Tag Archives: safety

3 Easy Steps for Winter Weather Driving

Winter storms are hitting the country, shutting down schools from the Midwest to the East Coast and even in the South. Cities that have never had to deal with snowy roads, like Atlanta, Ga., are buying up snow tires, and drivers are learning to drive on ice for the first time.

At Approved Loan Store, we want to provide our readers with some easy ways to prepare for inclement weather. Read on, follow our tips, and stay safe on the road this winter.

1. Avoid Distractions

Cell phone usage while driving is always dangerous, but during winter weather, it is important to eliminate other distractions that aren’t typically a problem. Some drivers might want to turn off their music and avoid eating or drinking while driving. Anyone who gets behind the wheel needs to be attentive and ready to react in case something goes wrong.

2. Emergency Kit

If something happens and a driver is stranded, an emergency kit can be a life saver. An emergency kit should include everything necessary to survive freezing weather including layered warm clothes (sweatshirts, long johns, sweat pants), a sleeping bag or blankets, jumper cables, first aid supplies, a snow scraper, a flashlight, food (dried fruit, granola bars), and water. It might also be a good idea to include a cell phone charger that plugs into the lighter, in case someone needs to call for emergency services.

3. No Unnecessary Driving

This step is pretty self-explanatory and simple to follow, and yet people continue not to follow it. In the middle of winter, almost everyone gets a touch of cabin fever. It is completely understandable, but it is also important to use some common sense. If the weather is really bad and the trip unnecessary, it is okay to wait until the roads are clear and the weather has improved.

Are you ready to get into a great new or used car, truck, or minivan? Now is the time to buy, and Approved Loan Store can help you find the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have credit problems! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mazda6 Wins Popular Mechanics Car of the Year Award

Last year, Popular Mechanics awarded their first Car of the Year award to the Ford Escape, but in its second year, Mazda has taken the magazine’s top honor.

In a joint press release, Mazda and Popular Mechanics announced that the 2014 Mazda6 was named Car of the Year. Vehicles that were in consideration for Car of the Year were judged by editors and contributors to the magazine, and their final decision was based on affordability, utility, fuel efficiency, performance, innovation, and bold design. Popular Mechanics also wrote in the announcement on their website that the Mazda6 is an “underdog story” that won the award because Mazda made a “truly great car.”

The 2014 Mazda6 comes with impressive standard features on the 2014 Mazda6 include leather steering wheel and shift knob, six audio speakers, MP3 audio input, USB connection, and front reading lights. Safety-wise, it also comes with standard 4-wheel ABS, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, stability control, and tire pressure monitoring. In their review, Edmunds gave the Mazda6 a B rating, and at the time of publishing, it had earned a consumer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Readers, what do you think? Have you checked out the 2014 Mazda6, and did it deserve to win Popular Mechanics’ Car of the Year award? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Cadillac CTS Named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and for Cadillac, the reasons for celebration go beyond turkey and presents.

Last week, Motor Trend announced that the Cadillac CTS had beat out the Mazda3 and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray to win the Car of the Year award. The official announcement was made on Fox and Friends, Fox News’ morning show. The Cadillac CTS, which Motor Trend dubbed “a car for all seasons,” has been exceedingly well-reviewed. Jalopnik called it GM’s best sedan ever, and it earned top reviews from Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, and Auto Guide.

Standard features on the Cadillac CTS 2.0L Standard include a 5.7” color display, Bose 11-speaker premium audio system, Ultrasonic Rear Park Assist, remote start, StabiliTrak, and OnStar services including emergency services and hands-free calling. Additionally, the CTS 2.0L Standard gets an estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city in RWD, 19 mpg city in AWD, 30 mpg highway in RWD, and 28 mpg highway in AWD.

No matter what car you are looking for from the Cadillac CTS to favorite Chryslers, Fords, Kias, Mazdas, and more, Approved Loan Store is ready to help YOU! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we want to work with you to find a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Study: Halloween Worst Day of the Year for Cars

If Halloween left you with egged windows and toilet papered trees, count yourself fortunate. Many drivers woke up to find damaged cars, all in the name of out-of-hand holiday mischief.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that drivers have twice the chance of waking up to broken windshields, spray painted graffiti, or slashed tires on November 1 compared to the rest of the year. An average of over 1200 insurance claims are filed for damage from Halloween night’s tricks, more than any other single day including the 4^th of July, New Years, and St. Patrick’s Day. With an average claim costing $1,528, Halloween alone accounts for $1.9 million in claims.

