How To Drive a Manual/Stick Shift Car

Learning to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission can be an intimidating task to both seasoned and new drivers alike. Approximately 6.5% of new vehicles sold in America feature stick-shift gearboxes. Vehicles with manual transmissions come in all shapes and sizes, from small economy cars, to massive work trucks, to high-speed sports cars. For those who would like to experience what it’s like to drive a stick shift car, we’ve outlined the basics for you below. Reading this blog is no substitute for hands-on learning, so as with anything you try, be sure you give yourself ample amount of time to practice.

Start by practicing with the car turned off. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls. Leaving the emergency or parking brake engaged, familiarize yourself with the clutch. Get a feel for using your left foot to operate the clutch since in a vehicle with an automatic transmission your left foot doesn’t have a job. Get acquainted with the gear shifter. Press the gas pedal and the clutch and move the shifter to get a feel for the different gears. Your reverse gear will also be an option controlled by this shifter.

When you feel comfortable in knowing where the gears are, test them out with a little off-road training. Find a level area, like an empty parking lot, to practice in. Once you are comfortably seated with your seatbelt fastened, it is time to start the car. If the car is neutral, you can start it just as you would an automatic. If it is starting in gear, you’ll need to depress the clutch before you start it. When the vehicle is running, press the clutch to the floor, put the shifter in first gear, and slowly let the clutch pedal up while at the same time applying your other foot to the gas pedal. The car will begin to move and the more you let up on the clutch, the faster it will move in that gear.  When the car is revving high in the first gear, it is time to change gears, and you will repeat this process and shift up as needed according to your speed. You will also down-shift the same way, applying the brake and clutch to slow down.

Once you feel comfortable with your parking lot training, you’re ready to try the real road. Start on a less populated road and leave ample space between you and other cars. As you practice and become more experienced, driving a manual car will become second nature to you. Good luck!

Tips for Safe Nighttime Driving

 

Daylight Savings Time ends soon which for a lot of drivers will mean a much darker commute on their way home from work. You may not have given it a lot of thought, but driving at night or in the dark poses several unique driving dangers as compared to driving on a sunny afternoon. Aside from just having limited visibility at night, most drivers are generally more fatigued at night, making it substantially more difficult to concentrate on the road ahead. We’ve compiled a few tips below to help you drive safer at night.

·         Don’t be afraid to use your headlights. Even at dusk or at times when you think you can see fine without them, turn your headlights on. There’s no harm in doing so. Not only will this increase your visibility, but it will also help other drivers see your car as well.

·         Make sure all of your lights work. Check beyond your headlights. Make sure taillights, brake lights, and fog lights are all working properly and not burned out before your next nighttime commute.

·         Maintain a further following distance. Increase your distance behind another car by about five seconds longer than you would during the day to give you more time to respond. This will make it easier to spot and avoid road hazards at night.

·         Put down the cell phone. Really, put it down. You shouldn’t be texting or trying to dial phone numbers at any point at which you are driving, but it is especially important to avoid using your cell phone at night. Driving distractions like this are only magnified and worse at night.

·         Keep your eyes moving. Driving at night, especially on roads that are not heavily populated with traffic, can leave you in an autonomous state. Scan the road in front of you and look for flashes of light in hard to see places, such as at the top or a hill or around a curve. This could signal the headlights of an approaching car or could be the reflection of an animal crossing the road.

Join Nimnicht Buick GMC in Giving the ‘Gift of Life’

 

Did you know that one pint of blood can save up to three lives? Whether the cause is a car accident, a much needed surgery, or another medical emergency, every two seconds someone in the United States is in need of a live-saving blood donation. You can help save lives right here in our community by participating in our upcoming Blood Drive.

The Blood Alliance Bloodmobile will be available to take your life-saving donation at Nimnicht Buick GMC on Philips Highway in Jacksonville this Wednesday, October 17, 2012. The Bloodmobile will be at Nimnicht Buick GMC from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm. Each time you register to donate blood from August 29, 2012 through January 18, 2013, you’ll be entered into a random drawing to win a brand new Buick Verano, compliments of Nimnicht Buick GMC.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Valerie Sowers at vsowers@nimnichtauto.com or call (904) 425-6363. Thank you for your continued support of our community.

Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes

 

You may think that anyone capable of reading an instruction manual can install a child safety seat into a car with ease. However, as some statistics pointed out, nearly three out of four car seats on the road today are not installed properly. Car seat installation should be a required course for parenthood, but to save you some time, we’ve complied some of the most common car seat installation mistakes that can cause unsafe driving conditions for your little passengers.

·         Incorrect Harness Clip Position – The clip that snaps the harness straps together over a child’s chest are often left in an improper position, sometimes due to parents/caregivers being in a rush or just not realizing that the placement of this clip truly does make a difference in their child’s safety. The proper position for this retainer clip is at armpit left. It should never be placed over the abdomen.

·         Use of Incorrect Harness Strap Slot – Most car seats manufactured today give the option of three sets of slots to fit the harness straps through that can be adjusted as the child grows. For infants that still require a rear-facing seat, you’ll want to choose the slot located at or below your child’s shoulders. When your little passenger is ready for a forward-facing seat, choosing the slots located at or above the child’s shoulders will provide the best fit.

·         Wobbly Car Seat – When the car seat itself is secured by a seat belt it should not move more than an inch from side to side or front to back. If your vehicle has leather seats, it’s also a good idea to put a towel under the seat. Not only will it help protect the car’s leather upholstery, but it will also help the car seat from slipping on the slick seating surface.

·         Unrestricting Harness Strap – The harness straps on a car seat should not be loose. If there is any type of slack when you pinch the strap at your child’s shoulders, the straps need to be tightened.

·         Booster Seat and Seat Belt Placement – For young children that are big enough to fit in booster seats, harness straps become a thing of the past and a ‘big-kid’ seat belt is the only restraint used. The shoulder belt should never lie across a child’s neck or face. Instead, the shoulder and chest should be snugly secured.  The lap belt should fit securely across the upper thighs rather than the stomach.

Be sure to always read the instruction manuals for both your vehicle and the car seat you are using. You can never be too careful or cautious with your precious cargo.

 

How To Make Your Next Road Trip More Enjoyable

The annual family road trip is a tradition engrained in the American dream. But the romance fades pretty quickly as you edge into the third hour on the freeway. Here are some guidelines for making a lengthy road trip more bearable, and maybe even fun.

Plan it Right – Make sure that you are leaving with plenty of time to reach your destination. You want to allow for lots of bathroom breaks, refueling and snack runs. If you are crunched for time, you will be less likely to stop to stretch or switch drivers.

Sleep on it - The best tool in your road trip toolbox is a good night’s sleep. You should be well-rested before embarking on your journey, and this goes for resting along the way, too. Consider planning your hotel stays in advance so that you have a room waiting for you at the end of an 8-hour drive.

Share the load - If you have another driver in the car, put them to good use. A couple of hours behind the wheel can cause muscle fatigue, especially if you don’t have cruise control. Make a plan to switch the driver at a certain city so that you aren’t insisting you’re still ‘good to go’. Stick to the plan and let each driver have a chance to stretch out and relax before the next shift.

Pit Stops are Your Friend - Don’t get obsessed with ‘making good time’. The best time is the one you have on the journey, and there is nothing more important than staying alert and focused on road. Stop every hour or two; at least to stretch or grab a snack. You may be surprised at the new places you find along the way.

Snacking on the Road - While we wouldn’t advise eating a hearty meal behind the wheel, it is a good idea to have something to nibble on.  Healthy snacks like trail mix, bananas and carrots are easy to eat on-the-go, and provide the kind of nutrients you need. Avoid anything that will send you on a sugar crash; it’s not worth the initial high.

Put the Kids on Auto Pilot: While road games are fun, a really long drive can make for cranky kids. Make sure you’ve got plenty of books and activities onboard so that each child has some personal time to themselves. Interacting with the same people for 400 miles can be grating, even for a kindergartener. Along this vein, a portable DVD player and personal gaming devices can be a life saver, and don’t forget the headphones.

