehicles get major updates. The second-generation Genesis goes on sale in the second quarter after it makes its debut at the Detroit auto show in January. Hyundai's bread-and-butter Sonata mid-sized sedan gets new sheet metal, a new interior and ride and handling improvements for its 2015-model re-engineering next summer.

Weekly Car Care Tip: Scrape off those annoying stickers

While all of your national and state park stickers may call to mind great memories, they can be a visual hazard as they accumulate. The high-quality stickers will pull off if you can get under a corner and carefully pull them free at a 90-degree angle. Others will leave a gummy residue and require a bit more attention. Cover your dash with an old towel and dab on Goo Gone. Then scrape and wipe it off.

The 2014 Hyundai Equus is Comfort at a Competitive Price

What luxury means to different people depends upon a variety of things: where they’re from, how wealthy they are, whether or not they care much about what other people think and so on. Hyundai, which brought its 2014 Equus luxury sedan in New York City Wednesday, seems to be going for the market where comfort and price matter, but overtly impressing other people doesn’t.

The Equus is pleasant to look at, with a nice shape and lines that my brain tells me equate luxury in some vague way. But that’s just the thing. The car blends in. It looks like something that the Agriculture Department would use to pick up midlevel bureaucrats from the airport, if the department were in Seoul. The car’s looks are ambiguous, with no defining feature that jumps out at me as really, really distinct.

It's Model Monday! Check out this classic!

It's a 2001 Hyundai Accent. Who drove one of these back in the day?

Inver Grove Hyundai's Latest Deals

Click here to view our inventory

Hyundai can help you save money and maybe a few trees while you drive!

<br />

Hyundai Laser Wheel Alignment

Hyundai | Laser Wheel Alignment

How to Change Your Air Filter

Obtain the correct replacement filter. It should be the same as the one you will replace. Consult your owner's manual or auto parts store if you need assistance finding the right part.

1. Secure the vehicle. Park the car on level ground and apply the parking brake. Shift into first gear (manual transmission) or Park (automatic transmission), and turn off the ignition.
   
   
2. 
   
   Open the bonnet (hood). Release the bonnet with the lever inside the car. Move the exterior bonnet catch for final release. Lift the bonnet and secure it with the prop rod.
   
   
3. 
   
   Locate the air filter unit. The air filter unit is usually situated on top of the engine.
   
   
   • On older cars with carburettors the filter is usually under a bulky, round cover made of plastic or metal.
   • Newer, fuel-injected cars tend to have a square or rectangular air filter housing can be found slightly off centre between the front grill and the engine.
4. 
   
   Remove the air filter cover. Loosen the hose clamp that seals the air conduct. Undo all the screws holding the air filter cover. Some models have wing nuts; other air filters are just clamped on with a quick release system. Keep screws and other parts together and in a safe location so you can find them later. Pull the cover out of the air conduit and lift it up so it comes off the lower part of the housing. Consult a mechanic if you don't know how to lift the cover.
   
   
5. 
   
   Take out the air filter. Now you can see a round or rectangular filter made of cotton, paper or gauze. Filters have a rubber rim that seals off the unit's interior. Simply lift the filter out of the housing.
   
   
6. 
   
   Clean the air filter housing.Connect the air hose to the compressor and use the compressed air to blow out the dust, or use a vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt.
   
   
   • Seal the air conduit with removable adhesive tape. It only takes a minute and that way you won't get any dirt into the engine whilst cleaning.
7. 
   
   Replace the filter. Replace the old filter with a new one. Simply insert it into the housing with the rubber rim facing up. Make sure the edges are sealed by the rubber rim.
   
   
8. 
   
   Replace the cover. Carefully insert the cover back into the air conduit and then press the entire piece down onto the lower half of the air filter unit.
   
   
   • Make sure it's on straight and securely; otherwise you could alter engine performance. Tighten all the screws or clamps and recheck that you have put everything firmly back together by rocking the unit gently with both hands. Shut the bonnet securely.
9. 
   
   Check the filter regularly to keep your car breathing at maximum efficiency by keeping the dust out.
   
   
10.  
     
