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THE BENEFITS AND BADGES OF FINANCE AUTOMATIC
Imagine not having to lift a finger when you wake up one morning to discover all of your bills paid, your savings account increasing, and your assets flourishing. Doesn’t it sound like a dream?
This desire could come true with financial automation. With financial automation, you may easily manage regular financial duties by setting up recurring payments and transfers between accounts. But could someone perhaps clarify what it means exactly? We’ll go over the benefits and drawbacks of automating your finances, define important financial terms, and look at research-proven methods to help you handle your money expertly in this blog post. Now let’s get going!
The Advantages of Automated Finance
Financial automation has a number of benefits that can simplify your money management and make it easier for you to reach your financial objectives. These are a few of the main advantages, supported by studies and actual cases.
AVOIDING LATE FEES AND MAKING ON-TIME BILL PAYMENTS
Having the option to set up automatic bill payments makes financial automation quite advantageous, as it guarantees that your bills are paid on time each month. This removes the possibility that missing or delayed payments could result in late fees or lower your credit score. Recent research found that 36% of US individuals had trouble making their bill payments on time. Automation reduces this risk and helps you build a solid payment history, which is a crucial component of your credit score.
Having your finances automated also means that you’ll spend less time glancing at your spreadsheet for budgeting.
PERMANENT SAVINGS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM INVESTMENTS
The capacity to set up automatic payments to investment or savings accounts is another advantage of financial automation. You can steadily increase your savings or investment portfolio without having to perform human labor by automating contributions. According to a Bankrate survey, 25% of Americans would pay off a $1,000 bill using a credit card rather than their emergency funds. And since 2014, the proportion of individuals has only gone up.
The “pay yourself first” mentality, which advocates setting aside a portion of your money for future goals before you have an opportunity to spend it, is consistent with automation. Although it could be challenging to determine a precise amount given your unique situation, we advise you to attempt to set aside 5–10% of your take-home salary (the amount before taxes).
The Drawbacks of Automated Finance
Financial automation has disadvantages in addition to benefits. You can decide which particular bills and accounts to automate, as well as if automation is suited for you, more intelligently if you are aware of the possible hazards.
RISK OF INSUFFICIENT FUNDS AND OVERDRAFTS
The possibility of overdrafts or inadequate cash is one possible drawback of financial automation, particularly if automated transfers or payments are planned for times when your account balance is low. Reject transactions, insufficient fund fees, and overdraft fees may follow from this. It is crucial to keep an eye on your account balance and plan automated transactions to coincide with your income and cash flow in order to reduce this danger.
It’s not necessary to automate each transaction at once. Work your way up, starting with the smallest of your bills. Next, configure automatic deposits into your retirement and savings accounts. Additionally, you should always maintain a small amount of spare cash in your primary checking account in case you need to make a manual transfer or payment.
DECREASED VISIBILITY SINCERE
If you automate your finances, you might not be as aware of your financial status because you won’t be as likely to check bank statements, keep tabs on your spending, or make emergency budget adjustments. It’s crucial to routinely check your accounts, keep an eye on your financial development, and make necessary modifications to stay on track with your objectives in order to prevent this. Making your life easier is the aim of automating your finances, but you still need to review your budget on a monthly basis.
Crucial Elements of Financial Automation Tools
By carefully choosing the appropriate financial automation solutions, one can minimize potential drawbacks and increase the benefits of automation. There are automation options available on platforms such as Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), and Acorns that can be useful to you. These are some essential characteristics to consider while selecting automation tools.
Adaptability and personalization
Financial automation solutions must be flexible in order to enable you to alter payment schedules, amounts, and frequencies to suit your particular financial circumstances. Your capacity to modify automated transactions aids in cash flow management and helps you steer clear of problems like overdrafts.
Alerts and notifications in real-time
You are always aware of your financial activities, balances, and any unexpected activity thanks to real-time alerts and notifications. These notifications might assist you in keeping an eye on your money and acting quickly if something goes wrong. To keep you informed, a lot of fintech services, like YNAB and Mint, provide customizable alerts and notifications.
INTEGRATION WITH ADDITIONAL APPS AND TOOLS
A complete picture of your financial situation can be obtained through integration with other financial tools, like credit monitoring services, investing platforms, and budgeting apps. You may monitor your progress toward financial objectives and make better decisions with the aid of integrated tools. Acorns, for instance, combines saving and investing functions, enabling you to automatically invest any extra change after you round up your purchases.
Some Advice for Automating Your Finances Successfully
Following the most recent advancements in financial automation, the following advice will help you succeed if you choose to automate your finances:
CHECK THE BALANCES IN YOUR ACCOUNT REGULARLY.
Make sure you have enough money in your account for automated transactions by keeping a regular eye on your balances. To prevent overdrafts, think about planning your payments after your paycheck is deposited. Automation is made even safer by certain banks, like Chime, that give tools like SpotMe, which offers overdraft protection without any fees.
SET GOALS AND EXamine ACHIEVEMENTS
Establish definite financial objectives and track your progress toward them on a regular basis. You can keep on track by setting up automatic savings accounts and investment payments, but it’s crucial to regularly assess your financial condition. You may create and automate savings goals using cutting-edge tools like Qapital, which are based on customized rules and triggers.
USE TECH TO INCREASE YOUR WEALTH
To keep track of your financial activities, use technology, such as financial management platforms and mobile banking apps. Utilize the reporting, alert, and notification capabilities to learn more about your money. The popularity of open banking and API integrations—technical ways to link disparate financial services—allows smooth communication between financial instruments, improving your capacity to remain informed.
Achieving your objectives, lowering financial stress, and streamlining your financial management can all be accomplished by automating your accounts. You can make financial automation work for you by comprehending the benefits and drawbacks, selecting the greatest solutions with cutting-edge capabilities, and putting best practices into effect. To secure a secure financial future, don’t forget to keep an eye on your finances, track your progress, and make modifications as necessary.
Is it possible to include someone who doesn’t live with me on my auto insurance policy?
You can save money by co-owning a vehicle. If a non-resident (someone who does not live with you) drives or occasionally borrows your automobile, you may need to add them to your insurance policy. If you’ve never added a non-resident driver to an existing policy, it may seem overwhelming. But don’t worry!
We’ve made adding this extra driver easier by gathering all the information you need in one location. Continue reading to learn what actions to do when adding a non-resident to your policy for auto insurance.
Reasons to Consider Including a Non-Resident in Your Auto Insurance Policy
If you drive a car with a non-resident, like a family member or a foreign exchange student, you should take this precaution. Another situation is if a non-resident—a friend, family, or coworker who resides in a different state or nation and frequently visits you during the year—borrows your car on a regular basis.
You may contribute to their safety and your own piece of mind when driving your car by including them in your coverage. Finally, if a non-resident travels with you often, you might want to consider adding them to your policy, particularly if they intend to use your insurance to rent or drive your vehicle.
Who Is Eligible to Add Extra Drivers to Your Policy?
When it comes to who can be added to your auto insurance policy, most insurers have quite specific guidelines. It’s crucial to confirm the particular conditions set forth by your insurance company before including any new members on your policy. If you make a compelling case, some insurers let you add relatives who don’t reside with you, including as parents, siblings, or adult children.
If they satisfy certain requirements, some insurers will let you add domestic partners and significant others who don’t live with you to your insurance. You can occasionally add friends who don’t live with you, but in the end, it all comes down to the terms and conditions of the insurer’s policy. It’s crucial to remember that adding a policy holder may incur additional premium costs, and not all insurance companies provide this feature.
Making a phone call to your insurance company and speaking with a customer service agent is the quickest way to find out.
Comprehending Insurance Terminologies and Conditions
While choosing and maintaining an insurance policy, it’s critical to comprehend the terms and conditions of your coverage. The following are some key vocabulary words and prerequisites you should be aware of:
Policyholder: The term “policyholder” refers to the individual or organization that is the owner of an insurance policy. In addition to paying the payments, the policyholder is in charge of adhering to the conditions of the insurance policy.
Named insured: The person or organization specifically identified as the principal policyholder on the insurance policy is known as a named insured. Coverage for any insured losses is due to this person.
A secondary driver is a person who isn’t the named insured or principal driver but has permission to drive the car specified on an insurance policy.
Additional insured: A contractual arrangement usually entitles an additional insured to coverage for any insured losses and is mentioned on an insurance policy.
Events or acts that are not covered by an insurance policy are known as policy exclusions. To prevent disagreements or unforeseen costs, it is crucial to thoroughly read the policy’s exclusions.
RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS TO ADD A NON-RESIDENT TO YOUR AUTO INSURANCE PLAN
Adding a non-resident to your auto insurance comes with different conditions and limitations depending on the insurance provider. Typically, the non-resident must possess a current driver’s license and be permitted to drive in the nation.
As was already noted, adding a non-resident to your coverage could incur additional fees and limits. To ensure you satisfy all criteria, always check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy before adding a non-resident.
Advantages of Including a Non-Resident in Your Auto Insurance Policy
There are several advantages to include a non-resident in your auto insurance policy, such as liability coverage for extra drivers and shared coverage for infrequent use. It offers the assurance of safety from unforeseen crises and is also a cost-effective approach to motor insurance. The assurance that you’re ready for any liabilities that might arise in the case of an accident when you’re not in the driver’s seat also comes with increased protection.
Including a Non-Resident in Your Auto Insurance: Potential Risks
Although adding a non-resident to your auto insurance policy can seem like the best option in terms of cost and protection, you run the risk of being held financially liable in the event that they cause an accident. Adding another person’s name could be problematic for relationships if that person doesn’t fulfill the requirements when it comes time to renew the policy, not to mention that there could be increased premiums or cancellation of coverage because of the additional driver. Therefore, make sure you weigh the potential benefits against the associated hazards before making this decision.
How to Proceed Before Including a Non-Resident in Your Auto Insurance Policy
Make sure you take the necessary actions listed below before providing auto insurance to a non-resident. Being aware of them in advance will ensure that everything proceeds well and that everyone concerned receives the appropriate coverage:
Examine your policy and get in touch with your provider: Examine your coverage and get in touch with your insurance provider to find out the prerequisites before thinking about including a non-resident on your auto insurance. It might be necessary for you to pay a higher premium, get more coverage, or make changes to your policy.
Find out the non-resident’s past and driving record: To make sure the non-resident is a safe driver, it is essential to understand their driving history and record. The non-resident’s prior insurance provider, the state DMV, or a consumer reporting agency are the places to get this information.
Recognize the impact of the non-resident’s driving history on your insurance costs: If you include a non-resident driver on your coverage, your insurance costs may go up. Thus, before making a choice, it’s critical to know how much it will impact your premiums.
Obtain written consent from the non-resident: You must obtain written consent from the non-resident before adding them to your auto insurance policy. The non-resident should acknowledge in this permission that your policy will protect them and that they will abide by the rules and regulations set forth by your insurance provider.
Extra Things to Think About When Including a Non-Resident in Your Auto Insurance
The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that adding non-residents may require different requirements depending on the insurance policy. It’s also critical to be aware of any state-specific prerequisites for including non-residents in your coverage. For instance, there can be limitations on the amount of time that a non-resident can be added to your coverage. Finally, since they may affect your ability to include a non-resident in your policy, it’s critical to comprehend the regulations in your state pertaining to primary and secondary drivers.
Options for Including a Non-Resident in Your Auto Insurance Policy
There might be more sensible or cost-effective alternatives if you own a car and have friends or relatives who don’t live here than to include them on your policy. Thankfully, there are ways to make sure they have enough insurance when operating your vehicle. Purchasing a distinct insurance coverage for the non-resident person is one choice.
Even though there can be extra expenses, it gives them the coverage they require. If they get into an accident, you won’t have to worry about your insurance rates going up. Renting an automobile for the non-resident is an additional choice. It guarantees that they can keep their car and insurance policy apart and gives them insurance coverage.
EXPLAINING VISION INSURANCE COVERAGE
Vision coverage can occasionally be overlooked in the complicated world of insurance, taking a backseat to the more urgent need of dental and health insurance. However, as our eyes are the portals to the outside world, they must receive equal attention. Regardless of age, whether you are a student, an experienced professional, or a retiree, maintaining the health of your eyes is always crucial.
A comprehensive approach to managing your health can benefit greatly from a thorough grasp of vision insurance, especially in light of the potentially high costs associated with eye care. In order to provide you with the clarity you need to choose and optimize your policy benefits, this blog post seeks to explain the specifics of vision insurance.
Knowing About Vision Coverage
It’s crucial to comprehend what vision insurance is and how it functions within the larger context of your medical treatment before getting into the specifics.
IS VISION INSURANCE NECESSARY?
Yes, vision insurance can be cheap if you wear contacts or glasses, or if you have a history of eye problems. Nonetheless, a vision insurance policy might not be required if you don’t frequently visit an optometrist and don’t anticipate incurring large costs for eye care.
VISION INSURANCE TYPICALLY COVERED WHAT?
The majority of vision insurance policies pay for eye exams, prescription glasses and contact lenses, as well as discounted rates on corrective procedures or treatments. Some even provide reimbursement for frames and certain lens upgrades, such as photochromic or anti-reflective coating.
QUESTION: WHAT VISION INSURANCE PLAN IS BEST FOR ME?
Selecting an in-network provider first helps optimize your advantages. Recognize the terms and coverage limitations of the policy. Recall that gaining knowledge will enable you to maximize your insurance benefits.
Think about the eye care needs of you and your family before selecting a plan. Examine the available services, the network of providers, the simplicity of filing claims, and any endorsements or reviews. Are thorough ocular examinations included? What about glasses or contact lenses? Are LASIK and other eye operations discounted? Additionally, if you have a particular optometrist or ophthalmologist, always make sure they are part of the network.
VISION INSURANCE AND A VISION PLAN: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
In essence, vision plans provide pre-paid eye treatment. Benefits like discounted eye exams, glasses, and occasionally even LASIK are provided in exchange for a fee. On the other hand, vision insurance works similarly to health insurance in that you pay a monthly premium, and once you pay the deductibles, the insurance covers or lowers the cost of eye care services and eyewear.
The Various Kinds of Eye Insurance
There are various types of vision insurance that help defray the cost of regular checkups and corrective lenses. These are the principal categories of vision coverage:
Benefit Packages: This type of insurance is the most conventional. These plans have a premium, a deductible, and once the deductible is satisfied, the insurance pays all or most of the cost of your vision care. Exams, glasses, lenses, and potentially even savings on treatments like LASIK are all possible components of coverage.
Discount Vision Plans: These plans provide discounted rates on a range of eye care items and services, allowing you to pay for all of your goods and services rather than just a portion of them. The whole discounted sum is paid for out of your own pocket. Rather than a monthly premium, these plans frequently have a membership charge.
Managed Vision Care Plans: These programs resemble preferred provider organizations (PPOs) or health maintenance organizations (HMOs) in the context of health insurance. For a fixed price, you may usually obtain complete eye care treatments from a network of providers. While there may be some concessions for services rendered outside of the network, you will typically have to pay more out of pocket for them.
Group Vision Insurance: Usually provided as part of a benefits package or managed care plan, these optional programs are offered by companies. Generally speaking, this kind of vision insurance is more affordable because your company will often subsidize it.
Individual/Family Vision Insurance Plans: You can purchase individual or family plans if you work for yourself or if your company does not provide vision insurance. These might have higher rates than group vision insurance, although they are frequently comparable.
Policies for Riders: For an additional cost, you may be able to “ride” (or add) vision insurance to your primary health or dental insurance plan.
Think about things like the network of providers, monthly rates, out-of-pocket expenses, and the breadth of services provided while selecting between different kinds of vision insurance. Make sure the policy fits your demands and budget by carefully reading its specifics.
What is the cost of vision insurance?
Knowing how much vision insurance will cost you is essential to making sure you’re getting the most for your money. Like all insurance, the prices might differ significantly based on a number of variables.
How Much Group Plans Cost
Plans for Groups via Employers Group plans are frequently provided by businesses as perks, and they usually have lower costs for employees. The plans enjoy the advantages of economies of scale. The cost per person can decrease with the number of employees enrolled.
Premiums: The typical monthly premium range for group plans is $5 to $15. On the other hand, premium plans or those with extensive coverage may cost a little more.
Co-pays: These are little costs that you could be required to pay when you visit. For example, the co-pay for an eye checkup could range from $10 to $30.
Deductibles: There can be an annual deductible for some policies. You have to pay this out-of-pocket before your insurance starts to pay for the expenses. Deductibles can vary from several hundred dollars to zero dollars (in really generous plans).
The price of personal insurance
Private policies are available if your employer does not provide vision benefits, or if you would like more comprehensive coverage. This is an explanation:
Premiums: In general, individual policies cost more than those of groups. Depending on the provider and the extent of coverage, monthly premiums might range from $15 to $50 or more.
Variations in Coverage: Certain private insurance plans may provide benefits such as savings on LASIK procedures or even allowances for fashionable or designer contacts or frames.
Flexibility: Private policies may offer a wider range of optometrists or ophthalmologists and may impose fewer limitations on the kinds of contacts or eyewear you may select, even though the cost may be higher.
EXTRA EXPENSES OVER AND BEYOND PREMIUMS
When examining any vision insurance policy, keep the following additional aspects in mind:
Not from pocket Maximums: This is the most you can spend in a year before your insurance pays for all permitted expenses. This number is crucial to know, particularly if you plan to spend a lot on eye care.
Coverage Limits: A new pair of glasses may be covered annually by certain plans, but every two years by others. Recognize these boundaries to prevent unforeseen costs.
Exclusions: Certain items or procedures might not be covered. Certain specialist lenses or procedures may have an added price tag.
You can now see well.
The significance of maintaining good eye health is paramount in the modern, digital age when displays rule our lives and move at a rapid pace. Vision insurance is a commitment to put your eye health and, consequently, your general well-being, first. It’s not just a policy. A clean future or one clouded by unforeseen bills can be determined by having a strong vision insurance coverage, especially given the escalating prices of medical treatment.
The complexities of vision insurance may seem overwhelming at first, but with the correct information and viewpoint, you can properly weigh your options. We hope that this in-depth guide has helped you understand the benefits and specifics of vision insurance, enabling you to make wise choices for your family.
Answers to Common Questions
Frequently can I obtain new glasses?
New frames are usually covered by insurance plans every 12 or 24 months.
ARE FRAMES DESIGNER COVERED?
While some insurance plans may include a list of certain covered frames, others may give an allowance toward any frame. Verify the policy’s specifics at all times.
VISION INSURANCE: DOES IT COVER PHONE CALLS?
In general, yes. Plans usually cover the cost of replacement contact lenses or provide a discount. Some might offer a discount, while others might pay the full fee up front or annually up to a certain amount.
DO SUNGLASSES GET COVERED BY VISION INSURANCE?
If they are prescription sunglasses, they are frequently reimbursed or given at a reduced price. Non-prescription sunglasses, however, are typically not included in the package.
LASIK INSURANCE: DOES IT COVER?
While many vision insurance plans may not cover LASIK in full, they can offer substantial savings on refractive surgery. Always double-check with your particular policy.
HOW DOES THE PROCESS OF A VEHICLE RECALL WORK?
Getting Around the Vehicle Recall Maze
Have you ever opened your mailbox to see a menacing envelope from the manufacturer of your vehicle? Or you see red words on your screen, which you know can’t be a good omen, when you open your CarFax account to see when your car’s next maintenance is scheduled.
You are not in danger, so don’t worry. It could be a notice about a car recall. Recalls may seem like an unpleasant message, but they are actually the car industry’s method of ensuring that your vehicle stays as safe as possible.
REECODING AUTOMOTIVE RECALLS
Anyway, what exactly is a car recall? Consider it as an apology letter from the maker of your vehicle. They will issue a recall if they find that a component in your car isn’t operating at optimal efficiency, potentially endangering your safety. Usually, they are obligated to fix it at no further expense to you.
THE RECALL PROCEDURE
Have you ever wondered how a recall originates? Usually, it happens when a vigilant driver like you notices anything strange about your car or when the manufacturer discovers an issue during standard testing. If the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notices any patterns in customer complaints or testing, they may also initiate a recall (source: NHTSA).
What Takes Place If Your Vehicle Is Recalled?
Consider this: You recently got a notice about a recall. Next, what? Don’t freak out! Typically, you’ll be required to take your automobile to an approved dealership or repair facility, where they will replace the damaged part, resolve the problem, or perhaps even replace your entire car! And don’t forget, none of this will cost you a penny.
RECALLS’ IMPACT ON CAR VALUE
You may be concerned about the resale value of your car after a recall. Hey, but, don’t worry! Rarely does a single recall have a major effect on a car’s value. Indeed, a series of recalls could cause prospective customers to reconsider. Maintaining the value of your car can be achieved by promptly attending to recalls and doing routine maintenance.
RECLAMATIONS AND AUTO INSURANCE
How is your auto insurance doing? Positive news for you now: Recalls typically don’t result in higher auto insurance premiums. On the other hand, your insurance premiums may increase if you choose to disregard a recall and an accident results from the recall issue. When you receive a recall notice, you should bring in your car as soon as possible for this reason.
HANDLING OUTGROWN RECALLS
Have you let a recall to expire after letting it gather dust? Recalls technically never expire, but free remedies are usually only offered for ten years after the recall is issued. After then, the cost of any repairs may be borne by your wallet (source: NHTSA).
Handling the Recall’s Aftermath
You still need to make sure your car is prepared for driving after a recall is over.
Ensuring Accurate Examination and Maintenance
Verifying that all recall repairs were completed appropriately is crucial once your car has undergone them. Request a repair paperwork detailing the parts that were replaced, mended, or altered. This will help verify that the recall issue was appropriately handled in addition to acting as a record.
CHECKING IN WITH YOUR SUPPLIER
After the repair, maintain contact with the manufacturer of your vehicle. Please get in touch if you have any concerns regarding the quality of the repair or think the problem wasn’t completely fixed. They have an obligation to ensure the safety of your car and that the recall problem has been resolved.
The Ripple Effect of Recall: Purchasing and Selling
If your car has been involved in one or more recalls, you might be worried about what will happen if you ever decide to sell it. You might also be asking if purchasing a used automobile should take recalls into account.
Purchasing a used car with a history of recalls
It’s a good idea to research a used car’s recall history before purchasing. By using the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle, you may verify this with the NHTSA. If the recalls were handled promptly, a recall history should not be cause for concern. Recall that if recalls are ignored, there may be a risk to your safety and you may have to pay for any necessary repairs.
PURCHASING A CAR AFTER A RECAL
Considering selling your vehicle after the recall? Tell the truth about its history of recalls. Present repair records to prospective purchasers as proof that all recalls were appropriately handled. In addition to fostering trust, transparency may offer you a competitive advantage in the used automobile market.
Recognizing Possible Safety Issues
What happens if you identify a possible safety issue but there isn’t a recall? Here is a list of nine typical safety flaws to watch out for, along with an explanation of why each is risky:
Bad Brakes: When applying emergency brakes, it can be dangerous if your brakes are not responsive.
Fuel System Defects: Vehicle fire danger can be raised by leaky fuel systems.
Engine Cooling Issues: Engine fires or total engine failure can result from overheating.
Electrical Problems: Wiring errors can result in car fires or the inability to operate necessary features like the wipers or headlights.
Unstable Steering: A problem that could lead to a loss of vehicle control is indicated by difficult steering.
Problems with the transmission: Sudden shifts in gear might cause the car to lose control.
Inadequate seat belts may not be able to keep occupants safe in the event of an accident.
Defective Airbags: Serious injuries can result from airbags that do not deploy in a collision.
Structural Defects: In the event of an accident, a car with a poor structure may cause more injuries.
Tire Defects: Tire defects can result in blowouts, which can subsequently cause catastrophic collisions.
Faulty Suspension Components: Suspension issues raise the possibility of an accident by affecting the vehicle’s handling and stability.
Modern cars are increasingly dependent on electronics, therefore malfunctions in functions like lane-keeping assistance or cruise control can be very dangerous.
Exhaust System Leaks: If there are leaks in the exhaust system, dangerous gases may enter the car’s cabin and endanger passengers’ health.
Failure of the Windshield Wipers: When driving in the rain or snow, poor visibility caused by malfunctioning wipers can be quite hazardous.
Malfunctioning Sensors: Because there are so many sensors in modern cars, including ones for blind-spot detection and parking assistance, when they malfunction, it can give drivers a false sense of security and cause accidents.
