Essential Tire Care Tips for Rainy Weather

Spring has arrived, and while we welcome the beautiful blooms and warmer weather, April showers are a reality.. Here are some essential rain-safe driving tips to keep you in control during downpours, with a special focus on tire care:

Tire Check:

Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have at least 3/16 inches of tread depth (check your owner's manual for specific recommendations for your vehicle). The deeper the grooves, the better the water can be channeled away, providing better grip on wet roads.
Don't rely solely on the "penny test". While it can be a quick indicator, tire wear isn't always uniform across the tread.
Visually inspect your tires for any cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. These signs indicate potential tire damage and warrant immediate replacement.

Tire Maintenance:

Proper Inflation: 

Maintain the recommended tire pressure as specified in your owner's manual or on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Underinflated tires not only decrease fuel efficiency but also reduce traction, especially in wet conditions. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
Tire Rotation: Regularly rotate your tires according to the manufacturer's recommendations (typically every 5,000 to 6,000 miles). This ensures even wear and extends the life of your tires.

Additional Tips:

Consider All-Season Tires: If you live in an area that experiences all four seasons, consider investing in all-season tires that offer a good balance of performance in various weather conditions, including rain and light snow.
Ask our service advisors! Our team of experts at [Dealership Name] is happy to answer any questions you have about tire care and recommend the right tires for your specific vehicle and driving needs.

Remember, even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. We encourage you to be extra cautious during rainy weather and prioritize your safety above all else. Stay safe this spring season!

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How To Safely Remove Ice and Snow From Your Car

Winter can bring a variety of problems with your car – from icy windshields to frozen lock mechanisms. But one of the most common winter car troubles is having to clear away ice and snow, which can quickly become an annoying and potentially dangerous job. To make things easier we’ll provide you with some simple tips and tricks for safely removing ice and snow from your car.

Check Your Car’s Temperature

The first step in safely removing ice and snow is to make sure that your car is at the right temperature. Generally speaking, you don’t want the engine to be too hot or too cold; if it is too cold, any sudden change in heat could cause glass (including the windshield) to crack or shatter. So be sure to start your car up and let it sit idle until its temperature reaches a comfortable “warm-to-the-touch” level before attempting any removal attempts.

Start With The Windows

Once you have an acceptable temperature inside your car, it’s time to start removing that pesky layer of ice and snow! The best place to start is with the windows; this will allow you maximum visibility when driving once everything has been cleared away. Begin by scraping off any snow or ice build up on the exterior of each window using either a plastic or rubber scraper or even a credit card; then move on to clearing away frosty condensation from inside (for this, a cloth should do). Once you have removed as much as possible, turn on your defroster until all glass is completely cleared away. 

Use A Deicing Agent

If scraping alone doesn’t seem to cut it – especially if you are dealing with thick layers of frozen water – consider using a deicing agent like rock salt or even diluted rubbing alcohol (make sure not to use straight rubbing alcohol as this could damage paint jobs). Sprinkle these substances onto the problem areas on both the outside and inside of your windows (just remember not to get any of these agents on any part of your vehicle’s interior). Let it sit for a few minutes before attempting another scrape – this should help break up large chunks of ice into smaller pieces that can be more easily removed. 

Finish With A Cleaning Wipe Down

Once all visible snow/ice has been removed from both exterior AND interior surfaces, give everything one final wipe down using paper towel or newspaper – just make sure whatever material you are using does not contain any dyes/inks that could stain fabric surfaces like dashboard coverings or floor mats! This will ensure no dust remnants remain after completion and prevent interior surfaces from becoming wet due to any residual moisture. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can make short work of removing snow and ice from your car.

Cold Weather And Snow Are Just Around The Corner

As the temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, it's important to remember some basic winter driving safety tips. By following these simple guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.

Depending on where you live, winter driving conditions can vary greatly. In some areas, snow and ice are a regular occurrence, while in others, it's more of a rare event. No matter what the conditions are like in your area, it's always important to be prepared for the worst.

