4 Things That May Hurt Your Car’s Resale Value

Whether you’re selling your car private-party or trading in it, there are a few key things you can do to ensure you’re not hurting its resale value. These 4 tips could help earn you hundreds of additional dollars on the price of a used car you are selling as well as expedite the process.

1. Messy Interiors Can Hurt a Used Car’s Value

First impressions matter; especially when trying to sell a used car. If you have kids, you know it’s almost impossible to keep a car clean. Whether it’s because of food and drink spills or that spot on the back of the front seat that they kick repeatedly on road trips, you’ll want to make sure that those areas of concern have been cleaned up. Make sure you get your car professionally detailed before selling or trading it in if you have a family, pets, or just don’t keep it in showroom condition.

2. Not Keeping Your Car’s Maintenance Records

Regardless of it you bought your car new or used, you really should keep every maintenance record from the time you bought it. Savvy used car buyers are going to know when you bought your car based on a purchase of its vehicle history from either Carfax or Auto Check. If you don’t have a record of your cars maintenance it could indicate to the potential buyer that you don’t maintain your car, which may lower its value.

3. Selling a Used Car with Mechanical Defects

There’s a legal axiom that a lawyer never asks a question without knowing the answer. Yet, people sell their used cars without knowing its mechanical condition. There are a couple of options here. The first is buying a CarMD diagnostic tool. You’re going to want one as you look for used cars. Start off by using it on your own used car. It will give you a report on potential problems. Don’t be surprised if prospective owners show up with one. The second thing you can do is have your used car inspected to give the potential buyer peace of mind and a clear indication of what maintenance may be required. A certified mobile mechanic can come to your home and inspect your car and tell you what’s wrong with it. You can then decide if you want to get the work done before selling it. If you received a recall notice for your car, you’ll want to get the repair work completed before selling it to ensure the car meets national safety standards.

4. Customizing Your Used Car Can Decrease Value

Let’s say, for example, you own a customized Dodge Neon. You’ve spent a lot of money on a high-end sound system, large wheels, a suped up exhaust system and a special suspension. When you go to sell it you may find an extremely small market for your car. Why isn’t your phone ringing off the hook? You’ve created such a highly customized vehicle that your market of potential buyers is significantly reduced. And, within that niche of people who might buy it, you’ve narrowed things even further to people who want to buy a car customized exactly how you like it. It’s difficult to sell these types of vehicles if you are in a hurry. Make sure you strip back to its original parts if you have them to make the car more desirable to a larger group of people.

When you’re ready to sell, bring your vehicle to Alan Jay Automotive Network in Sebring for a pre-sale inspection and tune-up or have your car appraised as a trade-in on any of the new or used cars, trucks, and SUV’s in our inventory.

2011
06/14
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Top 5 Car Chase Scenes

People everywhere are in agreement, car chase scenes in movies are just plain awesome. Car scenes are a great way to experience the thrill of the chase without the associated dangers of being involved in one. We all know we’ve experienced the urge to zoom down the highway at 100 miles an hour zipping through traffic, but let’s face it, as exhilarating at it may be, it’s also extremely dangerous. Let’s leave it to the professionals and watch from the safety and comfort of our living rooms. Here are five of the top car chase scenes that if you haven’t seen, you should make it your business to do so.

 

1. The Fast and the Furious

The first installment of The Fast and the Furious debuted in 2001 and portrayed an undercover cop who infiltrates the world of street racers in Los Angeles. This film captivated audiences with its high speed chases and tricked out vehicles.

 

2. The Italian Job

The remake of the 1969 The Italian Job made its debut in 2003 and astounded audiences with its iconic Mini Cooper chase scene. The film follows a gang of robbers who, in an effort to pull off the heist of their lives, create the largest Los Angeles’ traffic jam in history.

 

3. Bad Boys II

Also making its debut in 2003, Bad Boys II follows two loose-cannon narcotic cops who are investigating the flow of Ecstasy in to Florida. The film captivated audiences with its multiple, exhilarating car chases.

 

4. Transformers

The first film in the Transformers franchise made its debut in 2007 and astounded audiences everywhere with its motion-packed scenes and iconic Camaro car chase. The movie follows Sam Witwicky, an average teenager who finds himself in the middle of the ultimate war for power of two extraterrestrial clans, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons.

