Distracted Drivers Texting, And Caught In The Act!!

April 4, 2014 By Admin

Is this an effective method to broaden awareness of a dangerous issue, or is it a voyeuristic sort of public shaming? Imagine going out on the town, and seeing… yourself, caught in the act, texting while driving. That’s what’s happening in the San Francisco Bay Area, where a graphic designer has received a lot of media attention for purchasing space on Billboards to share pictures, snapped in public, of people texting while driving.

At first you may laugh, as that would be quite embarrassing to the person that was caught… but what if it were you? Social pressure appears to be the goal of the project. Of course, the billboards don’t name names, but there’s a possibility that your friends, coworkers, or even boss will recognize you, caught in the act.

Is it possible that the next step will be digital billboards with cameras looking into traffic. Perhaps if the camera spots you texting, your image will appear, in real time, on the billboard? You, and everyone in traffic around you, would catch you in the act. And when do we determine if it’s gone too far? There are cameras at traffic lights to take a picture if you run a red light, and then you get a ticket in the mail. Will these billboard cameras capture the image of you texting in your driver’s seat, and send you a ticket in this case as well?

In Virginia, it is against the law to text and drive, punishable by a fine of $125 for first-time offenders, and up to $250 for repeat offenders. The law states and defines this act as:
“46.2-1078.1. Use of handheld personal communications devicesin certain motor vehicles; penalty.
A. It is unlawful for any person to operate a moving motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth while using any handheld personal communications device to:
1 – Manually enter multiple letters or text in the device as a means of communicating with another person; or
2 – Read any email or text message transmitted to the device or stored within the device, provided that this prohibition shall not apply to any name or number stored within the device nor to any caller identification information.

Our advice – Make a habit of not texting and driving. You, and all of those around you, are much safer this way. And there is no chance of being pulled over and fined for texting and driving.

Sources:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1091157_public-shaming-with-billboards-any-less-likely-to-text-and-drive#src=10065
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-1078.1

At Car Direct, our goal is to help you in finding the right vehicle for you at a rate that you can afford. Check out our inventory page to see what we currently have in stock. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Give us a call – that vehicle may be on its way in. If not, we’ll find it for you! And remember – Don’t text and drive, be safe!!

Today’s Collector Car Market vs. Tomorrow’s Collector Car Market

March 18, 2014 By Admin

Posted in Helpful Tips, News, Vehicle Technology

A demographic shift is definitely on the horizon – some 76 million baby boomers will soon reach retirement age. And while this brings up a number of concerns and issues, we have to ask, “When the Baby Boomers put down their auction flags and retire, what will happen to the collector car industry? Who’s going to buy all their cars?”

This is a very real question. Each generation not only defines its tastes, but is also defined by its tastes. There is a worrisome rhetoric that young people just aren’t interested in cars any more. This has been heard before when generations move on in age and the next one reaches its prime, but it is certainly a cause for concern to those that are a part of the Baby Boomers Generation. Will those who are a part of Generation X, Generation Y, or the new Silent Generation care about the cars of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers?

Some Baby Boomers did embrace the classics of their parents’ era, rightfully recognizing them as objects of art and pieces of history. This was helped by the sheer volume of boomers, enough to absorb the best collector cars, while also preserving the cars of their own era. But don’t expect this phenomenon to be repeated. Not only has the sheer volume of collector cars grown, but the next generation in the line of succession, Generation X, isn’t as large or as enthusiastic as the Baby Boomers. It is argued that the children of the Baby Boomer generation aren’t developing an interest in collector cars; there are too many other things capturing their attention – travel, sports, the internet and social media (technology).

Over the last 50-60 years, there has also been a strong shift with the development and rapidly changing technology. This “change in tastes” of the next generation will likely also affect the hobby of collecting cars. While today’s collector car market is dominated by mostly original cars and more-or-less accurate restorations, the future may be about resto-mods; old cars with modern equipment, incorporating today’s technology. Anecdotal evidence already suggests that resto-mod buyers tend to be younger, which makes sense.

Our take is that car collecting as a hobby won’t fade away, but the hobby will certainly evolve.