Child safety seats and locks that are defective may not provide enough protection for kids in the event of an accident.
NOTIFYING OF POSSIBLE SAFETY IMPAIRMENTS
If you discover a possible safety flaw, you should notify the NHTSA right away. They may issue a recall after conducting further investigation and discovering a tendency. Recall that being vigilant can serve as the first line of protection for everyone’s security.
At first, car recalls may seem like an unnecessary inconvenience. However, keep in mind that your safety is their top priority. Therefore, don’t be alarmed the next time you get an envelope from your automobile manufacturer that appears official; instead, interpret it as their pledge to keep you safe while driving. After all, taking care of a small inconvenience now can save you from having to deal with bigger problems later!
AN OVERVIEW OF DENTAL INSURANCE
Our teeth frequently receive less attention when it comes to health; that is, until a toothache strikes and the dentist bill shows up in the mail. But why hold off on taking action till there is an issue? Dental insurance offers a solution, protecting our teeth and our pocketbooks at the same time. It’s peace of mind more than just coverage. This blog post will fill in the blanks, so you’re prepared to make the best choices for your oral health, whether you’re new to dental insurance or just want to brush up on the fundamentals.
Knowledge of Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is a means to safeguard your healthy teeth and gums in addition to being a financial instrument.
The high expense of dental care is mitigated by dental insurance. Regular premium payments are made by policyholders in return for specific dental benefits. Dental insurance has copays, deductibles, and coverage restrictions, much like health insurance.
Plans may include a fixed percentage of services, ranging from larger operations to routine cleanings. It is usually advisable to check co-pays before choosing a plan, even though some treatments can be fully covered.
WHAT IS THE COUNT OF DENTAL INSURANCE?
The cost of your dental insurance may vary depending on the extent of your plan’s coverage, your location, and the number of beneficiaries. Monthly costs for an individual might typically range from $20 to $50, and family plans could cost between $50 and $150. When choosing a plan, it’s critical to consider both monthly costs and out-of-pocket expenditures.
Which of the Various Dental Insurance Plan Types Is Best For You?
Anybody might get overwhelmed by all of these abbreviations, which range from HMOs to PPOs. There are many different dental insurance plans available, so it might be challenging to choose the right one for you. Find the dental insurance plan that best suits your requirements.
MO Plans for Dental Health Maintenance Organizations
Members of HMOs, which are network-based plans, must select a primary care dentist (PCD). This PCD manages your dental treatment and, if necessary, makes specialist referrals. You can only see suppliers who are in the network, even if monthly charges are frequently less expensive. When you go out of network, you are responsible for covering the entire cost.
Dental PPO Plans: PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION
PPO plans provide a tiny bit more leeway. While you are free to visit any dentist you like, you may save money by using in-network providers. Although PPO plans have higher premiums than HMOs, the more choice they provide more than makes up for it. Furthermore, the plan still pays a portion of the cost even if you choose to see a dentist who is not in its network.
SPECIALIST PROVIDER ORGANIZATIONS
PPO and HMO features are combined in EPO insurance. Although they allow greater freedom in selecting a dentist, they often don’t pay for visits to non-network dentists unless an emergency arises. EPOs often have slightly lower premiums than PPOs, but when choosing a provider from the approved list, patients are required to pay the whole amount.
Plans for Direct Reimbursement
Direct reimbursement programs are a welcome change from network-based options. Rather, you pay for the dental treatment up front, and your insurer reimburses you for a portion of the cost. Depending on the service you are buying, the reimbursement percentage may change. It’s a windfall for those of us preferring choice above structured networks.
Plans for Dental Indemnity
Dental indemnity plans are known for their unwavering independence and don’t bother with networks. After paying for treatments directly, policyholders receive reimbursement from the insurance provider. Although the deductible and premiums are somewhat higher, some people find it to be a good option because they can choose any dentist without worrying about the expense.
What Your Dental Coverage Does and Does Not Include
When it comes to oral health care, dental insurance serves as a safety net. However, there are some gaps in every net. Which operations are covered and which ones could require you to dig a little deeper into your wallet?
The majority of dental insurance policies categorize coverage according to the kind and intricacy of the service. This is an explanation:
Regular and Preventive Services: These usually consist of bitewing X-rays, routine examinations, fluoride treatments for kids, and biannual cleanings. These therapies are frequently fully covered because of their significance in averting serious dental problems, particularly if you see an in-network dentist.
Basic care: These include procedures like fillings, extractions, periodontal therapy, and frequently root canals. They are a step above preventive care. Even though they are frequently covered, cost-sharing arrangements are typically included. You will be responsible for the remaining balance if the insurer only pays between 50% and 80% of the total.
Major Services: These include more involved and costly operations including dentures, crowns, bridges, and occasionally orthodontics or implants. Cost-sharing is also applicable to major services; insurance usually pays for around half of the total cost. It’s crucial to be aware of any waiting periods or other limits in your policy as certain plans can impose one for these services.
WHAT IS NOT OFTEN COVERED?
There are exclusions in many dental insurance plans, albeit each policy is different. Generally speaking, insurance companies may refuse to pay for cosmetic operations including veneers, tooth whitening, and full mouth reconstructions that are not related to disease or injury. Furthermore, certain treatments, such as adult orthodontics or specialty operations, might not be covered at all or only partially. It’s essential to thoroughly read your insurance or see a representative in order to comprehend any limitations or exclusions.
The Final Word
One of the first things that people notice about you is your smile, and the cornerstone of excellent dental health lies behind every beautiful smile. Dental insurance is an essential instrument in the pursuit of flawless teeth and healthy gums, despite the fact that it may seem confusing at first due to its technical terms and abundance of alternatives. It could be too expensive to navigate life without dental care, just as you wouldn’t drive a car without insurance. Thus, keep in mind that making an investment in your smile now saves you more than simply money, whether you’re selecting a plan, considering coverage, or calculating expenditures.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Coverage
Sorting through what’s covered can be confusing. So let’s dispel a few myths.
ADVANCED DENTAL INSURANCE: WHAT IS IT?
Private dental insurance is defined as plans that are purchased directly from the insurance provider, eschewing employer-sponsored programs. It’s appropriate for independent contractors or people without employer-sponsored insurance.
ARE GROUP OR INDIVIDUAL DENTAL PLANS BETTER?
Group plans are bulk policies that are typically sponsored by employers and offer lower rates due to collective bargaining, whereas individual plans serve lone beneficiaries.
Supplemental dental insurance: What is it?
Supplemental dental insurance serves as a backup safety net, covering gaps in the original policy’s coverage. It acts as a safety net against unforeseen dental expenses that can surpass standard coverage limitations.
DENTAL CLEANINGS WITHOUT INSURANCE: HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
Dental cleanings without insurance might cost anywhere from $75 to $200 on average. But costs can differ depending on where you live and which dentists you see.
DENTAL X-RAY Expenses Without Insurance: How Much?
Dental X-ray costs vary widely by area and facility, ranging from $50 for a single X-ray to $250 for a full-mouth series.
Describe co-insurance.
Coinsurance is the portion of a dental charge you’re responsible for post-deductible. If the total cost of your dental care is $100 and your coinsurance is set at 20%, you will pay $20 out of the $100, with the insurance covering the remaining amount.
DO IMPLANTS GET COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?
Even though they are becoming more and more common, not all insurance plans approve implants. Implants are considered necessary by some modern policies, particularly in the case of preserving jaw bone following tooth loss. They could be overlooked by older policies. Always go through the details of your plan.
DO BRACES GET COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?
Orthodontic treatment is typically a separate category. While orthodontic coverage is provided by certain insurance plans, braces may not be covered at all by others or may require an additional rider. Frequently, there is a maximum coverage limit or an age restriction.
WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?
Wisdom teeth can be troublesome for a lot of people. Many insurance policies pay for some of the cost of a removal if it is determined to be medically essential rather than for aesthetic or orthodontic reasons.
DENTAL INSURANCE: DOES IT INCLUDE VENEERS?
Though usually seen as a cosmetic surgery, veneers seldom have extensive coverage. Policies may provide partial coverage if veneers are used to repair a tooth’s function in addition to its attractive appearance.
ARE CROWNS COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?
Crowns are often covered, albeit this depends on why the patient needs one. In case the procedure is restorative, such as filling a tooth after a root canal, you will probably be compensated. But, you might have to pay for the complete procedure if it’s just cosmetic.
ROOT CANALS ARE COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?
In many policies, root canal therapy is classified as a “Major” or “Basic” service. The insurance may cover a sizeable portion, typically between 50% and 80%, even though it is typically not 100% covered.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T RENEW YOUR CAR INSURANCE
If you’ve ever had to choose whether to renew your auto insurance, you might believe that doing so can be costly and unnecessary. However, since it’s a need for all of us, we pay and move on.
The truth is that there may be considerably worse repercussions from neglecting to renew your auto insurance when it expires than there would be from simply not making the normal monthly payments. It’s important to consider these possible consequences, which could include penalties and legal issues.
You have responsibilities as a driver to take care of your vehicle and keep other people and yourself safe on the highways. So let’s talk about what you should know today before your auto insurance policy expires.
“What occurs if my auto insurance isn’t renewed?”
If you’re considering not renewing your auto insurance, reconsider. Failure to renew your auto insurance may have financial and legal repercussions.
THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF FAILING TO REINVERT YOUR AUTO INSURANCE
Car insurance is required in most states (the exception being New Hampshire, which does not have this need). You may be subject to fines or maybe having your driver’s license revoked if you fail to renew your auto insurance.
In addition to being against the law, driving without auto insurance carries serious consequences in the event of an accident. Additionally, if you are at fault in an accident and you don’t have insurance, you might have to pay for the damages yourself.
IMPLICATIONS ON YOUR FINANCES IF YOU DON’T RENEW YOUR AUTO INSURANCE
You might have to pay a higher premium when you reapply for coverage in the future if you allow your auto insurance to expire. Additionally, if the insurance provider believes you pose a risk, they could raise your premium or decline to insure you. You will be responsible for any damages or injuries you cause in the event of an accident. This covers covering the other person’s medical bills and other damages, as well as fixing or replacing their car.
Driving Without Insurance: The Risks
When it comes to driving, no one likes to consider the worst-case situation, yet it’s crucial to be ready. Although it can seem like a small infraction, driving without insurance can have serious repercussions. First of all, it is against the law in the majority of states and can result in significant fines or even license suspension. However, the true risk arises in the case of an accident.
You’ll have to pay for losses out of pocket if you don’t have insurance, which may quickly mount up to tens of thousands of dollars. That’s not a risk that’s worthwhile.
Rather, ensure that you are adequately insured before getting behind the wheel in order to safeguard not only yourself but also your passengers and other motorists.
Solutions for Motorists Without Access to Auto Insurance
Don’t worry if you’re having trouble affording auto insurance—you have a few options:
State-sponsored auto insurance programs: A number of states have initiatives that provide low-income drivers with auto insurance coverage when they are unable to pay for traditional policies. Usually, these programs offer more flexible payment alternatives along with reduced premiums.
Options for inexpensive auto insurance: A lot of insurance providers focus on offering inexpensive auto insurance to drivers who are unable to pay for traditional plans. These policies can offer the essential basic coverage you require at a cost you can afford, but their terms and conditions might differ from those of regular policies. Just make sure that before making any purchases, you check the feedback left by previous clients.
To safeguard both you and other drivers when driving, it’s crucial to have some sort of coverage, even if you’re experiencing financial difficulties affording it. Look at a few of these choices to discover a car insurance plan that fits your budget and needs.
How to Proceed If Your Auto Insurance Expires
The headache that comes with a gap in auto insurance is something no one wants to encounter. But know that you’re not alone if it occurs to you. The first thing you should do to resolve the issue is get in touch with your insurance provider right away. In the event that you haven’t driven without insurance for a significant amount of time, they could be able to reinstate your coverage. If so, you might need to submit an entirely new application for insurance.
However, since driving without insurance can result in harsh consequences (such as jail time, fines, or a license suspension), it’s imperative that you take immediate action. So, avoid getting into trouble because of a coverage lapse. Rather, take the required actions to have your insurance reinstated, and then exhale with relief knowing that you have protection in the event of an accident.
Advice on Selecting the Best Auto Insurance
Selecting the appropriate auto insurance can be a daunting undertaking. It can take some time to figure out where to start because there are so many alternatives. Acquiring knowledge of your insurance needs is the first step. What kind of insurance are you in need of? Do you require more extensive coverage that will also protect your car, or are you just seeking for simple liability insurance? When you’ve determined what kind of insurance you need, it’s time to compare quotes.
Choose not to work with the first insurance company you find. Rather, investigate and contrast various policies and suppliers. Examine the coverage, price, and any other benefits they provide, such as roadside help available around-the-clock. You may be certain that you’re receiving the greatest auto insurance for your needs by conducting your research.
ADVICE FOR REDUCING YOUR AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES
You can take the following actions to lower your auto insurance premiums without sacrificing the essential coverage:
Raise the deductible amount.
Combine your policies for insurance.
Drive carefully to prevent collisions.
Select a vehicle having a good safety rating.
Put safety equipment in your vehicle.
Inquire about deals.
Investigate and contrast quotations from several insurance providers.
For an older vehicle, think about removing collision and comprehensive coverage.
Don’t pay your premium on a monthly basis; pay it in whole.
Common Questions Asked by Drivers
Q: If I’m not driving my car, can I still drive it without insurance?
A: Whether you drive the vehicle or not, you are required by law to have auto insurance on any registered vehicle in the majority of states. But, in certain areas, you might be able to revoke coverage while the vehicle isn’t being utilized. To ascertain the best course of action, it’s crucial to consult your insurance provider and state regulations.
What occurs if I allow someone else to operate my vehicle without my insurance?
A: Your insurance coverage might not cover any damage or injuries if someone else drives your car without insurance and gets into an accident. This implies that you can be held accountable and required to cover any damages yourself. It’s important to make sure everybody operating your vehicle is insured or protected by your coverage!
How long until my auto insurance lapses if I don’t have any?
A: State regulations and your insurance company may have an impact on this. After just one late payment, some insurance providers may cancel your policy; others, however, may grant you a few weeks of leniency. To prevent a lapse in coverage, it’s critical to consult your insurance provider and understand the terms of your policy.
Don’t Put Off Renewing Your Auto Insurance Coverage
Think about the repercussions before deciding not to renew your auto insurance. The short-term financial savings are undeniable, but the long-term hazards are not worth it. If you are involved in an accident without insurance, you could be subject to severe penalties and legal issues. Additionally, you will be liable for any harm or damage you create. Again, the risk is simply not worth it. In order to ensure that you are safe while driving, check your coverage if your insurance is about to expire. We assure you that this is one expense you won’t regret not spending less on.
How do you add a lienholder to your auto insurance policy?
Have you recently taken out a loan for a new car and need to let your auto insurance provider know about it? This blog post will define lien holders, explain why auto insurance companies want this information, and walk you through adding them to your policy. We’ll also go through the additional paperwork and details you need to add to your policy in order to add a lien holder. Go on to find out more.
What Constitutes a Lien Holder?
A lien holder, sometimes referred to as a secured creditor, is a person or entity with a legitimate claim on another person’s property. The bank or other financial organization that initially provided funding for the car’s purchase is usually the lien holder in cases involving auto insurance coverage. Lien holders must be listed when applying for auto insurance because it is their responsibility to ensure that they receive full repayment for their loan.
Exactly what does it mean to be lien-ridden on a car?
If payment isn’t made in accordance with the conditions set down in writing by both parties to the transaction, a lienholder may take legal action against the debtor’s assets. Usually, this implies that if you don’t make car payments on time or if the terms of any agreement between the parties engaged in financing the asset (your automobile in this case) aren’t followed, the repossession and sale of your vehicle(s) will follow.
How Does Auto Insurance React to a Lien?
Not only is it mandated by the lender, but having a lien holder included on your policy might result in lower auto insurance costs.
WHAT HAPPENS IF A LIEN HOLDER IS NOT LISTED ON YOUR AUTO INSURANCE POLICY?
When your car has a lien, it usually indicates that there is an outstanding debt related to it, most likely from when you bought it using financing from a bank or credit union. Until this debt is paid off in full, ownership of the car cannot be transferred without the lender’s or creditor’s consent. It also implies that the lender or creditor in question must be named as one of the “additional insureds” on any applicable policy in any insurance claims pertaining to damage to the vehicle.
How Can a Holder of a Lien Find Out Whether You Own Auto Insurance?
Loan companies and other lien holders want to know that their asset—your car—will be safeguarded in the event of an accident or other issue involving your vehicle, so it’s crucial that they are aware that you have auto insurance. Car insurance provides financial protection against losses resulting from damage caused by auto accidents as well as other catastrophes involving your vehicle, like theft, fire, and natural disasters. By having their name listed as a lien holder on your policy, they are aware that your auto insurance company will continue to provide them with financial protection in the event that something happens to their asset—the car.
Further Details Regarding Lien Holders and Auto Insurance
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS WHEN YOU HAVE A LIEN ON A CAR?
There are requirements that must be fulfilled in order for the debt to be returned when a lien is placed on a car. For example, during the term of your loan, lenders could insist that you maintain sufficient liability insurance coverage for the vehicle. When the loan is paid off, your lien holder will probably want to see proof of insurance before they can release their claim on the car.
IF THESE CONDITIONS ARE NOT MEETED, WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?
If you don’t follow through on these requirements, you risk facing severe repercussions from your lien holder, including late fines and possibly even legal action. Additionally, your lender may purchase a new policy on your behalf and charge you for it if you don’t keep up adequate coverage or allow your policy to lapse.
Do You Need to Tell Your Lien Holder What Kind of Auto Insurance You Have?
Yes, it matters that the person holding your lien is aware of the kind of auto insurance you have. With the aid of this information, individuals may ensure that no needless dangers are placed in their path and that their financial interests are properly safeguarded. Make sure you give the lein holder all the paperwork and policy details they need to update their records whenever you change or remove insurers.
The Reasons They Must Be Listed on Your Auto Insurance Policy
Car owners who have financed or leased their vehicles, as well as those who have taken out loans using their automobiles as collateral, should be aware of what a lien holder is and why their information should be included on their insurance policies. They must always be aware of the kind of coverage they have to safeguard their finances, as failure to comply with terms put forth by the lien holder may result in dire consequences.
Is your dealership giving you the Real Deal?
The astute consumer of today is driving the ongoing transformation of digital retailing. Although dealers adopted digital retailing solutions more quickly as a result of the epidemic, customers’ desire for online financial discovery and transparency has increased even more quickly.
Many consumers are still searching for firm credit offers in real time, no matter where they are, even if many dealers employ digital retailing tools that assist a customer in calculating a monthly payment or receiving a soft approval. A recent Cox research indicated that most dealership websites did not offer finance-based shopping, and that 50% of auto buyers preferred to apply for credit or financing online or at home.
Essentially, the point of sale has shifted to the customer’s location. This means that the purchasing tools and procedures at your dealership must be adaptable enough to meet the needs of vehicle buyers at every point of the sales process, including financing. As a matter of fact, 38% of credit applications on SimpSocial are filed outside of business hours.
Providing a full end-to-end buying experience that includes in-person, real-time credit decisioning for customers is the equivalent of having a showroom open around-the-clock, and it will help you close more deals. So, where should you begin?
-A dealer website that expresses your dedication to openness and allows for finance-based shopping
-A digital retailing solution that gives your customers up-to-date credit decision-making from your chosen lenders and precise pricing information based on dealer rules and preferences.
-Omnichannel sales solutions that facilitate an easy online to offline transfer
Optimal Car Leather Cleaners and Conditioners
Searching for the best leather conditioner and cleaner for cars? Before you visit the auto parts store, take a look at these best automobile leather conditioners and cleaners.
Any car’s interior can be made more stylish and comfortable with leather or leather trim, but with time, use and time will gradually wear it down. Leather conditioners can help preserve the condition of your car’s seats, steering wheel, and other touchpoints during cleaning by extending their life and avoiding drying, cracking, and peeling.
Use the best leather conditioner and cleaning for cars to preserve your leather. You can avoid paying to have your car’s upholstery repaired by using the items and kits on this list to clean your leather.
Overall, the Best Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Renowned in the field of car maintenance, these “guys” provide a wide range of products, including high-grade car wash soap, carnauba wax, and leather cleaners. With two distinct bottles for cleaning and conditioner, the Chemical Guys Complete Leather Care Kit includes everything you need to maintain the opulent appearance and feel of your leather interior.
As of this writing, this is the best-selling leather care product, and numerous customer evaluations have shown excellent outcomes. Many customers love the subtle leather scent that the conditioner leaves behind, and The Chemical Guys Complete Leather Care Kit has an excellent track record of stain removal.
The Greatest Cheap Leather Cleaner and Conditioner
Although this suggestion is on the cheaper side, it comes from a significant competitor in the automobile care industry, whose goods like. Meguiar’s Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioner is more expensive than our other recommendations, but its leather cleaning has won it a number of devoted followers.
You shouldn’t anticipate Meguiar’s Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner and Conditioner to perform better than a specialized cleaner and conditioner like our top selection because it is a two-in-one product rather than a separate cleaner and conditioner. However, customer reviews continue to show excellent outcomes, offering lots of cleaning power and even some additional sparkle. Folks, this is a real steal.
The Greatest Leather Conditioner
Since its creation in 1968, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner has been a well-liked option for preserving and repairing a variety of leather goods. That covers couches, boots, and automobile interiors, of course. Although this conditioner is more expensive than others, it is made to last up to six months between uses.
Leather Honey Leather Conditioner has thousands of user reviews. Even with worn-out or cracked leather, many of them claim incredible outcomes. Some people comment that this product is really as thick and sticky as it sounds, making it challenging to deal with. Additionally, it can darken leather, which, depending on your demands, might be a good or bad thing.
The Best Kit for Restoring Leather
Leatherique is a terrific way to breathe new life into the interior of an older car if the leather upholstery is looking dry or worn out. In contrast to conventional leather cleaning products, Leatherique conditions the leather and draws impurities to the surface by first applying the Rejuvenator oil and allowing it to seep into the upholstery for a few hours. The Rejuvenator oil is broken down and the leather surfaces are properly cleaned with the Prestine Clean solution after the surface gets tacky, which usually happens after a few hours or longer.
The Leatherique kit is a great option if you want to give aged leather on a car some suppleness and the matte appearance of new leather again. The conditioning qualities of the Leatherique package also have the added benefit of lessening the appearance of cracks in high-wear areas of the leather, such as seat cushions and bolsters. Thus, make sure to check out Leatherique before trading in your vehicle or hiring a shop to fully reupholster your inside.
Why Is a Leather Cleaner and Conditioner Necessary?
You might anticipate all of the leather touchpoints in a new car with a luxurious interior, like a Mercedes-Benz C-Class or Lexus IS, to be plush and cozy. However, the leather upholstery will constantly wear and tear due to time, UV radiation from the sun, and your rear end. It’s similar to caring for your skin. You must maintain it if you want it to look its best and shield your leather. Think of it as a routine aspect of car cleaning.
Similar to shampoo, a leather cleaner can assist in clearing your interior of filth, grime, and oil. Even if the interior of your home appears clean, there probably exists a healthy layer of contaminants that are just waiting to be removed. Certain products mix conditioner and cleaning into a one solution to save you time. However, you may discover that you would rather use a different cleaning and conditioner.
By nourishing the leather, leather conditioner keeps it from drying out and hardening over time. It accomplishes this by hydrating the leather and shielding it from moisture and UV radiation from the sun. Treating leather like skin means keeping it just the right amount of damp or dry. Leather may retain its opulent characteristics with consistent application of conditioner.
How Frequently Should I Apply Conditioner and Cleaner for Leather?
There is no hard and fast rule on how often to clean and condition your leather inside because there are so many variations in products and situations. You might wish to give your automobile monthly maintenance if it is driven a lot. However, you might only need to apply a higher-end product once every six months.
Applying leather cleanser and conditioner doesn’t require much work, regardless of how frequently you choose to maintain the interior of your vehicle. You can ensure that your interior continues to look its best for years to come by investing only a few minutes every few months. All you need if you have one of our top picks is a microfiber cloth.