Before setting out on a winter drive, make sure your car is in good working condition. This means having a full tank of gas, making sure all your lights are working, and having snow tires or chains if conditions are particularly bad. It's also a good idea to let someone know your planned route and expected arrival time, just in case you run into trouble along the way.

When driving in winter conditions, take your time and don't be afraid to give yourself extra space between you and the car in front of you. It takes longer to stop on slippery roads, so you need to give yourself plenty of time to brake. And if you do start to skid, resist the urge to panic. Instead, focus on steering into the direction of the skid until you regain control.

If you haven't driven in snow before then you should consider having someone take you to a safe location to practice. Once you feel confident behind the wheel, then you can start venturing out on your own. Just remember to take things slow and be extra cautious until you get used to the conditions.

Before the winter driving season begins, check your used car carefully. Inspect the tires for tread depth and add all-weather tires when needed. Be sure your car has snow scrapers, a shovel, and kitty litter or rock salt in case you need extra traction.

Are you confident in your car's ability to drive in snow? Check with our knowledgeable sales staff to find a reliable car that will help you brave the winter roads in style. Stop by today and take a test drive!

Rust Never Sleeps - Is Your Old Car Keeping You Up At Night?

Have you lost sleep worrying about your old car breaking down or rusting away? Maybe you should think about trading it in for a newer model. When you do, you'll want to take steps to keep your new car from succumbing to the same fate as your old one.

Remember the better the condition of your car, the higher its resale value will have.

Here are some tips to prevent rust:

1. Check for rust regularly and treat it immediately

2. Wax your car regularly

3. Store your car in a cool, dry place

4. Avoid driving through puddles

5. Don't wash your car with harsh chemicals

6. Use rust-resistant paint on your car

7. Keep your car clean and free of dirt and debris

8. Treat minor scratches and dents promptly

Garage Kept Cars - Winter Warning

In general keeping your car in a garage year round is the best way to prevent rust, but there is a caveat during the winter months. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, road salt and other deicing chemicals can splash up onto your car while you're driving. These chemicals will accelerate the formation of rust on any exposed metal on your car. You should also wash your car regularly, to remove any salt and other corrosive materials that may have accumulated on the surface.

Leaving your car parked in the garage as much as possible goes a long way in preventing rust but even that might not be enough. The best way to keep your car from rusting is to take some preventative measures. Here are a few things you can do:

Wax On, Wax Off

Another good way to prevent rust is to keep your car's paint finish in good condition. A fresh coat of wax will act as a barrier between the metal and the elements, helping to prevent moisture and other corrosive materials from coming from your car as soon as possible.

Don't Have A Garage - Cover It Up

You can buy a car cover specifically designed to repel water and keep snow and salt off your car. These covers can be pricey but may be worth the investment if you consider how much it would cost to repair rust damage. Also rust will affect the trade in value of your car when the time comes to sell or upgrade

Another alternative is to use a tarp or old blankets to cover your car when you know bad weather is on the way. This won't be as effective as a car cover but it's better than nothing.

If You Must Park Outside - Protect Your Car

The biggest majority of the time you will be parking your car in the driveway, street or other hard surface. Parking your car on grass, dirt, snow or surfaces that do not drain well can contribute to rust forming on the undercarriage, fender wells and other areas of the car.

If you find yourself in this situation try to park your car in a spot that is not likely to puddle after a rain or snowstorm. As the ground becomes soft from the moisture, mud, gravel and other loose material can pack into areas of your car that are hidden from your view. From time to time do a visual inspection to remove any build up in these areas.

Is It Time To Trade Your Car?

We know that trading in your old car can feel overwhelming. You have to find a dealer, figure out what your car is worth, and then complete the paperwork.

To make the process as easy as possible for you. We will give you a fair market value for your car and work with you to find the best financing option for your new car.

