15 Must-Haves for Your Vehicle's Emergency Kit

15 MUST-HAVES FOR YOUR 
VEHICLE'S EMERGENCY KIT 

It's that time of year again. The time of year characterized by cold wind, fluffy white snow, and lots of layers. As the temperatures drop, Titan Auto is here to remind you that you NEED AN EMERGENCY KIT for your vehicle. It's important to get it done now; you never know just when it will come in handy. Read on for our list of Must-Haves. 

1.) Fix-a-Flat 

2.) Jumper Cables

3.) Tire Pressure Gauge

4.) WD-40

5.) Duct Tape

6.) First-Aid Kit 

7.) Flashlight

8.) Multi-tool (Swiss Army Knife would do)

9.) Weather Radio

10.) Energy Bars

11.) Water Bottles 

12.) Ice-Scraper / Snow Brush

13.) Blankets / Towels 

14.) Mobile Device Charger

15.) Kitty Litter (for traction) 

How to Start Your Car in Freezing Cold Winter Weather

We all know that the cold can wreak havoc on our vehicles; it causes them to stall, freeze shut, or not even turn-over in the first place. It can be frustrating, and we understand the fact that when you are standing in freezing temperatures, already frozen to the bone and most likely late for work, anger can mount quickly. In order to help you through that dreaded "What do I do now?" situation, we've put together a list of ways to get that stubborn car to start. 

1.) Coax the Engine. In engines with a carburetor - check your car's manual if you're unsure - gently push on the gas pedal while still parked. Press down once and then release. This will inject a small amount of fuel into the engine, which can help get things going. Please Note: there is no need to do this with fuel-injected engines.

2.) Shut Down Anything that Draws Power. Be sure to close all the doors and turn off any interior lights. Shut off the radio, heater, and any other accessories that might draw power. This will give your engine it's best opportunity to start. 

3.) Turn the Key and Hold for 20 Seconds. This helps the engine to start. Note: DO NOT hold for longer than 20 seconds; you don't want to cause any damage to the starter. If it does not work, be sure to wait a few minutes before you try again. 

4.) Consult the Manual. You may not know it, but just about every car or truck manual has tips and suggestions on how to perform a cold-start. 

5.) When all else Fails, Jump the Battery. If you've tried the previous steps, and still nothing happens, your battery may need to be jumped. Using jumper cables, jump-start the battery with the help of a running vehicle. A jump-box will work also. 

Remembering these 5 tips can save you a lot of headache and frustration. And when you simply can't get the 'old gal' started, you can always set up an appointment with our trained service professionals here at Titan Auto Sales.  

7 Winter Car Wash Tips to Keep Your Car at it's Best!

Follow these winter wash tips in order to keep your car at its best:

1. Wash your vehicle every 10 days or less.

2. Wash your vehicle before the temperature reaches 35 degrees F. or higher. At freezing temperatures, road salt can't do much to hurt your car; it has to warm up to start contributing to rust.

3. Avoid driving through deep snow. Deep snow can become packed into the undercarriage and contribute to corrosion and even cause drivability problems (reduced braking action, vibrations, inhibit airflow, etc).

4. Avoid driving through large puddles of standing water where road salt collects.

5. Repair paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen to avoid corrosion.

6. Wax your vehicle at least every three months to give your vehicle a strong protective coating.

7. Wax your vehicle before winter to protect your paint from corrosive salt.

Black Friday Sale!

Titan Auto Sales has it's first ever 

Black Friday Sale!! 

Friday & Saturday November  29&30!!!

Save $750 on select vehicles. 

On November 29th and 30th only, Titan is offering our best sale of the year! We are offering  up to $750  off select vehicles, OR choose any extended warranty and receive $500 off!! This sale will only be valid Friday and Saturday! So, if you have been putting off getting  that new car you need,  there is no better time than now!!

Titan Auto Sales offers financing options available for all types of credit!

Call us at 708-671-9140 to speak with our knowledgeable staff and to

schedule a test drive.

At Titan Auto Sales, we strive for the best quality of vehicles at the best prices.  All of our vehicles are fully serviced and inspected. We have an

on-sight mechanic here to take care of all of your car’s needs.

How Often Should I Wax My Car?

Most recent car-buyers appear to be on the same page regarding the need to maintain their vehicle's engine and internal workings. But what about the exterior? It is mostly common knowledge that in order to keep up the appearance of your vehicle, particularly the paint color, you need to be laying on a good coat of wax every now and again. But how often is needed, exactly? And can you wax too much? Read on for tips to determine how long you should wait between waxes.

Generally, a Polish and Wax, or buff and wax, as it is sometimes called, is recommended once a year;  it safely removes many contaminants on the vehicle’s paint surface like road tar, tree sap, and other materials that can harm your paint and clear coat.  Now, if your car sees it's fair share of harsh conditions, like excess rain, dirt, salt or snow, you may need to wax your vehicle more often to ensure any damage being done to the paint surface is repaired, and to halt any long-term damage.

