Is it still a good idea to buy a gas-powered car?

 

Is it still a good idea to buy a gas-powered car? Predictions on the migration to electric vehicles.

With a wave of popularity, electric vehicles are beginning to carve out more than their own small corner of the automotive industry. In fact, EVs seem to be taking over. So what does this say about the future of gas-powered vehicles? Are they doomed, or is there still enough reason to buy and drive them? Let’s find out.   

 

Nobody wants to be stuck with antiquated technology. This is why people jump to get the newest iPhone regardless of whether they actually need it or not. Getting left behind the times doesn’t feel good, but what feels worse is the possibility of buying an expensive item that is soon to be obsolete. Imagine purchasing a shiny, new gas-powered vehicle only to find out that everything is soon to be electric.

Will individual parts for gas-guzzlers still be in production in the near future? Will gas stations ever begin shutting down? These questions would seem crazy if asked 20 years ago, but today these make sense—they are legitimate concerns. 

One way to find out if the future is truly electric only or not is to look at what the big car companies are saying. For instance, NPR recently published an interview with the heads of the Ford Motor Company to discuss Ford’s struggling EV sales:

“Legacy automakers have struggled to make EVs profitably. Ford lost a billion dollars on its EV unit last quarter…The company loses money on every Ford Lightning it sells — and that was before it knocked thousands of dollars off the sticker price this summer, trying to keep up with a Tesla-triggered price war that's pulling EV prices down.”

This statement alone bodes well for gas over electric–but we can’t stop reading there. Look at what Ford’s response is to such a massive financial loss: “Despite setbacks, the company that revolutionized the auto industry with the Model T is determined to be a major player in the electric revolution, too.”

The fact that a venerable car company, that is currently losing big money on EVs, is still willing to plug ahead with its EV line says something. Not only that, it looks as though most car companies (worldwide) plan to only produce and sell EVs by the year 2035. Despite the present hiccup in EV sales (at least for Ford), the electric-powered car doesn’t seem to be in danger of disappearing. 

So what of the gas-powered older sibling to the EV? Is it safe to purchase one or will it turn out to be a massive waste of money?

If you think about it, right now might be the best time to buy either a gas- or an electric-powered vehicle. Or both! 2035 is over 10 years away, so going gas isn’t necessarily a bad idea, as we aren’t going to see gas stations or replacement parts disappear anytime soon. On the other side of that, electric is growing in leaps and bounds and we are seeing charging stations pop up all over the country.

So the answer is to buy whatever you want…for now. If the future truly is to be electric, there will be a time (within the next 10-12 years?) when going gas-powered will be futile. But that time has yet to come, and we suggest keeping an eye on what major car companies are doing–not the number of EV sales, but what they plan to do. And for now, it looks like they are all plugging in to electric.

CCP Web Design & Liberty Buick GMC Writer, Andrae Bergeron

 

Get Your Car Ready To Impress With These Quick Spring Cleaning Tips!

 

Now that spring is here, it's time to give your vehicle a good deep cleaning. Fortunately, deep cleaning doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Here are some practical tips to help you get a head-start on spring cleaning and ensure your vehicle looks shiny and new!

Wash your tires.

Your tires are often overlooked when it comes to car maintenance, but they should be cleaned regularly. Doing so will keep your tires looking their best while potentially extending their lifespan. Use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub away any dirt or debris stuck in the treads. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue after you're done!

Hand-wash the outside.

Hand-washing is the best way to keep your car looking in tip-top shape. Choose a mild soap specifically designed for cars and use two buckets — one with clean water and one with soapy water — to ensure there's no dirt on your sponge or cloth when washing your car’s exterior. Remember to dry off any excess water with a chamois cloth or microfiber towel.

Wipe down and vacuum the interior.

After hand-washing your vehicle’s exterior, it's time to move on to the interior. Wipe down all surfaces with an appropriate cleanser, followed by vacuuming all upholstery, carpets, mats, and crevices. If necessary, you can use an upholstery cleaner for stubborn stains on fabric surfaces.                                                                                                        

Deep clean the carpet and mats.   

When vacuuming is not enough for carpets or mats, it’s time for a deep clean! A steam cleaner is ideal for this job, as it will help remove tough stains without damaging sensitive fabrics or leather in your vehicle interior. If you don't own a steam cleaner, see if any local grocery stores or home improvement stores rent them out. 

Clean the windows.   

As a car owner, it's essential to keep your windows and mirrors clean. Not only does this help improve visibility while driving, but it also helps keep the exterior of your car looking great. You can clean your windows and mirrors with mild car wash soap and some water. 

You may need to use vinegar or an automotive glass cleaner for tougher built-up grime and dirt. If you're dealing with particularly tough spots, start by scraping off the loose dirt with a plastic razor blade before getting out the cleaning products. No matter the method you choose, be sure to dry off the glass surfaces entirely after washing them for optimal results!

Conclusion

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be hard work if you know what steps are necessary to get that like-new shine back into your vehicle! Follow our tips above to make sure that all areas of your vehicle are adequately cleaned from top to bottom before summer rolls around. You’ll be ready to cruise in the warmer weather with confidence!