Stack the Jukebox – Listening to your favorite songs can make the ride seem a lot shorter. Try tuning your iPod or satellite radio in to some talk programs or comedy. You can even download audio books onto your music player and listen to a book that you’ve never had time to read.

Avoid Sugary Drinks – Bring water and juices, but avoid soda and energy drinks that are loaded down with lots of sugar. Drinking plenty of water will not only keep you hydrated and healthy, it will also make you stop more often for bathroom breaks… another opportunity to stretch those muscles!

Safety Tips for Car Trips with Your Dog

 

Many of us treat our pets like family. The idea of being separated from our four-legged children for more than a few hours is not an option for some. The next time you head out to run errands, take a trip, or just go for a leisure ride with your dog, keep the following safety tips in mind:

·         Never allow a dog to sit in the lap of the vehicle driver. In the event that your airbag deploys, the impact could seriously injury your dog, or worse.

·         Never allow a dog to hang outside the window. While dogs seem to enjoy this, it puts them in an unsafe situation. Roadside debris, rocks, and bugs have the potential to fly up and hit your dog in the face. Also, your dog could be sent flying out of your car if you hit a bump or pothole.

·         Bring a chew toy. Some dogs get sick during car rides. If a situation arises where you must bring your furry companion along, bring a chew toy to keep the dog distracted. It will help time go by quicker for the dog as well.

·         Never allow a dog to sit in a truck bed. Unless you are securing your dog in a special crate that is securely tied down, the bed of a truck is one of the most dangerous places for a dog to be. An auto accident or the dog’s own free will can send him tumbling out of the truck, causing injury.

·         Pack fresh water and food for your dog. Dogs normally get excited about car rides and pant heavily as a result. The panting makes them thirsty. Having fresh water available will help calm the dog down and make for a more comfortable ride for him.

·         Use a safety harness (like the one in the photo above, photo courtesy of radiousa.com). If you are going to properly secure your dog in your vehicle, use a dog safety harness rather than a regular neck collar. Using a collar as a way to restrain your dog in the car has the possibility to cause strangulation.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you take your dog for a car ride. Doing so can create a less stressful and more comfortable ride for the both of you.

Follow the Four B’s to Get Your Car Ready for Fall

 

The end of September welcomes the official start of fall. The arrival of fall brings cooler temperatures, greater chances of precipitation, and less than ideal driving conditions. Before bad weather strikes, get your car ready for fall by following the four B’s: brakes, batteries, belts, and blades.

Brakes – As we have mentioned before, the brake system is arguably the most important safety system on your vehicle. A properly functioning brake system helps you maintain control of your vehicle and keeps everyone inside the car safe. Naturally your brakes are going to wear out as they are used every time you drive. A noise when the brake pedal is pressed and the repetitive need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder are warning signs that your brakes may need replaced. Have your brakes checked and if it the brake pads that need replaced, you can follow the steps we listed in an earlier blog to help you do this at home.

Batteries – Summer heat can takes its toll on the life of your battery. Replacing a battery in fall is much more appealing than having one fail in winter. Using professional equipment is only way to accurately test your battery’s strength. Visit your mechanic to have your battery tested.

Belts – You’re almost guaranteed to be left stranded if a belt or hose on your car snaps or leaks. Check for cracks or thinning in belts. Also look for flaws on all hoses as well.

Blades – Worn windshield wiper blades can’t clear your view on rainy or foggy mornings. Avoid having limited visibility on the road by replacing wiper blades before fall weather hits.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions and how they will affect your vehicle. Remember, it’s much less costly to avoid car problems with proper maintenance than it is to replace a whole car system.

How to Change Your Brake Pads

 

Very few things on your car will be as important to you as a properly working braking system. Effective brake pads are a crucial part of this system. Once you determine that your brake pads are ready to be replaced, this process is something you can do at home with the right tools and a free weekend afternoon.

