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It’s not the safest option to constantly check the time on your watch or phone while driving, so that’s where the clock comes in handy. However, it can be bothersome to adjust the clock’s timing when daylight savings kicks in or while you’re travelling on the road. If you’re driving a Mercedes-Benz, whether it’s the older or newer Mercedes-Benz models, and are having troubles with adjusting your Mercedes-Benz clock, no worries as we got you covered in this post. Clocks for Older Mercedes-Benz Models For older Mercedes-Benz models such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 116 and the 1971 Mercedes-Benz 250, the clocks can only be set manually. There are two buttons to be pressed in order to change the timing on the traditional digital clock. You can find the clock either spread apart on the dashboard behind your wheel or close together on the radio console. If the clock is located on the radio console, one button will add hours while the other will add minutes. If the clock is on the driver’s display behind the wheel, you have to push down the left button and hold it till either the hours or minutes on the Mercedes-Benz clock flashes. After this happens, you can change the timing by pressing the right button. Push down the left button once again to switch from hours to minutes and eventually to off. Clocks for Newer Mercedes-Benz Models Considering that luxury cars should provide convenience, ease, and modern technology all in one package, you can expect nothing less with Mercedes-Benz. Recent Competition Mercedes-Benz models make it a whole lot easier for you to change the timing by placing a digital screen on the dashboard above the transmission. It can come in the form of menu buttons on the side or simply a touchscreen. These can be utilized for either basic sound systems or more complicated infotainment systems. Depending on your model, some infotainment systems can also automatically change the time as it’s connected to satellite or internet data. If it’s not, all you have to do is head to the Home menu, locate the settings, and go into the display. There, you should find the clock and time settings, and you can adjust accordingly. There should also be a list of features such as “Time Zone” and “Daylight Savings Time” that you can select for your convenience. Shop for New and Pre-owned Mercedes-Benz Vehicles at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown If you’re looking to purchase and own a Mercedes-Benz vehicle in Suffolk County and Long Island, you’ve come to the right place. The family-operated Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown boasts an advanced showroom showcasing a range of models from the entry-level A class to the ultra-luxurious Maybach series. We also carry vans like the Sprinter and Metris. Whichever suits your budget and preferences, we offer both new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles, so feel free to browse through our collection to find your perfect car that best suits your lifestyle needs. If you have any questions, you can call us at 877-862-7343, and we’ll be delighted to provide more information.

Apple seems to be an up and coming company when it comes to the automotive industry. Launched in 2014 after a lengthy development process, was Apple CarPlay. What is Apple CarPlay though and how does it work? In short, it gives iPhone owners a quick and convenient way to access the data stored on their mobile devices. CarPlay makes driving a whole lot safer by reducing distractions, according to Apple and AAA, and it's much more user-friendly than many infotainment systems. This is because motorists can access a wide variety of features without touching their mobile device, or taking their eyes off the road. If you’re ready for ios directly on your dashboard, here’s everything you’ll need to know. What can CarPlay do? Apple CarPlay performs many of the same functions as an iPhone. Motorists can use the software to get immediate directions, make calls, send and receive text messages, and listen to music or podcasts. The features are displayed on a readily useable interface with large icons that are instantly recognizable to iPhone users. Most of CarPlay’s features can be accessed by using Siri, Apple’s digital assistant. For example, the driver can say “Call Michael” or “Get directions to Bahama Breeze restaurant” and Siri will obey. A driver who is equipped with voice recognition can navigate the software using the touchscreen embedded in the dashboard, or the various knobs and buttons found on the steering wheel and center console. The iPhone’s screen is locked when CarPlay is active. A small section of third-party apps that are compatible with CarPlay is iHeartRadio, Spotify, Audio Books, Audible, Google Maps, and Waze. However, the vehicle settings are not a part of CarPlay, so the driver would need to exit the application in order to adjust things such as, the climate control,  radio stations, or switching to a different driving mode. Every iPhone since the 5 is compatible with CarPlay, although the device must have ios 7.1 or newer for the app to work. Some cars support wireless CarPlay, too. In vehicles that do not support wireless CarPlay, the iPhone needs to be directly hooked up to the car using a certified Lightning-to-USB cable. This means that you should plan an upgrade if you’re still sporting a 30-pin-to-USB iPhone. Once you decide on purchasing a Mercedes-Benz that is equipped with Apple CarPlay, setting it up is quite simple. There are seven simple steps to connecting your iPhone to Apple CarPlay. Check your Competition vehicle’s CarPlay compatibility Open your iPhone’s settings Tap General Tap CarPlay Select turn on Bluetooth or USB only Enable your Competition vehicle Select your Competition vehicle from available vehicles Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, serving all of your automotive needs.

