Checkered Blog by Checkered Flag is the automotive play place in Hampton Roads Virginia

Show Some "TLC" to Your Car

The weekend has arrived, and I bet you are looking forward to a few days of relaxation. Although, if you are like me, you will probably find yourself spending some of this weekend doing chores you neglected during the work week, like cleaning your car. Admittedly, I have been putting the task off for about 2 weeks now, so my car deserves some much needed attention.

I have a friend who works incredibly hard to keep his car immaculate and is very good at it. He bought his car 3 years ago, and it still looks and smells brand new! While cleaning a car seems pretty straight forward, it does require a bit of foresight if you want it done right. For those of you who are envious of my friend, myself included, here are a few of the best tips I have seen on keeping your vehicle looking like it was just driven off the dealership lot.

Outside Looks are Important: When it comes to vehicles, giving a little more attention to exterior appearances is not considered in the least bit vain. Regularly washing your car helps protect it from dirt, salt, and other harmful debris picked up from everyday driving. Remember to dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. Simple enough right? Well according to the Car Care Council, a good number of car owners harm their vehicles with improper washing. About a third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products, such as dish detergent which can strip away paint and finishes. Waxing your car at least twice a year is also recommended. It not only keeps your car shiny, but provides a layer of protection from sunlight and acid rain.

What is on the Inside Matters too: Washing the outside of your car is only half the job. Cleaning the interior is just as important. From commuting to work to running household errands, we spend a great deal of time inside our cars. Undoubtedly, our cars suffer from coffee spills or an accumulation of trash. Keep a good sized trash bag around to contain the mess. Also some say that white toothpaste can help with stains on car upholstery. Try it out. Having a small vacuum with a hose attachment on hand is also a good idea. Regularly vacuuming the floors and the upholstery will keep your interior looking new. And here is a useful tip from yours truly...before vacuuming sprinkle some carpet deodorizer or even baking soda. It will keep your car smelling fresh.

Following a few of these simple tips will help keep your car looking newer longer. But if you are determined on doing the least amount of cleaning possible this weekend, luckily for you, Checkered Flag offers professional detailing to serve your needs. Give them a call at 757-490-0111. Whichever way you chose to do it, cars are substantial investments, so giving some extra time benefits you in the long run. Until next time, Happy Cleaning this weekend!

The "Bug" Turns Ten

For Volkswagen of America, Inc., it has been ten great years since the introduction of the New Beetle and that is reason to celebrate. The contemporary version of the legendary VW Beetle made its debut in 1998, and since then has continued to drive straight into American hearts. As of April 2008, New Beetle sales (including New Beetle Convertible) has exceeded 500,000 units in the U.S.

I wanted to learn a bit more about these cute and colorful "Bugs," so I made a stop at Checkered Flag Volkswagen today. Jim Hanrahan, a Sales Consultant there was more than helpful in sharing his take on why the New Beetle has captivated drivers for a decade now.

He even took me outside to get closer look at the Beetle, particularly the Triple White model, named for its white exterior, interior, and spoiler. Jim said, "It is a lot of car for the money. This model has features like heated seats, satellite radio..., and has great gas mileage."

When asked what first comes to mind when he thinks of the Beetle Jim replied with one word, "Icon." The Beetle is considered one of the most recognizable and beloved vehicles in the world. The original Beetle first made its appearance in the 1930s, and its distinctive design has not changed much since then. Compared to the original Beetle, Jim said the New Beetle is a lot safer, especially with the engine located in the front instead of the rear, and "it gets just as many smiles."

People of all ages easily identify the Beetle. "Kids recognize it as the ‘punch buggy’ and they will wave at you if you are driving in one." Jim went on to say that the reintroduction of the New Beetle has really had quite an impact on Volkswagen as a brand. "The Beetle is a main staple for us. It reinvigorated VW and when the concept first came out there was such a huge response!"

When asked if he has noticed any trends with customer preferences with the New Beetle, Jim said that a lot of people request Pink (which is not offered, sorry). You can however chose from several different colors including, Laser Blue, Gecko Green, Salsa Red, Harvest Moon, Platinum Gray, Black, Reflex Silver, and Sunflower Yellow. 

Jim also shared with me some of his memories concerning the Beetle. When he was younger, Jim had an uncle who restored older Beetles and would often read him Herbie the Love Bug stories. That childhood connection is what got Jim interested in becoming part of the Volkswagen staff, where he has been for a year now.

