Checking Blind Spots

A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that the driver cannot directly see in their normal field of vision whilst driving.
Blind spots occur in various types of vehicles including trucks and cars. Motorcycles do not have blind spots as they have full visibility around the bike.
There are numerous areas in a vehicle that can create a blind spot for the driver. Some blind spots can be from the windscreen pillar, rear view mirror, passengers, headrests, side mirrors or cargo being transported.
There are many accidents that occur because someone just didn’t see the other person and it’s likely they were in the blind spot.
It is important to identify where blind spots are in your car and to make an effort to check your blind spots by moving your head to enable a visual of those areas.
You should also identify potential blind spots on other vehicles and make sure you don’t sit too long in a blind spot to ensure you are being seen.
Take the time to set your driving position and mirrors correctly to assist in eliminating any unnecessary blind spots.
Once you have your mirrors set up you may want to get someone to walk around your car so you can identify what areas are obstructed from your view and manoeuvre yourself until you can see.
This way you will know where the blind spots are and what you will need to do to be able to view that area if needed.
When purchasing a new car it’s a good idea to just sit in the driver’s seat and consider the visibility.
We all come in different shapes and forms so what might work well for one person may not work for another.
Convertibles are well known for having poor visibility due to the construction of the vehicle.
But with the top down rear visibility behind the driver increases. When you sit in a potential new purchase and don’t feel confident in being able to see around the vehicle then you are probably best to keep looking.
If you can’t see properly there will be a higher chance of accidents and your comfort level in that vehicle may be diminished.
Here are some things to consider with blind spots:

• Size of the rear window
• How high do you sit in the seat and where is your eye level
• Can you see over your shoulders on both sides?
• How wide are the pillars?
• How much can you see in the side mirrors?

Keep in mind that bigger vehicles have larger blind spots so when negotiating around heavy vehicles or larger cars be mindful of the blind spots so you do not put yourself in danger.
Also, as a pedestrian be aware that you may be standing in a blind spot and the driver can’t see you.
Outside factors may also influence your visibility, for example you might not be able to see ahead of you because the sun is shining straight into your view.
If you are unable to view the road ahead of you then slow down to ensure you can stop in time if required.
Be aware, be prepared and know what to watch out for so you don’t end up being that person who says “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you.”

WE PROVIDE FAST AND AFFORDABLE AUTO REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TO MIDLAND, TX DRIVERS

Here at Basin Mitsubishi, we strive to be the automotive home of drivers throughout Odessa, Andrews, Big Spring, Midland, TX and Hobbs, NM. For that reason, we not only sell high-quality cars, but provide auto repair and maintenance through our Service Center!
We invite you stop by our Service Center to take advantage of our many years of automotive expertise. We're staffed with a team of expert technicians that are equipped to provide major repairs and maintenance services such as oil and filter changes, engine tune-ups, brake adjustments, tire rotations, state inspections and much more!
With the care of our skilled technicians, we'll return your new or used vehicle to its like-new condition in no time at all! Of course, you don't want to leave your car with just any mechanic when our trusted technicians have been trained to work with your specific Mitsubishi model.
We know that regularly-scheduled maintenance is simply the best way to ensure that your car retains its original quality throughout many happy years behind the wheel!  Before visiting dealership, you'll want to browse our monthly Service Specials to enjoy discount pricing on many of our services!
Most importantly, you'll enjoy the confidence of knowing that your vehicle is in the hands of a trustworthy dealership like ours!
Ready to take advantage of our services? Then, simply schedule your next service appointment online and bring your car down to our Service Center in Midland, TX. We'll take care of the rest!

