The Allstate Blog » Auto

Fad or Fab? 4 Unusual New Car Features

Melissa — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:41 +0000

Pop-up headlights? Hidden gas caps? Record players? These may not come standard on the car you drive, but automakers have been innovating with quirky features like these for decades. While you probably don't have a third headlight on your car, as the 1948 Tucker Sedan did, some of your 21st century ride's standard features might have seemed like sci-fi 65 years ago. Below, we take a look at some interesting features on cars of the 2000s. Who knows -- maybe they're the wave of the future!

MINI's Openometer

Ever wonder how much time you’d spend with the top down if you owned a convertible? Well, if you buy a MINI Cooper Convertible or a MINI Cooper Roadster, you won't have to guess. MINI's Openometer measures and displays how long you've driven with the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin -- let's just hope it doesn't rain.

Kia Soul's Optional Speaker Lights

The Kia Soul stands out with its unique, boxy look, and it also proves that you don’t need to spend luxury car money to get a stereo system that adds some visual appeal. The Soul’s optional Infinity Audio System comes with speakers that light up, and can be set to pulsate with the beat of the music. The system is also created to sound as good as it looks, with a central speaker, a Subwoofer and an external amplifier.

Volkswagen’s Kaeferfach

[caption id="attachment_4716" align="alignright" width="300"] Flikr/sarahlarson[/caption] Everyone can spot the Volkswagen Beetle's iconic shape and flower vase, but it has some other features that may not be so well known. For example, have you ever heard of the Kaeferfach? It's the Beetle's second, upper glove box (I used mine for my sunglasses!). It's a fitting name, too -- if you don't speak German, "Kaeferfach" means "Beetle bin."

Cadillac's Safety Alert Seat

If you like that vibrating chair on display at Brookstone, Cadillac’s Safety Alert Seat might get your attention. Available on the Cadillac ATS and XTS, the seat vibrates to help alert drivers to potential hazards on the road. If you get too close to another car while you’re parallel parking, for example, or if you drift out of your lane, the seat will vibrate to alert you of the issue. Unfortunately, Shiatsu massage isn’t an option yet. Whether it's for style or safety, fun or entertainment, these are some of the innovations you can see at car dealerships today As automakers continue to innovate, do you think any of these unusual features will become the new standard?

Do You Know What to Do After a Car Accident? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Melissa — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:54 +0000

You're driving in bumper-to-bumper, stop-and-go traffic during rush hour on a Tuesday evening. Just as you glimpse your long-awaited exit, the car in front of you slams on the brakes. You stop just in time -- but then the car behind you slams into your back bumper. Oh no! You've been in an accident! Would you know what to do if this happened to you? There are a lot of things to consider after a wreck on the road, and knowing what steps to take can help ease the stress of an already nerve-wracking situation. Check out the infographic below for some helpful information: Looking for more information about car accidents and insurance? Check out the Tools and Resources section of Allstate.com.

A Few Handy Tips About Car Accessories

Melissa — Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:52 +0000

Adding special features to your car can be appealing for many reasons. Whether you want to install a cool new spoiler to take your car from "ho-hum" to "wow," or if you want to install a rear-view camera, there are pluses and minuses to installing aftermarket parts. Here are some things to think about when considering new car accessories: [slideshow] Call Your Agent Some adjustments you make to your car -- including installing aftermarket parts -- may have insurance implications. If you have questions about what's covered, contact your Allstate agent for more information.

