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Technology is a building process. We continue to evolve our tech by re-evaluating old tech. That's how computers and software continue to evolve and that's how the automotive industry evolved. The first cars were pretty basic. Wheels, an engine, body and some minor electric work. They didn't have much for safety or entertainment - those evolved overtime. One example of this evolutionary process is the turn signal. The Evolution of the Turn Signal Percy Douglas-Hamilton invented and patented a simple pair of hands that attaches to the car in 1909.Florence Lawrence created but did not patent a device that used a pair of arms to signal turns in 1920. Edgar Walz Jr. designed and patented a light with two arrows and a brake light in 1925. Lastly, Joseph Bell created and patented the first electrical device that flashed in the late 1930s. How long did it take for the turn signal to become a standard feature in a car? Only a few years after Joseph Bell's invention. In 1939, Buick made the turn signal standard on their vehicles. They were the first car company to do so.

It was just good business. The Michelin tire company was founded in 1888 by the French brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin. At that time, there were only about 2,200 cars in France and those that owned cars usually used them within city limits. The roads outside of the city lacked signs and assistance. Because of this, few people spent time traveling, which limited tire sales. Andre and Edouard Michelin recognized if they could get people to travel more, it might improve tire sales. In 1900, the brothers started the Michelin Guide. The early guide promoted the finest of restaurants and hotels to encourage traveling. Early on, the Michelin brothers looked for ways to promote travel beyond the guide too. For example, they made homemade road signs and lists of auto mechanics and gasoline vendors that were on the way to their highly-rated restaurants and hotels. The plan worked. Not only did the tire company grow but the Michelin Guide did as well, becoming its own recognized entity. In 1926, the guide strictly focused on fine dining and a few years later the guide implemented the three-star system. You can now find the guide in 24 countries and four continents.

It was a 1940 Buick Model 81C Phaeton. Only 230 Model 81C trunkbacks were made, which means this classic Buick was rare even before being a star in one of the most iconic American films to date. While Casablanca's storyline captured audiences, we think the Buick heightened the classiness of Humphrey Bogart's character, Rick Blaine. The iconic car went to the auction block back in 2013 and it sold for $380,000. That is one nice chunk of change for a car that is over 70 years old.

1. It's too hot for your engine. If smoke is spewing from the engine, you could be dealing with a coolant leak or low coolant levels. You'll want to check the engine coolant and engine oil regularly during summer months. Doing so should help you avoid an overheated engine experience. As a note, when you check coolant levels, always be sure to check them when the engine is cool. Best practice for refilling coolant is to pour a 50/50 ratio of water and antifreeze. 2. The A/C unit is full of hot air. Your A/C unit might just need a Freon recharge, or it could have a bad working part. Unfortunately, if your A/C unit is not working properly, you'll need to get it diagnosed. 3. Pop goes a tire. High heat causes tire pressure to expand, which can cause blowouts. This fact is why you should check tire pressure regularly during the summer months. Following manufacturing suggested tire pressure levels, refill and release air as needed. Suggested psi rates can be found on your tire placard.

The internet has a lot of dated car buying tips and tricks floating around. So for June, we figured we would set the record straight in regards to some old car buying myths that still find their way into car buyer minds. The Hold Back Your Trade-in Myth Waiting until you've already negotiated a sale price with us before you announce you want to trade in your old vehicle is not an advantage. It really just slows up the process. The reason it slows up the process is because before we accept any trade in, we have to inspect it and value it. Also, this trade-in tactic is so common that dealers have a name for it. We call it "parachuting the trade" and because it's so common we are not surprised when it happens. The End of the Month Myth The end of the month will not necessarily get you a better deal. This tactic is based on the idea that dealerships who haven't met their quota for the month are likely to cut deals to meet that quota. In truth, we are likely to cut deals every day to meet that quota. The internet has changed the game and increased competitiveness in the marketplace. We prefer not to procrastinate. The Extended Warranties Are Scams Myth Believe it or not, extended warranties are useful. We don't sell them just to make money. Car repairs can be expensive and extended warranties exist as a way to protect your investment and minimize car repair expenses. With that said, the usefulness of extended warranties really depend on the driver; they might not be as useful depending on how you intend to drive the car and how long you intend to keep the car. Extended warranties are just something we offer, you don't have to purchase one.