Leasing vs Buying a Car

	Buying	Leasing
Ownership	You own the vehicle and get to keep it as long as you want it.	You don't own the vehicle. You get to use it but must return it at the end of the lease unless you decide to buy it.
Up-front costs	They include the cash price or a down payment, taxes, registration and other fees.	They typically include the first month's payment, a refundable security deposit, a down payment, taxes, registration and other fees.
Monthly payments	Loan payments are usually higher than lease payments because you're paying off the entire purchase price of the vehicle, plus interest and other finance charges, taxes, and fees.	Lease payments are almost always lower than loan payments because you're paying only for the vehicle's depreciation during the lease term, plus interest charges (called rent charges), taxes, and fees.
Early termination	You can sell or trade in your vehicle at any time. If necessary, money from the sale can be used to pay off any loan balance.	If you end the lease early, early-termination charges can be almost as costly as sticking with the contract.
Vehicle return	You'll have to deal with selling or trading in your car when you decide you want a different one.	You can return the vehicle at lease-end, pay any end-of-lease costs, and walk away.
Future value	The vehicle will depreciate but its cash value is yours to use as you like.	On the plus side, its future value doesn't affect you financially. On the negative side, you don't have any equity in the vehicle.
Mileage	You're free to drive as many miles as you want. (But higher mileage lowers the vehicle's trade-in or resale value.)	Most leases limit the number of miles you may drive, often 12,000 to 15,000 per year. (You can negotiate a higher mileage limit.) You'll have to pay charges for exceeding your limits.
Excessive wear and tear	You don't have to worry about wear and tear, but it could lower the vehicle's trade-in or resale value.	Most leases hold you responsible. You'll have to pay extra charges for exceeding what is considered normal wear and tear.
End of term	At the end of the loan term (typically four to five years), you have no further payments and you have built equity to help pay for your next vehicle.	At the end of the lease (typically two to four years), you'll have to finance the purchase of the car or lease or buy another.
Customizing	The vehicle is yours to modify or customize as you like.	Because the lessor wants the vehicle returned in sellable condition, any modifications or custom parts you add will need to be removed before you return the car. If there is any residual damage, you'll have to pay to have it fixed.

Lancer Evolution X Performance

ALUMINUM FRONT FENDERS AND HOOD

Consisting of aluminum front fenders with air outlets, an aluminum hood with air vents and an aluminum roof panel, these strong yet lightweight body panels lower both the Lancer 

Evolution's body weight and its center of gravity for improved weight distribution, balance and handling. Plus, the vented hood and front fenders work together to pull heat from the engine compartment, which optimizes cooling and performance. So they not only look cool, they help the Evolution keep its cool-even in the most demanding conditions.

 

ACTIVE YAW CONTROL

Active Yaw Control (AYC) varies engine torque between the left and right rear wheels to give the Lancer Evolution precise traction and handling in just about any condition. Utilizing numerous vehicle sensors to detect cornering speed, lateral acceleration, steering angle and more, AYC instantly directs torque to the rear wheels with the most traction at any given moment for unparalleled cornering, acceleration, performance and control

 

2.0L TURBOCHARGED MIVEC ENGINE

Combining a 2.0-liter all-aluminum block and head with a powerful turbocharger and advanced MIVEC technology, the Lancer Evolution boasts 291 horsepower - 303 hp on the Final Edition - and the kind of performance that eats bigger, thirstier V6s for breakfast.

 RESPONSIVE SPORT-TUNED HANDLING
The true test of any performance car is how it feels in the corners. From track-inspired rack-and-pinion steering to available Eibach^® springs and Blistein^® shocks to a fine-tuned MacPherson strut front- and multi-link rear suspension, the Lancer Evolution sets a new standard for stock performance.

TWIN CLUTCH SST TRANSMISSION

Twin Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission provides connectivity and the power efficiency of a manual gearbox along with remarkably smooth, quick automatic shifting. Choose from Normal, Sport or S-Sport or take full control using the sequential shifter or paddle shifters. Lancer Evolution MR only.

