Welcome back for another week of refreshing automotive content! This week we want to talk to all the parent of new/teen drivers. We know this chapter is kind of scary, but we’re here to help make it a little easier. With summer in full swing and school officially being out, it’s no secret that your kids are gonna hit the road for some fun in the sun with their friends. If the thought of that makes you nervous, take a deep breath and take a look at our helpful tips below! Below you will find our tips for teen drivers, and although they might seem self-explanatory, you’d be surprised how many of us don’t obey these rules…and yes, I’m talking about parents too. That’s the thing, as parents you have to practice what you preach, which means you can’t speed, text and drive, play loud music, etc. because if they see you doing that, then they will too. So nip in the bud and start enforcing these rules to help create safer driving habits, giving you better peace of mind when they are behind the wheel. 

Tips:

Keep your cell phone off:

• It’s no secret that texting while driving is a huge epidemic when it comes to all drivers, but especially when it comes to teen drivers. The best thing you can do for yourself is to turn off your phone completely, or if that is too hard for you, put it on airplane mode or a mode that disables messages. It might be hard to not have your phone but it will be better than getting into an accident and hurting yourself or someone else. 

Turn your headlights on:

• Using your headlights increase your visibility and help others see you. Even if you think it is bright enough, you should still have them on at times like the early morning or early evening (dusk).

Obey the speed limit:

• Speeding is a major contribution to teen driving, especially when there is a lot of traffic. Obeying the speed limit is important because it gives you time to react in case you need to come to a stop quickly or something else happens unexpectedly.  

Driving solo:

• According to the DMV, having one passenger with a teen driver behind the wheel can double the risk of an accident. Teen drivers do not have the experience and skills of an adult driver, having even one person in the car can cause an extreme distraction…now imagine a full vehicle! Driving solo is a much safer bet in most instances. 

Practice defensive driving:

• Always be aware of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you. It’s better to know your surroundings and have a plan in case an unexpected incident occurs. Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you at slower speeds, and maintain a larger buffer zone with faster speeds.

Choose a safe vehicle:

• If possible try to drive a vehicle with the most up-to-date safety features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and airbags, and one with an excellent crash safety record 

Are you looking for that perfect ride your new driver? Then browse our available inventory here at Carriage traders and allow our helpful and knowledgeable team match your son or daughter with their dream vehicle today!

Have you ever thought about throwing a dart at a map and heading to the destination it lands on? No? Well, no problem because we have five amazing spots you can go right here in New York State! Getting away for some sun and relaxation is important, and even if you don’t have the time to head across the country for a week away, you can still enjoy a weekend getaway or even a day trip with the family right here in New York! Not sure what would be a fun trip for the family? No problem! This week’s blog is dedicated to just that, helping you and your family have an awesome getaway! So pack it all in, buckle-up and let’s hit the road!

Hold up! Have you serviced your vehicle recently? No! Well, before you hit the road be sure to stop into Carriage Traders for a tune-up to ensure that your trip doesn’t come to a halting stop because you forgot to service your vehicle! Plus, you can save big when you take advantage of our service specials! So head over to our site and check them out now! Be sure to print out the offer that works best for you and schedule an appointment for whenever works best for you!

Adventuring in Tupper Lake

• Take in the Adirondack wildlife at The Wild Center, which gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of the Adirondack Park.  Try The Rail Explorers pedal powered rail bikes, which make use of forgotten waterside train tracks for a unique experience. Or even shoot over to Lake Placid and grab a bite to eat and see if you can reach top speed with the Summer Bobsled Experience!  

Strong National Museum of Play

• With a name like National Museum of Play, you can see why it might be a great spot to bring the family for a day of fun! The museum is all about having a good time thanks to activities like the Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventure Mobile Park, which gives visitors the chance to test their skills of balance, climbing, and endurance. From the aquarium to the robot exhibit, the whole family will be entertained by a day trip!

Lockport Caves and Boat Tours

• Want to get out for a day unlike any other? Go deep underground at the Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride, on the Erie Canal!

A day in Lake George

• Take in the sun with a relaxing beach day, maybe a friendly game of putt-putt,  let the kids enjoy a day at the arcade or water parks, or even treat yourself with a shopping day!

Old-Time Baseball

• Go back in time at the Genesee Country Village and Museum! Don vintage wool baseball uniforms and wood baseball bats! A great way to learn about the history and still get out for some family fun!