First, you have to start with removing the old brake pads. It’s a good idea to place blocks behind the wheels to help keep the car from rolling while you are working on it. You’ll want to you use car’s jack to lift it up and remove the tire and wheel so that the brake rotor and caliper are exposed. Using a wrench, loosen the bolts holding the caliper in place and lift it off the brake rotor. Do not allow the caliper to be left hanging by the brake line, as it will still be attached at this point. Use a piece of hanger wire to secure the caliper. Ensure the brake line is not pinched, kinked, or tightly wrapped in any way.

Turn the caliper over and you’ll be able to see the brake pads. Take off whatever hardware is holding the pads in place and slide them out from the caliper. Before you install the new brake pads, you will need to manually retract the caliper piston.

Using a C-clamp, place the end with the screw on it against the piston. The pressure on the piston will increase as you turn the screw. When you have enough room to do so, slip the new brake pads into place. Replace the hardware that kept the old pads in place.

Next, move the caliper back into its resting place over the rotor and tighten the bolts to keep it from moving. Give the brake pedal a few pumps to make sure everything feels right to you. Put your wheel back on, tighten the nuts, and lower the car back to the ground with your jack. It’s as simple as that.

Top Five Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Running Forever

 

You may set out to buy a car that you can drive for several years, however sometimes circumstances change and you may be seeking a new car sooner than expected. Perhaps a new model comes out that you just have to have. Or maybe an addition to your family has you in the market for a bigger vehicle. However, don’t let the reason you get rid of your current vehicle be that it has not held up well over the years. You can greatly extend the life of your car and reduce the chances of mechanical mishaps by sticking to the tips below to keep your car in tip-top shape for the long haul.

1 – Be Gentle During Start-up. If your engine has been turned off for more than five hours, all of the oil will have seeped down to the oil pan. The engine needs at least 30 seconds after start-up to get the oil pump to adequately lubricate the moving parts before you put it gear and take off. If the car has sat for more than 24 hours, give it a little more time during start-up.

2 – Follow Recommend Service Schedules. While this is common sense to a lot of us, there are still too many cars on the road that don’t receive proper and timely maintenance. The owner’s manual of your car has a vehicle maintenance schedule set forth by the manufacturer listed right inside. Follow this guide. After all, the manufacturer built the car so they know what’s best for it.

3 – Listen for Irregular Sounds. Every once in a while, opt out of your karaoke session in your car and simply listen to it. Listen for any odd noises coming from the vehicle, both while idle and while driving. Clicking, scratching, or grinding noises are not normal and could be your best indicator that a problem is at bay. Have this looked at before it becomes a bigger hassle and expense.

4 – Practice Being a Calm Driver. There’s no need to drive like a racecar champ through your suburban neighborhood, so take it easy on your car. Driving too hard and jamming on your brakes will have your car out of commission in no time. Avoid stress on the transmission by taking it easy on the gears as well. Be sure the car is at a complete stop before switching into reverse. Being a calm driver also saves you money. Having an easy-does-it attitude on the road improves fuel economy by almost 35 percent.

5 – Regularly Check Tire Pressure and Fluids. Oil is the most important engine fluid. Take about 10 minutes out of your day occasionally to check the oil reservoir level. When your engine is cool, open the hood of your car and pull of the oil dipstick. Use a rag to wipe it clean then put it back in and pull it out again to check the level. Use a pressure gauge to make sure each tire is properly inflated according to your owner’s manual or by the tire manufacturer’s specifications.

One more piece of advice is to start with a car you love. Did you know the average American spends over 18 hours per week in their car? Make sure you are spending all that time is a vehicle you love to drive. A little TLC for a car you love to begin with will undoubtedly keep you driving it longer as well.

 

Replacing Your Headlight Bulb

 

Want to know a sure fire way to get pulled over? Drive with a headlight out and at the very least you’ll find blue lights flashing in your rearview mirror. Avoid the hassle and expense this can cost you by checking your headlights periodically and replacing them yourself if needed. Use the easy to follow steps below as a guide to replacing your headlight bulb.

Step 1 – Located the bulb holder. Look for a trapezoid-shaped plug that has three wires coming out of it.

