Save Gas with these Tips

 

 

I’m not sure about you, but I hate having to stop for gas. So if I can put that one errand on hold for as long as possible, I’m going to do what I can.

Below are some proven tips from Consumer Reports to help you spend less time at the pump.

No idling. There is no need to warm up your car or keep it running while waiting for passengers. The general rule-of-thumb is to turn off your car if you know you’ll be stopped for more than 30 seconds. Don’t worry about the starter, it is designed for multiple, repeated starts.

Combine trips. Avoid making multiple short trips or try to combine all errands into one trip. If you can, avoid rush hour, as sitting in traffic burns more gas and emits more pollutants. Why not try carpooling?

Watch your speed. For those of you out there who like to drive fast, this one will make a huge difference. Did you know that the faster you drive on the highway, the worse your gas mileage will be? ConsumerReports.org saw fuel economy in a test vehicle drop 5 mpg when the  cruising speed was increased from 55 mph to 65. Driving at 75 mph cost an additional 5 mpg.

Drive smoothly. Avoid hard acceleration and braking when possible. In the same test vehicle, Consumer Reports found that frequent bursts of acceleration and braking reduced fuel economy by 2 to 3 mpg.

Tire inflation. In our tests, we found fuel economy is reduced when tires are not inflated to where they should be. Check your tires’ pressure and top off as needed when they’re cold (before the vehicle has been driven or after no more than a couple of miles of driving). Use the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer, not the maximum pressure embossed on the tire’s sidewall. The recommended pressure is usually found on a placard on a front door jamb, in the glove compartment, or in the owner’s manual.

These are just a few of the things Consumer Reports recommended… click-through to read the full report here: 11 money-saving fuel economy tips

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

 

Vehicle iPhone Apps

There are thousands of apps available to iPhone users. You can get lost trying to find ones that are useful to you, it can be very time-consuming. Not to worry, we’ve done some digging and have found 5 useful car apps to possibly make life a little less stressful, and maybe even, a little more fun.

1. GasBuddy (Free)
   GasBuddy is pretty simple yet very effective. It locates the cheapest place to fill up in a short radius. While a few gas stations don’t appear on the screen, prices are usually 100% accurate. This app lives up to its name; plus it doesn’t cost you a penny. 83 Ratings = 5 Stars
2. Honk ($0.99)
   Parking tickets are a thing of the past with Honk, which helps you keep an eye on your parking meter. In addition to a programmable alarm (2, 5 or 10 minutes remaining), Honk can refresh your memory if you forgot where you left your car. This precious app will ensure that your future downtown stints don’t leave a sour taste in your month. 11 Ratings = 4.5 Stars
3. Dynolicious ($12.99)
   How does all that tuning translate on the road? Using the iPhone’s built-in accelerometer, Dynolicious calculates your vehicle’s 0-100km/h acceleration, quarter-mile time, horsepower total, lateral Gs, and other performance metrics. All you have to do is to create a profile for your car and voilà! 26 Ratings = 4.5 Stars
4. Car Minder Plus ($2.99)
   Your car will love you with this app. Manage all your car maintenance needs, log repairs, track fuel economy, and look up when a service is due. Manage multiple cars, and get the most out of each of them.  57 Ratings = 4.5 Stars
5. Garmin/Navigon/TomTom (0$ to $59.99)
   There is something for everyone, with prices ranging from 0$ to nearly $60. And believe me, it’s a significant upgrade over Google Maps. You can find various points of interest, plan long trips with multiple stops, and get clear turn-by-turn directions. We are in road trip season after all.

Along with those 5 we’d also like to highlight this Audi specific app:

1. Audi Roadside App (Free)
   Audi and Allstate Roadside Services have teamed up to offer the Audi Roadside App—the easiest way to get the roadside assistance your Audi needs. The app leverages your pre-registered vehicle information and your smart phone’s GPS to quickly dispatch the nearest Roadside Assistance provider to your exact location.

Did we miss any? Let us know if you use a car app that you love and would like to share.

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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Leasing VS Financing Your Audi

Leasing is growing in popularity, and represents a viable alternative to buying. Audi Financial Services knows you need options, not alternatives, which is why we offer flexible leasing plans that will help lower your monthly payment and give you the option to buy.

Why lease? Because it costs less, you’re basically paying for the estimated depreciation of the vehicle over the lease period, rather than paying for the whole value of the car.

Here is a quick rundown of some advantages and disadvantages to leasing your next vehicle:

Advantages:

• A lease costs less than a purchase, you only pay a portion of the vehicles cost
• Monthly payments are lower
• No large down payment. When the lease begins, you pay the first month’s payment, title, taxes, registration, banking fees, and a security deposit.
• You don’t have to worry about selling the car when you no longer want it.

