Category Archives: New Cars

Protecting Your New Car from Water Damage

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

You can still remember your famous last words, “Don’t worry, it doesn’t look that deep.” If you can feel the water splashing under the undercarriage it’s too deep. The next thing you notice is water on your floorboard. Not good. Water that gets left inside your car doesn’t just evaporate without causing damage first.

1. Check carpets and upholstery. Check also door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then your used car will need professional attention. Simply air-drying the carpet is not enough; you will be soon notice that mildew and nasty odors will have come out.

2. Check seat brackets, motor, and modules. Be sure they’re free of rust and properly operating.

3. Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky or diluted, is no longer its original color, or is light brown in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. Have your car repaired immediately. Driving the car with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or car repairs.

4. Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.

5. Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area, and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris, and rust. If any of these are present, have your used car washed and cleaned as soon as possible. Any mechanical repairs can be checked out by your trusted mechanic and get your new car back to its perfect condition.

6. Have the brake system checked by a professional. Water-logged brake systems are especially dangerous on slippery roads.

7. Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.

8. Finally, listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belt, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner, and wheel bearings. Check the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many used car models are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust as well.

By being “car care aware” and following these simple guidelines can help minimize potential damage to your new or used car. If you’d like a professional opinion on the matter, you know where to find me.

How Do New Car Warranties Work?

Buick, GMC, Maintenance and Service, New Cars

If you have been considering purchasing an automobile extended warranty for your new car or truck, there are some important things that you should know. If you are like most people you have spent quite a bit of money to purchase your a new or used car, and you may want to consider a automobile extended warranty to protect your investment.

When shopping for an automobile extended warranty, it’s important to have a full understanding how each warranty program works. While many warranty programs offer the same basic features, on closer examination you will find that the plans offered by each provider have significant differences.

One important thing to consider when purchasing any type of auto warranty plan, make ensure to select an automobile extended warranty program that not only covers unexpected mechanical breakdowns, but wear and tear as well. If you own an automobile extended warranty and your vehicle breaks down or needs repair, you will simply take your vehicle to an approved service center that accepts the warranty. They will repair your vehicle and file a claim with the warranty provider. Before taking your car to the garage, it is important to remember that many automobile extended warranty plans require you to pay a deductible.

By purchasing an automobile extended warranty from a reputable company, you can guarantee that your auto warranty will be accepted at more repair facilities around the country. Your warranty provider can provide you with a list of locations where you can take your vehicle repaired in the event of a breakdown. Some plans will even pay the cost of having your vehicle towed if cannot be driven.

It’s essential that you fully understand all the terms and conditions of your warranty before signing anything.

There are a number of automobile extended warranty providers in the marketplace. Your options include brick and mortar providers, or you can purchase your warranty online! If you have questions about the plan, there are toll-free numbers you can call where you can speak to a representative, or you can correspond via email.

Ted Approves of the Extended Warranty

As with any major purchase, it is important for anyone seeking an extended warranty for their new car to obtain as much information as possible. Compare different companies and plans to make sure you’re getting the absolute best plan at the best price. Choosing the right plan from the right company can save you a lot of time, trouble, and money!

IF you have any questions or comments, leave them here. Or you can come and see me!

Inexperienced Drivers and their New Cars

Insurance, New Cars, Safe Driving, Tips and HInts

While ignorance is often bliss, when it comes to driving a car, ignorance is the passenger you don’t want to ride with.
It is so important for young drivers to get not only the necessary driving experience, but also a good background understanding safety issues, as well as being responsible for maintaining their new car

Young drivers between 16 and 19 are far more likely to be one car accidents than any other age group. Excessive speed, not knowing vehicle limitations and inexperience are the culprits.  Just because you pass your driver’s test doesn’t mean you are a pro behind the wheel just yet. There’s still a lot to learn.

Car Maintenance

Simple basic car maintenance such as checking the tire pressure and making sure that all the bulbs work correctly should be a “no brainer”. The young new car driver needs to get in the habit of checking and changing oil regularly. Knowing how to change a tire or headlight bulb is mandatory.

The Reckless Youth

I remember the days when I thought I was invincible, too. The years when you start gain responsibilities but neglect the rules.  The reckless youth ignores important road rules such as speeding, driving without a valid license, insurance, texting, talking on the phone, horsing around with the passengers, taking unnecessary risks…we’ve all been there.

