Driverless Cars: The Future?

The future of the cars we love to drive is incredibly exciting, but will we actually be driving in them or riding in them? There is already driverless car technology being tested by Google and Tesla, but those vehicles are not quite yet completely autonomous. They still require a human to command the wheel.

Google began testing their autonomous driving system back in 2011 once legislation allowed them to start testing their technology on the roads. A few of the cars that were used as guinea pigs were the Toyota Pruis, Audi TT, and the Lexus RX450h. After early success testing these vehicles, Google introduced a completely autonomous car that didn't even have a steering wheel, a gas pedal, or a brake pedal.

One of the best parts about driving is being in control of such a powerful machine. You have your hand on the steering wheel, foot on the gas, eyes on the road, and you are just cruising. If we make the shift to completely autonomous cars, that feeling of being in control of your car will be taken away. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because if we can prevent accidents by having autonomous cars on the road, then this is obviously a better alternative that will limit human error.

These driverless cars are still in their very early stages of development and are barely being road tested at a maximum of 25 MPH. We are a long way away from the day where everyone drives an autonomous vehicle, but this is potentially the future of the automobile industry. Are we going to be ready to let go of all control? Will this technology make driving safer and limit car accidents? Only time will tell.

5 Must Have Apps for Car Owners

We live in a world where we are attached to our mobile devices. It is rare when we leave our phone at home and it is usually an accident when we do. Texting and driving is never recommended, but there are several companion apps that will help you out while you're driving. Here are a few of our favorites here at STG Auto Group:

1. iOnRoad - Augmented Reality App

What is better than reality? Virtual reality! This app is perfect for people who struggle with tailgating the car in front of them. iOnRoad essentially keeps an eye on the road for you and it will alert you if it senses the car in front of you slowing down. The app uses your phone's camera to keep an eye on the road for you, so you must mount your phone on your dashboard or windshield in order to use it. As mentioned above, iOnRoad will detect the safety of the distance between you and the car in front of you, but it also detects if you are swerving out of your lane, and will alert you if you are doing so. The app also offers turn-by-turn navigation, monitors your speed, discourages texting and driving, locates your car in parking lots, and it will give you a complete driving analysis after your trip is complete. This app does it all and it is only $0.99 in the app store.

2. Waze - GPS, Maps, & Social Traffic

Nobody likes to sit in traffic, so the people over at Waze created an app that will warn you when you are approaching traffic and will give you alternate routes. This is a genius app that even Google Maps has implemented in their navigation. Waze is essentially a social media where users report accidents and traffic to other users. Not only does Waze give you the ability to report traffic, but you can also be warned about potential police traps so you know when to watch your speed. Waze offers turn-by-turn navigation and gives you an ETA down to the minute, so you can let your friends know when to expect you. Waze does it all and it is the ultimate driving companion. Best of all, it is free in the App Store!

3. Find My Car Smarter

Do you ever forget where you park your car? It can take forever to find it, especially in a huge parking lot. This is the issue that Find My Car Smarter has tackled and solved. Most other car apps require that you open the app and save your location after you park, but what happens if you forget to do that? Find My Car Smarter solves that problem as well; the app always tracks your car via bluetooth! You do need to purchase a beacon for $25 that will always remain in your car, but it is definitely worth the expense. You will never forget where you parked again. The app is free in the App Store, but remember you need to purchase the beacon for $25 for the app to function.

4. Gas Cubby - Fuel Economy & Service Log

How much is it costing you to drive each day? You can finally have the answer when you start using Gas Cubby. Gas Cubby is essentially a log that you can use at your own disposal to keep track of your car's performance. Not only does it measure your gas mileage, but you can keep track of the services performed on your car and alert you when you're due to take your car in for some TLC. I find it useful when friends offer to pay my gas for long trips; in which case I will calculate the cost per mile and give them an accurate price. Just kidding, I'm a good friend and I don't charge my friends for gas, but if that's what you're into, this app is for you! There is a free version in the App Store, but if you prefer to do away with the ads the app will run you for $1.99.

5. Gas Buddy - Find Cheap Gas Prices

Gas prices are always something to complain about. Luckily prices have been low in comparison to previous years, but they are steadily back on the rise. Gas Buddy makes sure you get the best gas prices based on your current location. You will be glad you downloaded this app and your wallet will thank you. Gas Buddy is free in the App Store!

