It’s a fact that if you take your vehicle in for regular car maintenance, it can help you prevent expensive repairs and maintain a reliable vehicle.

Below are 5 car maintenance tips to help keep your vehicle in excellent running condition this fall.

1. Stick to the Oil Change Intervals

A regular oil change at the factory-recommended intervals is the best maintenance task you can do for your vehicle. The oil keeps your car’s engine well lubricated, reduces friction, and keeps your engine clean and protected. Changing the oil regularly also prolongs the life of your engine. Check your owner’s manual for the factory-recommended oil change intervals for your specific make and model or ask your authorized service technician for assistance.

2. Check the Fluids Regularly

Check the fluids in your vehicle at least once a month and top them off to the correct levels if necessary. When you check the fluids, also check the color and consistency. If you notice that the oil has lost its amber color and looks brownish or black, it might need replacing.

3. Inspect the Battery

A good quality battery lasts between three and six years, depending on temperature, driving habits, and battery maintenance. Consider having your battery inspected when you have your fluids checked to avoid any possible issues with your battery later on down the road.

4. Keep Your Tires Inflated to the Proper PSI

Walk around your car and inspect each tire for damage such as bulges and cracks that could cause flat tires and blowouts. Check the pressure levels with a tire pressure gauge and make sure the tires are not over or underinflated, which will cause damage. You will find the tire pressure levels inside your driver’s side door and in your owner’s manual.

5. Routinely Rotate the Tires

A tire rotation involves swapping the tires to different positions to promote even wear, making them last longer and saving you money in the long run. Regular tire rotations will also improve handling, especially when cornering and braking.

Be sure to consult with your dealerships service department before starting any maintenance work in case of warranty, buying proper parts, etc.  

 

(Modified article credit: porschechantilly.com)

When you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle, one of the first decisions you’ll face is how to pay for it. You have two options: paying for the vehicle upfront or financing it over time. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the benefits of financing versus paying cash. Our goal? Helping you decide which is right for you.

Financing

Financing a vehicle means that you will pay over time, somewhere between 24-72 months. This approach spreads the cost over multiple years, and in most cases, doesn’t require a large sum of money down. Financing makes purchasing a vehicle much more manageable for many buyers.

This option allows you to keep your savings around for other essential expenses as you pay off the vehicle. Another benefit to financing is helping build up your credit score, as you routinely and reliably make your payments month after month.

When it comes to financing, there are three significant factors to consider:

• The loan amount (the total amount you’re borrowing to get the vehicle).
• The annual percentage rate (also known as the APR, which is the interest rate you’ll pay on your loan).
• The loan term (the amount of time you’re taking to pay back the loan amount).

Consider this, compared to paying cash for your vehicle, financing can allow more flexibility.  How? Well, it comes down to interest rates and opportunity costs. When you pay cash, you’re giving up the opportunity to invest that money elsewhere, but when you finance your vehicle, you keep the bulk of your cash available for other investments.  But, even if you have the cash to pay in full, it can still be beneficial for you to finance your vehicle.  It can help build your credit score, and with a favorable investment elsewhere, possibly your bank account, too.

Choosing What’s Best for You

Ultimately, the decision between paying cash and financing your next vehicle depends on your individual circumstances. If you have sufficient savings and prefer not to take on debt, paying cash may be the right choice.

However, if you’d rather keep your cash for other purposes and have a steady income to cover monthly payments, financing may be a better option.

Ultimately, the key to making your decision is to carefully assess your own financial situation, understand the terms of any financing contract you may agree to, and budget to make sure that regardless of how you pay for your vehicle, you’ll be in a safe place financially after your purchase.

This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice.

To learn more about vehicle financing, please contact your dealership for current terms and conditions.

(Modified article credit: Carshop.com)

 

 

The last few years have seen an increase in used car prices due to a combination of material shortages, high demand, and lower production of new cars.

Fortunately for buyers, we’re beginning to see a turn in this trend.

“Used car prices have likely peaked,” says an article from JP Morgan. They continue, saying, “In 2023, prices are expected to decline by roughly 10% for used cars.” We think that sounds promising.

That’s why the time is right to buy at CarShop.  We have seen prices already start to come down at their various locations throughout the last few months, even as the quality of their vehicles remains an industry best.

Take CarShop’s ‘Certified’ vehicles, for example. You’ll always find a car that’s under 50,000 miles and less than four years old. Plus, the guarantees you get on their certified vehicles are still some of the best on the market: no dings, dents, or scratches; a lifetime engine guarantee; and a bumper-to-bumper warranty that lasts for the first 6 months or 6,000 miles (visit carshop.com for full details).

U.S. News & World Report also just shared that current prices present a great opportunity for buyers, not only because of lower prices but because of higher trade-in values.  “You’ll likely get more money than you’re expecting when you sell or trade your current vehicle.” They report that “Equity (trade–in values) are still higher than ever.”