Step 2 – Unhook the bulb holder. The plug the three wires are attached to is at the base of the headlight. It is held in place by either a plastic catch, a metal clip, or a screw cap. If it’s a plastic catch, press the little lever sticking up at the top of the plug with your thumb while you gently pull the plug out. If you see a metal clip, simply pull it off. If it’s a screw cap, turn it counter-clockwise to loosen it.

Step 3 – Remove the old bulb. With the wiring gone, the bulb should be easily accessible and can be pulled out.

Step 4 – Insert the new bulb into place. Hold the bulb by the plug end and slide it into the back of the headlight. When the bulb is lined up evenly and none of its rubber gasket is showing, then you will know it is in all the way.

Step 5 – Re-secure the wiring. Put the wiring back in and give the headlights a test. It’s as simple as that!

Now remember, these steps are only for most halogen headlight systems, so if your car has sealed beam headlights these steps won’t help.

Easy Car Repairs You Can Do at Home

 

For many drivers, a car repair can be nothing short of a horror story. The car won’t start. The battery… it’s dead! Dollar signs dance before your eyes as your cell phone seems to dial the tow truck all by itself. What’s that silhouette coming over the hill behind you? It’s The Mechanic, a gruesome beast here to sap you of next week’s paycheck. He’s getting closer, there’s nowhere to run!

The good news is that you can avoid a scary service bill with a little forethought and these easy at-home car repairs. Not all car repairs can be done at home (can you say serpentine belt?), but there are a few quick fixes that are easy and inexpensive.

Replace a Car Battery - This is an easy one that can save you around $30 when you skip the repair shop. A replacement takes up to 45 minutes to complete, and you will need to wear some protective gear.

Change Windshield Wiper Blades – This is a 10-minute repair that could cost you nearly $50 in the service station. Wiper blades tend to cost under $20, so the savings are significant. Read our blog below for simple steps on how to do this yourself.

Fix a Burnt-Out Tail Light – How many mechanics does it take to change a light bulb? About $20 - $100 worth (depending on your car model). But getting pulled over for a burnt-out tail light is no fun, so it is a good idea to fix a bad bulb as soon as possible. Look for our next blog to feature steps on how to change the bulb yourself.

Jump-Start a Dead Battery – In our drive-in scenario, hopefully there would be a nice bearded man in a pick-up truck that is more than happy to help you jump-start your car. In case he turns out to be a little old lady without jumper cables or a clue, you’d better learn how to jumpstart a dead car battery. Progressive has a set of jump-start instructions to study before you find yourself in trouble.

While you can save a lot of money by taking on simple car repairs, you should also know when to throw in the towel. Modern cars are complicated, with onboard diagnostics systems and engines that can be hard to work around. If you aren’t sure of how to proceed, go to a knowledgeable mechanic. It is best to get an expert on the job than to risk doing further damage to your car.

How To Replace Your Windshield Wipers

As summer is drawing to an end, cooler and rainy weather are just around the corner. Be sure your windshield wipers are in proper working order and replace the blades if necessary. Follow our simple steps below to change out wiper blades yourself at a time convenient for you.

Step 1 – Before you begin, make sure the new wiper blades are the same length as the ones you are replacing. This will ensure you are getting the optimal coverage on your windshield.

Step 2 – Gently pull the spring loaded wiper arm from its resting place on the windshield until the arm is perpendicular to the windshield. The arm will be able to stay up without you having to hold it once it reaches this position.

Step 3 – Apply pressure to the release pin of the wiper arm and remove the old wiper blade.

Step 4 – Slip the new wiper blade into place over the wiper arm and insert the clip into the hook to lock it in. Duplicate these steps for the other windshield wiper blade.

Step 5 – Start your vehicle and test the new wiper blades for proper operation before hitting the road.

In no time at all, you’ll be an expert at perform simple repairs like this at yourself.

10 Items You Should Always Keep in Your Car

Cars break down. It’s only a matter of time before a blown tire, a stalled engine, or transmission issues interrupt your travel plans. Don’t be left helpless and hopeless on the side of the road. Be prepared for these potential problems before they happen. Keeping an emergency supply kit in your car can really save the day (or night) if you find yourself unable to drive and in need of a tow.