If you drive a car you must always remember this: You are on your own.

It is important to remember that there are new car drivers and those that just have licenses. Having the freedom to drive is a terrific thing and a major part of growing up. It should be embraced and encouraged as long as it is NOT done at 120mph.

Ok, that’s the end of my rant. I remember how exciting it was when I got my first new car, so enjoy it. I welcome all our young people to share the roads, but do so in such a way that you aren’t a danger to you or the drivers around you.

The Easy Way to Change the Transmission Fluid in your New car

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

Do you know how to change your transmission fluid?

This is a good test.

Do you know what transmission fluid even is? Kidding, I know you know. You are obviously car savvy and of above average intelligence, or you wouldn’t be visiting ITDSWO (I’m trying to make it a new car catch phrase).

Here’s a great step by step video on how to check and change your new car’s transmission fluid.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REZcXMpnADc

If you think you’d like a little more assistance, we’d be happy to help you out.

Change the Oil In your New Car Yourself

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used Cars
It’s easier than you think.

Ya know, it’s always good to learn about the technical stuff when it comes to your new car. Now, I’m not talking about learning how to rebuild a carburetor while hanging upside down and blindfolded. I’m talking about knowing enough about your vehicle that when your mechanics as what kind of oil you’d like in your new car you don’t say “Olive.”

Watch and Learn:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nng2Ey3z8to

Now if you still think it’s too much to handle or you just don’t want to deal with the mess, swing by and I’ll give you a good deal on an oil change.

Aw Man! My New Car’s Windshield has a Ding in it!

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HInts, Used Cars
Don’t let it ruin your view!

Face it folks, it’s gonna happen. Your new car’s windshield is going to be smacked with something that will turn that pristine windshield into a blemished, annoying problem. Now before you blow a gasket, a ding…even a crack is something that can be fixed relatively easily. Two ways, you can run by your favorite auto parts store or you can call a professional

Even if your windshield cracks, it doesn’t mean that it is going to fall out as you drive. Windshields are really a high-strength mix of tempered safety glass and clear plastic. The plastic is sandwiched between two layers of glass. This means that your crack would need to break through three layers in order to have your windshield actually fall out—a very unlikely scenario…well, maybe not in Dallas.

Here’s a “Do it Yourself Video”:

If you need help with your windshield you can always give us a call…even better, leave me a comment!

Mastering Standard Transmission in Your New Car

Just for Fun, New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

Whether you are a new driver or an old pro, jumping behind the wheel of a new car with a standard transmission can be intimidating if you’re a first timer. All it takes is a little practice and before you know it you’ll be wanting to spin laps at the local track.

The video explains it all…Remember, practice makes perfect!

Want a personal lesson for people who know their stuff? Just swing by and have a hand behind the wheel of a GMC!

Can anyone share any tricks? How about slowing down without even touching your brake?

New Car Financing: Most Have to Live with it, Few Without.

Credit and Financing, New Cars, Used Cars

Unless your are independently wealthy, a trust fund baby or unusually frugal, chances of you needing to finance your new car is probably a given. So, now that we know that you are going to have to rely on a lending institution to put that new GMC truck in your driveway, to out-do Jim down the street who just got one of course, you’ll want the whole financing process to be as easy as possible. 

There’s no doubt that financing can be one of the most stressful and difficult parts of any new car purchase. Here are some tips you can use to find the financing for your perfect set of wheels.

“What can I do to lower the price of my car?” That is a question that many people ask. What many people may not realize, initially, is that financing plays a huge role in the final cost of your new car. The amount of money that was financed, the length of the loan, and the interest rate all impact the final cost of your new car.

All of these things might overwhelm someone who is new to car buying, and it is certainly difficult for even those who have purchased several cars before. Using these tips though, can help anyone get the best possible deal next time they are in the market.

