Little Known Components: Air Suspension

Whether you're looking to have the coolest car on the block, the ability to alter your ride level on the fly, or better load carrying capabilities, it’s time to look into getting an air suspension system.

An air suspension system replaces conventional springs with air springs. These air springs are basically bags inflated to a specific pressure or height with an outside compressor via a valve on the bag. An air suspension system offers five key benefits as outlined in Hot Rod. Read on to learn more from our team at Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville.

Adjustability. Anyone who's ever had the pleasure of spending weeks adjusting and fine tuning springs and shocks in order to get the "perfect" ride would have gladly traded a platinum wrench (which may have ended up thrown through a garage window out of frustration) for an air suspension system. Because an air suspension system provides a lot more room for error when it comes to height, load, and rate, you can get the system fine-tuned in much less time, even on the fly.

Handling. In additional to being super cool, an air suspension system provides superior handling. They're progressive, which means the more they compress, the stiffer they get. Combined with the aforementioned enhanced adjustability, you've got yourself enormous performance potential.

Customization. Everyone has his or her own idea of what a perfect ride feels like. With an air suspension system, the way your car handles can be accommodated with little or no component changes. A wide range of riding styles can be achieved by a simple adjustment of air pressure and shock valving.

Height. If those who switched from conventional suspension systems to air suspension systems were honest, quite a few would admit they got an air suspension system because they wanted to look cool. The cool continuum runs the spectrum between low riders or mini-trucks to the more common driver who simply wants to lower his or her ride for a unique look. Most air suspension kits put the vehicle several inches below standard vehicle heights and usually can be adjusted up for normal driving, filling it up with gas, or rolling it onto a truck bed.

Load carrying. Although air suspension systems are more commonly associated with young men trying to impress young ladies on a Saturday night with their sweet new ride, air suspension systems were originally designed for commercial use. More specifically, they were designed to help 18-wheelers carry more of a load while providing more comfort for the driver.

If this heretofore little known vehicle component intrigues you, check with our dealership service department to learn more about your options.

How Proper Maintenance Helps Resale Value

The day you bring home your new car is well-worth celebrating. The day you trade it in for a new vehicle can be just as exciting, especially if you have maintained your vehicle well over the years. Learn why proper maintenance is so important, both during ownership and when trading in, from our team at Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville.

Cost vs. Benefit. There are two primary reasons individuals don't get proper maintenance on their vehicles: time and money. Those who don't have enough time to keep their vehicle maintained will definitely not have enough time to get it repaired down the road. Those who are worried about the cost of maintaining a vehicle need to examine two things: the cost of getting a vehicle repaired due to a lack of maintenance, and the increase in resale value as a result of proper maintenance.

Documentation. So you followed your maintenance log that came with your vehicle, right? Great! You also documented each and every oil change, tune up, tire rotation, windshield wiper switch, and whatever else you could think of documenting, correct? Having this information on hand makes your vehicle much more attractive to buyers. If you tell a prospective buyer that you've meticulously maintained your vehicle, he or she will be more likely to believe you if it's properly documented in a log book, especially when accompanied by receipts.

Recommended maintenance and what to record. If you haven't kept a log, gather your receipts. If you don't have receipts, go through credit card statements. Make sure your records are accurate. Here are some of the things you should document: 

• Fluid changes
• Tire rotation
• Paint or body shop receipts
• Engine repair paperwork
• Car detailing receipts
• Inspection reports
• Smog certificates

Other recommended maintenance. Obviously, nobody wants to buy a car that doesn't run well, but in your haste to document and maintain mechanical aspects of the vehicle, don't neglect to maintain the exterior and interior. Unsightly blemishes on the exterior or a torn, ripped, or dirty interior can distract from your well-organized documentation as well.

Pre-sale preparation. In addition to routine cleaning of the car's exterior and interior, there are a few things you're going to want to pay special attention to when preparing a car for resale. Clean the windshields inside and out. Use a high-quality product to return the luster to vinyl surfaces and components on the inside. Vacuum the upholstery and carpets. Wipe down surfaces. If you've been doing this all along, you'll have no problems when it comes to preparing the vehicle. Keep the exterior free of debris and give it a good detailing when preparing it for sale.

 
There are more factors than routine maintenance when it comes to maintaining a car's value. Take note, however, that an unmaintained vehicle will fetch less money, regardless of its make or model.

Driving Tips You Can Learn From Bus Drivers

Bus drivers take their lives into their hands every day on city streets and interstate highways. Despite challenging traffic conditions and the responsibility of a large vehicle and numerous passengers, bus drivers find ways to stay safe while keeping up with demanding routes and schedules. These unsung heroes of the road universally command respect, but they also offer important lessons to ordinary drivers who share busy roads with buses every day. Our team at Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville has the details.

Distracted Driving

Modern technology has caused an addiction for many bus drivers as they struggle to communicate while safely driving a bus. An Italian bus driver was caught on video simultaneously using two cell phones while steering his bus with his elbows. This talent showed the world that cell phone use behind the wheel might not present the extreme danger most people expect. Seriously, bus drivers can provide some good examples of how not to drive. Although many states have laws in place restricting the use of electronic devices while driving, many states do not. All drivers should avoid risking their lives and the lives of passengers by reserving cell phone use to emergencies while driving.

Road Rage

A New York City school bus driver named Juan DelValle side-swiped a car on a crowded city street and was subsequently attacked by the offended driver. DelValle was within days of his long-awaited retirement and died from severe injuries to his brain. This one example shows how a minor traffic incident can quickly escalate into a life-changing event for unprepared drivers. Drivers should exercise extreme caution every time they have an incident with another driver. After an accident, drivers who feel threatened can call police and wait in their cars until help arrives.