While fuel prices may be dropping, drivers are still spending a huge portion of their budgets on filling up their tanks. On average, the price of gas has dropped 50 cents since the beginning of summer, but with a bit of forethought and common sense, drivers can still watch their fuel bills fall almost immediately. Making some of these habits commonplace can help you to keep fuel costs at bay when the prices inevitably skyrocket again. Take it easy on the pedal Adhere to your vehicle’s fuel type Watch the weight you carry in your car Reduce Drag Inflate your tires to the correct pressure at least once a month Stick to the motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer Keep your gas cap fully sealed Avoid prolonged idling (prolonged idling can use up to an entire gallon of gas within an hour) Refuel in the morning instead of at night Replace your air filter frequently Use your cruise control when possible Be sensible when using your vehicle’s air conditioning unit Avoid rapid braking and acceleration Minimize the number of intersections you encounter Replace your spark plugs when necessary Drive at or below the speed limit Pulse and glide: Accelerate quickly to your desired speed, coast until the vehicle slows, and repeat as needed. Regular engine checkups Corroded battery cables cause the alternator to work harder, using more gas. Come into one of our Competitive Automotive shops to have them cleaned as a matter of course with each engine check up Keep your windows rolled up to reduce drag Come in for regular oil changes Maintain a safe following distance (being too close will cause you to brake more and accelerate more to keep that unnecessary and dangerously small gap) Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

As Spring approaches and the weather gets warmer, people start searching for more family-friendly events to attend. All across Long Island, the month of March is dedicated to family-friendly, or adult, St. Patrick’s Day events. Here’s a list, made up just for you, listing some St. Patrick’s Day parades or events to check out in Suffolk County, NY. March 3rd, 2019 at 1:30- 4:30 pm: Stony Brook Village Center $15 adults, $10 seniors, and children under 12 years of age 97 Main Street, Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Education and Cultural Center Mulvihill-Lynch School of Dance Irish soda bread competition March 8th, 2019 from 7:00 pm- 11:00 pm (Adult event): Luck of the Irish Friends of St. Patrick Party Fundraiser Casino Night $75 admission per person (All proceeds benefit Rocky Point/Miller Place Parade) 5720 Route 25A Casino night, DJ, games, buffet, open bar March 9th, 2019 at 12:00 pm: 52nd Annual Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Parade Oneck Lane and Mill Road 11:00am-dark: Children’s Carnival Proceeds go to the Westhampton Beach Parade March 10th at 11:00 am: 29th Annual Bayport, Blue Point St. Patrick's Day South Snedecor Avenue, Bayport, NY, 11705 Honoring Blue Point and Bayport Fire Department March 16th at 12:00 pm: Irish Pirates St. Patrick's Day Workshop at the Whaling Museum 279 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor, 11724 Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor $12 children, $6 adults Make pirate hats or eye patches Come dressed in your best pirate outfits! March 16th, 2019 at 1:00 pm: 35th Annual St. James Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick's Day Parade Free admission Woodlawn & Lake Avenue to St. James Gazebo Marching band, antique cars and more! Competition Automotive Group is delighted to announce that we will be participating in this year’s 35th Annual St. James Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade! March 16th, 2019 at 11:30: Competition Auto Group Event March 17th at 1:00 pm: 69th Annual Miller Place/ Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade Miller Place, Route 25A & Harrison Avenue, 11764 March 17th from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm: 31st Annual Glen Cove St. Patrick's Day Parade Finley Middle School, Forest Avenue, Glen Cove, 11542 Pipers, Vintage cars, costumes, face painters, and fire & police units Family-friendly post-parade party at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall at the end of the parade route. March 24th at 12:00 pm: 57th Annual Montauk St. Patrick's Day Parade Edgemere Road, Montauk, NY, 11554 10:00 am on the green, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce will be serving hot soup in a St. Patty’s Day souvenir mug. All soup will be made and donated by local restaurants Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is reclaiming its top spot in the German luxury SUV. The all-new GLE SUV is about to be hit showrooms in late spring 2019. The new GLE shines right where a Mercedes-Benz should, comfort, luxury, quality, and advanced technologies. Just breathtaking! Click here for more info and to see detailed pictures of this amazing redesign. Make sure to visit Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown to be one of the first to test drive the new GLE when it arrives. Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

