There are several dangerous situations that can occur when it comes to children and vehicles New Jersey. We are going to discuss a few of the more common hazards in a 6 part series. Even if you are aware of them, I hope that when we are through you will have been reminded . . . → Read More: Child Safety: 1 of 6 Vehicle Hazards New Jersey!]]>

There are several dangerous situations that can occur when it comes to children and vehicles New Jersey. We are going to discuss a few of the more common hazards in a 6 part series. Even if you are aware of them, I hope that when we are through you will have been reminded of some preventative measures or perhaps, even learned something new.

The first hazard we are going to discuss is that of children becoming trapped in a vehicle’s trunk. Hide and Seek is a popular game among children and wouldn’t a trunk be the perfect hiding spot? Yes, a trunk would be a good hiding spot, but a very dangerous one that can lead to heatstroke, asphyxiation and even death.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the inside temperature of a vehicle can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first ten minutes. Even if the temperature outside is low, your vehicle can heat up very quickly. Younger children are also more heat sensitive and at a greater risk for heatstroke.

Due to children getting trapped in trunks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of September 1, 2001, all vehicle manufacturers were required to install a glow in the dark trunk release inside the vehicles trunk compartment. If your vehicle is older than 2001 stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall and we can help get a trunk release installed.

To prevent a child from ever becoming locked in your trunk, remember the following advice.
• Teach your child that the trunk is not something to play in and is only for storage.
• Keep an eye on your child any time they are in or around a vehicle.
• If you cannot find your child check your trunk immediately.
• When not in use, your vehicle should be locked even if stored in the garage. Any keys or remotes should be kept out of the reach of children.
• If you have rear-folding seats that lead to the trunk, be sure that they are closed and locked.

Protect your children New Jersey and be sure to keep them away from your vehicle’s trunk. Keep in mind the above information and keep your children safe. And don’t forget to stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall for all your Nissan, Kia and Suzuki needs.

Every time I get in my vehicle and get behind the wheel, my first motion is to put on my seat belt. Although many drivers and passengers wear seat belts when out on the roads of New Jersey, there are still many that do not.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, . . . → Read More: Buckle Up New Jersey!]]>

Every time I get in my vehicle and get behind the wheel, my first motion is to put on my seat belt. Although many drivers and passengers wear seat belts when out on the roads of New Jersey, there are still many that do not.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the use of seat belts saves over 13,000 lives every year. The best way to protect yourself in a crash is to wear your seat belt. A seat belt serves the purpose of keeping you safe and secure while inside your vehicle, in the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident. Do you know if you are buckling up correctly New Jersey?

When placing your seat belt on, the lap belt and shoulder belt should secure your pelvis and rib cage accordingly. These parts of your body are able to withstand forces from a crash better than other parts. The shoulder belt should lie across the middle of your chest and away from your neck. Your lap belt should lie across your hips and below your stomach. Your shoulder belt should always lie across your chest and never be placed behind your back or under your arm.

The way that your seat belt fits you is also important. When you are buying a car at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall, make sure that the seat belts fit you well. If the seat belt needs some adjusting, ask us about seat belt adjusters. These can improve the fit of your seat belt. If you need more room, we can contact our Nissan, Kia or Suzuki manufacturers and provide you with seat belt extenders. If your current car is a classic or older model, you can also contact the manufacturer about re-fitting the old seat belt with something that meets the current safety guidelines.

For more information on seat belt safety, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www.nhtsa.gov or visit us at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. And the next time you get behind the wheel, don’t forget to buckle up New Jersey!

When is comes to purchasing a new vehicle, the second biggest decision after the type of car, is whether to lease or buy your vehicle. For each customer and circumstance, the answer is different. For the next time you need to make this decision, let your New Jersey car dealer explain the difference.

The Nissan 370Z is a 332 hp, 3.7 liter, V6 engine . . . → Read More: Design The Next Nissan 370Z New Jersey!]]> It seems as though whenever we buy something from clothing to houses to New Jersey new or used cars, there is always something that we would like to change or would have designed differently. Well, now Nissan is letting you do just that!

The Nissan 370Z is a 332 hp, 3.7 liter, V6 engine sports car. It is a great value for mainstream buyers who want to own a sports car without paying a high sticker price. Now Nissan has just announced that they are going to call on fans and customers of the Nissan 370Z to design the ultimate Z car. Nissan is calling this “Project 370Z,” where you can offer and vote on design ideas and modifications while following the progress online. “Project 370Z” is being offered via Facebook at facebook.com/nissanperformance.

The project will be built in phases; power, handling/brakes, interior and exterior. All of the fans “Likes,” Facebook wall posts, and comments will be reviewed and ranked for each part or accessory. The most popular will then be added to the next Nissan 370Z.  Nissan had the following to say about the project:

“Car companies build project vehicles all the time, but we thought it’d be interesting to harness the power of social media to reach out to Z® enthusiasts – the people who are doing this to their own cars everyday,” said Jon Brancheau, vice president, Nissan Marketing, NNA. “Together we’ll create a vehicle that expands on the already outstanding performance and style of the Nissan 370Z with a balance of street and track ready modifications. Then we’ll share the finished project at upcoming Z® car enthusiast gatherings around the country.”