    
    
    Change the filter every 50,000 km (30,000 miles), or about once a year. If you drive in a dusty area, it will need replacement more often. Your owner's manual or periodic maintenance guide should have recommendations for your car.
    
    

Hyundai: with limited infrastructure, fuel cells will be 'one of' future green technologies

In the US, Hyundai started a fuel cell vehicle demonstration fleet in 2005. However, infrastructure during demonstration fleet testing is important and the fuel cell station infrastructure in the US still needs the government's financial support. Infrastructure development in the US has been slow, thereby limiting any potential demand. Hyundai strongly believes fuel cells will be one of the important future vehicle technologies globally and we are targeting mass production for consumer retail with an affordable price beyond 2015. Currently Hyundai is investigating potential demand for the Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle in the US market, particularly in California, where most of the H2 refueling infrastructure development has taken place.

Recently, the European Community (EC) has made plans for infrastructure and vehicle deployment. Many EC municipalities are funding the H2 refueling stations as well as vehicle development. Many municipalities are providing significant amounts of tax exemptions and incentives. In January, Hyundai became the first automaker to begin assembly-line production of fuel cell vehicles, largely targeted for the EU market.

In Korea, the government has initiated fuel cell incentives amounting to around half of the vehicle upgrade cost. Even though the budget is minimal this year, it will be extended to encompass large-scale volume.

Fuel Cell vehicle is a type of electric vehicle that uses hydrogen fuel to generate electricity, rather than using stored electricity from batteries. The generation of electricity from hydrogen requires several major systems including a Fuel Cell Stack, Air Processing Unit, Fuel Processing Unit, Thermal Management System, High Voltage Unit, and other driveline components. Modularization is taking place in all these systems and is allowing for improvements in assembly productivity. Unification of systems allows for a more compact, lighter design, which can also improve overall system efficiency. Modularization also allows for application on different vehicle platforms, from passenger car applications to commercial busses. Hyundai continues to refine and improve its fuel cell system to optimize overall design and modularity.

The Tucson Fuel Cell and the ix35 Fuel Cell rely entirely on hydrogen for propulsion. However, an on-board 24kW lithium polymer battery assists the fuel cell during brisk acceleration, similar to a hybrid vehicle. There are four different driving modes on the Tucson Fuel Cell Vehicle. 1) Fuel Cell Mode: Vehicle is powered only by the fuel cell (such as when cruising). 2) Assist Mode: Vehicle is powered by both fuel cell and battery (such as when accelerating). 3) Charge Mode: Fuel cell charges battery when its charge level is low. 4) Regeneration Mode: Battery is charged by electric motor during vehicle braking.

Hyundai recently became the first automaker to begin assembly-line production of fuel cell vehicles. We plan to make about 1,000 units over the next two years. One of the challenges of this program is the relatively high vehicle cost due to its small scale production. High development costs per unit drive the vehicle price up. If Hyundai produced fuel cell vehicles in larger volumes, the price would be significantly reduced. However, H2 infrastructure in various regions still limits potential sales, thus large scale production will be tempered until the infrastructure catches up with technology development. In the mean time, Hyundai is investigating methods to reduce the vehicle cost further by developing break-through technology, such as low Pt or non-Pt catalyst technology, system simplification, and upgraded system efficiencies.

How To Wash and Wax Your Car

It may seem counter-intuitive, but frequently washing and waxing your vehicle is the best way to maintain its exterior paint finish for years to come, regardless of the constant wiping and rubbing it entails — but only as long as you're using the right products in the correct order. All major brands of car washes, car waxes and related detailing products are specially formulated to work gently on the clear-coat paint finishes found on every car built since the mid-1990s. They're ideal for removing dirt above and below the surface, eliminating swirls and other imperfections and leaving a high-gloss shine.
Such obsessive-compulsive labor need not be arduous, however. While there are multiple procedures involved in washing and waxing a car to perfection, it's not necessary to do them all at once. Some steps should be taken weekly. Others can be employed every few months or annually. If you want to watch some pros using the techniques described in this story, check out the instructional videos from car-care product companies Meguiar's and Mothers.
At all times, there are some simple car wash rules to keep in mind:

• No matter which stage you're at in the car wash and wax process, it's always best to have the car parked in a cool, shady place.

