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

Fall Driving Tips

Fall Driving Tips

Fall is such a beautiful time of the year.  The leaves turning, beautiful colors are everywhere. 

The scenery is amazing! However, those leaves can mean tricky and hidden hazardous roadways.  Here are a few fall driving tips.:

-Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice.  Slow down on leaf covered streets.

-Slow down when driving on bridges and overpasses.  These freeze quicker than the main roads.

If they are wet and the temps are low they can have ice on them.

-Watch for animals.  Fall means it is the beginning of deer season.  Where there is one deer, there is a 

good chance there are more close by.  Stay alert.

What is GAP Coverage

What Is GAP Coverage?

What is GAP coverage or GAP Insurance? Do I need it? It costs extra?

These are some of the questions that you may have when you are sitting in the finance office for your next vehicle purchase.  Here is some information for you.

GAP stands for Guaranteed Auto Protection.  It is a form of auto insurance that a car buyer can get to protect themselves against a total loss.  

GAP insurance will cover the difference between your vehicles depreciated value and what you still owe if your vehicle is stolen or you are in an accident and it is a total loss.

In other words, let's say you owe $10,000 on your vehicle and you are in an accident.  Your insurance company says that it is a total loss.  They give you $5000 for the value of your vehicle. Now you are left still owing $5000 on a vehicle that you don't even have.  GAP would pay the remaining balance of $5000 and pay off your loan.  

It is wise to invest in GAP coverage to cover yourself in case of such events.

BBQ Safety Tips from Rankl & Ries Motorcars

BBQ Safety Tips from Rankl & Ries

Summer is here and that means it is time to spark up the grill!

It also means that the emergency rooms will be full of many that have injuries from charcoal and gas grills.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe when grilling.

-Keep the grill about 10 feet or more away from your home and decorations.

-Never leave the lighter fluid on the grill.

-If you are using a gas grill be sure to check for gas leaks.

-Keep a spray bottle of water on hand and a fire extinguisher close.

-Never leave the grill unattended.

-Make sure that the fire is all the way out before disposing of coals.

-Clean the grill frequently.

-Keep children and pets away from the area.

Click here to learn more about Rankl & Ries Motorcars.

What To Do If Your In a Flooding Vehicle

Tips to Keep You Safe in a Flooding Vehicle

Summer time rain! So peaceful and relaxing, but also it can be dangerous!

Flash flooding can happen without warning and can happen in seconds!

Here are a few tips to keep you safe if you are in a flooding vehicle.

- Stay Calm, Never Panic

- Turn on your headlights and hazard lights

-Take off your seat belt

-Unlock your doors

-Lower your windows and climb out and get to higher ground.

-Never attempt to drive through the flooded road

-Call 911 for help

Keeping your Vehicle Safe from Theft

Ways to Keep Your Vehicle Safe From Theft

In Ohio the top vehicles that are targeted and stolen are Dodge Caravans, Chevy Impala's, Jeep Liberty and Cherokee, Honda Accords and Chrysler Town & Country. However, any vehicle is a target.  Here are a few tips to keep your vehicle safe.

1.  Make sure to lock your doors when you park and when you get in and close the door.

2.  Park in an area that is well lighted. Also, if you can park where there are cameras present.

3.  Never leave anything of value in your vehicle, including loose change.

4.  Never leave your car running.

5.  Many cars today come with built in alarms.  If your vehicle does not have one we suggest that getting one is a wise investment.  

De-Stress your Summer Roadtrip!

8 Ways to De-Stress your Road trip!

It is spring! Many of us are planning the ultimate summer trip!

This also means getting cut off in traffic, highway construction, and more.

Here are some tips to help you de-stress your road adventures!

1.  Clean your car before and during your trip.

2.  Have your vehicle serviced and check your spare before you leave.

3.  Plan a route that will take you on not only the highway but some back country roads.

4.  Play games with the kiddos.

5.  Pack plenty of snacks and water.

6.  Listen to some relaxing music.

7.  Take plenty of breaks to stretch and unwind.

8.  Make a schedule that allows for extra time.

9.  Put down the phone, not only for safety but for sanity. 

10.  Take lots of pictures and make memories!

Accidents Happen..Now What

Accidents Happen ...Now What

You are driving down the street and it happens, you are in an accident.  They happen so quickly and can leave you scattered.  Here are a few tips on what to do when you are in an accident.

1.  Check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries.

Call 911 for any injuries.  Even minor injuries need to be checked out by a healthcare professional.

2.  Get to safety. 

 If your vehicle is still able to drive, pull off to the side of the road or into a parking lot. If you cannot move it turn on hazard lights. 

3.  Call the police.

Even in a minor accident a police report is very important to have. Avoid taking blame at the scene and avoid placing blame on the other party.  Allow the police to determine who is at fault.

4.    Exchange information and document the accident.

Driver and passenger names

License plate numbers

Insurance information

Make and Model off vehicles involved

Contact information for eyewitnesses

Location and time of the accident

Name of police officers responding

**Take pictures with your cell phone**

7.  Notify your insurance.

Contact your insurance company with the police report number and any other information about the accident.

Shamrocks and Shenanigans Safety Tips

Shamrocks and Shenanigans Safety Tips

St. Patrick's Day is this weekend.  

Did you know that in the United States American's will spend around $245 million dollars

on green beer?! That's a lot! It is also one of the biggest days for drunk driving and 

other unsafe shenanigans.  

Rankl & Ries wants you to have fun responsibly when out celebrating with 

the leprechauns.  Here are a few tips:

-Designate a driver.

-Program a local taxi service or Uber into your phone.

It is important to have a back up plan if you DD falls through!

-Stay near your drinks. 

Never leave them unattended and do not accept a drink that has been opened for you.

If you are not celebrating and are out and about .....

-Drive Slow.

Remember you may not be participating in the celebrations but others are. 

-Buckle Up!

-Consider having a party at home instead of going out.

-If you notice a friend had too much to drink, take their keys and let them stay the night.

Your Friends at Rankl & Ries Motorcars