How Your FICO Score Can Affect A Car Purchase…

February 20, 2014 By Admin

Posted in Dealer Information, Helpful Tips

When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, you probably already know that you should have good credit and that you should check your credit report before making a purchase. But what many consumers don’t understand – and we are here to explain – is the relationship between what’s on their credit report and their overall credit score, known as their FICO, and the impact this has on the rate they are charged by a lender to finance their vehicle.

Basically, a credit report is the “raw data” used to calculate the credit score (FICO). A person’s financial behavior patterns are reflected in the credit report. The raw data that is used is as follows, with corresponding weight to impact your score:
Payment History (35%)
Amounts Owed (30%)
Length of Credit History (16%)
New Credit (10%)
Types of Credit Used (10%)

There are 3 main reasons as to why the FICO score is so important and your should pay attention to it:
1-    It’s the Industry Standard, used in more than 90% of lending decisions
2-    It determines how much money you can borrow and how much interest you’ll pay
3-    A strong FICO score gives you access to the best interest rates, loans, rebates, and premium credit cards.

So how do you know if your credit score (FICO) is any good? Once you’ve checked your credit report and you know what your score is, compare to the descriptions below and you’ll know how you’re going to measure up before walking in to purchase a vehicle:
–       Excellent Credit Score: 720 and up
–       Good Credit Score: 680 – 720
–       Fair Credit Score: 640 – 680
–       Poor Credit Score: 350 – 340
*Sited from www.thecarconnection.com

BRING IN YOUR W2 & DRIVE TODAY!!!

February 3, 2014 By Admin

Posted in Dealer Information

Can I really buy a car today without the full down payment using my W2?

At Car Direct USA, the answer is YES!

Bring your W2’s to us and we will assist with preparing your taxes and getting you a refund TODAY. Use all or part of your refund for a down payment and DRIVE HOME TODAY.

For more details call us at 1-757-464-1200.

At Car Direct, our goal is to help you in finding the right vehicle for you. Check out our inventory page to see what we currently have in stock. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Give us a call – that vehicle may be on its way in. If not, we’ll find it for you!

Computers In Cars – A Necessity or An Option?

January 24, 2014 By Admin

Posted in Dealer Information

Computers have become integral parts of our everyday lives. Whether they’re sitting on our desks or in our pockets we’ve become increasingly dependent on these devices to keep us connected and informed. Computers have also become integral to our cars – from our navigation systems that get us to where we need to go to our dvd players that entertain our kids while we get there.

While we rely on the technology in our vehicles every day – do we really need it? There was a time when the technology didn’t exist (think about your parents walking uphill both ways to school… in the snow). Our parents didn’t need the technology, so do we? Or is it an advantage that we have in today’s fast-paced world?

The upsides of computerization generally outweigh the bad stuff. For example, we’re now able to update our cars over the air, just like we update our laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Safety systems like OnStar and entertainment features like SiriusXM already work on a subscription model, and if users stop paying, they lose the benefit – which is where we weigh the good vs the bad, the benefit vs the necessity. That doesn’t just mean that we can get safety updates, it also means that, down the line, we’ll be able to access new features in our automobiles. There’s no reason to think that a similar paradigm couldn’t be more broadly applied to automobiles in the not-to-distant future.

And for those who see the latest up-to-date technology as an option, not a necessity – rest assured that this is not a requirement in all vehicles. You can still find a good old-fashioned vehicle, that runs on gas, gets you from point A to point B, and is reliable.

It’s the consumer’s choice – a choice that today we still have. At Car Direct, our goal is to help you in finding the right vehicle for you. Check out our inventory page to see what we currently have in stock. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Give us a call – that vehicle may be on its way in. If not, we’ll find it for you!

Car Direct Is Proud To Be Partnered With The US Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots Program As A Drop Off Site!

December 2, 2013 By Admin

Posted in Dealer Information, News

The Mission of the US Marine Corps Reserve:
To collect new, unwrapped toys, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

Car Direct USA is whole-heartedly supporting the effort this holiday season!!! We are proudly accepting donations as a drop off site through December 21, 2013. The holiday season is a great time of year to be involved in the community and lend a helping hand. In the spirit of the holidays, we are adopting and carrying out the objective of the Toys For Tots program: to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to improving communities in the future.

