I was going to wait a little longer before writing the next tip. But, we had our first significant rain of the new season this morning here in Colma, near San Francisco. It reminds me of last year’s rainy season when I personally totaled a vehicle due to hydroplaning. Fortunately, my family and I were ok. But, it was a traumatic experience that I would rather you not have. So, here are 3 important things you can do to stay safer this rainy season.
1. Safe Tires – When was the last time that you really measured the tread depth of your tires. We inspect your tires regularly when you bring your car in for maintenance at Lexus of Serramonte. A brand new tire typically has 10/32 of an inch of tread. A tire that has 2/32 is basically bald and will do you no good in the rain. When we are certifying a pre-owned Lexus for sale, we’ll replace the tires if they have less than 5/32” before it can pass the Lexus CPO standard. If your tires are due, you have a lot of options for great deals on tires. So, go ahead and do your shopping. And, then come on by the dealership. You might be surprised just how competitive we can be. And, you’ll have the confidence of knowing that a Lexus certified technician mounted, balanced and installed your new tires including all the correct methods for your Tire Pressure Sensors. We can even do an full precision alignment with our Hunter system to improve your car’s handling and gas mileage.
2. Safe Wipers – Have you ever found yourself reluctant to turn your wipers on because you knew they’d make the view worse than just having the rain on the windshield? Yep, it’s time for fresh wipers. At best, worn wipers are a distraction. Worse, they could lead to something far more dangerous. Fresh wipers are a very inexpensive for the peace of mind.
3. Slow Down – Everything takes more time and space in the rain. With the reduced visibility, increased distractions, and reduced brake effectiveness, allow more room to make sure you can get stopped in case that car ahead of your does something squirrely.
(Bonus method 3-1/2 would be to make sure the brakes are up for the job, too!) If it’s been 6 months or more since your last service, why not schedule with our outstanding service department. They’re have a great team of technicians ready to make sure your car is ready for the season, Monday through Saturday. You can reach them directly at 650-867-8501.
Until next time, best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Nick's Tip #28 - Top 5 Car Seat Facts Every Expectant Parent Should Know
Well, it has been a little while since my last tip. And, I sure hope that you've been enjoying some safe driving since then. One of the things that I've really enjoyed sharing with my guests at the dealership lately is all about car seats for people who are expecting children. Of course, the Lexus has all the latest safety features of all the cars in the industry. But, car seats for children are a topic all their own. If you are expecting, or know someone who may be, here are some of the most important things you should know.
1. They work. The statistics vary over the years and by the source. But, the data shows that car seats for children save lives. One estimate is that, if you have your child properly fastened, in the correct car seat, which is properly installed in the car, the child's odds of surviving an otherwise fatal accident are in the range of 95% or better.
2. No Seat, No Baby. It sounds a little odd, perhaps. Most hospitals that deliver babies will not even release your baby to you to take home until you show them that you have the correct seat for the baby properly installed in the car that you'll use to drive home. They're not trying to be mean about it. They're simply providing you with one more incentive to get your car seat for your baby in order well in advance of giving birth. (Yes, and, keeping the liabilities under control, too.)
3. Many options but get the right size seat for your baby. There are a lot of great car seats out there for your baby. One very popular variety is convertible, in that it snaps into a base facing rearward until the baby's legs are so long that it's time to turn the seat around so baby can face the front. However, for babies who have a birth weight that's less than 5 pounds, there is a different style infant seat required. For that reason, I would highly recommend, in addition to all the other topics you'll talk about with your doctor, get an idea as early as possible about an expected birth weight. If it looks as though it's likely to be over 5 pounds, great! Go ahead and get the convertible style. Even if the baby does arrive a little lighter than you expect, you'll need that seat a few months down the road anyway. But, if the doctor says that the baby is likely to be very close to 5 pound or less, ask for the infant style at your baby store.