If the water you're using to wash the car is hard — meaning that it contains a lot of minerals — it will leave spots on the paint's finish when it evaporates. That happens more quickly in hot sunlight. And although many modern, synthetic polymer-based car waxes are sun-friendly since they won't dry too quickly and become difficult to remove, you'll expend less effort if you use them on a cool surface. For best results, the car's surface should be no more than warm to the touch.

• Be sure to have a good stock of microfiber towels on hand for washing and drying the car, and for applying and removing car wax and related car-care products.

A microfiber towel is gentler to a car's finish than a cotton towel or chamois, which could mar the finish, creating slight scratches or ruts that accumulate over time. Microfiber towels require special care, however. Wash them separately from all other laundry and especially not with linty cotton towels. Use hot water and don't use fabric softener. Run them through at least one additional rinse cycle in the washing machine. Then dry them on a low-heat setting. Finally, stop using them on painted or glass surfaces when they begin to show their age by, for example, shedding lint. Instead, use them for polishing wheels and, later, for polishing stainless steel exhaust pipe tips.

• Keep the car's paint in showroom condition through a four-step process: washing, cleaning, polishing and waxing.

It's important to use the correct products at the correct stages. This will prevent unnecessary damage to your car's finish.
Washing
The most critical of the four steps is washing, which removes the loose contaminants that gradually accumulate on the surface of the finish, creating a gritty residue that could cause scratches in later steps if it's not removed properly first. This requires a genuine car wash product (such as Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash, Mothers California Gold Carnauba Wash and Wax or Turtle Wax ICE Premium Care Car Wash). These products are pH-balanced and formulated to loosen and lift surface contaminants without stripping away waxes.
You should avoid normal dish soap, laundry soap and household cleaners. They are designed to remove and dissolve grease and oil, and they will strip away the waxes and in some instances could damage the car's finish.
Wash the car thoroughly, working from the top down and utilizing a lamb's wool or microfiber washing mitt. Professional car detailers prefer these because the nap of the lamb's wool or microfiber draws the dirt particles away from the paint. Re-dip the mitt in the bucket after each panel of the car is washed. That cleans the mitt and ensures that you're again working with fresh suds.
For soft convertible tops, dip a soft bristle brush in the suds and work the dirt out of the grain using small, circular strokes. If the top is heavily soiled or stained, use a product designed for convertible tops, such as Meguiar's Convertible Top Cleaner. These products are pH-balanced to safely lift dirt from cloth and vinyl tops without damaging the stitching.
Dry the car thoroughly with a soft, absorbent waffle-weave microfiber drying towel. Do not store the top in the down position if it is still wet, says the Haartz Corporation, a leading manufacturer of convertible tops. Make sure the top is completely dry before storing.
Experts recommend washing a car this way weekly.
For casual touch-ups between washes, you can use a spray-on product called a detailer (such as Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Detailer, Mothers California Gold Showtime Instant Detailer and Turtle Wax ICE Premium Care Spray Detailer). Detailer products slough off light surface dirt, but don't offer any protection.
Cleaning the Gunk
Next, inspect the paint, searching for above-the-surface bonded contaminants such as a thin film of tree sap, bird droppings or pollen and below-the-surface defects such as swirls, oxidation caused by the sun's ultraviolet radiation or etching from acid rain.
Lightly sweep your flat hand along the paint. If it does not feel as smooth as glass, you have above-the-surface contaminants. A clay bar designed for car care (such as the one included in Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit or in Mothers California Gold Clay Bar Kit) is mildly abrasive to shear off and remove these contaminants. It should be the first product you use to try to remove them. Rub it over the affected area, kneading and turning it to expose a clean area when necessary.
For below-the-surface defects, you can use a cleaner with mild abrasives (such as Meguiar's Ultimate Compound or Mothers California Gold Pure Polish). Use a microfiber-covered or foam applicator pad to apply it, using small circular, overlapping strokes. Never use hard pressure.
