Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter

As the temps drop down into the single digits, we’re reminded that months of winter driving uncertainty has arrived. Your car needs extra preparation to make it through the winter, but getting ready is only half the battle. The extreme conditions that accompany a New England winter can do a great deal of damage to both the interior and exterior of your car. Winter driving conditions also mandate driving differently. Snow and ice need to be taken seriously and prepared for. 

This winter, make sure your car is as prepared as you are with some tips on how to get your vehicle winter ready:

- Batteries are much weaker in cold weather, so keep your vehicle’s battery fully charged. A simple battery test can be performed by turning on your vehicle’s headlights before starting the engine. If you notice the lights get brighter once the engine is running, a more thorough battery test should be undertaken. 

- Tires should have Mud & Snow or All Season tread and be in good condition. If the treads are worn, replace them. Better yet, exchange them for a set of snow tires, such as Bridgestone Blizzaks, which have treads that provide better traction and are equipped to handle extreme winter driving conditions.

- Check your tire pressure monthly during the winter. This is extremely important, especially when driving in winter conditions. Remember, your tire pressure will decrease faster in the cold weather.

Give us a call or stop in to learn more about winter tires.

- Swap out your carpeted floor mats with a set of water-resistant vinyl or rubber mats. 

- Brakes should be checked and serviced if necessary. Even braking on all four wheels will lessen the chance of skids on slippery roads.

- Make sure your vehicle’s exhaust system has no leaks. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer and can accumulate quickly in closed vehicles.

- Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition and are working properly. Poor visibility is a major cause of accidents during the winter. Keep the windshield washer reservoir filled with antifreeze solvent and have a bottle of replacement fluid in your vehicle. Often in the winter, the windshield wiper fluid may freeze. Exchange the fluid with one made especially to spray in freezing conditions or with a deicing agent. Similarly, you may want to purchase winter wiper blades to cut through snow and ice instead of using regular ones throughout the year. Also, make sure to check the spray nozzles of your windshield-washer system. Sometimes, they get blocked by wax or debris. Use a needle or pin to clear blocked nozzles.

- Check the radiator, heater core and all hoses that carry anti-freeze solution to see that they are in good condition and free of leaks or wear. Visually inspect other fluid reservoirs in the engine compartment for leaks, as well, such as brakes, clutch, transmission fluid and oil.

- Check the coolant level, which may require looking at a marked level indicator on the overflow reservoir, or popping the radiator cap. Never check the coolant when the car is hot, as the cooling system operates under pressure and hot coolant will burn. A 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze is typically recommended for year-round driving, but check your owner’s manual for specifics. You can test the concentration of the coolant with a bulb gauge found at any auto parts store or have your mechanic do it. 

- Make sure you have winter weight oil (usually 5W-30) in the engine.

- Make sure your headlights, taillights, back-up lights and signal lights (including your hazards) illuminate with a visual check. 

- Road salt commonly used during winter can damage your car’s paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help, but a good wash and coat of fresh wax will go a long way in preventing corrosion and keep your vehicle looking like new. Be sure to do the wash and wax before temps drop down below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. A clean and freshly waxed car makes snow and ice easier to brush off. 

- Keep the gas tank at least half full throughout the winter. This will reduce condensation, making your vehicle easier to start on cold mornings. 

- Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, so be sure to carry a Winter Survival Kit in your vehicle. Your Winter Survival Kit should at least contain:

1. Several blankets and warm clothing, such as a jacket, boots, long underwear, heavy socks, mittens, ski mask and a winter hat.
2. A snow/ice scraper and a shovel.
3. Flares and/or a warning triangle.
4. A fire extinguisher, the 2 3/4-pound dry chemical type. The fire extinguisher should be kept in the front seat or in the glove compartment and not in the back, which is closer to the fuel tank.
5. A spare fuel can.
6. A light bulb kit and fuse range.
7. A first aid kit.
8. A source of heat, such as multiple wick candle can heater. It is best to also have matches to light your candle, because some lighters won’t work in extreme cold.
9. Water and a metal container suitable for melting ice or snow to be used for drinking water.
10. A radio and flashlight with an extra set of batteries.
11. Non-perishable snacks, such as granola bars, hard candy, jellybeans, raisins, nuts, candy bars, dehydrated fruit and jerky.
12. Something to read to help keep you awake.
13. A folding cup.
14. Toilet tissue.
15. Bright red or orange cloth and a whistle to signal help.
16. A cell phone, one for emergencies only.
17. Repair tools, such as pliers, wrenches, screw drivers and a pocket knife.
18. Tire chains, jumper cables, tow rope and gas line antifreeze.
19. For rear-wheel drive vehicles, you might want to keep a small bag of sand in your trunk to create traction under the tires if you get stuck. The bulk of a vehicle’s weight is the engine. If the car is driven by its rear wheels, instead of its front wheels, the heavy front end and light back end makes the car prone to slide around on ice or snow covered roads.

