Do you have a backup camera? If you have an old car, probably not. If you’re getting a new car, you soon will. If all goes as planned, starting May 1, 2018, all new cars sold in the United States will be required to have a backup camera installed. In other words, it has been decided that automobiles are safer with backup cameras than without them. That begs the question, for any driver who doesn’t own a backup camera: Is it time to buy one for your car? There’s really only answer: yes. But if you need more convincing, consider these three points. It’s an issue of safety. If backup cameras are important enough safety features for new cars, it’s important enough for old cars, right? You wouldn’t drive your kids in a vehicle without seatbelts, a rear-view mirror and headlights. Maybe we’re all pushing our luck when we drive without a backup camera ... read more

Summer brings constant threats to your vehicle’s clean exterior and interior. The heat isn’t the only thing that seeks to destroy the upkeep you perform on your vehicle — UV rays, insects and other hazards unique to summer are all conspiring to damage your car’s finish. To fight off all these harmful elements, you’ll need a special set of tools and tasks. Keep your paint job sparkling and your upholstery dust- and stain-free through the challenges of summer conditions with these tips. Tip 1: Wash Your Car Frequently Dirt, pollen and other environmental contamination begins to swirl more densely during the summer. There’s evidence that smog becomes more persistent and prevalent during the warmer months. Additionally, tree sap that lands on your car from growing trees could harden and adhere to your car’s exterior. This could completely ruin your paint job in the affected areas. Y ... read more

Currently, consumers are holding on to their cars for longer periods of time. That means the automotive aftermarket industry is soaring. One area that continues to grow? Paint protection film for vehicles. That might seem counter intuitive; after all, we just mentioned that consumers are keeping their cars for longer, an average of 11.4 years. But in reality, the growing market for paint protection film is a direct effect of this consumer trend with their automobiles. Since people are holding on to their cars for longer, they’re eager to make sure those vehicles can last. That trend includes performance and appearance. Also take into account that the strengthening economy has placed more expendable income in the hands of consumers. Many of those consumers are choosing to use that money on upgrading their vehicles, and individuals who purchase that new car expect it to las ... read more

A new car depreciates by as much as 11 percent once it leaves the dealership lot, according to Edmunds.com, a car buying website. Unfortunately, that percentage will only grow as the years go by. But what can you do as a car owner to combat the value of your vehicle dropping any further? You can try to keep it running well and looking just as good as the day you bought it. But that’s not always easy. In fact, some solutions can be time consuming, like waxing the car regularly. Luckily, Alta Mere Automotive Outfitters are experts at installing vehicle paint protection that can shield your beloved ride from gravel, scratches and snow salt while also adding to its resale value. “Seals are more cost-effective than car wax since many come with a warranty.” Layer of protection The days of spending weekends applying coat after coat of carnauba wax to a car are ove ... read more