Christmas is coming up! Has everyone finished their shopping?

You know its time to get a new car when ____________?

What is the one dish (other than a turkey) that is a must have on your Thanksgiving dinner table??

Free turkey's to first 2010 customers at Ancira on Sunday!! Clip out free turkey coupon put of our Advertisement in this Sunday's paper and bring it in to any Ancira store.

Happy Veterans Day! We appreciate each and every Veteran. Thank you all for your dedication and commitment.

Happy Monday friends! Does anyone have any exciting plans this week?

Fall is in full swing! Just a friendly reminder to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 7th. If you need help from our service team to adjust your clock stop by! Enjoy your Fall and we look forward to seeing you!

Did You Say "Hot Rod" or "Hot Dog"?

Coming Soon to a Supermarket Near You!

Hot Dog! What a car! Who is having the most fun here? The driver or everyone gawking on the street?

Consider Donating Your Old Car to Charity

Thinking of buying a new car or truck?

Ancira Auto Group in San Antonio, Texas can help you.

Thinking your old car or truck isn’t worth much as a trade in?

If you expect to get very little money for your trade-in, consider donating your old car to a charity instead.

There are benefits in doing so. In many cases, you may get a tax credit for it. In every case, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that some less fortunate person now has the car he/she needs to get around.

Here are several well-known charities that accept car donations. There may be many more.

Salvation Army:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

For detailed information on how to donate your vehicle, call 1-800-SA-TRUCK or visit:

http://satruck.org/donation-value-guide/automobiles


American Cancer Society: Cars For A Cure Program

For detailed information, visit:

https://www.cancer.org/Involved/Donate/OtherWaystoGive/cars-for-a-c...

If you need assistance or would like clarification of this process, please call 888-227-5500 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. EST or send an e-mail to Betty A Coco, Director - National Cars For A Cure, at betty.coco@cancer.org.



American Heart Association:

1–888–242–2271

According to the web site: Whether your vehicle is a late model sedan, a classic collectable, an unfinished project, or an old clunker gathering dust in the driveway, your contribution turns any vehicle into a valuable donation for the American Heart Association.

For more information, visit:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Giving/ForIndividuals/OtherWaystoGive...

and https://www.auto-donation.com/used-car-donation-donate.aspx?charCod...


National Kidney Foundation: 1–800–488–2277 or visit:

http://www.kidney.org/support/kidneycars/index.cfm


In Massachusetts only, Special Olympics: 1–800–590–1600 or visit:

www.specialolympicsma.org and http://www.recycleforgold.org/

Tips for Purchasing and Adapting a Vehicle for Disabled Drivers

So many U.S. Veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with disabilities. It’s extremely important for them, as well as for others with disabilities, to be able to easily purchase and maintain vehicles with adaptive devices.

Ancira Auto Group in San Antonio, Texas, can assist you in your shopping and purchasing process.

Here are some basic steps to facilitate your goal of getting the right vehicle for you:

Evaluate Your Needs

1. Consult with your physician to make sure you are physically and psychologically prepared to drive. Being evaluated too soon after an injury or other trauma may indicate the need for adaptive equipment you will not need in the future.

2. Find a qualified evaluator. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED) www.aded.net maintains a database of certified driver rehabilitation specialists throughout the country. Your insurance company may pay for the evaluation. Find out if you need a physician’s prescription or other documentation to receive benefits.

3. Review the evaluator’s report containing specific recommendations on driving requirements or restrictions, and a complete list of recommended vehicle modifications.

Investigate Cost Saving Opportunities

A vehicle with adaptive equipment can range between $20,000 to $80,000, so, it pays to investigate public and private opportunities for financial assistance:

• Your state’s Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Nonprofit associations that advocate for individuals with disabilities.
• Your private health insurance or workers’ compensation.
• Car and truck manufacturers with rebate or reimbursement plans for modified vehicles. (Check with dealers in your area.)
• Tax credits
o Some states waive the sales tax for adaptive devices if you have a doctor’s prescription for their use.
o You may be able to claim medical deductions on your federal income tax return.

Licensing Requirements

Check with your state’s registry of motor vehicles. You cannot be denied the opportunity to apply for a permit or license because you have a disability. However, you may receive a restricted license, based on your use of adaptive devices.

Select the Right Vehicle

Selecting a vehicle for modification requires collaboration among you, your evaluator, and a qualified vehicle modification dealer. Although the purchase or lease of a vehicle is your responsibility, making sure the vehicle can be properly modified is the responsibility of the vehicle modification dealer. Be aware that you will need insurance while your vehicle is being modified, even though it is off the road.

The following questions can help with new vehicle selection and/or modifying a vehicle you already own:

• Does the necessary adaptive equipment require a van, or will another passenger vehicle suffice?
• Can the vehicle accommodate the equipment that needs to be installed?
• Will there be enough space to accommodate your family or other passengers once the vehicle is modified?
• Is there adequate parking space at home and at work for the vehicle and for loading/unloading a wheelchair?
• Is there adequate parking space to maneuver if you use a walker?
• What additional options are necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle?

