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!

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!

SUVs are one of the most versatile vehicles on the market. They offer great family legroom and more storage for gear than a regular car making them ideal for family vacations.

What Are The Different Types Of SUVs

If you're in the market for an SUV, first, consider what size will best suit your needs. There are small SUVs (also called crossovers), midsize SUVs, and large SUVs.

• Smaller SUVs offer better fuel economy and easier maneuverability, while large SUVs can accommodate more people and gear.

• Crossovers are based on a car chassis, so they have unibody construction and usually offer better fuel economy than truck-based SUVs. They also tend to be smaller and more maneuverable than truck-based SUVs.

• Midsize SUVs offer a happy medium between crossovers and large SUVs. They're big enough to comfortably seat up to eight people, but not so large that they're difficult to park or maneuver.

• Large SUVs are the largest and most expensive SUVs on the market. They offer the most passenger and cargo space, but can be difficult to park and maneuver. They also tend to have poorer fuel

Next, decide what kind of features you're looking for in a SUV. Do you need four-wheel drive for off-roading or bad weather? Would you like a third row of seating to fit more passengers? Do you need a lot of cargo space for hauling gear?

Ready to start shopping for an SUV? Check out our inventory of new and used SUVs. We've got a wide selection of makes and models to choose from. If you're unsure of what SUV is right for you, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can help. Stop by today and take a test drive!

Will Electric Cars Will Become Yesterday's News

Technology never stands still for long and, as anyone who's been paying attention to the automotive industry over the past few years will know, electric cars are very much the future. But what's next?

One area that is currently being explored is the possibility of flying cars. That's right, flying cars! While it may sound like something straight out of The Jetsons, there are a number of companies working on this incredible technology and it may not be as far-fetched as you might think.

Here's a headline from a recently published article from Car and Driver

Hyundai Subsidiary Unveils Flying Car Concept That Could Fly U.S. Skies by 2028

"Hyundai is also investing heavily in the nascent industry, launching a U.S.-based subsidiary called Supernal last November to focus on the so-called "Advanced Air Mobility market.” Now, Supernal has unveiled its eVTOL Vehicle Cabin concept at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, showing what the passenger compartment inside its upcoming intra-city air shuttle could look like."

Don't Count On Getting Frequent Flier Miles Just Yet

In addition to the technical hurdles that need to be overcome, there are also a number of regulatory issues that need to be sorted out before flying cars become a reality. Just like most industries I'm sure that traditional airlines are not going to be too thrilled about the idea of having competition from flying cars.

And then there's the question of whether or not people are actually going to want to fly in a car. I have to admit that the idea of getting stuck in traffic on the freeway is not all that appealing, but then again neither is being crammed into a metal tube with a bunch of strangers for hours on end.

Flying cars would obviously have a lot of advantages over traditional ground-based vehicles. For one, they would be able to avoid traffic jams and get from A to B much quicker. They would also be able to park in a lot less space and, perhaps most importantly, they would be a lot of fun!

Ready To Trade Your Old Car For A Flying Car?

You may be excited about the prospect of buying a flying car but unfortunately we're out of stock. Along with the rest of the world. In the meantime, you can browse our wide selection of quality used cars, trucks, and SUVs. We offer a wide range of makes and models to choose from and our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to help you find the perfect vehicle

If you love your car, would you get a tattoo of it?

Some people are so passionate about their cars that they would consider getting a tattoo of them. It’s not just a way to show off their devotion to their vehicle – for some people, it’s also a way to express themselves creatively.

A recent article on Autotrader titled The Most Tattooed Car Makes and Models is interesting in that it shows which cars are the most popular when it comes to getting inked. Be sure to read the entire article to learn the methodology behind the results. You'll not only see some of the most iconic used car brands for a few surprises along the way.

You Bought A Car And All I Got Was A T-Shirt

While getting a tattoo in general is not a universal sign of car love, it does show a high level of passion for a certain type of vehicle. More traditional examples of car love include, adding aftermarket accessories such as wearing a shirt with the car brand's logo, or getting a keychain or coffee mug with the car's image on it.

Have You Lost That Loving Feeling?

You probably didn't get a tattoo when you bought your car but there was a reason you fell in love with it in the first place. You kept it washed and waxed and couldn't wait to drive it around and show it off.

 Now you're faced with the reality that your car is getting old and you're not sure how much longer you can keep it on the road. You may be dealing with unexpected repair bills that cause you to question whether it's worth it to keep your car.

 Driving a car you don't love anymore is not fun. Why not trade in your old car for a newer model that you can fall in love with all over again?

 If you have been thinking about trading in your car, now is a great time to do it. We make it easy to sell us your car and get something you'll love again. We'll give you a fair price and take care of all the paperwork so you can drive away in style.

87 Octane Gas - Don't Knock It Until You've Tried It.

While none of the contents of this article are meant to replace your car manufacturer's recommendations or that of an expert mechanic, you just may be able to save some money on the high price of gas without noticing a decline in performance or fuel economy by using 87 Octane gas.

According to a 2019 article by Car And Driver they tested the performance of 4 cars first by filling them with 87 Octane Gas then again using 93 Octane gas.

