How Servicing Your Car Can Extend its Life (Even Further!)

As a car buyer, you’ve experienced the uneasy feeling of maintaining your vehicle.  In most recent years, advances in technology have lessened visits to the service department, but routine service should still not be missed.  Our dealership is a safe haven for your car, catering to its specific needs, like a preventative care center.  One of the main questions you ask when purchasing a new or used vehicle is: How reliable it is? In today’s blog, we provide some tips to maintaining your vehicle and how to extend the already long life of your vehicle.

1.    Read the vehicle manual and schedule maintenance appointments - Keeping up with your vehicle’s scheduled maintenance is key to avoiding costly problems to the cooling system, drivetrain, suspension etc…

2.    Call your dealership and ask questions – We’re here to help.  If you have any service questions feel free to call us with your questions. 

3.    Have your dealership check fluids – Always come in and ask us check the level of antifreeze, oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid regularly. 

4.    Change oil regularly – By changing your oil when your dealership requests it, you can protect your engine.  Every car is different, so call us to get the exact information for your specific vehicle make and model.

5.    Request a fluid flush every two years – By flushing the power steering, brake, and cooling system fluid when it is pertinent, you can cleanse your car’s liquids in one fell swoop.  However, if you have gone more than 50k miles without a change, on many transmissions, it is not the greatest idea to do so.  It can cause breakdown varnish and other solids that have built up in the transmission over time.

6.    Have the tires rotated – Having your tires rotated at your nearest dealership should be second nature.  By doing so, you can avoid uneven wear and tear on the tread, extending the life of your tires.

These are just a few tips to help you maintain your vehicle in your daily commute, feel free to add your comments below!

Distracted Driving: Car Safety Regulators Mount Up

The year is 2013. In a digital world, we’re connected to our devices like an extended limb. We keep them close by, and by the flick of a wrist can perform a plethora of activities within seconds. From games, to phone calls, and bank statements, our gadgets can do almost anything. Devices like the iPhone, and other smartphones can make life easier, but what happens when they move from being a helpful aid to a distracting nuisance?

The National Transportation Safety Board cited 2010 crash data that indicated 17 percent of crashes reported to police involved driver distraction, but only 3 percent of those crashes involved the use of in-car onboard devices. We’re distracted. That’s the bottom line. I can’t recall how many times I’ve seen a fellow driver send a quick text or take a call while driving. It’s extremely dangerous.

The NHTSA held hearings that will be presented to crack down on cellphone/ smartphone usage. “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and can have deadly consequences,” NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said Monday at the first of three hearings held last week in Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles.

In December, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended states ban all use of portable cellphones. We have to begin to govern ourselves in our vehicles. We enjoy servicing every consumer correctly and we want to make sure you’re safe on and off of our lot. Drive safely! Distracted driving is a HUGE threat, how are you avoiding using your smartphone in the car?