In the next ten years for the New Beetle, Jim hopes to see it become more guy oriented. "Probably 97% of Beetle drivers are women, so it would be cool to see maybe a more racer type version, or even a Herbie edition," Jim said. Regardless, "The Beetle as an icon will definitely continue in the future."

We at Checkered Blog would like to wish the Volkswagen New Beetle Congratulations and Happy 10^th Birthday!

A Friendly Pickup from Honda: The Ridgeline

With all the talk focused on hybrids and fuel efficiency lately, I got to thinking...Do people still drive pickup trucks? Traditionally Americans love their pickup trucks, but with fuel cost woes running rampant, do people still want them or even need them? I think so.

Although U.S. truck sales have taken a downward turn, for some Americans the pickup truck is still the best choice. The simple fact is a pickup truck allows for versatility in many different situations. With a truck you can easily make a trip to Home Depot for an occasional do-it-yourself home project, or go off-roading on some wilderness adventure, or maybe even use it for work. The possibilities are limitless.

The pickups of today have come a long way. Most offer the capabilities of a truck, but also the comforts of a sedan. Take for instance the Honda Ridgeline, which won Consumer Guide® Automotive’s "Recommended" award in the compact pickup truck category and was recognized as AUTOMOBILE Magazine’s 2007 All-Star.

The Ridgeline delivers ruggedness and power, but can also serves as a friendly family vehicle. Honda introduced the Ridgeline in 2006 and offers it as a 5-passenger 4-door crew cab. Design-wise the Ridgeline is a bit unusual compared to other pickups in the market. Instead of having a separate cab and bed, the Ridgeline body is unified. Furthering it from the pack, the Ridgeline also includes key features such as a hidden trunk within the cargo bed (works great as an icebox), four-wheel independent suspension, and a dual-action tailgate that drops down or swings out. 

The powertrain on the Ridgeline is 247-hp 3.5-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission. It also allows for a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Safety features include traction control, anti-skid system, curtain and front side airbags.

Edmunds.com had this to say about the Ridgeline:

"Comfortable seats, plenty of storage cubbies, sound ergonomics, smooth quiet performance and a relatively manageable size make the Honda Ridgeline a viable option as the sole family vehicle."

Check out the Ridgeline in person at Checkered Flag Honda or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

Behind the Scenes with Checkered Flag's Cathy Ray Hodges

Cathy Ray Hodges has pretty much seen it all at Checkered Flag. She started with the company in 1973, when there were just two dealerships, Toyota and Honda! She has held positions in parts, payroll, as an office manager at the old Hilltop location, and as the assistant comptroller. Currently, she is Vice President of the Operations Center, the consolidated billing and financial center at Checkered Flag.

Some dealer groups have individual offices in each store for all the paperwork that comes with purchasing or servicing a vehicle, but Checkered Flag chose to do it differently. The idea was that customers develop a rapport with their salesperson and they do not want to be passed off to different people. Cathy explains, "A centralized operation allows for economies of scale. Everyone here does things the same which is more efficient and leads to increased customer satisfaction which is, of course, the main focus at Checkered Flag." Along with Checkered Flag human resources, the operations center houses 35+ employees all of whom may be "behind the scenes" but are an integral part of the business.

When asked if she anticipated her future with Checkered Flag back in 1973 and what has surprised her since, Cathy laughs, " It all surprises me! I never anticipated still being here after 35 years, but the car business gets in your blood, I guess. We have been successful in good and bad economies, through gas crunches, market crashes, and everything else."

The Checkered Blog would like to recognize Cathy and all the operations center personnel for all their hard work that keeps things running smoothly at the Flag.

Hampton Roads Salutes Memorial Day

Memorial Day weekend has come full swing and it appears that a good number of Hampton Roads residents have opted to spend the holiday near home. I spent a few hours at the 25th Annual Strawberry Festival in Pungo today, and if you get a chance to head over there, the strawberry shortcakes are a must have!

Aside from the festival, there are a number of Memorial Day observances scheduled throughout the Tidewater /Hampton Roads area. There is a strong military presence here, so we at Checkered Blog would like to extend a very Happy Memorial Day weekend to all military personnel.

As promised here is a list of events occurring this weekend.