Even the best-maintained vehicles can break down or get involved in a slide-off, stranding or accident. A driver left stranded on the side of the road during warm months may be inconvenienced and frustrated, but safety is a serious concern in cold weather.

Stay warm and drive carefully!!

Used Car Buyers BEWARE!!

"SHOW ME THE CARFAX!!!"

It is recommended that you always do your homework before buying ANY pre-owned vehicle - especially from a private seller. The first thing that you want to do is get a CARFAX report.

We subscribe to CARFAX to ensure that the vehicles for sale on our lot are all safe and reliable. We run a detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report on each and every pre-owned vehicle to identify if the car has a salvage history, odometer fraud or flood damage. It helps us to keep undesirable vehicles out of our inventory and demonstrates that our cars are top notch. We offer free copies of the Vehicle History Reports - all you need to do is ask. 

Hurricane Sandy-ravaged vehicles line the runways at Calverton Executive Airport on Long Island.

Taking the following extra precautions can help to save you both time and money when buying a used vehicle: 

1. Buyers Beware! Most states require vehicle titles to indicate flood damage, however, some wholesalers may intentionally transfer titles to avoid having the damage noted and diminish the value of the car.
2. Looks can be deceiving. Although the car may look perfectly fine on the surface, there could be hidden defects that are not immediately noticable. Flood damage can compromise the car's computer and safety mechanisms, which can pose significant safety hazards to the new owner.
3. Do your own inspection. Take the time to inspect the car for yourself. Check the engine for a high water mark on the block or radiator and look for rust or corrosion on wires and other components under the hood. You should also be suspicious if the carpet smells damp and of mildew. These signs can be a clear indication that the car has been flooded. 
4. Consider where you buy. Shop at a reputable dealership.
5. Ask questions. Before buying the car, ask the dealer to obtain a report with a detailed history of the car. You should also consider taking the car to a qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle thoroughly.

New York & New Jersey - Crest Auto World Is Here To Help

New York & New Jersey - Crest Auto World Is Here To Help

Due to the recent events of Hurricane Sandy, we know you are hurting but Crest Auto World is here to help! If you are in the market to replace your vehicle, due to a loss from the storm, we will pay for your one-way airfare from New York or New Jersey to Portland, Maine. We will pick you up in Portland, bring you back to our dealership and send you home in your new vehicle. It's that simple! Just go to our website to find the vehicle that you want, new or used, and we will take it from there. We have a wide selection of cars, trucks and SUV's for every budget. For additional information on this program, please give us a call at (603) 356-5401 or email us at sales@crestautoworld.com.

Dodge Ram 1500 named Motor Trend 'Truck of the Year'

2013 Truck of the Year: Dodge Ram 1500

2013 Dodge Ram 1500

Yesterday, the editors over at Motor Trend Magazine, named the 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 as its 2013 'Truck of the Year'. The magazine praised the re-engineered 2013 Ram 1500 for its trim levels, towing capacity, stop-start system, thermal management system, pulse-width modulation and active aerodynamics, which include grille shutters and active air suspension. Ram has also redefined its powertrain options with more fuel efficient engines, which (optionally) can be bolted to the new, first-in-segment, eight-speed transmission. The much-celebrated Pentastar 3.6-Liter V-6 has replaced the old 3.7-Liter V-6. This new engine gives this already amazing pickup truck 42% more horsepower and 13% more torque. Don't mind us as we loudly *grunt* like Tim 'The Tool Man' Taylor.

Motor Trend Magazines 'Truck of the Year' contenders are evaluated by Design Advancement, Engineering Excellence, Efficiency, Safety, Value, and Performance of Intended Function. To be eligible, a vehicle must either be new or substantially changed. The Ram 1500's main rivals for this years award were the Ford F-150 pickup and the new large Nissan van. Edward Loh, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend Magazine, wrote "The Ram 1500 not only withstood our rigorous testing, it impressed at every step along the way. Our judges were won over by the performance of Ram 1500's broad array of standard and optional equipment."

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Engine

The new eight-speed transmission will come standard on all V-6 models and will be optional on the V-8. For now, however, the V-8 is only available with the six-speed automatic, with the new transmission coming at a later date. While the 5.7-Liter Hemi V-8 isn't all-new, it has been revamped with variable valve timing and reinforced by more useful systems within the truck itself. 

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT Engine

This includes a remodeled cooling system, electric power steering, and an electrical system with pulse width modulation that more adequately uses power to lessen the load on the alternator. Together these enhancements have enabled the new 2013 Ram 1500 to claim the best fuel efficiency in its class, for both the V-6 and V-8 models.

The addition of air suspension in the 2013 Ram 1500 is a huge step for half-ton trucks. The materials used for these modern air springs are more resistant to tearing and puncture, and also resemble those that are used on modern luxury cars. The 1500's interior has also come a long way from work trucks of the past and now includes the next-generation Uconnect access system, which is brighter and shinier than ever. The main screen now measures 8.4 inches, is upgradable with apps, and can also provide an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. 

