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.

5 Car Buying Considerations of a Savvy Consumer

Money wise consumers know that when it comes to buying a vehicle, used cars generally afford the greatest value. However, five considerations drive the cost of owning an automobile.

GMT AUTO SALES ST. LOUIS REVEALS HOW TO CALCULATE A USED CARS’ VALUE

GMT Auto Sales St Louis provides car shoppers with five vital calculations to determine prior to buying a vehicle.How to gauge car buying costs?

The monthly car note is not the only calculation to measure when buying a car.
Cost estimates by AAA indicate that from fuel economy, auto insurance, and annual maintenance all influence the vehicle ownership budget. Prior to selecting an automobile, check the average auto insurance premiums to determine affordability of insurance coverage.

Review the average fuel economy published by FuelEconomy to gauge your budget. The information is available on the U.S. federally funded website, identifying the estimated annual fuel cost of car produced since 2010.)

Which car to buy?

A savvy auto consumer bases their car buying decision on three factors:affordability, safety and style. A good performing car is both safe and reliable Refer to the reports, feedback and crash tests, featured at SaferCar.gov.

Always invest in a new or used car, suitable for your lifestyle and economic scenario. In other words, never buy a car that will take up more than a fourth of your monthly pay. Consider the vehicle'” suggests a consultant of GMT Auto Sales St. Louis.

How to offset certain costs?

“Some of our customers add an extended warranty to the car loan; However, most financial planners do not recommend this because, car buyers end up paying more in interest costs than the actual value of the vehicle.

For instance, extended warranties should never be rolled into the price of your auto loan, as you end up paying extraneous interest costs that do not affect the on the Pay any extra expenses out of pocket,” recommends a financial coordinator at GMT Auto Sales St. Louis.

Fuel Economy.gov publishes the fuel efficiency of all vehicles, produced since 2012.

On auto buying websites, (i.e. GMT Auto Sales St. Louis) used car dealerships often publish the monthly car note.

When to buy a used car?

As for scoring a valuable car deal, timing can be everything. Many auto experts advise car buyers to purchase a vehicle at the end of the year or at the beginning of the new year when new and used car dealerships are clearing out older inventory.

Where to buy a used car?

Shop at used car dealerships, where the inventory includes hundreds of preowned vehicles. The auto dealer should also be affiliated with numerous financial institutions. A good selection of preowned vehicle coupled with a variety of auto loan options help ensure a satisfying car buying experience.

“Road test our dealership for quality preowned automobiles: GMT Auto Sales St. Louis, the premier source to buy a used car in Missouri.

Playing in Traffic – Missouri Motor Vehicle Laws

Do Missouri motorist laws permit texting and driving? When are drivers required to report a car crash in Missouri? What is the legality of a Missouri motor vehicle license revocation? GMT Auto Sales, premier used cars Missouri dealership reviews Missouri driving laws.

“Are you aware of Missouri driving laws?” 

asks a sales consultant of a 

local used cars Missouri dealership.

Motor vehicle statistics Auto accidents account for the greatest cause of death for children, aged one to 13 years old in the United States.

The state of Missouri observes a few distinctive motor vehicle laws.

Missouri Motor Vehicles: Certain Ages Can’t Text + Drive 

When it’s acceptable to text and drive?
It is permissible for any motorist over the age of 21 to text and drive, in Missouri. However, younger drivers (16 to 20 years old) can only talk on a cell phone and drive but not text and drive.

Mandatory Car Crash Reporting in Missouri
When is reporting an accident mandatory in Missouri? Motor vehicle laws in MO require motorists to report a car crash under two-different conditions:

Missouri motorists should always report an auto accident within 365-days, where an unlicensed driver was involved in the car crash; and, when property damage or personal injury medical costs exceed $500.

WHEN DRIVER’S LICENSES CALL FOR RETESTING OR REVOCATION

In Missouri, motor vehicle license revocations accompany murky statutes. Certain individuals have the authority to recommend a driver’s retesting.

The state of Missouri deems certain professionals and individuals the authority to deem drivers’ unsafe. For instance, law enforcement personnel, social workers most medical practitioners (doctors, optometrists nurses; psychologists; physical or occupational therapists, and immediate family members can recommend license restrictions and require appropriate testing or license restrictions.

How does a motorist licensed in the state of Missouri know that a required test is necessary?

A certified mail notification gives driver 30 days to pass the test, submitting the results to the Department of Revenue. Based on the test results, a license may be suspended revoked or denied?
The driver may appeal any revocation, suspension, or denial to the circuit court in the county of residence within 30 days of the date of mailing of the notice.

Please visit the MO for additional information on Missouri motor vehicle statutes.

MISSOURI EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS TO DIAL

Who to call in the event of an emergency or to report an accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, motorists have three numbers to program on in his or her cell phone: the Missouri State Highway Patrol number is *55, the Missouri Highway Patrol: (800) 525-5555 and the Environmental Emergency Response: (573) 634-2436.

Windshield Ice and Snow Removal Safety Tips

Windshield ice and snow removal guide for winter driving.

To remove windshield ice and snow, you must have a mind for safety. The added stress on your windshield from the freezing temperatures can lead to disaster if you are not careful.

What matters most for windshield ice and snow removal?
Time is the most important tool. If you rush the removal, you greatly increase the risk of damage.

During the cold winter months, be aware of overnight weather conditions. Plan to get up early after freezing nights with precipitation.

How to prevent windshield ice and snow.

The best offense is a good defense. Listen to the local weather report and try to do the following:

• Park in a garage or covered area.
• Use window covers or a tarp to cover your car.
• If your budget is tight, make a windshield cover from paper bags or cardboard, then place the home made covers under the wiper blades.