2017 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT 2.0 SUV

• Year:2017
• Make:Mitsubishi
• Model:Outlander Sport
• Trim:2.0 ES
• Bodystyle:SUV
• Doors:4 door
• Engine:2.0L I-4 cyl
• Drive Line:Front-wheel Drive
• Fuel Type:Regular Unleaded
• Exterior Color:Rally Red
• Interior Color:Gray
• VIN:JA4AP3AU5HZ003965
• Model Code:OS45-A
• Stock #:63544

FUEL EFFICIENCY RATING

City MPG:
23

 

Hwy MPG:
29

Actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, habits and vehicle condition.

$22,890 MSRP

$2,000 Incentive
$20,890 BASIN PRICE

Difference Between Regular and Premium Gas

It’s a decision drivers face every time they fill their cars up at the gas station.
But if you’re like many drivers, you may have decided years ago to bypass premium and buy the cheaper regular unleaded gasoline.
But have you ever asked the question — what exactly is the difference between the two octanes?
“Premium is, yes, a few octane points higher, which provides a more efficient burn in the combustion chamber,” says Bill Griffin, owner of Griffin’s Neighborhood Auto Clinic in Farmington, Michigan. “But it is a choice. Slightly better fuel economy is there, but it’s not worth the huge price gap from regular to premium.”

 

Most gas stations offer three octane levels: regular (about 87), mid-grade (about 89) and premium (91 to 93).
Some gas stations may offer up to five different octane ratings, including a super premium, which typically has a rating of 93. Other gas stations may call their mid-grade “plus” or “special” and their premium “super.” If you’re unsure based on the description, check the octane level.
An octane rating, according to Exxon Mobile, measures the fuel’s ability to resist engine knocking, or pinging. The higher the octane, the greater resistance the fuel has to pinging during combustion.

Summer Tires vs All Season Tires

When debating between all season tires vs summer tires, the differences between the two types can be easily misunderstood. Depending on your vehicle, driving conditions, and personal preferences, one may be a better option than the other. When choosing between summer and all season tires, it helps to understand the benefits and limitations of each.

ALL-SEASON TIRES

An all-season tire offers a balance of capabilities, providing acceptable performance in wet and dry conditions, as well as traction in snow.
Built for the average driver, all-season tires have moderate tread depths and rubber compounds that are engineered to provide longer tread life than summer tires, which have shallower tread depths. All-season tires are offered in many types/models, sizes, load capacities, and speed ratings for use on a wide variety of vehicles from economy cars to sedans to mini-vans to pickup trucks. They tend to provide ride comfort, handling, and other performance attributes suitable for most drivers.
All-season tires perform well in warm weather, but they may offer less grip than summer tires, sacrificing some steering, braking, and cornering capabilities. This trade off is necessary for all-season tires to be able to provide acceptable performance in light winter conditions and provide longer tread life.
All-season tires are capable of providing traction in winter, but are not the best tire to use in extreme winter driving conditions. Drivers who encounter extreme winter weather may want to consider switching to snow tires in the winter.
Because all-season tires offer a blend of summer and winter performance, they are often a good option for drivers in moderate climates and driving conditions.

SUMMER TIRES

Summer tires are ideal for high performance vehicles, and are built for speed and agility. They offer increased responsiveness, cornering, and braking capabilities. This is typically attributed to specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds that allow for improved precision on the road. The tread patterns of summer tires have less grooving and put more rubber in contact with the road. They are design­ed to provide maximum road-holding grip. The tread compounds of summer tires are designed to remain more flexible, allowing for better traction and grip. Summer tires may have shallower tread depths that allow for more stability when pushed closer to their limits.
Dimensional characteristics (such as the tire’s width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter), speed capability, and other design features make summer tires more suitable and capable for increased performance in wet and dry conditions on high-performance, sports-oriented vehicles. Surprising to some, summer tires provide better performance in wet driving conditions, thanks to unique tread patterns that help evacuate water and resist hydroplaning.
When it comes to winter driving, all-season tires may be more suitable than summer tires, given their blend of summer and winter performance capabilities, but we recommend considering making the switch to winter tires to get optimal traction and performance in extreme winter conditions.