If a third party is paying for the vehicle, adaptive devices, or modification costs, find out if there are any limitations or restrictions on what is covered.

Note: Always get a written statement on what a funding agency will pay before making your purchase.

Choose a Qualified Dealer to Modify Your Vehicle

Even a half inch change in the lowering of a van floor can affect a driver’s ability to use equipment or to have an unobstructed view of the road. So, take time to find a qualified dealer to modify your vehicle.

Begin with a phone inquiry and ask these questions:

• Is the dealer a member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) or another organization that has vehicle conversion standards?
• Do they work with evaluators?
• Will they look at your vehicle before you purchase it elsewhere?
• Do they require a prescription from a physician or other driver evaluation specialist?
• How long will it take before they can start work on your vehicle?
• Do they provide training on how to use the adaptive equipment?
• What type of training has the staff received?
• What type of warranty do they provide on their work?
• Do they provide ongoing service and maintenance?
• Do they stock replacement parts?
• How much will the modification cost?
• Will they accept third party payment?
• How long will it take to modify the vehicle?
• Can the equipment be transferred to a new vehicle in the future?
• Will they need to modify existing safety features to install the adaptive equipment?

While your vehicle is being modified, you will, most likely, need to be available for fittings. This avoids additional waiting time for adjustments once the equipment is fully installed. Without proper fittings you may have problems with the safe operation of the vehicle and have to go back for adjustments.

Note: Some State Agencies specify the dealer you must use if you want reimbursement.

Training on the Use of New Equipment

Both new and experienced drivers need training on how to safely use new adaptive equipment. Your equipment dealer and evaluator should provide information and off-road instruction. You will also need to practice driving under the instruction of a qualified driving instructor until you both feel comfortable with your skills. Bring a family member or other significant person who drives to all your training sessions. It’s important to have someone else who can drive your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Some state vocational rehabilitation departments pay for driver training under specified circumstances. At a minimum, their staff can help you locate a qualified instructor. If your evaluator does not provide on-the-road instruction, ask him or her for a recommendation. You can also inquire at your local motor vehicle administration office.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance may be mandatory for compliance with the terms of your warranty. Some warranties specify a time period during which adaptive equipment must be inspected. These “check ups” for equipment may differ from those for your vehicle. Make sure you or your modifier submits all warranty cards for all equipment to ensure coverage and so manufacturers can contact you in case of a recall.

For more information visit:

http://www.nmeda.org/

http://www.amputee-coalition.org/nllic_topic/0706_driving.html

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/adaptive/brochure/brochure.html

The Next Ancira Star Contest has ended! Thanks to all who submitted a video! We will announce the winner on November 15th! Stay tuned to find out who is the next Ancira star!

Ancira Wants You To Know About The Birthday Register Website!

Want free birthday gifts? This is your site! Why not celebrate your birthday with a gift certificate from your local merchant. You will receive gifts such as a free
dinner, round of golf, movie, car wash and much more.

It’s as easy as this.

Choose 1 gift from each category until you reach 5. Then enter your information and you’re done! Your information is private and will never leave the site. This site
benefits the birthday person and merchants. What better way for local merchants
to receive new visitors! Also, nothing is better than making a person happy on
their special day.

Halloween is almost here!! What are you dressing up as?

Want to be the next Ancira star?? Find out how you can be featured in Ancira TV commercials!! http://bit.ly/b5SGjm

Ancira Enterprises Named Largest Minority-Owned Business in San Antonio

Teamwork, like this, is an everyday occurrence at Ancira

The San Antonio Business Journal has named Ancira Enterprises, Inc., the largest San Antonio Minority-Owned Business, as ranked by 2009 local gross revenues.

Ancira Enterprises operates 11 automobile dealerships in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Alvarado, Floresville and Boerne, Texas. It employs over 500 people. Its gross local revenues for 2009 were $375 million.

Listed in second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively are: The Alamo Travel Group, LP; Thos. S. Byrne Ltd. General Contractor/Construction; M2Technology, an IT solution provider; and Journeyman Construction.

April Ancira, Vice President of Ancira Auto Group, says the secret to the company’s success lies in top management’s ability to pick great employees and foster teamwork. It lies in the enthusiasm and hard work that everyone at Ancira puts into their jobs.

“We’ve been in business since 1972 and my Dad, Ernesto Ancira, Jr., has worked hard, set an example and surrounded himself with really good people. He has hired the right person to do each job.”

“People servicing other people -- that’s what business is all about,” says April. “He recruited the best to take care of our customers.”

“Finding good people is really tough,” she adds. “You need to find the ones that mirror your level of integrity and the way you want to take care of other folks. It’s probably the toughest job that any manager has and our entire management team at all 11 sites has done a really good job of it.”

Besides Ernesto and April, Ernesto’s brother Gilbert Ancira, Internet Director in Ancira’s Internet Department, is also a family member in the business.

