Somebody Thought These Were Great Ideas - You Decide

Automakers have always been full of creative surprises. Some ideas were clever solutions to real problems, while others left drivers wondering what the engineers were thinking. From hidden gas caps to swiveling seats, here’s a look at 9 quirky car features that actually made it to production—and left their mark on automotive history.

1. Hidden Gas Caps (1960s Dodge Charger)

Ever pulled up to the pump and thought, Where’s the gas cap? If you were driving a 1960s Dodge Charger, it might take you a minute to figure it out. The gas cap was tucked behind a rotating panel that blended so perfectly into the car’s body that some owners felt like they were playing hide-and-seek. It might not have been the most practical design, but it looked great—and today’s flush-mounted cameras and handles show that the streamlined vision of the Charger lives on.

2. Swiveling Seats (1970s Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme)

Imagine pulling up to a party in the 1970s, opening your car door, and gracefully swiveling your seat outward to step out—no awkward climbing required. It was a small luxury that made getting in and out of the car feel like an event, even if the clunky mechanism added a bit of weight. It was futuristic, fun, and ahead of its time.

3. Refrigerated Glove Boxes (2000s Rolls-Royce and Bentley)

Because keeping your water bottle in a regular glove box is so pedestrian, Rolls-Royce and Bentley decided to add refrigerated compartments to theirs. Suddenly, your luxury car wasn’t just transporting you—it was keeping your champagne chilled, too. A drink on the go never sounded so glamorous.

4. Dashboard Record Players (1956 Chrysler Highway Hi-Fi)

Vinyl lovers, this one’s for you. Chrysler once offered a dashboard record player so drivers could listen to albums while cruising. Unfortunately, every bump in the road made the needle skip, turning the feature into more of a novelty. Cadillac even leaned into the idea with a 1957 commercial featuring a record player in the back seat to show how smooth their ride was—proof that quirky features could double as marketing brilliance.

5. Built-In Vacuum Cleaners (2014 Honda Odyssey)

Honda knew what parents really needed in a minivan: a way to clean up crumbs and dirt after soccer practice or road trips. Enter the HondaVAC, a built-in vacuum cleaner that made tidying up on the go ridiculously easy. It wasn’t flashy, but it was genius, and so practical that competitors quickly followed suit.

6. The Swing-Away Steering Wheel (1961 Ford Thunderbird)

Sliding into the driver’s seat just got a little more elegant in 1961, thanks to Ford’s Thunderbird. Its steering wheel pivoted to the side when parked, letting you step in and out without squeezing or twisting. It might not seem like a big deal now, but at the time, it was like a little magic trick that made the T-Bird even cooler.

7. A Cozy Fireplace on Your Dashboard (Tesla)

Leave it to Tesla to bring the unexpected. In some models, you can switch your dashboard screen to display a cozy, flickering fireplace. Add in the crackling sound effects, and suddenly your car feels more like a cabin retreat. Sure, it’s not useful, but it’s definitely charming—and sometimes, a little whimsy is all you need.

8. Mazda Miata’s Flip-Up Lights with "Winking" Feature (1990s)

Pop-up headlights were already cool, but the Mazda Miata added an extra dash of personality with its "winking" feature. Drivers could raise just one headlight, giving their car a cheeky, playful vibe. It didn’t serve any practical purpose, but it gave the Miata its signature charm.

9. BMW’s Scent Dispenser (2006)

In 2006, BMW thought: Why stop at leather seats and wood trim? Let’s make our cars smell amazing, too. Enter the scent dispenser, a feature that let drivers pick a fragrance to diffuse throughout the cabin. Over-the-top? Maybe. But it showed just how far automakers would go to make the driving experience feel personal and luxurious.

Honorable Mentions: More Quirky Features from the Past and Present

• Hydrophobic Windows (1990s Nissan Primera): Windows that repelled water without wipers.

• Rain-Sensing Wipers (1950s Cadillac): Early attempts at automating wipers based on weather conditions.

• Vacuum-Operated Wipers (Pre-WWII Ford Model T): Wipers that frustratingly stopped working when you pressed the gas.