Summer is almost here and Sheehan Buick GMC has road trips and summer vacations on the mind. Most of all we have Florida waters on the mind. If you're looking for something to do on a weekend near Lighthouse Point, FL, consider kayaking and hiking through the beautiful nature parks Florida has to offer. Loxahatchee River: River Bend Park 53 miles north of Lighthouse Point, FL lies Loxahatchee River. It is the first nationally recognized wild and scenic river in Florida and one great kayaking adventure. If you own a Kayak, then we suggest trying it out. If you don't own a Kayak, there are places to rent them nearby. Everglades National Park 85 miles southwest of Lighthouse Point, FL is where Everglades National Park resides. Aside from the iconic swampy marsh views and plentiful animal sightings, the park also offers plenty of hikes and sights to see. To name a few, there is the Flamingo and Pine Island Hike, Shark Valley Bike Trial, and Hells Bay Canoe Trail. The next two on our list are a little farther away, but they offer great scenery that makes it worth the drive. West Orange Trail 209 miles northwest of Lighthouse Point, FL you'll find a 22-mile rail trail called the West Orange Trail. It's a trail that caters to bikers, inline skaters, and horseback riders. Due to its close proximity to Orlando, this is a great trail to explore if you decide to stay in Orlando for a few days. Myakka River State Park Myakka River State Park rests 218 miles northwest of Lighthouse Point, FL. It's a nature haven that offers camping, hiking, biking, boat tours, canoeing and more. If you're looking for nature sights to see and many types of activities, this is one state park to visit.

Sport meets luxury in the 2016 Buick Cascada - a convertible meant to attract onlookers while you enjoy the cruise. With spring almost here, we're shining a spotlight on the Buick Cascada. Below are five reasons you should test drive the Buick Cascada at Sheehan Buick GMC. Reason #1 - Top-Tier Design It's a luxury convertible with a fast-retracting soft top. Luxury leather seating and a second row with collapsible seating maximizes space and comfort. The exterior design delivers a high-end sporty feel; in other words, it looks good driving and while sitting in a driveway. Reason #2 Performance A 1.6L 200-hp turbocharged engine offers a balance of power and gas efficiency. The sport lowered chassis and HiPer Strut suspension delivers smooth control over curvy roads, ensuring drivers get the most out of their top-down summer cruises. Reason #3 Safety Top safety technologies are available to maximize peace of mind and enhance driver awareness. Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning both help keep drivers aware of their surroundings, signaling them when objects are too close. Reason #4 Technology OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi is a must for those who want to stay connected to the digital world no matter where the road leads them. A rear vision camera makes backing up easy. IntelliLink with seven-inch diagonal touch screen makes entertainment and navigation access simple. Reason #5 Ellie Kempers' Commercials Okay. You shouldn't just test drive the Cascada because Ellie Kempers makes awesome commercials, but her commercials do bring a nice smile. Find them here.

The Car Care Council supports two Car Care Months a year - April and October. One for winter preparation and one for summer prep. Now that April is here, Sheehan Buick GMC wants to remind you it's time for spring car care maintenance. Generally speaking, preventive auto maintenance can reduce costly vehicle repairs later down the road. Dismissing a squeak or grinding sound won't make the condition go away; instead, disregarding it will only ensure you'll possess a more expensive repair in the foreseeable future. On top of that, spring and fall maintenance checks are extra important because the changing seasons can be tough on cars - especially freezing and/or wet winters that test your vehicle's engine, tires and more. Washed out roads and potholes occur often in the spring season too - caused by harsh winter weather and spring rains. Potholes can hurt suspension systems, alignment and tires. Freezing weather can crack hoses and belts, and weaken a car battery. Salt can rust undercarriages and engine fluids can get depleted depending upon engine performance. So get caught up with preventive maintenance on your car and remember if you need help with any automotive repair problem, you may reach out to Sheehan Buick GMC. We're here to help.