It is important to keep in mind that the prior maintenance of your car's exterior can make a difference in how often you need to wax as well. A vehicle that has been cared for and waxed habitually will retain it's shine for longer, and you can go longer between waxes compared to a vehicle that is only run through the car wash monthly. Whether or not your vehicle resides in a garage is another factor. Those tucking the car in at night will decrease the environmental factors affecting the car's paint, therefore increasing times between waxing.

Viewpoints differ depending on the level of expert, or do-it-yourselfer, you ask. Wax manufacturers typically recommend waxing more often than others, around once a month. If you happen to have the money and resources to spend getting your car waxed that often, than kudos. Just be sure that the wax used does NOT contain any cleaners or abrasives. If it's just a basic sealant wax with no cleaners, then there is really no such thing as waxing too often.

The time you wait between waxes relies on a variety of factors. The best way to determine how long you should wait is by weighing all of these, and deciding a course of action. Then, tweak your process as needed, using trial and error.

You can also use a simple water-bead test to determine if it's coming around time to lay on a coat of wax. Toss a bucket of water onto your vehicle, and monitor the water's behavior. If the water is beading up nicely, preferably no larger than about 1/2" diameter, than it appears your last wax job is still working for you. If you see the water run off in large puddles or sheets, than it is definitely time to bring it in.

by: Nicole Fleming

Driving Safely: 9 Steps to Avoid a Collision

Use these 9 Steps to help you avoid a collision and remain safe on the road.

Driving a vehicle can be as safe, or as dangerous as you decide. Most collisions are caused by drivers not paying adequate attention to the road, or not using the proper techniques taught to them in their drivers' education courses.

Today, with the proliferation of the mobile device, it is increasingly important to remember basic driving etiquette; to keep you safe, as well as the person next to you.

Practice makes perfect, right? The more you practice these next 9 steps, the easier it will be to get from Point A to Point B - safely.

1.) Confirm your directions. Taking a look at your route will keep you from making turns, changing lanes, or stopping unexpectedly.

2.) Pay attention. You should always be anticipating cars braking and people crossing the road. Ideally, you should be aware of what's going on up to 15 to 20 seconds ahead of you so you can respond accordingly and safely.

3.) Avoid distractions. If you are afraid you may be tempted, put your phone away. Consider a Bluetooth device for hands-free accessibility. Don't be distracted by children, either. If they become unruly, pull the car over and deal with them when it is safe.

4.) Don't drive too close to other vehicles. You should be able to see the back tires of the car in front of you touching the road.

5.) Accommodate for bad weather. Drive slowly, brake sooner, and increase the distance between you and the driver in front.

6.) Don't succumb to road rage. It is safer to just let obnoxious drivers pass on by. Getting aggravated will only lead to the likelihood of a car accident.

7.) Check your blind-spot.  When taking a corner or changing lanes, don't rely on your mirrors alone. When it is safe, look over your shoulder and confirm that it is clear before you make your move.

8.) Check your mirrors. Glance into your rear-view and side-view mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and especially when slowing down, so that you're aware of what is going on around you. And always use your signals so that other drivers can accommodate you.

9.) Maintain your vehicle on a regular basis. Check your tire pressure, wipers, wiper fluid, lights, and brakes often, but especially before heading out on long journeys. Always keep your inspections up to date, and keep a roadside kit in your vehicle at all times in case you need it. 

by: Nicole Fleming

Americans are holding onto their cars for longer: What it means for your safety.

As you drive down the road today, take a look around you; no, not at the distracted drivers to your left and right on their cell phones. Take a look at the vehicles around you. What do you notice? If age comes to mind, then you’re a keen observer. According to the research company Polk, the average age of cars on the road has increased by about 2 years since 2007; today, the average vehicle is 11.4 years old.

In our economy, the need to push a vehicle farther and farther has become a necessity for most of us. Those who would have already traded in and traded up are post-poning; those who would have junked their cars long ago are googling “check engine light,” trying to extend the life of their automobiles as long as they can.

Those striving to get the most for their money may be at risk, and may not even realize it. Driving an older vehicle is just fine and dandy – as long as it’s been serviced and can operate appropriately. However, those putting off purchasing a newer vehicle in order to save money are often the ones putting off necessary service for the same reasons. According to the Consumer Report survey of U.S. drivers who have responsibility for vehicle repair decisions, 40% of respondents are currently postponing car maintenance or repairs on their primary vehicle.

This can be dangerous not only for the driver, but for other drivers on the road as well. When vehicles malfunction, accidents happen. Worn brake pads reduce stopping power. Tires with no tread slide into other cars, or property. Overlooking multiple oil changes translates into permanent damage to your car’s engine.

When we expect our cars to operate in even the harshest of conditions (oh, these Chicago winters), we need to enable them to do so. Regular maintenance and service protects your investment, and ensures dependability. Remember, saving a buck is never worth risking a life.

And when it comes time to scrap the old to make room for the new, don’t be tempted to wait… your safety depends on it.

by: Nicole Fleming