European Imports

European Imports specializes in the sales and service of fine European Automobiles. 2232 Woodward Ave Lock Haven, PA 17745 | [phone] | www.euroimports.biz

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The Different Types of Truck Cabs

When you’re shopping for a truck, you’ll probably notice some lingo among dealers with which you might not be familiar. Some vehicles are advertised as having a “crew cab,” while others are “double cab” or “extended cab,” and others do not mention these words at all.

What’s the difference? The space inside trucks with each different cab configuration will be divided a bit differently. Depending upon how you will be using your truck (personal vs. business) and whether you plan on having frequent passengers, you'll need to select the truck cab that best fits your own lifestyle.

Regular Cab

Of the three most common types, regular cab trucks generally have the least amount of inside space. They have a single row of seats, and there is no backseat at all. Since these trucks are smaller than other options and do not have nearly the capacity of an extended or crew cab, they are typically reserved for personal use by individuals who are either single or have very small families. Regular cabs are convenient if you don't need a lot of space apart from the bed, but are not ideal for those who frequently ride with others or need to carry large amounts of cargo inside of the vehicle.

Extended Cab / Double Cab

Both words refer to the same thing. Extended cab trucks are larger than regular cabs in that they have a (rather small) backseat. In order to access the backseat, passengers will need to open small doors that are only exposed when the truck’s main doors are already opened. The extended cab is a good compromise for those who want more space than a regular cab provides but may not want to drive a larger crew cab. However, if you regularly have several passengers or otherwise use your backseat often, it can become annoying to have to open your front doors in order to reach the back.

Crew Cab

The crew cab is the largest of the three types of trucks on the market today. A crew cab is similar to an SUV in that it has larger seats in the back that are accessed by their own full-sized doors. However, the crew cab is somewhat limited in that its bed is often shorter than that of an extended cab, in order to provide more room for the cab. By far the most expensive configuration, the crew cab is recommended for those who need a larger cab capacity or travel with others very often and don’t mind sacrificing a larger bed space.

Which one is right for you? Evaluate your needs and pick on that can fit your crew and gear in the best way for you.

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Picking Your Teen’s First Car

Is your son or daughter’s sweet sixteen coming up? What about a high school graduation or other major milestone? All of these are great times to give your teen their very first car. If you’re in the market for the first time in a while, or if you’ve never shopped for a car for a younger driver, there are some special things to keep in mind while you’re looking around at your options.

Consider a New, Used Car

Purchasing a car that’s brand new leads to higher car payments along with higher insurance premiums. You can often find the same vehicle two to three years older for a fraction of the cost of the new model. Of course you don’t want to spend a lot on a car that’s decades old, but picking one that was made within the last five years or so is a great way to save some serious cash. As long as the car is still relatively new and has a reasonable number of miles on it, it should run perfectly fine for years to come.

Stay Subtle

Once you have a new driver on your policy, your insurance rates are going to climb-- there’s no avoiding that. You can, however, soften the blow to your wallet by buying smart. Don’t purchase a sports car or sports edition of an ordinary sedan, as these types of vehicles automatically carry higher premiums regardless of the age of the driver. Stick with a sub-compact car or small truck, and you’ll find yourself paying less.

Bonus: if your child has his heart set on that Mustang, tell him that he can drive the first car while he goes to school, and in a few years when he has an income of his own, he can help purchase the new car and pay for his insurance. He’ll become a responsible car owner in the process.

Think Practically

Does your son really need a brand new king cab truck for his sixteenth birthday? Young drivers are naturally more prone to wrecks and other accidents, so it’s not the best idea to entrust them with high-dollar vehicles. Consider the things that your child needs most from their car: reliability, fuel economy, etc. Don’t feel bad or guilty if you can’t afford a brand new or luxury vehicle-- it’s smarter to get a less flashy car for their first one anyway, as we mentioned earlier. Your child mainly needs a reliable method of transportation, so focus on finding that. Your options are nearly limitless.

Shop Smart

Don’t buy from the first lot you visit. Some dealers are notorious for trying to send their customers home with a less-than-great deal. Shop around and test drive a variety of vehicles, and always check CarFax for the history of any cars you’re considering. Talk cautiously with dealers, and don’t get pressured into spending more than you can afford or bringing home a car you don’t love. Visiting multiple locations will ensure that you find the perfect car at the perfect price.

