Locklear Automotive

Road Trip Planning

Believe it or not, it’s already Memorial Day, which means the official start of summer is only weeks away. Although, if you take a step outside, it feels like summer has already arrived. Nevertheless, as June quickly approaches and as the school year nears its climax, there is time for only one thing: family vacations. Many families, however, may be reluctant to plan any type of vacation due to the outrageous gas prices, and understandably so. Planning a road trip with the family can be a stressful and overwhelming task just by itself, yet, when you account for the price of gas, it can, at times, seem unbearable. But there is no need to worry. The resourceful folks at AAA not only have a Fuel Cost Calculator, but they have also invented a free and simple mobile app known as the TripTik Mobile Phone App.

AAA: Helping you along the way

                Most of us associate AAA as the folks who help us with our car trouble on various highways and interstate roads, but they’re much more than that. Take for instance, the resourceful and consumer friendly AAA Fuel Cost Calculator (ADD LINK). The AAA Fuel Cost Calculator allows you to plug in the START and END location, make, model, and year of your vehicle and the “calculator” will total the cost of gas for you. Simple enough, right?  However, that’s nothing compared to their TripTik Mobile App.

TripTik Mobile App

                With AAA’s TripTik Mobile App, available for both the I-phone and Android devices, the driver can “simply enter your route in the app, select the gas pump icon and then view gas prices at various stations in your desired area (tnooz.com).” The unfortunate reality is that each gas station offers a different price than the next, as a result, it may take more time than you have to find the cheapest gas. Therefore, AAA’s TripTik Mobile App, similar to a GPS system, guides you to the nearest and least expensive gas station. It’s free and simple, what more could you ask for?

(Source: locklearcars.com)

Extending the Life of your Car (part III)

Check Fluids

                Anti-freeze, oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid; these are the fluids that require close monitoring from the car’s owner. To help extend the life of your car, it is highly recommended to check the aforementioned fluids each time you pay a visit to the pump. Yet, what exactly would you be checking for?

                When checking the vehicle’s fluids, keep an eye out for color deterioration. For example, if the oil is black, then it’s been left in the engine too long. Or, if it resembles a white tint, then it most likely has water in it; what you want is a relatively clear color. Additionally, Transmission fluid should be bright red; if not, it’s time for a change.

(Source: locklearcars.com)

Extend Life of your Car (part II)

Tires: Keeping them rotated and inflated

                Rotating the tires serves two distinctive purposes: 1) Reduces uneven wear and tear, and 2) extends the life of the tires. It is recommended that you rotate your tires at least twice a year (or, every 6,000 miles). Although it is recommended to rotate them diagonally (front right to rear left and front left to rear right), the pattern can change. It all depends on what type of tires your car has. For instance, the tires found on sports cars are directional, and therefore, are only meant to spin one way.

                Although it should go without saying, another way to extend the life of a vehicle is to ensure that the tires are inflated at all times. Not only could under-inflated tires reduce tire life by 15 %, but unkempt tires can also decrease gas mileage. It’s simple: each time you fill up the gas tank, simply check the tires.

(Source: locklearcars.com)

How to Extend the Life of your Car (part 1)

Extending the life of your car is not only logical, but it can also save you an abundance of money long-term. Given our stagnant economy, stretching every last dollar has become more pertinent than ever. Remarkably, it is the standard check-ups that can extend the life of your car. Yet, some people simply put them off. Can you believe that? Arguably, there are certainly more than just a few ways to extend the life of your car. However, we think the most effective ways are as follows: changing the oil regularly, Rotating and keeping the tires inflated, and, lastly, checking the fluids you put into your car.

Changing the Oil Regularly

                Perhaps, the easiest way to extend the life of your car is to change the oil on a regular basis. Now, what does that regular basis consist of? Usually, it’s recommended to change the oil every 3-6 months or 3,000-5,000, Furthermore, changing the oil when necessary not only improves gas mileage, but it also protects the engine.

                Additionally, when changing the oil, you’ll also want to change the oil filter since there’s absolutely no sense in putting new oil into a dirty filter.  An oil filter is extremely cheap and can be found at any car parts establishment. For more information on changing your oil, take a look at the car’s service manual and/or give your dealership a call.

(Source: locklearcars.com)

Car Techology (part IV)

UConnect Touch Display & Sirius Satellite Radio

The Chrysler 300 doesn’t come up short in the entertainment department, either. The 300 comes equipped with the UConnect Touch display, which entails Sirius Satellite Radio, the Alpine Sound System, as well as UConnect Voice Command (Bluetooth capable). Sirius Satellite Radio, with the addition of several enhancements including Instant Replay, Game Alert and Song/Artist Alert, allows you to experience radio like never before.