How to Clean Automotive Leather Seats
You are prepared to begin taking care of the leather seats in your automobile if you have cleaner, conditioner, and a microfiber cloth. In order to ensure that a product won’t harm your interior, we advise first-timers to try it on a tiny, discrete area. To avoid particles scratching the upholstery, make sure you vacuum your interior thoroughly. Consult the care instructions provided by the manufacturer of your vehicle for additional peace of mind.
To allow you to flip to different sides when they grow soiled, fold your microfiber towel many times. To reduce discolouration, spritz cleaning onto the towel and gently rub it into a small area of the leather. Make sure the moist cleaning solution gets into the upholstery rather than just sitting there. Continue until the entire surface is covered.
After making sure the leather is dry, use a separate towel to apply conditioner. Take care not to leave any extra conditioner on the leather as you properly spread it. After finishing, give it at least 30 minutes to rest. After that, it’s time to get out and drive your newly restored vehicle.
See our Dos and Don’ts of Leather Car Seat Cleaning for additional advice.
Techniques
We looked at the products that were on the market for leather interior care and selected our picks based on the product’s efficacy as well as the value it offered customers in terms of price.
We also respect your time, so washing your automobile shouldn’t take up your entire weekend. Customers may be sure that the leather cleansers and conditions mentioned above will produce results that last for months at a time.
A Guide to Garage Organization After the Summer
To organize your garage, use these tips.
Once again, it’s that time of year: the days are growing shorter, the leaves are beginning to change, and your garage is completely disorganized from all of your summertime activities. Spend your wintertime not stumbling over debris and wondering where you left the ice scraper. Take advantage of one of the final summer days to organize the garage and reconsider what belongs there.
lucid and tidy
It makes sense to clear out everything in your garage that isn’t very big or heavy before you start arranging. This will simplify the sorting (and deleting) procedure in addition to providing you with a complete understanding of what’s within. Sort the lawn tools into one section of the driveway, the bikes and outdoor equipment into another, and the auto care supplies into still another. Make a pile of items you no longer need for Goodwill.
After that’s finished, use the time to thoroughly clean your now-empty garage. While using a broom and dustpan is a tried-and-true method, there are a few common items that can help expedite the job. For example, using a leaf blower to remove loose dirt and debris from the floor is a quick and efficient method. Additionally useful is a shop vacuum, especially if you want to minimize dust in the air. Additionally, it can quickly remove cobwebs from the corners of the ceiling with a few hose extensions.
Create a Strategy
Make a plan for what goes where before relocating anything into the garage. In order to avoid having to remove the car from the garage in order to move uncomfortable objects (such as lawn mowers and trash cans), try to group comparable items together and make sure you leave ample pathway space. Continue reading to find storage options that will assist you in keeping things organized if you’re having trouble staying organized.
Move Upward
It is likely that your garage has more wall area than floor area. Utilize that extra space by going vertical with your business.
One of the easiest methods to clear clutter off the floor is using a wall-mounted tool organizer. A five-foot section of rail with adjustable hooks to hang everything from shovels and rakes to folding chairs and extension cords can be purchased at Home Depot for roughly $20. It only takes a few screws to firmly fasten the organizer to your garage wall during installation.
Another option to remove trip hazards from the floor is to install bike racks on the wall. There are many different styles available, but swivel racks are particularly helpful in small garages since they let you swing the bike frame up against the wall. These hangers cost approximately $60 for a pair.
Arrange ‘Em
One common source of garage clutter is sporting goods. A specialized rack is an obvious solution to keep everything confined.
Typically, equipment organizers have distinct storage areas for items like skateboards, helmets, baseballs, and basketballs. You can get more sport-specific if you’d like. Certain racks, for instance, have specific areas designated for items like inline skates and golf bags.
Cost will vary depending on the design you choose, but a complete gear organizer should cost you between $100 and $200.
Top-Rated Garage Floor Mats
Maintaining a clean and organized car interior.
You will enjoy your garage much more if it is kept neat. It is a place of safety where you may retreat from the stresses of the outside world. Consider installing a garage floor mat if you deal with water spills, change oil frequently, or walk through a lot of muck. Garage floor mats shield your priceless floor, preventing stains.
How Garage Floor Mats Are Used
A garage floor mat can be used for several things. If you keep a car in your garage, it’s a wonderful place to park so that your tires don’t track dirt or tread lines into the floor. Additionally, mats are excellent in collecting spills of various kinds, such as oil spills and unintentional brake fluid jug spills on the ground.
Furthermore, garage floor mats reduce noise and stop echoes in your garage. They also assist keep the concrete somewhat warmer in the winter, which may help relieve some of the chill in the air.
What to Look for in Mats for the Garage
You should take a few factors into account when choosing a garage floor mat. The first thing to think about is important. Vinyl, foam, or some sort of cloth are used to make most mats.
Vinyl mats are waterproof, non-slip, and frequently easy to roll out.
The interlocking tiles that make up foam matting must be installed one at a time. They do, however, provide better cushioning.
Since fabric mats are the most absorbent, they are ideal for garages where accidents frequently occur.
Additionally, you should look for a mat with strong adhesive technology. The majority of high-quality mats have a backing that prevents slippage or skidding, which helps the mats stay in place when you’re driving over them. If that doesn’t work, you could even want to fix your mat with Velcro or double-sided tape.
Consideration should also be given to texture, particularly if your garage has other items on wheels like cabinets or chairs. Make sure the mat you choose doesn’t make rolling these kinds of things difficult.
Prior to Purchasing
To determine the size mat to purchase, measure the size of your garage. Additionally, think about the sections of your garage that you would like to cover. Would you like a pad to sit on in your car? Is your workbench the only area you want covered? This will assist you in selecting the appropriate size. If the size you require isn’t available, you might be able to get a custom order or have a larger mat cut to suit.
Consider adding additional protection for your garage floor before installing your floor mat. Investing in an epoxy coating for your floor can significantly prolong its appearance, particularly when combined with a high-quality floor mat.
The Best Garage Floor Mats, in Our Opinion
The Drymate OSM2936C Charcoal 29 x 36 inch Oil Spill Mat is the best value garage floor mat.
Spending a small amount of money on a garage floor mat? The Drymate OSM2936C Oil Spill Mat is an excellent option and our budget pick. Because of its absorbent polyester fiber construction, spills and leaks are stopped before they reach the lower floor. Additionally, the mat has a waterproof backing, so even the largest spill won’t seep through. This mat even has a slip-resistant pattern on the back to assist hold it firmly in place. Do you not think the 29 x 36 size will fit in your room? Additionally, the mat is available in three different sizes: 30 x 58, 36 x 60, and 54 x 72, so you should be able to select the one that works best for you.
ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles is the best tiled garage floor mat available.
The Prosource Puzzle Exercise Mat, EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles are an excellent option for the hard concrete floor of your garage since interlocking tiles provide additional padding to rough areas. Six ½-inch-thick tiles totaling 24 square feet of covering are included in this package. To make the completed mat appear polished, you will also receive 12 edge pieces. High-density EVA foam used to make each mat helps release pressure points on your back and feet. The tiles are simple to put together; just lock them into place, and you’re set to go. Their water-resistant coating should give you ample time to clean up spills before they cause a problem, and their textured surface keeps them from sliding. Do you require additional coverage? There are also choices of 48 or 144 square feet.
IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Garage Roll Out Floor Protecting Parking Mats are the best vinyl floor mats available.
Try the IncStores Standard Grade Nitro Garage Roll Out Floor Protecting Parking Mats for a more conventional garage floor mat that rolls out and is ready to use. It allows you to personalize your garage to your liking with a wide range of sizes and color options. This mat is fantastic since it is slip-resistant and waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about spills leaking into the floor or the mat moving. Depending on your needs, you can select from four different tread patterns: the ribbed pattern is good for water drainage, the coin pattern is good for slip resistance, the diamond plate pattern is good for a minimalist look, and the textured pattern provides the smoothest surface for rolling chairs or cabinets.
Every product on this page has been hand-picked by our editorial team, which consists of automotive enthusiasts. If you purchase anything using one of our links, SimpSocial may receive a compensation. Offers are subject to change without notice, even though the prices are correct and the items are in stock at the time of posting.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Refreshing Your Vehicle
Bring the sense of a brand-new car back.
A new automobile is adored by all. Perhaps it’s the fresh automobile scent, the precise handling, or the flawless paint and upholstery. Even though getting a new car is exciting, you can still get the same thrill out of your current vehicle. You can make your car look almost brand new with a little elbow grease and knowledge.
1. Make sure it’s cleaned properly
Make sure to thoroughly clean your car’s inside and exterior before making any changes. Your car gets dirtier the more you drive it. Occasionally, a thorough cleaning is sufficient to expose the glossy coating and wheels that were concealed by a layer of filth and grime.
However, if you truly want your automobile to look brand new, you might choose to get it professionally detailed. For a long-lasting look, this means having the outside waxed and polished, or perhaps ceramic coated. If you’re not impressed with the external detail work, an inside detail will definitely make a big impact. A deep cleaning of the upholstery will leave the interior smelling and looking brand new.
2. Retouch the Paint
It’s a tall task to keep your car’s outside immaculate. The paint on your car will eventually crack or scratch unless it is kept in a bubble. Small defects can frequently be touched up at home, but taking your automobile to an auto body shop is a costly remedy for any cosmetic faults. In as little as an afternoon, you can remove the majority of rock chips and minor scratches from your paint with an automobile touchup paint kit.
3. Perform an Engine Tune-Up
Your car can benefit from a tune-up if it’s running a little rough. All of the parts in your car were brand-new when it was built. The wear and tear of components like gasoline, air, and spark plugs from miles driven results in a reduction in engine performance. The good news is that you can get your engine running like new again by replacing these inexpensive parts.
4. Drain the Liquids
It’s likely common knowledge that changing your car’s engine oil on a regular basis will keep it running like new, but there’s more to keeping it that way. Various fluids have an impact on how well your car performs. Many of these fluids deteriorate with mileage, so it’s critical to replace them on time to maintain optimal vehicle performance. The following frequently disregarded fluids could improve the driving dynamics of your car:
* Brake Fluid: Replacing your brake fluid will help your brakes become more predictable and responsive by eliminating a mushy pedal.
* Steering fluid: Maintains the quiet operation and proper operation of your power steering system.
* Transmission Fluid: Keeping the transmission’s fluid fresh will ensure quiet and seamless gear shifts.
* Differential Fluid: Changing the differential fluid keeps any limited slip differentials operating as intended and minimizes possible gear whining.
* Engine Coolant: Changing out old coolant keeps impurities and corrosion from accumulating inside the engine. Fresh coolant also aids in avoiding overheating problems.
5. Repair Your Interior
Because the interior is brand-new and the seat cushions haven’t worn out from years of use, a new car often feels fantastic to drive. Having worn-out steering wheels, broken shift knobs, or ripped seats changed or reupholstered is one way to bring back the feeling of a brand-new car inside your vehicle. But be ready to shell out some serious cash—automotive upholstery can get pricey very quickly.
Finding replacement interior parts in good condition from automobiles that are being “parted-out” can be a less expensive option. Your car’s general driving experience will be enhanced by cleaning any inside objects that you touch, as these are likely to show signs of wear.
6. Change a Damaged Suspension
Your car’s suspension probably needs some TLC if it has more than 70,000 miles on it. Most of the time, upgrading your suspension with new shock absorbers will extend its useful life. New shocks will be able to absorb road imperfections and improve handling at turns. To take it a step further and give your car a brand-new ride and handling, think about replacing any worn-out ball joints or bushings as part of a suspension overhaul.
7. Get a wheel alignment and install new tires.
Your car’s wheels and tires are what attach it to the road. Sadly, not every road is perfectly smooth, thus your tires and wheels may quickly wear down. If your tires are nearing their end of their useful life, replacing them will greatly improve your car’s ride quality. In order to ensure even tire wear and avoid steering pull in one direction, you need also have your wheels aligned before installing new tires.
If you’re want to go above and beyond, think about getting your wheels refinished. Slight bending may occasionally result from large potholes in the road, or your wheels may have minor curb damage from a hasty parallel parking job. Reputable wheel repair companies should be able to get your wheels back to like-new condition for a lot less money than they would charge for new ones. Additionally, a lot of them provide mobile services.
Continue to Feel Like a New Car
You now know how to restore your vehicle to like-new condition! Your present vehicle can be restored to look and perform like the day it was purchased with a little TLC and preventative care.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Garage
Parking cars isn’t the only use for a garage.
That building at the end of your driveway may be so much more than just a place to store your sheetmetal with a little imagination and a modest budget. Making it a welcoming spot for spectators on game day could help you get to know your neighbors better. Alternatively, you may gather your supple friends and arrange a yoga class on the slab with video instruction. All you need is some contemporary technology and folding chairs to turn your garage from an unpractical parking lot into a functional social or personal area.
Include WiFi
It’s unlikely that anyone will want to spend a lot of time in the garage if your internet connection doesn’t get there. Thankfully, there’s a simple method to extend the life of a dead zone: Upgrade to a mesh Wi-Fi setup, where a satellite extender or router is connected to one or more of them. By transmitting the connection to various rooms of the house—or, in this example, the garage—the extenders function as lone boosters. A basic setup should cost approximately $200. It will cost more the higher the specifications (bitrate, coverage area, etc.) and the more satellites you have.
Install a TV
You need a large TV whether you want to use it for workouts with a virtual coach, watching games with friends, or creating a mini drive-in theater in your garage. You might be able to live without a streaming device if you purchase a smart one. But then again, maybe not. Spend a reasonable amount of money on an Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, or other device if you enjoy the ease of a recognizable interface and the ability to access a large selection of apps that the TV does not.
The TV’s placement is the next thing you need to consider. It needs to be well out of the way of everything you keep in the garage, including your cars. If your available space is restricted, think about getting an extensible mount. One that slides, tilts, and swivels the TV in multiple directions is available, as is one that mounts to the ceiling. Just be sure to find a stud for it.
One more thing: If you intend to leave the TV in your garage all year round, you should verify the TV’s permitted operating and storage temperatures (as well as the humidity range) if your garage is uninsulated, as most are. For many models, the garage temperature should not drop below 40 degrees before turning on the TV; if the thermometer reads minus, it’s time to move the flat-screen inside.
Consider Sound
An echo chamber can exist in a garage. Consider installing a soundbar that connects to your TV or a couple wireless Wi-Fi speakers to enhance your audio experience. Additionally, you may improve the acoustics of the room by hanging a few blankets on easily adjustable tension rods or adding some sound-deadening panels to the inside of your garage door.
Invest on foldable chairs.
The finest type of seating for garages is one which is stowable. In this manner, you won’t have to move furniture about the house whenever you need to host visitors, nor will a pile of lawn chairs take up precious garage space. Purchase a set of movable ones. To keep the floor clear, collapse and place them away when not in use, or hang them from a wall hook.
Upgrade the Intelligence of Your Garage Door
Perhaps while you’re out running errands, your neighbor would like to drop off a care box. Perhaps the dog walker misplaced their key? Or maybe you just want to check to see whether you left the door open. You can use a $50 device to link your garage door to the internet and operate it remotely. Many of these retrofit gadgets integrate with your virtual assistant—Alexa, Siri, or Google—to make things more simpler.
A Comparison between Premium and Regular Gas
Ever ponder what makes regular gas different from premium gas? We go over the main distinctions and which is ideal for your car.
While most automobiles use regular, others need premium. There is some confusion regarding the differences between these two kinds of gasoline, which has resulted in some unnecessary expenditure at the pump. Continue reading if you’re unsure about what to put in your car’s gas tank. Your pocketbook may appreciate it.
What distinguishes standard gas from premium gas, then?
In most areas, regular gas has an octane rating of 87, whereas premium gas frequently has a higher rating of 91 or 93. Higher octane fuels are able to withstand increased compression levels before exploding. In essence, the chance that a detonation may occur at the incorrect time decreases with increasing octane grade. Sometimes, this kind of thing won’t damage your car. On the other hand, if it occurs frequently, the performance of your engine may degrade more quickly.
For optimum performance and fuel economy, engines with high compression ratios or turbochargers frequently need high octane gasoline, which is available in premium gas. Still, the vast majority of modern cars are designed to run on ordinary gas.
If standard fuel will do for your car and premium is not needed, use it.
For something you don’t need, why spend a lot of money? Premium gasoline is roughly fifty cents more expensive per gallon than normal and has no effect on vehicles that aren’t able to use it. The Federal Trade Commission states in a consumer advisory that there is typically no benefit to using gasoline that is higher in octane than what the owner’s manual suggests. Your automobile won’t run cleaner, go quicker, get better mileage, or perform better thanks to it.
The detergent chemicals in your fuel, which help clean your engine and maximize performance, are significantly more significant than the octane rating. Every merchant uses a different combination of additives that are applied to all grades. For instance, Chevron offers Techron in both normal and premium gasoline.
Some have higher standards for themselves when it comes to additives. The Top Tier Gasoline standard was developed with assistance from BMW, General Motors, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Audi. It requires a higher percentage of detergent additive than the EPA minimum criteria. They assert that engine parts, such as fuel injectors and intake valves, may accumulate more deposits when detergent additive concentrations are lower. Emissions may rise and engine performance may be decreased as a result.j
Fill up with premium if your car needs it.
Higher octane fuel is usually needed in engines with a high compression ratio in order to attain the desired level of performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions. Do not cut corners if your car needs premium gas. Although you may save money on gas, the power and fuel efficiency of your car may decrease. When it comes to cars with accessible turbocharged engines, this can really make a difference.
What happens if the premium gas that your car needs isn’t available? While low-octane fuel may cause engine knock in older vehicles, contemporary vehicles are fitted with sensors that are monitored by the engine computer to help prevent knock and consequent engine damage. We don’t advise testing your car frequently, but it should be OK to run on normal once in a while as the engine’s computer can adjust the ignition timing.
A modern vehicle’s ECU (Electronic Control Unit) can recognize and adapt for varying octane levels when you use fuel that isn’t as high or as necessary. It’s likely that when CO2 emissions rise, your horsepower and MPG will decrease. You get what you paid for in this case, even though you might save money on gas.
You can choose to stick with premium if your automobile only suggests that.
The Ford F-150 and Mazda MX-5 Miata are two examples of cars where automakers advise using premium gas but do not mandate it. According to AAA research, these cars’ performance and fuel efficiency somewhat increased when they were running premium petrol. Premium petrol can highlight the intended features of your vehicle, whether you drive a luxury or performance car.
But you can run on ordinary if your owner’s handbook states that “premium fuel recommended.” Commuters trying to go from point A to point B might not notice or care, depending on what and how they drive. It all boils down to personal preference in the end. Your vehicle, your guidelines.
Do you need suggestions for fuel-efficient cars?
It can be challenging to investigate every car that is available for sale, especially with gas prices rising. Check out these vehicle choices that use little to no petroleum to make things easier!
2023 Thanksgiving Football Game 4-Day Trips
There are lots of things to do outside the stadium, even though the game may be the main reason you are traveling.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate football, food, and family. This year, Detroit, Arlington, Seattle, and East Rutherford will all host NFL games on that Thursday and Friday. We can complete your schedule if you’re going to one of them, or at the very least, keep the family occupied while you’re tailgating.
Dalliance in Dallas
For fans traveling to AT&T Stadium to see the Dallas Cowboys play the Washington Commanders on Thanksgiving, Dallas is the logical place to stay. However, Waco can be reached in approximately an hour and a half by driving south on Interstate 35 if you have a day or two to explore. Visitors can enjoy many attractions in this hip town. The Silo District, which consists of two blocks of white-painted, black-lettered buildings, is the place to go shopping. The renowned Magnolia Market and other restaurants and stores were brought back to life by Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” You could even wish to enrol in the related tour if you’re a fan of the show.
There is also some geologic history in this part of Texas. Only a few locations in the United States have fossils of mammoths, who roamed the area 20,000 years ago, and the Waco Mammoth National Monument is one of them.
Are you in need of something a little more modern? There are many fascinating museums in Waco, such as:
The Martin Museum of Art is situated on the Baylor University campus.
Constructed in a 1906 bottling plant, the Dr Pepper Museum
The Texas Sports Hall of Fame, home to artifacts from more than 400 honorees
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum offers information on how law enforcement was carried out in the Old West.
We recommend dining at Union Hall, which is located downtown and offers over a dozen dining options, so there’s sure to be something for every member of your party.
Wandering about Metro Detroit
If you want to fully appreciate the last few leaves of autumn leaf-peeping, drive to Ann Arbor’s Nichols Arboretum instead of sitting at Ford Field watching the Lions lose to the Green Bay Packers. If you’re in this college town (which is home to the University of Michigan), you can visit the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or UMMA to satisfy your cultural cravings.
Take a lunch break at Jolly Pumpkin, a sour beer specialist with a large seasonal menu, in Downtown Ann Arbor, just a few miles away. We advise picking up a few bottles to go even if you’re not hungry. Gandy Dancer, located in a historic rail station from the 1880s, is a great option for steak and seafood for dinner. Alternatively, try Sava’s for a more contemporary food and excellent cocktails.
Require a place to remain? Leave your belongings at the boutique hotel Exhibit A2, which is located right in the center of the city. Get up early the following day to have a substantial breakfast at Zingerman’s Delicatessen, where the wait is always worthwhile.
Make a quick stop in nearby Dexter for some cider and doughnuts for the road before returning the way you came. Dating back to 1886, the Dexter Cider Mill is the oldest continuously operating facility in the state, demonstrating their expertise in the industry.
Ferry leaving Seattle
There’s nowhere better than charming Whidbey Island to get away from the bustle of the city after seeing the Seattle Seahawks play the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field. Seattle is only 40 miles away, but it feels like a world apart.
The easiest way to get there is by ferry, which departs from Mukilteo. It can get chilly crossing Possession Sound in November, so dress warmly. After being dropped off at Clinton by the ferry, go to Langley. Wine lovers should check out Comforts of Whidbey, a stylish farmhouse-style B&B and tasting room. Enjoy the delicious seafood in the region by having dinner at Saltwater Fish House and Oyster Bar. Spend the following morning at The Braeburn, which offers a substantial breakfast, if you want to remain the night.
While returning to the city, think about stopping at Boeing Future of Flight, where you can see, among other things, aircraft that are still under construction.
Living the Good Life in the Upstate
Head upstate to Hyde Park, long the playground of the elite, during this time of year if you’re in or near the Big Apple for the Thanksgiving Day parade or the Miami Dolphins-New York Jets game the next day. See the opulent home of Frederick Vanderbilt to truly get the meaning of “excess.” Consider touring the expansive residence and Presidential Library of Franklin D. Roosevelt. While it may not be as visually stunning as the Vanderbilt home, it is undoubtedly more significant historically. Since only guided tours are available to access these locations, we advise purchasing your tickets in advance.
In addition to the Roosevelt Inn, one of the few hotels in the neighborhood, there are a number of bed and breakfasts in the vicinity. The Culinary Institute America’s New York campus is located in Hyde Park and is open for visits multiple times a week.
Five good reasons to think about buying a used electric car
See if buying a secondhand electric car makes sense for you, given its low initial cost and little ongoing maintenance requirements.
Because car costs have increased in recent years, affordability has become a major concern for many consumers. A used electric car can be worth a deeper look if you’re in the market for a car and want to reduce your overall transportation expenses.
Here are five reasons to think about purchasing a used electric vehicle:
1. Reduced Selling Price
A new car bought through SimpSocial typically costs about $48,000, while a used car costs about $30,000. However, less-mileage all-electric cars such as the Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul EV, Fiat 500e, and Volkswagen e-Golf from recent model years are frequently available for around $15,000.
2. Reduced Fuel Prices
Although the cost of gas and electricity varies, historically, electricity has been a less expensive energy source for cars than gasoline.
In general, driving an electric vehicle can be around half as expensive as driving a comparable gasoline vehicle, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Drivers of electric vehicles pay $1.22, based on national statistics, to go the same distance on one gallon of fuel as a conventional automobile.
The amount of money you can save by driving an electric vehicle increases as petrol prices rise. This is particularly true in places like Los Angeles and New York City where gas prices are higher than the national average.
3. Lower Upkeep Expenses
Compared to electric automobiles, conventional gas-powered vehicles frequently require more maintenance. An investigation by Consumer Reports indicates that owners of electric vehicles should anticipate lower repair and maintenance expenses than those of a typical all-gas vehicle.
