10 Automotive Facebook Pages to Follow

Remember back in the day when the only way to get information on automobiles was to buy magazines with girls in bikinis washing motorcycles on the cover? With the advent of the Internet, the two subjects were separated. With the advent of social media, the automotive information comes to you. Here are the top 10 automotive Facebook as voted by the folks at Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie. 

1. Autoblog.com. Interested in Andre Agassi’s customized, Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler? If you followed Autoblog.com’s Facebook page, you’d have known it was on eBay. Not just any auto blog, Autoblog.com “obsessively” follows the automotive industry, featuring car reviews, auto shows, eBay’s find of the day, and more.
2. WorldCarFans. WorldCarFans.com is an online magazine that features “daily editorial coverage of emerging products and industry news, spy photos, motor shows, high resolution photos, videos, and more.” Follow their Facebook page to see photos of cars you’ll probably never drive. It doesn’t hurt to dream.
3. Car and Driver Magazine. Even those with little interest in cars other than it getting them to and from work five mornings a week know that a car that lands on the Car and Driver top automobile lists is a car worth owning. That’s just one reason the Car and Driver Facebook page is a page worth following.
4. Motor Trend Magazine. Auto manufacturers covet the Motor Trend Car of the Year award, which is why those who want the latest automotive news covet Motor Trend’s Facebook page. Unlike winning the Motor Trend Car of the Year award, however, anyone can gain access to Motor Trend’s Facebook page.
5. Conceptcarz.com. Conceptcarz specializes in following vehicles from concept to production. Its in-depth look at automobiles features high-interest automobiles such as the Popemobile, a 1955 Scuderia Lancia, and a 1971 Porsche Spyder as well as automobiles coming out in the next few months.
6. Edmunds.com. Edmunds claims you can “enhance your research and shopping experience by connecting with Facebook to get advice from your friends and local car experts.” In addition to researching your next car, Edmunds invites you to review your current or past vehicles.
7. Motor Authority. Whether you own a high-performance or luxury car or just like to dream, Motor Authority is the authority to consult. Unlike similar blogs, Motor Authority focuses on the products as opposed to industry news. And unlike most Facebook friends who make things up to impress you, the cars on Motor Authority actually exist.
8. Jalopnik. With thousands of websites and magazines on cars, it’s difficult to carve out a niche. That’s why Jalopnik has been so successful. Jalopnik is “obsessed with the cult of cars” and their Facebook page allows others with like obsession to share their opinion on topics like the coolest cars of all time that never happened, a rapper destroying his Lamborghini, and the best and worst cars you’ve driven.
9. Autoweek. Autoweek has been online since 1995. It’s obvious their vision includes the use of newer technology to share car news, photos, reviews, and more.
10. Road and Track. Road and Track provides car news, photos, reviews, and a car lovers community. Get behind-the-scenes peeks at luxury and cutting-edge automobiles years before they’re unveiled. Follow their Facebook page to find this information first.

Will My Vehicle Make It Through a Wintry Mountain Drive?

Extremes of weather and location can make for very different driving conditions. A hot, sunny climate may seem attractive to some, for example, but it can also be hazardous for various reasons. The same is true of wintry conditions, where low temperatures and weather extremes, particularly in mountainous areas, can present significant challenges for your car. You may be wondering whether your vehicle will make it through a wintry mountain drive. Here are five things to consider from our team at Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie when you need to decide whether your car is fit for the terrain ahead.

Gas mileage. Fuel economy may not be the first consideration you make, but it's worth bearing in mind that there probably aren't that many gas stations located in your average mountain range. If you intend to take a car on a drive through the mountains, you want to be sure that it can cover a reasonable distance. Even if you fill the tank, a gas guzzling monster may not always be the best bet, unless you intend to carry lots of spare fuel.

Power. Mountainous driving is, by default, likely to feature a lot of inclines of varying steepness, and if you have a car with very low brake horsepower and torque, then you may struggle to get the vehicle to the top of those hills. Even if you are able to do so, if you are driving a small, under-powered car it could be very frustrating for other road users, who may be unable to overtake you.

Comfort. Do you really want to drive around the mountains in a basic, uncomfortable car that has no luxuries? Bear in mind that the temperature is likely to drop considerably, if your car has no heating function in operation, then a wintry, mountain drive is apt to be very miserable for all concerned. Without a car stereo, you may not be able to listen to music or catch weather alerts on the radio. Think about whether your car is really suited to this kind of driving.

Off-road capability. Mountain driving sometimes presents challenges. The road surface may deteriorate or may become difficult to pass due to snow, ice, and slush. If your car has no off-road capability then its tires and wheels may simply be unable to cope with the demands of the terrain. That could make you prone to have an accident, or could mean that you simply cannot get past certain stretches of road.

Size and capacity. When it comes to mountain driving, you need to make sure that you have room for all the appropriate emergency equipment that you need to take. This includes blankets, a snow shovel, flashlight, spare fuel, food, drink, towrope, and basic tools. If you drive a very small car, you may lnot have room to carry all this kit, particularly if you have luggage and passengers too. Think about whether you car allows you to prepare appropriately for mountainous driving.

More Tips for Keeping Your Fuel Tank Full

We are sure that you have heard many ideas about keeping your RPMs to a minimum and your fuel efficiency to a maximum. Appropriately inflated tires, cruise control, and a light vehicle load can all help you keep your wallet as thick as possible. We at Sheehy Nissan of Glen Burnie want to keep you ahead of the curve though, so here are our latest ideas for maximum fuel efficiency.