 

5. Bullitt

This 1968 film follows an all guts, no glory San Francisco cop who is determined to find the underworld kingpin that killed a star witness in his protection. This classic film won an Oscar, 9 other awards, and received 6 additional nominations. Bullitt has earned itself a spot in history as one of the all-time best car chase movies ever made.

 

There you have it! Five of the top car chase scenes ever made. But, just as we all love car chase scenes, we all have our favorite car chase movies. If your favorite wasn’t included in this list, comment below and let us know what your top picks are.

 

Honorable mentions: Gone in 60 Seconds, Speed, Hancock, The Bourne Identity, The Matrix Reloaded, The Dark Knight, The Transporter, Cannonball Run, Smokey and the Bandit, The French Connection, Goldfinger, Terminator 2, and Blues Brothers.

 

 

 

2011
06/01
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Keeping Your Cool When it’s Hot

Article Courtesy of Highlands Today By JOE SEELIG

 SEBRING – If you’re looking for a place to cool down for a little while, the Sebring High School pool opens today, and will be open seven days a week; Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Pool hours will change once school lets out for the summer. The pool will remain open during a set schedule through the end of August and possibly into September, said pool manager and swim coach Pat Caton on Thursday.

“A lot depends on how many patrons we continue to have after school starts,” she said. “We hope people will come try us out. We have a deep end with diving boards, locker room facilities, shade covers when parents and grandparents bring their kids to swim and we have snow cones.”

Caton said she came to Sebring in 1983, and has been in charge of the Sebring pool since about 1985. When I came in I was a life guard and swim coach,” she said.

Over the summer, activities at the pool will include water aerobics and swimming lessons. The youngest swimmer they’ve had for lessons was 8 or 9 months old. The oldest to take lessons was in his 60s, Caton recalled.

A life guard is on duty while the pool is open.

For more information on hours and classes see the information box in this newspaper or call 471-5500 (EXT. 229) and leave a message for Caton.

Other area high school pools will also open soon. See the information box in this newspaper for more information.

Family YMCA

 The Highlands County Family YMCA, where the pool is open pretty much year round, seven days a week, is another great place to cool down.

For $35 per session for members and $45 for non-members, swim lessons are currently offered on Mondays and Thursdays, said Greg Smith, the facility’s aquatic director.

Close to 250 people per day use the pools, Smith said.

“We have the 10-lane lap pool which right now is staying at about 82 degrees,” he said. “Then our smaller pool, which is our warm water exercise pool, it stays between 86 and 89 degrees.

“Then we have our splash pad, and the kids can really get out there and have fun with it, too. It has shoots water up through the ground and has a pole in the middle that shoots water down on everybody. It’s the only one in the area.”

Claudine Miltenberger, 76, and her friend Joyce Books, 81, live in Orange Villas, south of Sebring. In the summer they’re in the pool every day, Miltenberger said.

Oddly Books is from Elkhart, Ind., and Miltenberger is from Goshen, Ind., but they lived about 10 miles apart and never knew each other up north.

It’s a great way to get some exercise without putting stress on their joints and they stay relatively cool at the same time.

“Right now we’re here every day for two hours we walk in the pool,” said Miltenberger, waving her arms underwater and keeping her balance. “It’s a very nice place. Everybody is really nice here. We really enjoy it.”

“We’ve been coming a couple of weeks and it’s really dropped my blood pressure way down,” said Books.

In the old days people could run in front of a lawn sprinkler or sometimes they’d open up a fire hydrant to keep cool.

Miltenberger said sometimes she and her husband Jim go to Barnies Coffee and Tea Company, in the Lakeshore Mall, to walk around and to get into the cool.

The mall also has a nice game room for the kids to play.

First summer

The Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring Improvement District has a relatively new lagoon-type pool at its Recreation Center, which opened in September 2010. The facility has a pool attendant who can watch the pool by video camera, but there is no life guard on duty.

In the winter they close at dusk, which is about 5 p.m., as long as the outside air temperature is 65 degrees or above. But in the summer it is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. as long as the weather is nice.

“This is our first summer,” said Christi Wolf, community services director. “It’s a neat thing because it’s one of those amenities that can bring people together.”

They keep the pool at 86 degrees. But it doesn’t really matter when it’s 92 degrees out, she said.

“Because for aerobics that’s what you need for the Arthritis Foundation,” Wolf said.

Pool use fees differ for residents and non-residents. Day passes are available.

District resident, Marol Snapp said in April she tried to come down to the pool almost every day on week days. This is the place to come and cool off, she said.