Marse Kingsberry, a 2019 Nissan Leaf owner, claims that having to spend less time and money on maintenance has made it almost a given that he will buy an all-electric vehicle for himself and his family. Kingsberry said to SimpSocial, “I’m going to hit 50,000 miles, and the only work I’ve needed to do is replace my windshield wipers, cabin filter, and occasionally rotate my tires.”
Although Kingsberry occasionally misses the performance of the foreign luxury automobile he possessed before purchasing the Nissan Leaf, he observes that the overall cost savings make the trade-off worthwhile. Finding locations to charge requires planning. It’s noteworthy that a lot of the most recent EVs have outstanding performance ratings; you can read more about that here.
4. Tax Incentives
Customers who purchase specific used electric vehicles that are over two years old and cost $25,000 or less may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $4,000 starting on January 1st, 2023. This credit can save you money on tax filing fees, but it won’t result in a lower monthly payment or sales price.
Our most recent piece delves deeply into all the details you require to understand more about federal EV tax credits.
5. More Charging Stations
There exists range anxiety. But there are upcoming remedies that might allay that fear.
The White House unveiled a proposal in February 2023 to expand the country’s current supply of public charging stations, which total more than 130,000.
Additionally, Tesla is going to allow non-Tesla EVs to use a portion of its U.S. Supercharger Destination Charge network.
Other automakers are joining up with the White House and Tesla to increase the number of public charging stations available.
Businesses outside the auto industry, such as Starbucks, Subway, and 7-Eleven, have pledged to contribute to the expansion of the charger network, giving EV drivers additional options for charging their cars while they are in stores.
In summary, EV charging should becoming easier for cars traveling across town or the nation in the upcoming months and years.
Says SimpSocial:
Investing in a used all-electric car could be wise for those who can make it work. Together, low maintenance costs, lower fuel expenses, tax credit opportunities, and an alluring purchase price can help to lower the total cost of car ownership.
Are you considering an EV but still need additional details? SimpSocial is here to help. You may quickly and simply learn about tax benefits, the variations in EV range, and even the ins and outs of charging speeds by visiting our EV Hub.
Quick Facts About the Clean Vehicle Credit Plan
The selection of cars eligible for tax credits has drastically decreased.
The United States, Canada, or Mexico must be the assembly location of the qualified automobiles in order to comply with the new regulations. However, the rule was intended to make that provision effective on the date the President signed the law, or the “enactment” date, which was August 16, rather than on January 1st, when the remainder of the plan goes into effect.
So the majority of brand-new, clean automobiles and trucks will be more expensive to purchase?
On that one, the jury is still out. Under the new program, automakers whose vehicles are no longer eligible for tax credits may choose to decrease their prices or provide their own incentives in an effort to increase sales. But the majority assert that they currently lose money on practically every EV they sell.
How can I locate the manufacturing location of a car?
The day after the measure was signed, the IRS released a list of EVs and PHEVs that satisfy the North America assembly criteria. Up until January 1st, such models remain eligible under the current tax credit program rules.
There are only 16 models on the list out of 65 that met the requirements prior to August 16.
Customers must verify a vehicle’s vehicle identifying number, or VIN, to be certain it qualifies for the tax credit right away because some of those models are built in multiple locations, further complicating matters.
The number is affixed to the car permanently, usually on a plate that is visible through the windshield. It also needs to be on the window sticker.
Customers can utilize the Transportation Department’s VIN Decoder website to view the name and location of the facility where a car was produced; this information appears on the final line of the information that appears. As a result, you can use a smartphone to look for a certain VIN while you’re in the dealer’s showroom or parking lot.
What tax credit is available for a clean car that was built in North America?
The maximum is $7,500, and it now covers fuel-cell vehicles, or FCEVs, which were previously ineligible for the previous year, as well as plug-in hybrid electric cars, or PHEVs, which frequently had lesser incentive amounts under the current model.
The tax credit is divided into two $3,750 portions as of January 1.
How is that split operating?
An electrified vehicle must have some of its battery minerals mined or processed in the United States or one of the countries with which the United States has free trade agreements, after fulfilling the North American manufacturing requirement. Alternatively, minerals from discarded batteries in North America can be used. That amounts to half of the maximum $7,500.
The remaining half of the battery requires that all of its parts be produced or put together in North America. According to the regulation, automakers must demonstrate that at least 40% of a model’s battery-critical minerals come from recognized countries in order for the model to be eligible for half of the clean car tax credit from January 1. This increases annually by 10 percentage points to reach a maximum requirement of 80% by 2028 and beyond.
Receiving credit for fulfilling one set of requirements does not rely on fulfilling another because it is an either/or system.
Do you need to catch up with the Clean Vehicle Credit program? Check out this article series’ parts 1 and 2 as well.
What You Need to Know About California’s Coming Gasoline Vehicle Ban
Is the Golden State putting our competition to shame?
What comes next after California revealed its intention to outlaw the sale of brand-new gas-only vehicles and light trucks? You may have inquiries.
What other states will do the same? Even though I don’t need a new gas-powered car just yet, should I get one now? How much will automobiles cost?
We have solutions!
Not for everything; the Advanced Clean Cars II measure still needs some final wording to be worked out. However, here is what is known about how it will probably impact automobile buyers in the future, both inside and outside of California.
The prohibition begins when?
In calendar year 2035, the total ban—no new gas-only cars at dealerships—comes into force. But starting in 2026, it is implemented gradually over a ten-year period.
In California, EV sales currently make up roughly 16% of total sales of new cars. According to the new regulation, by 2026, at least 35% of new passenger cars and light trucks sold at state dealerships must be electric.
Every year after 2027, the proportion increases: 43% in 2027, 51% in 2028, 59% in 2029, 68% in 2030, 76% in 2031, 82% in 2032, 88% in 2033, 94% in 2034, and 100% in 2035.
Why is the qualification “gas-only”?
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) potentially make up as much as 20% of new light vehicle sales even during the period while the ban is in effect. These vehicles come equipped with both electric and gas engines. This implies that beyond 2035, one in five new cars manufactured in California and other places with gas bans might still be running on gasoline.
But PHEVs will need to be more efficient and cleaner than they are now. They will need to produce at least 50 miles of all-electric range, among other new requirements. Currently leading that class is the Toyota RAV4 Prime, which has an all-electric range of 42 miles.
Does the prohibition apply outside of California?
Not quite yet. However, 17 other states have incorporated all or a portion of California’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) laws and vehicle emissions requirements, and they are all free to include the gas ban in their own regulations. As stated by Washington, Oregon, New York, and Massachusetts, nearly all of the so-called ZEV states are expected to eventually follow suit, according to most analysts.
This is significant because the ZEV states collectively sell over 40% of all new passenger cars sold in the United States. When they work together, they can have a significant impact on automakers.
Another, more significant effect might be that automakers won’t want to produce different types of vehicles for the “gas-ban” states and the rest of the nation. Federal regulators have absorbed numerous California regulations into national policies ever since Congress granted California the authority to create its own, more stringent pollution requirements than those set by the federal government in the 1970 Clean Air Act.
Does this imply that drivers in California will have to give up their gas-powered cars?
One of the various all-electric car alternatives available today is the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Not exactly. Only new gas-only model dealership sales are prohibited by California’s ban.
Used vehicles and trucks are freely sold, and new gas vehicles bought in other states may still be registered in California unless a specific regulation is in place. However, if they are not certified to meet whatever California emissions regulations are in effect at the time, they will need to have at least 7,500 miles on the odometer.
The Financial Benefits of Using Electric Cars
There’s plenty to get excited about.
The future appears increasingly electric as more automakers vary their portfolios with zero-emission vehicles. And now is a better time than ever to acquire an electric car because to the quick developments in battery technology. Here are several ways that cars with zero emissions can be more cost-effective than those that run on gasoline.
Never again fill up
While gas and energy costs will differ based on where you live, in general, charging an electric car will be far less expensive than filling up at the pump. When EV owners charge at home instead of using gas, they can save up to $1,000 annually, according to Consumer Reports.
If your commute is short and you don’t drive frequently, you might be able to charge your electric car using a regular 120-volt outlet. A Level 2 charger with a 240-volt rating, on the other hand, may deliver power considerably more quickly. This equipment can be purchased for as little as $300 to as much as $1,200, not including installation. In case you decide that you require a charging station at your residence, don’t neglect to consider this. It should be mentioned that installing a home charger frequently costs more than the device itself. The good news is that electricity companies might provide refunds to partially cover the additional costs.
Additionally, public charging stations allow you to plug in. Prices are often determined by how long it takes to charge your car, but this is not a set standard. California has made it mandatory for newly constructed charging stations to price in kilowatt-hours rather than minutes. Level 2 charging will start in 2021, and DC fast charging will follow in 2023. It’s a positive development, and we wouldn’t be shocked if additional states did the same.
Lower Maintenance Expenses
Since they are still seen as premium goods, electric cars are expensive. But because they don’t have internal combustion and have fewer moving components, they also require less long-term maintenance. According to a Consumer Reports research, EV owners save an average of $4,600 on maintenance over the course of the vehicle’s lifetime. This implies that EV owners pay half as much on maintenance as owners of gasoline-powered vehicles.
Similar to cell phones, lithium ion batteries power modern electric cars. This implies that with time, their charging capacity will deteriorate. Although an EV battery might cost up to $5,500 on average to replace, they can also survive for up to ten years before needing this maintenance. Therefore, you might be surprised to learn that keeping an electric car is more economical if you want to use it for a long time.
Additionally, manufacturers typically provide longer warranties for electric cars. Many electric cars come with six-year warranties; some even have unlimited mileage, such as the BMW i3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. Furthermore, batteries for electric vehicles must be covered by a warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles under federal law. It’s safe to assume that you can feel secure about buying an electric car with that level of coverage.
Rebates, Tax Credits, and Additional Incentives
If you purchase a new electric or plug-in hybrid car that satisfies rules regarding battery materials and other content and was produced in North America, you might be qualified for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Only $3,750 is available to vehicles that can only meet one of the two battery criteria; vehicles that meet both requirements are eligible for the entire amount. The tax credit will be paid to the automaker if you lease your car, but your monthly payment will usually show some savings. Though it happens less frequently now, this does still happen. Inquire about the Federal Tax Credit if you lease an electric car, fuel-cell electric vehicle, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
Additionally, there may be state incentives available for your new electric vehicle, depending on where you live. These can include extra tax breaks, cash back offers, installation expenses for home chargers, and access to HOV lanes. Check your state’s rules and incentives in your area to discover what you might be eligible for.
Time Is Cash
You may be surprised to learn how much time an electric car can save you. You may recharge at home, just like you would with your phone, to save wasting time at the petrol station. Additionally, it’s getting simpler to plug in at work or when running errands thanks to the nation’s rapidly growing EV charging infrastructure.
You should also anticipate spending less time stuck in traffic if you reside in a state where electric vehicles are permitted to use the HOV lane. For instance, using the HOV lane can save a Houston commuter between 12 and 22 minutes each way, which can mount up over the course of a year. That means you’ll be moving more and wishing you were in the carpool lane less.
You also won’t have to spend as much time at the dealership service department or with the mechanic because there will be fewer parts to maintain. Bid farewell to oil changes. While regular maintenance is still necessary, such as tire rotations and wiper replacements, the amount of care needed for electric vehicles is significantly less than that of conventional cars.
What Concerns Used Electric Vehicles?
As electric vehicles gain popularity, it also becomes more straightforward to purchase a secondhand one. If you choose this path, you will not be eligible for federal and state subsidies, but purchasing a secondhand electric car has many other fantastic benefits. While some of them are evident, others aren’t.
Depreciation makes for fantastic bargains, and many of the most well-liked electric cars are now available at reduced prices. This includes the Tesla Model S, many of which still have warranties on their batteries. The Chevy Bolt is reasonably priced and offers a range of more than 200 miles for individuals with a limited budget. See our guide to the six well-known cars that are also offered as electric vehicles if you’re seeking for names that seem familiar.
Naturally, it’s not just about the money. Purchasing a secondhand electric vehicle reduces your carbon footprint even more than driving an electric car. Purchasing a used car helps a vehicle that has already been created live longer because producing a new one uses resources and produces pollution. Mark that as a twofold victory.
The Greatest Pre-owned Electric Cars Under $20,000
Considering switching to electricity? Purchasing a used electric vehicle (EV) can help you go green and save money.
Owning an electric vehicle is becoming more and more appealing as they gain popularity. However, the idea of purchasing a new EV could seem far off given the rising interest rates and supply disruptions around the world. Don’t worry, though; used EVs are a different story. Using our data, we have identified outstanding used electric cars under $20,000. Bid farewell to waiting and enter the world of reasonably priced electric vehicle ownership.
How We Choose the Automobiles
The sheer quantity of used electric vehicles on the market may surprise you. All seven of the cars on our list are hatchbacks, which we personally selected. Due to its extreme practicality, hatchbacks are really the most common type of electric vehicle (EV) on the market today. These vehicles combine lightweight construction, streamlined aerodynamics, and roomy cabins to maximize fuel efficiency and provide plenty of space for both people and freight.
Additionally, all of these models, in excellent condition and with low mileage, can be purchased for less than $20,000 in the majority of countries. These may not be covered by warranty, but their batteries are still powerful because they were made within the last ten years.
There are more possibilities than ever before for individuals looking to purchase an EV. However, purchasing new might be costly. Some of our favorite used models are these seven:
2014–2018 BMW i3
Performance is usually given less importance to efficiency in electric vehicles, but the BMW i3 defies this norm. It has firm brakes, superb handling, and rapid acceleration—all hallmarks of a classic BMW. BMW first offered an electric range of just 81 miles before introducing a novel solution in the form of a range extender. Built with a small 0.6-cylinder gas engine and a 1.9-gallon fuel tank, it made lengthy drives more comfortable, even if it changed the i3 from being a totally electric car to a plug-in hybrid. The BMW i3 revolutionized electric driving dynamics with its 170 horsepower and traditional German engineering.
2014–2016 Chevrolet Spark EV
Go no farther than the Chevrolet Spark EV if you define an electric vehicle as having quick acceleration and instantaneous torque off the line. Even if the Spark EV isn’t as quick as an actual car—say, a Corvette—it’s still a cute hatchback with a sophisticated party trick: 400 pound-feet of torque. The Spark EV can quickly get you around town thanks to its immense pulling power. Along with the 140 horsepower, keyless entry, heated front seats, and in-car Wi-Fi and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, there are many other features on board. Although its small size and mini-locomotive maneuvers make it enjoyable to commute in every day, the Spark EV is best suited for shorter trips due to its 82-mile range.
2016–2017 Fiat 500e
Among electric cars, the Fiat 500e is a distinctive Italian hatchback with style and agility. Its electric motor, with 111 horsepower, provides sufficient speed, and the attached battery pack allows for up to 84 miles of gas-free driving. Being among the smallest automobiles on the road, parking and navigating through traffic are a breeze. The curb weight of the 500e, which is around 600 pounds heavier than the gas 500 due to a plethora of EV technologies, takes away some of the enjoyment. But wherever it travels, the 500e makes a statement thanks to its playful design, distinctive color schemes, and small size. Trade-offs include a compact cabin, little room for cargo, and a restricted selection of driver-assistance systems. Nevertheless, the Fiat 500e is a great option thanks to its peculiarities and go-kart-like performance.
2017–2021 Hyundai Ioniq Electric
In the latter part of the 2010s, the Hyundai Ioniq became a competitive alternative to the Toyota Prius, which at the time was more popular. It is the people mover equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, with plug-in hybrid, all-electric, and hybrid options. Beyond its drivetrains, the Ioniq’s adaptability is evident in its boxy design, which offers more passenger room than a Prius and standard features like proximity keyless entry, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automated climate control. The original Ioniq EV had a respectable 124-mile EV range and 118 horsepower, making it more technologically advanced than sporty. It now has 134 horsepower and an amazing 170 miles of range thanks to a 2020 update.
Hyundai Soul EV (2017–2019)
When the Kia Soul was first released in 2010, its unique form caught people’s attention. Despite having an SUV-like height and boxy shape, it handled and rode like a car. The Soul EV, an electric variant, was available from 2017 to 2019. Along with the many benefits of being emissions-free, it shared the sporty chassis, distinctive styling, and comfortable cabin of the gas-powered Soul. A GPS system, heated front seats, and a 109-horsepower electric drivetrain were among the standout features. Kia increased the ante in 2018 by adding a hands-free power liftgate and extending the range of the Soul EV from 93 to 111 miles. The Soul EV’s personality and high-end technology make it a great choice even though it isn’t the longest-range electric car available for used purchase.
Leaf Nissan – 2018–2021
Comparable to a dependable toaster oven among electric cars, the Nissan Leaf is well-built and practical but not the most innovative device on the road. When it made its debut in 2011, it immediately gained favor among EVs that were mass-produced, and this popularity has continued over time. Because of its soft seats and intuitive controls, the Leaf was a popular vehicle. This adorable EV underwent a revamp in 2018 that made it a strong competitor with sportier style that matched Nissan’s elegant Altima and Maxima sedans. The electric range was also increased by 40% as a result of that change. With 214 horsepower, an amazing 226-mile range, and a full complement of driver-assistance technologies, the 2019 Plus trims take things to the next level.
VW e-Golf: Models from 2015 to 2019
Famous for its ingenious design that optimizes interior space inside a compact hatchback structure, the Volkswagen Golf is an iconic vehicle. It’s an excellent city driver thanks to its straightforward design and nimble handling. This user-friendly base laid the groundwork for the 2015–2019 Volkswagen e-Golf, which is an electric vehicle. Choose the later models, especially the 2017–2019 ones, if at all possible. Volkswagen promised improved economy and enjoyment in 2017 when they expanded the electric range from 83 to 125 miles and raised the power from 115 to 134 horsepower. The e-Golf retains the traditional Volkswagen characteristics that we are familiar with, such as its precision handling and professional interior.
All Set to Electrify?
Electric cars are becoming more and more common. You should anticipate seeing more EVs parked on used car lots as more automakers have committed to producing more of them overall.
The California Gasoline Vehicle Ban’s Possible Impacts
The potential effects of California’s gas-powered vehicle prohibition on your next car purchase.
One of the biggest moves toward electrifying cars in the US is California’s 2035 ban on the sale of new gasoline-powered cars. We covered the ins and outs of the gas-powered vehicle ban in part 1, but in this piece, we’ll talk about how the ban might affect the cars you buy in the future.
Will the prohibition result in higher petrol car prices?
Price is affected by scarcity, and from around 2030, when nearly 70% of new light cars must be electrified, new gas-only models will become rare in the states where the prohibition is in place.
As early as 2026, prices for new and used gas automobiles and trucks may rise due to shortage fears.
Can I be forced to purchase an EV?
Nope. Car manufacturers are only required by the program to offer certain percentages of zero-emission cars (ZEV) for sale at their dealership in California. No one is needed to purchase them.
The plan assumes that as gas-only vehicles become less available, EVs continue to get longer in range, and EV manufacturing rises, EVs will become a more appealing option for consumers.
Recall that numerous automakers have already committed to switching to all-electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) by 2035 or earlier, regardless of California’s actions.
Which automakers intend to switch to electric vehicles?
The majority of the world’s major manufacturers have stated intentions to make EVs and plug-in hybrids a large portion of their sales by or before 2035. General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Honda, Jaguar & Land Rover, and Bentley have all set targets to achieve 100% ZEV (zero-emission vehicles).
Stellantis aims to achieve 40% by 2026, Hyundai Motor Group to reach 25% by 2029, BMW to reach 50% by 2030, and Volkswagen to reach 50% by 2035. Ford is planning to transition to a hybrid and fully electric car mix by 2050, adopting a slightly longer outlook.
What happens if I decide not to purchase an electric car?
In the following three years, you may wish to purchase a new car if your state forbids cars that run solely on gasoline and you are adamant about sticking with gasoline.
However, old gas-powered vehicles ought to be widely available for a while. It takes roughly 14 years to “flip the fleet,” so the majority of gas-powered vehicles won’t be off the road until around 2039.
And it’s not always the case. Particularly in regions like California with more temperate, auto-friendly climates, certain cars have far longer lifespans than average.
Thus, there isn’t currently cause for concern.
And keep in mind that, even after 2035, dealers and private sellers will still be permitted to offer used gas-only automobiles and light trucks for sale.
Comparison of the F-150 Lightning with the Silverado EV from Chevrolet
Which Full-Size Electric Pickup Is the Best?
The Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning square off in a vintage Detroit redux. Customers will be able to take delivery of the first model, the F-150 Lightning, in the spring of 2022. Full manufacture of the Silverado EV won’t begin until 2024.
Crew Cab, Only Short-Bed
The pickups are outfitted as crew cabs with four doors and five seats, and their cargo beds measure between five and eleven feet. They will have two electric drive motors, one for each drive axle, standard all-wheel drive, and four-wheel independent suspension.
Ford F-150 Lightning in 2022
The carmaker was able to cut costs and expedite the development process by sharing several important components, the interior, and aluminum sheet metal of the Lightning EV with the gas-powered Ford F-150. The big EV battery is positioned between the steel frame rails in a classic body-on-frame design. The cab and bed, like every other full-size F-150 pickup, are two distinct assemblies. At Dearborn, Michigan’s Rouge Electric Vehicle assembly line, production models are already leaving the building.
Silverado EV RST 2024
Very few elements of the gas-powered Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are shared with the all-new body of the Silverado EV. Interior space is increased by its cab-forward passenger compartment and shorter nose. The Ultium EV battery pack significantly increases rigidity and becomes a structural part of the chassis, joining the steel Silverado cab and bed as one unit.
Strength and Efficiency
It’s anticipated to be an exciting performance. The Lightning will have a staggering 775 pound-feet of torque and either 426 or 563 horsepower when it launches. It’s hardly hyperbole to say that the 426-hp version’s performance estimations for 0-60 mph acceleration are in the low to mid 4-second range, while the 563-hp version’s performance figures are similar to those of the Mustang Shelby GT500.
With 510 horsepower and 615 lb-ft of torque for fleet use and a top-of-the-line RST variant with up to 664 horsepower and 780 lb-ft of torque when operating in Wide Open Watts mode, Chevrolet has not yet revealed all of the specifications for the Silverado EV. There will be additional, more popular, cuts after this. For the higher output RST model, Chevy predicts that the EV truck will reach 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds.
Range and Battery
Depending on the trim level of the truck, the F-150 Lightning can be equipped with one of two large lithium-ion propulsion batteries: a 132-kWh extended-range battery that can go up to 300 miles, or a standard-range 98-kWh battery with a 230-mile range.
Only the 200 kWh Ultium battery, an optional feature on the Silverado EV that Chevrolet claims can power the large pickup up to 400 miles on a charge, has been made public. Similar to the Cadillac Lyriq premium SUV, the basic battery for the most of trims will probably be a 100-kWh unit that should provide 250–275 miles of range in the larger Silverado EV.
Fast-Charge Stations vs. Home Charging
This kind of battery size necessitates having a 240-volt AC power source available for home charging. For the larger 132-kWh battery, Ford offers two mobile chargers: an 80-amp Charge Station Pro that takes eight hours to fully charge, and a 32-amp charger that can do so in 19 hours. The larger Lightning battery can be charged from 15% to 80% capacity in as little as 41 minutes at a 150 kW DC public fast-charge station.
With the bigger capacity Ultium battery in the Silverado EV, AC home charging with a high-amp 240-volt charger will be even more crucial. Although the Silverado EV’s home charging speeds for a full recharge have not yet been announced, according to Chevrolet, the vehicle can handle public DC fast chargers up to 350 kW. Additionally, by utilizing a technology that allows the battery pack to be switched from 400 to 800 volts for DC charging, the time it takes to reach 80% can be almost halved.
EV Vehicle as a Source of Power
In addition to powering these EV pickups, the large battery they run on can also be used to run construction equipment, supply light and entertainment at a campsite, or run a household in the event of a power outage. With one 240-volt outlet in the bed and 120-volt AC outlets in the cab and front trunk, Ford claims the Lightning’s 9.6-kW Pro Power Onboard system can cover most household electrical demands for three days or more. A comparable 10.2-kW EV Powerbase system with 10 off-board AC outlets will be available in the Silverado EV.
Cargo & Hauling
When fitted with the higher output electric motors, both EV pickups will be able to tow up to 10,000 pounds. But when it comes to payload, the Lightning has a clear advantage because it can carry up to 2,000 pounds, but the Silverado EV can only carry up to 1,300 pounds.