4. Watch out for hand-me-downs. There's one thing for certain - having babies gets to be an expensive proposition. Hand-me-downs from friends or family can be a great way to save money on clothes, and a host of other baby gear. But, not so much with child seats. First of all, you never really know the history of the seat. And, if it's already been in an accident, or damaged in some other way, it will not function properly to protect your child. Secondly, baby seats have a limited life span. In the owner's manual, on the manufacturer's website, and a number of consumer safety sites, you can see what the life span of the seat is. After that point the materials can degrade to the point that the seat is no longer effective in the event of a crash. Finally, over the years, a number of child seats have been subject to recalls. The probability of a child seat being affected by a recall goes up when you don't know where it came from.
5. You can get help for making sure you have the right seat installed properly. In many cities the local police or fire departments will do complimentary safety seat inspections. And, the store where you buy your child seat may have a certified child seat technician who can make sure your new seat is correctly installed as well. So, once you have acquired the new seat, if the store doesn't have a person, call your local police and fire departments. They may do the check for you by appointment, or on a certain schedule. And, you may learn some more great tips for making sure the seat is secure when you reverse the seat or move it from one car to another.
I have to say that working with young growing families is one of the most fun parts of my job. If you have any questions about how the seats work out in a Lexus, or any other question about the cars you'll be driving for your child, or any other car topic, I'd look forward to hear from you.
Best wishes for safe driving.
1. They work. The statistics vary over the years and by the source. But, the data shows that car seats for children save lives. One estimate is that, if you have your child properly fastened, in the correct car seat, which is properly installed in the car, the child's odds of surviving an otherwise fatal accident are in the range of 95% or better.
2. No Seat, No Baby. It sounds a little odd, perhaps. Most hospitals that deliver babies will not even release your baby to you to take home until you show them that you have the correct seat for the baby properly installed in the car that you'll use to drive home. They're not trying to be mean about it. They're simply providing you with one more incentive to get your car seat for your baby in order well in advance of giving birth. (Yes, and, keeping the liabilities under control, too.)
3. Many options but get the right size seat for your baby. There are a lot of great car seats out there for your baby. One very popular variety is convertible, in that it snaps into a base facing rearward until the baby's legs are so long that it's time to turn the seat around so baby can face the front. However, for babies who have a birth weight that's less than 5 pounds, there is a different style infant seat required. For that reason, I would highly recommend, in addition to all the other topics you'll talk about with your doctor, get an idea as early as possible about an expected birth weight. If it looks as though it's likely to be over 5 pounds, great! Go ahead and get the convertible style. Even if the baby does arrive a little lighter than you expect, you'll need that seat a few months down the road anyway. But, if the doctor says that the baby is likely to be very close to 5 pound or less, ask for the infant style at your baby store.
4. Watch out for hand-me-downs. There's one thing for certain - having babies gets to be an expensive proposition. Hand-me-downs from friends or family can be a great way to save money on clothes, and a host of other baby gear. But, not so much with child seats. First of all, you never really know the history of the seat. And, if it's already been in an accident, or damaged in some other way, it will not function properly to protect your child. Secondly, baby seats have a limited life span. In the owner's manual, on the manufacturer's website, and a number of consumer safety sites, you can see what the life span of the seat is. After that point the materials can degrade to the point that the seat is no longer effective in the event of a crash. Finally, over the years, a number of child seats have been subject to recalls. The probability of a child seat being affected by a recall goes up when you don't know where it came from.
5. You can get help for making sure you have the right seat installed properly. In many cities the local police or fire departments will do complimentary safety seat inspections. And, the store where you buy your child seat may have a certified child seat technician who can make sure your new seat is correctly installed as well. So, once you have acquired the new seat, if the store doesn't have a person, call your local police and fire departments. They may do the check for you by appointment, or on a certain schedule. And, you may learn some more great tips for making sure the seat is secure when you reverse the seat or move it from one car to another.
I have to say that working with young growing families is one of the most fun parts of my job. If you have any questions about how the seats work out in a Lexus, or any other question about the cars you'll be driving for your child, or any other car topic, I'd look forward to hear from you.
Best wishes for safe driving.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Nick's tip 22 - The Future's So Bright
Back in the 80s, there was a popular song called, "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades." by the band Timbuk3. It's a silly song, but I was reminded about it this summer with a number of people asking me about tinting the windows of their cars.
Tinting is marvelous stuff. It can help you stay cool. It can help protect you against nasty ultraviolet rays. It can even improve your privacy.