• Checker Marathon’s Folding Jump Seats (1960s-80s): Taxi staples for cramming in extra passengers.

• Saab’s Night Panel (1990s): Reduced dashboard lights to improve focus during nighttime driving.

• Honda Element’s Washable Interior (2003): Perfect for muddy adventures or pet owners.

Modern Features You’ll Actually Love

While you won’t find a car with a built-in record player or winking headlights today, modern vehicles are packed with innovative features designed to make your life easier, safer, and more comfortable. From advanced driver-assistance systems to premium sound setups and luxurious interiors, today’s cars have something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a car that’s equipped with the latest technology—and maybe a few surprises, check out our current inventory. Whether you’re after practical features or the latest in luxury, we’re here to help you find a car that fits your needs perfectly.

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The Science, The Tricks, & The Laughs Behind The Numbers

Minimum car mileage standards are something we've all seen plastered on window stickers at dealerships—those numbers that claim how many miles per gallon (mpg) your next car will supposedly get. But behind these seemingly simple numbers is a history filled with oil crises, scientific ingenuity, creative testing hacks, and a few funny mishaps along the way. 

Why Minimum Mileage Standards Exist

The concept of minimum car mileage was first established back in the 1970s, during the 1973 oil crisis. For further reading on the oil crisis and its impact on fuel economy standards, you can refer to sources like the U.S. Department of Energy's history of the oil crisis or the Environmental Protection Agency's CAFE standards overview (https://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy). Faced with skyrocketing oil prices and dwindling supplies, leaders in the United States realized they needed to take action to reduce fuel consumption. This led to the creation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in 1975.  (https://www.nhtsa.gov/laws-regulations/corporate-average-fuel-economy). The goal? To ensure that cars rolling off the production line were more efficient, saving both money for consumers and fuel for the nation.

These standards have evolved over time, and today, every car manufacturer must meet certain minimum mpg standards averaged across their entire fleet. This regulatory push set the stage for increasingly creative and, sometimes, downright funny approaches to mileage testing.

Mileage Testing: From Lab Tests to the Highway

When calculating car mileage, manufacturers put their vehicles through a series of tests that aim to represent real-world conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlines the procedures and protocols for these tests, which are available at (https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/how_tested.shtml). The main methods include the use of dynamometers (essentially treadmills for cars) and specific driving cycles like the Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) for city driving and the Highway Fuel Economy Test (HWFET) for open roads.

But here’s where it gets interesting: these lab numbers don’t always match up with what drivers see on the road. In fact, lab results are often adjusted downwards by 10-20% to account for variables like traffic, road conditions, or even unpredictable events—like the occasional laboratory hamster making its home under the hood (yes, that supposedly really happened!).

Quirky Mileage Testing Anecdotes

1. The Tape Trick

Back in the day, some manufacturers used tape to cover body seams during testing to reduce drag and boost aerodynamics. While this worked well for the test results, it wasn’t exactly practical for a car that needed to withstand normal driving—unless, of course, you wanted to drive around with duct tape all over your car. Unsurprisingly, this little trick was soon banned.

2. "Feather Foot" Drivers

Mileage testers have long employed so-called "feather foot" drivers—test drivers known for barely touching the gas pedal in an attempt to get the absolute best fuel efficiency numbers. These drivers are known for accelerating so slowly that, if they were on a real road, they'd probably get honked at… a lot. This approach, while effective in testing, is laughably unrealistic for everyday drivers who have places to be and aren’t competing in a "slowest acceleration contest."

3. Weight Loss Tricks

In a bid to get the highest mileage numbers, some manufacturers would strip test cars of everything non-essential. Spare tire? Gone. Stereo system? Nope. Air conditioning compressor belt? Definitely removed—just to ensure the AC didn’t accidentally kick on. These weight-reduced vehicles were basically hollowed-out shells, leaving testers to joke, "Sure, this car gets 40 mpg… if you’re okay with zero comforts."