ParkSense® Front & Rear Park Assist System

                 Not a great parallel parker? Chrysler’s got you covered. When the 300 is accelerated forward or put in reverse at low speeds, “sensors send out signals then pick up their echo when it bounces off an object.” Additionally, the all-new Chrysler 300 is equipped with the ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera, which assists you in detecting obstacles outside your line of sight.

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(Source: locklearcars.com)

Car Techology (part III)

Chrysler 300: Chocked Full of Technology

                “All that talk of technology is cool and all, but how about an actual car that has it all?” Look no further than the all-new Chrysler 300. The Pentastar’s famed sedan comes equipped with Quick-Touch Convenience, Entertainment features, as well as Parking Assistance.

The most interactive of the three technological features, the Quick-Touch Convenience allows countless features, including: Remote Start, New Keyless Enter ‘n’ Go™ Ignition System, Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with Humidity Sensor, Voice Command, and much more. While all of these amazing features serve their own function, the New Keyless Enter ‘n’ Go Ignition System seems to standout.

Keyless Enter ‘n Go Ignition System

The Keyless Enter ‘n Go Ignition System allows you to unlock the vehicle simply by touching the front door handles (Note: You have to possess the key fob). Additionally, once in the vehicle, the driver can start the engine by simply pressing the “Engine Start-Stop” button. Furthermore, as long as the key fob is within the passenger compartment, that same button can also turn on the radio, climate controls without even starting the engine.

(Source: locklearcars.com)

Car Techology (part II)

Active Safety Systems

Another groundbreaking car technology is the Active Safety System. An active safety system not only provides extra safety and protection, but it also includes radar, cameras, and other equipment, used specifically for monitoring danger as well as minimizing automobile accidents and reducing death and injuries.

Programmable vehicles

Electronics are enhanced and used today more than ever before.  Vehicle electronics are becoming more vital to consumers. It’s important for the electronics to be accessible in the vehicle without distracting the driver.  This is where programmable vehicles come in. For instance, programmable vehicles play a huge role in the drivers ability to control electronic device without physically touching them.  Furthermore, most new vehicles have buttons to access the sun roof, car seat, and radio.

(Source: locklearcars.com)

Car Techology (part 1)

Future & Most Recent Technologies

Different technologies are steadily progressing and have evolved mightily in the last century. Car technology is no exception. New car technologies continue to make an effort to improve fuel efficiency, increase safety, aid navigation and repair. More specifically, technologies such as navigation systems, active safety systems, and programmable vehicle technologies are able to do such a thing.

Navigation Systems

One of the main functions (though not the only one) of a Navigation System is to guide you to the correct location when you’re lost. Additionally, navigation systems vary in size, sound, and quality but in essence do the same exact thing: Get you where you want or need to be! All navigation systems are small computers that show your position on a map. Therefore, drivers are provided with directions, maps, and information on businesses such as hotels, hospitals and restaurants.

(Source: locklearcars.com)

2011 New York Auto Show- 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 (part III)

Equipped with a 6.4-liter V-8 that generates 465 horsepower as well as 465 pounds of torque, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 will not only supply you with a powerful ride, but it will also get you from 0-60 in under five seconds. There a few subtle, yet significant changes from its 2010 counterpart. For example, the ’12 model boasts a computer-controlled adaptive suspension, which comes in handy in the steering column. Additionally, the powerful, restyled Chrysler 300 is also equipped with a monitoring system that assists the driver in difficult driving conditions.

                One obvious difference from the 2010 Chrysler 300 is the proximity to the ground: the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 rest a half-inch lower than its predecessor.  Overall, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 supplies you with style, torque, power, and above all else, speed.

(Source: locklearcars.com)

2011 New York Auto Show- 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 (part II)

Something for Everyone

Although many may think auto shows are only for auto fiends, the 2011 New York IAS definitely had something for everyone, from sports cars to budget rides to mainstream vehicles.  Depending on the time of the year, there is usually a specific trend that is blatantly obvious at Auto Shows around the globe; this one was no different.

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8

If you happened to make it to the 2011 NYIAS, then you probably saw a plethora of fuel efficient and powerful vehicles. Speaking of power, Chrysler unveiled the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 at the 2011 NYIAS.

There are two distinct words that can be used to describe the mesmerizing 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8: powerful and low. Whereas many of the cars that debuted at the NYIAS touted “supposed fuel efficiency”, the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 boasts a whole lot of power and torque.

(Source: locklearcars.com)