  • Make a Larger Down Payment. Large down payments can help immensely because the more money you put down at the time of signing means that the lender is going to be providing less. This results in lower financing costs. This also shows the lender that you are a fairly solvent or thrifty individual, and therefore a “safe” bet for a car loan
  • Identify Your Needs. The potential buyer needs to understand exactly what they need in a car as opposed to what they want. While it is always nice to be able to get what you want, you only really need to get what you need. The wants are extras that can (and will) drive up the price of the car and therefore increase the amount of money that you need to finance.
  • Know Your Price Range. Knowing your price range prior to new car shopping is going to help keep you from impulse buying something you later find you cannot afford. Impulse buying is one of the leading causes to higher financing costs.
  • Do Your Homework. Check April issues of such magazines as Consumer Reports and Car and Driver. These popular publications issue reports about the new cars coming out that year, examining various categories such as repair rates and issues, depreciation rates, and so on. This information is all needed to be able to make sure you get the best value for the money that you are going to spend. Such information also plays a factor in how much money the lenders are willing to give you at financing time.

 

If you have any questions about financing a new car or new truck, these guys can help.


How to Avoid the Bitter “New” Car Lemon

New Cars, Tips and HInts, Used Cars

Have you ever purchased a new (or new to you) car, drive it for a bit and begin to recognize that you may have just bought a !

Now, it isn’t your fault, right? I mean, how can anyone protect themselves from buying one of these defective vehicles? The answer is easy, you have to learn how to spot a lemon, which only sounds harder than it really is. In order to spot a lemon, there are a few things that anyone can do, all of which boil down to just doing some simple homework.

Thanks to cartips.net:

  • Check model history: One of the easiest ways to check to see if the car that you are going to be purchasing is a lemon, is to check into the model’s history. Informational sources such as the Kelly Blue Book, and Car and Driver model history is, you can get a fairly accurate description. If there is a large history of problems for a specific model, then chances are that you can expect to have similar problems with the car that you are researching. magazine, has statistical records as to the reliability of the model. Now, while it is true that you cannot base your decision simply off of what the the model history is, you can get a fairly accurate description. If there is a large history of problems for a specific model, then chances are that you can expect to have similar problems with the car that you are researching.
  • Get a CarFax history report: By simply getting a CarFax history report (which is going to cost you about $30.00) you can be pretty much guaranteed to have almost all of the vehicles history at your finger tips. At least among the major informational categories, such as if the car was stolen, ever been in a wreck and so on. In order to take advantage of such information, you are going to need the vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and a secure credit card (one that you do not mind using online). This is typically something that you are wanting to use if you are purchasing a used car, since most lemon laws do not cover used cars. If you take a look at the stickers on a used car (if you are purchasing from a dealer) then you are going to notice that chances are it has a little box marked that says “As Is.” If that box is marked, and you purchase the vehicle, then you are agreeing to the current condition of the vehicle.
  • Mechanic examination: If you are purchasing a used car, then you are entitled to have your potential purchase examined by a mechanic. If you don’t want to take a mechanic along, since it tends to cost money, then you just need to know what to look for. The easiest way is to keep an eye out for unexplainable wear and tear, mismatched paint job, and so on. While it may not be 100% accurate of test, it is something that can give you a fairly good idea of what to expect.

In short, what the buyer needs to keep in mind is that old phrase, “Let the buyer beware.” Or, you can always go to professionals who do these things for you!

The Potential Danger of Rubber Mats in your New Car

Maintenance and Service, New Cars, Parts and Accessories, Safe Driving
This is a potentially dangerous problem.

Can All-Weather Rubber car mats be a danger in your new car? The simple answer is, “Yes.”

Even the most conscientious drivers could find that they are in danger as a result of something that should be protecting their car. All weather car mats are great for keeping dirt off of the carpets and they can still be used, a simple measure can ensure that you remain safe while your carpets remain clean.

The infamous, “sticky gas pedal” might not be as infamous as we thought. In many, many cases, new cars which were reported to have sticky pedals had in fact simply been trapped underneath all weather rubber car mats. The advice is, that if you intend to use rubber new car mats you must first remove the new car’s factory carpet mats, as stacking them can obstruct the pedals. This advice is relevant to any car make and model.

Pedal entrapment may also occur if the new car’s mats are not correctly fitted. Universal new car mats are prone to slipping and sliding and gathering which is a serious hazard. It is always advisable to buy tailored car mats from a reputable car mat manufacturer who can precisely cut the mats into the right shape for your car model.

If you have any questions about the safety of your new car’s floor mats, swing by and we’ll take a look at them.