4. Rolling Downhill for Science

It’s said that early mileage tests could’ve just as easily been called "rolling downhill competitions". Some test drivers would joke that, with the right downhill slope, you could claim amazing mileage numbers. The absurdity of using "perfect hill" conditions became an ongoing joke in the testing community, and although today’s tests are much stricter, the idea of finding those mileage-boosting hacks hasn’t quite gone away.

6. The "Average Driver" Myth

Mileage tests are designed to represent an "average driver". But here’s the thing: that driver—the one who never accelerates too hard, never brakes too suddenly, and never drives too fast—is a mythical being. Testers joke that if this person existed in real life, they’d probably be the least fun driver on any road trip, and yet, their mild-mannered ways are what determine the mileage figures printed on new cars.

7. Pizza Run Gone Wrong

There’s a classic story of a tester wanting to prove a car’s real-world mileage by timing a pizza delivery run. The plan backfired. The pizza was late, the mileage was terrible, and the driver realized that real-world driving—with its stops, starts, and sudden lane changes—is nothing like the perfectly controlled environment of a lab. It was a reminder that the lab is neat and tidy, but the real world is chaos.

How Mileage Gets Reported Today

When you see those mileage numbers on a car, they’re based on a mix of city (55%) and highway (45%) driving. The EPA sets strict guidelines that all manufacturers must follow, so every vehicle is tested under the same conditions. Of course, actual driving—like dealing with traffic, weather, and personal driving habits—can make a difference,

 Updates to EPA Testing (2008 and Beyond)

In 2008, the EPA realized that their old testing methods didn’t always reflect modern driving. To fix that, they updated the rules that every automaker has to follow, making the tests more realistic. Now, they take into account a lot more real-world factors, such as:

• Higher Speeds and Aggressive Driving: The tests now simulate faster speeds and quicker acceleration, reflecting how most of us actually drive on highways and in traffic.

• Cold Weather: Cold temperatures can impact fuel efficiency, especially in gas-powered cars. The updated tests consider this, giving you more accurate numbers for winter driving.

• Air Conditioning Usage: Running the A/C can increase fuel consumption, and now that’s included in the EPA’s tests, so the numbers reflect what happens on a hot summer day.

• Shorter Trips and Idle Time: Stop-and-go traffic and quick errands are part of the new testing protocol, which better reflects typical city driving.

 Thanks to these updates—and the fact that all manufacturers have to use the same guidelines—the fuel economy ratings on new cars are more accurate than ever. While real-world results might vary a bit depending on how and where you drive, these numbers give you a much better idea of what to expect

Do You Have A Gas Guzzler? Let Us Help!

Is your current car guzzling gas, constantly needing repairs, and leaving you frustrated with outdated features? Then, it's time to consider a smarter option. You need a fuel-efficient, reliable vehicle that fits your budget and meets today’s driving standards—but finding the right one can feel overwhelming. 

Stop Wasting Money on an Inefficient Car

Watching your hard-earned money disappear with every fill-up or repair is frustrating. The rising cost of fuel combined with an old car’s inefficiency is like throwing money away. Plus, outdated features mean you’re missing out on modern safety, comfort, and fuel-saving technology. You deserve more—a vehicle that saves you money, operates efficiently, and doesn’t leave you stranded.

We’re Here to Help You Make a Smart Switch

We understand that saving money is important. That’s why we offer a wide range of fuel-efficient, low-maintenance vehicles designed to reduce your costs and improve your driving experience. Our team is here to guide you in finding a car that’s reliable, comfortable, and packed with the latest technology. Let us help you trade in that gas-guzzler for a more economical ride that puts money back in your pocket. Visit us today to discover how you can start driving smarter!

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A Car Dealer You Can Count On!

If you’re in the market for a used car, look no further than our premier used car dealer. With an extensive inventory of reliable and high-quality vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected to guarantee customer satisfaction, we provide a hassle-free experience so you can easily find the perfect car for you or your family. We make it our mission to exceed expectations and provide each customer with personalized attention and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for something small and economic or luxurious, we are sure to have something within your budget as well as fitting all preferences. So if you need a great ride at an even better price, let us be your go-to used car dealership!