But, tinting also has a dark side (all puns intended.) Tinting your windows can possibly affect your vision and your ability to operate your car safely. And tinting can also annoy police and highway patrol officers into writing you a ticket.
I actually had this experience a number of years ago. I had purchased a beautiful pre-owned sedan that the previous owner had tinted. And I was pulled over by a highway patrol officer and given a ticket. They required me to remove the tinting, go to the highway patrol to show them it was removed, and, of course and always, pay a fine.
So what are the requirements? This is from the CHP's website at http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/answers.html.
Can I put after-market tinting on the windows of my vehicle?
The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are:
1. The windshield and front driver's side and passenger's side windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting.
2. If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have outside rearview mirrors on both sides.
The law prohibits any person from driving any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows, with certain limited exceptions.
However, legislation signed into law effective January 1, 1999, exempts from the above prohibition specified clear, colorless, and transparent material that is installed, affixed, or applied to the front driver and passenger side windows for the specific purpose of reducing ultraviolet rays. If, as, or when this material becomes torn, bubbled or otherwise worn, it must be removed or replaced.
This is probably another example of not-what-you-were-hoping-for, similar to the tip about front license plates. http://nickstips.blogspot.com/2006/12/nicks-car-tips-3-front-license-plate.html. Hope you find it useful all the same.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Nicks Car Tips # 21 Clunkers and Mileage Kings
Hello!
It's been a very exciting time for those who are interested in moving to more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly cars.
· The "Cash for Clunkers" program has passed to become law now as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).
· And we've just received an update from Lexus about the EPA gas mileage for the new Lexus HS250h hybrid.
The CARS program means that if you have a car that is less than 25 years old, has a combined EPA rating of 18 miles per gallon or less, is in driveable condition, and has been continuously registered and insured to the same owner the full year before trading it in, your car may be eligible for a credit of 3500 or more to help with your purchase of a new vehicle. You can learn more about it by going to the official program website at http://www.cars.gov/.
There are a few things to know about the program. Most importantly, the law was just passed, and the NTHSA is just now starting to put the systems and processes in place to make it work. It will be some time before it's ready to use. If you are interested in learning more as we get more details, let me know, and I can keep you up to date with the lastest developments.
If you are considering a new car purchase, you may want to explore with us whether we can do something for you now with the car as a trade that will make it worth getting the car you want even before the CARS program is available.
And now, this just in:
The following EPA information for the MY10 HS 250h will be posted on the HS250 Monroney Labels (window stickers). This is a sneak peak that hasn't even been released to the press yet. And we've been told that people who have been driving the prototypes have reported even better mileage than what is shown below.
35 MPG Combined
35 MPG City
34 MPG Highway
Please keep in mind that:
• 35 MPG City is 85% better than average Near Luxury car
• 35 MPG Combined is 59% better than average Near Luxury car
• HS is the best luxury vehicle in terms of MPG
And one last inside secret for today. If you're going to be in the Bay Area and are interested in the new HS250h, please save the date of July 28th in the evening for a special sneak preview of the car. You're welcome to let me know if you're interested, and I'll forward you the venue information as we receive it.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Nicks Tips #19 When Bad Things Happen to Good Cars
Hello
The simple fact is that sometimes bad things happen to good cars. A few days ago, my wife had an accident in our Lexus. My wife is an excellent driver. But there are some drivers out there who aren't quite as excellent. I imagine you've noticed something similar from time to time.
I'm delighted to say that the car did what it was supposed to do to protect my family. And I'm not so delighted to recognize that we have some clean up work to be done. So what are the first things to do when you've been in an accident? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Carry a disposable camera in your car. If your batteries in your digital camera happen to be out, this will give you a reliable alternative for taking pictures of your car, any other cars involved, the location of the accident, time of day and anything else that might be helpful. Also, before you forget the details, write down a few notes, as objectively as you can, about what happened. It's an emotional time, and that makes it hard to remember all the details later, so try to do it the same day.
2. Exchange all the information with the other drivers - names, drivers license, insurance company, policy numbers, and contact information, license plates, make, model and year of the other cars. Even if it seems as though no significant damage has been done, or the other driver is suggesting not involving the insurance companies, it's very difficult to get this information afterward. Better a little too much information that not enough.
