Tips and Tricks Archives - Mountaineer Mitsubishi Blog

How to Take the Perfect Test Drive

August 15, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Even today in the information age, the test drive is an essential step in the process of buying a new vehicle. No matter how much research you do, it is impossible to truly know if a car is right for you until you get behind the wheel. Even so, 16 percent of car buyers do not test drive a vehicle before they purchase it, which is a recipe for dissatisfaction. Don’t make that mistake — follow these tips and take the perfect test drive:

Don’t check for quality

News flash: a new car doesn’t make it to the sales floor unless it works. That sounds obvious enough, but one of the biggest misconceptions about test drives is that they’re a safeguard against buying a lemon. Instead of listening for clanks and clunks, pay attention to how the car feels. If you’re buying a new Mitsubishi, you’re protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, so you won’t have all that much to worry about if something does go awry down the line.

Don’t joy ride

Sure, it might be fun to find a country lane and test how fast it can get up to 60 mph, but is that a practical use of your time? A test drive should mimic your typical driving experience as closely as possible. Instead of doing donuts in the mall parking lot, you should drive toward your kid’s school, toward the office, or toward home. On the way, change lanes, check your blind spots, and find a stretch of curb to try a parallel park. Our sales associates will certainly thank you for being less of a daredevil.

Remember that accessories matter

Some factors are more important than others: gas mileage, safety features, drivetrain, and so on. But don’t ignore accessories — they are the features of the car that you will probably interact with most. If you don’t like the seats, the infotainment screen feels awkward, or the overhead light is too bright, that’s something you’ll want to consider in your final purchase. On your test drive, be sure to twist every knob, flick every switch, and experience the full complement of seat positions, hands-free features, and Bluetooth® capabilities.

There’s no better way to experience a vehicle’s capabilities than a test drive. Take yours at Mountaineer Mitsubishi!

Tips and Tricks

The Most Efficient Way to Use Your Car’s Air Conditioner

July 17, 2018 admin Leave a comment

While it may feel like you are walking through an oven every time you go outside, you know the worst of the summer heat is still to come. That is why you love your air conditioning so much and take excellent care of it, right? If you are looking for ways to cool your car down quickly and find an efficient way to use your car’s A/C, we have a few tips for you.

Park in the shade. If at all possible, park your car in the shade. Just a little bit of blockage from the scorching sun can keep your fingertips from burning when you touch your steering wheel. If you can’t find any shade, use a windshield screen.
Start low. After starting the car, keep the air conditioning turned down low. It will need a minute or so to warm up. Automatic climate control will do this on its own.
Open the windows. When you first get in your car, open all the windows and try to do some sharp 90-degree turns. This will hopefully push all the hot air out and let some “fresh” air in. Once you feel cool air coming from the vents, close the front windows and then the back windows a minute or so later so the rest of the hot air can be pushed out.

You do take care of your A/C, right? If it’s been a while, bring your vehicle into Mountaineer Mitsubishi and we’ll make sure that you stay as cool as possible all summer long.

Tips and Tricks

Get Your Car Ready for Summer

April 10, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Different seasons place different demands on your vehicle. As the seasons change, you should be aware of the changing demands of the road and prepare your vehicle accordingly. As the weather gets warmer and summer draws near, there are a few general upkeep tasks you should perform to get your car ready for summer.

Check your tires – You will want to check your tire pressure, tire treads, and for signs of uneven wear. If you tire treads are too low, you will want to get new tires as soon as possible. If you use winter tires during the cold months, you will want to switch back to your all-season or summer tires.
Check your oil – Engine oil keeps an engine functioning efficiently and smoothly, so you will want to check you oil and make sure it isn’t low or a darker color than it should be. Low oil or oil sludge cause the engine to become hotter while running, which is something you want to avoid during hot summer days.
Change your wiper blades – After months of cold temperatures and scraping at snow and ice, your wiper blades need to be checked. If they’re skipping sections and leaving streaks on your windshield, you should get them changed to increase your visibility while driving.

These are just three of the many important steps you need to take to get your car ready for summer. Whether you plan on going on a road trip or taking the kids to and from their baseball games, you’ll need your vehicle to be as reliable as ever. The team at Mountaineer Mitsubishi’s service department can help get you there.

Tips and Tricks

Cheap Spring Break Trips to Consider in 2018

March 20, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Spring is well on its way, which means that it’s time to start planning your spring break. Taking a vacation might seem like an expensive thing to do, but are plenty of cheap spring break trips to consider. The following are just three to keep in mind when mapping out your spring break adventure.

