Tips for Driving with Cyclists

Driving with cyclists is not something most people are very comfortable doing. If you are one of the many who are leery driving near a cyclist, here are some tips to avoid accidents.

• Give them space - allow 3 feet between your car and the cyclist when passing.
• Check your mirrors when turning - if you are waiting to turn right at a light, make sure to look in your side mirror before making the turn. Sometimes cyclists are going faster than you and may be in the process of passing when you go to turn.
• Drive the speed limit.
• Stop before the stop sign - don't let the front of your car pass the stop sign or sidewalk when pulling up to an intersection. There may be a cyclist traveling down the sidewalk who won't have time to stop.
• Treat cyclists like another car on the road - Of course use your best judgement, but don't be overly, or ultra-considerate of someone just because they're on a bicycle. Example: If a cyclist is waiting on a side street to cross the road, don't stop to let them go just to be nice. If you don't have a reason to stop in that part of the road, you are creating dangerous situation. If the cyclist goes, there is an open lane which another driver could blow right through without knowing the situation. Your car is also a hazard on the road at that point. Most cyclists are not going to think any less of you for going about your business as usual. Think about it this way... would you stop for another driver in a car who was waiting to do the same thing? Chances are you wouldn't even notice.
• Be patient! The less rushed you are, the safer everyone will be.

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Festive Automobiles!

Have you ever decorated your car for the holidays? Check out some great festive automobiles we found!

If you are decorating your vehicle this season, send us some pictures so we can share them!

Visit us at Courtesy Buick GMC to see our inventory and to set up a test drive!

Winter Driving Maintenance Checklist!

Winter is considered to be one of the most dangerous and damaging times to drive every year. Are you prepared? Is your car prepared?

Here are a few tips to help you make sure your vehicle is up to standards going into the winter season:

• Change your windshield wiper blades and fluid.

• Rotate your tires and have the alignment checked.

• Pack your car with emergency supplies.

• Make sure your car has enough antifreeze.

• Check your brakes.

• Stay fueled up. At least a half tank should remain in the car at all times.

  
Visit us at Courtesy Buick GMC to see our inventory and to set up a test drive today!

A List of Practical Things to Keep in Your Car That Can Be Fun!

Most people consider their car a tool to strictly go from point A to point B. Keeping too much stuff in your vehicle can make it feel cluttered, but check out this list of practical items that could come in handy in your everyday travels as both tools, and toys!

Duct Tape - This is a go-to, temporary solution for just about anything. It can help you in a bind, or help you to create things during leisurely outings.

Flashlight - This tool can be used during a time of necessity, or to tell scary stories around a camp fire!

Pencil and Paper - Better than a pen in most cases because it does not depend on the weather. Can also be used to play tic-tac-toe on road trips!

Matches or Lighter - Can be used to create a fire for warmth, for fun, or for both!

Blanket - Again, can be used to stay warm in the cold as well as giving you a place to sit during ballgames or picnics!

Grocery Bags - You can use these for anything. Take your stuff with you on a hike, or go green and re-use them for a shopping trip.

Umbrella - Protection from rain or shine! Optional, depending on your idea of fun.

Change of Clothes or Bathing Suit - Either way, you can avoid being wet the rest of the day after a good swim in the creek!

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Courtesy Buick GMC Brake Pad Special!

Winter is nearly upon us! It is important to get your vehicle into peak condition before the weather reaches its extremes.

This month, Courtesy Buick GMC is offering a deal on brake pad installation!

ACDelco Professional DuraStop brake pads installed. Includes rotor inspection. $79.95 per axle.

Print out this coupon and present it at the time of sale:

Visit us at Courtesy Buick GMC to set up a service appointment and take advantage of these great deals!

Beautiful Scenic Alabama Byway!

Do you love taking long, scenic drives? We have just the destination for you!

The Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway passes through some of the most scenic areas of the State of Alabama. The natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains provides a scenic backdrop for travelers on the byway as the route winds along lush vegetation, interesting geologic formations and quaint historic rural communities. Approximately 80 miles in length, the Appalachian Highlands Scenic Byway is located in the northeastern part of the state. It traverses through portions of Cleburne, Calhoun, Cherokee and DeKalb Counties, connecting Interstate 20 near Heflin with Interstate 59 at Fort Payne.

From south to north, the byway follows Alabama Highway 9 until it intersects with U.S. Highway 78 on the outskirts of Heflin. From this intersection the byway heads west (along US-78/SR-9) through the Talladega National Forest until Alabama Highway 9 diverges northward through the community of White Plains, the Choccolocco State Forest, and follows along the Dugger Mountain Scenic Drive. In the town of Piedmont, the byway crosses the Chief Ladiga Trail and U.S. Highway 278. The byway continues northward along Alabama Highway 9 through the community of Ellisville, traversing a rural landscape including cotton fields, and then heads to Centre. The byway goes through Centre, then departs Alabama Highway 9 and follows the course of U.S. Highway 411 west to the town of Leesburg. Here, the byway picks up Alabama Highway 273 and heads in a northeasterly fashion through a rural landscape of plantations and cotton fields set within deep mountain valleys. At the community of Blanche, the byway departs Alabama Highway 273 and courses west on Alabama Highway 35. From here the byway ascends Lookout Mountain and passes through the Little River Canyon National Preserve. The byway then descends Lookout Mountain and passes through the town of Fort Payne, to its northern terminus at I-59.

Courtesy of Alabamabyways.com.


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Halloween Joke!

Halloween is this week!

Here's a silly joke you can use on your friends:

What kind of car does a ghost drive?

Answer: Boo-ick!

Visit us at Courtesy Buick GMC to test drive a brand new "Boo-ick" today!