Blog – Fusion Auto Finance

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

Road trips can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in your life. But before hitting the road, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good shape and ready to handle the journey ahead. Here are some things to remember as you prepare your car for a road trip:

Inspect Your Car

Whether you inspect your car yourself or bring it to a professional, it’s a good task to check off your list first. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, and battery. The brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your car, and it’s important to ensure that they’re working correctly before embarking on a road trip. If you hear any unusual sounds or notice any issues with your brakes, schedule a visit to a mechanic.

Likewise, tires are one of the most crucial parts of your car. Check the tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition of all the tires, including the spare. Make sure to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and replace any worn-out tires. In addition, make sure your car’s battery is in good condition, as you don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.

Don’t forget to take the time to wash your car! A clean car not only looks better, but it can also help you identify any potential issues that may have gone unnoticed previously. Remove any clutter, vacuum the floors and seats, and clean the windows to make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check the Fluids

It’s essential to ensure that all the fluids are at their appropriate levels and that there are no leaks. Before hitting the road, make sure to check all the fluids in your car. These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and, of course, oil. Road trips can be tough on the engine, and fresh oil can help keep it running smoothly. If you’re due for an oil change, schedule it before your trip, or if it’s too soon for a full oil change, at least top up the oil to the recommended level.

Plan and Prepare

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially on a road trip. Remember to bring all the necessary documents for your car, such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Additionally, packing an emergency kit can help you prepare for unexpected situations. Include items like a first aid kit, a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, and a tire repair kit.

Planning your route before you hit the road can also help you avoid getting lost and save you time. It’s a good idea to have a backup route in case of unexpected road closures or detours. Don’t forget to bring a physical map or print out directions in case you lose service or your GPS fails.

When it Doubt, Get a Tune-Up

If you’re unsure about the condition of your car or haven’t had a tune-up in a while, schedule an appointment with a mechanic. A professional can help identify any potential issues and ensure that your car is in top shape for your road trip.

In conclusion, preparing your car for a road trip is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car is ready to handle the miles ahead. Safe travels!

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A father with his daughters and dog sitting in an open car trunk outdoors.

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips

Blog, Car Maintenance, Spring / Dylan Citron / March 1, 2023 / Blog, Spring Car Maintenance

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips

Spring is almost here, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to get your car in top shape for the warm months ahead. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, and there are a few key things you should do to prepare your car as we get ready to say goodbye to winter. Here are our top spring car maintenance tips.

Check your tires: Cold weather can be tough on tires, so make sure they are properly inflated and have enough tread left. Consider getting a tire rotation to ensure even wear and extend the life of your tires.

Change your oil: Regular oil changes are crucial to keeping your engine running smoothly. Many experts recommend getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.

Inspect your brakes: Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car, so it’s important to make sure they are in good working condition. Have your brake pads and rotors checked to ensure they are not worn down and need replacing.

Check your battery: Cold temperatures can be tough on car batteries, so it’s a good idea to have it checked in the spring. Make sure the battery terminals are clean, and if your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it.

Clean your car: Spring is the perfect time to give your car a good cleaning. Not only will it look better, but it will also help protect the paint and prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help ensure your car is ready for the road this spring. It’s important to remember that regular maintenance will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.

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A cameraman captures a car crash during filming of a tv miniseries.

The Top 15 Most Memorable Movie Cars

Blog, Pop Culture, Top 15 / Dylan Citron / June 10, 2020 / 2020, Blog, Top 15

The Top 15 Most Memorable Movie Cars

Whether you own, lease, or simply ride share, cars undoubtedly play a crucial part in our daily lives by getting us where we need to go. With how essential cars are, it is no surprise that cars appear throughout all forms of entertainment, including television shows, music, videogames, books, and movies. While its common to see a car on the big screen at your local movie theater, it is less common that the car becomes one of the most memorable parts of a film. There are many different reasons a car can be the star of the show. The movie could be about the car, meaning the plot revolves around it or that the car is personified through sounds and expressions to covey emotion. Sometimes a movie just features a really cool car. Here are our top 15 most memorable movie cars (in alphabetical order):

1. American Graffiti (1973) – 1932 Ford Coupe

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

2. Back to the Future (1985) – 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

3. The Blues Brothers (1980) – Bluesmobile, 1974 Dodge Monaco

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

4. The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005, 2008 & 2012) – Batmobile

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

5. The Fast and the Furious (2001) – 1970 Dodge Charger

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

6. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – 1985 Modena GT Spyder California

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

7. Ghostbusters I & II (1984 & 1989) – Ectomobile, 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor

(Photo credit: Columbia Pictures)

8. Grease (1978) – Greased Lightning, 1948 Ford De Luxe Convertible

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

9. Jurassic Park (1993) – 1992 Ford Explorer XLT UN46

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

10. The Love Bug (1968) – Herbie, 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Model 117 Deluxe Sunroof Sedan

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Productions)

