Six Tips To Make Your Black Friday Shopping Easier This Year

Whether you were one of the millions of Black Friday shoppers in the U.S. last year, or you are joining in for the first time, being well organized is key. A good plan will help you prioritize and check items off your list. Here are six tips to seize big savings the day after Thanksgiving:

1. Do your homework -  Jot down your gift list so you know what you need to purchase. Then take the very important step of determining your budget. Get a jump on sales by signing up for email alerts at your favorite retailers and liking their Facebook pages.
2. Compare prices, products and deals - Research the normal retail price of the items you want, the best sale price to date, then the best Black Friday advertised price at each store in your shopping area. Keep in mind the best deal isn’t always on Black Friday.
3. Make a game-day plan - By making the list, you can determine where each item you want will be the cheapest and what time the stores are planning to open. Then, you can map out the most practical travel route.
4. Avoid crowds if you can - Many department stores have limited-time offers, or items only available until they are sold out. If your list includes those items, you may feel the need to be at the store early. However, that’s not always necessary. If you don’t have a particular need for hot-ticket items, arrive at the store a few hours after opening to avoid the morning rush. To avoid crowds altogether, shop online. Some big-name stores have specials that will take place online at the same time as they do at the actual stores.
5. Use your smartphone - Instead of carrying lists and advertising flyers for each store, simply install checklist apps. You’ll have all your gift lists and prices in one convenient place. Upload flyers when needed to double-check or dispute prices.
6. Stick to your plan - Be sure not to let the frenzy of the day affect your judgment. Don't buy on impulse or under pressure and decide in advance what you want and what you can afford. No matter how big a bargain something may seem, once you’ve spent your budgeted amount, put the credit card away.

Carve A Walking Dead Zombie-Themed Pumpkin With These Great Tips

• Choose a large pumpkin. The larger the pumpkin, the easier it is to carve. Avoid any pumpkins with bruises or moldy stems as they will spoil much faster. Pumpkins with a lighter color tend to be softer and easier to carve.
   
• When cutting out the top, place the knife at a 45 degree angle so the the lid will have a place to rest when you replace it. If you cut straight down, the lid will fall through.
   
• When cleaning the pumpkin, save the seeds. Toasted pumpkin seeds make a healthy as well as tasty snack. Use a large, heavy metal serving spoon or ice cream scoop to scrape the insides. If you will be lighting the pumpkin, the back wall should be scraped as smooth as possible since this is where the light will be reflected. A 1-inch thickness of the pumpkin wall is optimum.
   
• For longer life, soak the cleaned pumpkin a couple of hours in a bleach water solution of 1 teaspoon bleach to 1 gallon of water. Dry thoroughly, then rub inside and out, including all cut edges, with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly to prevent shriveling. If the pumpkin begins to shrivel, repeat the process. The soaking time will depend upon how dried out the pumpkin has become.
   
• Beginners should select a simple, bold pattern. Once you master the simple patterns, you can move on to something more difficult.
   
• Print out or draw the pattern on a piece of paper. Use small sharp scissors or a razor knife to cut out the areas you will be carving into the pumpkin. Tape the template onto the pumpkin and use a marker to trace the carving lines. Cutting slits in the paper will help it to conform to the round surface.
   
• As an alternative, you can tape the outline to the pumpkin and use a nail or large pushpin to score the carving lines onto the pumpkin. Connect the dots as you carve.
   
• A long serrated knife or a pumpkin-carving knife with teeth will be necessary to cut through the thick flesh. Use a sawing motion and take your time cutting along the outside edge of the marker lines so there is no marker residue.

Still Wishing Your Backseat Was A Little Less Hectic On Road Trips?

Road trips with your children don't have to be difficult ordeals punctuated with a repeated "Are we there yet?" There are plenty of ways to make time in the car fun for both you and your child. Here are eight fun games to try the next time you're on the road again.

1. The Alphabet Game
Ages 5 and up: One person chooses the right-hand side of the road, and someone else the left. Each player looks for letters of the alphabet that appear on signs or license plates on their side. The object of the game is to point out all the letters of the alphabet in order, from A to Z. The first person to spot the entire alphabet wins.

