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Ways To Make a Positive Impact During The Pandemic

Challenging times like these tend to bring out the good in people, and you may be looking for ways to help. While many celebrities are donating large sums of money to organizations or communities in desperate need of financial support, everyday people are stepping up in creative ways to do their part, too. If you are looking for ways that you might be able to make a positive impact during the pandemic, here are some suggestions:

Homemade face masks: Due to the shortage of personal protective equipment, many healthcare workers and other individuals on the front lines are being forced to reuse disposable face masks. There has been a movement to sew cloth face masks to use over the disposable ones. Not only are these helpful in protecting the supply of disposable masks, but the variety of patterns bring a little color and positivity to an extremely difficult situation. They are also a reminder to those on the front lines that they are not alone and have the support and appreciation of their communities.

Donate blood: While the American Red Cross has indicated they can meet current demands for blood, there is concern about the supply as the pandemic continues. If you are in a position where you can donate blood, contact your local Red Cross for donation sites.

Thank you cards: Make a list of people you are thankful for during this difficult time. Consider healthcare workers or people whose jobs can’t be done from home. Send them virtual thank you cards via social media or email.

Signs: Many people are posting signs in their windows or on the lawns with encouraging sayings.

Guest Reader: With most schools now doing online learning, many teachers are looking for creative ways to keep their students engaged. Contact your local school department to see if they may have a need for virtual guest readers or teachers.

We are all in this together and any creative ways we can support one another will only make this challenging time a little easier for everyone.

  The post Ways To Make a Positive Impact During The Pandemic appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/uncategorized/ways-make-positive-impact-pandemic/

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Stretch Your Grocery List

It is hard to ignore the challenges that the recent outbreak of Covid-19 has caused everyone when it comes to daily living. Many people are choosing or being ask to self-quarantine for 2 weeks causing fear around food supplies among other things. Here are some ways to stretch some of the grocery items you may have on hand, in return saving you money as well.

Soups are great way to use up left overs. For example, if you make chicken with rice and vegetables for dinner, any leftovers and be cut up and added to chicken broth and/or diced tomatoes to make a hearty soup that can be served with bread as another meal.

If you are planning burgers one night, set aside some of the beef to use to make a chili. Brown it up and add it to a couple cans of diced or crushed tomatoes, beans, diced onions, peppers and any other veggies you would like to add. Let it simmer for a ½ hour or put in a crockpot on low for a couple of hours. You can top with a little cheese and serve it with bread or tortilla chips.

Homemade Mac and Cheese is always a hit, is easy to make and it can be used as a meal as well as a side dish for another meal. Simply start by melting a little butter over medium heat and stir in a couple tablespoons of flour. Slowly add in 4 cups of 1%, 2% or whole milk. Once it comes to a boil, add any kind of cheese you like. I usually use a couple cups of shredded cheddar and 8oz of melted Velveeta. This makes a great basic cheese sauce that can be added to an entire 16oz box of cooked pasta (macaroni, ziti, penne, or shells work great). This easily makes enough for 8-10 meals and heats up great in the microwave and freezes well too. You can even get creative and add a package of ranch dressing mix, some cooked bacon pieces and some leftover chicken. Mix it all together, sprinkle some bread crumbs over the top and bake it in the oven at 400 for 20 minutes for an amazing Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese.

American Chop Suey is another cheap, easy meal that goes a long way and is super easy to make. Just brown 1/2lb-1lb of ground beef or turkey with a little garlic and oregano.  Dice one onion and one green pepper and saute’ in a little olive oil until soft. Add meat, one box of cooked pasta (macaroni, ziti, penne, or shells work great) and a couple cans or jars of tomato sauce. This easily makes 8-10 good sized portions.

If you have ground beef, a few cans or a frozen bag of corn and some potatoes, you have dinner!!

Shepherd’s Pie is an expensive, hearty comfort food that freezes well. Brown 1½-2 lbs of ground beef with some garlic. For added flavor add a packet of taco seasoning or meatloaf mix. Cut 6 medium sized peeled potatoes into 1 inch pieces. Boil until fork tender. Blend with 4 tbs of butter and ¼ whole milk until smooth. Spray 2 9×13 pans with nonstick spray. Split the drained ground beef in half and spread on bottom of pan. Mix 2 cans of drained sweet corn with 2 cans of creamed corn. Split in half and spread on top of ground beef. Carefully spread half of the mashed potatoes on each pie. Heat one uncovered at 400 for 20 minutes and freeze the other one!!

The post Stretch Your Grocery List appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/atlanta-used-cars/stretch-grocery-list/

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Car-Based Movies and TV Series

With shelter-in-place orders and self-quarantining, you might be looking for a new series to binge watch or a few new movies to keep you occupied. There are a large number of popular car shows as well as some classic car movies you might be interested in as we all do our part to slow down the spread of the coronavirus by staying home. Here are a few to get you started:

TV shows

Fast N’ Loud – Richard Rawlings and Aaron Kaufmann travel all over the country looking for classic cars in need of restoration. They take what many would consider hunks of junk and transform them at Gas Monkey Garage. They then resell them to the top bidder and often make a pretty penny.

