We all have that someone who is almost impossible to buy for. Chances are pretty good that they have a car. For those car lovers, here are some suggestions will make them happy, and are also useful, practical, and affordable.

A Dash Cam: A dash cam is a device that records everything that happens on the road. It can be a great gift for car lovers who want to capture their driving adventures, or who want to have evidence in case of an accident or a traffic violation. A dash cam can also provide security and peace of mind for car owners.
A Car Vacuum: A car vacuum is a handy tool that to help keep vehicles clean and tidy. It can suck up dirt, dust, crumbs, pet hair, and other debris from the seats, floor, trunk, and other hard-to-reach places. A car vacuum can also improve the air quality and the appearance of the car.

A Car Detailing Kit: A car detailing kit is a set of products and tools for restoring, protecting, and enhancing the appearance of a vehicle. It can include items such as car wash soap, wax, polish, microfiber towels, brushes, sponges, and more. A car detailing kit can help car lovers maintain their car’s shine, color, and performance. A gift certificate to a local car detailing business is also a great idea.

A Car Charger: A car charger is a device that can charge your laptop or other gadgets while you are on the road. It can be a lifesaver for road warriorswho need to stay connected, entertained, or productive while driving. If your loved one spends time in the car line picking up kids – get this one.

A Car Organizer: A car organizer is a product that can help car lovers keep their belongings organized and accessible in their vehicles. It can include items such as trunk organizers, seat organizers, console organizers, visor organizers, and more. A car organizer can help car lovers save space, reduce clutter, and find what they need quickly and easily.

An Oil Change Kit: For the DIY’er, consider giving everything they need for an oil change. This would include an oil filter, a drain plug washer, a funnel, a wrench, a drain pan, and the appropriate amount of oil for the car. If you don’t know the type of oil and filter, a gift certificate would do!

AAA membership. AAA is a service that provides roadside assistance, discounts, travel planning, and other benefits to its members. AAA stands for American Automobile Association, and it has over 60 million members in the United States and Canada. They offer roadside assistance, too!

A gift certificate to Norris Automotive! Ask us, and we’ll help you get the one size fits all gift that everyone needs sooner or later!

These are just some of the gifts that you can get for car lovers this holiday season. Of course, you can also get them something more personal, such as a personalized license plate, a custom car mat, or a car-themed mug or t-shirt. Whatever you choose, we are sure that your car lover will appreciate it and enjoy it. You don’t have to tell them that it was our idea, but we would consider it a gift to us if you referred them to us for car inspections, maintenance, and repair!

We do a lot of oil changes at Norris, but we also know that many of you change your own oil at home. It’s truly not a hard job once you learn how.

When you finish the job, however, you’re stuck with used motor oil that needs to be disposed of in a responsible way. Disposing of used motor oil improperly can cause serious harm to wildlife, water sources, and soil. Used motor oil can be refined and reused as new oil, reducing the need for crude oil extraction. And – spoiler alert – at Norris, we’re happy to take that used motor oil off your hands!

Here’s how to do it.

1. Contain it. Collect the used motor oil in a clean, leak-proof container. You can use the original container that the oil came in, or any other plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Do not mix the oil with any other fluids, such as antifreeze, brake fluid, or gasoline. This can contaminate the oil and make it unsuitable for recycling.
2. Bring it. Find a drop-off location (like us!) that accepts used motor oil for recycling. You can search for motor oil recycling locations online or go to Earth9111 to find a drop-off location near you. Some common places that accept used motor oil are auto parts stores, service stations, and municipal waste facilities. Some of these places may charge a small fee or have certain restrictions, so it is best to call ahead and confirm before you bring your oil. At Norris – we accept it for free.

It really is that easy. By recycling used motor oil and oil filters, you are helping to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and prevent pollution. Thank you for doing your part to keep our planet clean and green! And thank you for choosing Norris as your drop off point!

