Archives for January 2014

If you have a smartphone, then there are practically limitless opportunities for combining technology with driving. Maybe you want to get the newest music to test out the speakers on your new car as you drive off of the car dealership, or maybe you just want to make sure the affordably priced used car you’ve had your eye on isn’t going to single-handedly destroy the ozone layer. Whatever your goal, there is probably an app that can help. While there are countless apps to choose from, here are a few of the most useful:

Spotify – (iPhone/Android, free) The perfect app for any music fan, Spotify on mobile lets you stream music directly from your phone. If your car has an auxiliary input, you can connect the phone to your car’s stereo to use your phone as a music source. While access to the full streaming library requires an existing Spotify premium account, you can use the Spotify radio function completely free of charge.

Google Maps – (iPhone, Android, free) While many phones come with Google Maps already installed, if you don’t have the app yet you are missing out on one of the best services a smartphone can offer. As perhaps the definitive maps application, Google Maps offers overhead and street views of just about any location you could ever hope to find. You can also enable the GPS on your phone along with Google Maps to get real-time driving directions.

Waze – (iPhone, Android, free) Waze is a community based app that utilizes user submitted data to organize traffic, gas, and road information. Not only can it help you find the cheapest gas, it can also tell you if there are any traffic problems on your usual route or even suggest automatic alternative routes.

GasBuddy – (iPhone/Android , Free)For anybody that has ever driven more than 5 miles to get gas or has filled up only to pass a gas station later with lower prices. GasBuddy has a database of well over 100,000 fuel stations and can display at any given moment the 10 nearest stations to you, as well as who has the lowest prices. The pricing system is derived from AAA and satellite companies, so you can feel confident that the prices that are reflected are accurate.

GreenMeter – (iPhone, $5.99) greenMeter uses a unique algorithm that uses power and fuel economy information of your car to calculate your fuel and consumption and cost, as well as your environmental impact, based on your driving style. Using the app can not only help reduce your car’s negative impacts on the environment, it can also help cater your driving style to be more cost effective.  greenMeter can be especially useful in lots of stop and go traffic, such as Uptown New Orleans or in 5 o’clock traffic to Metairie or Kenner.

If there’s one part of caring for your car that is the most consistently neglected and frequently misunderstood, it is getting your oil changed. Although there are many things that should be done regularly to make sure your car is running in top form, getting your oil changed is one of the simplest and most effective. A brand new car can benefit from an oil change to ensure the maximum working lifespan of the engine, while making sure to regularly change the oil in a used car that’s been around for a while can make sure that the engine doesn’t fail. But why do we even need to bother changing the oil in a car? What exactly happens during the oil change and why is it important for the car’s health?

Cars need oil to lubricate many of the moving parts within the engine. The pistons, for example, consist of rapidly pumping metal parts that move against one another. Without the oil to lubricate these parts, the friction caused by the metal parts rubbing against one another could cause enough heat for the engine parts to weld themselves together which would result in a dead engine.

But why can’t you just keep the same oil in your car? For starters, after a while dirt will accumulate in the oil. The oil filter will help keep the oil clean for a while, but eventually the filter will clog and dirt will be able to pass through the relief filter. Having oil full of dirt or sediment will cause wear and deterioration in the engine. Since the filter is typically replaced with an oil change, every oil change ensures that the oil will continue to be relatively dirt free.

Additionally, many of the positive additives in the oil such as detergents and friction reducers wear out after a while. Once they start to wear out, the oil won’t lubricate as well as it should.  The oil can also breakdown over time due to high temperatures, making it less effective.

Most experts agree that any car, whether a new car or used car, should have its oil changed roughly every 5000 miles. This number, however, can vary depending on a number of different variables. If you live in a climate that is extremely hot or cold, like, say, the summer temperatures of New Orleans, you might consider getting your oil changed more often. Similarly, if you use a truck to regularly carry heavy loads, a more frequent oil change schedule is recommended. Older cars that burn oil will also need their oil changed more often.

Getting your oil changed is typically quick and convenient. With many car dealerships offering oil changes, as well as most car maintenance locations, there is likely someplace nearby your home or work that can do it for you. Now that you’re well informed, there’s no excuse not to get it done!

