Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 8:05 AM
How do we deal with hydroplaning and low view distance? AAA offers these tips of advice: Go slowly. Slow down and increase following distances. Speed limits are set for ideal road conditions. When it rains, visibility is reduced and braking distances increase. Light up. Use low-beam headlights to help others see your car and increase your visibility. Remember Maryland law requires headlights to be on when windshield wipers are in use. Be careful of standing and running water. As little as six inches of water on a road can cause most drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Nearly half of all people who die in flash floods are in cars and...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 5:00 AM
10: Eating and Drinking Compared to some of the other distracted driving habits on our list, this one might seem relatively tame. After all, it doesn't demand all that much cognitive horsepower to stuff your gullet while on the move. But before you get too enamored of underway refueling, consider some of the things that could go wrong: You could spill scalding coffee on your lap That breakfast sausage muffin or deluxe burger could collapse in your hands, sending crumbs, sauce and patty pieces all over your work outfit Greasy hands or one-handed driving means less control of the steering wheel and shifter In...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 4:29 AM
Looking for a day filled with Halloween festivities? DeVault Family Vineyards will be hosting its 3rd Annual Fall Family Fun Festival on Saturday, October 20th from 2PM to 10PM. Activities include a Haunted Trail, Pumpkin Chucking Contest, Pumpkin Pie Contest (Please bake a Pumpkin Pie and bring it to be judged), Children's Halloween Costume Contest, Bouncers for the kids and Face painting. Bring your towel and swimsuit to take a dip in our indoor heated swimming pool with Lifeguards on duty! Tastings from multiple wineries (For those over 21) *Those over 21 will get a wine glass*. Food, craft, and jewelry vendors will be on site for your purchases...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 7:46 AM
The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your vehicle operating at its best: 1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. 2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear. 3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. 4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change. 5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 3:33 PM
Cold weather is coming up, but that doesn't mean you can't still rent a car for a road trip!
CoastalLiving has a list of what they think are their top 10 best road trips!
MENDOCINO, CALIFORNIA
Why we love it: With Napa a few hours inland and Big Sur getting all the attention to the south, many folks miss this pastoral coast where cell phones rarely work and humble towns belie the sublime scenery that spans 96 miles of California’s Highway 1 from Jenner to Fort Bragg.
Please pull over: At Point Arena Lighthouse, day-trippers can tour the beacon for some of the best coastal views in the state, or rent a historic keeper’s house for the night;...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:12 PM
Anyone going on a trip over an hour long knows it can be a hassle figuring out how to get the most MPG out of their car... Everything plays a role, tire pressure, wheel alignment, weight, and especially speed.
Howstuffworks has a few tips to help you figure out your best speed!
This is actually a pretty complicated question. What you are asking is what constant speed will give the best mileage. We won't talk about stops and starts. We'll assume you are going on a very long highway trip and want to know what speed will give you the best mileage. We'll start by discussing how much power it takes to push the car down the road.
The power to...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 11:34 AM
The 1st Pierce Street Harlem Renaissance Festival is Saturday, September 22nd from 10AM to 4PM at the Anne Spencer Garden (1301 Pierce St.). Enjoy craft, art, and food vendors while enjoying live music at the home of the acclaimed Harlem Renaissance poet, Anne Spencer. Admission is free and open to the public. Visit http://www.annespencermuseum.com/events.php for more information...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:18 PM
Want to stick out among other drivers on the road?
BankRate has a list of hottest car colors, so you can pick the one that's unique for you!
Nearly 20 percent of all 2006 vehicles (the latest year for which figures are available) were silver -- the seventh consecutive year that the color has taken the top spot.
There's good reason for that, says Chris Webb, the exterior color and trend designer for GM North America. "There's no question that silver on a vehicle looks incredible," he says. "When the light hits it and refracts, it shows off the vehicle's architectural form beautifully."
Read more: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 11:59 AM
Autumn is among us and with it come some beautiful vacation spots, so here's a top 10 list of places you can visit to see the beauty and vast colors of the fall season.
#1 Aspen, Colorado
While it’s the place to see and be seen every winter, autumn brings a sense of serenity to Aspen – and the golden foliage of the town’s namesake tree along with it. While Colorado’s aspens don’t offer the vibrant fall color spectacle of say, the Northeast, the yellows, golds, and bold oranges that cover the mountainsides here, against a backdrop of intermittent evergreens, are still reason enough for a visit. Mid-to-late September is ideal for fall foliage...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:28 AM
Anyone who's ever been on a roadtrip can tell you getting lost is FRUSTRATING especially if you don't have the reliability of a trusty GPS (we use "trusty" loosely)
So when taking a long trip remember a few of these tips:
1) A compass and map are cheap and priceless! A simple map of the US and compass can help you get a lot done... all you need to know is North from South and where you've already been. These make a great backup in a pinch if your GPS dies.
2) Keep checking road markers. If you're going through a sparse area remember to keep checking road signs every few miles to know exactly where you are and that will make the use of a map...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 11:55 AM
If you haven't been on that special road-trip yet, now could be the time.