Disadvantages

• You don’t own the car.
• You aren’t able to customize the vehicle or make modifications to it as you could if you bought it.
• There are additional charges for excessive mileage (for example, more than 15,000 miles a year) and any damage to the car.
• If you have the option to buy the car at the end of the lease (as is often the case), you’ll have to make that decision as soon as the lease ends, whereas if you owned the car you could decide exactly when to sell it.
• Generally, you will need to have the maximum insurance coverage limits.

The decision to lease or buy will always depend on your personal circumstances. If your objective is to one day be rid of car payments and you want to own, buying a car may be the best option. If, however, if your goal is to drive a new set of wheels every four years and minimize your monthly costs, leasing a car may be a good alternative.

Stop by the dealership, let our finance team help you make the right decision.

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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Audi Seasonal ServiceTips

The experts at McGrath Audi know your vehicle inside and out. Our technicians are proud graduates of rigorous factory training, which includes the latest service procedures, and the use of specialized tools and equipment necessary to care for your Audi vehicle. They employ the most sophisticated technologies, and the focus derived from Audi specific training.

Plus, their training and certifications are continuously updated to keep pace with your technologically advanced vehicle. So no matter what the season, trust your McGrath Audi to help prepare you and your Audi vehicle for whatever Mother Nature delivers.

• Spring Shape-Up
  The roads you travel daily cause wear and tear on your vehicle. Just one pothole or curb hit can change your vehicle’s alignment, causing uneven wear on the tires. See our experts for a thorough tire and alignment check and help promote proper handling and maximum tire life.
• Summer Cooling
  Keep your car’s air conditioner working at maximum efficiency by having it drained, recharged, and inspected every two years. Our trained Audi technicians will carry out a detailed inspection of the air conditioner system’s hoses, connectors, fan, and belt. They can also periodically give an air conditioner an ultrasonic disinfecting treatment.
• Winter Wheels and Tires
  Maximize the capabilities of quattro and FrontTrak by helping improve traction in cold weather. Better tire traction can help your Audi stop safely and stay on course.

We are pleased to offer you the convenience of online scheduling for your service appointments, let us help you and your Audi have a long, happy, healthy relationship.

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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The Audi Q5 Crossover

“For a vehicle with a compact footprint, there’s a lot of usable seating and cargo space in the 2012 Audi Q5. Factor in the rich interior appointments and refined feel, and there’s a plenty of upscale family appeal here.” (The Car Connection review)

Walk around to the side of the Q5 and you’ll notice a sporty and sophisticated profile. From the dramatic wheels set off by the rising edges of the fenders, to the graceful slope of the roof accented by the striking aluminum roof rails, the Q5 stands apart from the crowd.

Under the vehicle you’ll find quattro AWD.  quattro is essentially a mechanical system devised around a torque-sensing, self-locking, center differential that shifts torque instantaneously to where it’s needed.

So the looks are stunning, the drive is smooth… how about some specifications: (visit us to learn more)

• Powertrain: 2.0 liter turbocharged with intercooler, DOHC in-line four-cylinder gasoline engine with FSI direct injection and Audi valvelift system
• Horsepower/torque: 211 hp @4300 rpm / 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
• Length/weight: 182.2 in. / 4090 lbs.
• Wheelbase: 110.5 in.
• 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
• EPA fuel economy: 20 city / 27 hwy / 22 combined
• Cargo capacity: 29.1 cubic feet or 57.3 cubic feet with the 2nd row folded

“Best description, a Sports sedan in CUV body!”(consumer review on Edmunds.com)

Whether you’re an upmarket parent, a couple, or flying solo… this CUV will exceed your expectations. Stop by McGrath Audi today and take one out for a test drive… see what all the fuss is about!

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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We’ve Joined Pinterest

It’s the latest rage; Pinterest, and we’re jumping on board. Why? Because we love to look at pictures and we want to share the images that catch our attention, with you.

We have created 5 boards for now: (it’s a work in progress!)

1. Our Dealership
2. Glenview, IL
3. Roads Worth Driving
4. Vintage
5. Fun

If you have images you think we might like, please share the link with us via our other social sites listed below, we’ll pin it if we love it.  We’ve been pinning and re-pinning like crazy today. We just can’t seem to get enough of Pinterest!

We hope you enjoy our pins, and we’re excited to see yours… happy pinning everyone!

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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Road Trip Ready

Summer is practically here, so if you haven’t already, it’s time to start planning your summer adventures! You’ve read through a million tourism websites and have decided where you want to go.  Now you need to think about the vehicle that will take you on said adventure, after all, if the car breaks down, all your careful planning could go out the window.

1. Have a technician look at your vehicle  before any long distance trip:
   1. MOST IMPORTANT – Change your oil and filter regularly, not just when you’re going through a road trip checklist.  It’s a quick, inexpensive process that can literally add years and thousands of miles to the efficient service life of your engine.
   2. Check tire pressure regularly (preferably before driving, while they’re cold). Go by the manufacturer’s recommended settings in the owner’s manual or door sticker.  Have the wheels aligned for better handling, tire wear and safety.
2. Check your spare tire and make sure your car jack and all parts are in the vehicle.
3. Put together an emergency kit.  At the very least you should have:
   1. bottled water, granola  bars or other non-perishable food
   2. flashlight and batteries (not just your lighter or smartphone app!),
   3. basic first aid kit (one you put together yourself, or a pre-made kit from the pharmacy)
4. Bring a spare set of car keys.  Locking the only set of keys in the car can take the fun out of any holiday, fast.
5. Be sure you have valid proof of insurance in the car with you. And if your policy doesn’t include roadside assistance, consider adding it through your carrier or through a motor club like AAA.

