Some Fun Car Facts

Trivia and factoids originally found on the Automopedia blog

It’s rumored the Chevy Nova sold poorly in Mexico because the word “Nova” is close to the Spanish phrase “doesn’t go.”

Only FOUR automobiles were registered in the United States in 1895. I guess everybody had to learn to share!

Toll Booths on The Garden State Parkway in New Jersey were supposed to remain until initial construction was paid off, sometime back in the late 1950’s.

Over 90% of car owners admit to singing while behind the wheel.

The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902.

In 1960, you could purchase a brand new Buick La Sabre for under $3000. With that you basically got two-doors, a (manual) steering wheel and an engine.

Early Ford vehicles contained Dodge engines. Some 1980’s Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouths contain Mitsubishi Engines.

Mary Anderson patented the windshield wiper in 1905 after she noticed snow and rain gathering on the fronts of trolley cars and automobile windows.

In 1898, the New York City Police Department used bicycles to pursue speeding motorists.

Japan produced the most passenger vehicles/most total vehicles worldwide in 2006.

The World’s Oldest Car was built in France in 1884 for French Count De Dion.

In 2009, New York and New Jersey were surveyed as having the Worst Drivers in America.

Feeling like you want to check out a car yet? Just head to www.basilresale.com!

Tips for Winter Driving and Maintenance

If you are the type of person who is truly uncomfortable driving in the snow or on ice, don’t. Take the bus, call a cab, or get a ride. But for those who choose to brave the weather, here are a few good tips for driving on the Buffalo winter roads.

In Motion

• Get snow tires, drive slowly. Buying snow tires is one of the best investments you can make. It’s the difference between driving up a snowy hill, and spinning your tires while people pass you. Always check to see that your tires have the proper amount of air in them. Make sure you balance and rotate your tires regularly.
• Be aware of the other drivers around you so you can maneuver away from them if they (or you) lose control. Keep your distance from other cars. Drive twice the distance you normally would from vehicles in front of you
• Begin to brake earlier than you would under normal weather. Relax and don’t panic. If you start to slide, pump the brakes (or let your car’s Anti-lock Brake System kick in), and remember that you can still steer your car to some degree while sliding.
• Turn your lights on. Even if it’s daylight and you can see in front of you just fine. Those lights are for everyone else to see you.
• Stay off your cell phone and pay attention to what you’re doing.
• Use your emergency parking brake when you park (even when not on an angle).

Maintenance and Emergency Supplies

• Keep your car well-maintained. Make sure you have adequate fluid levels (oil, antifreeze/coolant, brake fluid etc.) Make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid because you will be clearing your windshield more than normal.
• Keep your gas tank near full as much as you can. Trying to start a car with a near-empty tank in cold weather is asking for trouble.
• Keep emergency supplies in your trunk or back seat in case something happens. At a minimum, keep warm blankets, dry socks, gloves, hat etc. in your car for every person. You don’t want to be stuck out in the cold unprepared. Also keep a supply of fresh water, and candy/ energy bars.
• Keep a shovel and some basic tools handy. Buy a set of long wood blocks (2x4) to wedge under your tires if they can’t get any traction.
• Keep something heavy in your trunk during the winter months to get better traction. Kitty litter is inexpensive and adds a good amount of weight to the car.

Snow Removal

• Use a wide push-broom brush/ice scraper with softer bristles for quicker snow removal. Be sure to clean off your windshield, lights, windows, exhaust and intake at a minimum.
• Be considerate to the drivers around you by removing snow/ice from your roof as well (you don’t want the snow from your roof to let loose on the driver behind you).
• Start your car 10 to 15 minutes before you plan on leaving to ensure the engine/car has warmed up properly.
• When you park your car for the day, leave your wiper blades flipped out. It might look silly, but a big snow dump won’t leave them covered in ice when you return.



Matt Shapiro