Any of these steps will reduce the chance of frozen water on your windshield. In other words, you will not have any ice or snow to remove at all!

Removing windshield ice and snow.

• Before you get into your car, check to make sure no ice or snow is blocking your tailpipe. A blocked tailpipe could cause a build-up of carbon monoxide in your car. Even if you think it won’t take long, take the time to check the tailpipe and prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning in your vehicle.
• Cold glass is under stress; applying heat too quickly causes more stress. Start your car and set the defrost and the fan to “low” to prevent the windshield from heating up too quickly.
• Allow at least 5 minutes for the windshield to slowly heat up.
• Use a plastic ice scraper and a soft brush to clear the ice and snow off of your windshield.
• If you allow plenty of time for your windshield to warm up, a scraper and brush should be sufficient.
• Use a left-to-right sweeping motion to remove melted ice snow.
• Make sure you use the edge of the scraper which is designed to remove ice and snow from glass surfaces. Use of other edges of the scraper could scratch or crack the windshield.
• Be careful if you find you need to chip ice from the windshield. Excessive force can damage the windshield’s integrity and cause cracks or breaks.

Lights Out? Check Vehicle Lighting

Winter is almost here and its arrival means fewer hours of daylight and upcoming holiday travel. Before hitting the road, it is a wise idea to make sure your vehicle’s lights are in proper working order, says the non-profit Car Care Council.

“Lights play a critical role in safe driving, as the chance of an accident increases if you can’t see or be seen,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “From the driver’s seat you may not notice a light that isn’t working, so inspect all of your car’s lights and replace those that are out.”

• Lights are normal wear items that require periodic inspection and replacement. The vehicle lighting system provides nighttime visibility; signals and alerts other drivers; and supplies light for viewing instruments and the vehicle’s interior. In addition to replacing dimming, rapidly blinking and non-functioning lights, the following tips can help keep you safe:
• Keep headlights, tail lights and signal lights clean. External dirt and debris can dim operational lights from being seen by others.
• Make sure that your headlights are properly aimed. Misaimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce your ability to see the road.
• If there is any doubt on whether or not your headlights should be on, turn them on. Lights not only help you see better in early twilight, they also make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights; you should be able to stop inside the illuminated area, otherwise you are creating a blind crash area in front of your vehicle.

“Some states have laws that require the headlights to be on with the wipers,” said White. “Keeping your vehicle’s lights properly cared for and replacing wiper blades periodically will help ensure a safer ride, keeping the road ahead well-lit and giving you a clear view.”

Thanksgiving Driving Tips

According to the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year’s holiday periods are among the busiest long-distance travel periods of the year. During the 6-day Thanksgiving travel period, the number of long-distance trips (to and from a ­destination 50 miles or more away) increases by 54 percent compared to the average number for the remainder of the year. Most long-distance holiday travel, about 91 percent, is by personal vehicle, such as by car.

If you plan on hitting the road this Thanksgiving to visit family or friends, consider these tips as seen in an article from Consumer Reports to help prepare you and your car for whatever challenges might be faced on the road.

Fuel up - Don’t head out on a long trip without a full tank of gas. In addition to topping off the tank, also check fluids and tire pressures before you leave.

Pack smart - Check your vehicle’s load capacity to make sure you aren’t putting too much weight in the car. On most new cars, the total weight you can carry is printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb. This weight capacity includes cargo and passengers.

Don’t be distracted - Pay attention while driving. If you need to send a message or make a call, hand your phone to a passenger or pull over. It’s not worth risking your and your passenger’s life.

Be patient - During busy travel times, expect to hit traffic. A GPS device with traffic information can help you navigate around congested areas.

Buckle up - Always use your seat belt and make sure children are properly secured in a car seat and are seated in the rear seats if they are under 13.

Watch for weather - If you’re driving in wintry weather, make sure you clear the snow and ice off for better visibility. Also, allow for longer braking distances and reduce your speed while driving in inclement weather.

Missouri: What to Know About Driving in the Fog

(MISSOURI) St. Louis used car dealer, GMT Auto Sales reports how and what local residents should know about driving in fog.

On November 21st, flights were delayed at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport due to a fog advisory. And then, there was the 129 car pile up in Texas over the same time span. Fog is not like a hurricane that can be tracked and predicted with preciseness. Given this winter’s weather forecast, there is speculation that fog may be a regular occurrence in Missouri.

The Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a blistery, snowy Winter 2013 in the Plains, which includes, the state of Missouri. But in between, those days when the temperatures rise; and, the dew point level is within five degrees of the outdoor temps, fog is generally imminent.

GMT Auto Sales, a used car dealer known for selling the best used cars in Missouri, serves as a safety advocate in Missouri. “Drivers should know these facts about driving in fog.

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) does not recommend driving in fog. But sometimes, fog looms in, unexpectedly, as was the case with the pile-up that happened over the Thanksgiving weekend in Houston.
• Thicker than normal air, fog flows downward, into lower terrains.
• Note that fog accumulates over cold, snow-covered surfaces as warmer air pushes its way inward.

A spokesperson at GMT Auto Sales Says: “In the event that you are caught in a patch of fog, consider these driving recommendations:”

• Do not turn on high beams. Instead, switch on fog lights, designed to illuminate.
• Turn off the radio. Crack the window to hear any outside sounds, which may signal the need to stop
• Use the road’s painted markings to navigate.
• Turn on the defroster to help improve visibility.
• Do not tailgate vehicles in front of you.
• Reduce your speed by five to seven miles below the limit.

But whether it’s Missouri, Texas or any other state, drivers should always try to avoid driving in fog,” advises GMT Auto Sales.