3. It's good manners and just plain human to express concern about how the other people are doing. This is not the same as admitting fault. At the same time, don't be too quick to say that you're not injured. There are some types of injuries that can occur during an accident that are not plain at the time, but can be debilitating days later.
4. Do call for police, especially if any damage or injuries have occured. Make sure that you speak directly to the police officer who is completing the report to present your side of the story. Get the report number from the officer before he or she leaves the scene so you can get a copy later.
5. If there was more than 750 dollars of damage. or if anyone was injured or killed, complete and file a copy of the DMV SR1 report form with the DMV. You can find a copy at this link. http://dmv.ca.gov/forms/sr/sr1.htm This report must be filed within 10 days.
And then come the more tedious issues. Does the damage to the car cost more to repair than the car is worth? What are your insurance policy's coverages? Read through your entire policy to find out whether you have coverage for what the car was worth, or for the replacement cost. Does your policy cover rental cars while your car is repaired or replaced? What are the insurance company's requirements about factory parts?
Sometimes insurance companies can take a while to finish the setllement. In the meantime, because you may be needing a new car, there are often things that we can do at the dealership to make the transition pretty straightforward. You're always welcome to call or write when ever I may be of help.
While I usually I hope you find these tips useful, this is one tip I hope you never need.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Nicks Car Tips # 18 - Hands Free in my car
In an earlier tip, we talked about the new law, that's gone into effect here in California, to limit our use of cell phones while driving to hands-free arrangements and keep us safer. As I mentioned, all of our new Lexus models have Bluetooth technology available so you can pair your phone to the car, and use the car's speaker and microphone for your conversation, keeping your hands on the wheel. But, what about those who are keeping cars without the Bluetooth technology installed?
Fortunately, our Parts Department here a Lexus of Serramonte has found a very easy and reasonably priced Bluetooth solution. They have a device that can clip on your overhead visor, requiring no installation. It is portable, can be moved from car to car, or even used as a speaker phone in your home or office.
If you'd like to learn more, you're welcome to call our Parts Department at 650-985-2172. Or just come by the Parts Department in their new temporary location at 445 Serramonte Boulevard. They open Monday through Friday at 7 am, and Saturdays at 8.
Of course, if you would like a new car with the Bluetooth technology installed, you're welcome to call me directly!
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick''s Car Tips # 17 - "May I see your license and ..."
Hopefully this doesn't happen to you anytime soon. But, everyday, tens of thousands of motorists are pulled over by the police or highway patrol. And what are the first words the officer usually says? "May I see your license, registration, and insurance, please?"
Ever since the law went into effect here in California, we all must carry our vehicle insurance information in the car. You can see more about this on the DMV's site at http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr18.htm. There are some significant consequences to not having it with you, including:
Best wishes for safe driving!
The reason I'm mentioning this, is that, hardly a week goes by here at Lexus of Serramonte when, someone will be buying a car, and does not have their insurance information with them. In fact, it happens almost daily. Of course, when we sell cars, we are required by the government to get a copy of your insurance before we're allowed to release the new car to you.
Often, our guests have to call their insurance companies or agents, or get online, and make sure that we can get that copy before they drive home in the new car. (I've spent many "happy" hours waiting by the fax machine, just so we can let the nice people drive home.)
All of this suggests, by extension, that there are thousands of people on the road who do not have their insurance information with them. Are you one of them?
If you are not sure where your insurance information is, why not call your insurance company now and have them send you a copy? Make extra copies to keep in each of your vehicles, as well as your wallet, and your files at home. This way you'll have one more thing done, and the ease of knowing that it's going to be there when you need it. And if you happen to be interested in another car, we can have you driving home in it that much more quickly without waiting by the fax.
Nicks Car Tips # 16 - Most value at the pump
Here are a few additional ways to get the most from your dollars at the gas pump. (Thanks to Shayle for passing these along!)
Try to buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.
A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3)stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some other liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL or HALF EMPTY. The reason for this is, the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, the trucks are temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nicks Car Tips # 15 - Happy Safe Halloween
(This was originally sent last October)
Happy Halloween!