If you want to save yourself the time of putting together your own emergency road kit, there are several options of prepackaged kits available at a variety of stores. However, the majority of these kits don’t include supplies for keeping vehicle passengers comfortable and happy until help arrives. We’ve compiled a list of 10 things to keep in your car at all times in addition to an emergency road kit:

1.       Water – Since you can’t plan for roadside emergencies, you can’t plan for how long they will have you stranded. A few one-liter bottles of water should be kept in your car.

2.       Food – We’re not saying that you need to keep a feast in your trunk just in case you miss a meal due to a roadside problem, but it’s a good idea to keep a few high-calorie items, such as fitness bars, in your car to keep hunger pains away. Individually wrapped nonperishable items like granola bars will easily satisfy short-term hunger. Remember to swap out water and food items quarterly or semi-annually to make sure they are fresh.

3.       Clothing – Throw an extra pair of sweatpants and a windbreaker in your trunk. Warm and waterproof clothing can make a big difference when you are stuck in cold or rainy weather.

4.       First Aid Kit – This one is pretty self-explanatory. A basic first aid kit can be found at almost any convenience or specialty store and should be kept in your car at all times.

5.       Flashlight – Keep a simple, good sized flashlight and extra batteries in your car if your emergency road kit did not come with one.

6.       Lighter – Unless you spend every weekend on an adventure in the wilderness, you probably can’t start a fire by hand. If you find yourself out of your car and off the well beaten path in extreme cases it may be necessary to start a fire for light and warm.

7.       Blanket – Keeping an extra blanket from your linen closet in the car can really come in handy.

8.       Tow Rope – As long as you have another vehicle that is able to pull you out, a tow rope is a quick solution to getting your car out from over an embankment.

9.       Additional Tools – A basic tool kit can be improved with the addition of a proper jack, a lug wrench that fits, and a roll of duct tape.

10.   Jumper Cables – One of the main reasons you may find yourself on the side of the road is due to a dead battery. Jumper cables and a willing partner to actually give you the jump are a quicker and cheaper solution than calling a service to do it for you.

Five Easy Steps to Changing a Tire

If you have gone your entire life without changing a tire, consider yourself lucky. However, if you are like most of us, this nuisance of this task has crossed your path at least one time. Here are few easy steps to help eliminate the stress of changing a tire:

Step 1 – Gather the tools you’ll need. If your car came with a spare tire, most car manufactures will also place the essential tools you will need to change that tire next to it under the trunk floor. Upon lifting the flooring, you should find a spare tire, diamond jack, and tire iron.

Step 2 – Loosen lug nuts. The lug nuts holding the wheel to the hub will need to be loosened before you beginning using the diamond jack to lift the car. Use the tire iron and some elbow grease to loosen the lug nuts. Be careful not to round off the edges with all that force or you won’t be able to get them off yourself. Do not remove the lug nuts all the way, just to the point where you will be able to use your hands to unscrew them the rest of the way.

Step 3 – Crank the car up. Now it’s time to use the jack. The jack needs to be located under the vehicle so that it pushed up on the frame in order to raise the car correctly. Typically car frames will have a notch next to each tire where the top of the jack will fit. After placing the jack under this slot, twist the lever to start opening the jack and the car should start rising.

Step 4 – Welcome new tire. Use your hands to unscrew the lug nuts the rest of the way. Remove the flat tire by pulling it straight off and make the new tire match up with the holes on the rim with the bolts on the car. Lift the spare tire up and hold it in place as you tighten the lug nuts by hand. When the lug nuts are as tight as you can get them by hand, lower the car slowly with the jack.

Step 5 – Tighten lug nuts. When the car is safely back on level ground, finish tightening the lug nuts with the tire iron. Be sure to tighten lug nuts in a diagonal pattern (ie: after tightening the first one, go to the lug nut diagonally across from it).

To help you feel more comfortable, there is no harm in practicing these steps in the safety of your driveway before you actually have to use them on the road. Practice makes perfect and in doing so you’ll have the confidence you need to change your own tire the next time it is necessary.

