Wednesday, February 12, 2014

BACK-UP CAMERA: How did I survive without it?

“How did I survive without it?”  That’s a question that I now ask daily.  A smart car buyer doesn’t just dive into a purchase.  Hours and days of research are required to ensure that you not only pick the right car, but that you are sure that it has the right options.  I have found that it’s actually a good idea to buy more than you think that you need (or want), so that you grow into the car, providing years of happy motoring. Before the recent purchase of my new Toyota, I spent months researching and assessing both myself, and the myriad of vehicle choices and their options.  As I mulled over what I wanted, as compared to what I needed, I decided that there was one item that was mandatory for me: I must have a back-up camera. 
 

According to Edmunds.com, through USA TODAY, “A majority of 2013 model cars and light trucks -- 53% -- have a standard backup camera, and 79% have one available, standard or as an option.”  Although temporarily stalled in governmental red tape, back-up warning systems may soon be required on all vehicles.  I know that with every car that I’ve owned, it’s been a challenge to see behind.  Whether backing or parking, maneuvering safely has always included guess work and luck.  Now, with the available technology of an affordable camera in a car, the guesswork is gone making backing much safer. 

I love my back-up camera.  How did we survive without it?  


As a regular user, I have found the following:

PROS:   
1) The driver can safely see if someone or something is directly behind the car.

2) You now know when to stop before impact.

CONS:   
1) The camera’s vision is impaired by reflections, either from daytime sun or lights at night.

2) Moisture and road debris can fog or fully obscure the image.

3) The image distorts the perception of depth, making the use of the reference guide bars essential.  
Blue = 3 feet, Red = 1.5 feet.


For me, the pros of safety easily out weigh the cons.  I find that I don’t use the camera for positioning the car.  For that, I still rely on the rear view and side mirrors.  But the back-up camera is essential for seeing obstacles behind the car and it provides a fool proof guide of when to stop.  How did I survive without it? 



   


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

maineautomall.com On-the-Air



As you know, maineautomall.com lists all types of cars and trucks for every type of buyer.  Male, female, young or old, maineautomall.com has your next ride.  We’ve been having a little fun lately exploring some of the types of people using the website, through television commercials.

Here are the latest:

Family:

Computer Dating:

Video Game:

4 Wheeling:

OLD Matt:



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