“I love it,” she said. “It’s beautiful; it’s always clean; it’s fabulous and the design of the pool is great.”

Strike!

 

How about the bowling alley for a place to cool down? Walking through the double doors at the Kegel Bowling Center, visitors are greeted by a blast of cool air.

“We have to keep it cool, especially for the lanes,” said General Manager Joy Dytyniak on Wednesday. “It’s 72 degrees in here.”

Starting today through Aug. 31, they are having a “Kids Bowl Free” program. Kids can bowl two games free a day, Tuesday – Saturday, all summer, Dytyniak said.

“They register online, kids 18 or under, and they will receive every Sunday night in the email, a coupon with their name on it for every day that week, Tuesday through Saturday, from the time we open until 5 p.m.,” she said. “They get to bowl two free games. They just have to purchase the rental shows which are $3-plus tax.”

For more information call Kegel at 382-2643.

Jump in the lake

 

There are lots of area beaches for sunbathers and swimmers to enjoy.

Tiffiny Gregor, 23, of Sebring, who works at the Island View Restaurant and Pub, said when she wants to stay cool, she stays inside. But her tan says otherwise.

For fun on her days off she and her friend go to the beach on Lake Grassy, in Lake Placid, or they go out on a boat. She’s not as much interested in staying cool as she is in having fun in the sun.

“I love this weather,” she said. “I’m a Floridian, so it doesn’t bother me.”

POOL INFORMATION

Sebring High School: The pool is open Monday thru Friday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., while school is open.

Once school is out, on June 9, hours will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week and 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The cost is $2 per swimmer. But there are big savings for frequent swimmers with family passes at $50 for the first swimmer and $15 for each additional family member.

Water Aerobics will be held Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; the first water aerobics class Thursday, May 5.

The cost is $2 for an hour workout with Ricki Albritton, a certified instructor. If you have a Summer Swim Pass the class is only $1

Swimming lessons at Sebring High School will be provided for all!

•Session 1 begins June 13 – June 24

•Session 2 begins June 27 – July 8

•Session 3 begins July 11 – July 22

•Session 4 begins July 25 – August 5

Registration will be Wednesday, May 17 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday May 28 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and May 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the front office at Sebring High School.

For more information please call 471-5500 (EXT. 229) and leave a message for Ms. Pat.

Avon Park High School: The pool will open for the summer on June 7 until Aug. 20, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday. The pool is closed on Sunday.

The cost is $2 per person, per visit. Family passes are available at $50 for the first swimmer and $15 per person for each additional swimmer.

Dates for swim lesson sessions are the same as at Sebring High School. Call Avon Park High School at

452-4311 for more information, and to pick up the paperwork.

Lake Placid High School will have an open swim Monday through Friday starting May 2, through June 10, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The cost is $2 per person and season passes are available for $50 for one person or $150 for a family pass.

Starting June 13 through Aug. 5, swim lessons will be offered for $25 per person for the first week and $20 per person for the second week.

Contact Athletic Director Cindy Rivers at 699-5010 for more information and pool hours.

Highlands County Family YMCA: Pool hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday – Thursday; Friday, 6 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to

4:45 p.m.

Swimming lessons at the Highlands County Family YMCA begin June 13 through Aug. 18, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No lessons are offered on the weekends.

For more information contact the YMCA at 382-9622.

Sun ‘n Lake of Sebring: Pool hours 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week depending on the weather.

Residents’ annual rate for an individual is $40; $100 for a family. Resident daily rates start at $2 for kids 2-15 years of age; $3 for an adult 16 years and older and $10 for a family living in the household.

Non-resident rates are $200 annually for an individual and $350 for a family. For non-residents under 2, the daily rate is $2. For children 2-15 the daily rate is $10. For adults 16 and older the price is $20 per person.

The daily rate for a family is $50.

 

For original article visit: http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2011/may/01/keeping-your-cool-when-its-hot/

2011
06/01
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How Often Should Wiper Blades Be Replaced?

Wiper blades are one of the most neglected parts on a vehicle. Many wiper blades are in bad condition due to being exposed to the elements all the time. They can be broken, cracked, dried out or ripped and certainly will not do a sufficient job when the rain comes.

90% of all driving decisions are based on a clear view of the road. This means it is imperative to keep a clean windshield and if it’s not then to be prepared with quality wipers. A driver can tell when his or her wipers need to be replaced if the blades make noises when in use, when streaking occurs or they do not provide a clean wipe.