Need Auto Financing? We Can Help!

Are you ready to purchase a car but feeling overwhelmed by the financing process? Car financing can seem daunting and complex, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, there are lots of resources out there that can help simplify the process so you can get your dream car with ease. Take advantage of our car loan calculator and make smart decisions when it comes to navigating the innovative world of cost-effective car financing!

Highly Rated Car Dealer

With so many car dealerships to choose from, it's important to know how to assess a dealership's reputation before you make a purchase. Not all car dealers are equally reputable and trustworthy; some may have unreliable customer service or wonky products that could leave you feeling frustrated and disappointed with your purchase. So, if you're in the market for a new set of wheels, read on for tips that can help you determine which dealer will provide the best value and experience as well as ensure an enjoyable buying experience.

Looking To Sell Your Car in? We Want It!

Are you thinking about selling your car? There are many reasons why someone may decide to sell their vehicle, ranging from needing cash in a pinch to wanting a newer model. Selling your car can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be with the right information and planning. Fill out our easy trade form and we will get you the best value for your vehicle. If you are looking for a new car we may not have in stock? Use our car finder and we will help get you into the perfect car.

Come See Us At Our Dealership

Stop by today and meet our staff and learn more about our dealership or feel free to send us a comment.

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Will Electric Cars Will Become Yesterday's News

Technology never stands still for long and, as anyone who's been paying attention to the automotive industry over the past few years will know, electric cars are very much the future. But what's next?

One area that is currently being explored is the possibility of flying cars. That's right, flying cars! While it may sound like something straight out of The Jetsons, there are a number of companies working on this incredible technology and it may not be as far-fetched as you might think.

Here's a headline from a recently published article from Car and Driver

Hyundai Subsidiary Unveils Flying Car Concept That Could Fly U.S. Skies by 2028

"Hyundai is also investing heavily in the nascent industry, launching a U.S.-based subsidiary called Supernal last November to focus on the so-called "Advanced Air Mobility market.” Now, Supernal has unveiled its eVTOL Vehicle Cabin concept at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, showing what the passenger compartment inside its upcoming intra-city air shuttle could look like."

Don't Count On Getting Frequent Flier Miles Just Yet

In addition to the technical hurdles that need to be overcome, there are also a number of regulatory issues that need to be sorted out before flying cars become a reality. Just like most industries I'm sure that traditional airlines are not going to be too thrilled about the idea of having competition from flying cars.

And then there's the question of whether or not people are actually going to want to fly in a car. I have to admit that the idea of getting stuck in traffic on the freeway is not all that appealing, but then again neither is being crammed into a metal tube with a bunch of strangers for hours on end.

Flying cars would obviously have a lot of advantages over traditional ground-based vehicles. For one, they would be able to avoid traffic jams and get from A to B much quicker. They would also be able to park in a lot less space and, perhaps most importantly, they would be a lot of fun!

Ready To Trade Your Old Car For A Flying Car?

You may be excited about the prospect of buying a flying car but unfortunately we're out of stock. Along with the rest of the world. In the meantime, you can browse our wide selection of quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs. We offer a wide range of makes and models to choose from and our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to help you find the perfect vehicle

If you love your car, would you get a tattoo of it?

Some people are so passionate about their cars that they would consider getting a tattoo of them. It’s not just a way to show off their devotion to their vehicle – for some people, it’s also a way to express themselves creatively.

A recent article on Autotrader titled The Most Tattooed Car Makes and Models is interesting in that it shows which cars are the most popular when it comes to getting inked. Be sure to read the entire article to learn the methodology behind the results. You'll not only see some of the most iconic used car brands for a few surprises along the way.

You Bought A Car And All I Got Was A T-Shirt

While getting a tattoo in general is not a universal sign of car love, it does show a high level of passion for a certain type of vehicle. More traditional examples of car love include, adding aftermarket accessories such as wearing a shirt with the car brand's logo, or getting a keychain or coffee mug with the car's image on it.

Have You Lost That Loving Feeling?

You probably didn't get a tattoo when you bought your car but there was a reason you fell in love with it in the first place. You kept it washed and waxed and couldn't wait to drive it around and show it off.

