Wednesday, September 26, 2012

How To: Drive on Tough Terrain



Adrenaline junkie.
Thrill seeker.
Adventurer. 

If these words define you by causing a feeling of excitement to coarse through your very veins, then you’re addicted to the thrill.  As drivers, we find fun ways to make our daily commute easier and more comfortable. Some of us, however, take it to the next level.  If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then this blog entry is for you! We reveal how to navigate tough terrain.  If your driving through mud and sand toward your next destination, or racing up a hill in a rally with friends, then you’re in luck.  (Some of these tips are for experienced drivers, discretion is advised) Check out these tips:

Know Your Vehicle
Get a good mental pic of your vehicle’s underside.  Also, check the position of fragile areas such as the fuel tank, engine sump, and gearbox.  This helps you understand where rocks and tree stumps could affect your driving.

Mud & Sand
Use momentum to carry you through deep sand and mud.  If muddy conditions force you into a rut, ALWAYS remember which way your front wheels are pointing.  Also, sand is the firmest at dawn.  Try and start your drive early to avoid getting stuck in sand. 

Snow
Do not select a gear that is too low in snow as it will spin tires easily.  Follow the tire and vehicle manufacturer’s advice on tire pressure.  When the wheels start to spin, ease off the throttle and allow the tires to slow down and regain traction.  Then, select the highest gear possible for the conditions

Descending on Hills 
Stop at least a vehicle length before a descent so that you have time to make any corrections.  Follow the natural fall line; the route water would take down the slope.   NEVER roll downhill in reverse with the transmission in neutral or the clutch depressed. 

Crossing Water
When it’s possible, cross water at a fork.  Also, if it’s safe to, walk the stream before you try in a vehicle.  Use a stick to gauge depth and pinpoint underwater hollows.

Add your own in the comments below!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Land Rover San Diego Hosts a Facebook Giveaway for a Pair of Christian Louboutin Designer Shoes




San Diego, CA September 18th,  2012 – Automotive Dealership, Land Rover San Diego in California, will be hosting a Facebook giveaway of a brand new pair of Christian Louboutin Designer Shoes in September. The Christian Louboutin brand of designer shoes are instantly recognizable for their vibrantly red-lacquered soles.  French designer, Christian Louboutin, introduced his namesake collection in 1991, with shoes that have been popularized by actresses, celebrities, and TV personalities alike. 

Facebook fans will be able to participate in the Christian Louboutin shoe giveaway by becoming a “Fan” of Land Rover San Diego on Facebook, taking advantage of new content, trivia, and more giveaways in the future.  Land Rover San Diego has a strong social presence and hopes to increase awareness and popularity via Facebook.  Visit http://bit.ly/UhTOh0 to become a fan and be entered to win a brand new pair of Christian Louboutin Designer Shoes.

 

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.  No Purchase is necessary to enter to win.  For complete rules, Visit http://bit.ly/UhTOh0 or call Land Rover San Diego at (858) 693-1400

Land Rover San Diego is a full service automotive dealership providing new and certified pre-owned Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles, service, and parts. To contact Land Rover San Diego for a new or certified pre-owned vehicle quote, order parts online, or even schedule a service appointment, visit: http://www.landroversandiego.com

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip



Did you know that long trips are actually EASIER on your vehicle than day-to-day driving? If you’re thinking about taking a road trip with family or friends, a few simple tips will stave off many common problems.  So start early and check out the tips below:

Take care of major repairs: If your car needs anything, our technicians are always available.  Make sure that any major repairs are taken care of at least a month before your trip. 

Check the coolant: Is your destination warmer than home?  Have us check your antifreeze and water mixture to ensure your car is running smoothly.

Check the tires: Make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure because low pressure can cause extra heat buildup that can lead to a blowout at high speeds.  Checks the tire tread. Put a penny; edge on with Lincoln's head pointing down, in one the grooves of the tire. If you can see the space above Abe's head, it's time for new tires.  Also CHECK THE SPARE!

These are just a few tips for your traveling.  Do you have any to add? 

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Breaking Down Your VIN Number


A Vehicle Identification Number is a series of numbers we see all too often, but do we really have an understanding for what they are?  To the normal eye, it looks like a confusing series of numbers.  A VIN is the 17-digit string of numbers assigned to every vehicle.  It can reveal A TON of facts about your car, including airbag type, country of origin, engine size, model year and even the trim level!  It’s can be stamped into a plate that’s mounted on the dashboard, near the windshield, or on the driver-side doorjamb.  It could also be stamped on the engine firewall. 

If you’re looking to decipher the code, you can visit a site called decodethis.com, this site will translate the number into a readable document, changing the set of numbers into understandable content.  The information is accurate and worth a peek.  We ran a random vehicle, the result being:



The benefit of this info is using it to obtain a vehicle history report.  Before you buy a used car — even if it's from a dealer — it's important to get the vehicle's VIN and use it to run a history report that can reveal if the car has been reported stolen or if it has a salvage title.