Shoppers Play it Safe When it Comes to Car Colors

Melissa — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

In the early 1900s, Henry Ford once said, “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.” By offering just one color, Ford managed to streamline the production process, improve quality and lower prices. As a result, the Ford Model T is often regarded as the first mass-produced car that the working class could afford. Conservative Color Choices Take the Lead While black was the popular color of most Model Ts for obvious reasons, AOL points out that car color trends gradually change over time. We may not notice dramatic changes from year to year, but the differences between decades can be significant. By the 1950s, for example, car colors had evolved to vibrant shades of red, blue and yellow. Today’s most popular car colors are a bit more conservative. According to the 2012 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report, white cars accounted for 24 percent of the North American market in 2012. Black cars came in second, at 19 percent of the market, and silver was the third-most popular color, at 16 percent of the market. However, that doesn’t mean that automakers are afraid to take risks with dramatic paint schemes. The new Ford Escape is available in a distinctive shade of light blue called Frosted Glass, while the Nissan 370Z comes in unique colors like Black Cherry and Midnight Blue. If you’re considering a Volkswagen Beetle, you can choose colors like Yellow Rush and Toffee Brown Metallic. [slideshow] Perception Drives Color Choices White, which was also popular in the 1980s, has made a resurgence for a few reasons. FOX News points out that Apple may have contributed to the shift, noting that the company’s all-white stores and polished products are considered modern and high-tech. And unlike the Model T's monochromatic paint scheme, a variety of white color tones are available today, ranging from flat or bright white to a metallic pearl. White also has a built-in advantage over other colors since it’s popular with business owners who buy work trucks and paint logos on them. Forbes indicates that silver was the top color from 2001 through 2006, but that white has consistently been one of the top color choices since 1998. In addition, Forbes writes that black and white are both colors that represent luxury, class and quality, which is why they’ve remained popular. While certain colors evoke a premium feel, other factors may have steered us toward white, silver, black and gray. FOX News writes that these conservative colors became more popular when the economy took a turn for the worse. Since shoppers planned to hold onto their cars longer, they were less likely to take risks than they would be with with loud, flamboyant colors. The colors we choose may also depend on where we live. According to car coating manufacturer PPG, there are more red cars in North America than most other areas of the world, while black and gray vehicles are more popular than silver ones in Europe. In Asia, silver and white tie for the top spot, and about 7 percent of the cars in each of these regions are blue. Color Affects Car Values The color of your next car is ultimately a personal choice, but choosing something other than pea-soup green may pay dividends when it’s time to sell or trade your vehicle. Kelley Blue Book writes that choosing a popular color now will likely help your car maintain its value to a potential shopper five years down the road. Sticking to silver, white, black and gray are the safest bets, while loud colors, such as yellow, orange and purple, may negatively affect your car’s value when it’s time to sell. Color choice overrides brand loyalty too, as Kelley Blue Book indicates that 39 percent of buyers will likely shop another brand if they can’t get their preferred color.

While there are infinitely more color choices today than when Henry Ford introduced the Model T, for the moment, most car shoppers are playing it safe with cars that are white, silver, black or gray. If you were heading out to buy a new car, what colors would catch your eye on the showroom floor?

10 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Mike Orsini — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:13 +0000