Virginia Beach

May 23-25 -Remember the Music-Remember the Heroes: Commemorate the memories of the men and women who spent their lives protecting our country through live music and entertainment. Dont miss the  Heroes Walk on the boardwalk.

May 26- The 2008 Memorial Day Ceremony & 20th Anniversary of the Tidewater Veterans Memorial: A fly-over featuring military and WWII aircrafts will follow the ceremony.

Norfolk

May 24-26 -The 25th Annual AFRAM Fest- AFRAM Fest is held every year by the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association (SEVAA) and is the largest African-American event held in the state.

Newport News

May-26- Memorial Day Remembrance: Following the ceremony, all are invited to learn about American military history at the Virginia War Museum.

Williamsburg

May 26- Memorial Day Program at Colonial Williamsburg: Observe Memorial Day and remember those who have given their lives in the service of our country.

Yorktown

May 24-25- Yorktown Civil War Weekend: Special activities include encampments, military and surgical demonstrations, campfire program, and walking tours. Wreath laying ceremonies occur on Sunday at the Yorktown National Cemetery and Confederate Cemetery.

The National Moment of Remembrance occurs on Monday, where Americans around the country will pause at 3pm for reflection.

The forecast for this weekend calls for sunshine and dry conditions, so take advantage of the amazing weather, while remembering the holiday. For more information on these events and others visit the Virginia is for Lovers website.

Road Trippin'

The unofficial start of the summer season is here! Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a time where Americans load up their vehicles and embark on adventures across the country. This year is a little different of course. With high gas prices tagging along on family vacations, many Americans are expected to stay home this weekend. A good number of Virginians however are not putting the brakes on their travel plans. AAA Mid-Atlantic predicts that 694,000 Virginians will be on the road for the holiday. So for those adventure seekers out there who are determined to hit the roads anyway, here are a few tips to ensure a fun and safe trip.

Spend some quality time with your vehicle: It might sound like a big no-brainer, but it is worth saying. There is nothing like an unexpected breakdown to stall your vacation. Check your tires for proper inflation and any uneven tread. Make sure your car is hydrated with plenty of antifreeze, engine oil, brake and transmission fluids. Taking a few minutes to inspect your car before a trip is not only safe and responsible but could save you from costly headaches.

Pack smart: Even if you have the trunk space, try not to overload your vehicle. The holiday weekend is only a few days so you will not need two weeks worth of stuff. Remember to bring important items that will come in handy in case of an emergency like a first aid kit. Also if you are traveling with kids, bring along enough supplies to keep them occupied during the long drives. Your sanity will thank you for it.

Be patient and enjoy yourself: Traveling can be stressful and unpredictable, but remember you are on vacation, so relax a bit. Prepare yourself for traffic setbacks ahead of time. You can visit the VDOT website for the latest road conditions. Lastly, take time to not only enjoy yourself, but also to remember the holiday.

For more road trip preparation tips visit the BeCarCareAware website.

The Checkered Blog wishes you a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Check back with us over the weekend for information on Memorial Day events happening throughout Hampton Roads.

Genesis: A New Beginnning for Hyundai

Earlier this month, we introduced you to the new premium sports sedan from Hyundai, the Genesis. We just received word that Checkered Flag Hyundai is expecting this awesome car to hit their showroom at the end of June. They will receive several vehicles initially, so you can get a closer look and test drive. Customers will be able to custom order their Genesis and receive it within weeks. So we only have a month to go, but until then here’s what you can expect.

Genesis is first attempt by Hyundai at a luxury sedan. It offers the capabilities and amenities of other luxury sedans, but at a much lower price tag. With an expected starting price of $30,000, Genesis is equipped with features found in rival $60,000 premium sedans. Talk about more bang for your buck!

Several engine options are available for the Genesis, starting with the standard 3.3-liter (268 horsepower, 233 lb-ft. of torque) or 3.8-liter (290 horespower, 264 lb-ft.) V6 engines. Also available is Hyundai’s new 4.6 liter Tau V8,which delivers an estimated 375 horsepower and 324 lb.-ft. of torque. With the Tau you can go from zero to 60 in under six seconds. In a Hyundai!!!