Road Trip Essentials

1. First Aid Kit - If you don't already have a First Aid Kit in your car be sure to take one for your road trip. Accidents happen all the time, it is always good to be prepared for them. Be sure that your First Aid Kit everything from bandages to pain killers. 
2. Maps, Mapquest, Navigation system - If you don't have a built-in navigation system installed then you can always use your smart phone which is a great tool and often most used.But just case your phone doesn't get reception take a road map just in case. Always better to be safe than sorry. 
3. Travel APP- Most of us have smart phones already so all you have to do is search for the best travel apps that will help you for your road trip. One app I do love is the Yelp app, I am able find the nearest restaurants and able to read the reviews to chose the best one. Be sure to add some entertainment apps, such as quizzes, puzzles and games to keep the non-drivers occupied. 
4. Spare keys!- Now this is something you don't want to leave home with out! Triple AAA can always get inside your car if you lock your keys inside your car, but if you lose them that's a whole different story. Personally, I lost my car keys when I was on a road trip, it was a horrible experience and I was 4 hours away from home. Thank goodness I had a friend who was willing to drive half way to give me my spare keys. It was a lesson learned. You could always call a locksmith, but that is going to cost money and time. 
5. Spare Tire - You should already have a spare tire in your trunk, if you don't then you should get one as soon as possible especially for your road trip! If you do have a spare tire make sure it's in condition. The last thing you want is a bad spare tire. 
6. Car Maintenance -  Be sure you check your car before your road trip. Make sure that your oil has been changed and tires have been check. A little tune up before the road trip always helps and will give you peace of mind. 
7. Comfy Clothes - Road trips can take hours, so you want to be sure that your wearing comfy clothes. Also be sure to bring a pillow and blankets for those road trip naps. And don't forget comfy foot wear. 
8. Toiletries - Not every restroom is the same and not all are clean, so be sure to pack lysol, toilet seat covers and hand sanitizer. Pack at least two rolls of toilet paper and wipes, sometimes your pit stop can be hours away. Be sure to pack your portable tooth brush, toothpaste and all the essentials to bath. Keep paper towels in sight, they always come in handy. 
9. Jumper Cables & Car Charger - Even though your car maybe fairly new you still want to pack jumper cables, things happen and you want to be prepared for the unexpected. Or you never know if you might need to help someone else along the way. Also don't forget to pack an extra car charger and an auxiliary cord. The last thing you want is for you phone to die while your listening to music and using maps to get to your destination. Extra charger that way more than one person can charge their phone, we all know that we cannot live with out phone. 
10. Have Fun - Last but not least don't forget to have fun and enjoy your road trip. Things don't always go according to plan so when things don't go according to plan, don't get mad. Simply just brush the negative and focus on the positive. If you keep focusing on the negative more negative things will happen. Don't bring your worries with you, leave them at home. Road trips are a great way for you to reflect about your life, but don't bring your worries with you. Instead reflect on all the positive that has happened in your life. And if you get lost along the way, remember that getting lost is a good way to find yourself. 

5 Simple Ways To Boost Your Fuel Economy

Summer is upon us and that means time for beach trips, road trips, camping and much more! Unfortunately, this also means the rise in gas prices. However, there is a fuel simple ways boost your fuel economy and enjoy those summer activities.

 1. Change Your Oil Regularly

Old engine oil equals lower fuel economy. According to EPA, you can improve your gas mileage by 1%-2% by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in and engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1%-2%. Changing your oil when it's suppose to be changed is not only important for the maintenance of your car, but also boosts your fuel economy. Be sure to use the oil recommended for your vehicle.

2. Stop Carrying Unnecessary Weight

It's time to clean your trunk and get rid of what you don't use or need.  Having unnecessary weight in your vehicle wastes fuel. So get rid of the extra clothes, school books, sporting equipment, etc. The U.S. Department of Energy says to avoid keeping heavy items in your car; an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could increase your gas costs by up to $.0.07 cents per gallon. Remember that the less weight your car carries, the more your gas mileage will improve.