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee – This show is available on Netflix. Jerry Seinfeld hosts this show and each episode he showcases a unique classic car. He picks up another celebrity for a joy ride in some large cities like New York City and Los Angeles.

West Coast Customs – Ryan Friedlinghaus pushes the boundaries of car customization. He frequently customizes cars for well know celebrities including Mark Wahlberg and Justin Bieber. Each build is unique as he tries to match the car style to the personality of the client.

Jay Leno’s Garage – Many are aware that Jay Leno is a huge car enthusiast with a large car collection. His show highlights cars of all types including vintage, classics, sports cars, custom builds and super cars.

Overhaulin’– This show is all about the element of surprise. Family members and friends steal the car of an unsuspecting victim and have it rebuilt and customized. The cars are usually a beat up classic that the owner intended to refurbish. In the end the car is returned to the elated and surprised owner.

Movies

Smokey and the Bandit is a 1977 American road action comedy film starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason, Jerry Reed, Pat McCormick, Paul Williams and Mike Henry. The film was the directorial debut of stuntman Hal Needham. It’s a classic road movie pitting Reynolds and Reed’s outlaws against Jackie Gleason’s sheriff.

Gone in 60 Seconds is a 2000 American action heist film starring Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie, Giovanni Ribisi, Christopher Eccleston, Robert Duvall, Vinnie Jones, and Will Patton, where Cage must steal 50 cars in a night to save his brother’s life – a “bad guy goes good” movie.

Christine is a 1983 American horror film based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The movie follows Arnie Cunningham, his friends, his family, and his teenage enemies after Arnie buys a classic Red and white 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine, a car that seems to have a jealous, possessive personality and a mind of its own.

The original Mad Max starred Mel Gibson as “Mad” Max Rockatansky. Set in post-apocalyptic Australia, an unhinged policeman becomes embroiled in a violent feud with a savage motorcycle gang. It’s a wild, violent movie with a signature look.

The Fast and the Furious encompasses nine released feature films, a spin-off movie, two short films, and a TV series, not to mention live shows, video games, and theme park rides. Generally panned by critics, they feature lots of illegal street racing, heists, spies, and wild car chases. Don’t take them too seriously.

Back to the Future is a 1980s sci-fi classic, and is known for a singular car – a Delorean. Starring Micheal J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd, teen Marty McFly is thrown back into the ’50s when an experiment by his eccentric scientist friend Doc Brown goes awry. Traveling through time in a modified DeLorean, Marty encounters young versions of his parents, Lea Thompson, and must make sure that they fall in love or he’ll cease to exist. Even more dauntingly, Marty has to return to his own time and Doc’s life.

Cars is a 2006 animated film featuring some legends of both racing and screen as voice talent, including Michael Keaton, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, and Paul Newman. While traveling to California to race against The King for the Piston Cup Championship, Lightning McQueen becomes lost after falling out of his trailer in a run-down town called Radiator Springs. While there he slowly befriends the town’s odd residents, including Sally, Doc Hudson and Mater. When it comes time for him to leave to championship is no longer his top priority.

The post Car-Based Movies and TV Series appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/uncategorized/car-based-movies-tv-series/

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Gain Control of Your Financial Health

There’s never a bad time to take a deep look into your spending habits. Taking the time to take a close, in depth look at where and how your money is spent can not only be eye-opening, but it can be empowering. This could be an incredible way to gain some long-lasting control over an important aspect of your life.

Here are some easy steps to get started.

Start by figuring out exactly what your net income is each month. Your net income is the amount of money you have each month after taxes and other deductions. If you have a regular job that gives you a paycheck, it’s the sum of all your paychecks for a month. If you’re paid weekly or every other week and you want to be accurate, you need to do a little more math.

If you’re paid weekly, multiply the amount of your paycheck by 52, then divide that amount by 12.

If you’re paid every other week, multiply the amount of your paycheck by 26, then divide that amount by 12.

Next, make a list of all your consistent monthly bills such as rent, utility bills, car payment, credit cards, etc. and add them up.

Figure out your other expenses like gas, groceries, and prescriptions. Look at your last three bank statements to try to get a reasonably accurate estimate of what you spend each month. Add that amount to your monthly bills.

Subtract your monthly bills and expenses from your net income. The remaining amount is your disposable income for the month. Seeing how this money is spent can be eye-opening. That cup of coffee on the way to work each day may not seem like much, but adding it up over a month’s time shows how it can be significant.

Now that you have a better idea of how your money is spent each month, look at one way you can cut back. Maybe you figure out a way to reduce your grocery expenses, or maybe you stop buying that cup of coffee on the way to work. Improving your financial health starts with self-awareness and taking small steps to change spending habits. You will be surprised how small amounts saved over time add up to significant savings!