1. 2019 Honda CR-V

2. 2019 BMW MF Competition

3. 2019 Ford F-150

4. 2019 Dodge Charger R/T

Read the full article here for all the details.

Their bottom line was:

"While Ford's EcoBoost F-150 stands out as an obvious exception, the Dodge Charger's numbers make for a tidy summary of our findings. If you buy fuel with an octane rating above the manufacturer's requirement, you're likely to feel it in your wallet more than the seat of your pants."

What Causes Your Engine To Knock?

Detonation knock is a noise you'll hear when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders doesn't ignite properly. When this happens, it causes a pounding or rattling noise. The cause of this can be from using lower octane fuel than what is recommended for your engine, incorrect timing, or too much compression.

What Do Octane Ratings Mean?

The octane rating is a measure of how heat resistant a fuel is. This is so the fuel does not knock or ping when it is combusted. In other words, high-octane fuels are more resistant to pre-ignition and detonation.

In the past cars without modern fuel injection systems needed higher octane fuel to prevent knocking but with today's technology, most cars can run on the lower 87 octane gas without any problem.

Is There A Difference Between 87 & 93 Octane Gas?

The actual fuel is the same but the refining process for higher octane fuel is more expensive. So, if you're looking to save a few bucks at the pump, 87 octane gas is the way to go. Just be sure to check with your car's manufacturer first to see if it is okay to use.

Are You Driving Around With A Gas Guzzler?

With the average price of regular gas hitting new record highs , now might be the time to consider getting rid of your gas guzzler.

You might be surprised at how much money you can save by trading in your gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient car.

Check out our wide selection of cars that get great gas mileage, so you can drive further for less.

Is The Future Now Or Are We Back To The Future

Are you one of those people who believe the future is now? If you're not, then you might want to keep reading, because these two technologies may soon change the way we drive – and live.

Driverless cars have been in the movies for years, but only recently have they become a reality. In 2015, Google's self-driving car completed over 200,000 miles without a single accident. While there are still some kinks to work out – like how the cars will interact with human drivers – it's only a matter of time before these vehicles are on the road.

Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volvo have all announced plans to release self-driving cars in the next few years. So what does this mean for the future of driving?

For those who hate parallel parking there are models on the road that can do it for you. Gone are the days when cars didn't have power steering but it is still a skill that takes time to master. However now with "parallel parking assist" you can let the car do the work.

Out Of Time or Just In Time?

Just like old Doc Brown. you can get a cool customized personal banner on your licensee plate. But there's a big price to pay.

According to AutoBlog.com

Drivers in Michigan now have the option to purchase a digital license plate for their car. They are the 3rd state to do so. Their view as well as ours is they're not cheap.

"We'll start with what are claimed to be the benefits of a digital plate. First, there's customization; the plate can be switched between light and dark modes, and there's space for a personalized banner message at the bottom of the rectangle. Second, ease; renewing registration can be done through the Reviver app. Third, broadcasting; The plate can display public safety announcements like Amber Alerts. Fourth, tracking ability; the RPlate Pro contains GPS and telematics transponders, so it can locate a vehicle — one lost in a parking lot or one that's stolen, for instance. Because the Pro version is tailored for fleets, its telematics transponder can also do things like track mileage.

The price for all that is, well, pricey. Both plates require subscription plans that are far more expensive than getting new stickers for a dumb piece of aluminum. Subscribers can get the battery-powered RPlate for $215.40 per year for a four-year total of $861.60, or for $19.95 monthly for a four-year total of $957.60. The RPlate Pro is wired into the vehicle, so after paying $150 for professional installation, a subscriber forks over either $275.40 per year for $1,101.60 after four years, or $24.95 monthly for a total of $1,197.60 after four years. Subscribers should also know those prices can change. "

Is It Worth It? Probably Not.

It seems that the cost doesn't outweigh the benefits. You can already get a custom plate. However these optional digital plates are likely to become the standard in the future. It could be a cost savings to States in the long run. An Invalid message on the back of your car will stick out like a sore thumb to the Policeman driving behind you.

The Delorean Is Making A Comeback

Check Out The New Delorean Concept Car

According to NPR

The concept car – which was first teased back in February – is set to premiere at the prestigious California car show Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in mid-August, with limited production set to begin in 2024."

Is Your Old Car Stuck In The Past?

Maybe it's Time To Trade it In.

Many people feel stuck in their old car, even if it's not the most practical or efficient choice. What's worse, the thought of driving from dealership to dealership to look for a new one feels overwhelming.

Times have changed and so has the way we buy cars. You can now trade in your old car for a new one without stepping foot in a dealership. Our online showroom allows you to browse through our inventory, schedule a test drive, and apply for financing – all from the comfort of your own home.

7 Steps to Buying Your First Car

1. Figure out what you can afford

2. Shop around for the best deal

3. Test drive different cars

4. Get a car history report and mechanical inspection

5. Finalize the purchase and register the car

6. Insure your car

7. Enjoy your new ride!

Stick To Your Budget

First time car buyers often make the mistake of rushing into a purchase without doing their research first. This can lead to overpaying for a car that doesn’t fit their needs or budget.

