Don't Miss Your Chance to Get the Uftring Deal of a Lifetime!

There's Still Time to Save More Than Ever Before

We're so close to hitting our goal of 1,501 cars in 60 days! And the deals are only getting better. Whether you drive a Chevy, Ford, Jeep, Nissan or Jaguar, we're sure to have the vehicle for you. The Uftring Auto Group is in the business of finding its customers an affordable car while offering a great buying experience! That's what the Deal of a Lifetime means to us. Right now, you'll save more than ever before on that truck, van, SUV or sedan that you've had your eye on. So, stop into one of our eight convenient locations and help us reach our goal of 1,501!

What It Means to be "The One"

All month long, we've been talking about "the one" that helps us get to 1,501. But, what does that mean? Is it one person? Is it the one car they purchase? To the Uftring Auto Group, "the one" is the has many different meetings. It's "the one" family that upgrades from a sedan to an SUV. It's "the one" nervous mother buying a pre-owned car for her 16 year old. It's "the one" whose life was made easier by getting the Deal of a Lifetime on their new vehicle! 

Visit our website at uftringautogroup.com or stop in and see us at one of our stores. We look forward to helping you find your dream car! 

 

The Uftring Deal of a Lifetime is BACK!

Another Challenge From Gary Uftring 

Last August and September, Gary Uftring challenged us (his team of sales consultants) to sell 1,500 vehicles in 60 days - and we did! Thank you to all of our customers who contributed to us reaching our goal. Given the success of last Summer, Gary Uftring decided to raise the stakes! The Uftring Deal of a Lifetime is BACK, and it's BIGGER. This year, we aren't trying to sell 1,500 cars. This year, our goal is to sell 1500... and one. 1501 cars in 60 days! Can we do it? With your help we can! 

What Makes this the Deal of a Lifetime?

In order to sell 1501 cars in 60 days, we have to provide deals around the Peoria area that are too good to pass up. Some would call them "Deals of a Lifetime!" You won't believe how much you can save on your favorite cars, trucks and SUVs. It's amazing! There really is no better time to buy than these next 60 days. Visit uftringautogroup.com to check out our group-wide inventory. We look forward to getting you the Deal of a Lifetime! 

Five Tips for Driving in Bright Sunlight

There aren't too many bad things you can say about summer. School's out, the days are longer, and the weather is phenomenal! But with longer days comes a brighter sun and low visibility when driving in the early morning or evening. Did you know that bright sunlight can create visual illusions? As a result of this, the risk of a life-threatening crash is 16% higher during moments of bright sunlight. Luckily, the Uftring Auto Group has some tips for you to stay safe in these sunny conditions.

1. Purchase/Wear a Quality Pair of Sunglasses

Among the list of items to pay a good price for (shoes, a mattress, a car, etc.) is sunglasses. When you look past the "same style" factor, you'll notice that a nice quality pair of sunglasses improves both the glare response and visibility you receive when driving in the bright sunlight. And, equally as important, they're better for your eye health. If you invest around $150-200 on a nice pair of sunglasses, you'll notice a remarkable difference when you drive in bright sunny conditions. 

2. Use Your Visors - They Work

You know those flaps that come down right in front of your face? Well, they do more than hold your garage door opener. Those are sun visors, and they work! If you're driving straight on the sun is in your eyes, simply angle your visor to minimize brightness. If the sun is to your left or right, your visor detaches on either side. Next time you're out driving and notice you sticking your hand up to block the sun (which is dangerous, everyone!), try your visor instead. You'll enjoy the result. 

3. Drive Slower/Smarter

We understand that everyone has places to be. With that said, however, you aren't going to get there any quicker if you get in an accident due to low visibility. Although you should always drive smart, you really should drive slower and more attentively when bright sunlight is a factor. When driving on the highway or city street, keep more distance between you and the car in front of you. Both of your reaction times will be slower due to brightness. Another useful tip: activate your turn signal much sooner than normal. You must always take into consideration that everyone around you has the same visibility. It pays to drive smart!

4. Get Your Car Windows Professionally Tinted

Having your windows tinted will keep a good percentage of sun rays out of your vehicle, increasing your visibility substantially. And it only costs $200-300. When looking at the big picture, that's a smart investment. Just visit one of the Uftring Auto Group's service centers. We'd be happy to apply a tint to your vehicle's windows! 

5. Try Your Best to Avoid Driving in the Bright Sunlight

If you could opt out of driving in the bright sunlight, we're sure you would! However, that isn't always the option. Sometimes you just have to go where/when you're going. That's understandable. BUT, if you can help it, try to avoid driving right into the sunlight. Sometimes, all it takes is 20 minutes for the worst of it to go away. So, if you're planning a trip to the store, the restaurant, the cookout, etc., wait a few minutes. You'll be putting yourself in a lot safer of a position. 