Will your teen see a car with a bow in the driveway this Christmas? If so, you’re probably already in the market! There are many factors to consider – safety, reliability, affordability, fuel efficiency, comfort, and – of course – style. Here are some tips on what to look for in a vehicle for a new driver:

Safety is Always First: It was just yesterday that safety meant keeping your child in a carseat. For a child who is now in the driver’s seat, safety is still the first priority. Look for vehicles that have high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings are based on crash tests and other safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and blind spot detection. You can check the ratings of different vehicles by clicking on the links and entering the make and model of your car .

Don’t Get Stranded: You don’t want your teen stranded on the side of a road with a broken down vehicle. Look for vehicles that have a good reputation for durability and dependability, and avoid those that have a history of recalls, complaints, or problems. Bring the car or truck to us, and we’ll give it a once over before you best. We’re reliable, too!

Avoid Sticker Shock: Many parents expect their teens to pitch in to pay for vehicles. Look for vehicles that have a low sticker price, low insurance costs, low depreciation, good gas mileage, and low ownership costs. Especially remember to check out how much insurance will be for a new driver on any vehicle you buy.

Plan for the Pump: Don’t saddle your child with a vehicle that they can’t afford to fill up. Look for vehicles that have a high miles per gallon (MPG) rating. Younger children often are very environmentally aware, and they may want a hybrid or electric vehicle that uses less or no gas.

Get Comfortable: Look for vehicles that have enough space, legroom, headroom, and cargo capacity for your child’s needs. Will they be carpooling with siblings? Will the vehicle need to haul hunting gear or band equipment? What features are important to your child – leather seats, sunroof, navigation system, or backup camera?

Ride in Style: Some of the best vehicle styles for teen drivers are compact and midsize sedans, hatchbacks, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Fun, classic cars are also a hit with younger drivers and their friends. Most kids will be happy with any sort of beater, but you have to remember that the car will be sitting in your driveway!

Of course, the best vehicle for your teen will depend on your personal needs, preferences, and Santa’s budget. Test drive different vehicles and bring them to us for a checkup before making a final decision. Happy holidays – and happy shopping!

You’ve seen it on the signs – E85 fuel. It stands out because it’s cheaper than the other types of fuel. But what is E85 gas and how does it differ from regular gasoline? And – should you use it?

What is E85? E85 gas is a type of alternative fuel that consists of a blend of ethanol and gasoline. Ethanol is a renewable, bio-based fuel that is made from corn or other biomass sources. Gasoline is a fossil fuel that is derived from crude oil. The ratio of ethanol to gasoline in E85 gas can vary from 51% to 83%, depending on the season, the region, and the availability of the fuel. E85 gas is compatible with vehicles that are designed or modified to run on flex fuel, which means they can use either E85 or regular gasoline.

Here’s the Good News.

• Ethanol burns cleaner than gasoline and produces less carbon dioxide, which is better for the environment.
• Ethanol is domestically produced in the US from corn or other crops, which reduces the need to import oil from other countries.
• Ethanol has a higher octane rating than gasoline, which means it can resist engine knock and improve combustion.

And the Bad…

• Ethanol is more expensive than gasoline on an energy-equivalent basis, which means that a vehicle using E85 gas will spend more money on fuel than a vehicle using gasoline. Additionally, E85 gas is not widely available across the country, especially in regions where ethanol production is low or nonexistent.
• It can cause corrosion and compatibility issues with some vehicles and equipment. Ethanol is more corrosive than gasoline and can damage some metal components and rubber seals in older or non-flex-fuel vehicles and equipment. Ethanol can also attract water and cause phase separation in fuel tanks and lines, which can lead to engine problems and poor performance.

A vehicle using E85 gas will need more fuel to travel the same distance as a vehicle using gasoline.

So – should you use E85? Find out in our next blog post!

E85 fuel is a type of alternative fuel that consists of a blend of ethanol and gasoline. Ethanol is a renewable, bio-based fuel that is made from corn or other biomass sources, while gasoline is a fossil fuel that is derived from crude oil.

So, should you use E85 gas for your vehicle? The answer depends on several factors, such as your vehicle’s compatibility, your driving habits, your budget, your environmental preferences, and the availability of the fuel in your area.