 Now you're faced with the reality that your car is getting old and you're not sure how much longer you can keep it on the road. You may be dealing with unexpected repair bills that cause you to question whether it's worth it to keep your car.

 Driving a car you don't love anymore is not fun. Why not trade in your old car for a newer model that you can fall in love with all over again?

 If you have been thinking about trading in your car, now is a great time to do it. We make it easy to sell us your car and get something you'll love again. We'll give you a fair price and take care of all the paperwork so you can drive away in style.

Who's in Better Health, Your Car Or You?

When was the last time you went in for a checkup? You might not think about it often, but just like our own health, our cars need regular healthcare too!

They need regular tune-ups to keep them running properly. And just like us, if we neglect their needs, they'll eventually break down.

While it may start as a small problem, it can quickly turn into something major if left unchecked. This is why regular car maintenance is so important.

Cars need oil changes, tune-ups, new tires, and other services to keep them running properly. Depending on the make and model of your car, you might need different types of maintenance.

Always reference your manufacturer's owners manual to see what they recommend as well as an expert mechanic to  get the best service for your car.

Get Yourself And Your Car Out Of The House

One of the best ways to keep your car running properly is to take it out of the garage and drive it on a regular basis. This helps to keep all the parts working correctly and prevents them from rusting or seizing up. It’s also a good idea to take your car on a long drive every now and then to keep

Heed The Warning Signs

Your car will usually give you some warning signs that it's time for maintenance before it completely breaks down. For example, the check engine light might come on, or you might hear a strange noise coming from the engine. These are both signs that something is wrong and that you should take your car in to be serviced.

Follow Your Recommend Scheduled Maintenance

Every car is different, and each one has its own specific maintenance schedule. This schedule is put in place by the manufacturer and is based on the car's design and how often it needs various services.

For example, some cars need their oil changed every 3,000 miles while others can go much longer between oil changes when using synthetic oil. This is just one example, but there are many different types of maintenance that need to be performed on a car, and the schedule varies from one make and model to the next.

Get Regular Inspections

In addition to following your car's scheduled maintenance, you should also get regular inspections. These are typically done once a year, but they can be done more often if you drive often or put a lot of miles on your car.

During an inspection, a mechanic will take a close look at all the major components of your car to make sure they're in good shape and working properly. This can help prevent small problems from turning into big ones.

Did The Light Flash Before Your Eyes?

Don't ignore that pesky “Check Engine.” light. It has been known to come on for lots of different reasons, but the best thing to do is not take a chance. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious like a problem with the engine. Either way, you won't know until you have it looked at

The Road Less Traveled.

Do you ever feel that your car is vibrating more than usual or that the steering isn’t as responsive as it used to be? These could be signs of a problem with the suspension, which is something that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

A car's suspension system is what helps keep the ride smooth, so if it's not working properly, it can make for a very bumpy ride. As a matter of fact, driving on a bad suspension can actually do damage to the tires and other parts of the car, so it's best to get it fixed as soon as possible.

The bottom line is you shouldn't feel like you're going on an off-road trail every time you get into the car.

No Smoking Zone

When it comes to cars , “smoke” is never a good sign. If you see exhaust smoke, it means there's a problem with the engine. The color of the smoke can give you a clue as to what the problem might be.

For example, blue smoke usually indicates an oil leak, while white smoke is usually an indication of a coolant leak. Black smoke is usually due to a problem with the fuel system, such as too much fuel being burned.

If you see any type of smoke coming from your car, it's best to take it in to be checked out as soon as possible.

Be Sensitive And Listen To Your Car's Computer

Cars nowadays have sensors that tell you when to change your oil, as well as other fluids. These are there for a reason, so don't ignore them.

When In Doubt Get Checked Out.

It's funny how your own health  is always the last thing you think about. The same can be said for your car. Just like your body, cars need check-ups to make sure everything is functioning properly.

If you're ever unsure about something, or if something just doesn't feel right, it's best to take your car in to be serviced.