In the wake of a heated NFL season full of close division races and surprising finishes, all eyes are turning towards Super Bowl XLVIII to see which team will come out on top for the 2013-14 season. While the main focus will be on the battle between the two teams on the field, the Super Bowl has already had its share of controversy.

Perhaps the most significant issue surrounding the game is the choice of stadium coupled with the weather conditions. The game will be played on Sunday, February 2 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The stadium, home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets, will be the first stadium to have two host teams for a Super Bowl game. More importantly, however, is that it will mark the first time a Super Bowl will be played outdoors in a cold weather environment. Furthermore, weather predictions indicate that intense snow storms during the game are extremely likely.

While a minority are excited about what will likely be an unorthodox Super Bowl, many sports fans and analysts are upset on grounds that it won’t be a proper circumstance to match up the two competing teams. With cold weather conditions plaguing many important games of the regular season, it is likely that the game could be dictated as much by the weather as by the skills of the teams themselves. The NFL has also announced that in case of a bad weather forecast in the days leading up to the game, they will consider moving the game to either the Saturday before or the Monday or Tuesday after, which will likely lead to even more controversy.

While initially it looked as if there might be no halftime show during the game due to the cold weather, as it would make assembling and disassembling a stage difficult during a blizzard. However, in September the league announced that Bruno Mars would be the headlining performer for the game. This keeps with the NFL’s tradition of booking big name entertainment in order to prevent counterprogramming like what happened during the 1992 halftime show.

Last year’s New Orleans-based Super Bowl proved to be an enormous success, so if the cold weather matchup doesn’t fare favorably it is unlikely that many Super Bowls will be played in outdoor cold weather in the future. Furthermore, New Orleans is already a finalist to host the 2018 Super Bowl which would make it home to the most NFL Super Bowl matchups in the history of the league with a grand total of 11.

Regardless of the outcome of the game, the controversy surrounding the matchup has already ensured that it will be a memorable Super Bowl!

Any time you’re in the market to purchase a vehicle, it’s a time full of endless questions and decisions. Car or truck? What features do I need included? What’s the best payment plan? What color should I get? But one of the most fundamental and hotly discussed choices is whether to buy a new car or a used car. Sometimes your wallet says to go with the reliable used car that’s been around for a while, but you can’t stop visualizing yourself driving a brand new truck off the lot. There are certainly pros and cons for both new and used cars, but breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of each should help aid the decision making process the next time you find yourself at a car dealership with more options than you know what to do with.

There are several main advantages to buying a new car. For one, you know that nobody has abused it before and everything should be functioning at 100%. You can also be far more specific when it comes to features and options; you can get it however you want it equipped. You also get the benefit of having the full factory warranty in case something goes wrong. Plus, who doesn’t love that new car smell? Buying a new car is simple- what you see is what you get.

Buying a used car, however, can typically be more complex. The main advantages of buying a used car are obvious. Having to pay only a fraction of what the car would cost new is a major selling point, and often times you can get a 3 year old car for up to 40% off what it would cost new. However, you may have to spend a little extra money to check the condition of the car. If you are buying from an individual or classified ad, you will want to check to make sure the odometer reading is honest. A service like Carfax or Autocheck will give you a history of the vehicle using its Vehicle Identification Number including title changes and whether or not the car has been to a junkyard. Carfax estimates around 10% of its listings have had some sort of problem, so it’s always a safe bet to check. It’s also a good idea to get a trusted mechanic to look over the car prior to purchase. These additional steps may be time consuming and expensive, especially if you are considering multiple different used cars, but if your priority is spending less money then it may be worth it for you.

You might also consider “certified” used car programs that are backed by manufacturers. Certified vehicles are typically no more than three years old and must pass a series of inspections before they can become certified. These cars have less risk of uncertainty, and also often come with a fresh warranty.

In the end, whether you buy a brand new truck or a beat up old car is completely up to you. But you can feel more confident next time you’re surrounded by a sea of cars at the dealership by looking critically at both options and making the decision that best suits your individual needs.