Having a teen old enough to get behind the wheel isn't going to be an easy transition. Make the car buying process an easy one with these tips to avoid even more stress on you. Have your child test drive the vehicle and make sure they're comfortable with handling the vehicle you choose. You don't want something that's too big for them or not comfortable to drive.

Come see us to find the perfect car for your teen's first time out on the road!

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Rules For Riding Shotgun

As a passenger in a vehicle, you may think that you're off the hook from having to do any work, but you're really a second pair of eyes and hands for the driver. Knowing how to be the best shotgun rider can help out your driver and make the ride that much more fun (and safe) for everyone.

Let The Driver Be In Charge

No one likes a backseat driver, especially from the front seat. As a passenger, you usually don't get to choose the radio station or decide if it's too cold, although you're welcome to make suggestions. But, you should be the one to adjust those things when the driver is ready. In the front seat, you have the unique advantage of being there to help your friend behind the wheel. Reaching for controls takes the focus off of the road and an extra pair of hands can be incredibly advantageous in a moment where a second's glance towards the dash could cause trouble.

Watch The Road Too

Your driver obviously knows the rules of the road. They wouldn't have a set of keys if they didn't. But things come up quickly and if it looks like your driver hasn't seen something that you have from your vantage point, bring it up calmly. (I mention "calmly" as the way to do it because there's nothing scarier as a driver than a passenger yelling about possible danger.) This is just as true for highway driving as it is for backing out of a parking space. With cars on either side, it can be difficult to see if anyone is coming your way and a passenger can be a second pair of eyes to be sure that your vehicle is in the clear.

Road Tripping It?

If you're heading out for a longer trip, you're responsibilities as a shotgun rider are even greater. You might be in charge of food distribution if you stop at a drive-thru, keeping the driver (and yourself) attentive and awake, giving directions, and much more. If you're traveling with a group, keep the rest of the car in line and protect your driver from more distraction from the crowd.

Remember that even though you're not the one behind the wheel, you'll want to be just as attentive to the road, conditions, and other passengers as if you were, simply to help the driver out. You'll want to be the best front seat passenger you can be for your driver so that nothing (preventable) goes wrong on your drive.

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Is Your Car Pet Ready?

Tips for drivers planning a road trip with the family pet so that all passengers can remain comfortable in the close quarters of a vehicle interior.

Before you and your pet hit the road, make sure your vehicle is both pet ready and road ready, take steps to keep your pet safe and conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection, so you can have an enjoyable, low-stress trip with your pet in tow.

According to the Humane Society, keep your pets in the backseat. The safest way for a dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Cats should remain in carriers. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck and make plenty of rest stop breaks.

Be sure to check your vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system before embarking on summer road trips. Driving with your windows closed and the A/C on will keep all passengers comfortable and protect your pet from sticking its head out the window. Do not leave pets unattended in the car, even with the windows slightly open, as inside temperatures soar and will endanger your pet.

Cleaning your vehicle’s interior will make for more comfortable travel with your pet. Heavy casino duty floor liners, water proof car seat covers and water repellent fabric or leather solutions will help protect your vehicle from pet hair, odors and other messes. Keep a kit in the trunk for on-the-spot cleanups, containing such items as upholstery or leather cleaner, glass cleaner, paper towels or rags and lint rollers. Place dryer sheets under the seats to help keep your car smelling fresh.

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Steps to Help Keep Your Car Longer

Sensible steps to help motorists maintain their vehicles for safety, dependability and value....

Keep it Clean

Washing and waxing your vehicle on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that may harm the finish.

A good cleaning of the inside and outside of the vehicle prevents the buildup of damaging chemicals and dirt, reduces the potential for rust from road salt and ensures proper visibility needed for safe driving.

Rely on Your Senses

When driving, always be alert and rely on your senses. While you may be familiar with noises that your vehicle makes on a daily basis, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem. Listen for sounds such as squealing, thumping, hissing and grinding – these are all signs that the vehicle may be trying to tell you something.