The post Gain Control of Your Financial Health appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/personal-finance/gain-control-financial-health/

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A Word From U.S. Auto Sales Leadership

We are closely following CDC and other health authority guidelines regarding COVID-19 aka coronavirus. U.S. Auto Sales is regularly providing our stores the latest safety guidance. In addition to our regular cleaning procedures, we have invested additional effort into our stores to allow for more frequent cleaning, paying close attention to high touch areas such as waiting areas, counters, restrooms, desks, and of course, our vehicles. Right now, all locations are open and ready to help you purchase a quality vehicle.

Our sister company, U.S. Auto Servicing, shares our concern and has issued the following statement:

We want our guests to know that we are taking extra measures to ensure their safety when they visit one of our stores. We also understand that the current and unprecedented situation can cause an unexpected financial strain and/or hardship. We want you to know that we have options that can help.

If you find yourself in a difficult position due to illness, job loss or reduced hours as a result of COVID-19, please contact us at 877-297-6898.

  If a guest needs to reach one of our car lots, they can call 844-479-1508 and a licensed driver will pick that person up within a 30-mile radius. As information comes in at a rapid pace, safety and health are the number one concern of the U.S. Auto Sales family.

Below are things we are doing to ensure your safety:

After each test drive, interior/dash/steering wheel area of vehicle should be cleaned and sanitized.

All magazines and toys in the kids’ play area have been removed for your safety.

It is important to avoid public transportation. We will do our part and pick you up within a 30-mile radius if you need to reach one of our dealerships. Simply call 844-479-1508.

Complete pre-qualification online to minimize your time in the store. Our 90 minutes or less guarantee also ensures that you’ll be in and out of the store as quickly as possible.

We are adding technology solutions to allow our guests to upload documentation electronically.

Above all else, make sure that you and your family are well taken care of during this time. Our guests are very important to us, so that means we want to ensure that you are healthy.

We have included recommendations from national organizations with safety measures the public should follow:

Google’s PSA 

World Health Organization

Center for Disease Control

  U.S. Auto Sales has store locations in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Below are some links that can offer local restrictions in your state of residence:

Georgia Department of Health

Florida Department of Health

South Carolina Department of Health

North Carolina Department of Health

  Please stay up to date on the ever-changing landscape regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus).

We will continue to respond as we get new information. Please follow our Facebook page and our website for updates.

  The post A Word From U.S. Auto Sales Leadership appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/the-perfect-car/living-life/word-u-s-auto-sales-leadership/

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The Best Ways to Supplement Your Income

Ways to Supplement Your Income Without Going Crazy

Do you work full-time, but still struggle to make ends meet? Have you ever thought “If I could just make a few extra hundred dollars things would be so much easier?” Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Here are some ways to make a little extra cash without spreading yourself too thin.

Part time flex job – There are many companies looking for people to work from home. Often these positions are time flexible, so you can do them when it is convenient for you. For example, medical coding and billing, editing, blog writing, surveys, etc.

Grocery stores – Whether you are outgoing and like interacting with people or a night owl who likes to keep to yourself and just accomplish a task, a grocery store might be a good fit. Grocery stores are almost always looking for part time cashiers and stockers, particularly for overnight shifts. Because of this, they are often willing to be accommodating with scheduling needs.

Online stores or craft fairs – If your creative juices result in making crafts like knit items, wooden signs, repurposed items, etc., it is easy to set up an online store on a site like Etsy. You can also sign up for craft fairs or rent a booth at a flea market. While this isn’t consistent monthly income, it is a great way to make a little extra money to put aside for those unplanned expenses such as car repairs, medical bills or something fun like a vacation.

eBay – eBay is a great place to sell unwanted items and clothes. You can list it as “buy it now” with a firm price or put them up for auction. If you find this to be successful, many people shop yard sales and flea markets for steals and then resell them. Again, this won’t provide reliable income, but every little bit helps!

Make sure that whatever you choose to do for extra cash is something that you enjoy, or at least don’t mind, so that it doesn’t just feel like additional work, but something you get fulfillment from as well.

The post The Best Ways to Supplement Your Income appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/personal-finance/best-ways-supplement-income/

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How To Find The Best Car Shows in the Southeast

Are you a car enthusiast? (As you might imagine, we are!) Interested in classics and hot rods, or more into the modern tuner scene? Curious to see what the industry has planned for the future? Here are several upcoming car shows in the southeast to keep you interested and entertained.

  Friday Night Muscle Car Show and Cruise

Every Friday Night, 4pm-10pm

5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL

  Old Town invites show-quality muscle and high-performance cars and trucks to cruise Main Street in the ultimate display of horsepower. Cars start arriving in the late afternoon, and then gather for the “cruise” portion of the event at 8:30PM. Participation is free, and there are weekly cash prizes, drawings and giveaways for the participants cruisers. There’s also free live music starting at 7:00PM.  Free live entertainment on Trophy Row Stage beginning at 7:00pm.