Large Cabins with Special Features
These electric truck pickups have a largely level floor for a spacious cabin and a sizable (14.1 cubic feet and 400-lb capacity in the Lightning) frunk for storing tools, minor building supplies, luggage, and much more. This is because there is no engine, transmission, driveshaft, fuel tanks, or exhaust system to take up space. Additionally, Super Cruise for the Silverado EV and Blue Cruise for the Lightning will provide semi-autonomous adaptive cruise control for hands-free driving across hundreds of thousands of kilometers on restricted-access highways in the United States and Canada.
The top-tier Silverado EV RST variant will come equipped with high-end technologies that were first seen in the GMC Hummer EV truck, like rear steering that can enhance both low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability, and electronic air suspension with adjustable ride height for varied terrain. Additionally, General Motors’ five-way multi-configurable tailgate and a midgate panel that opens between the cab and bed to provide over 10 feet of cargo loading capacity will be included with the Silverado RST EV.
What Is The Price?
With a complete range of trims that includes the fleet-focused Pro ($41,669), moderate XLT ($54,669), well-equipped Lariat ($69,169), and top-of-the-line Platinum ($92,569), the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning is already leaving the factory. Chevrolet will launch the Silverado EV Work Truck in the spring of next year; it is expected to cost $41,595. Fall 2023 will bring the top of the line $106,695 RST, while early 2024 will bring the other trims, including the Trail Boss.
What to Purchase
As the Silverado EV is a 2024 model, the earliest you can take delivery of it will be in the spring of 2024, two years from now, with the exception of the base Work Truck variant and the six-figure RST, both of which Chevy claims are already sold out. The only options available to you if you’re looking for an electric full-size truck sooner are the F-150 Lightning and the R1T from EV startup Rivian.
First Look: 2023 Subaru Solterra
220 miles is the range of a new EV designed for rugged travelers.
In addition to forests, the 2023 Subaru Solterra electric crossover is suitable for rocky ridges, sandy deserts, potholed fire routes, and pretty much anyplace else where there isn’t pavement.
It is the Toyota bZ4X clone. Actually, the two businesses worked together to design the compact crossovers.
But Subaru is sticking to its usual consumer profile: young outdoor adventurers, while Toyota is targeting the urban commuter population with its mass-market electric vehicle.
The Toyota bZ4X and the Solterra have similar sheet metal, interior styling, electric drivetrain, and electric all-wheel-drive system, but the Solterra is a distinct car.
Subaru was the partner in charge of the design and engineering of the chassis, suspension, and AWD. They also tuned the suspension of the Solterra to be stiffer and more off-road capable.
Toyota vs. Subaru: Differences in Design
Nearly every exterior and interior detail of the two cars is the same, yet we believe the Solterra has a little nicer appearance. The color of the Solterra that we observed was less reflecting than the glossier Toyota hues. The character lines and wrinkles of the Solterra appeared softer, however this could just be an optical effect.
The two look nearly the same from the side and back. The Subaru has unique LED headlamp design up front. Rather than using the thin, linear lights found on the Toyota, it uses a narrow “C” form on each corner. There are also conventional fog lights on the Solterra.
The roofline extends backward with a moderate incline, and the long wheelbase forces the wheels out to the corners for a broad, dynamic stance. There are two short extensions that protrude from the upper edge of the rear liftgate in place of a full-width wind spoiler. It appears as though the middle 75% of a conventional liftgate spoiler has been removed.
The same thick black cladding that covers the Subaru Crosstrek is used to the wheel wells. However, the front cladding of the bZ4X and Solterra encircles the headlights. It forms pretty attractive faux air intakes as it descends the front fascia on either side.
Subaru also places its emblem in the middle of an area encircled by black trim on the nose of the Solterra to draw attention to it. In contrast, the Toyota’s snout is really simple.
Large infotainment touchscreen and a sizable driver information screen, located high in the dash in front of the steering wheel, are integrated within the long, fabric-covered dash. The central console is nearly level.
Blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with full stop-and-go capability, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision warning, and crash mitigation with automated emergency braking and throttle control are all included in Subaru’s excellent standard EyeSight advanced safety and driver-assistance system. Subaru’s first model featuring a 360-degree surround-view camera system is the Solterra, which comes in quite handy for off-roading and parking.
Wireless charging and connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard features of the infotainment system.
Professional Off-Roader
All-wheel drive is standard on the Solterra, with one motor driving the front wheels and a separate rear motor spinning the back wheels. Electronic signals determine the optimal torque distribution for every motor.
The dual motor configuration, which produces 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque, will be the same in all versions. The Solterra has enough power to push over mud holes, over logs, and up steep hills on slick gravel trails, but it won’t win any drag races.
There aren’t many EVs that can handle rough terrain well. The Toyota bZ4X, which shares the same engine as the Solterra, and the AWD Volkswagen ID.4 with 201 horsepower are potential rivals to the Solterra.
The StarDrive power control system and the X-Mode automated off-road traction controller from Subaru, which help maintain steady, smooth speeds when slogging through the backcountry, are standard equipment on all Solterras.
While Subaru offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance on the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback, the Solterra only offers 8.3 inches, which is less. However, the cars in question are not towing a bulky battery pack between their axles and beneath their floorboards.
When parked on level, stable ground, Subaru claims that the Solterra’s roof rack can support up to 600 pounds. That will hold up a rooftop tent and two sleeping people.
Range of 220 Miles
Subaru claims that the 71.4 kilowatt-hour “long-range” lithium-ion battery pack used in the 2023 Solterra will allow for a maximum driving distance of 220 miles. Although it’s a large range for a route, it could be constrained if you also have to drive from your house to the trailhead.
The Solterra has the ability to fast-charge DC and can draw up to 130 kW of energy per hour from its two sizes of battery packs. It recharges quickly enough to replace roughly 80% of the energy in a 2023 Solterra battery pack in 45 minutes.
(DC fast-charging is normally limited to an 80% replenishment because it heats up batteries and, for safety concerns, slows down significantly after a certain point. The final 20% will cause the charging time to more than quadruple.)
Most DC fast chargers are situated close to shopping centers and rest areas. Thus, a Solterra should be able to cover about 350 miles in a day with its passengers taking a 60-minute bathroom and lunch break. If a dinner break is factored into the itinerary, the vehicle should go an additional 150 miles.
The trim-dependent range of the all-wheel-drive VW ID.4 is 240 to 249 miles, whereas the Solterra’s is somewhat less. It matches that of the Toyota bZ4X.
The majority of AWD Mach-Es with the 75.7-kWh standard range battery deliver just 210 miles (10 miles less than the Solterra) and have only 5.7 inches of ground clearance, which may turn off consumers who think the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a rival. Approximately 270 miles, or 23% longer range, may be obtained from a battery pack with 33% more capacity in an AWD Mach-E equipped with the 98.8-kWh long-range battery.
Subaru estimates that the two motors in the Solterra—one in the front and one at the back—combine to produce 215 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque. That surpasses the 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of the single motor of the rear-wheel drive ID.4. However, it falls short of the base 317 lb-ft and 266 horsepower Mustang Mach-E engine.
That Electric Car is Essential for the Survival of Your 4×4 Pickup.
The sales of EVs by automakers will need to counteract the mpg ratings of SUVs and trucks.
New greenhouse gas emission restrictions that assist in establishing fuel-economy standards for automobiles have been passed, ending over a year of uncertainty. By 2026, automakers must increase efficiency to an average of 40 mpg, according to these requirements. What does this entail for those looking to buy a new car?
Buyers of cars should have plenty of options when it comes to new electrified vehicles from automakers in order for them to reach these fuel economy standards. The majority of retail vehicles will still be internal combustion engines, and consumers can anticipate a rise in the price of new cars to go along with the improvement in fuel efficiency.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are working together to produce regulations that will govern the efficiency requirements for cars and light trucks in 2023–2026.
Most customers are better aware with the NHTSA’s fuel-efficiency regulations, known as the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Shortly after the EPA establishes the goals in its greenhouse gas regulations, they are released.
As of right now, automakers are required to raise the average fuel efficiency of their vehicles by 5% to 10% annually through 2026.
To fulfill the EPA’s target, which is 40 mpg in real-world efficiency and has been set at 55 mpg for regulatory purposes, automakers will need to increase the number of EVs and plug-in hybrids in their fleet.
Why 40 MPG Is Actually Equal to a 55 MPG Target
The norms in regulatory documents are expressed in a “mpg-equivalent” that is far greater than the actual value, which causes some confusion.
The official fleet average target set by the EPA for 2026 is 55 mpg; however, in actuality, after deducting credits for the introduction of zero-emission vehicles and different fuel-efficient technologies, the real-world figure is 40 mpg. These technologies include things like exterior paint that reflects sunlight and lessens the need to cool a car’s cabin and active grille shutters that increase aerodynamics.
The Obama Administration’s criteria, which the Trump Administration had pushed back, are essentially reinstated under the new objective. By 2025, the Obama regulations would have demanded a 54.5 mpg CAFE average, or roughly 39 mpg in actual driving. The EPA’s 40 mpg real-world goal is 25% higher than the previous 32 mpg minimum, and the new 55 mpg target is a 28% increase from the 43 mpg set by the Trump Administration.
Needed Millions of New EVs To Balance Sales of Gas-Powered Vehicles
The EPA’s goal simply states that each automaker’s fleet average must reach the benchmark, not that every vehicle, including cars and trucks, must get 40 mpg. That’s the situation with electric cars.
Along with plug-in hybrids (PHEV), pure electric vehicles (EVs) have no exhaust emissions and already achieve higher efficiency than what the new regulations require. Today’s typical EV has a fuel efficiency rating of less than 100 mpg, which is comparable to an internal combustion car.
Automakers can continue to comply by averaging those electric vehicles and producing SUVs that get 25 mpg and pickups that get 17 mpg.
However, an EPA estimate indicates that in order to do this, they will need to increase their yearly sales of cars and trucks by about 2 million new EVs and PHEVs.
To achieve the new requirements, electric powertrains will need to represent roughly 17% of all light truck and passenger car sales each year. This is a rise from 2021, when just under 700,000 cars, or roughly 4% of sales, were sold.
Why Is the CAFE Standard in Place?
Following severe oil shortages in the United States in 1974 as a result of Arab countries refusing to supply petroleum to Western countries that had backed Israel in the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the federal government decided to set standards for oil consumption.
The EPA, which oversees air quality, establishes guidelines for passenger cars’ greenhouse gas emissions. Since the quantity of fossil fuel burned per mile traveled directly correlates with greenhouse gas emissions, they are converted to fuel-economy averages. The NHTSA is tasked with increasing fuel efficiency and collaborates with the EPA to develop the CAFE standards, which are efficiency benchmarks.
The CAFE requirements are really a rolling target based on regulators’ estimates of how many and what kinds of automobiles and trucks will be sold each year, even though the final numbers are typically described in terms of a requirement. Once the mix of vehicles sold is established and the final annual sales figures are obtained, they can be modified.
Automakers can use EV credits, which they obtain by selling electric vehicles or by buying them from rivals with excess credits, to modify their strategies to meet each when the EPA targets and the CAFE goals differ (selling credits is one way Tesla has generated income for years). Some people have chosen to pay the fees associated with noncompliance.
If there are more EVs, who wins?
Overall, efficiency has increased over the past few years, but at a slower rate in certain years than in others.
Efficiency usually has a price for consumers. According to EPA projections, the average new automobile or light truck will cost approximately $1,000 more in 2026 as a result of the new goal.
When using internal combustion engines, the payoff is gradual. The average lifetime fuel savings estimated by the EPA is $1,080, meaning that a buyer of a new gas-burning car or truck in 2026 would need to wait over ten years to recoup their $1,000 premium.
That is, of course, presuming that gas prices remain relatively constant throughout. Price reductions could cause the payback time to slow down, while large increases could speed it up.
The benefits of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) are greater for individuals who purchase one because these vehicles have lower fuel costs than internal combustion vehicles, don’t require regular oil changes, don’t require traditional engines or transmissions for maintenance, and require less brake repairs.
There are social benefits to the regulations as well. Cleaner air and less harmful tailpipe emissions result from increased fuel economy. This lowers the incidence of respiratory illnesses and some cancers, which in turn helps control the skyrocketing costs of medical treatment.
Regulations requiring ever-cleaner automobiles and trucks are already beginning to pay off. Results like the 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid compact pickup, which gets 42 mpg in the city and 37 mpg combined in the city, are made possible by the growing use of electrified powertrains.
A Recap of the High Goal’s Reality
In a market where internal combustion truck and SUV sales are disproportionately high, a real-world average of 40 mpg seems quite high. Just 24.9 mpg was the fleet average for 2020 in the end.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s first projections show that although 2021 saw some improvement to about 25.7 mpg, 40 mpg is still a long way off.
SimpSocial’s Opinion
Whether you like electric cars or not, alternative energy sources like EVs are probably here to stay. Additionally, despite their apparent differences, gas-powered and electric cars are necessary for the operation of the other.
While stricter fuel economy rules encourage automakers to apply the latest advancements in engineering and technology to make gasoline engines more efficient, electric vehicles assist reduce pollutants and increase fleet MPG averages. Regarding gasoline engines, manufacturers have succeeded in producing turbocharged engines with reduced displacement that exhibit notable efficiency gains without compromising performance.
The key question still stands: Will gas-powered cars completely disappear? Not for the foreseeable future. Even in non-urban areas, there is still a long way to go in terms of charging infrastructure, and many consumers may find that buying a new EV is out of their price range (used EVs, however, are still very affordable).
We are living through an exciting new phase in the evolution of transportation. We can anticipate new alternatives during this transitional time to satisfy the constantly evolving needs of today’s new automobile consumers.
First Drive of the Hummer EV Edition
in the driver’s seat of GMC’s fully electric supertruck.
The GMC Hummer EV is an excellent vehicle. It is also the personification of showy consumption.
It is large, striking, well-built, loaded with features (more technology than the majority of its owners will ever need), and pricey—but not excessive given the power it offers.
Driving on the highway is an absolute delight. Off-road, it’s even more amazing, but hard-core aficionados who prefer constructing their own rigs might find it a little too gentrified. Not to mention that it weighs over 9,000 pounds and is 18 feet long by 7 feet 3 inches wide, it will be too enormous and cumbersome for some.
In addition, it consumes kilowatts at a rate that would make the original Hummer H1 with its 10-mpg proud. Although it is still more efficient than any internal combustion truck on the road, it is the least efficient EV overall.
With a range of 329 miles based on GMC estimates and 212 kWh of usable battery capacity, the Hummer EV consumes 64.5 kWh every 100 miles. That’s about 90% more than the average EV’s 34.6 kWh per 100 miles, and more than half times that of the previous inefficiency champion, the Audi e-tron GT performance sedan.
It might also be guilty of having too much information.
Numerous dials, widgets, and icons can be found on its 13.4-inch central touchscreen, which allows users to check or adjust multiple drive modes and ride heights, navigate maps, view 18 camera views—some of which are from underbody cameras with their own lens washers—wheel-lock engagement in both front and rear, pitch and roll angles, compass headings, suspension travel, tire pressures, torque allotment, energy consumption, and a plethora of other features.
Later this year, the five-seat, four-door Hummer EV will make its premiere in Edition 1 trim, costing $110,295 in total. Three (slightly) less costly versions will be released until 2024, when the $81,590 base trim will be available.
Hauling and Towing
GMC would have you believe that there is no true competition for the heavyweight Hummer EV. Even while some electric pickups are lighter and smaller than this one, some—like the Rivian R1T—can outhaul and outtow it, and they’re also fairly good off-roaders. On steep ascents, the Hummer can climb over boulders and other barriers that most competitors shouldn’t attempt, giving it mountain goat skills.
The upcoming Ford F-150 Lightning, which weighs just 6,171 pounds, can tow up to 7,700 pounds with its standard-range battery pack and 10,000 pounds with the extended-range pack. These examples demonstrate that size isn’t everything. The Hummer EV can only tow about 7,500 pounds. In contrast, the 7,148-pound Rivian R1T has an 11,000-pound tow rating.
In terms of payload capacity, the Hummer EV lags below the majority of other mentioned electric pickups. Its 1,487-pound rating is insignificant compared to the 2,079-pound capability of the Ford F-150 Lightning. However, payload isn’t an electric pickup’s strongest suit. They need to carry bulky, energy- and space-hungry battery packs in order to have any range at all. The 2,923-pound Hummer EV Edition 1 battery is heavy. It would be analogous to towing a Honda Civic.
Extended Range on Asphalt
However, such batteries have a respectable on-road range.
On asphalt, the Hummer EV Edition 1 can go up to 329 miles between charges. The maximum range of the F-150 Lightning is 320 miles, while the Rivian is 314 miles. According to Chevrolet, at least one Silverado EV model will have sufficient batteries for 400-mile drives.
However, those range estimates apply to empty trucks that are not being towed. According to a recent statement made by Rivian, the R1T pickup’s range would be halved when towing an 11,000-pound trailer. Although we were unable to tow the Hummer, we believe it will experience the same problem.
Off-Roading Battery Drains
Off-roading also doesn’t help.
During a recent 18.6-mile, 2-hour hike on rutted mud and gravel trails that included multiple challenging climbs and descents, the range of our Hummer EV Edition 1 drastically decreased from its stated 1.5 miles per kWh to a mere 0.5 miles per kWh. The truck was empty save for the two people inside, save for a set of spare tires that were put on eighteen-inch alloy wheels.
We did have the air conditioning on, which used some battery power. But on a sunny day in the Arizona desert, air conditioning is a must for an off-road run.
An Edition 1 would travel roughly 100 miles on the trail at the energy consumption rate we calculated; that distance would drop if it were towing the normal off-roader’s load of food, water, camping equipment, and spare components. And that’s presuming it had a fully charged battery when it got to the trailhead and had time to recharge again before returning home.
Time of Charging
Level 2 charging has been installed by a number of businesses close to well-known trailheads. We were shown a transportable hydrogen fuel-cell generator that could be modified for usage in remote locations and was utilized to charge the Hummers for our event. However, off-roading in a Hummer EV is probably best suited for quick day trips until trailhead charging is widely available.
The Hummer’s 800-volt system enables it to quickly add up to 100 miles of energy on road excursions with a 350-kW DC fast charger in only 10 minutes. It has a 7.4 kW portable Level 2 charging wire that may be used at home or at opportunities for charging. A more potent home station can increase the charging speed to 11.5 kW, which will add 16 miles of range per hour.
Along the Path
35-inch all-terrain tires are standard on the Hummer EV, however mud tires are an option. If the standard 10.1 inches (11.9 inches in terrain mode) of ground clearance is insufficient, tires can be upgraded to 37-inchers without requiring any modifications.
The majority of craters, humps, potholes, and washboard surfaces are smoothed out and a wonderfully smooth ride is produced by the combination of independent front and rear suspension and an air suspension system. The Hummer’s Extract mode may elevate the body even more in an emergency, providing 15.9 inches of ground clearance overall.
With three motors—two on the front and two on the rear axle—the Edition 1 trim produces 1,200 pound-feet of torque and 1,000 horsepower, which may be distributed in different ways to the wheels.
With 13 inches of suspension travel, most difficulties can be overcome, and the lack of a sway bar disconnect system by GM may be forgiven. The Hummer EV has five skid plates to completely protect the undercarriage and can ford a creek that is nearly three feet deep. It can climb and cross a wall that is eighteen inches high.
In addition, there is an off-road mode and an intricate, computer-supervised control scheme that combines differential locking, torque vectoring, mechanical braking, and regenerative braking.
With rear-wheel steering that can transition from a mild 0.3:1 ratio on the highway to a rather aggressive 0.6:1 ratio off-road, all trim levels save the base model give the 18-foot Hummer the agility of a Jeep. Compared to a four-door Wrangler, its turning radius is really four feet shorter.
Of course, there is also the renowned CrabWalk mode, which allows the Hummer to drive diagonally away from impediments by gently turning all four wheels in the same direction, provided that the track is broad enough to handle the vehicle’s 7-foot 3-inch width.
Pleasant Cabin
Not much of our scheduled time in the Hummer was spent on routine roadwork. We drove from our base to the trailhead and back in an hour on nice, level highways. No winding country roads, no curbside or mall parking, and no driving in the city.
We can say that it rides exceptionally nicely on the interstate. There is lots of leg, shoulder, hip, and head room in addition to its excellent sound system, silent operation, and really comfy seats. It also had an excellent climate control system, yet it used up to a third of the energy in our Hummer.
Several automobiles include a larger main infotainment panel than the 12.3-inch driver information screen, which may be set up with three different sections for information and graphic displays.
At freeway speeds, it handled like a well-balanced vehicle, and on the few turns and curves in our route, it rode smoothly with minimal body roll.
In its unrestrained Watts to Freedom mode, it will achieve the promised 0-to-60 mph sprint in a heart-stopping 3 seconds.
The 13.4-inch touchscreen that was centrally located had the drawback of not being oriented toward the driver and of being too near to the seats, which occasionally required looking away from the road. There isn’t a spare tire included, and the bed-mounted spare that is an option takes up a lot of cargo room.
Is the Hummer Going to Work?
Think again if you believe there isn’t much of a market for a vehicle this size with such poor carrying and hauling capacities and an insatiable thirst for gasoline.
Although the Hummer EV isn’t meant for everyone, GMC reports that the Edition 1 truck is sold out and that it has more than 66,000 refundable advance orders for different Hummer models (a Hummer SUV is scheduled to launch in 2024). Orders between the SUV and the truck are currently divided evenly, but as 2024 approaches, the manufacturer anticipates a shift in favor of the SUV, with a final 60/40 split.
Three states account for the majority of reservations (33%), which are California, Texas, and Florida. Requests for the truck are overwhelmingly leaning toward the Edition 1 and the Hummer EV 3X, which is expected to arrive late this year or early next year and is priced at $101,590.
The Hummer SUV is probably the main rival of the Hummer EV pickup for the time being.
A Look at the 2024 Chevrolet Trax’s Available Trim Levels
The Trax, redesigned for 2024, is more feature-rich, more affordable, and has a nicer appearance than its predecessor.
The subcompact crossover Trax is the first model in Chevrolet’s SUV series. All five model levels have a front-wheel drive system and a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine with 137 horsepower, all for less than $25,000. All-wheel drive is not an option, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with a number of driver-assistance systems (such as automated high lights, lane keeping, and forward collision mitigation) regardless of the model you select. Models ending in L are slightly different from those ending in RS in terms of badge, mirror-cap, and interior trim coloration.
Here, we highlight the salient characteristics that set one trim apart from the others.
$21,495 for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax LS
For folks who might like certain facilities but just require a few.
Expect nothing ostentatious from the entry-level Trax. Steel 17-inch wheels, a four-speaker audio, manual liftgate adjustment, cloth-covered seats, and a single-zone temperature control are all features of this vehicle. The cabin feels modern, at least because to the integrated 8.0-inch center touchscreen and blue dash highlights. Additionally, many will value the couple of affordable packages Chevy offers on the LS. For example, buyers may get out the door for less than $23,000 if they choose to add blind-spot monitoring, which is an option on every model, aluminum wheels, heated front seats, and remote start.
$23,195 for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax 1RS
For those who prefer a sporty appearance without requiring a sporty vibe.
Where the Trax 1RS surpasses the LS is in:
* 18-inch aluminum wheels in black
* Interior accents in red
*Compact front seats with heating
*Traditional remote start
* A steering wheel with heat
*A power sunroof option
$203,395 for a 2024 Chevrolet Trax LT
for those who prefer some leeway when it comes to vehicle specifications.
Not the 1RS, but the LS is improved upon by the Trax LT with:
* Aluminum 17-inch wheels in gray
* Fence rails
* A selection of interior accents in yellow or blue
* Cloth seats trimmed in leatherette
* An 11.0-inch display
*An eight-inch driver screen
*A system of six speakers
*The central console has two USB ports.
• Automatic climate control in a single zone
*Traditional remote start
*Press a start button
* An optional proximity key entry system that comes with a heated steering wheel and front seats
*Adaptive cruise control is optional.
* Wireless device charging is optional.
*A power sunroof option
$24,995 for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax 2RS
For those who truly think proximity key entry should always be combined with push-button start.