2. The Animal Name Game
Ages 6 and up: One person names an animal. Then each person in order has to name another animal (no repeating!) that starts with the last letter of the previous animal named. There are no winners or losers in this game. With older children, try the game with TV shows, or geographical categories such as cities or countries.

3. Twenty Questions
Ages 4 and up: One person secretly thinks of either an animal, mineral, or vegetable. The other players then take turns asking yes-or-no questions, such as "Can it fly?" or "Does it grow in the ground?" After the players have asked 20 questions, each player gets a chance to make a guess.

4. Telephone
Ages 4 and up: A child whispers a story to someone else in the car. That person whispers the same story -- as close to a word-for-word recount as possible -- to a third person, and so on. The last person to hear the story repeats it out loud so everyone can hear. Invariably, some of the story will have been lost in the translation, and the resulting garbled message usually inspires a good laugh.

5. The Theme Song Game
Ages 5 and up: One person hums the tune to a favorite TV show, and everyone else tries to name the show as fast as possible. The first person to guess correctly hums the next song.

6. Memory Test
Ages 6 and up: The first person says "A is for ---" filling in the blank with any word beginning with the letter A, such as "apple." The second person comes up with a word for the letter B, such as "book," but must also repeat the "A" word: "A is for apple, B is for book." Continue through the alphabet, each person taking several turns and reciting more and more letters and words. By the time you reach the letter Z, that player will recite the whole alphabet and its corresponding words. However, if you're playing with younger kids you may want to choose an earlier letter than "Z" to be the final one.

7. Secret Place Race
Ages 7 and up: One person looks at a road map and finds a small town, village, river, etc. That person announces the name of the place she has chosen. A second player has 60 seconds to look at the map and try to find the secret place.

8. Restaurant Race
Ages 5 and up: Each player chooses a restaurant, such as Burger King, Taco Bell, McDonalds, etc. Players earn points by spotting their restaurant off the road, on a billboard, on exit markers, on Food/Fuel signs, or by hearing it mentioned on the radio. Impose a time limit -- say, 20 minutes -- and then add up the points.

The Easiest Way To Protect Your Car’s Paint Job

No way around it! Waxing your car is work. But it’s satisfying work that will help keep your car looking new. Car wax preserves paint by slowing oxidation and forming a barrier against bird droppings, sap, and pollution. Plus, driving a nice shiny car is just plain fun.

Here’s what to do to ensure the maximum in protection:

1. Liquid and spray waxes are tempting to use — they make the car shiny with less work than rubbing in paste wax. But there’s still no beating paste wax for the hardest, longest-lasting finish. Look for paste with a high carnauba wax content.
2. Apply a thin, even coat of wax to the car’s surfaces with a damp sponge. Avoid applying too much, or it will be difficult to remove and some residue will inevitably mar your finish.
3. To avoid fine scratches, use a clean, soft cotton or microfiber cloth to remove wax once it has dried.
4. Apply an extra coat of wax to the nose and hood. The wax film in these areas wears away quickly.

Your Fairfax Hyundai Daily Deal!

Your Daily Deal: Check out the latest Fairfax Hyundai has to offer, with this 2012 Hyundai AZERA with only 26137 miles on it for just $26,545.
Click the link below to view a complete list of our daily deals on the Fairfax Hyundai website!

Today's Daily Deal From Fairfax Hyundai!

Your Daily Deal: Check out the latest Fairfax Hyundai has to offer, with this 2009 Hyundai SANTA FE GLS with only 30,854 miles on it for just $17,945.

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Today's Daily Deal From Fairfax Hyundai!

Your Daily Deal: Check out the latest Fairfax Hyundai has to offer, with this 2013 Hyundai Elantra with only 10765 miles on it for just $17,195.

Click the link below to view a complete list of our daily deals: http://bit.ly/12pFUAg

Have you stopped by our service department recently and given your Hyundai some love?

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOURS TODAY!

Have you been holding off on getting your Hyundai serviced? We make it easy by being able to set up an appointment using our online scheduling tool! Just click the link above and take a moment to complete the form on our page so that we may better serve you. Once you have submitted your information, you will be contacted by a customer service specialist. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Hyundai HCD-14 Recognized as “Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year”

Hyundai received the 2013 “Concept Car of the Year” award for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept. The vehicle was also awarded the “Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year” title for scoring the highest among the category winning concepts. HCD-14 debuted Hyundai’s design direction for future premium vehicles at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year.