The new Nissan 370Z that Nissan’s fans have created will be revealed at the “ZDayZ” event in late May of 2012. If you would like to be one of the next designers of the Nissan 370Z New Jersey, log onto Facebook and let Nissan know what you think. Stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall to check out our latest selection of Nissan’s, Kia’s and Suzuki’s and let us know what you would tell Nissan.

As I was reviewing a car seat rating for one of the makes and models we carry, I wondered, what is the proper way to install a car seat? It’s been a long time since I have had a car seat in the backseat of my car, so I decided to find out!

The Porsche Panamera was debuted to the public . . . → Read More: Have You Seen The Porsche Panamera New Jersey?!]]>
The world of luxury sports cars has a new species running around New Jersey these days; the Porsche Panamera. I’ve seen a few of them here and there, and each time I feel like I’m staring at an elephant on the road; a 4-door Porsche!

The Porsche Panamera was debuted to the public at the Shanghai Motor Show and production began the following month in April of 2009. However, it is just now that we are beginning to see more and more of them on the roads. The Panamera is a four-door sport Porsche with a front engine instead of a rear one, as we all have come to associate with a Porsche. The Panamera resembles a four-door Porsche 911 and has you doing a double take to make sure that is not what you are seeing.

There are several models of the Porsche Panamera that have been developed since its reveal. The first models to debut were the Panamera S, 4S and Turbo. These models include a 4.8L V8 engine with or without twin turbo, respectively. The next models to be released were the Panamera and Panamera 4 in 2010. These models contain a 3.6L V6 engine by comparison. 2011 brought us the Panamera S, S hybrid, diesel, turbo S and GTS. These models are either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Porsche Panamera starts at $75,200 on up, for added features and options.

U.S News ranks the 2012 Porsche Panamera at #3 out of 12 for super luxury cars. This is based on 23 reviews and test-drives, reliability and safety data. The overall score that is was given is an 8.7 with the following pros and cons.

Pros and Cons
• Exceptional performance
• Spacious interior
• High-grade cabin materials
• Options are expensive
• Only seats four
• Controversial exterior styling

For more information visit www.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com. Keep your eyes out to see the newest in Porsche Panamera’s driving down your New Jersey road today. And stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall for the latest in Nissan, Kia and Suzuki vehicles.

The tread of your cars tires is important to check and keep at an appropriate level New Jersey. When the tread of your tires gets too low, driving on those worn tires can become very dangerous, especially in rain and snow.

Tire tread is measured in 1/32-inch increments. A brand new tire . . . → Read More: Don’t Get Stuck With Tired Tread New Jersey!]]> Tire Tread

The tread of your cars tires is important to check and keep at an appropriate level New Jersey. When the tread of your tires gets too low, driving on those worn tires can become very dangerous, especially in rain and snow.

Tire tread is measured in 1/32-inch increments. A brand new tire will have a tire tread measuring at 10/32 of an inch. When one or more of the tires treads measures at 2/32 of an inch, your tire is considered bald and should be replaced. According to Goodyear Tires, you should inspect and check your tire tread every 3,000 miles. There are two tests you can perform to check the tread of your cars tires.

The Penny Test
Place a penny in between a groove on your tire. If all of Abraham Lincoln’s head is showing, then it is time to replace your tires. As long as the grooves cover part or all of his head, your tire tread is still good.

Tire Indicator Bar
Tires are now made with built in indicator bars at the base of the tread. When these bars are visible you know your tire tread has reached its 2/32-inch mark, and is considered bald.

If you live in an area with rain and snow as we do New Jersey, both Consumer Reports and Tirerack.com recommend replacing your tires at the 4/32-inch mark. This will reduce your risk for hydroplaning in rain and slipping and sliding in the snow.

To keep your tires performing at their best and to reduce your risk when driving in inclement weather New Jersey, remember to check your tire tread. If you need any assistance please come on by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall. We will be happy to check your tread, or set you up with a new set of tires, whatever your need may be.

As I was driving to work the other morning in my New Jersey neighborhood, I noticed a woman putting on makeup as she was driving down the road. I was shocked that she had the coordination to do this. And then I wondered, what other distracting habits do we as drivers do when . . . → Read More: The 10 Most Dangerous Driving Habits]]>

As I was driving to work the other morning in my New Jersey neighborhood, I noticed a woman putting on makeup as she was driving down the road. I was shocked that she had the coordination to do this. And then I wondered, what other distracting habits do we as drivers do when we are driving?

1.Talking on the Phone

The most distracting thing you can do in the car when you are driving is to talk on the phone, hands free or otherwise. According to the AAA Foundation,

Using a cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of crashing.

2. Daydreaming

Although it’s hard, keeping your thoughts strictly on the road will reduce your risk of an accident.

3. Texting and using social media

We see commercials about this all the time; texting is deadly. Wait until you are stopped to deliver your message.

4. Watching roadside diversions

Accidents, billboards, people and scenery are all distractions we watch, but keeping your eyes on the road will be safer.