The consensus among car mechanics is that wiper blades should be replaced every 6-12 months for optimum performance and driving visibility. Natural rubber deteriorates over time. Halogen-hardened rubber as well as synthetic rubber provides longer usage life for blades, but eventually all materials will begin to fall apart. 

Both cold and hot weather can affect blade life, too. Freezing temperatures makes rubber hard and brittle, which increases the tendency to crack and split. The blade holders can also become filled with ice and snow, preventing the holder from distributing spring tension evenly over the blade. The blade will “freeze up” and leaves streaks as it skips across the glass.

Hot weather dries out wiper blades, which also leaves them cracked and brittle. Constant exposure to the sun is an unavoidable situation; however you can be aware to check for signs of wear.

Any blade that’s chattering, streaking, cracked, torn or nicked should be replaced immediately.

 

 

 

Check Your Blades

 

A simple check is to use your car windshield sprayers. If the blades are in poor condition they will not wipe the washing fluid clean. This will also give you an opportunity to check your windshield washer system. Does the spray hit the windshield where it is supposed to? If not, the nozzles need adjusting. Do both squirters work? If not, a nozzle may be clogged with dirt or a hose may be kinked/loose. Does the washer pump deliver an adequate stream of solvent? If not, the vehicle may have a weak washer pump, or a clogged, kinked or loose hose. Most washer tanks have a screen to filter out debris that could clog or damage the pump. This may be a reason it does not work as well. After you’ve checked the front windshield wipers make sure you check the rear window wiper if you have one. This is often the most neglected one, but just as important as the front two. If the rear does not have sprayers to test it you can manually spray water on to test.

 

 

 

Replacement Blades


It is fairly simply and straight forward to replace wiper blades yourself. You can replace just the blade with a refill or the entire blade assembly. Refills will save you money over new blade assemblies. If you are changing the whole blade assembly most will come with an adapter to fit the arms on your vehicle. Also, most new blades will show what vehicle make and models it will fit on. It is very important to look for this to determine blade sizing and installation. The old blades pull or push off the arm by pressing a release button or pin on the wiper holder.

If you are replacing the blade only with a refill, the old blade can be removed by squeezing the locking tags in at the end of the blade so it will slip out of the holder. Be sure the replacement blade is the same length and width as the original. If you live in a cold climate, you might consider installing a set of “winter blades” on your vehicle. These have an additional feature that prevents ice and snow from building up within the blade.

 

 

2011
06/01
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HOW TO PROPERLY CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on tire-related crashes, the leading cause of tire blowouts is under-inflation. Aside for the potential for car accidents, under-inflation can cause negative effects on your vehicle’s handling and can reduce the overall life of your tires. Additionally, under-inflation increases the stress on your tires leading to tread separation and tread wear.

 In order to protect your tires from under and over-inflation you can follow these air pressure tips:

 AIR PRESSURE TIPS

 Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

 If you’re unsure what the recommended tire inflation pressure for your tires are, you can locate recommended pressures as follows:

  • On the vehicle information sticker that can often be found on the driver’s door jamb
  • A label located on the glove compartment door
  • Printed in the vehicle owners manual

 Keep in mind that the inflation pressure shown on the tire’s sidewall displays the maximum pressure, which is based on the tire’s maximum load capacity. It is best to use the recommended pressure located on the above recommendations, which is based on the normal load of a passenger vehicle.  If you are unsure of the recommended pressure, or cannot locate the information, it is best to your local mechanic.

 Valves and Valve Caps

Valves on your tires must be free from cracks as a deteriorated valve can cause air to escape from your tires. If you purchase new tires or notice a cracked or missing valve, replace all tire valves to avoid tire pressure loss. Valve caps must be tightly closed to prevent the valve from leaking.

 Check Pressure & Adjust Once a Month

Tires lose on average 1 psi, per month. Keeping this rate in mind, it is important to check tire pressure at least once a month or before long road trips.  

 Check Spare Tire Pressure

Check your air pressure on your spare regularly, as your spare could also lose tire pressure with time. Avoid being stranded and having to pay for a tow truck.

 Check Tires Cold

Check your air pressure when your tires are cold as tires become hot after driving. This is best done before you’ve driven over a mile or when your car has been parked for at least three hours. Keep in mind that air pressure goes up in warm weather and down in cold weather.