The twelfth annual North American Concept Vehicle of the Year Awards recognize those vehicles most likely to shape the future of the automobile industry. This marks the second time Hyundai has received an award, having been named “Production Preview Concept Vehicle of the Year” in 2008 for the Genesis Coupe.

According to juror Bob Kroupa, one of the Principals of the Automotive Writers Group, “Hyundai’s HCD-14 introduces future premium vehicle design, advanced 3-D gesture-based technology controls and spirited driving dynamics. Its rear hinged back doors and fastback coupe design, add to the WOW factor.”

The “Concept Car” category recognizes those vehicles intended for carrying passengers. HCD-14 beat out competitors in this category including the Honda EV-STER and Toyota Corolla Furia. The Hyundai concept was recognized for its state-of-the-art features and enhanced driver experience. HCD-14 Genesis reveals the technological future of Hyundai’s premium line-up with driver eye-tracking and hand-gesture recognition, thumb controls or gesture recognition used to select navigation, infotainment, audio, HVAC, and smartphone connectivity functions.

“Hyundai’s California Design Center has been turning out some impressive work, and I think the HCD-14 is one of their best,” said Chris Poole, juror and Editor-at-Large for Chicago-based Consumer Guide Auto. “The ultra-clean coupe-like styling has both flair and presence, and I like the grille; it reminds me of certain early Ferraris. The interior is wild, but I applaud the lack of a center stack—provided Hyundai has figured out new controls that are at least as user-friendly. If the next production Genesis is anything like this stunner, I say, bring it on!”

More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 23 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season’s auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto, and New York.

“It’s exciting to see the overwhelming positive response and feedback we have received for the HCD-14 Genesis Concept,” said Chris Chapman, chief designer, Hyundai Design, North American Design Center. “HCD-14 Genesis provides a glimpse of Hyundai’s future and showcases the emphasis we are placing on driving dynamics and technology. Winning the ‘Concept Car of the Year’ validates our design intuition as we take our premium line-up to the next level of sophistication in styling and technological prowess.”

Courtesy of Hyundai

Take a look at Robert's amazing review of his experience with Fairfax Hyundai!

"Fairfax Hyundai and its staff won my business by offering the most competitive pricing, providing truly excellent service, and demonstrating genuine dedication to customer satisfaction." -Robert M.

Robert, on behalf of Fairfax Hyundai, I would like to express our sincere gratitude both for your loyal business and for taking the time to write this marvelous review. We look forward to working with you again!

Check out our Yelp page HERE and read the rest of Robert's 5-star review!

Hyundai North America CEO Krafcik awarded Automotive Executive of the Year

The prestigious 2013 Automotive Executive of the Year Award was presented today to John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. Krafcik received the recognition surrounded by 175 automotive executives and suppliers, as well as Hyundai guests, dealers, customers, and enthusiasts at an invitation-only luncheon held at the historic Detroit Athletic Club.

Noting the unique culture and energy of the automotive industry in southeast Michigan and adding that he expects much of the innovative technology moving forward to come from suppliers, Krafcik said he was "humbled" to accept the award. "I'm just doing what I love," he said. "I accept this award on behalf of the Hyundai team members, dealers, and suppliers, many of whom are in the room today. Congratulations, everyone!"

Krafcik shared a few personal stories about his industry start working at NUMMI and Ford, saying that the first time he ever saw the Toyota Production System in action, he knew it was a game-changer for the industry. Krafcik worked on the International Motor Vehicle program at MIT and helped coin the term "lean manufacturing."

Krafcik took questions from the guests - which ranged from what cars he owns and the future of hybrids and electrics, to the secrets of a successful model launch and how he maintains a strong, high-quality supply chain. Following the presentation of the Automotive Executive of the Year Award by sponsor DNV's Richard Stolk, Krafick headed outside to meet members of the media and others for interviews and photo opportunities at an impressive, onsite display of 2013 and 2014 Hyundai vehicles.