Vehicles that should not use E85 fuel are those that are not built as flex-fuel vehicles. Flex-fuel vehicles are designed or modified to run on either E85 or regular gasoline, and they have special components and systems that can handle the high ethanol content of E85.

Older vehicles (prior to 2008) and non-flex-fuel vehicles are not compatible with E85 fuel, and using it can damage vital engine parts and the fuel system. It can also void the manufacturer’s warranty. Therefore, it is recommended to check your vehicle’s manual or label before using E85 fuel, and only use it if your vehicle is certified as a flex-fuel vehicle by the manufacturer.

If you have a flex-fuel vehicle, you can try both E85 and regular gasoline and compare their performance, cost, and convenience. You can also check the U.S. Department of Energy website for more information on E85 gas, flex-fuel vehicles, and alternative fuels in general.

Or you can ask us. We’ll talk to you about the pros and cons, take a look at your vehicle, and help you decide what ‘s best for you and your vehicle.

Glove compartments are so named because they were originally built to actually hold gloves. When they were first invented, cars were open to the weather. Much like when you’re driving a motorcycle, it was necessary to wear gloves to prevent the wind from numbing your hands. A compartment was added as a great place to keep those all important gloves. Although the need for driving gloves has long since passed, the name has stuck. Through the years, the handy box has held all sorts of things that we needed to keep on hand. Some of us are old enough to remember keeping paper maps, breath mints, and/or bank deposit slips in the handy holder.

Fun Fact: Some glove compartments used to have indentations for cups, useful for when you were at a drive in. They were the precursors to today’s cup holders.

Keeping a pair of gloves in your glove compartment is optional nowadays, but there are other things that you absolutely should keep inside:

• Car registration.
• Insurance information.
• Owner’s manual.
• AAA card or information.
• Pen.
• Other ideas:
• Pain reliever.
• A little bit of cash, including coins.
• Tissues and wipes.
• Face Mask.
• Oil change/repair log.

Of course the most important thing to keep in your glove box is the telephone number of your favorite garage – Norris Automotive!

In this digital age, it seems everything has a number. Social security numbers, IP addresses, insurance identifiers, and security keypads are all important parts of navigating our lives.

Your car’s numbers are no exception. Associated with your vehicle are a list of numbers that you (and sometimes your mechanic) will occasionally need to know. Here are some of them.

VIN number. The car’s vehicle identification number is the number that is unique to it. It’s like a fingerprint – no other one is like it. A VIN has 17 characters (digits and capital letters) The VIN is loaded with information – like when your vehicle is made, the model and make, and information about its manufacture. The VIN is used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts. and insurance coverage.

TIN. To the DMV, your TIN is the number of your title. If you own your car outright, you should keep the title in a safe place. If you have a car loan, your lienholder will probably have your title until your vehicle is paid off.

License Plate number. This is the series of numbers and letters on your car’s plates. It gives authorities information about the vehicle’s registered owner, as well as the year, make, model and VIN of the vehicle, the address of the owner, and insurance information.

Driver’s license number. This number gives authorities access to your name, address, your physical appearance, and your driving history. It can also be used as identification.

Insurance policy number. You must have a valid insurance policy to register a vehicle in North Carolina.

Your mechanic’s number. That’s Norris Automotive – 336.228.1299.

That’s a lot of numbers, we know! But in our modern age of smartphones and digital assistants, it’s easier than ever to remember all the important numbers. Enter them into your phone, print out a copy for your glove compartment, and you’ll always have those important number handy in an emergency, if you get pulled over, or if you need car repairs.

If you commute back and forth to Greensboro or RTP, you know the frustration comes with driving in stop-and-go traffic. While we wait for all the construction is finished, and until people stop having accidents, occasional gridlock is here to stay. Here’s a driving guide.

Stay calm and patient. We know, we know. That’s almost impossible for most of us. But try a funny podcast, or a suspenseful audio book. Meditate or listen to soothing music. Getting frustrated or agitated doesn’t help, and it can lead to impulsive decisions and increased stress levels.