Did you know you can customize your Mercedes-Benz van to have a private jet type of feel? Klassen is a German tuning company that builds deluxe stretch vehicles. Many of their available cars are expanded by over a full meter. Each vehicle's private cabin is adorned with everything one needs for luxury traveling. Typically the time to build a van takes approximately 3 to 4 months. It depends on which options the customer would like to have. Customers will be able to have the feeling that they are traveling in a private jet or sitting in their living room. Click here to learn more! Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

Many things go into maintaining your Competition vehicle, to make sure it performs safely and at its peak. Wheel alignment affects fuel efficiency, tire wear, tire performance, vehicle handling, and maneuverability. You should have your Mercedes-Benz checked with Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown's Service Center. The following symptoms are signs of poorly aligned tires:  Excessive or uneven tire wear  Feeling of looseness or wandering  Steering wheel vibration  The steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead. It is recommended to bring your Mercedes-Benz in to have your car alignment checked every 10,000 miles, or at least once a year. The importance of a total alignment:  Reduced tire wear: Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear and damage. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to the tire life. Most tires are replaced prematurely due to adverse wear.  Better gas mileage: Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheels parallel, which along with proper inflation, reduces resistance.  Improved handling: If your car is pulling to the side or you constantly have to move your steering wheel to keep the vehicle moving straight ahead, know that these handling issues can be solved with a total alignment service from a Competition Automotive shop in Smithtown, NY. With all the vehicle components aligned properly, the shock is more efficiently absorbed for a much smoother and enjoyable ride.  Safer driving: A suspension system inspection is part of the alignment process. This allows worn parts to be detected before they become a costly issue. Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

During spring, your air filter is working twice as hard to keep your vehicle running at its peak performance. Before the pollen hits Long Island full force this spring, you should consider bringing your vehicle to one of our Competition Auto shops, in Smithtown, NY, where our team will carefully and efficiently inspect your air filter, so we can make sure your filter can continue to protect your car all throughout the season. The purpose of your air filter is to keep any unwanted dirt and debris from reaching your vehicle’s engine while also regulating the airflow used to burn fuel. If your air filter isn’t operating to the very best of its ability, the engine can suffer damage and contaminants. Protecting your engine from these contaminants can extend the life of your engine greatly. A dirty filter can hinder the fuel from being mixed with the right ratio of air, which reduces the fuel efficiency of the vehicle and can cause issues with the spark plug. When the ratio is too rich with fuel, it can lead to engine flooding and spark plug pollution. How to know if it’s time to change your air filter:  A decrease in gas mileage  Ignition problems  Replacement time (check your owner’s manual) Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

Mercedes-Benz has announced a new addition to its family, the all-new 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. They´ve done so with their characteristic blend of care and boldness, rethinking the entire construction of the vehicle to ensure that extra space and versatility have sacrificed nothing when it comes to a heart-pounding drive. With a variety of performance and design packages, the four-door coupes will appeal to any who seek maximum thrills with boundless possibilities. Some key highlights include 630 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque* (GT 63 S), 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds; top speed of 195 mph* (GT 63 S), AIRPANEL active air control system for fluid aerodynamics, etc… Click here to read more about the all-new AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. Contact Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown for more information at (631) 292-7120. Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown is on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram! Make sure to follow us on all accounts for all of our daily updates. Following us gives you the opportunity to be the first to know of any dealership news, sales events, giveaways, and so much more! Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, servicing all of your automotive needs.

The new redesigned 2020 GLE-class has arrived at Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown and it is more aggressive than ever. The engine in the 450 is Benz's new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that features a 48-volt hybrid system and makes a total of 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. Every new GLE comes standard with a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen and an additional 12.3-inch instrument-cluster screen, navigation, LED head- and taillights, and active-safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and the automated emergency braking are standard. Click here to find out more about pricing on the 20 20 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV.

Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown is close to some of the best restaurants on Long Island. Two of our favorites are Bahama Breeze and The Greene Turtle. Both restaurants have their own special theme that we are sure you will love. Bahama Breeze is an island grille that has a beautiful atmosphere. Everything from their Caribbean music to their cocktails will make you feel like you're on island time. A very popular and tasty dish is their Taste of Jamaica that comes with a variety of delicious Jamaican food such as jerk chicken, plantains, etc... They also offer gluten-sensitive options for anyone with a gluten allergy. The Greene Turtle is a sports bar and grille based on a fun and casual atmosphere. This is the place to be to watch your favorite team play while enjoying delicious food. Two of their must-haves are Bavarian Pretzel Sticks and the Cowboy Burger. They also offer gluten-sensitive options for anyone with a gluten allergy. Next time you stop by Mercedes-Benz of Smithtown, make sure to grab yourself a bite to eat at one of these amazing places! We are sure you will love them as much as we do.