"It the confluence of leadership, teamwork, and great product that consistently gives Hyundai accolade after accolade," said Robert Djurovic, DNV Business Assurance's director of automotive services - North America and executive director of the 2013 Automotive Executive of the Year Award program. "As John puts it so well, when the industry is busy moving to the left, he takes a look there, but will more intently look at the opportunities on the right.

"His leadership created a dream team whose corporate mantra is defy, design, and delight," Djurovic continued. "How often do you hear carmakers use the word 'delight' in describing how they want to affect their customers?"

Courtesy of Autoblog

Maintenance Monday Tip: Don’t Fill Up If You See The Tanker

If you happen to see a gasoline tanker filling the tanks at your local gas station, come back another day or go to a different station. As the station’s underground tanks are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters and fuel injectors, causing poor performance and possibly necessitating repairs.

Courtesy of Reader's Digest

Check out these great reviews we recently received on Google+ Local and Yelp!

"They are good and take care you good, sending you offer once a while and try to fix your car fast as possible." - David M.

"Based on my experiences there, I have no hesitation in recommending Fairfax Hyundai to anyone in the market for an automobile." -John E.

Click HERE to check out our Google+ Local page and read these reviews in full!

"I bought my first new car from Fairfax Hyundai. Was a pleasant experience. Looking forward to a lasting relationship with them. " -Marla G.

" I highly recommend Fairfax Hyundai, and to top it off, I love the Genesis and Sonata that we bought!  They are great cars." -Eric W.

Check out our Yelp page HERE and read all of our great 5-star reviews!

Hyundai Genesis And Veloster Recognized In Autopacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis and Veloster topped the Aspirational Luxury Car and Sporty Car categories respectively in the 2013 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). AutoPacific’s VSA survey measures how satisfied an owner is with his/her new vehicle.

AutoPacific’s VSAs objectively measure owner satisfaction with 51 vehicle attributes ranging from interior comfort and convenience to fuel economy and performance. This study by the Southern California-based automotive research firm summarizes the results of responses from over 52,000 new vehicle owners.

“Winning AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award confirms that the Hyundai Genesis has joined the big leagues,” said George Peterson, President, AutoPacific. “Out-pointing all other Aspirational Luxury Cars, Genesis has won this award four out of the last five years. This proves that Genesis is a smart buy for drivers wanting an excellent car at an excellent value.”

“The Hyundai Veloster is a sporty car with extremely aggressive styling that resonates with its buyers,” continued Peterson. “With an attractive price point and head-turning styling, Veloster tops the AutoPacific satisfaction ratings with its owners giving very positive reviews.”

The 2013 Hyundai Genesis features a 2.0-liter engine with Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CWT), dual asymmetrical chrome exhaust tips, LED tail lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls. The 2013 Veloster features a three door design along with an all-new turbo model, with a new 1.6-liter, 201 horsepower, direct-injected twin-scroll turbocharged engine, aggressive bodykit and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

“The AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards are an important indicator that Hyundai is continuing to hit the mark when it comes to pleasing consumers,” said Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “We are pleased that both Genesis and Veloster owners rank their purchase decisions so highly – an excellent reflection on both of these class-leading vehicles.”

In addition, both the Genesis and Veloster come with advanced safety features and are equipped with Assurance Connected Care powered by the Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics platform. Assurance Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with free proactive services including automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, monthly vehicle diagnostics reports and maintenance alerts.

Courtesy of Hyundai

Hyundai to Launch EV for U.S. Market

Hyundai is finally giving in and developing a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) for the U.S.

There are absolutely no details about the upcoming BEV, such as features or when it will be available. But Hyundai CEO John Krafcik confirmed the company's intentions.

“Our primary zero-emission vehicle focus is fuel cell right now, but we will certainly field a BEV at some point,” Krafcik said.

Hyundai certainly is focusing on fuel cells at the moment, with its hydrogen-powered version of the ix35 finally for sale in Europe last week and a fuel-cell-powered Tucson crossover in the works. However, finding hydrogen isn't so easy, and that could be a big problem for consumers.

Another reason for Hyundai to consider BEVs is because of strict California rules. The state will require all major auto manufacturers to include some form of zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) among their vehicle options. Some automakers have already released vehicles that fit this description, such as Nissan's Leaf and Tesla's Model S.