We have a large selection of cars, so you are sure to find one that you love. Our staff is here to help guide you through the entire process, so you can feel confident about your purchase.

When to Change the Oil In Your Car?

The #1 rule is to read  your car’s owner’s manual and follow their recommendations. The manufacturer knows your car best and what’s required to keep it running properly. The old rule of thumb was to change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever came first.

But with today’s advances in motor oil, that’s no longer necessary. Depending on the type of motor oil, your car’s driving conditions, and other factors, you can now go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before an oil change.

What Do The Numbers On The Quart Of Oil Mean?

The numbers on the can refer to the weight or thickness of the oil. The higher the number, the thicker the oil. Thicker oils are better at resisting heat and shearing forces, which is why they're used in high-performance engines.

Viscosity is the oil’s resistance to flow and it’s important because it affects an oil’s ability to lubricate. The thicker the oil, the better it will lubricate, but thick oil doesn’t flow as easily and can cause engine parts to run less efficiently.

How Often Should You Check The Oil Level?

Most cars have oil sensors that will give you a low oil warning when the level gets low. It's still a good habit to check your oil at each fill up to make sure the sensor is working.

What the sensor doesn't tell you is if your oil is dirty and needs to be changed. So, it’s a good idea to check your oil level regularly. Checking your oil only takes a minute and could save your engine.

Which Oil Type Should I Be Using?

Again check your owner’s manual for the type of oil recommended for your car.

If you have an older car, it might require conventional motor oil. Newer cars often require synthetic motor oil, which has special additives that provide better protection against engine wear, extreme temperatures, and sludge buildup.

High mileage oils are designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles. These oils have special additives that can help prevent leaks and oil consumption in worn engines.

How Much Car Can You Afford?

In order to find out how much you can afford, lenders will want to know your gross monthly income and your existing monthly debts. To calculate your maximum monthly debt, simply add up your monthly expenses including:

- Mortgage or rent payments

- Loan payments

- Credit card payments

- Childcare costs

- Alimony or child support payments

- Any other regular expenses

Find the Right Car

There are a lot of cars on the market today, which can make it difficult to narrow down your choices. For example, if you have a family or travel frequently with friends, you 're going to want a bigger car vs looking for a car just to commute back and forth to work. Another thing to consider is how much you rsquo;re willing to spend on gas each month.

Before you start shopping for a car, sit down and think about what you need:

- How many people will regularly ride with you?

- Do you drive long distances often or stick mainly to city streets?

- What style of car do you prefer? Are certain colors or brands more important to you than others?

- What kind of special features are must-haves for your ideal vehicle (e.g. heated seats, built in navigation)?

Once you have a good idea of the basics, it’s time to make a list of pros and cons for each candidate that fits your budget so that you can decide on the best option for YOU.

The Law of Supply & Demand

After you've chosen a few cars within your budget, it's time for some investigating. Initially, you'll want to find out if there are a lot of cars on the market for that make and model. The more common the car, you'll have more options to find one in your price range

Cars in high demand tend to cost more than those in low demand because there are more people looking to buy them.

If you've found the perfect car, it's now time to secure financing. We work with reputable lenders who will work hard to get you the best rates for your budget. they'll provide different payment options based on your down payment, income and credit score.

Are You Ready To Buy Your Next Car?

Follow the steps above and you'll be on your way to finding an affordable car that meets all of your needs. Don't forget, we're here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you get behind the wheel of your dream car.

 If you are in the market for a new car, now is an excellent time to trade in your old one. Dealer inventory is low, as a result, dealerships are now offering better deals on trade-ins than they have in the past. 

1. Trade-ins are at an all-time high, and likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future.

2. You'll get a better deal now than you would in the past

3. It will be easier to find financing for your new car since dealerships have less inventory on their lot

You should also fix any cosmetic damage and have the car serviced so that it is in good working condition. Finally, gather all of the paperwork related to the car, including the title, registration, and maintenance records. This will make it easier for the dealer to process the trade-in.