Well, I am sad to say that winter is just about here.  Since we get very cold weather and snow (I know some of you will gasp), there are some things that we need to do to get ready before the snow falls.

First, I have to change the windshield washer fluid to winter washer fluid.  I had a car a couple of years ago that I forgot to change the washer fluid, and it froze and I couldn’t use it all winter.  Lucky for me it didn’t burst – I’ll never make that mistake again.

I also check to make sure that the antifreeze level is high enough because we have some days where it gets really cold.  The radiator is just one of those things you just don’t want to have freeze up, so I make sure that it is on my list.

Also, once the snow falls and stays, I go to the shop and get my winter tires put on.  Since we do a lot of highway driving, they have been an invaluable investment and have saved us from getting into an accident a number of times.

Oh, and I shouldn’t forget the window scraper – in winter, you should never leave home without it!

If you are planning to buy a new car, there are a few things you need to think about before you head down to your local Fort Worth auto dealership.  Some of these things could have a serious impact on how satisfied you are with the car you purchase, so considering all of your options could really pay off in the long run.

 

One thing to think about is how fuel-efficient a car is.  I know gas isn't all that expensive right now, but it is still on its way back up.  Most likely it won't be long before it is just as expensive as it was a year or two ago to fill up your tank.  When that day comes along, wouldn't you like to have a relatively fuel-efficient vehicle saving you money on gas?

 

Now, this doesn't mean that you necessarily need to get a hybrid, or even that you have to give up your dream of owning a truck.  It does, however, mean that you'll probably want to ensure that your vehicle is the most fuel-efficient one possible within your budget and other requirements.

 

You also ought to consider the age of the vehicle, and how much you are likely to spend in repairs.  A newer vehicle may cost more, but most likely you won't have to spend much on parts.  Likewise, consider whether a particular model has a reputation for breaking down, and how expensive or easy to find the necessary parts will be.  For instance, if you are looking for Ford parts they should be pretty easy to find, but certain other manufacturers or models will be more challenging.

 

If you aren't sure whether a model or make is a good buy and will be reliable enough for you, be sure to call a dealership and ask an experienced mechanic what flaws tend to be common with that make or model.  Also be sure to ask about routine maintenance, so that you know when you are looking at a car whether something big such as a timing belt replacement needs to be done.

 

Thinking about details such as these can help prevent you from making a mistake in which car you choose to buy.  If you make your decision carefully, you should get years of good use and much satisfaction out of your vehicle.

In another move that leaves you scratching your head, officials at Ford have decided that (relatively) low gas prices currently will keep you from considering the purchase of a diesel pick-up truck next year.

Apparently, since both Chevrolet and Dodge have put their entry level truck with a diesel option on hold, Ford decided to join the fray and "postpone" or eliminate all together their F-150 diesel.

Most analysts, and likely most prospective buyers of these vehicles believe that fuel prices will rise above current levels. One has to wonder just what the U.S. automakers are thinking. Clearly, since Ford seems to be sitting pretty in these financially challenging times, (they recently stated losses of only about $1 Billion dollars) they have no incentive to offer a vehicle that gets 20% better fuel mileage while also increasing torque and power.

Granted all three companies do and will likely continue to offer diesel vehicles for more expensive prices, this truly seemed like an opportunity for Ford especially, to wreak havoc on market share.

Perhaps foreign oil will stay at the current $2 per gallon rates, and there will be no real incentive to create a better product. We are, of course, talking about the U.S. Auto industry.