Brown Bear Car Wash – Part 2

Seattle Auto interviews Lance Odermat, counsel for Brown Bear (Car Wash Enterprises) and asks him about the technology and philosophy behind this local car wash chain. Lance explains the various liquids, treatments and water recycling methods that the company uses to help its environmentally friendly image.

Tips for Keeping a Car Clean in Seattle

If you’re a Northwesterner trying to explain the Northwest experience to someone who doesn’t live here, here’s a fact that always seems to et a raised eyebrow:

People here wash their cars in the rain.

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Will the PUMA Purr for Seattle Car Buyers?

You Always Remember Your First Car

Whenever I’m in one of those conversations where people get to reminiscing about their first car, I sometimes will say my first car was a Mustang. Thing is, that’s not really true. I wanted a Mustang, just like any teenage boy of my generation, but what my Burger King salary could actually afford was a 1979 Mercury Capri, the bare bones “twin” of the Mustang. Read more

Ten Easy Tips for Defensive Driving

You’ve heard the term defensive driving tossed around a lot, but what does it really mean? Many people conjure up images of a slow, hesitant driver that only drives in the right lane and signals a block before turning. In reality, defensive driving is a set of good habits on top of your existing driver skills.
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Pemco Insurance Ads Have Seattle Drivers Figured Out

“We’re a lot like you, a little different,” claims Pemco Insurance.

The insurance company’s local ads have been memorable and effective in capturing the different kinds of people in the Northwest.  While some might be close to instigating a Seattle stereotype, such as Profile #76 – Super Long Coffee Orderer – they are creative and well thought out.

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K1 Speed in Redmond

It’s Friday night and you’re feeling the need for speed. You look over at the driver next to you and make a scowl. He shoots a looks back and revs up the motor in response. It’s game time. No, this isn’t a late night race on Highway 167, it’s clean bit of office rivalry over at K1 Speed in Redmond.
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Ten Reasons to Get a Car History Check

Buying a used car is no easy task. From finding the right car to cutting the final check, there are literally dozens of pitfalls that you can get trapped in if you aren’t careful. One of the best ways to mitigate your risk when buying a used car, is to get a vehicle history report. Read more

Autocross with the Husky Formula Team (UWFSAE)

Calling all car enthusiasts and drivers! Next Sunday, February 8th, will be the annual 2009 Dawg Sled – an auto-cross event presented by Seattle’s very own University of Washington Formula SAE team. The event is held at the Bremetron Motorsports Park and is open to everyone from new car drivers to experienced auto-cross professionals. Read more

Obama’s Emissions Plan Fits Seattle Drivers

President Barack Obama made his message clear when he set new emission standards for new cars starting in 2011. Cars will be cleaner and more fuel efficient than ever before. The president will direct the Enviornmental Protection Agency to review whether California, Washington along with other states can impose stricter emission standards to battle green house gases. Read more

The 2010 Toyota Prius is in Hybrid Heaven in Seattle

It’s rare when a vehicle actually lives up to the hype. But by all accounts, the 2010 Toyota Prius will do just that and maybe more. Unveiled at the Detroit auto show, Toyota made a big splash, and maybe even sent a message to other hybrid automakers. Read more

Tire Chains and Snow Tires 101

After December’s record snowfall that left Seattle drivers stranded for days and even weeks, there is still a continued surge at auto and tire stores for snow traction devices. With so many choices, from chains to studded tires to snow tires, SeattleAuto.net will help guide you through the pros and cons of each device. Read more

The Big Automakers Take a Hit, Subaru Shines!

Reminiscent of an Oklahoma City Thunder game, the numbers were just plain brutal and ugly. 2008 auto sales were at their lowest in over a decade. Even old reliables like Toyota and Honda couldn’t escape the bad economy and lack of consumer confidence.

All of the major US and Japanese auto makers finished the year with a thud, a very quite thud. The only company to offer a little sunshine was Subaru. The Japanese based company was the only one to see a positive increase in December sales.

According to an Associated Press article Chrysler sold 30 percent fewer cars in 2008. Ford sales numbers were down 21 percent than the previous year. While Toyota dropped 16 percent and Honda was also down at 8 percent in overall 2008 sales. The only major automaker who saw positive gains in 2008 was Japanese company Subaru.  Subaru sales went up 0.3 percent, not a lot of gain, but an improvement non the less. Buyers flocked to top selling models like the Forester and Impreza.

What’s all those sales numbers mean for Seattle drivers? Maybe more deals to be had, and maybe more Foresters and Imprezas on the road. Subaru could end up being the unofficial car of Seattle – just don’t forget the canopy.

Snow Driving Tips: Getting up the Hill

Seattle is known for it’s rolling hills and beautiful mountain ranges. But come winter, those same hills turn into steep, slippery nightmares for most drivers.

However, there’s a few tips on how even a novice driver can conquer many a Seattle hill. Read more

Beware Buyer: The Used Car Listings

This is the third part of SeattleAuto.net’s series on Buying a Used Car for Under $1,000.

You’ve got your car requirements down: that was the easy part. Now comes one of the hardest aspects of buying a used car, finding the car you want.
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