 Keep a Tire Pressure Gauge

Purchase a quality tire pressure gauge and check it for accuracy with your local mechanic. Keep the gauge in your glove compartment and test it periodically to ensure it is reading accurately.

2011
06/01
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2011 Nissan LEAF named 2011 World Car of the Year

At the New York International Auto Show, the 100-percent electric, zero-emission Nissan LEAF was named 2011 World Car of the Year, edging out the BMW 5-Series and the Audi A8 for the top spot. Today’s award is the latest in a string of accolades for the world’s first affordable mass-market, all-electric vehicle for the global market, which was also named European Car of the Year.  “It is a great joy that the world’s first, mass-marketed electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, has won the prestigious award of 2011 World Car of the Year,” said Nissan Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “This accolade recognizes Nissan LEAF, a pioneer in zero-emission mobility, as comparable in its driving performance, quietness and superb handling to gas-powered cars. And it validates Nissan’s clear vision and the values of sustainable mobility that we want to offer to customers around the world.” The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “The Leaf is the gateway to a brave new electric world from Nissan. This 5-seater, 5-door hatchback is the world’s first, purpose-built, mass-produced electric car. It has a range of over 100 miles on a full charge claims Nissan, takes around 8 hours to recharge using 220-240V power supply and produces zero tailpipe emissions. Its low center of gravity produced sharp turn-in with almost no body roll and no understeer. The good news? It feels just like a normal car, only quieter.” The World Car of the Year competition was launched in 2004, with winners chosen by a panel of automotive journalists from Asia, Europe and North America. Nissan LEAF is available in Japan, the United States and select European markets and will be released in other global markets in 2012. The vehicle is currently built at Nissan’s Oppama, Japan plant. It also will be manufactured at the company’s Smyrna, Tenn., plant in the United States in late 2012 and at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom by early 2013. Aiming to be the world leader in zero-emission vehicles, Nissan, with its Alliance partner, Renault, has formed partnerships with more than 90 governments, cities and other organizations around the world not only to develop and produce EV and lithium-ion batteries but also to promote sustainable mobility. Nissan is also taking a comprehensive approach to encourage to the world to more sustainable mobility such as improvement of charging service, infrastructure deployment, the promotion of the use of recycled materials and overall energy management system including second-life use of lithium-ion batteries.

2011
04/28
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10 Eco-Friendly Driving Tips

 

Article Courtesy of http://travelblog.portfoliocollection.com/

Below are a few tips to help drivers conserve fuel and save money at the pump, while at the same time helping the environment and improving traffic safety.

1. Slow down and watch speed –Drive 100km per hour instead of 120km to save fuel. This results in an estimated 10 to 15 per cent improvement in fuel economy. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speeds and conserve fuel.

2. Accelerate and brake smoothly –Accelerating smoothly from a stop and braking softly conserves fuel. Fast starts, weaving in and out of traffic and hard braking wastes fuel and wears out some of the car components, such as brakes and tires, more quickly. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles and anticipate traffic conditions to allow for more time to brake and accelerate gradually.

3. No idling –Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don’t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off in non-traffic situations, such as at bank and fast food drive-up windows, when idling more than 30 seconds.

4. Check your tires – Keep tires properly inflated to the recommended tire pressure. This alone can reduce the average amount of fuel use by 3-4 percent. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. They also wear more rapidly. Check the vehicle’s door-post sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure.

5. Be kind to your vehicle –Maintain proper engine tune-up to keep vehicles running efficiently. Keep the wheels aligned. Wheels that are fighting each other waste fuel. Replace air filters as recommended. Use a fuel with good detergent additives to keep the vehicle engine clean and performing efficiently. Always consult the Owner’s Manual for proper maintenance.

6. Travel light – Avoid piling a lot of luggage on the roof rack. The added frontal area reduces aerodynamics and will hurt fuel economy, reducing it by as much as 5 percent. Remove excess weight from the vehicle. Unnecessary weight, such as unneeded items in the trunk, makes the engine work harder and consumes more fuel.

7. Minimize use of heater and air conditioning – Use heating and air conditioning selectively to reduce the load on the engine. Decreasing your usage of the air conditioner can help you save 10-15 percent of fuel. Use the vent setting as much as possible. Park in the shade to keep car cool and reduce the need for air conditioning.

8. Close windows at high speeds – Don’t drive with the windows open unless your keep your speed under 100km per hour. Driving with the windows open at highway speeds increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and lowers fuel economy.