The trio treat their staff like family. “We’ve stayed really family-oriented in that if there’s an issue, there’s not a lot of red tape you have to go through to resolve it. Management has an open door policy.”

“Our orientation at Ancira Auto is: Let’s take care of our customers, our employees and our community. It’s just the way we handle things from a family-owned business perspective. It’s a philosophy like that that has made my Dad so successful and the company successful.”

Record-Breaking Decline in U.S. Traffic Fatalities

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland says “Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns.”

Photo Courtesy of NHTSA

U.S. highway deaths fell to 33,808 for 2009 -- the lowest number since 1950.

The record-breaking decline in traffic fatalities occurred even while estimated vehicle miles traveled in 2009 increased by 0.2 percent over 2008 levels.

In Texas, total fatalities were 3071 in 2009, compared with 3476 in 2008. Alcohol-related fatalities were 1235 in 2009, compared with 1310 in 2008.

To see a chart on a state by state basis, visit:

http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811363.pdf


and scroll down to Table #8.


U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood released the updated 2009 fatality and injury data in a press release September 9.

According to the press release:

2009 saw the lowest fatality and injury rates ever recorded: 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2009, compared to 1.26 deaths for 2008.

Fatalities declined in all categories of vehicles including motorcycles, which saw fatalities fall by 850 from 2008, breaking an 11-year cycle of annual increases.

“At the Department of Transportation, we are laser-focused on our top priority: safety,” said Secretary LaHood. “Today’s announcement shows that America’s roads are the safest they’ve ever been. But they must be safer. And we will not rest until they are.”

As part of the Department’s campaign to reduce traffic fatalities, Secretary LaHood is holding a National Distracted Driving Summit this week in Washington, D.C. The Secretary is bringing together leading transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement, industry representatives, researchers and victims affected by distraction-related crashes to address challenges and identify opportunities for national anti-distracted driving efforts. This follows the first summit Secretary LaHood held in the Fall of 2009 that sparked a national conversation about texting and talking on cell phones while driving.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study based on 2006 Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 3 and 34.

In addition to the record-breaking drop in fatalities, the number of people injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009 declined for a 10th straight year in a row, falling an estimated 5.5 percent from 2008, according to NHTSA data released.

Alcohol impaired driving fatalities declined by 7.4 percent in 2009 – 10,839 compared to 11,711 reported in 2008. Overall, 33 states and Puerto Rico experienced a decline in the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2009 compared to 2008.

“Today’s numbers reflect the tangible benefits of record seat belt use and strong anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “But we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving. We will continue to work with our state partners to strictly enforce both seat belt use and anti-drunk driving laws across this nation, every day and every night.”

Forty-one states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico all had reductions in fatalities, led by Florida (with 422 fewer fatalities) and Texas (with 405 fewer fatalities).

For more information about this and other national highway news, visit:

www.nhtsa.gov

and

http://www.nhtsa.gov/PR/DOT-165-10

Proper Use of Seatbelts and Air Bags Protect Pregnant Drivers and their Unborn Children

Wearing a seat-belt properly is extremely important for pregnant drivers

One of the leading causes of death to unborn children is the death of pregnant women in automobile crashes, according to Edmunds.com.

Researchers estimate the number of deaths in the U.S. is approximately 400 each year.

That said, there isn’t definitive data, and the number of deaths could be even higher. Federal car crash databases don't regularly mention whether drivers or occupants involved in crashes were pregnant, and death certificates of fetuses don't always cite whether the mother-to-be was in a car crash.

Some studies show that seatbelts and airbags can pose risks to a fetus, but only if the seatbelt is worn incorrectly or the pregnant driver is positioned too close to the steering wheel when the airbag deploys.

Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant women wear a three-point safety belt and not disconnect the air bag.

If the seatbelt is worn incorrectly, the steering wheel or dashboard may injure a pregnant woman. If the pregnant woman sits too close to the airbag, it will hit with too much force, when it deploys in an accident.

To reduce these risks, pregnant women should do the following:

For pregnant passengers sitting in the front seat:

• Move the front seat as far back as possible.
• On a three-point safety belt, always position the lap belt portion as low on the abdomen as possible. The shoulder belt should be routed over the sternum.
• Leave the air bag operational.

For pregnant drivers:

• On a three-point safety belt, always position the lap belt portion as low on the abdomen as possible. The shoulder belt should be routed over the sternum.
• Leave the air bag operational.
• Drive a vehicle that allows the most clearance between the steering wheel and abdomen.
• Remove or adjust coats to make sure they do not interfere with low placement of the lap belt.
• Minimize driving in hazardous conditions, such as in bad weather or on icy roads.
• Position the steering wheel to maximize abdomen-to-wheel clearance, while aiming it more toward the chest than the head.
• When possible, ride as a passenger rather than drive to avoid potential contact with the steering wheel.