In the next few days, the sidewalks and streets will be taken over by all sorts of scary monsters, witches, ninjas, and ghosts. Halloween will be here, and it's important to remember a few basic things about driving safely around the Trick-or-Treaters, and keeping your children safe when they are out.
* If you have children who will be trick or treating, try to avoid dark colored costumes, and look for opportunities for them to wear or carry flashlights, glowsticks and reflective materials. That really cool Ninja costume, that will keep imaginary enemies from detecting their presence, will also make it hard for drivers to see your little martial artist. Also be aware if a costume limits your child's vision.
* Some communities have safe Halloween trick or treat activities, with blocked off streets. Check with your local chamber of commerce or Parents clubs for times and locations
Here are a few nearby events:
http://www.sanfranciscokids.net/san_francisco_halloween/halloween_events.htm
http://www.sfzoo.org/registration/calendardetail.asp?ActivityKey=309095
http://www.dalycity-colmachamber.org/events.htm
http://sanbrunomothersclub.com/activities.html
http://www.smalltown.com/burlingame/card/212034
http://www.badm.org/membership_support/events/goblin_jamboree_2007/
* While you're driving, never make any assumptions about what the children will be doing. Even in those situations when they are supposed to yield, it's an exciting night, filled with distractions. Children may forget the safety rules that you've been teaching them. Be ready to stop at moment's notice.
* Speaking of distractions, minimize yours while you're behind the wheel. While it's always a good idea not to talk on the phone, or eat while you're driving, this night especially, it will be important to set those things aside and focus on the next little one darting out in front of your vehicle.
* If you're staying with a vehicle while the children are going down the street, put your running lights or flashers on to make your vehicle more visible.
Take it slow, and take your time, and it can be a safe and happy Halloween for everyone.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nicks Car Tips # 14 - Cool Stuff For Lexus Owners
Did you know that Lexus has a wonderful owner's magazine, both in print and an interactive online edition? And that there great resources for Lexus owners at their own special website at http://www.lexus.com/lexus-main/owner/
The Lexus Magazine has articles about our cars, as you'd expect. But there wonderful articles about travel, food, art and music, and much more. There are short works of fiction and mysteries, features about environmental architecture, music samples that you can hear, videos and slideshows, and wonderful photography through it all. In the current issue, you can learn more about the new LS600h hybrid sedan, Surround Sound Audio with the Mark Levinson systems, and a fun road adventure of two New Yorkers driving through California from "Los Angeles to Napa, seeking to peruse the edible prehistory of our favorite local burger joint." It even includes a History of the Hamburger.
And at the owner's website, you can also find special programs just for Lexus owners, including benefits for traveling, your finances, online documentation and service information for your car, and even online driving tours from Michelin. (My wife and I are looking forward to trying the one to Big Sur soon!)
If you're a Lexus owner now, registering is easy. You're welcome to call me if you'd like help. If you don't have a Lexus yet, you can still see the online magazine for free. And you're still welcome call on me anytime I can be of help.
Best wishes for safe driving!
The Lexus Magazine has articles about our cars, as you'd expect. But there wonderful articles about travel, food, art and music, and much more. There are short works of fiction and mysteries, features about environmental architecture, music samples that you can hear, videos and slideshows, and wonderful photography through it all. In the current issue, you can learn more about the new LS600h hybrid sedan, Surround Sound Audio with the Mark Levinson systems, and a fun road adventure of two New Yorkers driving through California from "Los Angeles to Napa, seeking to peruse the edible prehistory of our favorite local burger joint." It even includes a History of the Hamburger.
And at the owner's website, you can also find special programs just for Lexus owners, including benefits for traveling, your finances, online documentation and service information for your car, and even online driving tours from Michelin. (My wife and I are looking forward to trying the one to Big Sur soon!)
If you're a Lexus owner now, registering is easy. You're welcome to call me if you'd like help. If you don't have a Lexus yet, you can still see the online magazine for free. And you're still welcome call on me anytime I can be of help.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nicks Car Tips # Lucky 13 - The Sweet Spot
Here's a question I've been wanting to tackle for some time - What is the best speed to drive to save money? And I was inspired to share with you today because of a really great, detailed answer you can find at http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question477.htm, complete with math, formulas and all sorts of good stuff. But I'm going to give you the cut-to-the-chase today, and make it pretty simple.