Unusual smells such as burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, rotten eggs, burning carpet or the sweet smell of syrup can be a sign of serious, and potentially costly, trouble for your vehicle.

When you hear or smell something that doesn’t seem right, do not ignore it. Instead bring your car to a professional service technician to get an informed opinion on the nature of the sound or odor.

Stay on Schedule

The key to a car running at its best is basic maintenance. Keeping up with fluid changes, tire checks, filter changes and other services will help avoid bigger and more expensive repairs. Over time, some car parts and components wear out or become damaged. Being aware of your car will help you address any issues before they become bigger problems.

If you treat your car as a valuable investment and commit to regular preventative auto care, not only will you end up saving money, but your car will keep on running for many miles down the road.

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Signs Your Brakes Need to be Inspected

Routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle.

When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year. Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.

Seven signs your brakes need to be inspected:

Noise: screeching, grinding or clicking noises when applying the brakes.

Pulling: vehicle pulls to one side while braking.

Low Pedal:brake pedal nearly touches the floor before engaging.

Hard Pedal: must apply extreme pressure to the pedal before brakes engage.

Grabbing: brakes grab at the slightest touch to the pedal.

Vibration: brake pedal vibrates or pulses, even under normal braking conditions.

Light: brake light is illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard.

Brakes are a normal wear item on any vehicle and they will eventually need to be replaced. Factors that can affect brake wear include driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material.

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April is National Car Care Month: Time to Make Auto Care a Top Priority

Car Care Inspections Reveal 80 Percent of Vehicles Need Service

Analytics are big these days in business, sports and politics. When it comes to auto care, the numbers tell a very revealing story as 80 percent of vehicles need service, a new part and/or repair.

With so many vehicles in need of service, National Car Care Month in April serves as an important reminder to take action today so you can depend on your vehicle down the road. It’s easy to postpone vehicle maintenance when things get busy, but don’t put it off. Addressing minor service needs before they become major will help you avoid unexpected car trouble and unplanned costly repairs.

The Car Care Council reports that vehicles inspected at community car care events held throughout the country in 2015 failed one or more aspects of the inspection process. Some areas posting the highest failure rates include: low fluid levels (washer fluid 26 percent, engine oil 23 percent and coolant 19 percent); clogged or dirty air filters 19 percent; illuminated check engine light 13 percent; worn belts 13 percent; and needed battery service and wiper blade replacement 13 and 12 percent, respectively.

Many maintenance needs are quick and inexpensive to resolve, so it’s easy to make auto care a priority during National Car Care Month. To help you ‘be car care aware,’ the Car Care Council has many free tools available at www.carcare.org, including the popular Car Care Guide and a customized service schedule with email remainders that makes it simple to follow a routine maintenance program.

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Take the stress out of the car buying experience - Find your next vehicle at European Imports in Lock Haven, PA!

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Easy Steps to Better Gas Mileage

Easy car care steps to improve gas mileage. While gas prices are down, turn the savings into better gas mileage to increase the savings for you and the environment.

Perform these five simple steps to improve fuel economy AND save money! 

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Winter can be rough on your car. In many areas of the country, drivers face snow storms, below-zero temperatures and pot holes – conditions not conducive for healthy cars.

Mechanics say spring is a good time to wash away the winter sludge and tune up your ride.

Here are five spring car maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Remove leftover salt

Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause major damage, especially your undercarriage where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.

2. Check alignment and suspension

Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.

3. Change oil and check fluids

If your last oil change was before winter, then this is a great time to do it. Spring is also a good time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services and It’s a very costly repair - between $2,200 and $4,200 - if you have to rebuild or repair (a transmission).

Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.

4. Rotate tires and check air pressure

You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. You car’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety.

Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.

One of the biggest issues  is the front tires wearing out early, which can lead to handling issues. Tires aren’t cheap. They can go from $500-$600 for four new ones.

5. Inspect brakes

Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.

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To Idle or Not to Idle, That is the Question

It is that time of the year when many motorists let their vehicle “warm up” or idle before driving. In fact, today’s modern cars are ready to drive in cold temperatures without excessive idling.