As the New Orleans Saints prepare for their second playoff game on the road against the Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints Fans all over the city are coming together to support them. And Ronnie Lamarque, owner of Lamarque Ford and Mercedes-Benz of Mobile dealerships, is taking his enthusiasm to the next level.  Beginning this Wednesday, January 8^th,  Lamarque Ford will fly a massive banner reading “BELIEVE”, in reference to his popular television commercials, throughout metro New Orleans. The banner will be airborne for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon, totaling four hours daily, including congenial waves over the Saints practice facility to give our boys in black & gold a boost of encouragement.

“This BELIEVE banner is for all in the Who Dat nation as one voice for our beloved Saints!” says Ronnie Lamarque .

Mr. Lamarque is best known for his gregarious television commercials, Ronnielogues 2.0,  in which he delivers encouraging monologues to the people of The Big Easy. His larger-than-life personality is always accompanied with a friendly smile and a sweet tune for all, while his generosity reaches far deeper. His donations to multiple local charities such as Team Gleason, Children’s Hospital & The Kenner Food Bank keep him grounded in his faith, family and community.

A press conference will be held this Wednesday, January 8^th at the Lamarque Ford Dealership at  10:00am to announce information regarding Lamarque Ford’s plans to support the upcoming David VS Goliath game against Seattle this weekend.

View the Ronnielogues 2.0 Television Campaign Here!

With the new year underway, many of us are probably spending a good chunk of our time working on maintaining our New Year’s resolutions. While we’ve already looked at some simple tips for keeping your car healthy, it’s also just as important to make sure you take the proper steps necessary to keep yourself healthy.  With New Orleans being one of the most overweight cities in the country it’s as important as ever to start staying fit and active. While most drivers seem to spend the necessary time to keep a healthy car- regardless of whether it’s a brand new car or a used car that’s been through multiple decades-these simple tips can help you get started off on the right foot of moving towards a healthier lifestyle.

• Carve out time to unwind. Whether it’s doing yoga, going to see a movie, taking a relaxing nap, or playing a game, making time to relax and do things you enjoy can lower stress, balance out a heavy work load, and increase both physical and mental health.
• Practice meditation. Try to forget about the stigmas surrounding meditation- it’s not just for hippies and weirdos. Even taking 10-15 minutes a day to give your mind a break and recharge has been proven to boost energy and optimize thinking and reasoning skills.
• Find exercise that works for you. It’s no surprise that regular exercise is key to a healthy lifestyle, yet so many people neglect adding it to their routine. Not everybody has the time or willpower to put in an hour long workout at the gym every day, but everybody has the capacity to find something that works for them. Finding a fun way to get exercise is the best way to significantly increase your chances of sticking with it. Whether it’s playing pick-up basketball, going for a bike ride, lifting weights, or going for a swim, find something that you look forward to doing that doesn’t feel like a chore.
• Don’t skip breakfast. Mornings can be hectic and you don’t always have time to cook a gourmet breakfast. Even if you only have a bowl of cereal, having breakfast in the morning recharges your brain and body to increase productivity throughout the day. Furthermore, those looking to control weight should never pass on breakfast to cut calories- in fact, studies have shown a link between eating breakfast each morning and weight loss since it prevents snack binges and overeating later in the day.
• Make the easy changes to your diet. It’s not always practical or convenient to implement a full on diet overhaul, but there are simple adjustments everybody can make that can have a big impact. Limiting fast food, cutting way down on soda consumption, eating fewer desserts, substitution healthy alternatives for snacking, and avoiding foods made from refined flour are all simple steps that can yield big results.
• Don’t be afraid to reward yourself. Decedent or indulgent foods shouldn’t be consumed on a daily basis, but it’s perfectly fine to reward yourself with a hot fudge sundae or piece of fried chicken every once in a while as long as it’s done in moderation. People who periodically reward themselves with indulgent treats are more likely to stick to their diet regimens than those who try to abstain from them altogether.

New Orleans isn’t always the easiest place to keep up a healthy lifestyle with the seemingly endless number of indulgent restaurants and bars. However, you can use these tips to try to start 2014 off in a healthier way and help New Orleans stay far away from obesity lists in years to come.