With the high price tag of new cars, and the quick depreciation rate of new vehicles, many consumers look for used cars for sale instead. And while investing in a used car may seem like a judicious option, buyers still need to be smart in their choices. Used cars that are sold with hidden damage can become costly problems for the unsuspecting buyer. To avoid purchasing the proverbial lemon, here's a checklist of 10 strategies and points from CARFAX to check to help ensure condition and value before buying a used car. 1. The Test Drive It's always best to take the car on a test drive on both local roads and highways. In different environments, you can get a good feel for how the car responds and performs. On local roads, you can feel how the car shifts and responds to sharp turns. You'll also get a good idea on the condition of the brakes with stop-and-go. With a trip on the highway, you can note if the engine runs smoothly or not. While on a test drive, keep your eyes and ears open. Make sure to note any unusual engine noises and whether or not all of the electronics in the car are working properly. 2. The Aesthetics: Inside and Out Both the inside and outside condition of the car play a large factor in value. Make sure to check the interior upholstery carefully, along with any repairs to the exterior of the car. That's not to say you shouldn't purchase a car that has been in a minor fender-bender, but you'll want to make sure the exterior was repaired professionally and that the results are barely visible to the eye. Always open the hood and take a good look at the engine and parts. Dirty and rusted parts can be a strong indication that there may be trouble down the road. 3. The Leak Test Any car that is leaking fluids is a red flag for a needed repair. While you're on a test drive, take a moment to park in a clean area on the road, and let the car run for at least 30 seconds. Then, move the car and do a visible inspection for any leaking substances. Black fluid might be an indicator of leaking oil, green fluid may indicate a leak in anti-freeze, and pink fluid may indicate a leak in the transmission. 4. Research Reviews on the Make and Model Do a bit of detective work on industry and consumer reviews on the make and model to uncover possible defects or even common problems. You can easily do a check by doing a search on Google. 5. Research Price To ensure that you are being charged a fair price, make sure to compare prices for the same make, model and year with several sources. Checking the Blue Book values and dealer prices can easily be done online. Even though condition and mileage will play a role in price, you can still get a good ballpark figure of the going price. 6. Mechanic Inspection Many consumers don't take the time to have a mechanic inspect their used car before purchase, which can lead to more expensive car maintenance down the road. The cost to have a car inspected by a professional can be well worth the price. A mechanic is the professional who can help you discover hidden problems and also assist with determining the car's value. If there are going to be major problems with the engine or transmission in the future, this is the pro who is going to let you know. 7. Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles Purchasing a certified pre-owned car can be a wise choice because it offers the buyer an extra level of quality assurance. Many local car dealers offer these vehicles with warranties that extend beyond the initial new coverage. 8. Buyer's Remorse To avoid buyer's remorse, never be too quick to pull the trigger when buying a used car. Taking the time to do thorough research and negotiating for the best price is the best way you can ensure you’re getting a good deal on the right vehicle. 9. Decode the VIN Checking a VIN decoder chart is a quick, easy, and free way to check a used car’s VIN info matches up with what’s in the vehicle title and records. VIN cloning is a scam where sellers replace the VIN of a stolen car with one that is legally registered. This type of fraud can easily be avoided by decoding the VIN of the vehicle in question. 10. Vehicle History Report A vehicle history report can you help you reveal title problems, ownership history, service points and previous accidents, large or small. These reports can be available from dealers or ordered online. CARFAX offers one of the most comprehensive car reports available to purchase, which is pulled from a database of more than six billion car records. Following these 10 points and strategies can be a surefire way to help ensure that you don't get stuck with a lemon. You'll have all the information needed to help you make an informed decision, whether you decide to buy or not. Mike Orsini is the head of blog marketing at CARFAX. Headquartered in Centreville, VA, CARFAX is the most trusted provider of vehicle history information that is used by millions of consumers each year. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports™ are available on all used cars and light trucks model year 1981 or later.

5 Steps to Transporting Your Car During a Move

MovingInsider — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:05:26 +0000

You are moving cross-country, and all of your household belongings are loaded up in a moving van. So, how exactly are you going to transport your car to your new home at the same time? Towing your vehicle can be a great option that allows you and your family to ride in the moving van together. It can also combat driver fatigue because you can share the responsibility of driving a single vehicle, which may also help you save gas. Here is some helpful advice for choosing the right towing equipment, some tips for loading and unloading, plus special precautions to take while transporting your car.

Step 1: Determine which type of trailer you need.

There are two types of trailers commonly used to tow a vehicle: a tow dolly or car carrier. A tow dolly lifts your car's front wheels off the road (a low-cost option for front-wheel drive vehicles), while a car carrier lifts your car completely off the ground so that none of the tires make contact with the pavement (good for long-distance moves). The weight, size of the hitch and other specifications of both the tow vehicle and the car to be towed are important in determining which trailer you will need. Consult the trailer manufacturer for specific guidelines to decide which will work best for you. Some companies, like U-Haul, provide a hookup validation process that will qualify your vehicle quickly and easily. Remember, rental towing equipment is designed to carry most regular-production vehicles, so if you have after-market alterations (e.g. over-sized tires) or custom effects (e.g. lowered ground clearance), then you may need to take some extra steps before the towing equipment can accommodate your special vehicle.

Step 2: Familiarize yourself with the equipment.