  31st Spring Daytona Turkey Run

March 27-29, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, FL

  Combining the historic racetrack at Daytona with thousands of classic cars makes for a great event! Check out the massive swap meet and Artisan Alley! With live music, a kids’ zone, food and beverage stalls, and all the cars, you can’t miss.

  RS Central Car Show

Sat Mar 21 2020

Rutherford County Schools, 641 US 221 Hwy N, Rutherford, NC

  Overwhelmed by huge numbers of cars, or just want to support something a little smaller and local? Try the one-day RS Central High School Baseball Team Car Show and Swap Meet, held in the student parking lot. In spite of its small size, there are still multiple awards for cars, a swap meet with all kinds of automobiles, music, food, raffles, and door prizes.  No charge for spectators.

  The Atlanta International Auto Show

February 26-March 1, 2020

Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA

  No matter what the weather, you can enjoy this indoor car show. Held in downtown Atlanta inside the World Congress Center, it’s a must-see for the entire family. For the movie buff in the house, there’s the RV from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. For the kids, there’s Patrick Star and SpongeBob SquarePants. Everyone will get an adrenaline rush from the High Roller BMX Team’s stunt show. Of course, lots and lots of cars, from the latest and greatest from the big manufacturers to high-line exotics.

Import Alliance Spring Meet

March 28-29

Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton, GA

  How about 9,000 import cars? Do you think that would keep your interest? This massive event showcases imported vehicles from all over the world, from bone stock to extreme tuners, old classics to modern wonders. There are drift demonstrations and events, and a builder’s competition. Since you have to buy tickets in advance anyway, why not buy them early and save yourself a few bucks? Get there early, too, since they anticipate over 20,000 people.

  The Hilton Head Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival

Port Royal Golf Club, Hilton Head, SC

  Impress your spouse or significant other with a date weekend to this show, which advertises itself as “the best of the best in automotive exhibition, racing, dining, and luxury lifestyle… ​life’s finest moments…curated, elevated, refined.” In other words, you’re going to need to dress to impress for this one. And why wouldn’t you, when you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful, rarest, and exotic cars on the planet?

  Hopefully, we’ve provided a little something for everyone, no matter your taste in cars, location, or lifestyle!

      The post How To Find The Best Car Shows in the Southeast appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/my-dealership/places-to-visit/find-best-car-shows-southeast/

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How To Save Money On Your Groceries

Groceries can be a formidable expense each month, but with a little planning you’ll be amazed at how much you can save. Here are some ways to significantly cut the cost of your monthly groceries.

  Shop around

On a day where you find yourself with a little extra time, check out all the supermarkets in your area. Take time to walk around and check out prices on items you purchase frequently. You will be amazed at how much the price can vary from store to store. You may find one store is significantly lower on packaged items such as granola bars, chips, cereal, etc., and another may be cheaper when it comes to produce or meat. Although this may mean shopping at more than one store, it could save you serious money.

Store brands

Whenever possible, buy store brand items versus the name brand. Quite often they are nearly identical, but cheaper. In fact, many store brand items are made by the same companies that make the brand name products! Most supermarkets have their own brand for grocery items, pharmacy items, and paper products.

Weekly flyers

Taking the time to go through the supermarket weekly flyers and planning your menu based on what’s on sale can save a ton of money. This again may require shopping at more than one store but can be worth the extra time. Most stores have great weekly deals on meat, so stocking up and freezing some will also help save money. Be careful not to purchase items you would not normally buy just because they might be a good deal.

Rewards programs

Sign up for your local supermarkets’ reward programs! These programs offer a number of features, including:

Money back on store brand items

Points towards fuel

Online coupons

Coupons towards frequently purchased items

Coupons towards new items

  Many of these programs also offer a phone app, and the coupons are digital. Just take a little time and select the coupons on the app before you go shopping, and they’re automatically applied at checkout. No need to remember to hand over a pile of clippings!

  Coupons

While it can be time-consuming to cut coupons, the rewards can be worth it. If you get the Sunday newspaper, or have family or friends who do, ask them to save the coupon inserts for you.  You can use several of the same coupons you purchase that number of items. For example, if you buy granola bars every week and you find a coupon, you can use three coupons if you buy three boxes. Also keep in mind that coupons are often valid for at least a month, so shopping the flyers and using the coupons when they are on sale will save you even more money!

  Shop early or late

Most stores will discount deli and meat items after a certain time in the evening based on the expiration date. Shopping late at night will give you the best chance of being able to buy meat at a discount price, but you might have luck first thing in the morning as well.

Saving money on meat has a significant impact, as meat and seafood make up an average of 20% of Americans’ grocery costs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to either eat the discounted meat within a couple days of purchase or freeze it immediately.