Bad Habits Are Hard To Break

Does your car feel like it's on its last leg? Is the engine making weird noises, or are the brakes squeaking, In your mind you know that you need to replace your car soon, but you don't want to spend the money. 

We'll take your old car off your hands and give you a fair price for it, whether you're buying a new or used car from us. Plus, we'll help you through every step of the process so that trading in your old car is easy and stress-free.

Are You At Risk? - It Could Be Dangerous If You Don't Recall

Have you ever gotten a letter in the mail about your vehicle having a recall? You think to yourself oh it's just junk mail and trash it. But what if that letter was legitimate and your vehicle needed a recall because of an issue with the seatbelts or airbags?

If you ignored that letter, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk in the event of an accident. So what is a recall and why do automakers issue them?

If an automaker discovers a safety issue, it will report the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA investigates the issue and if it finds the problem poses a safety risk, it can order the automaker to issue a recall.

Do You Have To Pay For Recall Repairs Yourself?

Another reason people ignore recall letters is because they think they will have to pay for the repairs themselves. But that is not the case, automakers have to foot the bill for all recall-related repairs.

If you get a recall letter in the mail, don't ignore it. Bring your vehicle to a dealer and get it fixed as soon as possible. It could end up saving your life.

Do Recalls On Cars Affect Trade In Value?

According to Motor Biscuit

"A dealer may choose to offer you less for a trade-in with an open recall. But a savvy shopper can have most recalls rectified before trading. This way, recalls won’t hurt the used car’s value. Sometimes, a resolved recall can improve the value of a vehicle on the used car market. However, owning a car with a recent recall that the manufacturer has not yet solved may trap you with a low trade-in value for several months"

Regardless of how a recall notice affects your trade in value, you should still get the recall repaired as it could be a serious safety issue.

How to Check If Your Car Has a Recall

The best way to find out if your car has a recall is to enter your VIN (vehicle identification number) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website.

Your Brakes Are Telling You Something!

Brakes are an essential part of every car, helping you to slow down and stop when needed. Generally, if your brakes are making a high-pitched squealing noise when you first step on them, it's an indication that the brake pads need to be replaced.

What causes that noise when you brake?

This can be due to a number of different factors - worn or dirty brake pads, issues with the rotors or calipers, or even something as simple as dirt or debris caught in the brakes.

If you're noticing a strange noise coming from your brakes, it's always best to have them checked out by a professional mechanic to ensure there isn't a bigger issue at play.

What are the different types of brakes, and how do they work?

There are many different types of brakes, each designed to perform a specific function and work in a particular way. Some common brake types include disc brakes, drum brakes, and vacuum brakes.

Disc brakes use a system of pads that press against a spinning metal disc to slow or stop the vehicle. Drum brakes consist of two brake shoes that press against the inside of a stationary metal drum. Vacuum brakes use suction to slow or stop a vehicle, drawing air from the atmosphere into chambers

How can you tell if your brakes need to be serviced or replaced?

If your car is making a noise when you brake, there's a good chance that something is wrong with your brakes. There are several things you can do to check your brakes and see if they need to be serviced or replaced.

Another way to tell if your brakes are in need of service is to look at your brake fluid levels. If the fluid is low or dark, it could be a sign that your brakes need to be flushed and refilled.

What does turning the Rotors mean?

If you've ever had your car's brakes serviced, you may have heard the term "turning the rotors." But what does that actually mean?

Rotors are the metal discs that your brake pads press against to slow or stop your car. When they become worn or dirty, they can cause a number of problems with braking performance. Turning the rotors means machining them down so that they are smooth and clean again, allowing for better braking. If they get worn down below a certain point, they will need to be replaced entirely by a mechanic.

As a driver, it's important to be aware of any issues with your car's brakes, as this can have serious implications for your safety on the road. Some common symptoms of worn or faulty brakes include a high-pitched squealing noise when braking, low or dark brake fluid levels, vibrations or shuddering when applying the brakes, and poor response time. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

5 Tips To Keep Your Parked Car Cooler

Summertime is approaching fast, and with it, soaring temperatures. The last thing you want to do is climb into a scorching car and wait for it to cool down.