Car manufacturers have been making it easier for everyone to wear belts properly. Since the 1998 model year, cars with upper seatbelts that come out of the B-pillar (on the side of the car) are also required to have adjustable anchors. This helps everyone, from the tallest to the shortest — to the most pregnant — driver and passenger to keep belts from cutting into their necks or riding across their chests.

Current car designs facilitate comfortable positioning of the steering wheel, enabling even pregnant women to adjust the steering wheel in a way that keeps them from sitting too close to the air bag.

Adjustable steering wheels, particularly ones that telescope in and out, can be especially helpful for drivers of varying sizes — and stages of pregnancy. Even lower-end models often have manual devices that can help point the center of the steering wheel away from the abdomen and toward the chest.

Adjustable pedals, now available in many models, can help shorter pregnant women drive more easily without sitting too close to the airbag.

For more information on this subject, visit:

http://www.familycar.com/articles/laurenfix/drivingwhilepregnent.htm

http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,1607,7-123-1589_1711_4587-49794--,00....

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/womenfamilies/articles/122967/article...

http://pregnantdriver.lboro.ac.uk/

To see if Texas uses primary or secondary enforcement to enforce its seat belt laws, visit:

http://www.iihs.org/laws/SafetyBeltUse.aspx

Do YOU have what it takes to be the next Ancira star??? visit http://bit.ly/b5SGjl to find out how you can be featured in Ancira TV commercials!

National Child Passenger Safety Week - Sept. 19 to 25

By Maureen Condon

Buckle Up for Safety!
Photo Courtesy of the National Centers for Disease Control

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared Sept. 19 to 25 National Child Passenger Safety Week.

NHTSA estimates that nearly 3 out of 4 parents do not properly use child automotive safety restraints.

The NHTSA has a web site with a locator that lets you enter your state or your zip code to find the child safety seat inspection stations nearest you.

At these stations, certified technicians will inspect your child safety seat and show you how to correctly install and use it. At some stations, an appointment is necessary. At others, you can walk right in and ask for help.

Some stations have Spanish-speaking technicians to assist you, and you can specify this when searching for an inspection station near you.


For Texas residents, visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/Index.cfm



Enter Texas or your zip code, and you will get a listing of the designated child safety seat inspection stations near you.



For more information, visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS

For the link to find the inspection stations, visit:

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/Index.cfm

You Can't Miss This Sign!

This 50-foot-tall sign for Wilkin's Oklahoma Truck Supply, along Interstate 35, south of Tonkawa, OK is eye-catching to say the least.

It gives a whole new meaning to rigging your truck!

And, itís just impossible to pass on the highway... without a friendly salute with your horn!

Finding the Best Car to Fit Your Lifestyle in the San Antonio Area

By Maureen Condon

Is Your lifestyle family-oriented? sports-oriented?

It’s always helpful to consult the experts, online or in person, before buying a new car.

Typically, you check what the experts have to say about safety ratings, price, maintenance costs, and warranties -- all the standard measurements.

But how about checking in with the experts to see what’s the best car for your lifestyle?

• Do you use your car mostly for family travel and errands in your San Antonio area?

• Do you use your car mostly for sports and fun outdoors? Are you an off roader, a weekend athlete, a sun lover or just a person who wants to have fun driving?

• Are you mostly concerned with commuting issues – like safety features, gas mileage, reliability and driving comfort -- because you spend so many of your non-working hours commuting?

• Are you a construction worker, electrician, plumber or other on-the-go type of worker who needs reliable transportation that can double as a staging area for your job?

• Are you the boss in the corner office who needs to look the part, especially when pulling into the company parking lot?

• Are you more concerned about the environment and your impact on it, than anything else?

Whatever your lifestyle and concerns, now there’s an easy way to consult the experts on this topic. Visit: http://www.cars.com/go/criteriaSearch/lifestyles.jsp

Click on the lifestyle that best matches your own, and you’ll get a complete rundown on makes and models that are best suited to you.

Anicra Be A Star Event

Find more videos like this on .

We're looking for the Next Ancira Star!

Do you think you have what it takes to be the Next Ancira Star? Submit a short 30-60 second home made commercial of you, your pet, the in-laws or your kiddos in a fun and creative way! Show us why YOU should be a star!!

The winner will be chosen by Ancira Auto Group and will be featured on Ancira TV commercials. The Runner up will receive a Flip Video Camera.

The contest will run through October 31, 2010, and the winner will be announced online on November 15, 2010.

For more information, visit www.anciracommunity.com

New High Tech Speed Traps Are Starting to Bring Home the Bacon for Cities and States!

Hand Held Radar - Not Up-to-Speed, Technologically Speaking.

The highway traffic patrol officer standing by the roadside with his hand-held Radar gun may be a little passé.

New, inconspicuous high tech speed traps that use: rolling radar, infrared lasers, helicopters, small planes, and/or photo and video technology are all allowing law officers nationwide to get a better bead on speeding drivers.