It’s never a good idea to throw your car on a trailer and learn as you go. Take time to learn the proper way to use your equipment and become familiar with the components. Read all of the decals, the owner’s manual and pamphlets, when available. You may also find instructional videos on the trailer manufacturer’s website, or on YouTube.

Step 3: Load your vehicle.

Position the moving van, the trailer, and the vehicle to be towed in a straight line on level ground. Make sure the towing equipment is securely connected to your moving van before driving the to-be-towed car up the ramps. (Don't load your vehicle until the trailer is hooked up). Follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions when loading your vehicle. Some basic and general tips for loading are as follows: The Do's:

Double-check your connection to the moving van before loading the trailer.
Load forward. The heaviest part of the car (where the engine is) should always be loaded closest to the towing vehicle, whether you are using a car carrier or tow dolly.
Use adequate tie-downs, safety chains and tire straps to secure your vehicle.
Be careful getting out of your car after you load it onto the trailer. The trailer fenders may make it impossible to open your door wide enough to get out. You may need to climb out of the window, or consider renting a trailer with fold-down fenders if this is not an option.
When towing a rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle on a tow dolly, drop the drive shaft before towing. Putting the vehicle into neutral is not enough in many cases. Consult a trusted mechanic for questions or assistance. An easier solution for these vehicles may be a car carrier.

The Don'ts

Never load cargo into the vehicle being towed. The weight capacities of trailers are based on empty vehicle weights; yours may not be equipped for the extra weight of your cargo. Cargo in a towed vehicle will also shift the normal weight distribution, which can cause dangerous "sway."
Don’t put pets or people into the vehicle being towed.

Step 4: Drive carefully when towing.

Driving a vehicle combination is different from driving a vehicle alone. You should always take the following precautions when towing a trailer: Before you go:

Make sure your lights are operational. When using a tow dolly, you will need to attach separate vehicle-in-tow lights. Inspect all trailer connections once more before hitting the road.
Check tire pressure on your car and the tow vehicle before you set out.

On the Road:

Anticipate stops, and brake early. The heavier weight of the combination creates a need for longer stopping distances. In clear weather, allow a four-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. Allow at least five seconds when towing in adverse weather conditions.
Reduce your regular driving speed, and slow down even more for downgrades, curves, hazardous road conditions and expressway exits.
Take wider turns.
Always be alert and follow common sense driving behaviors. Fasten your seat belt, do not talk on your cellphone, and never operate a vehicle when you are tired.

At every stop:

Park with a pull-through, where the parking spot in front is clear; backing up can be difficult and could result in damage to towing equipment.
Inspect all trailer connections before driving, including the hitch.

Step 5: Unload the vehicle.

Before you unload your car from the trailer, make sure that the trailer is still securely attached to the vehicle. Position the vehicle so that the trailer is directly behind it in a straight line, and is on safe, level ground. Fully extend the loading ramps and then ensure the area around the trailer is clear before removing your vehicle. While it is not necessary, it is helpful to have a spotter available to guide you off of the trailer. This post comes from the editors at Movinginsider.com; your resource for everything related to moving, storage and organization. Recommended by the editors:

From Rome to Detroit: A History of Street Signs

Melissa — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:10 +0000

Cruising down the highway, the open road is decorated with green interstate signs, orange construction signs and even electronic signs that tell you what's ahead. Signs are such a common part of the American roadway infrastructure that we may take them for granted. But, have you ever thought about where road signs came from? To answer that question, we must go back to ancient Rome--and its milestones. When you think of a "milestone," you may think about a personal achievement or a rite of passage - major events that mark an important place in your life's journey. But this term originally had a much more literal meaning: The ancient Romans used tall columns called "milestones" to relay information to travelers on its roads. They indicated how far away Rome was, and gave travelers directional information, and were some of the earliest road signs in the Western world. Signage stayed simple for centuries, until the advent of the automobile created a more urgent need for a clear, organized system. In Europe, the Italian Touring Club began lobbying for better road signs in 1895. Across the pond, U.S. street signage remained basic until the turn of the 20th century, when the current system began to take shape. At the time, it was not uncommon to come across roadway signs that were broken or unreadable; in many instances, the necessary signs simply didn’t exist. That began to change in 1899 when, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), a group of car owners met at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City to form a car club. One of their priorities was to post and maintain signs on key roadways, which would guide motorists to specific destinations. In the years to come, organizations in other areas of the country followed suit. In 1905, the Buffalo Automobile Club put up a network of signs in New York, and in 1909, the Automobile Club of California installed signs on major roadways within a 250-mile radius of San Francisco. The DOT says interest in establishing road signs grew as other clubs formed, and in the early 20^th century, 40 to 50 percent of heavily trafficked roads in some areas could have as many as 11 competing signs pointing travelers in the same direction. As time went on, efforts were made to standardize the colors and shapes of the signs that were popping up along our nation’s roadways. Cleveland became home to the first electric traffic signal in 1914, and the first stop sign was posted in Detroit in 1915, according the DOT. Wisconsin was the first state to put up official route signs in 1918, and in 1920, Detroit got the first three-color traffic signal. Just as our cars and roadways have evolved over time, the DOT says road signs continued to evolve in order to “accommodate increased traffic, higher speeds, more commercial traffic, and roads that serve travelers 24 hours a day in all types of weather.” Now, in the days of electronic billboards and highway signs that give up-to-the-minute travel times, it's clear that street signs have come a long way since the milestones of Rome.

Top 5 Used Car Buying Scams

Mike Orsini — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:00:03 +0000

How can you avoid falling for car scams when buying a used car? Learn the facts. CARFAX shared information on the top five car scams to look out for when buying a used car: Odometer Fraud: Odometer fraud is the practice of rolling a car's mileage back, making it seem as though the vehicle has traveled fewer miles than it actually has. This is an illegal practice that violates federal law, but, nonetheless, odometer fraud is a prevalent car scam. It's hard to detect this type of fraud; a vehicle history report is one of the few ways you can tell if the odometer has been tampered with. VIN Cloning: Stolen vehicles are often sold with vehicle identification numbers (VINs) that have been swiped from legally registered cars. One way to avoid being a victim of this scam is to verify that all of the VINs on a vehicle match, including those on the dashboard, the driver’s side door sticker, the car’s frame and the paperwork for the vehicle. Title Washing: Used car values can drop dramatically if a car is deemed a salvage, and this is why some car sellers are tempted to rebuild a salvaged vehicle and sell it with a new title. A salvage title is issued on a vehicle damaged when the cost of repair exceeds 75 percent of its pre-damage value. (This damage threshold varies by state.) For this scam, sellers “wash” the title of a car by altering the title documents and moving the car to different states to get a clean title. When buying a used car, check for wording that indicates a salvage title, such as "totaled," "reconditioned," "salvaged," "junked," "rebuilt" or "warranty returned." Also examine the title document to see if it has been physically altered. Curbstoning: State laws prohibit private citizens from selling multiple cars or vehicles, other than those titled to them, a practice called curbstoning. Frequently, curbstoners sell vehicles that reputable dealers won't touch, cars with hidden problems that can affect both the safety and the value of these vehicles. So give it some thought before engaging with a private party selling multiple vehicles. Airbag Fraud: Once they are deployed, airbags are sometimes not replaced correctly; and sometimes they aren’t replaced at all! There may be cases where airbags in a used vehicle you are considering are non-functional: they could be outdated, made of inappropriate materials or even could be non-existent (airbag covers can be replaced on the dashboard so that, from inside the vehicle, there is no indication that the airbag compartment is empty). The first step to finding out if a car may have missing or nonworking airbags is to run a CARFAX Vehicle History Report, which can tell you if the car has been in an accident. If it has, it may be a good idea to check to make sure the airbag system is in good working order.

Try to resist any pressure to act quickly when buying a used car; this can sometimes be a sign that the seller wants to hide something. Taking the time to personally evaluate the vehicle, have it evaluated by professionals and look into the vehicle history could be invaluable, saving time and money while guiding you to the perfect car.