The list of toys and features Genesis offers is extensive and would be the dream of any driver. Standard-features include heated and cooled seats, rear power sunshade, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection, 17-speaker, 500+ watt Lexicon sound system, and even USB/iPod inputs. And to add an even cooler feel, 8-inch screen navigation system, back-up camera, automatic front lighting system, and radar-guided Smart Cruise Control are options too.

We at the Checkered Blog do not see how Hyundai can go wrong with the Genesis. It is a premium car at less than premium price. If you want more information prior to the arrival of the Genesis call Checkered Flag Hyundai at (757) 490-1111.

Meet Checkered Flag BMW's Todd Hartje

The Checkered Blog would like to welcome Todd Hartje and family to Checkered Flag! Todd comes aboard as the Service and Parts Director at Checkered Flag BMW. Although he is only relatively new to Hampton Roads, (he arrived in early February) Todd has a long standing history with the BMW brand. Todd started as a technician in 1984, moved up to shop foreman, then service manager, and finally to the position he currently holds. He knows BMWs inside and out and is a perfect fit for Checkered Flag BMW.

Despite only being in town for about 4 months, Todd has already created quite a name for himself among the staff at Checkered Flag BMW. Has anyone else noticed the wacky weather these last couple months? Several people at Checkered Flag BMW think they know the cause. The peculiar weather appeared around the same time as "Tornado Todd" (as he is affectionately called) landed in Hampton Roads.

Though Todd worked and lived in Kansas City, Missouri prior to moving to Virginia Beach, he maintains that he did not bring the weather with him from the Midwest. Todd plans on living in Virginia Beach with his wife and sons, ages 15 and 10, who are making the big move this week. Congratulations and best of luck, Todd!

Toyota Prius Celebrates Millionth Milestone

Last week, sales of the most popular in the world and first mass-produced gas-electric car, the Toyota Prius, hit the one million mark! This HUGE milestone was probably inconceivable when the first generation Prius was introduced in 1997. Back then gas was cheap and few were concerned about such things as mpg and fuel economy. 11 years later, times have changed and it is no surprise that the Prius has captured the interests of drivers globally.

Toyota Motor Corporation announced that approximately 1,028,000 units were sold as of the end April 2008 and that figure continues to rise. TMC also proudly claims that Prius vehicles around the world have produced approximately 4.5 million tons less of global warming gases compared with standard fuel engine vehicles.

As gas prices continue to take a toll on our pocketbooks, the Prius, with an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average rating of 46 mpg, will likely be seen more frequently on the roadways. Toyota aims to sell 1 million or more hybrid vehicles annually.

If you are at all interested in grabbing a Prius for yourself, stop by Checkered Flag Toyota at 5301 Virginia Beach Blvd. More than one salesperson told me that some local Prius owners are taking advantage of the high demand and excellent trade-in values and swapping for some of the other Toyota fuel efficient models (like the Camry hybrid, also growing in popularity). If you have questions about availability, use the inventory search tool on CheckeredFlag.com or call CF Toyota at 490-1111.

Are Gas Prices Driving You Nuts?

On average, Americans are paying $3.79 for a gallon of regular gas according to a survey by AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. While rising gas costs are no surprise, American drivers are resorting to all sorts of ways to be more gas efficient. If you want an idea on the lengths people are willing to go to save a few bucks click here.

For those of us who are not willing to run to the nearest fast food joint to steal tubs of grease, here are a few "lawful" ways of lessening the pinch at the pump.

Check your tire pressure: Under-inflated tires not only pose a safety hazard, but can also reduce your gas efficiency. Get your hands on a reliable tire gauge.

Remove excess weight from your vehicle: The heavier a car is the more gas it needs to get around. Clean out unnecessary items from your trunk. The Department of Energy suggests that drivers can save between 3 to 6 cents a gallon by driving lighter.

Use cruise control: If your vehicle has cruise control take advantage of it, especially on long drives on the highway. A study on Edmunds.com found that using cruise control could mean substantial savings, up to 7 percent.

Avoid excessive idling: The theory here is simple. When the car is not running, gas is saved. If you expect to be idle for longer than a minute, its best to turn it off.

Slow down: Possibly the biggest fuel saver tip is to simply slow down. It may take you longer to arrive at a destination, but you’ll be making fewer trips to the gas station.

If you are looking for more tips on increasing your mpg, which I am sure you will be as gas prices inch closer to $4, visit this site maintained jointly by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.