And when police can track speeders more accurately, they can ticket them more efficiently. More speeding tickets =more income for states and cities. And in these tough economic times, that is just what the state and city budget doctor ordered.

Rolling Radar
Hand-held radar is being replaced with police car-mounted "rolling radar" systems. These systems can be aimed across the highway median at multiple lanes of oncoming traffic, and they measure the closing speed of a given target, and subtract the speed of the police officer's own car.

If the resulting number shows the speeding driver is well over the speed limit, the officer will cross the median and hit the siren. There's no visual warning for the speeding driver. No cars in front of him or her hitting their brake lights, as they spot a stopped squad car behind an embankment.

Aerial Tracking Units
A number of police agencies around the country are employing small airplane and helicopter pilots to spot speeders, easily picking out the fastest offenders, and tracking with a stop watch the time it takes these drivers to cross a given set of lines in the road.

Lidar – Light Detection and Ranging Gun
Another newer technology – using laser-based systems -- is becoming cheaper and more popular every year. Instead of firing a wide beam across two or three lanes of traffic, a lidar (light detection and ranging gun) hits an individual target with an infrared laser beam one meter wide or thinner, even pinpointing a vehicle as it weaves through heavy traffic.

Laser Technology Inc., a leading lidar gun maker based in Colorado, has released TruCam, which also captures video as it tracks targets. This provides police officers with legal evidence, showing exactly which vehicle was in the gun's sights, and how fast it was traveling. This system is so accurate, it can track the distance between two cars, allowing officers to issue violations for tailgating, a major cause of serious accidents.

Speed Cameras Snap Up Your License Plate
New stationary speed cameras, mounted inconspicuously, automatically detect an offending vehicle with lidar or radar and snap a photo of its license plate. They are in use in select counties in more than a dozen states. In Lafayette, LA, speed cameras have already issued 114,748 speed violations in less than a year and a half.
So, the next time you’re seriously tempted to exercise your lead foot, remember, Big Brother may be watching you with new and improved eyes!

To read the full article in MSN, visit:

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1103495&icid=autos_073&GT1=22013

Cool Cars for a Hot Summer's Day

Don't Try This At Home!

It’s really hot and you are looking for a new way to cool off. These people decided to take their car for a swim.



The following mostly fall into the category of “Don’t try this at home” – but you can cool your jets just looking at them:

Park it on Ice!

These people are hoping the ice doesn’t melt and they won’t have to take their car for a swim.

Put the wind in your hair!

You got it. This flyer decided to go airborne to cool off!

The Chicken drove this car to the KFC Drive-Through, and got an extra large lemonade. Cool!

Silvery Sunsets



If you really can’t stand all this excitement, you can cool off at the end of the day by catching the sunset at the beach, in this silver beauty.

Ten Top Convertibles of 2010

By Maureen Condon

BMW Z4 Roadster

It’s summer time! Who doesn’t want to be riding around in a convertible with the top down, the wind in your hair and the sun on your face?

Convertibles are as old as, if not older than, the automobile. The first “convertibles” were horse-drawn carriages with fold down tops. How’s that for old! But, convertibles magically seem to make everyone who drives or rides in them feel young, attractive and rich!

Plus, there’s the whole hip language thing about convertibles – ragtops, hardtops, 2+2s, and “All Weather” -- early car terminology for the first convertibles.

Did you know that the Porsche and the Mercedes Benz “Cabriolets” take their name from an early French term meaning folding top, or convertible? The same car would be called a Drophead Coupe in England – evoking a not-so-romantic image!

But whatever you call it, if you drive a convertible, you are sure to turn heads and spark conversation.
MSN has picked out the top 10 convertibles for 2010. You can see them all at:

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=1146118&icid=autos_1398&GT1=22021#1q=10%20Best%20Convertibles%20of%202010%3A%202010%20Ferrari%20California

And if you want to pick up more automotive terminology and history, so you can chat with authority about convertibles past as well as present, you can do so at:

http://www.wheels.ca/article/242807

and

http://www.antiquecar.com/terms.php#C

How to Wash Your Car & Still Conserve Water during a Summer Drought

By Maureen Condon

It certainly looks like we are in for some very hot, dry summer weather nationwide. That can mean restrictions on outdoor water usage and usually the first thing you need to forego is washing your car.

However, regular car washes are important to maintaining your car’s exterior and its value for resale. Bugs, pollen, pollution and even rainwater can damage its finish and need to be periodically washed away.

If you are careful, and willing to take the road less travelled, you can wash your car with a relatively small amount of water – no gushing water hose here!

You start by filling a watering can and a bucket. Have I lost you already? Please take heart, and read on.

Using a watering can reduces your water consumption by two to three times the amount you’d use with a garden hose.

Here’s how to go at it:

1. Wash your car on a lawn, being careful to prevent run-off onto hard surfaces such as driveways or roads. This has the added value of watering the lawn too.