By setting a budget first, you can avoid this common pitfall. Figure out how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a car payment each month. Then, research the Fair Market Range prices for the type of car you’re interested in. This will give you a good starting point

Start Your Research

With an established budget in hand, it’s time to start shopping around for the best deal. There are so many sites online to do research where you can check out safety ratings, available options, interior features and more.

Test Drive Several Cars

After you’ve narrowed down your choices, it’s time to take them for a spin. This will help you get a feel for how the car drives and handles. It’s also a good time to see if there are any additional features that you may want or need.

Get A Car History Report And Mechanical Inspection

Once you’ve found the perfect car, it’s time to do a little digging into its history. A car history report will tell you if the car has been in any accidents or had any major repair work done.

Finalize The Purchase and Register The Car

After you’ve negotiated the price of the car, it’s time to finalize the purchase. This usually involves signing a sales contract and putting down a deposit. The great news is that the dealership will typically handle all the paperwork involved in registering the car.

Insure Your Car

Now that you’re the proud owner of a new car, it’s time to get it insured. The type and amount of coverage you need will vary depending on your state’s laws and your personal driving habits.

Enjoy your new ride!

Buying your first car is a big decision, but we’re here to help make it as easy as possible. We want you to be happy with your purchase and our team will be with you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get started.

Wheel Alignment - Avoiding The Danger Signs Ahead

If you're experiencing problems with your car pulling to one side, it may be due to a misaligned wheel. A wheel alignment can correct this problem and ensure that your car drives in a straight line. Avoid the danger of driving with a misaligned wheel by getting it corrected at a reputable automotive shop.

Most people don't think about their vehicle's alignment until they experience unusual tire wear or handling concerns. However, just like any other component of your car, regular upkeep is critical to maintaining it in good working order. Here are four reasons why routine wheel alignments are essential.

Wheel Alignments Prevent Uneven Tire Wear

The number one reason to keep up with your wheel alignments is to prevent uneven tire wear. When your wheels are out of alignment, they put unnecessary stress on your tires. This can cause them to wear down faster on one side than the other. It also reduces the life of your tires and makes them more likely to fail unexpectedly.

Wheel Alignments Improve Handling

Another important reason to get regular wheel alignments is to improve the handling of your vehicle. When your wheels are out of alignment, it can make your car feel unstable on the road. This can be dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions.

Wheel Alignments Improve Fuel Efficiency

When your wheels are out of alignment, your car has to work harder to move forward. This extra effort means that your car will burn through fuel more quickly. In addition, drag from misaligned wheels can also cause your car to lose speed, which wastes even more fuel.

Wheel Alignments Extend the Life of Your Suspension

When your wheels are out of alignment, they place extra stress on your suspension components. Over time, this extra stress can cause these parts to wear out prematurely, resulting in a need for costly repairs or even replacement.

Regular wheel alignments are an important part of keeping your car running safely and efficiently. If you've noticed any unusual tire wear or handling problems, be sure to schedule an appointment with a qualified mechanic right away.

Your Brakes Are Telling You Something!

Brakes are an essential part of every car, helping you to slow down and stop when needed. Generally, if your brakes are making a high-pitched squealing noise when you first step on them, it's an indication that the brake pads need to be replaced.

What causes that noise when you brake?

This can be due to a number of different factors - worn or dirty brake pads, issues with the rotors or calipers, or even something as simple as dirt or debris caught in the brakes.

If you're noticing a strange noise coming from your brakes, it's always best to have them checked out by a professional mechanic to ensure there isn't a bigger issue at play.

What are the different types of brakes, and how do they work?

There are many different types of brakes, each designed to perform a specific function and work in a particular way. Some common brake types include disc brakes, drum brakes, and vacuum brakes.

Disc brakes use a system of pads that press against a spinning metal disc to slow or stop the vehicle. Drum brakes consist of two brake shoes that press against the inside of a stationary metal drum. Vacuum brakes use suction to slow or stop a vehicle, drawing air from the atmosphere into chambers

How can you tell if your brakes need to be serviced or replaced?

If your car is making a noise when you brake, there's a good chance that something is wrong with your brakes. There are several things you can do to check your brakes and see if they need to be serviced or replaced.

Another way to tell if your brakes are in need of service is to look at your brake fluid levels. If the fluid is low or dark, it could be a sign that your brakes need to be flushed and refilled.

What does turning the Rotors mean?

If you've ever had your car's brakes serviced, you may have heard the term "turning the rotors." But what does that actually mean?

Rotors are the metal discs that your brake pads press against to slow or stop your car. When they become worn or dirty, they can cause a number of problems with braking performance. Turning the rotors means machining them down so that they are smooth and clean again, allowing for better braking. If they get worn down below a certain point, they will need to be replaced entirely by a mechanic.

As a driver, it's important to be aware of any issues with your car's brakes, as this can have serious implications for your safety on the road. Some common symptoms of worn or faulty brakes include a high-pitched squealing noise when braking, low or dark brake fluid levels, vibrations or shuddering when applying the brakes, and poor response time. If you notice any of these issues, be sure to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.