Did you know "When temperatures outside climb range from 80 degrees to 100 degrees, the internal temperature of your car can reach a scorching 130 to 172" (actionnews)

What Can You Do To Lower The Temperature In Your Car?

• Tip 1: Park in the Shade

If you have the option to park in the shade, take it! In many parking lots they will have trees or other natural shade options, Also try to park so that the sun is not shining on the driver's side. Even a few minutes in the shade can make a big difference.

• Tip 2: Use Your Visor And A Sunshade

You can find a sunshade for your windshield at most auto stores. Sunshades are especially useful if you have to park in the direct sun. They will help keep your car cooler and make it more comfortable to get in. Your windshield visor can also help keep the sun from entering your car

You could also fit a visor to your rear window as well as invest in window vent visors to keep individual passenger windows shaded.

• Tip 3: Let Your Car Cool Before Getting In

Does your car have a remote starter? You turn on the air conditioning to full blast, shut all the doors and give your car a few minutes to cool down before driving. The other option is Leave the doors open for a minute to let most of the hot air out before getting in.

• Tip 3: Cover Up Steering Wheel

No one wants to try to dive with a hot steering wheel. Consider placing a light-colored terry cloth towel over the steering wheel before you leave the car. This may reduce how much heat it absorbs

• Tip 4: Cover Your Seats

This will protect your seats from the sun's rays and reduce how much heat they absorb. If you have leather seats, this is especially important as they can get uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight. You can buy special seat covers designed to reflect the sun's rays, or just use a light-colored towel or blanket

• Tip 5: Tint You Windows

One of the best ways to keep your car cool is to tint your windows. This will reduce the amount of heat that comes into the car, making it more comfortable when you get in.

While you may or may not be able to do all of these things, any combination will help make your car more comfortable in the summer heat. Enjoy your summer and stay cool!

Please Read 1st Michoacan Motors Inc - Best Full-Size Pickup Truck

Content provided by CarAndDriver.com

Turn any friendly neighborhood barbecue into a backyard wrestling match with this simple trick: declare your pickup king. Well guess what, brother? Being the best isn’t about who has the biggest Calvin and Hobbes sticker on the rear window. Full-size pickup trucks are America’s best-selling vehicles, and the fight among them is closer than ever.

Trucks today are capable of accelerating quicker than sports cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 and can tow up to seven tons using conventional towing. That’s a lot of folding chairs and steel cages. The truck is the backbone of America. In 2019, pickups represented over 3.1 million vehicle sales in the U.S., or more than the entire population of Iowa. Each of these trucks can handle classic pickup needs with ease, and if you haven’t already sorted yourself into the Toyota, Nissan, Ram, Chevy, or Ford camps, we’ve ranked the segment's players from worst to best to help you in your search.

1. Ram 1500 - The Ram 1500 is king of the mountain, having bested its biggest rivals from Detroit in our latest three-truck comparison test and won another 10Best Full-size Pickup award for 2021. We’d let those accolades do the heavy lifting for us in explaining why we dig the Ram, but here are a few more reasons: The available EcoDiesel V-6 engine has the most power and torque among all light-duty diesel pickups and is fuel efficient; the interior is a step or three above the competition; and it just plain drives well. Fans of the all-black Dodge Ram can carry the dark baton with a new for 2020 Night Edition, which offers all-black exterior trim along with your choice of paint. We’d suggest, um, black.

2. Ram 1500 TRX - The nearly 3.5-ton Ram 1500 TRX is a lot of truck, but it knows how to use it. The 702-horsepower Hellcat engine is a screamer, and despite its heft, the TRX gets to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, making it the quickest truck we've ever tested. Bilstein dampers underneath provide more than a foot of suspension travel, allowing its 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler AT's to droop. It's beefy too, measuring 5.9 inches wider and 3.3 inches taller than the regular Ram 1500, but inside it's just as luxurious. A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, and a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, and carbon-fiber accents are available options. Many aspects of the TRX make it the greatest truck as nothing else can cruise to, climb up, and fly over whatever's ahead of it quite like this.

