Why Traction is Important for Winter

Why Traction is Important for Winter

Winter in Ohio can be treacherous. Snow and ice accumulations come quickly and unexpectedly.  Here are a few things to consider when searching for your next vehicle.

All-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive?

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is always on.  Electronic sensors send power to all 4 wheels. AWD vehciles are good on slippery roads. They are not good for off-roading.

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)  is a system that is manually turned on and off. They have both high and low range options making them ideal for many driving conditions. 

Both AWD and 4WD are the most effective traction options. 

You also have traction and stability control systems as well.

Tracton control monitors driven wheel speeds and limites tire slip during acceleration on snow and ice covered roads. It helps to maintain grip, but does not stop skidding. 

Stability control helps maintain control during abrupt changes in tire direction, like skidding and sliding.

A good set of winter tires is a must as well to help keep you safe on the roads. 

If you are in need of a quality pre-owned vheicle this witer, then it's time you ride with Rankl & Ries. We have a great selection of both AWD and 4WD vehicles. We work with many credit situations and offer special finance as well. Call us today at 330-479-2000 or visit us online! 

Brian's Fall Car Care Checklist

Brian's Fall Car Care Checklist

October is coming up and that is National Car Care Month.  Cooler weather is approaching if we want it too or not. It is best to get your maintenance completed before it arrives to avoid any problems when you are getting up in the morning to start your day or out running errands. 

Here is Brian's Top 5 Fall Car Care List.

1.  Check your cooling system.  This includes any belts, hoses, fans and water pump.

2.  Be sure to check your tire tread and tire pressure regularly.  

3.  Have your vehicle suspension and front end alignment inspected.  This should be checked at least once a year.  Be sure to also have your ball joints, steering and tire rods looked at as well.

4.  Don't get stuck in the rain or snow with bad wipers.  You should also check your defrosters and heater to ensure that they are working properly.  Best to know of any issues before you need to utilize them.

5. Oil changes should be done regularly as routine maintenance. 

No Money Down Loans and What You Should Know

One of the biggest questions we are asked is "Can I get this with no money down?".

This depends on the lender, credit and a few other variables. 

There are many lenders that will work with a no money down situation.

This sounds great..right?  However, there are a few things to consider to see if this option is right for you.  

Let's say you get approved for a loan on your dream car and you put no money down.  As you are driving off the lot you are also driving with a higher interest rate, larger monthly payment and no equity in your new vehicle.

Used cars already have a higher annual percentage rate (APR).  In most cases if you do mot make a down payment you will be looking as well at a higher payment.  

If you are approved and decide to use the no money down option be aware of the following.

1.  You will have no equity in your vehicle.  

2.  You may have a higher interest rate.

Be sure to pay attention to the terms and do your best to pay the loan off quicker to minimize your interest costs.

Last Minute Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Last Minute Valentines Day Ideas

I cannot help but laugh and chuckle every year when I run into a store to pick something up on Valentines Day at the men in the greeting card section.  They look like deer in the headlights.  

Like this day just popped up on them with no warning and they are trying to stay out of the dog house.  The key to knowing what to get is to know what your significant other likes to do and build off of that!

Never fear, we are here to help you with some last minute Valentines gift ideas.

1. Pick up a Plant! 

Flowers are great but I always tell my husband that they die in a few days and they can be cost a lot of money.  A pretty plant is a perfect gift, they last a lot longer or forever!

2.  Book and a Blanket

Does your better half like to read? Pick up a book or some magazines and a nice cozy throw blanket!

3.  A Gift of Relaxation

Can't afford to give her a day at the spa? Give her one at home!

Pick up some bubble bath, bath bombs, a new bath sponge, and a scented candle! Keep an eye on the kids for about an hour and leave her relax.  

4.  Have a Picnic!

It maybe cold and snowing outside but it is perfect weather for a picnic. Pick up some sandwiches and other goodies. Some wine and crackers would be a perfect idea! Light some candles and spread a blanket out on the floor! 

These are just a couple of ideas for you.  Of course if you want to give a great surprise we are here to help you get her a newer vehicle as well...just a thought!

Happy Valentines Day from Rankl & Ries Motorcars!