5. Tinkering with Electronics

Whether it’s the radio, CD player, IPod or GPS, our vehicles are filled with electronics. Many electronics in vehicles today are being made so they can only be used when the vehicle is parked. If this is not the case for you, pull over and fix your electronics.

6. Driving while drowsy

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety 41% of drivers report falling asleep at the wheel. If you are too tired to drive, pull over and sleep or call someone to pick you up. Wherever you need to be, the most important thing is that you get there safely!

7. Tending to children

Children can be a very big distraction in the backseat of your vehicle. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety,

Passengers are one of the most frequently reported causes of distraction, with young children being four times more distracting than adults and infants being eight times more distracting.

Whatever the screaming is about, it can wait until you are safely stopped or on the side of the road.

8. Tending to pets

This is similar to having children in you vehicle. The best remedy for this distraction is to restrain your pet within the vehicle, either in a crate or animal safety belt. This will keep them out of the way so you can focus on the road.

9. Grooming yourself

Applying makeup, brushing your hair, or whatever it is you didn’t have time for during your morning routine, often becomes part of your morning commute. Wait until you reach your destination to finish grooming. You’ll be safer for it.

10. Eating and drinking

Eating and drinking while driving can create many dangerous distractions. Be safe and eat before or after you drive down the road.

The next time you get behind the wheel, try to limit your distractions and focus on the road. And don’t forget to stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall for your new or used car today!

Have you ever walked out to your car New Jersey, and realized that you can’t drive anywhere because you have a flat tire? It is a major inconvenience, and something I’m sure has happened to all of us at some point. If a flat tire flattens your day, do you know how to . . . → Read More: How To Change A Flat Tire New Jersey!]]>

Have you ever walked out to your car New Jersey, and realized that you can’t drive anywhere because you have a flat tire? It is a major inconvenience, and something I’m sure has happened to all of us at some point. If a flat tire flattens your day, do you know how to change it New Jersey? Here is a step by step guide to follow when changing your flat tire.

Before you begin, the following items should be kept in your car in the event that you do have to change your tire.
• Spare tire
• Car jack and tire tool
• A 2-3 foot long open-ended pipe to fit on tire tool
• Gloves
You can keep these items individually, or store a tire changing kit in your vehicle.

1. If your vehicle is stopped on a hill, place a brick or large piece of wood behind a tire other than the one you are changing, to prevent the car from rolling. Begin by removing the hubcap and loosening the lug nuts with the tire tool. Alternate loosening the lug nuts every other one. If the lug nuts are too tight, connect the pipe to the tire tool to give you extra leverage.
2. Loosen all lug nuts and then you begin to jack up the vehicle. Place the jack under the vehicle and raise it until the tires are just off the ground.
3. Remove the lug nuts and slowly pull the tire away from vehicle
4. Place the spare tire onto the screw prongs. Manually screw the lug nuts on, alternating every other one. After you are finished go back and tighten them using the tire tool.
5. Lower the vehicle enough so that the tire no longer spins. Tighten the lug nuts once again, alternating as discussed.
6. Lower the vehicle all the way to the ground and slide out the car jack.
7. Replace the hub cap removed in the beginning.

Follow these steps New Jersey, the next time you need to replace a flat tire. If you need any other information visit www.geico.com or stop by and see us at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall!

For the Gadget Valentine: If your Valentine enjoys gadgets and . . . → Read More: Gift Ideas For Your Valentine, New Jersey!]]> As we enter the month of February already, Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, New Jersey. Have you decided what you are going to get your Valentine yet? If you are still looking for the perfect gift here are three ideas for your car-loving Valentine.

For the Gadget Valentine:
If your Valentine enjoys gadgets and technology a GPS is a great gift idea. There are several models on the market to choose from. It’s best to decide which features are the most important for your Valentine and choose one from there. The newest and best rated GPS devices according to www.gpsreview.net are the Garmin NuLink 1695 and the Tom Tom 740 LIVE. The Garmin GPS features a 5” widescreen and Bluetooth along with other features, and the Tom Tom model features a 4.3” screen with voice recognition.

For the Tidy Valentine:
Is your Valentine’s car always spotless? If so, than a car cleaning kit would be a gift they would definitely appreciate. Amor All’s Complete Car Cleaning Kit is a great option. It contains wheel cleaner, wax, tire protector, glass wipes and a chamois. This is a gift they can enjoy several times over.

For the Sporty Valentine:
If your Valentine enjoys sports cars and has a need for speed than a tachometer gauge is an excellent choice. Used in vehicles to measure the engine speed, your Valentine will love it. There are many choices when it comes to choosing a tachometer. From retro to modern, choose one that fits your Valentine’s style. Two of the most popular brands include Auto Meter and Dakota Digital.

From high-tech to practical, there is something for every Valentine on your list. If you need any other Valentine gift suggestions stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall today. Ask anyone one of us, or visit our parts and service department to help you with your needs. And while your visiting New Jersey, check out our great selection of new and used Nissan, Kia and Suzuki autos!