Ford ran a commercial this year that asks “Who’s in better shape- you, or your car?” While most of the responders in the commercial admitted to having spent more time on their cars than on themselves, it’s not always obvious just how to take good care of your car. The best route is to stay consistent with maintenance and check-ups in order to preemptively eliminate as many problems as possible, but with so many parts of the car to worry about, where should you even begin? Whether you’re driving a brand new Ford or a used car that’s been around the block a few times, check out our list of quick and easy ways to protect the longevity of your car:

1. Get your oil changed regularly. Sure, it’s always a hassle and nobody likes to do it, but making sure you change your oil regularly is the best way to increase the lifespan of the engine.
2. Rotate and align your tires. This is the best way to ensure that the tires are functioning to their full potential, especially in New Orleans where the uneven or construction-plagued roads can wear down on even the most cutting edge new car. The best rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every time you get your oil changed, which equates roughly to every 7,500 miles or six months. Additionally, making sure your tires are properly inflated can boost your car’s fuel economy.
3. Checking your brakes. Although commonly overlooked, brakes are one of the most crucial components for the safety of the driver and the vehicle. A few signs that it may be time to get your brakes checked are if the car emits a high pitched squeal when braking, if the car has a “pull” to the left or right when driving, or if there is a pulsing or vibrating under normal braking circumstances.
4. Inspect lights. Have all lights, front and back, inspected with every oil change to make sure they are functioning properly.
5. Don’t neglect routine engine checks and tune ups. Usually your car will need an engine tune up every year or 10,000-12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Not only will this help maximize fuel economy, it will also reduce the likelihood of having to replace emission system components which can be quite expensive.

Although this is not a comprehensive list of car upkeep procedures, it is a solid framework for both new cars and used cars to make sure the basics of your car upkeep regimen are being met. Not only will properly maintaining your vehicle ensure safety for the driver and passengers, it will also help save money by helping to eliminate costly procedures that result from negligence.

Every year as the holiday season begins to come to a close and we start looking forward to the New Year, there’s one part of the season that approaches with equal parts excitement and dread- New Year’s Resolutions. Although the prospect of taking steps to lead a more fulfilling or productive life is always exciting, the ever-present notion of just how uncommon it is to actually follow through with resolutions always puts a damper on spirits. Whether it’s promising to exercise more, hoping to spend more time with family, or vowing to quit smoking, few would argue that New Year’s Resolutions are a bad idea. But let’s face it- in a city like New Orleans that is renowned for indulgent food and parties, sticking to certain resolutions will be harder than others. In order to get the most out of whatever goals you set, it is important to be as tactful and efficient as possible.

Pick What’s Important to You

While some resolutions are typically more elusive than others , it’s important to pick something that will impact your life in a significant way. If you are already a healthy eater, don’t make resolutions to try to correct minute details of your diet. Similarly, if you sleep 8 hours every night, don’t resolve to get more rest. But if you haven’t broken a sweat since your high school track days, perhaps consider making exercise a higher priority addition to your life. Or if you know you haven’t been following up consistently with upkeep on that new car you’ve just bought, try making routine maintenance checks part of your resolutions. Consider which type of resolutions will bring the most benefit to your life.

Set measurable goals

One of the most effective ways to set any goal, especially New Year’s Resolutions, is to set quantifiable goals. Quantifiable goals are the difference between “I’d like to save more money” versus “I’d like to set aside $400 a month towards savings.” One is hard to tell if you’ve done it or not. The other is simple. If you can’t tell whether or not you’re meeting your goals, it’s harder to stick with them.

To Tell or Not to Tell?

Conventional wisdom says to tell as many people about your goals as possible so they can hold you accountable. While there may be some merit or benefit to this approach, it may not always lead to success. Some experts argue that the initial support given by friends can lead to a false sense of accomplishment  that results in less perseverance. People of New Orleans will certainly be quick to congratulate each other on setting an impressive sounding new resolution, but don’t let that work against you. While you may still choose to share your resolutions with friends, be wary of the complacency it can often create.

Be realistic

If you’re not a runner, don’t promise to run a marathon by the end of the year. Goals that aren’t realistic elicit frustration and only serve to discourage. Choose resolutions that are difficult but attainable. If it’s too simple of a goal, you’re really only cheating yourself.

Make sure to utilize these tips to cater resolutions that will start your year off in the best way possible!