9. Choose the right oil – Use good quality oils with the viscosity grade recommended in the owner guide.

10. Consolidate trips – Plan ahead to consolidate your trips. This will enable you to bypass congested routes, lead to less idling.

2011
04/28
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Chevrolet Volt Wins Gold Medal in 2011 Edison Awards

The Chevrolet Volt continued to build its resume of honors, winning the 2011 Edison Awards Gold Medal in the Personal Transportation Segment last evening in New York City. The Edison Awards honor innovation in the spirit of America’s greatest inventor and marketer Thomas Edison.

“Being selected as an Edison Award winner validates our drive to develop an all-new transportation solution,” said Tony Posawatz, Chevrolet Volt vehicle line director.  “Innovation has been at the heart of the Volt from its onset; from the development of the li-ion battery to the drive unit and the driver connectivity.”

At the same event, the OnStar Mobile App won the silver award as the 2011 Best New Product in the Transportation in the Remote Driving Aids Segment. In the Volt, the app allows users to control vehicle charging functions and view charge level, electricity rate tables and electric vehicle data along with other features.

The OnStar Mobile App allows all users to access current vehicle diagnostics, such as fuel levels, oil life, tire pressure, miles per gallon or next scheduled maintenance. It also lets users control certain vehicle functions, such as remotely starting the vehicle, locking and unlocking the doors, and sounding the horn and lights.

The Edison Best New Product award joins the Motor Trend, Automobile Magazine and Green Car of the Year Awards, Popular Science Best of What’s New and Ward’s 10-Best Engine designations bestowed on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt.

2011
04/28
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Did You Say “Hot Rod” or “Hot Dog”?

Coming Soon to a Supermarket Near You!

Hot Dog! What a car! Who is having the most fun here? The driver or everyone gawking on the street?

Consider Donating Your Old Car to Charity

Thinking of buying a new car or truck?

Alan Jay Automotive in Sebring, Florida can help you.

Thinking your old car or truck isn’t worth much as a trade in?

If you expect to get very little money for your trade-in, consider donating your old car to a charity instead.

There are benefits in doing so. In many cases, you may get a tax credit for it. In every case, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that some less fortunate person now has the car he/she needs to get around.

Here are several well-known charities that accept car donations. There may be many more.

Salvation Army:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

For detailed information on how to donate your vehicle, call 1-800-SA-TRUCK or visit:

http://satruck.org/donation-value-guide/automobiles

American Cancer Society: Cars For A Cure Program

For detailed information, visit:

https://www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate/OtherWaystoGive/cars-for-a-c…

If you need assistance or would like clarification of this process, please call 888-227-5500 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST or send an e-mail to Betty A Coco, Director – National Cars For A Cure, at betty.coco@cancer.org.

American Heart Association:

1–888–242–2271

According to the web site: Whether your vehicle is a late model sedan, a classic collectable, an unfinished project, or an old clunker gathering dust in the driveway, your contribution turns any vehicle into a valuable donation for the American Heart Association.

For more information, visit:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Giving/ForIndividuals/OtherWaystoGive…

and https://www.auto-donation.com/used-car-donation-donate.aspx?charCod…

National Kidney Foundation: 1–800–488–2277 or visit:

http://www.kidney.org/support/kidneycars/index.cfm

In Massachusetts only, Special Olympics: 1–800–590–1600 or visit:

http://www.specialolympicsma.org and http://www.recycleforgold.org/

Tips for Purchasing and Adapting a Vehicle for Disabled Drivers

So many U.S. Veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with disabilities. It’s extremely important for them, as well as for others with disabilities, to be able to easily purchase and maintain vehicles with adaptive devices.

Alan Jay Automotive in Sebring, Florida can assist you in your shopping and purchasing process.

Here are some basic steps to facilitate your goal of getting the right vehicle for you:

Evaluate Your Needs

1. Consult with your physician to make sure you are physically and psychologically prepared to drive. Being evaluated too soon after an injury or other trauma may indicate the need for adaptive equipment you will not need in the future.

2. Find a qualified evaluator. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) http://www.aded.net maintains a database of certified driver rehabilitation specialists throughout the country. Your insurance company may pay for the evaluation. Find out if you need a physician’s prescription or other documentation to receive benefits.

3. Review the evaluator’s report containing specific recommendations on driving requirements or restrictions, and a complete list of recommended vehicle modifications.

Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities

A vehicle with adaptive equipment can range between $20,000 to $80,000, so, it pays to investigate public and private opportunities for financial assistance:

• Your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Nonprofit associations that advocate for individuals with disabilities.
• Your private health insurance or workers’ compensation.
• Car and truck manufacturers with rebate or reimbursement plans for modified vehicles. (Check with dealers in your area.)
• Tax credits
o Some states waive the sales tax for adaptive devices if you have a doctor’s prescription for their use.
o You may be able to claim medical deductions on your federal income tax return.

Licensing Requirements

Check with your state’s registry of motor vehicles. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a permit or license because you have a disability. However, you may receive a restricted license, based on your use of adaptive devices.

Select the Right Vehicle

Selecting a vehicle for modification requires collaboration among you, your evaluator, and a qualified vehicle modification dealer. Although the purchase or lease of a vehicle is your responsibility, making sure the vehicle can be properly modified is the responsibility of the vehicle modification dealer. Be aware that you will need insurance while your vehicle is being modified, even though it is off the road.

The following questions can help with new vehicle selection and/or modifying a vehicle you already own:

• Does the necessary adaptive equipment require a van, or will another passenger vehicle suffice?
• Can the vehicle accommodate the equipment that needs to be installed?
• Will there be enough space to accommodate your family or other passengers once the vehicle is modified?
• Is there adequate parking space at home and at work for the vehicle and for loading/unloading a wheelchair?
• Is there adequate parking space to maneuver if you use a walker?
• What additional options are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle?

If a third party is paying for the vehicle, adaptive devices, or modification costs, find out if there are any limitations or restrictions on what is covered.

Note: Always get a written statement on what a funding agency will pay before making your purchase.

Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle

Even a half inch change in the lowering of a van floor can affect a driver’s ability to use equipment or to have an unobstructed view of the road. So, take time to find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle.

Begin with a phone inquiry and ask these questions:

• Is the dealer a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has vehicle conversion standards?
• Do they work with evaluators?
• Will they look at your vehicle before you purchase it elsewhere?
• Do they require a prescription from a physician or other driver evaluation specialist?
• How long will it take before they can start work on your vehicle?
• Do they provide training on how to use the adaptive equipment?
• What type of training has the staff received?
• What type of warranty do they provide on their work?
• Do they provide ongoing service and maintenance?
• Do they stock replacement parts?
• How much will the modification cost?
• Will they accept third party payment?
• How long will it take to modify the vehicle?
• Can the equipment be transferred to a new vehicle in the future?
• Will they need to modify existing safety features to install the adaptive equipment?

While your vehicle is being modified, you will, most likely, need to be available for fittings. This avoids additional waiting time for adjustments once the equipment is fully installed. Without proper fittings you may have problems with the safe operation of the vehicle and have to go back for adjustments.

Note: Some State Agencies specify the dealer you must use if you want reimbursement.

Training on the Use of New Equipment

Both new and experienced drivers need training on how to safely use new adaptive equipment. Your equipment dealer and evaluator should provide information and off-road instruction. You will also need to practice driving under the instruction of a qualified driving instructor until you both feel comfortable with your skills. Bring a family member or other significant person who drives to all your training sessions. It’s important to have someone else who can drive your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Some state vocational rehabilitation departments pay for driver training under specified circumstances. At a minimum, their staff can help you locate a qualified instructor. If your evaluator does not provide on-the-road instruction, ask him or her for a recommendation. You can also inquire at your local motor vehicle administration office.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance may be mandatory for compliance with the terms of your warranty. Some warranties specify a time period during which adaptive equipment must be inspected. These “check ups” for equipment may differ from those for your vehicle. Make sure you or your modifier submits all warranty cards for all equipment to ensure coverage and so manufacturers can contact you in case of a recall.

For more information visit:

Home

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/nllic_topic/0706_driving.html

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/brochure/brochure.html

Daylight Savings Time is Back!

The fall season is in full swing and that can only mean one thing – we get an extra hour of sleep! This is just a friendly reminder to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 7th. We all know that finding that little button to change the hour/minute on your vehicle’s dashboard can take time in itself. Our service team is available to assist you with any questions you may have about adjusting the clocks in your vehicle. Simply contact us at 863-402-4210 and we’d be more than happy to give you step by step directions. Enjoy your fall and we look forward to seeing you soon!

2010
11/04
CATEGORY
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20 Year/ 200,000 Mile Warranty

It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Sales Event!

2010
09/21
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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