If everything else is equal, the cost of gas, no stop lights, traffic, etc. then for most cars of all sizes, the best gas mileage and lowest cost to operate will be in the range of 40 to 60 miles per hour. Is there an exact speed for your car? Yes, but given real world conditions, does it really matter? Not really.
If you have a trip to make, and a choice of a freeway with no stops at more than 60 mph, or an expressway with timed lights at 45 mph, you'll probably save money by going on the expressway. But how many situations will you really have like that? Most of the time we're not on the freeway, there will be stop signs and lights. If you want to save money, generally, you'll do well to get on the freeway, and drive as close to 60 as possible. (If you're feeling unpopular driving below the limit, you can still take your discomfort to the bank.)
If you have a chance to drive without stop lights or with timed lights and a limited number of stops, drive in the 40 to 50 range, because for most vehicles, the miles per gallon will drop off as you approach 60. (The difference between 40 and 50 mph for most cars will be 1 or 2 miles per gallon. The drop going from 50 to 60 mph might be 2 to 7 mpg, depending on the size.)
What are you likely to do everyday? I'll bet that you'll get on the freeway and do something not too much more than the limit, and think in the back of your mind that you might safe money if you slowed down. You'd be right. And if you have a chance to drive in the sweet spot, and choose to, you'll probably find yourself getting better mileage than most of the other nice folk on the road.
There you have it. No complicated math, just the real world guidelines.
Best wishes for safe driving!
If everything else is equal, the cost of gas, no stop lights, traffic, etc. then for most cars of all sizes, the best gas mileage and lowest cost to operate will be in the range of 40 to 60 miles per hour. Is there an exact speed for your car? Yes, but given real world conditions, does it really matter? Not really.
If you have a trip to make, and a choice of a freeway with no stops at more than 60 mph, or an expressway with timed lights at 45 mph, you'll probably save money by going on the expressway. But how many situations will you really have like that? Most of the time we're not on the freeway, there will be stop signs and lights. If you want to save money, generally, you'll do well to get on the freeway, and drive as close to 60 as possible. (If you're feeling unpopular driving below the limit, you can still take your discomfort to the bank.)
If you have a chance to drive without stop lights or with timed lights and a limited number of stops, drive in the 40 to 50 range, because for most vehicles, the miles per gallon will drop off as you approach 60. (The difference between 40 and 50 mph for most cars will be 1 or 2 miles per gallon. The drop going from 50 to 60 mph might be 2 to 7 mpg, depending on the size.)
What are you likely to do everyday? I'll bet that you'll get on the freeway and do something not too much more than the limit, and think in the back of your mind that you might safe money if you slowed down. You'd be right. And if you have a chance to drive in the sweet spot, and choose to, you'll probably find yourself getting better mileage than most of the other nice folk on the road.
There you have it. No complicated math, just the real world guidelines.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Nicks Car Tips #12 - Driving and Talking
Today, I'd like to talk about how to make your driving simpler and safer. As you've probably noticed in the last few years of driving, there are two types of drivers these days - those who are talking on the cell phone while driving, and those who are dodging them.
It reminds me of a time, years ago, when I was learning to fly airplanes. My flight instructor said that there were 3 priorities when flying - avigate, navigate and communicate. In other words, make sure you're in control of your airplane, make sure you know where you are and where you're heading. And then you can talk about it. It's pretty much the same thing when it comes to driving our cars. It's a good idea to make sure you are in control of your car, and pointing it in the right direction, before taking on a phone call.
There are recent reports that driving while talking on the phone can actually result in worse driving than being drunk. (And I don't want to even think about a drunk driver on the phone!) http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2006/06/29/hscout533489.html
You may also be aware that we have a law going into effect soon, here in California, that is going to require everyone, who is not in an emergency, to have a hands-free way to use their phones while driving. http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/print-version/press-release/3910/
Which all leads to the question - if I am going to use a phone, safely and hands-free while driving, what are my options? If you're considering a new car, all the current new Lexus models are available with Bluetooth technology. (There's today's shameless plug.) Bluetooth allows you to have a wireless relationship between your phone and your car, so you can use the car's speakers and microphone for a safer, hands-free phone conversation.