Specific areas of the US and Canada are at peak weather conditions around the end of August, here's a list from Getaway:
Americas:
Alaska — Denali National Park
June to August is seen as warm, peaks being July to mid-August. May and September offer quite mild weather and are seen as off peak. October may see blizzards, with November to February for snow.
Canada — Ontario, Toronto
Spring, summer and autumn are ideal warm weather for touring. If you want to ski, head over for winter. Warmest months are July and August.
United States — California, New York
East Coast...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 11:17 AM
Planning on a long trip? At some point you may need a jump. Seems like a basic thing to do for your car, but you'd be surprised how many people can't use jumper cables properly.
● Find a car to serve as the boosting car.
● Park the two cars -- the dead car and the boosting car -- close to one another, making sure that they're not touching each other.
● Make sure both cars' engines are turned off, and both cars are in park.
● Clamp the red jumper cable (i.e. the positive cable) to the dead car's positive battery terminal, which is marked with a "+." Make sure that the clamp is firmly connected to the battery.
● Clamp the other end of the...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:39 PM
At Van-Go Rentals we are proud to carry a sweet lineup of Honda cars for our customers like the 2011 Honda Civic, but not everyone is convinced it's the right choice, so here's a review from a CarConnection Critic:
"The current-generation Honda Civic looked pretty far-out when it was first introduced, five years ago, but it turned out to be a trend-setter. Its swoopier, more ached roofline, stubbier, yet more aerodynamic front end, drawn-forward, more rakish windshielf, and even its bold, two-tiered video-game-like instrument panel, which made other small-car dashes look plain at the time, have since been emulated by other automakers—serving...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:50 PM
Long road trips in your car can be cumbersome... They take not only a toll on your car (As it's doing most of the work) but also you as a driver... So here are a few tips and facts to stay safe!
1) Take a break every two hours!
Did you know this? The mind tends to wander, "Highway fever" can start to take over, you easily lose attention span, and that's how accidents can occur. To reduce this risk it's recommended you take an out of car break to stretch your legs and get fresh air once every two hours. It sounds like a waste of time, but it saves time compared to what you'd spend if an accident were to occur!
2) Sleep during the day
If you're...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 11:12 AM
Summer is still here and that means there's still time to take a few items off your travel to-do list.
LonelyPlanet has whipped up an awesome list of the Top 10 places for you to visit this year and most of them you can get to in a car, so if you need a rental... you know where to find us!
10. Yellowstone National Park
The world’s first national park – turning 140 next year – attracts nearly four million visitors a year, but just a trickle go in winter; consider it. Rates are lower (the Old Faithful Snow Lodge has rooms starting at $95, a fraction of summer rates), and the scenery has its own wintery majesty, when waterfalls turn to curtains...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 11:00 AM
Imagine this: You're driving down the highway, everything seems smooth... No strange noises, smooth ride, then it happens... The check engine light comes on! The Check Engine light has the ability to immediately strike fear in the hearts of drivers everywhere, and leave you wondering how much the problem is going to cost to fix and if you will be able to afford it.
While it is true that sometimes the check engine light can signal a serious issue with your car, it can also signal much more simple issues with a cheap or free fix. These problems can be anything from a cylinder misfire to your gas cap not being on tight enough and everything in...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:09 PM
When talking about getting a flat tire, it's almost more of a "When" not "If" situation. It seems to happen to everyone at some point, and it can result from a variety of factors.
So what do you do when you get one? Maybe you're on your way to work... you don't want to get your business suit all dirty from the road, and your hands are bound to get greasy, and what if you're on a busy highway?
Here are some actions you can take to prepare for a flat tire.
1.) Pack a blanket... It may seem stupid, but keeping an old sheet or blanket in the trunk of your car can save you from having to lay on the dirty ground, and will protect your clothes from...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 9:19 AM
If you're taking a long road trip, there's more to saving a buck or two than finding the right car with a good fuel economy...There are also a couple of tips you can follow to make your gas tank stretch itself out.
Cruise Control:
Don't forget to use your cruise control. Maintaining a steady speed and with cruise control can help your car consume fuel more efficiently.
The A/C:
When you're in the city, leave your windows down, but when you hit the highway, the air resistance can cause loss of fuel economy. Turn on the AC when on the highway and you could save 3-10% fuel econo...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 11:14 AM
Looking at a long road trip with your rental car? You might be surprised to find when the best times are to be on the road.
Oddly enough, it's not evading lunch times and rush hours... it's best to drive when there's no sunshine at all!
During the early morning is the most opportune driving time to make your trip... the VERY early morning, as in 3-4am.
A writer from e-How writes:
For long road trips, the best time is to drive is at night. There are fewer cars on the road, which leads to less congestion and fewer stressful situations. It also will allow a driver to cruise through a large metropolitan area, such as Chicago or Atlanta, without...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:36 PM
Packing can be a chore, and let's face it... stuff gets left behind. There are a few items that should go on every checklist tho... just in case...
1. Chargers and Powerstrips: Electronics flood our world, we live and breath them, and nothing is more annoying than getting to your destination and forgetting a charger. Since so many people use them, bring a powerstrip too... this might seem like an item that goes low on the list, but it's important if your family wants to stay fully charged, you never know when your hotel might only have one set of outlets.