The Trax 2RS outperforms the 1RS (but not the LT) thanks to:
* 19-inch aluminum wheels in black
* Fence rails
* Completely leather seats
* An 11.0-inch display
*An eight-inch driver screen
*A system of six speakers
*The central console has two USB ports.
• Automatic climate control in a single zone
*Press a start button
*Surface key entry
*Adaptive cruise control is optional.
* Wireless device charging is optional.
Chevy Trax Activ 2024: $24,995
for drivers in need of lumbar support that is customizable.
What sets the Trax Activ apart from the 2RS is:
* Black aluminum 18-inch wheels (if you think a little bit smaller wheels are better)
* A grille unique to a trim
*A selection between yellow highlights for the interior and Artemis, a beige family member
A driver’s seat with ten power settings
Traveling Greater Boston in Your EV with One-Charge
Reaching the wilderness around the largest city in New England shouldn’t be hindered by range anxiety.
New England is an excellent destination to maximize an electric overnight trip because it has an abundance of charging stations and peaceful roads with EV-friendly speed limits. We’ve devised a route that circles the Greater Boston region and is ideal for hiking during the fall foliage viewing season. It also falls comfortably within the range limitations of the majority of new electric vehicles, with a total distance of 130 miles. Nevertheless, don’t worry if you don’t like to deplete your battery too much or if you want to travel beyond these checkpoints; there are plenty of charging stations throughout the route.
Savor the Colors of Newburyport
Take the Newburyport Turnpike, which has tolls but is far more picturesque than I-95, north of central Boston. Just outside of Danvers, this historic road—a segment of U.S. Route 1, which stretches from the top of Maine to Key West, Florida—becomes a peaceful two-lane highway. After a short distance, you will reach the top of Witch Hill, which got its name from Mary Easty, the most well-known “witch” in Salem, who stayed there right before her ultimate capture and execution. Though it’s currently an appointment-only event space, the home has undergone significant renovations since the 1690s and serves as a fascinating topic of discussion regarding New England history.
Grab some fudge at Winfrey’s Fudge and Chocolates to satisfy your sweet appetite, and then head to the woman-owned Mill River Winery to pick up a bottle of wine for later.
After arriving in charming Newburyport, it’s time to enjoy the surrounding landscape. With their abundance of orange, crimson, and brown leaves, the trees along the town’s peaceful streets provide a stunning setting for family portraits. With its extensive collection of model ships and Coast Guard relics, the Custom House is a great place for anyone searching for something informative to do.
In search of a charge? Several excellent restaurants are within a short stroll from the State & Harris garage, where there is a Level 2 station where you can plug in. Sea Level Oyster Bar is the place to go if oysters are your thing—they go on sale in October. As an alternative, Tuscan Sea Grill & Bar is a great choice because it serves Neapolitan-style pizza and homemade pasta outside by the water. After, stop by The Angry Donut for coffee and dessert.
Visit Stonehenge in America.
When you’re tired of Newburyport, take Route 113 west to Salem, New Hampshire, for a fantastic day trek. You may want to make a detour at Long Hill Orchard en route, where, from June to December, you may choose your own produce and enjoy fresh cider.
After arriving in Salem, take some time to stroll over the charming pathways of Mystery Hill, an old complex of cliff houses and rock heaps that is sometimes referred to as “America’s Stonehenge.” You should have plenty of time to cruise back to Newburyport for the night before the site closes at 5:00 p.m. With a vast tap list and live music, The Grog is a great option for a laid-back supper. Black Cow has something to offer everyone, including haddock tostadas, fried cauliflower with a Korean twist, and coastal favorites like clam chowder. Alternatively, try Loretta for a sleek, contemporary meal with an often changing menu.
Take a stroll by the beach.
Get a bagel from Abraham’s the following morning and head over to Plum Island, Massachusetts. Before returning home, consider taking a trek at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on the island, despite the temperature drop. Should you require one, parking lot 1 has a ChargePoint station. Additionally, Mad Martha’s Cafe on the beach should satisfy your caffeine craving before you head out the door.
Once you’ve stretched your legs, Ipswich will be your final destination. This charming little village, which dates to the 1630s, has a riverwalk surrounded by historic structures. Choate Bridge Pub, named for the nearby stone-arched bridge (the oldest of its kind in the nation), is a good place to get a bite. If you need to recharge your battery, stop at the ChargePoint location near the charming Ipswich Museum and take some time to look at a selection of American artist Arthur Wesley Dow’s creations.
It’s a quick drive from Ipswich to U.S. Route 1, which will return you to Boston.
Things To Know About Free Public EV Charging
You can plug in for free if you know where to look.
If you possess an electric vehicle (EV) or are thinking about getting one, you might be concerned about how to charge it. Most people (four out of five) recharge their batteries at home because it’s handy and probably the least expensive place to do so. If, however, that isn’t an option for you, you may be able to use your smartphone to charge for free on public equipment. This is how.
Finding Free Public Charging Stations
Indeed, there are other apps available for that purpose. The most well-known is probably PlugShare, which allows you to view any charging station in your area that is both free and requires payment. Moreover, the software uses crowdsourcing to deliver current information about every site, such as whether it’s operational, how much electricity it’s supplying, its exact location inside the lot, and the type of plug(s) it supplies.
Then there are applications for the main networks of charging stations, like EVgo, ChargePoint, and Electrify America. All should provide you with the cost of charging at a certain station.
Users of iPhones may locate nearby charging stations using the Maps app, then narrow down the results to just display those that are free. (Google Maps will offer a wealth of helpful information on charging stations; however, at this time, you are unable to search by price.)
Explained: Public Charging Options
Not every EV can use every station. For example, Tesla has not yet completely allowed non-Tesla drivers to use its extensive network of Superchargers; however, that will change in 2024. Here’s what you should be aware of, though:
There are three different kinds of public charging stations that are available right now: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
The quantity of electricity provided by level 1 charging is about the same as that of a standard 120-volt household socket. Using this technology, modern EVs charge at an extremely slow pace. Actually, a lot of people refer to Level 1 as trickle charging. Actually, it’s only appropriate for topping off an EV over a few days.
The majority of public stations are classified as Level 2, which means that they operate at 240 volts and can charge faster than Level 1. When an EV’s battery life drops to 10%, it will probably take several hours to recharge it at a Level 2 station; nevertheless, just 60 minutes of plugging in can give it a respectable range boost.
Level 3 stations are the fastest way to charge an EV since they supply DC power straight to the battery instead of using the onboard charger, which changes AC electricity to DC. While many EVs (though not all) allow DC fast charging, their battery management systems cap the maximum rate of charge in order to preserve the battery. Under perfect conditions, models that can run at 800 volts, which is currently the maximum voltage for an EV battery, could add roughly 70 miles of range in five minutes on a Level 3 station. Though a normal fast charger seldom operates at its maximum stated charging speed, keep an eye on the time instead of paying too much attention to it.
Level 3 is the best option if you’re going on a road trip because it will get you back on the highway the quickest. However, you should continue using Level 2 for regular use because slower electron transmission is better for the battery. Free Level 3 stations are likewise hard to come by unless your electric vehicle (EV) comes with a manufacturer’s rebate for free charging.
Plug Types: An Explanation
You should also find out what kind of plug your electric vehicle will accept before looking for charging stations.
Most late-model non-Tesla EVs feature a socket that can accommodate both the seven-pin CCS connector, which expands on the J1172 and allows fast charging, and the five-pin J1772 plug, which is intended for Level 1 and 2 charging. In the United States, CHAdeMo plugs are mostly being phased out, while some EVs still have ports for them.
The North American Charging Standard (NACS), which is used by Tesla automobiles, is a different kind of connector that several automakers intend to implement soon so that their consumers may utilize Tesla’s nationwide Level 3 Supercharger network.
The Public Charging Future
As automakers commit to an electric vehicle future, new stations are opening up all the time. To compete with Tesla’s Supercharging network, for example, seven major automakers have declared that they will install some 30,000 Level 3 charging stations across North America. Beyond the restricted incentive schemes they’ll provide to new EV purchasers, we don’t expect those automakers to give away electrons for free. After all, Elon Musk has become a very wealthy guy thanks in part to his provision of electricity to automobile owners, and others want a piece of that action.
While many establishments and towns may still offer some free charging alternatives to entice customers to visit, this may become less common as more people switch from internal combustion to battery power.
Additionally, non-Tesla owners will have to pay more to use Tesla Superchargers than Tesla drivers do, even though Tesla plans to make them accessible to everyone in the near future.
The Ultimate Savings Guide for New Car Incentives
Discover how to get the best deals on your next car by reading our in-depth guide on new car incentives.
Terms like dealer cash, customer cash back, and factory rebates may come up when you’re looking to buy a new automobile. Despite their similarity in tone, there are different kinds of incentives, and each one functions uniquely. You should familiarize yourself with them in order to avoid missing out on any possible incentives that could result in thousands of dollars saved on your future car.
What Are Incentives for Buying a Car?
Programs like rebates and incentives are designed to promote the purchase of new cars. The OEMs may provide this to dealers or to customers. The dealer may also design incentives. All you have to know is that their goal is to make consumers’ new automobile purchases more affordable.
Automakers frequently set monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals that they hope to achieve. This is only one of the many ways that excellent timing can result in excellent offers. Dealerships can employ incentives for new cars to move inventory and pass the savings along to prospective buyers. Use SimpSocial to build a vehicle and view the most recent offers—all in one location—to discover discounts on the car you’re looking for.
Kinds of Incentives for New Cars
Cash Incentive / Cash Rebate
A cash rebate is a benefit that is typically provided by the automaker in an effort to reduce the vehicle’s total sale price. The purpose of this reduced selling price is to entice a customer to negotiate a deal today.
A typical cash rebate operates as follows: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of a well-liked SUV may be $38,000. A buyer could anticipate the selling price to be lowered by the same $3,000 if the vehicle had a $3,000 cash refund.
The most popular kind of new automobile incentive is cash back. It is important to remember that in certain areas, the vehicle’s entire cost will be taxed prior to the rebate being applied. To find out if you are covered by it, check your local legislation.
Cash Incentives for Dealers
The OEMs give these incentives to the dealers in order to boost sales, and the savings are frequently transferred to the customer. There are a few variations, such when a vehicle is sold and the OEM gives the dealer a cash credit, or when dealers meet sales targets and receive cash incentives. Receiving a rebate as a dealer after buying a particular model directly from the manufacturer is another typical incentive.
Unique Financing and Unique Leasing Offers
Throughout the year, there are a number of special financing incentives available, most often in the form of financing cash and promotional interest rates. Lease cash, promotional monthly payments, and even coverage to cover an early lease termination charge for your existing leased car are examples of popular lease offerings.
Since automakers heavily invest in advertising to promote special finance and lease incentives, it’s likely that you may notice these offers whether you watch TV or browse the internet. When you visit the dealership after seeing an advertisement for a sales event, incentives are usually in store.
It is nearly always necessary to have good credit in order to be eligible for special financing and lease incentives. Remember this the next time you come across a really alluring deal, like 0.9% APR with no money down. Only the most creditworthy clients will obtain the greatest offers, despite the fact that many shoppers will be authorized for financing.
Incentives for Specific Groups: Students, Military, and Others
Numerous automakers provide specific incentives, typically in the form of bonus cash offers, to specific groups, such as college students and those serving or having recently served in the military. These kinds of incentives may also be available to other groups, such as first responders, educators, victims of natural disasters, and members of particular associations, like the National Association of Realtors or Farm Bureau.
Customers that take advantage of these kinds of incentives could be forced to finance or lease through the captive lender, sometimes known as the manufacturer’s internal financing organization. You can even be eligible for special lease terms and interest rates to further sweeten the pot. Every automaker has a different program, so make careful to review the conditions of the deal.
The requirements for target group incentives differ. A diploma, transcript, or letter from the school registrar typically serves as verification of continuing enrollment or graduation for college students and recent graduates. Military individuals may be allowed to share their offer with family members, although they normally have to show documentation of their military status. It might be necessary for members of other categories to show proof of work.
Loyalty Bonuses
It turns out that loyalty has a lot of benefits as well. Several automakers offer bonus cash as part of their loyalty incentives to consumers who buy or lease another vehicle of the same make. Dealers want to make sure that lessees who return their cars to the dealership drive away with another one, so this is extremely crucial.
When a consumer purchases or leases a subsequent vehicle from a different manufacturer within the same group, several automakers provide loyalty bonuses. This may lead to some intriguing opportunities, particularly if you’re seeking a lifestyle adjustment. For instance, if you possess a Fiat, you are eligible for reward programs offered by FCA, which includes Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge.
Customers must show documentation that they own or are leasing a car from the same make and manufacturer group in order to be eligible for a loyalty benefit. You typically don’t need to trade in your existing car in order to be eligible for a loyalty bonus, unlike with conquesting. Remember that not all automakers offer loyalty programs, so make sure to first check with the dealership.
Trade-in Bonuses
Customers who trade in their vehicles can receive additional cash incentives on top of the vehicle’s valuation. Although this kind of incentive does not applicable to leasing, it may function similarly to conquesting. While some automakers will accept any vehicle, even ones of the same make, there may be more stringent restrictions for eligible automobiles.
Customers must show that they are the owners of an eligible car in order to be eligible for a trade-in bonus. Certain model years, makes, models, or even physical characteristics may limit eligibility. Additionally, as the name implies, you will have to trade in your car when you buy this one.
Conquesting Motivation
Consumers frequently stick with brands they have grown to trust, which presents a challenge for automakers looking to increase their market share. Manufacturers utilize conquesting incentives, which typically require owners to trade in their existing car for the competitor, to attract owners of specific automobiles with bonus cash.
Owners of segment-leading cars, such as the minivan Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna, could be qualified for conquesting offers from other automakers. Since lease clients frequently stick with the same brand for years to come, this kind of incentive is also frequently used in the leasing industry.
Customers must show documentation that they own or are leasing a car from a rival manufacturer in order to be eligible for a conquesting bonus. The fine print of the deal should contain a list of qualified cars, though you might be able to qualify for any make in certain circumstances. As part of the offer, you might have to give up your eligible lease or trade in your eligible car.
Incentives for Electric Vehicles
Purchases of new electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel-cell electric vehicles may qualify you for a number of state, municipal, and federal tax incentives. The automaker will get the tax credit even if you are leasing the electrified car, but it’s feasible that some of those savings will be passed down to you in the form of lower monthly payments.
The Inflation Reduction Act has modified the regulations governing the electric car tax credit, so be sure to review the updated qualifying standards. On SimpSocial’s EV Incentives website, you may also review particular EV incentives based on your location.
Period of the Year Rewards
People frequently inquire as to whether this is a good or poor time of year to purchase a car when they are car shopping. The season does affect the cost of new cars, albeit the explanation is nuanced. Incentives to purchase new cars are typically offered in relation to dealership sales targets, which are typically met at the end of each month, quarter, and year.
Furthermore, consider several well-known auto-buying events: ToyotaThon, Happy Honda Days, Ford Truck Month, Lexus’ December to Remember, and so forth. The goal of all these promotions is to entice customers with the promise of huge savings on a brand-new car.
Additional Special Deals
Since owning a car can get expensive over time, many automakers also provide free maintenance and warranties to help make ownership worry-free. This might range from a free oil change to a restricted powertrain warranty of ten years and one hundred thousand miles. Even Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, which frequently have their own sales events, occasionally provide these kinds of incentives.
Use New Car Incentives to Begin Your Shopping
When looking for a new automobile, SimpSocial’s Build and Price flow features a whole section devoted to displaying the incentives available for the particular model you’re considering. You’re not sure what kind of car you want yet. You’re okay! You may view our monthly list of the greatest discounts on our discounts page.
Tips for Getting the Best Price When Selling a Car
Have you made the decision to sell your cherished—or not so cherished—used car?
Maybe you’re moving and you just can’t take it with you, or maybe you’re ready to move on to something better. For whatever reason, when you’re preparing to sell your car, there are a few things you should be aware of.
Private Sale vs. Trade-In
When determining whether to sell your automobile to a private party or trade it in to a dealer, there are several things to take into account:
1. Ownership: Do you fully own your vehicle? What do you owe if you don’t? Do you rent a place?
2. Taxes: If you sell to a dealership, the tax may be taken care of, but if you sell to a private customer, you may need to increase the price to include the tax (find out more about local sales taxes).
3. Time: It will always take longer to sell to a private party. You’ll need to clean up your vehicle, take some great photos, locate parking spots, and then meet customers and make them preoccupied with the car’s condition, among other things. Usually, trading in your car results in significantly less bother. However…
4. Cost: Private sales frequently provide the seller more leeway.
5. Paperwork: Whether you trade in your automobile or sell it privately, you can be almost certain that the right paperwork will be completed, executed, and filed. This could help you avoid future issues with registration and tickets.
Selling to a private party could be the best option if your automobile is well-maintained, in great demand, has little mileage, and you have the time and patience to negotiate with private purchasers. But trading in your car is the best and most straightforward solution if the price difference is close to what you value and you value convenience.
Speaking of convenience, SimpSocial can assist if you would want to begin the trade-in procedure from your house.
Now, with SimpSocial, you can use it to trade in or sell your car and receive a True Cash OfferTM in minutes, in addition to utilizing it to buy a new or used automobile. It happens so quickly since your car’s details appear as soon as you enter your license plate. All you need to do is respond to a few questions to receive an instant True Cash OfferTM. After that, you can cash out or trade in your True Cash OfferTM by taking it to a Certified Dealer.
How to Calculate Your Car’s Fair Market Value
If you have time, you can compare prices to find an average. Numerous websites provide unbiased, industry-standard prices for secondhand autos. Setting a realistic price for your car will assist you avoid overly haggling and guarantee that you receive fair value. Your vehicle’s condition and other details can help you determine its value, so you’ll need to gather some information before you get started.
Regarding the state of your vehicle, take into account the following:
*Is it dents, scrapes, or dings?
*Is the interior soiled?
*Are the brakes and tires in good working order?
*Is rust present?
By no means is this a comprehensive list, but it should give you a decent indication of the kinds of things you should check out.
Let’s now discuss some of the specifics of your vehicle. Knowing the make and model alone is insufficient.
* How big is the trim? (Limited, Limited, LE, SE, SX, etc.)
*Is there a touch screen infotainment system or a sunroof on it?
*Have you made any aftermarket adjustments? (For example, new tires, window tint, or improved audio)
Now that you have all the knowledge you require regarding your vehicle, go online and get unbiased information about its worth. Since several websites offer varying values, it is wise to use the median.
Checklist for Car Sale Preparation
Getting your car ready for public display is the first step in a successful car sale. These are our top suggestions:
1. If at all possible, clean your car yourself. Although you would think that getting your automobile professionally detailed is ideal, a recently detailed car could give the impression that you’re trying too hard to sell. Vacuum the carpets (and shampoo if needed), apply leather cleaner on any leather interiors, clean the interior thoroughly, and remove all debris from your car.
2. Really, don’t bother trying to remedy small errors. Buyers of used cars, particularly those from dealerships, don’t anticipate perfection. It might be helpful if you can perform small repairs without having to invest any money. If not, fixing your car could easily take a lot longer and cost a lot more money than having a dealer recondition it.
3. Nonetheless, keep up with car maintenance. Check your tires, top off your windshield wiper fluid and make sure your wipers are operating correctly, get your oil changed and fluids checked, and inspect your brake lights.
4. Compile the required documentation. Make sure you have the following paperwork ready before you sell:
Your vehicle’s title. You’ll need this regardless of the method you use to sell your automobile (if you’re still making payments on it, see below).
* The initial sales documentation. This will contain information about your car that you might not be aware of, like the trim level and all of its amenities. This can add to the worth of your car when you decide to sell it.
* Service logs. Ideally, you’ve maintained a record of all of your scheduled maintenance and oil changes. If not, consider if you can obtain a summary of visits by contacting your dealer or a frequent mechanic. A prospective buyer will see from this information that your car has been well-maintained.
*A history report about the car. Although it is not required, it is a good idea to have it ready, particularly if your vehicle has ever been involved in an accident.
* A liability release form. Check with the DMV in your area or, if you’re a member, get in touch with AAA to acquire one of them. By doing this, you won’t ever have to pay a parking penalty issued to someone else.
How to Proceed If You’re Still Making Auto Loan Payments
You should ensure that you have all the required documentation, regardless of whether you are selling to a dealership or a private owner. The title of the car—also known as the “pink slip”—is the most crucial document you’ll require. If you can’t find it, find out how to replace it by contacting the DMV in your state.
You won’t have the title to your car yet, though, if you’re still making payments on it. Fortunately, selling your car is still possible; it might just require a bit more time and work.
Four Pointers for a Private Car Sale
The simplest approach to guarantee that you sell your car swiftly, effectively, and safely is to use SimpSocial. And although though we advise against selling privately, if you are determined to do so, the following are our top suggestions:
1. Take crisp, detailed pictures of the car. Don’t forget to snap lots of pictures inside as well. For privacy, make the license plate photographs blurry.
2. Investigate the best places to post in order to gain the maximum awareness. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are free and user-friendly, but scammers can be found there as well.
3. The easiest way to avoid frauds is to meet someone in person, but make sure you do it with someone you can trust in a public setting.
4. Let the prospective buyer do a test drive, but make sure you accompany them.
Compared to selling value, what is residual value?
We explain several key phrases related to leasing and purchasing cars.
You may be familiar with residual and resale value if you’re considering leasing or buying your next vehicle. Like most things affecting value, these figures should ideally be high. What do they mean, though? Get ready to add more terms to your car-buying experience.
Relative value: what is it?
The estimated value of your car at the conclusion of your lease is known as residual value. It assists in figuring out your monthly payment and the cost of buying the car when your lease expires. Leasing a car with a high residual value is generally recommended, as is the case with most things affecting value.
How is the residual value of a lease determined?
The residual value of a car is predicted by businesses like ALG, a SimpSocial subsidiary. It is frequently stated as a percentage of the MSRP, or Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.
After three years, the value is $15,000 ($30,000 MSRP * 50% Residual Value).
For instance, a car with a $30,000 MSRP and a 50% residual value after three years would be worth $15,000 after the lease expires. Modifying the length or mileage of your lease might have a favorable or negative impact on your residual value. The value of an older car with higher miles will be zero, and vice versa. Really, it’s just easy math.
What impact does residual value have on my payment each month?
The amount that remains after all costs are paid off determines how much you will pay each month. Throughout the term of your lease, that sum is distributed.
$12,000 Down Payment / 36 Months = $333.33 Per Month
Assume for the moment that you lease the car from the prior example and get $3,000 off the MSRP. After deducting the $15,000 residual value, your monthly payments would amount to a total of $12,000 that you would owe. Your monthly payment would be lower and you would only owe $10,000 if your residual value was $2,000 greater.
What makes having a high residual value crucial?
A high residual value means that you will pay less overall for your lease because there will be less of a gap between the vehicle’s anticipated worth and the final sale price.
On the other hand, a low residual value raises your overall lease debt. This might be advantageous to you if you decide to buy your car when your lease expires or write it off for business purposes, but generally speaking, a large residual value is the best option.
What distinguishes residual value from resale value?
An analogous idea that pertains to a car you purchase rather than lease is resale value. It speaks to the value of the car after damage, mileage, and depreciation. Furthermore, although the residual value is fixed and derived from MSRP, resale value is subject to fluctuations in the market.
$12,000 in Resale Value / Five Years of Ownership Equals $2,400 Annual Cost
Assume you buy the car in the above scenario, and five years later its market worth is $12,000. Your annual ownership cost would be $2,400 if you sold it. Another option would be to keep driving the car, which would reduce your yearly expenses but would also make it less valuable to buy back. In a lease, the residual value is fixed, therefore your annual expenses are fixed.
Which vehicles are highly valuable residually?
Though every car retains its worth in a different way, some are more valuable than others. Annually, ALG awards recognition to automobiles in 26 categories that are anticipated to hold the largest percentage of their MSRP after three years. Most recently, Subaru and Land Rover shared the ALG Residual Value Award for best mainstream and premium brands, respectively. View the complete list of winners for each part.
What Is the Battery Life of an Electric Car?
What you need to know about the lifespan of an EV battery and how to prolong it is provided here.
A major issue for anyone considering purchasing an electric car is battery longevity. Even while it’s typical for owners of gas-only cars to change their batteries once or twice, those batteries are little, reasonably priced, and reasonably simple to replace. Rarely is the entire procedure more than a little annoyance. On the other hand, the battery in an electric vehicle (EV) is significantly more costly and larger. It takes a lot longer to replace one, and you cannot do it yourself.