If you want Bluetooth now, without replacing the car just yet, your current cellular provider may have a hands-free kit available for your current phone. Or you may be able to get an upgrade on your phone that will allow you to take advantage of Bluetooth. I did this last year for both my wife and myself, and we are able to deal with the occasional necessary call much more safely.
Of course, the best option would be to pull over to a safe place before continuing your conversation.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Nicks Car Tips #11 - When am I due for service?
Have you ever wondered, "Just when is my car due for service?" It's not hard to lose track, with all the other demands for our time and attention these days.
In theory, it shouldn't be complicated, because the recommendation for most recent Lexus models is to bring them in every 6 months, or 5000 miles. But, with most things in life, there are exceptions. What about those of us who drive very little - or very much. My recommendation, next time you do bring your car in for service, ask your service advisor, "Based on how many miles I'm driving, and what you're seeing as the condition of my car, when should I bring my car in for service next." He or she may recommend coming in sooner or later than the normal guideline based on your individual situation.
One other thing that can help make it easy, make sure that our service department has all your latest contact information, including cell phones, addresses, and email. We can contact you in any and all of these ways to provide you with service reminders, as well as special offers and discounts. Let us do the leg work for you on helping you schedule taking care of your car.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Nicks Car Tips #10 - Oprah and the Lexus LS460
This tip was originally sent in 2007.
Today's tip comes courtesy of Mrs. Hart, because she keeps an eye on Oprah while I'm at the office. On yesterday's Oprah show, Oprah, with Lexus's Vice President of Sales, Jim Colon, experienced parking the new LS460 with the new Advanced Parking Guidance system, right there on her stage in front of a live studio audience.
Apparently, Oprah is not the most confident of drivers. She says that, other than passing trucks, going over bridges, bumpy roads, or driving at night, she's fine. Oh, and parallel parking is not her thing either. She was delighted when the car did the steering, while she had the security of controlling the brake herself.
You can see more about the segment at http://www2.oprah.com/tows/slide/200702/20070201/slide_20070201_350_107.jhtml. And Mrs. Hart says that, if you visit the site, or request it enough, they might put the actual footage up as streaming video too.
If you would like to experience the new LS460 for yourself, I'm happy to help. You don't even need tickets to Oprah.
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
Nicks Car Tips #9 - The New EPA numbers
This tip was originally sent out in 2007.
We just received the first glimpse of how the new EPA testing methods are going to affect the mileage estimates for our cars.
As we discussed in an earlier tip, the EPA mileage estimates are a great way to compare one car to another. But, as most people notice, they seem a bit removed from the way most of us drive. So the EPA has been adjusting the testing procedure to help make the EPA numbers more realistic.
We now have the results from one of the first cars to be tested with the new method. We actually are about to receive the first of the 2008 Lexus RX350s. (We've almost sold out of the 2007s that were produced, so here we are, already making a model year change. Pretty wild!) For reference, the 2007 RX350 had EPA ratings of 19 city and 24 highway for the All Wheel Drive model. The new 2008 has ratings that are 2 mpg less, or 17 city and 22 highway. There are corresponding changes for the two wheel drive model also.
Keep in mind, nothing has changed with the engine or transmission. The only thing that has changed is the way it's tested. Now the tests take into account a few more real world factors such as
Faster Speeds and Acceleration
Air Conditioner Use
and Colder Outside Temperatures
So what does this mean for you? As we move forward, the EPA number will not only be a great way to compare cars to each other, but they will be a better way of approximating what you might expect from a car. Of course, no test can accurately reproduce your specific driving style, vehicle and road conditions. So we'll probably always see that classic disclaimer, "Your mileage may vary."
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
So what does this mean for you? As we move forward, the EPA number will not only be a great way to compare cars to each other, but they will be a better way of approximating what you might expect from a car. Of course, no test can accurately reproduce your specific driving style, vehicle and road conditions. So we'll probably always see that classic disclaimer, "Your mileage may vary."
Best wishes for safe driving!
Nick
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