3. Aggressive Driving Equals Lower Fuel Economy

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving, such as speeding, rapid acceleration and hard breaking can lower your gas mileage by up to 33% and your city mileage by 5%!
Most of us become aggressive drivers when we are running late. A great way to avoid aggressive driving is give yourself time. Do what you can the night before, like prepping your lunch or choosing your outfit. These small preparations can make a 30 minute difference.Give yourself cushion and leave 30 minutes prior to your usual time that you leave to work or school. Getting to work 30 minutes early is better than wasting gas just to get there right on time.

4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Under-inflated tires affects your gas mileage. According to EPA, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Be sure to check your tires often and not just when your going on a road trip.

5. Maintain Your Engine Properly Tuned

It is important to properly maintain your vehicle's engine properly tuned not only for longevity and safety purposes, but also improving your gas mileage. As stated by EPA, fixing your car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%.

Remember a little goes a long way. These five simple ways all together will make a difference. So enjoy summer and don't let gas prices stop you from going places.

Five Great Summer Road Trip Destinations

Now that summer is finally here and school is almost out, what better way to spend it than with your family on a road trip. Here are five great destinations to chose from.

Destination #1 Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the one place that's a must to visit and perfect for a road trip. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and is an amazing experience to witness in person.  Although it is peak season during summer, there are some cool events to attend during summer. In the month of June, there is the Grand Canyon Star Party ,where you get to enjoy the beautiful night skies of Arizona. In the month of August, there is the Grand Canyon music festival, where you can experience world-class music. A great way to keep cool in the heat is to go river rafting down the Colorado River. It's a great way to see the Grand Canyon at a different level. According to Wilderness River Adventures, rafting down the Colorado River is unimaginable beautiful scenery, the dramatic contrast of calm waters preceding the thrill of whitewater.

                                                                                    Destination #2 Yosemite

Yosemite is wonderful place with it's beautiful waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and vast wilderness areas. In Yosemite Village are shops, restaurants, the Yosemite Museum and the Ansel Adams Gallery, offering prints of the photographer's renowned black and white landscapes of the area.Yosemite is great place to camp and explore. It is also a great place to view wild life in their natural habitat. It is definitely a worth while road trip. There are so many activities to do in Yosemite, be sure to plan ahead to make the most out of your trip.



Destination #3 Salvang

Salvang is an interesting place to visit with its Danish-styled town and its European feel. The drive alone to Salvang is beautiful. Salvang has an excellent selection of  restaurants to choose from and bakery's filled yummy danish treats that will make your taste buds go wild. If your a wine lover, Salvang is the place to visit with so many wineries to chose from. Each winery has their own unique way of how they grow their grapes and how they make their wine, you will have a great time touring the different wineries. More of a beer lover than wine lover? Salvang has breweries that you will enjoy with an excellent selection of craft beer.

                                                                                 
                                                                                     Destinations # 4 Red Wood Forest

Visit American History at the Red Wood Forest, where nature is preserved. The Red Wood National and State Park offers more than just the Red Wood Forest. According to the National Park Service you can  discover Howland Hill Road, explore Enderts Beach and Crescent Beach Overlook, Drive to Klmath River Overlook, travel to Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, investigate Davison Road where Rooselvelt elk hang out in Elk Meadow, and be sure to stop at Kuchel Visitor Center one mile south of Orick.
                                                                                             
                                                                                   
Destination # 5 Southwest's Four Corners

Be at four places at once and visit Southwest's four corners. If you take a trip to Southwest's Four Corners, at the intersection you can be at the corners of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado all at once. Now isn't that neat! According to John Rosental from National Geographic, the Four Corners is far too prosaic of a name for the strikingly beautiful territory that respects no man-made boundaries in the southwestern United States. Rosental adds, this landscape took thousands of years to create; you'll never appreciate it at 65 miles (105 kilometers) per hour. He mentions, instead, take two days at least, stopping to walk through the numerous parks, preserves, monuments, and unnamed places whose beauty defies categorization. Begin your voyage in Flagstaff, Arizona, here you will observe exquisite views of the Painted Desert. Next drive through the iconic backdrop of Monument Valley. Last, make your way toward Mexican Water, where the four states intersect.