Over its lifespan, the US Marine Toys For Tots program has distributed over 469 million toys to over 216 million less fortunate children.

Help us out and stop by with an unwrapped toy today!!

Are CD Players In Vehicles Becoming Obsolete?

October 8, 2013 By Admin

Posted in Helpful Tips, Vehicle Technology

Are in-dash CD players are finally going the way of 8 Track and Cassette Players? Automakers have predicted this for the better part of the past decade as car stereos augmented the standard CD player with auxiliary MP3 jacks, USB/iPod connectors and, eventually, streaming Bluetooth audio. This year, J.D. Power’s Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study found that as many people listen to CDs as external devices, like an iPod or a smartphone. In past studies, more drivers still listened to CDs, but the times are now changing.

It’s already happening, and not just in tech-heavy cars like the Tesla Model S. In a 2013 Dodge Dart, and the CD player goes into the center armrest — a spot that underlines just how many drivers Dodge expects to use it. Up-level versions of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee and redesigned Grand Cherokee, meanwhile, forego CD players entirely. You can still get one, but it goes in the center armrest or glove compartment. Chevrolet’s 7-inch My Link touch-screen in the 2014 Sonic eliminates the CD player altogether. And in the 2014 Kia Soul and 2013 Chevrolet Spark, you can’t buy a CD player in any trim.

Are we just a few years away from CD players becoming extinct? And what are car designers doing with the free space? Ford, Honda and Hyundai vehicles still have tried-and-true CD players, but all three are monitoring customer habits to see when that will change.

In the Sonic, Dart and both Jeeps, larger touch-screens take up space where the CD slot might have gone. That makes sense; after all, the center stack is some of the most sought-after space inside a car. But how much space does the CD player really take up? Not much. Even though we are only looking at a quarter of an inch of horizontal space, this is still the prime real estate area inside any vehicle. Every bit of space counts and can be reconfigured. GM products like the new Chevy Impala and Cadillac XTS have a hidden compartment behind the touch-screen equipped with a USB port that can store a good-sized smartphone and wallet.

There are still a number of people who are using the CD more than they are the external device. We have to recognize the investment in our CD libraries, and to many people there are sometimes so much more pressing financial needs than a new iPod.

Will there be a year when in-dash CD players go completely extinct? While we are reluctant to venture a guess, we do think it will be a slow exit, much like the lengthy exit of cassette decks. When that happens, the trusty CD slot will become an artifact of the past. The day will come when you see a CD slot in the dash of a car and you say “Look at that old thing”, the technology will scream “I’m an old car”.

CAR DIRECT USA SUPPORTS THE LOCAL COMMUNITY BY SPONSORING THEY WILL SURF AGAIN EVENT

August 13, 2013 By Admin

Posted in News

Virginia Beach, VA., August 13, 2013 – Car Direct USA shows their support in the local community by sponsoring Life Rolls On, a subsidiary of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, on Saturday, August 10 at the Virginia Beach oceanfront for They Will Surf Again.

They Will Surf Again (TWSA) is an award-winning series of bi-coastal events that empower paraplegics and quadriplegics to experience the freedom of mobility by riding a wave with the assistance of adaptive equipment and the support of hard working volunteers. They Will Surf Again has the unique ability to engage and bridge the able-bodied and disabled communities, as they collaborate to push the bounds of possibility for those with SCI.

When the opportunity came up for Car Direct USA to sponsor this event, Brian Jones, a local surfer himself and Dealer Operator for Car Direct USA, jumped on it. “As a local business owner and a father myself, it means so much to me to be able to give back to the community and make a difference. Watching those who you wouldn’t think could get on a surfboard be able to ride the waves is an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to be a part of this event” Jones commented.

Life Rolls On is a non-profit organization that inspires others to see the boundless possibilities beyond paralysis. Established in 2002, LRO’s signature adaptive surfing program, They Will Surf Again, has grown into a catalyst of hope for thousands of individuals throughout the world.