11. Mad Max (1979) – 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon

(Photo credit: Kenny Miller Productions)

12. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

13. Smokey and the Bandit (1977) – 1977 Pontiac Trans AM

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

14. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – 1976 Lotus Esprit Series I

(Photo credit: Eon Productions)

15. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) – Bumblebee, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

Honorable Mention:

• 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) – Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R

• Bullitt (1968) – 1968 Mustang GT 390

• Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

• Dumb and Dumber (1994) – The Shaggin’ Wagon, 1984 Ford Econoline

• Goldfinger (1964) – 1964 Aston martin DB5

• Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) – 1997 Chevrolet C-2500 Silverado Fleetside

• Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – 1971 Volkswagen T2 Microbus

• Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – The Gigahorse

• Scooby-Doo (2002) – Mystery Machine, 1972 Ford E200 Econoline Van

• Thelma & Louise (1991) – 1966 Ford Thunderbird

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A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top 5 Quarantine Car Maintenance Tips

Blog, Car Maintenance, Top 5 / Dylan Citron / May 19, 2020 / 2020, Blog, Car Maintenance, Top 5

TOP 5 QUARANTINE CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

While the world stays at home during the COVID-19 crisis, it is still important that your car gets the care and attention it would normally receive. Lack of use can cause long-term damage, so here are the top five ways to keep your car running at peak performance:

1. Go for a Weekly Drive

Although there are not many places to go, a quick drive around the neighborhood is still beneficial to the health of your car. Weekly drives will help keep your battery charged and will prevent rust from building up on your brakes. Going for a ride around the block is also a great way to safely enjoy some time out of your house or apartment.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

Fill your tank! Now is a great time to fill your tank as prices continue drop. Not only will you save money, but you will also save your tank from accumulating condensation, which can negatively impact the longevity of your engine. Remember, a full tank a gas can turn into a liability if you let it set for too long. Make sure to follow tip number one to prevent your gas from oxidizing and going bad.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

3. Keep Your Maintenance Schedule Intact

Even though you are not putting as many miles on your car, keeping your maintenance schedule intact is a must. Regular oil changes are still recommended since oil will deteriorate if the car is idle for an extended period of time. Please reference your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended time between oil changes.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can still fluctuate whether you are driving your car or not. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure tires are properly inflated. A lack driving can cause tires to deflate, which impacts the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

5. Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Car

On a nice day, spend some time outside and wash your car. Whether your car is being driven or just parked in the driveway, natural elements can still damage the exterior of the vehicle if not properly treated. Be sure to rid your car of any dirt, pollen and debris that has built up overtime. If your parked car is directly in the sun, consider parking it in the garage or buy a cover to preserve the paint.

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Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips

Blog, Car Maintenance, Top 5, Winter / Dylan Citron / January 7, 2020 / 2020, Blog, Car Maintenance, Top 5, Winter

TOP 5 WINTER CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Even though the holidays are in the rear view mirror, winter is still going strong in the Northeast. With icy roads and dropping temperatures, keeping your car running at peak performance can be challenging. Cold weather can affect everything from the health of your tires to your fuel lines. As you keep your eyes on the road ahead towards warmer weather, make sure you don’t overlook these important winter car maintenance tips:

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

Weather can be a significant factor in the health of your tires, especially the cold winter temperatures. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tire air pressure falls one pound per square inch of pressure. Low tire pressure causes more wear and tear on the tires, ultimately lowering your fuel efficiency. Make sure to keep your tires at the recommended PSI, which can be referenced in your car’s owner manual.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

The tread on your tires allow them to grip the road while driving. With slick and slippery road conditions during winter, it is crucial to replace any tires that lack sufficient tread. Replacing worn tires will maximize your car’s performance during these unpredictable winter road conditions, as well as improve the safety of the vehicle.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

3. Monitor Your Heater and Defroster

Make sure that your car heater and defroster continue to be in working condition. As obvious as it may seem, monitoring these functions of your car will keep you safe while driving this winter. It is important to give your car time to warm up and completely defrost any ice that may be on your windshield and windows. A frozen windshield will obstruct your visibility, putting yourself and other drivers at risk.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

It is important to monitor the amount of fuel and antifreeze that is in your car. Keeping your gasoline level steady will prevent any accumulated water from freezing inside the tank. Similarly, maintaining a proper amount of antifreeze will prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing and causing serious damage to your car.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

5. Stock Your Car with the Essentials

Make sure your car is fully equipped for any winter weather. You should always have an ice scraper and snow brush available to completely clean off your car before you start driving. Also, regularly replace your windshield wipers to keep your windshield streak-free and improve visibility during any potential snowfall.

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