  Even if you choose to try only a couple of these money saving tips, you are sure to notice it in your grocery bill!

The post How To Save Money On Your Groceries appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/credit-solutions/budgets/save-money-groceries/

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Use Your Car For The Perfect Tailgate

Are you a sports fan? Do you enjoy a live concert? Have you attended the game or the show but have always been a little envious of the fans hanging out in the parking lots with their music, games and great food? Tailgating continues to grow in popularity and with that comes more and more gadgets, games and food ideas. Here are some ideas for the novice tailgater.

Tailgate Necessities

The Grill – There are many different options when it comes to tailgate grills. Buy something small and affordable to get started. There are various tabletop options as well as grills that fold up to slide easily into the trunk. Most of these use mini propane tanks. These types of grills can be purchased at most sporting goods stores as well as Walmart or from Amazon.

  The Furniture – If you are starting out, folding chairs and a small folding table will do just fine. That way you can look around and get some other ideas. You are guaranteed to see a large variety of set-ups at your first tailgating experience!

  The Coolers – Coolers are a necessity! If you have one on hand, start there. As you become a more advanced tailgate junkie, there are coolers with built in phone chargers, stereos and coolers that plug right into the car charger!

  The Other Stuff – Put together a box with plates, utensils, grill tongs, spatula, paper towels, garbage bags and wipes. Feeling fancy? Throw in a tablecloth. Make sure to throw a couple blankets in the trunk for those chillier nights.

  The Vehicle: You must arrive in style, so be sure to get pre-qualified with US Auto Sales before your next tailgate party!

  Food and Drink

Anything goes! This is really preference. You will see food ranging from basic sandwiches to steak and lobster! Starting simple is your best bet, maybe burgers and dogs. Get more creative as you go. As far as drinks, being aware of open container laws and venue rules is important.

  Tailgate Games

Ladder Toss – This is a fun, inexpensive game where you toss strings with golf balls on both ends at a ladder with colored rungs and earn points depending on the color of the rung. This can be played mano a mano or in teams.

  Corn Hole – Another popular lawn game that can be played individually or in teams, Corn Hole has two slanted boards with a hole cut in the middle. Each person throws three bean bags each turn trying to get them to fall in the hole. You earn points for bean bags that fall in the hole or land on the board. First team to 21 wins.

  Putter Ball – Putter Ball is essentially Beer Pong with golf clubs. The game consists of a long turf runway with 6 holes arranged in a triangle at each end, two clubs, and covers for each hole. Each person or team gets two putts per turn. If a putt goes in, the hole is covered. The first person or team to cover all the holes wins.

  Again, these are great games to start with, but you are sure to get a lot of other ideas as you become more experienced with tailgating.

Need a car, truck, or SUV for your next tailgate party? Visit U.S. Auto Sales and search our inventory now!

The post Use Your Car For The Perfect Tailgate appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/my-dealership/places-to-visit/use-car-perfect-tailgate/

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How To Reduce The Glare Of The Sun While Driving

You’re driving along, and suddenly you are completely blinded by the sun. The car in front of you is blinded also. They stop suddenly, and you must slam on the brakes.

Another scenario is when you’re sitting at a traffic light blocking the sun with your hand just so you can squint enough to see the light change color.

  We all enjoy the sun, but it can be hazardous when driving. Here are some tips to enjoy the beautiful weather without being blinded by the sun.

Clean Your Windshield: Dirt and debris reflect light, making it even more difficult to see. Keeping your windshield clean helps to cut down on the glare caused by intense sunlight. If your windshield is cracked or heavily pitted, you may want to consider replacement for the same reason.

Keep the Dashboard Clean: Remove papers, parking passes, and debris from the dashboard before driving. They can reflect onto the windshield and add to the visibility challenges caused by the sun.

Sun Visors: Make sure your sun visors are properly attached to the car and functional. If you use the visor for storage, make sure you have the proper attachment to hold papers, sunglasses, and whatever else you’re keeping up there in one place. The last thing you need is stuff falling on you while you are already having difficulty seeing. If your visor isn’t long enough or doesn’t come down far enough, there are inexpensive extensions that attach easily. A polarized extension is worth the extra few bucks.

Sunglasses: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is so easy to forget your shades! Take some time to get a pair that fit you well and are dark enough. Polarized lenses, while more expensive, improve visibility and better protect your eyes in the long haul.

Chevrolet Camaro convertible (MY2014)

Many vehicles come with sunglasses storage compartment in the dash or above the windshield. It’s generally worth it to keep a dedicated pair in the car if you can, even if they’re a less-expensive backup pair.

Hopefully these tips will help to ensure that the beautiful sunshine doesn’t end up putting a damper on your day, or a dent in your US Auto Sales car.