Valentines Day Ideas for Families

Celebrating Valentines Day with your Family

Valentines Day is next Thursday.  This day is typically a day of romance, flowers, greeting cards and going out to eat.  Valentines Day is also about the love of family and celebrating with the kids.  Here are a few ideas to help make the day special for the little ones.

1.  Make heart shaped pancakes for breakfast

2.  Make homemade Valentines for each family member with words of appreciation or acts of kindness that you can do for each other.

3.  Create Valentines cards to give to elderly neighbors or to take to a local nursing home to be distributed to the residents.

4.  Many local pizza shops have heart shaped pizza on this day. Order one and have a movie night!

5.  Bake and decorate cupcakes or cut out cookies together.

6.  Have a family game night complete with snacks and of course some candy!

7.  Make Valentines keepsake boxes and each year write your child a letter to keep in the box that they can re-read each year and keep into adulthood.

These are just a few ideas.  Do you have a family tradition or have a suggestion as well? We would love to hear about them! 

Rankl & Ries Motorcars

330-479-2000

New Year's Resolutions for your Car!

New Year's Resolutions for your car!

Happy 2019!!! Many of us have set new year's resolutions for ourselves. You know the "new year, new me" phrase that many use!  Well, most of the time we get all excited and pumped up and set these amazing goals for ourselves and in a week or two we have already broken them.  It takes willpower and determination.  

Have you ever thought about setting a resolution for your car?  

Here are some ideas:

1.  LOOSE WEIGHT

Your car could stand to loose a few pounds.  If you are anything like me everything I am not using gets thrown in the back, in the trunk.  Unnecessary weight will cause your car to burn more gas and can even cause your brake pads to wear out faster.  If you don't need it, it needs to go.  It's winter now, do you really need to keep the golf clubs in the car? What about the bags of beach toys from the summer?  Clean it out and loose the weight.

2.  KEEP IT CLEAN

Life can be busy, but you need to make sure to keep your car clean on the inside and outside.  This will help protect the paint and protective coating on the outside.  The salt, dirt and grime will eat at the paint and coating. Dirt on the inside as well will cause your upholstery to wear out faster as well.  So make time to keep it clean.

3.  ORGANIZE

It is so easy to just get in the car and throw receipts and mail and whatever else is in your hand into your car. You may put it above the visor, in the door, center console or if you are like my teen it might end up on the floor or under the seat.  Go through your vehicle and clean out those areas.  Keep a box or a folder for receipts or mail to take into the house and go through at another time.  Clean your glove box and center console twice a year and throw out anything that you don't need.

4.  TRAVEL NEW PLACES

Make a resolution to take a road trip! No matter if it is close to home or farther away, just go! 

Make memories with your car and your family and friends! 

These are just a few ideas.  Have an idea of your own? We would love to hear it!

Rankl and Ries Motorcars

330-479-2000

www.ranklandriesmotorcars.com

Back To School Tips and Tricks

Back to School Tips and Tricks from Rankl & Ries

It's that time of the year! Time that parents have been waiting on for months.

Back to School!! Many of our districts have started back already and in the next week the rest 

of the kiddo's will be loading the yellow bus as well! Here are a few tips and tricks that the mom's 

here at Rankl & Ries Motorcars have found useful! 

1.  Create a family calendar.  This will help keep track of all activities and schedules for the

weeks ahead.  Nicole has kids in band and football.  She suggests using a white board like she has 

in the kitchen so that everyone sees it daily.  

2.  Make sure to create some family time each day.  Whether it is a night where you sit down at 

a meal together or about a half an hour before bed.  Barb said that she finds this helpful to kids.

It is a time to ask questions about each other's day and also let them know that even though we get busy, we always have time for family.

3.  Make sure to set up a designated homework space.  Make this an area that does not have a TV or gaming system that may be a distraction  Also, Nicole suggests make this a no cell phone zone.  

4.  Set up and keep to a weekday and weekend bedtime.  Consistency is key!

5.  Lay out school clothes the night before and if you pack, pack the lunchboxes as well at night.

6.  Set your clocks ahead in the house by 10 minutes.  This will ensure that your family is on 

time and does not miss the bus. 

7.  With such busy schedules with sports and other after school activities, be sure to keep grab and go

snacks on hand.

Here is to a great 2018/2019 School Year!!!