We know you’ll be hitting the road this summer for some fun in the sun, but it is important to remember that all that traveling takes a toll on your vehicle. Wear and tear is normal, but if you don’t properly protect your vehicle against outside forces you’ll find that you could do permanent damage to both the interior and exterior. To avoid your vehicle from falling apart over time, it is important to regularly wash your vehicle and that means doing more than letting a rainstorm take care of it. Your vehicle needs products made for the paint to not only make it look better but to also protect it from outside forces. If you’re not into getting your vehicle washed on your own, DIY might be the way to go! Lucky for you this week’s blog is dedicated to teaching you how to properly DIY detail your vehicle. Check it out below or schedule an appointment with us and we can get your vehicle back into tip-top shape in no time!

Part 1: Wash Your Vehicle

• Washing your vehicle regularly keeps dirt, debris, and gritty residue that can accumulate over time, off of your exterior.
• Start washing your vehicle from the top (the roof) down.  Use a soft-bristled brush, in small, circular motions, to remove more stubborn stains and grease. Use a microfiber cloth to clean less dirty areas.
• DO NOT USE REGULAR DISH SOAP.
• These substances are designed to remove grease and oil, and they can damage your car’s finish, not to mention strip away the vehicle’s protective wax coating.
• It is important to rinse your vehicle as you go to prevent the soap and water from drying on your vehicle.
• Try not to take too long while washing your car so that the water does not dry, leaving behind mineral deposits in the form of water spots.

Part 2: Drying Your Car

• Dry your vehicle by hand. Start drying as soon as your done with the basic wash. This keeps water from drying and leaving spots.
• Use a microfiber towel to absorb the water.
• DO NOT DRAG THE TOWEL ACROSS THE CAR.
• Debris and dirt can be trapped under the towel and potentially scratch the paint.
• Drying your car to remove the majority of the moisture, allow it to air dry completely before proceeding to the detailing phase.

Part 3: Detail Your Car

• Most often, basic washing does not remove smaller particles and substances that might stick to or are worked into the paint job itself.
• Items you may need include Compound, Clay bars, Glaze, and Polish.
• Before using any detailing method, make sure you understand how to use it properly.
• USE A MICROFIBER MITT OR TOWEL.
• Don’t forget to clean and shine your tires, which are one of the most overlooked areas of a vehicle. When doing so, clean, wash, and polish one tire at a time to prevent the cleaner from drying on the tires in patches.

Step 4: Wax Your Car

• After washing, drying, and detailing the outside of your vehicle, seal it with wax. You only need to wax your car about every three months, so this process is not required every time you wash your car.
• When using a buffer, be careful because overuse could lead to paint removal
• Apply wax – using a microfiber towel, or a clean buffing pad using the car buffer
• Allow the wax to set – Proceed with applying the wax a section at a time, allowing the wax to set before removal. Check the wax container for directions on use and recommended wax set times.
• Buff the wax in – Take a microfiber cloth and use circular motions with the buffer to rub in the wax. Repeat this process until you have waxed the entire surface of the vehicle

Hello June! A new month means new ways to save big on service here at Carriage Traders! We know summer is right around the corner and that means that the time to hit the road for some fun is almost here! I think we can all agree that we enjoy the peace of mind knowing our vehicle can get us from point A to point B without any issues. If you’re not sure that your vehicle can do that, then it is definitely time to stop into Carriage Traders and service your ride with us! Our service professionals can get your ride into tip-top shape and help you take on whatever adventures you might have planned this summer! If you’re worried about spending too much on service, don’t stress it! Here at Carriage Traders, we understand service can be expensive, that’s why we offer an impressive lineup of service specials for you to choose from. So get your ride ready for summer and check out our service specials listed below! Once you find the right one for your vehicle’s needs, be sure to print out the coupon and head in today!