What you need to know about the lifespan of an EV battery and how to prolong it is provided here.
Keys to EV Batteries
The lithium-ion battery pack found in the majority of electric cars is utilized to store the energy needed to run the motors. These are significantly larger lead-acid batteries, usually found beneath the floor in the center of the vehicle, as opposed to the little ones found under the hood of gas-powered cars. Although automakers are always looking for ways to enhance battery performance and are researching new, superior battery options, lithium-ion batteries are now the industry standard.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in EVs for a number of reasons. They balance enhanced driving range and battery size better thanks to their higher energy density. In addition, lithium-ion batteries have a slower rate of discharge, don’t need to be maintained frequently, and provide a more stable voltage as the charge drops.
Although they have certain drawbacks, lithium-ion batteries are perfect for use in electric cars for these reasons. Electric vehicles are more expensive than gas vehicles in part because they are more expensive to produce. Extremely high or low temperatures might have an impact on their performance and shorten their driving range. Another problem is battery life; fully charging and draining a lithium-ion battery shortens its life. How long can you expect these bulky, pricey batteries to endure before needing to be replaced is the key question.
The typical lifespan of batteries in electric cars
The lifespan of an electric vehicle’s battery is influenced by your unique driving habits, much like the fuel efficiency of a gas-powered car changes based on how and where you drive. Examining the manufacturer’s warranty is a useful method of estimating how long an EV battery should survive in a particular car. The federal government has established a minimum guarantee of eight years or up to 100,000 miles for all EV batteries currently on the market; however, several automakers provide longer warranties.
You can be quite sure that your EV battery will last at least that long because auto manufacturers don’t want to foot the bill for repairing EV batteries that die while still under warranty. According to estimations from the US Department of Energy, EV batteries can last between 12 and 15 years under typical driving circumstances. In fact, a battery-electric vehicle’s initial owner may never even need to replace the battery because that’s significantly longer than most car owners maintain their vehicles.
Increased Battery Life
Try the following tips to make your EV battery last longer. First, if at all possible, steer clear of quick charging. In situations where you’re traveling or don’t have time to wait, public rapid chargers are a terrific alternative, although lithium-ion batteries deteriorate more quickly when charged this way. For longer battery life, use your slower home charger.
Secondly, refrain from fully charging or depleting your battery. Even while it’s quite tempting to use it all the way, it’s best to strive for 90%. Many cars may be programmed to cease charging after a specific percentage, which makes this task easier. Additionally, avoid letting the battery on your automobile get too low. If you keep it as close to its maximum capacity as you can, it will last longer.
Replacing a battery is inevitable.
An electric car’s battery will eventually need to be changed, much like the battery in a gas-powered car. The life of a battery can be prolonged, but not indefinitely. An electric vehicle battery should typically last for ten years before needing to be replaced. Therefore, you shouldn’t have to worry about changing the battery very soon if you purchase an EV now.
The Psychology of Post-Pandemic Automobile Purchasers Is Unveiled In A New Poll.
Check out the greatest cars for those shoppers as well as who is currently purchasing cars and why.
Purchasing an automobile is a significant decision. Choosing now to purchase a vehicle? That is a significant matter.
Car demand has remained high despite low availability since the epidemic upset the supply chain. As a result, in a highly competitive market, prices have increased. I know what you’re thinking: “Who the heck would be looking for a car right now?”
More people than you may imagine, and for unexpected reasons.
We polled over a thousand individuals who intend to buy a new car in the upcoming year*, and the two most common responses fell into the “need” category: The third reason fell into the “want” category. The first two reasons were (1) Current car is old/needs repairs (21%) and (2) Household/family needs changed (17%). (3) Desiring the newest gadgets (13%).
Based on these data, we created three personas that capture the characteristics of the existing in-market consumer and offer some recommendations for what each should purchase.
Who most resembles you?
1. Broken-Minded Bobby: “I’m done with my current car.”
Crashed-Down Bobby is a representative of the 21% of prospective automobile purchasers who actually need a new vehicle because their present vehicle is too old or expensive to fix.
Bobby is the kind of person who purchases a vehicle with long-term intentions. Like Bobby, the bulk of consumers (40%) shop using secondhand items. How come? Budgetary constraints are probably the main factor, although new cars, especially those that have just been produced or rebuilt, are more likely to have design defects than cars that have been on the market for a few years.
For consumers like Bobby, the typical budget is between $20,000 and $30,000. They might not want to spend additional money, or they might not be able to afford it. Bobby is therefore most likely looking for vehicles with a track record of dependability and established technologies.
This is also the reason that 84% of shoppers who resemble Bobby are more likely to look for an internal combustion engine (ICE) car than an electric one. Even though they are expanding and changing quickly, EVs are still relatively young when it comes to mass-market automobiles. Not to mention that ICE automobiles are just less expensive.
We would suggest any one of these three cars for Bobby:
* Toyota Camry, 2018–2020; * Subaru Outback, 2015–2019; * Honda Civic, 2016–2021.
2. Shift in Lifestyle “My current car no longer meets my needs,” said Lory.
Change in Lifestyle Lory is one of the 17% of car customers who also qualify as needing a new vehicle for a new pastime, pet, baby, or driver. Lory needs a new automobile to fit their new lifestyle.
Needing a larger car to fit their expanding family has changed the lives of many Lory-like shoppers, and what’s more vital than keeping your family safe on the road? This may be the reason that 50% of these consumers are thinking about purchasing new in order to take advantage of the newest driver assistance and safety features.
An additional factor contributing to these consumers’ preference for new over used cars is their greater interest in hybrids (39%) and battery-electric cars (30%). However, the majority (79%) is still in the market for an ICE car.
Larger cars typically have higher sticker prices, which is reflected in Lory’s spending plan. Although 34% of these buyers believe they will spend more than they anticipate, the median budget for these shoppers is between $30,000 and $40,000.
We would suggest any one of these three cars for Lory:
* 2015–2020 Chevrolet Suburban * 2023 Kia Telluride * 2023 Toyota Sienna Hybrid
3. Frankie, the Feature-Focused One: “My car feels old.”
Frankie, who is feature-focused, wants a new automobile even if they don’t need one because they’re losing out on some awesome new features like a panoramic sunroof and adaptive cruise control.
Most Frankies (76%) are purchasing new because they want the newest and finest, and their typical spending is the highest of the three groups, ranging from $40,000 to $50,000. Nearly a third anticipate having to take other brands into consideration while searching for their ideal qualities.
Given that improved features are always being developed and that he has a larger budget, Frankie probably has no intention of keeping this automobile for the foreseeable future. He can also consider other vehicle options, such as plug-in hybrids, full electric vehicles, and hybrids. Actually, 56% of Frankie-like shoppers are exploring hybrid vehicles, and nearly half (49%) are thinking about switching to all-electric vehicles.
In keeping with the “new” theme, Frankie is investigating the new avenue of online automobile shopping. Thirty-four percent of respondents anticipate doing a larger portion of their shopping online, whether it be contacting local dealerships or ordering the complete automobile online and having it delivered right to their door.
We would advise Frankie to drive any one of these three cars:
* Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2023) * Mazda CX-5 (2023) * BMW 5 Series (2020–2022).
Is 2023 Your Year to Invest in a Car?
It has been difficult, to put it mildly, to buy a car in the last two years, but 2023 appears to be a hopeful year for buyers, and things might return to “back to normal.” Just be aware that more people are anticipated to hit the market this year, so being well-versed in research and shopping techniques will be especially crucial.
SimpSocial can assist you with hundreds of thousands of new and used automobiles at thousands of Certified Dealers nationwide, as well as with professional research and reviews.
Having your cake and eating it, too, is not always possible.
Astute consumers take advantage of the fact that certain cars are more desirable than others. A lot of times, perfectly nice cars stay on the lot for a long time, waiting to be noticed by the proper customer. Finding the ideal car can be harder than ever in 2022 because there are still not enough cars on the road. However, you may still find a fantastic deal on a new or used automobile if you know what to search for.
Dark and WhiteYawn.
The majority of automobile buyers have monochromatic dreams. No, really, no. These are the two most in-demand hues, closely followed by silver and gray. The bulk of supply and demand is represented by neutral hues, although fewer common colors can result in a contract.
Because there may be less demand for a car in a less desired hue, like orange or tan, the dealership may be more inclined to offer a lower price. A dealership should try to clear out its inventory as soon as these less desirable automobiles arrive so that space may be taken up by vehicles that will be in higher demand and sell faster.
Unusual Choices
How about configurations of the vehicles? Find the rebels, the misfits, and the troublemakers. To put it another way, a unique set of features or tools might also result in a lot. It’s possible that an Audi with front-wheel drive is less appealing than one with quattro drive. The same holds true for a loaded 4×4 truck with a manual transmission and a standard cab. You might be able to win a lot of money if you don’t require the standard bells and whistles.
What should you avoid doing now that you know what to look out for? Automobiles featuring exclusive color and configuration options typically fetch a premium price on the market. Therefore, if you come across a car in a color that was created especially for the manufacturer’s 100th anniversary, temper your expectations.
Beauty Isn’t Everything
Manufacturers sometimes host sales events to get rid of their older models and make room for the newest ones when they release a new generation of their cars. Keep a close eye on the dates of vehicle launches because this only occurs once every few years. If you start looking for the previous generation model before its replacement is out, you might be lucky. Vehicles that are slated for discontinuation can employ a similar tactic.
Due to the divisive body shapes of some cars, many buyers look for alternatives. Whether it’s too aggressive or too square, astute consumers might profit from the conflicting opinions. Not sure how to get started? The Honda Clarity, Nissan Juke, and BMW 4 Series are a handful of the most notable automobiles. Even in a competitive market, you may be astonished by what you discover. And for the truly daring, used car buyers shouldn’t overlook the renowned Pontiac Aztek.
Unusual Returns
Dealers occasionally get trade-ins that they are unable to sell on their own lot. This might occur from the car being a different brand, being too old, or simply being in too bad of shape to be sold. The car usually ends up at auction when this occurs. You can take part in these auctions and possibly find the car you desire at the correct price if you have the patience and good fortune on your side.
Sometimes, if you’re really on your game, you can snag these trade-ins before the dealership reconditions them. Since the dealership won’t have to invest any money or time in getting the vehicle ready for sale, this is fantastic for buyers who don’t mind doing some work or taking care of maintenance and repairs themselves.
Under the Badge
One vehicle may have variations offered by multiple automakers; this approach, also known as “badge engineering,” may allow you to find an obscure vehicle with a more mainstream equivalent if branding is not a concern. Do you recall the VW Routan? Warning: beneath, it’s actually a Dodge Grand Caravan, and it was even made at the same facility.
You can take use of this information as a car buyer because lower brand loyalty may result in lower buying costs. People sometimes are unaware that automakers frequently swap platforms and parts with one another in order to save production costs. Many people know a Subaru WRX, but if they do some research, they’ll discover that the “Swedish” Saab 9-2x Aero is actually the same vehicle dressed differently.
What’s Within the Engine
An engine is referred to as a vehicle’s heart and soul. Additionally, purchasers can be very selective about the engines they choose when available. Due to the high demand for fuel-efficient options made feasible by hybrid and turbocharged models, the available inventory is significantly reduced. Finding a car with a less common engine, like a naturally aspirated engine or a gas-guzzling V8, may be easier if you’re not looking for a daily driver.
Electric vehicles can be justified using the same reasoning. While an extended-range vehicle is great, it might not be essential for people whose commutes are predictable and they have convenient access to charging stations. If you think about your lifestyle, you might find that an entry-level model works well for you. Additionally, if you broaden your search to include used electric cars, you’ll have a lot more possibilities if you can live with a range of less than 200 miles.
The End of the Row
A shrewd consumer may also be able to find a decent car at a fair price by taking a close look at models that are getting old or being discontinued. Dealerships and automakers may be more likely to move older models with better pricing and/or manufacturer incentives because many individuals are interested in owning the newest and greatest.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a superb illustration of this from more recently. There was a lot of demand for the recently released model because of the mid-engine configuration and launch of the 2020 C8 generation. As a result, purchasers frequently paid more for the new vehicle, and demand for the C7 Corvette, which had been in production since 2014, gradually decreased.
When it comes to defunct models, you should think about the manufacturer’s support in terms of parts availability in case you need future repairs for your car. Drivers of older vehicles probably won’t have to worry about a mainstream model like the Toyota Tundra. But if you’re the kind of person who keeps their car for a long time, this could become a problem later on for discontinued makes and models that don’t exchange parts with other cars. So, if you see a tempting price on a used Acura ZDX, you might want to give it some second thought.
Prior to purchasing
Even though a car that has been sitting on the dealership lot could be a hidden gem, it could also cause problems for the next owner. Prioritize your research at all times, keeping note of any known flaws and recalls. Additionally, you should check user reviews, especially for the model year and configuration that interests you. Ultimately, there can be an additional explanation for the profound discount or lack of interest.
Discovered the bargain of a lifetime? Avoid making hasty purchases, particularly when purchasing a new car. Remember that even if you might score a deal at the time, a compromise car could not be as valuable when it comes time to sell. However, you might not need to worry as much if you’re buying a secondhand automobile because it may have already undergone a large amount of depreciation.
Buying a car for the first time? You can increase your chances of winning big at the dealership by being well-prepared. First things first: create a budget. Remember that taxes, fees, and interest can mount up quickly. It will also be simpler to decide whether you’ve found a terrific deal in a competitive market if you do your homework and take test drives. Learn everything there is to know from our guide on purchasing a new car.
An Overview of Down Payments
The five most typical methods of payment.
At last, the car of your dreams has arrived, complete with the exact brand, model, color, and sound system you desire. All you need to do now is figure out how to afford it. Not to worry. There are numerous options available. Here is a brief summary of the most typical ones:
Money
Everybody accepts money. It is quick, simple, and portable. The only drawback is that you can be vulnerable to theft, loss, or tapping into the till. Although it feels fantastic to carry a packed envelope full of cash, you might want to think twice before doing so unless you’re heading straight from your bank to the dealer.
Receiver’s Check
A cashier’s check, often called a bank check, is a form of payment that is signed by a cashier or teller and insured by a bank. The bank guarantees that the money is covered, which is the primary distinction between it and a personal check. Dealerships prefer a cashier’s check over a personal check for obvious reasons. In the event that this is your desired course of action, you will have to pay a little charge and visit the bank in order to obtain it.
Cash Order
Similar to a cashier’s check, it is assured. It is typically for a significantly smaller amount and is solely dependent on the person issuing it, unlike a cashier’s check. Conversely, since cashier’s checks are linked to your bank account, they are far more flexible.
Please verify ahead as not all dealerships take money orders. A money order typically costs between 50 cents and $10.
Takeout Card
Consider carrying a debit card as a simpler alternative to cash. To take money straight out of your account, simply swipe your card. Positively, unless your bank has an overdraft policy, you won’t be able to spend more than you have. The drawback is that you cannot use it to raise your credit score. The majority of dealerships will take debit payments because the funds are taken directly from an existing account, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Additionally, you might wish to notify your bank in advance that a sizable payment is about to be made. By doing this, you may be sure that an unusually high expenditure doesn’t cause the transaction to be denied and raise a fraud alert.
Bank Card
Many dealerships accept credit cards as a convenient and hassle-free substitute for cash when used as a down payment. Using one to make payments can also earn you cash back, points, or miles from the card issuer. APR, or annual percentage rate, should be handled with caution. If it’s quite high, you may wind up increasing the car’s total cost even further.
All of the preceding
You could not always keep all of your money in one account, or you might have some cash set aside for a rainy day. Ask the dealership if they are okay with a combination if any one of the aforementioned possibilities isn’t going to bring you the amount you require. Just keep in mind that whichever path you take, you must be certain of the precise amount you must bring in order to meet the minimum down payment requirement.
Automotive Dealer Guide: Techniques, Contemporary Concepts, and Optimal Methods
Nowadays, almost no consumer visits a dealership before doing their internet automobile shopping. Digital marketing techniques are employed by astute car dealers to turn those internet visitors into actual customers. I give the best and most effective tactics based on my twenty years of experience.
What Distinguishes Digital Marketing from Traditional Marketing for Auto Dealers?
Digital marketing is the term for advertising conducted online via social media, emails, and websites. Beyond only where it shows up, digital marketing is different from traditional marketing. The practice is more client-focused and engaging.
A television advertisement from an auto dealership cannot highlight a particular customer’s age or other attributes. The TV advertisement isn’t interactive for that potential client. Furthermore, the dealer frequently has no idea how successful the advertisement was in drawing in new clients to the store.
Demographics and various types of prospective customers can be targeted via digital marketing. Dealers have quick and simple access to data on the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns and the number of interested parties.
The Significance of Automotive Digital Marketing in the Present Era
Automotive internet marketing is essential since, compared to ten or fifteen years ago, people now browse for cars in radically different ways. Before they ever visit a showroom, the majority of buyers spend hours browsing the internet for their next vehicle.
The following information explains how much automobile shopping is now done online:
Research on the internet is done by 86% of prospective buyers of cars before they visit a nearby dealership, per a study conducted by digital marketing company Adtaxi.
According to a 2020 Cox Automotive study, consumers who purchased a car spent an average of 15 hours on the entire purchasing process, which included shopping, researching, visiting dealerships, and haggling. Nine and a half of those hours, or nearly two-thirds of the time, were spent online.
Seven out of ten automobile purchasers claim that their decision to visit a dealership is influenced by internet reviews, according to Digital Air Strike research.
Because of all of this, auto dealers need to be very visible online and interact with prospective clients. They must know how to target specific customer groups with their marketing and provide them with the information they require. All of that must take place before the buyer even contacts a dealership or makes a phone call.
(To find out more about how dealers interact with customers and sell cars, among other parts of the automotive business that are impacted by online shopping, see our guide on automotive digital retailing.)
How Much Does Advertising Cost at Car Dealerships?
For every new car sold, franchised auto dealerships lose almost $600. That equates to billions of dollars being spent on advertising annually. For car dealerships, internet advertising is becoming the most common medium for advertising.
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) released its annual report for 2019 and states that new car dealerships spent $9.25 billion on advertising in 2019, or roughly $628 for each new car sold. That decreased in 2020’s first half, most likely as a result of the COVID pandemic. In the first half of 2020, new car dealerships spent over $3.73 billion on advertising, or almost $600 for each vehicle sold.
The largest advertising expenditure for new vehicle dealers in 2019 was 14.5 percent on television, with 56 percent of their advertising dollars going online.
Digital Marketing Channels for Automobiles
To reach potential consumers, auto dealers can and should make use of a variety of digital marketing platforms. We refer to this strategy as omnichannel marketing. A well-designed website, online videos, and pay-per-click advertising are examples of potential routes.
The following are the best internet marketing channels for cars:
Online Pay-Per-Click Advertising
PPC, or pay-per-click, advertising is a term that describes how important it may be to successful digital marketing. For specific keywords, a dealership will pay a search engine (usually Google) to display your link at the top of the result page. Each time a user clicks on the advertisement to get more information, they give Google a tiny payment.
PPC is still expanding in the car sector. PPC ad expenditure in the automotive industry rose by 22% in 2019 compared to 2018, according to data from eMarketer.
You can use graphics or videos, or just text with a link, in your advertisements. To draw in the right clients, you should investigate the most effective terms to use. To make sure you exclude irrelevant queries (such as those in which the user could be interested in learning more about “Mustang” horses rather than a Ford “Mustang”), pay attention to the negative terms you want to utilize.
“Programmatic display” is an additional element of paid internet advertising that enables you to show your advertisement to a highly targeted audience based on what they are reading on another website. For example, they might be reading an article about tiny SUVs or buying autos.
An attractive website with useful content for search engines
You should and can be found by potential clients even without paid search engine advertising. Let me introduce you to search engine optimization (SEO), which is the process of making material on your website more visible to search engines and users.
According to a Kenshoo study, 70% of buyers start their car research with a search engine. A prominent position on a search engine results page confers a benefit to your website: customers view it as more reliable than a pay-per-click advertisement. Thus, you should strive to rank highly in organic, or non-PPC, search results.
Additionally, you should have a well-designed website with content that appeals to car purchasers, who are searching for in-depth details about specific models without resorting to gaudy or unprofessional gimmicks. The modern online automobile buyer seeks out all the information required to complete an online auto transaction. Find out more about giving car buyers a more engaging online experience.
Too many calls-to-action (CTAs), or interactive elements that ask for a viewer’s name and contact information, can be seen on the websites of many auto dealerships. Having said that, you should aim to balance the number of CTAs on your page so as not to overload visitors or drive them away. Learn more about boosting the conversion rate of your car website.
The use of voice search is growing. To find the top car dealerships, prospective clients can query Siri on their smartphone or Alexa on their smart speaker. Make sure your material is optimized to respond to straightforward inquiries.
Read Moz’s piece, which goes over all the SEO fundamentals for auto dealerships, to learn more about SEO.
Sites
You may also enhance your search engine results by adding a blog to your website that offers basic consumer information about vehicles and car buying.
Customers won’t limit their search to just one type of car when they start looking for one. Additionally, they should have a broad understanding of automobiles and car purchases. For example, a lot of customers will use search engines to find out the advantages and disadvantages of leasing versus buying a car. Your dealership is likely to rank highly for that query if you’ve written a blog post about it. To find out what queries customers have most frequently regarding autos and car purchases, you can conduct internet research. Answerthepublic.com is one free internet resource that gives you access to frequently asked questions.
Additionally, having a blog will make customers think of your dealership as a reliable resource for guidance and information.
Regional SEO
It is not enough to concentrate solely on SEO website optimization. In order to ensure that individuals searching for automobiles in your metropolitan region find you, you also need to optimize it for local SEO.
With more and more people accessing the internet via their phones, local SEO has become even more crucial. Currently, local results appear in about half of all smartphone searches. People are always on the go and need to know where to buy a Ford 150 or get a pizza. When customers search for a car, you want to appear in the results.
Create an account on Google My Business and include your address and other geographic details. Additionally, you should provide local information on your website.
Media Social
A digital marketing strategy must include social media. A study conducted by the Chief Marketing Officer Council found that 38% of automobile purchasers check social media before making a purchase.
Make an account on all of the social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and more. Assign employees the responsibility of maintaining such accounts active by posting frequently about your dealership, and buying cars, and automobiles.
Social networking networks also offer purchased advertisements. You may target particular potential clients, such as residents of your metro region who have been looking for SUVs, which is a clear advantage. You can also quickly see your return on investment for buying those advertisements with social media. You may find out exactly how many individuals clicked through from one of Facebook’s ads to your website by using their stats, for instance.
Web-based Videos
Online automotive video viewership is surging, and those films have a big impact on prospective automobile purchasers.
A Google survey found that 64% of users who viewed YouTube while making a car purchase were impacted by it. That’s a larger number of buyers than those impacted by car reviews, TV, newspapers, or magazines.
You may make quick films that demonstrate:
A vehicle being tested
Testimonials from pleased clients
brand-new cars and showcase special features
Advice about auto maintenance and repairs
The videos can drive more traffic to your website and increase the number of hits on your online and social media advertisements. They can also aid in increasing website traffic by optimizing your videos for search engines. When uploading a video to YouTube, it’s advisable to include a textual transcript of the video. Although viewers typically cannot see the transcript, it will improve the video’s ranking in Google search results.
Email Promotion
Advertising to your consumers on how simple it is to buy from you and save time, etc., will put them in the driver’s seat when the time comes for them to be in the market for another vehicle. They can also educate their customers since they last made a purchase or had maintenance at a particular dealership.
In the digital age, email is about as antiquated as it gets, but it still works well.
First, you should email both your previous and present clients. Forward to those who have purchased from your dealership or had auto repairs done by you. Remind them how simple and affordable it is to purchase from you when they finally find themselves in the market once more for an automobile.
Additionally, you can request email addresses from potential clients via your website and other marketing materials. Based on the feedback from your customers, send tailored messaging. Make sure you just send them the information they request and personalize the emails as much as you can. Always include links in your emails so that prospective clients can visit your website. Depending on the kind and quantity of responses you receive, modify the email’s length and tone.
Additionally, think about sending out email newsletters on a regular basis to those who subscribe. These newsletters may provide information about new automobile models, exclusive offers, or helpful tips related to purchasing a car.