The post How To Reduce The Glare Of The Sun While Driving appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/uncategorized/reduce-glare-sun-driving/

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Here’s The Best Way To Take Care Of Your Automobile’s Brakes

“It looks like you need new brakes.” are words no one ever looks forward to hearing because of the expense that comes with those words. We all know that brakes are one of the wear & tear maintenance items you can’t avoid There are some easy ways to extend the life of your brakes.

1. Be a smooth operator – Every time you brake, your brakes break down a bit. (Try saying that three times fast). The way you drive has a huge impact on how quickly your brakes will wear out. Braking from high speeds is much harder on the brakes. Giving yourself more distance between you and the car in front of you will decrease how often you brake, and it will minimize the number of sudden stops, reducing the wear & tear on your brakes. Not only is it much safer not to tailgate, but it is better for your brakes too! 2. Stop, in the name of love – When coming to a stop at a traffic light or stop sign, it is better to come to a complete stop once than to brake slowly and creep forward. Coming to a complete stop reduces the amount of friction on your brakes, increasing their longevity. 3. Lighten up – The more weight in your vehicle the harder the brakes need to work to stop. Take out any unnecessary weight from your vehicle. This will not only help extend the life of your brakes, but it will also improve your fuel efficiency. 4. Make a plan, Stan – Although the scenic route down windy back roads might be your preference when time allows, the amount of braking required will be much higher than the more direct highway route.

  We can’t always control how much we need to use our brakes. Be aware and make these adjustments whenever possible to increase the life of your brakes!

The post Here’s The Best Way To Take Care Of Your Automobile’s Brakes appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/car-care/heres-best-way-take-care-automobiles-brakes/

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File Taxes and Buy A Car on the Same Day

Benjamin Franklin is often attributed with coining the phrase “… two things are for certain, death & taxes.”

Many Americans will spend the early months of 2020 preparing for the April 15th tax filing deadline. However, there are plenty of positive benefits to filing your tax returns. Not only are you obeying the lawful requirement of submitting taxes, but you stand a good chance of receiving a hefty tax refund.

It is common during tax season for buyers to purchase a used vehicle with their refund. Did you know you can visit the nearest US Auto Sales location to file taxes using Tax Max services? Tax Max is a third-party company that can help you file your federal and state taxes.  A sales associate can help explain how your tax refund can be used as a down payment on your purchase from U.S. Auto, allowing you to drive away today.*

There are over 25 US Auto Sales dealerships nationwide that have access to over 2000 cars in our inventory. You may be able to knock out your taxes and purchase a car on the same day.

Customers looking to buy a used car should be sure to bring the following documents with them to the dealership:

Social Security Numbers

Date of Birth

Driver’s License (proof of identification)

Income Documents (W-2, 1099-C, etc.)

Bring documents for all family members, if filing with spouse and/or claiming children

Additional documents may be required.

  If you need more information, be sure to check out the 2020 Tax Max special. The knowledgeable associates at US Auto Sales are ready to help you buy a car at tax time!

  *Up to $6,000 same day tax refund anticipation loan on debit card less Tax Max and loan fees.  Refund paperwork prepared by Tax Max; not U.S. Auto Sales.  U.S. Auto is not an agent, principal, owner, or affiliate of Tax Max.

The post File Taxes and Buy A Car on the Same Day appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/personal-finance/file-taxes-buy-car-day/

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What Oil is Best for Your Vehicle?

  You stop for gas. You check the oil in your car. You need to add a quart. You go inside the convenience store. You find several options. You leave because you don’t know which one is right for your vehicle.

You go to your local oil change place. You’re asked if you want synthetic oil. You hear the difference in price, and say no immediately. You’re uncertain if you did the right thing.

If you’ve ever been in one of these situations, this blog post is for you.

Every type of oil has a different purpose related to the type of engine, the age of your vehicle, and the climate in which you drive. You might be surprised to know that over the course of time, it might be less expensive and more beneficial to switch to synthetic oil. Here is what you need to know about the different types of motor oils that might help you determine which type is best for your vehicle.

Decoding the label

Look at the label on the oil. There’s usually a number, followed by a W, followed by another number, like 5W-20 or 10W-40. The first number refers to the viscosity rating of the oil, which refers to its ability to flow in colder temperatures. The second number is the weight of the oil in warmer temperatures.

What does this mean to you? Unless you live in an area where temperatures reach extremes, then all you need to do is match the numbers on the bottle with the numbers on your oil filler cap. If your oil filler cap doesn’t have numbers on it, refer to your owner’s manual. This would be unusual, but if your filler cap was replaced, it’s possible.

Your owner’s manual may have a chart with oil recommendations based on temperature ranges, similar to the chart below. If it does, use the oil recommended for the temperatures you drive in most frequently according to the chart in your manual.

Synthetic versus Conventional Motor Oil

Your owner’s manual may have a recommendation here as well. Many modern cars require synthetic oil, and if so, you should follow that requirement in your owner’s manual. If there is no requirement for synthetic oil, you still may want to consider it.