For drivers with a garage, the answer is obviously to park the car inside for the night, but what about everyone else? On high-risk holidays like Halloween and the 4^th of July, it might be worth it to pay for a spot in a parking garage for the day. Depending on the attachment to the car, it might be better to pay for peace of mind and prevent a costly bit of vandalism.

Was your car damaged this Halloween? Do you have any suggestions for drivers wanting to protect their car? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

Whether if you’re trading in, looking for a good deal on a used car, or ready to buy your first car, Approved Loan Store is here to help you! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you to get you a car you want at terms you can afford! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Ford C-Max Sales Increase in August Despite Rating Downgrade

Ford C-Max drivers aren’t getting 47 miles per gallon, but they don’t seem to mind.

Recent negative press about the Ford C-Max and its fuel economy rating has surprisingly not affected the vehicle’s sales numbers. Back in August, its fuel economy rating was lowered from 47 mpg to 45 mpg highway and 40 mpg city, and Ford gave a rebate of $550 to C-Max buyers and $325 to lessees. Ford still managed to sell 3,000 units in August alone, more than they sold in July.

Reviews have been very positive for the 2013 Ford C-Max, which is perhaps why their sales have been unaffected by the fuel economy rating change. Car and Driver said the C-Max has “arrived just in the nick of time” and compared to other cars in its class, it is “not a robotic electropod but a hybrid fuel sipper that Europeans would consider worthy.” The C-Max also performed very well in government safety testing, earning a four-star rating on the frontal crash test, a five-star rating on the side crash, and a four-star rating on the rollover test. As if that weren’t praise enough, Edmunds wrote that finding a car like the C-Max was as likely as finding a unicorn.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Have you heard the news about the Ford C-Max’s fuel economy rating, and would you still want to take it for a test drive? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!

From Fords to Mazdas, Kias, Chryslers, and more, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get into the car you want at terms you can afford, even if you have issues with credit! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

2014 Kia Soul Priced Under $15,000

Buying a new car on a budget can be tough, but Kia is making it a little bit easier with a price tag under $15,000 on the 2014 Soul.

Yesterday, Kia announced that the 2014 Kia Soul, their crossover “urban passenger vehicle,” will be starting at $14,700 MSRP plus $795 in destination charges. Sales for the Soul in the United States have gone steadily up each year. Back in 2009, Kia sold 31,621 units in the United States, and last year, Kia sold 115,778 units. So far in 2013, Kia is looking to surpass their 2012 sales number with 73,191 recorded sales at the end of July.

The new Soul is a bit of an upgrade and will offer some solid standard features considering the low price. Standard features on the base model include 4-wheel antilock braking system, a 1.6-liter inline-four engine, Sirius XM audio system with 6 speakers, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and trip computer. Car buyers can also spring for the Kia Soul Plus or Exclaim which come with additional features starting at $18,200 and $20,300 respectively.

Are you looking to get into a Kia Soul? How about a Dodge, a Hyundai, or a BMW? No matter what you are looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to find you the car you want at terms you can afford! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Tesla Model S Receives 5.4-Star Safety Rating, Breaks Testing Equipment

It was big news a month ago when the 2014 Chevy Impala received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but apparently this is a summer that continually needs to top itself as the Tesla Model S has earned an unprecedented 5.4-star NHTSA safety rating.

Earlier this week, the NHTSA announced that the Tesla Model S had earned a 5.4-star safety rating, making it the highest rated vehicle overall including sedans, SUVs, and minivans. According to a press release from Tesla, the Model S was designed to withstand every test thrown its way from its longer crumple zone in the front impact to the deep aluminum extrusions in the side rail of the car for the side pole intrusion test. Designers also placed the battery pack in the floor pan, improving its performance in the rollover test, and if the buyer orders the optional third row seat, there is a double bumper installed in the vehicle.