Rest

Bus drivers illustrate why no one should sit behind the wheel of a vehicle when fatigued. Investigators determined that a tour bus crash in New York that killed 15 passengers was caused by a sleepy driver. The bus driver, Ophadell Williams, was charged with criminally negligent homicide. His life might never return to its previous state. Drivers who spend time getting the sleep they need might arrive late at their destination, but they also arrive with a clear conscience, an alert mind, and living passengers.

Defensive Driving

A Transit bus in Los Osos, California rolled down an embankment after colliding with a car on a dark and wet stretch of road. Bus drivers know they cannot count on the driving skills of other motorists for safety, so they drive defensively. In the Los Osos case, the bus driver managed to stay alive after the Mercedes crossed the center line. Although the driver of the automobile died in the wreck, all the bus passengers lived. Every driver should periodically take time to review defensive-driving tactics or to attend a defensive driving class to improve their ability to respond to unexpected circumstances on the highway.

Ask a Technician: How do I know if I need new wiper blades?

In severe weather conditions, whether or not your vehicle is safe could depend on how functional the rubber windshield wiper blades are on your vehicle. Read on to learn if it is time for you to purchase a new set of wiper blades from our team at Sheehy Nissan of Mechanicsville. 

When do you need new windshield wiper blades?

Worn-out wiper blades usually remind you they're wearing out by the sound that they make. If during operation you hear an annoying "squeak" every time they "swish," it's time for new wiper blades. A rubber windshield wiper that's cracked can't keep your windshield clear during wet weather conditions and this increases your risk of having an accident. Additionally, if the rubber wears off and any part of the metal wiper hits the glass, your windshield could be damaged.

How often should rubber blades be replaced?

Inspection of your vehicle's rubber wiper blades should be a part of every regular maintenance inspection. You don't want to have to pull your vehicle over during a downpour or snowstorm just because you can't see out the windows. A better strategy is to regularly check their condition and either have them replaced during a service appointment at your dealership, or change them yourself. Just be sure to check your vehicle's operating manual for the right replacement size.

Should you replace windshield wiper blades yourself?

If you are car savvy and accustomed to doing small DIY projects on your car, changing the wiper blades isn't a difficult task if you purchase the correct replacement. After reading the directions on the package, clean the glass windshield to remove any debris and to make the surface smooth. Replacement wiper products sometimes recommend applying glass treatment to the windshield. This step improves the effectiveness of the new blades.

What is the evolution of wiper blades?

For decades, car designs have changed radically while the standard design for wiper blades hasn't. The first real evolution to come along beyond a single wiper blade was the two-blade design with wings during the 1980's. Eventually, other designs incorporated even more wiping edges within one rubber strip. However, problems arose on multiple edged wipers because their design allowed too much space for ice and snow to clog the wiper action and they stopped working when drivers needed them most.

What about new contoured windshield blade designs?

Enter the contoured, frameless wiper blade. This innovative design has a benefit standard rubber blades don't have-even pressure over the entire blade surface. When wiper blades wear evenly there's no more premature failure of the blades due to worn edges. This design also prevents ice build-up between the rubber wiper blade and the metal frame. You don't have to worry about them freezing if you find yourself driving in below freezing temperatures. Contoured, frameless windshield wipers are now standard on many new car models.

You don't want to ignore this small, inexpensive item that can make a big difference when you must drive your car during bad weather conditions.

Ask A Technician: What Are The Most Important Things To Do To Maintain a New Car?

Q: What are the most important things to do to maintain a new car?

A: It’s often said that a car is the second most expensive thing you will ever own, apart from your house, so it makes plenty of sense to make sure you take care of it. This is especially true if and when it becomes time to sell the car. At this point, its condition and history will largely determine the selling price. Here are a couple of suggestions from our service technician at Sheehy Nissan of Mechnicsville on how to get the most out of your car – with reliability while you own it and good resale value when you sell it.
 
Dealer service history

Every car comes with a service book that details when or at what mileage your car is due for a service. Some higher-end cars have automatic countdowns on the instrument panel to make it even clearer. Many car brands these days have free service plans built into the sale price, which certainly makes dealer servicing very attractive.

A full and authentic service history tells the next owner that you have taken care of the car properly. It also ensures that not only will the car remain as reliable as possible, but it will also be fixed for free in the event of a car recall for a specific problem. Once you move out of the dealer’s network, the auto company can lose track of you and may not be able to alert you to recalls.

Use correct fuel

Cars can use different grades of fuel, so read the manual and find out which grade your car takes. You might save money by buying lower grade fuel, but it can mean lower engine performance and possible damage to the engine. Fuel with an ethanol mix might also not be compatible with your car, as it can degrade seals in the car’s fuel and engine systems.

Wheel alignment

You car’s wheels are designed to be aligned in an exact direction when on the road, and even a soft bump on a curb can cause the settings to get out of spec. Getting a regular wheel alignment means that your tires will last longer, you will use less fuel, and your car will drive much better.

Paint care

Car paint these days is pretty tough – it consists of several layers of paint, topped off by a clearcoat that protects the paint and gives the car its shine. It’s the clearcoat that you have to care for, so keeping your car as clean as possible is important.

When you clean your car, use a reputable brand of car care products. Use them following the instructions exactly, and remember the secret to taking care of paint is to use the gentlest means possible to apply each product (no hard brushes, for example). Follow these simple measures and your car will thank you for it.