Ask Jack

Car Washes and Freezing Temperatures

Your car is filthy right? That salt needs to come off. We recommend waiting until the mercury hits at least 20 degrees before you drive into the car wash. Here's why:

• Your vehicle's doors can freeze shut leaving you stuck inside or outside your car until they thaw.
• Your locks can also freeze which makes locking and unlocking your vehicle difficult.
• Your vehicle's brakes can freeze and you could slide right into a very busy intersection injuring yourself or others.
• If you have an antenna on your vehicle, ice will form very easily and it may snap off.
• Ice can form on the car wash's automatic doors and they can freeze shut while the vehicle is still inside.
• Pathways to and from the car wash can become very icy. Your vehicle could slide right into the car wash building or door (We've seen that happen many times). Staff and customers are also at risk just by walking past those icy areas.
• Ice can cause the car wash itself to break down which means expensive repair bills and the price you pay for a car wash will increase.

Although it may seem like an inconvenience not to be able to wash your vehicle on a day like today, the risks involved are too high when it's still 20 degrees or colder. It's a lot less expensive to refill your washer fluid compared to total vehicle body repair.

2009 Hyundai Elantra

 

Let's face it, as much as we like to think that what people say about us doesn't matter, it does. We did a little research and this is what we found.

What Edmunds.com says - "The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is often overlooked, but it's a roomy and well-built small sedan with surprisingly sophisticated road manners. It is a must drive if you are in the market for an economy car".

US News and World Reports - "The Elantra has a low base price, great fuel economy and some of the most comfortable and spacious seats in a small car. It's also an excellent value, something that helped it win the US News Best Car for the Money Award in the compact car class".

Consumer Guide - "Elantra matches any class rival for the refinement, space and comfort. And it beats most for safety with standard front side airbags, side curtain airbags and ABS. A robust feel, attractive prices and Hyundai's strong warranty also make Elantra a Recommended Pick".

Automobile Magazine - "Hyundai has become a favorite with the kind of people who sharpen their pencils before making a purchase. These days, Hyundai gives them value and quality, not cheapness".

Sound too good to be true? Then maybe seeing is believing, test one and find out for yourself.

www.walserhyundai.com

Nitrogen in Your Vehicle's Tires

Nitrogen in tires is becoming a popular replacement for standard air inflation.

Nitrogen has many advantages over standard air, including improved handling, better fuel efficiency and longer tire life due to better tire pressure retention and cooler running tire temperatures.

With nitrogen inflation, drivers won't need to "top off" their tires nearly as often. Nitrogen take approximately six months to lose two psi, compared to approximately thirty days for similar loss of pressure with standard air inflation.

"It's the simplest thing to do to increase the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. In fact, if all U.S. drivers properly inflated their tires, the U.S. could save around 60 million barrels of oil per year." said Robert Ebert, Director of Fixed Operations at Walser Automotive Group in Minneapolis.

2010 Honda Insight

The 2010 Honda Insight will be an entirely new and dedicated hybrid vehicle with a unique look and offering a hybrid powertrain with room for five.

Carrying with it Honda’s unbeatable reputation, the Insight will attract a younger, budget-conscious customer, who is looking to make an environmental statement and drastically cut their fuel consumption.

The Insight is rated at 40 mpg city and 43 mpg highway, but should have no problem surpassing the ratings in everyday driving. “For those who want to be seen in a smart, high-mileage hybrid but want to pinch pennies at the dealership, the 2010 Honda Insight is the way to go,” said Bengt Halvorson, editor at www.thecarconnection.com.

2010 MAZDA3

Since its introduction, the Mazda3 has been a huge success. With a redesigned 2010 model, Mazda is looking to put a greater distance between the Madza3 and its competitors.

The 2010 Mazda3 will offer leading technology, distinctive design and thrilling signature performance that will set it far apart from a common compact. The new design will feature a strong, dynamic exterior which elongates the vehicle and bring it visually lower to the ground.

“The 2010 Mazda3 continues the success of the previous model by offering the most engaging driving experience in the compact car segment along with class-exclusive features,” said Marty Padgett, executive editor at the carconnection.com.

2009 Honda Accord

 

The redesigned 2009 Honda Accord offers an appealing combination of spaciousness, an upscale feel and a reputation for reliability. The Accord boasts a proven track record and an all around package that is hard to beat.

 

Unlike other competitors, the Accord offers a sharp-looking Coupe which is substantially sportier than the everyday sedan.

 

"The Accord has everything you want in a sensible car -- reliability, a comfortable and friendly interior, and good fuel economy, plus good engines and lively handling to keep pulse rates raised." --Car and Driver, August 2008.

Winter Survival Kit for your Vehicle

As you take to the road this winter, don’t forget to pack the winter survival kit.  The winter survival kit can help keep the family safe in the event of an emergency during winter travels.

 

A well-packed a winter survival kit includes:

For you:

§  Cell phone

§  Warm clothing, socks, snow boots, and blankets or sleeping bags

§  Flashlight with new batteries

§  Small battery powered radio

§  A handful of matches in a waterproof container

§  Candles

§  Snacks, including dried fruit, nuts, granola, candy bars, water and others

§  First Aid kit

§  Maps

§  Hand and feet warmers

§  Water and a coffee can, pot or disposable bread pan (to melt snow in)

 

For your car:

§  A reliable spare tire

§  A roll of duct tape to temporarily fix leaky hoses

§  Extra coolant

§  Extra oil

§  Multi-purpose tool or knife

§  Shovel

§  Windshield de-icer and scraper

 

Of course the best step you can take to prevent the need for a winter survival kit is a complete car check-up before you hit the road for a long trip.  Walser automotive experts are able to quickly identify potential problems with all makes and models of vehicles.  By inspecting hoses and radiators, they are able to estimate the lifespan of components and can provide replacements when necessary.

Hyundai Genesis

Minnesota Detroit Genesis….the first Hyundai rear-drive sedan is about to hit the street of wearing a big red ribbon!  This affordable sports sedan will have the guts to keep with anything on the road and received top honors last week when it was named the 2009 North American Car of the Year in at the North American Auto Show. If over 50 independent automotive journalists picked it from the pack, why wouldn’t you?  

“Genesis represents everything we’ve learned, so far, about engineering great automobiles – and we’re delighted that the judges have recognized the good work of our R & D teams,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America acting president and CEO.

 MOTOR TREND magazine’s Todd Lassa says, “Befitting any new Hyundai, the Genesis will come with a heavy list of standard features – including eight airbags with active restraints and electronic stability control – normally found on much more expensive cars.” 

Are used vehicles still covered under factory warranty?

Most original factory warranties are transferable, meaning that a vehicle within its mileage and duration caps will maintain its factory warranty even after it has been traded in and resold as a used vehicle. In other words the factory warranty stays with the vehicle not the owner. If a vehicle has exceeded it’s mileage or duration limits it can usually be covered by an extended or aftermarket warranty. These are available from some manufacturers as well as aftermarket specialty providers. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle warranties may be extended to 100,000 miles and sometimes beyond. Check with a Walser Financial Services representative for details and pricing.

Say Hello to Good Buys

Many car shoppers are aware that one of the best buys in the market can be a late model "off-lease" vehicle. These are vehicles that drivers have leased for typically 2 to 3 years and then returned to the manufacturer. The manufacturer then sells these vehicles back to franchise dealers at periodic factory sales.
Currently we have been buying great late model, low mileage vehicles at factory sales for our used car lots. Shoppers looking for significant savings can save 30-40% on select 2 year old vehicles. For a bargain keep your eye out for a one owner lease vehicle and be prepared for a terrific value.