Audi Vehicle Spotlight: 2016 Audi Q5

Don’t get caught sacrificing style for space. The 2016 Audi Q5 is a luxury 5-passenger SUV that offers comfort, style and performance. What’s not to love? Whether you’re the driver, or a passenger, you’ll be thoroughly entertained in this vehicle. The stylish interior has plenty of room and top-notch features. Enjoy those scenic routes with a panoramic sunroof, blast some tunes via satellite radio or finish that business call with Bluetooth phone connectivity. So whether you’re driving for business or for pleasure, the 2016 Audi Q5 will make your journey that much easier.

Can you handle the heat?

Temperatures are finally rising, but is your car ready to handle a hot summer? Beat the heat with these few tips! Make sure you keep up with regular maintenance and pay extra attention to servicing your battery. Summer heat breaks down batteries internally. Double check that all belts, hoses and fluids are working properly. This is especially important when it comes to coolant hoses that could appear excessively soft or brittle. Don’t forget about your tires! The warmer weather puts added stress on them. Finally, make sure you never leave anyone, including pets, in a vehicle on a warm day. Leaving your vehicle locked in the summer heat allows its internal temperatures to rise on average 22 degrees in only 3 minutes.

Long Trips on Less Gas

'Tis the season of road trips! The car is packed with snacks, the games are prepared but the open road will have to wait while you load up on gas again! Save money, and time, on your road trip by following these money-saving strategies. First, you want to make sure you pack light; the extra weight cuts fuel economy. When you’re stuck on a long and quiet highway, use cruise control. This will prevent unnecessary speed change, which wastes gas. As tempting as it is, don’t overfill the tank, the gas can slosh around and escape. Finally, if possible, attempt to only drive when it’s cooler out. Cooler and denser air can increase power and mileage. Try to hit the road early and avoid driving in the late afternoon heat.

Tips to buying your first vehicle

What a better way to say congratulations to the Class of 2016 than with a new car? Buying your first car can seem intimidating, and many don’t know where to even start. So whether you’re a recent graduate, or you’re simply ready to make the big purchase here are some tips to help you purchase your dream car:

• Set a realistic budget- take a look at what you could afford for a monthly commitment
• Establish your transportation needs- if you have a long commute, invest in a vehicle with good gas mileage
• Prioritize your needs over your wants - sure the Bluetooth surround system would be great, but those accessories add up fast.
• Research!! There are hundreds of websites to reference for dealers, makes, and models
• Locate convenient dealers first- this makes it easier to compare other dealers in the area
• Take a test drive- don’t be afraid to test out freeways!
• Use your research to determine the proper purchase price- don’t be afraid to ask your sales people questions, that’s what they are there for!

Memorial Day Road Trips

What a better way to celebrate Memorial Day than with an easy and spontaneous road trip? You may not have an entire week off, but a quick getaway is perfect for a three-day weekend! So pack up the car, grab the family and check out these quick road trips.
Get back to nature at Lake Geneva, just a short hour drive outside of Chicago; this little town has great restaurants, bars and outdoor activities. If you need a getaway from city living, make the 3-hour drive to Galena. This quaint town is constantly mentioned as one of the Top 10 Charming Small Towns in the US. Check out their rafting trips, historic mansions or stroll down the cobblestone streets.
For those dedicated to a long road trip, check out Door County, Wisconsin. 4.5 hours outside of Chicago may seem far, but the beautiful peninsula is definitely worth it.