Once you select a destination, be sure to do research before heading there. Make a list of activities you and your family would like to do. Be sure to get an oil change and check your tires before heading to your destination. Some of these road trips may take hours so be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. If you are planning on going to the Grand Canyon or Southwest's Four corners be sure to take comfy shoes, sun block, hat, sun glasses and a camel pack or hydration pack to keep you hydrated. Most important thing to do at any of these destinations is to have a good time!

We Sell Experience

At STG Auto Group we don't just sell cars; we sell experience, freedom, luxury, engineering and much more. We have a car for everyone's unique taste, whether your a person who likes the outdoors, has the need for speed or has a family, we have the car for you.

Here at STG, we provide the opportunity to acquire the car of your dreams at low cost. From the moment we purchase our cars there's a lot of care and maintenance that goes into it. Our 180-point inspections and warranties will allow you peace of mind. The reputation of high customer loyalty our and extensive inventory has carried St. George Auto Sales for a over a decade. Known for our integrity and low-pressure environment.

Our online website makes it easy and convenient for you to choose the car you want with out having the to come in. You can even chat online with one of our Sales Representatives about the car you are interested in. You will find our website quite useful.

What's great about STG is that we do Auto Sales, Auto Finance, Auto Insurance and Auto Service all under one roof. We are a one stop shop car dealership that you will love.

Ryan and Tony Bacily started St. George Auto Sales in 1997. Our business is named aftger St. George, which is a Saint in the Romanian army in the Coptic Orthodox Church. St. George is a family owned and operated business.  After 17 years, STG Auto Group is still a family owned and operated business, which continues to grow everyday!  This family owned business welcomes your family with open arms. Come in today, get the car of your dreams and experience with St, George Auto Sales because we want you to experience life to the fullest with the car of your dreams.

Vehicle Spot Light of the Month

For the month of May the car we wanted to high light is the 2015 BMW M4. Now, what's great about STGAutoGroup is that because we have a large inventory and have a wide selection of models, we adopt some of the most unique cars. One car in particular that we have in our inventory is the 2015 BMW M4 Coupe.

Why is this car so special?
For one, the M4 is the newest addition to BMW's line of M performance coupes and according to CarAndDriver it lives up to the legends that preceded it. What's also great about the BMW M4 is that the power comes from a 425-hp twin-turbo inline six-cylinder mated to either a six-speed manual or a paddle-shifted seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Our BMW M4 is paddle-shifted seven-speed automatic. In a mission to shave weight, many of the M4's components are made of carbon fiber-including the drive shaft. As reported by Mike Sutton from CarAndDriver, the new BMW M4 is packed with enough bits and bytes for the M faithful to seriously question what the Ultimate Driving Machine has become.

BMW exceeds efficiency here is the break down according to them.

Let's talk Aerodynamics
Comprehensive coordinated aerodynamic elements optimize driving dynamics and control in M vehicles, especially at high speeds.
According to BMW, the striking front apron visually embodies the M vehicles's specific aerodynamics concept. On the racetrack, large air inlets ensure perfect cooling of the engine, charge air, oil and brakes, as well as cooling of the transmission oil in the M DCT. The two vertical inlets in the Air Curtain and the side M gills with integrated Air Breather behind the wheel arches create an accelerated flow of air around the front wheels.

Brake Energy Regeneration
Every time the brakes are hit, kinetic energy is generated and until recently this energy went unused. Brake Energy Regeneration takes advantage of this long-overlooked potential. It harnesses the coasting energy that is generated whenever the driver brakes or takes his or her foot off the accelerator and turns it into electricity.

Automatic Start/Stop function
The Automatic Start/Stop function switches the engine off when the vehicle comes to a temporary standstill (e.g. at traffic lights or in a traffic jam) to further reduce overall fuel consumption. When the driver presses down on the clutch (manual transmissions) or takes their foot off the brake (M DCT Drivelogic), the engine automatically starts up again in a fraction of a second.


The BMW M4 model is truly a unique model and offers great features. BMW continues to take engineering to the next level. Now come test drive our 2015 BMW M4.

For more information about our 2015 BMW M4 you can check our website and click on view inventory. Website Link STGAutoGroup

Check out this video of the BMW M4 in action on the race track
 BMWM4Action 

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