Now that the not so much fun stuff is taken care of, you can head out onto the open road, knowing you’re ready to face whatever your adventure has to throw your way!

Let McGrath Audi help you on your way, book a service appointment today.

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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The Beautiful Audi A7

The Audi A7 marked Audi’s return to the executive hatchback market since the 1970 three-door Audi 100 Coupe and the 1977 Audi 100 Avant.  It debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, but was launched in the USA at last years New York International Auto Show as a 2012 model.

“When automakers begin development on a new model, there are typically three or more competing design proposals, one of which is then chosen to make it into metal. This standard operating procedure was discarded with the Audi A7 Sportback, says Audi boss Rupert Stadler: “Everything was right in the first place.” Indeed, this large hatchback could be the most beautiful of all Audis. Long, wide, and low, it’s styled with smooth and supremely clean lines. ” (caranddriver.com)  The interior feels more like a cockpit than a driver’s seat thanks to a high center console and an array of clear and crisp instrumentation.

We know it’s beautiful… now here are the specifications: (visit us to learn more)

• Powertrain: 3.0L supercharged, DOHC V6, dual intercoolers, FSI direct injection and variable valve timing
• Horsepower/torque: 310 hp @5500-6500 rpm / 325 lb-ft @ 2900-4500 rpm
• Length/weight: 195.6 in. / 4210 lbs
• Wheelbase: 114.7 in.
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
• EPA fuel economy: 18 city / 28 hwy / 22 combined
• Cargo capacity: 24.5 cubic feet

It’s beautiful on the outside, elegant and enjoyable on the inside, and Esquire Magazine named it “The 2011 Esquire Car of the Year” while Automobile Magazine named it the “2012 Automobile of the Year“.  You can experience this fantastic specimen of a car with the ‘Audi A7 Experience‘ app for your iPad… or you can visit us at McGrath Audi and take one out for a test drive!

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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2012 Audi Architecture Tour

You are cordially invited to experience Chicago’s architectural masterpieces from the best seat in town – that of an Audi.

Imagine yourself surrounded by inspired engineering as you appreciate the work of some of the most talented architects in the world. You will have the option to learn more about the progressive Audi A6, the athletic Audi A7 or sophisticated Audi A8 during your time with us. This is a 30 minutes tour with our product specialists on hand to answer any questions you may have.

This tour is held in conjunction with the 2012 Architecture and Design Film Festival, which takes place at the Music Box Theatre.

Prepare to be driven by design during this exclusive event, register for your tour, on either Saturday April 14 or Sunday April 15 between 11:00am – 7:00pm, by clicking here or calling 847-998-8000.

Design directs everything… join us this weekend for the 2012 Audi Architecture Tour. Please note that you must be at least 25 years old to participate and you are welcome to bring a guest.

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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Audi Loyalty

Progress. It is the driving force behind everything Audi does. It is the result of meticulous design, exhaustive testing and inspired engineering. It is the innovations in both comfort and performance that are standard in every model of the Audi family.

Recently Polk and AutoTrader.com conducted a study called ‘The 2012 New Luxury Vehicle Loyalty Study‘.  A luxury loyalist is defined as a luxury new vehicle buyer/household that purchases a replacement vehicle or an additional vehicle from the same luxury brand that they already own. When loyalists were questioned about why they stayed loyal to a brand, the top five reasons were:

1. Brand Affinity (cited by 44%)
2. Quality/Reliability (cited by 33%)
3. Driving Performance (cited by 24%)
4. Price/Finance/Value (cited by 16%)
5. Styling/Design (cited by 16%)

Styling & Design ranks much higher for Audi drivers than other brand loyalists as a reason to stay. The luxury Brands used in this study were Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

Audi is constantly striving to make things stylish, in fact, Audi revolutionized vehicle lighting with the first full-LED headlamps appearing on the Audi R8 in 2008. Today, the use of LED technology helps create a look that’s iconic and unmistakably Audi—even in the dark of night.

Stop by McGrath Audi and take out a vehicle that is powerful, efficient, safe and luxurious. If you are an Audi Loyalist, thank you. I you aren’t, we’d love to show you what we’re made of.

McGrath Audi
301 North Waukegan Road
Glenview, IL 60025
1-888-364-6780

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Related articles

• Audi A8: 2012 ‘Connected Car of the Year’ (mcgrathaudi.wordpress.com)
• Best Luxury Brand: Audi (mcgrathaudi.wordpress.com)