One of the best ways to keep your car on the road longer is to perform regular maintenance. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and engine tune-ups. By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can avoid more serious and expensive problems down the road.

Spark Plugs And Wires

In addition to regular maintenance, changing your spark plugs and wires proactively help extend the life of your car. Over time, these parts can wear out and cause problems with your engine.

Cabin Filter and Air Filter

Change your cabin air filter and engine air filter. One affects the airflow in your car and the other affects the airflow to your engine. Both are important for keeping your car running smoothly.

Fuel Injectors & EGR Valves

Check your fuel injectors.  Although not part of a standard service maintenance schedule, they start to deteriorate. You'll have a check engine light come on. Another major component that a lot of people fail to talk about when they just tune ups is the EGR valve or the exhaust gas recirculation valve. These should be checked and replaced according to your manufacturer's recommendations.

A faulty EGR valve can cause  all sorts of engine performance problems, including a loss of power and fuel economy.

Tires

Most people recognize the importance of having good tires on your car for  traction, safety, and gas mileage. But did you know that the condition of your tires can also have an impact on your electrical components. It's possible to have vibrations from your tires that will loosen battery terminals and other electrical connections. So, not only do you want to have good tread on your tires for safety, but you also want to keep an eye on any loose wires  or terminals.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Why Checking Your Tire Pressure Is Important

Here are the steps to check your vehicle headlights:

1. Turn on your vehicle: Turn on your vehicle and activate the headlights. It's best to do this in a garage or other dark area so you can see the full effect of the headlights.

2. Check the beam pattern: Look at the pattern of the headlights on a nearby wall or garage door. The beam should be evenly distributed, with no dark spots or areas that are brighter than others.

3. Check the aim: The headlights should be aimed straight ahead, with a slight downward angle. If the headlights are pointing too high or too low, you may need to adjust them.

4. Check the condition: Inspect the headlights for any cracks, discoloration, or other damage. If the headlights are damaged or in poor condition, they may not provide adequate visibility.

5. Check the bulbs: Make sure both headlights are working and the bulbs are in good condition. If a bulb is burned out or damaged, replace it as soon as possible.

Remember to check your vehicle headlights regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and providing adequate visibility while driving. If you notice any issues or concerns, it's best to have them checked by a professional.

What Is My Car Worth?

When you go to trade your car at a dealership, some of the more obvious things to consider is the condition of the vehicle, trim level and options of your car. The dealer looks at its resale value which is driven by factors such as how popular the model is, how much demand there is for that model and what the going rate is for similar models.

How does the condition of the vehicle affect trade in value?

Mechanical and cosmetic conditions are the two biggest factors that affect a car's value. If your car is in good mechanical condition, it means that it doesn't have any major problems and is safe to drive. A car in good cosmetic condition will have a clean interior and exterior with no major dents, scratches or rust.

Cars that need mechanical work means the dealer will likely have to spend money fixing it before they can sell it, so they'll give you a lower trade-in value. Likewise, if your car has cosmetic damage, the dealer will want to repair it or discount the price to sell it as-is.

How does mileage of the vehicle affect its trade in value?

According to an article on KBB

The United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration said that the average person drove 14,263 miles per year in 2019. That's roughly 1,200 miles per month per driver or about 39 miles per day. By comparison, the DOT said the average annual miles was 13,476 in 2018.

If your car has more than that, it may have a lower trade-in value because it has been driven more than average. A car with low mileage is typically worth more than a car with high mileage. The reason for this is that cars with low mileage are less likely to have mechanical problems.

What are trim levels for a car?

The trim level of your vehicle can play a role in trade-in value because it indicates what features are included. For example, a lower trim level may not have certain features like power windows and locks, while a higher trim level will have all the bells and whistles. When it comes to options, things like a sunroof or navigation system can add value to your car.

The base model is usually the cheapest because it has the least amount of features. As you move up in trim levels, the price of the vehicle will increase because there are more features included. The most expensive trim level is typically the luxury model or the performance model.

How do options affect the trade in value of a car?

Options can add both practicality and luxury to a vehicle, making it more desirable and, as a result, increasing its resale value. Luxury models will have features like heated seats, leather upholstery and a premium sound system. Performance models will have a more powerful engine and better handling.

Options that come standard on a particular trim level will usually have less of an effect on resale value than options that are available as upgrades. This is because cars that come with certain options already included are more common, so there is less demand for them.

How does demand affect the trade in value of a car?

The demand for a certain model can play a role in its trade-in value. If there is high demand for a certain model, the trade-in value will be higher because dealerships know they can sell it quickly. On the other hand, if there is low demand for a certain model, the trade-in value will be lower because it will take the dealership longer to sell.

What is your car worth?

Trade in value can depend on a number of factors such as condition, mileage, trim level, options and demand. Dealers rely on these factors as well as industry specific resources to establish what they're willing to give you for.

Is it time to trade in your vehicle?

We would love to give you a great offer for your old car. We are always looking for new inventory. Selling a car can be a hassle, so we take care of all the paperwork for you. You won't have to worry about haggling with buyers or setting up appointments for test drives.

Contact us today to learn more about the process.

Here are the steps to check your vehicle's engine oil:

1. Park on a level surface: Make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat, level surface and turned off for at least 10 minutes before checking the oil.

2. Locate the dipstick: The oil dipstick is usually located near the engine and has a brightly colored handle that says "oil" or "engine oil".

3. Pull out the dipstick: Grasp the handle and pull the dipstick out of the engine. Wipe the dipstick clean with a rag or paper towel.

4. Check the oil level: Reinsert the dipstick back into the engine, then pull it out again. Check the oil level by looking at the end of the dipstick. The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. If it's low, add more oil until it reaches the appropriate level.

5. Check the oil condition: In addition to checking the level, you can also check the condition of the oil. Rub a small amount of oil between your fingers. If it feels gritty or has visible particles, it may be time for an oil change.

Remember to check your vehicle's engine oil regularly, ideally once a month or before long trips, to ensure your engine is properly lubricated and running smoothly.

Here are the steps to check your vehicle headlights:

1. Turn on your vehicle: Turn on your vehicle and activate the headlights. It's best to do this in a garage or other dark area so you can see the full effect of the headlights.

2. Check the beam pattern: Look at the pattern of the headlights on a nearby wall or garage door. The beam should be evenly distributed, with no dark spots or areas that are brighter than others.

3. Check the aim: The headlights should be aimed straight ahead, with a slight downward angle. If the headlights are pointing too high or too low, you may need to adjust them.

4. Check the condition: Inspect the headlights for any cracks, discoloration, or other damage. If the headlights are damaged or in poor condition, they may not provide adequate visibility.

5. Check the bulbs: Make sure both headlights are working and the bulbs are in good condition. If a bulb is burned out or damaged, replace it as soon as possible.

Remember to check your vehicle headlights regularly to ensure they are functioning properly and providing adequate visibility while driving. If you notice any issues or concerns, it's best to have them checked by a professional.

Here are 3 Key Things To Know Before You Buy A Car

1. Your budget: Before you start looking for a car, it's important to know how much you can afford to spend. Consider not just the upfront cost of the car, but also ongoing expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance.

2. Your needs: Think about what you'll be using the car for and what features are important to you. Do you need a lot of cargo space, good gas mileage, or advanced safety features? Consider your lifestyle and driving habits to determine the type of car that will best meet your needs.

3. The car's history: Make sure to research the car's history, including its mileage, maintenance records, and any accidents it may have been in. You can use resources like Carfax to get a vehicle history report. This information can help you make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises down the road.

How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

• An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

• Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

• Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!