Unless you are trying to defrost the windshield or warm the interior of your car, idling is not required for today’s vehicles. In most cases, idling longer than 30 seconds is unnecessary. The best way to warm up your car’s engine is to drive gently at the start. Remember, a vehicle gets zero miles per gallon when idling and the result is lower fuel economy and wasted money.

The idea of idling before driving dates back to when cars were built with carburetors. With new fuel-injection technology, complex computer systems and thinner synthetic oils, drivers don’t need to warm up their cars before hitting the road.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “When a car idles for more than 30 seconds, it has several negative effects, such as increasing air pollution unnecessarily, wasting fuel and money, and causing excessive wear or even damaging a car’s engine components, including cylinders, spark plugs, and the exhaust system. Contrary to popular belief, idling isn”t an effective way to warm up most car engines.”

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Why Buying a Used Car with a Tax Refund is a Smart Choice

Getting a big tax refund this year?

Good for you!

Tax season can be stressful for some taxpayers, but for those who will be receiving a large refund, it can feel like winning the lottery.

When deciding what you are going to do with this financial windfall, have you considered buying a used car?

If not, perhaps you should.

Buying a used car with a tax refund is a smart choice if you have been considering making a car purchase in the New Year. For many people, the tax refund is like free money from the sky – and it can be tempting to splurge on non-essential items or a vacation. While this is well and good, putting that money toward a used car is probably a wiser investment for the long term. There’s always next year for that vacation.

Here are 3 reasons why buying a used car with a tax refund is a great idea this year:

1. Reliability

A used car is a reliable machine. It has already proven itself over thousands of miles, and with proper care and maintenance can be trusted to keep going for the long haul.

Of course, there are risks inherent to any car purchase, and since your used car will likely not be under warranty, you have to be extra careful when making that purchase.

Getting the car from a trusted dealer is the best bet to ensure the reliability of your tax refund purchase.

2. Affordability

Used cars offer more bang for your buck than new cars do, generally speaking.

In the past, used cars have had a reputation for unreliability at the sacrifice of paying a lower price. More recently, this trend has been changed by seeing more used cars staying on the road for up to 200,000 miles.

Not only are they road-tested, but buying a used car from a reputable dealer ensures you are getting a great vehicle at a great bargain.

Your interest rate on a car loan for a used car will be lower, resulting in a lower monthly payment. In addition, your insurance rate on a used car is likely to be lower than on a new car.

3. All The Features of a New Car, Except the Price

Let’s face it, although the bells and whistles change, the essence of a car remains the same.

Four wheels, an engine, transmission, brakes – these are the important elements of a good car.

Do the high-end features look nice? Of course.

Are they useful and great to have? Absolutely.

But when deciding to purchase a used car, you are making an investment in the basics. You may have to trade in a couple of the fancier features, but in return you get great savings and a great car.

Conclusion

Trust us, we know that you want to put your tax refund toward some big purchases.

A big new TV or a week long vacation both sound so tantalizing.

But getting the right used car means getting a reliable, affordable, and high performance machine at a great price, and with many of the same advantages as buying new. Not to mention the investment that you’d be making your tax return, that some day can pay you back when you trade-in or sell your car.

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Taking out a car loan will help you build good credit.

Like many people, you may find you will need some added help financing your purchase of a new set of wheels.

Getting a loan will help you pay for the car upfront, while you pay the lender back in smaller increments, usually over the course of a few years. Your interest rate may depend on several things, including your credit score and income, but the average right now is about 5.04 percent for a three-year loan to buy a used car, according to Bankrate.

Once you nail down how much you can spend on a car and the terms of the loan, you can determine how much you can afford each month. Be sure to cover all your bases in determining this amount, including:

Loan payments

Insurance fees

Registration costs

Gas

Maintenance, such as oil changes

Parking

Business Insider pointed out that first-time auto buyers can take this opportunity to begin building good credit.

Taking out a loan and paying it back consistently on time will help boost your credit score and give you an advantage next time you need to take out a loan, whether it’s for a new car or something else, like a mortgage.

However, if you fail to budget correctly and can’t make the loan payments every month, your credit can become damaged quickly, causing you more problems in the future.