Cleaning a section of the vehicle at a time, remove the cleaner with a microfiber towel that you've folded into fourths. Use one side to break up and wipe away the hazy product, then flip the towel over to a clean side to remove any additional residue. Your paint should now feel smooth and should be free of swirls and defects.
If upon the initial inspection you do not find any defects — either above or below the surface — you can skip the cleaning step altogether and go straight to polishing and waxing. However, experts say that use of a clay bar probably will be necessary every six months.
Polishing
Polishes and glazes add luster but do not protect the finish, so using them is entirely optional, especially since clear-coat finishes are highly resistant to oxidation. Even years-old cars generally retain their shine today.
Nevertheless, products such as Meguiar's Ultimate Polish and Mothers California Gold Micro-Polishing Glaze can restore the natural oils your paint once had, making the car's surface more reflective and shiny. Using a polish or glaze once a year may be helpful. Although light-colored paints such as white, silver and tan may not display much change, darker colors such as black, burgundy and navy blue will reflect light like a mirror after proper polishing.
As you did during the cleaning process, apply the polish or glaze by hand, using small circular, overlapping strokes with a microfiber-covered or foam applicator pad on one section of the car at a time, removing the polish with a microfiber towel after the product becomes hazy. Don't allow the polish to dry completely. Trying to remove dry polish will almost certainly result in scratches to the finish.
Waxing
For protection, you need to apply a car wax, and experts recommend that this be done at least every three months. However, there are varieties of wax that can be used much more frequently. If you're really obsessive, some can be used as often as every few days.
The newest synthetic polymer-based waxes (such as Meguiar's Ultimate Wax, Mothers California Gold Synthetic Wax and Turtle Wax ICE Premium Care Liquid Wax) generally provide longer-lasting protection and are easier to use in the sun than older-style carnauba-based waxes (such as Meguiar's Gold Class Carnauba Plus Wax and Mothers California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Wax).
Normally, the newer liquid or paste waxes provide the longest-lasting protection — usually three or four months if the car is kept in a garage and not exposed to a harsh environment.
When applying a liquid or paste wax, you'll use the same technique: small, circular, overlapping strokes, using a microfiber-covered or foam applicator pad and working one section of the vehicle at a time. As in the other steps, remove the wax with a microfiber towel that you've folded into fourths, using one side to break the waxy surface, then flipping the towel over to a clean side to remove any additional residue.
Spray waxes (such as Meguiar's Ultimate Quik Wax, Mothers California Gold Spray Wax and Turtle Wax ICE Premium Care Spray Wax) are designed for quick application but generally don't offer the same long-lasting protection as the liquids or pastes. Experts say that spray waxes should be used as a booster between the quarterly applications of the liquid or paste waxes. Some car-care experts recommend using these spray waxes as often as twice per week. Some say once a month is sufficient.
A Special Caution on Matte Finishes
Except for washing with a car wash product, nothing should be done to or applied to a car covered in a matte paint with a flat finish, such as Mercedes-Benz's "designo Magno" series. These matte paints also can be cleaned in a brushless automated car wash as long as the machine does not apply any shine agents. And as with a car that sports a glossy finish, it is important to clean bird droppings, tree sap and other surface contaminants from a matte paint finish immediately.
Your Car Wax Mileage May Vary
Despite their suggestions for how often owners should clean and wax, product manufacturers won't make any firm promises for how long any of their products will actually protect a vehicle.
"How long a wax lasts on Car A is not necessarily true how long it lasts on Car B," says Michael Deddo, senior research chemist at Turtle Wax in Willowbrook, Illinois. "Every car is like its own paint canvas. Every one is different."

2013 Hyundai Elantra | "Fluidic"

Hyundai Motorsports | Rhys Millen Racing | Sculpting a Winning Shape

Hyundai Azera makes luxury more common

It’s hard to know what to think about Hyundai. The Azera only makes it harder.