It’s All In The Details

July 12, 2013 By Admin

Posted in Dealer Information, Helpful Tips

So you’ve found the perfect vehicle for you! And now you want to keep it looking new and clean! At Car Direct, we have staff on hand that detail our vehicles every day. These guys know what it takes to keep a car looking great, so we asked them what their #1 tips are that they pass on to customers. And now we’re sharing that with you.

Exterior Vehicle Cleaning
Wash the vehicle in a shaded area, where the surface is cool. This way the soap won’t dry too quickly and leave spots, and you don’t have to rewash.
Use a mild liquid soap and a car wash mitt or sponge. Be gentle on your paint so that you don’t scratch it.
Divide your vehicle into sections when washing, starting at the top (on the roof) and working your way forwards and backwards (hood and back), and then clean the sides. Don’t clean the lower part of the vehicle first, you’ll only wash the dirt from the top back onto the bottom.
Rinse thoroughly! And when you think the vehicle is all rinsed off, rinse it again.
Use a different mitt or glove and clean the tires.
Dry your vehicle immediately to prevent water spots.

Interior Vehicle Cleaning
Vacuum out your car. For those tough to reach places, don’t vacuum but instead use your vacuum to blow out the debris, then vacuum it up once it’s easier to reach.
For those hard to reach cracks, get out a toothbrush (one you don’t plan on using for your teeth) and a paint brush. These are great tools to use! You can brush debris out of hard to reach places, then vacuum it up.
To clean your mats (we know they are dirty – your feet are always on them), go over them with a scrub brush to loosen the dirt, then vacuum.
The dirtiest parts of your car will be the parts that you actually touch – steering wheel, seat belt, shifting knob, and the driver’s door panel. Spend a few extra minutes here to ensure everything is clean and tidy. After all, you’re getting ready to sit right back down there. Just like the outside, all you need here is a mild soap.
For the dashboard and panels, we recommend using a dampened cloth and wipe them down – you don’t need to scrub.
Lastly, clean the windows inside and out with glass cleaner and paper towels.

Keeping your car clean will help keep it new and looking great over time. And if you have any additional questions, our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer all of your questions!

National Tire Awareness & Safety Week

June 5, 2013 By Admin

Posted in Helpful Tips

At Car Direct USA, we strive to make sure that our customers have the knowledge at hand to properly maintain their vehicle. According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660 highway fatalities are caused by under-inflated tires annually. Since this week is National Tire Awareness & Safety Week, we thought we’d take this opportunity to share some tips on how to properly maintain and care for you tires so that you get the most out of them.

Tire Pressure – Don’t risk a blowout – you should check your tire pressure regularly as well as tire wear. You can usually find this information in your vehicle’s service manual, or on the vehicle information label found on the driver’s side door jamb. Also, don’t forget to check your spare tire as well.
Tread Depth – You can check tire wear with the quick and easy penny trick. Put a penny into each of the tread grooves, with Lincoln’s head toward the inside. If you can see the top of Honest Abe’s head, your tires are worn. Be sure to check several grooves across the width of the tire. Tires are worn and unsafe with anything less than 2/32” of tread depth.
Tire Rotation – Maintain consistent wear of your tires on your vehicle, this will allow you to control your car better. To get the most out of your tires and the longest life to maximize your investment, rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Adjust for Loads – in the Hampton Roads area, we are constantly towing a boat, or loading down our vehicles for that trip to the beach, and packing up for vacation. You may need to increase your tire pressure to accommodate the additional weight of your load. Refer to your owner’s manual and/or the tire placard for recommended pressures. And when you’re done, don’t forget to adjust back to the normal pressure your tires need.
Avoid Potholes – Driving through just one large pothole, even in the summer, can weaken a tire, reducing its long-term durability and ride quality. Potholes can also knock a vehicle out of alignment, reducing handling and tire life. Drive around large puddles as well, they often hide deep, rain-filled potholes.

We encourage all of our customers to be aware of and follow-thru with ongoing maintenance. This is why we offer all of our customers a lifetime of free oil changes and state inspections with their vehicle purchase! We are happy to help our customers with any questions they have regarding tires, fluids, brakes, lights, wipers, and dashboard lights. So if something comes up, don’t hesitate to contact us!

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