First Time Customers –  Get 10% off*

Front-End Wheel Alignment  – Get for only $78.88*

Conventional Oil Change – Get for only $24.95*

Full Synthetic Oil Change – Get for only $49.95*

State Inspection – Get for only $5.00*

Transmission Fluid Flush – Get for only $189.95*

Brake Fluid Flush – Get for only $89.95*

A/C Recharge – Get for only $89.95*

Make Your Own Discount:

Spend $50.00 – $100.00 – Save $5.00*

Spend $101.00 – $200.00 – Save $15.00*

Spend $201.00 – $400.00 – Save $30.00*

Spend $401.00 – $600.00 – Save $50.00*

Spend $601.00 – $800.00 – Save $75.00*

Spend $801.00 – Up – Save $100.00*

*All offers expire 6/30/2019. For more information check out our service specials page!

If you’re thinking about saying goodbye to your old ride and hello to a like-new one, Carriage Traders has an impressive lineup of cars, trucks, and SUVs for you to shop from. But before you say yes to your dream new-to-you ride, there are a handful of important questions to ask. What are they? Well, lucky for this week’s blog is here to do just that! You want to remember a pre-owned vehicle had a life before it ended up on our lot. That doesn’t mean it isn’t in good shape or the right vehicle for you, it just means it’s important to ask what it has been through before. But not the only thing you should be asking about! So let’s not waste any more time, instead, check out our top 6 questions to ask before saying yes to your like-new ride!

1. Is the car I want on the lot?

What’s the point of wasting time and energy negotiating and falling in love with a car to find out the model, or color you want isn’t even on the lot? And even if they can get it from another dealer it won’t be immediately, and who says they will honor the price you’ve agreed upon with another dealer. Talk about a heartbreaker! An easy way to avoid this problem is to do a little research. Go to the dealership with a couple of cars in mind, when you get there ask to see those cars, and have them check the inventory before you fall in love! And if they don’t have your dream car, keep your head up. There are lots of fish in the sea.  

2. What is the actual cost of the car?

Okay, this one is the obvious question but something important to know, there’s a vehicle’s MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price) and then there is the amount you have to pay to drive that baby off the lot. Depending on the car, the MSRP can be higher or lower. So again, do some research and come informed! You should also expect to pay sales tax, a state licensing fee, and a documentation fee, which dealers charge for filling out the contract. These fees can vary, so here’s where you ask how much your dealer is asking for!

3. What features don’t work the way they’re supposed to?

It’s not a bad question when shopping for a used car, I mean come on this baby might have already taken a few trips around the block and it might not be as young as it once was. Most of the time if there is an issue it isn’t a deal breaker and is an easy fix, but it’s better to know everything, rather than know nothing.

4. What is the ownership history?

If you ask this question and the dealer doesn’t know much about the vehicle’s history this could be a red flag! Don’t be afraid to ask for the vehicle history report or service records. Remember this will be your car, you don’t want to find any surprises after you’ve already signed your name!

5. What is the mileage on my car?

This is an important question even when buying new cars. What if the car was the “test drive car” or maybe it was traded from another dealership. If you’re buying a new car and the odometer reads over 300 miles ask for a discount!

6. What are my terms of payment?

Deciding whether to lease or buy is only half your battle, you have to then figure out how much you’ll be paying each month. Don’t discuss how much you can pay monthly until you’ve settled on a price of the car. And before you sign a lease, be sure to understand all of the fees and conditions, including what is considered “wear and tear.”

1. Increase your following distance:
   1. You should have three car lengths in front of you when entering a construction zone. I know you might think this is extensive but give yourself more room leaves space in case of an accident like a worker stepping out too far or even something falling in the road!
2. Don’t assume workers are present:
   1. A lot of the time you’ll see signs that tell you to reduce your speed because you are approaching a work zone, but once you get there it looks like nobody is working…so most people accelerate to normal speed. Regardless if you don’t see the worker or not, obey the speed limit. Workers could be working farther up, and even if they’re not working a cop could still be monitoring the area just waiting for someone to break the law!
3. Follow instructions from flaggers:
   1. Always obey instructions from flaggers, and assume that their instructions overrule any other traffic signs or signals. Their directions might not align with normal traffic patterns, so be prepared. Also, be on the lookout for flaggers’ signals, such as an extended palm indicating that you need to stop. Be sure to also reduce your speed and be especially aware of your surroundings when driving near a work zone with flaggers posted.
4. Minimize your distractions:
   1. Distraction-free driving is always important, but especially during work zones! When you are approaching a work zone, slow down, turn down any loud music, and stay focused on your surroundings. The more attentive you are the less likely you will be to have an accident!
5. Merge promptly at land closure;
   1. One of the most common causes of accidents and road rage in construction zones is that of lane closures. When you see a sign posted for an upcoming lane closure, be sure to merge as soon as safely possible. Do not wait until the lane is coming to an end to force your way over into the next lane over. This is not only rude to the other drivers who followed the posted signs and merged but it could cause a road rage incident.