All of the large and influential car companies sell luxury lines. But their luxury models are sold as separate brands, apart from their mass-consumer models. We have the Lexus brand of luxury autos from Toyota, the Infiniti brand from Nissan, the Cadillac brand from General Motors, and others.
The reasoning holds that a stately Lincoln MKS sedan, for example, will seem less stately if it wears the same Ford badge you see on every-day models like the little Ford Fiesta and Ford Escort. Therefore Ford operates its Lincoln unit as an entity wholly apart from the Ford brand. The separation gives Lincoln more luster.

Hyundai is a medium-sized auto company striving to get larger. It is rapidly gaining influence from some stunning models it produces. It sells luxury autos, too, just like the really big guns in the auto biz. But Hyundai does not separate its luxury line from its consumer models. They all wear a Hyundai badge, and are sold side by side at Hyundai dealerships. Hyundai is the only auto company doing that.
“They’re defying the industry,” said Mike Palmer, sales manager at Salem Ford Hyundai in Salem, N.H.

The Azera sedan is such an appealing and alluring luxury sedan that it makes Hyundai’s unique approach stand out all the more. The Hyundai Azera is a front-drive, four-door sedan that seats five and falls into the government’s large-car category because of its roomy interior.
Azera is the first of three high-level sedans from Hyundai. Azera starts at a list price of $33,145. Next up is the Hyundai Genesis four-door sedan, starting at $35,095. The Hyundai Equus sedan lists for $60,170 at the base level.
Azera is solidly built, showing the sheen and high gloss you expect from an upper-priced auto. It is seductively shaped, with a gracefully undulating body that sets it apart from other cars. The model’s interior is well-finished, showing high-grade materials tastefully arranged in a refined design that is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and functionally useful.
Azera is also well-powered, with a V6 engine that puts out just under 300 horsepower, attached to a six-speed automatic transmission that steps through its gears with calm efficiency. The transmission’s six speeds, along with engine upgrades made to the 2013 model, help make the Azera notably efficient for a sedan its size. The car’s fuel-economy rating is 20 miles per gallon in city driving, and 30 mpg on the highway.

All told, Azera’s sophistication and stand-out design are so apparent that I felt distinguished driving the car through a one-week evaluation. In fact, I felt as distinctive in the Hyundai Azera as I feel when driving many models from recognized luxury brands. The car seemed to shine brightly on its merits alone, so that a common family name cannot dim it.
While its premium qualities are unmistakable, the Azera’s more-for-the-money price remains a primary selling point, observed Palmer, the sales manager at Salem Ford Hyundai. Many shoppers find that the features and equipment installed in the Azera top the starting-level features that come in other luxury models. To get many of them in competing cars, you pay extra, he said.
“For everything that you get in Azera, you’re looking at a $40,000 to $50,000 Infiniti,” Palmer illustrated.
Notable standard features in the Hyundai Azera are leather upholstery, a navigation system with touch screen, back-up camera, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated front and rear seats, automatic two-zone climate control, 10-way power driver seat and eight-way power front passenger seat, high-grade audio system, and large, 18-inch allow wheels. The only primary option you can purchase with Azera is a $4,000 “technology package,” which adds such features as power rear-window shade, panoramic sun roof, ventilated front seats, parking sensors, an upgraded audio system and larger alloy wheels.

Hyundai Motor America – the U.S. arm of Korea-based Hyundai Motor Co. – reports that nearly two-thirds of Azera buyers are new to the brand. They’re what the auto industry calls “conquests,” or buyers defecting from another car maker. Conquest sales are highly prized, because they indicate that a company is growing.
In Salem, Palmer sees the same pattern.
“We’re taking a lot of Toyotas and Hondas, and even Mercedes and BMWs as trade-ins,” he said.
Palmer recounted a recent sale to a lawyer who traded an Infiniti. “He told me that, bang for the buck, he couldn’t beat the Azera. He said it has a very nice ride. It has all the power. It’s better on gas mileage. And it has all the features.”
In another case, a couple with children visited Salem Ford Hyundai for service on a Ford Expedition, a big SUV with loads of space for family hauling. The couple happened to be sizing up sedans, and the wife was set on buying a Mercedes, Palmer said.
“I let them take an Azera out for the day. She loved the car and went and bought it,” he said.
Palmer summarized Hyundai’s approach to the car market with the motto “Defy, design and delight.”
“They’re defying the industry, they’re designing good cars, and they’re delighting a lot of people,” he stated. With its luxury cars, said Palmer, Hyundai is showing new thinking and exploring new possibilities.