SMS Messaging
Customers who have consented to receive messages from your business may also receive a text message from your dealership. Reaching customers using this approach is more effective and faster than using emails. More and more people are visiting business websites—including auto dealerships—on their mobile devices. Clients who get one of your texts can visit your website right away.
Internet Listings
Make your own entries in web directories for businesses. These comprise both more regionalized and nationwide directories such as Yelp. Ensure that your profile is full and includes connections to your social media pages and website.
Online Evaluations
The success of your dealership depends on its online reviews. As was already noted, 70% of automobile purchasers claim that dealer reviews found online influence where they chose to purchase a car.
Make it easy for customers to provide reviews for you on your website and other platforms, such as social media, Google, and Yelp. Make sure to keep an eye on those reviews and give thoughtful feedback on both favorable and negative ones. This strategy is just a portion of what you have to be doing to manage the web reputation of your business. Additionally, you should keep an eye on how your dealership shows up in general search engine results.
Remember to include a link to your website on outside review platforms.
Links to Other Websites
Dealers should include every item in their inventory, both new and old, along with every detail about each car on reputable third-party websites that buyers frequently start their search on. Autotrader.com, Cars.com, Edmunds.com, and CarGurus.com are among the websites.
It would be equivalent to placing your cars behind your dealership instead of in front if you didn’t post them on these sites.
OTT Marketing
The popularity of streaming video is skyrocketing. Nowadays, over 147 million adult Americans watch video material on Roku, Hulu, Amazon Fire TV, Sling, and other comparable services. In fact, streaming video is thought to account for 80% of all internet traffic.
Use these platforms to advertise. The term “over the top” advertising refers to this kind of advertising since it circumvents cable and regular TV networks. Compared to traditional broadcast advertising, it is more focused and less expensive, among other benefits.
Mobile Efficiency
In 2019, mobile devices accounted for 53.3% of all internet traffic, according to Broadband Search. In contrast, 16.2 percent did so in 2013. Mobile devices accounted for 58% of all organic search engine visits in the United States during the fourth quarter of 2019.
Individuals are using their phones to look for local auto dealers and then access their websites on the go. Make sure the content and appearance of your website are mobile-friendly. On a mobile device, your website should appear fluid and simple to navigate.
Straight Mail
Although direct mail isn’t digital, it can support and enhance your online marketing initiatives. A direct mail postcard with links to your website can be sent to a specific recipient. These links can provide additional details about special sales events, new cars at your dealership, and other information.
Digital Marketing Strategies for Automobiles
Selecting the right channels for your digital marketing requires careful consideration of your whole plan.
Top Internet marketing techniques for car dealerships:
Recognize Your Shoppers’ Locations and Make Sure You’re There: Consumers research automobile purchases using a variety of websites and resources. The four best:
Thirty-two percent go to independent aggregator websites such as autotrader.com.
Thirty percent do some research or use a search engine to find their desired car.
One-fourth go to websites for local dealers.
14% go to websites for brands and manufacturers.
As you market, give careful consideration to at least the top three areas. Dealers with the greatest possibility of impressing prospective clients are those who are well-represented and excel in those areas. (See “Marketing for Remote Sales” for more information on how to conduct successful digital marketing for today’s clients, especially those who are prepared to make purchases from a distance.)
Provide the Correct Content for the Correct Channel: Depending on the device a customer is using, different research objectives and responses apply. With a desktop computer, for instance, customers can more easily:
Utilize the software on your website to personalize a new car.
Compare information about rival cars.
Obtain details about warranties.
Using a mobile device makes it simpler for them to:
Speak with loved ones while they are buying cars.
Speak with a salesperson or the dealership.
Arrange a test drive.
Look up the locations of nearby dealers.
When developing different sections of its website, your dealership must take consumer behavior into account. Remember that when focusing your digital advertising on individuals and mobile devices,
Make Sure Your Digital Ads Aim at the Correct Audience: Consumers have certain requirements when it comes to automobiles and dealerships. When looking for a Mercedes S-Class Sedan, buyers pay attention to details and amenities that a buyer of a Toyota Corolla might not. They anticipate that the dealerships’ marketing materials will make that clear.
When advertising the wide range of vehicles your dealership offers, keep this in mind. When interacting with customers, keep these differentiators in mind—you might offer different brands at different price points. Send each customer the appropriate digital marketing message.
To discover more ways to engage customers, check out our innovative recommendations for remote selling strategies.
Conduct A/B Testing: Make sure to evaluate the efficacy of different digital marketing channels. Examine the effectiveness of every message in a marketing channel by testing it. Comparable customers are sent two versions of a message as part of A/B testing to discover which gets a better response.
For instance, two options for a message to similar groups could be included in an email campaign. It is advisable to monitor which supporting materials result in a greater percentage of emails being opened and links inside the email being clicked.
You could also experiment with A/B testing on social media networks. For instance, send the identical Facebook message to various Facebook audiences.
Recognize Good and Bad Conversion Rates: The average rate at which prospective customers click on a link in an email or on a digital advertisement, for example, is a conversion rate that applies to all forms of digital marketing. Only 1.5 to 2 percent of conversions occur on average across some channels. To find out what constitutes a “good” conversion rate and to make sure that your efforts are hitting that mark, find out what the average conversion rate is for each channel.
Keep an eye on and track every outcome. You can easily keep track of results using a lot of digital marketing tools. But occasionally, you’ll need tools to keep an eye on the performance of your digital marketing. Call tracking software, for example, keeps track of incoming calls that might be the consequence of particular digital marketing.
Think About Hiring a Full-Time Digital Marketing Specialist: A lot of dealerships use marketing and advertising organizations. Numerous organizations with experience in car marketing exist.
Dealerships should still weigh the benefits of employing a full-time specialist to focus solely on digital marketing. Given that 90% of prospective auto buyers begin their search online, a dealership’s success depends on its digital marketing strategy. Hiring a full-time digital marketer—a specialist whose sole concentration is on strategically marketing your dealership—can yield an astronomically high return on investment.
Creative Ideas for Auto Dealership Marketing in 2023 and Beyond
Technology will keep altering the way auto dealerships promote their brands and vehicles. In the future, digital marketing will be significantly impacted by artificial intelligence (AI).
Trends in auto dealership marketing to keep an eye on:
Virtual Reality on Websites: Customers will be able to see semi-virtual reality films of a showroom, a new automobile being sat in, or even a test drive from the driver’s perspective by visiting dealership websites.
Chatbots: These are becoming more and more common on websites with a sales emphasis, such as those owned by car dealers. They stand for AI’s initial infant steps. Chatbots can converse with website visitors fast and effortlessly. Chatbots can respond to user queries and offer information depending on their website activity (for instance, Facebook Messenger bots enable you to communicate with over 1 billion monthly users). These initiatives may persuade those users to visit the dealership or speak with a sales representative. The capacity of chatbots to interact with potential clients will only grow.
Additional Artificial Intelligence: By incorporating AI into websites and other applications, auto marketers will be able to target customers with customized marketing messages at the appropriate time. Dealerships may better target their marketing with AI by providing the appropriate content through the appropriate channels to the appropriate customers.
Digital Marketing Platforms for Automotive Industry Increase Online Marketing Effectiveness
Dealerships are provided with the necessary tools by digital marketing platforms for the automobile sector to promote their vehicles and services more efficiently and intelligently. Additionally, the system can assist dealerships with online consumer engagement, question-answering, and sales process navigation.
These platforms can assist your dealership in reaching out to potential clients when they are beginning their car search—online. They may give clients all the information they require at the appropriate time, resulting in a satisfying experience even before they enter the dealership.
Case Study on Digital Marketing for Automotive
Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford in the Dallas metro region now has the marketing and tooling it needs. The executives of the dealership are aware that the majority of consumers now shop for cars primarily online before going to the showroom. Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford customers can click a “shop online” button on the company website to access a wealth of information on individual cars and the car-buying process.
“I think the future of any Ford dealership when it comes to digital retailing, is that you’re either going to get on it or you’re going to be left behind,” says dealership general manager Brian Huth. In the end, buyers do want to handle and feel the vehicle. However, they don’t want to cope with the inconvenience of putting in endless hours attempting to close the deal. You’re essentially going backward if you’re not moving toward a digital realm, in my opinion. This represents the future’s trend.
The Round-the-Clock Digital Showroom: An Actual Buyer’s Actual Deal
It’s becoming more and more obvious that a dealership’s website is an extension of its showroom rather than the other way around. Even in the middle of the night, the point of sale is shifting to where the customer is.
When assessing the consumer experience as a whole, it’s easy to draw conclusions, but the actual insights come from looking at individual customer journeys. This is an actual instance of a customer using the SimpSocial platform to shop on a dealership website.
Gregory, a prospective buyer of a used Ford Fusion, uses his smartphone to access the website of a Connecticut-based dealer after one in the morning. This is what transpired next:
And that’s it, my friend. Gregory drafted his own arrangement down to the last detail, sought and was approved for finance, completed the deal, and arranged for the car to be delivered in a mere eighteen minutes. Many hours after the actual showroom had closed for the evening, all via his phone.
Not every client will act in this way. The majority won’t even complete the purchase process online, therefore your dealership needs to provide the resources to enable clients to work as much from home or on the go as they choose.
Significant conclusions:
Real-time firm credit offers enable you to close a real deal while you’re asleep.
Once they begin, some shoppers will lose interest and become sidetracked. Quick Quote is a solution that allows your dealership to automatically send out remote deals to customers, allowing them to pick up where they left off and re-engage them 24/7.
Lender financing should be simple enough for customers to grasp, free from dealership interpretations, allowing them to choose the best credit offer.
Are you prepared to meet the customer where they are at your dealership? Contact us right now to arrange a demo if you’d like to find out more about how SimpSocial may assist you in providing genuine offers in real-time.
Fueling e-commerce for large dealer networks
Large dealer groups have similar difficulties as the automotive industry as a whole: insufficient inventory forces buyers to broaden their search for new cars. When dealership visits are significantly shortened, customers are far less reluctant to travel ninety minutes in search of the ideal vehicle at the best price.
Naturally, a dealer has limited control over a global chip scarcity primarily caused by a pandemic, but there are things dealers may do to improve the digital retail experiences of their clients. The correct digital commerce platform can increase the transactional nature of your website, regardless of whether you’re a local group trying to climb the WardsAuto Megadealer 100 or a group that’s just getting started. In this context, that means making the most of your local presence while allowing customers to complete every stage of the purchasing process in-store, at home, or while on the go.
Large dealer groupings must consequently interpret “digital retailing” as “retailing.” Otherwise, avoid treating DR as a specialized experience that belongs in the internet department. Rather, your dealer group ought to view it as a tactic that simplifies your whole sales procedure. According to a recent study, almost 40% of consumers believe that their pandemic purchasing experience will discourage them from making in-store purchases in the future, proving that digital retail procedures are here to stay.
For your group, what does this signify? It indicates that you probably already have a physical store, a well-known brand, skilled employees, and capital expenditures in inventory; the back-end solutions that greatly enhance the consumer experience when purchasing a car are what’s missing. Even though the forms on your website seem professional, if all they say is that “someone from the dealership will be in contact,” you are falling short of what buyers want from a transactional experience, and they will go elsewhere.
Even though your website may look and feel great, your clients will realize that you are wasting their time if they have to fill out forms that don’t directly relate to financing.
Needs vary throughout various groups. Some want a single marketplace with transactable products across their hundreds of rooftops because they run a sizable regional operation. Some people use Tier 3 websites that include distance-based at-home delivery costs and online deposits for each dealership in their portfolio.
We are aware of this since the SimpSocial platform, which enhances the shopping experience by fostering joy and trust, powers four out of the six biggest public dealer groups in the nation.
If you’re searching for a platform that facilitates an efficient online selling process, works at scale for big organizations, and has the adaptability to accommodate a customized online approach that includes deposits, applications, and distance-based delivery fees, then look no further. Shouldn’t SimpSocial power you as well?
Dedicated Winter Tires: What Are They?
Should you spend money on snow tires?
These seasonal tires are essential whether the weather is snowy or just chilly.
For most Americans, switching out the black rubber bands around your wheels on a seasonal basis makes a lot of sense, regardless of the name you give them: winter tires or snow tires.
Modern tires are made of special rubber that is intended to maintain a tight grip on the road below, whether or not it is covered in ice or snow when temperatures dip below roughly 45 degrees. Tire producers and dealers prefer to refer to these tires as winter tires. Let’s look at some basic advice regarding shopping for winter tires and how to decide if they are worth the investment.
Are Winter Tires Necessary?
You could, but there are a number of variables at work. As a basic guideline, figure out how frequently you might drive when the outdoor temperature drops below that crucial 45 degrees. For certain consumers, this will be apparent. Others should think about the time of day they commute because, in some areas, temperatures rise significantly after sunrise.
That being said, you’re safely in the snow-tire range if you live somewhere where a few inches of overnight snowfall doesn’t cause the school to be closed the following day.
Winter tires are not now needed anywhere in the United States, however they are in certain regions of Canada. There are traction rules on some high-elevation highways in Colorado and Utah that forbid summer-specific tires.
Dedicated Winter Tires: What Are They?
The design of the knobby tire tread and the rubber used in their construction are the two primary ways that winter tires differ from one another.
Typically, the tread features unique grooves called sipes. In addition to helping the tires dig into the snow to prevent the automobile from getting stuck, this unique tread pattern drastically reduces stopping distances when compared to tires that aren’t meant for winter use. Consider the winter tires as a pair of claws holding onto the slick road beneath them.
Rubber compounds for winter are made to stay flexible under freezing weather. This has a significant effect on handling and braking in addition to guaranteeing that the tire maintains a firm grip on the road underneath.
Studs are tiny metal spikes that are placed into the rubber of some tires. In deeper snow, these can offer an additional layer of traction. Though just seven states will allow studdable tires as of 2023 include Colorado, Kentucky, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont, and Wyoming. Before installing studded tires, it is advisable to confirm with local authorities as legislation pertaining to vehicles are subject to change.
Winter Tires: A Financial Consideration
Although purchasing winter tires can be costly up front, keep in mind that you’ll only be using them for roughly half the year. This implies that you will likely have a long time to use them—as well as the tires you fit for warmer weather. Just keep in mind that tire manufacturers usually advise replacing tires when they reach the age of six to ten.
It can be more affordable to get a second set of wheels for your winter tires if you want to retain your automobile for a long time. While precise replacement wheels, similar to the ones you’ll use in the summer, may cost several hundred dollars apiece, inexpensive wheels can cost as little as $50 per corner. Nonetheless, it can cost more than $200 to have all four tires mounted and balanced by a tire shop twice a year. You’ll need to replace your wheels and tires twice a year, and shops usually charge at least $25 for the set. The cost of that extra set of wheels might be recouped quickly.
In addition, storage might be a challenge for anyone without a private garage. You can keep off-season tires for free in a corner of your garage or basement, or some dealerships and tire businesses in colder climates will store them for you.
All-weather tires: What Are They?
All-weather tires are a relatively new invention that combine a rubber compound that sticks well to cold tarmac with a tread pattern that is conducive to snow. Compared to winter tires, these tires have a less aggressive tread design. On the other hand, the rubber kind that is utilized is made to function equally effectively in 100°F and 0°F temperatures.
In addition to being somewhat noisier on dry roads than all-season tires, these tires lack the deep snow grip of a winter tire. Additionally, only a few number of brands and sizes are produced, which raises the price and means they could not fit in every car.
The Bridgestone Weatherpeak and the Michelin CrossClimate are two of the most well-liked all-weather tire alternatives.
All-weather tires may be something to think about if you’re not sure whether to get winter tires or not.
Do Snow-Related All-Season Tires Function?
All-season tires are standard on most new automobiles. This rather deceptive category serves as a catch-all for tires made to provide passable traction in dry or wet weather above approximately fifty degrees. All-season tires include a marking on the sidewall that reads “Mud + Snow” or “M+S,” which makes them even more perplexing. To find out what kind of tires are currently on your automobile, you might want to stop by a tire store.
The unique tread pattern and rubber compounds intended for deeper snow and colder climates are absent from these tires.
Regarding Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD): What Does It Mean?
Consider adding winter tires to your car if you purchased it with all-wheel or four-wheel drive to provide you additional control and protection from becoming stranded in the snow and ice. Although they are sometimes misinterpreted, 4WD and AWD are excellent qualities to have when driving in the winter.
Knowing how these two systems work makes it easier to understand how they differ from one another. There’s a lot of misunderstanding about what each system performs. The fact that the terms are frequently used interchangeably just makes it worse. This is how we distinguish them:
First, be aware that all-wheel drive systems come in two varieties:
Only the front or rear wheels are driven by part-time (on-demand) systems until additional traction is required. Because using just two wheels most of the time saves gasoline, these systems are widely used. To detect when to apply torque to the other two wheels, such as when tires begin to spin on ice, the majority of them rely on sensors. Certain trucks and other part-time systems allow the driver to operate the switch.
A full-time system is the alternative kind of all-wheel drive. These systems concurrently direct torque to the front and rear axles when there is equal grip at all four tires. In full-time systems, there can be significant variations in the front-to-rear torque distribution based on the differential type and available grip. However, there aren’t many situations where they don’t apply torque to all four wheels.
In order for both kinds of all-wheel drive to perform well on gripping pavement and snow and ice, they must be able to rotate all four wheels at various speeds while cornering. Their ability to adapt, together with the extra grip provided by running two tires, is what makes them suitable for winter driving.
The way four-wheel drive works is different. Traditionally, four-wheel-drive systems lock the front and rear axles together to ensure they rotate at the same speed when they are engaged (generally via a lever or button). In order to ensure that all wheels always rotate at the same speed, certain four-wheel-drive systems can additionally lock the left and right wheels together (using locking differentials). Because of this, these systems perform well when driving in sand, rock crawling, or even traveling straight on low-grip surfaces. On surfaced roads, however, where the tires must turn at different rates while cornering, it results in binding. When there is snow or ice present, the grip might be further decreased, and four-wheel drive can hinder a car’s turning ability.
What Do You Need, Then?
You might not require winter tires or all-wheel drive if you only drive in the cold a couple of times a year. However, you should be aware that your chances of losing control are significantly higher than they would be with winter tires, so be ready to drive extremely slowly on slick surfaces. Yes, you require winter tires if you drive frequently in winter conditions and have all-wheel or four-wheel drive. It’s that easy. Better stopping performance is the most significant benefit that winter tires offer, something that all-wheel and four-wheel drive cannot match. Additionally, improved turning performance occurs frequently.
What’s better for your car: going to a dealership or a mechanic?
Which is better for servicing your car: a dealership or a neighborhood mechanic? We lay down the factors for each to help you decide which is ideal for your car’s requirements.
Whether your vehicle is new or old, repairs will eventually be necessary. Getting regular auto maintenance done by a reputable service provider can significantly reduce the cost of your automobile’s upkeep, even if it’s just an oil change, new tires, brake pads, or other basic repairs.
You have two options if you’re not handy with mechanics: you can take your car to a dealership or hire a private mechanic. But which one ought you to pick?
Why Choosing the Dealer Could Be a Safer Option
We’ll go over a few of the reasons you might choose the dealer’s service department. In summary, modern cars are incredibly sophisticated, with more parts, sensors, and electronics than ever before. Therefore, you want to be sure that the person repairing it is an absolute master at this modern technology in case something goes wrong.
Every day, factory-trained experts work on cars just like yours in dealership service departments. They are also trained in the particulars of your car. Additionally, you may be sure that you’ll receive original OEM components, which are frequently of greater quality than alternatives from the aftermarket.
Though we acknowledge that the dealer may charge more, here are some things to think about if you have the extra money.
Dealerships vs. Independent Mechanics: Pros and Cons
For the majority of brands, a factory-trained technician who is familiar with your vehicle’s make and model will provide servicing when you visit the dealership. Furthermore, as the name implies, factory-trained technicians are knowledgeable on how to keep your car operating as intended by the manufacturer. Depending on the service plan you’re offered, you may occasionally receive discounts for dealership services or even free oil changes if you take your car to the same dealership where you bought it.
On the other hand, independent mechanics usually have lower overhead and can provide more reasonable prices for both labor and parts. This may be particularly true as cars age and require expensive repairs. In fact, the technician and business owner can be the same person, giving you additional opportunities to engage with them face-to-face. Your auto technicians will get more acquainted with your particular vehicle each time they work on it, assuming you become a regular customer.
Which Services Are Provided by Dealerships?
Car dealerships are more than just locations for vehicle purchases. Their extensive variety of services makes them one of the best places to take your car for maintenance. The dealership service department may assist with basic oil changes, tire rotations, fluid top-offs, and engine and transmission disassembly.
Smaller, independent mechanics frequently have restrictions on what they can accomplish, whether it be because of resources, education, or other factors.
Another fantastic service provided by the service departments of dealerships? vehicles for rent and lending. When your automobile is being serviced, you should be able to get a free loan from luxury automakers like BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz. They’ll give you alternate transportation if it turns out that your car needs a few days, weeks, or months. Most prominent brands at least offer an in-house rental option to keep you on the road while your car is being repaired, even if it’s not free of charge.
Placement, Placement, Placement
If you live close to a service dealership, you will have easy access to high-quality auto repair. However, you can also take your car to another place that will respect the same warranty if your car or any of its specific parts are still covered by the manufacturer’s guarantee. If your original equipment manufacturer’s battery dies while you’re traveling to work or visiting relatives, this might be a really helpful benefit. You may have access to hundreds or even thousands of service providers across the nation.
That being said, you are not required to take your vehicle to the dealership where you originally purchased it. Hence, your warranty will still be valid even if you move across the city, state, or nation.
In most cities, you may find independent mechanics working in body shops, tire shops, and auto shops. If you live far away from a dealership, your only realistic alternative for car maintenance can be an independent mechanic. But don’t worry; all you have to do is locate someone who is worth their weight in sheet metal.
Why Hiring an Independent Mechanic Could Be a Good Idea
Independent technicians can be less expensive than a dealership service center for those trying to cut costs. Numerous independent stores focus on particular products and even automobiles. Pro tip: Some auto repair shops specialize in vehicles from particular global locations. This could serve as a hint to assist you in locating the ideal independent service provider.
What Qualities Make an Independent Mechanic Stand Out?
If you’re considering hiring a freelance mechanic, we advise finding a shop that specializes in the make and model of your car—ideally one with a stellar reputation and a steady clientele. When you bring your car in, you should also make sure they can locate OEM components and have them on hand.
Your experience will differ depending on where you visit, so it’s a good idea to speak with a few stores before choosing one. Get to know the folks you are entrusting with the maintenance of your vehicle before settling on a quote. A positive rapport with your car mechanic can go a long way, much like with a physician or dentist.
Warranty-Related Issues
To find out if you are protected if your automobile is still under warranty, start by contacting the dealership’s service department. The dealership could be able to pay for some or all of the servicing expenses, whether it’s only an oil change or a significant mechanical problem. The specific conditions of warranties for new and certified pre-owned vehicles may differ based on the automaker, but they often cover parts that are defective or parts that break down under regular use after a predetermined number of miles or time.
Your car can still be serviced at the dealer even if it is no longer covered by warranty. Generally speaking, labor and parts will be more expensive, but you often get what you pay for. This comprises a factory-trained technician, a dedicated service advisor for client service, and frequently a free multi-point check.
Why OEM Parts Are Important
One of the greatest methods to be sure your car gets genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts is to have it serviced at the dealership. The best parts are usually the ones your automobile came with right out of the production line, whether they be brake pads, oil filters, or spark plugs. Additionally, the factory-trained experts are skilled in doing repairs in accordance with manufacturer guidelines if your car is still covered by an active Technical Service Bulletin.
Aftermarket components are more likely to be available at auto shops, which can result in immediate cost savings. But generally speaking, they aren’t as high-quality as their OEM equivalents. The good news is that OEM components, which your mechanic might end up acquiring from a nearby dealership, are normally something you can work with. Therefore, even if the cost of OEM parts is comparable, labor costs could be far lower.
Make Safe Repairs for Your Car with SimpSocial ‘s Advice
Performing routine car maintenance can be intimidating, particularly for novice or brand-new drivers. Fortunately, SimpSocial offers a wealth of information on blog posts and social media posts that are designed to simplify the process of owning a car. For more useful information about automobile ownership, check out the automobile ownership section of our site now, and make sure to follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.