2. Caution! Be sure you are not parking your car on top of the section of lawn where your gas or water utilities are piped in. If you disturb those pipes by driving over them (even with the lawn and dirt in between) you could have really big problems! If you don’t know where your pipes are, it’s better to wash your car in the driveway.

3. Early mornings or evenings are the best times for car washing – just find a shady spot.

4. Wash your car one section at a time.

5. Start by removing loose dirt with water from the watering can.

6. Follow this with a thorough hand wash using a clean sponge or wash mitt and any car wash solution.

7. Pour the car wash solution it into a clean, large bucket and add water.

8. Wash the car, section by section. Start washing your car from the top and gradually work your way down the sides.

9. Rinse your sponge regularly in the bucket to remove collected dirt or grime.

10. It is important to rinse off the car before the car wash starts to dry.

11. You can rinse the roof using a watering can with the nozzle removed, which will help disperse the suds.

12. For the rest of the body, use the watering can with the nozzle on, again starting from the top and working down.

13. When the car is thoroughly rinsed, wipe it down with a chamois cloth.

Of course, if you want to save even more water, you could just wash the areas of your car that have dirt on them, and save a more thorough washing for when the water restrictions are lifted.

When is a Child Car Safety Seat No Longer Safe?

Your child’s car safety seat may look perfectly fine. But looks can be deceiving.

Car safety seats for infants and young children have expiration dates. When the expiration date is reached – usually around 6 years after it was manufactured -- the seat is no longer safe to use and it should be disposed of, or even better, recycled for its plastic parts.

The expiration date is stamped on the seat, usually on the bottom. Car seats and booster seats have these expiration dates because the materials degrade over time from sun and heat exposure -- weakening their effectiveness in a crash.

Another caution: If you have a hand-me-down child car seat you need to know not only the expiration date, but also the history of the seat. Has it been in an accident? If so, its materials or structure may be compromised and it should not be used again, even though it may look fine.

Parents should exercise caution when obtaining a child car safety seat from any source, other than the original manufacturer or retailer.

Charities and consignment or thrift shops have no way of screening the seats they offer the public to know if they have expired or been in an accident. Anyone picking up a car seat that has been placed with a charity, consignment or thrift shop, or left at the curb for disposal, may be unknowingly putting their child at risk.

The best way to make sure that no one unwittingly uses your discarded child car safety seat is to dismantle it – cut off the straps – and drop it off at a recycling facility. 90% of car seat material can be recycled.

Recycling programs for car seats are just beginning to appear nationwide. Contact your local recycling program to ask if a safety seat can be recycled where you live.

Consider starting a child safety seat recycling program if one is not already available in your community. To start a recycling program, you will need volunteers to collect and disassemble the seats, a collection and storage location, and a buyer for the recyclable components.

If you cannot find a way to recycle your child’s old car seat, cut off the straps and disassemble the seat before discarding it so that the seat cannot be recovered from the trash and used. Write "DO NOT USE" in permanent marker on the seat frame, and dispose of the frame separately from the straps and padding.

For more information on this topic, visit: http://www.ehow.com/how_5821607_recycle-child-passenger-safety-seats.html http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/30766.aspx

Haven't You Always Wanted to Design Your Own Car? Now You Can!

At Radiator Springs you can design your own car! Photo Disney Pixar - Sparks

At the Disney Pixar World of Cars Online, you can design your own online car and give it some personality!

http://disney.go.com/cars/

You can chose the body style, paint and so much more and then race your car in the new Disney beta game.

http://worldofcars.go.com/?source=PpWCWocDol00005&cmp=woc_BAC_Cars_FGames_170x270_OpenBeta_Lightning_Extl

You can even join the World of Cars online community and converse with other World of Cars players in the Crews News Blog.
http://worldofcars.go.com/community/

This is definitely a case where an animation is worth more than a 1,000 words. So jump online and head on down to Radiator Springs where all the action is and have some fun!

Check out the "Crews News Blog" at: http://worldofcars.go.com/blog/cars/entry/follow_the_leader_week

Ford tops list for non-luxury brands in J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. Initial Quality Study

Ford tops the list for non-luxury brand cars in the 2010 J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). Ford is now rated far above any other domestic or imported brand in the U. S.



Only the luxury brands -- Lexus, Mercedes Benz, Acura and Porsche -- scored higher among all brands.



This year, Ford moves into the top five for the first time since the inception of the study.



As a corporation, Ford Motor Company (including Volvo) has 12 models that rank within the top three in their respective segments in 2010—more than any other corporation, according to the press release issued by J.D. Power and Associates announcing its 2010 IQS award winners.



The J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study has been conducted annually for the past 24 years. It serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership.



The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions.



Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term vehicle durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories—design related problems and defects and malfunctions.



This year, domestic auto brands, as a whole, have demonstrated higher initial quality than import brands for the first time, according to J.D. Power and Associates.



In particular, initial quality of Ford models has improved steadily for the past nine years, the press release stated.