Although synthetic oil is more expensive than conventional oil, it offers better protection for your car’s engine, potentially prolonging engine life. Synthetic oil:

Provides better protection from extreme temperatures.

Prevents deposits and sludge build-up better than conventional oil.

Reduces break down when towing or hauling heavy loads.

Requires less frequent changes.

Can extend the life of your older vehicle.

If you tend to take shorter trips or do a lot of in town driving, synthetic oil is the better choice. Conventional motor oil may not get warm enough to burn off moisture and impurities.

Switching from conventional to synthetic motor oil will not harm your vehicle, but it is important to stay with the same viscosity and weight. Regardless of which route you choose to go, it is important to get your oil changed as recommended and periodically check your oil level to ensure that your engine is lubricated properly.

The post What Oil is Best for Your Vehicle? appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/atlanta-group-dealer/oil-best-vehicle/

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Top Rated GPS Apps and Standalone Devices for Your Vehicle

You have your US Auto Sales car, and the road beckons. But how do you get where you’re going? Those roadmaps from the local convenience store aren’t going to cut it anymore. Here are the best mapping apps for your phone, and a few standalone devices that don’t require internet access.

Google Maps – Google Maps is an outstanding GPS navigation system compatible with both Android and iPhone. Not only does it give you accurate information on directions, but it will also automatically reroute you based on live traffic, construction, and accidents. The app also gives many local suggestions for food, activities, events, etc. Bonus – if your vehicle supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you can use it right from the touch screen in your vehicle.

Waze – This app is a favorite among the younger generation. It not only navigates, but warns you about police sightings, hazards, and will reroute you based on traffic, construction, and accidents. It also has a feature that will allow you to record your voice or anyone else’s to use as your navigation, and you can even play music through it.

Sygic GPS Navigation – Heading a little farther off the beaten path? Sygic offers reliable off-line maps as well as real time traffic information. Maps are updated multiple times a year at no additional cost. It keeps track of your speed, warns you when you go over the limit, and has many other safety features as well.

MAPS ME – Another off-line navigation app, MAPS ME keeps up to date with any changes to road conditions. You can use this navigation system anytime and it will also bookmark your favorite locations. Another good option for spotty or non-existent internet.

Standalone GPS Devices

Garmin DriveSmart 55 and Traffic – An excellent entry-level device from a well-known GPS navigation company, the DriveSmart55 has a responsive touchscreen and easily mounts to the windshield. Unfortunately, it only covers 49 states. Maps for other regions must be purchased separately. Starting at $149.99.

Atoto A6 Double Din Android Car Navigation Stereo – This GPS device stands out from the crowd because it is not only a GPS navigation system but also includes popular music apps and radio features and Bluetooth. It’s a little buggy, though, with reviewers reporting occasional screen freezes and audio loss. Starting at $159.99.

Tom Tom GO 620 6-inch GPS Navigation Device – Tom Tom is known for accuracy and fast signal, but some feel that it not as easy to use as other systems. It has 3-D imaging, voice control and hands-free calling. The downside is that it must be linked to a smart phone to access live traffic data. Starting at $209.99.

The post Top Rated GPS Apps and Standalone Devices for Your Vehicle appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/car-care/top-rated-gps-apps-standalone-devices-vehicle/

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Keeping it Fresh: Ways to Keep Your Car Smelling Clean

With the amount of time you spend in your car, it can be a challenge to keep it smelling fresh. If you have one car and kids and pets, it can quickly start to smell like a garbage truck. Here are some ways to keep your car smelling clean and fresh.

Little Trees Air Fresheners – If you like the classic hanging tree air freshener, these come in over 36 different aromas. The downside of these fresheners is the overpowering immediate scent that only freshens for a couple of weeks. The plus side is that they are inexpensive, and you can enjoy a different scent every few weeks! Starting at $1.99

Febreze Air Freshener – These small, vent style fresheners come in several different aromas and can be adjusted to control the scent level. Left on the low setting, these can last for up to 45 days. Starting at $2.99

Ozium Vanilla Spray Air Freshener – Originally designed for use in hospitals, Ozium not only smells faintly of vanilla, but can also reduce airborne bacteria. It also works well to eliminate lingering smoke smells. Once sprayed, it almost immediately eliminates any odor and can linger for up to two weeks. Starting at $8.99

Chemical Guys AIR _102 Odor Eliminator – This odor eliminator is specifically for vehicles with leather interiors, restoring the original scent of leather. Use it sparingly, as it can leave a strong, overpowering fragrance if used too frequently. Starting at $9.99

California Home Goods Odor Eliminator – This is a small bag that can hung from the coat hook over the rear door. It contains carbon-activated bamboo charcoal that eliminates odors without a strong perfume scent. It can also help reduce mildew formation. To reactivate this freshener, simply place it in the sun for 2 hours every month. Starting at $13.49