Now that you know how to handle the road when the sun is shining bright, go get yourself a nice pair of sunglasses and have us tint your windows for you. And don't forget about that visor! 

If you're looking for a new vehicle or need service on your car, visit uftringautogroup.com. Stay safe out there! 

Safety First - 4 Tips to Staying Safe Behind the Wheel

Safety First at the Uftring Auto Group

In this day and age, life moves faster and faster. And, so do we. With national speed limits increasing, cell phones becoming more of a priority, and fickle road conditions, the importance of safety has become all the more prevalent. Here are 4 tips to staying safe behind the wheel. 

#1 - Turn Off/Put Away Your Cell Phone

Why is this the #1 tip on the list? Because it's hands down most important. According to the National Safety Council, cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million car accidents a year. Think about what you do on your cell phone on a day-to-day basis. Is it really more important than getting to your destination safely? Probably not. And if you drive for work, simply link up your phone to hands-free bluetooth. By taking away today's biggest distraction when you're behind the wheel, you are making the roads safer for you and everyone around you.

#2 - Always Wear Your Seat Belt

Whether you're driving two miles or two states over, you should ALWAYS wear your seat belt. Nearly 50% of injuries or deaths caused by motor vehicle accidents could be avoided by simply strapping yourself in. You never know what's going to happen on the road. Make it a habit before you even start your car to put your seat belt on. 

#3 - Don't Speed 

Have you ever passed someone on a city street and then ended up next to them just two intersections ahead? How silly did you feel? Speeding really gets you nowhere. You run the risk of getting a ticket, losing your license, and even getting into a fatal car accident. The faster you move, the harder the hit. Remember that! Speeding is like fighting: it has never solved anything. Make sure you follow the speed limit, pass when you have to, and continue at a safe pace. 

#4 - Focus on the Road and the Road Only

There are many distractions in our everyday lives that we don't even realize stop us in our tracks. Whether it's your breakfast on the go, your lipstick that needs applied, or that one email you need to send on the way to work, it can wait! FOCUS on getting to where you're going. If you look down for even a second, you are putting everyone around you at risk, including yourself. Now, if you have a passenger with you, it's fine to carry on a conversation. Just make sure you know what's most important at that time.  

When you're behind the wheel, safety is the #1 priority! Remember to always use caution, be mindful of your surroundings, and to not get distracted. For more information, or to schedule service or shop, visit our website at www.uftringautogroup.com, or stop by one of our eight locations. Stay safe out there! 

Freezing Rain - How to Deal When Behind the Wheel

How to Handle Freezing Rain

When the wet ground freezes over and the rain turns into ice, the roadways can become extremely dangerous. You may lose visibility due to ice on the windshield and windows, and you'll lose traction due to ice on the ground. Here are some tips in dealing with freezing rain and ice on the road. 

1. Scrape/Brush off Your Car

First and foremost, it's vitally important to remove any ice that has formed on your car. The sometimes thick layer will mess with your depth perception/vision, causing you to become a hazard to everyone around you. That's why it's necessary to scrape off your vehicle before driving. You'll want to buy a nice, heavy duty scraper from your local hardware store. If the ice is too thick to scrape, start your car and turn on the defrost about 10-15 minutes before you plan to leave. That way, your car will heat the ice and you can remove it more easily. What would you rather pay for - the extra gas or the repairs to your crashed vehicle? Take the time to clear off any and all ice from every window. 

2. Drive Slow/Give Yourself Extra Time

When there's ice on the roads, you're more likely than ever to skid and slide. This happens when you come to an abrupt stop. Your wheels have no traction whatsoever to catch on the ground. You'll just keep moving forward, risking an accident or going off the road. If you want to avoid stopping abruptly, then simply slow down. You might be running late for work or an appointment, but whoever's involved will understand. To prevent yourself from running late, leave 15-20 minutes earlier than you usually would. You must take into account your surroundings wherever you're going. 

3. Always Be Prepared

Freezing rain can hit at any time. That's why it pays to always be prepared for the worst case scenario. Should you run off the road and get stuck, pack some sand or kitty litter to put under the wheels for added traction. You'll also want to pack supplies like shovels, flashlights, de-icer, and extra gloves and a hat. You never know when you're going to need these things most. 

Hopefully these tips help you in dealing with freezing rain in the future. If you have any more questions, please stop by the Uftring Auto Group location closest to you in Peoria and East Peoria, Pekin, and Washington. We'd be happy to assist you further!