Tips and Techniques for Driving in Rain

Rain on the roadways is often underestimated, and always a real danger. With a cautious attitude and the following rainy day driving tips, you can stay safe and dry no matter what the storm brings.

Before you hit the road, make sure that your car has been maintained for optimal performance in all weather. Tires and windshield wipers are easy parts to check at home. Tires should have the proper pressure and the tread should be in good condition. Windshield wipers should be regularly checked  for effectiveness. Take your car in for service to have the brakes and defroster functions regularly maintained. When you know there is a storm coming, allow for extra travel time so that you are never rushed down a rainy highway.

While traveling through stormy weather, let caution be your guide. Maintain a safe distance behind the car in front of you, especially large buses and trucks that throw a lot of water off their wheels. To help your visibility in a downpour, turn on the defroster to defog the windows. Switching on the headlights or fog lamps can also maximize visibility, but don’t turn on the high beams; the extra light will only further obscure your vision against the rain.

In the event of an emergency, you should be prepared with an emergency kit that includes at least the basics like road flares, a flashlight, jumper cables, a quart of oil, a first aid kit, multipurpose tool and extra fuses. Hydroplaning can be a serious threat on slick roads. If you do hydroplane, don’t hit the brakes; steadily steer the car as it glides, maintaining your trajectory until the tires can gain traction.

With a bit of preparation and careful driving, you can be road-ready when a storm hits. Maintain your car, take your time, and stay cautious if you find yourself caught in the rain.

Pros and Cons of Leasing and Buying

As with any financial decision, the choice to lease or buy your next car is solely dependent on what you need to fit your lifestyle. Both buying and leasing have perks and pitfalls, so let’s weigh the options to see which choice is right for you.

Buying is a process that is readily understood by the first-time car consumer. You want the car, they sell the car, you buy the car. Easy, right? The car you purchase is yours to own until the day you choose to sell it. Ownership can be very economical, with the reward of resale value at the end of your run. With any luck, you’ll be driving the same car for years to come.

But this model doesn’t fit everyone’s tastes. After three years of ownership, the ride can get stale. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a brand new car again? The technology and style of cars changes so quickly, it’s tempting to trade in that purchased car for the latest model. That can be a difficult choice if you’ve already put a hefty down-payment on a purchased car.

With leasing, a new car can be had every few years, giving you the option of driving the latest and greatest the automotive industry has to offer, time and time again. Leasing can avoid the pain of scraping together the down payment for a new car, or hassling over the resale value of your current vehicle. With a lease, you can often get a better equipped car with more bells and whistles than you could buy outright. Down payments on leased cars are usually low.

However, just like buying a car, leasing isn’t perfect. Interest rates on leased cars are often higher than those of equivalent loans, so you’ll be paying more per time spent driving the car, even though lease payments tend to be lower per-month. There will also be limited mileage on your car, with a lease allowing an average of just 13,000 miles per year.  Limited mileage can be a source of stress, as you tally up your distance every day. Overage miles typically cost from 10 to 25 cents each.

Ask yourself what you want out of a car as you consider the pros and cons of leasing and buying. Each is a good option, depending on the demands of your lifestyle.

Nimnicht Buick GMC Hosts Jacksonville Roasters Semi-Annual Meeting

On June 16^th, Nimnicht Buick GMC hosted the Jacksonville Roadsters for their semi-annual business and activity planning meeting.

The Jacksonville Roadsters is a Jacksonville based car club that consists of proud owners of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.  The club was established for members to be able to get together once a month for rides to enjoy food, friendship, and beautiful cars. This group has taken their ‘Roadsters’ on outings to State Parks for picnics, drives down A1A, and even for a lap around the Daytona 500 speedway. All Solstice and Sky owners are welcome to join the club.

Nimnicht Buick GMC is honored to be a part of this amazing group. Some group members even purchased their treasured Roaster vehicle from us back in 2006. We are proud to host their functions and value their continued patronage to our Service Center.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

You’ve worked hard, saved diligently, and have now purchased your new car! To help ensure your purchase was money well spent, car care and maintenance are necessary to prolong the life of your vehicle. We’ve put together a few great tips to help you extend the life of your car.