It’s impossible to argue with that. It’s also impossible to predict where Hyundai’s bold and unique approach to mixed-luxury sales will bring it. But I think that a company so willing to think freshly and freely, to depart from the norm, take risks and innovate is headed toward big rewards.
Jeffrey Zygmont is an author of fiction and non-fiction books, and a long-time auto writer. Contact him at www.jeffreyzygmont.com.

2013 Hyundai Azera Sedan Vehicle type: 4-door, 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive full-size sedan Price: $33,145 (plus options) Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic warranty; 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain warranty; 7 years/unlimited miles corrosion warranty; 5 years/60,000 miles roadside assistance Engine: 3.3-liter V6 Power: 293 horsepower at 6,400 rpm; 255 lb.-ft. torque at 5,200 rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic Fuel economy: 20 mpg city; 30 mpg highway Wheelbase: 112 inches Length: 193 inches Width: 73 inches Height: 58 inches Weight: 3,605 pounds Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons Turning circle: 36.5 feet

Source: Eagle Tribune

5 Tips for the Perfect Summer Road Trip

Summer has practically become synonymous with road trips, both as a way to save money on airfare and to have some fun-filled adventures on the road. Whether you're traveling with a minivan full of kids or you're taking a trip up the coast with your girlfriends, here are five top tips from travel bloggers to help ensure a road trip to remember.

Bring a Paper Map

Before you see the dreaded "no service" pop up on your smartphone, which will keep MapQuest or Siri from getting you where you need to go, make sure to bring along a paper map or a print-out from your go-to site for directions, just in case. Marissa Willman of His & Her Travels admits that maps are "old fashioned," but she says, "you'll definitely appreciate the back-up if your travel tech fails you on the open road. After the trip, you can always get crafty and turn those maps into coasters or add them into scrapbooking pages."

Juice Up Your Go-To Gadgets

We all have our must-bring gadgets for road trips, like smartphones and tablets, but don't forget the accessories that go along with them, like the iGo Power Trip, which lets you power up your cell phone, digital camera, or iPad from wherever you are. Another must-have is a universal car inverter to keep laptops and DVD players juiced since they often don't hold more than two to three hours of battery power. Also, grab a headphone splitter so two can share the audio of a DVD and a Stashcord to keep earbuds tangle-free.

Don't Forget Plates, Bowls, and Utensils

Just because you're away from your home—and your kitchen—doesn't mean you need to eat fast food or camp out in restaurants at meal times. Laura Walker of A Wandering Sole suggests bringing along plates, bowls, napkins, and utensils, then taking short excursions to the grocery store for foods you can easily prep on your own, like sandwiches and salads (be sure to bring a cooler, too). Even picking up oatmeal packets and cereal bars is better than getting mini donuts for breakfast at a gas station, and it's a lot healthier and economical, too.

App Up Your Phone

There are so many apps out there that are lifesavers, as well as fun-makers, to have on road trips. iExit is a great one since it shows gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores at upcoming exits on the interstate, suggests Karon Clark Warren of All Things Lifestyle. Or, check out the Roadside America app for quirky roadside attractions or Roadside Presidents for help finding historical landmarks on your journey. Need a bathroom (ahem, a clean one)? Then, grab the free SitOrSquat app. How about WiFi access? Then, get WiFi Finder, which will tell you the location of the closest WiFi hotspot.

Set Expectations

When traveling with a group, whether beloved family members or favorite friends, rendezvous beforehand (in-person or on the phone) to talk about what each person wants to do and see in order to manage expectations during the trip. Laurence Norah of Finding the Universe suggests such a pre-trip pow-wow in order to avoid potential tensions that may arise when visiting the "97th giant ball of twine the driver wants to see." Also, be flexible to ensure everyone in the car has a good time and gets to do many of the things they want to along the way.

Source: Fodors