Luckily for you, CarShop makes trading-in your vehicle incredibly simple. Their offer to purchase your vehicle comes with complete transparency. Whether you want to simply sell them your vehicle or trade it in for a ‘like-new’ one, they make the process easy with their haggle-free, hassle-free policy. That’s how they do everything at CarShop.

To sum things up: prices are going down, and outlooks are looking bright for those looking to purchase a used vehicle in the future. Our advice? Visit your nearest CarShop location or click here to shop online and let them help you buy with confidence.

 

(Modified article credit: carshop.com)

Today, most new vehicles have spark plugs that are resistant to corrosion and deterioration and can be expected to last over 100,000 miles. But eventually, all plugs need to be replaced, and when a spark plug stops sparking properly, it can rapidly cause further engine problems. Below are some signs your spark plugs may need to be replaced.

Your Vehicle Is No Longer Purring

The purr of an engine will start to stutter and cough when a spark plug fails. As the spark plug begins misfiring, one or more of the engine’s cylinders is no longer combusting fuel consistently. The resulting misfiring will become most notable when you’re resting in idle or starting up in the morning.

You’re Struggling to Start Your Engine

The surge of electrical power required to start an engine will be lacking with one or more plugs malfunctioning. Your engine will sound unhealthy as it struggles to cough and wobble to life. You might find it takes a few tries before you can get moving and if more than one spark plug is failing, you might not be able to start your engine at all.

You’ve Lost Acceleration

While out on the road the acceleration of your vehicle will be somewhat lackluster with a failing spark plug. This can become a little dangerous when a quick burst of acceleration is required to cross a busy intersection, overtake another car, or come out of a sharp corner.

You’re Stopping for Gas Too Often

With a faulty spark plug, fuel is no longer being ignited properly, but the fuel injector will keep pumping fuel into the combustion chamber. This leads to a drop in fuel efficiency, which will have you stopping more frequently for gas.

Your Dashboard is Alerting You

Most engine problems will be detected by your vehicle’s sensors. So, when a spark plug malfunctions, you’ll soon see the check engine light blinking on your instrument panel. It’s best not to ignore this warning light as a minor spark plug issue can soon develop into something worse if left unresolved.

Your Dealer Recommends New Plugs

Most vehicles require regular maintenance visits by a qualified technician. While inspecting your car, the technician should notice any potential problems long before the symptoms become overly apparent, including a faulty spark plug. So, if your technician suggests that you replace a spark plug soon, it’s best to do so before misfiring causes other engine problems and reduces the quality of your driving.

 

Be sure to consult with your dealership’s service department before starting any service work in case of warranty, buying proper parts, etc.

 

Modified Article Credit: porschechantilly.com

If you’ve been car shopping recently, you have seen adaptive cruise control (or ACC) touted as a feature on new vehicles. But what does this benefit entail, and how can it work for you?

Basics About Adaptive Cruise Control

The concept of cruise control has been around for decades as a means of enabling drivers to keep their vehicles at a preselected speed. Adaptive systems take this idea a step further by adjusting speeds so that your auto keeps a safe distance from the vehicles in front of it. For example, if the vehicle directly ahead of you slows down, the adaptive system will in turn slow your vehicle down.

This type of system may be known by several different names, including intelligent cruise control, dynamic cruise control, active cruise control, automatic cruise control, radar cruise control, and distance control.

System Operation

The tech has come a long way since the first such system in the early 1990s. On-board sensors propel current technology. Radar, lasers, cameras, or other combinations of sensory equipment evaluate the surrounding traffic conditions. By detecting close-by vehicles or other potential objects in the road, the sensors can communicate optimal times for braking or acceleration.

ACC and Autonomous Tech

Autonomous, or self-driving, cars will be heavily reliant on cruise control enhancements. In their current forms, these cruise control systems are semi-autonomous. They are typically combined with other advanced driver assistance features such as lane centering and automatic emergency braking to provide the vehicle with increased levels of autonomy and safety.

Benefits of Adaptive Cruise Control Systems

As noted, an obvious advantage of these systems is their ability to strengthen safety. Fender benders resulting from following another vehicle too closely should be less likely. In addition, drivers will become more aware of potential hazards before they are visible, whether the obstacle is a tricky turn or an animal in the road.

These easy-to-operate systems also place less stress on traffic flow and on individual drivers. When more motorists are following the rules of the road and maintaining safe speeds, accidents, and traffic snarls naturally decrease. And stressed drivers can worry less about managing their fuel in heavy traffic or being on high alert for every potential problem. The vehicle itself becomes their ally.

ACC may not be available on all vehicles, please contact your local dealer with questions about feature availability and operation.