Drive Defensively

If you are the aggressive type of driver, then understand that your attitude can influence how your foot behaves around the acceleration pedal. Aggressive driving can create higher speeds, sporadic acceleration, and a generally inefficient driving experience. Take it easy, keep a steady pace, and you will notice spending less time at the fuel pump.

Streamline Your Vehicle

Although a lot of the aerodynamics of your vehicle is predetermined by the Chevrolet research and development departments, there are some things that you can do to minimize drag. Always keep windows and moon roofs close on the freeway, and keep your vehicle free of debris.

Put it into High Gear

If you operate a manual transmission, then you likely understand that the higher the gear, the lower the engine works. Don’t redline your engine in first and second, and always try to smoothly and safely transition into the highest gear available as quickly as possible.

Carpool

Find friends in classes or at work and determine who lives near you. You can swing by on the way to your job or school and ask them to pitch in for gas later on. A carpooling initiative at your work or school might be the perfect idea to get everyone excited and working together. Plus, having a buddy in the car will make your trips shorter!

Plan Your Errands

A warmer engine runs more efficiently than a stale, cold one. If you have a to-do list than involves driving around town, plan out the most efficient route and try to carry it out with as little engine downtime as possible.

We hope these tips help you pinch pennies during each mile that you travel.

Ensuring Your Pet's Comfort on Holiday Road Trips

No pet owner likes to leave their beloved member of the family at home when traveling over a holiday. With a little preplanning, a road trip with your cat or dog won't turn into a stressed-out disaster for either one of you. Check out these tips from our team at Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie to ensure a safe, comfortable holiday road trip for all.

Holiday road trip comfort and pet safety

Always “test drive” your pet before embarking on a long road trip to test their tolerance level. If your vehicle is equipped with a pet barrier, be sure to use it. You don't want your animal roaming around the inside of the car and possibly causing an accident.

While not all dogs need to be confined to an appropriately-sized travel crate, all cats do. Pet safety is one consideration, but it's also a fact that cats are less stressed when they feel protected inside a carrier.

Bring along your dog's bed for added comfort. Your cat will be satisfied with a piece of soft clothing that you've worn lately and has your scent placed inside the crate.

Keep your pet occupied during the road trip

Pack their favorite toys and a few snacks. A quality chew toy will keep most dogs occupied for a long time. Along with old favorites, buy a new toy for added interest.

Cats that don't really like to travel in cars can be harder to keep occupied. If they like catnip, make sure they have a fresh catnip toy. For cats that really do hate to ride in cars and tell you so by crying for hours at a time, speak with your vet about using an herbal calming tincture that will safely calm them and promote sleep.

Make regular road trip rest stops

Your pet needs breaks on a long holiday road trip just as you do. To prevent any "accidents" inside your car, try to stop at least every two hours. Inside cats can be placed on a familiar harness and leash (train your cat before you leave home) to use the portable litter box you brought along.

Have your dog’s leash handy at all times. Should there be other dogs at the rest stop, and they appear friendly to each other, let them romp in a grassy area away from the parking lot. If not, stretch your legs with a 20 minute walk. This effort is an especially good investment for hyperactive dogs with a lot of energy.

Comfort your pet through communication

Just as you talk to your dog or cat when you're at home, keep the conversation going when you're in the car on a long holiday road trip. Animals find the voice of their owner soothing. Let other family members take a turn chatting away as well. Use your dog's name to get his attention and keep repeating it throughout the road trip so that he knows you're talking to him.

Stay overnight at a pet-friendly motel

Your cat or dog will feel insecure because they are away from their home, but if you find a motel with pet friendly accommodations, this will help relieve a little of the stress. Playtime is important for relaxation and to promote a good night's sleep. Pet-friendly motels that attract dog owners usually have a play area where dogs can interact with each other and release pent-up frustration.

On the other hand, most cats appreciate a little playtime with familiar toys inside the room and will be content to inspect the room while being outside of their travel cage.

Ensuring pet comfort on a holiday road trip isn't as hard as you might think if you anticipate their needs before leaving home.

The Advantages of Remote Engine Starters

Remote engine starters have been available to drivers for several years now, but have generally been the sort of feature you would find in a luxury car. As with most developments, manufacturers are now starting to include remote starters in more models, making them much more mainstream. You may have read about them in auto reviews, but what are the advantages of having this feature? Our team at Sheehy Nissan Glen Burnie has the details.

Your car may have climate control or air-conditioning, but these systems take some time to moderate the temperature inside the car. On a scorching hot day summer day or a freezing winter night, you might be stuck waiting for the air conditioning or heat to kick in. A remote engine starter takes this problem away for you.

By using the remote engine starter, you can get the car engine running and activate the heating or cooling before you even get inside. That gives you the opportunity to stay indoors in the warmth (or the cool) until the car is ready for you. You need only wait a few minutes, but you can enjoy getting into a perfectly cool or warm car. This can be particularly handy if you have young children and babies, or anyone else that is very sensitive to extremes temperatures.

Starting the car remotely can be safer, too. First off, it gives your engine the chance to properly warm up in the winter. And once the car has warmed up, for example, it’s easier to clear the windows of ice. Brake lights and headlamps will also clear of snow and ice, allowing other cars to see you more easily.

Even simple things can be easier with a remote engine starter. If you have your hands full or you are dealing with children and pets, it isn't always ideal to have to fumble around with a key in the car door. A remote engine starter will start the engine and unlock the doors for you with the simple touch of a button on your key fob.

Remote engine starters are now becoming more common on new cars. If you don't already have one, however, you can talk to our dealership about having one fitted. According to where you live, it could make your life much easier and safer.