“Naturally, we are very proud to be a Ford dealership and pleased with the results of this study. J.D. Power and Associates’ IQS substantiates the fact that the Ford cars and trucks available from Ancira Ford Mercury, in Floresville, TX, and Ancira Ford Mercury in Eagle Pass, TX are better built and of higher quality than any other non-luxury vehicles being sold today,” a spokesperson for Ancira Ford said today.



For more information and to read the entire press release, visit:



http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2010099

Top 10 Driving Etiquette Mistakes and Misdemeanors

The Lane Drifters - endangering everyone on the road!


What's your take on the Top 10 Driving Etiquette Mistakes and Misdemeanors? And what do you call the people who commit them?

Here’s my take on it! You may beg to differ, and you can do so by posting your comments at the end of this blog.

1. Lane Drifters. Drivers who don’t stay in their own lane and mindlessly drift over the white lines on the highway. Not only is this rude, it’s extremely dangerous and should be a crime punishable by high fines and misdemeanors.

2. Tailgaters. Again, rude and dangerous drivers. Tailgating causes the most serious of accidents. The worst tailgaters are so close you can’t even see their headlights!

3. The No-Win Mergers -- Drivers who merge onto a divided highway at a low speed with no regard for the cars already traveling in the right hand lane. If you wait for them, they slow down even more, and if you speed up to safely pass them, they speed up too.

4. Right Lane Dive Bombers - Drivers who merge into the left hand lane of a divided highway and immediately head directly for the far right lane, at a slow speed, with no regard for or apparent awareness of other drivers on the road.

5. Seat Belt Shirkers. People who don't wear their seat belts deserve to be fined. Let’s face it: if they get in an accident and require extreme medical services, we all pay for their arrogance in high insurance costs.

6. Left Lane Hogs. Drivers who get in the far left lane and go less than the speed limit.

7. Breakdown Lane Vigilantes. Drivers who block the breakdown lane by sticking half of their car into it, so people who legitimately need to use it can’t.

8. Deaf, Dumb and Blind Drivers who don’t pull over for ambulances, fire engines or police cars.

9. Readers, Texters and Groomers who think they can drive and otherwise multitask and not put themselves and all the rest of us at risk.

10. Space Invaders. Drivers who park so close to your car on the driver’s side, even a thin person can’t open the door and get back in the car without a can opener.

I was surprised to find there was little overlap between my list of driving annoyances and the list published by Askmen.com. However, I think their top 10 has a lot of merit too!

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/cars/top-10-driving-etiquette-mistakes_10.html

I bet you can come up with your own top 10 list, and I’d love to read it!

Decorate Your Car for the 4th of July

Cars line up to form the stars and stripes

You have to be really organized and have a lot of friends to pull off this automotive rendition of Old Glory.

But most likely you've only got one car or truck available to express your patriotic fervor for the upcoming holiday.

Seriously, have you ever wanted to decorate your car for the 4th of July? It’s easy enough to put a few flags on it, or a few red, white and blue balloons.

But if you really want to go at it with gusto, there’s no substitute for paint!

Here’s a look at what some 4th of July enthusiasts have done with their cars.

You’ve got only a short amount of time to come up with your own design! Go for it!

The perfect patriotic paint job for a small, experimental car

Patriotic Police Car

A Classic Patriotic Look

The Patriotic Race Car

Even cartoon characters are decorating their cars for 4th of July!

Long 4th of July Weekend? Take a Roadtrip!

As I'm sure you've heard, Fourth of July weekend is rapidly approaching, and that means lots of barbecues and fireworks for most people. But since it's a long weekend this year, why not change up the birthday of the good ol' US of A with a holiday weekend road trip? Whether it be a coastal destination, a capital city, or a historical landmark, here are a few great holiday
destinations that we recommend!

San Antonio

If you happen to be in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, head over to San Antonio and enjoy the beautiful San Antonio River Walk where you will find plenty of attractions and entertainment for all ages. The annual July 4th Arts & Crafts Show along the river also takes place July 2nd through July 5th. This event features local and regional artists, craftsmen, and jewelers who offer handmade gifts. Many local San Antonio businesses will also be open during the holiday weekend, such as the Ancira Auto Group, who will be holding a barbeque cook-out at all their locations.

Philadelphia

Where better to spend Independence day than in the city where The Declaration of Independence was signed? There is no place like Philadelphia over Fourth of July Weekend. The city offers famous patriotic sites like Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell. Or, take a walk down to South Street and enjoy a cheesesteak from Jim's Steaks - make sure you order whiz and onions! Philadelphia also hosts the Welcome America Festival every year, which offers great food and entertainment for residents and visitors alike.

Washington D.C.

Our nation's capital not only offers the perfect patriotic backdrop for Independence Day, but is also home to some of the most exciting Fourth of July events around. Washington DC's 4th of July Parade takes place on July 4th at 11:45 AM on Constitution Avenue and features marching bands, military units, and floats. The parade draws a large crowd, so arrive early to get your spot! Take time to gather at the steps of the National Archives Building for the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence and hear the performance by the Federal City Brass Band. And don't forget to check out the Fourth of July Fireworks on the National Mall around 9:15 PM. Fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument.