 

Modified article credit: bmwbloomfieldhills.com

Preventative maintenance from the qualified technician is vital to keep your vehicle in excellent running condition. Proper maintenance services at the recommended intervals will make your vehicle reliable, fuel-efficient, and safe on the road. Plus, you will save on gas, repairs, and tires.

Longevity

It’s a fact that a well-maintained vehicle will last longer. Follow your car’s service schedule and stick to the maintenance intervals. Check the tire pressure, brakes, battery, and all the fluids regularly, and change the oil at the recommended intervals to keep the engine well-lubricated and protected.

Performance

Routine maintenance at factory-recommended intervals is crucial to keeping your engine running smoothly, your brakes working properly, and your tires in excellent condition, boosting your vehicle’s overall performance.

Reliability

When your vehicle is well-maintained, you reduce the risk of unsuspected breakdowns and getting stranded on the side of the road. Regular vehicle inspections from a qualified technician will ensure every system and component works properly, and you’ll be assured that your vehicle will always get you safely to your destination.

Fuel Efficiency

It’s essential to keep your car in top condition to get the most out of your car’s gas mileage. Regularly scheduling oil changes and replacing spark plugs, oil and air filters will help improve your car’s fuel efficiency. Additionally, keeping your tires properly inflated and ensuring your engine is well-tuned can make a significant difference in how much gas your car consumes while reducing harmful emissions.

Safety

Routine maintenance will ensure that your car is always safe on the road. All the safety systems, including the braking system, are thoroughly inspected during each scheduled maintenance service. The tires will be checked for wear and damage and inflated to the proper pressure levels to give you the stopping power you need and ensure your safety behind the wheel.

Lowers Costs

With regular maintenance from a qualified technician, minor problems will be detected early before turning into costly repairs. Your engine will stay well-lubricated, reducing friction and wear, and your tires will be rotated at regular intervals to extend their lifespan. Keeping up with your car’s maintenance will save you money on repairs, gas, and tires.

Protects the Warranty

Keep your vehicle warranty intact by following your vehicles’ service schedule and relying on a qualified technician to perform maintenance and repair services. By ensuring your vehicle receives proper care, you can enjoy worry-free driving, knowing you’re protecting your investment.

Increases the Resale Value

As your car gets older, the resale value decreases. With regular maintenance and repairs, your vehicle will have an up-to-date service record, increasing the resale value. Prevention is better than cure, and maintenance costs are far lower than unexpected repairs.

(Credit: porschechantilly.com)

The Detroit Grand Prix will make a grand return to its original home on the streets of Downtown Detroit this weekend. The Grand Prix will feature three full days of activities and celebrations that represent a homecoming and connection to the event’s heritage.

The Detroit Grand Prix began as a Formula One race on the streets of the Motor City in 1982. Formula One raced annually in Detroit from 1982-1988. In 1989, the Detroit Grand Prix welcomed Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) as its primary series and the first INDYCAR races were hosted on the Detroit street circuit from 1989-1991. In 1992, the Grand Prix transitioned to Belle Isle Park with INDYCAR races on the island annually through 2001. After a six-year hiatus, the Grand Prix returned to Belle Isle thanks to the vision of Roger Penske and under the direction of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Following successful events in 2007 and 2008, the Grand Prix paused for a few years due to the national recession and returned in 2012 with support from General Motors and Chevrolet serving as the event’s title sponsor. The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear has been hosted each summer on Belle Isle since 2012, before the global pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in 2020. After returning in 2021, the Grand Prix celebrated its final event on Belle Isle in 2022 before returning to its home in Downtown Detroit in 2023 and beyond.

For a full schedule of events, click here.

Click here for tickets.

(Credit: detroitgp.com)

National Military Appreciation Month started with a simple idea; to gather America around its military family to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who serve and have served all while knowing its history. Legislated twice this idea that began with founders Alice Wax, Rita Thompson and Duncan Munro (MSgt USAF Ret) has evolved and adopted across government, commercial and nonprofit entities providing increased national attention & recognition to our military.

The first legislation began in 1999 by the United States Senate designating May as National Military Appreciation Month. With the support and sponsorship of the late Senator John McCain, (R-AZ) and Representative Duncan Hunter, (R-CA) of San Diego along with over 50 veteran service organizations, this important legislation states to our service members that we protect, set aside an entire month to honor, remember and appreciate their patriotism and dedication from their families. In April of 2004, more comprehensive legislation was passed by unanimous consent of both Houses of Congress as H. Con. Res. 328 solidified May as National Military Appreciation Month.

In honor of National Military Appreciation Month, we would like to recognize our partnership with Paralyzed Veterans of America and their amazing work and commitment to serving veterans – and to medical research, advocacy, and civil rights for all people with disabilities. Click here to learn more about PVA and the many ways you can support their efforts.

Credit: nmam.org and pva.org)