Keep a safe following distance. This one is easier to do. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, allowing enough space to react and stop if needed. A general rule of thumb is to maintain at least a three-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead.

Anticipate traffic flow. Pay attention to the traffic ahead and try to anticipate its flow. Look for brake lights or signs of slowing down to adjust your speed accordingly, rather than relying solely on the vehicle directly in front of you.

Smooth and gradual acceleration. When traffic starts moving again, accelerate smoothly and gradually to avoid sudden stops. This helps to reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions and improves the flow of traffic. Try the old trick of imagining someone sitting beside you sipping hot coffee, and make a game of not making any moves that would spill it.

Brake early and gently. When you need to slow down or stop, brake early and gently to give the driver behind you ample time to react. Again, imagine that coffee. Avoid sudden and harsh braking unless it’s necessary to avoid a collision.

Use your mirrors and check blind spots. Stay aware of your surroundings by frequently checking your mirrors and scanning your blind spots. This allows you to anticipate lane changes, merging vehicles, or potential hazards.

Use your indicators. Signal your intentions by using your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. This helps other drivers anticipate your movements and promotes safer lane changes. And – no hand signals, if you know what we mean.😉

Stay updated with traffic information. Use real-time traffic apps like Google or Waze This information can help you plan alternative routes or adjust your expectations accordingly.

Keep your engine tuned up. You knew that we were going to mention this one, but if anything is worse than stop-and-go traffic, it’s having your car overheat and stop in stop-and-go traffic. Maintain proper fluid levels and read How to Help Your Vehicle in the Heat.

Remember, traffic conditions can change rapidly, so it’s important to adapt and stay alert while driving in stop-and-go traffic. Stop in to Norris Automotive and let us make sure that your vehicle will go smoothly – no matter what.

In case you haven’t noticed, it’s hot. Hot weather can be tough on people, but it’s really tough on your vehicle. Since you count on your car or truck to keep you cool during the dog days of summer, we’d like to help you with some tips to help keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent potential issues.

Check and maintain your coolant system: Ensure that your vehicle’s coolant levels are correct, and that the coolant mixture is appropriate for hot weather. Inspect hoses and belts for any signs of wear or leakage.

Monitor tire pressure: Hot weather can cause tire pressure to increase, so regularly check your tire pressure and ensure it is at the recommended level. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and handling.

Keep an eye on the battery: Heat can be hard on car batteries and may reduce their lifespan. Check the battery regularly for any signs of corrosion or leaks, and if your battery is old or weak, consider replacing it before it fails – and before cold weather sets in.

Maintain the air conditioning system: Make sure your vehicle’s air conditioning system is in good working condition. Check the refrigerant levels and have the system serviced if needed. Clean or replace the cabin air filter regularly for optimal airflow.

Regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle: Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and overall inspections, is crucial in hot weather. It ensures that your vehicle operates efficiently and minimizes the risk of breakdowns.

Carry extra water and emergency supplies: In case of a breakdown or emergency, always carry extra water, a fully charged cell phone, and other emergency supplies like a flashlight, jumper cables, and a first aid kit.

Be cautious with gas stations: Avoid overfilling your gas tank during hot weather. Fuel expands in high temperatures, and overfilling can lead to spills and potential fire hazards.

Protect your engine from overheating: Avoid driving in heavy traffic whenever possible, as stop-and-go traffic can cause engines to overheat. If you’re stuck in traffic, put your car in neutral. If you see your engine getting warmer, turn off the air conditioning, turn on the fans, and maybe even the heater to cool down your vehicle.

Park in shaded areas or use sunshades: Parking in the shade or using sunshades can help reduce the temperature inside your vehicle and prevent damage to the interior components. It also helps to crack open the windows slightly to allow hot air to escape.

Customers like you know that tips 1 – 5 above are things that we can do for you. Bring your vehicle in to us and let us give it a hot weather checkup. Whatever the weather, at Norris, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle safe and comfortable for you and your family.