San Diego

If you are looking for a beach town that knows how to party on July 4th, look no further! San Diego boasts plenty of festivities along their sprawling shores for merry sunbathers. Enjoy a ride on the Carousel and funnel cake at The San Diego Fair held annually at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Big Bay Boom July 4th Fireworks show is sure to promise a spectacular display over the San Diego Bay! You will hear explosions all night and see the rockets'
glare as they are launched simultaneously from four barges strategically placed

around the bay.

Boston

The city that is regarded as the birthplace of the American Revolution is now one of the nation's foremost Fourth of July destinations. The Boston Harborfest is a favorite destination for Fourth of July festivities. The celebration offers a slew of events, ranging from fireworks, concerts, cruises, tours, and of course, a spectacular fireworks display. Be sure to bring your beach chairs and blankets to ensure good seats! Interested in checking out culinary events? The Boston Harborfest Chowderfest is a competition between restaurants in the Greater Boston area for the best New England Style clam chowder. It's a great way for tourists to sample varying kinds of local food!

JOIN ANCIRA IN WRITTING LETTERS TO OUR TROOPS!

The Ancira Auto Group is participating in the "Letters For Lyrics" campaign and you can too! "Letters For Lyrics" is a campaign courtesy of Ram Trucks and the Zac Brown Band, whose goal is to send one million letters to our troops. All you have to do is write a letter to a soldier and drop it off at the Ancira Chrysler dealership. The Ancira Auto Group will collect your letters and mail them to the Troops for you! By writing a letter and dropping it off at the Ancira Chrysler dealership, not only will you show our Troops support, but you will also receive a FREE copy of the Breaking

Southern Ground

CD. This exlusive compilation, not available in stores, features Southern Ground Artisits Levi Lowrey, Nic Cowan, Sonia Leigh, and the Zac Brown Band! Visit Ancira and drop your letter off today!

Show Us Your Ride and Win!

Want to win a vacation to Las Vegas, Orlando or San Diego or to over 30 other locations in the U.S. and $1,000? Here's your chance! During the month of June & July, 2010, the AnciraCommunity.com is sponsoring the "Show Us Your Ride" contest! To enter, simply take a picture or video of your ride (Car, Truck, or RV) and post it on our community site. Show us your ride in a cool vacation spot, off-road, custom paint job or “whip”, stereo system, its unique work load, "pimped out" modifications, what you love most about it, or a cool picture or video of you and your ride! The entrant who submits the picture or video that gets the most ratings will be selected as the Grand Prize Winner and will be awarded a vacation for two at their choice of the best resort destinations in North America from Las Vegas to Orlando or choose from over 30 other vacation destinations. The Grand Prize winner will also receive a $1,000 American Express gift card to use towards any additional expenses. The Runner-Up Winner will receive a Flip video camera with accessories!

Here's how it works. Upload your picture to Ancira Vacation Giveaway Picture Upload Page upload your home-made video (self produced original, less than 100MB in file size and less than 5 minutes long) to Ancira Vacation Giveaway Video Upload Page. Add a catchy headline, a description of what is going on in the picture or video, and your name in the "Tags" line. You can even email your picture or video from a smart phone HERE. It's as simple as that!...but you’ll want to use the "Share" buttons to post your picture or video description to Social Media such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, YouTube, Flickr or your favorite blog so your friends, family, and coworkers can view your work of art...HOWEVER; THEY MUST RATE IT AT WWW.ANCIRACOMMUNITY.COM to be eligible to WIN! The entrant with the most ratings will win! In the event of a tie, the picture or video with the highest average rating wins the Grand Prize! Please keep in mind that the Ancira Community is a family oriented site. Be funny, creative and remember to HAVE FUN!

Upload your picture or video today and start sharing them with your family, friends, and coworkers for a chance to win AnciraCommunity.com's vacation and $1,000 American Express Gift Card!

RULES:

It’s easy to win, here’s what you have to do:

Take a photo or short video of you and your ride, whip, hooptie or RV and tell us what you do with it, what’s awesome about it and why yours is the best!*

Sign in (or become a member of) AnciraCommunity.com – IT’S FREE!

Upload your photo/video to your profile.

You may also email it to HERE
with the Subject line reading “Hottest Ride” and let us know what your username is so we can tag it to you.

Tell your friends to sign in and RATE your photo/video, that’s how we’ll determine the winner!†

That’s it!!!

*Employees, vendors & suppliers are not eligible to enter.

†Must be a resident of Texas and 21 years of age or older to enter.

Contest ends on July 18, 2010 @ 11:59 CST, so be sure you register

and TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS TO RATE YOUR PHOTO/VIDEO!

Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS for full contest rules.

For more information please contact Greg Palomino at 210.846.8900 or gpalomino@cre8ad8.com; event managed by CRE8AD8 LLC.