Daytona, Florida

Daytona Beach and Daytona proper are prime spring break destinations, but visiting does not necessarily have to cost an arm and a leg. While driving may take more than a dozen hours, it’s a great way to save money that you would spend on a plane ticket. Keep the savings going when you arrive by booking a cheaper hotel room—depending on your timing and location, you can find rooms for right around $70 a night.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City features plenty of waterfront hotels and attractions, such as casinos and night clubs, but a trip there doesn’t necessarily have to set you back a ton. With rooms starting at under $100 a night, Atlantic City can make for a great spring break trip—who knows, you might even get lucky and make bank with a big night out at the casinos!

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

White sand beaches are the go-to destination for spring breakers in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This lively city features beachside amusement rides and seaside dining, and if you are attentive and maybe a little bit lucky, you can score hotel accommodations for cheap.

If you’d prefer a staycation this spring break, use your savings and treat yourself to a brand-new Mitsubishi. We’ve got all the latest vehicles—including the Eclipse Cross—at Mountaineer Mitsubishi.

Tips and Tricks

Cleaning Your Car for Spring

February 19, 2018 admin Leave a comment

Ah, spring cleaning: that time of year when the weather’s finally warm enough to throw open all the doors and windows and deep-clean your house from top to bottom. However, why not give cleaning your car the same TLC? Including your vehicle in spring-cleaning gives it a fresh feel after getting through winter’s gunk.

Interior First, Windows Last

Focus on the inside of the vehicle and then work your way outwards. You should also do your windshield and windows last, as debris from the rest of the car can make them dirty again.

Clean Out Your Vehicle

If you have garbage, changes of clothing, or other objects in your car, now is the time to get that out of the way. Don’t forget your trunk!

Upholstery

First, get down and dirty and scrub the grit out of the nooks and crannies of your vehicle. Once that’s done, move in with a vacuum cleaner, making sure to get your trunk, too.

Wash Your Car

A thorough hand-wash is necessary after exposing your car to the elements over the winter. Make sure to rinse off the salt on the undercarriage, too.

Waxing

Consider having your vehicle waxed to protect it from the wear and tear of time.

Cleaning your car for the springtime is simple when you follow these tips. If you need any help, just talk to us at Mountaineer Mitsubishi.

Tips and Tricks

Thanksgiving Turkey Tips for the Best Holiday Meal Ever

November 8, 2017 admin Leave a comment

A home-cooked turkey can make or break an otherwise perfect Thanksgiving meal. This year, take these Thanksgiving turkey tips from Mountaineer Mitsubishi to ensure your Thanksgiving meal is the best one yet.

Prepare for a long thaw

The safest method for thawing a frozen turkey is by letting it rest in the refrigerator. Be sure to plan ahead, though, as it takes 4-5 days to fully thaw a turkey in this way. You don’t want to be left with an ice-block come Thanksgiving morning.

Don’t open the oven

No matter how tempting it is, don’t open the oven door until you think the turkey is completely done cooking. A fluctuating temperature inside the oven only increases the chances of ending up with a dry turkey in the end, so be patient and no peeking!

Don’t Over stuff

Your turkey will cook much more evenly if it’s not overstuffed. You can add extra flavor by loosely filling the cavity with herbs and aromatic vegetables, but it’s best to prepare the stuffing in a separate dish.

Plan ahead

When it comes to cooking a turkey, don’t wing it! As the main entrée at the thanksgiving table, you don’t want to end up with a flavorless or overcooked bird, so find a good recipe before the big day comes.

With a little preparation, cooking a delicious turkey for Thanksgiving is easy. Follow these simple tips and get ready for the best Thanksgiving meal of your life!

Tips and Tricks

Carpool Safety Tips for the School Year

August 2, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Carpooling is a great option for busy parents whose kids need a ride to school. Check out these carpool safety tips to help organize carpool.

Communicate

First and foremost, all drivers involved should discuss their thoughts, concerns, and expectations up front. Staying in touch and having clear terms laid out for the whole group is important when sharing the responsibility of childcare.

Make an emergency call list

This fits in with “Communicate,” as it’s always a good idea to prepare in advance by putting together an emergency call list. Who should you contact if a child is sick or if your car breaks down? These are important situations to consider.