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What To Look For On A Used Car Test Drive

After you’ve decided which car models interest you most, taking a test drive is one of the most important steps in the process of buying a used car. A test drive is more than just a free couple of minutes in the car of your choice. It’s the perfect time to decide whether or not the car is right for you. While test driving the car, pay attention the following five areas.

Area One: Comfort

The majority of people buying cars will end up spending a lot of time in them. Whether you’ve got a lengthy commute to and from work, or you’re chauffeuring your kids to extracurricular activities, you want a car that meets your comfort requirements. Being uncomfortable in car isn’t just annoying, but dangerous. It can distract you from where your attention is needed most when you’re driving. Make sure you play with the mirrors and seats to ensure that you can adjust them to the correct positions.

Area Two: Visibility

The more cars you test drive, the more you’ll realize that some have such terrible visibility that it could become a safety issue. Check the visibility while the car is parked and when you’re driving to determine how big blind spots are and where they’re positioned.

Area Three: Car Noise

Noise might not be a deciding factor in whether or not you buy a particular car, but it can contribute to your comfort level when you’re driving. A noisy ride can be bothersome and distracting when you should be focusing on the road.

Area Four: Size

Make sure you’re comfortable with the size of the vehicle you’re test driving. One way to test out how comfortable you are with the size of a car is to try parking it. Test out how it feels to pull into a parking spot, back out of one and how easy it is to parallel park the car. You’ll quickly get a feel for the size of the car and where your comfort level lies.

Area Five: Handling

Take note of how well the car handles as you drive it. How well does it handle turns, curves and different road surfaces? Pay attention to how quickly the car accelerates and how the brakes work, too. The best advice for understanding how the car handles is to test drive it in similar driving conditions that you typically encounter. For example, if you drive on highways daily, you should test drive cars on the highway to understand how the car accelerates.

When it comes time for you to test drive some used cars, make sure you follow these tips. Understanding what to look for when test driving cars can help you make an informed decision when you’re ready to purchase your next vehicle.

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Be good to me, I’ll be good to you, says your car!

We know you love your car, and you know what, we love them too. So this week, we’ve decided to show you how you can extend your car’s life with everyday things. Even if you don’t plan on keeping your car so long, keeping your car in great condition will help you get more out of your car trade-in for your next upgrade!

1. Drive with care everyday Being car considerate shouldn’t stop after the break-in. Drive with care every day and your car will reward you with longer intervals without repair. Do not race your car’s engine during start-up.This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside.

2. Don’t fill up if you see the tanker If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment.

3. Go easy when you’re stuck When stuck in mud or snow, don’t make the problem worse by damaging an expensive component. Gently rocking in an attempt to free the car is fine. But if it looks as though you’re really stuck, don’t keep at it.

4. Lighten up your key chain Does your car key share a chain with a dozen or more other keys? That’s a pretty heavy load hanging off the car key when it’s in the ignition.The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive, can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure.

5. Park in the shade Of course, a garage is always the ideal place to park your car. But if one isn’t available, minimize interior damage from UV sunlight and heat by always trying to park your car in the shade. If no shade is available or if you find parking under a tree results in bird droppings, use a car shade to minimize the sun’s impact.

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How to Improve Fuel Efficiency

When you drive, you will want to improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. By doing so, you can also help save on wear and tear of parts of your vehicle. You can help improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle by simply changing a few driving habits. The most effective step you can take to help reduce costs is to accelerate slowly and to brake over a longer distance. Speeding, braking, and rapid acceleration all lead to wasting gas. If you try to anticipate stoplights and signs, you will get better gas mileage. It is also important to slow down when driving. Gas mileage decreases once you go above sixty miles per hour. Also when you fill your tank with gas, make sure to do it when it is the coolest outside. By fueling it up in the morning or late at night, the fuel will be denser and result in you getting more for the same amount of money.

By keeping your vehicle maintained properly, you can also help with fuel efficiency of it. Having it in for a regularly scheduled maintenance check up will help ensure your vehicle is running the best it can. Be sure to check the tire pressure of your vehicle and by keeping your tires properly inflated it can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Also checking the alignment of your wheels is important as well. If you notice an issue with the tires, make sure to bring the vehicle in to your trusted auto care center as soon as possible. Catching an issue at the first sign can help you to prevent further damage and wear in the future.