With summer right around the corner, we are sure that you have been planning your next road trip, and you want to know what would make your road trip even better? If you said goodbye to your old, worn down vehicle, and hello to a like-new vehicle that can get you where you need to go confidently! Well, if you are you in the market for a like-new vehicle it’s your lucky day because Carriage Traders has just dropped our brand new May used-car specials and we are confident that you’ll be able to find the right one for you! Whether you’re looking for a car, truck, or SUV, we have an impressive lineup of vehicles for you to choose from so you can feel confident we can get you behind the wheel of your dream ride!

Check out all of our May offers below and be sure to head over to our website to see our full inventory if you don’t see the vehicle you were looking for! Once you’ve found your dream ride, stop into Carriage Traders for a test drive and allow our friendly and knowledgeable team walk you through all of your vehicle’s functions and features! So don’t wait any longer, stop in today before your dream ride ends up in someone else’s driveway!

Used-Car Specials:

2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid SE – Buy for only $11,900*

2011 Honda Accord SDN LX-P – Buy for only $12,900*

2012 Nissan Frontier S – Buy for only $15,900*

2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited – Buy for only $17,900

2013 Ford F-150 Lariat  – Buy for only $23,900*

2009 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD DRW LTZ – Buy for only $29,900*

*All offers expire 5/31/2019. For more information check out our specials page!

With spring in full bloom and summer right around the corner, there is no better time than NOW to get our beloved vehicle service and ready to hit the road! Luckily, with a new month comes new specials and this month we have a handful of impressive service specials that are sure to help you SAVE BIG on whatever your vehicle might need! Whether you need a simple tune-up service or more serious service, we have specials that can keep you saving big! So take a few minutes to check out all of our offers and once you find the service special for you, be sure to head over to our service specials page to print out the coupon that works best for you!

May Service Specials: 

First Time Customers –  Get 10% off*

Front-End Wheel Alignment  – Get for only $78.88*

Conventional Oil Change – Get for only $24.95*

Full Synthetic Oil Change – Get for only $49.95*

State Inspection – Get for only $5.00*

Transmission Fluid Flush – Get for only $189.95*

Brake Fluid Flush – Get for only $89.95*

A/C Recharge – Get for only $89.95*

Make Your Own Discount:

Spend $50.00 – $100.00 – Save $5.00*

Spend $101.00 – $200.00 – Save $15.00*

Spend $201.00 – $400.00 – Save $30.00*

Spend $401.00 – $600.00 – Save $50.00*

Spend $601.00 – $800.00 – Save $75.00*

Spend $801.00 – Up – Save $100.00*

*All offers expire 6/30/2019. For more information check out our specials page!

We have all been there, you’re running late, stuck in traffic, and you hear the ding only to look down and see that dreaded orange light stating your gas tank is on E. You could get out of traffic and stop at the nearest gas station, but you’re already late and you think “I could totally make it there with enough gas.” That might be true, however, it isn’t a great idea. Driving on E is actually really bad for your vehicle and can cause more damage than many drivers even know about. So if you find yourself driving on empty more than usual this week’s blog might be very eye-opening for you. Check it out below and let us know if you have any questions or if you need assistance finding a vehicle with great fuel economy.

It is dangerous to drive with a very low fuel level: The answer is simple, yes. Besides the fact, you could possibly become stranded on the side of the road, surrounded by speeding cars, driving on empty can actually damage your car. Running out of fuel could damage the catalytic converter, which would then need repair, and driving on low fuel could damage the fuel pump.

Don’t always trust the “Miles to E” reading: Most modern cars have the function to tell you how many miles you have till empty, but most people don’t realize that it is just an approximation! The efficiency or miles per gallon of the car is based on your driving habits, which means that depending on the situation, the reading can be misleading.

The driving capability of each car on empty will vary: All cars have different efficiencies, and this is why fuel efficiency is a factor that you think about when choosing a new car! It is always a good habit to know the range of your vehicle since driving on low fuel is sometimes unavoidable.