Hyundai already offers a battery car in South Korea called BlueOn. It's powered by a 16.4-kilowatt/hour lithium polymer battery that has a range of just under 90 miles per charge. Its top speed is 80 MPH and can reach 0 to 60 MPH in 13.1 seconds.

Courtesy of DailyTech

Thank you both for your amazing reviews of our dealership!

"Salesman was very generous and helpful for us to make a better decision on choosing car and we are pretty sure to be back for our car purchase in few years!!" -Jina K.

" After a lifetime of buying cars, I must say that I have never encountered a dealership with the same ethos of excellence as Fairfax Hyundai." -Teejay R.

Thank you for writing such a superb review about our staff and dealership. We strive to provide a simple and easy process when in search of the perfect car.

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Hyundai Delivers First 15 Hydrogen-Powered IX35 Fuel Cell in Europe

 

Hyundai Motor Company has today delivered the first of its assembly line-produced ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles to the City of Copenhagen in Denmark. They were handed over by Hyundai Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor’s European sales subsidiary, during the opening ceremony of Denmark’s first hydrogen refuelling station.

The 15 ix35 Fuel Cell units are the first hydrogen-powered vehicles manufactured on a production line to be introduced in Europe.

Mr. Byung Kwon Rhim, President of Hyundai Motor Europe said, “Hyundai Motor is committed to hydrogen as the fuel of the future for Europe. Delivering assembly-line produced ix35 Fuel Cell is evidence that we have a realistic solution to the region’s sustainable mobility needs.”

The ix35 Fuel Cell produces no harmful tailpipe emissions – only water vapour – and so its use will help the city of Copenhagen achieve its aim of becoming carbon-neutral by 2025.

Since 2011, Hyundai Motor has deployed prototypes of its third-generation ix35 Fuel Cell in a wide range of initiatives to raise awareness of hydrogen’s benefits as an automotive fuel; to support the drive for establishing a pan-European refueling infrastructure; and to demonstrate the cars’ real-world practicality to public and private organisations.

For example, EU policy-makers have access to ix35 Fuel Cell vehicles – via the EU Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU) in Brussels– showing the market-readiness of Hyundai Motor’s technology. And, earlier this year, senior representatives from 100 European businesses learned about and tested the ix35 Fuel Cell at a Hyundai Motor event in Berlin.

Hyundai Motor has been a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology ever since research into its first fuel cell began in 1998. The company’s proprietary fuel cell technology is developed at its Eco Technology Research Institute in Korea. Hyundai intends to build 1.000 ix35 Fuel Cell cars by 2015 at its Ulsan factory, also in Korea.

The ix35 Fuel Cell is equipped with a 100 kW (136 ps) electric motor, and can reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Two hydrogen storage tanks, located between the vehicle’s rear axle, with a total capacity of 5,64 kg, enable the vehicle to travel a total of 594 km on a single fuelling. Filling the storage hydrogen tanks to maximum capacity takes just a few minutes.

Article and image courtesy of Hyundai.

"Thomas listened to what I said I wanted in an automobile and was able to correctly match the right car, at the right price for what I was after." - Olemkline

Olenkline Fairfax, Virginia May 30, 2013

Overall Score: 5

 

I came in to look at buying a new car, with the Genesis in mind, talked with Thomas and he talked to me about the Genesis, and suggested I also give consideration to the Azera. It turned out that was the right car for me. He listened to what I said I wanted in an automobile and was able to correctly match the right car, at the right price for what I was after. He was extremely helpful, friendly and product knowledgeable. While waiting for Thomas to get the keys to test drive the Genesis and Azera, I took the opportunity to talk with Sharise about the two cars, while assuring me I couldn't go wrong with either of them, suggested the Azera was worth a serious look. Her delightful personality and friendliness added to the overall positive experience at Fairfax Hyundai.

 

Click here to read more reviews on DealerRater. 

[VIDEO]: Hyundai Motorsports | Rhys Millen Racing | Sculpting a Winning Shape

To take on the grueling uphill battle that is Pikes Peak, Rhys Millen is developing a modified frame and body for his Genesis Coupe.

Video courtesy of Hyundai's YouTube channel.