Cash For Clunkers in Seattle

After the recent announcement that the Cash for Clunkers program was active again, we at Seattle Auto have been fielding lots of emails from visitors wondering if their car was eligible. To be honest, even we were unsure of how the program worked, so we did a little research and here’s what we found out.
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Seattle Car Drivers are Spending Less Time in Traffic?

Gas prices go up, more people out of work equals fewer folks on the road? It would seem to make sense. And according to a national study done by the Texas Transportation Institute, those factors have caused for less congestion around the country. Read more

11th Annual Seattle Art Car Blowout

Kelly, director of Seattle Art Cars, is inviting the Seattle car and art community to come out and experience the art cars! Held at the Fremont Fair from June 20th to 21st, the show is a unique and entertaining exhibit of decorated cars that are both wacky and amazing.
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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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Car Rental Tips from a Traveling Journalist

Between a career which has traveled me all over the U.S. and an adventurous spirit that leads me to wander off in my free time, I’ve probably rented more cars in the past five years than most people will rent, collectively, in their lifetimes.

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Do Seattle Car Owners Need AAA Services?

All it takes is one time for your car to break down on I-90 in a snow storm, or getting a flat tire in downtown when all the bars have closed, to realize the importance of owning a AAA card. Read more

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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Subaru, Seattle’s Unofficial Car Maker!

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

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

The 2009 Toyota Venza Sounds Perfect for Seattle

In a year when automakers are desperate for something to catch the attention of weary buyers, Toyota may have found it. The new 2009 Toyota Venza is a mixture of different cars and SUVs rolled into one. Think the engine efficiency of an Avalon, the capacity similar to a Highlander, and performs like a RAV4 on steroids.

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Chevy SUV Dies During PR Stunt to Crush Japanese Car

Last Friday, in an attempt to send a message to buy American cars, a Chevrolet dealer arranged to have a modified Chevrolet Suburban drive over a Honda Accord. The stunt was derailed however when the SUV blew a hose and failed to crush the truck. Utterly stupid?  Just a little.  Here’s the excerpt from the full article:

HILO, Hawaii – A Hilo Chevrolet dealer who tried to crush his Asian auto competition found the stunt a little harder to pull off than expected.

Island Chevrolet general sales manager James Severtson arranged for a Chevrolet Suburban SUV outfitted with massive tires costing $5,000 apiece to drive over a Honda Accord.

On the first attempt Friday, the monster truck blew a hydraulic hose and leaked vital fluid while the Honda remained intact and ready for more.

I drive a Suburban and I also drive an Accord. I would never want to crush either one of them, because they serve different purposes. That’s why it irks me to no end to see this type of cowboy attitude, especially in the middle of the auto bailout. We don’t need more chest thumping about American cars, we need reflection and re-organization.

And seriously, who in their right mind thinks the Japanese make bad cars? The era of the 70s and 80s where American automakers and consumers laughed at shoddy Japanese cars is nearly three decades ago. The fact that anyone can even think that the Big Three make more reliable cars than Honda or Toyota is laughable at best and plain sad at worst.

If Americans want to take pride in their vehicles, then it’s time for the automakers to sit back and do some reflection on why the industry they created from scratch is now in the dying throes of bankruptcy. The problem is that the automakers are not doing that reflection, but instead, blaming just about anyone they can for their current problems: the economy, the union, gas prices, picky consumers and yes, now the Japanese. It’s a sad day when a proud American industry is so in denial of it’s own faults that it resorts to pointless name calling to save face.

Domestic car enthusiasts are probably wondering where are the Henry Ford or Lee Iacocca of our modern times to lead us through this financial mess among our automakers. The answer, unfortunately, may be that those comparable visionaries are here today – they just work on the other side of the ocean.

Driving in Seattle’s High Winds

(Seattle,WA) December 20

The 2008 holiday season will be remembered for snow and high winds. With gusts reaching hurricane-like speeds in some areas, many state and emergency officials emphasize staying indoors. The combination of snow, ice and high winds can be disastrous for drivers.

According to weather.com  when driving in high winds:

 

• Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers.
• Reduce your speed and correct your steering, especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when meeting large vehicles. 
• Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.

Also be aware of the floating bridges and closures. Check out some helpful driving tips from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Winter driving is not just driving in snow. Seattle drivers should take the same precautions when driving in high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. Take your time and be smart about it.

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

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