2. Duct tape: It really does fix everything... clothes rip, shoes get holes in them, cases...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:48 AM
As someone taking a trip, the anxieties of driving can result in a lead-foot. You may be frustrated at tailgaters, slow drivers, traffic congestion, loud kids, or more... but it's important to stick to a few guidelines to keep yourself in check, and to keep cops off your tail so you can get the most out of your driving experience.
AOL Autos writes:
Drive within 5-10 mph of surrounding traffic. Cops are usually looking for drivers who are going noticeably faster than the other cars on the road. If you're within a pack of cars all going 5 to 10 mph over the limit, you've automatically improved your odds of not being the one that gets pulled...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:56 PM
Taking a road trip can be very stressful... it can also be a blast, and a memory that will last you the rest of your life! Follow these simple tips, and you'll be well on your way to having fun!
1. Get the oil changed and your fluids checked before you leave.
I’ve owned a few beater cars in my life. I’ve taken more than one road trip in a lemon. And I’ve been stuck on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere more times than I care to admit. Be ye not so stupid.
Make sure your vehicle is road trip ready before you leave. Have the oil changed, fill up on windshield wiper fluid and make sure you have your license,...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:38 PM
If you're looking for an extremely versatile car to suite your rental needs, consider the CR-V.
We have 2011 CR-V's ready and available, and they have rave reviews!
On reviewer on MSN Autos writes:
Pros: For starters, this is our 4th Honda. 3 Accord EXL V6s & 1 CRV. To date we have NEVER had a warranty problem with any of our Hondas. Our CRV has been a pleasure to drive & as another Senior said, it's very easy to get in & out of. At the present time we have 3,200 miles on it & are getting 26.5 mpg combined city/country driving. A little more country than city.
Cons: We didn't buy one sooner.
Overall review: This...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 9:56 AM
Figuring out what rental car suits you best can be easy if you know what you're looking for, but what if you can't decide? Try asking yourself these questions:
1) How many people are you planning on taking with you? Size matters, so you want to grab one that's big enough for everyone.
2) Where are you doing your driving? The country, the city, the desert, maybe coastal?
3) How far are you planning on going? A short trip only minutes away, maybe multiple hours, or is it cross-country?
4) What's your driving style? Do you want speed, or something a little more laid back and less aggressive?
5) Are children coming with you? If it's a family vacation...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 12:41 PM
HowStuffWorks presents us with some great helpful tips for you to consider before stepping into Van-Go and choosing the right rental car for you!
Travel is stressful. Sometimes that stress comes in the form of exhilaration. We call this eustress -- it's stress that's curative or beneficial. For example, the emotions you feel as you drive up a winding road to take in the view of an amazing vista are a type of eustress. But there's another form of stress that isn't so helpful. We call it distress, and it's the type we generally associate with frustration.
While it's impossible to eliminate distress entirely, taking time to think about your needs...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:37 AM
REMINDER!!!! Lizard Lick Towing Meet & GREET at BCCJH Saturday April 28th from 3pm until 5pm! Don't miss out! Plan now to stop by Billy Craft Chrysler Jeep Hyundai/ CRAFT DODGE RAM!
Come meet Ronnie and Bobby at Big Boys Toys at Riverfront Festival Park Lynchburg,VA
Location: Riverfront Festival Park Lynchburg, VA
Times: 11 am until 7pm
http://www.lizardlicktowing.com/events...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:43 AM
Want to do your part to help the environment this Arbor Day? Head over to Miller Park at Park Ave. & Grove St. This event is from 10am-3pm and is free to everyone.
Arbor Day celebrations will include a tree felling demo, tree autopsy, wood carvers, lumberjack activites - BIG equipment, and large tree pruning by tree professionals. Take home a free Japanese cherry tree, enjoy free hot dogs and lots more activites for kids of all ages. Presentations by Don Davis, Tom Burford, Joe Murray, and Mark Maslow.
For more information email klaus.shreiber@lynchburgva.gov or click he...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 10:05 AM
Taking time to planning your vacation is the number one way to ensure you and your family will have fun. Van-Go can help you plan by getting you a car, but what about the rest? There's destination selection, planning basics, entertainment, packing, and potentially most important of all, how to save money.
One website writes:
Road trip planning, like many things in life, is harder than it looks. The fantasy is the idea of just jumping in your car and heading off to experience wonderful adventures. Any problems? They'll just turn into hilarious stories you'll be able to tell everyone.
I've been on a lot of road trips - travel is my passion...
Posted by Billy Craft Automotive on 2:27 PM
Need to rent a car? These few tips can help you decide what packages are right for you!
If you're in the market to rent a car, consumers have a couple of options: Make a standard reservation that doesn't typically require payment information up front, and one that doesn't lock you into an itinerary.The other way is to prepay for the cost of your rental. Paying up front can sometimes save you 15 percent off the cost of your car. That sounds like a good deal, right? And who doesn't like saving money.Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/02/02/is-it-worth-it-to-prepay-for-car-rentals/#ixzz1lMPZ3...