·         Run your car’s A/C in winter

Run the A/C a few times throughout the winter to prevent moving parts in the compressor from seizing. Circulating the refrigerant will also help keep the seals soft and pliant.

·         Patience is key during the break-in period

Typically during the first 1,000 miles, or break-in period- of a new car, car manufactures suggest you keep speeds under 55 miles per hour.

·         Don’t fill up your gas tank while the tanker is at the station

Come back another day or go to a different gas station if you see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks when you need a fill-up. As the tanks are being filled underground, sediment can be stirred up into the gas and can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance from your vehicle.

·         Clean the inside of the car every time you clean the outside

Particles of dirt are abrasive and liquid spills, such as soda, can be corrosive. Vacuum and sponge interior surfaces clean every time the outside of your car gets a bath.

·         Take excess weight off your keychain

 The weight several objects on your keychain, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and may eventually lead to ignition switch failure. To help ensure your ignition switch works properly, shed some weight off your keychain.

Fuel Efficiency Can be Maximized with Air Conditioning and Windows

A hot car can be remedied quickly by using the modern marvel of air conditioning, but is it more fuel efficient to roll the windows down instead? The answer to this question depends on the speed of your car. We have collected the following advice for drivers who want to cool down their car and save on gas.

When the car is already cool, the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. Car temperatures can quickly rise to over 140 degrees on a hot day. Parking in the shade or in a garage can help reduce the workload placed on the air conditioner. Window shades placed on the inside of the windshield can also help to deflect the sun’s rays. If a car is hot before it is time to go, drivers should open their doors to let the hot air out before cranking up the air conditioning.

When considering whether to ride with the windows down or the air conditioning on, the speed of the car will determine the savings on fuel. A car traveling as speeds over 40 miles-per-hour meets a fair amount of resistance, or drag, from the air moving around it. Like a parachute opening, the drag is increased when the windows of the car are rolled down. More resistance means the car has to work harder to get down the road. In these instances, it is better to ride with the windows up and the air conditioning on.

Simple Tips to Maximize Your Fuel-Efficiency

With price of gas constantly increasing, many drivers are trying to find ways to help their gas tanks stay above empty for as long as possible. Your vehicle knowledge and driving habits will be the main factors in determining how decent the fuel economy will be.


Here are a few tips to help you maximize fuel-efficiency when buying a new or used vehicle:

1. Be Smart, Buy for your Lifestyle – Keep in mind that a vehicle’s weight, power, and displacement (4, 6, or 8 cylinders) will be a big influence on its fuel consumption. If you’re not hauling a whole football team around town or don’t have a trailer to tow, then don’t buy a large, gas-guzzling SUV.

2. Choose the Right Transmission - As a general rule, a manual transmission is about 5-10% more fuel-efficient than an automatic, assuming you shift properly. For a typical driver, proper use of a manual transmission can save at least 100 liters of fuel annually. With an automatic transmission the vehicle becomes more fuel-efficient with a greater number of gears (for example 6 vs 4). This is because the extra gears are better able to keep the engine running at or near its most efficient level.

3. Be Careful of the Add-On Options - Using a remote starter allows for unnecessary idling, which wastes fuel and increases greenhouse gas emissions. A roofrack (loaded or not) increases aerodynamic drag, putting extra strain on fuel-efficiency. Additionally, the more available options you choose can weigh down your vehicle and make it use more fuel.

4. Fuel-Efficient Options - There are a few add-on options you can choose to help your vehicle in fuel economy. Some of these options are lightweight aluminum wheels, cruise control, and trip computers, which can simply help you understand how much fuel you use.

Not ready to buy? No problem! You can help stretch your dollar at the pump by following these tips with your current vehicle:

1. Keeping Maintenance Up-To-Date – Becoming familiar with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and having the necessary work and repairs performed can help maximize your fuel economy.

2. Adopt Good Driving Habits – Implementing good driving habits, such as avoiding hard and fast accelerations, using cruise control, and shutting the engine off while waiting on someone, can really make a difference in the long run.