PURGGO Car Air Freshener – This air freshener attaches to back of the front seat and contains no spray, gel, ionizers, plastic or fragrance. It contains 100% bamboo charcoal that acts like a sponge, absorbing odors and trapping them. It works around the clock and can last up to a year! Starting at $19.99

Sununitec Sun-C200 – This round, wooden model mounts to the air conditioner vent. It releases a lemon scent with the accent of wood. Once the scent is gone, this freshener can still be used by adding your favorite essential oil. Starting at $29.95

The post Keeping it Fresh: Ways to Keep Your Car Smelling Clean appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/car-care/keeping-fresh-ways-keep-car-smelling-clean/

[real-lisa-rinna]

Top Trunk Organizers of 2019

With holiday shopping season fast approaching, finding ways to organize your trunk or giving the gift of organization to a loved one may be on your list of things to do. Here are some of the top-rated trunk organizers of 2019 to help you maximize your trunk space.

Honey-Can-Do Folding Trunk Organizer – a great, inexpensive option that has two roomy compartments with several pockets around the outside.

Dimensions: 13 x 25.5 x 13.25 inches Starting at $10.00

Homeve Car Trunk Organizer – Suitable for any size trunk, the Homeve organizer is collapsible and has three inside storage compartment with several different size pockets around the outside. It also comes in several different colors.

Dimensions: 22.5 x 15 x 13.4 inches Starting at $22.99

Higher Gear Car Trunk Organizer – This organizer was rated easiest to carry making it a great option for transporting items to and from your vehicle.

Dimensions: 23 x 14 x 12 inches Starting at $24.99

Starling’s Car Trunk Organizer – This option is durable, collapsible and has a nonslip waterproof bottom. It comes in several colors. There are removable dividers inside and 10 pockets outside.

Dimensions: 23.5 x 15.5 x 12 inches Starting at $29.99

Maid Max Cargo Trunk Organizer with Lid – Like to have your clutter hidden? Need a place to hide that special gift? This organizer is perfect – it has a lid! It comes with adjustable dividers for the inside and has several outside pockets with flaps.

Dimensions: 14 x 23 x 13 inches Starting at $35.99

Rola M.O.V.E. Rigid-Base Trunk Organizer– This is a solid organizer that is ideal for small, compact cars. The dividers can be adjusted to make the inside compartment any size. This is one of the pricier options, but reviewers state that it is well made and built to last.

Dimensions: 38 x 15 x 7 inches Starting at $59.99

The post Top Trunk Organizers of 2019 appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/car-care/top-trunk-organizers-2019/

[real-lisa-rinna]

Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage

With gas prices constantly fluctuating, it never hurts to know some ways to improve your gas mileage. While you may not be able to practice all of these all the time, here’s a few simple ways to increase your gas mileage whenever possible.

Refuel in the morning – Did you know that a gallon of gas in the morning is not the same as a gallon of gas later in the day? Why? Most large fuel tanks are buried underground. In the morning the ground is colder. As the ground temperature rises, the gasoline expands, making it less dense. If you fill your fuel tank a couple times a week, you could save between $5-$10 each month by refueling first thing in the morning!

Replace your air filter – If the engine air filter is clogged with dust and debris, your engine has to work harder than it should to get enough air to mix with the fuel, causing an increase in fuel consumption. Replacing the air filter can instantly improve your gas mileage up to 15%!

Don’t put the pedal to the metal – Revving the engine or accelerating quickly burns more gas. Accelerating more slowly will not only improve your gas mileage but could also extend the life of your engine.

Watch the weight – Keeping the weight in your vehicle to a minimum when possible can make a big difference in the gas mileage. If you’ve literally got junk in your trunk, time for a clean-out!

Inflate your tires – Keeping your tires inflated to the proper level reduces their rolling resistance, so your vehicle doesn’t have to work so hard. Many newer cars come with tire pressure monitoring systems – if that dash light goes on, don’t ignore it.

Avoid prolonged idling – At idle, you are literally getting zero miles per gallon. If you’re going to be sitting longer than 10 seconds, turn off the engine. Contrary to popular belief, starting doesn’t use more fuel than idling in modern cars.

Use cruise control – If your car is equipped with cruise control, it helps to maintain a consistent speed and can reduce the need to accelerate or brake helping to improve efficiency. If your car has it, adaptive cruise control is even better for this.

Use the Air Conditioning Wisely – Here in the southeast, you need your AC, but whenever possible roll the windows down or reduce the setting on the air conditioning. It makes a big difference on fuel costs over time.

It might be interesting to fill your gas tank and make no immediate changes and calculate the mpg. Then make as many of the above changes as possible and calculate the mpg again and hopefully you will notice a difference!

  The post Ways to Improve Your Gas Mileage appeared first on US Auto Sales Blog.

source https://www.usautosales.info/blogs/1924/atlanta-used-cars/ways-improve-gas-mileage/