3. Ford F-150 Raptor - Packed with a powerful 450-hp twin-turbo V-6 and an off-road-ready suspension with adaptive shocks to soak up potholes and landings off of sweet jumps, the Ford F-150 Raptor is just plain rad. But this is no one-trick brute—it’s nearly everything you might never need in a truck and useful. The SuperCrew is rated to tow up to 8000 pounds, so the Raptor can haul more than just ass. Its wide fenders and large off-road tires can make navigating parking lots and narrow streets a challenge; we prefer to think of them as reminders as to where the Raptor truly belongs.

4. Ford F-150 - The Ford F-150 has been a full-size favorite for decades, and nearly 1 million F-150 pickups were sold last year. So it’s little wonder why the Ford has become ubiquitous and familiar. The fourteenth-generation Ford debuted for 2021 with a new 430-hp hybrid powertrain with 570 lb-ft of torque. That's a 30 horsepower and 70 lb-ft improvement verses the nonhybrid twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 for those keeping track. The hybrid powered pickup gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg for both city and highway travel, putting it fourth overall in fuel efficiency for the segment behind diesel-powered Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500. The interior is also improved in terms of materials and ease of use. An optional Work Surface allows you to transform the front row into a work table. New variable-assist steering, standard on the higher trim King Ranch model and above, is tight and direct, and even on lower trims the ride is quiet and composed.

5. GMC Sierra 1500 - If you can swing the new GMC Sierra 1500’s price premium over its mechanically identical, Chevrolet-badged sibling (the Silverado), do so. The GMC is simply more attractive than the Chevy. We’ve ranked the Sierra above it because the extra money seems worth it when staring both trucks right in the eyes. Like the Silverado, the Sierra has five different engines, three different transmissions, and is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive. Although there's no high-flying off-roader option like the Ram TRX or Ford F-150 Raptor, a Sierra AT4 model is available with 2.0-inches of suspension lift and other off-road equipment. Unfortunately, the pricier GMC suffers from the same unimpressive interior styling and firm ride quality as the Silverado, but the extra chrome does wonders for GM's half-ton pickup design.

6. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - After a full redesign, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 doesn't feel quite as new as you'd expect. Its new body bears only a face a mother could love, the interior is mediocre, and the suspension isn’t terribly refined. Those whiffs are offset by its new 6.2-liter V-8 that can deactivate up to six cylinders for fuel savings, as well as the available turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder that can tow up to 9300 pounds. The brakes offer stellar stopping power, and the four-door crew cab has superior rear-seat headroom. Chevy's also added the Multi-Flex tailgate as an option for 2021 models, making the bed of the Silverado more useable than ever. Silverados with the 277-hp turbodiesel engine in 2WD are the most fuel efficient in the segment with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg highway rating.

7. Nissan Titan - The Nissan Titan, like the Toyota Tundra, exists slightly outside of the mainstream in this segment. It lacks engine choices—there is but one 400-hp V-8 option—which severely limits configurability relative to its competitors, and the Titan’s overall execution seems lacking. Its ride quality is poor and the steering lacks sharpness; look to the Pro-4X trim for off-road capability, but look everywhere else in terms of towing capacity as the Titan has the lowest in the light-duty class. Every model now has a 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is something fleet versions of its domestic competitors don’t have.

8. Toyota Tundra - The Toyota Tundra has been around in pretty much the same form since 2007—that’s pre-Instagram if you need a cultural reference point. So, it’s old. But the Tundra offers a spacious cabin and a decent roster of standard features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration functionality for most models. A 5.7-liter V-8 is the only engine option, an oddity among full-size pickups, which generally offer a plethora of engine choices. The Toyota’s V-8 engine delivers mediocre fuel economy and towing performance, but the truck itself at least shines in off-road capability even in base form. The Tundra TRD Pro model adds to that dexterity with new Fox 2.5-inch internal-bypass shocks and lighter-weight 18-inch BBS wheels.

Original Source: caranddriver.com (Austin Irwin - Dec 5, 2020)