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Driver Cockpit

The minds of truck buyers have changed. The Ram 1500 has demonstrated its ability to cover the entire market and have come a long way from just the farm or job site. Ram has delivered a V-6 powered SLT on the efficient and luxurious side and a V-8 powered Sport, which leans more towards power and performance. The 2013 Ram 1500 is available in nine trim levels and can give you everything from a very basic work truck to a near-luxury vehicle with performance and off-road models falling somewhere in between. 

For 2013, the Dodge Ram 1500 offers 12 different colors, including five new shades. Black Gold, Copperhead, Maximum Steel Metallic, Prairie and Western Brown are all new and available in a monotone and/or two-tone depending on the model.

2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab 4x4 Pickup in Maximum Steel Metallic

Which model will you choose? The Tradesman, Express, SLT, HFE, R/T, Big Horn, Lone Star, Outdoorsman, Sport, Laramie, or Laramie Longhorn. To compare all 2013 Ram 1500 models, click here. To view our 2013 Ram Inventory, click here.

Until the rest of the industry can catch up with Ram trucks in the half-ton segment, it would be a shame to pass this one up. 

Sources: Allpar, Motor Trend, AOL Autos, Lincah, NetCarShow, Leforse and Ram Trucks

Chevrolet Volt Tops Consumer Reports’ Owner Satisfaction Survey For The Second Year

The Chevrolet Volt topped Consumer Reports' Owner Satisfaction survey for the second year in a row, with 92 percent of respondents saying they would buy their cars again.

Apparently, if you buy a Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, you can get some satisfaction. The Volt topped Consumer Reports’ annual Owner Satisfaction survey for the second year in a row, with 92 percent of Volt owners saying they would buy another.

The survey asked owners the question: “Considering all factors (price, performance, reliability, comfort, enjoyment, etc.), would you get this car if you had it to do all over again?” More Volt owners answered “definitely yes” than the owners of any other car in the survey.

The Owner Satisfaction survey was conducted as part of the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey. The magazine received responses regarding 350,000 vehicles from 240 distinct model lines. The survey covered the 2010 through 2013 model years.

The Volt’s win was not the result of jingoism. The top scores were almost evenly split between domestic and foreign manufacturers. The top 44 models included 16 American, 14 European, and 14 Asian nameplates.

Other green cars that scored well included the Toyota Prius, Prius C, and Camry Hybrid, as well as the Nissan Leaf.

While owners are most satisfied with their Volts, the Chevy is not the green car Consumer Reports would recommend. The magazine’s editors noted that owner satisfaction is only one of three critical areas that a car needs to perform well in; the other two are road tests and reliability. Their best pick is the Toyota Camry Hybrid.

The Volt may not have scored as well as the Camry in other areas, but its high owner satisfaction is still remarkable. The car known as General Motors’ moon shot has been in the media spotlight since its launch, garnering both positive and negative press.

The Volt won Motor Trend’s 2011 Car of the Year and Automobile Magazine’s 2011 Automobile of the Year awards. However, it was also criticized for its high, $39,145 base price (before a $7,500 federal tax credit) and spartan four-seat interior.

The Volt’s sales have been equally schizophrenic. Earlier this year, production was stopped due to low demand. In the first ten months into 2012 (November numbers aren’t in yet), Chevy sold 19,309 Volts, compared to 5,003 sold between January and October 2011.

Last year was the Volt’s first full year of sales, but the month-to-month numbers have also been on the rise. Chevy sold 1,108 Volts in October 2011, and 2,961 in October 2012.

Story by Stephen Edelstein at Digital Trends on December 3, 2012

Drive On: Black Is Back At Dodge

Black is back in a big way when it comes to Dodge.

Just as Jeep scored with its all-blacked-out Altitude series of vehicles, Chrysler Group's Dodge division is betting that its equally noir editions of the Avenger, Challenger R/T and Charger R/T to its Blacktop lineup.

They are the Dodge Blacktop vehicles, joining one that's already out there, the Charger SXT Blacktop.

Everything is black -- paint, wheels, crosshair-style grille, spoilers and yes, um, even the tires. The bezels over the headlights aren't black, strictly speaking, but they are darkened. The package starts at $595 in addition to the price of the vehicle.

"The Blacktop package on the Dodge Charger has proven to be a resounding success by combining a customized one-of-a-kind appearance with great value -- a trademark of the Dodge Brand," said Reid Bigland, the Dodge brand's CEO.

They are not entirely about looks. The Avenger comes with Blacktop features inside, such as a six-speed automatic transmission with an "Auto Stick" feature. For another $400, Avenger Blacktop comes with premium leather and heated seats.

Their color? Let us guess.

Click here to see our available Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep & Ram inventory.

Story by Chris Woodyard at USA TODAY on November 7, 2012