Organize the schedule in writing

Having carpool duty is one more task among many for a parent to take on in their busy schedule. Having the schedule written down in advance and shared among all drivers involved is a good idea and will help avoid those “I thought it was your turn” arguments.

Set rules for safe driving habits

This is an easy one. Everyone involved in the carpool should be held to certain driving standards to keep passengers safe, such as no distracted driving and no talking on the phone.

By following these carpool safety tips from Mountaineer Mitsubishi, you and your passengers will feel safer than ever on the road.

Tips and Tricks

Staying Safe in the Heat During the Summer

July 25, 2017 admin Leave a comment

With summer upon us, the heat can get absolutely unbearable and sometimes dangerous. Here are some helpful tips for staying safe in the heat this year.

Work out in the morning or evening

If you typically work out in the middle of the day, you may want to switch up your routine and avoid those peak hot hours. The air is typically cooler in the early morning or late evening, so it’s best to change your schedule during the summer months.

Wear loose-fitting cotton in light colors

Light colors absorb less light (and heat) than dark colors and cotton is a very breathable fabric that doesn’t trap sweat against your body. Loose, light-colored clothing will allow air flow against your body and keep you cooler.

Put water bottles in the freezer

If you plan on being outside in the heat for a long period of time, place your water bottles in the freezer, rather than the refrigerator. The water/ice will be colder for a longer period of time and will cool you off a lot better than lukewarm water.

Eat small, cool meals

Avoid eating big, hot meals, like chili or stew, during the summer. Opt for items like salads, chilled fruit, or other small snacks to avoid being uncomfortable and to save your house from heating up from oven use.

Avoid caffeine

It may be tough to get through the day without your usual cup of coffee, but your body may thank you if you avoid it this summer. Caffeine is a natural stimulant and it raises your heart rate, causing you to warm up (even iced coffee). Not to mention, caffeine also dehydrates you, which is not ideal for those hot summer months.

We hope you stay safe this summer and, if you’re in the area, feel free to stop by and say hello to our friendly team here at Mountaineer Mitsubishi!

Home Landscaping Tips and Ideas for Summer

May 24, 2017 admin Leave a comment

Summer is here, and that means people are going to be outside mowing their lawns and maintaining their gardens. Here are some home landscaping tips for the aspiring gardener and landscaper.

Use Native Plants

Not only is it less expensive to maintain plants native to your region, but it also gives you a cool way to learn more about the community you live in.

Just Add Water

Lately, more and more people are adding water features to their gardens and landscaping projects. Water walls, fountains, ponds, and urns reuse water, so they’re less expensive and cost less to maintain than a swimming pool. Plus, they’re relaxing and nice to look at.

Include Interesting Lighting

An often-overlooked element of landscaping is taking your lighting into account. It can add more visual interest to a garden after night falls. It also helps illuminate walkways so visitors don’t trip in the dark.

Don’t Overlook Ornamental Grasses

If you have any blank spots in your lawn or garden, or simply need to add some visual variety, consider adding ornamental grass here and there. Ornamental grasses are low-maintenance and versatile, so you can add them to many areas.

Use Planters in Tight Spaces

Ran out of room in your garden? No worries. Add a few potted plants and flowers around your deck or patio.

Keep these home landscaping tips in mind when you set out on your next big DIY project.

Photo by Akuppa John Wigham

Tips for Financing a Used Car

April 21, 2017 admin One comment

If you’re in the market for a new car and you’re on a tight budget, financing may seem like the better option for you. However, there are plenty of things to consider before you make a decision on whether to buy new or used and, if you pick used, whether to finance it or buy it outright.

Financing a used car will have lower initial costs, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the costs will be less overall. Lenders consider used cars to be higher risk than new ones, so they often give shorter loan terms and higher interest rates. This means you pay a higher monthly payment and you pay more over the entire length of your loan.

The easiest way to avoid this is to talk to banks in advance whom you already have an established relationship with instead of letting the dealership find a loan for you. If you can get a loan through your bank or a bank who already knows you have a solid history of making payments on time, you may be able to get a longer loan term even for a riskier loan on a used car.

You can also check out dealership certified pre-owned programs, which will get better loan offers because they meet certain qualifications and are inspected and repaired so they’re like new. These easy options will help you save on costs, get a better deal, and avoid being taken advantage of at the dealership. Find out our used car financing options at Mountaineer Mitsubishi today.

Tips and Tricks

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