Mike Orsini is the head of blog marketing at CARFAX. Headquartered in Centreville, VA, CARFAX is the most trusted provider of vehicle history information that is used by millions of consumers each year. CARFAX Vehicle History Reports™ are available on all used cars and light trucks model year 1981 or later.

Fluids: The Lifeblood of Your Ride

Joe Campanella, CARCHEX — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:00:14 +0000

Your vehicle has a lot of different fluids running through it to keep it working properly. Keeping an eye on these vital fluids and maintaining them at healthy levels will increase driving performance and help to reduce maintenance costs.

While many car repairs require a skilled professional, maintaining the levels of essential car fluids is easy and possible for even the most automotive repair-challenged drivers. Knowing which fluids you can easily maintain yourself can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run, so consider the following six important car fluids that should be maintained as recommended.

1. Engine Oil

Checking and changing oil is critical to keep your engine running properly and efficiently. Check the oil level with the engine off and the car parked on a level surface. After opening the hood, remove the dipstick and wipe it clean with a rag or cloth. Then, return it to the oil reservoir. Take it out again and see if the level is within the acceptable range marked on the dipstick. If you’re adding oil, be sure to not overfill, as this can damage the engine.

Most car manufacturers provide guidelines for changing the lubricant – typically, every 3,000 miles or three to six months.

2. Transmission Fluid

Checking the automatic transmission fluid is another vital item on the car maintenance checklist. Find the transmission fluid dipstick and follow the same steps as monitoring the engine oil, but this time while the engine is running. If the fluid appears brown or has a burnt smell, have it checked immediately.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing transmission fluid, usually about every 30,000 miles.

3. Power Steering Fluid

If you have a power steering fluid reservoir, check the level visually; otherwise, follow the dipstick method. The fluid should stay level, so if you need to add fluid, have it checked as soon as possible for a leak.

Power steering fluid should typically be changed every three years or 50,000 miles.

4. Brake Fluid

Most, if not all, vehicles on the road today have a brake fluid reservoir that allows you to see through so you can check the fluid level without opening the cap. Once you locate the brake fluid reservoir, you will see markings on the side that tell you if you need to add any brake fluid. If your brake pads are starting to wear, the brake fluid level will drop. If the fluid drops below two-thirds full, you may want to have it checked.

5. Coolant

When you check the coolant, make sure your car has had time to cool down. Locate the coolant reservoir (usually a translucent plastic tank) and eyeball the level of the coolant against the full and low indicators. The engine can be damaged from overheating, so make sure that the reserve tank contains adequate coolant and never allow your car to redline.

Replace most engine coolant or antifreeze every 30,000 miles – or every two to three years. Newer formulas, however, may last up to 50,000 miles.

6. Windshield Washer Fluid

You can check the windshield washer fluid level by looking at the marker on the opaque chamber or by looking into the reservoir. Check the wiper fluid reservoir every week or so and keep it full.

By taking the time to periodically check these fluids, a car will enjoy a healthy and safe level of operation.

Joe Campanella is the EVP of business development at CARCHEX. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Md.,CARCHEX is the premier provider of Extended Auto Warranties and Mobile Vehicle Inspections. CARCHEX is the preferred partner to the most trusted names in the automotive industry, including Pat Goss of TV’s MotorWeek, Carfax and Kelley Blue Book. You can read their automotive blog here.

Beyond Texting: Avoid All Distractions While Driving [INFOGRAPHIC]

Brendan — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:00:47 +0000

Driving distracted--even for a moment--can lead to a catastrophe. While texting is one thing that can take your eyes off the road, it's not the only way drivers can become sidetracked. Eating, interacting with passengers, adjusting the radio and of course, engaging in multimedia interactions can all contribute to a less-than-focused driver...and that can be a very dangerous situation. Consider taking the proper steps to reduce or eliminate these situations, and avoid common driving distractions. [infographic]