What really blew our minds while reading the press release from Tesla, however, was their recap of the roof crush protection test. During the test, the testing machine broke down. This machine is built to put vehicles through their paces and help automakers make them safer, and it gave out while testing the Model S. While some people might call that just a happy coincidence for Tesla, the people monitoring the test measured that four Tesla Model S vehicles could be stacked on top of a Model S, and the roof would not cave in. When a car performs that well in all its tests, it deserves to earn a more-than-perfect 5.4-star rating.

Are you looking for a safer car or one with better fuel efficiency? No matter what you’re looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to help you get in a car you want at terms you can afford! Good credit, bad credit, no credit, we will work with you! Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Nissan Prices Altima Under $23,000

The Nissan Altima has gone through a major overhaul for the 2014 model, and Nissan is finally able to announce the pricing on one of their most popular vehicles.

Starting price for the Altima ranges from $22,650 for the Altima 2.5 up to $31,450 for the Altima 3.5 SL. Standard features on the Altima 2.5 include the Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Nissan Direct Ignition System, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, push button ignition, power windows and door locks, and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS). There are additional audio, technology, and navigation packages available for certain models and a wide range of optional features for an additional cost.

The 2014 model has a lot to live up to considering how the 2013 Nissan Altima was received. Edmunds named the 2013 Altima as their Top Recommended Sedan under $25,000, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Altima a five-star overall rating in their New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). After glancing through the features list and the photos Nissan has released so far, it is safe to say that probably won’t be a problem.

Are you looking to get into a Nissan Altima? How about a Chevy, Chrysler, or Kia? No matter what you are looking for, Approved Loan Store wants to find you the car you want at terms you can afford! Are you finally ready to get into a great new or used car? Get started today by filling out our secure online auto loan application here, and for more auto news and buying tips, like Approved Loan Store on Facebook, follow Approved Loan Store on Twitter, and subscribe to Approved Loan Store on YouTube!

Mobile App Follows Driving Habits

Mobile apps today can track everything from calorie intake to running distance, and now a new app is available to track driving habits (and offer helpful suggestions for improvement).

Mobile apps like Dash and Automatic connect to the Onboard Diagnostics port and then give information back to the driver. There isn’t much information on Dash yet, but their website promises that the app will “make the roads safer, more affordable, and much more social.” Pictures of the app in use show a “Dash Score” out of 100 as well as miles driven and saved trips. Automatic, on the other hand, has an extensive rundown of features including tips for better fuel efficiency, crash alerts, and even a tracker that remembers where the car is parked.

The upside is that the driver or a teen driver’s parent can keep track of their driving habits, such as rough braking, speeding, and rapid acceleration. The downside is that insurance companies could later use this information to jack up insurance costs, and government agencies could potentially have access to this information as well.

Our recommendation is before downloading any driving apps or installing any car trackers, take a few minutes to read through their terms of use and privacy policy. If you are uncomfortable with any way that they plan to use your information, then don’t download the app.

Image courtesy of jannoon028 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Is Google Glass a Driving Distraction?

Ever since Google started testing the Google Glass, the product has been criticized as creepy, intrusive, and rude to everyone who doesn’t want their life recorded. Unfortunately, Google Glass might be facing another obstacle as lawmakers debate whether wearing Google Glass while driving is a dangerous distraction.

Lawmakers in the United States and United Kingdom are examining how the Google Glass is used by drivers and whether it is equivalent to using a touch-screen dashboard or GPS system, both of which are completely legal, or whether it is more akin to texting while driving. Many states across the country currently have laws against texting while driving, and depending on what they decide, drivers using Google Glass could be subject to fines.

This is a tricky subject, and the argument that Google Glass isn’t any more distracting than a GPS is not without merit. Personally, though, I hope that using Google Glass while driving will be classified as a driving distraction. A driver needs to be focused on the road and their fellow drivers, and this device takes a person’s eyes and attention off of the road.

Readers, we want to hear from you! Do you think the Google Glass is a distraction? Would you use it while driving? Leave a comment below, and let us know what you think!